Astera, a town without the support of the Holy Knights illustrated by a lack of a church, seemed bleak in appearance as Konstantin walked through the entrance of the town. “Odd,” He thought to himself. “Was this the reason why we were going here?... To defend a town otherwise ignored by those affiliated with the order?” Perhaps that was perhaps the very reason why Nerva had told them to join here. By choosing to go here and stop any demonic rifts instead of staying in Orchidia and stop any future rifts there, Nerva would be cementing himself as a defender of those who didn’t have the support from the Rune Knights or Holy Knights.

For now, that didn’t matter, Konstantin would need for first establish himself within Astera and learn as much as he could about the town itself and the area around it. With each step, he made further into the town, the smell of ocean grew stronger. The coastal winds were fierce as it beat against the white buildings of Astera Town carrying seawater overwhelming every other smell. Dark thunder clouds grew over the town as Konstantin Sokolov, wielder of the mighty Stormcaller entered the boundaries of the town.

Konstantin was unfamiliar with the town itself and was relying on offhand information from the locals, those of whom were still outside, of course, and the various street signs that were dotted around the town. Neither sources proved helpful with Kon losing his sense of direction in the streets of seemingly identical buildings as the storm clouds brought with it a heavy downpour. Dressed in his traveling attire composed of his former factions blue uniform underneath his thick fur coat and hood, Konstantin ignored the rain and continued walking hoping to find the center of town.

The citizens around Kon were clearly concerned with the sudden shift in weather and had begun retreating inside carrying with them anything that couldn’t resist the worsening weather. Kon was aware of the cause and severity of what the storm was and thus continued his way through the town. He was heading to the center of town in the hopes to meet up with Nerva or one of the members who was affiliated with him, however, he was ultimately more interested exploring the area for when a demonic rift does finally appear, so he would at least know the layout of the town somewhat.

In truth Kon could stop the storm at any point by relinquishing the bow from his grasp and return it to his back however by creating such a distraction, he was able to go about his business without rubbing shoulders with the rest of society. And while Kon had no problems with people, he preferred to go about his business without having to deal with the odd drunk throwing up on him or the cries of a child begging their parents for a treat. Extreme as it was, Kon knew of far worse things he could do to avoid people, teleporting through people’s homes or turning himself invisible being just two examples. At least this way he was just discouraging normal citizens from being around him and people could still easily interact with him although they would get wet as a result.

The gravelly steps made from his boots with each step he made shortly became wetter and dampened in tone as the weather worsened. Even so with the winds howling in front of him, he marched onwards, though ultimately knowing that his objective would be otherwise unattainable and thus he would need to reassess the situation itself. Being in Astera was the critical component of his mission as was ensuring the safety of the town and its people from the demonic incursion. Finding Nerva or a comrade was merely something he hoped to achieve upon his arrival, however tired from his days of travel and evasion of the Holy Knights located in Orchidia, he resigned to finding a place to get a hot meal and to lay his head, still allowing rain to fall upon him as he continued on his way. A hotel or pub in an area like this wouldn’t take long considering Astera appeared to be a tourist town of sorts.

This was made apparent as Kon reached the corner of a crossroads with the building on the left offering such serves, listed on a billboard inside still wet clearly just taken in from the storm to come. Drawing towards the building named Mitch’s Pub, Kon returned his bow onto his back allowing it to point out maybe half a meter above him, diminishing but not ceasing the storm. An after effect to be sure but a lingering one, the storm would persist for at least the next hour. Pulling back the door Kon was immediately embraced by a warmth made only from a well tended fire and a nervous looking host seemingly more wet then Kon. His attire was soaked with his white long shirt becoming completely transparent while his hat sunk inwards into his hair.

Pleased to see him nonetheless the man raised up a hand calling him forth. “Come, come get out of the rain, how unusual for this time of the year.” Entering the building proper allowing the host to see Kon in full, a slight gasp was uttered before the man continued. “Well...yes umm What can we do for you, here at Mitch’s Pub?, Food?, Drink?, A room perhaps?” Pulling back his damp hood revealing his black hair and golden eye, the former knight replied. “I’ll be needing a room and yes a meal and ale would be nice.” Nodding to himself gingerly the host replied. “Of course, of course, I’ll organise your room if you’d like to wait here mister?” “Sokolov, Konstantin Sokolov.” he replied bluntly.

