The Viscount Liam's estate sat shrouded beneath the veil of night, a fragile calm stretched over its walls. Inside, Alex lay deep in slumber, the day's burdens locked away in unconscious respite.
Then—creak. The door to his chamber slid open silently.
"Alex, wake up! Wake up!" Aiko's voice cut through the silence with urgent resolve.
Alex's eyes fluttered open, bleary. "What is it, Aiko?"
"The Empire," she whispered, breathless. "Soldiers are advancing—straight through Misty Harbor. They're moving up towards the Verdant Wilderness."
A cold knot tightened in Alex's gut. Instantly, he vaulted upright. "Damn it... I was expecting the Theocracy to make the first move, not the Royal Empire. Given the situation, there's little I can do now but wait and watch."
He glanced at Aiko, noting Haru perched alert upon her shoulder. "Haru, can you sense if any of the Empire soldiers wield powers beyond the norm?"
Haru's voice entered Alex's mind—a soft echo of telepathy. Yes, Master. Directly from the forest, I sense two formidable enemies.
Alex's hand went to his chin as he summoned every thread of thought.
Noriyuki took the war slaves with the deserters to the Crimson Woods hideout. They couldn't have passed unnoticed here. And worse... I can't reach them at this distance.
Aiko's voice nudged him. "What's on your mind?"
"I'm thinking ahead," Alex admitted. "We can't act against the Royal Empire just yet—not without our team. We have to wait and see how this unfolds."
Aiko nodded, understanding heavy in her eyes. "So, no action for now..."
The Verdant Wilderness stretched out like an endless sea of emerald waves. Captain Rashford rode alongside Cat and the legion of Imperial soldiers pressing forward.
Rashford scanned the dense brush. "Doesn't appear to be any enemy forces here. At least, not yet."
Cat's gaze was sharp. "True. But once we claim the Crimson Woods, the Theocracy won't give up easily. They'll throw everything at us to retake it. It's only logical."
Rashford nodded thoughtfully. "I'd also say we should seize the local town, the Red Palisade. It would provide our troops a better foothold and reduce skirmishes in the forest."
Cat's suggestion carried weight. "Securing it would prevent the constant back-and-forth over the woods."
Rashford's respect deepened. "That's a smart plan. I thought of it myself but never brought it to the King. Unfortunately, we have no way to contact him, and the Crimson Woods are close."
Cat, flicking her wrist, revealed the gleaming insignia embossed on her arm. "No problem. This crest lets me speak with the King instantly—telepathically."
"Your Majesty," Cat called into the ether. "This is Cat. Rashford and I agree: taking the town alongside the woods is strategic. If we only control the woods, the Theocracy will use the Red Palisade as their base to launch counterattacks."
There was a long pause before the King's voice returned, calm but resolute.
Understood. I will dispatch another thousand troops plus the remaining Four Blades to reinforce. Proceed carefully.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. We're entering the Crimson Woods now."
Deep within the Crimson Woods hideout, Noriyuki's heartbeat thundered in his chest. Steps rattled the earth beyond their concealed shelter.
"Damn... it's beginning," Noriyuki muttered, sweat pouring down his face. "At least everyone's here underground. If this place is compromised, we'll have to fight with everything we have."
His thoughts churned. Is the Theocracy behind this? No, that can't be. We'd know if we had Jevran's support. It must be the Empire's movement.
Resolute, he vowed, For now, I stay hidden with the deserters.
At the edge of the woods, mounted on his steed, Rashford declared, "The forest is ours. Next target: the Red Palisade. Expect Theocracy soldiers there. No quarter—annihilate whoever stands in our way. Civilians are off-limits. Attack!"
The advancing army surged forward, horses snorting in defiance and bodies sprawled across the crimson-stained earth. The battle for the Red Palisade was underway—but this was only the beginning.
Reinforcements arrived: a thousand soldiers and three of the feared Four Blades, bolstering the Empire's wrath.
Back in the Crimson Woods, Noriyuki's keen eyes scanned the stillness. The footsteps faded.
Climbing a tree for vantage, his breath caught at the sight below.
Thousands of troops poured in, swelling with every passing moment. The target was clear—the Red Palisade.
