The captain chamber was tense with discussions of the impending battle against the Primordial. The weight of their realization settled heavily upon them, the silence stretching thick with unspoken fears. Each of them knew the catastrophic consequences if yet any of Primordial began their strike —the devastation, the chaos, the countless lives that would be lost.

  Before anyone could speak, the heavy doors to the chamber swung open. The scent of blooming azaleas and a faint warmth of magic entered with the newcomers. All eyes turned toward the entrance as Rena Lumius strode in with her usual effortless grace, despite the subtle stiffness in her movements. Draped in flowing garments embroidered with silver thread, she carried herself with an authority that was both gentle and absolute, refusing to let her injury diminish her presence.

  But it was the woman walking behind her that truly caught the room’s attention.

  She was striking—not particularly tall, but with a curvaceous figure that commanded presence. Her fiery red hair was neatly tied in a bun, emphasizing the sharpness of her intelligent gaze as she scanned the room like a tactician assessing a battlefield. Clad in a white tunic embroidered with the crest of House Ignis, the burning flame, she carried an air of quiet confidence and legacy.

  “My apologies for the delay,” Rena said, her voice a serene contrast to the tension in the room. She gestured toward her companion. “Allow me to introduce Ai Ignis—bearer of Eternal Bastion, an Emperor Ring, the heir of House Ignis, and a new comrade in our fight.”

  A murmur rippled through the chamber. The captains exchanged glances, acknowledging Ai with brief nods. They had heard the stories—of her towering mechanical golems crafted from Elysium ore, and of her uncanny ability to command them with precision and tactical brilliance. She was a prodigy, a commander who built armies from ground and willpower alone.

  Ai bowed briefly to Chris, her expression one of measured respect. “Your Majesty.”

  Chris gave a nod in return, his blue eyes unwavering.

  Her gaze shifted, briefly softening as it met those of Marge Verdant and Martin Apollo. “It’s good to see the Royal Houses reassembled,” she remarked, a hint of nostalgia lacing her words.

  Rena’s own eyes lingered on an empty seat—one that should have been filled. A frown crossed her usually composed face. She whispered, almost to herself, “I had hoped we’d have one more captain here… but it seems her decision to resign was final.”

  Silence settled for a moment before Chris took charge once more.

  Chris glanced at the map that Marge unfurled, his finger tracing a path toward the heart of Gaea, deep within the Verdant Expanse. His expression hardened. "We all know their target. The Heart of Gaea—if the Primordials corrupt it, Elysion will fall.”

  Ai stepped forward, her mind already formulating contingencies. “If that’s their goal, then our first priority should be fortifying the Uranus Mountain Ring. I’ll deploy my Hecatoncheires—mechanical colossi driven by Elysium ore. Each golem possesses a hundred arms, capable of both offense and defensive reinforcement.”

  Upon hearing the mention of Elysium ore, Martin sprang from his seat, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Elysium ore? That changes everything! If we can harness its power, we could generate an endless supply of energy—this could revolutionize our entire strategy." Ai didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she smirked, her gaze shifting toward Martin before turning to the map. There was something knowing in her expression, something that hinted at plans already in motion.

  From across the table, Lorenzo Mazco folded his arms, eyeing Ai with a mix of approval and skepticism. “That’s a solid defensive plan, but we can’t afford to wait for them to come to us. If Rem is orchestrating this, she won’t give us that luxury.” His jaw tightened. “We need to strike first.”

  The room stirred with murmurs of agreement, but Martin reminded Lorenzo of their recent encounter with the Primordial. His voice was steady, yet filled with an underlying urgency. "Look around this table. Four Emperor Ring bearers, yet we couldn't even defeat Coeus. Now there are six at large. If they are gathering, we must ask ourselves—are we walking into battle, or into a feast laid out for our destruction?”

  Desperation flooded Hans and Lorenzo's minds, the memory of their recent battle resurfacing. The two had stood before the six Primordials, helpless. Martin and Rena lay unconscious, the rest of the Titan Slayers heavily injured. Rem laughed as she spared them from the Primordial’s wrath. They could still hear her voice, mocking them.

  *** “You truly thought you stood a chance,” Rem mused, her voice lilting with amusement. “How utterly disappointing.”

  Hans gritted his teeth. He wanted to lunge, to fight until his last breath, but his body refused to move. His limbs felt like lead, his strength long since drained. Next to him, Lorenzo clenched his fists, frustration evident in the tremor of his stance.

