Day 7 AFP 8:00 AM

[Video Message from Admiral Arthur Radford:

Usually, Mash Royce would make these announcements as our spokesperson. But the weight behind this message requires a high-ranking member of the UGP's core decision-makers to highlight its importance to all Tamers within our territory.

Around a dozen hours ago, a rescue mission was authorized to extract a Tamer from Saint Petersburg in Russia. The city had been infested with Metal Bird Monsters since Day 1 AFP. Unfortunately, as some of you already know, most of its residents fell victim to those creatures with very few survivors.

Tamer Asher Williams was one of the lucky survivors who battled the monsters in the city alone for five days. Despite the odds favoring against the fifteen-year-old boy, he alone held his ground against several hundreds of Bird monsters while also inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.

My Russian counterpart had recently released a video highlighting the uniqueness of both Asher and his monster's abilities. Though I still doubt their divine nature, I firmly believe the boy and his monster are unique and deserve all of our attention.

Even with heavy casualties suffered by the bird monsters, they still numbered under several hundred by the fifth day. This is because they would summon new monsters to replace their dead, and thus this was not a battle of attrition Asher could win on his own.

Regardless of these details, I and my counterparts decided that Tamers with extraordinary combat abilities would be first on the list for global rescue operations. Though it is a harsh statement to hear for those who are still waiting for our Tamers to rescue them, I cannot hide the truth of our desperation.

We decided to spare five exceptional Tamers who possessed skills beneficial for infiltration and combat against hordes of monsters at night. Naturally, we cannot reveal all the details of this mission, but there was one Tamer whose contribution must be acknowledged.

That Tamer is the famous Knight of Bees whose prowess in air close-combat was naturally selected for this mission. Sadly there wasn't anyone nearby to record his triumph this time. Though his gains from this mission will soon be made public after he has had some time to rest and recover.

The Knight of Bees and his team completed their objectives without suffering a loss of life. They eliminated close to ninety percent of the monsters infesting the ruins of Saint Petersburg, despite unexpected complications that arose in the mission.

But one of those complications provided revelations that deserve everyone's attention regardless of whether it should have been classified as top secret under the death penalty if the governments were still around.

If Tamers wipe out most of the monsters guarding the area around the pink pillars. Then, it will trigger that bastard Fluffals to summon a Pillar Guardian to guard the passage that leads to the world where the monsters came from. They are the direct puppets of Fluffals and are at a level beyond our current capabilities to neutralize.

They had encountered a twenty-foot Tall Metal Bird Monster that had the power to separate the six metal blade wings on its back into floating Chakrams. Those weapons could slice through Titanium and move independently as if they had their own will.

Furthermore, the Guardian possessed a Metal manipulation ability on its fallen brethren's weapons, armor, and body parts to create a thirty-meter tall metal monstrosity in the form of a Winged Gryphon. The city had been reduced to rubble in minutes after its appearance.

As you all know, the Knight of Bees is a metal type that left him at the mercy of the Guardian. Moreover, Asher William's skills were ineffective against the Guardian's ability to nullify lightning. Thankfully we had a Tamer on the team who specialized in manipulating and communicating with the minds of Bird Monsters.

Through this ability, the Pillar Guardian's fragmented soul was restored. It unintentionally re-awakened its hatred for Fluffals, which allowed taking back control over its body.

It then resisted killing our Tamers, who Fluffals wanted dead while at the same time transferring information that detailed vital intelligence about the origins and capabilities of our shared enemy.

The Pillar Guardian's soul was a warrior who desired redemption for the atrocities he inflicted in service of Fluffals. His defiance allowed our Tamers to escape the city and link up with the Russian fleet waiting to pick them up. Though I am told his soul was erased when Fluffals regained control of his body.

Such a soul deserves our respect and gratitude and not our hate. Thus after much deliberation among the top UGP officials, we have decided to honor the soul of the Pillar Guardian by sharing the knowledge it gave us.

First, all the pillars are connected to worlds within alternate Earth timelines or realities. I know this sounds impossible, but how else can we explain the origins of the monsters that are so similar to Earth Fauna. Even if we follow the theory of parallel evolution, the resemblance to the creatures of our world is uncanny.

