The Command Center in Peril
When the colossal form of the adult Shadow Demon Dragon tore through the sky—wrapped in soul-freezing abyssal chill and boundless draconic might—and descended with terrifying force onto the central plaza of Murest City, the entire city fell into an instant, deathly silence.
Soldiers on the walls stared dumbfounded, weapons nearly slipping from their hands. Troops rushing through the streets froze mid-step in horror. At the floor-to-ceiling windows of the command tower, Elf Queen Sylvia Sunshine, Beast King Nuti Ursa, Dwarf King Secret Forging Titan, the Xuanjia Elder, Human King Aldrich, and the newly arrived Sea Clan Queen—Yulena Vortex Tide—in her flowing scale armor of shifting light, all had their pupils contract sharply. Their hearts were gripped by that overwhelming dragon might!
Until they clearly saw the familiar yet weathered and powerfully transformed figures on the dragon's back.
"It's them! Arya! Kayla! TISK! They've returned!" Elf Queen Sylvia was the first to recognize them; her emerald eyes burst with joy and disbelief.
The Shadow Demon Dragon let out an extremely impatient low growl, twin jets of frost-laced breath erupting from its nostrils. Salsa's weakened soul form clung to the back of its neck, forcibly soothing the irritable abyssal dragon. The group quickly dismounted; Kayla and TISK carefully supported Kael and the other battle-scarred survivors.
"Salsa, let it… rest," Arya said worriedly, looking at Salsa's violently fluctuating soul form. Salsa nodded with difficulty. Using the contract, she guided the dragon. Its enormous body slowly shrank and faded within thick shadow and chilling mist, finally dissolving into a wisp of dark light that merged deep into Salsa's soul. Her soul form instantly dimmed, becoming almost transparent. The mechanical cat shell automatically approached; she weakly merged back into it. The amber glow in its eyes appeared utterly exhausted.
"Father!" Kayla supported the pale but resolute Kael and strode toward the stunned Beast King Nuti Ursa. The Beast King stared at his long-lost general—Kael, the "Thunder Claw General" of the Roaring Claw Empire, presumed dead after ten years on a secret mission—along with two equally maimed but still proud beastman vice-commanders. His tiger-like eyes instantly reddened.
"Kael… Batak… Groms!" Nuti Ursa's voice trembled with emotion. He strode forward, ignoring the dust and wounds on Kael, and performed the most solemn beastman salute—both fists slamming heavily against his own chest with a thunderous thud. "Muret bears witness! The glory of Roaring Claw shall never fade! Welcome home, my brothers!" Behind him, beastman commanders saluted in unison, eyes filled with respect and renewed vigor. The return of the old general was an immense boost to the beastmen's flagging morale.
On the other side, Yuyuer hurried toward the regal Sea Clan Queen—Yulena Vortex Tide—in her flowing light-scale armor. The queen looked at her son; deep concern and lingering fear in her abyss-like eyes finally transformed into relief and pride at his safe return. She opened her arms and pulled Yuyuer tightly into her embrace.
"Mother…" Yuyuer's voice cracked. In her mother's warm, powerful embrace, the hardships and exhaustion of the journey seemed to finally find solace.
"You're back, my child. The sea is proud of your courage." Queen Yulena's voice was gentle yet firm.
Strategic Meeting: The Fangs of Doomsday Rebirth and the Split Deployment
The atmosphere was briefly filled with the joy of reunion and emotion, but the urgency of the war quickly dragged reality back. Elf Queen Sylvia Sunshine stepped forward with a smile:
"Welcome back—but where is Lady Fa?"
Arya spoke for the returning team and delivered critical intelligence about Doomsday Rebirth:
"Your Majesties, Elder. During our encounter in Rixi City, we met one of Doomsday Rebirth's ten leaders—Rhea Medusa. She is confirmed to be one of the five Successors of the Star Heart. Her purpose in joining Doomsday Rebirth was unique. She has now left the organization and assisted us in obtaining the final star fragment. Fa is currently under her guidance, undergoing the critical Star Heart awakening ritual in a safe location. Rhea Medusa's departure means Doomsday Rebirth currently has only nine leaders active on the front lines."
This news electrified the six leaders. The removal of one unfathomably powerful Star Successor-level enemy was an enormous advantage.
According to Rhea Medusa, the one controlling the vines is called **Mandras, Lord of Vines**. He can transform vines into living weapons, devour earth energy, and regenerate infinitely. There is also another—**Maris**—one of the ten leaders. His main body is composed of flowing ghostly-blue and dark-gold living metal, capable of switching between humanoid and various combat forms. No face—only a constantly shifting geometric core optical sensor. His technology fuses bio-metal with magitech circuits. He is said to be remotely controlling massive mechanical armies.