  “Why…?” Lorenzo managed to rasp out. “If you wanted us dead, you could have done it already.”

  Rem smiled, tilting her head as if entertained by the question.

  “Oh, dear Lorenzo…” she sighed, stepping closer, her presence suffocating. She leaned in slightly, her voice a whisper filled with venom. “I don’t need to kill you. That would be far too merciful.”

  Her gaze drifted over the battered survivors before settling back on Hans and Lorenzo. “No, I’d much rather watch. I want to see the despair in your eyes when your precious kingdom falls. When your loved ones scream for help, and you’re too powerless to save them.” She chuckled, a cruel melody against the silence. “I want to see what kind of expressions you’ll make when everything you hold dear turns to dust.”

  Hans’ breath hitched. The weight of her words was suffocating. His mind flashed to the faces of those he fought for—their family, their comrades. He thought of the Order, the people of Elysion who relied on them.

  Lorenzo took a step forward despite his wounds, defiance still burning in his eyes. “You underestimate us,” he growled. “Elysion won’t fall. We will find a way.”

  Rem laughed again, this time truly entertained. “Will you, now?” she mocked, stepping back, her figure fading into the cosmic glow that surrounded her. “Then I look forward to your next attempt. Try not to disappoint me too much.”

  With a flick of her wrist, an overwhelming force knocked Hans and Lorenzo off their feet, sending them crashing onto the ruined ground. The Primordials turned, vanishing into the warping space, their forms dissipating like phantoms into the abyss.

  They had survived. But only because she let them.***

  However, Martin’s words did not discourage Rena. Instead, she turned her gaze around the table before meeting his eyes. "Look around us, Martin. We have more allies now, and more Emperor Rings have awakened." She then turned to Flo and Ai, her conviction unwavering. "We are not the same as before. This time, we stand ready.”

  Ai’s voice was clear and decisive. “Then we must first ensure that Rem and the Primordials do not awaken Crius. Lorenzo, Martin, and I should head north and intercept them before it’s too late.”

  The other two looked at her, puzzled by her sudden proposition.

  Chris, who had been studying the discussion intently, finally spoke, his voice like steel beneath velvet. “Then, leave Oceanus to me.” Linh, her brows furrowed with concern, broke the silence. "but what about your wedding, your majesty?” Chris exhaled, his gaze steady. "The wedding can wait. The kingdom and the safety of Elysion come first.”

  He turned to Hans Nimbersonn, his gaze locking onto the captain of the Aegis Enforcers. “Hans, lend me your hand, I’ll need your expertise. Your knowledge of the oceans makes you the best candidate for this mission.”

  Hans, despite his earlier exhaustion, straightened with a determined nod. “Consider it done, Your Majesty.”

  Flo, who had been deep in thought, suddenly turned to Marge. Her voice was measured but laced with fire. “And what about Rem? Where was she last sighted?”

  Marge handed her a dossier with swift precision. “Terraquil. It’s a town built upon intricate underground tunnels—perfect for hiding.”

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  Flo’s eyes burned with resolve. “Then that’s where I’m going. I’ll find her.” A beat passed before she added, voice unwavering, “And I’ll save those women.”

  Marge met her gaze, the weight of their shared burden passing silently between them. “You won’t be alone. I’ll back you with my power.”

  The table fell into a solemn quiet. The battle lines had been drawn. Each captain knew their role. Each understood the stakes.

  Chris surveyed them one last time before rising to his feet. His presence alone was enough to steady the uncertain hearts in the room. "Then it's decided," he declared. "We move as soon as possible.”

  The captains exchanged final glances—some filled with confidence, others burdened by the ghosts of past battles. As they pushed their chairs back, Ai Ignis turned toward Martin and Lorenzo, her voice calm but edged with determination. “Let’s work together,” she said simply. “We have a lot to do.”

  Lorenzo smirked slightly. Martin exhaled, letting his doubts settle into the background. They exchanged a firm nod.

  The war was far from over, but tonight, they had taken the first step toward reclaiming their fate.

  ——

  As the meeting concluded, the captains began to disperse, each moving swiftly to fulfill their assigned tasks. The heavy doors of the captain chambers groaned open as boots echoed against the polished stone floors, their owners disappearing into the corridors of Equilibrium Headquarters.

  Hans lingered behind. He remained seated for a moment, watching as his fellow captains left, his thoughts weighed down by something that refused to settle. His hand drummed absently against the armrest of his chair before he finally rose to his feet.

