Here we come

Five figures stood as living embodiments of the dragon's form, their armor echoing Altan's iconic design, yet fiercely tailored to each warrior's essence.

Temur (Wings): The shortest, his armor streamlined for flight. Lighter plates flowed over his frame, while expanded pauldrons hinted at hidden wings beneath, maintaining the design's predatory grace.

Sarangerel (Head): Scaled precisely for her stature, her armor integrated subtle tech and a distinctive, flowing veil – the mark of command.

Altan (Ferocity): The central pillar, clad in his standard battle-plate – the archetype of draconic fury.

Bataar (Legs): His version bulked for grounding. Reinforced plates layered over the core design, anchored by heavy, stomping greaves promising unshakeable stability.

Ondor (Body): Towering and immense, his current armor scaled up massively. Every segment amplified the original's angular brutality, transforming him into a fortress of scaled plate.

Across their forms, dragon marks blazed – luminous tattoos declaring their sacred roles:

Altan: A searing white dragon spiral crawled across his chest and shoulders – pure Ferocity.

Sarangerel: A deep purple dragon's head gleamed like a third eye at her breastplate's center – the guiding Head.

Temur: Vibrant green wings etched across his back and shoulders, poised for flight – the soaring Wings.

Bataar: Earthy brown dragon legs, thick with power, wrapped from knees to ankles – the foundational Legs.

Ondor: Fierce red scales spilled from his left arm to his waist, crowned by a snarling dragon's visage wreathed in fire – the indomitable Body.

Together, they were the Draconic Högeol – not merely wearing symbols, but forged into the living parts of the dragon itself.

"Breath of the First Order, Teeth of the Stem."

"We're really just waiting here?" Temur sighed, tying his green headband over his black hair, streaked with emerald highlights.

"You don't expect to fight a million demons all at once—" Sarangerel began, but Bataar cut her off with a booming laugh.

"I do expect to fight more than a million! This is war, little sister!" he declared, crossing his arms and exhaling loudly.

Altan nodded enthusiastically, his hair bouncing wildly. "Yes, yes! War!" he echoed, pumping his fist.

Ondor, lying flat on the ground with his eyes closed, replied calmly, "It's the best strategy we have right now."

Temur glanced around suddenly. "Where's Zahra?"

"She was last seen in the Below Sky District," Altan said, stretching and placing his arms behind his head.

"She was dodging Nomricks," Sarangerel added, rubbing her temples. "Rolls-Worth Security can barely keep up with the thefts there. When Temur went, all he had to do was act like a sixteen-year-old, and he was in."

Temur smirked but said nothing.

Bataar leaned forward, a mischievous grin forming. "Wait… how about another dare?"

In that moment, their dragon tails manifested, waving idly behind them. Bataar was about to elaborate when Ondor spoke again, his deep voice steady.

"There's a high probability that the runner-up king has demons in his district."

Altan chuckled, gripping his tail to form his spear, white eyes flaring. "Say less."

But Ondor caught Altan's tail, pulling him close. "They're just rumors. Nothing confirmed. We're already stretched thin as it is. But if you finish your objective…" He paused deliberately. "I'll allow it."

Altan grinned.

"Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11)

"Alright then," Altan said, stretching his arms as Sara began muttering.

"You all promised I'd get the first kill..."

"If you love me!" Altan suddenly burst into song, leaping into the air with explosive energy. He smashed through the roof of the room and into the open sky. Clouds—vast and dense—greeted him, swirling like a sea of cotton.

They weren't in Ghent anymore.

Altan turned and flipped mid-air, crouching as he landed. A moving room—the base pulsed with energy, levitating it in mid-air, while the sides housed machines that freed it from the grip of gravity.

"If we continue at this pace, we might reach the Unsculpted Isles," Temur said, flying through the hole Altan made and standing alongside him, gazing out at nothing but clouds.

"This city is by far my favorite," Temur added, a rare smile gracing his face.

Then, without warning, he leapt off the platform and vanished into the ether with a rush of wind, leaving no trace but the whisper of his presence.

In the Stem—

Aether stepped through the dark door in the skyway hub. That's what he called it, anyway. Mirakos constantly mentioned seeing Altan, teaching him things. It was fortunate for now—Aether didn't expect Altan to know much of anything, fighting excluded.

He raised his hand and tried again to feel a solid surface. It wasn't like teleporting. No, he knew he was moving, traversing a distance.

Aether pushed through the imposing gates, the weight of the arena still clinging to him.

Elara was already there, breathless. "You were everywhere!" she gasped, her voice trembling with adrenaline.

"The holograms—every screen in the Floor! They can't stop replaying it!" Her eyes were wide, reflecting the flicker of distant projections. He was being noticed.

