The Horns of Boreas

The news of the Kings attacking, destroying, and killing the Empress of the Whoops Kingdom had already spread like wildfire across the lands. Word reached even the far corners of the realm. A traveler from Viles had heard the news in a distant town and rode back at full speed, dust trailing behind him, heart pounding with urgency. He had to deliver the news before it was too late.

Inside Lakrima's Temple, silence hung like a thick veil.

Kalamari and Lakrima crouched behind a marble pillar, eyes narrowed, ears tuned to the faint sound of footsteps. Someone—or something—was sneaking in. The footfalls were soft but deliberate, the gait crouched and cautious.

They nodded at each other, a silent signal passed between seasoned warriors. But before Lakrima could move, Kalamari vanished in a glitching flicker of motion. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared behind the two figures entering the temple, gripping the collars of their cloaks.

"Hey! Kalamari, it's me, Unomi! Get your hands off me!"

He froze. The voice was familiar.

To his surprise, he had captured Unomi and a small girl.

He released them instantly. "I am so sorry, Unomi. I thought you were someone else."

Unomi landed roughly on the ground, glaring up at him as she brushed herself off. "I can't believe you did that to me. What are you even doing here?"

She rose slowly, shaking dust from her sleeves.

Kalamari crossed his arms. "What are you doing here? I thought you were out there, you know, enjoying life. Who's this little girl?"

Unomi helped the child straighten her dress. "She's a friend. Her name is—"

"Ulma," Lakrima interrupted.

Kalamari blinked. He looked between Lakrima, Unomi, and the little girl, who now turned to face the priestess.

"You know this kid?" Kalamari asked, pointing at the girl.

Lakrima smiled. "Of course. Everyone in Viles knows her. She's probably the most loved child in the entire kingdom."

Kalamari raised an eyebrow. "So let me guess. She led you to my temple?"

Unomi and Ulma exchanged a glance.

Unomi turned to Ulma and asked in a hushed tone, "Is she the apprentice?"

Ulma nodded solemnly.

Kalamari studied the three of them, trying to piece it all together. Unomi stepped closer and whispered to him.

"She is the Arcadian."

Kalamari smirked slightly. "Yeah. I know. That's why I'm here."

Lakrima shook her head and turned with a playful grin. "So, what's your girlfriend's name?"

Chaos erupted in a flurry of awkwardness.

"No, we're not—" "She is—I don't know—" "Don't say that!" "No way." "He's not even my type."

Kalamari stood frozen, speechless. He looked at Unomi, his expression filled with disbelief. Then he shook his head slowly and muttered, "Wow."

Unomi saw the hurt in his eyes and regretted the words immediately.

The tension slowly faded as the group sat to talk. They shared everything they knew—the search for the apprentice, the dark threat of Veth, the future of the Arcadian race. Their voices were low, heavy with worry and wonder.

Suddenly, a deep, thunderous horn echoed through the sky.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOM.

The Horn of Boreas.

Its sound rippled through the air, chilling every soul within earshot.

Unomi jumped to her feet. "What was that?"

Lakrima's eyes widened, filled with both curiosity and dread. "Trouble," she whispered.

Ulma clutched her cloak. "My mommy said the horn hasn't been blown in twelve years..."

Fear clung to her voice.

Kalamari stood instantly. "Gear up. We need to find Tozi and figure out what's going on."

All of Viles was moving now. Citizens, warriors, elders—they all made their way toward the heart of the kingdom. There stood the great statue of Khione, the Ice Goddess, looming tall and radiant in the moonlight.

The Ice Messiah would soon speak.

But the true source of the horn's call had already arrived. A frantic traveler raced toward the palace gates, shouting with every ounce of breath he had left.

"The Empress of Whoops is dead!" he cried. "Lord Veth is headed to Thruans to destroy the Rulers next! We are not safe!"

Panic surged through the kingdom.

They had all heard the name Veth before. They knew his cruelty, his power, his hunger for domination. Whispers of him had haunted bedtime stories and council meetings alike.

Viles had no A-rank warriors. Only a few aging A-rank masters remained, and they were scarce. The kingdom's defense rested solely in the hands of its few trained protectors.

Atop the stone steps, Lord Achy raised his hands, calling for silence.

"Greetings, children and warriors of Viles," he said, his voice echoing through the square. "This is the first time in twelve years that the Horn of Boreas has sounded."

A hush fell over the crowd.

"You have all heard the rumors. Lord Veth has taken the life of Empress Soren. He has nearly wiped the Kingdom of Whoops from existence."

A gasp rippled through the people. Faces turned pale. Even the children stopped fidgeting.

Lord Achy paused, composing himself.

"We must hold our ground before he reaches Viles."

He turned to the warriors.

"B-rank ladies—find your finest warriors. Assemble them on the high ground."

He shifted his gaze to the men. "B-rank men—assemble the Bears. And be ready for anything."

The people nodded. They looked to each other with new resolve. Fear still gripped them, but there was unity now—and purpose.

Tozi, standing with his new companion, watched from the edge of the crowd.

Elsewhere, Kalamari, Unomi, Lakrima, and Ulma stood close together, their eyes fixed on the Ice Messiah.

But just as preparations began, a strange silence fell over the crowd.

And then—

Something terrible was about to happen.