  Behind him, Ellie Camberwell, his vice captain, had been a quiet sentinel throughout the entire meeting. Though she had said nothing, her presence had not gone unnoticed. She stood with arms crossed, her sharp eyes studying him.

  “You’re troubled,” she said, her voice soft yet perceptive.

  Hans exhaled, rolling his shoulders. “It’s been gnawing at me for weeks.” His gaze flickered toward the front of the chamber, where Chris Elysionsonn still remained, exchanging a few final words with Ai Ignis and Rena Lumius.

  After a pause, Hans squared his shoulders and stepped forward.

  Ellie followed silently as he approached the young king, stopping a respectful distance away before speaking.

  “Your Majesty,” Hans began, his voice steady, yet tinged with something deeper—concern, hesitation. “I apologize for disturbing you, but there is a matter I wish to address. It concerns my vice captain, Jun’de Liu.”

  At the mention of the name, Chris turned his golden gaze toward Hans and Ellie, his expression unreadable.

  “I have heard rumors,” Hans continued carefully, “that Jun’de spoke to you before his disappearance.” Ellie, standing at Hans’ side, tensed slightly. Jun’de had vanished without a trace—without so much as a word. The lack of answers had left a wound that refused to close.

  Chris studied the two of them for a long moment, then stepped forward. Instead of answering immediately, he placed a firm hand on Hans’ upper arms, gripping them with the weight of assurance.

  “Don’t worry about him,” the king said, his voice even but laced with something unreadable. “He is doing his best to return to you both.”

  Hans and Ellie exchanged glances, puzzled by the cryptic response. Chris gave him a small but knowing smile. “Have a little faith.” Faith. The word sat heavy in Hans’ mind, offering neither comfort nor clarity. Before either of them could press for more answers, the soft sound of approaching footsteps filled the chamber.

  Lady Audries entered gracefully, her presence commanding yet effortlessly elegant. She was adorned in a flowing gown embroidered with delicate silver threads, her radiant beauty accentuated by the soft glow of the chamber’s torches. A gentle, knowing smile crossed her lips as she turned her gaze toward Ellie.

  Chris exhaled lightly and took a step back.

  “If you’ll excuse me,” he said, his tone shifting into something more relaxed as he turned toward his soon-to-be bride.

  Lady Audries extended a hand toward him, which he took without hesitation.

  Hans and Ellie stood in quiet contemplation, watching as the young king departed with his fiancée. Jun’de’s disappearance remained a mystery, but one thing was certain—Chris knew more than he was letting on.

  ——

  In the dimly lit base of Oracle Innovators, the atmosphere was thick with tension and dread. Will, his face illuminated by the cold glow of the control panel, was lost in his manic obsession. The purified core of Atlas, a massive chunk of glowing crystal, sat before him, pulsating with an eerie, otherworldly energy. Its rhythmic glow cast shadows across the room, reflecting the dark secrets Will had been hiding for weeks. His fingers danced across the control panel with feverish precision, tweaking settings and adjusting the flow of energy from the core.

  Around him, the room was filled with the low hum of machinery, but the real noise came from the corner where his "subjects" were held captive. One man, strapped into a metallic contraption that hissed and clicked with every pulse of energy, writhed in unbearable pain. His body convulsed as streams of raw power were siphoned from the core into him, coursing through his veins like molten lava. His screams echoed through the room, each one more agonizing than the last, his muscles spasming uncontrollably.

  “Stop, please!” one of the other captives, a young woman chained to the wall, cried out. Her eyes were wide with terror, her voice trembling. “You’re killing him! He won’t survive!”

  Will’s gaze flicked over to her, his twisted smile widening as he slowly turned to face the room full of terrified captives. His expression was one of detached amusement, as though the suffering before him was nothing more than a minor inconvenience, a necessary side effect in the pursuit of a grander goal. His hand absentmindedly rubbed the red gem of the Keeper Ring on his finger, the Bloody Emperor, as if drawing confidence from its power.

  "Killing him?" Will asked, his voice calm, almost soothing in its cruelty. "Oh, no. I’m not killing him. I’m just… pushing him to his limits." His eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity. "We need to understand the true potential of the core. The power within it could reshape all of Elysion. But to do that, we need to break a few limits, push past a few thresholds… wouldn't you agree?”