Abruptly, her frantic energy stilled. She fixed him with an intense stare, the earlier excitement replaced by sharp concern. "Why did you fight Altan?"

"You didn't tell me he was evil personified," Aether countered flatly. "When I realized... I couldn't just stand by." His voice held no heroism, only grim resolve.

Elara stepped closer, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. Her hand rose, fingers reaching tentatively towards his chest, towards the heart that had driven him into that brutal fight.

He caught her wrist gently before her touch could land.

Before either could speak further, a voice cut through the tension.

"Aether!" Anna burst from the gatehouse, sprinting towards him, her usual composure replaced by open worry.

She skidded to a halt, eyes scanning him head to toe. "Are you alright? Any injuries?"

"Kar—" he started, perhaps to deflect.

"I-I'll join," he finally admitted, the words feeling foreign.

It wasn't conviction. It was simple logistics. If Anna and Elara marched towards this 'AC', he would follow.

One death, ten, a thousand, a million? Meaningless noise. Unless it blocked his path, interfered with his real work, the suffering of the world was just background static.

Anna let out a short, incredulous bark of laughter. "Ha! Can you stick to one decision? Five minutes ago I was planning on not going, now here you are." She shook her head, a wry smile touching her lips before her gaze shifted past him, landing on Mirakos and the unfamiliar figure beside him. "Is that—?"

Zahra stepped forward before Anna could finish, radiating pride like a shield. "Yes, it is I! Zahra! Top containment breach of Rolls-worth and—"

Thwack. Aether flicked her forehead with surprising speed. Mirakos snorted, earning himself a sharp shove from Zahra that nearly sent him stumbling.

"Ow!" Zahra yelped, rubbing her forehead and glaring accusingly at Elara. "Is he always that aggressive?"

Elara's response was icy, her eyes darkening as if swirling voids had eclipsed them. "He. Isn't." The words faltered slightly, betraying the cold fury beneath.

Anna circled Zahra slowly, a predator assessing prey. "Why is she here?"

Aether shrugged, a gesture that felt deliberately casual. "She claims to be my sight. Figured it couldn't hurt if she joined the AC." Protect her, something primal whispered. Why? He didn't know. Reluctance had crumbled too easily under that inexplicable pull.

Zahra's yellow eyes flared with determination. "Yes. I will be his eyes."

Anna huffed, stopping her inspection to jab a finger at Zahra's worn attire. "You need new clothes."

"You needn't tell me twice!" Zahra chirped, seemingly unoffended.

Elara kept her unsettling gaze locked on Aether. "Is she to be trusted?"

Aether met her stare, his expression unreadable. Silence stretched. Finally, he offered a hollow laugh.

"I don't know. But something in me... can't help but want to 'protect' her. Don't know why. I was reluctant, but..." He trailed off, the laugh fading. "I budge easy, I guess." Elara simply gave a tense shrug, the void still churning in her eyes.

The uneasy group moved past the gates, entering the mansion's shadowed interior. Aether found his path leading towards the training grounds.

Kar awaited him there, a figure of focused intensity. Nearby, Kai sprawled lazily on a worn couch, observing the newcomers with detached amusement.

Across the room, Zahra was already chattering animatedly at Anna, who looked like she was bracing for an avalanche of words.

"Hi," they both greeted in unison.

"I... I..." Zahra stammered.

Aether glanced at her before speaking with Kar. He observed her carefully. Was she doing that on purpose? he wondered. She really was a good actor... not better than him, though.

Kar's six eyes glinted as he watched the exchange. "You want to join already? I thought you'd take at least a few days, but it's barely been ten hours."

Aether paused, caught off guard. Kar's words stung a little—he hadn't planned on being forced into a decision so quickly. But it was clear everything was already in motion to make him join.

"Apotheosis Covenant," Kar muttered, his voice quiet but firm. He began listing names.

"Aether Salvius Nox."

Aether's brow furrowed. He didn't remember telling him his last name. He blinked, trying to recall any earlier conversation that might have revealed it.

"Anna de Meaux."

"Elara de Meaux."

"Mirakos."

Aether breathed a quiet sigh of relief. At least Kar didn't know Mirakos' last name.

"And...?" Kar's voice sharpened. All six of his eyes focused on Zahra in unison. Aether followed his gaze.

Zahra, who had borrowed some clothes from Elara (since they're about the same size), stood there, looking calm despite the tension.

"Oh... I get it now," Aether realized, as Zahra opened her mouth to speak.

"I'm Zahra. No last name. I trust that will be acceptable," she said.

Kar muttered her name under his breath. As his eyes flickered yellow for a moment, they suddenly disappeared from sight, as if they had never been there.

Turning away from Zahra, Kar spoke to a few of his squidis. "We will soon venture to Stars Dominion. There, you and others will stay for a month."

