Book 2, Chapter 109 - Sweep and Clear (1/2)

The elysian flying ship set sail.

Tartarus Squad was being briefed on what to expect.

“This is your first time setting out with Hell’s Army on a mission. Because it was such short notice, details on the mission are still unclear. So, instead we’re just going to go over what’s expected of you as a military unit.”

“Number one, we don’t exist. We don’t have a designation and we don’t have commissioned officers. We are unknown. No matter the circumstances you will not tell anyone about the existence of Hell’s Army, not civilians and not military personnel.”

“Two. The mission is your reality, obeying orders is your duty. You will not question your commands or delay in carrying them out. Anyone who disobeys an ordered will be executed on the spot by their squad leader. If the captain gives instructors that violate mission orders, it is the squad’s duty to deal with them.”

“Back in Hell’s Valley you are trainees, and violating the rules means expulsion. But out here, you’re soldiers on a special mission. Disobeying orders not only means you die, but you’ll bring shame on your family that they’ll never be able to live down. Remember your mission, and have faith that everything you do it for the glory and prosperity of the domain!”

The harsh words from Instructor Cutter were not striking anymore, the students were used to the vicious man’s ways. But they were a little puzzled. This was a simple mission, by all accounts, so why go through so much trouble? How dangerous could even the strongest enemies in Skycloud be? The airship was approaching the enormous wall that marked the border of the elysian lands.

Hell’s Army stood on the deck in two rows, with their three instructors in the up front. They noticed as the ship came into port that the docks were completely empty. There were no civilians, dockworkers, or commercial vessels in sight. Only warships.

“Hail, commander!”

A robust figure joined them on the ship’s deck.

He was wrapped in a white and gold cloak, and in his hand was a spear that looked to be carved from crystal. As he stood before the others, he removed his hood to reveal the chiseled, handsome features beneath. A pair of eyes, as deep and as cold as pools of ice water, looked over the troops. Those harsh orbs shone like twin stars in a frigid winter sky and gave no hint that he wished to be approached.

Caspian Black’s eyes sparkled when he saw. He was ensorcelled by the look of the man. “Oh… are you seeing this? Frost de Winter… so handsome and manly. My heart’s racing!”

The others members of Tartarus Squad unconsciously shuffled a few inches away from him. Everyone wanted to keep their distance.

The three giants of Hell’s Valley greeted Frost with a salute, followed closely by their soldiers. Armor rattled as they placed fists against their chests.

Frost de Winter, demonhunter general and commander of the Knights of Splendor. He was the most outstanding leader of his generation, with more accolades than commanders twice his age. His prestige had only grown these last two months as he lead men from one victory to another over the Dark Atom. He smashed half the terrorist organization’s forces with one blow, thereby retaliating for the near destruction of Hell’s Valley. The people of the elysian lands sang his praises while its leadership showered him with honors. He was undeniably a rising star who’d light had only just begun to gleam.

Frost’s face was twisted in dissatisfaction. “What took so long?”

Natessa responded in low and even tones. “The orders did not specify a time.”

Frost sniffed derisively. He was displeased but there was nothing to say. It was his first time coming face to face with this special task force, and as he looked out over their faces he noted their iron discipline. They were all around thirty or forty years of age, warriors who had clearly seen their fair share of fighting. At a glance Frost could tell their reputation was deserved.

His eyes became ice-cold spears as they penetrated into the crowd, at the group of young trainees near the back.

Their equipment was different from the veterans. Most wore demonhunter armor. The one who stood in front, the position held by a squad leader, had a dark grey cloak and a black sword on his back. A mask with a hideous demon’s face obscured his face, but the sparkling eyes did not flinch when they met his. Their stares met like a pair of daggers, spitting sparks into the air.

“The mission location is a village called Teal Ridge. It’s a remote hamlet at the base of the mountains, surrounded by difficult terrain. It has little contact with the rest of the domain and largely governs itself. As such their connection to the Divine is weak. According to our information there are fewer than a thousand residents here, and it has become a den for Dark Atom spies. From this town they organize and orchestrate attacks on our home. What makes this mission tricky is the location. If we let them know we’re coming, the enemy agents will flee into the mountains. Caves are spread all throughout the region, so if our targets get away it’ll be tens if not a hundred times more difficult to wipe them out.”

Military forces inside the domain were closely monitored. If they mobilized a large force, it was very likely they would alert the enemy. What better way to gather up soldiers without notice than calling on a troop that did not exist?

“Dark Atom’s stronghold in Teal Ridge is the result of a decade’s hard work. We expect they’ve completely integrated with the local population. Spies and traitors have spread all through village society and live like normal citizens. That is, until marching orders from from the wastelands. Meanwhile the rot continued to grow, and they poison the minds of our pure and innocent believers to bring more to their side. This cancer is a threat to the safety and security of our glorious domain. But if we are to eradicate every part of the weed that is the Dark Atom, it needs to be scorched down to the root. We must stop at no expense to complete our mission.”

Of course, he need not say that if this mission was a success, Frost’s status in the capital would skyrocket.

“This is a letter of authorization from the Governor, signed by the Grand General and approved by the Temple, appointing me commander of this special operation.” Frost paused for a moment to show the paper to the three instructors. When he spoke again his voice was like ice, frigid and emotionless. “I will be taking direct control of your special task unit designated Tartarus.”

His tone left no room for dissension.

“We regretfully report that we cannot conform to your orders.” Instructor Windham faced Frost’s threatening demeanor with poise and calm. She did not back down in the least. “Hell’s Army is an independent organization,” she reminded him. “We follow mission instructions and perform them as we see fit. We will not assent to having our leadership supplanted on the field. Tartarus Squad, as a part of Hell’s Army, will only respond to orders from its commanding officers. We cannot acquiesce to demands to split our forces. We march together.”

Frost’s face turned dark as a winter storm.

“Fuckin’ A! I know you’re hot shit these days, Frost, but there are rules. You called us to execute this mission, then presume to take control and waltz off with one of our squads? Not gonna happen.” It was clear from Eckard’s tone what he thought of this young upstart. “If you insist on trying, we’ll call the mission off.”