[center][b]Central Ruins, Royal Plaza[/b][/center] ... ... ... ... Welp! That sure was disheartening, not to mention grossly upsetting. The elf, with the boobs the size of watermelons - which by no possible measure of reality could be real. Seriously. Look at those things. If that wasn't silicon, there was some kind of universal injustice going on here! But enough about that, getting back to the dismay oof confirmation. Serafaye looked utterly baffled at the buxom elf's statement that, yes, in fact, Serafaye was a girl. [i]So, I'm not just in another world, but in another body? Well, technically Serafaye [b]is[/b] my property, but c'mon! n situations like this, ain't I supposed to be a generic, average-looking guy who gets swarmed by beautiful women who all want to get with me because... Reasons? I mean, if this turns into some kinda reverse-harem I'm gonna be so miff- Oh. Oh no. No. Wait. No. No! Shit! I'm stuck in the body of a gorgeous, busty, nubile young girl with big boobs and child-bearing hips! I'm probably fertile as fuck too! Crap! What if some guy comes onto me!? SHit! What if some guys try to gang-rape me in some old alley!?! [b]WHAT IF I START GOING THROUGH PMS!?[/b][/i] Apparently, priorities in Serafaye's mind were slightly different tot he ones of those around her. Still, at the snippy comments from Artemisia, Serafaye likely would've retorted with some back-handed insult, or told themighter-than-thou girl to pull the stick shoved in her ass out. But, being predominantly focused on her own issues here, she didn't exactly pay much attention until the sounds of horse-hooves began to clop rhytmically. Raising her head, from her own hands, which had been rustligna nd massaging her temples previously, the dracokin finally picked up on the approaching noise. [i]We're not the only ones here? The hell.! That's not the sound of some gang or small group! Those are waaaaaay too many footsteps! Damnit, can't stay here... And thes guys are like, no help at all. Look at them! They looked as if they've only just cleared the tutorial-section! Can they even fight or defend themselves? Wait, maybe we don't need to fight... These fools are the only ones who know anything about me being in that crystal. And even then, it's only like, four of them! If they all keep their yaps shut, maybe we can just talk our way out?[/i] Pondering the possible ways to escape the inevitable confrontation that was to come, Serafaye began heading eastward as well, walking at a brisk pace. Ironically, she seemed to move faster than what her motions suggested, it actually looked a bit unnatural. But such was often the case when you had magic items equippe, in particular ones that enhanced your movement speed. [center][b]Central Ruins, northern Main Road[/b][/center] "Captain! Scouts are reporting that they've spotted individuals at the center of the ruins!" "Any sight of the fallen star, or treasure?" "No sir! So far they've only seen a small group of what looks to be adventurers." "Hmm... They might have already claimed the prize, and hidden it on themselves." "Sir, your orders?" "Right. Begin putting spearmen in the backalleys and narrow streets leading into and away from the main plaza! Make sure to stop anyone who attempts to leave. If they resist, kill them! Otherwise, capture them and bring them to the General at the west gate. Send this order to the other forces approaching the center as well!" "Yes, sir!" The ,essenger bowed and ran off, leaving the captain with his red-plumed helmet to keep watching as his men advanced, in orderly and tidy formation. Well, as orderly and tidy as was possible on a cracked, pot-hole-littered road full fo fallen debris, crumpled columns and archways, and broken-down pillars and walls. They would shortly reach the final stretch before marching into the Royal Plaza of these Forgotten Ruins. [i]Less than two minutes later...[/i] [center][b]Central Ruins, eastern Main Road[/b] [i]Thwock![/i] "Message for you, sir!" "Mm, good." A shaggy Imperial captain took the piece of paper that had been relayed by arrow. Unfurling it, his beady black eyes read the note, grumbled something and then crumpled the letter into a ball before tossing it over his shoulder. "[b]All troops, halt![/b]" He bellowed. At once, the eastern forces stopped dead in their tracks, still and silent, awaiting their new orders. The captain scatched his bearded chin, surveying the area ahead of them, before speaking loud and clear. "Spearmen, take up positions in the alleyways and narrower streets. Point your spears in towards the city center. Don't let anyone pass. The rest of you, hold this position and form a solid wall, shields and swords in front, archers behind. Anyone coming this way is to be stopped! If they don't surrender, or resist, eliminate them!" "[b][i]SIR![/i][/b]" The booming respojnse of the soldiers sent a slight echo down the otherwise empty main road ahead. The noise of clanking and clinking metal as the soldiers fanned out and began to set up their new formation was underway. Soon, anyone who tried to take the narrow backstreets and alleys to avoid the main road would find themselves face-to-face with Imperial lancers, forming a tight and prickly obstacle like an overgrown porcupine blocking the way. Those who tried to leap from building to building or run along the roofs would find that the archers down below ere not hesitant at all to loose arrows upon anyone trying to bypass the blockade. It was now just a waiting-game for the Empire. No matter who came, or which direction they went, unless they could fly or turn invisible, they'd eventually run into the Imperial Army... And then, it'd be checkmate! ... At least, that's what the Imperial Officers believed.