Falcon roared from the ridge:

  "Men!

  Fire!"

  Cannons thundered.

  Flames burst from the ships, smoke curling into the sky.

  Explosive rounds—both fiery and enchanted—raced toward the enemy fleet, slicing through the dense fog.

  Then—one figure leapt from the shadows.

  With inhuman speed, he shattered every projectile mid-air.

  Each blast detonated harmlessly above the water.

  One of Falcon's commanders stared, eyes wide.

  "Falcon...

  He's on another level..."

  Falcon smiled grimly.

  "I expected no less."

  Sydney swallowed hard, gripping her weapon.

  "Alright, Sydney...

  You chose to stay.

  Own it.

  Don't let anyone down."

  "Captain, are you alright?" Majd asked.

  "I'm fine!" she snapped.

  Falcon's voice rang out again.

  "Prepare for close combat!"

  One pirate muttered.

  "They're not using magic...

  They know exactly what they're doing."

  Falcon nodded.

  "Whoever's behind this...

  Knows what to use—and what to avoid."

  He glanced at Majd.

  Majd nodded and began to move.

  "Wait—where are you going?" Sydney called.

  Majd paused, back turned.

  "You didn't want to go.

  So I will.

  I'm the only one who can."

  "Wait!" she cried, reaching out.

  But Majd ran—joined by pirates—toward a waiting ship.

  A shout broke the air.

  "They've landed!"

  Pirates clashed with the invaders.

  Falcon drew his blade.

  A sweeping arc of blue magic surged from its edge—

  crashing into one of the enemy ships.

  The sea erupted.

  Water swallowed the vessel whole.

  Pirate ships collided with Leonithran vessels—brimming with Black Order agents.

  Some ships reached the docks.

  Dark-cloaked warriors leapt ashore.

  The battle was brutal.

  Gunfire.

  Arcane blasts.

  Steel against steel.

  The Black Order fought without magic—

  only raw, lethal skill.

  Precise.

  Unrelenting.

  Falcon turned to Sydney.

  "You can still follow him...

  The choice is yours."

  Sydney narrowed her eyes.

  "What do you think, old man?"

  She leapt into the fray.

  Bolts of magic fired from her weapon—

  some struck true, others were deflected.

  Falcon stood above it all, unmoving.

  He watched the chaos unfold.

  Then his gaze shifted.

  "Hmm..."

  The Noble Sale and the Unexpected Compliment

  Razan sighed and handed them six coins.

  Rose blinked. "Six coins? I'm not complaining, but... the mission listed five?"

  Razan flipped through the ledger. "Some of the pelts you brought were clean and well-preserved. It's a bonus. Now get out of my sight."

  Rose took the coins and handed three to Klen.

  Klen nodded. "Fair enough. Let's head to the royal banquet!"

  Razan scoffed. "Of course—the royal palace, where food is served free to beggars like you!"

  Rose snapped, "Shut up, you idiot!"

  Jalmoud stood. "What did you say?!"

  He slammed the table, shattering it.

  Razan shouted, "Jalmoud!"

  Rose and Klen exited swiftly.

  Klen turned. "Before we go to the banquet, let's sell the rare mushrooms."

  Rose nodded. "I don't mind. Do you know the right place?"

  "Of course, milady! Follow me—I shall lead you to the path of honor and profit!"

  Rose sighed and followed him.

  As they walked, she spotted figures in red cloaks.

  She whispered, "Those are the same people I saw in the forest..."

  They arrived at a shop filled with plants, mushrooms, farming tools, seeds, and agricultural books.

  Klen burst through the door. "I have arrived, good people!"

  The shopkeeper laughed. "You're the Red Knight!"

  Klen bowed. "Indeed, sir. The Red Knight has come to greet the noble citizens and sell his righteous harvest!"

  Rose muttered, "Lower your voice..."

  The shopkeeper gestured. "Show me what you've got."

  Klen placed six glowing mushrooms on the counter.

  Customers turned, intrigued. Some began counting their coins.

  The shopkeeper's eyes widened. "Oh... this mushroom is in high demand. Gourmet kitchens use it in elite recipes."

  Klen beamed. "I know. I bring only noble and magnificent goods."

  Rose gave him a look.

  The shopkeeper nodded. "Alright... I'll give you eight coins."

  Rose gasped. "Eight coins?!"

  Klen raised a finger. "These mushrooms were touched by the Red Knight himself! They are honorable!"

  The shopkeeper sighed. "Fine. Because they're 'honorable,' I'll give you ten."

  Rose's eyes widened. "Ten coins?!"

  Klen bowed. "Thank you, noble merchant!"

  He handed five coins to Rose, kept three, and left two on the counter.

  Rose frowned. "Wait—you left two coins."

  Klen smiled. "I'm donating them, dear merchant. If any farmer needs seeds or tools, let them have these coins. For honor."

