Scene: Desperate Eagle Deadend
INT. LYSANDER'S APARTMENT – WEEKEND MORNING
The TV news blares in the background, showing Wilhelm's heated rant. The atmosphere in Lysander's apartment is calm but calculated. The siblings, along with Floria, watch with a mixture of amusement and mild concern.
News Anchor (on TV): "Breaking news: Eagle Step's Guild Master, Wilhelm Königsberg, has responded to recent accusations, releasing what he claims to be damning evidence against the GGG."
The screen cuts to Wilhelm, red-faced and furious as he speaks to the media.
Wilhelm (on TV): "They lie! They scheme! They want control over everything. But I have proof—proof from a former insider at the GGG, who has confessed everything. They exploited us with faulty weapons, and they will be exposed!"
Lysander (sighing, amused): "How predictable."
Angela (softly, with a faint smile): "Using Wilhelm to destroy Hugo while covering up your use of that forbidden time ritual by pinning it on Arys... Big brother, have I ever told you how terrifying you can be?"
Her tone is light, but the words carry a deeper weight.
Alexei (grinning): "Or how awesome you look right now? Damn, two birds, one stone!"
His eyes gleam with admiration as he sips his coffee.
Lysander (calmly, with a soft smile): "More like three. We've already been investing in Eagle Step's rivals. Once they fall, we'll see at least a 15% rise in our stocks. Uncle Liam is handling it."
He leans back, appearing completely unbothered by the chaos outside their walls.
Floria (frowning slightly, her voice careful): "That's impressive, but... what if Hugo sides with Eagle Step? He might accuse us publicly."
Her concern breaks through the calm atmosphere. Lysander turns to her, unperturbed.
Lysander (calmly, reassuring): "I hold the footage of his crime—the day he killed our parents. If he dares oppose us, we'll release it. We'll spin the story so Hugo looks like a dangerous, unstable threat. His exile will seem like an act of necessity. We're just a humble company that specializes in magic items. How could we deal with such a monster?"
His eyes gleam with excitement as he glances at Floria.
Floria (relaxing slightly, but still concerned): "But... what if he accuses us of hiding it from the National Power Registry? Wouldn't they investigate?"
Lysander (smiling patiently): "We'll claim Hugo threatened us. That he forced us into silence, saying he'd kill us if we told anyone. I have footage that could frame him as a ticking time bomb—dangerous and unstable."
He pauses, glancing at the others before his gaze softens.
"Of course, I've held off on using it since Andrea still sides with him. But if this escalates..."
Floria (quiet, surprised): "Oh..."
Her mind races, realizing how far ahead Lysander is thinking.
Lysander (calm, but decisive): "If Hugo aligns with Eagle Step, it means he's made his choice. Andrea can't protect him forever. We could use this opportunity to force our brother back to the family. As much as I love him, I hate doing his job. The heir position has been exhausting these past few months."
Angela (smiling fondly): "You're good at it, though."
Lysander (sighing, rubbing his temples): "Perhaps. But I'd much rather focus on training my superpower, rather than doing paperwork all day. And I'm not even an adult yet."
He leans back, shaking his head as the others share a quiet laugh, the tension briefly broken by the levity of the moment.
Scene: Desperate Eagle Torture
INT. EAGLE STEP HEADQUARTERS – TORTURE CHAMBER – DAY
The dimly lit torture room reeks of metal and sweat. Chains rattle, and the cold stone walls reverberate with the quiet groans of those held captive. Hugo, Fenix, and Shizuka are tied to iron chairs, their bodies beaten and bruised. Wilhelm stands in front of them, looming like a dark shadow, his anger barely contained. On the side, an array of cruel instruments glow menacingly—hot irons, spiked clamps, and other instruments of pain.
Shizuka's breathing is ragged, her eyes barely open as she struggles against the searing pain in her body.
Shizuka (panting, weakly): "It hurts... it really hurts..."
Wilhelm's eyes flare with cold rage as he stalks forward, grabbing a heated iron rod from the furnace beside him.
Wilhelm (mocking, sneering): "Oh, does it now? And this is just the beginning, elf mongrel."
He lifts the rod slightly, the glowing metal casting a harsh red light on Shizuka's bruised face.
""You think you've seen pain, elf mongrel?" Wilhelm sneered, brandishing the iron rod. The red glow illuminated his twisted grin, reflecting in Shizuka's tear-filled eyes. "This is just a taste. The real agony begins when you see your friends die because of you. A simple task—that's all I ask of you, demon."
He turns sharply to Hugo, his voice dripping with venom.
"Just stand in front of the camera. Accuse your family. Tell the world that the GGG is guilty of crimes. Isn't it simple? Or maybe... don't you hate them? For casting you out? For letting you live in such misery, you should be begging to destroy them."
