《Cycle of the Eclipse》 Chapter 1: Beginning of the Cycle The war horn echoed through the desolate skies of Abyssia, its mournful cry reverberating across the ruined wasteland. Caelum groaned, shifting against the cold stone of the cave floor, rubbing the exhaustion from his eyes. His blonde hair is a mess. "Already?" he muttered, voice thick with irritation. "Didn¡¯t even get to sleep much..." It was always like this. Day after day, the war raged, a never-ending cycle of slaughter between Luminara and Nyxara. He had long since stopped caring who won or lost. It didn¡¯t matter to him. Yet, no matter how much he tried to stay out of their war, they refused to leave him alone. Luminara, a planet where people worship Aureon, Solmara and Vealis. While Nyxara is a planet where people worship Noctyss, Zareth and Erythos. Immortal being who is resistant to their own god¡¯s blessings but only fatal toward opposing god¡¯s blessings.They truly believe this war is a cycle of life and death that has created by their own 6 gods. ¡¯What a joke¡¯ Where are those so called ¡®gods¡¯ now? Abandon their people to their fates in this ridiculous cycle, just like my parents. Footsteps crunched against the dirt at the cave entrance when Caelum deep in thought. Caelum sighed, already knowing who it was before he even turned his head. Two figures stood at the threshold of his temporary sanctuary, bathed in the dim glow of the Abyssian sky. Lucielle and Varithra. Lucielle, a warrior of Luminara, stepped forward first. Aether shimmered in her grip, coalescing into a radiant blade of pure light. Aetherforging they called it, blessing from the Aureon, The radiant king himself. Her golden hair framed sharp yellow eyes filled with cold determination. Beside her, Varithra , a long black haired woman with a piercing violet eye symbolises her heritage from Nyxara. She remained still, her presence marked by the flickering violet-black fire swirling at her fingertips. The Entropic Flame cast eerie shadows against her dark hair. Entropic flame, blessing from Erythos, the dying flame. This flames has to power to erode almost everything, even the wielder¡¯s own life force. Luminara and Nyxara. Enemies, yet standing side by side. An odd sight to most, blasphemy to some, but to Caelum, this was nothing new. These two had hunted him for longer than he cared to count. He stretched lazily, rubbing the back of his neck. "How long are we going to keep up this foolishness ?" His voice was dry, uninterested. "You know you can¡¯t kill me." Lucielle¡¯s grip tightened on her sword. "Then we¡¯ll keep trying until you finally die." Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Varithra tilted her head, the embers in her hand flaring hotter. "One way or another, you¡¯ll break." Caelum sighed. "Guess we¡¯re doing this again." The battle began. Dark tendrils curled at Caelum¡¯s fingertips as he clenched his fist. The shadows around him twisted and coiled, taking shape¡ªsolidifying into a jagged, pitch-black sword. Umbracraft, a blessing from Noctyss, The veiled queen. Lucielle moved first. Her blade of light slashed toward him in a blinding arc, forcing him to react. Caelum barely brought his Umbracraft sword up in time, their weapons clashing with a burst of opposing energy. The impact sent vibrations through his arm, but he held firm. Lucielle¡¯s strikes were relentless, each one faster than the last, forcing him on the defensive. He blocked, parried, dodged¡ªbut he had to be careful. Varithra was watching. Waiting. A low hum filled the air. A warning. Instinct screamed at him to move. Caelum twisted just as a torrent of Entropic Flame roared past, searing the air where he had stood moments before. Even from a distance, the heat clawed at his skin. "Not bad, she getting better at this" he muttered, rolling away just in time to dodge another flaming projectile. Varithra remained further back, raising her hand to prepare another spell. She wasn¡¯t closing the distance¡ªof course she wouldn¡¯t. Her role was to keep him pressured while Lucielle kept him locked in melee. A good strategy. If only it could actually kill him. Lucielle lunged again, her sword a streak of golden radiance. Caelum twisted his grip, parrying the strike. He absorbed the momentum, spinning his weapon to counter, but she disengaged before he could follow through. Another flare of energy¡ªVarithra had finished casting. Caelum barely had time to react before a swirling mass of Entropic Flame hurtled toward him. He threw himself backward, rolling just as the explosion charred the ground where he had been. ¡®This is getting annoying¡¯ Caelum pushed himself up, gripping his Umbracraft sword tighter. He couldn¡¯t stay on the defensive forever. He needed to shift the fight in his favor. Lucielle moved in for another attack, but Caelum feigned a stumble, deliberately leaving an opening. She took the bait, lunging forward¡ª ¡ªand he vanished past her in an instant. "Varithra!" Lucielle shouted, but it was too late. Caelum closed the distance in a blink, his shadow-forged sword forming mid-swing. Varithra barely had time to react before the blade cut through her side. She gasped, staggering backward, the Entropic Flame flickering