Chapter 44 – An Unexpected Turn

The deck of the Stroud groaned under the push of the wind, sails billowing as the fleet carved through the waves.

Eira leaned against the rail, eyes narrowing as the horizon shifted unnaturally from velvet night to blinding day. Her voice dropped low, wary.
“That be the siren’s song… and I’d sooner not heed the call, savvy?”

The unnatural glow painted everyone’s faces pale. Luna turned, her gaze falling on me as I sat cross-legged near the mast, tinkering with the adjustments of my twin gunblades. Sparks crackled as I tested the edge.

“What do you think about that just now…?” she asked, voice hesitant.

I didn’t look up. Click, whir. My hand tested the trigger mechanism.
“Not sure. But I’d rather focus on what’s in front of me. You take in too much at once, and you’ll go insane. One step at a time—that’s how I move.”

Luna tilted her head, lips pressing into a thin line. “…Is that so?” Her eyes drifted skyward again, where the glow still pulsed. For a moment, she looked small—like even she knew the world was shifting beyond anyone’s control.

“That’s some powerful summoning…” Seraphina muttered, tightening her gauntlets.

“What do you think?” Luna pressed again, this time at Elowen.

The dwarf wiped soot from her cheek and huffed, hammer resting against her shoulder. “I’d rather keep my feet on solid ground than try to understand that mess. A forge I can trust. Magic storms and gods? Bah.”

The sails creaked as the Stroud, the Scourge, and the Strider pushed forward toward the lair of the Vorpal Beard Pirates. Yet above the sound of rushing waves, unease gnawed at every heart aboard.

Western Borders – Caelestis

The clash of steel and the cries of men tore the night apart. Smoke curled into the sky as banners of white and gold wavered in the chaos.

Upon a battered rise, a towering figure stood, skin like stone, tusks protruding from his jaw. Commander Bolg, half-ogre, half-man, planted his blade into the earth. His voice rumbled across the ranks.

“Seems they’ve brought in a new warrior…”

“Commander Bolg!!” a knight sprinted toward him, armor smeared with blood and ash.

Bolg turned, calm even in the storm. “Report.”

“Our left wing—it’s under siege!”

Bolg’s brow furrowed. “By how many?”

The knight swallowed, trembling. “…O-only… one.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Even the clash of swords seemed to quiet.

“…What did you say?” Bolg’s voice was low, dangerous.

“One man. He… he fights like a demon wearing armor carved with monsters… His power—it’s inhuman!”

Bolg’s grip tightened. “…Damn you, Inul. What monster did you bring forth?”

The Battlefield – Left Wing

The earth split as a shadow hurled itself forward with the fury of a thousand storms.

“Hahahahahaha!!! DIE, ALL OF YOU!!”

Lu Bu.

His halberd spun in a wide arc, each swing cleaving through armored men as though they were paper. His laughter rang wild above the clash of metal.

“Even without Red Hare, you’re nothing before me!!”

He surged through the knights like a thunderbolt, every strike leaving bodies crumpled in the mud. With a leap that defied reason, he soared above the battlefield, halberd raised high.

“Clear the skies!!! FIRE!!!”

Arrows blotted the heavens, fireballs screamed upward, lightning bolts crackled. For an instant, the heavens themselves rained death.

But with a single swing, Lu Bu unleashed a hurricane of wind pressure. The storm of arrows and spells scattered, detonating mid-air. A shockwave blasted outward, hurling men from their formations like ragdolls.

“Ghh—!! Steadfast, warriors!! We are knights of Light!! Hold the line!!” the temple commander roared.

The knights rallied, shields locking tight into a box formation, their faith anchoring them.

And then, in the blink of an eye, he was gone.

“…Where—”

The commander froze.

Lu Bu stood right in front of him, grinning like a mad god.

The knight raised his shield and sword desperately, striking down with all his might—

CRACK.

Lu Bu caught the blade barehanded. Metal shrieked. With a casual twist, the sword shattered like glass.

“USELESS!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

The halberd’s shaft slammed into the commander’s chest, hurling him across the battlefield like a broken doll.

