Chapter 56 – The Brethren Court

The Skybreaker descends through thinning clouds.

Below us—

The hidden city reveals itself.

Marinus.

A vast circular formation carved into the sea, protected by towering stone pillars that rise like the ribs of some ancient leviathan. At the center—

The Nautilus surfaces.

Elowen’s submarine.

Steam hisses from its vents as it stabilizes.

I land the Skybreaker smoothly this time.

No explosive entrance.

No sonic boom.

We don’t need attention.

The hatch opens.

Elowen waves from the deck of the Nautilus.

“Gather around!”

Luna carefully helps Wise Lady Mowa and Wise Man Imu down the ramp.

Imu pauses.

His eyes narrow slightly.

“The presence above us… it has descended.”

I don’t wait.

I leap from the Skybreaker—

Midair—

My armor activates.

Light surges around me.

Metal plates unfold and snap into place.

Thrusters ignite—

I fly straight toward the Nautilus.

“RANDY!!!” Luna shouts.

“Boy… he’s in a rush…” Tikka mutters.

Then she squints upward.

“…Wait. Isn’t that—”

The sky shifts.

Clouds swirl unnaturally.

A massive silver shape emerges from above the pillar line.

Wings stretching wider than ships.

Scales reflecting sunlight like molten steel.

Himmel.

And standing firmly between his wings—

Klaus.

“Hey. I see something, my lord,” Klaus says calmly.

“Indeed,” Himmel replies.

“It is the boy.”

I stop midair.

Hovering.

My gunblade forms in my right hand.

Click.

Ready.

Because—

The man standing behind the dragon—

Looks like someone I fought recently.

Someone connected to Valkor.

My pulse spikes.

Klaus raises both hands.

“We are not hostile.”

“Child, please listen,” Himmel’s voice echoes across the ocean.

A talking dragon.

I blink.

“…Damn. First Althaeon. Then Tikka. Now you.”

Himmel tilts his massive head.

“You met Althaeon?”

“…Yeah.”

“How is he?”

I scratch my helmet awkwardly.

“He’s… the mayor of a city now.”

Silence.

Then Himmel lets out a deep rumbling chuckle.

“…Indeed? I did not expect that.”

Klaus glances up.

“My lord…”

Himmel nods slightly.

“We would like to participate in the meeting.”

I narrow my eyes.

“Not sure I can trust you.”

I lower my altitude slightly.

“But I have an honor to protect those I trust.”

I point the gunblade directly at them.

The sea below goes silent.

Then—

A calm voice echoes from the Nautilus deck.

“Let them in.”

Conrad.

All heads turn.

“Garnet approves.”

I exhale.

“…Fine.”

I lower my weapon.

“But Klaus I can tolerate.”

I look at the dragon.

“Lord Himmel… you’re too big.”

Himmel blinks once.

“…Ah.”

He looks around.

“…Let us find land then.”

I point downward.

“We’re standing on the top of the hidden city.”

Himmel studies the massive stone ring beneath us.

“…I see.”

Then he shifts his gaze toward me.

“Do you know Garnet?”

“…Yeah.”

Himmel smiles faintly.

“Garnet… it has been a while.”

He glances toward Klaus.

“She was quite fiery for a child.”

“Ain’t that right?”

Klaus visibly stiffens.

“…Uh. Yes.”

He looks uncomfortable.

Very uncomfortable.

Himmel smirks.

“Ignore him.”

“Lord Himmel, please stop confusing him,” Klaus mutters.

We descend together.

The moment Himmel lands—

The entire platform trembles.

Waves ripple outward.

Pirates instinctively reach for weapons—

Until—

Tikka suddenly launches herself forward.

“HIMMEL!!!!! MY BROTHER!!!!”

Silence.

Absolute silence.

EH!? 😳

“EH!?” 🤯

Me.

Luna.

Elowen.

Eira.

Lockbolt.

Nu Wa.

All simultaneously stunned.

Himmel laughs loudly.

The sound echoes across the sea.

“Hahaha! Little sister! Is this your scheming again?”

Tikka beams.

“Happy to see you, big brother!”

I turn slowly toward her.

“…You never mentioned this.”

She grins innocently.

“You never asked.”

I feel betrayed.

Klaus lands gracefully behind Himmel and bows politely.

“I am Klaus.”

He straightens calmly.

“If you assume I am Valkor… I am not.”

A pause.

“He is my twin brother.”

My hand twitches.

Gunblade almost reforms.

Inside my mind—

If he intends revenge—

Klaus continues calmly.

“As for what happened to my twin… that was his own consequence.”

He meets my eyes directly.

“No hostility from me.”

The tension eases slightly.

“…Good,” I mutter.

Himmel looks around at the gathered pirate leaders.

“So. To convene such a gathering… this must be serious.”

“It is,” Tikka replies.

“We discuss inside.”

Himmel nods once.

Then—

His massive dragon body begins to glow.

Silver light spreads across his scales.

Wings dissolve into radiant particles.

His massive frame compresses—

Shrinks—

Twists—

The light collapses inward.

And standing where the dragon once stood—

Is a tall man.

Refined.

Long silver hair flowing freely.

Sharp golden eyes.

Elegant attire, almost royal.

Yet faint dragon-wing markings shimmer briefly behind him before fading.

He radiates power.

But contained.

Klaus steps beside him.

Now the resemblance is clear.

Both winged lineage.

Both composed.

Both far beyond ordinary.

I stare.

“…You’re telling me the dragon is more handsome than half the pirates here.”

Elowen elbows me.

“Focus.”

Luna crosses her arms.

But she also looks impressed.

The leaders gather.

The wind quiets.

The sea stills.

Marinus watches.

Above us—

Clouds circle slowly.