Hugo's chest heaves as he fights to breathe, his face darkened with a mix of exhaustion and despair. Blood trickles from the corner of his mouth, and his once fiery eyes are now clouded with confusion and anger.
Hugo (struggling to speak, voice hoarse): "So... this is the real Eagle Step. How... how naive was I to be fooled by you...?"
Wilhelm's face twists in fury. He grips the iron rod tighter, his knuckles white with rage.
Wilhelm (snarling): "Do as I say, or I'll kill them. Every last one of your friends. Starting with this mongrel."
He leans closer to Hugo, his eyes filled with a burning intensity.
"Do you want their blood on your hands, demon?"
Hugo's breath falters. His mind spirals between loyalty to his friends and the unbearable guilt he feels toward his family. He looks at Shizuka, her body shaking in pain, then turns to Fenix.
Fenix (panting but smiling weakly): "Don't worry, my friends… I am… of the great Tepes lineage."
He winces, the pain clear in his voice but he forces a grin.
"Even if my sire, his lordship Vlad Tepes, doesn't care about these little things... my death would certainly cause him to investigate. His lordship will destroy you, old geezer!"
Wilhelm's lip curls as he listens. His eyes lock onto Fenix's, cold and calculating. The red-hot iron rod in his hand sizzles with heat.
Wilhelm (mocking, smirking): "You're right, the big mosquito... Vlad Tepes might destroy me. But..."
Without warning, Wilhelm plunges the glowing iron rod into Fenix's torso, eliciting a bloodcurdling scream. The iron sizzles against his flesh as Fenix's body convulses in agony.
Fenix (moaning, pained): "Ahh...!"
Wilhelm (voice low and cold): "...if the little demon doesn't admit to what I need him to, the GGG will get me for sure. So if my options are a chance that Vlad might come for me... or a 100% chance of being destroyed by GGG's accusations, I'll choose to stay alive every time."
Hugo's eyes widen as he watches the horrifying scene unfold. Fenix's scream echoes in his ears, and he clenches his fists in rage and helplessness. The weight of his choices presses on him, crushing his will.
Hugo (struggling to speak, torn): "Stop! Stop this...!"
Wilhelm turns his gaze back to Hugo, his lips curling into a cruel smile. The desperation in Hugo's voice pleases him, and he can see the cracks forming in his resolve.
Wilhelm (mocking): "Then speak. Tell the world what the GGG has done, and your friends will live. Keep your silence... and I'll finish what I started."
Hugo (struggling to speak, desperate): "Alright, I'll do it.
Scene: The Queen's Confrontation
EXT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – DESOLATED COURTYARD – AFTERNOON
Lysander sat leisurely on a weathered bench in the deserted courtyard, the sky above fading into twilight. Kimhyun sat cross-legged on the stone floor, his head slumped forward as if carrying a great weight. Lysander, with a mischievous grin, wrapped his arms around Kimhyun from behind, resting his chin on top of his head.
Kimhyun (grumbling, though with an odd sense of contentment): "Ugh... my head feels so heavy."
Lysander (sighing, satisfied): "I've always wanted to do this... It's sad nobody lets me."
Kimhyun (deadpan): "You know why, young sir."
Before Kimhyun could protest further, a sharp beam of light shot through the air toward them, cutting through the courtyard's serene atmosphere. Kimhyun's instincts kicked in, and with a flash of lightning around his body, he jolted out of Lysander's hold.
Kimhyun (shouting): "Thunderous Slash!"
In a blink, lightning crackled along Kimhyun's blade, his strike colliding with the incoming beam of light. The two forces—light and lightning—clashed and dissipated, creating an explosive burst that echoed through the yard.
Lysander (thinking, intrigued): "Fast... and pure light..."
As the dust cleared, Lysander smiled calmly, rising to his feet as if expecting this.
Lysander (amused): "Isn't there a rule that forbids using superpowers in the academic branch, Ludociel Vanderbilt?"
Out of the lingering haze, Ludociel Vanderbilt, the queen of St. Alaric's superpower branch, appeared—her entrance nothing short of radiant. Her long, flowing lavender hair shimmered with an ethereal glow as it cascaded down her back. The powerful wings of white feathers unfurled from her shoulders, adding an air of divinity. Dressed in elegant, silver armor with intricate detailing, she held a shining rapier in her hand, the weapon still gleaming from the strike. Her calm golden eyes locked onto Lysander and Kimhyun with a regal confidence.
Ludociel (smirking, voice carrying a commanding yet teasing tone): "I would love to follow the rules, but... His Majesty has broken them many times already, so I thought I'd follow his example."
