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Aimi collects her soldiers at the gates of Alba’s castle. Stella made sure not to harm any of them, and those kept within cells were kept under decent conditions.

The journey to another world, the sudden fight against beings that may as well be gods in their eyes have left them shaken however. They understand the danger their world is in, and what they are facing against to protect it.

“I will return soon. Our job is done here for the time being.” Aimi said as she opened a portal to Earth.

After they leave, she approaches Tenki who stands by the ledge of the castle bridge. Leaning against the railing, he recovers after his fight against his friend but doesn’t speak once Aimi is next to him.

Neither do so for five minutes until Aimi breaks the silence.

“I am from this world. I know it seems I keep many secrets from you, but this something even I did not know.” With no response from Tenki, Aimi continues, “I am going to return to Earth for now. I still believe in what I must do, and I want you to let me take care of it all.”

Tenki remains quiet, even as Aimi opens a portal for Earth. She doesn’t ask him to return with her, even begging wouldn’t be enough to convince him.

“I will find a way to save both worlds.” Tenki said as Aimi stepped into the portal.

“I would have liked you to.” Aimi said.

After hours have passed, Tenki enters Alba’s castle where he is surrounded by guards. Their weapons shaking as they approach Tenki, a simple look their way is enough to open the path to Alba’s throne.

Stella, Alba, and Cato are in the throne room. Their discussions about saving their world remain the same, Alba prepared to do what she must. Despite her willingness, there is one obstacle she must get past if she wishes to do so. One that stands across the throne room.

“Tenki.”

“You looked into her mind. What can you tell me?”

Alba nods and turns her back to Tenki. Lowering the upper piece of her dress, a crescent mark rests on her right shoulder blade. “Does your wife have a mark like this?”

“She does, she always assumed it was a strange birthmark.”

“It is not, but that does confirm it all. Tenki, your wife, Aimi, is part of the clan that created my father and I. The Mundus clan; a clan that has survived the collapse of many worlds, their knowledge and technology far surpass what is known to the public. But they are a terrible people, they created my father to control this world. And soon me, to control him.”

“Did they create Aimi as well?”

“No. She is of natural birth to the clan. Most are born with their magic and taught incredible knowledge, but amongst the Mundus clan there is a single worshipped being; the rift bearer. The rift bearer is what keeps the clan alive, but that magic is powerful and unstable. I suspect that is how Aimi appeared in your world, her magic must have been activated by accident. It is also the reason you were sent to the world Tenki, the reason you were already sensitive to magic.”

“So that would mean I wasn’t chosen?”

“Far from it, it was mere chance.”

Cato clenches his hands as Tenki’s head drops. For six years he strove with a purpose he believed given only to him, one that allowed him to save the world. But to have that taken, to understand that he was never meant to be part of Mundi must be heartbreaking.

Tenki lets out a big sigh. “What a relief.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I’m glad I wasn’t the chosen one. I’ve made so many mistakes on our journey, I always believed I wasn’t worthy enough. But to know it was all chance, I’m glad that it was our hard work that allowed us to succeed, not fate.”

Cato smiles. “That is like you. Since you are not chosen you have no responsibility to this world, I won’t blame you for returning to Earth.”

“I love both worlds. I may not be the chosen one, but my efforts have yet to fail me. I’ll protect both, no matter who I must protect them from.”

“You remain optimistic but we still lack time. The people of Earth may not have the capabilities to destroy our world, but your wife is different. Should she continue to grow her powers, she could be a danger greater than Asphoros.” Alba said.

“Alba, you’ve thought of a way, haven’t you?”

“Not one you would ever agree with. It is possible that the unstable power of rift magic is the cause of this. Your wife opening a rift to your world must have begun the path to collisions, she is a victim of misfortune. If we were to eliminate the power of rift magic, our worlds may cease to collide.”

“I see. I won’t agree to that. Wouldn’t Aimi learning to control her magic do the same?”

“It is a magic no rift bearer has ever mastered, even with a lifetime of training. It is something created by the Mundus to take over worlds, this generation only remains quiet because they lost her at a young age.”

“I see. Perhaps it is best if I begin preparing for a merger.”

“That is too risky.” Stella said.

Tenki appears in front of Stella. Alba raises her hands to cast a chaining spell, Cato lunges to grab Tenki, but both are too slow to stop him from grabbing Stella and returning to where he stood with Stella tossed over his shoulder.

“Tenki!” Alba said.

“I’m sorry, Stella is the only one amongst us that can open portals to Earth.”

“Stella is a child of the heavens; if you take her the angels will hunt you down.”

Tenki smiles, “It wouldn’t be the first time. Sorry everyone, I’m taking the lead this time around. Allow me to try, you two are long past due for honeymoon.”

“Put her down, Tenki.” Cato gets low to the ground, his movements much faster if he works on all fours.

Before anyone can make their next move, Alba and Cato jump away from the throne as it cracks and separates. The magic at its center which acts as a portal to the demon king is unstable, something that should be impossible.

“No.” Alba begins opening the portal.

“What is going on?” Cato said.

“I hope I am mistaken, but someone has infiltrated the pocket dimension holding Asphoros.”

“But that’s impossible.”

“I would have agreed, but for someone who can open doors to other worlds, it’s a matter of practice.”

Tenki places Stella down. He never thought Aimi would take such drastic measures, but dread fills his body for what is to come.