Three years ago…

  A light rain fell over Easennia. It had been three days since the funeral for their comrade. Despite knowing the intel and believing the mission was dangerous, Aria had allowed herself to be pressured by her commanding officers into sending Marco into Albion territory. In the end, though he managed to scout their numbers, he was killed by a landmine.

  Since then, Aria had locked herself away for a few days to mourn the loss. A cocktail of shame, anger, and something else clawed at her over the few days. To Aria it was death she believed could have been prevented. Still, she had forced herself into a dress uniform to offer her condolences to his grieving family.

  It had only been a year since I left the academy, Aria thought to herself as she walked the streets of Selenia. The city felt different now. The once vibrant streets, bristling with life and commerce, were quieter, subdued by the toll of war.

  Eventually, Aria arrived at the residence of the Leone family. Lucien and Elaine had accompanied her for the visit. Lucien, who had been Marco’s commanding officer longer than she had, had met his family before. “This is their residence?” Aria asked, glancing at the address written on the paper as the other soldiers gathered around her.

  Lucien nodded, removing his cap, his dirty blonde hair neatly combed for the occasion. “Yeah. It’s tragic. They used to write to Marco regularly and treated the rest of us like family. We had to come to Selenia for an assignment once, and they tried to feed our entire squad.” A sad smile touched his lips as he recalled the memory.

  “I can’t imagine how they must feel,” Elaine added quietly.

  Aria took a steadying breath as she readied a small bouquet. She had to present a calm and reassuring front as a leader. Even if she felt guilt and sadness, she couldn’t afford to crumble; if for nothing else, then for the sake of the citizens she swore to protect. As they reached the doorstep, an older woman with greying orange hair opened the door to the three soldiers.

  “Sergeant DiAngelo? Elaine?” she asked, her voice shaky as she looked at them in disbelief.

  Lucien offered a polite smile. “Good afternoon, Miss Leone.”

  “It’s been a while, Mrs. Leone,” Elaine said, joining Lucien.

  Her husband soon came to the door, drawn by the commotion. He was a weathered man with salt-and-pepper hair and a line of beard stubble along his jaw. “Come in, come in,” he said with a warm smile, ushering the soldiers into their home.

  Aria followed closely behind. The couple eyed the young woman curiously. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’m Lieutenant Aria Corvo, I was your son’s commanding officer,” she said cordially, offering them a bouquet of lilies. The couple stared at her, stunned by the introduction.

  “A Corvo?”

  “Someone so young, too?” They looked at her in surprise as she took a seat, smoothing out the skirt of her dress uniform.

  “Your son spoke highly of you both…” Aria said softly.

  From a glance around the living room, it was clear Marco had likely been an only child. Countless pictures of him lined the walls. Each was a snapshot of his childhood forming a timeline of a now dead man. He must have been their entire world, Aria thought, her heart heavy. A pang of guilt struck her as she took in the life she had, in some way, helped bring to an end.

  “Of course,” Marco’s mother replied with a weak smile. “Despite the danger, he always said that joining the army let him see more of the world. His letters were often filled with stories of the places you all traveled to and sometimes even included pictures! Honestly, even as a child, he had such a gift with magic… and such a deep curiosity about the world.”

  “Forgive me for asking, Lieutenant Corvo… but what happened?” his father asked. His voice was hollow, as if he already knew the answer but needed to hear it confirmed.

  A heavy silence fell over the room. Aria looked stunned by the question.

  “The officer who visited us said he died bravely, but didn’t give us the specifics,” he continued. “Please… tell me our son died a hero.”

  There was a desperate look in his eyes as the couple searched the teenage girl’s face. They were searching, hoping, for some kind of reassurance, some piece of closure that could justify or explain their son’s untimely death.

  Aria took a moment to find her words. Finally, she drew a shaky breath and met their gazes.

  “Marco died bravely,” she said softly. “While on reconnaissance, he was identifying a group of Albion soldiers. When their forces discovered him, he attempted to retreat with the others. His ability allowed them to fall back… but he didn’t make it.”

  “Why would you have him lead such a dangerous mission?” the woman asked, her voice was fragile, shaking with the kind of pain that one wrong answer could shatter completely. “W-why couldn’t someone like you have been the one to do something so dangerous?”