She stepped forward with effortless grace, her armored boots barely making a sound against the stone. The soft rustle of her wings filled the silent courtyard, a stark contrast to the earlier battle's chaos.
Kimhyun (eyes wide, surprised): "Queen! You've been discharged from the hospital?"
Lysander, ever calm in the face of danger, raised an eyebrow at Kimhyun's response.
Lysander (playful, but direct): "Is that really the thing you should be asking? Why are you attacking us?"
Ludociel's radiant wings folded slightly as she lowered her sword, her expression hardening with a hint of frustration. She sighed, clearly choosing her words carefully.
Ludociel (serious, voice sharp): "This is no time for games, Lysander. There are real consequences to your actions."
Lysander (a bit surprised): "Woah, the queen knows my name. What an honor."
She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as if gauging his response, but also showing a deep-seated concern.
Ludociel: "Earlier today, I received word from the teachers. The Gentoshi family is considering pulling their funding from Professor Roderick's new lab if this school continues to mishandle the situation with Eagle Step and these protests."
Lysander raised an eyebrow but remained silent, listening intently.
Ludociel (voice growing sharper, anger clear): "But it goes deeper than just that. Upon further investigation, I found something far more concerning. The connection between GGG and Eagle Step... And now, three students are missing—Hugo, Shizuka, and Fenix."
Kimhyun's head snapped up at the mention of their names, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Kimhyun (surprised): "What? The first years? They're missing?"
Ludociel's gaze flicked to Kimhyun, her tone now carrying the weight of royal authority.
Ludociel (firmly): "Yes. They were last seen entering Eagle Step's base last night and did not attend class this morning. There's been no sign of them anywhere."
The realization hit Kimhyun like a wave. He turned to Lysander, urgency rising in his voice.
Kimhyun (pleading): "We have to help them! We can't just sit here!"
Lysander remained still, his expression unreadable for a moment before he spoke, his voice steady and calm as always.
Lysander (unfazed): "Queen... you must have heard, but the Eagle Step is the true danger here. They've been using their corruption to gain far more advantages than we can even think of. I am but a small, insignificant student. Barely worth noticing. I can't possibly fathom that they'd go as far as kidnapping students in retaliation."
Ludociel's eyes flashed with frustration, her wings flickering with light.
Ludociel (angry, commanding): "No! You can fathom it. And whether or not you're just 'a small, insignificant student,' your actions have contributed to this situation. By stirring up trouble, by rooting for Eagle Step's removal, you've endangered those students."
Kimhyun, still processing the gravity of the situation, glanced between Lysander and Ludociel. His heart pounded in his chest, but something in Lysander's calmness gave him pause.
Kimhyun (hesitant, but concerned): "But Lysander... she's right. We should be doing something to help them, not just sitting here."
Lysander gave a small, almost imperceptible sigh before standing up, his usual smirk fading just slightly as he regarded Ludociel with a more serious expression.
Lysander (calm, measured): "I understand your concern, Ludociel. But Eagle Step's corruption is much deeper than you realize. If they've taken Hugo, Shizuka, and Fenix, it's not because of anything I've or my family have done. It's because they're trying to maintain their grip on this school, and on power."
Ludociel's grip on her sword tightened, her wings fluttering with frustration.
Ludociel (voice hard, determined): "Maybe you're right. Maybe you didn't directly cause this, but by stirring up conflict, you've played a role. As Queen, it's my duty to ensure no harm comes to the students of this academy. You've endangered them, even if unintentionally."
She raised her sword again, pointing it directly at Lysander's chest.
Ludociel (furious, commanding): "And now, as Queen, I'm holding you responsible. You're coming with me, Mr. Small Insignificant Student."
Scene: Escape the Eagle Eyes
INT. EAGLE STEP HEADQUARTERS – TORTURE ROOM – AFTERNOON
The cold, dim room is thick with tension. Hugo, Shizuka, and Fenix lie beaten and chained to the wall, their bodies marked with fresh wounds from Wilhelm's torture. Shizuka is barely conscious, while Fenix, though battered, still clings to his strength. The silence is broken by the roar of a crowd outside the building, angry voices demanding answers.
Protesters (muffled, shouting outside): "Where is the Guild Master?!"
Protesters: "Yeah, where is he? The guild is in chaos, and the leader doesn't even show his face?!"
The noise filters through the walls, stirring Wilhelm's fury. He turns his back on the trio, standing at the doorway, his expression twisted with disdain.
Wilhelm (whispering to himself, furious): "A bunch of trash."
Wilhelm turns to Hugo, his cold, calculating gaze resting on him.
Wilhelm (coldly, but with simmering rage): "Wait here until I finish dealing with those fools. If you run, or try anything funny, I will kill your friends. Understood?"