  The shopkeeper nodded. "Of course. Come again."

  Rose followed Klen, whispering, "I have eight coins now... That's a lot."

  Klen grinned. "Let's hurry to the banquet before it ends!"

  Rose jogged beside him. "You know something... you're not that bad."

  Klen turned dramatically. "Not bad? Who said I was bad? I am noble, magnificent, and charming!"

  Rose smirked. "I've changed my mind."

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  More ships emerged from the fog—some bearing pirate flags, others the crest of Leonithra. On their decks stood agents of the Black Order, cloaked in shadow.

  Then—Falcon moved.

  He raised his blade in a slow, circular motion.

  Above, the dark blue star Eklat pulsed.

  The sea twisted.

  A whirlpool erupted beneath one of the ships, dragging it into the depths. The water surged violently, reshaping the tides.

  Falcon laughed—a deep, thunderous sound.

  From the sinking vessel, a blur leapt skyward.

  Falcon raised an eyebrow.

  The stranger landed among the pirates—then tore through them.

  One by one.

  No mercy.

  No hesitation.

  Sydney screamed.

  "He's different!

  Fall back!

  I'll handle him!"

  She charged forward.

  The stranger turned, eyes gleaming with malice.

  He smiled.

  Sydney aimed her weapon and fired—a bolt of sky-blue magic.

  He deflected it with ease, then lunged.

  A captain intercepted the blow—only to be hurled aside, blood spraying from his mouth and eye.

  "No!" Sydney cried.

  The stranger advanced, blade poised.

  No spells.

  No tricks.

  Just terrifying mastery.

  Sydney fired again—multiple shots.

  He deflected them mid-air, closing the distance.

  Then—Falcon descended.

  He landed between Sydney and the stranger, sword drawn.

  "He is obviously wants you....

  Sydney gasped, clutching her weapon.

  Falcon pointed his blade.

  "That weapon...

  A scythe?

  Who do you think you are?

  Death itself?"

  He laughed.

  The stranger's voice was cold.

  "I am Death itself, old man.

  And your harvest has come."

  Falcon narrowed his eyes.

  A wave of dark blue energy surged from his blade.

  The stranger smiled.

  "Interesting..."

  —

  The battle raged.

  Ships exchanged fire—cannon blasts and enchanted volleys.

  On the island, chaos reigned.

  Pirates and Black Order agents clashed in brutal combat.

  Falcon and the Reaper dueled at the center.

  Each strike from Falcon summoned tidal waves—he wielded the sea like a living blade.

  Each swing of the Reaper's scythe echoed with the screams of lost souls, carried on the freezing wind.

  Sydney stood frozen, watching the clash of legends.

  The Banquet Beneath the Stars

  They approached the palace gates.

  Crowds gathered—guards, sorcerers, merchants, and nobles all pressing toward the grand entrance. The air shimmered with magic and anticipation.

  Klen adjusted his armor proudly. "Earning coin is easy, Lady Rose, when you're part of a group. It becomes fun, not dangerous. Especially when that group includes someone noble and magnificent—like me, the greatest knight who ever changed history."

  Rose smirked. "You're only right about the first part."

  Klen sighed dramatically. "My honor is wounded..."

  Rose rolled her eyes. "You'll survive."

  Inside the palace courtyard, the banquet was already underway. Tables overflowed with roasted meats, fruits, and golden pastries. The scent of spice and citrus filled the air.

  Klen's eyes sparkled. "Let's eat as we please!"

  Rose sat down, eyes wide, mouth watering.

  Klen took a modest portion of meat, then glanced at her.

  She was devouring her plate with unrestrained joy.

  "In the name of King Caesar's glory," Klen declared, "you are a noble and magnificent lady... who eats with noble and magnificent appetite!"

  Rose, mid-bite, mumbled, "So good..."

  Then the crowd hushed.

  Prince Asser stepped into view, flanked by Princess Kasra.

  Merchants and citizens bowed. Guards straightened. Magic flickered in the air.

  Rose froze, her gaze locked on the prince.

  "That's him..."

  Klen nodded slowly. "Yes. It's Princess Kasra's birthday celebration."

  Rose lowered her eyes. "I've never had a birthday celebration."

  Klen leaned in gently. "That's alright. You're magnificent. Your birth itself was a triumph."

  "Shut up," Rose muttered.

  Prince Asser raised his voice, calm and commanding.

  "Welcome to the palace. Eat freely. Feast until you are full. This banquet is yours."

  The crowd erupted in cheers. Plates clattered. Laughter returned.

  Rose glanced across the hall.

  Commander Laika stood near a tall man in gold-trimmed robes.

  Klen pointed. "There. That's Trader Jaber and High Commander Laika."

  Rose narrowed her eyes. "That's her?"

