In the open sea, Sydney raced forward, eyes locked to 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 collapsing..."

  Then—she saw it.

  A burning ship.

  Her breath caught.

  "No...

  That's impossible..."

  —

  On a ruined island—once part of Leonithra's shattered crown...

  Wasim collapsed onto the stone.

  Qaws followed, silent.

  A voice echoed through the ruins.

  "Well, well...

  What do we have here?"

  Riz stepped forward—an assassin from the Valley of Wonders.

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

  Qaws's grip tightened around his dagger.

  Riz unsheathed his blade.

  "I'll finish you in seconds."

  "Don't make me laugh," Qaws replied.

  Riz's gaze narrowed.

  "I only want the boy.

  Leave him to me...

  and I'll let you rot here."

  —

  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."

  ---

  The Greeting Beneath the Stars

  In the Ember kingdom, the banquet for Princess Kasra’s birthday is held at Aurik Palace.

  Rose stood beside Klen, her hands trembling slightly.

  "I'm nervous," she whispered. "What should I say?"

  Klen puffed his chest. "What? Just greet them with your honor and greatness!"

  Rose sighed.

  "It's our turn," Klen said.

  "What?" she blinked.

  Klen stepped forward and bowed deeply. "It is an honor to meet you, noble, magnificent, and honorable lords and ladies!"

  Sylvance glanced at Jawahir.

  Laika closed her eyes briefly.

  Mulham chuckled. "Ah, the Red Knight. I've heard tales—two days spent slaying frogs?"

  Sylvance raised an eyebrow. "Frogs?"

  Klen nodded proudly. "Yes! Noble frogs met their glorious end at the hands of the Red Knight—honorable, magnificent, and grand!"

  Trader Jaber laughed. "You're... certainly unique."

  Rose stepped forward, shy and quiet.

  Mulham's eyes lit up. "Ah, Lady Rose!"

  She bowed her head. "Yes, Uncle Mulham."

  Sylvance smiled. "I see you've been working hard."

  Rose nodded. "Yes... we earned eight coins. Me and Klen—I mean, the Red Knight."

  Klen added, "Honorable, magnificent, and noble!"

  Jaber tilted his head. "You're not from here, are you?"

  Rose lowered her voice. "No..."

  Mulham stepped in. "She's from Lenovard, Jaber. A refugee who crossed the Valley of Wonders to reach Aurik. Her story is one of courage."

  Klen turned to her, eyes wide. "You're from Lenovard? It's fate, Lady Rose! You are noble and magnificent—like a true knight!"

  Rose muttered, "Shut up..."

  Jaber's expression softened. "Lenovard... what happened there was tragic. But I'm glad you've found your place here. And that you've met a charming, humble merchant like me."

  Jawahir placed a hand on her forehead. "Wonderful. We have this knight... and this merchant."

  Jaber protested, "Why so harsh?"

  Sylvance chuckled quietly. "Well done, Rose. You've endured hardship. You crossed the Valley alone. You've carved your own legend."

  Mulham nodded. "Isn't that right?"

  Laika spoke, her voice calm. "This Red Knight reminds me of someone clever among us..." She glanced at Jaber.

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  Klen bowed. "Thank you for your kind and noble praise, Commander. It is an honor to receive such words from one so magnificent."

  Laika closed her eyes again.

  Sylvance smiled. "I look forward to doing missions with you, Rose."

  Rose blushed. "Of course..."

  Jawahir raised an eyebrow. "Where to?"

  Mulham answered, "To the Mercenary Guild."

  Jawahir frowned. "Why?"

  Sylvance replied, "You know I'm a fighter. I need to move, to train. Comfort dulls the blade."

  Laika nodded. "That's true."

  Jaber added, "Why not? We all seek what drives us."

  Klen bowed again. "It is a great honor to stand beside you, Lady Sylvance."

  Jawahir turned to Sylvance. "Karras told me the feast has reached the tunnels of Korta. They're celebrating in their own way."

  Laika nodded. "Good."

  She looked at Sylvance. "Lady Sylvance, I've been discussing with Jaber the possibility of appointing you as General of the Army and leader of the training campaigns. If you're willing."

  Jaber nodded. "She's more than capable."

  Sylvance's eyes widened. She nodded slowly.

  Jawahir smiled.

  Sylvance's voice was firm. "I'd be honored. Just let me complete one mission first—I want to experience the city's challenges. Then I'll commit fully."

  Laika nodded. "Then it's decided."

  Jawahir took Sylvance's hand. "Well done."