out. But she didn¡¯t fall¡ªnot yet. His Umbracraft blade, born from Nyxara¡¯s god blessing, could wound her, but it could never end her life. The pain was enough. Her strength failed her, and she collapsed to one knee. Lucielle was already moving, golden light flaring at her side. Caelum didn¡¯t hesitate. He dismissed his Umbracraft sword, and in the same breath, summoned a new blade¡ªa sword of pure Aether. Aetherforging. Lucielle¡¯s eyes widened in shock no matter how many times she saw him manipulate the blessings from both Luminara and Nyxara from their previous battles. He struck fast, the Aetherforged sword slamming into her shoulder. The impact sent her skidding back, forcing her to the ground. She groaned, her golden energy flickering weakly around her. Not fatal¡ªbut enough. Caelum dismissed his sword and stepped past them, heading for the cave¡¯s exit. "Why?" Lucielle¡¯s voice was sharp with anger. He paused. "You could have killed us. We deserve to die for the cycle " she snapped, struggling to lift herself. "You can switch blessing at will. You could have ended us both easily. So why always only knock us down?" Caelum turned slightly, meeting her fierce yellow gaze. Then, he smiled¡ªa weary, bitter smile. "Because my priority isn¡¯t killing you," he said simply. "It¡¯s killing myself." With that, he stepped into the wastelands of Abyssia, leaving them behind. He needed to find a new hiding spot. One that, hopefully, would last longer this time. Chapter 2: Clash of Wills The silence that followed Caelum¡¯s departure was heavy. Dust and embers lingered in the air, remnants of the battle that had just taken place. Lucielle and Varithra lay on the cold, scorched ground of Abyssia, their wounds already closing as their bodies mended themselves. Lucielle slowly pushed herself up, wincing slightly before brushing the dirt from her golden hair. She turned her sharp yellow eyes toward Varithra, who was already on her feet, her violet gaze fixed on the cave¡¯s entrance as if contemplating chasing after their elusive prey. But she didn¡¯t move. Instead, Lucielle broke the silence. ¡°The second horn hasn¡¯t sounded yet.¡± Her voice was steady but laced with tension. Varithra responded simply. ¡°Yeah.¡± There was no hesitation after that. Lucielle summoned her Aetherforged sword in an instant, its radiant glow illuminating the dim battlefield. With a swift motion, she lunged at Varithra, blade aimed straight for her chest. Varithra reacted just as quickly. She raised her hand, and in a surge of heat, a wall of Entropic Flame erupted between them, forcing Lucielle to halt her attack and adjust her stance. The flickering black fire cast eerie shadows over both warriors, their eyes burning with renewed hostility. Neither of them spoke further. They didn¡¯t need to. The moment Caelum left, their temporary truce had ended. Lucielle circled around, searching for an opening, while Varithra kept her distance, her fingers curling as she gathered more of her destructive flame. The battle between them was precise and calculated¡ªno reckless swings, no wasted movements. Lucielle feinted to the left, forcing Varithra to shift her flames, then darted right, closing the gap. Her sword slashed forward, its blinding edge nearly grazing Varithra¡¯s side. But before it could land, a spiraling tendril of black fire lashed toward Lucielle¡¯s abdomen, aiming to burn through her armor and flesh. At that moment, the horn sounded. Both women froze. The second horn¡ªthe signal of the day¡¯s battle coming to an end. Lucielle¡¯s blade stopped a hair¡¯s breadth from Varithra¡¯s ribs. Varithra¡¯s Entropic Flame flickered, vanishing before it could sear Lucielle¡¯s armor. No one allows to kill after the second horn, a rule every Luminaran and Nyxaran must follow till their death. A long pause followed as they stared at each other, breathing heavily. Lucielle smirked. ¡°Tch. I was a second away from cutting you down.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Varithra crossed her arms, her tone indifferent. ¡°And I was moments from turning you to ash.¡± Lucielle scoffed, flipping her sword before dismissing it back into shimmering light. ¡°Lucky.¡± Varithra did the same, letting the remnants of her magic dissipate. ¡°You as well.¡± No words of respect were exchanged, no gestures of camaraderie. They were not allies¡ªonly enemies with a common goal. Without another glance at each other, they turned away, stepping in opposite directions. The battle would continue another day. The cycle would never end. ***** Caelum wandered through the desolate landscape of Abyssia, his steps slow but purposeful. He needed to find a new shelter before nightfall, somewhere to rest before the next inevitable battle. The sooner he could settle, the faster he could hunt for food and, if he was lucky, sleep before dawn brought another day of suffering. His gaze swept over the barren wasteland. Cracked earth stretched for miles, broken only by jagged rock formations and the remains of past conflicts. Abyssia was nothing but ruins and death, a land cursed to serve as a battlefield for two warring sides that could never truly end their conflict. His mind drifted as he walked. He had been here for