The journey back to Lira's home base, the hidden fortress of the Astral Resistance, was surprisingly uneventful. Hikaru expected a couple of ambushes, or at the very least, an attack from some rogue minion of Zaryth or another god. Instead, the lands they crossed were eerily quiet, as though the world itself were holding its breath.
"Why does this feel like the calm before the storm?" Hikaru muttered, scanning the horizon.
Lira, walking beside him, adjusted her tattered robes. "Because it is. Ignar's death, and your skirmish with Zaryth, will send ripples across Astraleon. The Tyrant Gods are prideful beings. They won't tolerate an outsider upsetting their balance."
Hikaru rolled his eyes. "Oh no, the gods are mad. Whatever will I do?"
Lira glared at him but didn't respond. She was too focused on the path ahead. Beyond the next ridge, nestled in the rocky expanse of a mountain range, lay the hidden fortress where what remained of humanity had been fighting a desperate battle against the gods for centuries.
When they crested the ridge, Hikaru let out an impressed whistle. "Okay, I take back what I said about your world being stuck in medieval times. That place looks legit."
The fortress was carved directly into the mountain, its massive stone walls reinforced with shimmering magical barriers. Towers bristling with glowing runes stood like sentinels, their watchful gaze sweeping the surrounding terrain. From the distance, Hikaru could see figures moving about—soldiers, mages, and civilians bustling with purpose.
"Welcome to the last refuge of free people in Astraleon," Lira said. "The Astral Resistance."
Hikaru grinned. "Cool. Do they throw parties? Because if not, we're starting one."
Lira groaned. "You don't take anything seriously, do you?"
"Hey, I take snacks very seriously," Hikaru shot back, following her down the path to the gates.
As they approached, guards stationed at the entrance straightened, their hands gripping spears adorned with glowing blue crystals. At first, they tensed, but when they saw Lira, they visibly relaxed.
"Priestess Lira!" one of the guards exclaimed, saluting her. "You've returned safely."
"I have, Kyran. But we're not alone. This is Hikaru. He's… a powerful ally," she said, hesitating slightly at the introduction.
The guard, Kyran, eyed Hikaru warily. "Powerful ally? He doesn't look like much."
Hikaru grinned, tilting his head. "I get that a lot. But don't worry, Kyran. If a god shows up here, I'll take care of it before you can even say 'thank you.'"
Lira rolled her eyes. "Just open the gate."
The gates swung open, and Hikaru found himself entering a bustling courtyard. Soldiers trained in one corner, their weapons clashing in rhythmic practice. In another area, healers tended to wounded civilians, their hands glowing with faint magical energy. The fortress buzzed with determination and urgency, and yet there was an undercurrent of despair that no amount of activity could mask.
"It's a lot more crowded than I expected," Hikaru commented, scanning the faces of those around him.
"These are survivors," Lira said quietly. "People from villages and cities destroyed by the Tyrant Gods. They come here seeking safety."
Hikaru frowned, a rare hint of seriousness in his expression. "Safety from gods? That's a big ask."
"It's all we can offer," Lira replied.
Before Hikaru could respond, an older man with a commanding presence strode toward them. He was dressed in ornate armor, the silver plating gleaming even in the dim light of the courtyard. His sharp eyes darted between Hikaru and Lira.
"Lira," the man said, his voice low and gravelly. "You've returned… and with a stranger."
"Commander Elric," Lira said, bowing slightly. "This is Hikaru. He… he defeated Ignar."
The courtyard fell silent. Conversations stopped, and all eyes turned toward the pair.
"Defeated Ignar?" Elric repeated, his brow furrowing as he studied Hikaru. "Is this some kind of joke?"
"Nope," Hikaru said, crossing his arms. "Big, fiery dude with an anger problem? Turned him into ash and ice."
Murmurs spread through the crowd, disbelief evident on every face.
"Prove it," Elric said, stepping closer. "If you're truly capable of such a feat, demonstrate your strength."
Hikaru shrugged. "Sure, why not? Let's see…" He pointed at a massive boulder on the edge of the courtyard. "That big rock. You guys need it gone?"
Elric raised an eyebrow but nodded. "It's been a nuisance during drills. Why?"
"Watch and learn," Hikaru said, raising a finger. "Reality Override: Implode."
The boulder quivered for a split second before collapsing inward, crumbling into fine dust that scattered in the wind. Gasps filled the air, and even Elric's stoic expression wavered.
"Any other chores you need done while I'm at it?" Hikaru asked, flashing a cocky grin.
Elric remained silent for a moment before nodding slowly. "Perhaps there is something to what Lira says. But power alone does not earn trust. If you're truly an ally, then prove it through action."
"I literally just proved it through action," Hikaru said, gesturing to the now-gone boulder.
Lira elbowed him. "What he means, Commander, is that we'll help. Tell us what you need."
Elric nodded, though his gaze lingered on Hikaru. "We've had reports of increased activity from one of the gods' factions. Scouts near the Deadwood Basin observed strange movements—unusual energy signatures and formations. We were preparing to investigate, but…"
"You're stretched thin," Lira finished.
Elric sighed. "Yes. If you're as powerful as you claim, you could save lives by addressing this threat."
"Deadwood Basin, huh?" Hikaru said, stretching. "Sounds spooky. I'm in."
Lira looked at him incredulously. "You don't even know what you'll be up against."
"I'll figure it out when I get there," he replied. "That's how I roll."
Elric gave a slow nod. "Very well. But know this—many lives depend on you."
Hikaru smirked. "They're in good hands."
As they left the courtyard, Lira sighed. "One day, that arrogance is going to get you killed."
"Nah," Hikaru said, hands behind his head. "If anything, it's what keeps me alive. Let's go see what Deadwood's got for us."