Elara sighed deeply, tapping her forehead with a groan.

Aether tilted his head, his confusion evident.

"Space for a month? Why?" Aether wondered aloud, but Kar continued without pause.

"We need elite soldiers. The war isn't a child's game. Death is a constant."

Aether's patience began to wear thin as the same words echoed in his head. War, war, war... he had had enough of that phrase. He shook his head, beginning to walk away.

Kar's voice called out behind him. "It is time. You have an hour."

Aether spun around, his eyes wide. "Huh?" he cursed under his breath. It was clear now—Kar had planned for this moment all along.

Aether pushed through the door to the gazebo, already knowing what he had to do. Mirakos and Zahra followed close behind.

"Mirakos, do you have clothes—" Aether asked, his voice barely a whisper as his mind finally began to clear.

Sounds started penetrating his eardrums—the soft rustling of fabric, distant footsteps, his own shallow breathing—as his brain gradually released its defensive hold on his senses.

[Adaptive evolution]

[Sensory Dulling (Defensive Mode)]

He shook his head slightly and turned to Zahra. "Do you have any more?" He paused, watching her watch him with the most idiotic expression ever.

Spreading his arms wide in a silent "HUH???" gesture, he smacked his face in frustration, continuing his stride down the corridor.

"Who made him mad?" Mirakos whispered to Zahra, his words carried on a concerned breath.

"I have no idea. I don't think he wanted to join the team..." Zahra murmured back, her eyes following Aether's tense shoulders.

Aether descended the stairs until he reached the ornate door to the other wing of the mansion. His grip on the gilded handle tightened.

"I won't be coming back here for a while," he hissed through clenched teeth.

"How long is a while?" Zahra asked, her voice carrying a hint of worry.

"It's—" Aether started, then sighed heavily as he pulled the door open.

Meanwhile, Marquis passed through the heavy church door.

His eyes dilated at the sight of gleaming "Welcome to the Sky District!" signs and the steady stream of people moving back and forth across the polished floor.

He paused before the massive auto-opening door, its sensors humming quietly.

A smile played across his lips as he ran his hand through his hair.

"Marquis, the one who showed the city the inner secrets of the church, and freed it," he murmured before walking through the chamber similar to the ones in Rolls-worth.

Countless laity and laymen decorated the floor with vibrant flower petals, their melodic chants rising to the vaulted ceiling.

His steps mirrored Aether's—their feet carrying the same weight, their breathing growing quieter as they walked, then quickening as they broke into runs across different times and spaces.

Marquis's long blue hair streamed behind him like a river catching sunlight, while Aether's dark brown hair floated, subtle hints of golden blonde beginning to seep through like golden threads.

Marquis collided with a woman, the impact sending her glasses skittering across the polished floor. "I-I'm sorry!" he stammered quickly, his face flushing.

Aether ran into Adelaide again. He paused, tension visible in his jaw, then continued walking with Mirakos and Zahra trailing behind.

He waved at her, "I'd like to see your pyramids again, in more detail you know. Those edges were a bit... off—"

"Thank you, and I'm sorry," Adelaide replied with a knowing smile before walking away, her footsteps fading into the echoes.

Marquis helped the woman gather her scattered belongings from the cold floor.

Their eyes locked—her purple ones, deep as twilight with hints of blue, meeting his—and a single thought flashed through his mind: beautiful.

"I'm Anna," she said, dressed in the typical office attire—a crisp skirt and long-sleeved white shirt, perfectly pressed despite the collision.

"I-I'm Marquis," he replied, blushing deeply, the tips of his ears turning pink. Same name as Anna, he thought inwardly, just this Anna was older.

Aether turned and continued walking as the woman passed in front of Mirakos and Zahra, her presence leaving a trail of faint perfume.

"She's Anna, Elara's mom," he said, walking away, his words hanging in the air like mist.

"Huhhh!!" they both exclaimed in perfect sync.

He paused, then turned to see if she was really gone.

"Quick, search the rooms for clothes. She definitely has clothes that fit you guys. I mean, look at her dolls," he said, guiding them to the rooms.

They both looked confused but ended up doing so, wearing the same expression Aether had when he first entered.

"Wow," Mirakos said, pulling a doll around his size.

"We could get clothes on the ship, maybe, or order them," Aether said.

Mirakos nodded in agreement. "My classmate said Rolls-worth delivers to Star's Dominion."

"That's... uh... good," Zahra said, picking up a few piles of the female dolls.

"Alright, let's go. We'll figure it out." And with that, they were gone, the soft sound of their footsteps echoing down the hallway, with their giggles and chuckles breaking the silence.

"Ship!" Mirakos suddenly screamed.

"Space...." Aether continued reluctantly.

"Here we come!" Zahra finished.