  Aria’s eyes widened. “I-I followed orders based on the intel we had… I know it’s hard, and I didn’t want him to lead, but his ability was the best suited for it.”

  “No! Why couldn’t you do it!” she screamed. “You’re a Corvo, right?! Y-your family is strong! Why did you have to rely on someone like my son?!”

  “I understand your in pain, but it wasn’t my decis—”

  SLAP!!

  Marco’s mother struck Aria across the cheek. The sound cracked through the room like a gunshot. Then came the sobs. A raw, broken sob that filled the silence and hollowed out the space around them. The older woman collapsed into tears, her grief finally spilling over. “Why… Why was my baby killed?”

  Aria was stunned, her heart racing as the sting on her cheek lingered. Lucien and Elaine were equally shocked by the outburst. The same kind woman they had come to know, just struck her now crumbling in grief. Elaine rushed forward, trying to intercede.

  “Miss Leone, it wasn’t Aria’s choice!” she pleaded, her voice desperate, as the woman’s wails deepened.

  “It's not just this,” the woman sobbed, her words breaking between her tears. “My brother died because of y-your father’s war twenty years ago... Why do YOU and your family only bring misery to Easenna?!”

  Aria’s eyes were wide for a moment before lowering towards the floor. Her bangs hid the range of emotions in them at that moment. Deep in her heart, Aria knew something she hadn’t wanted to face until now. Miss Leone’s words were true, and Aria could not deny it. She should have been the one to go out and engage the enemy. Despite joining the military with the intention of preventing further tragedies, she had obeyed orders she knew were wrong. And now, someone innocent had died because of her. Someone Aria had considered a friend and close ally. The boyfriend of her best friend was now dead because of her.

  Guilt.

  The weight of it gnawed at her; a constant presence these past few days. She’d had for so long yet recently it was as if she could hear the pained voices of both Marco and the soldiers who had died under her watch. It’s my fault… Aria thought to herself. Her inability to act. Her refusal to defy what she knew was right. Maybe if it had been me who died, their son and everyone would be happier...

  I’m sorry…

  I’m sorry my family cursed yours to die over and over… I’m sorry I was too weak to fight harder for our nation. I’m sorry, Ms. Leone, that I made you cry the way my mother had back then…

  Meeting the parents’ gaze, Aria’s eyes were low and empty. She knew this tragedy was her fault. Whether it was fair or not, the guilt over Marco’s death would be something she carried with her forever.

  “It should have been me who died instead of Marco… I’m sorry I killed your son.”

  “You wanted to see me, sir?” Aria hadn’t expected to be summoned by the King of Easennia while in Selenia. Entering the grand war room, King Enzo greeted her with a kind smile as he walked alongside her.

  “Lady Aria, you look… well, I’d say well, but I pride myself on being an honest man.” He offered a weak smile, noting the weariness in her tired eyes. He could tell that the weight of battle and guilt had taken a toll on her. “I heard your troops suffered a great tragedy recently.”

  Aria nodded faintly. “Correct. Marco Leone was a kind person… He died because of my orders.”

  Enzo nodded thoughtfully as they walked the grounds. “I’m surprised your handmaid isn’t here. I heard you two are inseparable.”

  Aria lowered her gaze as they walked, the wet flowers offering little comfort to her conflicted emotions. “Mary’s… mourning,” she said quietly. “The two were close and recently courting. She’d prefer not to meet his parents in such a state.”

  Enzo hummed in thought, his expression softening with sympathy as he studied Aria for a moment. Her grief was palpable, and it was clear she blamed herself as a leader.

  “Tell me, Miss Corvo, why do you not do more?”

  Surprise flickered across Aria’s face. She hadn’t expected such a question. “What do you mean, sir?”

  Enzo let out a soft laugh as they reached a balcony, overlooking the main plaza of Selenia. “Your father is the strongest person I know, and he’s also the most honorable. But despite all his strengths, he is stubborn!” Enzo’s laugh was warm, trying to lighten the somber mood between them. “I often asked him to rely on other fighters, but he always goes into battle alone. It was how he reunited all of Easennia when we fell into chaos years ago. Yet, despite that, I realized he fought alone because he wanted to keep his people safe. You’re a good soldier, Aria, but following the chain of command the way you do will only lead to more tragedies like this.”

