The next morning, On Asheria 17th 2200 MC, Most Participants of the Tournament joined the Aenida Order But Thanks to Aeneas, Some Participants went as far as to persuade friends and people outside of the capital, spreading the seeds of influence throughout the country.

The Aenida Order, Calydon's Division of the UNO (United Nations of Odgard)'s Continental Army, now had over 1,500,000 men, ready to fight together with her allies.

As for the victors of the tournament, They were assigned to Aeneas's New Personal Guard, The Aenida Five Braves. Sully Aurik and Theon Oliver Nado were granted this honor. Alonso del Medichi, Bruno del Medichi, and Cormac Udo were also assigned to the group for their great prowess, being witnessed in the tournament.

But Now...With the News of the Empire's Response, The First Thing Aeneas did, was to rush to his father.

"Pops? Everything alright? May I come in?" Aeneas was now at the door of King Anchises, Current King of the Great Country of Calydon. However, As he was still recovering from his cold, He still did not feel comfortable heading out. Opening his eyes, He hears his son calling out to him.

"Just stay at the door...I can hear you," the King weakly replied, as he was getting up from his bed.

"My god...You sound terrible. What the hell did you even do to get that sick?" Aeneas bluntly replied.

Scratching his beige hair, King Anchises got annoyed and responded, "Is t-that really any way to talk to your sickly father? Whatever...I just ate this really rotten fruit thinking it was safe, and now I'm having the worst stomach pain I've felt in years."

Oh, So it was just...over a fruit. Over a fruit, he made everyone go into a frenz- You know what, whatever. 

"Anyways, I have really urgent news to inform you myself, personally...As you may have heard about my bargain from your retainers...The Empire have responded last night...and it was not the happy surprise I hoped for," replied Aeneas with a stressed sigh.

"So they declined...They must have quite the trump card to decline such a ballsy move against them...I assume you called over everyone?" grumbled Anchises.

"Yeah...The letters have been sent over to the representatives of our allies...This morning, everyone has received our letters...They are swiftly making preparations to come here. They should arrive here in 4 to 5 days...

The King frowned in frustration, until the door was heard to be knocking from the other side.

"It's me, your Majesty! I'm here to talk about that idea in regards to this tournament..."

"Come in."

It was none other than Ferdinand Medichi, The Head of House Medichi, Father of Alonso and Bruno. It also happens to be a fact that he's an important politician in the country, and is the strongest mage in the nation. Despite his titles, he is a shaggy, slender man, who's face does not reflect that of a warrior.

"Thanks for your hard work, Lord Aeneas! Man, you've really outdone yourself today,,,"

Aeneas bowed. "I'm honored that you took my idea to heart."

"Indeed, Indeed. You certainly have somewhat changed, Milord. Yet, I sense a calamity deep down your heart...I pray that doesn't interfere with your duties."

"No, sir."

Ferdinand smiled.

"Well then, If I may, I'd like a few words with your father...Please prepare yourself for the meeting later today, I will be awaiting that report as well."

"Yes, sir. Well then, I'll be on my way."

After Aeneas left the room, Ferdinand put a sound barrier across the entire room, and discussed a special idea regarding the results of the tournament. King Anchises was amused, and was in fact, in high spirits hearing such an idea from the man. Once feeling hopeless, His eyes once again looked bright towards the future. The 2 men then shook hands in agreement.

Later in the day Around Midday…..After The Prince had personally met up with his soldiers of the Aenida Order, He ordered Cormac, Dylan, Oliver, Alonso, and Bruno to stay behind for an urgent, private meeting. 

Cormac then replied, "I wonder where Lord Bruno is. Did he say anything to you, Sir Oliver?"

"No, he did say he was headed to the restroom."

"Huh...Alright."

“To be honest...I never saw all this coming. I mean could you imagine that….an Allied Forces Army?! And Lord Aeneas is leading the personal army for this alliance?? AND WE WERE ASSIGNED AS HIS PERSONAL GUARD?! SO COOL!!!” said Sully. He was filled with excitement so high, that he could probably take a lightning strike and still keep going about how it was an honor to be a personal guard for his majesty. In truth, achieving this was something that the young knight haven't imagined.

“Heh, You sound very excited about this, Sully,” said Oliver.

“O-of course! I mean, I have never been anywhere outside of Calydon….I’m very excited as to where this interesting journey will take us……All this happening is just so sudden.”

Oliver chuckled and nodded in agreement. Even though he was a serious man, he too, felt excitement deep from his heart.