  Klen nodded. "Yes. If you ever hope to join the Mage Guild, you'll have to pass her trials. She's strict. Powerful. The embodiment of Aurik's honor."

  Rose chewed slowly. "And the trader?"

  Klen smiled. "That's Jaber. The man of golden stripes. One of the wealthiest, most influential figures in the kingdom. Known from nobles to commoners across the tunnels of Korta. A famous, noble, and magnificent man."

  Rose stared at him. "You never stop being ridiculous."

  The Reckoning - Falcon vs. Valon

  The battle raged.

  Falcon clashed with Valon in a storm of steel and fury.

  Each strike from Falcon's blade met the curved edge of Valon's scythe with a deafening screech—metal grinding against metal, sending chaotic waves rippling through the sea.

  From Valon's weapon came haunting sounds—echoes of trapped souls crying out for release.

  Sydney stood frozen, eyes wide with terror.

  She fired her weapon, retreating as the clash intensified.

  All around her, pirates fought desperately against the Black Order.

  Valon turned to Falcon, his grin sharp and cruel.

  "Did you think I hadn't seen your pathetic ship?

  I've already sent men to deal with it."

  Falcon's eyes narrowed.

  "You wretch..."

  Sydney gasped.

  "Majd! No!"

  Falcon turned to her.

  "Go!

  Find them!"

  Sydney ran, then paused—her voice trembling.

  "This is all your fault!"

  Falcon said nothing.

  Behind him, the battle roared.

  Cannons fired.

  Ships burned.

  Steel clashed with steel.

  Valon lunged at Sydney—

  Falcon intercepted, driving him back.

  Valon laughed.

  "Persistent old man...

  Wasn't it enough when I killed your friend?

  When I stole his soul?"

  Falcon's face darkened.

  "You never claimed it.

  He escaped your grasp.

  You failed."

  Valon's smile vanished.

  He gripped his scythe tighter.

  "Lost souls are worthless.

  It's a shame we couldn't use him as fuel..."

  Falcon's blade ignited with a deep blue aura.

  Above, the star Eklat pulsed violently.

  "My comrades are not fuel for monsters like you!"

  He charged.

  Valon blocked the blow, staggering backward.

  Falcon pressed forward, blade grinding against the scythe.

  Behind them, the sea churned.

  Ships lost balance.

  Currents twisted.

  —

  Sydney now sailed aboard a swift vessel, her crew bracing against the waves.

  A massive surge struck—propelling the ship forward like a spear through the ocean.

  "Hold tight!" one shouted.

  "The sea answers Falcon's rage!"

  —

  Back on the island...

  Falcon stood before Valon.

  Valon, cloaked in black, raised his hand.

  A pale light surrounded it—spirits trapped, screaming for mercy.

  "Give me what I came for...

  and I'll spare the rest of your crew."

  Falcon laughed.

  "Do you think pirates are fools?

  We won't repeat what happened to our friend."

  A second figure stepped forward.

  Asil.

  "You tricked us once.

  You won't do it again."

  Valon blinked.

  "You're alive?

  I erased your crew from existence..."

  Asil growled and stepped forward—Falcon held him back.

  "Stay behind, Asil.

  We need your strength.

  You're the finest marksman we have.

  Let me handle the close fight."

  Asil nodded and retreated.

  Valon's voice dropped.

  "Give me what I want...

  Or else."

  Falcon smirked.

  "Or else what?

  Will you risk angering Valina again?

  Shall we repeat what happened last time?"

  Valon's face twisted.

  His scythe pulsed—ghostly figures swirling around it.

  "We've all suffered losses...

  I don't care if I lose every last soldier.

  I will take what I came for."

  Under the Comet's Light

  Klen gestured toward the man in golden robes.

  "That's the one who helped Aurik during the great famine. He brought seeds that could grow in harsh climates—from distant lands. Tools, scrolls, even enchantments. He helped the guild craft survival spells."

  Rose blinked. "That's... incredible."

  Klen pointed again. "And there—see him? That's Lord Dais, High Commander of the Royal Court."

  Rose studied the man. "He looks... strange."

  "He's not from Aurik," Klen whispered. "But he's sharp. Brilliant. His mind cuts through politics like a blade."

  Rose narrowed her eyes. "His aura... it feels familiar. Like I've met him before."

  Klen leaned closer. "Lady Rose? Are you with me?"

  Before she could answer, Sylvance arrived—graceful and composed—accompanied by Uncle Mulham and Jawahir. They approached Laika and Trader Jaber, exchanging quiet words.

  Klen nudged her. "Look. That woman is a skilled fighter. Some of them are part of Jaber's caravan."

  Rose's eyes widened. "That old man and the woman—I met them at the Emerald Inn!"

  Klen beamed. "Fascinating! You've met noble, magnificent, honorable people—just like your encounter with the Red Knight!"

