Chapter 34 – The Summoning of Shadows

While Randy and the others laughed over cheap ale in the newly built tavern of Vista Valley, far to the north, the air reeked of blood and burning iron.

King Azrael sat in a temporary hut—his grand palace still in ruins, its reconstruction crawling like wounded ants. The flicker of torchlight danced across his sharp, vulture-like features as he swirled crimson wine in a jeweled goblet.

“Morwenna…” His voice dripped with authority, low and dangerous.

“Yes, my lord…” The enchantress slithered closer, her silk gown whispering across the floor. She pressed herself near his throne, eyes glowing with desire and ambition.

Azrael’s hand twitched—his telekinetic force slammed her back against the wall with a sharp thud.
“Settle down,” he snarled, wine sloshing over his pale fingers. “I don’t need your charms. I need your ears.”

Morwenna straightened, breathing heavily but smiling still. “Yes, my lord…”

At his side, Thorgrim, scarred and towering, bent one knee.
“My king.”

Azrael’s eyes gleamed like burning coals. “The summoning ritual begins tonight. Nyx has betrayed us, and without her… our power falters. We need a new pawn. One who can rebuild our machine legions.”

Thorgrim bowed deeper. “Whom do you command, my lord?”

From beneath his robes, Azrael revealed a crystal orb, pulsing with malevolent light. The surface writhed, shadows trapped inside screaming silently.

“Take this,” he ordered. “Morwenna, go with him. To the altar in the upper region. The summoner waits. He claims he has called forth… someone suitable.”

Morwenna’s eyes glittered with intrigue as she touched the orb, her smile widening like a blade.
“As you command, my king…”

The two vanished in a flare of teleportation.

The hut fell silent. Azrael sipped his wine again, then turned his gaze to the far corner.

“You…”

From the darkness, a figure emerged—a samurai clad in pitch-black armor, a demon’s mask concealing his face. His presence was suffocating, as though death itself had stepped into the hut.

“Yes.” His voice was deep, steady, and cold.

“What would you suggest as my next step?” Azrael asked, eyes narrowing. “Our legions are shattered. My enemies gather. What path remains?”

The black samurai—Yasuke—moved with measured precision. He opened the hut’s flap. Outside, rows of goblins stood in formation, trembling, clutching strange iron tubes.

“Watch,” Yasuke commanded.

The commander barked. “Ready! Aim!”

“Fire!”

BANG!
A thunderous crack split the air. Smoke stung the night. Targets of armored dummies shattered and collapsed. The goblin trembled, but their eyes burned with newfound power.

Azrael’s brows lifted.

“A single peasant,” Yasuke intoned, “can slay an elite soldier… at the cost of one spark. No training, no years of steel. Just fire and death. With this, an army can be forged from mud and desperation.”

Azrael’s lips twisted into a dark smile. “Interesting… Yasuke.”

The black samurai tilted his head, his hand resting on his sword. “And that flying machine that humiliated you…” His eyes gleamed beneath the demon mask. “Bring me one. I will make it a weapon of nightmares.”

Azrael raised his goblet high, wine dripping down his chin like blood. His lips curled into a smile that was both regal and deranged.

“Then let the age of fire and steel… begin.”

His laughter echoed across the ruined halls, carried on the wind like a curse.
“…Xorvath…” he whispered, the name like venom on his tongue.

On Earth.
The portal chamber flickered faintly, runes sparking and sputtering as if taunting those who waited.

Griffith leaned forward, his hand resting on the cold edge of the console. His eyes were hollow, exhausted from nights without sleep.

“No response…” he muttered.

At his side, General Samuel folded his arms, his jaw tight. “Any luck?”

Griffith shook his head slowly. “…No. But I know the message was sent. I just hope Randy got it.”

The room was filled with silence, broken only by the low hum of failing machinery.

On the corner TV, news anchors struggled to maintain their composure as breaking coverage rolled across the screen.

“—reports now confirm nearly one million people worldwide have vanished. Governments are scrambling… no explanation has been provided…”

Samuel exhaled heavily. “The world’s unraveling.”

Griffith clenched his fist. “No… it’s being tested.”

In the Sky Island.
Steel rang against steel in rhythmic strikes.

Elysia lunged, her bow shifting fluidly into twin blades, clashing against Fu Xi’s strikes. Sparks flew, her breath ragged, her eyes sharpened.

“Good,” Fu Xi barked, deflecting her strike. “But don’t just move—control the flow. Hold the pressure. You must last until the killing blow.”

“I got it, sir!” Elysia’s voice trembled with determination, her sweat-slicked hair clinging to her face.