  The subject in the machine let out another scream, his voice cracking from the sheer agony. His skin glowed faintly, veins illuminated by the unnatural energy now flowing through his body. His muscles bulged, eyes rolling back in his head as he was consumed by the power that should have been far beyond mortal capacity.

  Will watched with growing fascination, his smile creeping wider. The man’s body was starting to buckle under the strain, but Will showed no signs of stopping. He made a few more adjustments on the control panel, increasing the intensity of the flow from the Atlas core. The humming of the machinery grew louder, more aggressive, as the energy transfer intensified.

  The other captives huddled together, their chains rattling as they recoiled in horror. One of them, an older man, tried to speak, his voice hoarse from fear. "You're playing with forces you don’t understand. This... this will destroy us all!”

  Will's eyes narrowed, his amusement vanishing for a moment as he glared at the man. "Don't preach to me about destruction. I know exactly what I'm doing," he hissed. "This power is the future. The Titans held it once, but we… we will harness it. Elysians have grown complacent, dependent on ancient relics and forgotten legends. The Titans were gods among us, and their power—if properly controlled—could make us gods too.”

  As he spoke, he activated another switch, sending a violent surge of energy into the man strapped into the machine. The captive’s body jolted violently, his back arching as a tortured scream tore from his throat. His skin began to crack under the pressure, glowing fissures appearing along his arms and face as the raw power of the Atlas core overwhelmed him.

  But Will didn’t stop. He couldn’t stop. The allure of the core, the forbidden knowledge it held, was too much to resist. He was on the brink of something monumental, something no one else had dared to explore. His obsession with the Titans' power had consumed him, blinding him to the suffering in front of him.

  The man in the machine shuddered one last time before his body went limp, his head slumping forward. The glowing cracks on his skin dimmed as the energy subsided, leaving only a smoking, lifeless shell behind. The other captives gasped in horror, some crying, others too shocked to react.

  Will stepped forward, inspecting the now-dead subject with cold detachment. He reached out, touching the man’s charred skin, feeling the lingering warmth of the energy that had torn through him.

  "Not strong enough," Will muttered to himself, disappointment flashing in his eyes. He turned back to the control panel, his fingers twitching as he recalibrated the settings. "No matter. There are plenty more tests to run. We'll find the breaking point eventually.”

  He cast a glance at the remaining captives, his twisted smile returning. "Who's next?"

  One of the captives, a young woman with tear-streaked cheeks, began to sob uncontrollably. "Please… don’t do this…”

  Will ignored her plea, his attention already back on the Atlas core, which pulsed with an ominous glow. His fingers hovered over the controls, his mind racing with the possibilities of what the core could unlock. The power of the Titans was within his grasp, and he would stop at nothing—nothing—to unravel its secrets.

  ——

  Far away from the grand halls of Equilibrium Headquarters, in a secluded forest bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, a lone pair walked in silence.

  The gentle crunch of leaves underfoot was the only sound as Captain Aaron of the Serene Healers moved steadily through the narrow woodland path. His robes, embroidered with silver threads denoting his rank, swayed with each step. His posture was relaxed, but his sharp green eyes remained alert, scanning the dense undergrowth as if anticipating danger at any moment.

  Behind him, a young girl with golden hair followed in his shadow. Though small in stature, there was an undeniable presence about her—an air of quiet strength that didn’t match her delicate frame. She bore the crest of the Apollo royal family, embroidered onto the lapel of her traveling cloak, its design catching the last light of the sun as it dipped below the tree line.

  The forest whispered around them, branches swaying in the evening breeze. Shadows lengthened, twisting and shifting between the trunks, but the girl paid them no mind.

  She paused for a brief moment, tilting her head slightly as if listening to something beyond the rustling of leaves. A faint flicker of unease passed through her gaze before she pushed it aside, her expression hardening with resolve.

  Aaron noticed the change in her demeanor but said nothing at first. Instead, he slowed his pace, allowing her to walk alongside him.

  “Valencia, you’ve been quiet this whole journey,” he finally said, his voice calm yet probing. “Are you having second thoughts?”

  The girl clenched her fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. “No,” she answered, her voice firm. “I know why I’m here.”

  Aaron studied her for a moment, then nodded approvingly. “Good. Because once we reach our destination, there will be no turning back.”

  The girl exhaled softly, lifting her gaze to meet his. There was a determination in her emerald eyes, an unspoken promise that she would not waver. A storm was coming—one that would shake the world to its core. And she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that she would have to face it.