  Rose groaned. "Stop talking."

  She glanced toward the gathering. "Can we greet them?"

  "Of course," Klen said. "Finished eating?"

  Rose wiped her mouth. "Yes."

  Klen stood, dramatically. "Then let us go."

  He glanced at the table. "Lady Rose, you've devoured the feast of a noble nation. I wager you could defeat Jalmoud in a contest of honorable consumption!"

  Rose blushed. "I was hungry..."

  "No shame in that," Klen said warmly.

  They joined the line of guests waiting to greet Sylvance, Mulham, Laika, Jaber, and Jawahir.

  Rose leaned in. "I want to greet the prince and princess too."

  Klen nodded. "We'll go to them next."

  The air was crisp.

  The celebration glittered with lanterns and laughter.

  The city pulsed with life.

  Above them, the sky was dark—stars scattered like embers.

  But the green comet shimmered gently.

  And the deep blue star pulsed like a heartbeat.

  Falcon laughed, voice booming across the battlefield.

  "As if I'd let you!"

  Valon lunged—Falcon met the strike head-on.

  Behind them, Asil stood atop a ridge.

  His massive weapon pulsed with dark blue energy.

  Each shot tore through the ranks of the Black Order—one by one, they fell.

  Valon glanced toward the hill.

  "Annoying...

  That must be dealt with."

  Falcon unleashed a crushing wave of blue magic.

  Valon dodged, cloak whipping through the air.

  —

  At sea...

  Sydney gripped the edge of her ship, scanning the horizon through her scope.

  Behind her, New Thera faded into mist.

  "New Thera...

  If I had agreed to Falcon's plan...

  Why did this happen?

  The strategy... it's falling apart."

  Then—she saw it.

  A burning ship.

  Her eyes widened.

  "No...

  That's impossible..."

  —

  Elsewhere...

  On a shattered island—once part of ancient Leonithra—

  Wasim collapsed onto the cracked stone.

  Behind him, Qaws s emerged from the shadows.

  A voice echoed through the ruins.

  "Well, well...

  What do we have here?"

  Riz stepped forward—one of the assassins from the Valley of Wonders.

  "I doubt you're much of a swimmer..."

  Qaws 's expression shifted.

  He gripped his dagger.

  Riz drew his blade.

  "I'll finish you in seconds."

  Qaws smirked.

  "Don't make me laugh."

  Riz's eyes narrowed.

  "I only want the boy.

  Leave him to me...

  and I'll let you rot in this island alone."

  Back at sea...

  Sydney shouted.

  "Search the wreckage!"

  Bodies floated in the water—pirates, lifeless.

  Her eyes widened.

  She lowered her weapon.

  "No..."

  A lone figure stood among the debris—motionless, unblinking.

  He smiled at her.

  "You're not one of us," she whispered.

  "Who are you?"

  He vanished—dissolved into the wind.

  "Valon's power...

  He was on the ship...

  From the beginning...

  Damn it, damn it!"

  A gunshot rang out.

  Sydney turned—pirates were fighting each other.

  "Captain!" one cried.

  "Something's wrong with the men!"

  She saw them—infected.

  Marks on their necks.

  Eyes white.

  Foaming mouths.

  Savage.

  Sydney backed away.

  Her crew fell—one by one.

  "Captain!

  Take the skiff!

  Finish what Majd started!"

  "But I won't leave you—are you insane?!"

  "Go!

  Don't let Falcon and Majd's sacrifice be in vain!"

  She watched them fall.

  Tears welled.

  She ran.

  A pirate helped her into the skiff, pushed her off.

  He smiled.

  "I'll buy you time.

  Go!"

  She stared at him—unblinking—as the waves pulled her away.

  Behind her, he fought—until a blade pierced his back.

  "For Leonithra!" he cried.

  Sydney trembled, staring at her hands.

  Frozen.

  Drifting toward nowhere.

  Falcon's words echoed.

  "You must go..."

  Her own voice, once defiant.

  "I don't want to fight..."

  Majd's smile—his quiet reassurance.

  —

  Back in New Thera...

  The battle raged.

  A horn blared from the fog.

  Ships emerged—massive, with one colossal vessel at the center.

  Pirates shouted.

  Cannons fired.

  Valon turned to Falcon.

  Falcon laughed.

  The Black Order fell—one by one.

  Valon smiled, fading into shadow.

  "You think the girl survived?

  I planted visitors aboard her ship..."

  Falcon's eyes widened.

  "And I captured the boy you sent."

  Valon vanished.

  Falcon sheathed his sword.

  The allied ships arrived—bombarding the Black Order.

  Valon's voice lingered.

  "Damn you...

  You did it...

  You made her leave.

  You knew she loved her crew.

  She'd never abandon them.

  I hope...

  I didn't break something that mattered."