Fu Xi paused for a moment, glancing to the horizon. “I wonder if Randy and the others have completed their mission…”

The Great Archive.
Nyx wandered the endless shelves, torchlight flickering against ancient stone. She muttered to herself, tracing her fingers across runes etched in books older than kingdoms.

“This prophecy… it hides too much…”

Her steps halted.

There, buried beneath dust and cobwebs, was the thing she had hunted for years—an ancient machine. Rusted, yet still humming faintly with forbidden power.

Nyx’s lips curled. “Well, well… finally. The great librarian uncovers the forbidden page…”

Another chamber of the Archive.
Kline sat hunched over piles of scrolls and tomes, his ink-stained hands trembling. His voice was low, troubled.

“This portal… damn it. It says only a single trip. A one-way road. And return…” His eyes narrowed. “It doesn’t guarantee anyone makes it back.”

The weight of those words lingered in the shadows.

Training Grounds.
Seraphina’s spear cleaved through the air, lightning sparking at its tip. Marlisa’s chants wove into protective shields while Harmonia’s song resonated, binding their movements into seamless formation.

“Again!” Seraphina barked, her tail lashing behind her.

Sweat dripped, voices rose, and harmony took shape.

The Forge.
Elowen hammered at glowing steel, sparks bursting like fireworks. Beside her stood a newly carved figure of stone—a golem, its form different from the others.

“A healer golem…” Elowen muttered, brow furrowed. “If this works, Randy’s insane idea might actually save lives…”

Kingdom of Mana, the Capital.
The city bustled, banners flapping in the wind, but tension ran beneath every smile.

Within the royal training grounds, Aethone stood tall, her strikes sharp and merciless as she sparred with Raul.

“Again!” she commanded, her blade slamming against his shield.

“Yes, Lady Aethone!” Raul’s voice rang with vigor, his aura blazing.

Marian watched from the sidelines, her eyes narrowing, her fingers glowing faintly as she scanned Raul’s essence.

Glowing text shimmered before her eyes:

Raul
Class: Divine Warrior
Level: A-Tier
Attributes:

Skills: Art of War, Sacred Fervor, Lightbringer, Regeneration, Zealot’s Fury, Hero’s Favor, Omni Element, Divine Reckoning, Confidence and Arrogance, Limit Break.

Marian’s lips pressed into a thin line.

“…Strong. Too strong.”

Her eyes flicked toward Alfian, training separately, his fists pounding against stone blocks until they shattered.

Alfian
Class: Berserker
Level: A-Tier
Attributes:

Skills: Bloodlust, Warrior’s Madness, Powerhouse, Geological Impact, High-Risk, High-Reward, Unrelenting, Renegade.

Marian’s whisper lingered in the air like a curse.
“…They’re not just strong. They’re unstable. Just like… him.”

She turned, her expression shadowed.

On the training field, Raul’s blade clashed against Aethone’s, golden light scattering like sunfire. Across the field, Alfian’s fists struck stone with thunderous force, shards exploding around him. His lips curled into a feral grin, sweat dripping down his jaw.

“Just you wait, Randy…” His voice rumbled low and venomous. “…Just you wait.”

Northern Demon Kingdom – Upper Region

The night sky above the jagged mountains swirled with black storm clouds, lightning striking the peaks in unnatural rhythm.

Morwenna and Thorgrim approached the great altar—an obsidian platform etched with crimson runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. Ten summoners stood in a circle, chanting incantations that twisted the air, their voices overlapping into an eerie chorus.

Morwenna’s lips curled with anticipation. “So… what kind of soul will answer this call?”

Thorgrim’s eyes narrowed as he leaned toward one of the summoners who stood apart, acting only as overseer.
“How do you choose the one… suitable for our king?”

The summoner’s voice was low, trembling yet reverent.
“We do not choose, my lord. The one who answers… is the one who wills to be here. He is coming.”

The ground shook.
The circle flared.
A deafening crack split the night as a blast of light erupted, smoke engulfing the altar. The summoners staggered back, shielding their eyes.

From within the smoke, a silhouette emerged.

A man stood tall, his lean frame cloaked in long, dark coats that billowed as if caught in an unseen storm. Silver hair, wild and untamed, framed his gaunt yet regal features. His piercing blue eyes glowed unnaturally, alive with an inner fire that sent sparks crackling across his fingertips. Glowing accents along his attire pulsed faintly like circuits, amplifying his affinity with lightning. The very air around him charged with electricity—every breath of wind humming as though bowing to his presence.

Morwenna’s lips parted, breathless. “…Welcome.”

The man straightened, his voice a mix of elegance and madness.
“Pray tell, good fellows… in what realm of existence do I now reside?”

“This is another world,” Morwenna answered smoothly. “And who might you be?”

