A New Day on Callus

The morning that began was like breathing fresh air after being confined for a long time.

For Akashi and Kaira, walking through the busy streets of the capital, the new day that had started peacefully was already a sign of something good for both. Since arriving in Callus, Kaira had to deal with crashing onto an unknown planet, nearly being attacked by wild monstrosities, and walking through a sinister forest alongside a stranger who, until then, had become her greatest source of security.

On that same day, she had to endure the pressure of an unknown society, bothered by so many people she had never heard of, in a world she didn't even know.

Just being able to sleep in a warm, cozy bed—instead of being squeezed into an oval capsule wandering through space—already made her immensely happy.

— You seem to have slept well. You’re so smiley compared to yesterday.

— Mhm!

The girl walked through the capital with a peaceful smile on her lips. Her small arms swung by her side as if a strong wind were blowing. Each step was wide by her standards, and her silver eyes reflected the whitish light of the peach-colored sky.

There were few clouds in the air, making the morning quite sunny.

Akashi, right behind Kaira, watched her with a light smile, his hands tucked into the pockets of his black pants. His calm steps indicated that even if Kaira took the equivalent of two steps at a time, a single stride of his was enough to keep up with her.

— Hm... a lot of people are heading in the same direction... it must be like lady Seraya said.

△▼△▼△▼△

One hour earlier — in the inn room

A "knock, knock" was heard against the door. The touch was gentle, making the sound seem less scandalous.

At that same moment, the little blue-haired girl stepped away from something that could be interpreted as a large standing mirror, magnetically fixed in the air. Curious, her eyes blinked twice toward the door before hearing the muffled, gentle, and yet familiar voice of a young woman:

"Good morning. Mr. Taiga, Miss Kaira, are you awake?"

Upon hearing her, Kaira smiled and quickly turned her gaze toward Akashi, who was lying on the bed on the other side of the room.

Unconscious, at least.

If other people saw him in that state, they might even think he was dead.

His white coat was tossed on the floor beside the bed. His button-down shirt was wrinkled with the first three buttons undone—showing a bit of the young man's well-built chest. His pants were equally wrinkled, while one of his legs hung off the bed, almost as if he had been run over in deep sleep. His feet, in a pair of white socks, gently moved their toes.

His whitish hair was a mess, almost as if Akashi had chosen to test a new, more rebellious hairstyle. Finally, a silly smile was plastered on his lips, with a bit of saliva trickling from the corner.

Kaira couldn't help but make an incredulous face — "(T△T)"— as if judging the young man's entire lineage right then and there. He snored softly, occasionally letting out a weird groan.

"Unh...ngh... guh....ihih...heheheh..."

— Seriously silly. Yes.

The little one thought, staring at him with the kind of expression only small and incredibly judgmental children can make when observing such a pathetic scene.

Again, a "knock, knock" sounded. Maintaining the gentleness as if the person on the other side didn't have an ounce of impatience. Or perhaps, she was simply too patient for that particular room.

— Good morning?—... ah?

Subtly opening the door, as if wanting to protect the woman's eyes, Kaira appeared through a space just large enough for her small body to be seen by the young lady with amber-like skin and beautiful black-and-white eyes.

She had something else with her. A small floating platform in the shape of a gray floor; it would resemble a tray if it were thinner, but it was too thick for that.

On its surface were two cylindrical compartments, green and orange, cups, some stacked plates, and slices with a slightly pinkish hue in the center, while what would be the "crust" took on a very pale yellowish tone, something similar to a pie or simple cake—but with a smell so savory and an appearance so appetizing that saying it didn't open one's appetite on a quiet morning like that would be a lie worthy of judgment.

Kaira blinked twice, staring at the beautiful attendant who now carried the floating tray.

— A-ah... good morning, Miss Kaira. I brought breakfast for you. Is Mr. Taiga... still sleeping?

The little girl hesitated, turning her face to the side as if she wasn't sure if she wanted to answer.

It was then that, as if the mere mention of his name were a spell, a smooth voice echoed behind the little one, followed by the exaggeratedly showy figure of the owner of said name.

