The Green Comet Unit readied itself, soldiers gathering with weapons in hand, while villagers forged arms in haste.
Elders assembled at the heart of Lagira, weaving a strange incantation, its aura glowing green.
At the gates, Commander Suwan, clad in armor, stood vigilant. He awaited assassins or a messenger from Aurik, his eyes fixed upon the blackened sky. Memories of the comet's transformation haunted him.
Suwan: "We cannot move freely... someone is killing all our messengers. And that cursed circus... it scatters us."
---
Meanwhile, in Aurik, Prince Asser had finished his plan.
Prince Asser: "Is there a chance to seek aid from outside forces?"
Jamih's voice was firm.
Jamih: "The tribes of the Luminous Tree may already be gathering their soldiers."
Sylvance looked at him in surprise.
Jamih: "Yes... Mowj created a fighting unit before his departure. Most likely, they await the signal to move."
Jaber leaned forward.
Jaber: "Then we shall send the girl of Linovard with the Crimson Knight."
Laika's eyes widened.
Jamih nodded toward Jaber.
Jamih: "She is ready."
Laika: "I had hoped the guild would move first..."
Sylvance: "They are ready. They fought bravely in the circus."
Prince Asser's decision was swift.
Prince Asser: "So be it. Send the girl of Linovard with the Red Knight, to the Luminous Tree Village. She will deliver the manuscript."
Jaber bowed.
Jaber: "As you command, Your Grace."
Asser glanced at Sylvance and Laika, nodding. Both departed, Sylvance first, Laika following.
The prince hurried into a chamber deep within the palace.
---
Jamih and Jaber exchanged looks.
Jaber (smiling oddly): "What troubles you? Have you realized my brilliance?"
Jamih (growling): "Silence."
Jaber: "We meet in four hours at the gate. I will prepare."
Jamih's voice was deep, heavy.
Jamih: "Very well."
He paused. Jaber watched him, but Jamih continued walking.
Jaber (muttering): "No thanks necessary..."
Aurik — The Crimson Call to War
The war bells tolled across the camps and garrisons. Soldiers and sorcerers gathered in ranks, while Sylvance stood at the forefront, greeted by the cheers of citizens.
Snow fell softly, blanketing the kingdom in silence.
Families bid farewell to their sons and daughters—some weeping, some smiling with pride, others trembling with both fear and honor.
The reaction of Aurik's people—the Ember Kingdom—was overwhelming.
Jamih watched as the armies prepared, fathers proud of their children marching to war.
---
Through the city streets, Laika walked beside Prince Asser, who wore his father's armor and carried his sword. Citizens showered him with petals, guards surrounding him as he advanced.
At last, he reached the Square of Ember, where a great fountain stood beneath the statue of his father.
Prince Asser drew his sword, raising it high. His voice thundered, silencing the crowd.
Prince Asser: "Today is no ordinary day! Today, the armies of Aurik shall march to answer Leona's call for aid! We will strike down the enemies who robbed us of those we love, who brought tears to our elders, our children, and our people without cause!"
The crowd fell silent, stunned. Some wept, elders smiled through tears, mothers clutched their sons bound for war.
The sorcerers fixed their eyes upon the prince.
Prince Asser: "I, Prince Asser, heir to Caesar, swear to end any who dare lay a hand upon you!"
The crowd erupted in cries of defiance.
Laika smiled, Jaber laughed, Jamih's gaze lingered upon the prince.
Prince Asser's eyes did not blink, his face marked by fury.
He bowed deeply.
Prince Asser: "Allow me to borrow your loved ones, your sons and daughters... to forge peace."
Families cried out, casting flowers, pledging their lives to Aurik and the crimson bloodline.
The towers blazed anew, fire roaring against the snow.
---
Among the crowd stood Jalmud, Razan, Karras, Rose, Klin, Samhar, Lamis—all present.
Prince Asser smiled faintly.
Mulham and Jawahir applauded, though fear lingered in others.
A guard knelt, his voice breaking.
Guard: "Promise us you will return safely, Your Grace! We cannot lose another Caesar. He bid us farewell with a smile... and never returned."
Prince Asser froze, stunned. The crowd roared louder.
Jaber, Jamih, Laika, and Sylvance closed in around him.
He glanced at the bracelet upon his wrist—the gift of Princess Kasra.
Jamih's men gathered behind him, while Karras arrived with his warriors.
Jamih strode toward the main gate, twin blades upon his back.
Prince Asser: "Jamih!"
Jamih halted.
Prince Asser: "We are with you. You are not alone. I understand your pain... but do not be reckless."
Jamih continued forward, his massive swords gleaming.
---
Jaber: "He has brought his old weapon..."
Jaber followed, waving farewell.
Jaber: "Expect joyous news soon! I promise a grand tea feast!"
Laika sighed.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Laika: "Just... don't kill yourself, please."
Jaber turned, smirking.
Jaber: "Me? Are you serious?"
Sylvance shook her head.
Jawahir and Mulham approached.
Jawahir: "Jaber... take care of yourself."
Mulham: "I'll be waiting! We'll drink to victory!"