The line shattered. Shields splintered, knights screamed, and the battlefield drowned in blood.
And still—
Lu Bu laughed. His voice was a storm, a mocking god’s thunder.

In the Capital – Caelestis

High in the marble towers of the Holy City, Grand Pope Thalorien gripped his staff, eyes fixed on the horizon. His body trembled—not from age, but from the agony of countless souls extinguished in an instant.

“…This pain… their screams… Creator, no…” His voice cracked, burdened by grief.

He staggered forward, raising his staff high. Light blazed from its headpiece, a radiance so pure it seared the heavens.

“Āmurzgarān dāyān hamah mā rā āshyāne vehisht bēsh kunād!”

The divine incantation tore through the sky like the tolling of a celestial bell.

Across the entire western border of Caelestis, titanic barriers surged upward—walls of shimmering light stretching from earth to the clouds, sealing the broken frontlines in a fortress of divine protection.

Battlefield – Left Wing

The slaughter halted.

Lu Bu stood, halberd dripping with blood, towering above the cowering survivors. His steps shook the earth as he closed in on the nearest commander—only to slam headlong into the wall of divine light.

BOOM!

The impact cracked the ground beneath his feet. The barrier shimmered, but did not falter.

Lu Bu’s eyes widened. “…Sorcery?”

He grinned, baring teeth. “Hah! Very well! If this be your wall, then I shall wait! Break it—or break me!”

And with the arrogance of a conqueror, he dropped to the ground, cross-legged, halberd across his knees, glaring at the trapped knights as though they were penned livestock awaiting slaughter.

His laughter still echoed when a voice coiled into his skull.

“Return at once. We retreat. That barrier is not to be tested.” It was Inul’s command, heavy and sharp.

“Tch. Fine.” Lu Bu rose with disdain. With a single leap, he soared high, vanishing into the smoke as he withdrew.

The knights stared, shaken to their souls. A weary commander collapsed to his knees, staring at the ruined field—armor twisted, corpses piled high.

“Our ten thousand…” His voice broke. “…now two thousand remain. What disaster is this? Dear Creator… is this a test of our faith…?”

Arrival of Bolg

Heavy steps announced Bolg, towering, tusks glinting. His eyes narrowed as he took in the carnage.

“…He’s done it again. I told him—told him not to call upon such things.” His tone was iron, but even he could not hide the weight pressing on his chest.

Beside him, Garriel, green-eyed and solemn, clenched his fists until blood trickled from his palms. He did not cry—he bore the grief of the fallen in silence. Rage simmered, but so too did despair.

“We return,” Bolg said at last. “Our Pope has paid dearly for this miracle.”

Garriel’s gaze flickered to the sky. “…He’s unwell. I felt it through the light. The Pope’s very life is burning away.”

“Dying is already at his door,” Bolg muttered. “And Aethone—she shows signs of madness. Just like her ancestor.”

“…What a day this has become,” Garriel whispered.

The commanders turned their backs on the field of ruin, leading what remained of their men back toward the Holy City.

Capital – Thalorien

In the gilded halls of the Cathedral, the light still burned bright. Yet its source faltered.

Grand Pope Thalorien collapsed to his knees, staff clattering beside him. His chest heaved as crimson stained his lips.

“Ughh… please…” He clawed weakly at the marble floor, eyes raised to the heavens. “Creator… lend me more time…”

The holy light pulsed once more, then faded into silence. The Cathedral darkened, leaving Grand Pope Thalorienhunched, trembling, and alone beneath the crushing weight of sacrifice.

Far away, under blackened skies, a shadow leapt.

Lu Bu, halberd slung over his shoulder, soared as if the heavens themselves bent beneath his will.
In his ear, Inul’s voice coiled like smoke.

“Lu Bu… there is another task for you.”

The warlord grinned, his laugh sharp as steel.
“Heh. As long as there is battle—and glory—I shall be there.”

And with that, he vanished into the storm, a demon of history reborn.

Waters of Eligos

“LAND HO!”