Below—

The Nautilus tilts forward.

Metal groans.

Runes ignite along its hull.

And with a deep mechanical hum—

We descend.

The ocean closes above us like a curtain.

Dark blue swallows the light.

Pressure builds.

But the Nautilus cuts through the sea smoothly, its magical barrier glowing faintly like a protective halo.

Himmel stands near the reinforced glass viewport.

His long silver hair floats gently in the cabin’s artificial current.

“Such an amazing vessel…” he murmurs.

“We breathe underwater.”

He glances sideways.

“Even Klaus cannot do that.”

Klaus immediately stiffens.

“Lord Himmel, please stop confusing them again.”

I chuckle.

He’s totally a joker.

Himmel smirks faintly, pretending innocence.

Tikka crosses her arms.

“It’s been a while since I met Garnet…”

She exhales.

“I sure hope she doesn’t do anything stupid.”

Himmel raises a brow.

“If you have not contacted her for decades…”

He looks at her knowingly.

“I am quite certain she will.”

“Uh…”

Tikka suddenly looks extremely guilty.

She’s acting exactly like Harmonia when she knows she caused something.

I glance between them.

Family energy confirmed.

Luna quietly sits beside me.

Close.

Close enough that our shoulders touch slightly.

Her voice softens.

“Are we close?”

I check the navigation crystal.

“…Yeah.”

I smile slightly.

“There they are.”

The darkness ahead parts.

Golden lights begin to shimmer in the abyss.

Then—

Marinus reveals itself.

A hidden city built into the walls of an underwater crater.

Massive stone arches carved with ancient pirate sigils.

Floating lantern crystals illuminating coral towers.

Ships anchored in submerged docks, protected by barrier domes.

Warriors patrol the perimeter in armored diving suits, tridents in hand.

Misha and Lucida lead the escort.

Their cloaks flow like banners underwater.

The Nautilus slows.

The gates open.

We enter.

Even Himmel’s eyes widen slightly.

“…Impressive.”

Klaus nods quietly.

“A city hidden beneath the sea.”

The Nautilus docks with a heavy metallic thud.

Clamps lock in place.

Pressure equalizes.

The hatch begins to open.

Steam hisses outward.

I step forward—

And instantly—

A blur of red and gold slams into us.

“TIKKA!!!!!! MY BABE!!!!!”

BOOM.

I get completely flattened.

Face first.

Against the dock floor.

Something heavy on my back.

“Oof—!”

“Tikkaaaaaa!” Garnet squeals, squeezing her tightly.

Tikka gasps.

“Uh… hey…”

She looks down awkwardly.

“You’re stepping on someone.”

“Huh?”

Garnet looks down.

There I am.

Crushed.

“Ah.”

She doesn’t move.

Luna crouches beside me calmly.

Pokes my cheek.

“You okay, Randy?”

“…Were you hoping I was dead?”

She tilts her head thoughtfully.

“…Don’t know.”

She smiles sweetly.

“But I’m enjoying this.”

I stare at her.

Betrayal.

Pure betrayal.

Garnet finally steps off me.

I gasp dramatically.

“Air… I need air…”

Harmonia leans down.

“You were underwater ten minutes ago.”

“Shut up.”

Garnet pulls Tikka back, holding her by the shoulders.

Her long crimson hair flows like fire.

Her eyes sharp. Fierce. Proud.

“You disappeared for DECADES.”

Tikka winces.

“I was busy.”

“Busy doing WHAT?”

“Pirate things.”

Garnet narrows her eyes.

“That’s vague.”

Behind them—

The rest of the leaders step off the Nautilus.

Nu Wa.

Lockbolt.

Eira.

Elowen.

Wise Lady Mowa.

Wise Man Imu.

And then—

Himmel.

The moment he steps forward—

The atmosphere shifts.

Warriors tense.

Garnet’s expression sharpens instantly.

“…Himmel.”

He smiles gently.

“Garnet.”

She places her hands on her hips.

“You’re tall.”

“You are loud.”

They stare at each other.

Then—

Garnet bursts out laughing.

“You haven’t changed!”

Himmel chuckles.

“And you remain fiery.”

Klaus bows respectfully.

“I greet the Queen of the Drowned Mermaids.”

Garnet eyes him carefully.

“…You look like someone I’ve seen before.”

“My twin,” Klaus replies calmly.

“Ah.”

She waves dismissively.

“Him.”

Everyone collectively exhales.

Crisis avoided.

For now.

The city bells begin to ring slowly.

Deep.

Echoing.

One by one—

Pirate banners rise along the inner walls of Marinus.

The Brethren Court is assembling.

The leaders stand together.

Dragons.

Pirates.

Inventors.

Warriors.

The sea presses against the outer barrier.

Far below—

Something ancient shifts.

Imu closes his eyes.

“…It grows closer.”

Luna quietly slips her hand into mine.

Just for a moment.

Warm.

Steady.

“…We’re ready,” she whispers.

I look toward the central council chamber rising from the heart of Marinus.

No more running.

No more delaying.

The Brethren Court begins now.

And this time—

The storm won’t come from above.

It will rise from beneath.

Garnet leads us through the inner corridors of Marinus.

The walls glow faintly with bioluminescent coral veins. Water presses against the transparent barrier overhead. Shadows of deep-sea creatures drift past like silent witnesses.

The meeting chamber opens before us.

Circular.

Tiered stone seats carved into the rock.

At the center—

A massive round table shaped from a single slab of black abyssal stone.

Ancient.

Heavy.

Sacred.

Conrad already stands beside Garnet’s seat.

Silent.

Watching everything.

We take our places.

Nu Wa drops into her chair lazily, grog bottle still in hand.

Himmel sits upright, refined as royalty.

Klaus stands behind him.

