Chapter 92 – Don’t Look at the Skies

The entire Luminous City stood on the brink of peace being shattered.

An uneasy tension had settled over the capital, spreading through its streets like an approaching storm. The usual sounds of merchants hawking their wares, carriages rattling along cobblestone roads, and civilians chatting in the plazas had given way to hurried footsteps, anxious whispers, and the sharp commands of Empyrean soldiers. Everywhere people looked, they saw armed men marching through the streets, their armor clanking with every step. The city gates had been sealed, and no one was permitted to enter or leave. Soldiers guarded every exit, from the massive gates that connected Luminous City to the outside world to the narrow bridges spanning its waterways. Even the sewers, normally ignored by the authorities except when maintenance was required, had been secured. Every tunnel, passageway, and possible escape route was under military surveillance.

The civilians scattered in every direction, desperate to return to the safety of their homes. At the markets, merchants hurriedly stuffed their goods into baskets and wooden crates, abandoning whatever they could not carry. Fresh produce rolled across the cobblestones as vendors overturned their own displays in their haste to pack up. The smell of freshly baked bread, roasted meat, and ripe fruit still lingered in the air, but the appetizing aromas were overshadowed by the pungent smell of sweat and dust stirred up by the frantic crowd. Carriages thundered down the roads, their wheels rattling violently over uneven stones as drivers shouted at pedestrians to get out of their way. Some civilians clutched their children by the hands, while others carried bundles of clothing and valuables against their chests. Doors slammed shut one after another, followed by the muffled sounds of wooden bolts sliding into place.

Most of the children remained oblivious to the danger. Some even pointed excitedly at the soldiers, mistaking the sudden military deployment for some grand spectacle. Others complained about being dragged away from their favorite shops, unaware of why their parents were suddenly so frightened. The adults, however, understood that something terrible was unfolding. They had seen the expressions on the soldiers' faces and heard the rumors spreading through the streets. Whatever had happened inside the Royal Palace was serious enough to bring the entire capital under military control. Nobody knew whether the danger would come from an invading army, a rebellion, or something far more sinister. Yet the uncertainty only made their fear worse.

Knights patrolled every major street and intersection, their armored boots striking the pavement with a steady rhythm. Their weapons remained within easy reach, and their eyes constantly scanned the surrounding buildings for suspicious movement. On every public bulletin board, fresh notices announced that martial law was now in effect. The official proclamations bore the royal seal, leaving little room for anyone to question their authority. A strict curfew had also been imposed, requiring all civilians to remain indoors from sunset until sunrise. Anyone caught wandering outside without authorization would be detained by the military. The notices fluttered in the evening breeze, their edges rustling against the wooden boards as people hurried past without stopping to read them. Most had already heard the news from their neighbors, and few needed another reminder that the capital was no longer safe.

As dusk deepened, another development drew the attention of anyone brave enough to look up at the sky.

Several winged figures appeared above Luminous City, their silhouettes gliding between the rooftops and the fading light. At first glance, they resembled angels descending from the heavens, their enormous wings spreading against the darkening clouds. However, the metallic gleam of their bodies and the unnatural precision of their movements revealed their true nature. These were not divine messengers, but Halochassis, the legendary power armors worn by the Celestial Wardens and other elite warriors. Their wings beat against the air with a mechanical hum, while glowing lines of mana illuminated their armor like veins of light. Some circled the city from above, while others descended toward strategic locations, establishing a perimeter around the capital.

By the time night fell, nearly all the deployed Halochassis had assembled around Cathedral Exa. Their luminous wings and glowing armor pieces transformed the surrounding landscape into a battlefield beneath the stars. Some hovered high above the cathedral's towering spires, their silhouettes barely visible against the darkness. Others stood upon the surrounding grounds, their weapons ready and their attention fixed on the enormous religious structure. The faint hum of their mana reactors blended with the rush of the night wind, creating an ominous chorus that echoed across the empty streets. From a distance, the cathedral still looked magnificent, its stone walls and elaborate architecture illuminated by scattered lamps. Yet the presence of so many armed Halochassis made it appear less like a sacred sanctuary and more like a fortress awaiting its inevitable siege.

