Chapter 26

[A few days after the destruction in Gnossia]

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The news of Gnossia's destruction spread like wildfire, sending waves of fear and uncertainty across the world. In the grand halls of royal palaces, urgent meetings were held, their chambers filled with the echoing voices of panicked rulers and their advisors. The once-ornate discussions of politics and trade had been replaced with desperate strategies for survival.

King Alden of Lumivorion slammed his fist against the long mahogany table, his golden crown slightly tilting as he spoke in a grave tone. "This is not just another territorial battle. This… this is a massacre! A kingdom wiped out overnight, its people slaughtered, and we don't even know why!"

Queen Isolde of Eldoria leaned forward, her icy blue eyes filled with worry. "There must be a reason. A purpose behind this madness. The report said the enemy was searching for something. 'Alteraith' they called it... but what is it?!"

A general sitting beside her scoffed. "Even if we knew what it was, what difference does it make? We don't know who their next target is. It could be any of us...!"

King Desmond of Zephyren, an older man with sharp, calculating eyes, spoke with a firm voice. "We must fortify our cities immediately. Deploy more patrols, reinforce the barriers. If we hesitate, we might be next..."

Princess Seraphina of Eldoria frowned, her hands clasped tightly together. "And what of the refugees? Gnossia's survivors- if there are any...where will they go? We cannot just turn them away...!!"

Alden rubbed his temples, exhaustion creeping into his voice. "We can discuss that later. Right now, our priority is stopping this from happening again..."

The discussions carried on, filled with desperation, fear, and the lingering weight of uncertainty. No one knew who the next victim would be, but they all knew one thing- war was coming.

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Far away, in the Whispering Glades, the air was calm despite the chaos unraveling across the world. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds created a peaceful illusion. Under a cherry blossom tree, Flora sat on a wooden bench, a newspaper in her hands. The headline was clear and unforgiving: ^Gnossia Destroyed. Thousands Dead, Countless Missing^

Her violet eyes flickered with an unreadable emotion as she read. Across from her, Talonis was kneeling, his long red hair streaked with purple highlights swaying slightly as he concentrated. His golden eyes glowed faintly as he pressed his hands against the side of an injured fox, his healing magic taking effect. The creature's wounds slowly mended, the light from his hands pulsing in a steady rhythm.

Flora finally spoke. "Talonis"

He didn't look up, still focused on his task. "Yeah?"

"What is your hometown?"

"Gnossia," he replied without hesitation. A moment passed before he blinked and glanced up at her. "Why...?"

Flora didn't answer. She only folded the newspaper and set it aside, her expression unreadable. Talonis studied her for a second, then shrugged. "Alright," he muttered, turning his attention back to the fox, "Weird question, but okay...?"

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In Voltaris Country, on the cliffs overlooking a storm-ridden sea, Oyne stood with her arms crossed, a thunderbird perched on her shoulder. The bird squawked loudly, relaying information in a series of caws and crackles. As the message settled in her mind, Oyne's usual lazy expression hardened.

"Damn it," she muttered, staring at the stormy horizon.

Her fingers twitched slightly, as if considering whether to act. But her gaze drifted downward, where Nerath was training. Sparks of lightning flickered around him as he maintained a barrier spell, his blue hair still messy from countless thunderstrikes. He was fully immersed, unaware of the news that had just reached her.

She sighed. "Guess I won't tell him yet..."

With that, she turned away, pretending, at least for now, that the world outside their training didn't exist.

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The air in Gnossia was heavy with the scent of ashes and grief. What had once been a city filled with life was now a graveyard of broken buildings and scorched ruins. The survivors had gathered in a cleared space where makeshift altars had been set up, honoring those who had perished.

Caelum stood in front of one such altar, his fingers gripping the edge of Vespera's broken weapon. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were hollow. Beside him, Nerath's father stood with a solemn expression, his fists clenched at his sides. Lyra, who had barely spoken since the battle, held a small flower in her trembling hands.

As the ceremony began, prayers were spoken, names were called, and tears were shed. When it was Nerath's father's turn, he hesitated before stepping forward. His voice was rough, filled with pain. "She… was the strongest person I knew. The kindest, too. And she didn't deserve this..." His breath shook as he exhaled. "None of them did..."

Caelum remained silent. He did not speak. He simply placed Vespera's broken weapon on the altar and turned away, walking into the ruins without another word.

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Laziel opened his eyes to an endless void of swirling lights and shifting spaces as usual. The crack in the dimension that had trapped him pulsed faintly, distorting reality itself. He didn't know how long he had been here, days, weeks, maybe longer. Time didn't function normally in this place.

He exhaled sowly, running a hand through his now wavy, pure white hair. Some strands fell over his forehead, while the rest was loosely tied back into a ponytail. He had changed. His reflection- when he could see it...told him that. His face was marked with scars, one running down his left cheek, another near his lips, and one on the side of his neck. They weren't just physical. They were reminders... Of his hard training.

With a sigh, he adjusted his black suspenders and the crisp white button-up shirt he wore underneath. His sleek black trench coat barely fluttered in the strange stillness of the space. A voice echoed from behind him. "You're improving..."

Laziel smirked slightly and turned to Vaelina, who floated a few feet away, her ethereal form glowing faintly. "Am I? Didn't feel like it~"

She crossed her arms. "You're stubborn. That helps"

"Not sure if that's a compliment~" Laziel stretched his arms, cracking his knuckles. "So, how much longer are we stuck here for?"

Vaelina tilted her head. "Who knows?"

Laziel sighed, rolling his eyes. "Of course. Figures"

Despite the frustration, he had stopped expecting a straight answer. Whatever this place was, whatever purpose it served, he knew one thing- it wasn't going to let him go so easily.

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_To Be Continue_