As Shun stepped through the portal created by Otto, he did not feel the expected discomfort he experienced the first time. When he glanced around, he found himself not in the royal palace, but at the familiar army base just outside Haven.
Fortunately, the area was deserted—all soldiers had been dispatched to assist the other four major cities, which were anticipated to be under attack. With most of the kingdom's complete ethereal warriors stationed in Haven, King Eldran was confident it wouldn't be Antonio's first target.
"I thought we were headed to the Royal Palace?" Emilia asked, her confusion evident as she surveyed the surroundings. She quickly recognised that it was the abandoned training ground they often frequented during their breaks.
"Just testing out the ability" Otto replied coldly. "This ethereal arm isn't the easiest to master, so I need time to adjust."
In contrast, Shun felt no such struggle. As the owner of the Harvester, he always adapted quickly to the ethereal arms he harvested.
"Since we're here, let's check in with the Premier General," Silver suggested.
The others nodded in agreement. If anyone understood the current situation better than the King, it was Vergil Killer.
The military camp of Lordrixis resembled a small, simple city. Even with the soldiers leading the way, Silver could quickly lose her bearings. She and Shun were the only ones unaccustomed to the camp, while even Dharma Leyndra seemed to navigate the area effortlessly.
"This way, Silver," Shun called out as she headed in the wrong direction. Since their bizarre experiences in Sila, she had always seemed slightly distracted.
"How do you know the way so well?" Silver asked, quickening her pace to catch up.
"I don't know the exact path, but I can sense the direction of the sixth complete ethereal arm," Shun replied, a hint of pride in his voice.
Though unfamiliar with the military camp, he could feel a deep connection with Vergil's formidable ethereal arm. After obtaining the Creator, his awareness of other ethereal arms had sharpened.
Eventually, they arrived at Vergil Killer's tent. Despite its simplicity, it stood out distinctly due to its solitude, emphasizing its importance.
Instead of waiting outside, Otto led them directly inside. Vergil was hunched over a massive map spread across the ground, covered with markers and lines that Shun couldn't decipher.
"Welcome back," Vergil greeted flatly, his exhaustion more pronounced than usual. The burdens of his responsibilities as the Premier General had visibly worn him down.
"Alexander Levison isn't with you. Did something happen?" Vergil inquired, raising an eyebrow at Kael, Elysia, and Dharma's presence. "Why are you three with them?"
Otto recounted everything, explaining how Glynn sent Elysia to deliver the Distributor to Shun, how Shun now possesses both 0th complete ethereal arms, as well as Alexander's decision to stay behind.
However, he omitted the details about Alexander's murder of Eden Pyram and the sudden presence of the Starflame Community. It was surprising that someone as loyally dedicated to the army and the kingdom as Otto would choose to keep such secrets.
After Otto finished, Vergil's stern expression softened slightly. He turned to Shun, determination shining in his eyes. "At this point, you might be Lordrixis's only hope."
Shun met his gaze, feeling uneasy. He didn't want to be anyone's hope; he had joined the battle solely to ensure Antonio Valdis's demise.
"We're all going to fight until the end," Emilia stated firmly, "under your command, sir."
The rest of the soldiers nodded confidently, but Vergil's expression revealed more despair than encouragement.
"Allow me to explain the current situation," he said, shaking off the moment's gravity. He gestured to the map laid out before them. "As you've heard from the King, Antonio Valdis possesses replicated copies of the 2 0th complete ethereal arms. However, with most of the top 10 complete ethereal warriors stationed in Haven, we can still stand a good chance."
"But the real threat is the Harvester, which grows stronger with each ethereal arm it claims," he continued, urgency evident in his voice. "He'll likely target the four major cities in Lordrixis, where the majority of complete ethereal warriors reside." Vergil pointed to four large red dots on the map. "Which city you choose to support is up to you. Haven has sent reinforcements to all of them. For your information, Yurien and Gideon were sent to Noburg in the East." He lifted his gaze to Shun, Silver, and Emilia.
As the discussion unfolded, each member asked about the destinations of their friends and families. Joe and Kris decided to reinforce Yharhog. Otto, to Shun's surprise, announced he would accompany him. Shun raised an eyebrow at this unexpected choice. But it made sense, Shun would distribute more ethereal arms to him if he followed.
Olivia Skyland's decision was less a choice and more an obligation. As one of the few remaining aristocratic families, her path was predetermined—she would defend Santaria, the ancestral seat of the Skyland family.
Kael Franklin, as principal of Haven Royal Academy, was bound to remain in the capital. His duty was to safeguard the students, many of whom were too young to be thrust into the war. Thinking about it, Ray Scarlet and Shaden Gawn were still students despite the SIGMA Academy champions having already earned early graduation.
Elysia, though ranked as the 100th complete ethereal warrior, lacked combat proficiency. With no clear role on the battlefield, she chose to stay in Haven, biding her time until she could contribute in other ways.
Dharma Leyndra's decision was the simplest of all. He declared he would follow Shun wherever he went.
After everyone had made their choices, Vergil straightened, his exhaustion momentarily giving way to a sense of purpose. "With the fourth complete ethereal arm back under our control, transportation will be much easier. Before you depart, ensure you meet with the King. Silver, His Majesty specifically requested an audience with you."
Though meeting the King was already part of their plan, Shun was quite suspicious of his decision. Why would Eldran summon Silver, whose rank as the ninth complete ethereal warrior paled in comparison to his own?
"I'll get it right this time," Otto muttered beside him, determination etched on his face. He extended his hands, conjuring another portal. Shun peered through it and saw the exterior garden of the royal palace. Not quite the grand hall they had hoped for, but it was close enough. Few had the privilege of stepping directly into the heart of the palace, after all.