“There is to be a change of plans.” El-Saber said, his voice hoarse yet commanding. Standing at 6 '1 with a hunched back he was far from his prime yet his eyes radiated that same aura as the Demon of Iboria who rampaged through the Iborian Continent over 250 years ago. Back then he stood a towering 6' 6 and could lift a triceratops overhead with but a single hand grasping only one of its horns.. Tugging on his long white beard as he spoke his burnt leather like skin wrinkled with each word. Standing before him and listening to his every word with respect were the ten captains of the Venator Society.

  Captain of Alpha: Magical research and containment department; Jinen Lutece. The 1st Pillar God, God Pillar of Magic and the strongest being alive. His eyes a piercing blood red and hair flat with a light blonde color he reclined back in his chair with a smile as he stared at El-Saber.

  Captain Of Beta: Information and Espionage Department; Hayai Ignius, adopted son of El-Saber and a rather youthful looking boy with a short stature and clear asian heritage his hair was a frizzy white hair which stuck out as if having been zapped by lightning Truly befitting a man with the title “God of Thunder.”

  Captain of Gamma: Defense and Combat department; Julius Phoenicia. The man who bore the title “Worlds Greatest Swordsman” not through power but skill and technique. Being the lone survivor of the legendary Phoenicia clan which once stood as one of the 3 great Clans under the imperial Freyr Clan of the Vulracious Empire. With his long brown hair and long lashed eyes he could be mistaken for a girl at first glance however the rippling muscles exposed across his neck and chest would quickly prove you wrong. With his hands folded on the table he looked intently at El-Saber, listening to every word carefully.

  Captain of Delta: Wildlife and Nature conservation department; Pompeii Sarnus. With a mop head of curly dark brown hair and tanned skin as if working in the sun all day. He not to subtly poked Julius in the side under the table in an attempt to gain his attention most likely to tell a badly timed joke.

  Captain of Zeta: Technology and Software Development Department; Steven Gate. Standing with average stature and an afro of tightly curled black hair and tired half closed eyes he let out a yawn as he watched El-Saber waiting for the updated news. His ghost white skin showing blue veins under the overhead light.

  Captain of Theta: Health and Medical Development Department; Cao-Li. His eyes always squinted shut due to photophobia. He wore a smile and flat black hair of medium length which was just above the eye line. He looked at El-Saber with a smile and awaiting the news of this change.

  Captain of Kappa: Engineering and Architectural Infrastructure Grendle Coldhammer, a man of short yet wide stature he was a descendant of the recently extinct Dwarven race. His dark red hair pulled back into two buns and coal black eyes staring at Cao-Li with a sneer.

  Captain of Sigma: Finance and Economic Security Department; Tyran Eugier. A tall and muscular black man, his hair was cut short and jaw squared. Wearing a black shirt and jeans he looked onwards towards El-Saber awaiting the updated plan.

  Finally last but certainly not least was Mari Adbul Captain of Omega; History and Humanities department. She was a truly beautiful woman with wavy black hair thrown behind her shoulders and rounded bangs hovering over her eyes. Ears pierced with gold hooped earrings and sharp red eyes she was without a doubt one who caught the attention of all around her.. Graduating from Azhar City University she was a previous study partner of H?me Sarumalder, father of Kanashi Sarumalder.

  Moving on from captains there were a final two members of the Venator Society; the 2nd and 3rd in the chain of command under El-Saber respectively was Cardinal President Richard Samuel Justice. With a height of great size and intimidating appearance not helped by the large scar across his face from a failed assastion attempt. He ground his teeth as he saw the Captain's unprofessional behavior before him.

  The final member present was the Fleet Captain of the Venator Society and he who was in charge of all the previously listened Captains and the Captains across the world was Kabutoki Sakan, the former Captain of Delta and mentor of Pompeii Sarnas. The Fleet Captain like his contemporaries held a massive size with an open collar leather jacket which showed his rippling chest muscles and his eyes covered by sunglasses. However his most peculiar feature was without a doubt the 3 large spikes which his red hair formed atop his head, a style reminiscent of a beetle's crest.

  “Firstly,” El-Saber began, all paying the utmost head to his every word. “With the attack on the Dragon Gods Palace by the Vulracious Emperor Randolph Sisyphus Freyr the first throw of dice in this war has been cast. As it seems now though without enough time to tell for certain we appear to be his main opponent in this war. However it is not Randolph alone who should be feared, for he had with him during the raid the 5th Pillar God, Lestat Q. Dragonking as well as two unknown attendants each capable of defeating a Divine General on their own. A truly impressive feat making them rival a captain in power at the very least.”

  “...”

  “With this update it’s important that we pay heed to our own stability, if he manages to attack the tower during a moment of weakness he will without a doubt be able to slaughter every single one of us inside of it, other than Jinen of course.”

  What El-Saber said was the painful truth, Randolph being the 2nd Pillar God had only a single man as his superior, Jinen Lutece. And with the world as it was right now Jinen was needed in a dozen places at once. Him being at the tower constantly was not something which could be afforded even if it was the only way to secure its safety.