Luna sits close to me.

Close enough that I can feel her shoulder against mine again.

Garnet clears her throat.

“Ahem.”

The chamber quiets.

“I assume Nu Wa is supposed to introduce us all.”

Nu Wa blinks.

“…Uh.”

She straightens slightly.

“Arr… listen up! Here ye, here ye! We’re here to convene the Brethren Court! Now, lay yer symbols of leadership on the table!”

One by one—

They present them.

Tikka steps forward first.

She places a polished white seashell on the stone.

It hums faintly.

Elder Black Wolf places a massive carved wolf tooth.

Old.

Cracked.

Battle-worn.

Salacia slides something delicate onto the table.

Silk.

Lace.

Ancient.

It is—

“…Is that a bra?” I whisper.

Salacia exhales calmly.

“It is.”

Silence.

“It is the garment of our first Matriarch.”

She folds her hands elegantly.

“We were poor. We began with nothing. Even our predecessor fought in rags.”

I stare at the relic.

“…That’s an ancient bra.”

Luna elbows me hard.

“Respect.”

“Sorry.”

Nu Wa slams something metallic onto the table.

A coin.

Heavy.

Old.

Weathered.

“Arr, this be the coin from Drake Stroud himself.”

Even Garnet’s expression softens slightly at that name.

Garnet steps forward next.

She places a piece of red coral.

Jagged.

Yet shaped like a crown.

“This is the Heart Coral of the Drowned Maidens.”

Riven and Ravenna step forward together.

They place a small peeling knife on the table.

“We stole it from the elder,” Riven says bluntly.

Ravenna nods.

“It was symbolic.”

Nu Wa nods firmly.

“There. Now we can begin the Brethren Court.”

The air tightens.

The ocean outside hums low.

Nu Wa stands.

“Arr, the Western Demons started controllin’ our own… the Silverfang. Poisoned their minds with treasure, they did.”

She slams her fist on the table.

“If it weren’t for these folk here, me own granddaughter’d be in Davy Jones’ Locker.”

Her eyes harden.

“We must unite on this.”

Elder Imu speaks calmly.

“Fighting the demons is not the matter. To settle the Silverfang… we must restore their will.”

Elder Black Wolf nods.

“Arr. We’ll not have the Silverfang come back to stab us in the back while this accord stands.”

Garnet rises slightly.

“As for the Drowned Maidens… we will not allow those demons to take our land.”

Her voice sharpens.

“Just like the Luminarians once tried.”

A ripple of tension spreads.

“Thanks to Drake Stroud… we pushed them back.”

Korvus lifts his cup.

“Arr, but Drake settled that with wit, not might. Remember, ye were there.”

Garnet exhales.

“I know.”

Her eyes narrow.

“But this time… if the Western Demons lose their hold over us… the Silverfang will follow. They are not inherently traitors.”

Arin takes a long drink.

“Hmph. Might as well wipe out the Silverfang and let ’em start anew.”

He leans forward.

“The twins be here to rebuild the clan.”

He looks at them.

“What say ye?”

Riven clenches his jaw.

“…Our clan does not want change.”

Ravenna nods slowly.

“But the clan’s troubles be ours to settle.”

Wise Lady Mowa’s voice cuts through gently.

“You are both still children.”

Silence.

“You must think wisely.”

Her gaze sharpens.

“There will be casualties.”

That lands heavy.

Even the ocean outside seems to press harder against the walls.

Tikka looks at Imu.

Then at Mowa.

They exchange a silent nod.

Then Tikka stands.

“We shall assist the twins in rebuilding the Silverfang.”

Riven’s eyes widen slightly.

“Under one condition,” she continues smoothly.

“A percentage of gold exchange from their future trade routes.”

Ah.

There it is.

Politics.

Riven nods instinctively.

“Is that so… very we—”

Ravenna clamps her hand over his mouth.

“WAIT.”

She narrows her eyes.

“We need to think about this.”

She looks at Tikka carefully.

“This affects our trade. Our clan’s independence.”

Tikka smiles warmly.

“Listen to your sister.”

She leans forward slightly.

“She understands politics.”

The tension rises.

The chamber feels smaller.

Himmel finally speaks.

Calm.

Measured.

“Rebuilding a corrupted clan requires three things.”

All eyes turn.

“Authority.”

“Stability.”

“And external protection.”

He glances at the relics on the table.

“If you cannot guarantee protection from the Western Demons… then this negotiation is meaningless.”

The ocean outside suddenly trembles slightly.

A low vibration.

Subtle.

But real.

Imu closes his eyes.

“…It stirs again.”

I feel it too.

Something deep.

Far below Marinus.

Watching.

Waiting.

Luna grips my hand under the table.

“…Randy.”

I whisper back.

“I know.”

This isn’t just politics anymore.

This is a countdown.

And whatever is beneath the sea—

The ocean presses harder against the dome of Marinus.

As if—

It is listening to every word we speak.

The chamber feels smaller now. The relics rest at the center of the table like pieces on a war board.

Elder Black Wolf rises slowly.

From beneath his heavy cloak, he withdraws a thick, leather-bound tome.

The air shifts instantly.

Even Himmel’s gaze sharpens.

Black Wolf places it on the stone.

Drake’s Codex.

The leather is cracked by salt and time. The edges are worn smooth from generations of pirate hands. The sigil of the original Pirate King glints faintly in fading gold.

“Arr,” Black Wolf mutters gravely.

“Let’s be seein’ the code we must follow.”

He opens it.

The pages whisper as they turn.

The ink seems almost alive under the coral light.

He scans.

Stops.

Grins.

“Aha! There she be!”

He slams a finger down on a passage.