The shout rang across the deck of the Scourge.

At last, the mists parted to reveal a brooding island, shrouded in dense jungle. Its shoreline twisted like a beast’s jaw, half-hidden in perpetual shadow.

“Finally…” Eira muttered in pirate drawl, squinting at the treeline. Her grin faltered.

I leaned against the railing, eyes narrowing. “That’s it? Just a wall of green?”

“Arr…” Eira’s voice dropped low, almost reverent. “The dreaded place. The isle where Tikka dwells.”

Beside her, Seraphina adjusted her spear. “So this is it, then?”

“Aye.” Eira’s tone was clipped. “But wait—watch close.”

Nu Wa stepped forward without a word. With deliberate grace, she lit a flame-tipped arrow and drew back her bow. The string thrummed, and the arrow hissed across the waves—vanishing into the treeline.

The answer came instantly.

FWIP!

A single arrow cut the air, slamming into the sea between the three ships, close enough to rock their hulls.

“Whoa!” Elowen stumbled, clutching the railing.

“That’s… some aim,” Seraphina muttered, eyes sharpening.

Luna’s gaze flickered between the treeline and Nu Wa. “So this is…?”

“Aye,” Eira said, her voice rough. “The true, original inhabitants o’ Eligos. Long before Drake claimed the seas.”

On deck, Arin raised his grog bottle and chuckled darkly.
“Lawless land before ye, lads and lasses. Here, we sail by their rules—or not at all.”

The three ships dropped anchor, timbers groaning. Silence fell heavy, broken only by the hiss of the waves.

Nu Wa tilted her head back, then let out a piercing shriek—
“AIIIIIIIII!!! AIIIIIIII!!! AIIIIIIIIII!!!”

The sound ripped across the waters like the cry of some primordial bird.

Elowen slapped her hands over her ears. “What the—?! Is she even a pirate to begin with?!”

“Don’t ask me!” Harmonia groaned, nearly dropping her staff.

Seraphina only sighed, tightening her grip on her spear. “This is absurd…”

Eira’s grin spread, sharp as a cutlass. “Heh. She ain’t no pirate by blood. She belongs to that clan.”

“…Ai? Now I’m confused,” Elowen muttered, blinking rapidly.

Eira leaned in, whispering like a conspirator.
“Ye’ll see soon enough, lass. Ye’ll all see.”

The sea split with ripples.

Splash! Splash! Splash!

Dozens of long, narrow boats cut across the waves, surrounding their fleet like sharks. And then—

FWOOOSH!

Figures erupted from the water, half-human, half-sea-beast. Their skin glistened with scales, fins flaring from their arms and backs, gills opening and closing as they hissed.

In a blink, the decks of the Scourge and Stroud were swarming with these amphibious raiders.

I reached for my gunblade, instincts flaring—

“Don’t even try.”

Eira’s hand shot out in front of me, her eyes sharp with warning. I froze. Her voice carried the weight of someone who knew this land’s law.

On the Scourge, Nu Wa stood at the bow as the scaled warriors surrounded her crew.

“Fa'afai e te sau ai iinei, tagata ulavale! Sama sama ka labay!” one snarled, his voice guttural, yet melodic with the rhythm of oceanic speech.

Nu Wa did not flinch. Her tone dropped low, steady.
“O mai iinei mo le talanoaga ma Tikka, leai se fia taua. Sama sama, nak eh omong.”

At those words, the raiders faltered.

Meanwhile, on the Stroud, one of the sea folk barked across the deck.
“Eira, te sau ai pefea iinei?! Kauning, eh nganu ka?!”

That strange tongue struck my ears. I froze. Samoan? Bajau? My chest tightened with recognition. The words weren’t foreign—they were fragments of something I knew, echoes of the sea nomads back home.

Eira’s expression turned solemn. She raised her voice.
“Masiofoa na fia talanoa ia Tikka, fesili ia te ia, tatou mulimuli ia te ia.”

The raiders exchanged glances, then slowly lowered their weapons. The tension bled from the air, replaced with wary respect.

