Antonio Valdis sat upon a tall, dark throne at the centre of the Prime Church of the Cult of Luca Azoria. The newly constructed throne starkly contrasted with the church's pristine white walls. Furrowing his brows, he studied the map sprawled before him on the polished floor. His usual hollow, emotionless eyes gleamed with excitement and determination. The hall was nearly empty, save for two figures accompanying him: one clad in formidable armour that concealed her entire body, including her face, and the other a more enigmatic presence, with black, swirling smoke rising from where his face should have been.
At the heart of the map was a striking red dot signifying the capital of Lordrixis, Haven. Surrounding it were four smaller yellow dots, positioned in an orbital pattern. Apart from Haven, these four cities—Yharhog in the North, Freeland in the West, Santaria in the South, and Noburg in the East—were primary strongholds within Lordrixis, each possessing a significant number of complete ethereal warriors. These cities acted as mini-capitals for their respective regions, closely linked to Haven, making them the hardest to conquer.
Yharhog boasted the most complete ethereal warriors, including several of the top twenty, known for its stringent laws and rigid class system based on the ethereal arm class.
Freeland welcomed wanderers from across the realm, a temporary home for many, its mysterious nature obscuring the true number of formidable ethereal warriors hidden within.
Santaria, the wealthiest city in Lordrixis, was said to provide its citizens with the highest quality of life in the realm, even for those of the instrument class.
Noburg, the homeland of Nathaniel Haven, witnessed the revolution against the Tyrant Kolgwyn. After its devastation during the Great War, Nathaniel Haven had reconstructed the city within the massive crater left by the bombardment, using it as a base for elite soldiers.'
While his forces had secretly infiltrated less significant cities, Antonio was careful to avoid any confrontation with Freeland, recognizing that they were not yet confident enough to take on all of Lordrixis. With the Cult of Luca Azoria's immortal army and the duplicates of two 0th complete ethereal arms at his disposal, he felt powerful—yet he had learned from past mistakes. A war of this magnitude demanded absolute preparedness before challenging the realm's most formidable figures. A direct assault on Haven, guarded by eight of the top ten complete ethereal warriors, could lead to disastrous failure. Especially when also considering the fact that they will be surrounded by the other formidable cities' reinforcements. Instead, he resolved to attack the four surrounding cities first, leveraging the power of the Harvester: the more they killed, the stronger their forces would become.
"September, what weapon did the boy use?" he inquired softly, his gaze still fixed on the map.
After a brief pause, September responded, her voice deep and steady as she attempted to ignore the pain in her neck. "I did not engage. Before I could approach, members of the Starflame Community intervened and forced us to retreat."
Antonio looked up, skepticism etching his features. "Starflame Community?"
September nodded. "At least, that's what they claimed."
"Hmph, that old maniac. I knew I couldn't trust him," Antonio muttered. After a short pause, he sighed in resignation. "The heir of the Starflame Community is likely still within Lordrixis's borders; they were probably with the boy when you encountered him."
September opened her mouth to respond, but the pain from her scar intensified. She sensed that Huang was watching and understood that silence was her best option for survival. The smoke-head bowed slightly, caution evident in his demeanour. "If that's the case, we should proceed carefully. The Starflame Community is not an organization to provoke."
Antonio scoffed. "We needn't concern ourselves with them. They will protect their heir. If we attempt to get close, they'll intervene before we can react. To them, he is of immense importance."
Suddenly, an aged voice cut through the tension. "Well said, friend." Antonio turned sharply to see Shun's familiar figure standing behind the throne, his posture unnaturally upright for his age.
"When did you—" Antonio clenched his teeth, frustration evident. "After all this time, you still haven't learned to announce your presence?"
Shun chuckled lightly. "And who are you to talk about manners?"
Antonio shook his head in exasperation. "What brings you here? Have you changed your mind about staying out of the war?"
Shun met his gaze steadily, shaking his head. "Quite the opposite. I'm here to assure you that no one will disrupt your invasion."
A soft laugh escaped Antonio as he turned back to the map. "September, prepare for the Attack. Go with January and October to Santaria."
"Not with June?" September's tone remained emotionless.
"June will accompany November and April," Antonio replied, irritation creeping into his voice. "February, you stay back and protect our territory alongside November."
February cleared his throat. "March and August are gone. Our numbers are stretched thin already. Are you certain it's wise to leave two of us behind for defence?"
Antonio sighed and shook his head, his voice curt. "May and December can hold an entire city by themselves. I'll oversee the last. That's more than enough. Any other questions?"
February fell silent, and both he and September dipped their heads—one out of deference, the other out of necessity—before retreating from the hall.
Behind Antonio, Shun chuckled softly, his laughter breaking the tension.
"What's so funny?" Antonio asked without turning, his irritation evident.
Shun leaned against a pillar, his grin sharp and teasing. "It's just... amusing to see someone nodding when they don't even have a head."
Antonio's brow twitched, but before he could retort, Shun's expression softened. "Speaking of heads, it's partly my people's fault your forces are short two. I'm not one to leave debts unpaid, so I'm here to deliver a gift of apology."
Antonio's demeanour shifted, his gaze sharp and expectant. "What are you offering?"
Shun straightened, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "A guardian. You won't see him, but if you ever face mortal danger, he'll be there to save your life."
Antonio smirked, a flicker of arrogance creeping into his voice. "How generous. But I wield the power of two 0th complete ethereal arms. Who in Lordrixis could possibly kill me?"
Shun's smile took on a slightly unsettling quality. "Just in case, just in case. I need you to survive, Antonio, and I will protect you with all my might."
"Is it because I am your 'friend?'" Antonio's voice dripped with mockery.
"Because you are my enemies' enemy," Shun answered, his tone regal yet gentle. "However, Antonio Valdis, since you are indeed my 'friend,' I sincerely wish you the best on your invasion."
"It's not an invasion. It's a crusade," Antonio corrected.
"Call it what you will." Shun raised his only arm and clenched his hand into a fist, the gesture deliberate and oddly ceremonial.
Antonio hesitated, his eyes locked on Shun's stance. The motion stirred memories he'd long buried, dragging a reluctant pang of emotion to the surface. He exhaled sharply and lifted his fist to meet Shun's.
The sound of their fists meeting echoed through the grand hall like a crack of thunder.
"The last time we did this," Antonio said, his voice cool and distant, "we left a scar on this world that still hasn't healed."
Shun nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "This time will be no different."
As he spoke, the rings on Shun's arm shimmered faintly, their light soft yet profound, casting a serene glow across the room. For a moment, even the oppressive darkness seemed to yield to its radiance.