  “With this update I shall be adjusting the roster for the Edoland Liberation. Firstly Jinen and Hayai will still be attending the Liberation, however they’ll be the only captains present. Along with them we will be sending two vice Captains, Austin Connery of Beta and Fleabius Roach of Omega. Joining them will also be three rear captains, Duncan Withertree of Gamma, Medicine-Crow of Theta and Tobasco Chille of Alpha. Jinen and Hayai may also choose up to one hundred of their own division members to attend as well.” El-Saber finished.

  “Talk about Overkill!” Pompeii blurted out waving his hand through the air. “Isn’t Jin enough to wreck the Toumeikan? I mean they like to say a Hachibuto is equal to a captain but I don’t believe that for a second! A vice captain should be more than enough to beat them!” He said pointing his finger at El-Saber.

  “It’s not just about defeating the Toumeikan, Pompeii-Kun. There is also the issue of making the Toumeikan appear as the villains they truly are. While it’s possible for Jinen-San to destroy the Toumeikan itself, that will only appear to the masses as a massacre, not a liberation.” Kabutoki explained looking at Pompeii.

  “I get that part, Sensei, but isn’t it still overkill to send that many members when Edoland has its own Venator branch? Why aren’t they the ones doing the heavy lifting here?”

  “They do indeed have their own branch of the Venator Society Pompeii, you are correct. However I have always been in the school of "it's better to be safe than sorry.”

  “Yeah, if you put it that way then I guess you’re right.” Pompeii muttered with a nod.

  “I have a request to make.” Julius said, suddenly raising his hand.

  “How unlike you Julius, please let me know of your request and I will be happy to fulfill it if possible.” Said El-Saber raising one bushy white brow at Julius.

  “Please allow me to join the Liberation." Julius answered, bowing his head down low.

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  “Ah, I see…” El-Sbaer frowned, pulling on his long white beard. ‘While I appreciate your concern I do believe it is better for you to stay at the tower. So I must unfortunately decline your request.”

  “May I ask why?”

  “Of course you may. Being the Captain of the Gamma Division you are the one who best knows how to lead your department and as the Societies main fighting force we need the gamma division to be in the best shape possible.”

  “If I may offer a counter, I don’t personally think that the Venator Tower will be the main focus of Randolph. At least not currently, would that not be Edoland where the Spear of Longinus is currently held?” Julius asked.

  “That is quite certainly a possibility, Julius. However I personally believe that Randolph is like myself under the mindset of it being best to destroy the beehive rather than pick off the drones one by one.”

  “Understood.” Julius nodded, his lips curved down slightly which Pompeii patted him on the back for.

  “Do you miss Kanashi?” Jin teased, kicking Julius' foot under the table.

  “That’s not the reason at all Jinen, it’s simply that I believe my experience and capabilities to be useful in the liberation.” Julius argued, kicking Jin back in the shin even harder.

  “That just sounds like an excuse to me~” Hayai hummed with a side eye and smirk.

  “Don’t tease him too much Hayai, you’re casting stones in a glass house with a height like yours.” Pompeii laughed.

  “Wanna say that again!?” Hayai hissed, his hair sticking straight up like a cat's when startled as sparks of electricity began to crackle around him.

  “You sure do know how to make a meeting all about yourself, Sarnus.” Tyran complained aloud.

  “I do believe that to be quite a rude thing to say, Tyran. They’re only joking around with one another.” Cao-Li frowned.

  “You’re one to talk Viper, you’re surely anticipating a confrontation, you’re only a healer to witness such gore anyways are you not?” Grendle grumbled under his breath.

  “You’re also one to talk, Halfing.” Giggled Mari, winking at Cao-Li who forced a strained smile hearing her archaic insult.

  “Alright now stop this all of you! You’re captains for christ sake!” Robert Justice roared, slamming his fist on the table top, and though his demand was loud and strike heavy he failed to even crack the glass with his blow. “You’re to represent this organization as role models yet you all act like children in a school yard, only Stepehen has managed to keep quiet and that’s only because he’s on his laptop in the middle of a meeting!”

  “...” The entire table of Captains turned to look at Robert with a sideways glance and awkward smile as if trying not to laugh. Even the reserved Cao-Li gave an expression as if pitying Robert.

  “F-francisco! You’re the President of them all, why don’t you try to reign them in!? This is a sorry state for a government operated organization! Our funding isn’t supposed to fuel such a mockery!” Robert complained looking at El-Saber who frowned.

  “While it’s true that I am the Sovereignty President I do believe I have much more important issues to be handled, I hereby grant you the ability to reign in these captains as you see fit, however I don’t imagine they’ll take kindly to your pointless interjections.” El-Saber said with his same warm smile as ever.

  “Tch, you, don’t think that-”

  “Write me up again if you so please, report me or anyone here if you so desire Robert, just please know that you’ll be responsible for filling any position you manage to make an opening for.” El-Saber finished with a shrug, turning away from Robert not wanting to fuel the conservation more.