— Sleeping? I would never dare miss the chance to personally thank the lady who illuminated our night with such kindness.

Seraya blinked, somewhat surprised, as she saw Akashi suddenly appear behind Kaira. Impeccably dressed: a dark shirt fitted to his torso, white coat properly fastened at the top buttons, his white hair loose but perfectly arranged, with some strands falling over his forehead on purpose—allowing a subtle glimpse of a small red crystalline artifact attached to the center of his forehead. A true effort to look as presentable as possible.

He smiled. A sweet smile, but clearly rehearsed. Running the fingers of his right hand through the strands of hair pushed back, the man spoke in a forced deep voice:

— Good morning, Lady Seraya. — he began, in an attempt to sound gallant. — Sincerely... you should be considered a cultural heritage of Callus. I never imagined being woken up by such an enchanting aroma... and by your presence.

— E-eeek?! S-sir...!

Seraya froze for a moment. A fraction of a second where the employee's composure almost slipped before she resumed her professional smile.

— Y-you... are indeed... very kind, Mr. Taiga.

Kaira, between the two of them, just crossed her arms and made a face: (≡_≡)

— Is he serious...? It seems so. Yes. — the little one thought.

Akashi winked at her, crouching subtly and affectionately ruffling the small girl's hair.

— Keep staring at me like that, but I know you admire my irresistible charm. I bet you do want to be like me, when you grow up.

— Bleeeh!

The response came in a childish way, but very adorable to both their eyes. Kaira stuck her tongue out at Akashi, who let out a soft laugh before standing up and facing Seraya again.

— In any case, thank you very much for coming here to offer us breakfast.

— Oh... eheh, you're welcome. I'm just doing my duty as the head maid of the Gänysneil Inn.

Akashi's words of gratitude drew a rare, wide smile on Seraya's usually exhausted face. For a moment, her tired expression gave way to something more alive—almost youthful.

With careful gestures, she handed over two steaming cups.

Akashi's contained a light green liquid with an intense, sweet aroma and a slight touch of bitterness to balance the flavor.

Kaira's, creamier and soft brown, exuded a cozy scent and had an even sweeter taste—tailor-made for more delicate palates.

— I hope you enjoy it. — Seraya said with a brief nod before withdrawing with the same lightness she had arrived with.

On the tray left behind rested two generous slices of soft cake, served on rounded plates. The soft, warm smell of the sweet filled the room in an almost magical way—as if for a moment, everything outside could wait.

"———"

Later, at the reception

The same small blue screen projection floated before Akashi, who seemed to be typing something on floating keys in the local language.

Seated on a backless chair, clearly made more for practicality than comfort, an imposing figure watched the inn's movement. It was a woman—older than Seraya, both in appearance and posture.

She was tall enough to make Akashi have to look up, bordering on 1.90 meters (6'3"). The dark inn uniform molded to her body elegantly, though it differed slightly from Seraya's: the collar was high and rigid, completely hiding her neck like a military collar made of refined fabric.

But what drew the most attention wasn't her height or clothing.

Her voluminous, wavy hair fell like a silver mane, with grayish tones that seemed to reflect light in an almost metallic way. Her ears, long and covered in a light white fuzz, pointed slightly upward, suggesting a hybrid origin between beast and rational being. A pair of short, slightly curved horns, black and polished, emerged discreetly from the top of her head—ornamental but natural, as if they had always belonged to her.

Her skin was grayish, cold to the eye, but without losing its austere beauty, with sharp features and eyes of golden irises and slit pupils that gave the impression of analyzing everything with silent judgment.

Her hands were crossed on the counter, covered by black fingerless gloves. Her pointed, well-kept nails contrasted with the wild air emanating from her presence. A refined beast. A relic from older times, now disguised under the label of an employee.

She looked at Akashi like someone who had lived long enough to see hundreds like him pass by.

— Alright. Seems like that's it.

Akashi broke the silence with a calm tone, like someone concluding a pending matter.

The woman behind the counter retracted the projector orb, observing the metallic base from which the blue projection had emerged for a few seconds. She checked the information with an almost bored look, as if she were about to fall asleep while sitting.