Then, three particular Halochassis arrived.

Apollyon, Azazel, and Zaquel approached the assembled forces, their powerful wings cutting through the night air. The surrounding Halochassis adjusted their positions to accommodate the newcomers, opening a path through the formation. Apollyon and Zaquel maintained their altitude as they moved into their assigned positions, but Azazel continued ascending until it towered above them all. Its dark armor absorbed much of the surrounding light, while the reddish-purple gem embedded in its left glove glimmered ominously. The energy flowing through its wings cast faint crimson and violet reflections across its black and gold plating, giving the machine an almost demonic appearance against the moonlit sky.

Inside Azazel's cockpit, Shin Rebellium stared quietly before the control interface. The steady vibration of the power armor traveled through his skin, while the faint glow of the instruments illuminated his face. He could feel the enormous machine responding to his commands, its systems operating in perfect synchronization with his movements. Beyond the cockpit, countless Halochassis stood ready to carry out his orders. Every one of them had been positioned for a reason, and every movement had been calculated in advance. Shin had no intention of allowing Alexander Goldheart to escape through the confusion of the coming battle.

He activated Azazel's external loudspeakers.

A deep mechanical hum spread across the cathedral grounds before his voice thundered through the night, reaching the surrounding streets and buildings.

"Alexander Goldheart! Your evil reign is about to end. For killing the First Prince, you are hereby sentenced to die. Surrender yourself before midnight, or the entire cathedral shall collapse with you!"

His declaration echoed between the buildings, reverberating through the empty streets before fading into the distance. Several civilians who had been peering through their windows froze at the sound. Others cautiously opened their shutters, only to stare in disbelief at the enormous winged machines surrounding Cathedral Exa. Even the soldiers stationed throughout the city heard the announcement. Some exchanged uneasy glances, while others tightened their grips on their weapons. The accusation was clear, and its implications were impossible to ignore. Alexander Goldheart, the celebrated hero who had once been hailed as one of the world's greatest saviors, was being publicly accused of murdering the First Prince.

Shin knew that his words would spread throughout Luminous City before the night was over. Even if he and his allies fell in battle, the accusation would remain. The Celestial Wardens had spent years building their reputation as the heroes who saved the world from the Demon King. Their names had become symbols of hope, their victories had been celebrated in countless stories, and their authority had been accepted by millions who believed that such legendary figures could do no wrong. Yet a single revelation could shatter that carefully maintained image. If the people learned that one of their beloved heroes had murdered a member of the royal family, they would begin questioning everything they had been taught to believe.

That was precisely what Shin wanted.

He did not merely intend to defeat Alexander. He wanted to destroy the legacy of the Celestial Wardens, ensuring that their supposed heroism would never again be accepted without question. Even if Alexander managed to survive the coming confrontation, the damage to his reputation and that of his fellow Wardens might already be irreversible. The people could no longer pretend that their heroes were infallible. They would have to confront the possibility that the very individuals they had worshipped were capable of committing the same atrocities as the villains they claimed to oppose.

Above the cathedral, the Halochassis continued to glow against the night sky like an artificial constellation. Their luminous wings and mana-powered armor illuminated patches of the surrounding rooftops, while their pilots watched the cathedral from every conceivable angle. No movement went unnoticed. Every entrance was monitored, every potential escape route was guarded, and every suspicious disturbance would be reported immediately. With Luminous City under lockdown and the entire area surrounding Cathedral Exa occupied by Shin's forces, Alexander's freedom of movement had been severely restricted.

