The Forsaken Arts

Chapter 8: Briefed

Mikhail stepped behind the podium then took a moment to observe those sitting around table. Having gone over the reports handed to him by the king, he learned about someone he's never met before.

The biography told of battles fought, enemies killed and levels of heroism that likely didn't even scratch the surface of untapped potential the Steel Guard's leader possessed. Yet he knew this person intimately for she was his mother.

He lost himself for a moment, reflecting on how effortlessly she led this double life without anyone knowing, how unsettlingly skilled she was at the art of deceit and manipulation.

The reports contained tales of a woman who despite having a 100% success rate in her missions, was also at death's door several times throughout her career. How many times had he hugged his mother not knowing of the blood she had just come from shedding or the lives her and her team had just taken.

These were the men who've both supported and escaped death by his mother's side. He then took a deep breath and began.

"Good evening everyone, we will now commence with the brief. The folders in front of you contain the same information that will be displayed on the projector.

The reason for this is so that you all can review these files after the brief as I feel you'll want to. I would like to start by saying that the death of JinX has shocked the Resistance and raised fear within our walls.

It was no secret to the people that he was Krinx's childhood friend, which shows just how little reserve this threat has on the battlefield."

"As per the files, I am now aware of the Steel Guard's history. The next plan of action is to strengthen our forces as Krinx's Army continues to grow exponentially.

Not to say the Steel Guard isn't capable enough but after the loss of JinX, we need to be completely prepared, on guard and ready for anything. If he would willingly murder his own pupil and friend, then truly no one is safe.

Further reports from our Intel Unit indicate that not only has he increased his numbers, but he's formed an elite team of his own that was kept secret from us until recently."

"What!?" shouted Guru as he slammed his massive fist down on the table.

"Please let me finish." he said to re-establish order before things got out of hand.

"If this were a game of chess, then Krinx would undoubtedly be the king and his minions the pawns. That still leaves his upper ranks of rooks, knights, bishops and a queen."

Cecilee frowned at the thought of him having a Queen.

"Rank reports show that there are seven exceptional fighters that protect him and make up the team he refers to as 'the Dark Assassins'. They are the following: Soren, Cheyk, Scorn, Pippy, Ni'lerh, Tech, and Raintree. These are all individuals..."

Thengol erupted with anger, "Are you serious, no way fucking way..!"

"I take it you're familiar with these people?" Mikhail inquired.

"All of them are people he encountered during his time in the military, he introduced us to one another and we used to operate missions together." Guru added.

"Well, all but Tech that is. Who is he?" Thengol asked while tapping his fingers impatiently on the table.

"Someone that I'm afraid only the Legion knew about and well.... Lord Kashif." Mikhail said as he directed the attention in the room towards Rendarg's king.

"I guess I have the floor now." Lord Kashif said as he rose from his chair, seeing everyone had turned to face him.

"Yes please explain, just who is Tech?" Cecilee asked.

"General Tech is undoubtedly the strongest of the seven and probably stronger than the Steel Guard, even though there's no data to confirm this."

"Psh, then why make such a statement?" Cavell grumbled as he crossed his arms.

"The mere fact that none of you could defeat JinX during combat training, it is safe to say that JinX was the strongest in the resistance correct?" The king asked.

"Yeah, so?" Cavell answered to entertain his majesty.

"Krinx defeated JinX did he not?"

Evenharth impatiently interjected. "Umm yes he did... your point would be?"

"Sorry for drawing this out but you must understand just how dangerous General Tech truly is... as I have fought him myself." He said while lowering his head and placing both hands on the table. "General Tech is the one that trained Krinx."

"Wait.. someone stronger than Krinx.... is working for him?" Guru asked in disbelief.

"Yes and no, Krinx could never defeat General Tech, to make matters worse, Krinx and JinX would fight him in dramatic two on one battles and he would effortlessly toss them both aside."

Thengol rubbed his face in an attempt to make sense of this, "You're kidding me right... someone could do that to Krinx and JinX at the same time, impossible...!?" he bellowed.

"Over time, they grew in power and were able to defeat him one on one, but above all, the most pressing news would have to be...unlike Osyrus... he is Krinx's blood brother and two years older in age."

The room instantly filled with mixed emotions that could be seen written on each person's face.

Her eyes widened then her jaw dropped, "Krinx...has a brother...?" Cecilee whispered under her breath.