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The chapter opens in an endless dark plane, with stars scattered like pinpricks of light in the void. The Eclipse Sovereignty sits on invisible thrones, their figures illuminated only by faint, ominous glows emanating from their auras. Doran, Daichi, and Zeraxis Prime are caged nearby, each within shimmering Spectral Rune Cages. Their eyes, though weary, are sharp, analyzing every word and move from their captors.
Malakar Umbros stands at the forefront, his imposing presence dominating the space. He breaks the silence, his deep voice reverberating through the void. “So, what was your plan with Kaelus? And who was responsible for his capture?”
Captain Doran speaks first, his voice steady despite his confinement. “It isn’t really ‘what was our plan.’ The plan was fulfilled. It wasn’t something we were still doing. We gathered all the information we needed from our tests on Kaelus. And as for who captured him? That would be Queen Nia. But if you’re wondering what rendered him vulnerable, well... that would be me.”
Kaelus, seated beside Malakar, stiffens. His eyes blaze with anger as he growls, “Don’t even fix your mouth to insinuate you defeated me. I chose to walk and talk to you as you laid broken on the ground. If it wasn’t for your so-called queen, you’d be nothing more than dust by now.”
Malakar steps forward, his gaze locking onto Doran with an unsettling intensity. “So, it was you,” he says, his tone measured. “And how did you do it? With what power?”
Doran smirks, leaning slightly forward within his cage. “How about you release me from this prison and I’ll show you?”
For a moment, Malakar’s lips curl into an amused smile. “Tempting,” he replies. “But your confidence is telling... and terrifying. I think I’ll pass.”
Turning away, Malakar addresses his subordinates. “Phase 1 of Eclipse Xero begins now. I would have preferred to wait longer, but the recent events have made that impossible. We move forward.”
Doran, Daichi, and Zeraxis exchange subtle, knowing glances, silently questioning why Malakar would discuss such critical plans openly in front of them.
Malakar continues, his voice calm but commanding. “Does anyone know if ‘they’ took our bait yet?”
Vesper speaks up, his tone calculated. “Yes. They’ve successfully infiltrated. More detailed updates should arrive in the coming days, but for now, they continue to play their roles until it’s safe to send information.”
Malakar pauses for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. “Good,” he finally says. “We’ll remain under the radar until further intelligence comes through. Everyone, rest up. Once Phase 1 is fully in motion, things will escalate quickly.”
Suddenly, an overwhelming aura pierces through the void. The Eclipse Sovereignty members stiffen, their sharp eyes darting around in confusion. The energy is intense, focused, and suffocating.
“Where is that coming from?” Zareth asks, his voice low and cautious.
“I can’t pinpoint it,” Selene responds, scanning the darkness with narrowed eyes.
Kaelus stiffens. His voice trembles with something that almost resembles fear. “My lord... behind you.”
Malakar turns, and in an astonishing moment, Saber and Queen Nia materialize from the shadow portal. Seraphina crouched directly in front of Malakar, their faces mere inches apart, her fiery eyes boring into his.
The members of The Eclipse Sovereignty rise from their seats in unison, but before they can react further, Seraphina mutters, “...Illusory Eternity.”
In an instant, The Eclipse Sovereignty members are caught in a bizarre loop, endlessly repeating the same motion of standing up, their expressions frozen in confusion and frustration. The illusion ripples across the void, disorienting even Malakar for a moment.
Seraphina lets out a cold laugh. “Worried?” she taunts. “I thank my father for this. Being the daughter of legendary heroes puts you in a position where greatness isn’t optional—it’s expected. But the truth is, no mage alive will ever reach the level of my parents and the High Mages... except their successors. And you’re looking at one of them.”
Her voice hardens. “Don’t worry, though. Physically, your members aren’t harmed—yet. We only seek what you’ve taken from us: Queen Elara, Apprentice Lyra, Captain Doran, Captain Daichi, and Zeraxis Prime. Release them, or face the consequences.”
Though briefly startled, Malakar’s composure returns. He meets Seraphina’s fiery gaze, his expression calm but cold. “You don’t understand, just like the other one.” He gestures vaguely, clearly referencing his earlier conversation with Nia. “I’m simply following the logic of the one you all revere as a god. I’m sacrificing for ‘the greater good.’ And just like he used the Pure Heart, through Eclipse Xero, I will bring back everyone who has ever been lost. No difference.”
Seraphina’s eyes narrow. “Then why not work with us to maintain the peace Kaipo attained?”
Malakar’s voice drops to a chilling whisper. “Because that peace, the one he ‘attained,’ came at the cost of our pain.”
“And who is ‘our’?” Seraphina demands.
Malakar’s eyes gleam with a dark light as he smirks. “If only I had time for a history lesson. But sadly, all I have time for... is a bedtime story.”
Before anyone can respond, Malakar’s aura flares violently, the void trembling under his power. He raises his hands and utters two words that send chills through the air. “Chaos Cascade.”
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