Threads of the Soul

Chapter 462 - 462: Eagle Squad

As soon as the eagles talons touched the ground, groups of three men leapt off the backs of the six eagles present. Their boots echoed from their synchronised footfalls as they swept the area with their guns, each movement telling a story of their military training and backgrounds.While most of the governments faltered in the face of the apocalypse, America had kept hold of a fraction of its military might. Although even if it was a mere fraction, considering the size of the whole it had once been, that was still a considerable amount.

Much like their tactics, their armour was based off traditional old world military garb, with camouflage uniforms that didn't actually hid them very well, shiny black boots and helmets in case the beasts decided to pick up guns and return fire. Honestly, it was a little ridiculous to look at in contrast to the fantastical medieval armour and Wyvern that were also present.

Thankfully, they had made some innovation when it came to adopting the fashion of the new world. Instead of basic bullet proof vests, they had used the plates from some kind of armoured beast across the chest and on the limbs for added protection.

A few of them showed irregular traits in their physical appearances. Odd coloured skin, extra pairs of eyes, a plate covered tail that poked out the back of their wonderful camouflage outfits. The sort of things that made it clear they had tread down the path of evolution, then firmly dug in their heels after the first step.

The uniformity of their equipment was no coincidence, it was crafted. None of the military men used Requitals, and possibly didn't even own any. It wasn't surprising though.

Angel had once told Seth that the system would never provide them with guns, that they were deemed too basic and idiotic to use. Perhaps, with the revelation that they were created to be pawns for traitor gods, this explanation wasn't the entire truth.

But either way, guns were looked down upon by the system. It wouldn't be a far stretch to think that Requitals, which were given as a strange reward, would be absent from those who relied heavily on guns.

If Seth had voiced his suspicisoins, he would have found out from Xander himself that it was true. The New United States of America, or NUSA, had a serious deficit when it came to Requitals and an overreliance on their crafted equipment.

Most of their citizens didn't even learn how to use their abilities properly, as they didn't think it was necassery if they could just shoot something in the face. Which was fine in the beginning, but as the beasts began to grow stronger and bullets became less effective, it was a disaster waiting to happen.

The fact that Xander had even reached Celestial was a miracle in itself, but also expected with how little resources were being used by others.

Thankfully, there was one who stood out amongst the crowd of generic soldiers dramatically sweeping, clearing and securing the already secured area. The man that dismounted the leading eagle was much more normal.

That is, if you consider a coat made out of a giant Loin's skin over the top of leather armour to be normal. Which in Seth's case, he sort of did.

This man had his bare arms revealed by his sleeveless armour, no doubt to show off his large and muscular arms, but it also showed the multiple runic tattoos ingrained into his skin. Requitals.

His eyes were intense as they scanned over those present. The way he examined the area, and the way he generally held himself, reminded Seth of some kind of predator. That intense gaze lingered on Nixie for a few moments, his eyes narrowing as if he was curious and studying her.

Thankfully though, he didn't linger for very long nor was it the type of 'predatory' gaze that a father had to worry about. If it was, this strange man would have found himself on his back having his eyes gouged out in no time.

When his eyes landed on Seth, however, his expression shifted from the serious, predatory glare to one of fear and panic. Less predatory, and more prey-like. He swayed slightly and staggered back as if he had been clobbered over the head.

His face rapidly changed colour, from the sun-kissed brown to a sickly green, as he looked like he was ready to puke. In an attempt to hold it all in, he quickly diverted his gaze away from Seth and found himself looking at Corvus.

That was when he finally couldn't handle it any longer. His suave and cool entrance, the intimidating air that he carried and the dramatic entrance he and the soldiers had created with their landing. All of it went completely out of the window as the odd man immediately whirled around, raced to the line of corn and started to heave up his lunch.

Seth gave the man a strange look. Sure, his appearance wasn't the most appealing, but surely he wasn't that bad, right? Xander seemed to pick up on the same assumption that Seth had, causing him to clear his throat awkwardly and rub Seth's shoulder in reassurance.

Seriously... What was it with Extroverts and not understanding physical bubbles?

"Well, That's an unfortunate sight," Xander said with an awkward laugh, "I'm sure he just got a little air sick, that's all. We've all done it now and then from an intense aerial fight, right?"

"Yeah, right..." Seth half-heartedly agreed.

Xander patted his shoulder again and finally let the pair of them go, as he moved over to scold his man on his behaviour in the half whisper, half shouted tone most 'inconspicuous' scoldings had.

Seth narrowed his eyes at the man suspiciously, watching the way he kept glancing at him in fear and panic despite the scolding. This wasn't just because of his face. This guy had seen something more.

And judging by the silver glint in his vertical slit eyes, he had a sneaking suspicion of what it was.