“The Code says… if one o’ the clan breaks the Code, they be stripped o’ their rank, their share o’ treasure, and all they own be divided amongst the rest… unless their leader calls for Parley.”

A murmur ripples across the chamber.

Riven stiffens.

Ravenna’s fingers tighten into fists.

Garnet leans forward immediately.

“Which means Arin is right.”

Her voice is sharp. Decisive.

“Remove the clan. Tear it down. Rebuild it properly.”

Her coral relic glows faintly.

Arin nods with a grim smirk.

“Clean slate.”

But Black Wolf raises a hand.

“Aye… but there’s another part o’ the Code that needs mindin’.”

He flips the page deliberately.

Slow.

Measured.

“If this Court aims to take down a clan…”

He glances around the room.

“…we must vote to give ’em time to think on it before we mark ’em as hostile.”

Silence falls.

“The crew’ll be absorbed by other clans,” he continues.

“And their land goes to the Pirate King.”

Nu Wa’s expression shifts slightly.

“To be held ’til our next meetin’.”

He closes the Codex halfway.

“Which can’t be for at least six moons after the clan’s gone.”

Six months.

Six moons of instability.

Six moons of open territory.

Six moons of potential war.

Nu Wa exhales through her teeth.

“Then… anyone else got word on the remainin’ Silver Fang?”

All eyes shift toward Salacia.

She does not rush.

She inhales from her slender pipe.

Exhales slowly.

“They closely reside near my area of trade.”

That changes everything.

Ravenna looks up sharply.

“Near the Sea Serpent routes?”

“Yes.”

Salacia’s golden eyes gleam.

“They have not attacked my merchants.”

“Yet.”

Riven swallows.

“Then they’re not fully corrupted.”

“Or,” Imu speaks calmly,

“They are waiting.”

The chamber grows colder.

Salacia rests her elbow on the table.

“They fortify their ports.”

“They hoard weapons.”

“They cease fair trade.”

Her gaze shifts to the twins.

“That is not the Silverfang way.”

Riven’s jaw tightens.

Ravenna lowers her head slightly.

“…It isn’t.”

Garnet crosses her arms.

“If we hesitate, the Western Demons strengthen their grip.”

Nu Wa growls low.

“But if we strike too fast, we fracture ourselves.”

Himmel finally speaks.

His voice is calm.

Deep.

Controlled.

“The Code exists for moments like this.”

His golden eyes sweep the table.

“If the Silverfang have broken it, they must answer.”

“But,” he continues,

“Destroying them without Parley risks creating martyrs.”

The word hangs heavy.

Klaus adds quietly,

“And martyrs are useful tools for demons.”

The ocean pulses again.

A deep vibration hums through the stone beneath our feet.

Luna’s hand subtly finds mine under the table.

Warm.

Steady.

“You feel that?” she whispers.

“…Yeah.”

It isn’t just pressure.

It feels like a heartbeat.

Slow.

Massive.

Watching.

Nu Wa straightens.

“So the choice stands.”

She looks at the twins.

“Parley.”

“Or purge.”

Riven looks at Ravenna.

Ravenna looks back.

They are no longer just rebellious heirs.

They are leaders now.

And whatever they say—

Will decide the fate of their clan.

Ravenna stand “It's a hard course for us... but one thing's certain... the Strider and the other ship at Isla Del Mansa are family. They stood with us. We'll purge the clan from the inside out.”

Nu Wa smile “Then it's settled. The long war between the Blackwood pirates and the Silverfang begins today. Korvus... write the accord.”

Korvus written the accord…basically an agreement letter

Garnet look at Ravenna “it is hard to sacrifice something but once you made the decision is it common that you will face hardship but…in return…”

“You two are the new leader of this Breathen Court…might as well rename the clan….and Silverfang shall not be part of the Breathen Court” Salacia

“A grand idea! That settles it. We've marked 'em as enemies, so the Silverfang have no choice but to face us all.” Arin

“With that…the Western Demon Kingdom has no control on Eligos since Silverfang is not part of the clan…” Garnet

The chamber stills.

Nu Wa rises.

Her coat sways behind her like a banner before war.

“Then it is decreed!”

Her voice echoes through the coral hall.

“I, Nu Wa, Pirate King of Eligos, declare the Silverfang clan cast out from this council!”

Gasps ripple outward.

“Their assets and their fleet shall be seized and shared among us all!”

The twins stand immediately.

Straight-backed.

No hesitation.

“Ravenna. Riven…”

“Yes, your Majesty.”

“Your new clan is born. Give it a name.”

Ravenna looks at her brother.

They nod together.

“In our own names,” Ravenna declares firmly, “we’ll call the new clan—”

She grips the peeling knife.

“—The Raven’s Fury.”

The name rings sharp.

Like steel scraping stone.

Nu Wa slams her hand on the table.

“Then it’s settled! Members, stand!”

Chairs scrape.

One by one they rise.

“Today we hereby introduce the new members!”

She gestures.

“The Drowned Maiden Clan!”

Garnet nods proudly.

“The Sea Wolf Clan!”

“Aye!!!” Elder Black Wolf roars.

“The Vorpal Beard Clan!”

Tikka smiles.

“Welcome.”

“The Raven’s Fury Clan!”

“Aye!!” Riven and Ravenna shout in unison.

“The Sea Serpent Clan!”

Salacia inclines her head.

Nu Wa spreads her arms.

“I, with the Blackwood Pirates, hereby declare the Brethren Court convened!”

The air hums.

Power shifts.

The alliance is real now.

And dangerous.

The discussion begins.

Long.

Measured.

Political.

“They have to,” Luna whispers beside me.

“This method of discussion is always long.”

“Yeah,” I mutter.

“Feels like war paperwork.”

Nu Wa clears her throat.