All the monsters species that came through the pillars belong to a faction known as the Enslaved, who follow Fluffals commands. The rest remain free in their versions of Earth though they have been reduced to a minority and cannot stop their Enslaved brethren from invading other worlds.

The monsters we fight here on Earth are cannon fodder used to wear down our military strength or test our capabilities as a species. Once our war potential is determined, the main forces serving Fluffals will arrive in the second wave to carry out the enslavement in mass.

Yes! A second wave will arrive within a few years when we defeat all the Monsters Pillar Guardians and capture the Pink Pillars. However, we are unsure if new pillars will appear or the old ones will be recaptured. Either way, a second wave is inevitable.

But the second wave will not stop with just killing the local population around the pillars. Instead, it will focus on subjugating our species until we are no longer capable of fighting back.

From the information we acquired, the other monster species attacking our homelands have been victims. Their worlds are being harvested to fuel the war machine that stretches across time and space.

This is a grand campaign of conquest across multiple timelines and realities, with our Earth being the latest to be targeted by Fluffal's Enslaved Legions. As to why he is doing this, we have no clue. But the UGP and the Tamer Battalion forces will not let that Pink bastard get our world under his control, even if we have to take measures that might seem cruel.

Those who suspected that the Monster app has something to do with Fluffals grand plan are right!

From the intel we received, we can confirm that a mysterious device had made an appearance around the time the Pink Pillars of light fell on the world of the Bird Monsters. It granted them the abilities required to combat the invaders and bring back stability to their world before the second wave arrived. The story sounds eerily similar to ours, doesn't it?

Don't be rash and do something stupid like throwing your phones away. Over a century, our military power has been thrown back without satellite and high-speed communications. Moreover, our forces are low on morale after witnessing all our high-tech weapons fail to do enough damage.

The mission to rescue Tamer Asher Williams has proved to the UGP leadership that a few civilian Tamers with the right skillset can take out several hundred monsters. 

They needed the proper guidance and resources to direct them to a battlefield that suited their skills.

Their mission accomplishments have reaffirmed my belief that inducting Tamers into the military is the best choice no matter the risks of who has empowered them.

But that doesn't mean we will let Tamers run free to do whatever they like with their powers. On the contrary, the UGP is now imposing a Multinational Martial law aimed at policing Tamers who abuse the powers they have received from Fluffals.

Any Tamer in our territory who dares to use their monster skills to harm a non-Tamer civilian will receive a visit from the Tamer Battalion. They will be deployed to confiscate their Monster app phone from these criminals who might be a potential candidate for enslavement.

Do not take this law lightly, as it might be a factor that will turn a Tamer into one of Fluffal's Enslaved. But, even if you do not believe in this theory, my counterparts and I have made this decision to protect the citizens we swore to protect.

Thus, any Tamer who refuses to surrender their phones when found guilty of indiscriminate manslaughter or found to be a menace to society by using their powers will receive the death penalty on sight.

Ignore this law at your own peril!]

The Admiral's face had turned red with anger as he ended the video message. He switched off his phone, placed it on the table, and tried to calm down. He was sitting at the head of the conference room table in his flagship. Zao, Braian, Angel, Asher, and the Vice-admiral were also seated at this large table.

Braian and Angel looked nervous and uncomfortable, while Zao and Asher seemed to be in their own little worlds. All four of them are wearing the new UGP Officer Tamer uniforms.

They wore Black slim-fit coats with golden lining and a six-winged flaming phoenix on their backs. It was a fusion between Darius the Bastard's pillar guardian form, Zao's bee colors, and Dale's monster partner's outline.

This was now the official logo of the Tamer Battalion. The Admiral had designed it himself because it would strip away the civilian aura that hovers over the Tamers when they walk around in civilian clothes.

The Admiral poured himself a cup of miracle Tonic-Water and took three refills before letting out a relieved sigh.

Admiral Arthur Radford. "I hate making long speeches, especially if I have to be angry to make a point. It isn't good for my throat or my blood pressure. But if I left it to Mash, he wouldn't have approved the tone of what had to be said. Especially that last part!"

Zao. "Speaking of Mash... why weren't the rest of the council summoned here for this meeting?"

Admiral Arthur Radford. "They have been given different assignments to handle. Anyways what I wish to discuss only concerns those of you here. First off, I want to congratulate you on a job well done and reward some of you with an official military rank."

Angel. "Only some of us get a rank?"