Hugo remains silent, his eyes darkened with guilt and uncertainty. Wilhelm glares at him one last time before leaving, the heavy door slamming shut behind him.
The room grows quieter, save for the faint groans of Shizuka and the labored breathing of Fenix. Hugo looks around, torn between his loyalty to his friends and the weight of his failure.
Fenix (weakly, panting): "Hey... cyclop... the magic sword... over there..."
Hugo looks toward a discarded sword lying in the corner of the room. It's a magic sword, its blade gleaming faintly with an eerie light, the very same type Hugo received from the Eagle Step, said to be made by GGG of which he melted in a failed enchantment attempt. He shifts his gaze back to Fenix, seeing his body covered in blood, his right arm nearly useless. Shizuka lies motionless, unconscious from the pain.
Hugo (guilty, pained): "Fenix... Shizuka... I'm sorry… this is my fault."
Fenix (with effort, pushing through the pain): "No... we can still escape."
Hugo (despairing): "Escape? How?"
Fenix's eyes flash with a hint of hope despite the pain wracking his body. His resolve hardens as he struggles to sit up.
Fenix (determined, panting): "The sword... use it to cut my arm off. I'll conjure a blood blade from the blood... of that arm... and cut the chains. We can still get out."
Hugo stares at Fenix, wide-eyed, unsure of what to say. His mind races as he processes Fenix's words, torn between the horror of harming his friend and the reality of their dire situation.
Hugo (uncertain): "I... I can cut your arm, but... I can't enchant it with my flames like before. The last time I tried…"
Fenix (cutting him off): "You don't need to enchant it. Just cut my arm off. I'll handle the rest."
Hugo hesitates, but the sight of Fenix's unwavering determination pushes him forward. His hands shake as he picks up the magic sword placed near his chain. It feels cold in his grip, a symbol of the guilt and betrayal he's been feeling since joining Eagle Step. He takes a deep breath.
Hugo's hands trembled as they hovered over Fenix's arm, his mind swirling in a storm of doubt and guilt. How could he do this? Cut through his friend's flesh—wasn't this already enough suffering? But then the faces of Wilhelm and his family flashed in his mind, and something snapped. His hesitation turned to steel. He wasn't powerless anymore. Not this time.
Hugo (quiet, conflicted): "I'm sorry, Fenix... but we're getting out of here."
With a swift motion, Hugo slices through Fenix's right arm. Blood splatters, but Fenix doesn't cry out—instead, he grits his teeth, his eyes blazing with focus. The blood from his severed arm rises, swirling in the air like red tendrils, forming into a thin, sharp blade.
Fenix (through gritted teeth, trying to smirk): "Even... in desperate times... your liege delivers... huh?"
The blood blade slashes through the chains binding Hugo, Fenix and Shizuka. Fenix collapses from the effort, his body shaking as he tries to regenerate the lost limb.
Hugo carefully lifts Shizuka onto his back, her breathing faint but steady. He turns to Fenix, who struggles to stay upright, his face pale but still full of determination.
Hugo (worried): "What now? We can't run... Wilhelm's right outside. There's no way out."
Fenix (through ragged breaths): "Hey... cyclop... can you enchant that sword to fire your Snapdragon? The magic sword will amplify your flames... enough to knock him out. Or at least buy us time to run."
Hugo (hesitant, fearful): "But... I tried to enchant a sword before... and it melted. I don't know if—"
Fenix (surprised, through pain): "Melted? What are you talking about? Magic swords can't melt from a failed enchantment... they break."
Hugo (confused): "What?"
Fenix (struggling to stay conscious): "Didn't you listen in Mrs. Mühlhausen's class? Magic weapons simulate mana circuits and blood circuits. If you fail, they either break or the enchantment doesn't activate... but they don't melt."
Hugo's eyes widen in shock as Fenix's words sink in. He realizes the truth—Eagle Step had lied to him about the magic weapons sold by his family's company, the GGG.
Hugo (darkened face, realization dawning): "So... they've been lying to me... all this time."
A surge of anger rushes through Hugo, replacing his uncertainty. His hands tighten around the magic sword as the weight of Eagle Step's deception bears down on him. A burning rage flickers within him as his black flames swirl around the blade, the fire intensifying with his emotions.
Fenix (weakly, trying to regenerate): "Don't worry, cyclop... even if you fail... the explosion... will still stun him. I'll protect us... just try it."
With newfound determination, Hugo channels all his power into the sword. The flames roar to life, enveloping the blade as the sword hums with energy.
Hugo (gritting his teeth, focused): "No more running... it's time to fight back."
The door creaks as footsteps approach—the unmistakable sound of Wilhelm returning.