  “!” Speechless Robert only ground his teeth. Despite his hulking size and rather intermediate appearance, Robert Samuel Justice was no more than a prime example of nepotism. Being appointed to his current position by the President of Afurenthos, Robert was a former marine vice admiral. Though he’d never seen combat himself and his only skill was kissing ass and pushing papers. As such when he entered the Venator Society intending to rule with an iron first he was quickly forced to confront the den of beasts which the organization was. His respect being non-existent and for good reason. He could only watch as the table of captains continued to tease and bicker one another paying no mind to his commands.

  “Though perhaps Robert is correct and we should return to our current plans.” El-Saber said with a cough that the table quickly grew quiet over as all attention returned to him.

  “Grhh.” Robert continued to brew in a not so silent rage however everyone else ignored him and continued onwards.

  “Now then, with the Liberation in just two more days there’s also the point of securing the way points themselves.”

  At this El-Saber looked at Jin and so did everyone else in the room except for Richard.

  “Got it, no problemo.” Jin said, shrugging his shoulders.

  “However you must be as discreet as possible while doing so, and avoid any conflict, at exactly noon on the 1st of August you will teleport all troops to their respective waypoints. Me, you, Julius and Kabutoki will plan where to send who based on our current knowledge of the Toumeikans key points in the country.”

  Jin nodded his head and Hayai frowned, raising his hand.

  “Yes Hayai?” El-Saber asked, turning to his son.

  “Shouldn’t I also be included in that meeting?” Hayai asked with a pout.

  “Of course, if you so desire.” El-Saber nodded.

  “How cute~” Hummed Mari, resting her hand on her chin.

  “Shut it, Mari!” Hayai barked, flipping her the middle finger to which she laughed.

  “Gurrah!” At this and having his final straw broken Robert leapt up from his seat, his chair crashing behind him as he did so. Storming from the room he kicked the door open slamming it into the marble white walls of the tower.

  “Oh my, what a mess he’ll surely storm up now.” El-Saber frowned.

  “Ah, good riddance to him. Hopefully he’ll quit here soon.” Tyran sighed.

  “I doubt it, he’s been at it for two years already.” Stephen Gate said as he closed his laptop. “Grendle, I sent the Schematic to you via Email, they should be all there.”

  “Can’t you just give me a laminated print out?” Grendle frowned. “I’m not against technology but society is becoming more reliant on it that I think is necessary."

  “That’s how it’s always been Grendle, as time passes so does the way of life change. One day in the future everything we associate with paper will be on a screen.

  “I wonder if there was someone like you in the past complaining about switching from clay tablets to paper?” Mari hummed with a chuckle.

  “Dwarves used the same technology and techniques for thousands of years before humans even evolved, if it isn't broken don’t fix it. That’s a Dwarves natural instinct.”

  “But there's nothing against improving what isn’t broken now is there?” Mari added with a smile.

  “I think that to be the reason for Dwarves extinction, unable to adapt to the industrial age, stuck in the past because of their great Ego. Their dwarven pride. That’s the innate sin of a dwarf.” Stephen Gate said, rising from his chair and putting his laptop snuggly under his arm.

  “And what would the sin of humans be?” Grendle asked with a hiss, his naked browns narrowed.

  “Greed.” Stephen answered with a shrug. “But that’s just my personal theory so don’t take it too personally, Grendle.” With that final statement Stpehen left the conference room.

  “I haven't finished the meeting yet…” El-Saber muttered with a sour frown.

  “Well statistically speaking you’re probably 1/16th Dwarf, the other 15/16 is human. But Dwarf genes are strong and dominant, so it looks like you’re stuck with two sins then Grendle. Greed and Pride.” Mari said, standing up herself.

  “You’re really being bullied today aren’t you?” Tryan muttered to Grendle.

  “It’s because the tension is so high.” Cao-Li said, butting into the conversation. “When times like this arise the natural instinct of a human, and dwarf or other humanoid creature is to create a smaller conflict, something with no real consequences which can be solved easily. At least that’s my personal theory.”

  “I-” Grendel opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by the clap of El-Saber gathering the attention of all captains present.

  “I can see that you’re all roaring to go, and while that’s a magnificent thing I can’t help but give you a final reminder of how important the things I’ve told you in this meeting are.” As he spoke El-Saber focused his eyes on Jin and Hayai who were trying not to laugh as Julius brooded from whatever they’d said to him just a moment before.

  “There’s a great chance this might be the last meeting we all hold together at this table… and I can only hope it’s something you can all remember fondly.” El-Saber said solemnly, something only he heard as the roof was filled with laughter from Pompeii who’d managed to fool Jin and Hayai in some way.

  The Term “halfing” is an old term for the offspring of a Dwarf and Human, think of it as old terms like “Mongoloid” or “Negroid.” And the like which are now frowned upon despite once being official scientific names.”

  [兜木屭] Kabutoki Sakan - Kabutoki is a name I really like, it basically means “Helmet Tree” but Kabuto is also the Japanese word for beetle. The Kanji for Sakan 屭 is an older Kanji which means Hercules or Gigantic Strength.