The carriage rolled steadily across the frozen road, iron wheels crunching softly against packed snow. The sky above Cristal de Frost was pale, almost white, blending into the land itself. Frost-coated trees passed by like silent guards, their branches heavy with ice, unmoving.
Inside the carriage sat Yowai, Akani, and Lord Fuga.
The warmth inside was artificial—magic-heated—but the tension made the air feel colder than outside.
Then suddenly—
"HAHAHAHA!"
The loud, booming laughter shattered the quiet.
The carriage driver stiffened, eyes widening as he glanced nervously toward the sealed door behind him. Whatever was happening inside, it didn't sound normal. He tightened his grip on the reins and muttered a prayer under his breath.
Inside, Lord Fuga leaned back, head thrown slightly upward, laughing without restraint. His presence alone seemed to bend the air, even though he wasn't releasing his aura.
Akani flinched.
Yowai barely reacted—he was used to this by now.
Lord Fuga wiped an imaginary tear from his eye and spoke between chuckles.
"Akani froze solid when Flare moved, Yowai! Did you see her face?"
Akani snapped her head toward him.
"That was not fear," she said sharply. "I was analyzing the situation."
Lord Fuga grinned wider.
"Oh? From behind Yowai's shoulder?"
Akani crossed her arms.
"I was looking at the battlefield. Unlike you, I take fights seriously."
Yowai sighed quietly, staring out the carriage window. Snow blurred past his vision, but his mind wasn't there.
Lord Fuga leaned forward, pointing at Akani.
"Admit it, mortal. You froze."
Akani clenched her jaw.
"You're the one who distracted everyone!"
"Oh? And yet I didn't shake."
They started arguing—sharp words, quick jabs, familiar rhythm. This wasn't hostility. It was routine.
Yowai didn't hear most of it.
His thoughts drifted back to Sintsu.
To the blood-written message.
To the silence after.
What did you really mean…? he wondered.
Akani noticed his absence first.
She reached over and shook his shoulder.
"Master Yowai."
No response.
She shook him harder.
"Yowai!"
He blinked. "Huh—yeah. I'm here. I'm here."
Lord Fuga tilted his head, studying him.
"You drift too easily."
Yowai forced a small smile. "Just tired."
The carriage continued onward.
The towering spires of Cristal de Frost Palace soon came into view—white stone, crystal veins glowing faintly beneath the surface, ancient and proud.
Inside the grand council chamber, the atmosphere was anything but calm.
The King of Cristal de Frost sat at the head of the long table, his hands folded, his expression carved from stone. Around him stood advisors, priests, commanders.
Voices overlapped.
"The danger zones are expanding."
"Aura disturbances have doubled."
"Monster migration patterns are no longer natural."
One of the heads of war affairs stepped forward and bowed.
"My king, we must strengthen our aura defenses. Train the soldiers beyond standard limits. If the threat reaches the capital—"
The Head Priest raised his staff slightly.
"We should also consider alliances. The Kingdom of Liquid Hearts. The Kingdom of the Sun. United strength raises survival."
Murmurs followed.
The king nodded slowly.
"Agreed."
Then he added, voice firm, "Summon the generals. Eren. Four-Face. Aju."
"Yes, my king!" the room answered.
He continued, eyes narrowing.
"And… what of the new general? Yowai Sato. His mission in Sun—did he return?"
Before anyone could answer, the chamber doors creaked open.
A knight stepped in, breath steady but posture tense.
"He has returned, my king. Injured—but victorious."
"Victorious?" someone whispered.
The knight swallowed.
"He fought… Prince Flare."
The room exploded.
"A legendary monster?!"
"How is that possible?"
"That's a Holy Knight-level threat!"
A counselor slammed his staff against the floor.
"Impossible. Even a top knight would—"
The king raised one hand. Silence fell.
"Even the Top Three would need each other," he said calmly.
"…Which means the rank board must change."
The priest hesitated.
"My king… what are you planning?"
The king's gaze sharpened.
"You'll see… when everyone arrives."
Elsewhere in the palace—
The door swung open.
"YOWAI!"
Before he could react, Shizu launched herself at him, arms wrapping tightly around his neck.
"I missed you!" she cried. "Two weeks!"
Yowai staggered slightly. "Shizu—wait—"
"You didn't even come home!"
He hesitated. "Did you… ever leave?"
She smiled through tears.
"No. Your home is my home, Yowi-bu."
She leaned in to kiss him.
Yowai gently blocked her.
"Shizu—"
Behind them, Akani froze.
Something twisted in her chest. Sharp. Confusing. Unfamiliar.
She stepped forward.
"Get off my master."
Shizu blinked. "Excuse me?"
"No outsiders," Shizu snapped.
Akani lifted her chin.
"I'm his plus one. In battle."
(Then softly) "…and more."
Hair was pulled. Voices rose.
"Women," Lord Fuga muttered.
A messenger rushed in, bowing.
"General Yowai. The king summons you. Along with the Top Three."
Lord Fuga smiled.
"Oho. Promotion list?"
Yowai nodded slowly.
"I've never met them… but they're monsters."
Lord Fuga laughed.
"Then let's meet them."
Yowai and Fuga left as the girls kept fighting.
The palace hall filled.
The king stood.
"Enter."
"Top General Three — Hanuma Cold."
Aura heavy. Sharp.
"Top General Two — Frostbite."
The air itself reacted.
"Top General One — Lex Cage."
The room bowed instinctively.
Their presence alone crushed weaker wills.
The king spoke, praising each. Records. Feats. Legends.
Then—
"I will add a fourth."
Silence.
Lex's voice cut cold.
"Why?"
The king answered calmly.
"He defeated Prince Flare. Alone."
Shock.
"How?"
"No support."
The Top Three stiffened.
Lex growled.
"Then he stands above us."
Hanuma smiled.
"Number two, Lex."
Aura exploded.
The room shook.
Before fists collided—
"Sato Yowai."
Dust.
Silence.
Yowai stood between them, holding both fists.
No sweat.
At the door—
Lord Fuga smiled.
To be continued — Next Episode: JUDGE