  Aria remained silent as she mulled over the king's words. “I’m a soldier, I can’t disregard my commanding officer’s decisions…”

  Enzo sighed, his gaze drifting over the citizens of Easennia below. “No, that wouldn’t be proper, and I can’t exactly tell you to disobey the chain of command. However, as a Corvo, don’t you think relying solely on your soldiers to fight your battles is improper? You have your family's gift and the strength to lead. The same strength that can prevent tragedies like Marco Leone’s death. Your soldiers will die in battle, yes. But if you had the strength of your father, you may be able to prevent that…”

  He paused, his voice softening. “What would you do if the people you’ve grown close to, or even that handmaid you’re fond of, get dispatched on orders by your commanders? How would you face them if you lived knowing you could have prevented their deaths?”

  Aria’s eyes widened at the harsh truth in King Enzo’s words. She knew deep down that she had joined the army to protect her family and fight for her nation, yet she was still wavering. Even if she was a sword for Easennia in name, Aria wasn’t truly carrying out her family's will as she had promised. She had tried to protect her soldiers, but she still relied on them to carry out missions.

  “I understand,” she murmured. “I know I could have prevented his death if I had been the one to go, like I thought I should. I should do all I can to keep everyone safe… I haven’t been fighting in earnest all this time.”

  Enzo placed a warm hand on her shoulder, offering her a comforting, yet solemn, expression. “If there’s anyone who can be like Nicolas Corvo, it’s you, Lady Aria. If you were to become stronger, you may even prevent the suffering of those you cherish.”

  “My lady, please reconsider! You’ll be fighting multiple Mage Corp members, and you want to go in alone!” Mary pleaded, her voice full of concern. Aria stood before her, a small bag over her shoulder with supplies. Her military jacket was buttoned tightly, her sword at her side.

  It’ll be fine, right? Aria thought, though doubt gnawed at her. As long as I fight instead of relying on everyone… I can’t let you or my soldiers die, Mary. I already got someone you cared about killed… Aria knew she needed to stop hesitating and fight by herself. She had watched her soldiers die in battle, each loss a weight on her conscience. But she also knew she had to grow stronger. Her only option, the one she could think of, was to move ahead of her platoon and confront the Mage Corp members alone while they deal with Albion’s troops.

  “It’ll be fine…” Aria said, though there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice. “Mage Corp members are typically designated to lead the squadrons of their army. My ability is better suited for fighting magic users, so I’d rather the rest of our platoon handle their forces while I engage with the Mage Corp.”

  As long as I can protect everyone, it shouldn’t matter how hurt I get, right?

  Aria took a deep breath, forcing a smile. “I won’t die. I’m a Corvo, after all. This is how Dad always fought, so I’ll trust you and everyone else the way he did. The rest of our soldiers can handle things on your end. The cavalry engages first, so it’s only right that as it’s leader engage their mages before everyone else arrives…”

  Mary looked down, gritting her teeth in pain and frustration. She wanted to beg Aria to let Lucien and the others help, but she knew the Major and the other high-ranking officers had encouraged Aria’s decision to engage with the Mage Corp alone.

  “Follow Lucien and everyone else’s orders. I should be back soon…” Aria said, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside her.

  How can I protect you and everyone if I don’t fight? Aria thought to herself. I want to stay here. I want to form connections, but that’s not possible as I am now. She clenched her fists, determination hardening her resolve. I’ll be a sword that protects everyone, even if I must give up everything for it.

  Selenia, Easenna

  “I’m surprised you're supporting that raven so much,” the man said, his voice smooth and casual. Sitting across from Enzo was a middle-aged man, his black hair neatly combed back and a well-groomed beard that ended just below his lip. His attire contrasted with the king’s regal robe: a brown dress shirt with suspenders, layered over a crimson high-collared shirt. His yellow eyes were sunken, giving him an almost weary appearance, while two twin wisps of hair poked from his neatly styled locks.