The stranger smiled, his gaze distant, as if peering into horizons unseen.
“The currents of fate have brought us together, my dear. I… am Nikola Tesla.” His eyes gleamed with wild brilliance. “And you are…?”

“Our names are of no concern to you,” Morwenna said with a sly smirk. “What matters is the promise—you agreed to aid us. What will you bring to our cause?”

Tesla tilted his head, sparks dancing across his hands like playful serpents of lightning.
“Indeed… indeed, I shall. Shall we begin the symphony of progress?”

Morwenna’s smile widened.

Thorgrim, practical and grim, stepped forward. From his cloak he drew an ancient weapon—an iron-forged rifle of the fallen Alchemist Kingdom. He placed it reverently before Tesla.
“Tell me, do you understand this device?”

Tesla crouched, his electric-blue gaze studying the weapon with surgical intensity. He touched it—immediately a crackle of power coursed through its frame.

“Haaah… a firearm,” he mused, his tone both curious and dismissive. “Ingenious, yet… crude. Such lack of efficiency… such waste of potential energy. A tool fit for war, yet crippled by the ignorance of its makers.” He straightened, sparks leaping from his coat as he grinned with manic delight. “Yes… I can improve this. Tenfold. A hundredfold!”

Thorgrim and Morwenna exchanged a sharp glance.

“Then,” Thorgrim said, his voice low and heavy, “follow us.”

Tesla’s coat swirled as he turned, eyes alight with manic hunger for invention.
“Yes… lead me to your king. Let us remake this world in lightning and fire.”

The three figures stepped into the circle of runes. The altar blazed crimson one final time—then with a flash, they vanished into the night.

The airship’s engines hummed with a steady rhythm as I checked the systems one last time. Golems carried construction tools and crates of salvaged steel into the cargo bay, their heavy steps echoing like war drums.

“With Mickey’s appearance… it’s confirmed,” I muttered, tightening a strap on one of the storage locks. My eyes drifted to the clouds above. “Our world’s tied to this one. Uncle… something big must’ve happened back home.”

Inside the ship, the others had dozed off.

Luna leaned against the window, her rapier resting across her lap, the blade glowing faintly with runic etchings. Even asleep, her grip on the hilt was firm, like she could duel in her dreams.

Oswald sprawled across the floor, snoring like a beast, one fist still faintly charged with arcane sparks. Even in sleep, the guy radiated “fight me” energy.

And Mina? She was perched high on the rafters, eyes closed, her presence so quiet she was practically a shadow. For all I knew, she’d been awake the whole time, listening to every sound in the airship.

I exhaled and pulled out my lightsaber. The hum filled the bay, a pale beam cutting the air as I swung it. Sparks crackled when it grazed the railing. Crude. Flawed. But usable.

“It won’t be enough,” I whispered, shutting it down. My fingers traced rough sketches across a battered notebook. “I need defense… a barrier… a shield. Something to survive.”

The pages filled with crude diagrams until my eyes grew heavy, and at last, I drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the weapons and tools that had carried me this far.

Morning

Vista Valley buzzed with life below as we prepared for departure.

Arthur stood at the ridge, flanked by his men. His youthful grin carried the weight of a prince, though he masked it with bravado.

“Well then,” he said warmly, extending his hand, “Vista Valley owes you more than we can repay. But with this alliance, maybe… just maybe… we’ll stand stronger.”

Luna stepped forward, clasping his hand firmly. Her emerald eyes glinted, her voice crisp. “May this bond hold, Arthur. You’ve earned our respect.”

Arthur smiled. “Farewell, then.”

“Farewell,” Luna echoed.

Althaeon chuckled, his deep voice rolling like thunder. “You children never cease to give me headaches. Still… thank you.”

Ilmar bowed his head respectfully. “We will meet again.”

I pulled a small crystal device from my jacket and pressed it into Arthur’s hand.
“Here. A communicator. If things go south, use this. It’ll reach us.”

Arthur blinked, turning it over in his palm. “You mean… we can contact you anytime?”

“Exactly.”

For a moment, he just stared at me. Then, grinning, he threw his arms around me in a crushing hug.
“WE’RE GOOD FRIENDS NOW!!” he shouted.

“Wha—hey!! Not so tight, dammit!” I gasped, as Oswald barked out a laugh.

“Heh… looks like he likes you,” Oswald smirked, extending his hand. Arthur clasped it with the same fiery enthusiasm. Sparks literally leapt from Oswald’s fist, but Arthur didn’t flinch.

Mina dropped down silently from the rafters of the ship, landing without a sound. “It’s time,” she said coolly, her tone sharp enough to cut steel.

Ilmar waved us off. “Don’t be strangers!”

Refugees gathered, their voices rising in gratitude. “Thank you!!”