Elowen exhaled, whispering, “That’s… something. But Eira, are you sure you’re a pirate?”

“Aye.” Eira’s voice was hard as steel. Her eyes burned as if daring the world itself to question her.

On the Scourge, Nu Wa’s negotiation reached its peak.
“O lo'o iinei la'u meaalofa...ma fa'amolemole, e matua'i taua lava le feiloaiga ma Tikka! Sama sama, kita nak eh omong.”

The sea folk muttered among themselves, then one nodded sharply.

And then—the sea trembled.

WHOOOOOSH!

The water bulged, ripples racing outward. The ships rocked violently as something vast rose from the abyss.

A massive silhouette broke the waves—scales glistening sapphire-blue, eyes glowing like twin jewels. The beast was not feral but regal, its presence filling the horizon like an ancient hymn of the sea.

A dragon.

No—the dragon.

“Ahh… Eira…” Elowen’s jaw dropped. “Is this what I think it is?”

“Wow!! A dragon!!” Harmonia cheered, waving excitedly like she was at a festival.

“Idiot—bow down!” Seraphina hissed, instantly kneeling with reverence, her forehead nearly to the deck.

“…Incredible,” Luna whispered, awe softening her voice.

“…damn… first Althaeon, now this,” I muttered under my breath.

“Hey!! Show some respect!” Luna smacked my arm, cheeks puffed in anger.

“That…” Eira’s voice trembled between pride and dread. “…be Tikka. The guardian of Eligos. The mighty sea dragon—or serpent, if ye will.”

The sea itself hushed. Even the gulls overhead dared not cry.

Tikka’s sapphire gaze swept across the three anchored ships. The water shimmered as her clawed hand rose, vast enough to crush a galleon, yet moving with surprising gentleness. Without hesitation, Nu Wa leapt into her palm, standing tall as if she belonged there.

The dragon’s voice rolled like a tide, deep and melodic, each word brushing against their souls.
“My… my… a naga walks among you.”

“My lord!!” Seraphina cried, spear clattering as she dropped to her knees.

“My… lord?” Elowen stammered, half-bowing awkwardly, her eyes darting nervously.

“Hi!!!” Harmonia waved like she was greeting a festival mascot—only for Seraphina to yank her down by the collar.

Luna stepped forward, hand pressed against her chest, voice reverent.
“Lord Tikka, I am—”

But the dragon’s eyes glimmered with recognition, silencing her.
“The princess of the Northern continent. So… Althaeon has taken a liking to you. That dragon always had a soft spot for fragile lives.”

“Yes…” Luna lowered her head. “I apologize for intruding here.”

“No apology needed, child.”

The rumble of Tikka’s voice carried both age and kindness, as if the entire ocean spoke with her.

Then her sapphire gaze shifted—straight at me.

“You… smell familiar. Are you…?”

I stiffened. “Uh… I was born an orphan. I don’t remember my parents. My uncle’s the only family I’ve ever known.”

“I see…” The dragon smiled faintly, though her eyes seemed to pierce deeper than I wanted.

I hesitated, the weight of Drake’s words burning in my head. Then, before I could lose my nerve, I asked:
“Tikka… you knew Drake Stroud?”

Her chest rose with a chuckle, like distant thunder.
“Yes. That boy was a tempest—naughty, reckless, but a good child.”

“Then… how did he unite all of this?”

Tikka’s eyes softened.
“He did… nothing, child. He simply lived as the storm. And storms draw ships, whether they like it or not.”

“That… doesn’t explain everything.” I narrowed my eyes. “…And what about Aurorvyr?”

Luna gasped. “Aurorvyr?! That’s just a fairy tale… the warrior’s myth!”

Tikka tilted her great head, a smile curving her scaled lips.
“If you speak of Aurorvyr, then you must also speak of Lilith…”

Elowen smirked at me. “Gee, thought you’d never ask.”

“Shut up…” I muttered.

Tikka’s voice dropped low, rippling the waves.
“That place lies beyond sails and wings. Hidden in eternal ice. Even if you reach it, you will find nothing but frozen silence.”