Alonso laughed. “Haha, Frankly I agree with him. Honestly, Me and my brother haven't been outside the country much...”

Cormac then spoke up. “Actually, I have.”

Everyone was then looking at him.

“You’ve been traveling outside of Calydon, Mr. Cormac?” Said Alonso.

He replied, “Well...My Story is a bit complicated. I was born here, but My Father was born in the Empire, and My Mother was born in the Holy Kingdom of Midgarius. I once traveled from here to the Kingdom for errands, but as for the Empire...”

Everyone was flabbergasted.

Oliver then became suspicious of him. Even he was aware of the current situation between Calydon and the Empire, visiting the capital every time he got the chance. Although he held no grudge against Cormac, he still felt nervous: The idea of betrayal was something he truly despised.

And so he asked in an unconfident tone: “What happened?”

“Hehe, I understand you naturally would suspect me since I am Part Thabean...but I assure you. My allegiance is with Calydon. Ah, How rude of me! I should have introduced myself earlier.” He then got up and saluted in front of everyone. “Well, To lay down your suspicions… My name is Cormac Udo. I live near the Sea of Calydon, to the Far East of the Capital. I am but a local commoner. I may have roots in Thabes, but I never have been there once during my life. Please to meet you!"

Everyone clapped, while Oliver slowly clapped, still a bit skeptical of his response.

Sully, noticing his beloved friend giving glances at Cormac, went in front of Oliver.

"Oliver, that's enough of your rudeness. Just because he's from an enemy nation doesn't mean he's like those disgusting political snobs who really control the strings behind everything."

Oliver, realizing what he had caused, felt embarrassed. With everyone feeling uncomfortable, he then went in front of Cormac, and apologized by bowing. “Sir, I apologize for my rudeness. I shouldn't have let my fears get in the way of my judgment.”

Plus, While I understand Oliver's Suspicions, It's still wrong...He was born here, as a citizen of Calydon...

Cormac laughed it off, and then went on to pat Oliver's head. 

“It’s alright, Right now It’s normal to suspect Thebeans right now…I feel your fear. That's why...I will fight together with you all. I certainly don't agree with whatever methods they're doing, from what I've heard.”

Oliver then was curious about this claim his elder said of. Methods? Just what exactly is the Empire cooking up? And so he asked Cormac for confirmation.

"Oh, This is only a rumor I heard back in my days of serving, but...

From what was told, The Empire might be using Dragonbloods as weapons for their bidding. If it's true, it is something inhuman and unthinkable, to think that the human race would go so far as do such a terrible thing."

Meanwhile, Where Bruno was not in the Restroom...but talking with Aeneas and Reinhardt regarding his discovery.

"You think it's House Jupitar?! You mean....That House Jupitar? Those Strange, Shady, Religious Folks?"

Aeneas stood up talk, feeling uncomfortable. He always recalled seeing those strange individuals in dark clothing, going around town with other priests to "teach" people. In fact, there were also there at Puebla Chica as well. Could They really be that suspicious after all?

"But What does House Jupitar gain from doing this?!"

"I don't know... That's what we all want to find out. Regardless...My family is involved. We have no evidence...but we do have on record that 10 years ago, House Jupitar invested on Research Programs for Medicine, Thus some Laboratories were built across not just Calydon but in Midgardius as well."

"If this is true, then House Jupitar will indeed be in trouble...but even this is too much There is no evidence, meaning there is only one thing to do: To go and investigate the ruins of the laboratory that burned down. But right now is a bad time..." Reinhardt looked at him with concerned eyes, as Bruno finished telling him Oliver's Memories about the event. 

Aeneas then replied, "The Vessel...What does this mean?"

Reinhardt then replied, "Super Soldiers...perhaps?"

Bruno then thought to himself, "What kind of vessel are they making with human test subjects? Is this limited to humans? If Jupitar is behind this...What are they planning? What if we're up against a completely different force?"

Aeneas then replies sternly, "Fine. That's okay...What matters right now is that it is not in the wrong hands...as far as we know. This is why I have a secret mission for you and Alonso. I will talk to him later regarding this. From what I know, House Medichi has served our family greatly for 300 years, especially ever more so loyal now, thanks to my father...I highly trust you."

Bruno then got on his knees.

"I am listening, My lord."

"No need for formalities."

Aeneas then whispered:

"Right now, We don't know much about Oliver. All we know is that he grew up most of his life with Sully Aurik, and has a bond of steel....but the thing is...We don't know his life before that, or where was he really from. We don't even know if he is from a foreign continent. There's a chance he could be."

