The next journey

Morning arrived too quickly.

The sun had barely risen over Requiem Prime, but Eclipse Zero was already gathered in the mansion's main hall, discussing their next move.

Hugo stood at the center, arms crossed, his expression calm but focused.

"There's no Veilgate leading directly to Lunaris Sanctum," Stella pointed out. "So how are we getting there?"

Hugo nodded. "We'll take the Veilgate to the nearest village—Stormbarrier."

For a moment, there was silence.

Then—

"Stormbarrier Village?!"

Lena and Ethan practically jumped in excitement.

Lena grabbed Ethan's arm. "Ethan, did you hear that? We're going home!"

Ethan grinned. "Oh, I heard it, alright!"

The rest of the team watched as the siblings beamed with excitement.

Stella raised an eyebrow. "I take it you two are from Stormbarrier?"

Lena puffed out her chest. "Not just from there! Stormbarrier is home to the best blacksmiths in the entire Republic!"

Ethan nodded. "Yep! Some of the strongest Arc-Weapons ever made come from there."

Darius, standing off to the side, scoffed.

"Please." He crossed his arms. "Everyone knows Ironfang Village has the real best blacksmiths."

Lena immediately turned toward him.

"Oh, you wish, Drill Boy. Stormbarrier's forge-masters have been crafting weapons since the Eclipse War!"

Darius smirked. "Yeah? Well, Ironfang's smiths don't just make weapons—they test them in battle."

And just like that, the argument exploded.

Ethan: "Stormbarrier weapons have history! They're refined, elegant, and efficient!"Darius: "Ironfang weapons are brutal! Strong, durable, and meant to last!"Lena: "Stormbarrier smiths forge weapons with precision and mastery!"Darius: "Ironfang smiths craft weapons that can shatter mountains!"Lena: "Stormbarrier weapons are wielded by legendary warriors!"Darius: "Ironfang weapons make warriors legendary!"

The argument grew louder as Lena, Ethan, and Darius threw themselves into a passionate blacksmith war.

Hugo watched in silence, his gaze flickering toward the corner of the room.

There, standing side by side, were Reginald and Cosmos.

The ghostly butler and the sentient sword were both watching the argument unfold—clearly enjoying the show.

Reginald held a tea cup, sipping calmly. "It seems Master Ethan and Lady Lena are quite passionate about their hometown."

Cosmos hummed. "Indeed. But Darius is holding his ground well."

Reginald chuckled. "Oh, most certainly. Quite the spirited debate."

The two watched, as if viewing a stage performance.

Hugo let out a small exhale, shaking his head.

This reminded him of something.

Something from a thousand years ago.

Back when he and Xander used to argue over pointless things.

Like which was better—Ramen or Udon.

Hugo: "Ramen is superior. It has depth, variety, and the perfect balance of flavors."Xander: "Udon is the best. Thick noodles, rich broth—actual food, not just glorified soup!"Hugo: "Glorified soup?! You take that back!"Xander: "Make me!"

Mina had watched from the sidelines, laughing at both of them.

Hugo's smirked faintly.

Those were simpler days.

Days before the war.Before everything fell apart.

His expression hardened slightly.

But this wasn't the past.

And this time—he wouldn't let things end the same way.

Shaking off the thoughts, Hugo finally spoke up.

"Alright, enough."

The blacksmith debate immediately stopped.

Lena, Ethan, and Darius all turned toward him.

Hugo crossed his arms. "We're heading to Stormbarrier tomorrow. If you want to prove whose blacksmiths are better, you can do it after the mission."

Lena huffed. "Fine."

Darius smirked. "I will prove it, though."

Hugo sighed. "Sure."

Reginald cleared his throat. "Well, that was quite the lively discussion."

Cosmos hummed in amusement. "Indeed. Highly entertaining."

Hugo shook his head, then turned toward the group.

"Get some rest. We leave at dawn."

And with that, Eclipse Zero prepared for their next journey.

Neo Arcane Dominion – The Sanctum of the Seven

The chamber was dimly lit, the air thick with swirling Arcana mist. Seven thrones formed a half-circle around a massive floating Arcana crystal, its dark energy pulsing faintly.

Among those seated was Kael, the Arcane Revenant.

His layered robes shifted like living shadows, the symbols etched into his skin glowing faintly as he extended his skeletal fingers. In his palm, a small, violet-black orb pulsed with eerie energy.

"You understand its purpose, don't you?" Kael's voice was a hollow whisper, echoing unnaturally.

Xander, standing before him, stared at the orb.

The darkness within it stirred.

Kael's glowing eyes narrowed beneath his hood.

"This is no ordinary artifact," he continued. "It has the power to store Cosmic Core Arcana energy."

He turned his head slightly, his voice lowering.

"The Arcane Sovereign commands you to take this to Stormbarrier Village. Stop Hugo before he reaches Lunaris Sanctum."

"Steal his Cosmic Core's Arcana. Make sure he never unlocks Eclipse Mode."

The room was silent for a moment.

Then—Xander smirked.

His black eyes glinted with amusement.

"Heh. That's the plan?" he mused, reaching out and taking the orb from Kael's hand.

Kael watched carefully. "What are you thinking?"

Xander twirled the orb between his fingers, then suddenly—

He clenched it tightly.

Dark energy flared, and immediately, his Voltra Core's Arcana flooded into the orb.

The once-dark artifact now pulsed with black lightning, its power twisting violently.

Kael's eyes flickered with intrigue.

Xander chuckled.

Then—he laughed.

A low, unhinged laugh that grew louder, reverberating through the chamber.

Kael narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing?"

Xander held up the now Voltra-infused orb, grinning.

"Why steal Hugo's Cosmic Core Arcana…"

His blackened claw tightened around the artifact.

"When I can make it so he can never use Eclipse Mode again?"

Kael stared at him for a moment. Then—he chuckled darkly. "Interesting."

But in the shadows, a figure watched silently.

Saphira, the Crimson Fang.

Her crimson-red armor gleamed under the Arcana crystal's glow, her piercing gaze never leaving Xander.

As Xander's laughter echoed through the chamber, Saphira tapped a gloved finger against her cheek.

Her expression unreadable.

But her eyes sharpened.

Because she knew—

Xander was planning something far beyond what he was ordered to do.

And that could either be their greatest advantage…

Or their greatest disaster.