  Enzo hummed thoughtfully as he glanced at a large table before them, a map of Easennia. The table was designed to resemble the kingdom itself, with statues of soldiers placed along the borders to represent different military units. As he stared at the model, a quiet sigh escaped him. “Aria is coming along well enough.”

  Arturo let out a mocking laugh. “Please. I have ears across all of Easenna. Her soldiers follow her purely because of her name. You should have made my son the leader of that cavalry.”

  Enzo sighed, fully aware that Arturo had never approved of Aria’s role. Given that the DiAngelos rivaled the Corvos for influence in the kingdom, it made sense why he’d want someone like Lucien DiAngelo to take the lead. Family politics in Easenna are always complicated, Enzo thought to himself. Several factions vied for influence, each trying to control one facet or another. He did understand Arturo’s concerns, however.

  “I have faith in her; she just needs the motivation to grow.” Enzo rested his head on his hand. “That man’s blood courses through her veins; it would be a waste if she didn’t have a role that would push her to grow.”

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  Arturo let out a bitter laugh. “There’s more than one way to grow. Lucien also has a family crest, and he earned it through our tradition.”

  Enzo’s gaze was neutral as he thought about Lucien DiAngelo’s rapid rise. In just a few years, he had quickly become capable of contending with Albion Mage Corp members. Both his prowess with weapons and his ability to wield magic made him an invaluable asset in the war.

  “I think your family's method is the best for growth.” Enzo said neutrally, unable to deny the results. Arturo laughed, a small smile forming as he leaned on the table. “That’s why you had me oversee that side project of yours. Lucien’s awakening came when our tradition had him fight for his gift. Nicolas Corvo, for all his strength, never forced his children to experience true hardship or trials. It’s why that magicless kid of his died so pitifully.”

  Enzo pursed his lips before offering Arturo a glass of wine. “We’ve yet to make progress in stimulating the test subjects to use magic. Most die and the ones that do survive burn themselves. I’m certain we’re close to reaching a solution. It’s a shame we can’t have the average soldier wield a magic crest.”

  Arturo shrugged lazily, swirling his glass of wine. “They’re criminals, orphans, those without purpose or birthright. Better they die for progress than scour our nation like roaches. I do wonder how Nicolas would feel about the king he swore to, agreeing to human experimentation.”

  Enzo’s mood sobered for a moment. “Nicolas is honorable to a fault. He wouldn’t understand that experimenting to create magic cores in non-magic users, while deadly to some, is vital for Easenna’s victory. If we hit a breakthrough, then we could easily rival Albion’s army. As it stands, our magic users are strong but outmatched…” Looking at the wine in his glass, Enzo wore an introspective look. “However, even if it fails, I’m certain that the raven I’ve nurtured may be what wins us the war.”

  Arturo let out a sarcastic laugh. He found Enzo’s faith in Nicolas’s daughter foolish and downright naive. “You’d be better off marrying her to another family head than encouraging a woman like her to fight. At least one of the children she’d bear would have their family’s ability. Honestly, Enzo, you put too much stock in the Corvos as it is.”

  Enzo shrugged. “You’ve seen firsthand how strong Nicolas Corvo can be. If Aria were to reach his level of strength… Who knows how strong Easenna could become?” Enzo had a calculated look on his face as a small smile tugged at his mouth. “Someone like her is better suited for a battlefield, after all. It would be a waste of her talents not to encourage her growth. Aria wishes to fight for Easenna like her father did. It’s in her blood to defend us.”

  Why do I have to fight?

  Aria fell to her knees from pain and exhaustion. Months had gone by as Aria continued pushing herself to fight alone. The now empty battlefield was littered with corpses of enemy soldiers and Mage Corp members. She had successfully fought off the mage corps and Galain forces. Looking at her side, her sleeve was partially torn up to her shoulder. A deep cut marred her hip, dying the makeshift bandage red. Aria had hastily used part of her shirt to stop the bleeding. Taking ragged breaths, she found it hard to stay focused. Her body hurt, every ache, every hit began to take its toll on her. Her aura reserves were burning out as Aria fought to stay conscious.