Kaira was right next to Seraya. The two watched everything in silence, standing just behind Akashi.

— Right... right... we thank you for your stay. Come back... again. The Gänysneil Inn's doors are always open... — the woman said in a hoarse, dragged tone, as if every word weighed a kilogram.

— Thank you very much.

Akashi bowed his torso slightly in a brief but respectful reverence. Then, he turned to Seraya, who was watching him with a sincere smile.

— It was a pleasure serving you, Mr. Akashi. Miss Kaira. Whenever you need anything, I will be at your disposal. — she said softly. — I hope to see you again.

— Heh. Thanks for everything, lady Seraya. On behalf of Kaira, I thank you for all the hospitality, even in this short time. Please, take good care of yourself, okay?

— I wish the same for you and your daughter.

That sentence was said with such lightness it didn't even seem intentional. A pure wish, without irony or forced casualness. Just a truth she saw.

— Oh...? — Kaira looked up, first at Seraya, then at Akashi, not quite understanding what had just happened.

— Ah, well... actually, she's not exactly my daughter. — Akashi scratched the back of his neck, a bit awkwardly. — We've been traveling together since I found her in the forest nearby. I'm just taking care of her.

— Is that so? My apologies, then. I was mistaken.

But her tone didn't change. It remained sweet and natural.

— It's just that... you have such a harmonious relationship, like a father and daughter. It really seemed that way. So you're like a guardian for now?

— Exactly. — Akashi shrugged with a light smile. — For now.

Seraya nodded with a discreet glint in her eyes. Even though she was just an inn employee, there was a rare calmness and empathy in her. She looked back at Kaira, and the little one responded with a brief, shy wave. She seemed more relaxed now.

— Ah... — Seraya looked out the entrance windows. — Forgive the intrusion, but... do you and the young lady intend to go to the main square today?

— Square...?

Akashi arched an eyebrow, curious. He intended to proceed with his mission, that was a fact, so visiting a square wasn't exactly what he had in mind. In the current case, talking to one king at a time and making them understand each other was his main focus as the mediator Adonis sent there.

Therefore, his objective should be the king's castle, shortly after leaving Kaira in a safe place where she would be adopted one day.

— In the Second Wall. — she explained, looking back at him with a slightly more excited tone. — There was an announcement last night, a few hours before you arrived at the inn. King Rigel will make a joint statement with the Emperor of Artoria shortly, at noon.

— Two rivals in the same place? Sounds quite serious...

— Yes. — Seraya nodded, crossing her arms in front of her chest. — It's just... they say King Rigel personally invited the Artorian monarch to this meeting. Apparently, it was at the request of a visitor who arrived in the kingdom about two days ago, stopping the battle that was about to begin on planet Artoria... a mediator, as they're calling him.

— Huh? Mediator...?

Akashi repeated, furrowing his brow. The word echoed in his mind like a seed of suspicion. He was sent to Callus as a mediator... if he was sent, it's expected that such a duty would fall on his shoulders, but no one warned him of the presence of this mysterious second mediator.

Curious, the young man was forced to keep most of his doubts to himself.

— That's right. No one really knows who he is. They only say it's someone important... and strange. But surely, there will be a lot of people there.

She smiled gently, like someone leaving the choice in the air.

— I thought you might want to see it with your own eyes.

Akashi glanced at Kaira, who was distracted trying to balance a coin on her fingertip. The day was beautiful, her mood was better, and any new information about such important figures—and this "mediator"—could be useful.

— Hm. As it seems... we have a destination, then.

— The main square of the Second Wall is about a fourty-minute walk... or less if you use the Skelldr, our Magnetic floating transport that runs from the stop not too far from here to the beginning of the first wall. But if you go on foot, you can enjoy the view. It's a beautiful day.

— Yeah. I think on foot is better, — Akashi said, already putting one hand in his pocket. — I think she'll like seeing the city's hustle and bustle.

His eyes returned to the expressionless face of the little one, who seemed to be listening only in hopes they'd finish soon.

Seraya stepped aside and bowed slightly in a more formal farewell.