Hugo's power surge as he enchants the sword. The black flames sprang to life with a vengeance, roaring up the blade as if the sword had finally found a purpose. The heat was unlike anything Hugo had felt before—intense, chaotic, but under his control. It was like every part of him was now funneled into that weapon. For once, he wasn't scared of his own power; he was ready to unleash it.
EXT. EAGLE STEP HEADQUARTERS – HALLWAY – DAY
Wilhelm strides confidently through the dimly lit hallway, the distant protests outside still ringing in his ears. He mutters angrily to himself, ready to crush the dissent. But before he can take another step, the ground beneath him shakes violently.
BOOM!
A massive explosion erupts from the torture chamber, sending shockwaves through the entire building. Wilhelm stumbles, his eyes wide with disbelief as a section of the wall collapses in front of him, dust and debris flying everywhere. He shields his face as the ceiling crumbles, the force of the blast rattling the air.
Wilhelm (startled): "What? What the—?!"
As the smoke clears, a figure emerges from the destruction—Hugo, with his black flames still swirling around him like a protective cloak. His eyes burn with determination. Fenix hangs on one of Hugo's shoulders, still pale and struggling, while Shizuka is slung across his back, unconscious but secure.
Hugo dashes forward, the magic sword strapped to his waist glowing faintly with residual power from the enchantment.
Fenix (weakly, panting): "Hey... friend... I can run, you don't need to—"
Hugo (firmly): "No, you focus on regenerating. You've lost too much blood already. Once you get your strength back, and Shizuka wakes up... we'll fight together."
Hugo's voice is calm but filled with a confidence that hadn't been there before. His steps are steady as he navigates the rubble, his mind sharp despite the situation. For the first time, the weight of his power feels like an asset, not a curse.
Hugo (thinking, resolute): "This time... for the first time, I will not let anyone down."
He glances over his shoulder briefly at the collapsing building behind him, but his focus remains forward—toward freedom, toward survival, and toward the battle that surely awaits them.
Wilhelm (furious): "That... bastard!"
Recovering from his shock, Wilhelm storms through the wreckage, rage flaring in his eyes. The flames of Hugo's explosion still dance around the shattered walls, but his focus is on the retreating figures in the distance.
Wilhelm (snarling): "You think you can run, little demon?! This isn't over!"
His voice echoes through the crumbling hallway, and with a growl, Wilhelm sets off in pursuit.
Scene: The Eagle Nest – Rescue
EXT. EAGLE STEP HEADQUARTERS – FRONT GATES – AFTERNOON
The imposing gates of Eagle Step stand tall and unwavering, flanked by stern-faced guards. From a distance, a crystal-like octahedron hurtles toward the gates, glinting in the sunlight.
Guard 1 (surprised): "What the—an attack?"
The octahedron stops just short of the gate, its structure dissolving to reveal three figures inside. Ludociel strides forward, her wings radiating a soft light. Behind her, Kimhyun is helping an exhausted Lysander, who looks faint.
Kimhyun (concerned): "Lysander, you alright?"
Lysander (wincing): "Barely... If you're going to toss me in a crystal ball and throw it, at least warn me beforehand."
Ludociel steps up to the guards, her presence commanding.
Ludociel (commanding, voice sharp): "Open the gates! We're from St.Alaric Academy, here to investigate the disappearance of three students—Hugo Gentoshi, Shizuka Maidono, and Fenix Tepes."
The guards exchange nervous glances.
Guard 2 (whispering to Guard 1): "We couldn't stop them if they rushed us..."
Guard 1 (stiffening): "No entry without clearance. Eagle Step's matters are none of your concern."
Ludociel's wings unfurl slightly, light intensifying around her.
Ludociel (coldly): "If you don't let us in, I'll make sure the Academy knows Eagle Step obstructed an investigation. The consequences will be on you."
Guard 2 (nervous, but standing firm): "Orders are orders."
Lysander, watching the exchange, rolls his eyes.
Lysander (thinking): "Great. She drags me here to save the bastard... should I just let her fail?"
Lysander rolls his eyes, scanning around the gate
Kimhyun (concerned): "Lysander... I know there are many problems with your family and the school… but please. Help us. Do the right things."
Lysander widened his eyes in surprise and a bit of admiration.
Lysander (chuckle): "Alright, but let me pet you more~"
Kimhyun (flustered): "Can you not..."
Ludociel: "Let us in, or things will escalate."
Before she can continue, Lysander steps forward, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Lysander (calm, cutting in): "Apologies for my friend here. But... you guys heard about the forbidden magic, right? The raid?"
Guard 1 (frowning): "Forbidden magic? What are you talking about?"
Lysander casually pulls out his phone, tapping a few buttons. A news report flashes on the screen, showing Arys, a prominent Eagle Step member, accused of using forbidden magic. The headline reads: "Arys Dead—Accused of Forbidden Magic Ritual".