  I wish you hadn’t followed me into all this, Mary. All I’ll bring you is suffering.

  Aria recalled Mary’s mourning and broken cries as they buried Marco. The countless dead soldiers she had come to regard as family during her time as a leader. Each one felt like a weight on her soul as she continued fighting over and over again. When she closed her eyes, when she had brief moments of sleep, Aria felt a guilt deep within her soul for the people who died while she remained alive. A guilt she couldn’t explain, yet it had been eating at her since she first became a soldier. Aria hung her head down as she leaned on her sword for support.

  Knowing you're here reminds me of why I must do this… How is it fair for everyone else to suffer when it should be me? Mom, Dad, everyone. You all are the only ones I have in this world. If I let my troops die, then their loved ones will suffer and grieve like Mom did, like Marco’s mother. So long as Dad and Samuel aren’t suffering alone, then these wounds mean nothing…

  I wish I was home. I miss studying with you. I miss Mom suggesting I start courting some boy she picked. I miss the late talks I’d have with Carol. The practice sessions with Zack. I wish my family didn’t need to suffer in order to protect everyone. I hope things could go back to normal, but I know they never will. If this is the role I must bear, then I’ll endure it for everyone’s sake. There are so many powerful enemies in the world, but for yours and everyone else’s sake, I have to defeat them…

  “I have to protect Easenna. Even if it costs me my life. I won’t leave this burden to Dad or the others...” Aria reminded herself of her promise as she forced herself up. Preparing to engage with more enemy soldiers.

  Two years ago…

  “There are reports of at least two different Mage Corps groups. Each of them will be arriving north and south of here,” Lucien said, walking alongside Aria. He noticed her moving slower than usual. She had continued engaging Mage Corps members on her own for months, pushing her body to its limits. Despite that, her platoon hadn’t suffered a death since she

  “I could deal with one of them,” Lucien offered. Aria took a steadying breath as she adjusted her sword. Thanks to her relentless efforts, her cavalry hadn’t lost a single life in months. The scars and wounds she bore were a small price for that salvation.

  “It’s fine. I should be able to handle both groups in a day,” she said. Aria had enough aura left to manage it as long as she didn’t take unnecessary hits that would require her to use aura reinforcement. Even with her injuries and fatigue, she had to press on. Lucien looked shocked that Aria was preparing to go back into battle in less than a day.

  “Lieutenant, I strongly disagree. We have competent fighters as well! Me, Victor, even Elaine and Alexia are all capable of handling at least one of them as a group.” Lucien argued. Aria raised an eyebrow at Lucien. “You’re better off dealing with Albion’s army. My ability is more than enough to take on the Mage Corps.”

  Lucien crossed his arms. “You have a strong ability, but you can barely walk as it is!”

  Aria scoffed indignantly. “You will handle their approaching contingent, Sergeant. As your commanding officer, I expect you and everyone else to leave the Mage Corps to me.”

  Lucien’s eyes were wide in shock. In the two years they’ve served together Aria had never used her rank. Relenting he sighed. “Fine, get yourself killed… My fault for worrying. But you’ll make that girl sad when she has to bury you too.” He mumbled. He had seen how depressed Marco’s death left Mary. To have her best friend die too would destroy her. Aria’s gaze lowered as she turned to leave.

  I’d rather be the one she buries than the other way around… I don’t think I could live with myself if Mary, or anyone else, died because of me. I hate knowing I’ll be hurt, slashed, or broken in these fights… but if it means everyone else survives, I’ll endure it.

  Council of Albion, Citadel

  “Interesting…” Benjamin Watts mumbled, resting his hand on his cheek as he studied the chessboard in front of him. His dark brown hair hung neatly beneath a beige bowler hat, which he now removed in thought.

  Across from him sat an older man with dark red hair, combed precisely to the side, and piercing blue eyes. Dressed in a decorative red and white robe, the man hummed thoughtfully at Benjamin's bold move.

  Benjamin Watts, as one of the council members of Albion, held a prominent role in overseeing the Mage Corps and helping lead the nation. His opponent, however, outranked him. He was nonother than Mathias Redgrave, the current head of Albion’s military council. Mathias took a deep breath, eyeing the board. “You’re not playing as well today, Benjamin.”