After understanding this, the leaders showed the returning group the enormous holographic star map suspended in the depths of the command hall, clearly displaying the shocking war situation.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Elf Queen Sylvia Sunshine, as the nominal supreme commander of the Alliance, spoke in a clear, grave tone. "The situation we face is even more dire than anticipated. Let me summarize the key points."
The holographic map rapidly zoomed in, focusing on the western and northern fronts of the Muret Continent.
1. Sea Clan Entry into the War
Sea Queen Yulena Vortex Tide's voice rolled like deep-ocean waves:
"We thank the Alliance for its acceptance. The Vortex Sacred Domain, together with allied sea clans, has officially joined the war. 250,000 sea clan troops are now fully counterattacking the western and northern coastal ports and cities occupied by Doomsday Rebirth, pinning down their naval forces."
On the map, blue arrows representing the sea clan clashed fiercely with crimson Doomsday Rebirth zones along the coast.
2. The Vine Threat from the West
Sylvia pointed to the dark-green areas spreading inland, representing the Blight Vines.
"The three-colored Blight Vines are expanding far faster than expected. They are spreading like plague from the northwest and southwest toward the southeastern heartland. If Cinder Moon City and Steelforge City fall, the vines will march straight on Murest City! We must hold the enemy main force at these two cities and buy time to clear the vines!"
3. Cinder Moon City in Peril (Western Front)
Beast King Nuti Ursa pointed at the crimson dot marking Cinder Moon City, face ashen:
"One of Doomsday Rebirth's ten—Cthulhu (Soul-Body Clan)! He commands endless legions of fallen soldiers and civilians turned into undead, marching on Cinder Moon City! Our traitor Shux (beastman) and that insidious Virginia (human female) lead variant soldier legions in support. They will begin the siege tomorrow! Shux knows our tactics; Virginia's strategies are unpredictable; Cthulhu's undead are nearly impossible to eradicate completely! The outer defenses are already lost!"
4. Steelforge City in Crisis (Northern Front)
Dwarf King Secret Forging Titan's beard bristled with rage as he pointed at another crimson dot in the north:
"My clan's traitor—Shadow Wolf (dwarf)! He's colluded with Siste (blood elf) and Wing Seris (winged female)! Siste's blood magic is utterly evil—her blood elves can strengthen enemies, curse our forces, even drain life directly! Wing Seris leads variant and rebel winged legions that darken the sky. With Shadow Wolf supplying fortress weak points and vast war machines, they are closing on Steelforge City! Our defenses face unprecedented pressure!"
His voice carried the pain and fury of betrayal.
5. The Hidden Shadow
Human King Aldrich spoke gravely:
"According to the intelligence you just provided and earlier reports, Doomsday Rebirth's true mastermind—Roman Chronos—the mysterious mechanical being Maris—and the biochemical改造 specialist 'Dr. Zheng'—remain unlocated. They are likely hidden in the rear, orchestrating everything and preparing an even greater scheme."
Split Deployment and Swift Reinforcement
After the briefing, the six rulers decided to split forces. At all costs, they must hold these two crucial fortresses, halt the Blight Vines' advance toward the heartland, and buy time to reorganize the front!
"Agreed!" Beast King Nuti Ursa slammed the table. "Cinder Moon City is the heart of my Roaring Claw Empire! I will personally lead the beastman legions and all nearby mobilizable forces to reinforce it! Kael, Batak, Groms—my brothers, your experience is vital. I need you!"
He looked at Kael, Batak, and Groms. Though weakened, their eyes remained sharp; they straightened proudly:
"We will shed our last drop of blood for the Empire!"
"Steelforge City must not fall!" Dwarf King Secret Forging Titan roared. "Steelforge Alliance Legions—with me to the north! I will personally shove that traitor Shadow Wolf's head into the furnace!"
TISK's beard bristled; he slammed Earthshaker down:
"I'll let those metal heaps and blood mages taste dwarven fury—ice and fire both!"
"Then what about the rest of the returnees?" Elf Queen Sylvia looked toward Arya and the others. "Your strength is vital. Please assist us in stabilizing the front."
Arya and her companions exchanged a quick glance—no words needed; understanding was already complete. Arya stepped forward and spoke clearly:
"Your Majesty the Queen, honored leaders. Cinder Moon City faces undead legions, variant soldiers, and beastman traitors. Salsa's Shadow Demon Dragon and necromantic magic can contend with the undead; Kayla's thunder-frost power and battlefield instincts, combined with General Kael's experience, can effectively strike traitor Shux's beastman forces; Yuyuer's sea clan magic and purification, Lin Ya's natural healing and environmental control, and Zhamisi's deadly poison and mobility will all shine on the complex undead battlefield. After discussion, Salsa, Kayla, Yuyuer, Zhamisi, Lin Ya, and General Kael will accompany His Majesty Nuti to reinforce Cinder Moon City!"
