Day 1
Five of Lance Sterling's strongest knights were deployed into Westoria with one brutal goal: exterminate anyone in sight. Cities were torn down, and thousands perished in the relentless onslaught. The devastation was swift and merciless, a display of power meant to send a clear message.
Day 2
In the wake of the carnage, the High Council themselves emerged in the shattered streets. They worked to rescue survivors and mitigate further destruction. Despite their efforts, only a few lives were spared from the chaos.
Day 3
When the fighting finally subsided, the Astorian knights had vanished without a trace. In the end, over a hundred thousand innocent civilians were dead, and entire cities lay in ruins. This overwhelming display of military might served as a stark warning to all of Westoria.
⸻
Blight Dimension
Inside a dim, cramped strategy room, Vesper kicked his boots onto the scarred table. "What exactly was the plan again, my Lord?" he asked.
"Get those off the table," barked Silas.
Julius's voice then filled the room—commanding, cold. "I had planned to reveal the location to Astoria to spark another attack. I want to fuel chaos between the countries so that when they're at their weakest, we invade." His four generals sat silently around him, the atmosphere heavy with shared conviction.
Cain, leaning forward with a quiet intensity, interjected, "I say we fight them at their strongest. Are we really afraid of being overpowered?"
Silas snapped, "Are you questioning our Lord's methods?"
Vesper turned to the hooded Azrael, whose shadowed presence offered no reply. "He never speaks—so why do you even talk to him?" Cain scoffed.
"Because I can speak freely without expecting answers," Vesper grinned darkly.
Silas then asked, "My Lord, what is the next step in the plan?"
Julius's eyes glinted as he replied, leaving no room for debate.
⸻
Briefing Room – Frontline Base
Virgil stood before a row of cadets, rubbing his temple as if the weight of the past few days pressed down on him. "These have been stressful days, so I'll be brief." He stamped his cigarette into an ashtray with deliberate force. "Our spy reports that Astoria is moving encrypted logs into a secure base. From our intel, the base is empty between 1 am and 5 am. That gives you four hours to secure those logs—they contain enemy movements and may even reveal Lance Sterling's location."
Reid piped up, "Why is it so hard to pin down where that guy is?"
Virgil exhaled, "Because he can clone himself, Stark. He can be in many places at once—sometimes disappearing for weeks. He's unpredictable." Lighting another cigarette with a fingertip flame, Virgil continued, "The base is busy with transports for the next few days, so expect heavy security. Prepare yourselves—whether you like it or not, you're now part of the Westoria Magic Corps. You're all in the Starborn squad. Dismissed." With that, he stepped out, leaving the room steeped in heavy silence.
Sosuke immediately rose and moved toward the door.
Lyra, still seated, reached for his hand. "Where are you going?" she asked softly.
He shook her hand off, pulled the door handle, and exited without a word.
Moments later, Ryoma burst out, catching up. "Don't leave me behind now," he said.
"Sorry," Sosuke mumbled quickly.
"Are you okay? You've been acting really strange for a while—never like you since that red place," Ryoma observed, his tone casual but edged with concern.
"I'm fine. I swear," Sosuke replied, not meeting his gaze.
Ryoma raised an eyebrow and sighed. "Where are we going?"
"I'm going to open a portal somewhere private—and I'm leaving," Sosuke said curtly.
"Did the commander say we could leave?" Ryoma pressed.
"Doesn't matter to me whether he did or didn't," Sosuke replied, striding toward the back of the base. "He doesn't need me right now—I'll spend my free time as I please."
Ryoma nudged him with a teasing grin. "It's always that girl, isn't it? Just tell her you like her or something."
Sosuke halted for a beat, his expression tightening. "I do not—!"
Ryoma persisted, "It's all you do in your 'free' time. You just visit her. You hardly even talk to me unless I tag along. Don't you think she'd rather you spend your time on something fun instead of just sitting around?"
Sosuke's voice dropped to a quiet murmur. "I don't care. There's nothing else I want to do—or feel like doing."
"Right," Ryoma said with a pause. "Well, I think I'm gonna explore the city this time. You two can have your alone time, alright?"
"Yeah," Sosuke replied.
"You really have a lot to say, don't you?" Ryoma grinned and shook his head. "Let's go."
⸻
WMC Hospital, Room 112B
In the sterile, dim light of the hospital room, Sosuke reached for Rin's hand and held it with both of his. They sat side by side on a narrow cot. After a long moment, he released her hand and leaned back, eyes still fixed on the ceiling.
"What was that for…?" Rin asked weakly.
"How are you doing?" Sosuke's tone was laced with genuine worry.
"As good as I can be," she replied, her eyes distant, her face impassive.
"Hey, it's not your fault. You tend to blame everything on yourself…" he murmured softly.
Rin turned to him, an eyebrow arching in silent question.
"Sorry, that came out wrong," he chuckled awkwardly.
Her voice trembled as she continued, "He was right there—on Death's Door. I could've killed a general. I froze up. I will prove you wrong." Her gaze bore into his as if seeking reassurance.
Sosuke's eyes widened. "I know you will, but right now, you need to get better."
"Yeah, you're right. They say I'll be out in a day or two," Rin said.
"That's good. You'll be able to join us on the mission."