  Benjamin paused, then exhaled slowly. “The war isn’t progressing as expected. Even with Nadir and Galain pressing on three fronts, Easenna’s varied geography and mountainous terrain are holding strong against our advances.”

  Mathias paused mid-move, considering Benjamin’s concerns. “All our actions are for the good of Albion and the continent as a whole. It is our destiny to guide the other nations, given the strength of our foundation. Simply put, Easenna’s role is not that of a leader. They failed to handle the Eldritch threat, and given that king’s actions, their defeat is necessary.”

  “You say they are unfit, yet Nicolas Corvo has proven otherwise.” Benjamin reasoned.

  Mathias scoffed as he noticed his mistake. He had misplayed a crucial pawn, leaving his knight exposed. Glancing back at the board in silence, the chairman knew Benjamin was right. “The Legend of Easenna, as they call him.” he murmured, his voice equal parts disdain and respect.

  Benjamin smirked, clearly amused by Mathias’s begrudging attitude toward Nicolas Corvo. All of Albion’s council, despite their beliefs, held a reluctant respect for the man. “We call him by a different name here too.”

  “I’m aware you know his capabilities better than anyone given you’ve fought in the past. Outside of you, myself and the other members of our council would struggle, or lose, against him in an all-out fight. If we all fought him, it would be a death sentence, given that ability...”

  Mathias hated to admit it, but Enzo’s trump card was the one thing keeping the war from ending. The Corvo family’s abilities were truly worthy of legend, and Nicolas, as an individual, stood at the pinnacle of the modern age of magic for a reason. A man whose existence single handedly saved his nation and ushered them into a golden age until the Eldritch. Despite that, Mathias knew his children would become major threats sooner or later.

  “I heard that his eldest son recently fell in combat and has since been on a death march.” Benjamin said, moving his queen across the board.

  Mathias chuckled softly. “I suppose there is some good news. Although seeing as he has another child who's been active I use the term good rather loosely. Children have a higher chance of inheriting their parents’ abilities meaning we could have a third raven to deal with soon.”

  Benjamin raised an eyebrow. “Another raven in our midst huh. I’m surprised Albion managed to acquire such intel.”

  Mathias smiled. “You’re forgetting, dear friend, I have ears across the continent. I’m well aware that young Corvo, a girl, to be precise has been a thorn in the side of Mage Corp groups across their land. Given she’s a member of a cavalry, hunting someone like her would be… cumbersome.”

  Benjamin paused, his gaze flicking over the board, his thoughts racing as he connected the dots. Nicolas had three daughters, although one was around two years old when I last saw her. Wonder if it’s the elder or the younger daughter… Benjamin assumed it was the younger daughter given Nicolas’ daughter Carol never had any interest in fighting. He’d personally offered to train her in the past.

  “She’s been causing a mess with Mage Corp members as of late, but I’m not worried about someone like her.” Mathias smirked, moving his bishop into position. Benjamin’s eyes widened in shock.

  “The war will be ending soon. I can’t predict which side of justice will be victorious, but one way or another, I know it’ll end. An entire generation is growing at a rapid pace on both sides, one with strength that could rival our own positions with enough time. Another Nicolas Corvo emerging would be a disaster for Albion so I’ve already sent someone best suited for hunting a raven like her.”

  Mathias’s eyes gleamed as he surveyed the board. His white pieces had Benjamin cornered with nowhere to move. “Checkmate.”

  Resna, Easenna

  Aria and her platoon had been dispatched to the watery city of Resna. Hundreds of bridges lined the city, as canals filled with gondolas and steamboats took the place of what would normally be streets. Walkways and roads ran alongside the waterways, flanked by rows of brick-roofed buildings.

  “It’s so pretty!” Elaine beamed as she ran to a bridge.

  Reports of Albion forces preparing to lay siege to the city had come in, and Aria’s cavalry happened to be the closest. Aria looked out over the scenic city. Despite all her trials, she couldn’t deny the beauty of the place.

  “It’s just water,” Victor scoffed. Lucien nodded in agreement, while Mary and Alexia sighed, aware that their male comrades didn’t appreciate the city’s romantic charm.

