Half an hour ago, at the Raven Faction Kingdom.
The Nova-class ship made its return engulfed with smoke, as it landed in the open field behind the Raven palace. The patriarch and master of the faction, Cyrus Raven, was seen exiting the ship with an exasperated look on his face.
Not even entering his palace, the man beckoned the two magus guards who welcomed his return.
"You two! Follow guard captain Ante, GO NOW!"
Receiving the order, the Half Moon magus readily accepted the task. Deciding to bring along their newest recruit Armand for this job, the four of them quickly flew into the air, heading towards the area where the captives had jumped into.
As for the Raven faction master, he and his nephew Hellast quickly entered their palace and immediately summoned all the magus present at the moment.
In just a matter of minutes, eight magus fighters – one Full Moon stage, two Half Moons, and four Crescent Moons, the full Raven force, gathered in the faction hall. Cyrus' expression was solemn as he looked at the seven people standing before him.
"Everyone, our faction is currently facing a grave danger that could end our existence"
Cyrus informed them of their current situation regarding the Karat captive as well as his plan to get her back.
He managed to convince them that if the woman didn't get caught, not only would the faction be in trouble, each of those involved in the faction's illegal activities could face serious punishment by the magus alliance.
His statement was more than enough to gain support from the group of magus before him.
"I'm certain that they will go through the portal gate at Terra Kingdom." Saying those words, Cyrus then turned to his side where Hellast was standing and told him.
"To ensure our survival, we need to do what is necessary, bring all Saints and Sky realm fighters! Take control of Terra Kingdom!"
That's 30 saints and over a hundred sky realms, The Raven faction master sent two of his magus as well along with them was the Faction elder, the Full Moon magus Zachari.
Magus Cyrus prepared himself for the worst case scenario. He couldn't risk the future where the Karat woman reached their rival faction Terra and send a message that would ruin everything that he has worked his whole life for.
"Do whatever it takes to take over the city and deactivate the portal!"
It was clear that the Raven faction was preparing an invasion force, one which would be sent through their own portal gate right into the middle of Terra City.
At the same time, Cyrus was aboard the last small ships along with the other 4 magus of the faction to search for their escaped captive.
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Terra Palace
Loud noises echoed through the Terra Palace's hall as a golden-robed Terra warrior came running over in a hurry. The man quickly knelt in front of the puzzled Aiko before saying, "The Ravens, they're coming dozens of them!!"
This news of course quickly alarmed Aiko, as well as Morgana and the two wolf half-bloods who happened to be with her.
"Gather the Terra warriors! We will make our stand!" Aiko ordered firmly.
As soon as the four of them came out of the Terra Palace, One of Raven's famous magus Zachary, along with Hellast and half a dozen saint level warriors had already passed through the gates and onto the city streets. They were currently walking up the hill where the Terra Palace was located.
Her face contorted in rage, but her words calm and even, Aiko said "Elder Zachary, what is all this about? Why are you here!?"
It was Hellast who stepped in and spoke. "We are here looking for our escaped captives. We suspect that they are currently hiding here, we are here to search your palace!"
What the other side was demanding was so ridiculous that Aiko couldn't even begin to fathom how she should react.
This Raven had no authority to do such things, moreover, they did not need to bring so many warriors. Warriors who were currently flooding the city and causing panic amongst its citizens.
No matter what angle one looked at, these people had definitely come looking for trouble.
It was then at this moment that Aiko received a notification to her mind.
[I am pursued by the Raven faction, located 500 miles southeast. Watch out for attacks from the Raven]
The message was sent by Emery, a warning.
Unfortunately, it came a little too late. The enemy was already knocking on their door.
"You have no choice, Lay down your arms and surrender!!" Shouted Hellast
Not just were they outnumbered, the lives of their people were in danger. Aiko was silent for a second before she turned and looked upon the stone statue of her master on the hill.
She turned her gaze back with determination and firmly said
"No!"
Casting a venomous gaze, she said, "You want to enter? Not without defeating us first!"
"Is that so? Fine" said Hellast as he shrugged his shoulder, giving the order to attack.
#####
At the same time, at Terra City's portal gate, a figure could be seen having just arrived at the city.
A well-built young man in uniform, a large glaive was hanging from his back.
"Terra, I have returned!" said the young man as his eyes roamed around, taking in the scenery around him.
The man came with a smile and anticipation in his heart. However, he quickly realized that there were dozens of people dressed in unidentified dark blue uniforms filling the city's streets. With just a glance, it was clear that the townspeople were terrified of those people.
One of the people in the dark blue uniform, a magus, came up to the young man.
"Terra is currently closed. Go back to where you came from or surrender your weapon."
Just as the young man was about to ask what was going on, a booming sound suddenly sounded from the direction of the Terra Palace, which the group of uniformed men quickly followed by starting to round up the terrified citizens.
Enraged at such a sight, the young man stared at the magus saying,
"You!" He pointed at the magus"What the fuck do you think you are doing in my home?!"
In response, the magus spoke in a condescending tone. "Huh! Not even a magus yet you dare to speak big! We are now taking over Terra, so you…"
Before he could finish his words, the young man drew his glaive at an impossible speed, unable to react fast enough, the magus was cut in half.