Chapter 14:laura's new power

On a hot, sunny day outside the Crimson Wing headquarters, Laura was fishing in a small river that had no fish, in fact it was just a puddle of water from last night's rain, and she hadn't realized it yet. Laura yawned as she continued to focus on holding her fishing rod, everyone who passed by chuckled when they saw her doing that, they didn't want to disturb her in her solitude.

Laura heard footsteps approaching her slowly, she looked back and saw Lisa there, Lisa was standing next to her who was relaxing doing her activities.

Lisa took a letter out of her pocket and handed it to her.

"Take this, don't open it until you are summoned by Voltrania this afternoon."

Laura looked up at her and felt a little worried. "Am I in trouble? I didn't do anything wrong."

Lisa shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know, you'd better find out for yourself. By the way, why are you fishing in a puddle?"

Laura immediately stood up hearing this. "What? Puddles? No wonder I haven't caught a damn fish in two hours." She said while continuing to grumble.

Lisa smiled when she heard that.

"Hehe, no one wants to disturb you to be alone. Anyway, don't worry about anything, you didn't do anything wrong and just come." Lisa turned around and left, leaving Laura alone there.

Laura pondered once again, why did Voltrania want to meet her even though she had done nothing wrong? Even though she had done many things for Crimson Wing correctly without making any mistakes, only time would tell. Laura sighed before tidying up her fishing equipment, she walked home to prepare herself to face Voltrania.

Meanwhile, Voltrania had returned to her room, she took out a box that was old and dusty in her cupboard, she brought it to the table and opened it. Inside the box was her old combat uniform from when she was still adventuring with Victoria, very short black trousers, torn one-legged stockings, a black crop top that looked like a bikini and a long white uniform with a red stripe along the legs without buttons or zippers on the front.

Voltrania felt that she wanted to wear it again to reminisce, she decided to wear her old uniform again, she immediately took off her clothes and changed them. A few minutes later, Voltrania walked to the mirror to check her body. Even though many years had passed, the clothes still fit her body perfectly.

Her stomach and navel were exposed to show the curves of her body which was full of scars, her shorts made her smooth thighs and legs look very long, her bikini-like crop top showed off her beautiful chest, her stockings were only one side and torn, making her look fierce in battle.

Voltrania looked at herself in the mirror with a bit of amazement, she felt more scary in this appearance, but she didn't want to tarnish her status as a judge and leader with this very revealing outfit. But she wanted to carry Victoria's memories by wearing this, after all no one could judge her performance during battle, she wanted to try experimenting by going around the base to see the reactions of all her subordinates, but before that she called Lily to her room.

Not long after, Lily entered Voltrania's room and bowed respectfully, she was wearing the typical Crimson Wing maid of honor outfit. "How may I help your majesty?"

Voltrania sat in front of the mirror and spoke evenly.

"Please cut and trim my hair, it's been a long time since I cut my hair this long."

Lily understood without needing to say much. She began to comb the long hair carefully, her skilled fingers untangling every tangled strand. Lily's every movement felt gentle, different from the tense atmosphere that often enveloped this room when Voltrania was dealing with state affairs.

As the scissors began to move, Voltrania closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the calm she rarely found. For her, this wasn't just a haircut—it was a moment where she could let go of the burden of being a ruler a little.

"You should take care of yourself more often, Your Majesty," Lily said quietly.

Voltrania opened her eyes, looked at her reflection in the mirror, then smiled faintly. "Maybe you're right."

The atmosphere in the room was so calm. The only sound was the occasional sound of scissors clicking and a comb untangling Voltrania's hair. Lily was very careful, not wanting to make the slightest mistake. She knows how important image is for the leader of the nation, Lyovianne, but she also knows that behind all that, Voltrania is still a woman who also needs care and attention.

After a moment, Lily stepped back slightly, examining the results of her cut. Voltrania's hair is now neater, the length is slightly below her back with the ends perfectly arranged.

"It's finished, Your Majesty," said Lily with a small smile. "I hope you like it."

Voltrania opened her eyes and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She ran her fingers through her hair, feeling its softness restored. A faint smile appeared on her face.

"Good. You did a good job, as usual."

Lily bowed slightly as a sign of respect.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. If you need any other treatment, feel free to call me."

Voltrania stood up and faced Lily.

"Lily, what do you think about my old clothes?"

Lily looked at her from head to toe to assess her.

"Hmm, I don't have any taste in fashion, but this outfit reminds me of Miss Victoria, you two used to wear this on adventures."

Voltrania nodded slowly.

"Well, now just the finishing touches"

Voltrania took one last item in the box, namely bright red pointed glasses, she put them on her eyes and looked back in the mirror. She was not only beautiful, but also cooler than before, she took her hair tie and tied her hair in a ponytail.