— Then I wish you a good stroll, Mr. Akashi. Miss Kaira. I hope your day is memorable.

Akashi made a gesture with his hand, raising it straight to face level and smiling, while Kaira responded with a timid "Byuu..." as they walked out the inn door, bathed in the white-pinkish morning glow on the clear paving stones.

The world was calm... for now.

△▼△▼△▼△

Back to the present.

— The Second Wall isn't that far. Yet, we took a long walk, only because we did a bit of tourism on the third wall. It took us almost an hour to get there, huh?

— Mhm!

— You don't seem tired at all. What is it? Food allowed you to function better than yesterday?

Kaira didn't answer. She just laughed softly, covering her mouth with her small hands.

—... I still couldn't find a place to leave her. I can't keep dragging Kaira everywhere like this... I'll take a better look on the other wall. — Akashi thought, his eyes momentarily focused on Kaira, before his attention was drawn towards the scenario ahead.

It had been a few minutes since they had crossed the colossal wall that divided the city. There wasn't too much burocracy, maybe because the both leaders wanted to speak with everyone, so the guards simply allowed everyone to pass.

Before the walls, there were low houses, simple structures, and a few shops. It was a region geared toward the middle class—quiet but alive.

Now, the world seemed different. Almost as if they had crossed more than just an urban border.

The clear peach sky had darkened, as if night arrived earlier there. The sun, filtered by some invisible barrier, seemed weaker, leaving the light pale and sad.

There were no plants or trees—the absence of sunlight had condemned any vegetation, even with a crystalline river cutting through the city. Water alone wasn't enough.

If before people tested bold and colorful styles, now everything was standardized. The residents of the Second Wall—at least those who weren't behind counters or in businesses—wore dark green tunics with white and gold collars. Tight black pants covered their legs, and on their feet, discreet but expensive grayish leather shoes.

Almost everyone wore gloves—white or black—adorned with gold or crimson details. As if ruby had the same symbolic value as gold.

But what drew the most attention were the faces. Most carried rigid features and looks full of contempt. They didn't need to say anything—the resentment was in the squinted eyes, the lips curled in scorn, the way they looked away from the travelers.

Well-trimmed mustaches, voluminous beards, extravagant hair—all in a parade of vanity and pride. And not a single non-human creature in sight.

— As expected...

"Prejudice exists everywhere", Akashi had seen this before. Not just here, but in various worlds. The contempt for other races, ethnicities, classes... from demi-humans to peoples judged by their skin color or social condition.

It was a reflection of humanity itself.

He wanted to change that. He knew he could. His Crimson Crystal had enough power to rewrite thoughts, alter mentalities, impose a new order. But it wasn't allowed.

Even as a direct servant of the King of All, Akashi didn't have authorization to interfere in internal wars, local politics, or the suffering considered "common" among mortals.

No matter how cruel it was.

After all... that is what it means to be mortal.

— ...?

The words Akashi murmured to himself could be heard by Kaira. The young girl likely didn't have the capacity to understand what was really happening there. Therefore, she didn't show much reaction, nor did she change her behavior.

The other children—already aware of the current reality—kept to themselves, clinging to their parents. They didn't understand how that girl could act so calmly and casually in an environment whose atmosphere was almost suffocating for them.

The walk continued while the silence was heavy with judgmental stares and an oppressive atmosphere.

Finally, they reached the central square.

△▼△▼△▼△

— Waaah!

— What a beautiful place. It differs greatly from everything we saw on the way here.

Crossing the narrow and oppressive streets of the Second Wall, they finally arrived at the central square—an oasis of carefully sculpted beauty amidst the city's rigidity.

In the center, an imposing white marble fountain sprouted crystalline water in delicate jets that formed perfect arches under the sunlight; for some reason, all the sunlight—which wasn't filtered—concentrated here. The water fell into a basin ornamented with gold carvings, reflecting the light and creating small rainbows dancing in the air.

Around the fountain, carved wooden kiosks offered soft scents of exotic flowers and spices, while local merchants sold fine crafts, embroidered fabrics, and delicate jewelry. Small wrought-iron benches, decorated with various flowers, invited rest, and well-kept shrubs with red and white flowers formed sinuous paths leading to shaded corners of the square.

