Sanctuary Agency-Chapter 21: Golden Crystals Gauntlet [1]

〘Date: 2/11 - Monday〙

〘Time: 2:15 PM〙

〘Location: Texas, Alamo City - Sanctuary Agency HQ〙

I parked my car in front of the building, stepping outside and making my way inside with purpose. Once I made it to the elevators, I rode up to the 100th Floor, leaning against the walls as I began to think about the events that would occur later.

The elevator finally reached the top floor, the doors opening to allow me access out. I began to make my way down the halls and stopped in front of Charlotte's office door, knocking on the door before opening it.

Charlotte, who was buried in a mountain of paperwork, looked up from her reports, a gentle smile forming on her lips as she met my gaze. "My love..~ What can I do for you?"

I walked toward Charlotte's desk, taking a seat and let out a soft exhale. "This King business is harder than it looks, and I'm just starting my path...I'm sure you've heard the discourse around Trinity Valley University right now."

"I am well aware of your rise against the Rich Family, and starting off as a King takes more strategy and energy than it would if you start as a Pawn or anything lesser than a King or Queen," Charlotte said, leaning back in her chair and staring at me with a proud smile.

"But, I'm glad someone's finally standing up to those frauds. Personally, I would love to just dismantle them myself...but I have a public image to uphold as a Official Government Elite and an Agency Leader," Charlotte added, letting out an exasperated sigh.

I looked up at Charlotte, a soft smile forming on my face at her honesty. "Well, don't worry. I'm playing the long game... I'm dismantling Tony's system from within via the Golden Crystals. I learned some valuable information...a serious scandal that I think we should look into."

"Oh? You have your own report huh? None of the other agents have reported anything today... alright, my love, my ears are open. Give me what you have," Charlotte hummed, leaning forward against her desk to listen closely to my report.

"So, the Syndicates attack on La Verniawas a lot deeper than we could've expected. They were actually hired to strike the valley, hired by the Golden Crystals' leader, Anastasia-Aurora Reigns," I began, leaning back in my seat and crossing my arms, my gaze drifting into the distance.

"However, even her story goes deeper into the true thick of things. The Rich Family increased their tarrifs upon Crystal City, bleeding Anastasia dry and forcing her into a criminal action to save her city. But most importantly, the Rich Family may have ties with the Syndicates," I finished, meeting Charlotte's gaze once more with a serious expression.

Phroa materialized beside me, hovering in front of Charlotte. "Also, the guy's name is Benedict Chance, the Luckiest and Richest man on the planet! Ryder and I think that Benedict could be The Fortune!"

Charlotte narrowed her gaze up to look at Phroa, taking in her own information as well, reaching up to gently rub her head. She hummed thoughtfully, processing the information in her mind. "I knew the Rich Family was quite shady...but to be scandalous like this. Now, I can see the motivation behind Anastasia's movements."

"I've been keeping a close eye on her, but with most of my scouters constantly watching the Lost Syndicates, I don't have many eyes around her. But, with you now in her world, you can keep an eye on her for me," Charlotte said, her eyes twinkling with self-brilliance from her own plan.

I scratched the side of my head, a slightly awkward smile stretching on my lips. "I mean, I was kinda already going to do that. I'm joining her group so I can hopefully recruit her into my revolution, but I also made a promise to her. To save her from her own destruction, and I plan to keep it."

Charlotte chuckled softly at me, nodding her head then met my gaze once again. "I believe you can do it. Also, while you're keeping watch of her, report to me any information you find on her. Just in case she does turn against you."

I nodded, knowing that keeping that certain what if in my mind was better than naively believing my revolution would work on the first go. I stood up from my seat, looking at my watch to check the time. "I will, but I want to keep some hope that she can change. She is on my Love Finder after all."

Charlotte chuckled softly at my confidence, watching as I began to make my way to the door. "Be careful out there. Also, send me the location of where you're going. I'm going to send an agent with you just in case."

I gave Charlotte a wave as I began to left her office, changing my wave into a thumbs up. "Don't worry, I'll send it to you. Just be sure it's anyone but Eliza. The Golden Crystals has a walking time bomb on the team."

"I got it," Charlotte laughed softly, watching as I finally left her office, glancing at her phone and internally deciding who she should call.

〘Date: 2/11 - Monday〙

〘Time: 3:00 PM〙

〘Location: Texas, San Antonio - Crystal Forest Park〙

I parked my car at a local park, noticing other vehicles parked within the same area, yet only a few families were on the playground and a few joggers along the path of the park's various paths. I stepped outside of my car, looking down at my phone and noticing I got a voice message from one of the agents who were joining me.