Althaeon raised his staff, his voice shaking the valley.
“May the light of the gods guide you all!”

The airship engines roared, lifting us skyward. The valley shrank beneath us, rooftops glowing in the sunlight, the people below waving like shadows.

Oswald leaned against the railing, smirking. “Well… Sky Island next, huh?”

“Yeah,” I said, gripping the helm. “Finally.”

Mina crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. “New destination. New enemies. Best keep sharp.”

“New allies too,” Luna added softly, though her eyes never left me—sharp as a hawk, searching for something she couldn’t say aloud.

The airship surged into the jetstream, the whole valley vanishing behind us. Wind howled like an endless chorus, and for a brief moment, it felt like we were cutting straight through the sky itself.

Then something passed us—so massive it blotted out the sun for a heartbeat.

I froze. “…It’s huge!!”

A bird—no, a celestial beast—soared alongside us. Its wings shimmered silver, every feather glowing like starlight. Flames of pure light rippled across its body, not red like fire, but argent and serene. It wasn’t just a phoenix… it was something more.

“That’s…” Mina whispered, her normally sharp tone melting into awe. “A Caelestis… a sky phoenix. They say it brings fortune to anyone who witnesses it.”

“Yes…” Luna’s eyes softened, her lips parting slightly as though in prayer. “It’s beautiful…”

“Wonder how it tastes grilled,” I muttered without thinking.

SMACK!
Her rapier’s hilt cracked against my head before I even saw her move.

“Idiot! That bird is sacred! Revered as a god!” Luna barked, cheeks slightly red as though embarrassed by me.

Mina chuckled behind her cup of tea, a sly grin curving her lips. “Hehe… you never cease to amaze me, Randy. Only you would look at a divine being and think of dinner.”

“Yeah… classic Randy,” Oswald sighed, scratching his head.

The Caelestis tilted its radiant wings, riding the wind. For a moment, Luna leaned closer to the window, her green eyes catching the bird’s glow. She whispered something under her breath, too soft for me to catch.

“What are you saying?” I asked.

She turned, smiling faintly, almost mischievous. “Nothing. Just a secret.”

Mina leaned forward, her voice low, almost reverent. “If you pass under the Caelestis… tradition says you should make a wish. Whisper it, and it’ll carry your desire to the gods.”

“Like a shooting star, huh?” Oswald grinned wide, pounding his fist against the window. “Alright, then! I wish… I had girls like Randy!”

“You’re supposed to whisper it, moron,” Mina smirked, her voice like a blade in the dark.

“Oh! Right!” Oswald leaned in again, this time whispering so low we couldn’t hear.

I rolled my eyes, but then Luna turned toward me, her gaze sharper than before.

“…What about you?” she asked quietly.

“Huh?” I blinked.

“Your wish,” she pressed. “What is it?”

I hesitated. My throat tightened as the glow of the Caelestis washed over us. I wanted to laugh it off, but the words slipped out, unguarded.

“…I wish I could see my parents again. Just once. Even… just to hug them.”

The cabin fell quiet. Even Oswald didn’t crack a joke.

Luna’s eyes softened. For a moment, her usual fiery, tsundere edge faded, replaced by something almost fragile. “…Then hold onto that. Even an unattainable wish can guide you.”

“…You think so?” I muttered.

She smiled faintly, placing her hand on the glass where the Caelestis shone brightest. “I know so.”

The silver phoenix let out a haunting cry, like a chorus of bells ringing through the heavens. Its wings stretched wide, then tilted—its path veering right, while ours bent left toward the looming shadow of Sky Island.

As its light faded behind us, I couldn’t help but feel like it had seen straight through me—through all of us.

One thing was certain: this world held more mysteries, more wonders, and far more dangers than I could ever imagine.
And maybe—just maybe—it held the answers I’d been searching for.

The flight dragged on, but at last, a colossal silhouette appeared in the distance. A sky golem, wings of stone beating against the clouds, escorted us like a guardian. My chest tightened. That meant only one thing—Sky Island.

The airship descended through the shimmering barrier, clouds parting like curtains to reveal the floating citadel. Towers of white stone gleamed in the sunlight, waterfalls spilled into the endless sky, and vast bridges of crystal stretched across impossible heights.

We landed. The ship hissed as its gears slowed, and the moment the ramp lowered, familiar figures were already waiting.

Fu Xi stood with arms crossed, eyes sharp as a hawk.
Nyx lounged lazily on a stack of books she clearly “borrowed” from somewhere, smirking.
Seraphina’s tail swayed like a coiled spring, her spear clutched with restless energy.
Elysia gave us her usual composed gaze, though her lips trembled, betraying the excitement underneath.
Marlisa waved so hard it looked like her arm might pop off.
Harmonia was bouncing in place, practically glowing.
And Kline… well, he looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks, clutching a tome under one arm.

