Within the House of the Alchemists…

A man sat on his imposing throne, with men and women bowing before him in a grand hall. The room buzzed with anticipation as the air grew thick with a sense of urgency.

“House leader, you summoned us?” One of the young men spoke, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and determination.

“Yes, an S-rank danger approaches us. All seven houses have formed an alliance, and we are tasked with crafting potions for the soldiers who will fight in the upcoming battle. Though we may lack conventional combat skills, as potion and medicine crafters, we possess the ability to defend ourselves, do we not?” The family leader spoke, his voice resonating with authority.

“Yes, Sir!” All the alchemists chorused, their voices brimming with confidence.

“Now, those who wish to participate in the fight, please proceed to that room. Those who choose to support the other six families by making potions, go to the other room. I harbor no ill will toward those who opt for potion-making; I appreciate your support for the house. Make your choice.” The leader commanded, his gaze sweeping across the room.

Immediately, the numbers split down the middle as some chose to create potions, while others elected to join the battle. Determination etched on their faces, they moved with purpose, their steps filled with resolve.

“Good. Those who will create potions may commence their work, and those who will fight, come with me.” The leader declared, rising from his throne and leading the way towards the other room. The alchemists who had chosen to fight followed him, their footsteps echoing with a sense of unity and bravery. 𝚍ｎ𝚘ｖ𝚕.𝚝

The family leader shed his coat, and all the family members who joined him in combat took their seats on wooden chairs. The room became a chamber of strategy, a crucible of war.

He unveiled a large blackboard, previously concealed by a cloth, revealing intricate drawings that showcased the upcoming battlefield. Symbols denoting undead forces clashed with those representing the Kingdom’s troops, while smaller circles designated the teams.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you have chosen to fight. I do not need to know your motivations, be it to project toughness or a desire for more excitement than making potions for others. What matters is that we are here together. Our house, known for generations of alchemy, has supplied potions to adventurers. But today, in this imminent war, we will not act solely as alchemists. We shall demonstrate our worth and prove that we too can fight. We are not mere alchemists at the beck and call of others’ orders. Do you agree with me?” The family leader asked, his voice filled with determination.

“Yes, Sir!” they all answered in unison, their voices resounding with conviction.

“Good. Now, let us discuss the strategy we will deploy in the upcoming battle.” The leader proceeded to explain the intricate details of the battle plan, his words instilling a sense of purpose and confidence in the hearts of his comrades.

Meanwhile, at the Martial House…

“Sir, please take a look at this.” Helix spoke, his voice filled with urgency, as he handed a screen to the leader of the Martial House. The screen displayed an ominous image of the Nightmare Forest, where the looming danger awaited.

“Yes, I know, Helix. I have already received the alliance policy paperwork from all the houses. Your efficiency in these matters seems to be declining.” The family leader spoke, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement as he signed the alliance papers.

“I apologize for my incompetence, sir,” Helix responded, his voice laced with a mix of remorse and determination.

“No problem.” The family leader reassured him, his voice calm and composed.

“I will immediately inform Madam Luna about this, sir.” Helix began to depart, his steps quickening as he prepared to relay the urgent information.

“She knows. She was the one who handed me the alliance papers.” The family leader informed him, his voice filled with confidence.

“Ah, is that so.” Helix stopped in his tracks, a look of surprise crossing his face. He realized that the pieces were already in motion, orchestrated by their formidable leader.

“Then, should I prepare the soldiers, sir?” Helix asked, his voice respectful as he sought guidance.

“No—” before the family leader could continue, the doors to his room swung open, and a werewolf girl wearing a knight’s armor entered, her presence commanding attention.

“Father, I’m here.” She announced, her voice laced with a sense of determination and loyalty, as she bowed before her leader.

This girl was none other than Luna herself, a warrior of remarkable skill and unwavering resolve.

Helix looked on, perplexed. He was the commander of the Martial House’s army, and after him, it was expected that the family leader’s first son would assume that position. But now, the second daughter of the house stood before them, donning the armor of the Head Knight Captain. The unexpected turn of events left Helix momentarily speechless.

“Sir, that is—” Helix began to speak, his voice filled with curiosity and confusion, but the family leader interrupted him, his voice commanding attention.

“Helix, meet your new Knight Captain, Luna Warwood.” The family leader introduced her with a sense of pride and admiration, his voice reflecting his unwavering confidence.

“Hello, Uncle Helix.” Luna greeted him with a warm smile, her voice filled with a sense of camaraderie and respect.

“H-Hello, Madam Luna.” Helix responded, his voice reflecting a mix of surprise and respect, as he struggled to comprehend the new dynamics unfolding before him.

“Your sound doesn’t sound good, Helix. Is something amiss? Are you unhappy that Luna has become the Knight Captain?” The family leader inquired, his voice filled with genuine concern.

“No, sir. That’s not it. I simply thought that Master ‘Alex’ would be the next Chief Captain after me.” Helix clarified, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and uncertainty.

“You are right, he will be the next captain, but he is far from home now and cannot return swiftly. That’s why I have assigned this position to Luna for the time being, and your task is to assist her. Instruct her in the basics of the battlefield and familiarize her with the enemy we are about to face.” The family leader explained, his voice emanating authority and wisdom.

“Yes, sir. As you wish. Please accompany me, Madam Luna.” Helix spoke, his voice filled with a newfound determination and commitment. He understood the weight of his responsibility and embraced it with unwavering loyalty.

Together, they ventured out of the room, a united front in the face of impending danger. As they walked side by side, Helix imparted his knowledge, sharing the intricacies of the battlefield and the tactics necessary to emerge victorious. Luna listened attentively, her eyes gleaming with determination and a thirst for knowledge.

Meanwhile, the family leader pondered the state of the kingdom, his mind filled with a mix of concern and determination. “What will become of this kingdom? If I am right, the king must have sent out a call for assistance to other continents by now. Let us see whether they will answer our plea for aid,” he mused, his voice tinged with a blend of hope and caution.

Returning to his paperwork, he resumed his tasks with unwavering focus and resolve, occasionally pausing to take a puff of his cigar, as he fortified himself for the challenges that lay ahead. In the face of adversity, he stood as the beacon of strength, guiding his house and his allies towards a brighter future.