CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: INCURSION

Dark skies loomed over the Northern Continent, where flickering flames painted the horizon in hues of crimson and despair. Once proud and valiant, the Knights of Luyas, born and bred for honour, had all but vanished.

In their place stood the cold, ruthless ranks of the Spirit Army.

Those who resisted the Spirit Queen’s rule met swift deaths. The few deemed useful were spared, twisted by dark magic and stripped of free will, reprogrammed with unwavering loyalty to a foreign mistress.

Within the depths of Luyas Castle, a Spirit soldier descended swiftly through the lower levels. In the vast Training Hall of the once-prestigious Knight’s Academy, hundreds of Spirit-bound soldiers stood in full gear, eyes vacant, expressions hollow as strategic briefings echoed through the chamber. When dismissed, they dispersed in perfect unison—mechanical, silent.

Beyond Luyas’s borders, a different force gathered.

At the southeastern base of operations, banners from multiple nations and Clans rippled in the wind. The White Wolf Clan, the City of Eden, and the Kingdom of the Rose stood united beneath a single banner—the League Forces.

Thirty thousand strong.

Forged from desperation and resolve.

At its helm stood Supreme Leader Lord Eden, posture straight, gaze fixed eastward as dawn crept across the land. Beside him stood Hiira of the White Wolf Clan, brilliant and unyielding, serving as Regimental Commander.

The army was divided into three Divisions: Cavalry, Infantry, and Archery—each led by a Captain and Vice-Captain. Eden and Rose supplied the bulk of the Cavalry, reinforced by elite White Wolf riders. The Infantry consisted largely of White Wolf warriors, renowned for endurance and brutal close-combat training. The City of Eden and Kingdom of the Rose's marksmen dominated the Archery Division.

A high-ranking officer approached and bowed.

“All preparations are complete, Milord.”

Lord Eden nodded, then turned to address the assembled army.

“Today marks the beginning of our effort to reclaim what is rightfully ours—the Kingdom of Luyas,” he declared. “Intelligence confirms that within Luyas Castle lies a portal capable of banishing the Spirits back to their realm.”

A ripple of unease passed through the ranks.

“I understand your questions—why Lord Ranfel possessed such a portal—but that is not our concern today. Your mission is clear. Neutralise the Spirit forces. Drive them toward the portal. Restore our homeland.”

His gaze hardened.

“If you encounter Luyas Knights, do not kill them unless absolutely necessary. They were brainwashed—not willing traitors. Subdue them if you must. Spare them if you can.”

He turned toward the Supporting Units of the White Wolf Clan.

“Your priority is civilian evacuation. Any non-combatants are to be escorted to the Safety Zone immediately.”

A wave of nods followed.

“Any questions?”

A soldier raised his hand. “What will be the signal, Milord?”

Lord Eden’s lips curved faintly. “Impossible to miss. When you see it—move fast.”

He raised his hand.

“Prepare for battle!”

As the army disbanded, static crackled through the communication network.

“Have we been compromised?” Eden snapped.

Before an answer came, a familiar male voice burst through the speakers.

“Looks like we've made it just in time. Look up!”

Shadows swept across the field.

“What in Fulaina—?”

Massive shapes descended from the western sky—colossal birds of prey clad in battle-grade armour.

“We’re about to land!” the voice barked again. “Clear the area!”

Within moments, a wide stretch of grassy land was cleared. Himalayan Vultures and White-Tailed Eagles, fitted with missile arrays and reinforced harnesses, landed amid thunderous wingbeats.

Lord Eden strode forward, eyes alight with restrained awe.

From atop one of the beasts leapt a sharp-featured young man clad in black, raven-embroidered robes. His helmet bore twin designs—eagle and vulture.

He bowed lightly.

“It’s been a while, Lord Eden. By Master Oracle Fye’s request, the Black Raven Clan lends its strength.”

“Lord Toya!” Lord Eden beamed. “Who else would dare fly across the continent without warning?”

Toya laughed. “We are the finest air cavalry in Fulaina.”

“I've been expecting you,” Lord Eden clasped his hand. “Congratulations on your daughter.”

Toya grinned. “You’ll have to visit, after the war. Now then, where are these Spirits you need us to knock out of the sky?”

“Soon, my friend. First, let me introduce you to the rest.”

“With pleasure.”

***

The North answered with wind.

Grey clouds rolled in as thunder growled overhead, rain falling in slow, steady sheets.

Shinji read the paper over strong black coffee, toast untouched in his hand. While Kazuo devoured his breakfast like it might be his last.