〔Rhea 0:59s: I'll be there shortly, Bubba! Just passing through traffic, and— oh my gosh... HOOOONK! Get out of the way! I have somewhere to be, you stupid teen! HOOONK! In St. Kieran's name, the light isn't getting any greener buddy! I'll be there in five minutes~〕

"Yeesh...and she's the Agent you're the closest with besides your sister and Charlotte? Road rage alert," Phroa quipped, hovering beside me and giggled at the voice note.

I shook my head, slipping my phone back into my pocket and sighed softly. "Yep, but underneath that road rage is probably one of the sweetest to me honestly. She is the second youngest agent within the Agency, not counting Eliza who literally doesn't age."

"I wonder what makes her unique compared to someone like Wendy or Eliza. I've never really "seen" Rhea in a normal setting, only in battle, just like Alice," Phroa wondered, tapping her chin thoughtfully and glanced up at the sky.

While Phroa began making hypothetical scenarios in her head about Rhea, a camouflage coat jeep began to ride up beside us, parking next to us. Stepping out of the car was a mind blowing beautiful woman, fitted in a brown suit and skirt with dark colored stockings that truly accentuated her developed figure.

She had dark brown hair styled in a messy bun at the back of her head, seemingly like it was done in a hurry. Upon looking at me, her eyes began to twinkle with the purest form of love and recognition, excitedly hurrying toward me.

Rhea excitedly hurried toward me, her scabbards rustling behinds her. "Bubba, oh—"

I watched as Rhea tripped on a crack on the ground, hurrying forward to catch her, looking down at her with a warm smile. "Honestly, Rhea...you have to be more careful.."

Rhea looked up at me with a sweet smile and an embarrassed giggle, her cheeks flushing with a mix of vulnerability and tenderness. "I can't help but to be excited to see you, Bubba~ I rarely get to see you.."

"I know, Brownie..~" I chuckled softly, helping her back up to her feet.

"So, Charlotte filled me in on what you're doing and I have to ask, are you completely sure about this? Joining the ranks of the Imperial Queen? I know as the Agency, we're supposed to leave bias out of this..." Rhea questioned, staring at me with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Honestly, I'm not too sure about this myself. I mean, I could take the easy way out and join someone who could help me rise without the risk of betrayal...but there is something more satisfying about winning the war in your own way," I began, looking up at the Golden Star in the sky, feeling it's luminous glow fueling my ambition.

"Not even my father was truly good or bad from what I've read in Aunt Habilee's books. Karma was once a criminal organization, an entire gang faction, and yet...he turned that entire faction into a name worth being remembered. This mirrors his tale, but in a much more extreme way," I finished answering, turning my gaze back to Rhea.

Rhea smiled at my answer, reaching out to me to run her fingers through my hair. "I may not have known Shiro like the other agents, but I know he was a great man. Whatever choice you make, the Agency will be behind you to aid. We are still a Mafia before a Government Agency~"

"I am aware of that," I chuckled softly, turning my gaze toward a indistinct trail of energy in the distance. "Well, we should be heading to them...I have a gauntlet to win."

Rhea nodded, placing her hands upon her katanas. "I am only here to spectate via Charlotte's orders, but if things get too bad, I will jump in to help you."

I nodded, reassured of her presence and turned in the direction of the trail of energy. The two of us set out toward the Golden Crystals' location, catching each other up on everything that's been going on between us.

As we walked along a trail, Rhea began pointing at the scattered patches of crystal and crystalized plants and trees. She picked a few flowers from the ground, making it into a crystal flower crown, placing it on the top of my head with a giggle.

I couldn't help but to chuckle softly at her, enjoying her arms around my waist as we walked together. In a time where I'm heading down a path of war, I needed all of the love and warmth I could get, knowing that normalcy would be scarce and few in between.

Finally, we made it to the end of the trail of energy, the both of us noticing the Golden Crystals ahead. My gaze immediately fell upon Anastasia and Silas, the two of them standing aside from the others discussing something with each other.

I stopped in my tracks, keeping an observant eye upon the two of them ahead. "Here we are, Brownie...from here, I have to play the role of the Joker and The Pawn. I hope you don't hate this side of me, the Sola Side as I would call it."

Rhea smiled at me, leaning over to kiss my cheek, assuring her unwavering and undeniable love for me. "No persona you could ever take will make me hate you. We all have roles to play...good or bad..~ I, too, am an Agent remember."

I smiled at Rhea, turning my head to look at her and leaned into her, capturing her lips for a soft kiss. "I know...now let's go, I am still on a timer..~"

Rhea nodded, her lively energy and excitement bubbling to the surface. "Okay, let's go."