“First agenda. Trade rights among clans. What say ye?”

Salacia speaks first, composed.

“As our trade remains as usual… we must still consider the remnants of the Silverfang. They scour the seas unpredictably.”

Elder Black Wolf nods.

“Then the Sea Wolf shall provide protection with our own ships. Lockbolt, take note.”

“Aye aye, Elder!!” Lockbolt barks.

Riven steps forward.

“Allow us to be the first to lend a hand.”

Ravenna nods.

“We must prove ourselves.”

Nu Wa narrows her eyes.

“Very well. But remember, ye still need to settle with the Silverfang.”

“Aye…” they answer.

Nu Wa scans the table.

“Anyone else got something to say?”

Black Wolf clears his throat again.

“As of now… what of the Cloud Wall?”

Silence falls.

Even the water outside seems to pause.

“Is there a way to break its curse?” he continues.

“The Cloud Wall,” he adds gravely, “a cursed barrier of legend. My search of sea charts and whispered tales has revealed possibilities. It may be one of several things… each bound to dark magic.”

Imu slams his staff lightly.

“That wall protects us from the outside!”

His voice is firm.

“Call it a curse, but it has been our blessing!”

Black Wolf nods slowly.

“I understand… but if we are to move beyond—”

Salacia interrupts smoothly.

“It still has use. Peace remains because of it.”

Garnet turns to Conrad.

“Although we must find ways to utilize it. Conrad, any ideas?”

Conrad folds his hands.

“Based on reports from Lucida and Misha, the wall extends underwater. It must be maintained to some degree.”

He glances at me.

“Randy and his companions may provide insight. They’ve seen what lies within.”

Luna looks at me.

I nod.

She stands.

“The wall is infested with monsters beyond our capability. Sky Wyverns. Giant Sky Worms.”

Her voice tightens slightly.

“We barely escaped with our lives.”

Harmonia raises her hand excitedly.

“But Professor said there’s a gate! Built long ago by Xorvath!”

Every head turns.

“To trade with the Western Demon Nation,” she continues.

“If we could control that gate, we might stand a chance.”

She pauses.

“…Although it’s from the skies.”

Nu Wa turns slowly.

“Then… Himmel. What say you?”

Himmel’s golden eyes sharpen.

“The wall is surprisingly unguarded.”

Murmurs rise.

“As if left to rot.”

He folds his hands.

“Anyone capable of flight could reach it.”

Klaus steps forward slightly.

“The reason they wish to conquer Eligos is because of the Cloud Wall.”

He speaks calmly.

“It is strategically perfect. A fortress without rear exposure.”

His eyes darken.

“From there, they could launch assaults on the Kingdom of Gildarts… and the Forest Elves.”

Elowen frowns.

“If the Wall is no longer viable, would they reconsider conquest?”

Himmel answers instead.

“Eligos remains a priority.”

Then he glances at Klaus.

“Klaus possesses a unique ability.”

Klaus stiffens.

“He and his late twin can hear fragments from the other side.”

He looks at me briefly.

“Without Valkor’s consent.”

The room grows heavy.

Harmonia shifts nervously.

Klaus turns to her.

“Ms. Harmonia… how many gates did your ‘Professor’ mention?”

Harmonia raises four glowing sigils in the air.

“Four.”

The illusion forms midair.

A glowing map.

“West—toward our continent.”

“East—toward the Western Demon Nation.”

“North—toward the Giants.”

“South—toward Sundara.”

Imu stands abruptly.

“That is…!”

Lockbolt grips the table.

“It connects everything!”

Nu Wa slowly turns toward me.

“…Randy.”

Luna tenses slightly.

“We need an airship. To reach the gate. To secure it.”

I raise my hand slightly.

“Nu Wa. Protect. Not conquer.”

She meets my gaze.

“…Aye.”

“We cannot become what we fear.”

She exhales.

“We have no means yet.”

I nod slowly.

“Fine.”

“Randy…” Luna begins cautiously.

“I’ll help build an airship.”

The room relaxes slightly.

“But I will not share everything.”

My tone hardens.

“It isn’t safe.”

Garnet immediately responds.

“The Drowned Maidens will assist.”

She turns.

“Conrad. Aid Randy. Strengthen our defenses.”

Conrad nods.

“Then our first move is to establish a shield between the gates.”

He turns to Harmonia.

“Ms. Harmonia, would you kindly describe the gate in detail?”

Harmonia waves her hand.

Mana swirls.

A massive glowing structure forms in the air.

Towering.

Ancient.

Arcane sigils covering it.

“It requires high-level mana to activate.”

She grins proudly.

“It’s bigger than this city.”

A stunned silence.

Conrad exhales slowly.

“…We have considerable work ahead.”

I step back.

“Any ships I can use?”

Conrad gestures vaguely.

“Plenty in the deep sea. Salvage what you need.”

I nod.

“Golem.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Commence Plan Build. Ten airships. Use deep sea wreckage. Deploy Skybreaker crane.”

“Proceeding.”

Conrad looks at me.

“You waste no time.”

“…Yeah.”

Luna smiles softly.

“Randy…”

Then Elowen glares.

“Randy.”

Uh oh.

Seraphina sighs dramatically.

“That’s Randy for you.”

Salacia observes calmly.

“Is he always this industrious?”

Seraphina nods.

“When that mind activates, things happen very quickly.”

“Don’t encourage him!” Luna snaps.

Tikka raises her hand.

“Since Randy has begun, we must decide gate jurisdiction.”

Garnet nods.

“We need fair distribution.”

Nu Wa steps forward.

“I’ll handle the Western Gate.”

Elder Black Wolf thumps his chest.

“The Sea Wolves take the Eastern Gate!”

Salacia smiles faintly.

“I shall oversee the Southern Gate.”