We stepped down onto the platform.

“About time,” Fu Xi grunted, his voice like rolling thunder.

“Hey, you bring any souvenirs?” Nyx drawled, tilting her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I missed you!!!” Seraphina cried, practically launching herself at me—only for a blur of silver to intercept.

CLANG!

Luna’s rapier locked Seraphina’s spear mid-charge, sparks flying.

“Gotcha!” Harmonia sang, catching me from behind with surprising strength.

“Hey!! That’s cheating!!” Seraphina pouted, fangs flashing.

“Control yourself!” Luna snapped, cheeks red as she pushed Seraphina back.

Marlisa darted past them, straight to Oswald. “Big brother!!”

Oswald blinked, then grinned wide, pulling her into a rough hug. “What’s up! You’ve been training, right?”

“Yep!!” Marlisa beamed, flexing her arm proudly.

I couldn’t help but smile—yeah, she’d definitely been training.

Then Kline stepped forward. His robes were crumpled, his eyes sunken from nights of study, but he still forced a grin.

“Hey, bro…” he said, voice hoarse. “You look alive… that’s good enough.”

I tilted my head. “…You look like death.”

He laughed weakly. “Yeah. Feels about right.”

Behind them, the city stretched out—grand, alive, impossibly high above the world.
Sky Island. Our new stage.
And I knew… things were only going to get crazier from here.

Elowen appeared, hammer slung across her shoulder, smiling warmly.
“Looks like the diplomatic mission is a success, I assume?”

Luna crossed her arms, glaring at me. “Yeah. More like he overdid it. Again.”

Elowen sighed, her smile twitching. “Let me guess…” 😒 “...he built more than he was supposed to?”

“Yep. First the bathhouse. Then a hospital. Then suddenly—bam—a whole town.” Oswald deadpanned.

Elowen grabbed me by the shirt. “Randy!!!”

“Huh!? Mission success, right?!” I tried to play innocent.

“I thought you’d build one thing. One!! Not a city!” Elowen’s voice cracked, half in fury, half disbelief.

Fu Xi burst out laughing, shaking his head. “Hahaha! Now that’s something!”

“Lord Fu Xi,” Mina cut in smoothly, “it seems the Kingdom of Gildarts… their third prince is already our ally.”

“That’s good.” Fu Xi nodded.

“More like his best friend,” Oswald muttered.

“He’s just… lonely.” I shrugged.

Luna tilted her head. “Really?”

I scratched my cheek, looking away. “Yeah…”

Elowen clapped her hands. “Anyway! Let’s have breakfast!”

“Wait, why my house?!” I protested.

“Huh? It’s the only place big enough for everyone to gather, duh.” Elowen grinned.

Before I could argue, a sudden impact—arms wrapped around me from behind.

“I missed this kid so much!” Elysia cheered, squishing my head straight into her chest.

“Ugh—can’t… breathe…” My muffled voice was drowned by soft warmth.

Luna shot up instantly, rapier drawn, eyes blazing.
“Get away from him!!!”

The entire room froze. Elysia blinked innocently, still hugging me. Mina sighed. “Lady Luna… please, not again…”

Luna growled, cheeks red. “He’s mine to yell at!!”

Everyone ignored the commotion as Fu Xi sipped tea, already back to business.
“Seems like Gildarts has internal problems. But I doubt King Justine would allow something this reckless…”

“According to what we saw, the kingdom is divided into three factions,” Mina explained. “For now, our ally is only the third prince.”

Fu Xi stroked his beard. “Better than nothing. Still, we must return soon. Oversight is necessary. Luna, you’ll accompany us.”

“I’ve decided…” Luna straightened her back. “I’ll stay here. There’s still too much I haven’t seen.”

Elysia stepped forward. “Me too. I can’t remain a student while war brews outside.”

Oswald cracked his knuckles. “Same. I’m done with the academy. I’d rather fight on the front lines.”

Marlisa frowned. “I don’t like the academy either… I’ll stay with them.”

“What about Marian?” Elysia asked.

“Right…” I muttered. “And the adventurers you handpicked?”

“We’ll regroup later. For now, Oswald can handle it.”

“Yeah, leave it to me.” Oswald smirked. “Besides, I want to meet the others.”

“So it’s settled.” Marlisa nodded. “We’ll return to the city first.”

Fu Xi rose. “Then escort us.”

“Wait,” I interrupted. Pulling out a small device, I handed it over. “Here. With this communicator, we can stay connected. If anything happens, call us.”

“Agreed.” Fu Xi nodded firmly.