The two began to walk into the danger zone, both of us stepping toward the danger with confidence and determination. I took my black gauntlet out of my back pocket, sliding it onto my right hand. Rhea adjusted her hat on her head, the brim of her hat shadowing her eyes.

I began to view myself on the chess board, a Pawn and a Knight, going against a fully established team of pieces. However, in this battle, it was only me against five others...and my goal wasn't to reach the end of the board as the Elusive and Deceptive Pawn.

For this gauntlet, I came to win. I came to conquer every piece on the board...and play my triumph card when they least expect it.

Anastasia heard a few leaves crunching in the distance, turning her attention over to me and noticed I had Alice with me as well. "Hm, I see you actually showed up. And you brought an Agent with you...so was this always a set up? To turn us in for the invasion?"

I adjusted the wrist of my gauntlet, smirking lightly at her accusations and chuckled lowly. "If I was to set you up, would I really be foolish enough to only bring Brownie and not my Commander or at least Bloody Eliza?"

"We all know how you get down, you underestimate us like the lowly rat you are. Lady Aurora, allow me to strike him down now...there are no witnesses beyond us," Silas said, stepping forward with his hand shouded in errie purple energy.

"No, you shall wait your turn...for now, I just want answers," Anastasia said, stepping in front of Silas with authority and placed her hand on his chest to make him stand down.

Silas looked down at Anastasia, calming himself down and exhaled softly. He took a step back, recomposing himself and glanced at me. "I hope you have enough endurance by the time you reach me. If...you reach me."

"We will see, Count Dracula...for now, stand behind your crown and stay silent. You're better off hidden within the shade of the trees," I retorted, meeting his challenging and piercing eyes.

Rhea chuckled softly at my insult to Silas, eager to see more of this side of me as it was a complete reverse of who I truly was. She stayed silent, allowing me to handle all of the talking for the both of us.

"All I want to know...is if you win the gauntlet and join us, what then? What do you plan on doing to help us?" Anastasia questioned, trying to peer into my motives and plans after joining her side.

"There's a reason I'm not telling you my plans, just as you keep yours hidden as well. Just in case...one of us must bleed dry for betrayal. You have no leverage on me, yet...we all know what you did. So questioning me, right now your enemy, is not the right play," I said cryptically, my voice lowering to a more mysterious and ominous tone.

Anastasia's expression tensed at my deflection, letting out a soft scoff. "Then so be it...let it be a mystery now, but when you join, there will be full transparency."

"Agreed," I said, keeping my ready gaze on Anastasia.

Anastasia walked toward a log, sitting down elegantly with Silas standing beside her. She smoothed out the skirt of her battle gown, looking over at her faction. "In this gauntlet, we've decided you will face our five strongest...so first up is Bernice."

"W-What..!?" The timid, lavender haired girl exclaimed, jerking her head over to look at me. "B-But... he's extremely scary and...Donna is stronger than I am..!"

The girl with an idol-esque attire smiled at Bernice, gently placing her hands upon her shoulders. "C'mon, Burnie~ You've got this! You've taken down crooks tougher than him with one arrow!"

Bernice let out a soft whine of protest as she was nudged ahead, her legs trembling as she stepped forward to face me first. She clutched her bow with a cautious grasp and gulped heavily, her body breaking into nervous chills.

Bernice was rather pretty, having short, messy lavender hair styled in a short ponytail, pale hazel eyes, and a slender and graceful build. She wore an archer's attire, donning a cute lime green short cloak to go with her outfit.

〔Phroa: Hmm, Bernice Wills...second year of Trinity Valley University and the best Archer in all of Trinity Valley. No wonder she ranks so high, but her timidness limits her.〕

'Hmm, the best Archer huh? I can clearly see her fear and uncertainty, she doesn't even seem too confident in her own shoes. Alina, what piece is Bernice equivalent to?' I thought mentally, scanning Bernice up and down.

"Five Pawns..."

〔Phroa: I dunno, Blue Demon. That seems like a stretch to me...〕

"Blue Demon... hilarious..."

I chuckled softly at Alina's unamused response, listening to her voice fade away into the back of my mind as she began to retreat. 'Five Pawns is rather strong...equal to one knight doing the math. A classic case of don't judge a book by its cover...'

'No way I can fight this guy..! He's gonna kill me..! His stare is too much, I feel like I'm gonna pee!' Bernice thought to herself, her body shivering terribly under the intense pressure, her breathing becoming sharp and heavy.