Mika smiled faintly and sat beside him, patting his shoulder.

Kazuo looked up, mouth full. “Mmmf! Miff! Tuff the shcoot! The foud is groouf!”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, idiot.”

Kazuo scowled at him and continued chewing.

“Hurry up and eat,” Shinji added. “Long road ahead.”

Mika nodded and reached for what remained—muffins, eggs, buns—murmuring a brief prayer before eating.

After a moment, Shinji folded the paper.

“Guy won’t be joining us.”

Mika paused. Swallowed. “I see.”

“He hasn’t decided whether to return to Luyas with Luna or follow us later. Milla advised him to rest. If he decides to choose to join, then he’ll meet us at the Kingdom of the Rose.”

Kazuo slammed his fist lightly on the table. “Damn it. It’s not fair,” he muttered. “He shouldn’t have had to witness his sister in that condition at all.”

“True,” Mika said quietly.

Kazuo scowled. “Women shouldn’t be hurt like that. They’re meant to be protected! If I find out who did that to Luna, I’ll crush ’em with my bare hands!”

Shinji raised an eyebrow. “Is this your please-let-me-date-your-sister speech?”

“Oi! I’m serious!”

Mika nearly laughed.

***

They departed shortly from Milla’s mansion right after breakfast. Unlike before, where the joyous atmosphere surrounded them, the air around them now was only filled with an empty silence.

The forest greeted them with deceptive calm—sunlight filtering through damp leaves, the air cool and quiet.

Too quiet.

After more than an hour, Shinji halted.

Someone stood ahead.

A short figure in black robes, half-mask obscuring his face, arms crossed as if waiting.

Shinji raised his gun. Kazuo readied his sickle. Mika drew her blades.

“Who the hell are you?” Kazuo demanded.

The stranger tilted his head. He unwrapped his arms that were over his chest, and put them on his hips instead.

“What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?” Kazuo retorted.

“At long last… Princess Mika of the Spirit Kingdom.”

The air went still.

“How do you know my name?” Mika asked sharply.

“You were once beloved. Prophecy tends to make one memorable.”

He stepped forward. “At ease. I’m not here to fight.”

“Sure you’re not,” Kazuo scoffed. “Either we fight you now or you can hit the road!”

The stranger ignored Kazuo’s warning, but stared at him and Shinji.

“You two. What would you do,” he asked calmly, “if the Princess were to lose control and go berserk? Would you risk your lives trying to save her — or end her misery?”

BANG.

Shinji fired, deliberately missing, the bullet embedding itself in a tree.

“Yap one more time,” Shinji growled.

The masked figure smirked.

“You know I’m right, Lord Shinji of the White Wolf. You can't deny the truth forever.”

Mika glanced between them. “Shinji?”

The stranger chuckled softly. “Oh dear. They don’t know.”

“What the hell is he talking about? Tell us what?” Kazuo swore under his breath.

Before anyone could react—

BANG.

The forest erupted.

In a blur, the masked figure vanished.

Shinji reacted instantly. Another shot rang out, followed by a third—each bullet fired with lethal precision, aimed for the head, then the heart.

The enemy reappeared mid-motion, boots skimming the ground as he twisted aside. He leapt, spun, and landed several paces away without so much as disturbing the leaves beneath him.

Mika’s breath caught.

Shinji was a master marksman. No one dodged his shots so cleanly. No one.

With a faint, arrogant smirk, the masked man lifted his hand. Between two fingers rested a bullet—still warm. He released it casually.

Ting. The sound echoed far louder than it should have.

Mika swallowed hard. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. He didn’t smell like a human or Spirit either.

What the hell are you?

“How foolish,” the masked man said lightly, stepping closer. “To think bullets alone could stop me.”

He turned his attention fully to Mika. “Let me be clear, Princess. I have no intention of harming you.”

Shinji and Kazuo moved at once, placing themselves in front of her.

The masked man’s gaze flicked over them, unimpressed.

“What I want from you,” he continued calmly, “is something only you can do.”

His voice lowered. “I want you to be stronger—”

In a blink, something struck. 

Shinji and Kazuo were hit squarely in the chest, bodies lifted off their feet and hurled backward into the trees with a sickening crash.

“Shinji! Kazuo—!”

Mika rushed forward and a hand seized her collar, yanking her violently back. She gasped as she was pulled face-to-face with him. Her eyes widened, breath hitching as the sharp beak of his mask brushed the bridge of her nose.

His presence was suffocating. Overwhelming.

“—And unbeatable.”