The architecture of the buildings surrounding the square featured elegant columns, wide windows, and balconies adorned with curtains of translucent fabrics fluttering in the gentle breeze. Crystal lanterns hung from rare, well-pruned trees, promising a soft glow when night fell.

Despite the rigidity permeating the rest of the wall, there was a delicate contrast here—the square exuded an elegant and almost ethereal serenity, a refuge of art and life in the middle of the city's rigidity.

— It's quite a view, isn't it? — A young female voice emerged.

— Huh? Ah, yes, it really is a very beautiful place. Compared to the rest of the region, it's a true spectacle.

Surprised by the sudden arrival of a young woman, Akashi sketched a light smile while answering her friendly.

The girl in front of him exuded a presence so discordant with that place that it was impossible not to notice her.

Her straight, deep black hair was tied in a high ponytail that swung down to her waist. From the tips to the middle, the strands became platinum, as if they had been dipped in liquid silver. Two loose strands framed her face, and an asymmetrical fringe—growing from right to left—partially covered one of her eyebrows; these strands and fringe were also dyed white.

Her skin was fair and well-cared for, reflecting a subtle glow under the square's filtered light. Surprisingly tall, she was almost at eye level with Akashi, which only accentuated her young and confident air.

Her eyes were slanted, dark brown, but vivid and piercing. They had a sharp cut and an intensity that contrasted with the softness of the smile on her lips. It was as if they analyzed everything around without haste—Akashi, Kaira, the square, the judgmental looks—but without ever letting themselves be intimidated.

Her clothes looked like they had been ripped from another time and universe. She wore a black T-shirt, short enough to leave a strip of her abdomen exposed. Over it, an open dark leather jacket that swayed slightly with the wind. The black skirt went just above the knees, and below it, white socks rose to her shins, held by well-tied gray ribbons. A pair of sturdy combat boots completed the outfit, with the slightly worn leather suggesting they weren't just for show—she really walked around in them.

Finally, something was attached to her waist—a white leather belt carrying a truly large sword. Standing, it would probably be exactly Akashi's height with room for a bit more. Kept in a black sheath, the weapon was firmly secured to the young woman.

She was a figure who drew attention not only for her visual boldness but for the way she occupied space without asking permission.

A street spirit in the middle of the aristocracy.

Quite bizarre for the environment. As if someone had been plucked from another world and dropped right there, in the middle of an elegant, standardized, and elitist society.

— Hehh, that's right. They're saying there's going to be a visit from the emperor of the enemy planet, right? — she said, resting a hand on her hip. — I thought there might be some trouble... came to see if anything interesting happens.

Akashi found it curious. The accent, the casual way, and even the rhythm with which she spoke...

Nothing reminded him of Callus, and maybe she wasn't from Artoria neither. Not even close.

— I see... We're in the same boat, then. — he replied, more reserved.

— Cool. — she let out with a light smile, as if it were just another ordinary afternoon.

Akashi noticed the crooked looks from some residents of the wall, clearly bothered by the girl's presence—not just because she was a stranger in that sector, but because she clashed so brutally with the refined and contained aesthetic everyone there held with pride. And yet, she seemed completely oblivious to it. Her posture was firm, calm, almost defiant.

As if every detail of her look were a personal statement: "I didn't come to please anyone."

— It's good to see that not everyone here has a wax statue face. — she commented, crossing her arms while looking around.

— And you don't exactly seem... local too. — Akashi replied, smiling slightly.

— Don't want to be. The fun is in not being.

Kaira, beside Akashi, watched her with curiosity, almost enchantment. Her eyes sparkled discreetly—be it for the girl's courage, the strange style, or the way she seemed to float above the pressure of that environment.

Akashi still didn't know the young woman's name, but something in her presence broke the suffocating air of the wall like a gust of wind from outside—a reminder that not everything there was control, oppression, and gold etiquette.

And deep down, he knew.

People like that don't appear by chance.

— But hey, are you two just going to keep staring or are you going to ask my name? I don't bite, relax.