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Back at the Adventurers' Guild, chaos was beginning to spread among the gathered adventurers. The usual sounds of laughter, dice rolling across wooden tables, and mugs clinking against one another had been replaced by heated arguments and the clatter of weapons being drawn from their racks. Adventurers hurriedly strapped on their armor, tightened the belts around their waists, and checked their weapons before heading toward the exits. Some had already gathered their belongings, while others were still arguing over the rumors spreading throughout Luminous City. The air smelled of leather, sweat, and steel, and the growing tension made every conversation sound louder than it should have.

"Have you heard? Alexander Goldheart apparently killed the First Prince!" one adventurer shouted, attracting the attention of several nearby tables.

"Impossible! The Chosen One would never do something like that!" another adventurer retorted. He slammed his palm against the table, rattling the empty mugs and causing a few nearby patrons to flinch.

"That's right! Maybe the First Prince attacked him first. We've heard rumors that the prince was the one who created the Halochassis!" a third adventurer added. "What if he was planning to use those things against the Celestial Wardens?"

"There's also those mass-produced Archangels!" someone else called out from the crowd. "It's definitely Empyrea that's in the wrong! Why else would the royal family build an army of those machines?"

The rumors spread like wildfire, each retelling becoming more outrageous than the last. Nobody seemed particularly interested in finding out what had actually happened inside the Royal Palace. Instead, the adventurers were already choosing sides, convinced that the accusations against Alexander were nothing more than an excuse for the kingdom to turn against them. For many of them, the Celestial Wardens were more than just powerful heroes. They were living proof that adventurers could rise above their humble origins and become legends in their own right.

"Those damn imbecile NPCs!" one adventurer snarled as he grabbed his battle axe from beside his chair. His fingers tightened around the wooden handle until his knuckles turned pale. "They'll learn what happens when they mess with heroes like us!"

"Let's go! Let's kill those armored bastards!" another adventurer roared.

His shout was met with cheers from the surrounding tables. Several men raised their swords, axes, and spears, while others pounded their fists against their breastplates. The noise grew so loud that the wooden rafters overhead seemed to tremble with every collective shout. Some adventurers wore expressions of genuine anger, while others grinned with the excitement of people who believed they were about to participate in a grand battle. A few had even begun boasting about how many Halochassis they intended to destroy, despite having never fought one before.

Behind the guild counter, Ariel watched the commotion with growing dread. Her hands rested on the polished wooden surface, and her fingers nervously curled against its edge as she struggled to find the right words. She had spent years working at the Adventurers' Guild, greeting newcomers, processing quests, and treating the adventurers who came through its doors as more than just customers. They were her coworkers, her friends, and the people she had come to know through countless ordinary days. She remembered their laughter after successful quests, their complaints over disappointing rewards, and the way they would return to the guild battered and exhausted, only to boast about their adventures over drinks.

Now, those same people were preparing to march into a battle they barely understood.

"Everybody, calm down!" Ariel cried, raising her voice above the din. "Please! We don't even know the whole story yet!"

Her plea barely reached the ears of those standing closest to her. The adventurers were already too consumed by their anger to listen. Some continued discussing their plans, while others hurried toward the entrance to join the growing crowd outside. Ariel tried again, leaning forward over the counter as she watched familiar faces pass by without even glancing in her direction.

"Please, everyone! Think about what you're doing!"

But her words fell on deaf ears. The adventurers had already made up their minds, and no amount of pleading from a guild receptionist would convince them otherwise.

"We will protect the Celestial Wardens!" one warrior declared, raising his sword above his head. "Kill the Halochassis! Destroy Empyrea's tyranny against us adventurers!"

"Kill them all!" another shouted.

"For justice!"

"For our freedom!"