Anastasia stared at Bernice for a moment, analyzing her then turned her gaze to me, who stood calm and collected as I observed Bernice as well. She cleared her throat softly, closing her eyes. "Bernice, calm your mind. If you don't focus, you'll lose sight of your target."

'Easier said than done..! I can't lose sight of something I can't look away from..!' Bernice thought in response, taking shaky breaths to calm herself.

"In this gauntlet, all forms of weapons, abilities, and force is allowed. Killing is prohibited. The battle ends once either combatant is unable to continue or surrenders. With the rules stated, the Gauntlet may begin!" Anastasia said, feeling a burst of energy rush past her.

Without hesitation, I rushed forward, striking Bernice's midsection with a devastating body blow, my movements too fast for her to process. Blue lightning flashed upon impact, the force of the blow sending Bernice flying backwards into a tree.

Anastasia's eyes widened as she watched Bernice fly past her, slowly looking back to see her best Archer was taken down in one blow. 'What...'

I stood up straight, rubbing my wrist gently and opened my eyes, my eyes shining with golden brilliance. "Your Pawn was just too slow... Hesitation gets you killed in a real battle.."

Silas turned to check on Bernice, hurrying to see how badly she was hurt. The rest of the Golden Crystals whispered amongst themselves, each of them shooting a glance at me in disbelief and judgement.

'One strike..? No...I refuse to believe she was just beaten like that..!' Anastasia thought to herself, quickly turning her gaze toward me.

Anastasia couldn't help but to feel a cold chill crawling down her back, noticing dominating red energy surrounding my body. 'His energy...it's just like Poli's. Are they connected..?'

"So who's next? Who is the next to challenge The Joker?" I asked, glancing over at the Golden Crystals with a challenge.

As I awaited my next opponent, lightning began to crackle around me, my body instinctively dodging a swift wind arrow. I turned my attention toward the direction where the arrow came from, noticing a volley of wind arrows flying toward me.

I threw back the tail of my longcoat, unsheathing my broadsword and swiftly deflecting each of the arrows then dodged an incoming ice arrow, sliding backwards along the ground. I looked up, noticing Bernice moving along the trees, hiding her presence.

'This is a clear shift in her demeanor...she's sporadic and now unpredictable. I can't keep up,' I thought, my eyes darting around to keep up with Bernice.

Anastasia watched as Bernice moved around the trees, her lips curling into a small smile of pride as she watched her move. "Bernice...she's actually in the zone.."

Silas walked back to Anastasia's side, crossing his arms as he watched. "Hm...when I went to check on her, she was quivering in fear but then she shot up and began to fight. I believe she's in her Blackspace.."

I continued to deflect each arrow, each shot becoming harder to track and deflect. Each direction I ran to, it seemed as if her arrows were a perfect shot each time. Each wind arrow began to become more silent, each ice arrow carrying a cold presence, every fire arrow becoming too hot to be around.

'Dammit..! I'm not given enough time to even think of my next move..! I can barely see her with having to track these... arrows!' I thought to myself, grunting as I sliced the last arrow within the current volley in two.

〔Phroa: Master! Remember yesterday at Winterfest? You unlocked Unleashed State! You can use that!〕

'With this down time, it's better now than never. Pull up the screen..' I thought to Phroa, taking this chance to regroup and recollect.

Phroa immediately began to work upon showing me a digital interface with the Unleashed State's information upon it. Soon, she managed to display a holographic screen only I could see.

〔Unleashed State - The Ace Lv. 1〕

〔Description: This ability enhances and unleashes the user's reflexes, perception, dexterity, and all physical attributes by 10% (+10 per level), giving the user the ability to easily perform actions on a higher scale than others.〕

〔Extra Effects: Boosts Tengoku Mode by 30%, Boosts Talent, Charisma, and Ambition EXP by 50%, Decreses Luck by 100%〕

'An all skill, no luck ability huh? A 10% boost in perception and reflexes, plus boosts my Tengoku Mode by 30? This is exactly what I needed,' I thought to myself, a confident smirk playing on my face and a silent exhale escaping my nose.

I closed my eyes, listening to the rustling of the trees, aligning myself to the nature around me. The winds began to speak to me, their whispers telling me Bernice's location. The trees wrestled to bare the weight of Bernice's presence, each branch silently creaking as she steadied her weight.

I continued to listen, hearing her soft breath as she took aim. An ethereal blue energy began to surround my body just as Bernice took her shot, the silent, near invisible wind arrow breaking through the air to land its mark upon my neck.

