In the year 422 AD, one year after Avia returned to the Western Roman capital of Milan, a conflict was unfolding in Gaul, within the Alps of Western Rome.
The current Governor of Gaul was leading the local Roman army to suppress a rebellion—the first in many years.
And above the silver sky and the blinding, snow-white earth, clusters of those discontent with the current order squatted on the steep western slopes.
As early as the late 2nd century, even before the empire formally split, Rome's socio-economic structure had already begun to show serious cracks.
Long-term monopolization of the Mediterranean's vast resources had gradually led the core population into decadence. From urban citizens enjoying bread and public welfare to veterans granted land and pensions, all were burning through massive resources at an unsustainable pace. Had it not been for the Mediterranean's efficient sea trade, Rome's reformed administrative system, and the rise of Christian faith, the empire may have collapsed just decades after its founding.
Even with continued church support, increasing corruption steadily eroded those welfare systems. As wealth inequality grew, the number of people living in extreme poverty began rising at a geometric rate.
And so, 27 years after the empire's division, the now-isolated Western half, long separated from the East, was ripe for revolt. Under the covert instigation of some Clock Tower members, Dead Apostles, and even certain Germanic tribes, a rebellion broke out almost naturally.
It would later be called the Bagaudae Movement.
The Governor of Gaul, unaware he was walking into a trap, was utterly defeated. The rebels seized large quantities of weapons and armor from the regular army. With the church's British branch completely annihilated, local tribes that had long suffered exploitation began conspiring with the remaining fantasy species, while Germanic tribes on the borders provided external support.
As a result, Gaul, the birthplace of the Bagaudae, faced no serious threats to its rear.
When word of the uprising reached the top echelons of the Western Roman Empire, Avia, who was staying in Milan alongside Attila, realized that their "hostage life" was officially over.
At the time, the Western Roman Emperor, Valentinian III, was only three years old. Real control of the empire lay with the pro-secessionist Church Headquarters in Rome.
Upon hearing of the Bagaudae movement, the Cardinal of Milan immediately mobilized what remained of the Praetorian Guard—Rome's elite central legion.
Thanks to the reforms by Novia and Lucius decades prior, this Guard—rotated every three years from provinces across the empire—retained a devout Christian faith and limited worship of Mars. After all these years, it remained Rome's most powerful fighting force.
At the same time, Attila and Avia were released, while Aetius, the Hunnic "hostage," was summoned back to command the Guard and suppress the rebellion.
Aetius, who joined the military as a child, had risen quickly through the ranks due to his talent. A devout believer, he was chosen to be the future commander. Under normal circumstances, someone like him would never have been sent as a "hostage" to the so-called barbarians.
Yet, just like Attila, who would be called the "Scourge of God", Aetius voluntarily went to the barbarian frontier.
In fact, the three of them had shared some time together—Aetius only left for the Huns after Attila and Avia had already arrived in the Western Empire.
"Forgetting how to protect oneself out of pride will one day lead Rome to taste the bitterness of defeat. This nation, now controlled by a church that's lost its roots, is doomed to fall. I can feel it... perhaps even within my lifetime,"
Aetius had once said to them in private—an outrageously bold remark, given the times.
Even so, he vowed to fight until the very end, never giving up hope. He would strive to find a way, even if it meant struggling to the death—just as their predecessors upheld their principles until the bitter end. Never yield to despair. Never betray the core of what it means to be human. Let that simple ideal called "good" be carried forward.
It was a belief that deeply impressed Avia.
And he understood—Aetius was the last pillar holding up the tattered Western Roman Empire. But ironically, Avia's mission was to destroy it. Even if it meant killing everything in the process, the empire's rotted foundation could no longer be repaired.
There was no turning back—
Trample the world. Bring death.
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Whether it was the scripture-wielding Saint Mabel Kiara described by the Marshal of Magecraft, or the impending awakening of the Elder Dragon Typhon, or even Odin's warning about the breaking of ancient seals, Avia believed:
Of the three calamities, Typhon's revival was probably the easiest to deal with. It was still about two years away, but best to get it over with early.
And so, after leaving Milan, Avia told Attila to return ahead of him. He had matters to handle alone. The white-haired girl didn't press for answers—true to her nature. She merely left behind a parting phrase:
"Whatever. Just don't die."
And then walked off toward the Hunnic steppes without a second glance.
The Etna volcano in Sicily was erupting—lava and ash spewed violently into the air, flowing like rivers of fire, coloring the skies in a crimson hue.
This was the place where, in myth, Zeus slew and sealed away the primordial dragon Typhon.
Now, Mount Etna seemed to awaken in response to Avia's presence, rumbling as though about to erupt at any moment. Its black volcanic cone contrasted violently with the glowing lava, spreading a bloody red dawn across the sky.
A terrifying and ominous crimson horizon.
How powerful would a revived Typhon—complete with his original physical form—be in the post-Age-of-Gods era?
Avia figured: likely stronger than the Divine Vessel of Osiris, perhaps even able to go toe-to-toe with Albion, the pure-blood dragon of Britain.
But… was this the real Typhon, or just a fragment he had swallowed?
Too many unknowns.
With thoughts racing, Avia invoked Runes, enhancing his body—and began his descent toward the magma chamber deep within Mount Etna, where Typhon's body awaited.