since his birth, and now alone after his parents passing, but even before his birth, Abyssia had been a battleground. No one knew its true origins, nor why it was destined to be the eternal warzone between Luminara and Nyxara. The gods had long since vanished, yet their followers still fought in their name. What was this place before it became what it was? Had it always been a land of ruin, or was there something more hidden beneath its bloodstained surface? His thoughts came to an abrupt halt as his eyes caught sight of something in the distance¡ªa structure, half-buried in the lifeless terrain. A ruin. His pulse quickened as he adjusted his path, making his way toward it. Shelter, possibly supplies, or at the very least, a place to hide for a while. As he stepped into the crumbling remains of the structure, a faint golden glow caught his attention. A boy¡ªno older than twelve¡ªwas kneeling on the ground, his hands hovering over a wound on his leg. Tendrils of light wove around the injury, sealing it shut. Vitaweaving, blessing from Solmara, the Dawnmother , which mostly used for healing or vitality boast. A wound from Nyxara blessing can only been healed immediately if a vitaweaver is present or else you have to rest for weeks for proper recovery. Caelum¡¯s lips curled in a bitter scowl. ¡°Sending a child to war¡­ and a healer at that.¡± He muttered under his breath, shaking his head. A support mage was practically useless on the front lines. What were the Luminaran thinking? At the sound of his approaching footsteps, the boy flinched and snapped his head up. His fearful gaze locked onto Caelum¡¯s features. Blonde hair. Violet eyes. The boy¡¯s mouth opened, his voice trembling. ¡°Y-you¡¯re the cursed child, aren¡¯t you?¡± Despite the fear in his voice, he forced himself to stand, his small frame rigid with defiance. ¡°I-I¡¯m not afraid of you!¡± he declared, though the slight quiver in his hands betrayed his words. Caelum exhaled heavily and pointed to the east. ¡°Head that way, kid. The Luminara war camp isn¡¯t far. Since the second horn has sounded, no Nyxaran will harm you.¡± The boy hesitated, his wary eyes never leaving Caelum¡¯s face. Then, slowly, he stepped forward, cautiously moving past him. But as soon as he had enough distance, his nerves finally gave in, and he broke into a sprint, disappearing into the ruins beyond. Caelum watched him go with a tired sigh. He had his own path to follow. Chapter 3: Lucielle Lucielle returned to her camp after the second horn sounded. The warcamp was alive with activity¡ªsoldiers tending to wounds, smiths repairing weapons, and officers discussing battle strategies. As she walked through, several warriors passing by greeted her with respect, though she barely acknowledged them. Her mind was elsewhere. She soon found her two squadmates, Darren and Stelle, near a makeshift barracks. Darren, his arms crossed, narrowed his eyes as she approached. "Where did you run off to in the middle of battle?" he asked, his tone laced with frustration. Lucielle shrugged. "Had some work to do." "Work? In the middle of war?" Darren scoffed. "That¡¯s a new excuse. You know, some of us actually had to hold the front lines while you disappeared." "Tch, drop it, Darren," Lucielle muttered, rubbing her temples. "I had my reasons." Darren was an Aetherforger like Lucielle, though his combat style focused more on ranged constructs, whereas Lucielle specialized in close combat. He was strong, reliable¡ªbut also relentless when it came to questioning things he didn¡¯t like. Stelle, the squad¡¯s Vitaweaver, sighed and stepped between them, offering a weary smile. "Come on, Darren. If it was important, let it be. You know how she is." Darren huffed. "That¡¯s exactly the problem. She always keeps things to herself." Lucielle ignored Darren¡¯s grumbling and turned away. "I''m going to rest." Before she could leave, Darren added, "Commander Leneus summoned you. You''re to report back to Luminara." Lucielle froze. Her expression darkened. "Now?" she asked, voice laced with irritation. "Yes, now." Darren crossed his arms. "You don¡¯t look happy about it." "I¡¯m not," she admitted. "But I don¡¯t have a choice." With a deep breath, she walked toward the glowing portal stationed at the heart of the warcamp. The swirling golden light enveloped her, and within seconds, she stepped onto the pristine streets of Luminara¡¯s capital. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. The Golden City was as magnificent as ever¡ªa world bathed in eternal daylight, its towering spires gleaming under the ever-present sun. Unlike Abyssia, where she had witnessed night for the first time, Luminara had never known darkness. It was a city of radiance, of order, of unwavering brilliance. It was also suffocating. She made her way through the grand streets, eventually reaching her home. Ascending the staircase to the second floor, she walked down the long corridor to a room at the end. Her father, Commander Leneus, sat behind his desk, eyes cold and sharp. "You took your time." Lucielle bowed slightly. "Father. You summoned me?" Leneus placed a document on the desk. "I received a strange report¡ªone that mentioned you standing alongside a Nyxaran