  Rose tugged Klen's sleeve. "Alright. It was a pleasure meeting you all!"

  The Glance That Froze the Room

  Rose stood beside Klen in the line to greet the prince.

  "They're... kinder than I expected," she whispered.

  Klen nodded. "Indeed, Lady Rose. Nobility and honor shine brightest in those who serve with humility."

  Rose's gaze locked onto Prince Asser.

  She didn't blink.

  Klen leaned in. "Your eyes say a lot, Lady Rose. Do you admire the prince that deeply? We honor him for his strength and devotion—but your stare..."

  Rose flushed. "Shut up..."

  "It's our turn," Klen said.

  He stepped forward and bowed deeply.

  "It is a noble and magnificent honor to meet Your Highnesses—Prince Asser and Princess Kasra."

  Princess Kasra tilted her head. "Ah... the honor is ours, brave knight. You wear the armor of the old royal guard—my father's guard."

  Prince Asser nodded. "We're pleased to meet you."

  Klen straightened. "Yes, Your Highness. My father was among the royal guards who accompanied the great and honorable King Caesar."

  Prince Asser’s face changed hands, trampling.

  Princess Kasra glanced at her brother.

  Then Rose stepped forward, trembling slightly.

  She bowed low. "It is... an honor... to meet Your Highnesses."

  Klen whispered, "Look at you—speaking like a knight. Are you planning to become a Red Knight?"

  Rose muttered, "Shut up, idiot."

  Klen grinned. "Careful. You're speaking to someone noble, magnificent, and honorable."

  Princess Kasra raised an eyebrow. "They're like jesters..."

  Klen beamed. "It would be a noble honor to become jesters of the royal family! I swear it!"

  Rose hissed, "Stop talking!"

  Prince Asser chuckled. "You two... what are you saying?"

  Rose's eyes remained fixed on him.

  Then suddenly—

  She looked past Princess Kasra.

  Her expression changed.

  A man stood behind the princess.

  Staring at her.

  Unblinking.

  Varon.

  The nobles turned. Guards shifted.

  Rose stepped back.

  "It was a pleasure meeting you," she said quickly, then turned and walked away.

  Prince Asser and Princess Kasra exchanged glances.

  "What's wrong with her?" Kasra asked.

  "Perhaps she saw something," Asser replied.

  Klen followed. "Lady Rose? Did something trouble you? We still haven't greeted the High Court Commander..."

  Rose shook her head. "No need."

  Klen paused. "Hmm... I see. You must be tired. Ready to rest in a noble, magnificent, and honorable way."

  As Rose and Klen walked through the quiet streets, a palace guard stepped forward.

  "You," he said, pointing at Rose. "Show me your Flak Card."

  Rose's face shifted. "I... left it at home."

  The guard frowned. "Then we'll have to detain you until it's found."

  Klen stepped between them, voice calm but theatrical. "Good sir, this lady is exhausted. Is it not noble to treat her with kindness and honor?"

  The guard narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"

  "I am the legendary Red Knight," Klen declared, "slayer of all evil!"

  The guard blinked. "Right... just don't forget your card again, girl."

  Rose nodded. "Understood."

  As they walked on, Klen leaned closer. "Don't worry. If the guards ever stop you again and ask for someone to vouch for you—I'll be there."

  Rose sighed. "Stop. I don't need your pity."

  Klen clutched his chest. "So harsh, Lady Rose. What is this noble bond between us if not the greatest and most honorable alliance?"

  They reached the entrance of the Daisy Inn.

  Rose paused. "Klen..."

  "Yes?"

  "Thank you. Today was... a good day."

  She slipped inside before he could respond.

  Klen smiled as she disappeared. "Thank you too..."

  Inside, Rose waved. "Fadi!"

  "Welcome back, Lady Rose!" he called from behind the counter.

  "I brought the coins," she said, placing three on the table.

  Fadi raised his brows. "You've worked hard today."

  Rose beamed. "Absolutely! I even dined at the royal palace!"

  "You did? It was a beautiful celebration."

  "The food was on another level."

  Fadi nodded. "Of course. That was the work of Qadir—the royal head chef."

  "Qadir?" Rose echoed.

  "Yes," Fadi said. "He's the one behind all those dishes."

  "They're lucky to have him."

  Fadi chuckled softly.

  "I've paid three coins," Rose said. "I'd like to settle my debt and renew my stay."

  "Done," Fadi replied. "Three nights, with breakfast."

  Rose smiled. "Thank you."

  "No thanks needed, Lady Rose. Welcome back to the Daisy Inn."

