x
As the dust settled in the now-wrecked Omnistron chamber, Captain Daichi and Captain Zarius Blacktide approached Queen Nia, Queen Lila, and King Kael. Captain Arcturus Valen and Captain Alaric Voss also joined the group, all still processing the gravity of what had just transpired.
Captain Daichi was the first to speak, his voice laced with frustration. "I can’t believe we let them get away like that. Tenzin... that coward will pay." He clenched his fists, a fire of determination in his eyes.
But as the realization set in, Captain Daichi’s gaze shifted, scanning the room. "Wait... where’s Captain Elowen? And Elder Moros?" His question sent a ripple of concern through the group. They hadn’t noticed until now.
"It was Morrigan," Captain Arcturus spoke, his tone analytical. "During the battle, she caught Captain Elowen and Elder Moros in her Nether Binding chains. I saw it happen through my Battlefield Insight." He paused for a moment, letting the information sink in.
With Battlefield Insight, Arcturus could perceive entire battlefields on a planetary scale, identifying threats, analyzing abilities, and predicting enemy moves. He continued, "Their abilities are terrifying. I’ve gained some critical knowledge about their powers, but I’ll share it later. For now, we need to be cautious."
Queen Lila’s face hardened with anger and concern. "Moros... taken. We cannot allow this." But before the weight of the situation overtook them, Captain Arcturus intervened again.
"They won’t be harmed—at least not immediately," Captain Arcturus said. "They’re valuable as leverage, most likely kept for contingency reasons in future encounters. King Arion wouldn’t waste such powerful captives so soon."
Queen Lila sighed, still visibly upset but nodding at Captain Arcturus’ logic. "We need to move forward, and we need to act smart."
Queen Lila took a breath and composed herself. "I have a plan. Kael," she addressed him directly, "I’ll need your help and the Requiem Universe’s resources. While Nia continues establishing the base in the Land of Spade and tracking down the Eclipse Sovereignty, I’ll investigate King Arion’s plans."
Queen Lila continued, "Seraphina’s actions, while impulsive, may work in our favor. She’s strong, and her efforts in the Land of Spade could yield results against the Eclipse Sovereignty. Until we know more, we should continue this approach."
Captain Arcturus nodded in agreement. "That’s the best course of action for now. I’ll offer my services to Queen Lila and the ‘Seventh’ Universe. My knowledge will be of great use in stopping King Arion’s plans."
Queen Nia nodded in acknowledgment. "Of course, Arcturus. Your insight will be invaluable."
Turning to Captain Alaric Voss, Queen Nia’s expression grew more serious. "Alaric, go ask your brother if he intends to help us out in this fight."
Alaric rolled his eyes in playful annoyance. "Really? My brother?" He tried to deflect, but Queen Nia remained firm.
"Yes, Alaric. Your brother’s involvement could turn the tide. He’s needed," Queen Nia insisted.
With a reluctant sigh, Alaric finally relented. "Alright, alright. I’ll ask him." He still sounded less than enthusiastic, but there was a glint of humor in his eyes.
Queen Nia turned to King Kael, who looked troubled. "Kael, are you alright?"
King Kael, though clearly preoccupied, managed a small smile. "I’m fine, Nia. Just... thinking about Commander Aiden. He still hasn’t returned to the Requiem Universe." He quickly masked his worry and nodded. "But I agree with the plan. I’ll help Queen Lila against King Arion and Tenzin."
Captain Daichi then asked, "What about the Areala Universe? Tenzin’s fled, and now there’s no legitimate ruler. What do we do?"
Queen Nia’s face saddened. "For the first time in fifty years, since peace was established, we’ll have to abandon the Areala Universe... at least for now. I’ll open the Kaipo Universe’s City Planet as a refuge."
Queen Lila agreed, adding, "I’ll send 1,000 of my medical mages to help evacuate the 21 planets. We need to move quickly."
But Captain Arcturus raised his hand. "That may not be the best idea, Your Majesty." All eyes turned to him as he continued. "Earlier, I used one of Captain Solari’s devices to conduct a Universal Scan of the Areala Universe. What I found is... disturbing. Eighteen of the twenty-one planets are covered in shadows. I couldn’t detect any signs of human or mage life. There are... creatures. Demons, it seems."
A heavy silence followed his words.
"It’s likely the work of the Eclipse Sovereignty," Captain Arcturus concluded. "Abandoning the Areala Universe is the safest option for now."
Queen Lila’s eyes shimmered with sadness as she processed the loss of so many lives. "So much destruction... so many innocents lost."
Captain Daichi’s voice cut through the sorrow. "And now, on top of that, we have King Arion and his madness to deal with. What a mess."
Captain Arcturus, ever the strategist, added, "It’s a mess, yes, but if we play this right, we can use King Arion and Tenzin’s ambition against the Eclipse Sovereignty. We just need to be careful."
With that, the meeting concluded, and the group prepared to return to their respective universes. The fight against King Arion, Tenzin, and the Eclipse Sovereignty had only just begun.
In the Land of Spade...27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbHoiDwEJ2
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l539kkrCW
Seraphina and Captain Doran were sitting by a campfire, resting from their journey. They were now four days away from the source of Elder Aeliana’s aura.
Captain Doran tore into a piece of ham, while Seraphina sipped from a spiced drink they’d picked up in a nearby town. The fire crackled softly as they enjoyed the brief moment of peace.
Captain Doran chuckled. "You know, the people in that town were surprisingly nice. Maybe it’s not all bad in the Land of Spade."
Seraphina smiled, leaning back. "Yeah, perhaps there’s some good here, even in the heart of all this darkness."
Doran then gave her a sly grin. "So... am I still supposed to call you ‘Queen Seraphina’? Or are you just ‘Sera’ now that you’re roaming around the Land of Spade?"
Seraphina laughed softly. "Honestly, I don’t care. I guess I'll go by ‘Sera,’ but since it’s you, Doran... I guess you’ll still have to call me ‘Queen Seraphina.’"
They both laughed, the tension between them easing in the warmth of the fire.
Doran grew a bit more serious, though there was still a playful twinkle in his eye. "You remember, ten years ago, during that mission in the Azure Universe... I had a bit of a crush on you."
Seraphina giggled. "Oh, I remember. You were the ultimate lover boy."
Doran smirked. "Well, my feelings haven’t changed."
Seraphina tilted her head, a smile playing on her lips. "Oh, I know. I can tell."
Doran leaned in slightly, his voice softer. "Maybe if we save Elder Aeliana, I’ll finally get that date I asked for all those years ago."
Seraphina’s smile widened. "Maybe," she said, teasingly.
The chapter ended there, the firelight flickering softly as Seraphina and Doran’s journey continued.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM4Yv8IqRt