---
A week later, Sosuke fastened the last button on his jacket, the dark fabric snug against his frame. The coat extended past his waist, splitting at the back to give him better mobility. A silver star emblem gleamed on his chest, with smaller badges stitched neatly along the lapel. He tightened his belt, the familiar weight settling around his waist. The pants, slim but flexible, allowed for swift movement while maintaining a sharp, clean look. He tugged at his collar, loosening it slightly, and inhaled deeply. The air was cold, carrying the faint scent of iron and ash.
He stepped out into the bustling military camp, where soldiers moved with purpose, their boots crunching against frostbitten earth. A sharp whistle caught his attention.
"You ready?" Ryoma leaned against a supply crate, arms folded, a familiar grin tugging at his lips.
Sosuke returned a faint smirk. "Yeah. Been itching for a real fight."
"And we get to do it in these fancy new uniforms." Ryoma flicked the silver emblem on his chest, the metallic clink sharp against the camp's ambient noise.
Sosuke snorted softly and walked toward the command post. Virgil stood at the edge of the camp, arms behind his back, his gaze as cold and unforgiving as the mountain winds.
"What's the farthest distance you can form a portal?" Virgil asked without preamble.
Sosuke stood straighter. "No more than thirty miles before the mana drain becomes severe."
Virgil nodded once. "Everyone, follow me."
They moved through the camp, past rows of tents and supply lines until they reached a construction site at the base's rear. Towering pylons of polished steel surrounded a circular platform, its surface engraved with intricate runes that pulsed faintly. Engineers bustled around the machine, tightening bolts and chanting quiet incantations to reinforce its structure.
Virgil gestured to the device. "Your ability to create portals across vast distances is rare. Not basic magic, nor even complex magic taught at academies. We intend to maximize that advantage. This machine will enhance your portals, making long-range travel easier and more stable. The downside is the mana output. Any portal formed using this will light up enemy sensors like a beacon. Therefore, you'll summon one far enough from base to avoid detection."
Sosuke stepped forward. "Understood."
The engineers cleared the platform as Sosuke raised his hand, fingers splayed against the machine's cool surface. His mana surged, flowing through his veins like liquid lightning. The machine trembled, runes flaring bright white. Light burst from the portal's forming edges, the mana pressure mounting, heavy and sharp. Sosuke's eyes widened, the Star Eyes flickering to life, their vibrant purple glow catching the light.
A circular rift tore open before him, swirling with dark mist along its edges. Sosuke half-turned toward the Starborn. "Let's go."
Ryoma grinned. "Yes, sir."
---
The snowy forest stretched endlessly into the dark, the trees tall and skeletal against the moonlit sky. Sosuke crouched by the campfire, rubbing his hands together, his breath misting in the cold air. The fire crackled softly, flickering shadows dancing across their faces.
Rin shifted closer to the flames, her arms wrapped around her knees. "I didn't realize the conditions in Astoria were this bad."
"I forget we're even on Astorian land," Reid muttered, exhaling sharply. He forced a small laugh. "We can end this war quickly, right?"
No one answered.
Milo broke the silence, his voice small. "I don't know. I'm not even sure I should be here. Is it wrong to be scared?"
Lyra tightened her cloak around her shoulders. "It's going to be hard."
"How?" Reid asked. "The base is unguarded, isn't it?"
"It wouldn't be that easy," Lyra said. "Not with Sterling as their commander."
Sosuke glanced up. "I read up on him. He fought two High Council members at once. Injured them both and escaped with barely a scratch."
"If you can even call it a scratch." Lyra scoffed. "It was probably one of his clones."
Rin frowned. "How do they expect us to take down someone like him? The expectations are ridiculous."
"Maybe they plan on fighting with us?" Ryoma offered, though even he sounded doubtful.
Sosuke stared into the flames. "His ability is unpredictable. For all we know, his real body could be hidden away while his clones handle everything."
Ren, quiet until now, shifted slightly. "No one has an ability that complex and powerful. Not even the High Council. Every ability has its limits."
The group turned to him. Ren blinked. "What?"
Ryoma smirked. "Didn't expect you to chime in."
"He's right," Sosuke said. "There's always a weakness. We just have to find it."
Lyra poked the fire with a stick, embers swirling upward. "That's not even mentioning his dark magic. It was sealed by the Grand Sorcerer. Not even Gabriel has that information."
Reid frowned. "Grand Sorcerer?"
Lyra sighed. "The Grand Sorcerer has existed since the dawn of magic. His knowledge surpasses anyone alive."
"So he's all-powerful?" Milo asked.
"No. His title comes from his wisdom, not strength. He runs the Hall of Memories on a distant island. No one reaches him without permission."
Reid leaned forward. "Couldn't we ask for his help?"
"The island is sealed by magic. Unless he wants you there, you're not getting in." Lyra blew into her hands for warmth.
"Wouldn't hurt to try," Rin muttered.
Sosuke considered it, then turned to Lyra. "Maybe."
Arthur finally spoke, his voice quiet. "Shouldn't we focus on the mission?"
Everyone fell silent. Arthur looked tired, dark circles beneath his eyes. His usual sharpness dulled.
Sosuke rose to his feet. "You're right. Let's move."
The Starborn stood, gathering their gear. Sosuke pulled his coat tighter, eyes narrowing as he stared into the darkness ahead. The forest whispered around them, the wind carrying the distant howl of wolves.