7^th of Light, 1849

“This is the Laveska operation.” The words repeated in Kjallo’s head, getting louder and louder. “Those are... Laveskians?” he shuddered.

Kant looked at him. “Now I know it looks bad. It’s gruesome, yes, but you have to get over the appearance.” He began to circle them. “It’s about advancing in science. If we can get this down, countless wars will be fought with half as many lives! It’s a sacrifice. These are the stepping stones to peace, Kjallo.”

“You’re messing with people’s lives,” just like Aluger messed with his, “these aren’t the stepping stones to peace!” He looked to Astrid, who shared his same expression, but didn’t look back. “Astrid?”

She paused. “This is the order?”

Kant stopped walking. “Yes.”

She turned to Kjallo. “I’m no one special, Kjallo. I’m just an Academy girl; I can’t oppose Valdora, even if…even if I don’t think it’s right.”

Kant twitched at the mention of righteousness. He walked over to Astrid and put his hand on her shoulder “It is right.” He looked at Kjallo from behind her. “Why do you think I had you two join my squad? You’re the highest ranking Enforcers out of the others. And as Astrid said, the will of Valdora is absolute. Now, are there any objections? Especially from you, Kjallo, your role is the most important.”

Kjallo turned his eyes to the stone floor. “These are lives, and you’re insane.”

“Wrong answer. I’ll give you one more chance,” a slight anger glinted in the commander’s eyes, “any objections?”

Kjallo clenched his fists, summoning the strength to look him in the eyes. “Yes, there are.” In his eyes, Kant was just like Aluger.

Kant sighed. “Astrid, restrain Kjallo, refusal of orders at this level is mutiny.”

Astrid turned to the commander, he gave her an unflinching look. “No,” she responded. “I won’t help you restrain Kjallo. That’s not the mission you were given.”

He placed his hand on her shoulder. “What?”

“I won’t help you restrain a fellow Enforcer that hasn’t done anything to endanger us.”

“He’s ignored our orders and refuses to help, that’s reason enough.”

“I…I’m not going to help you.”

“Fine then,” Kant’s eyes dropped. He grabbed Astrid by the back of her uniform and threw her over to Kjallo. “I have two arrests to make today.”

Astrid got up, looking at the angry commander. Kant eyed Kjallo with distaste. “I had high hopes for you, Kjallo, before Astrid I had Valg, but you were always going to be part of it. From the moment this operation started, and I heard Kjallo from the First Legion was coming, I was glad someone on my level could help with my research. But I was wrong. Look at you, afraid to make a sacrifice for Valdora. Maybe a cell in the lowest floor of Behrad can teach you a lesson.”

Kjallo didn’t respond, but put his arms up, ready to fight. 

“You think you can take me?” Kant growled.

“No, but I’ll try.” Enforcer’s back home should be coming here soon to pick up Valg. Maybe they can help, but first I need to get out of this building.

Kant grabbed his neck, turning his head sideways. Then he bent down and put his fists out. “You know what? I don't think I'll mind beating you to shit before sending you off in cuffs.”

“Why don’t you try,” Astrid said, standing beside Kjallo.

Kant clicked his tongue and lunged at them. The two seperated. Kjallo jumped up and Astrid put her hands on the ground. Kant went for her first.

His kick raced towards her face, and she jumped backwards, closely evading it. Kjallo sent a small shot of lightning straight into Kant’s back, and he fell to his knees. Astrid put her hands back on the ground, and the commanders knees began to sink into the hard floor. Kjallo threw his fist into Kant's face.

“Great,” Kjallo remarked, taking a step back. “A stationary target is perfect.” Red electricity formed around him; he took a breath, concentrating his Tath, and sent it straight into the commander.

Kant writhed in pain while struggling to free his knees. Then he sank even more, the floor covering up to his waist. His head hung down, shaking. He looked up at Kjallo, eyes glaring from under his hair. He raised a fist and sent it into the floor below him, shattering the stone. He freed his legs and jumped away from the two Enforcers.

“You brats'll never understand,” he fumed, frustrated.

“No one could ever understand," Kjallo responded, "especially me.”

“It’s one island! One island for the safety of millions!”

“Then those millions are living on dead bodies.”

“Fine,” Kant spat. His eyes began to glow gold, the Tath color of a Berserker. “Wake.”

The bodies around the room began to move. A gold glow shined out of the cracks in their bare skin. They rose to their feet, and Kant kneeled down, the Tath output instantly draining him. “You two,” he panted, “will be the first test.” The glow in his eyes brightened. “Kill.”