The guards' faces pale.
Guard 1 (shocked): "Arys? Dead?"
Lysander (smoothly, pretending to be intrigued): "Yeah. We were curious too. Couldn't resist asking his closest comrades for the truth."
The guards began frantically checking their own phones. A wave of panic spreads through them as the news starts circulating.
Guard 2 (shouting back toward the base): "Spread the word! Arys is dead—accused of forbidden magic!"
Behind the gates, a murmur ripples through the Eagle Step members, growing louder. Confusion and anxiety spread as members gather, whispering and questioning the leadership. The tension thickens as whispers turn into loud protests.
Kimhyun (watching the chaos unfold, a bit surprised): "That... escalated fast."
Lysander (smirking, leaning in toward Kimhyun): "Mind game is all about timing."
Ludociel, still firm in her stance, watches as the guards become increasingly distracted by the growing unrest. She casts a sideways glance at Lysander, her golden eyes narrowing.
Ludociel (grudgingly impressed): "Seems like you know more than you let on."
Lysander (grinning): "Just trying to stay... efficient."
The situation at the gates spirals into chaos as more members of Eagle Step gather, demanding answers about Arys. The guards, overwhelmed, are too distracted to notice as Ludociel, Lysander, and Kimhyun slip inside.
Kimhyun (urging them forward): "What are we waiting for? Let's sneak in before they realize."
Scene: The Eagle Nest – Escape
INT. EAGLE STEP HEADQUARTERS – TRAINING GROUND – AFTERNOON
The imposing gates of Eagle Step loom high as Ludociel, Kimhyun, and Lysander slip inside, unnoticed amidst the growing chaos outside. The sound of protests echoes in the distance as Eagle Step members argue amongst themselves about Arys' death and the accusations of forbidden magic. Suddenly, BOOM.
Lysander (surprise): "Huh? An explosion?"
Kimhyun (whispering, urgent): "That explosion came from below. We need to check the basement."
Ludociel nods, her wings dimming to avoid attention as they move through the shadows. Lysander follows closely, his eyes scanning the area for any threats. As they approach a stairwell leading underground, the faint glow of firelight flickers ahead.
INT. EAGLE STEP HEADQUARTERS – BASEMENT HALLWAY – EVENING
The three rushes down the stairs, only to freeze as they hear footsteps and see a figure emerging from the smoke. It's Hugo, his black flames flickering around him like a protective aura. Shizuka lies unconscious on his back, and Fenix, pale and weak, leans on his shoulder.
Hugo (gasping, spotting Lysander): "Big brother...?"
Relief washes over Hugo's face as he sees his older brother. He stumbles forward, clearly exhausted, but determined. Ludociel and Kimhyun move quickly to help.
Fenix (grimacing, trying to smile): "Ah... her majesty, the queen. I knew you'd come for us."
Ludociel (serious, inspecting Fenix's injuries): "What happened? Were they torturing you?"
Hugo (pained, nodding): "Yeah... Wilhelm... he—"
Fenix (interrupting, still trying to maintain his dignity): "No need to worry. I used my blood magic to escape the chains. Hugo here took care of the rest."
Kimhyun quickly takes Shizuka off Hugo's back, hoisting her onto his shoulder.
Ludociel helps Fenix, supporting his weight as he struggles to keep standing. As they start moving, Lysander glances back warily.
Lysander (urgently): "This isn't the time for a reunion. We need to leave—now, before Wilhelm finds us."
Before they can move, a chilling voice cuts through the air.
Wilhelm (stoic): "Lysander? So it's you... Hugo, you damn spy! Sent by your brother to bring us down!"
Hugo's eyes widen in terror as Wilhelm strides toward them, his face contorted with fury. His dark aura swirls around him menacingly, growing more intense by the second.
Ludociel steps forward, drawing her rapier and pointing it at Wilhelm, her golden wings shimmering faintly in the dim light. Kimhyun, sword in hand, stands beside her, ready for a fight.
Ludociel (angry): "So, you're the one who tortured them? Let us go, or you'll face the consequences."
Wilhelm (calm, voice dripping with disdain): "Consequences? From the Maiden of Orleans? Don't make me laugh."
His voice turns into a snarl as he approaches, his anger bubbling over.
Wilhelm (seething): "I've lost everything! The guild is falling apart, and Eagle Step might not survive. There are no consequences worse than that!"
His dark aura explodes outward, filling the hallway with suffocating energy.
Wilhelm (cold, deadly calm): "Which is why... I'll capture all of you."