Before her arrow could strike my neck, I caught it quickly, opening my eyes slowly. I crushed the arrow in my hand, my tribal tattoos glowing a divine blue energy. "Now it's time to show you...how to truly tip the scales."

Bernice watched me closely, noticing me moving at high speeds, her eyes having trouble keeping up. Once she noticed I had disappeared from her view, she began to scurry to a different spot to keep herself from being found.

As she moved to another hiding spot, I appeared behind her, striking her back with an open palm, blasting her to the ground with a burst of powerful winds. Bernice grunted heavily as she hit the ground, slowly recovering onto one knee, looking up at me.

I stood atop of a tree branch, staring down at Bernice with a smirk then launched myself toward her with my broadsword ready in hand. Bernice panicked slightly, the twinkle slightly returning to her eyes as she dodged my attack.

"There is no more running, Sharpshooter... I'm here! Now fight!" I bellowed, rushing her with a powerful overhead slash.

Bernice grunted heavily as she used her bow to block my attack, the force of my attack forcing her onto one knee. She let out a groan as she pushed be back, kicking me away and launching a massive wind arrow at me.

I stomped on the ground, causing a crystallized rock wall to rise in front of me, blocking the wind arrow. The wind arrow began to crack the wall, the supreme force of the wind overpowering the wall. Soon, the wind arrow exploded, destroying my barrier.

'C'mon Bernie..! You've got this!' Donna cheered mentally, her eyes filled with gentle encouragement.

"Let's go, Bernice! You've got him on the back foot!" Cameron cheered loudly, using his hands to enhance his already loud voice.

"Let him know the name of the Golden Crystals! Show him why we are the best!" The cinnamon haired man cheered with his friends, clapping his hands to further encourage Bernice.

Bernice listened to the cheers of her friends, her adrenaline slowly wearing off and the twinkle in her eyes slowly returning into her gaze. 'Body...please don't fail me now...I don't want to freeze again...'

I could start to see the cracks forming within Bernice, her confidence slowly wearing thin. Admittedly, I didn't want the battle to end, seeing her come this far against me, though I wasn't going all out, made me want to push her further.

"C'mon, Bernice. Is that all you have to offer? If this is all, you're only bringing shame to your city's name. And that makes not only you look like a failure, but it makes Anastasia and your entire city look like lost causes," I taunted, keeping my gaze solely on Bernice to see her reaction.

"You will be the reason the Golden Crystals fall, and you will die having that regret," I added, feeling the temperature dropping rapidly.

"What?! Hell no! Bernice, tear this guy down!" Cameron bellowed, clearly enraged by my taunt.

"Yeah, who do you think you are?!" The cinnamon haired man roared, stomping his foot down.

Bernice's body shook at my taunts and subtle insults, her grip upon her bow tightening greatly as she lowered her head. "All my life...I have been called a failure. And...it hurts yeah...and yes, I see us as cornered..."

Bernice looked up at me with pure determination, aiming her bow at me with a steady hold. "But we are not failures! I will make you take it all back right here, right now!"

Without further warning, Bernice began launching a barrage of elemental arrows, each one enfused wirh the wind, fire, and ice. I let out a tribal battle cry, rapidly swinging my blade to deflect each arrow rapidly, being sure to not get tagged once.

After creating an opening for myself, I began charging toward her, continuing to deflect more arrows within my rush. Deflecting the next set of arrows, I leaped in the air, throwing my broadsword toward Bernice.

"I will strike you down, Ryder!" She declared, dodging my broadsword and launching another flurry of arrows toward me.

I used a burst of wind to propel myself to the ground, evading the volley then burrowed underground, closing the hole behind myself. Bernice quickly retreated into the trees again, landing upon a branch and keeping a close watch upon the ground.

"Checkmate,"

Bernice's eyes widened as she heard my voice sounding behind her, slowly turning to face me in disbelief. "How—"

I grunted roughly as I delivered a heavy blow to her cheek, my hand covered with crystallized stone. Bernice's eyes rolled to the back of her head, her body falling limp as she went unconscious, falling from the high branch.

Quickly, I acted and jumped off the branch, using wind energy to descend faster to catch her. I landed on the ground, laying her on a soft patch of grass safely. The others watched with a mix of awe and incredulity, the group approaching Bernice after I walked away.

'Now that's one down...four to go...' I thought to myself, deactivating my Unleashed State to reserve energy.

Anastasia, who was crouched down beside Bernice, looked down at her with a mix of pride and gentle respect. She looked up from her friend, turning toward me with a serious expression. 'He is more dangerous than I could've imagined...yet Bernice was able to give him trouble. He isn't as unshakable as he seems...and that's all we need to know...'

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