A perfect opportunity, he mused. They focused on the palisade—perhaps they left a weakness open. We must seize it.
Misty Harbor, Viscount Liam's estate…
Alex sat alone in the garden, restless, the night heavy with uncertainty.
If only I hadn't been caught off guard by the Royal Empire, he thought bitterly. My plan could have succeeded.
Frustration curled his lips. His voice cracked the stillness. "Aiko!"
She appeared swiftly.
"What is it, Alex? Where's Kyria? I haven't seen her in a while. Did something happen?"
"She left early this morning; she hasn't returned. Or maybe she's somewhere in the city..." Alex's gaze darkened.
Great, he thought grimly. Now Kyria's missing too. At least she's free... but that seal on her still nags at me. I have to find her, sway her to our side—but time isn't on my side.
Aiko's voice pulled him back. "Lost in thought again, huh?"
"Sorry, it's just... so much is happening."
"Don't lose heart—you're human," she smiled gently. "I'll go find Kyria. Meanwhile, you focus on a plan."
Relieved, Alex nodded. "Okay. Bring her here, and thanks for helping."
Aiko's cheeks flushed faintly. "Got it. I'll be back soon. Now, time to wake that brain of yours. Come on, little Haru."
With that, she vaulted the garden wall and disappeared into the night.
Three hours later, Aiko returned, cradling Kyria in her arms.
"Here, Alex," she said softly. "She was sleeping near Misty Harbor. You should see how she sleeps—unbelievable."
Alex let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Thank the gods. Leave her in my room to rest."
"Ready to move?" Aiko asked.
Alex stood, determination flaring. "We march to the Crimson Woods hideout. If we encounter Empire soldiers, we eliminate them."
"Understood. Let's go."
Kyria settled in for rest; Aiko descended to the courtyard, preparing for the journey.
"Wait for me. I'm coming," Alex called.
Together, they set off toward the sprawling Verdant Wilderness.
Later—deep within the Verdant Wilderness—
Alex's eyes widened at the sight before him.
"Noriyuki," he exclaimed, "good to see you. I was heading to the hideout with Aiko."
Noriyuki's exhaustion was visible but steady. "I was preparing the deserters and slaves to meet you at the harbor."
Alex's gaze sharpened. "Have you clashed with the Empire's soldiers?"
"Yes. We slipped past some earlier, but before we act, there's something important I've learned."
Alex leaned in, heart pounding.
"What is it?"
"The Empire's soldiers came to occupy at first, but then more arrived and advanced toward the Red Palisade as well as the Crimson Woods."
Alex frowned. "I hope Jevran is safe."
"If the Red Palisade falls," Noriyuki warned, "there's a risk Jevran will be taken prisoner—if not killed."
Alex's mind raced. "We can't waste time. Since everyone's here, we'll alter the plan. This is our chance to strike at the Empire itself."
"How?" Noriyuki pressed.
"We split forces. One group moves left, the other right, encircling the royal castle."
"Won't that leave the front and rear exposed?" Noriyuki frowned.
"The goal is infiltration, not a bloody siege. Innocents won't pay the price. Some guards will die—they won't let us pass otherwise. I'll lead the left flank with Aiko and the deserters; you take the right."
"Got it."
"Then let's move."
At the approach to the Royal Empire's gates…
"There are the front guards," Alex noted.
"I see them," Noriyuki confirmed.
"This is it, Nori. Left side with Aiko and our team," Alex said with a grin. "You try not to die on the right, alright? Don't go dragging me down in that castle."
Noriyuki returned the smile. "Leave that to me."
Alex, Aiko, and the deserters surged forward toward the obsidian plains serving as the royal training grounds.
As they dashed, Alex's thoughts surged on a tide of disbelief and hope.
Who would've thought my plan—once a mere seed—would bloom this large so fast with what little I have? Incredible.
Obsidian Plains…
"Stay alert, Aiko. Shadows of the King's elite lurk here."
Aiko's eyes narrowed, fierce and unyielding.
"Understood."
Together, Alex and Aiko dashed forward, flanked by the deserters, racing toward the Royal Castle entrance.
Suddenly—
"Intruders! Surround them!"
The elite forces of the Empire closed in, encircling Alex's band.