Suddenly, Memel Mohrungen, the dwarf tank, emerges from the shadows, fully armored with his massive shield and spear. Behind him are Elbing Gumbinnen, her hands crackling with sound energy, and Klaus Ritter, his mercury shifting into sharp, deadly forms. Finally, Allenstein Domnau steps forward, her usually calm demeanor replaced with cold determination.
Wilhelm (commanding): "Those brats killed Arys. Make them pay!"
The Eagle Step hunters charge forward, their weapons and abilities ready to strike.
Scene: Desperate Eagle Hunt
INT. EAGLE STEP HEADQUARTERS – BASEMENT HALLWAY – NIGHT
Ludociel's golden wings shimmer in the dim light, her confidence unwavering. She smirks as her rapier traces the air, summoning a large gold triskelion—the proud symbol of her Guild, the Knights of Orleans.
Ludociel (with confidence): "This will be quick... Sparking Drive!"
The golden triskelion releases a dazzling burst of pure light, shooting toward the Eagle Step hunters like a divine judgment. The narrow hallway is filled with an intense glow as the light slams into their position.
Wilhelm (grunting, shielding his eyes): "Ugh!"
For a brief moment, it looks like the fight is over, the light engulfing everything. Ludociel turns, already moving to secure an escape.
Ludociel (urgently): "Let's move now."
But before she can finish, a small explosion of sound detonates directly at her feet. The blast sends her stumbling backward, but with a quick flap of her wings, she narrowly avoids being hit directly.
Ludociel (thinking, eyes narrowing): "The corridor's too tight for my wings… and they're still fighting back after my light burst?"
Her gaze darts back to the Eagle Step hunters, and she gasps. Standing firm, shield raised, is the dwarf tank, Memel Mohrungen. His massive shield radiates a faint aura, showing how he absorbed the brunt of her attack.
Memel (grinning under his helmet): "Hmm, a long-leg with wings... You think you can become an angel just because you control light?"
Kimhyun (growling): "Tch, I'll break through!"
Kimhyun launches himself forward, his speed blurring him into a streak as he charges. But as soon as he reaches striking distance, the walls, ceiling, and floor erupt with sharp mercury spikes, forcing him to abruptly halt and dodge in every direction. He twists and turns, barely avoiding the lethal projectiles, but they block his advance and force him back.
Klaus Ritter (calmly, smug): "This is our area, brat. We control the ground."
Kimhyun skids to a stop, glaring at Klaus and the mercury spikes closing in around him. His eyes dart to Ludociel, who is also momentarily pinned down by the confined space and their lack of cover.
Kimhyun (grimacing): "Damn it... Queen, what now? I can't get close with all these spikes!"
The mercury coils like a living barrier, nullifying Kimhyun's speed advantage. Every step he takes is met with another wave of spikes, blocking his path.
Ludociel, watching from behind, realizes they're being cornered. Memel stands firm with his shield, Klaus's mercury spikes dominate the battlefield, and Elbing's sound blasts keep them pinned. She glances at Kimhyun, who is visibly struggling against the relentless barrage.
Ludociel (thinking): "Individually, we're stronger, but they're working together, boxing us in."
She glances over her shoulder at Hugo, Shizuka, and Fenix, their exhausted forms resting against the wall. Protecting them adds another layer of complexity.
Ludociel (thinking): "And we also have to protect the others…"
She flinches as another small explosion of sound rings out near her position, Elbing Gumbinnen grinning as she prepares another pulse of sonic energy.
Ludociel (muttering): "If only we could—"
Before she can finish her thought, a barrage of mercury spikes comes dangerously close to Kimhyun again, forcing him into a defensive posture.
Kimhyun (breathing heavily, frustrated): "They keep coming at us from all directions! If we don't break through soon, we're screwed!"
Ludociel tightens her grip on her rapier, her golden wings glowing faintly. She eyes Memel's shield, Klaus's mercury, and Elbing's relentless sonic blasts. The odds are stacking higher against them with every passing moment, and the weight of protecting the others presses on her shoulders.
Another wave of mercury surges toward them, and Ludociel's eyes widen.
Ludociel (desperately): "Dodge, now!"
They both leap aside as the mercury spikes crash into the spot where they stood. The sound of scraping metal fills the air, and Memel's booming laughter echoes in the hallway.
Memel: "Heh! You're not going anywhere, long-legs. We'll crush you here!"
Just then, another wave of mercury spikes surges toward them, this time aiming directly for Hugo, Fenix, and Shizuka, who remain huddled together against the wall.
Ludociel (gasping, desperate): "No! First years, move!"
Ludociel dives toward the trio, ready to shield them from the attack, but before she can reach them, Hugo steps forward, his black flames sparking to life. He tries to enchant the sword in his hand, but as he channels his power—
Hugo (shocked, watching the blade): "What...?"