Vice Admiral. "Don't speak unless given permission!"

Angel. "Sorry-"

Vice Admiral. "I said don't speak!"

Angel looked a bit upset, but she restrained herself when the Admiral got up and walked over to her seat. He held a small box in his hands which he opened and presented her with a medal and badge that denoted a military rank.

Admiral Arthur Radford. "Angel, as I said in the speech. Without your ability and willpower, the mission would have ended in failure. From Braian's detailed mission report, you are the key player in helping him obtain the enemy intel.

By possessing Braian's body while attempting to brainwash the pillar guardian, Braian could record Darius's life memories when it was sent over to you. You have given the UGP and Tamers worldwide a glimpse into Fluffals plans for us.

Your ability to bond with birds from childhood had stopped the Guardian from killing your team and the mission. You have saved not only their lives but also gave Darius a voice he had been denied for centuries.

I am rewarding you with the first Lieutenant rank for all those merits. Congratulations!"

Angel stared in surprise at the medal and badge pinned on her uniform by the Admiral. She then turned her head towards Braian with tears forming in her eyes.

Braian looked a bit uncomfortable, but he smiled back awkwardly.

Admiral Arthur Radford. "Now it is Braian's turn. Where to begin? You should have told us that you had perfect memory recollection ability before the mission. Luckily, it could be appropriately used by pairing up Angel's ability.

If you hadn't had that skill, we would not have learned a thing beyond a few confused glimpses mentioned by Angel about Darius. But, knowing about your natural ability, I am afraid you will now be stuck with Angel as her Captain in every mission that requires both your skills.

I hope you two can work something out to work together professionally."

The Admiral then pinned on Braian's uniform a medal and the badge rank of Captain.

Angel. "Braian! What did you tell him about us?"

Braian looked confused and shook his head. The Admiral chuckled before breaking out in laughter.

Admiral Arthur Radford. "I am almost sixty-five years old. I have seen enough married couples who cannot stand each other, let alone share everything about who they truly are inside. The fact that the two of you can share the same headspace and body requires some deep affection, don't you think?"

Angel. "Did... did he tell you about-"

Admiral. "He doesn't have to tell me that you have something you wish to keep hidden. I had already inquired into your past and know everything about you. Moreover, I was the one who recommended your profile to Commander Ethan. So don't worry about anything. The UGP will make sure to keep everything top secret. Both of you are dismissed, but you will have to come back here tomorrow to receive your next mission."

Both Braian and Angel saluted the Admiral before leaving the conference room. The Admiral sat back down at the head of the table before resting his eyes on Asher.

Admiral Arthur Radford. "Asher, you know why we saved you, right?"

Asher. "I saved myself before you Tamers found me. They nearly killed me by dropping the ceiling on top of me."

The Admirals and Zao were surprised by Asher's tone. The boy's eyes were full of anger like someone else possessed him.

Admiral Arthur Radford. "Boy, you remind me of my grandson with that tone, but as far as I am aware, you aren't usually this hostile towards people. Explain to me what is troubling you."

Asher. "My caretakers were killed by that bird Demon, and you dare to praise it in your speech? You even made it part of the Battalion logo!"

Zao. "Asher, I was there too. Even I was helpless, and Darius was not controlling his body when they were killed. They shouldn't have come out of that Bunker when they did."

Asher's face twisted in anger at the recollection of their bodies being bisected by those giant wing chakrams. But then he took several deep breaths to calm himself down.

Asher. "They both called me a monster when I tried to tell them it was Aaron who ate those bird monsters. I can't believe they are gone now, and I can never tell them how much they meant to me or ask for their forgiveness."

Asher let out some tears. He had been holding it in and not trying to think about the deaths of his caretakers, who had been by his side for several years. But now, he felt he could not keep it in any longer.

Zao. "Asher, I lost my Father, Uncle, Grandfather, and most of my family on the first day of the apocalypse. I didn't get to say goodbye to them even though a part of me still believed they were alive in some bunker under Beijing. But I redirected all that anger into my blades when fighting monsters and never held it inside. It is not healthy for your mind to dwell on the lost."

Asher looked at Zao and felt a familial connection he wasn't expecting to find. He rubbed his red eyes and let out a tired breath.

