42: Turning Point

The rebels were resting.

Two days until they reached the Palace, something unexpected happened.

In the air hung a single figure. They were all unprepared, some of them having not even noticed his presence.

The buildings started getting caught on fire. Alastor casted spell after spell, causing fires to break out. The buildings burnt, and all those who were resting inside panicked and died. The rebellion as a whole panicked, becoming disorganised.

One of Duke Phoenix's troops lit a signal flare. Alastor thought that it was likely the call for reinforcement.

Alastor continued wrecking havoc on the rebels, scattering them. They struggled to get their equipment, and even those who were equipped could do nothing against Alastor who hung high in the sky.

Four days before the rebellion reached the Palace, Trojan had discussed something with Duke Phoenix.

"There may perhaps be a way we sneak in a victory," Trojan suggested.

"We assassinate the Royal Family with our mages, yes?" Duke Phoenix confirmed.

Mages were able to transport themselves to a location they had been to before with a single spell. While Alastor had never been to Duke Phoenix's villa, Domino had been to the Palace before.

Having Domino infiltrate the Palace and assassinate the Royal Family was the most feasible plan they had.

"But the issue is how we have Domino do it without Alastor's notice," Trojan said, tapping his chin.

"It is likely that the Royal Family attempts to hinder the rebellion before they reach the Palace," Duke Phoenix started.

Trojan sat up straight, understanding what Duke Phoenix was suggesting.

"The only way the Royal Family will be able to do so is by sending Alastor to cause chaos amongst the rebels," Duke Phoenix elaborated. "There will be a period of time which the mage will not be in the palace."

"That is true, but we have no way of telling when that will happen," Trojan nodded.

"I have sent my army there with signal flares. I shall send some information regarding the sighting of Alastor by my soldiers," Duek Phoenix told Trojan. "Should we see the signal flare go off, it is your mage's duty to do what is needed."

The risk of sending Domino. In the scenario where Alastor was able to reach the Palace before Domino completed his task, it showed that Trojan was involved. Should they fail, Trojan doubted they would get another opportunity.

"Alright, we shall go with that plan. But to complete it, we shall need to relocate, do we not?" Trojan asked.

"Some distance away from the rebellion's path, surely there is a house which we can view everything from?" Duke Phoenix asked.

Trojan glanced at the door.

"How about my wife's estate?" Trojan recommended.

It was settled. Trojan, Emilia, Duke Phoenix, Ash and Domino all relocated to Emilia's estate.

At the house, Emilia talked to Trojan while Duke Phoenix looked out the window in another room.

Things were moving fast, and Trojan was trying to think up as many possibilities as possible.

"What do you plan to do after the whole thing is over?" Emilia asked him.

Trojan stared at her, having barely thought about it. He rubbing his neck, saying, "Well, I have not thought much about it. I guess I would like to live a simpler life?"

Emilia nodded and looked around her.

Trojan felt calmer in Emilia estate, it was as if everything started slowing down again. For Trojan, there was no longer any way for him to turn back.

Emilia was going to be an accomplice to whatever he did, and if he was captured, she would also be captured as well.

For the rest of that day, they had a leisurely talk about the future should Trojan succeed. They were married, and it was probably for the best that they spoke to each other about it.

A normal family, that sounded nice.

Three days before the rebellion reached the Palace.

Trojan pulled Domino aside to tell him what he had to do.

Domino listened attentively.

"Domino, this is a task which only you are able to complete," Trojan told him. "When a signal flare is spotted, I want you to go to the Palace and assassinate the Royal Family."

Domino paused, surprised.

"Assassinate the Royal Family? Is that really your intention, my lord?" Domino asked to confirm.

Trojan put a hand on the mage's shoulder.

"You are one of my most trusted allies, I believe that you are capable of completing the task. So I need you to believe in me when I say that this is the only way we win," Trojan told him.

Domino nodded and said, "I shall be ready whenever you need me, my lord."

Trojan walked away, Domino walking a different direction. Trojan went over to speak with Duke Phoenix regarding more matters, Domino's presence was not needed.

Domino appeared at the roof. He quite liked the roof, he spent quite a bit of time at high places.

There, Ash was already seated, looking out at the city landscape.

The two mages had already casted a spell to prevent anyone from taking notice of them. They had time, so they did whatever they wanted.

"Hello, nice weather today, huh?" Ash asked, looking out at the bright sky.

"Sure, whatever," Domino told her, sitting down and looking out at the city.

They both came from Inner City, and the people below them were of the same place.

Ash was relatively quiet.

"It'll be soon," Domino said. "I am sure you know this too. Soon, a great change will cross this land."

"I guess? But I kinda want it to happen though," Ash said.

She reached out and a circular image appeared in front of her.

"Speaking of change, I don't suppose you know why the beasts are acting up?" Ash asked.

"No clue," Domino replied.

Two days until the rebellion reached the Palace, the signal flare was set off.

From the distance, even Domino could see the fires raging in the distance. It was going to be a long night, and Domino was going to make the full use of it.

Even if the sun never raised the next day.