CHAPTER 77: THE BIRTH OF THE COMMON ASSOCIATION ALLIANCE
Dawn: "Why isn't he waking up?"
Ari (softly): "His body… It's still too weak. The power he used—his body wasn't ready for it."
She turned to Gray and began healing him next.
Gray (shaking his head): "No. Don't waste your magic on me. I lost. This is enough."
Ari (firmly): "Quiet."
Without giving him a choice, she pressed her glowing hands to his chest. Within seconds, his bruises, cuts, and internal injuries were gone.
Dawn (smiling): "She's not just good with a blade. Her healing magic… it's exceptional."
Gray stood and walked over to Imperial. His voice, for the first time, was humble.
Gray: "I'm sorry… I was wrong. I thought power was everything. But you… you've shown me something else."
Imperial open his eyes looked at him, still pale but steady.
Imperial: "Gray, don't let this fight break you. We all fall. What matters is getting up. You still have infinite chances to grow stronger."
Gray's eyes widened. For a moment, he saw not Imperial—but Ren. Those same words, that same kindness. A lump caught in his throat.
Gray (thinking): "Even after all that power… he still says power isn't everything. Just who is this guy? What kind of journey has he been through? What is he really searching for?"
Then, aloud:
Gray: "Hey… Imperial. Would you mind if I joined you on your journey?"
Everyone turned toward him in surprise. Imperial smiled softly. Silver chuckled beside him.
Imperial: "Of course. And I must say, that's the only move of yours I was able to predict."
Gray (blinking): "Huh? What?"
Imperial: "Nothing. You're welcome with us. We'd love to have you."
He looked at Ari, Dawn, and Tracey.
Imperial: "What do you think?"
They all smiled.
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[Scene Shift – Royal Palace of Solaria Empire]
The Vice General stood in front of Lord Magnus, tense and uneasy.
Vice General: "Lord Magnus. Imperial Alden… he's more powerful than we expected. And he's not alone. A girl wields light magic with healing and sword skills beyond anything I've seen."
Magnus leaned forward, intrigued.
Magnus: "A girl with light magic… I think I know who she is."
Vice General: "There's more. Our spies also confirmed that Imperial fought our Two-Star Captain… and then battled Gray… and won. They're after something—this."
He held up a picture. Magnus narrowed his eyes, recognizing the ancient text etched into the relic in the image.
His hand slammed down on his throne.
Magnus: "So… he is the Chosen One. The one I've been searching for. And he's the one pulling the strings behind the scenes."
He wasn't referring to Imperial—but someone else.
Magnus (grinning): "This is getting interesting. Bring him here—for execution."
Vice General (nervous): "My lord, are you certain? What if he doesn't respond as expected?"
Magnus: "He will. And through him… we'll catch the big fish."
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[Back in the Town – Two Days Later]
The group prepared to leave when Jack entered the inn with Silver.
Gray: "You two here to say goodbye already?"
Silver: "We wish it was just that. But… look at this."
He handed them a newspaper. Everyone gathered around.
The headline made their hearts sink.
"Cyrus Alden, Zech Hale, and Kira Hale Found Guilty. Execution and Lifetime Imprisonments Declared for Human Experimentation Crimes."
Ari (shocked): "No… my parents…"
Imperial (quietly): "My father…"
Gray: "This… this man isn't the one I saw in the lab."
Silver (solemnly): "You're right. He is imperial's father, Imperial. And Zech and Kira… are Ari's parents."
A heavy silence fell.
Imperial (clenching fists): "We have no choice. We have to delay our journey… and rescue them."
Jack: "Imperial, listen. It won't be easy. All four emperors—except yours—will be at the execution. Four generals. Eight vice generals. Countless captains and soldiers. It's a fortress of death. Even a god would hesitate to challenge that."
Imperial (coldly): "I don't care how strong or how many. What matters now… is saving our parents. That's all."
Silver: "We're with you. This is our first mission. As the Common Association Alliance."
Imperial: "The what?"
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[Flashback – After Gray Joined Imperial's Side]
Silver: "Now that you're one of us, it's time we made it official. We're forming an alliance. The Common Association Alliance. And you… will be our leader."
Imperial (surprised): "Why me?"
Silver: "You've saved us twice. You're strong—stronger than any of us. And now, with Gray here too… we have the foundation. Together, we can protect those who can't protect themselves."
After discussion and unanimous agreement, Imperial accepted.
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[Back to Present]
Imperial: "Still… risking your lives for me—"
Silver: "It's not just for you. It's for our cause. For our leader. And all CA members from every empire… they're already arriving to support you."
Jack: "Two are at the office already. The last group—from Aetheris Empire—should arrive soon."
Imperial turned to Ari, signaling he wanted to speak privately.
Outside, under the fading sun:
Imperial: "Ari… I know this is overwhelming. But I need you. You're our light—literally and figuratively. We can't win this without you. I need you focused… strong. Can you do that?"
Tears filled her eyes, but she nodded.
Ari: "Yes. I'll do it. For them. For us."
Just then, Lyra called. Imperial answered.
Imperial… "So the news is everywhere"
Lyra -Please don't go. Don't risk your life. Not after what's already happened."
Imperial: "I know this is hard, Mom. You're scared. But I promise—I'll bring Father Home. I won't let you lose both of us."
After a long, emotional exchange, Lyra finally whispered:
Lyra: "Then go… but come back to me."
Moments later, Silver returned.
Silver: "Imperial. All alliance members are here. It's time."
Imperial (nodding): "Then let's begin. Our first mission—rescues the ones we love."
With Jack's teleportation magic, they vanished in a shimmer of light, bound for the CA Alliance headquarters—united, determined, and ready for war.