Bruno nodded in agreement.

"That is why...I'm leaving you and Alonso in charge of taking care of those 2 individuals. Get closer to them, and study him well. We can worry about the Investigation on Jupitar later. You said he bares over 2 Elements, right?"

"Yes sir."

Aeneas and Reinhardt then looked at each other, before they nodded.

Reinhardt then approached him and whispered:

"There's a chance that Oliver may not have just 2 but 3 Elements in his body."

Bruno then was in shock. "But that's impossible...But that Power could have been just to improve his Wind Element, right?"

Reinhardt nodded. "There is that possibility. But...Just be warned. If he turns against us...You know what you have to do."

Bruno then gulped...He looked at the floor, at what looked like the world was falling straight at him, and saw a vision where Oliver...was a faceless monster. But...He did not want to believe this. He trusted that his rival was just as human as he is. 

The thought of having 3 Elements in one body is impossible. Having more than 2 already is lethal...The Mana would overflow...and kill you slowly. It was considered impossible to have more than 1 Element since it would reduce your lifespan, or straight up kill you. But 3 Elements? If true, It must be a miracle that Oliver was alive.

"Unless....Could it be that he is-"

But before Bruno could think further, Aeneas tapped his shoulder, as to wake him up, and asked him:

"Can you do it?"

Bruno then got up and shook hands with the prince. He understood and acknowledged Oliver, and trusted him with his info regarding his fallen brother, yet, his undying loyalty to the prince was above all.

"I understand. I will write the report about my findings, my thoughts, and reveal this to his Majesty soon."

Several minutes pass by, and then the door then opened. It was Aeneas, Bruno and Reinhardt.

“Yo!” Aeneas smiled.

Everyone in the room stood up to salute him but Sully was the first to react in a loud manner, startling everyone.

“GOOD AFTERNOON, YOUR HIGHNESS!”

Aeneas of course did not expect this sudden reaction…

“W-Woah, You’re a little tense...But no need for the “Your Highness” part. I don’t really like that. You guys may simply call me Aeneas.”

Bruno then spoke up. “But Your Highness….”

Aeneas then quickly spoke up. “If you’re serious about formalities like Big Ol’ Reinhardt here then just refer to me as….Sir. Thanks....”

Bruno then felt uncomfortable. “I apologize….Sir Aeneas.”

“Anyways! Wonderful performance by you all! I am most impressed by your skills, I literally choked on my tea 5 times watching all your battles! Especially you...Umm...Mr....?”

“It’s Cormac, Sir. Cormac Udo.”

Reinhardt was sweating a bit. “Milord! Don’t be rude! He...”

Cormac smiled. “Hehe, No worries Your Highness.”

Aeneas smiled a bit. “Now...Let’s just get to the point, shall we? I don’t really wanna waste time here, and I wanna order the 5th volume of Naruhodo after this...Store closes at 5 today…”

Alonso then unexpectedly yells in excitement.

“YOU READ NARUHODO TOO? THAT’S MY FAVORITE NOVEL! I like Saruto!”

Aeneas’s eyes brighten up. “For real?? Me Too! I love his Shadow Clone Magic! I try to do it every day while I try but to no avail...”

“Milord, Now isn’t the time to talk about your man-ga or whatever! This isn’t Middle School Recess!” Reinhardt said with an annoyed expression on his face.

“But-”

“Please.”

“....” Aeneas looked at Reinhardt, while he looked back.

“UGHH, fine. You, Alonso. See me after this.”

Alonso smiled. “It’s an honor!”

Aeneas chuckled. “Now, The reason I called you 5 here: First, You are aware of your positions, correct?"

Everyone nodded and saluted toward Aeneas, giving their thanks from the bottom of their hearts for granting them such an honorable title.

"Ha, Well...I have seen your performances. Me and Reinhardt can safely say we totally trust that you guys are perfect for this title."

The prince then walked towards the window and then turned to face his Aenida 5 Braves.

 "Now then, Breaking news...The Aenida 5 will have their first mission immediately, for It's an urgent one. Out of all, You 5 showed tremendous results, and we trust the information we're about to share with you. The other assigned knights we choose from the Aenida Order will receive the news tomorrow...”

Sully was a bit surprised. “A-Already?”

Aeneas nods. “In 3 to 5 days…Meaning on the 20th or 22nd, The Grand Duke of Asahi, His granddaughter, and Several VIP is coming to visit the Kingdom! They wish to see the results of my bargain. Which is why I need your help. Especially from you five.”

Everyone was now feeling tense.