Luna bowed her head. “Sorry, Uncle…”

“Why apologize?” Fu Xi chuckled. “You can be an ambassador in your own way. Besides…”

Mina placed a hand on her hip. “No can do. I’ll stay too. Someone has to keep an eye on him.”

Fu Xi groaned. “Awww…”

We boarded the massive airship. Not the Skybreaker—this one was simpler, sturdier.

Fu Xi rested his hand on its railing. “It’s your ship. Name it.”

I thought for a moment, then smiled. “Endeavour.”

“Not bad.” Fu Xi approved.

Meanwhile, Elysia revved up an airbike with Marlisa clinging behind.
“See you in the city!!”

“W-Wait!!!” Marlisa squealed as they blasted off.

“Alright. Let’s go.” I tightened my grip on the helm.

As the Endeavour soared into the skies, I glanced back at Sky Island, Luna’s figure still visible, watching us leave.

“Luna… stay here. I’ll be gone for a while.”

She clenched her fist, biting her lip. “Then I’ll wait. But don’t you dare die on me, Randy…”

Fu Xi leaned closer, his voice low. “A wise choice. Leaving her here keeps the nobles at bay. She’s the only heir—anyone would try to use her as a pawn.”

“What happened exactly?” I asked.

Mina’s eyes darkened. “It’s complicated. Since Luna is the true heir, and Fu Xi only a regent… she’s the key to the throne. If she stays here, it keeps her safe. For now.”

I exhaled. “Yeah… politics. Exactly what I didn’t want to get involved in.”

Fu Xi chuckled grimly. “Too late, kid. Whether you like it or not… you’re already in it.”

The Endeavour cut through the skies, heading toward the city below.
And my gut told me—this was only the beginning.

The city erupted the moment we arrived. Shouts, cheers, whispers—students and citizens alike crowded the docks, pointing at the massive airship as if it were a dragon descending from the heavens.

Elysia had already touched down earlier, standing tall at the docks with her arms crossed, the wind tugging at her silver hair like a flag.

I eased the Endeavour into landing, the hull creaking as it met the docking frame. The crowd parted, eyes wide with awe.

Fu Xi stepped out first, Mina and Oswald close behind. The dragon lord exhaled deeply.
“Well then… Randy. Take care of Luna for me.”

I smirked, scratching the back of my head. “She’s the one who taught me. Pretty sure she can handle herself better than I can.”

Fu Xi chuckled knowingly, but before I could follow the others—

“Hold.”

A new presence cut through the noise. A woman approached, her steps steady, her aura sharp. Her long hair swayed like a banner of light, her eyes carrying the weight of authority and faith.

Aethone. The Hunter Saint.

“So…” her voice was calm, but it carried like a blade drawn from its sheath. “…this is the one who saved our kingdom?”

Fu Xi gave a short nod. “Yes. He is.”

I froze, then stepped forward. For some reason, my gut screamed caution. She looked radiant, noble, almost saintly… but there was something beneath that warmth. Something cold.

Her eyes flicked toward the airship. “Is this the vessel?”

“Uh, yeah,” Fu Xi replied.

“Interesting…” Without hesitation, Aethone strode up the gangplank and onto the Endeavour. Her boots echoed in the empty interior as she inspected it with an unreadable gaze.

I followed, uneasy. “Is there anything you need?”

“Oh, nothing.” Her lips curved into a faint smile. “I simply wished to see you face to face.”

The air shifted. My instincts screamed danger.

Aethone suddenly closed the distance—her movement too fast, too sharp for casual approach. Her hand cut the air like a strike.

Without thinking, I caught her wrist, twisted, and pulled. My body dropped low, executing a clean throw.

But before she hit the deck, she twisted midair like a seasoned fighter, landing on her feet in a flawless recovery.

The air around us trembled.

“Ho…” Aethone’s lips curled into a smile, her eyes glinting with something fierce. “So the rumors weren’t exaggerated. You are good. Though…” her gaze sharpened, “…you don’t look strong.”

I forced a laugh, raising my hands half in defense, half in surrender. “Uh… yeah. I’m not the type who likes fighting.”

Outside, I could hear Oswald muttering to Mina.
“…She’s picking a fight with him already.”

“Saints always test what they don’t trust,” Mina whispered, her sharp eyes tracking Aethone’s every move.
My pulse pounded in my ears. She hadn’t even drawn her blade yet, and already I felt like a rabbit in the jaws of a hawk.

“Well then…” her voice was calm, too calm. Then her eyes flashed. “Since you’re here—let me see what you’re worth!”

She lunged.

A blur of fists and kicks tore through the air. Each strike was precise, a storm of controlled violence. My instincts screamed as I twisted, ducked, and barely managed to slip past her strikes.