“With interest.”

“Not funny!!” Tikka snaps.

“I’ll take the Northern Gate.”

The map glows brighter.

Four gates.

Four directions.

Four future battlefields.

The Brethren Court has spoken.

Above the sea—

The Cloud Wall waits.

The glow of the sea corals brighten the chambers.

The salt-heavy air inside the Brethren Hall feels thicker now — not with tension this time, but with history being carved into stone.

Nu Wa rises.

Her cloak of deep crimson flows behind her like a banner of war.

“With all of this,” she declares, voice carrying across coral pillars and sea-glass windows, “we need a scribe to write all of this…. Korvus!!”

A tall, thin man nearly drops three scrolls at once.

“Yes, me lady—?!” Korvus straightens so fast his ink splashes across his sleeve.

Several pirates snort.

Nu Wa narrows her eyes.

“Have you written everything what has transcribed in this meeting?”

Korvus adjusts his spectacles dramatically.

“Aye… clearly… in triplicate. With footnotes.”

“…Footnotes?” Imu whispers.

“Scholarly presentation,” Korvus replies proudly.

Ravenna leans forward, boots thudding against the table.

“Arr, right then! We'll post more hands to guard the gate, make it tighter than a miser's fist! And we need to get the measure of that strange fog wall surroundin' us... can't be sailin' blind, savvy?”

Rivan nods beside her.

The twins’ new authority fits them — not perfectly yet — but like a coat still being broken in.

“I’m interested in the Cloud Wall environment,” Conrad says, fingers already twitching with calculation. “Might be a good idea to learn the place.”

His eyes shine.

That dangerous engineer shine.

While the discussion flows back to the Cloud Wall, Nu Wa suddenly shifts the room’s focus like a blade turning.

“Arr, right then. Seems everything's shipshape for now. Next… Lady Luna.”

All eyes move to her.

The hall quiets.

“Ye hail from the Kingdom of Mana, Fu Xi, I’m told. Its ruler is a good mate o’ mine! So tell me, lass, what be yer station there?”

Luna steps forward.

Calm.

Elegant.

But I know the weight on her shoulders.

“Lord Fu Xi entrusted me with this diplomacy,” she says clearly. “I represent the Nation of Mana. And as of now… if Eligos is united… then the Kingdom of Mana shall be its first ally.”

Silence.

Then—

A collective exhale.

Relief washes through the chamber like tide pulling back.

“Well then,” Garnet smiles softly, “we finally have a wonderful ally.”

“And a trade partner,” Salacia adds smoothly, already calculating profits in her head.

“We will provide mana potions and grain produce to your side,” Luna continues.

Imu slams his fist down, laughing.

“Yes!! And we will provide the best rum and seafood for you all! Hahahaha!!”

“Please do not weaponize the rum,” Conrad mutters.

For a moment…

It feels hopeful.

But Luna steps forward again.

Her tone shifts.

Serious.

“For now… we are in a battle line with the Northern Demon Kingdom.”

The warmth drains from the room.

“We will need assistance in this endeavour. The agreement shall be written between us and the alliance of Eligos.”

Nu Wa folds her arms.

“Aye. What do ye need?”

“Ensure the Western Demon Nation and Caelestis do not interfere with our battle,” Luna says firmly. “We have had enough of too many oppositions on all sides.”

Eira slams her spear against the floor.

“Aye! I’m with ye on that! Then the wall must be built to stand strong and hold fast against those scallywags!”

Nu Wa nods slowly.

“Then this shall be the convene’s first duty to uphold.”

“There is a lot to do here,” Tikka sighs.

“But with this alliance again… we will survive,” Garnet says.

“And prosper,” Salacia adds.

Nu Wa lifts her trident.

“Then Lady Luna, we shall join the efforts. An alliance with the Kingdom of Mana in defence… as a start.”

A quiet murmur of agreement spreads.

Then—

A presence rises from the far side of the hall.

Himmel.

The Dragon Lord of the Cloud Wall.

His aura presses against the ceiling like a restrained storm.

“Well then,” he says calmly, “I, Himmel, Lord that reigns on the Cloud Wall, shall assist you.”

Klaus steps beside him.

“And the people of the Cloud Wall shall assist in your alliance. Our people will be part of this as well.”

Nu Wa tilts her head.

“So do you have a name for this clan?”

Korvus immediately flips to a fresh parchment.

“An accord shall be made,” he declares dramatically. “A trade and friendship agreement based on Drake’s Codex must be upheld. Do you have proof?”

Klaus reaches into his cloak.

He places something heavy on the table.

A massive Wyvern claw.

Still faintly glowing with mana.

Gasps echo.

“Then,” Klaus says, voice steady, “we shall call ourselves… the Wyvern Claw Clan.”

Mowa whistles low.

“So a new member again… what a historic day… indeed.”

Elowen leans toward Luna and whispers,

“Doesn’t sound pretty to me though.”

Luna hides a smile.

“It sounds diplomatic.”

Nu Wa raises her trident high.

“The alliance has grown again! With the blessing of two Dragons — Tikka and Himmel — this union shall stand!”

Tikka nods.

Himmel inclines his head.

The air trembles faintly with ancient draconic mana.

“Henceforth…” Nu Wa declares, “Blackwood Pirates shall welcome the Wyvern Claw as part of the alliance!”

Korvus reads aloud dramatically:

“Blackwood Pirates — Nu Wa!
Sea Wolf — Black Wolf!
Vorpal Beards — Tikka!
Sea Serpent — Salacia!
Drowned Maidens — Garnet!
Raven’s Fury — Rivan and Ravenna!
Wyvern’s Claw — Klaus, leader of the winged people of the Cloud Wall!”

The hall erupts in cheers.