  “We don’t have time to sightsee,” Lucien said plainly, adjusting his polearm. “We’re here because Albion is planning to take it over.”

  Resna was a major port city in Easenna, located in the southwest region between Albion to the north and Nadir to the south. Easenna had always maintained an active military presence in such a contested area, but with rumors of Nadiri and Alban forces nearby, Aria’s squadron had been dispatched.

  “They’re expecting the siege within the next few days,” Aria said solemnly. Her group rarely had to engage like this, so for some of the newer soldiers, it was their first major battle. Aria looked at the hazy water of Resna’s canal. “It’ll be fine. Just make sure you don’t die…”

  Chaos.

  That is one word to describe a battlefield such as this. The smell of death, gunpowder, and smoke filled the city. Around five thousand Easennian soldiers faced an invading force of ten to fifteen thousand. The majority were Alban, but the alliance of Albion, Galain, who are north of Easenna, and Nadir, the desert nation to the south; all rallied troops to capture Resna for its military and naval value. According to the major, if Resna were to fall, Albion would have a direct path to Selenia, the capital.

  Artillery pounded the city, reducing the once-beautiful canal haven to ruins. Civilians had been ushered to safe zones during the early days of the siege. During that time, waves of enemy soldiers attempted to build encampments to cut Easenna off from any outside help, however they were struggling to take the city.

  Despite being outnumbered, Easenna’s forces were holding strong. The medics, Mary among them, were working tirelessly to save as many civilians and soldiers as possible. Recently, Albion had begun deploying members of their Mage Corps to launch offensive attacks, but Aria, along with the rest of the Easennian forces, had managed to intercept and eliminate them before they could inflict too much collateral damage. Covered in soot and blood, Aria took rapid, shallow breaths.

  How many hours have I been fighting? She had lost all sense of time, the fighting and killing felt like an eternity without rest. Even against her soldiers' wishes, Aria pushed herself to the brink. She couldn’t afford to stop.

  If I fall here… My family, my friends, and the soldiers I lead… They’ll all die.

  Dodging a mage’s aura-infused sword, Aria’s eyes burned as she cut him down, immediately turning to engage with another wave of Albion soldiers. As the days dragged on, she felt herself nearing collapse. She had forced herself to fight, to defend her homeland. Even with her commanding officers’ approval, Aria knew she couldn’t keep going like this. At this rate, she would die. Leaning on her sword, she thought of her father. Around her, the broken bodies of Mage Corps members lay scattered.

  There’s no end to this… Aria thought numbly. But still, she lifted herself up, stepping forward to continue the fight. To continue defending her homeland. Just as she moved to fight again, a hand grabbed her shoulder.

  “Aria! Please fall back!” Elaine pleaded, her eyes filled with worry. Her once-vibrant purple hair was now soot-covered and tangled from the battle.

  “If I fall back, more Easennians will die,” Aria said flatly. “According to our intel, their combined forces number around ten thousand, with roughly five hundred to a thousand Mage Corps members. I should be the one to fight.”

  I can’t burden you people or leave this to my family. Please retreat. Don’t let my existence bring misery to you and everyone else Elaine…

  Aria had seen that her cavalry had survived the fighting thus far. Though a few soldiers had been lost, she had personally prevented greater casualties by choosing to engage alone. Despite her words, Elaine kept her grip on Aria’s shoulder.

  “Stop burdening yourself!” Elaine snapped, her usual kindness replaced by worried, caring anger. “You aren’t the only soldier here, Aria, It isn’t fair to shoulder all of this on your own. Let us help! You aren’t the only one who wants to protect our homeland.”

  Aria’s hollow gaze slowly regained clarity as she met the worry in Elaine’s eyes. Looking around, she saw the rest of her cavalry watching her with concern. Had I been worrying these people as well…?

  “Rely on Lucien, on Victor, Alexia, myself, even Mary! Stop trying to be alone when you have friends who care about you.” Elaine’s words made Aria truly see the rest of their cavalry, all watching this confrontation unfold. Their faces were filled with worry. Aria’s gaze fell on each of them, which included Mary.