  She climbed the stairs, entered her room, and collapsed onto the bed.

  "I want to buy clothes... maybe a magic staff to help channel my spells... and a Flak Card..."

  She counted her coins.

  "Five left... I still need thirty..."

  That's guy ... what he was doing there? Behind the Princess...

  Her eyes closed.

  And sleep took her.

  The Whale and the Ruins - Echoes Beneath the Sea

  In the darkness of the open sea, Sydney's skiff rocked violently with each wave.

  She sat motionless, her eyes hollow.

  Below her, a strange light shimmered.

  The star Eklat pulsed overhead.

  "I'm going to drown...

  The waves...

  I'll never make it back to Thera... or the mainland..."

  She looked down.

  A massive shape glowed beneath the boat—soft blue light radiating from its body.

  The sea calmed.

  The skiff drifted gently.

  Sydney stared, trembling.

  "So this is it...

  I'll be eaten by a sea beast.

  I failed everyone...

  And now I'll vanish forever."

  The creature let out a deep, resonant cry.

  Sydney covered her ears.

  Then—land appeared.

  Scattered islands.

  Broken.

  Forgotten.

  She opened her eyes.

  "Impossible...

  Thera... the old Thera.

  We thought it was buried forever.

  But these are its remains...

  Fragments... shattered..."

  She remembered.

  "Captain Yamen...

  He stayed behind.

  Tow years ago.

  Refused to flee.

  He gave us time...

  Protected his children..."

  She looked at her hands.

  "But we lost them all..."

  The creature below her groaned—soft, mournful.

  She peered into the depths.

  "It's a whale...

  A giant..."

  The skiff glided forward, the whale guiding it.

  "It's taking me somewhere...

  But how?

  Falcon never spoke of miracles like this..."

  Ahead—an island.

  A ruined palace.

  Covered in moss.

  Seagulls perched atop its crumbling towers.

  Sydney gasped.

  "The palace of Leonithra...

  It's been here all this time...

  The island was massive...

  Now only wreckage remains..."

  She looked down.

  "Are you trying to show me something?"

  The whale groaned again and continued.

  In the distance—another island.

  Ships clustered around it.

  Sydney's eyes narrowed.

  "That emblem...

  Lothar's mark.

  He defiled Leonithra's legacy..."

  She raised her scope.

  Lothar stood on the shore—speaking with a man wielding a magical staff.

  "What is he holding...

  A heart?

  Has he gone mad?

  He's become one of them..."

  The whale cried again—then surged forward, propelling the skiff at high speed.

  —

  Elsewhere...

  Ships arrived at New Thera.

  A girl stepped ashore—wearing the sailor's garb of Leonithra.

  Falcon smiled faintly.

  "So you've returned, Ithraa..."

  "Yes...

  Sorry for the delay.

  I received your message.

  I've been tracking my foolish father.

  He won't listen...

  He's walking with them now.

  But there's something you need to hear..."

  Around them, pirates gathered the fallen.

  Some dressed wounds.

  Others cleared debris.

  Falcon turned.

  "Hmm?"

  The Leviathan's Judgment - When the Sea Chose

  Sydney approached the island, her skiff drifting silently.

  From the shore, she heard voices—Lothar speaking to a cloaked figure.

  "We'll strike that foolish pirate.

  Crush him.

  Find Valina's lair—and destroy it."

  Azalor's voice was cold.

  "No.

  Mentioning her risks everything.

  We don't want that.

  Someone else is already trying to steal the Pearl.

  You must be sharper than this..."

  He stepped closer.

  "I have a plan.

  We'll surround the pirate.

  Break him.

  Maybe kill him.

  He stands in our way—and if he joins the mainland resistance, we're finished.

  We must drown the fish in her own sea."

  Lothar stared at the heart in his hand.

  "Then what do we do?"

  Azalor smiled.

  "We wait."

  A shout broke the air.

  "Pirate!"

  Lothar's face twisted.

  Sydney gasped—her skiff veered away.

  Lothar climbed aboard his ship, Azalor beside him.

  Azalor's eyes narrowed.

  "It's her...

  The one who cast the cursed spell.

  The one who blocked our movement."

  Lothar raised his weapon to the sky.

  A strange wave surged—his ship accelerated toward Sydney.

  She raised her weapon.

  "Lothar!

  Have you lost your mind?

  Do you even know what you're doing?"

  Lothar smirked from above.

  "I know more than you, insolent captain."

  "You're on the wrong side!

  You fight forces stronger than pirates—forces that will destroy this world!"