The way she broke the ice was so natural that Akashi couldn't even feel embarrassed for staring in silence for so long.

— My apologies. Ehm...

— Maki. My name is Matsuki Maki. Don't forget it, or I'll hit your heads until you remember. Got it?

— Whoa, going straight to aggression?—anyway. It's a pleasure to meet you, Maki. My name is Akashi Taiga, and this little one here is Kaira.

After the introduction, Kaira just raised her right hand above her head while letting a "Gabahm" escape her lips. No one understood what that meant, but their expressions seemed to match a "I won't even ask," as they were willing to just follow the conversation.

— You two don't seem from here. Travelers? — Maki asked, casting her eyes casually.

— That's right. Kaira and I came from worlds that were destroyed. Mere chance brought us to this planet just yesterday. — Akashi replied calmly.

— Eh?! You lost your planets? Tough luck, huh... I'm sorry for you. — Maki said, somewhat seriously but with a light tone of empathy.

The way they speak about it, seems like losing a planet is the same as losing a house during a storm.

Akashi and Kaira lowered their heads upon hearing that, as if that weight returned for an instant. After a few seconds, Akashi looked at Maki and asked:

— And you? Where are you from?

— Hah, I'm not from here either. I might not look like it, but I'm a wanderer. I live traveling from planet to planet... Mine wasn't destroyed, but... even so, I lost my world back then.

Her voice lost its casual tone, carrying a subtle sadness, and her eyes fixed on the fountain nearby.

Akashi remained silent, understanding that pain without needing to ask too much. Kaira watched with a curious but peaceful look.

— ANYWAY! — she suddenly changed her tone, regaining her energy. — I came to Callus just to visit the solar system here. I've already visited three of the twelve planets that exist here: Artoria, Varxorya, and Sunara.

— Hehe, looks like we have something in common. I also tend to visit planets from time to time. — Akashi smiled slightly.

— Ah, an interstellar traveler, then? How cool! These portable transportation device are really life saving. — Maki replied excitedly. — For some reason, the folks here don't believe in other solar systems or galaxies. To them, their solar system is the center of the universe, the strongest star, and they are the only living beings in the vastness of the void.

From then on, Maki appeared more excited to talk. Perhaps her time in Callus has been a problem, as it was likely she never had a conversation with someone who understood her on that subject.

— For me, who came from the Zekmatcha solar system, this is outrageous. Dude, I get almost crazy seeing these Callus people like this, so closed off, ya' know? — Maki continued, shaking her head. — They don't even want to hear about other possibilities, other worlds... It's as if the whole universe ended here, in this solar system of theirs.

— Indeed... — Akashi agreed, crossing his arms. — A limited vision can be an invisible prison.

— Exactly! — Maki smiled. — But who knows, maybe their vision will change one day? Who knows.

While they talked, something pulled Akashi's gaze with almost instinctive force.

— ?!

He turned abruptly, his eyes fixing on a nearby tower whose high roof stood out among the buildings in the area.

— Huh? What is it, Akashi? — Maki frowned, putting her hand on her hip again.

— Hmm? — Kaira also stared at him, intrigued.

At the top of the tower, a figure moved almost imperceptibly. It was a hooded man, his black cloak undulating strangely, as if absorbing the surrounding light.

Even from a distance, Akashi realized. That wasn't just a curious onlooker. It wasn't just an observer.

It was a possible threat.

A chill ran down his spine. Something primal inside him stiffened, as if his body recognized a predator. He clenched his fist tightly, eyes fixed on the silhouette.

— His mere presence... makes every cell in my body scream in alert.

A grave expression took over his face. The tension was so intense that the world around seemed to go silent.

— ...hmm––?!

Kaira, beside him, felt it. The same invisible, suffocating pressure... no, her attention was drawn to another direction. The air felt heavy like liquid iron. Her legs trembled, her heart raced, and an urge to flee took hold—even though she didn't understand why.

The same presence she felt, last night.

Among the agitated crowd, a new presence emerged. A dark aura rose between the bodies, floating like living smoke. Kaira's eyes widened. She gripped Akashi's pants tightly and turned her face away, refusing to look at it.

