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Seraphina and Saber stood just outside the towering gates of the Main District. The faint hum of distant technology buzzed behind them, but the air between them was heavy with reflection.
"So, what's next?" Saber asked, breaking the silence. "I can't even go back to my own kingdom. They won’t accept me again after what’s happened."
Seraphina turned toward him with a reassuring smile. "Don’t let your pride lead you astray, Saber. You were an amazing King, and more importantly, a good man. Besides, you’re not the only one who’s had their title revoked."
Saber's eyes widened, surprised by the revelation. "Wait… you mean—"
"Yes," Seraphina interrupted, her tone calm but tinged with emotion. "I was a Queen. But I gave up my title—for the greater good."
Intrigued, Saber pressed further. "What greater good?"
Seraphina’s smile became enigmatic. "That’s a story for another time," she said, her voice carrying a sense of finality. She glanced toward the horizon, where the Teleportation Circle shimmered faintly. "For now, we need to figure out how to reach Fort Vigilance. Can these circles take us there?"
Saber nodded. "It depends. Where exactly is Fort Vigilance located?"
Seraphina tilted her head, a sly grin forming. "While I was heading back to the Council's Hall after the explosion, I took a quick look at the map of the Land of Spade. It seems Fort Vigilance is most likely in Region 5."
"Alright," Saber said, walking toward the Teleportation Circle. He placed his hand over the glowing interface, ready to input the coordinates. A pulse of red light shot out, followed by a mechanical voice: “Access Denied. Prisoner Status Detected. Restricted Privileges.”
Saber groaned and turned to Seraphina, both of them bursting into laughter at the ridiculousness of their predicament.
"Well, that’s unfortunate," Seraphina quipped, wiping a tear from her eye.
"Looks like I can’t even use these anymore," Saber said, shaking his head. "Guess I’ll have to think outside the box."
"Do you know another way to Region 5?"
Saber nodded slowly. "I’ve heard rumors about underground transit systems. They’re not exactly legal—definitely not sanctioned by the Six Kingdoms—but they might get us there."
"Risky," Seraphina mused, "but we don’t exactly have options. Lead the way."22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah2bgQls8X
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7diCHIJ9R
22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DSlOPYfR5
The sprawling Fort Vigilance stretched across the vast terrain of Region 5, its towering walls and gleaming buildings a testament to innovation and survival. Now expanded to a staggering 1,000 miles in diameter, the fort was a sanctuary for the displaced.
Captain Solari and Zeraxis Prime walked the bustling central avenue, overseeing the newest developments. The entire population of the 21 planets from the Kaipo Universe now called Fort Vigilance home. Their former home, once a radiant beacon of light and life, had been consumed entirely by Ultimate Abyss, the devastating power wielded by Neraxis, Lord of the Abyss.
Kaipo, once a bright and thriving universe, was now an eerie void of black nothingness, as though it had never existed.
Zeraxis Prime spoke in his deep, commanding voice. "The expansions are holding steady. We’ve integrated habitat modules to simulate the planetary environments. The residents are adjusting."
Captain Solari, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon, nodded. "But it’s not enough. With the Areala Universe’s evacuees also joining us, we’ll need at least 500 more miles of expansion within the next two weeks. Can we meet that timeline?"
Zeraxis gave a rare smirk. "With Aetherstron as our foundation, there’s little we can’t do. Credit to Captain Daichi, Queen Nia, and Kiera Voss for their leadership during the evacuations. Their precision saved countless lives."
Solari allowed herself a small smile before her expression darkened. "Still, this fortress is temporary. The Eclipse Sovereignty won’t let us thrive in peace for long."
As if on cue, the scene shifted outside the walls of Fort Vigilance.
The winds howled, kicking up clouds of dust across the barren landscape. Five imposing figures stood atop a hill, their silhouettes ominous against the fading light.
The Eclipse Sovereignty had arrived.22Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0Hitt0Lht