“Geez—what the hell is this!?” I yelped, stumbling back.

“Keep fighting!” Aethone barked, relentless.

Her movements weren’t just an attack—they were an examination. Every feint, every blow, testing my reactions, measuring my strength. She was reading me like an open book.

I couldn’t drag this out. My gut was already warning me: don’t let her pin you down. End this fast.

“Fine then…” I muttered. My body shifted, muscle memory kicking in. My uncle’s training whispered through my veins.

I slid into CQC—close quarters combat. My movements snapped sharper, cleaner.

Aethone’s eyes widened the moment I slipped past her guard. One pivot, one sweep—and suddenly, I was behind her. My arm snaked around her throat in a clean takedown.

“Merciless…” Oswald muttered, impressed.

“That’s… some move,” Mina said quietly, her lips curling into the faintest grin.

“Told you, Aethone,” Fu Xi rumbled from the sidelines, pride glinting in his gaze. “He’s no pushover.”

But the saint wasn’t done. She twisted, her body exploding with strength. In a heartbeat, she snapped free of my chokehold and flipped back, eyes narrowing, grin sharp.

“Tch—persistent…” I hissed. My chest burned. This was no game.

The warning bell in my head screamed louder. End this or get out. Now.

I dropped into a stance I hadn’t used in years—a fusion of my uncle’s brutal martial arts and the scraps of styles I had cobbled together over a lifetime of survival.

Eight years ago. London.
I was seven. My uncle Griffith lay on the grass beside me, staring up at the sky.
“Since you’re here, might as well learn how your mom and dad fought,” he had said.
I’d blinked up at him, confused. “Since when were my parents superheroes?”
Griffith’s smile had been sad, proud. “…You’ve got no idea, son.”

Back in the present, Aethone came at me again, her legs hooking around my waist in a grappling strike. I reacted on instinct—snatching her thigh, spinning, and slamming her down to the deck.

She lashed out with a kick—bam!—but I drove forward, both fists hammering into her abdomen with a dull crack.

She staggered back, breath knocked out.
“Ghh—oww… That’s… something.” Her hand pressed her stomach, her lips curling in both pain and admiration. “Even Alfian and Raul don’t hit like that. Impressive…”

Fu Xi’s laughter boomed, pride in his eyes. “That’s my boy!”

Oswald smirked. “Now that is skill.”
Mina gave me a small nod. “Good hit.”

“Alright Randy,” Fu Xi called out, folding his arms, “enough showing off. Get out of here before she decides to drag this out.”

“Got it!” I bolted, making a beeline for the bridge.

Behind me, Aethone straightened, fury flashing in her eyes. “Hey! He’s skipping school!!”

She moved to chase—but Mina stepped into her path, one hand on her dagger, her grin sharp as a blade.
“Settle down, Saint,” she said smoothly. “If you break him now, who’s gonna save your kingdom later?”

Aethone froze, her jaw tightening. The whole deck went silent.

And me? I slammed the hatch shut and collapsed against it, chest heaving.
“…Note to self: never piss off saints again.”

The engines roared as I shoved the throttle forward. The airship shook, turbines screaming, before we burst into the clouds—leaving Aethone, her sharp eyes, and my shredded pride far below.

On the docks, Aethone stood silently, her expression unreadable. Fu Xi watched her carefully, his arms crossed.

“Why?” he finally asked.

Her gaze didn’t waver. “Because desperation breeds weakness. I needed to know if he’d break.”

Fu Xi sighed. “You look more desperate than him. Why, Aethone?”

“At least now I know… all of them are strong enough to face the Northern Kingdom.”

“Strong enough?” Fu Xi’s tone hardened. “Randy may be reckless, but don’t forget—he saved your kingdom. He dove headfirst into the enemy capital, destroyed their cannon, and came back alive.”

Aethone’s jaw clenched. “He’s strong, yes. But Raul and Alfian… I’ve trained them personally. They’ve grown beyond him.”

“Why are you so obsessed with the Northern Kingdom?” Fu Xi asked, voice low.

“Because they are our enemy.”

“And yet,” Fu Xi countered, his eyes narrowing, “they haven’t attacked. That’s enough reason to hold back.”

“That’s why you’re soft.” Aethone’s words dripped like venom. “Even now, corruption gnaws inside this kingdom while you sit idle.”

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and strode away, her cloak snapping behind her like a whip.

Fu Xi exhaled slowly, rubbing his forehead.

Mina stepped forward, her voice quiet. “…She’s not wrong. She has a motive. A dangerous one.”

Oswald crossed his arms, his usual smirk nowhere in sight. “…And that’s what bothers me. Even I’m starting to wonder—whether I could handle what’s coming… or even trust the people standing beside us.”