— You two are being very strange. — Maki commented, furrowing her brows. — Relax, crowds suck, but not that much.

Akashi, still focused on the tower, barely heard her. He only noticed something tugging at his clothes.

He looked down.

— Huh...?

Kaira was holding him tightly. Eyes closed, breath held. It was as if something were crushing her soul.

And then Akashi understood.

That wasn't paranoia. It was a warning.

— Something is about to happen.

The young man's words rang with certainty. The environment conspired for something very serious and important to occur... but what could it be?

The main square of the Second Wall was in complete silence.

Thousands of Callus citizens gathered, from the nobles in the elevated stands to the commoners leaning against the obsidian pillars around the circular square. Above, the sky began to cloud over in soft swirls, as if the air were being gently pulled toward the center of that place.

Guards posted at strategic points whispered orders of readiness. Children sat on their parents' shoulders. Old merchants wiped their sweaty foreheads. And then... the sound.

Bells.

Three chimes. Long. Deep. Ancient.

The crowd stiffened.

— And what comes next? — Maki murmured, looking in all directions.

— I really don't know...

Answering her with a rigid expression, Akashi's eyes quickly moved to a random direction, where a loud sound was heard, as if armies were advancing to battle.

From one of the large passages between the walls, a royal procession crossed the avenue paved with gray onyx, reflecting the golden glow of the carriages following it.

Marching in front, Callus knights in ceremonial armor, spears raised to the sky, protected the path with impeccable discipline.

"Here they come..." someone in the crowd whispered.

"It's finally going to start..." another replied.

The doors of the central carriage opened. From its interior descended a man of imposing presence. He wore a purple cloak of heavy silk, ornamented with silver threads representing constellations. His hair was dark, partially tied in thick braids, and his right eye, the only one remaining, carried the sobriety of someone born to lead.

It was Rigel, King of Callus.

Beside him, descending from another darker carriage, came a man in polished black armor, as shiny as it was aggressive. Broad shoulders, a crimson cape, blond hair tied in a rigid ponytail. His eyes seemed to weigh every face in the crowd with cold arrogance.

It was Emperor Antares of Artoria.

"The two kings..." Maki murmured, a slightly surprised tone in her voice, while her lips were semi-open.

The two tall men walked to the center of the square, where a black marble podium awaited them.

When Rigel climbed the steps and turned to the crowd, his voice rose, clear as distant thunder:

— Citizens of Callus... Today, I speak not only as a king but as a man. — the old man with dark hair began. — This war... has consumed us. The chaos that started on the last three days could have taken our family, our sacred land, our lives. It made us fear even our own allies. And yet, it has not ceased.

Rigel's rigid expression showed his seriousness. His firm voice showed that, even in his terrible situation, he was capable of acting as a leader and addressing his people as such.

— But the reason we are all here, accompanied by the Emperor of Artoria himself—is not to declare peace... nor to start a battle on a larger scale.

Antares stepped forward, his voice cutting the air like a sheathed blade:

— The war has changed. And we were not the ones responsible for that. — The Emperor said, staring at the cluster of civilians below. — Two days ago, we received... a visit. Not an ally, not an enemy. A man willing to change the course of this war.

Rigel nodded.

— He introduced himself only as a "mediator." A foreigner, but... someone we can trust with our current reality. He presented us with a proposal that, although absurd at first glance, gained the attention of both kingdoms. And for that reason, we decided to share it with all of you.

It was at that moment that the wind currents shifted.

The crowd's silence was broken not by bells, but by human voices laden with doubt and skepticism.

"He's not from here, then...?"

— Why would the kings agree to listen to a guy from outside? — questioned a man in simple clothes, frowning, with his hands in the pockets of his worn tunic.

Right behind, a woman with a straight posture, hair tied in a pompous bun and adorned with more refined clothes, turned with disdain to the man who spoke.

— Foolish commoner. — Her voice was cutting like the cold of the mountains. — Being from outside, if he doesn't favor one side, he may well be responsible for handling a negotiation or means to cease the wars impartially. But I believe your mind does not function enough to understand that.

