The five main warriors of the Hinoken army, known as the Cobalt Flames, gathered in the meeting room of Mizuki's underground shelter. After a sleepless night organizing the shelter and patrolling the city in search of remaining Sombros, they could finally sit — or, in Ryu's case, continue standing — and discuss the events of the previous day.
Four of them — Daiki, Shiro, Hana, and Emi — were seated around the round table in the center of the room. Ryu remained standing, as always. It wasn't just a habit; sitting made him restless, as if it meant lowering his guard. And at that moment, he couldn't afford to.
— I called you here to go over the latest instructions from the provincial governor — Ryu began, his hands firmly on the table. — The mayor, his deputy, the staff, and the entire guard hid in the city hall's underground shelter during the attack. They'll stay there until the gas is released throughout the city. The governor asked us to oversee this shelter until the mayor returns. For now, everything seems under control here... but I wonder if there are still unprotected citizens out there.
— Apparently not — Emi replied, having led the rescue team. — We found no more humans on the streets. The gas will be released in about an hour, around eight. There are still likely many Sombros hiding. — She blinked slowly, struggling against exhaustion after a sleepless night.
— I positioned archers on the borders of Mizuki. They're preventing any Sombros from escaping to other cities — added Hana, massaging her temples. Her headache throbbed like fire trapped beneath her skin.
— And the hole in the barrier that caused all this? — Ryu turned to Daiki.
— The Veil Guardians managed to seal the barrier and contain the invasion. Many died in the attack, but the survivors claim the hole appeared from the other side of the border. It was instantaneous — in seconds, hundreds of Sombros crossed, as if they were prepared — reported Daiki, known as the Death Eye.
— I've thought about it. To me, there are only two possibilities: traitors... or an attack from another country — Ryu analyzed.
— If there are traitors, I'll find them. No matter the cost — promised Daiki, his cold, penetrating gaze unwavering. Even seated, he never let go of his rifle.
— I'd bet on an attack by Nordhavn or Xingguo — Hana said, crossing her arms on the table.
— But Nordhavn and Aokai have an alliance! That would be an outrageous betrayal! — exclaimed Shiro, the group's swordsman.
— Everyone knows the king of Nordhavn has a secret deal with the Nefari and has always wanted to expand his borders — Emi reflected. — It wouldn't be surprising if, after using Aokai to weaken Xingguo, he now wants to take our territory.
— The alliance between the two countries is just political convenience — said Hana. — It was established a century ago when Aokai was forced to accept it. Now that Nordhavn is the world's greatest power, it no longer needs us. It could easily discard the alliance and start a war.
Hana could still see the empty eyes of the child she couldn't save. Every step she took since then felt heavier.
— Or... — Everyone turned to Ryu, alert. — This could be Xingguo seeking revenge.
— What do you mean? — Shiro looked alarmed. — Xingguo is completely taken over by Nordhavn, under Nefari control. There are hardly any survivors left there. How could they organize such an attack?
— Don't underestimate the people of Xingguo — Ryu crossed his arms. — There's still a resistance. They lost their empire, but they master magic like no other.
— It's true — Emi nodded. — There was an almost successful revolt twenty-five years ago. After all this time, they may have devised something even more destructive.
— I doubt Xingguo has forgotten its thirst for revenge — murmured Daiki. — But we can't ignore the possibility of betrayal. Someone on our side might have allowed this breach.
— The Veil Guardians have always been arrogant. Perhaps promises of power seduced some of them — said Ryu, his voice weary. — They think they're superior. That might have made them vulnerable.
— The survivors need to be interrogated — suggested Daiki, with a grim smile. Despite the fatigue, he seemed ready to kill another hundred Sombros. — I'll take care of it myself.
— Did you see what they said on TV? They called it a magical failure — Shiro commented, stifling a yawn. — They told us the same, but there's never been a failure before. Good thing I suggested an investigation at the border.
— That squad was mine, don't forget — Daiki reminded him.
— Only because Ryu sent you... — Shiro grumbled.
— The authorities keep insisting on the magical failure — Emi said bitterly. — But everything reeks of political manipulation.
— The Guardians would never admit to a magical failure — Hana commented. — The fact that they're claiming it right away only proves they're hiding something. I doubt the hole came from outside, not with so many Sombros ready to cross.
— This needs to be thoroughly investigated. I've already informed the Emperor of the hypotheses. Now, we wait for orders — Ryu concluded.
Upon hearing the Emperor's name, everyone fell silent. The tension hung like smoke in the air. No one dared to break it… until Shiro did.
— Ughhh, my head's frying! — he exclaimed, running his gloved hands — still stained with Nefari blood — through his short hair. — Since this attack started, we haven't had a minute's rest. We scrambled the troops and flew here from the island!
— So what? We're the Cobalt Flames! What did you expect? Sunbathing all day and never facing an ambush? — Hana snapped.
— Honestly, I wouldn't mind a beach from time to time… — Shiro teased with a grin.
— Then leave the army, you idiot! — Hana slammed the table. — I still don't get how you became a Cobalt Flame!
From their first mission together, Hana couldn't stand Shiro. He almost compromised an ambush by improvising. Since then, everything about him irritated her — the way he talked, smiled, even breathed.
— Hana, you take Shiro too seriously — said Emi, trying to calm her.
— He has no warrior's posture! He doesn't take anything seriously! LOOK AT HIM!
Shiro had crossed his legs on the table, leaning back with his hands behind his head, eyes closed as if relaxing. A playful smile lingered on his lips.
— Shiro, this is a meeting. Compose yourself — ordered Ryu, voice calm, but too tired to break up another fight.
— Come on, Ryu. We haven't slept! As much as I love killing Nefari, I'm exhausted and covered in this stinking blood!
— Not that different from your usual smell... — Daiki muttered, sipping coffee he had taken from the corner machine.
— Oh, shut up!
— I think the meeting can be adjourned. We've got little time before supervising the gas release — said Emi, placing a hand on Hana's shoulder.
— Yes, you're right — Ryu agreed. — Rest until I call you again.
— Woohooo! — Shiro was the first to celebrate, dashing out of the room like lightning.
— So much patience needed…
— Hana rolled her eyes.
The others said their goodbyes and headed to their rooms. Ryu was the last to leave and locked the room behind him. He just needed a bath and something to eat before the next mission. But the possibility that Xingguo was behind the attack made his blood boil.
A flame of vengeance burned within him.
There were two things Ryu hated most in this world: the Nefari… and the resistance group from Xingguo that attacked Aokai when he was still a baby. He didn't know who was responsible yet — but he would find out. He would discover the name of the warrior from Xingguo who killed his father.
And kill him with his own hands.