IN THE White Center District, Ryker grew impatient, waiting in the Silver Mansion, holding his binoculars. He could see the skirmish going around because the flying dragons hovering around seemed restless. When he saw a massive fire shield enveloping the imperial palace, he knew it was time to go.Clad in his assassin’s cloak, he exited one tunnel connected to the Silver Mansion. He ordered everyone via communication crystal to mobilize.“Be careful, I can sense the presence of the Candela from here,” Ryker said.“Yes, my lord!” everyone answered simultaneously.The Candela was the mother orb of fire that gave the empire its tremendous power. And with the mother orb’s presence on the battlefield, they were at a great disadvantage. Even though members of the Akatasuna Guild were a force to be reckoned with.Blood had started to spatter as everyone from the reinforcement unit moved like the wind witho
NACHT, the man in a dark-hooded robe, ensured the safe passage of Ethros carrying Nyssa to the watchtower. He took advantage of the turmoil around him for Ethros to exit unnoticed, even though most of the high-ranking officials were specifically targeting the siblings. “Run faster!” Nacht muttered as he kept checking Ethros’ progress. When the emperor unleashed the gigantic magic circle, he was agitated about the safety of the two. He silently prayed that, by now, Ethros had already crossed the portal and exited Asterig. They must be away from the city as much as possible to be safe. Nacht was relieved when the massive magic circle was gone and the emperor, along with the king and the high mage, left the battlefield. “Deputy Chief!” A voice called him. It was not long when the scarlet-cloaked man came bearing the same insignia of the Akatasuna Guild. “Ryker!” Nacht immediately recognized the man, despite wearing a mask covering half of his face. “Are they safe?” Ryker asked
AS Jie approached the highest part of the watch tower carrying Nyssa, he was not expecting to see the princess standing beside the portal as if she were guarding it.“I was right, you were after the Luominen. I shouldn’t have told you about the Orb of Oblivion.” Princess Tzeitel’s face was nothing like the meek look she had when he first met her.The princess appeared strong and cunning, not the usual damsel in distress. But how could she recognize him now, even though he was under the imitation charm during the empress’ banquet?“Let us in, I don’t want to fight with you,” Jie warned. He remained calm as much as possible because alerting the Helios outside the watchtower would only put him and Nyssa in a difficult situation again.The princess chuckled. “Just like the others, you think I am weak. Anyway, I know your secret, Ethros Aridame.”“My secret?”“Or shall I say... Jie Tan?” Her lips quivered, and she added, “A traveler from another world.”Jie’s eyes widened in shock. “How di
THE warm temperature inside the portal made Jie calm his raging mind. He loosened up, thinking that he had been led into a trap. He walked in a straight path for a few minutes, but he felt like he was doing it for a long time. “Nyssa, we’re near the end of this. We’ll be free,” he mumbled as his grip on the little girl’s body tightened. Jie hastened his pace, and he reached the end of the portal. He suddenly materialized in an unfamiliar, barren forest. The gigantic trees were dried, and the burning sandy soil penetrated through his leather boots. “Is this in Asterig?” he asked himself. Jie recalled the masked man who helped him, and he imagined that the type of forest that would greet him was a lush one. He gazed around, looking for a possible water source to quench his thirst. He lost a lot of energy since they infiltrated the watchtower, and even though he successfully entered the portal, their safety was not yet guaranteed. Jie alerted his senses when he heard the snappin
FIRTH, CAPITAL CITY OF HANUM THE council chamber was full, and all the newly appointed aristocrats to oversee Hanum were there, sitting around the oval crystal table. Several minor fire orbs were put in each corner to serve as heaters to counter the freezing temperature. Duke Balrius headed the emergency council meeting because of the news that the holder of the Luominen was abducted, and the empire lost it at the expense of so much damage on the night of the Bestowing. “We will fortify Firth, they’ll surely be in Hanum in search of the Great Healer since the high mage gave her a sleeping curse,” Duke Balrius said. He was a man in his late thirties, young-looking enough to be mistaken for a man in his twenties. He assumed the position of Chief Minister of Hanum after his father died before his appointment. “But these lowly elves keep resisting, Your Grace,” an elder said. His name was Strauss, the deputy chief minister. “I thought they wouldn’t dare to show themselves in the capita
THE person waiting for Jie and his companions at Mosville Wharf was the one he least expected. “Zimus?” Jie was taken aback. Why would the second-in-command of the Black Destroyers jeopardize their guild to help them?He looked at Bucca with a confused face, but the elf only nodded his head in confirmation.“Master Ethros,” Zimus lowered his head and added, “I’ve come to your aid to return the favor of helping our guild master.”“Are you sure?” Jie gazed at Bucca again, who lightly shook his shoulder. Zimus cleared his throat as he straightened his back. “I reached out to Master Bucca after learning he was looking for a ship; he’s been popular in Fernwick Province helping the sick. This is a small price to pay.”“Oh, I see. I’ll appreciate your help then.” Jie carefully held Nyssa, whom he carried on his back. “Come in, my crew is well informed about you.” Zimus was smiling as they guided them in the largest ship of the Black Destroyers.“Bucca, isn’t this too flashy?” Jie asked af