Then—

Imu raises a hand.

“And what of the Wyverns and Giant Sky Worms?”

The cheering dies instantly.

Klaus answers calmly.

“The Wyverns… we protect them. We are their farmers and guardians.”

“…Farmers?” Rivan blinks.

“Yes,” Klaus replies flatly. “They prefer salted thunderfish.”

“Of course they do,” Elowen mutters.

“And the Giant Sky Worm?” Nu Wa asks.

A shadow passes over the room.

Klaus looks toward Himmel.

“The Giant Sky Worm is the guardian of the Wall. Lord Himmel is the only one who can commune with that beast.”

All eyes shift.

Himmel exhales slowly.

“Indeed. As for the Sky Worm…”

He pauses.

“…It requires re-education.”

“Re-education?” Imu whispers.

“It tried to swallow the eastern gate last century,” Klaus explains.

“…Oh.”

Himmel’s golden eyes gleam faintly.

“It listens. Eventually.”

A low rumble vibrates through the stone beneath us.

Far above.

Something vast shifts in the clouds.

Luna grips my sleeve.

“…It heard that.”

“Yeah,” I murmur.

Korvus keeps writing.

The ink trembles slightly on the parchment.

The alliance is born.

But the sky is watching.

And beyond the Cloud Wall—

The Demon Nations are not blind.

This is no longer just a pirate gathering.

This is the beginning of a continental war.

And we just signed our names in permanent ink.

And the we all begin

With the changes

The Brethren Court ends not with silence—

—but with momentum.

Chairs scrape. Boots echo. Orders are barked. Alliances are sealed in ink still drying under torchlight. The sea outside crashes against the reef like it approves… or warns.

Change has begun.

And once change starts in Eligos—

—it does not stop gently.

Luna walks beside me as the great coral doors open. The air smells of salt, iron, and something electric.

“We actually did it…” she murmurs.

“Yeah,” I reply. “Now we deal with the consequences.”

Before we can move further—

The air shifts.

Not violently.

But decisively.

Himmel approaches.

The Dragon Lord of the Cloud Wall walks like gravity bends around him. His silver hair sways though there is no wind. His golden eyes are calm—too calm.

He stops in front of me.

“Randy… your name is?”

“…Yeah.”

He studies me. Not as a pirate. Not as a threat.

As something else.

“I may ask… what do you seek, son?”

The question hits harder than any accusation.

I hesitate.

“…A way back home.”

My voice sounds smaller than I want it to.

“My friends. The people trapped here with me. Once I find a way home… then I’ll think about other things.”

I meet his eyes.

“I don’t care about this war. But if it clashes with my path…”

The air around me subtly vibrates.

“…I’ll break it. No matter what it takes.”

Luna glances at me sideways.

She knows that tone.

Himmel exhales softly.

“First Althaeon. Then Tikka. And now me…”

A faint smile curves his lips.

“Well, son… would you be interested in meeting another dragon like me?”

“…Maybe. Why?”

“Well.”

His eyes sharpen slightly.

“Her name is Skadi. She rules the illusionary world of Aurorvyr.”

My heart stutters.

What?

He knows Aurorvyr?

Luna steps forward immediately.

“Then you must know Lilith?”

“Ah… the Hero,” Himmel replies. “Yes.”

The temperature drops.

“Aurorvyr is another world. It cannot be reached by normal means. Skadi sealed it to protect the Valkyries from being misused again.”

His voice carries weight. History.

“When Luminari summoned Lilith and banished her… Skadi cursed Luminari. No more summoning. No protection from dragons.”

A faint frost creeps along the stone floor.

“Luminari lost herself. Rage consumed her. She marched north to attack… and failed.”

His golden eyes darken.

“Beyond the Northern Fairy Kingdom — what you call the Northern Demon Kingdom — lies a graveyard.”

Luna tightens her grip on my sleeve.

“Frozen fleets. Frozen soldiers. Entire nations encased in ice. A warning.”

The torches flicker violently.

“They used the words. But only a worthy one shall be called forth.”

He pauses.

“The words are—”

Before he finishes—

Luna and I speak together.

“Ek em einn þinn… ok þú ert einn minn.”

The air trembles.

Himmel’s eyes widen slightly.

“…Interesting.”

For a split second—

I feel something watching us from very far away.

“Yes,” he nods slowly. “Those are the words. Only a worthy person may enter. Never forget them.”

The sky above the dome rumbles.

Something vast coils in the clouds.

“Himmel,” I say carefully.

“Yes?”

“What do you see in us?”

This matters.

Luna and I exchange a brief glance.

If he sees us as a threat—

We need to know.

Himmel steps closer.

His presence presses like deep ocean pressure.

He looks at Luna first.

Then at me.

Long.

Quiet.

“A glimmer of hope,” he says finally.

“…Hope.”

The word feels fragile.

Like glass.

Luna exhales softly.

But I’m not done.

“May I ask about Thalorien?” she says.

“Ah, the Pope,” Himmel smiles faintly. “We are good friends. Why?”

“He contacted us. With urgency.”

Himmel’s expression shifts.

Subtle.

Thoughtful.

“Then something has happened. Recent events have disturbed many balances.”

His gaze returns to me.

“With power like yours, Randy… everyone will grow wary.”

The air tightens slightly.

“And you?” I ask. “Are you wary?”

He tilts his head.

“I am less of a threat than what awaits you.”

A faint, knowing smile.

“Trust me.”

“Fine…” I mutter.

Himmel tilts his head slightly, amused by my tone.

“Anyway… about Thalorien…” he says, glancing toward the council chamber doors. “Let me see… Lady Garnet.”

Garnet pauses mid-discussion, her trident resting on her shoulder.

“Yes?”