Now that she was ready to test it, she opened the door and walked out confidently while Lily followed her from behind Voltrania stepped through the main doors gracefully, wearing her old clothes—an open combat outfit that showed her stomach and thighs clearly. Everyone who saw it was immediately rooted to the spot.

The soldiers who were training stopped their movements. Some eyes widened, others lowered their heads quickly, trying to avoid direct gaze, afraid of being seen as impolite. Whispers started to spread between them.

"Is that... the clothes she used to wear?"

"I've never seen Her Majesty wear something like that since she became Supreme Court Justice."

"I didn't expect… her body is truly extraordinary. But isn't this too bold for a leader?"

Voltrania continued to walk with a flat expression, as if not bothered in the slightest by the stares and whispers around her. Her steps were steady, her posture remained graceful while Lily followed behind her, showing that she didn't need anyone's approval for the way she dressed.

Lily opened her tablet and checked the Voltrania activity list.

"Your Majesty, in a moment you must meet Laura in front of the headquarters."

Voltrania nodded calmly.

"I know, I'll be there, you call Cassandra and Lisa to meet me there too."

Lily nodded gently, she turned around and left Voltrania alone there, she wanted to call Cassandra and Lisa.

After some time. Voltrania, Cassandra and Lisa were waiting on the front steps of the Crimson Wing headquarters, they looked very serious as they stood there as people passed by, bowing their heads in respect as they passed them. They waited patiently for Laura's arrival. In the midst of the silence, the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard.

Laura came with a face full of anxiety, her hair was a little messy, and her breath was short because she had rushed so quickly after receiving an official call from Voltrania.

"Your Majesty! I'm already in front of you, if I may ask, What have I done? If there is a mistake I made, I am willing to accept punishment," she said while bowing his head deeply.

Voltrania looked at her with sharp eyes but did not show any emotion. She could clearly see the tension on Laura's face.

Lisa, who was standing next to her, noticed the unease and suppressed a small laugh before whispering.

"Just relax, you won't be punished."

Laura turned her head briefly, a little confused, but before she had time to ask, Voltrania's voice echoed throughout the courtyard. "Laura. Since you joined the Crimson Wing, you have demonstrated loyalty, courage, and intelligence in carrying out your duties. Based on our considerations and Lisa's recommendation, I determine that starting today, you will serve as the Second General of the Crimson Wing."

There was silence for a moment. Laura widened her eyes.

"W… What?"

Voltrania stared at her, her expression remaining cold.

"Are there any objections?"

Laura hurriedly shook her head. "No! Not at all, Your Majesty! I just… didn't expect…"

Lisa, who was still standing next to her, nudged her arm with a faint smile.

"Congratulations, Laura. Looks like you and I are now on equal terms."

Cassandra patted her shoulder.

"All the difficult missions you have completed have brought you to this level, congratulations."

Laura still found it hard to believe what had happened. Her chest was pounding fast, not because of fear, but because of an extraordinary feeling of pride. She swallowed hard and quickly knelt on one knee in front of Voltrania.

"I, Laura, swear that I will carry out my duties as Second General of the Crimson Wing wholeheartedly and will guard the honor of the Lyovianne nation with my life!"

Voltrania stared at him for a moment before nodding. She drew her sword, then with a smooth movement, touched the flat of the sword to Laura's right and left shoulders—an old tradition in high office coronations.

"From now on, you are the Second General. Make sure you don't disappoint me."

Laura raised her head and looked directly into Voltrania's eyes. Behind their leader's firmness, there was a glimmer of trust given to her. That was more than enough to strengthen her resolve.

Voltrania continued her words.

"But there is one more thing"

Laura looked at her curiously.

"What is that, your highness?"

Voltrania spoke calmly.

"The letter contains a certificate for your new apartment at headquarters, because your old room will be converted into a storage room for old things, so you have to move before sunset."

Laura was excited to hear that.

"Really? Thank you so much, Your Highness."

Laura bowed respectfully before walking away, she felt very happy because her old position was back even though it was from a different faction and the one she dreamed of, now she had a big responsibility on her shoulders.

The sky above the Crimson Wing headquarters began to darken, gripping the majestic building in an eerie atmosphere. After the coronation, Laura was still standing in the courtyard, trying to comprehend the enormity of the responsibility she had just been given. However, before she could calm her mind.

Lisa patted her shoulder with a serious expression.

"Come on. There's still one more thing you have to go through," said Lisa.

Laura turned her head in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Lisa didn't answer. She just motioned for Laura to follow her.

They walked through the corridors of the base, towards a training room that was rarely used except for something important. As soon as the large door to the room opened, Laura was shocked.

In the middle of the dimly lit room, Cassandra was waiting with her arms crossed. Her sharp eyes looked at Laura coldly, like an executioner who was ready to execute her. Behind her, Voltrania stood with her arms folded, observing with an unreadable expressions.

The atmosphere in the room felt heavy. The energy swirling within it made the hairs on Laura's neck bristle.