FOUR DAYS EARLIERKAFLE and Izora were stuck on Amaris Island after they separated their ways with Ethros and the rest of their companions. Although they successfully reached the island, it made it hard for them to cross Endellion because of Admiral Zion’s presence along with the hundred ships belonging to Vatre’s grand fleet. “I'm sorry for being in haste to go home, Izora. Now we're stuck here for a few weeks already,” Kafle said.“It's okay, father. At least we're getting nearer.”They were hiding in an inn in the busy city of Bardunn—the center of trade since Amaris was composed of several smaller, uninhabitable islands. Bardunn City was the largest and thriving, and it was open to all the citizens of the Learaf archipelago. Compared to the temperature in most of Vatre, Amaris was less humid because the rainfall was frequent during this solstice season. “I will meet the other members of the Knights of Terra. They've finally responded after contacting them for a while. Most of th
THE biggest indoor auditorium in the heart of Bardunn City was filled with creatures of different races, mostly wealthy vatreans who were there to participate in the auction. Others were mercenaries and bounty hunters who would sell their most prized possessions.Mercenaries who traded slaves like elves and mermaids, who were capable of magic, were deemed for the highest price by the royals, who would not bat an eye at spending a fortune to get them.Junius, the one who captured Izora, finally let the little elf loose on the iron wire from the bamboo pole. He put a magic leash on her neck to limit her movement, and it also made her obey his command since the leash could electrocute her.“Let go of me!” Izora’s eyes were on her crystal flute, tucked on Junius’ hips. Junius planned to sell it separately once he sold her.“Behave yourself, little elf. Did you notice that a hundred pairs of eyes are on you? They're
CRISTON’S dumbfounded expression turned into awe as a series of flickering blue lightning countered the attackers. It was not long until it was revealed that a platoon of military elves consisting mainly of mages was positioned in proximity of the border for defense.“Indeed, the military might of the Southern Hanum is state of the art. Look at that? In just a blink, the aggressors retreated. That’s the famous Starlight Regiment, stationed on the borders. Their sole task is to kill all enemies on sight.” Xylas shook his head as he chuckled, and he added, “General Ibri is surely ruthless. Rumors had been circulating that he secretly trained private elite armies of mages defying the order of the late queen.”“That’s why Advani remained untouched. General Ibri is the head of the war council after all. The Supreme General of Hanum. We’re lucky; even though they vetted on us, General Mord did everything so we could have easy access in this territory.” Criston stared at the magnificent view
ON THE rocky shore of West Advani, Pearlie crawled with her severely injured body while carrying Nyssa on her back, while Damien remained unconscious near them. The huge waves had helped them reach the island.The dawn was breaking, but the sounds of the night insects could be heard around, along with the turbulent splash of the waves and lightning piercing from the sky.“We are safe now.” Her tears kept falling from her eyes and turned into pearls as she recalled Tiedus’ heroic sacrifice for everyone to reach the shore of Advani.“Captain, wake up. We’re here,” Pearlie whispered through her dried throat. She felt her body was on fire.Pearlie fought hard not to lose consciousness, knowing they might meet their demise with the wild animals around if no one could rescue them. Fortunately, as her vision started to get blurred, she witnessed two gigantic birds—a falcon and a raven hovering above them.“It’s them!” said the man riding the giant falcon. It was Criston holding his golden gr
AS TZEITEL scurried to return to her villa to check on Izvern, she was not expecting to see his brother waiting on the entrance without his usual two guards. Agni seemed agitated.“Brother, what are you doing here? I thought you left since I haven’t seen you in the banquet hall.” She turned to her ladies-in-waiting behind her, headed by Marina. “Leave us. I need some time alone with my seventh brother.”“Yes, Princess.” Marina stepped back before she turned along with the other four maids.“What are you up to?” Agni stared at her eyes as if he saw through there the dangerous things she did.Tzeitel looked down. “What do you mean? Come in. So many prying eyes around.”“Do you think I will not notice how restless the imperial armies are around the estate? I sneaked to the nearest military camp; everyone seemed to be in chaos searching for something. I know how schem