Bowing to the former holy knight, the host beckoned one of the waitresses over. “This is Sally, she’ll take you to your room so you can get out of your wet clothes.” Nodding to both the host and the waitress, Kon motioned further into the building itself. “Well lead the way.” “Of course, Sir, your room is, uhhh, room 24 on the second floor, if you’d like to follow me.” Still dripping from the rain, Kon simply grumbled. “Alright lead the way, my clothes are soaked and I’d prefer not to catch a cold while I’m in this quaint seaside town.” His tone was poorly received with the waitress instead changing from a friendly facade to a more neutral expression. “Of course, of course, now it’s just up the stairs and to the right.” Replying while she moved towards the stairs herself and travel up them, Kon followed the young lady who seemed to be a native to the town having taken offense to Kon’s comments. The walk to the room itself was fairly short with them stopping at a door labeled 24. “Here’s your room and your key, if you want anything to eat or drink, the kitchen is open until 8:00 pm and the pub until 11:30 pm as we have a band on tonight.”

“Lovely…” Rolling his eyes at the idea of having a band blaring below him. “Well, thank you for your help, I’ll be down for a meal in about 10 minutes, again thank you.” Taking the key from the waitresses hand, he entered the room and immediately dropped his pack. A loud slam was felt as his heavy travel gear fell upon the ground with his coat following suit shortly thereafter. Fortunately his coat was quite insulated and waterproof allowing the clothes beneath to be relatively dry, but still he wanted to tidy up so he headed to the connected bathroom. After spending a few minutes there he left both the bathroom and his own room locking it before he came downstairs. Entering into the pub section, Kon took a passing glance there were a noticeable amount of people, a few worth a double take, some mages of moderate power and a couple of bodybuilders. Ignoring them, he took a menu from the bar front and took an empty table directly in the middle of the pub allowing the cascade of multiple conversations fall upon him.

Reaching his chair, a man with unusual features white hair and skin deeply tanned spoke to the former Holy Knight. His remark initial was towards his ever present golden eye which admittedly drew a lot of attention. Initially he would have just shrugged off the comment however the man continue to try and gain his attention talking further about kon’s possession including his bow which was safely within his rented room. Why would he mention something like that?, Had he met Kon once before while he had the bow?, no it seemed more likely that he had seen bow either wielding the bow outside or slinging it onto his backpack as he entered. Either way Kon’s suspicions were raised but the tone of the man had been relatively friendly with him introducing himself through his thick tongue. “Vali Onfroy, nice to meet you, that’s definitely not a fiorian name and your accent suggests you’re not from around here, no matter, I’m Konstantin Sokolov, What brings you to these parts of the country?” The question itself was innocent enough but probing people for information was important to the black haired mage, especially someone such as the gentlemen in front of him who had equally clearly spent a fair amount of time watching Kon.

Just as he was about to continue and open the dialogue further between the white-haired man, a violent crash could be heard outside as a lightning bolt struck the road piercing through the pavement and blackening the area affected. Many of those inside jumped and gasped at the sudden outburst even going close to the window to examine the aftermath, Kon meanwhile remained unperturbed by the lightning strike even gesturing to the stunned barkeep. “Surprising wasn’t it?, Anyway could I get a drink? just whatever he’s having.” Gesturing to the glass of his new drinking companion.

The presence of the old man who barely escaped what could have been death left him holding his mug for all but a moment up to his lips, the lightning was suppose to be hit the ground not to hurt one. Lucky that was the case, all the same this pause would be noticeable before he drank his first sip of the beer. The conversation between Vali and himself quickly returned as the white-haired tanned individual opened up, a better life for himself and his people. “And your people are?” A question posed as Vali launched into a topic that had been an issue that had divided the nation and all those who believed in Illumin. The choice to group together demons, evil beings tearing rifts into the world and killing all those around them or corrupting those willing to serve them and Nerva, along with those who served him left a bitter taste in Kon’s mouth that didn’t go away as he took another sip.

Finally he posed the question to Konstantin, who placed his mug upon the barfront casually. “It’s an interesting manner that I’ve spent quite some time on, when we look at those you brought up, demons, Nerva and the like, this is happening globally and while the Order by extension the holy knights operate primarily in Fiore due to Crocus having the Grand Cathedral they are all fighting across Earthland trying to stop the demon outbreak.”

Pausing for a moment to bring up the beer and drinking another sip he continued mug in hand now. “And as for this country, Fiore, it’s in a situation just like many others whether it will be triumphant depends on people like you and me to ensure that evil is contained.” Parched from the long winded retort, Kon downed the last of his beer having already drunk a large amount prior and ordered another with an expression of worry growing on the barkeep. “Don’t worry I can handle my liquor, too well, takes barrels to get me under the table.”