  Aria’s thoughts drifted to the allies and connections she had made throughout the war. Amidst the chaos of battle, memories of the past two years briefly returned. She recalled the pain in her family’s eyes when they had to bury Zack, and the grief on her cavalry’s faces when Marco was reported dead. Aria’s eyes widened as a realization set in. If I died here, it would hurt everyone too, wouldn’t it...?

  “I… I want to rely on everyone as well.” Aria said softly.

  “You have bonds with us now, so once everything is done, we’ll still be connected.” Elaine smiled warmly, offering her hand to bring Aria back to their encampment.

  Can someone like me really accept this? Aria hesitated, then raised her hand to meet Elaine’s. Aria wanted to return to her cavalry’s side, to accept the bonds they had been trying to show her all this time.

  But as Aria reached out, a sickening, squelching sound pierced her ears. Her outstretched hand was suddenly coated in blood. Elaine’s smiling face had been torn clean off by something unseen.

  Blood splattered across Aria’s face as Elaine’s purple hair whipped through the air for a moment, the brutal reality sinking in. Aria’s once hopeful eyes widened in sheer horror, mirrored by the rest of her cavalry who watched in equal terror. Despite having witnessed and dealt death before, Aria shook uncontrollably, her teeth chattering as her friend and comrade died right before her.

  “ELAINE!”

  “Interesting…” a voice said. Glancing up, they saw a man perched on a building above them. His white and black hair was tied back in a ponytail. He wore a sleeveless purple military coat over a black-and-gold uniform. On his arm was a black spider tattoo and a scar on his cheek. The enemy smirked cruelly as he looked down at the Easennians.

  “Commander Riker of Albion’s Mage Corps. We’ll be taking this city on the orders of the Council of Albion. This is your one chance to surrender. Unless you want to end up like that girl over there.”

  Aria’s hands shook, her cavalry sharing the same shock, horror, and above all else… rage. A burning anger fueled by the loss of their fallen comrade. Her heart raced despite the lingering shock as she felt an anger fill her very being.

  “An officer of the Mage Corps…” Aria said, her voice shaky like fragile glass as she still reeled from Elaine’s death right before her eyes. With heavy steps, she forced herself forward. Her trembling hands barely contained the fury within as the rest of her troops moved to either fight or secure Elaine’s body. “She wasn’t supposed to die like this… Elaine didn’t deserve to die in a place like this…” Why am I so damn useless?!

  “Oh, was she a friend of yours?” Riker leaned on his hand, clearly amused by the Easennians’ pain. “I was given orders to take over this city. You Easennians are all about honoring your words, so you should understand~”

  Glancing at the smirking mage, Aria felt her heart hammer fiercely as she clenched her fist tightly. “I usually show grace to my enemies… to uphold the beliefs I’ve held all my life; beliefs of honor and justice. To abandon that belief would be to abandon everything I hold dear. Someone like you wouldn’t understand honor or commitment. However, I feel no pride or joy in what must be done. All I feel in my heart is an obligation to my people…”

  Her gaze swept over the dismembered Easennians surrounding Riker. Her voice dropped to a low, steely tone as she stepped closer, summoning an aura blade to match her winged sword. Aria’s eyes burned with power, fueled by her aura and a bubbling fury threatening to spill over. Drawing her metal blade, she readied it with a whitening grip.

  “Arm yourselves. I, Lieutenant Aria Corvo of Easenna’s 48th Cavalry, will eliminate every single one of you Albans today.”

  Unfazed by her threat, the man was clearly amused by Aria’s determination. “How cute.” His yellow eyes gleamed with anticipation at the challenge unfolding. Nearby, Lucien readied his spear, his usual composed expression replaced by anger. Alexia took aim with her snipe, while Victor clenched his fist so tightly it drew blood.

  “It’s been a long time since I fought a raven. The last one I fought set a high standard for you to live up to.” Riker smirked as he looked down on Aria and her team. His hands were clad in sharp, black claw-like gloves, each bearing a spider symbol on the back. He regarded Aria and the others with keen interest, like a predator sizing up its prey.

  “To kill someone like me, you’ll need to be as strong as Nicolas Corvo.”