DESPITE the current predicament of the Elsher Estate losing their precious captive, the marriage alliance between Cariux and the third princess still pushed through. The noble feast was held a day before the wedding, and several members of the imperial family had come to Kaitseri, including King Malik.Princess Tzeitel pretended to warmly welcome her family. Her two older sisters came to her just to assert their dominance since, just like her, they were married off to the powerful families to support the empire.“I can’t believe our youngest legitimate sister is getting married now,” Princess Gweyr giggled. She was the first princess. She came along with their second sister, Princess Eletha.They were in the receiving hall, and all the ladies from aristocratic families had gathered there, and some of them showcased their music skills. The festive sounds reverberated around.Eletha playfully touched Tzeitel’s hair. &ld
SURV Elsher gathered all the members of the family in the private hall of his residence to discuss their current dilemma. His old face was fuming in anger and scolding everyone.“Father, calm down!” Lord Filus tried to pacify the Elsher patriarch. “It already happened. An ordinary person could not even set foot in this estate, let alone abduct our source of healing power.”“What are you trying to say, Filus? If you were not so lax around here, this would not have happened!” Surv pointed his finger to his eldest son. “If that creature managed to return to Hanum, how would we answer to the empire?”“We control a military might in the North, we have the strongest armies. Who would dare to provoke us? I heard the intruder used an advanced technique of portal magic. Only Iridessa is capable of doing it.” Lord Filus sounded calm.Surv gritted his teeth. “A mere rebel dared to trespa
TZEITEL observed the three of the Elsher siblings gathered in the courtyard of the main house, drinking in celebration for the upcoming wedding, which would be held in two days. Using her portal magic, she could hear their conversation from a distance. Hidden on the roof of her villa, she prepared to return to the forbidden dungeon.“How’s the feeling of tying the knot, little brother? I heard Grandfather punished you the other day for having a tryst with your lover. How brave you are to disobey our elders while you're with the third imperial princess!” Fenton laughed as he teased Cariux. He raised his wine glass and clicked it to Halix’s glass.Halix chuckled upon hearing the words of their oldest brother. “I can’t believe you’re this immature, brother. You're carrying this duty, a task specifically given to you. You can’t mess this up.”Cariux chugged his wine. “Am I not fulfilling my du
TIEDUS reinforced the water bubble while Pearlie tended to Damien, who was still unconscious. They were traveling southward, holding out not to use their last resort to swim, as it could easily lead to their demise. “Captain Winward will kill us if he finds out we left the lieutenant to die,” Pearlie’s body trembled, remembering Hisila’s sacrifice. “The dead will remain dead. Why would we drown ourselves in regret? It’s useless! This is war, Princess. Thousands of lives will be the collateral. And now we have no choice but to cross the Lightning Sea. Maybe it’ll be our turn to die next.”“I know,” Pearlie gazed down. “Perhaps I’m too young to understand these things.”“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you reach Advani safely.” Tiedus strengthened his resolve, knowing the very low probability of survival. Crossing the Lightning Sea was a suicide.The water bubble came to a halt for a moment as they witnessed the sudden change of turbulent rift in the water from a distance. The roar of thu
BAHARINI quickly checked Hisila’s pulse, praying that she could feel even a faint throb, but there was none. It was difficult for her to accept that the lieutenant had already passed away. Silently, she blamed herself for her immaturity; had she heeded Kafle's advice to avoid wasting time in the pit, she might have avoided capture. This tragedy may not have fallen on Hisila if they had followed their plan.“She’s gone,” Baharini’s voice cracked. “It's my fault.”Kafle did not say a word. He looked around to check if he could find Damien and the others, but they weren't there. “We need to keep going,” Kafle said as his face was void of expression. Baharini turned to wipe her tears. She gazed down at Ethros, who seemed frozen on the ground. “Can we give her a proper send-off?” The princess suggested. “I'm afraid we don't have time. Our enemies are approaching. I can't risk your life.” Kafle had to make a hard choice, knowing time was of the essence.Jie finally came to his senses. H
ISLAND OF ASTRAEAIRIDESSA kept pointing to the island of Kaitseri on the map as she conversed with her deputy chief inside the war room. They had just finished discussing war strategies with other officials a while ago since the grand fleet of the Empire initiated an attack on the West Astraean shore.“Aren’t you worried we might lose this main base?” Nacht mused. He crossed his arms as he studied the cold expression of the liberalist chief.“You’re not helping, Nacht.” Iridessa heaved a sigh.“Take it easy, Chief. We’ll find a way to save your adoptive daughter.” Nacht teased her again.Iridessa rolled his eyes. “Tzeitel can fend on her own. I’m just waiting for her report.”“Her wedding is approaching. With the Elshers keeping her hostage, how can we guarantee her safety?”Iridessa scoffed. “Worry about your kids, Nacht. If you are not too foo