She paused, then continued:
"Steelforge City faces mechanical legions, variant winged troops, blood magic, and dwarf traitors. Celestia's extreme wind-thunder speed, Rex's high-tech and nano-swarms, and TISK's runic forging and ice-fire explosions are perfect counters to machines, winged foes, and blood-magic arrays. My own light-dark arrows can target various enemies effectively. The four of us—Arya, Celestia, Rex, and TISK—will accompany His Majesty Secret Forging Titan to reinforce Steelforge City!"
This split deployment perfectly matched battlefield conditions with team members' abilities—logical and reasonable. After brief consideration, the six leaders nodded in agreement.
"Good! It's settled!" Beast King Nuti Ursa acted decisively. "Kael, Batak… Groms—with me to muster the troops! We depart in half an hour—destination: Cinder Moon City! Little ones, follow!"
He waved grandly and led the three returning heroes, Kayla, and the others out of the hall in a whirlwind.
"TISK—to the armory! Give Earthshaker and the lads one final upgrade! We need the strongest spears!" Dwarf King Secret Forging Titan roared at TISK, then looked at Arya, Celestia, and Rex. "You three prepare as well! Steelforge's forges await quenching in enemy blood!"
"In half an hour—we march north to Steelforge City."
The hall was left with only the Elf Queen, Human King,Xuanjia Elder, Sea Queen, and Yuyuer, Zhamisi, and Lin Ya—who needed a brief rest before joining the beastman contingent.
"Your Majesty Yulena, the coastal battles—we entrust them to the Sea Clan," Elf Queen Sylvia said solemnly, bowing to the Sea Queen.
"Rest assured, Queen Sunshine. The sea's wrath will drown all invaders." Queen Yulena Vortex Tide returned the bow elegantly, then looked at Yuyuer with love and expectation. "Yuyuer, my son—protect yourself, and protect your companions. Let the land-dwellers witness the might of the sea clan."
"Yes, Mother!" Yuyuer nodded firmly.
Human King Aldrich gazed at the dark-green vine spread on the hologram, deeply worried:
"Elder Xuanjia, the defense of Murest City and stopping the vines fall to you. Coordinate everything."
The Xuanjia Elder slowly nodded, wisdom and resolve shining in his eyes:
"This old one accepts the duty. We will mobilize every resource, fortify the city perimeter, and prevent vine incursion. At the same time, we will intensify the search for Roman Chronos and the others. May the grace of the Muret Continent protect the brave on the front lines—and you as well… and may it protect Fa, who is awakening."
Visions of the Future Amid Chaos
Meanwhile, the light of the twelve star fragments reached its zenith and began slowly merging into Fa's outline—no longer mere energy washing over her. Almost simultaneously, the five Successors withdrew their hands.
"Guidance complete." Saladin's voice carried a faint, almost imperceptible weariness; the sandstone platform slowly retracted.
"The rest is up to you, little one," Lantis rumbled; the runes on his carapace dimmed.
"Facing the primal essence directly is both ascension and annihilation," Villanette said coolly. Her midnight twelve wings fluttered slightly; her ice-blue eyes swept over the figure writhing in agony within the light pillars, tone indifferent.
"Hmph. Don't die and waste our effort," Casa del muttered from beneath his hood; the ghostly green soulfire flickered. Eternal Night let out a low growl.
"Hahaha! Hold on, Star-Eyed Daughter! Don't let this grand show end so soon!" Rhea Medusa laughed heartily, casually flicking her hand as though the earlier exertion meant nothing.
With those words, the five Successors vanished without trace—like ink dissolving into water—silently fading from the stellar space. Only Fa remained, suspended alone at the stellar core, completely engulfed by the twelve now-unguided, violently clashing and fusing primal torrents!
Even more ferocious pain surged over her like a tsunami! Without external forceful harmonization, the twelve essences within her rampaged like unleashed beasts—crashing, tearing, annihilating, and reforming throughout her limbs, meridians, and soul sea! Her star eyes became an overloaded furnace; the twelve colors spun madly in ultimate chaos, yet began—through incomprehensible, profound trajectories—to forcibly rotate, compress, and fuse! Each fusion triggered soul-level explosions, pushing her consciousness toward the brink of disintegration.
"AAAHHH——!!!"
Fa's scream echoed in the void, unanswered. Only the endless stars watched coldly over this solitary metamorphosis. Success—she would wield the Star Heart and turn the tide. Failure—she would become nothing more than insignificant dust in this star sea. Her consciousness rose and fell amid agony and chaos, held together only by a single, deeply imprinted obsession: protect Arya, protect her companions, protect this world—like the last stubborn spark refusing to extinguish in a raging storm.