Just then, footsteps echoed.

Elysia returned with Marlisa, her bright energy clashing with the heavy atmosphere. “What happened?”

Oswald forced a grin, waving a hand casually. “Nothing serious. Aethone just wanted to… say hi to Randy.”

“Oh? That’s all?” Elysia tilted her head, then shrugged and wandered off.

But Marlisa lingered, her sharp gaze on Oswald. “…She reminds me of someone. Don’t you think?”

Oswald’s grin faded, his voice dropping to a mutter. “Yeah. The damn First Princess, Verica. Like we tamed a lioness, and now a tigress shows up. Great. Just what we needed…”

Fu Xi let out a long, tired laugh. “Good men always think too much. But you’re not wrong. Randy himself told me—his work would be something out of this world. And the truth is… not many will appreciate it. Some will see him as a threat.”

Oswald nodded grimly. “Exactly. That’s why things need to calm down before the storm breaks.”

Fu Xi glanced up at the clouds, his expression grave. “Agreed. For now, head back, kids. I’ll keep watch here.”

Oswald and Marlisa exchanged a look, then left without another word.

Mina lingered beside Fu Xi, her eyes sharp as ever. “…You’re lucky. At least those two think with their heads instead of just their blades.”

Fu Xi’s lips curved into a faint smile. “…Yes. It seems I finally have people I can count on, if the storm truly comes.”

The night was still, but the air around me felt heavy, oppressive—like the calm before a storm.
Far above the world, the Endeavour cut through the stars, carrying both hope and danger into the unknown.

Inside the cockpit, alarms ticked faintly. My skin prickled. Something felt… off.

I reached down and tugged at my sleeve. Click.
“…A tracker.” My voice was low, cold. I turned it in my hand, its faint red light pulsing like a heartbeat.
“Heh. So that’s how you wanna play it?” I muttered.

But my gut told me that wasn’t the only one. My eyes scanned the hull through the cockpit window, and sure enough—another faint glimmer, barely clinging to the plating.

“Tch. Persistent bastards.”

I slipped on my flight suit, jumped out of the hatch, and the wind roared past me as I latched onto the side of the Endeavour. The second tracker came off with a hard yank.

And that’s when I saw it.

A massive shadow tore across the stars—a giant Garuda, its silver feathers flashing like blades of steel. Its wings stretched wider than the Endeavour itself, and its eyes locked onto me with killing intent.

“…Great. A bird of prey, and I’m the prey.”

I launched from the hull, thrusters from my flight suit igniting, slamming me against the beast’s back. The Garuda shrieked, its wings thrashing violently as I clung to it.

“Sorry about this—nothing personal!” I growled, stabbing the trackers together, forcing their signals to overload. Sparks burst, the devices fried in my grip.

The Garuda screamed in pain and fury, diving into a nosedive to throw me off. My flight suit flared, stabilizing me just in time.

Then—CRACK!

A lightning bolt split the night sky, striking dangerously close. My HUD flickered from the interference.

“…So that’s how it is, huh?” My teeth clenched. “She doesn’t want me alive.”

Static crackled in my ear. Then a voice—
“Randy!!!” Fu Xi’s tone was sharp, urgent.

I steadied myself midair, glancing at the smoking Garuda retreating into the clouds.
“Yeah, I’m good,” I answered. “Just… keep an eye on Aethone for me.”

“…Got it. Look after Luna. She’s counting on you.”

“Yeah. Always.”

I cut the comms, eyes narrowing at the stars ahead. My pulse still raced from the fight, but my mind was already shifting gears.

“Stealth… espionage…” I muttered. “I’ll need an invisibility rig. A disruptor for their scans. If they wanna play spy games, then I’ll rewrite the rules.”

The wind whipped around me as I drifted back into the Endeavour. My boots clanged against the hatch, and I sealed it shut.

Far away, deep in the palace halls, Aethone stood by a torchlit balcony. The night winds caressed her hair, but her lips curved into a dangerous grin.

“That boy… he’s a danger to the prophecy. He’ll tear apart the path laid before us.”

From the shadows of the hall, Marian watched silently, her gaze sharp as a hawk. Her fingers tightened around the fabric of her cloak before she turned and slipped away into the dark.

“…Suspicious,” she whispered under her breath. “Too suspicious.”

Back aboard the Endeavour, I leaned against the pilot’s chair, watching the endless stars stretch across the night sky.

The trackers were gone. The Garuda was gone. But my instincts told me the game had just begun.

I smirked despite myself.
“…Guess the next place is home.”

The engines hummed softly as the Endeavour soared into the night.

And the story of what waited beyond the clouds was only just beginning.

– To be continued.