“I see…” My chest tightened.

Her gaze turned to Nu Wa.
“And you, child? What do you seek?”

Nu Wa bowed. “We wanted to gather the Brethren Court. But as always, they be… stubborn.”

“Indeed.” Tikka’s tone darkened. “I am the leader of the Vorpal Beard Pirates, yet not their master. They are keepers of the old. They will not change.”

Eira raised her voice, fire in her tone. “Then hear this—demons of the Western Kingdom creep ‘round these seas again. They’ll not stop till blood stains the waves.”

Tikka’s eyes flashed. “Inul… That false king has always hungered for this land. Because of me. He knows as long as I remain, his conquest is shackled.”

Suddenly, my armor screamed with warning. Red lights. Heat against my chest.

Instincts flared—I leapt skyward, thrusters roaring. And just in time.

CRASH!

A figure slammed down onto the water where I’d stood, sending waves crashing against the hulls.

“What the hell—?!” I shouted, hovering.

The man below glared up at me, eyes burning. “Die!!”

I reversed thrusters, gunblade flashing. Shots burst across the waves. He spun his massive halberd, wings of sheer killing intent unfurling.

The sea boiled with pressure.

Tikka’s expression hardened. “So… this is Inul’s answer. Another worlder.”

Elowen blanched. “Who the heck is that guy?!”

“Lu Bu…” My voice cracked with disbelief.

“Who?” Elowen demanded.

Eira’s knuckles whitened on her cutlass. “…That man be powerful.”

I grit my teeth. “…Of all people they could summon… the one-man army himself. Hero before the Three Kingdoms. The monster of peerless strength… Lu Bu.”

Lu Bu threw his head back and laughed, voice like thunder.
“Hahahaha! You know me?!”

I steadied my grip. “Yeah… and if Zhao Yun were here, you’d already be on the ground.”

Lu Bu’s eyes narrowed. “Zhao Yun… Heh.” He grinned, wide and savage.

He ran. On water. Each step cracked the sea like stone.

Nu Wa bellowed: “Defend Lord Tikka!! Cannons—fire, ye dogs!!”

The fleet roared, cannonballs tearing through the air.

CLANG! CRASH!

Lu Bu’s halberd swept them aside, cutting iron as if it were paper.
“Stupid toys!!!” His swing split the waters like a canyon.

“He’s too strong!” Elowen cried.

Seraphina leapt down, spear spinning like a silver storm. Steel clashed against halberd, sparks exploding across the sea.

“Hah! A woman? What a waste!” Lu Bu sneered. “Go home!”

“I am Seraphina Vipernox!” she roared. “I will not retreat! Marut Cuzhal Vāl!”

The two clashed, water erupting like geysers with each strike.

Luna darted in, her blade alive with lightning.
“Taranach Llafn!” She struck in a blur, each slash crackling thunder.

Lu Bu laughed, black aura rising, swirling into the form of a dragon.
“I was born as a dragon, fools! HAHAHA!”

The sea turned dark.

I dove with drones in tow, unleashing volleys of machine-gun fire.

“Interesting… but cowardly!” Lu Bu mocked, deflecting with brute force.

“Protect Tikka!” Luna shouted. “We’ll handle this!”

The battle raged, until his shockwave sent us all sprawling.

I charged, desperate, but his halberd smashed into me. Pain. Darkness.

My vision dimmed—then a voice. A woman’s voice.

“...That is not how to fight. Your father… was a terrible swordsman.”

Light surged through my veins.

“That voice… she sounds familiar…”

“Let me show you, son…”

My eyes snapped open. The world slowed. Every movement glowed with lines of light, paths guiding my hands.

“Set your blade there… and follow it.”

I moved. Gunblade flashed. The halberd slowed—too slow. My strike connected.

“Is that Randy…?” Luna gasped.

“Wow!! He looks so cool!!” Harmonia squealed.

“His form… it’s changed,” Seraphina whispered. “As if… someone else guides him.”