Jaber grinned.
Jaber: "Prepare the wine! Jawahir, watch over the men when we return. My caravan always needs you."
Jawahir bowed.
Jawahir: "Of course."
Jaber noticed her trembling hands, smiled softly, and departed.
---
Prince Asser: "Just follow the plan we agreed upon."
Jaber: "Naturally, Your Grace. A merchant always presents his wares to his customers."
Sylvance: "Jaber... take care."
Jaber: "Always."
He marched with Jamih, Karras, and the assassins.
---
Prince Asser: "Karras goes with them... Jamih is furious, isn't he?"
Laika: "Yes... it's good we sent Jaber with him."
Aurik — The Departure
Prince Asser walked toward the palace, Laika at his side.
Prince Asser: "General Sylvance! I rely upon you. The royal family blesses your plans and every step you take. The army is under your command... until my return."
Sylvance placed her hand upon her chest.
Sylvance: "It is my honor. As general, I swear with all loyalty to lead our army... to victory."
Asser nodded and continued forward.
Snow fell gently as the army began its march. Citizens watched with tearful eyes. Mothers prepared food, offering it to their sons and daughters—soldiers and sorcerers alike.
Another unit prepared under Jalmud's command.
---
Within the palace, Laika entered a vast chamber surrounded by sorcerers. She stood within a white circle, beginning a fiery incantation.
Prince Asser paused, gazing at the departing army. His hand trembled until Princess Kasra grasped it.
She smiled, though fear lingered in her eyes.
Prince Asser: "Do not worry... your brother will see this through."
---
Outside, Rose and Klin bid farewell to Samhar and Lamis. Rose held her new Flak card, smiling.
Lamis: "I promise... I'll issue mine too, in record time."
Rose: "We'll be waiting!"
Samhar's voice was heavy.
Samhar: "Next time... I'll be with you. Promise me you'll return safely."
Klin: "Do not fear! We will return bearing greatness, honor, and nobility!"
Rose teased.
Rose: "Just learn how to use the bow in the next match."
Samhar flushed red.
Samhar: "Bow? I'm good at that!"
From behind, Wendy arrived carrying coats.
Wendy: "I made these for you, in this bitter cold."
Rose gasped, bowing deeply.
Rose: "Grandmother... I didn't expect you here."
Wendy chuckled softly.
Wendy: "It's fine. I used the last of the wool to make this coat for the great knight."
Klin donned it proudly.
Klin: "It is warm—crafted with honor and love!"
Rose sighed, smiling.
Rose: "May we all meet again in peace."
---
The guards called out.
Guard: "Girl! Your card is new—don't die so soon after earning it!"
Rose smiled.
Rose: "Don't worry!"
Guard: "Red Knight! Protect her well!"
Klin raised his voice.
Klin: "I, the Red Knight, swear by my honor to protect Lady Rose with nobility, devotion, and greatness!"
Rose blushed.
Rose: "Lower your voice!"
Mulham and Fadi laughed, waving.
From the shadows, Klin's sister Veronica appeared, embracing him tightly.
Veronica (tearful): "Promise me you'll be safe."
Klin: "Do not worry, my noble sister!"
Rose smiled faintly. Klin's family arrived, greeting him warmly. He bowed to them all.
Rose and Klin departed through the gates, bound for the villages of the Luminous Tree.
---
Leona — The Betrayal
Far away, near the borders of Leona, Aref, Sidney, and Rokhan rode swiftly across the snow.
Aref (shouting): "We'll cross Leona's borders in two hours!"
Sidney: "Understood!"
Six hours later, they reached the barren lands—an endless desert of snow.
Sidney blinked, leaping from her horse to evade a sudden blade. The horse staggered, collapsing, blood staining the snow.
Aref recoiled in shock.
Sidney: "Aref! Fall back!"
Rokhan turned, hurling sharp blades toward Aref.
Sidney drew her weapon, deflecting the strikes as she retreated.
Rokhan's lips curled into a smile. His eyes glowed with a sinister violet light.
The Betrayal at Aurik's Gates
From the portal, members of the Black Order surged forth, blades gleaming, rushing toward Aref.
Aref staggered back, panic in his eyes—until a storm of blue shots rained down, striking the attackers one by one. Bodies fell, others retreated in fear.
Rokhan vanished, reappearing before Sidney.
Sidney slammed her weapon into the ground, snow exploding outward. She aimed at the advancing soldiers, her strikes forcing them back.
Sidney (crying out): "Blazing Coral!"
Her weapon flared, unleashing a massive azure blast toward Rokhan. He vanished, leaving the strike to obliterate the Black Order soldiers, scattering them like ash.
---
Aref (furious): "Traitor! Rokhan! You sat with Namik for a reason!"
Sidney: "I knew he was a coward from the first glance at his eyes!"
Sidney unleashed a flurry of rapid strikes. Rokhan appeared again, hurling violet-shrouded blades. Sidney deflected, but wounds opened across her arms and stomach.
Sidney (gritting her teeth): "Damn him!"
She fired into the sky, drawing her sword.