Asher. "Sorry, I am grateful for you and the others for risking your lives to save me from that place. They are both with the Lord in heaven now, so I will try to move on. My uncle must be looking forward to seeing me, so I will go now to his office."

Zao. "About that... I think you should see your half-brother first."

Asher. "What, Sergei? But he is-"

Zao. "Sergei has lost his family too, maybe being around him will be good for you."

Asher. "Will he want to see me? Our father stopped visiting me when Sergei found out about me."

Zao. "Actually, Sergei is the one who asked me to bring you back here to meet him. So he won't be surprised to see you."

Asher's eyes lost focus as all his memories of imaginary first meetings with his half-brother were replayed. Finally, he shook his head to bring himself back to the present and smiled slightly. He then looked towards the Admiral.

Asher. "Before I go, then there is something I wanted to say to the leader of UGP. I wish to be a healer of the damned souls of Tamers and bring them back to the path of the light like what Tamer Zao just did for me."

Everyone in the room paused and tried to process what they had just heard.

Vice-Admiral. "You want to do what?"

Asher. "I want to set up a holy church to teach Tamers the way of Lord to help the powerless and give them a greater purpose than combating monsters. Will you allow me to do that here?"

Asher's face looked determined. Aaron's gaze gave a hint that caused the men sitting in the room to feel a chill down their spines.

Admir Arther Radford and his Vice-admiral looked at each other in confusion, but they both shrugged.

Admiral Arthur Radford. "As long as it does not interfere with a Tamer's schedule, they can do whatever they want in their free time. The Vice-admiral can show you an abandoned church in Seward where you can hold your... a congregations."

Vice Admiral. "Well, I doubt there are many religious people to go to that place, but how do you plan on getting the Tamers to go there to listen to you?"

Asher. "I will find a way. All I need is a place to begin building my sanctuary with Aaron's help."

Admiral Arthur Radford. "Ah yes, your monster can talk like a parrot. Well, I guess he could help you attract many people who want to talk to a Dinosaur."

Asher. "That is a great idea! Thank you! Now show me the way to my brother's room, please."

The vice Admiral escorted Asher out of the conference room and left the Admiral to stare at the last remaining occupant in the room.

Admiral Arthur Radford. "How are Ethan and Jia doing?"

Zao. "Both have recovered, but I think Jia still feels guilty that she was too weak to come back to help me fight the monsters."

Admiral Arthur Radford. "That woman is to be your wife if I am right?"

Zao. "Well, she is supposed to be marrying the Chairman of China. But I am not sure I want to be the leader yet."

Admiral Arthur Radford. "Zao... I know that position is not easy, but someone will eventually have to fill it. Taking too long could upset the UGP alliance if someone else gets tired of waiting for you."

Zao. "It's only been a week!"

Admiral Arthur Radford. "In one more week, there may not be a Chinese army willing to follow you. I have done my best to supply your Generals with info related to the power you now wield, but it will not make them hesitate forever."

Zao. "Actually, I think the reason the bomb in the transport ship exploded early was them trying to get rid of me."

Admiral Arthur Radford. "Even with my old age, military and political experience, I did not consider that some of your Generals were secretly trying to get rid of you. The great purge during the Cold War had removed those elements that weren't loyal to your family, so it was a surprise. Thankfully you survived and grew stronger. Now use that newfound power to put those generals back in their place before the alliance is broken."

Zao. "If I become a Chairman, I will have to give up being a Tamer. I won't be able to fly or fight anymore."

Admiral Arthur Radford. "Ah, so that is it... you are worried you will lose all the freedoms you enjoy now."

The Admiral paused to recollect some memories before continuing.

Admiral Arthur Radford. "Sometimes, being grounded is liberating in different ways. I used to be a navy air pilot till they clipped my wings thirty years ago. I thought my life was over, but I sucked it up and became the damn Admiral of the Pacific fleet. If i hadn't, someone else might have done a worse job than me, and there would never be a UGP."

Zao took that message and found some comfort in it. Commander Ethan johnson had said the exact phrase before their mission began. But Zao frowned as a thought struck him that kept bothering him.

Zao. "I still want to be the one to go to the Bunker in Beijing and confirm if my family is dead or alive."

Admiral Arthur Radford. "As a Tamer, you can fight a few hundred monsters with your swords, but as the head of all China, you can move a mountain with a word, Zao."