The meeting hall barely resembled a war room.
White banners draped from the ceiling. Soft gold lighting washed over polished floors. Soldiers moved back and forth carrying trays of food, floral arrangements, and holographic projectors.
Commander Marza stood near the entrance, arms crossed.
"This is unnecessary," she said flatly. "We're discussing missing citizens and military losses."
Empress Jezrell turned from the window, eyes bright.
"It's not unnecessary," she replied. "It's important."
Marza frowned. "A banquet sends the wrong message."
Jezrell smiled gently. "No. It sends hope."
She gestured around the room. "These people live behind iron walls. They hear sirens more than music. If I ask them to endure, I should at least remind them what they're enduring for."
Marza sighed. "You're too kind for this world."
Jezrell laughed softly. "That's why you're here to protect me."
The lights dimmed.
The meeting began.
A massive holographic screen flickered to life at the front of the hall.
Gigan's image appeared first, calm, confident, familiar. The leader of the West World Explorers Coalition looked every bit the hero the people believed him to be.
Beside his projection shimmered another figure.
Lux Wig.
Immaculate suit. Polished smile. Eyes sharp enough to count profits mid-sentence.
"Empress Jezrell," Gigan said warmly. "It's good to see you well."
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"And you," Jezrell replied. "Dragon Hive remains grateful for your guidance."
Lux gave a polite nod. "Stability benefits us all."
Marza stepped forward.
"We have confirmed thousands of missing civilians," she said. "Including over five hundred soldiers. Additionally there are still parasites running rampant in the Shibuya and Shogon area.."
Lux's smile never wavered. He fixed his gaze to the Empress.
"Unfortunate," he said. "But you have yourself to blame Empress, you should have died already."
Jezrell shifts her gaze away, shame over took her.
Lux: “My patience is running out, Empress. You have given me no child, and yet my corporations will continue to supply your kingdom with food, housing, and infrastructure. Even so… you and the people of Dragon Hive will continue to be punished for your disrespect toward business.”
Jezrell glanced at him. "The people matter."
"Of course." Lux said smoothly. "Healthy workers are profitable workers, but all employees and products must know their place."
Marza clenched her jaw. She said to herself, Gigan, what is happening, you fought along side my husband as a great hero in the battle of Arkvine, why did you call me to this island to be in business with a man like this, what is this coldness you have for human life.
Gigan raised a hand gently.
"Commander, there is still time for you to deliver the promise seed, hold up your end of the deal and in two weeks suffering will be nomore."
The room went still.
"two weeks." Jezrell echoed.
"Yes," Gigan said reassuringly. "The war effort is progressing. Victory takes patience. But to maintain power and control over the parasites we need your Philo ability the Consenter."
Jezrell "I understand, I will give you the seed that you desire."
The call dropped.
Jezrell exhaled, relief washing over her face.
"The tie has come for me to pass on."
The broadcast went live moments later.
Every screen in Dragon Hive lit up at once.
Jezrell stood tall, voice steady.
"People of Dragon Hive," she began. "You are strong. Stronger than fear. Stronger than loss."
Images played behind her, students studying, workers building, soldiers standing watch.
"You have fought tooth and nail to protect one another. Our soldiers. Our students. Our families. I love you all."
She placed a hand over her heart.
"I have spoken with the West World Explorers Coalition. They have assured us the war will last only two more weeks."
Gasps. Cheers. Tears.
"Hold on just a little longer," Jezrell said. "A brighter future is coming."
High atop the Iron Wall, Mira watched the broadcast through a hovering hologram.
"...Two weeks," she whispered.
Other soldiers stared in awe.
Captain Arell didn't blink.
"Does that mean... we can finally live beyond the wall?"
No one answered.
In the lower districts, lights flared. Music rose. People hugged strangers.
Hope spread faster than fear ever had.
At a the Dragon carnival tucked between buildings, a rusted ride creaked softly as it spun.
Burajiru sat slumped in his seat, fast asleep.
His head rested against Plum's shoulder.
She didn't move.
A holographic screen flickered on nearby, Jezrell's speech washing over the plaza.
Plum watched in silence.
"...Two weeks," she murmured.
Burajiru stirred, mumbling in his sleep. "I'm just... chilling..."
She smiled faintly.
Above them, the lights glowed brighter than they had in months.
And somewhere unseen, something waited.