"Come in," Voltrania ordered.

Laura stepped forward carefully. Her eyes alternately looked at Voltrania and Cassandra, trying to understand what was going to happen.

"What's this?" She asked in a slightly worried voice.

Cassandra approached coldly. "Reinforcement. Something you must accept for your new position"

Before Laura could react, Cassandra moved fast like lightning. Her hand immediately shot to Laura's neck, gripping it with extraordinary strength.

GRACK! Laura gasped, her body lifted several inches from the ground. Her eyes widened, her breath strangled under the pressure of Cassandra's fingers.

"C-Cassandra! What are you—"

Before he could finish his sentence, something terrible happened. From Cassandra's palm, deep red energy began to seep out, saving Laura's body like poison dissipating from every vein. An excruciating heat immediately spread throughout her body, as if her blood was boiling in her veins.

"AAAAAAAHHH!!"

Laura screamed, her body arching in pain. The Crimson energy that Cassandra channeled continued to seep in, burning through her muscle tissue, tearing apart her own energy balance. Lisa, who was standing next to Voltrania, was silent, even though her eyes slightly saw Laura's suffering.

Meanwhile, Voltrania remained expressionless.

"This needs to be done," she stressed.

Just above Laura's chest, a pattern began to form—a tattoo of a polar bear's head with blood-red glowing eyes. The symbol looked like a wild beast on a rampage, filled with a wild power that Laura had never felt before. However, the process is far from easy.

When the tattoo was fully formed, the ice that Laura usually released changed color. The ice crystals that formed in the air were now blood red, as if they had merged with the Crimson energy that had just been infused into her body. Cassandra finally released her grip.

BRUCK!

Laura fell to the floor, her body sweating profusely. Her breath was short, her body was still shaking from the pain that had not completely subsided. She opened her eyes slowly, trying to understand what had just happened. A glance at the arm that now felt different—stronger, more powerful. But anger and confusion still dominated her.

"Why…?" Her voice trembled as she stared at Voltrania.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

Voltrania looked at her coldly before answering.

"Since you are no longer an ordinary soldier, you need strength commensurate with your responsibilities."

Laura held her hand. Crimson energy began to flow from the palm, forming sharp red ice shards. She could feel her new power, but the pain from this process still left scars on her body and soul.

Cassandra approached and looked down from above.

"Don't think this is over. You must learn to control your new power… or you will be destroyed by it yourself."

Voltrania stood up and walked over to her.

"I know it hurts, but it's a sign that you're one of us."

Laura was still panting on the floor, her body tired after receiving the Crimson energy from Cassandra. The blood-red polar bear head tattoo on her chest still felt hot, as if it had merged with her flesh. She stared at the symbol with a mixture of feelings—amazement, confusion, and a little anger.

But before she could express her protest, Voltrania stepped closer.

"You are not alone," said Voltrania in her characteristic flat voice.

Without hesitation, she showed off her toned stomach. There, a majestic dragon head tattoo was engraved, its shape seemed to be burning in deep red. The dragon's eyes looked sharp and full of authority, reflecting the figure of its owner.

"This tattoo is proof that I have also been through what you are going through or even more, Laura," she said.

"Every high ranking member of the Crimson Wing must have their own symbol, a mark that ties them to the power of this nation."

Laura looked at the tattoo in surprise. All this time, she never thought that Voltrania had such a sign.

Before she could say anything, Cassandra moved her hand, brushing her long hair to the side. On her neck, there is a tattoo of a black butterfly with wings streaked with red. "You think I branded you with that power just to hurt you?"

Cassandra looked at Laura with sharp eyes.

"I received the same thing many years ago. This is not a punishment, Laura. This is part of our tradition."

Laura was still silent, her mind still trying to digest everything. Lisa, who had been standing with her arms folded, finally took a breath before raising her arms. There, a dark red tattoo of broken wings was engraved, a symbol that looked tragic but full of meaning.

"We've all been through it," Lisa said in a softer tone than Cassandra. "This symbol is not only a sign of leadership, but also a reminder of the burden we carry."

Laura looked at the three women one by one. Despite their different shapes, all of their tattoos have one thing in common—a blood red color that reflects Crimson energy.

Now, she was starting to understand. This is not just a ritual. This is a tradition, a legacy passed down to those trusted as leaders in the Crimson Wing. The polar bear head tattoo on her chest is not a curse. It is an honor.

Laura gritted her teeth, staring at her palms which were now emitting red ice. She raised her head and looked at Voltrania.

"I understand, Your Majesty. I will accept this... and I will prove that I am worthy of it."

Voltrania nodded with satisfaction.

"Good. Because starting today, you are not just a general. You are part of the pillar that supports the Lyovianne nation."

Laura clenched her fists. There were many things she still had to learn, but one thing was certain—she would not disappoint the trust placed in her.

To be continued....