  Lothar laughed.

  "You think I'd ally with fools like you?

  I am High Commander Lothar of the Leonithran Fleet.

  I don't bargain with stray pirates."

  "You've lost your mind...

  Just like Valina—when she chose to help you.

  She betrayed me.

  And now...

  I'll destroy her."

  He pointed his weapon.

  Azalor watched silently.

  Then—silence.

  Azalor spoke.

  "We should retreat."

  "I'll kill her," Lothar growled.

  Suddenly—the sea roared.

  A massive whale burst from the depths.

  Azalor's face paled.

  "Damn it...

  It's Valina!

  Retreat!"

  Sydney turned—eyes wide.

  The whale swallowed her whole and dove.

  A tidal wave slammed into Lothar's ship, hurling it backward.

  Azalor raised his hand—black energy surged.

  A bolt struck the ocean.

  Lothar fired at Valina—his weapon flared.

  "Damn you, witch!

  I'll destroy you!

  Remember that!"

  Azalor stopped him.

  "It's useless.

  If we want to destroy her...

  we must find her lair."

  Valina dove deeper, unfazed.

  Her tail struck the ship—sending it crashing toward the island.

  —

  Much later...

  Sydney awoke in darkness.

  Then—light.

  She was hurled outward.

  She screamed—flung into the sea.

  "Land!

  I see land!

  I've never seen this place before!"

  She turned.

  The whale drifted away.

  She swam, stunned.

  "Valina...

  She's..."

  Her voice faded into the waves.

  ---

  Sydney crawled onto the shore, coughing violently.

  Her clothes were torn, soaked, her breath shallow.

  "Damn it...

  I can't even stand..."

  She collapsed, eyes fluttering shut, the waves lapping gently beside her.

  —

  Far from the sea and its storms...

  In the heart of the Ember Crown—Aurik—

  Snow blanketed rooftops.

  Citizens trudged through icy streets, wrapped in thick cloaks.

  The towers of Aurik blazed with firelight, warming the frostbitten air.

  Inside the royal palace, Prince Asser sparred with a wooden sword.

  His opponent: Admiral Sylvanas.

  Princess Kasra watched, sipping from a steaming cup.

  Laika smiled quietly.

  Jabir sat nearby, buried in scrolls.

  "Are you finished?" Laika asked.

  Jabir groaned.

  "Not even close...

  I want to run away.

  I hate this life."

  Laika chuckled, eyes drifting to Asser's training.

  Sylvanas moved with precision—dodging, striking, instructing.

  Kasra raised an eyebrow.

  "This is the new admiral?

  She's... formidable."

  Jabir laughed.

  "Isn't she?

  She led the army in the Luminous Tree village."

  Kasra smiled.

  Just then, Qadir arrived—arms full of pastries and warm food.

  "Break time!

  I brought something for everyone!"

  "Thank you!" Kasra beamed.

  Asser, drenched in sweat, handed off his sword to the guards.

  "Thank you, Admiral.

  I look forward to more training."

  "Of course," Sylvanas replied.

  "You've got the foundation.

  You just need refinement."

  They joined the others at the table.

  "Eat well, Your Highness," Qadir said.

  "You'll need your strength."

  "I'll make sure of it," Asser replied, sitting.

  Qadir departed.

  Asser's expression shifted.

  "I want a report on Leona's current state."

  Laika raised her hand—fiery runes shimmered in the air.

  "Also...

  Princess Sara.

  I want treatment for her as soon as possible.

  Any suggestions?"

  Laika sighed.

  "We're researching.

  But it'll take time.

  We need to rebuild the mage corps from scratch.

  I'm sorry, Your Highness."

  Asser waved gently.

  "It's alright.

  I'm the one to blame."

  "But—" Laika began.

  "We must find viable solutions."

  Jabir leaned forward.

  "I might have one.

  It's based on rumors, though..."

  Sylvanas frowned.

  "We can't send troops based on rumors."

  Asser nodded.

  "I understand."

  "What are you suggesting?" Laika asked.

  Jabir's voice lowered.

  "The Mercenary Guild.

  Why not send someone we trust to the surviving villages of the Luminous Tree?

  There are whispers of a fierce resistance...

  And someone with miraculous healing abilities."

  Laika closed her eyes, exhaling.

  "I doubt it.

  Especially after we lost the Luminous Tree."

  Sylvanas looked down at her hands.

  Asser clenched his fist.

  "All of this happened...

  And we did nothing.

  If my father were here...

  He wouldn't have let it unfold like this."