“Strong…” He thought to himself, as he nodded to his reply, Vali’s answer while evaded the intent of Kon’s question did reveal quite a few things from his continued assessment of the foreigner. For one, he was clearly being more guarded than Konstantin had originally assumed but unless his entire identity was a fabrication and he was other concealing his true abilities, he was perfectly safe next to the white-haired mage. Receiving his next mug of ale, Kon took a sig of the liquor as Vali further caused him to question his identity. “Was he merely joking?, Throwing off false flags to see my response?” He pondered gazing at the man before returning with a muffled. “Hmm..” However a great turning point was made when Vali continued to discuss affairs regarding Nerva so openly that people around them took to notice the two contrasting individuals. Even in these hard times citizens could not help but overhear others especially when it concerned death and more importantly murder.

What he did have to say was rather telling to merely prod Konstantin for his view on affairs that very few would be well invested in. While the safety of society was paramount, what the council or for that matter the order, a religious body was planning to do with a former member was something else entirely. This did indeed cause him to turn back the conversation onto Vali’s own morality and how he came to know of the decision of the council and order to unite and go after a single man. “Whether the actions of a man who is trying to save his people is justified can be viewed in a variety of different manners, I personally believe that the warrantless deaths of others is abhorrent however the sentiment of every life is sacred has equally resulted in some terrible outcomes, I am more interested in how you came to know about the Order and the Council’s decision on Nerva’s acts as you are clearly not Fiorian.”

Through the conversation, Konstantin had become increasingly uncomfortable with the knowledge that Vali was not only hiding but also twisting truths each time pranging a note within him from his geass that continued to be imprinted onto his very being even after leaving the Holy Knights which further ensured that Kon didn’t go against the will of Illumin. Even so, knowing that his new drinking companion was not being honest with him, he continued to listen as he too wasn’t being completely truthful and most people couldn’t help but tell hidden white lies throughout their day which clouded his ability to determine the significant ones and the idle ones. The remark of him being informed by the council raised an eyebrow from Kon as being directly and personally informed by the council seemed unlikely given the man’s abilities, still it conflicted with the comment he made earlier, “If the council had informed him surely they would have told him more than enough about the entire affair.” he thought to himself as he continued to listen to the white-haired dark-skinned mage as his vision trailed across the pub affixing on the band who was setting up in a corner.

His lingering view of the musical group was quickly broken when a large man walked between him and them as Vali continued by suggesting he worked for Nerva. A sad smile grew on Kon’s face as he returned to conversation. “I’ve had a long-standing relationship with the Holy Knights and the Rune Knights, if I were to join Nerva and his inquisition, that would be tarnished, even ruined and I would likely be excommunicated separating myself and my people, choosing to follow a man such as him is questionable at best.” Konstantin answer was not to distract Vali from the truth but to illustrate the severity of choosing to follow the man as well as an attempt to show the need to do so.

The conversation formerly friendly in tone now left Kon feeling uncomfortable with Vali clearly not only realising it was a sensitive subject but also doubling down on his claims as to whether he worked for Nerva. Perhaps he had said too much, but alas Kon was never one to shy away from speaking his mind even at the cost of saving face. However it seemed odd for a person of his calibre to so boldly provoke him especially if Vali had been directly informed by the council as then he surely would have known about their abilities as a group. Perhaps he did know and was simply toying with him and had been from the beginning ever since mentioning his bow which alongside his golden eye made him an unmistakable figure. The smile that fixed upon Kon’s face slowly shifted into a neutral expression, lacking any form of emotion as he lowered his drink in a single moment before clasping the man’s shoulder firmly with his free-hand. “I’ve told you my affiliation is to the state and the order more specifically as a Holy Knight though having spent a short stint in the Rune Knights many, many years ago.” Doubling down on the pressure applied he continued. “Questioning my allegiance is something I would strongly advise against, my friend, we live in a world where people are too willing, nay too quick to label those they do not understand to be the enemy, I am not your enemy.” Reaching out across with his other arm and spreading it across the room. “I am not an enemy to anyone within this room, I merely follow the will of Illumin and ensure the wellbeing of Humanity.”

Had the man been unsatisfied with the response he had received, as would seemingly likely be the case, Kon would continue doubling down by going on the offensive. “Now onto yourself, you’ve mentioned your name, that you have people either as a leader or a member within a group, however you’ve yet to tell me who you owe your own allegiances to, I certainly haven’t seen you at any of the Nerva Cult Meetings.” He said finally breaking the serious tone of the conversation with a heart laugh and an easy on the grip he held on the man. “I mean it’s only fair, I told you who I’m with, vice versa, Actually here how about we organise something to eat, would your people like to join us?” With the offer being sincere and holding no attachments.