“Whatever it is—take him down, Randy!!” Elowen shouted.

Tikka’s sapphire eyes softened. “Told you… son. You are theirs. Destiny spins anew.”

Another voice whispered. Drake.

“Take the gun, son. Aim there.”

I fired—rounds piercing between Lu Bu’s armor plates.

“UGH!! What is this sorcery?!” Lu Bu staggered, roaring.

“Pull the trigger. Fire away…” Drake’s voice pressed.

Gunblade ignited—BOOM! The blast hurled Lu Bu across the sea.

Tikka’s jaws opened, sapphire breath engulfing him. A portal ripped wide, dragging him away.

“Impossible!!!” Inul’s voice thundered from afar.

“Return from whence you came!” Tikka roared.

Inul’s form appeared, not furious—but afraid. His eyes fixed on me, trembling.

For in his vision, he saw not me… but wings of light unfurling. An angel.

And then—her.

A woman clad in radiant armor, wings spread wide, twin blades gleaming like moonlight.

“Lilith…” Inul’s voice cracked with raw terror. He staggered back, shadows swallowing him whole. Then he was gone.

The battle’s roar faded. My knees buckled. Strength drained from me all at once. Darkness swam up, swallowing me.

“Randy!!!” Luna’s voice pierced the blur as I collapsed.

Tikka’s massive form lowered, her sapphire eyes calm despite the chaos.
“He is fine,” she rumbled. “Only exhausted. That… move… it reminded me of Lilith. I still recall the day she dueled Drake. Even now, the clash echoes in my memory.”

Luna clutched my limp hand, her lips trembling.
“Do you think… that Randy… could be…?”

Tikka shook her head slowly.
“That is for him to discover. Not even he is sure of himself yet.”

Seraphina frowned, gripping her spear tightly.
“His stance… his movements… it wasn’t Randy’s style. That was something else.”

Elowen folded her arms with a huff.
“Whatever it was, he still managed to smack that monster around. Can’t complain.”

“Yaay!! Randy’s awesome!!” Harmonia cheered, bouncing—until Seraphina smacked her upside the head.

“That’s not the point!!” Seraphina snapped.

Luna’s voice was softer, almost trembling.
“No… she’s right. The way he fought… it wasn’t Randy. It was like…”

“…he wasn’t himself.” Tikka’s gaze pierced the horizon, her words heavy with ancient knowing.

“Aye,” Nu Wa added, voice low and grave. “That fightin’ style puts me in mind o’ the old legends… the Choosers o’ the Slain, the ones fated to outfight every hero on land or sea.”

Eira tilted her head, smirking faintly. “Granny, weren’t ye always tellin’ me them tales? Warriors o’ legend who made kings tremble an’ demons flee, aye?”

Nu Wa chuckled darkly. “Aye… an’ now, perhaps, we’ve seen one born anew.”

Tikka shifted. Her colossal form glowed, scales dissolving into light. In her place knelt a breathtaking figure—half woman, half mermaid, hair as blue as the sea, her tail shimmering like sapphire waves. She extended a delicate hand toward Nu Wa.

“For now… a truce. Until the storm passes.”

“Parley, eh?” Nu Wa smirked, clasping her hand. “Very well. By my word, it’s approved.”

And so, the Vorpal Beard Pirates agreed—Eligos would stand with the Brethren Court against the demons.

Meanwhile – Western Demon Kingdom

Inul slumped into his throne, his face pale with something no demon king dared show—fear.

“That boy…” His claws dug into the armrest. “He… really looked like her…”

His eyes slid toward Lu Bu, who sat cross-legged in meditation, aura still radiating raw bloodlust.

“That is an interesting man,” Lu Bu muttered. “Very well, Inul. For now, I shall aid you.”

Inul exhaled shakily. “Then rest. Eligos will wait. That cursed dragon keeps her cards well hidden.”

He unfurled a map, his finger dragging across the borders.
“The North… arrogant Azrael. Too dangerous. He would stab me the moment my back turned. The South… Triton, the Mermaid Kingdom. Their princess seeks an alliance. Tempting. Useful.”