The war cries erupted throughout the guild, drowning out every remaining attempt at reason. The adventurers surged toward the entrance, their boots thundering against the wooden floorboards. Armor scraped against armor, weapon sheaths rattled against belts, and the heavy doors groaned as the first wave pushed through them. Those who had been sitting quietly in the corners quickly gathered their equipment and joined the procession, swept along by the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Within minutes, the Adventurers' Guild had begun to empty. The tables were left with abandoned mugs, scattered playing cards, and half-eaten meals. A chair lay overturned near the entrance, while a few loose coins glimmered beneath a bench where someone had dropped them in the rush. Through the open doorway, Ariel could hear the distant roar of the departing adventurers as their voices merged with the commotion filling the streets of Luminous City.

She remained behind the counter, staring at the emptying hall with trembling hands.

The last time she had witnessed adventurers behaving like this was during the Demon King's invasion. Back then, the danger had been obvious. Demons had poured into the capital, slaughtering civilians and setting buildings ablaze, leaving the surviving adventurers with little choice but to take up their weapons. They had fought together because the enemy threatened everyone, regardless of their status or profession. The distinction between hero and villain had seemed clear, and the people of Luminous City had stood united against a common enemy.

But this time was different.

There were no demons marching through the streets, no monstrous creatures tearing apart buildings, and no foreign army laying siege to the capital. Instead, the people who had once fought side by side were preparing to slaughter one another over accusations, loyalties, and the belief that some lives mattered more than others.

Ariel swallowed the lump in her throat as the realization settled over her.

This was no longer a battle between good and evil. It was adventurers against NPCs, and neither side seemed willing to consider what would happen when the fighting began.

Amid the sea of adventurers rushing out of the guild, however, one woman moved in the opposite direction.

She wore a black cloak that concealed most of her body, its hood pulled low enough to obscure her face. While everyone else hurried toward the streets, eager to join the coming battle, she walked calmly against the current. The adventurers brushed past her shoulders, their armor clanking as they jostled one another, but she never once stumbled or changed her pace. She seemed completely detached from the excitement around her, as though the impending war had nothing to do with her.

Ariel barely noticed her at first. She was too busy watching the adventurers leave, wondering how many of them would return alive. Then, as the cloaked woman approached the counter, a few strands of golden hair slipped out from beneath the hood.

Ariel froze.

Those long, golden locks were unmistakable.

"Wait, you're..." she muttered, leaning forward as the woman raised her head slightly. The hood revealed a pair of sharp elf ears, followed by a familiar face that Ariel had not expected to see again so soon.

The woman sat down in front of the counter and lowered her hood. Her long golden hair spilled over her shoulders, catching the warm light of the guild's lamps. Her emerald eyes, usually filled with confidence and gentle warmth, now carried a heaviness that made Ariel's chest tighten. There was something different about her expression, something that suggested she had already made a decision from which there would be no turning back.

"Ariel," the woman said quietly. "I would like to buy ten mana potions and ten health potions. Please give me the highest quality ones you have."

"Lena..."

Ariel's voice faltered. Tears immediately gathered in her eyes as she stared at Lireina Ashford, the woman she had come to know and cherish. For a moment, she wanted to reach across the counter and grab Lireina's hands, demanding an explanation for why she had returned in such a state. She wanted to ask where she had been, what had happened, and why she looked as though she were preparing to say goodbye.

But Lireina was waiting for her order.

Ariel wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and turned toward the shelves behind the counter. Her movements were clumsy as she retrieved the potions, each glass bottle producing a faint clink when she placed it on the counter. The mana potions glowed with a soft blue radiance, their liquid swirling gently whenever the bottles moved. The health potions possessed a deep crimson hue, and the sharp medicinal scent escaping their sealed containers mingled with the herbal fragrance of the guild's storage shelves.

She arranged the twenty bottles in a wooden rack and slid it toward Lireina.

"Here they are," Ariel said, struggling to keep her voice steady.

"Thank you."

Lireina carefully transferred the potions into her backpack, checking each bottle before securing it inside. The quiet clinking of glass filled the space between them, while the last few adventurers continued rushing past the entrance. Neither woman spoke for a while. Ariel wanted to ask questions, but the words refused to come. She had known Lireina long enough to recognize when the elf had something weighing heavily on her mind, and the expression on her face suggested that whatever it was could not be resolved through a simple conversation.