—Crack! The sword shatters in his grip, the pieces falling to the floor.
Hugo (in disbelief): "It... broke?! But how...? It worked last time…"
The failure of his sword stuns him, and for a brief moment, the chaotic flames inside him flicker. His mind flashes back to Allenstein, her voice cold and calculating.
Allenstein (in his memory, sorrowful): "I'm sorry, Hugo. I truly wanted you to be one of us... but I can't let you use that power."
Hugo's heart pounds as the realization dawns on him. Allenstein—the woman who had guided him, who seemed to care—was the one who destabilized his powers. The Eagle Step had set him up from the start.
Hugo (thinking, horrified): "It's been her... all along?"
The memory sends a surge of emotions through him, but before he can process it, the mercury spikes rush toward him and his friends.
Ludociel (shouting, rushing): "Dodge! Now!"
Just as the spikes are about to impale them, a sudden flurry of winged swords materializes, flying through the air and intercepting the mercury. The blades slice cleanly through the spikes, scattering them in every direction. Some of the swords continue forward, streaking toward the Eagle Step hunters.
Memel (shouting, raising his shield): "Raising Shield!"
Memel creates an aura shield to defend against the flying swords. The swords collide with Memel's aura shield and stuck there.
Lysander (coolly, stepping forward): "Haizz... so this is what we've come to?"
Ludociel, recovering from the shock of the sudden intervention, glances back at Lysander.
Lysander (urgent): "We need to move, now, before my swords disappear."
Scene: Desperate Eagle Fight
INT. EAGLE STEP HEADQUARTERS – TRAINING GROUND – NIGHT
Cleng Cleng The sound of swords clashing with mercury spikes echoed through the hallway, leading to the training ground of Eagle Step.
Kimhyun carries Lysander on his back, while Ludociel conjures her crystal-like octahedron, moving the first-year students while shielding them from incoming attacks.
Ludociel (confidently): "I couldn't use Sanctuary in that cramped hallway, but here…"
A white pure aura expands around them, flickering like a divine shield.
"…my Sanctuary will keep you safe."
Fenix (grinning, despite the pain): "You know, your majesty, you're really earning that title today."
Kimhyun (surprised): "Wait, Lysander, do you have superpowers after all?"
Lysander remains calm despite the chaos, his hand casually holding what appears to be a slim wand—like a cross between a chopstick and a cane. With a flick of his wrist, more winged swords materialize, firing toward the Eagle Step hunters to slow their advance.
Lysander (nonchalant): "Not exactly. This is Azure, a new-gen weapon we developed at GGG. Magic swords on command, as long as you've got the mana. Perfect for the rich as monster insurance."
Kimhyun (impressed): "Why didn't you use it before?"
Lysander (shrugging): "Because it drains mana like crazy. Trust me, I don't have much left. We either finish this soon, or we bolt. I can't keep spamming these forever."
Kimhyun glances over at the first years, noting the exhaustion etched on their faces. The strain is palpable.
Ludociel (concern): "Do we stand a chance of beating them here?"
Lysander (calmly): "We're in a wide-open training ground, so you and Kimhyun can maximize your abilities. I might be able to take out one or two if I time it right. But we need a solid plan if we're staying to fight."
Kimhyun (determined): "Then—"
INT. EAGLE STEP HEADQUARTERS – TRAINING GROUND – NIGHT LATER
The sound of footsteps echoes as the Eagle Step hunters rush into the training ground. Lysander, observing closely, notes that Memel's aura shield prevents his teammates from moving freely. They rely on ranged attacks like Elbing's sound explosions and Klaus's mercury spikes while advancing.
Lysander silently formulates his strategy. If he keeps spamming high enough damage to counter the mercury spikes, he can stall the Eagles, even immobilize them briefly.
Wilhelm (angry): "Damn brat, running like the rats!"
Allenstein (softly): "Master, they've stopped spamming their swords for a while. Are they plotting something?"
Suddenly, the ground and walls erupt. Iron bars and beams break through the floor, launching at high speed toward the Eagle Step hunters.
Elbing Gumbinnen (Stun) "What??"
Klaus Ritter (calmly, smug): "Dodge, now!!!"
The iron bars strike with precision, separating the hunters into smaller groups. The rubble shifts, creating makeshift walls that trap each group in separate parts of the training ground.
Wilhelm (stoically assessing): "They're dividing us?"
Fenix (confident): "That's right, old geezer."
Fenix emerges from the shadows, walking toward Wilhelm. His wounds from earlier? Completely healed.
Wilhelm (shocked, thinking): "His injuries… He's regenerated already?"
Fenix (grinning wickedly): "Oh, did I hear you call my sire a 'big mosquito'? Well, this 'small mosquito' is about to drain every drop of your blood."