Unlike Azrael, Inul’s smile was sharp, cunning.
“Patience. Let them look away from me. By the time they notice, the net will already be closed.”

Back at Eligos

Tikka offered rest and resupply, guiding the fleets to the pirates’ hidden sanctuary.

Inside the elder’s hut, the Vorpal Beard Pirates gathered. Elowen’s eyes darted across the assembly.

“…These don’t look like pirates to me,” she muttered.

Eira leaned close, voice low. “Aye. They’re more ancient than us. They remember the old ways.”

Around the circle sat a strange and fearsome crew:

And above them all sat Tikka, cross-legged, like the sea itself presiding over judgment.

“So,” she began, voice filling the hut, “the Blackwood clan’s loyalties waver. What say you?”

“The Silver Fangs have lost their minds,” the orc woman growled. “Taking favors from demons.”

Rivan stood, fists clenched. “I am Rivan, of Silver Fang. Half of us opposed the elders. We were banished for it.”

Ravenna added, bow low. “Clanless now… vagabonds. But our crew swears loyalty. We’ll bleed if need be.”

The old merman raised his voice. “Enough. I knew Tolbar, the great elder. His son is unworthy of the name. The clan has already rotted.”

“…Grimbold is dead,” Rivan whispered.

The merman sneered. “Then he died a coward.”

The air crackled with tension, but Eira cut in, explaining how the Silver Fang fleet and demon airship had attacked—and how Randy’s intervention turned the tide.

“This boy…” the merman murmured, eyes narrowing. “I must meet him.”

“You soon will,” Tikka replied. “But for now, let us feast. Neutral allies must drink together.”

“Aye! Nothing like a good grog!” Arin laughed, slamming his mug high.

Outside the Hut

Randy lay unconscious, Luna seated at his side. Her hand hovered near his, trembling.

“…You dumbass,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

In Randy’s Dream

“What the heck… is goin’ on now?” I muttered, looking at the endless mist.

Then—shouts. Steel clashing. Gunshots.

The mist parted—revealing a battlefield.

“Arr!! This land’s fun ain’t my fun!!” Drake bellowed, gun blazing.

“Shut it and fight!!” a woman’s voice snapped.

My eyes widened. That voice…

“Lilith!!!” Drake grabbed her arm.

“What?!” she snapped.

“Don’t you dare die, eh!?”

“What do you mean!? We’re warriors—so are you!”

“I’m just a scoundrel, savvy!? If danger’s too big, we retreat!”

Lilith gritted her teeth, one hand pressed to her armored stomach. “Shut it! This is for our own!”

“Oi, aye!”

I froze. Ahead of them… a tank. A Challenger 2 tank. What the hell—?

“That Xorvath!!!” Lilith roared.

“Oi, what beast o’ contraption is this?!” Drake cursed.

From atop the machine, a cruel laugh. “Hahahaha! Your blades are nothing against me now!”

The voice… why does it sound like Uncle?!

Lilith’s heel crashed into the tank, flipping it over like it was a toy.

Drake smirked. “No mercy, eh, me lady?”

“We’ve no time. Come, my dear.” She offered her hand.

“Aye…”

The mist swallowed them again.

I blinked. “Okay, I’m definitely dreaming. There’s no way that just happened.”

Then another voice whispered, soft but firm.
“Stand… firm.”

Mist shifted—and she appeared. Lilith. Not armored, but dressed in old-fashioned clothes, like a woman from another era.

“…Uh. Great. My imagination’s gone wild. Now I’m seeing you like some kind of mom figure. Next you’ll be telling me Drake Stroud’s my—”

THWACK!

“OW!! What the hell was that for?!” I shouted, clutching my head.

“Shut it!!” Lilith snapped, finger jabbing my chest. “Stop overthinking! I know you inherited my wisdom, but you’re making me look bad!”

“Ow ow ow! Uncle always said to think before acting!” I protested.

She facepalmed. “Tch. That bastard. Teaching you half-baked nonsense…”

“Oi, hey!! What is this all about?!” I shouted.