Rokhan (mocking): "Do you call for help, little pirate? I'll kill you and that old counselor both!"
Blue shots rained down from above, crushing the Black Order ranks.
Sidney mounted her horse, dragging Aref with her, galloping at full speed. Rokhan pursued, portals opening around him, his horse tearing across the snow.
Sidney's eyes widened.
Sidney: "The walls of Aurik! We're close!"
But Rokhan's blades struck her back.
Aref (worried): "Are you alright?"
Sidney (smiling through blood): "It's nothing."
She struck again, her weapon blazing.
Sidney: "If you think your blades can kill a mad pirate like me—you're dreaming, wretch!"
---
Rokhan roared, leaping from his horse, unleashing a storm of blades. Sidney urged her steed faster, firing a colossal wave of azure energy.
Sidney: "The Raging Tide!"
A man appeared before her, smiling. She veered her horse down a dangerous slope.
Aref (shouting): "You're insane!"
Sidney (laughing, blood spilling): "That's why I'll win!"
Her strike hit Rokhan, sending him crashing down, blood spilling from his mouth.
---
Then, the Stranger appeared. Sidney leapt from her horse, leaving Aref behind.
Sidney: "We're close! Look at the walls! I trust you!"
Aref: "What? Are you mad?"
Sidney: "Don't worry!"
The Stranger smiled, surrounded by Black Order soldiers.
Stranger: "I admire your courage, pirate."
Rokhan froze, eyes wide.
Rokhan: "Loran?!"
Loran chuckled softly.
Loran: "Well done, Rokhan."
Rokhan bowed.
---
Loran advanced, bow and sword in hand.
Loran: "Shall we begin?"
Sidney's face hardened. She leapt back, firing rapid shots, but Loran was gone.
Loran (above): "I'm up here."
Sidney looked skyward. Loran's bow ignited with gray fire, a black aura swirling.
Loran (whispering): "Arrow of Destruction..."
He loosed the shot, snow exploding.
Sidney countered.
Sidney: "Wrath of the Seas!"
Azure energy clashed with shadow, the collision hurling her into the air.
Loran appeared before her, sword cloaked in darkness. She blocked, crashing to the ground.
He vanished, reappearing above, bow drawn.
Loran: "Arrow of Despair."
From the arrow, a monstrous entity emerged, lunging at Sidney.
Blood spilled from her lips, yet she smiled, firing once more. Her strike was swallowed, redirected toward her.
The explosion consumed the battlefield in fire and shadow.
---
Rokhan grinned, watching from afar. He pursued Aref, loosing a blade into his back.
Aref tried to evade, but the strike hit true. He fell from his horse, crashing into the snow.
The Clash of Shadows and Seas
Rokhan lunged, laughter echoing, his blade poised—only for a hand cloaked in a terrifying aura to seize him.
The Strange Knight had returned, his violet aura swirling like a storm. Aref froze, fear etched across his face.
Rokhan (shocked): "You? What are you doing?"
Knight (cold laughter): "Pathetic..."
The knight's enchanted sword pierced Rokhan, violet energy tearing through the cavern. Rokhan collapsed, his body shriveling into emptiness.
The knight turned to Aref.
Knight: "Move."
Aref staggered to his feet, blood streaming from his back, forcing himself onward. He mounted his horse, continuing his desperate ride.
---
Meanwhile, Loran unleashed a barrage of explosive strikes upon Sidney. Her body was drenched in blood, hiding within the dunes of snow.
She leapt forth, firing a radiant azure blast. Loran deflected it with his sword, the impact detonating violently.
Loran (mocking): "You pirates... struggling in the ice, lost beyond the seas. Pathetic."
Sidney (smiling through blood): "Say what you will, monster."
From above, Loran fused his sword into his bow, black aura engulfing him.
Loran: "Final words? Sword of Death!"
A monstrous strike surged toward Sidney, snow and air scattering.
Sidney coughed blood, but stood tall, her weapon glowing with azure fury. Her eyes blazed blue.
Sidney: "Wrath of Valina!"
Her colossal blast collided with Loran's attack. The clash erupted in a devastating explosion. Sidney was hurled back, blood pouring, her eyes closing.
Loran evaded her strike, landing upon the ground.
Loran: "Kill her."
But then—he froze. The Black Order soldiers around him dissolved into nothingness.
---
Loran (startled): "So... you haven't given up? Admirable, but useless."
He drew another arrow, only for a Knight of Mist to appear.
Loran (in disbelief): "You? What are you doing here?"
The knight chuckled softly, gazing at Sidney's unconscious form.
Knight: "Step aside, fool. You're in my way."
Loran aimed his weapon, then lowered it.
Loran: "I don't know what you're planning... but consider this a warning."
He vanished into shadow.
---
The knight lifted Sidney, her eyes fluttering open, blood spilling from her lips.
Sidney (weakly): "Damn it..."
Her vision cleared—before her stood Sylvance, with a massive army arrayed behind her.
A soldier cried out in awe.
Soldier: "General... she lives! She has awakened!"
Sylvance stepped forward, her expression hardening.
Sylvance: "You...?"
·
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Special Song for Sidney!