Finally, Lireina raised her head.

"Ariel..."

"Yes?"

"Please close the windows of the guild." Lireina paused, glancing toward the tall windows overlooking the street. "And please tell everyone that they must never look at the sky."

Ariel blinked in confusion.

"The sky? Why?"

Lireina lowered her gaze to the counter. Her fingers rested against the edge of her backpack, gripping the fabric tightly enough to wrinkle it. For a moment, she seemed to struggle with the words she wanted to say. The sounds of departing adventurers drifted through the open doorway, growing fainter as the crowd moved farther down the street.

"Is there someone you hate so much that you want to kill them?" Lireina asked.

The unexpected question left Ariel speechless.

"I used to think that kind of hatred was unacceptable," Lireina continued. "I believed that killing someone was an evil deed, something that would make us no different from the demons who once ransacked our world. I thought that no matter how terrible a person was, we should never allow hatred to decide what we do."

She slowly lifted her eyes toward Ariel. The emerald irises that had once reflected the warmth of the sun now seemed cold and distant, as though a part of her had already departed from the world she knew.

"But now..." Lireina's voice trembled. "Now, hatred is the only thing guiding me."

She drew a slow breath, but it did little to steady her.

"Right now, I am going to fight someone with the intention of killing them. I know what that means. I know that once I do it, I can never take it back. No matter what excuses I make afterward, I will still have chosen to become a murderer."

Ariel's eyes widened as she began to understand what Lireina was telling her. The elf had not returned to the guild simply to purchase supplies. She was preparing herself for a confrontation, one that she fully expected to end with someone's death.

"And I will be doing it in the skies above Luminous City," Lireina whispered. "So please, Ariel. Tell everyone not to look up. Close the windows, draw the curtains, and keep the children indoors. Whatever happens tonight, they should not have to witness it."

"Lena, you shouldn't..." Ariel began, her voice breaking. She wanted to tell Lireina that there had to be another way, that she did not have to shoulder this burden alone. Yet the words sounded hollow even before she could finish speaking. She had never seen Lireina look so determined, nor had she ever heard such sorrow in the voice of the woman who had once inspired so many people with her courage.

Before Ariel could continue, Lireina reached into her cloak and retrieved a crumpled piece of paper.

She placed it on the counter.

The paper had been folded several times, leaving deep creases across its surface. Its edges were worn, and a few faint smudges marked the handwriting. Ariel recognized the familiar script almost immediately, and her breath caught in her throat as she began reading the message.

It was written by Croft.

Lena, if you are reading this, I'm already dead. Killed by Azazel. You don't have to avenge me. You don't have to forgive him, either. No matter what happens from now, I hope it will be something you won't regret. I just want to tell you that I will always love you, my best friend.

Ariel's fingers trembled as she reached the final sentence. The words blurred before her tear-filled eyes, and she had to blink several times before she could read them again. Croft had always been a stubborn woman, someone who could argue with anyone and somehow make even the most unpleasant situations feel bearable through sheer determination. To see her thoughts reduced to a few lines on a crumpled piece of paper was almost unbearable.

She slowly raised her head.

Lireina stood silently before her, her expression unreadable. Yet her hands had begun to shake, and she pressed them against the straps of her backpack as though the simple act of holding on to something could keep her from falling apart.

For a long moment, neither woman spoke.

Then Lireina carefully folded the paper and tucked it away. She pulled her hood over her golden hair, hiding the expression on her face once more.

Ariel wanted to stop her. She wanted to call for help, to find someone who could persuade Lireina to abandon whatever terrible plan she had set in motion. But she knew that the woman standing before her had already made her choice.

And somewhere above Luminous City, beneath a sky filled with glowing Halochassis, that choice was about to bring unimaginable consequences.