She pointed her finger straight at me.
“Listen! You are not ordinary, boy! Got it?! But your swordsmanship? EMBARRASSING. Terrible. Where’s your posture?! Where’s your stance?! You can’t just wave it around like a broom!”

“Wha—?! As long as it works, it’s fine!!” I barked back, like a kid arguing with his mom.

She scowled. “Drake was a terrible swordsman too! Flashy shot, that’s all he had!”

“…Wait. Drake? Uncle? Hey, hang on—”

But then—she hugged me.

I froze.

“Well, whatever. You finally got it.” Her voice was quiet, soft.

“Got what?! I just want out of this damn world and that damn school!!”

THWACK!

“OWWWW!! Again?!”

Lilith’s eyes burned into mine, her wings faintly shimmering even in this mist-dream.
“Running away again?! That’s your father talking! Stand tall, headstrong! You’re a man, not a wimp!”

THWACK! Her finger jabbed my forehead again.

I rubbed the sore spot, grumbling. “Why does this feel exactly like a mom scolding her idiot kid…”

Lilith smirked, crossing her arms. “At least you know your way. That much, I’m glad for. Otherwise, I’d kick your butt until you remembered it.”

“…Ugh. Fine…” I muttered, looking away.

She stretched her arms, her face softening, as if a great weight lifted off her chest.
“Anyway… time’s almost up. Maybe next time, we’ll have longer. Still… I’m happy you made that wish.”

My mind flickered back. Elowen once said something about a giant white phoenix that granted wishes… first Drake appeared. Now Lilith.

Was any of this real? Or just some stupid dream stuffed full of fairy tales? I wanted to call it poppycock, but…

Lilith’s voice cut through my doubt.
“Going to my homeland… isn’t a simple task. But you are walking the right path. Just… don’t barge in recklessly like your father.”

I blinked. “…Hey, wait—father? Who?”

Lilith smiled sadly, yet proudly.
“Drake, of course. Listen, son… your blood carries mine, and his. The abilities you hold can never be duplicated, never stolen. They exist for a purpose. But that true purpose… is not yet ready. When the time is right, you will understand. Until then—grow stronger.”

She pulled me into her arms. The warmth—real, suffocating, overwhelming—pierced through the mist.

My lips trembled before the word slipped out. “…Mom.”

Lilith chuckled, her voice shaking. “Geez… you finally said it.”

My chest clenched. Memories spilled out, things I had buried.
“Uncle… he was always busy working. I had to clean, cook, look after the house… but he raised me. Raised me like his own.”

“I know,” Lilith whispered, her arms tightening around me. “Forgive me… for not being there. Even in death, I couldn’t bear watching you suffer alone.”

“…Yeah.” My voice cracked.

This was the feeling I had always shoved down—the ache of being abandoned, the hole I convinced myself didn’t matter. I told myself I didn’t need it. That love, faith, belief… were nothing but excuses. I buried it all under logic and stubbornness. But here, in her arms, I couldn’t deny it.

Her words grew heavier.
“Randy… the only way to reach the land… is through the Northern Kingdom. There is a cave, leading to a gate. Speak these words—”

Her lips moved slowly, deliberately:
“Ek em einn þinn… ok þú ert einn minn.”
(I am yours… and you are mine.)

“With this, the path will open. Beyond it lies my home. When you cross it… be ready. I will find you again.”

The mist began to pull her away. I reached out like a child losing his mother.

“Mom!! Wait!!”

Lilith smiled through the haze.
“Oh, one more thing. That cat-folk girl… she’s a good girl. Mom approves.” Her laugh was gentle, teasing.

“Mom!!!” I screamed as her figure dissolved into light.

The mist trembled, shifting violently.

Another vision struck me—worlds colliding, dimensions shattering. My world… against theirs.

At the heart of the chaos, something emerged.

A vast, dark entity, its shape blurred and impossible, yet pulling everything toward it—like a living black hole.

Its voice rumbled, distant yet inescapable.

And then—
Darkness.

To be continued.