“Do you possess some form of communication device? Something… long-distance.”

Garnet nods immediately.

“Conrad, lead them there.”

Conrad adjusts his glasses.

“Very well. Try not to break anything.”

“I make no promises,” I reply.

“Please do not encourage him,” Luna sighs.

The Communication Chamber

We enter a circular room lined with crystalline shells embedded in the walls. Mana pulses through etched runes like glowing veins.

Conrad stops at the entrance.

“I’ll remain outside. The connection requires controlled mana fluctuation. Try not to overload it.”

He looks directly at me.

“…Especially you.”

The door seals.

Himmel steps forward.

Without chanting, without effort—

He raises his hand.

Silver mana spirals outward like frost-touched wind.

The crystals ignite.

Light gathers—

And suddenly—

A figure forms in the air.

Thalorien.

But—

He looks… weak.

His once imposing presence is dimmer. His robes hang looser. His breathing uneven.

“It seems your health does not bode well, my friend,” Himmel says gently.

Thalorien coughs before smiling faintly.

“Himmel… old friend… indeed it does not.”

His eyes shift toward me.

“So… we finally meet again.”

“Eligos is united,” Himmel informs him.

Thalorien exhales.

“That… is a relief.”

“What of your kingdom?” Himmel asks.

Thalorien’s gaze sharpens slightly.

“Thanks to the boy here… we have room to breathe. Only small skirmishes. Likely scouts searching for weakness.”

Himmel glances at me.

“Well then, boy.”

“I’m free now,” I reply.

Thalorien’s expression turns serious.

“Yes. I need to speak to you… about Aethone.”

Himmel folds his arms.

“Straight to the point.”

“Be wary of her,” Thalorien says quietly.

Luna steps forward immediately.

“Yes. I know. She tried to kill him.”

Her eyes flash.

“And now she uses his supposed death to rally my people toward war.”

Thalorien nods weakly.

“Indeed… You managed to unite them. Good. Fewer enemies on the front lines.”

He coughs again.

Harder this time.

Luna frowns.

“Are you ill, Lord Pope?”

“Yes… I am uncertain of the nature of it.”

“Describe your symptoms,” I say, stepping closer to the projection.

Thalorien forces a chuckle.

“Perhaps I overused magic… hehe… cough—”

The projection flickers violently.

My mind races.

Overuse of magic doesn’t cause that kind of weakness.

Unless…

A curse?

Mana corruption?

Poison disguised as exhaustion?

I think of something.

The experimental unit.

The healer.

“Is it alright if we come to your capital?” I ask.

Luna nods immediately.

“Yes. We must examine what ails you.”

Thalorien smiles faintly.

“Well then… I shall await you.”

The image fades.

The crystals dim.

Silence lingers.

Himmel looks thoughtful.

Before he can speak—

“No,” I say.

He raises an eyebrow.

“You’re coming with us. Just the three of us.”

“Huh?” Himmel blinks.

I grab his sleeve and pull him toward the exit.

“Wait a minute?!” Luna protests.

“With what plan?!” she demands.

I grin slightly.

“Hehe… let’s go.”

Himmel chuckles.

“…Interesting boy.”

Surface of Eligos

We ascend to the surface.

The sea glitters under twilight.

Elowen, Seraphina, and Harmonia stand near the Stroud and Nautilus, discussing defense strategies with Eira and Nu Wa.

“You’re leaving already?” Elowen asks.

“Yes,” Luna replies.

“To Caelestis.”

Himmel sighs.

“I would rather fly with my own wings.”

Silver light bursts outward—

His human form dissolves.

A majestic dragon emerges, scales shimmering like moonlit steel.

The sky trembles.

“…Show-off,” I mutter.

“Randy,” Luna says carefully, “what are you planning?”

I raise my hand.

“Skybreaker.”

The massive airship materializes above the sea, hovering with mechanical precision.

Crew members on deck stare down in confusion.

“Captain?!”

“I won’t use it,” I shout back.

“What?!” Luna snaps.

I fly upward briefly, landing on the Skybreaker’s deck.

My bike rests secured beside cargo crates.

I grab it.

Jump back down.

Engine roars to life.

Luna stares at me in disbelief.

“No… not this again.”

“Come on. We need to be discreet. Bringing the Skybreaker is basically declaring war.”

She groans.

“Why are you like this…”

Behind me—

A large humanoid construct lands heavily on the stone.

Elowen squints.

“…Wait. Are you—”

“Yep,” I reply proudly. “Experimental Medic Golem. Based on your schematics and Kline’s method.”

The golem’s eyes glow soft blue.

“Medical protocols ready.”

Himmel, now back in humanoid form, watches with interest.

“…You bring a mechanical healer to a Pope.”

“Just in case,” I reply.

He smiles faintly.

“Very well. Let us proceed.”

Departure

Luna mounts behind me reluctantly.

“Try not to crash.”

“No promises.”

Himmel rises into the air, wings unfolding once more.

We head toward the Eastern Gate.

The structure towers before us—

Massive.

Ancient.

Runes carved into stone so large they could house buildings.

“…It’s even bigger up close,” Luna whispers.

Himmel lands gracefully before it.

He raises his hand.

The gate trembles.

Ancient mechanisms groan.

Light pours through the seams.

With almost effortless authority—

He opens it.

A roaring tunnel of sky and light stretches beyond.

“Well then,” Himmel says calmly.

“Let us head to the capital city of Caelestis.”

I rev the engine.

Luna tightens her grip around my waist.

The Medic Golem activates hover thrusters.

And we launch forward—

Through the gate.

Into uncertain skies.

Somewhere in Caelestis—

A Pope is dying.

Aethone is watching.

And whatever is eating away at Thalorien…

…might not be natural.

To be continued.