His hand left Vali’s shoulder both at his own discretion but primarily led by Vali’s own gesture of pulling his arm away, Kon could have applied more pressure to keep the hand in place and risk injuring the man however given the scene it was hardly the time. A sense of willingness to reveal his own identity became apparent as Vali released a volley of titles, first claiming to be a lord then a jarl, an unknown title of an unknown location. His own allegiance were volunteered as well with Iceberg being first and foremost where he held the greatest ties clear from mentioning cold country first and before Fiore, which made since given his appearance and the thick accent that carried his words. Curious about how a Icebergian came to be in Fiore, he swiftly replied. “Hmm, So you’re Icebergian, what brought a man such as yourself clearly quite renowned in your country to pass through either Seven or Bosco?” Shaking his head, he followed up recalling the harsh border policy of Bosco. “Or did you come by boat?”

His question as answered in part by the follow-up he received when he offered to host all of Vali’s people who he claimed would be too numerous and out of reach given they were not with him. “Just how many people did he have with him.” Kon thought to himself before replying to Vali’s counteroffer. “I’m be glad to, but I’ll let you know now that I am a rather picky eater.” Laughing with sincerity as he answered. However seeming fixed on the idea of Kon being a Nerva member, Vali continued to pester him no-longer jesting baiting him further into revealing his identity.

A frustrated sigh left the black-haired knight as he retorted. “Vali, I’m going to be perfectly blunt with you, knowing whether or not I am a member of Nerva’s personal posse won’t benefit you in any capacity, ensuring that my presence is kept at a minimum to the public and the knowledge of who I am is meanwhile something I hold incredibly important.” Thinking for a moment before continuing. “And I’ll be honest here all I’m looking for is a nice meal and a polite conversation after being in the rain all day and walking through mud to get here, if you don’t want to drop this I’m happy to take my business elsewhere.” Rising from his chair as he finishes as the band in the background begins to tune and test their equipment.

Kon held his tongue to Vali’s remark rather then continue that line of conversation as the two had finally agreed to drop the matter made apparent as the dark-skinned mage revealed that he had indeed come via boat alongside others at a later date finding either Bosco nor Seven suitable for his people. Konstantin could fully understand the rationale behind his decision making, Fiore had always seemed to be more religiously accepting even with Crocus being the heart of the Illumin religion. Trying to exit let alone enter Bosco was difficult given the authoritarian government that seemed to control everything when Konstantin had been living there. He wondered whether he would even be allowed to enter Bosco as while he was a full citizen and pure-blooded Boscoi that didn’t necessarily mean much.

For now that wasn’t important The fact that Earthland was now becoming the Playground of Seraphim and Demons was vitally important and Kon would hopefully be able to play a role to ensure that there was a Earthland left for Humanity to prosper in. This would be one of the few opportunities that he would have between fighting against these superior beings almost deity like in power. “At least we’ve managed to keep things civil….” He thought to himself as he took another swig. Meanwhile a slight smile rose back up across his face as Vali made a self-deprecating jab at his own Icebergian culture regarding their poor cooking abilities. Wanting to relate and bond with his drinking companion, Kon opened up about his own. “I believe the same could be said for Bosco cooking but we do make some pretty good alcohol to make things bearable.”

Clear that Vali was trying to put the best case forward regarding his people he reaffirmed their goal and moved past the generalisations that were made about his people. “Raping?, Pillaging? Were his people truly known for such terrible things?” He looked at Vali with a wary side-glane. Kon could understand why people might fear someone such as Vali, an unusual appearance unlike the norm of Fiorian Pale skin and brown, black even blonde hair but to assume they were savages was quite a leap. That being said Kon lacked insight regarding the country and its history only having met this single individual, perhaps he was more educated that his counterparts, only time would tell. For now he merely nodded before replying. “I’m sure if your people are as focused as you seem Fiore will stand a better chance against the enemies of the present and future.”

Dangerous implications were made by the now impaired Vali, Kon meanwhile held his tongue as he allowed his new drinking companion to reveal his plans regarding Fiore. He personally didn’t see himself as a proud support of Fiore or the ruling bodies that govern the fair country but when it came down to acts of violence and discontent he would not stand for it. All the same he kept up with his side of the conversation as Vali carried on nodding in agreement with certain affairs. This was until Vali invited him to the Worth Woodsea, no doubt where he and his “people” were staying. The location was concerning to say the least with it being so close to Orchidia Town that Kon feared that it might be vulnerable to whatever rowdy behaviour Vali’s people favoured. Yes there were town guards and guilds members from Lamia Scale but they had their limits something Kon would find himself more willing to bend if not break where needed. In spite of all this Kon remained in good faith and responded with Vali’s open hand and proceeded to shake it firmly bidding him farewell as the band continued to play their unusual music. He meanwhile would go onto having his dinner something that had been held back thanks to the white-haired dark skinned foreigner.

[Exit]