The man scowled, irritated.

— What did you just say, you bitch?! — He stepped forward.

— Humph! — With disdain, the woman opened a kind of black and gold fan, partially covering her face from the lips down, her golden eyes flashing briefly as she glared at the furious man. — A fool Who is incapable of understanding the situation, and who resorts to foul language like this to address a classy lady like myself. It's pathetic, therefore it belongs to the third wall, the home of lower vermin like you. Unworthy of my attention.

— Silence, both of you. — ordered one of the square guards, without even moving his eyes toward them.

His golden hair slightly hiding the blue eyes covered with authority.

The woman and the man immediately silenced their selves. The order was obeyed without any hesitation, knowing the risks of disobeying that particular man.

And then, without announcement, without any hesitation...

He appeared.

As if the hostile words of the crowd had invoked his presence.

From the opposite side of the square, between the black marble columns, a lone figure emerged. Gray, heavy robes. A hood concealing the face. His walk was slow... and deliberate.

The sound of the steps was muffled, but the psychological impact was immediate.

The air lost its warmth.

"...Who...?" someone tried to ask, but the voice failed in the throat.

The crowd opened up for him without a word being said. It was as if bodies instinctively refused to touch him. The space around him became automatically respected—or feared.

"Is that the 'mediator'? Doesn't even have a kingdom insignia..."

"That is no ordinary man..." whispered an old man leaning on his cane, squinting as if searching for something invisible in the hooded man's gait.

Akashi immediately felt the impact of the presence.

His body stiffened. His fist clenched.

— It's him, then... — he thought. — His presence is frightening... almost like that other guy.

Maki noticed his change in posture.

— Huh? What's up, Akashi? You're quite strange, eh?

— Maki, don't you also find this man strange?

— I won't deny he has a very weird vibe. His presence is sinister overall.

Kaira also felt it. Her small body trembling. A headwind blew her hair back.

On her eyes, that strange man who just arrived had the same oppressive presence as the other in the crowd. No... it was heavier, scarier. If the previous presence was suffocating like a wall, this one was an abyss. A thousand times heavier. Unnamable.

She grabbed Akashi's clothes tightly.

The figure climbed the podium steps, before the kings, before the people, without being stopped.

As if he already had permission to be there all along. And at that moment, as if the world had held its breath...

He spoke.

— Peoples of Callus... and of Artoria.

The voice was calm... precise... each syllable hung in the air as if challenging time to proceed. Too hypnotic to be ignored.

— Prolonged wars are like diseases. They advance, corrupt, destroy... And then they forget the reason they were born... I have seen worlds die like this. I have seen empires crawl over their own corpses without remembering the reason for the spilled blood.

The hooded man raised one of his hands, and a silver projected screen appeared before the audience, rotating slowly. In it, an image: a colossal battlefield, floating in the void between kingdoms.

— To prevent more conflicts from spreading, I am taking the liberty of changing the course of this battle for the Exo Nihil. Behold the new war. Five chosen warriors from each kingdom. Fighting not for revenge... but for dominance. For purpose. For survival.

There was absolute silence.

Suddenly, the man smiled broadly before grabbing his hood and throwing it back, revealing his face. Young in appearance—between 19 to 25 years old—the young man had light purple skin, cold reddish eyes, and white hair combed back—a single strand falling over his right eye.

— This is the new stage of war. This... is the War Game.

The crowd exploded in murmurs, exclamations, shouts of confusion and indignation. And among the crowd, another young man watched everything with a neutral expression, his skin also purple, perhaps lilac was more appropriate to say. Silver hair tied in a messy bun, wearing a black overcoat. Pointed ears and golden eyes fixed on what was happening.

Meanwhile, from the top of the tower, the other presence crossed his arms. Without showing much reaction, a "humph..." escaped his lips as exhaled through his nose. Strands of pink hair fluttered with the winds blowing weakly toward the young man.

And above all of them, before everyone, the man continued smiling. And in the depths of his eyes... there was no peace.

Only expectation.

Of something that no one there dared to imagine.

—————

Act 1: The Journey Begins with a Chance Incident — Finished.