Hallow Throne

After one night's rest at the CoreFury HQ, Astrea heads to the ExistForger HQ. Astrea says, "Guys, I am back." Masaki responds, "Good job on the dungeon, proud of you, little buddy," and pats him on the back. Then Lucifer says, "Good to see you are alive." Anew adds, "Oh, you're alive, huh? Well, that's surprising." Astrea retorts, "Guess so." Riruru chimes in, "Congrats! Want a drink? I have a special one just for the occasion." Astrea declines, "Sorry, I am still underage." Joseph advises, "Get some rest, dude." Lucifer adds, "Anew, it's time for your third mission." Astrea interrupts, "Wait, Anew, you already went on your 2nd mission? When?" Anew responds, "Yeah, obviously. It was to hunt down some bandits." Astrea persists, "Now I wanna fight some bandits." Celestio interjects, "Astrea, hunting down bandits is below the members of ExistForger. The only reason Anew was sent for this one is because this was one of the major bandit groups in our whole nation." Astrea acknowledges, "Yes, sir." Elizabeth adds, "Celestio, bandits shouldn't be underestimated. You can't grow stronger without getting your hands a little dirty." Celestio counters, "I believe fighting mere bandits is below a member of the Vaude family." Astrea tries to diffuse the tension, "Okay, now everyone, let's stay calm. No need to fight over a bandit debate." Lucifer redirects, "Okay, like I was saying, Anew, you, Astrea, and Faiz will go to Purgatory Prison on an island near the south of our nation, 150 km from the shores." Faiz inquires, "Understood, but what is our objective behind going to the most dangerous prison on the southern continent?" Lucifer answers, "For transporting a prisoner. From Astrea's recent mission, we captured a high-ranking terrorist." Faiz recognizes, "Oh, that terrorist named Hell." Lucifer continues, "Here are the specifics: the organization where Hell belongs is Zecres, one of the major threats to our nation. And here is how you three will transport her: first, she is being detained in a prison near CoreFury HQ in the royal capital. First of all, you will take her to the south, to the Celes Port, which is 350 km from the capital. And then, when you reach Celes Port, a fleet of 5 ships will be ready to escort the terrorist to Purgatory Prison from BlackLion squad. Got it? Your mission is to meet up with other knights and take Hell to the Celes Port. And if all is well, then from there, BlackLion will take care of the rest. Plus, seas are more of their kind of thing." Faiz asks, "Sir, I have a few questions." First of all, sir, which route are we going to take for the transport, as well as how many knights will be there?" Lucifer responded, "Your part will be the most dangerous, as you have to transport her all the way to the Celes Port. That's why you will have a fleet of 7 transports, as well as a total of 30 knights." Anew remarked, "That many?" Lucifer explained, "Even if you make it to the port, you might have to join the fleet to transport her to the prison." Lucifer then added, "Since travel by land is dangerous, you will travel by river, which will allow you to move fast and take an unexpected route, so the chances of ambush are very low. Also, Riruru is coming with you." Astrea acknowledged, "Understood." Anew asked, "Sir, when will our mission begin?" Lucifer answered, "Three days from today. All 30 of you will assemble before the Nox River at 6 am." Astrea added, "Sir, there is something you should have." Lucifer asked, "Oh, okay, but what is it?" Astrea handed him the letter. Lucifer remarked, "Umm, who is this letter from?" Astrea explained, "Sir, from the captain of Celestial Being. She came to the CoreFury HQ party to give me this to give it to you." Lucifer responded, "Okay, good job. I will inform her later on that I received it." Faiz inquired, "Sir, but that only makes four of us." Lucifer acknowledged, "Yes, there will be 15 members from Nebuleye, 5 from Celestial Being, 3 from Avalon, and finally, 3 from BlackLion." Astrea asked, "Sir, aren't we supposed to meet the BlackLion guys at Celes Port?" Lucifer cautioned, "Good thing you said what you said in front of us and not in public." Astrea asked, "Why, sir?" Lucifer replied, "Because their captain is, well, a very, very serious person when it comes to gender equality. Since you used the word 'guys,' if it was on their territory, you could even get executed." Astrea said, "Okay, sir, got it." That night, Faiz knocked on Lucifer's office door. Lucifer said, "Come in."