Ratella, Olivia and Memaru head in the direction of Ironstar, destroying any Devil encampments on the way to further his reputation with Kathoros. Becoming a light in the darkness cast by the shadow of war, many angels regained hope at the rumours of a herald to their people slaying a Sin. The Dominions hadn't been actively hunting Sins or Horsemen, prioritising the defence of castles on the brink of ruin. Beating back any Devil invasion into the surrounding area alone.
By the time they reached Ironstar, the two had grown a fearsome reputation, being nicknamed "The Lord and Lady of Death." Whenever Olivia joined in on the bloodshed, she only used her rapier, cleaving through Devils and Aspects of Shadow. The two had personally caused the destruction of twelve encampments and killed a total of thirteen Aspects of Shadow. The Aspects were easily replaced, so the blow wasn't substantial, just enough to invite the poisonous aspect of fear into every higher sphere of Devil's heart.
Memaru watched every time as the two slaughtered hundreds of Devils; their previous worry that his mind would be tainted by death was unwarranted. He showed no discomfort apart from the stray fits of shiver at the overwhelming scent of death. He was rather supportive of the two chirping as they fought, cheering them on. As they would fight, one would be designated protector and the other caretaker of Memaru. Switching roles every camp.
The three bond grew ever stronger with each slaughtered Devil, their shared line of thought forming an early bond between them.
When they got within sight of the castle, they continued on foot. Olivia's hidden wings would only invite confusion and speculation among the soldiers if they saw her floating.
Ironstar's design was completely different from Brightnight's. The outer walls of the castle were made of iron, at least ten metres high, by his estimation. There were three sets of walls to the castle, each increasing in height as you passed through one. The castle was more of a citadel shining bright in the darkness, a giant pillar of light being rooted in the middle of Ironstar, protected by the three layers of walls.
"This isn't a castle, it's a full-blown city. Citadel even."
"Yeah, it's impressive, isn't it. This war has been going on for aeons, and this citadel has never fallen into the Devil's hands. Brightnight was the first castle made in the Realm of War for Kathoros, making it a means to an end, nothing but a weak fortress meant for a temporary occupation."
"I was surprised that it had lasted as long as it did when I first saw Brightnight."
"Brightnight was just one of Liliana's little tests to see if you could be trusted. She could have crushed that fortress easily without your help."
"I thought it was something like that anyway."
"I don't need to remind you again, do I?"
"No."
Over the past week, Olivia had become more vocal around Ratella. Her stern, authoritative personality fully emerged as their journey to Ironstar came to an end.
They pressed on toward the front gate of Ironstar, the towering iron gates looming over them, casting a shadow across the walls. Slits and gaps in the walls were just large enough to fit a bow or crossbow, leaving no room for enemy projectiles, and lined the walls surrounding the main gate. The rustling of armour and weapons could be heard from their position, the muffled shouts of commanding officers to their soldiers reared from the silence.
The pillar of light, nestled in the middle of Ironstar, directed its light toward their position, illuminating the surrounding area and casting away the shadows. A soul-aching, humming sound rippling through the air.
Eventually, thousands of bows appeared in the slits, awaiting the command to riddle the two with arrows. The tension was deafening, casting the soldiers in a deep state of anxiety, the strain of holding their bows becoming more painful with each wasted second.
Ratella nudged Olivia, motioning for her to raise her hands in surrender. She followed his lead, showing the soldiers they meant no harm. The weapons disappeared from their view after surrender, and the soldiers' relieved breaths filled the hollow walls.
"Identify yourselves!"
"Ratella Evergarden, Olivia Lifebloom, and the dragon cub is called Memaru," shouted Ratella back, the last name of Olivia being a last-minute decision, thinking Deathgale to be too devilish. She showed no protest, agreeing with the switch.
"I know that name, the Fourth Seraphim? Based on the reports we received, we expected your arrival at least 6 months ago. You were deemed fallen in battle. It is good to see such a power alive and well."
"I was deemed dead without a body? I was just training and honing my skills for the trials to come."
"Next time you put yourself in isolation, inform someone or else this misunderstanding is bound to repeat itself."
"I will. Tell the Seraphim that I am sorry for causing unnecessary worry."
"They'll receive a report detailing your arrival. These companions of yours are they trusting allies to Kathoros?"
"Of course I wouldn't travel with people I don't trust with my life. You can be sure that none of us will cause unnecessary bother to your men."
"I am one of the Dominion of Sun's advisors, currently acting commander of this citadel of iron, Caelum Vulcan. I'm sorry for not introducing myself sooner."
"Do not worry yourself with trivial matters such as names."
"Very well. I'm glad to welcome you to Ironstar if you seek an audience with Seraphina. She is past the second wall, in the grand arena of Ironstar. You can't miss it. It'll have hundreds of soldiers huddled around it."
"An arena? Are there tournaments going on here?"
"Yes, you'll find Seraphina there at all hours of the day. She doesn't involve herself in boring matters such as commanding."
"Sounds like a troublesome woman."
"Ha, ha. I suppose my stress has only increased since we got to Ironstar. Anyway, the gates should be opening now. Enjoy the city while you still can."
After his ominous words, the giant iron gates slowly swung open, allowing the three to enter the citadel of iron. In the distance, they spotted another wall towering over the previous one. Behind it lay the Dominion of the Sun.