girl." Lucielle remained silent, which only confirmed his suspicions. His voice grew harsh. "Do you realize what this means? If the Council of Lux learns of this, they will have you executed." The Council of Lux¡ªthe governing body of Luminara, composed of the most powerful and influential figures in their society. They controlled everything: the war, the resources, even who lived and died. Lucielle knew that defying them was a death sentence. "We only had a shared goal," Lucielle defended, her tone firm. "Then why didn''t you strike her down the moment she was distracted?" Leneus demanded. Lucielle hesitated. "What, Backstab? But that wouldn''t be clean¡ª" Leneus slammed his hand against the desk and stood. "There is no ''clean'' in war, girl! This is a battlefield, not a dueling ground. You hesitate, and you die. Or worse, you risk bringing shame upon our name." She clenched her fists. "I will bring glory by killing the Cursed Child." Her father exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "I would be prouder to call you my daughter if you died taking five Nyxaran warriors with you. That is what true warriors do." Lucielle lowered her gaze, speechless. Leneus straightened. "You are suspended from the battlefield for a week." Lucielle tensed. "But¡ª" "No arguments." His cold gaze silenced her. She swallowed her protests and turned to leave. However, she paused at the door and looked back. "Why aren¡¯t you returning to the battlefield? It¡¯s been months since your last battle." Leneus leaned back in his chair. "I plan to join the Council of Lux." Lucielle''s eyes widened in shock. "You''re a warrior, not a politician!" Leneus remained calm. "Warriors and politicians have the same goal¡ªto do what is best for Luminara." She bit her lip, clearly dissatisfied, but her father waved her away, dismissing her. As soon as Lucielle left, a shadow shifted in the corner of the room. A hooded man stepped forward, his presence cold and calculated. Leneus folded his hands. "How is the experiment progressing?" The man hesitated before replying, "It is going well, but¡­ Are you certain this is the right course of action?" Leneus'' expression hardened. "It is the only way to end this endless war. That experiment will wipe every single Nyxaran from the cycle itself." Chapter 4: Varithra Varithra returned to the Nyxara warcamp, stepping past the tattered banners that fluttered weakly in the ever-present gloom. As she walked, she could feel the wary gazes of soldiers and warlocks lingering on her, some filled with fear, others with silent judgment. None dared approach her, though she had long grown accustomed to it. Ever since childhood, she had struggled to control her Entropic Flames, and the scars left in their wake had instilled terror in those around her. She did not blame them. As she made her way through the camp, a young man hesitantly stepped toward her. His movements were stiff, as if his body was urging him to turn and flee. ¡°L-Lady Varessa has summoned you,¡± he stammered. Varithra narrowed her eyes. ¡°Why?¡± The man swallowed hard, unable to meet her gaze. ¡°She¡­ didn¡¯t say.¡± His discomfort was obvious, and she sighed, dismissing him with a flick of her hand. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go.¡± The man nearly tripped over himself in his haste to get away. She shook her head before making her way toward the dark teleporter at the heart of the camp, the swirling portal pulsing with deep violet energy. Stepping through, she left the battlefield behind and emerged onto her home planet, Nyxara. The capital city stood as grim and imposing as ever. It was a kingdom of eternal night, where no light had ever touched the obsidian spires that pierced the sky. Unlike Abyssia, where she had witnessed daylight for the first time, Nyxara had always known darkness. The air carried a strange stillness, filled only with the distant whispers of the ever-burning torches lining the streets. Varithra made her way toward the grand palace at the city''s core. As she entered the shadowed halls, she spotted her mother, Lady Varessa, speaking with another woman¡ªMaria, her mother¡¯s closest friend. Varithra had always regarded Maria as a second mother. Unlike Varessa, whose presence commanded fear and respect, Maria had always been warm and kind to her. She approached and gave a small bow. ¡°Mother. You summoned me?¡± Varessa turned to her, her piercing gaze unreadable. ¡°We need to talk.¡± Maria gave Varithra a reassuring smile before gesturing for them to follow. Together, the three entered Varessa¡¯s private chambers. Once inside, Varessa sat and folded her hands, her voice cold yet expectant. ¡°Do you have anything to say?¡± Varithra stiffened. From her mother¡¯s tone, she knew that she already had the answer. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. She exhaled. ¡°I¡¯ve been fighting the Cursed Child¡­ with a Luminara woman.¡± A sharp crack echoed through the room as Varessa¡¯s slap connected with her cheek. The impact sent a dull ringing through Varithra¡¯s ears, leaving her momentarily stunned. ¡°Varessa!¡± Maria shouted, stepping between them. ¡°Don¡¯t strike her. Let¡¯s talk this out.¡± Varessa¡¯s expression was livid, but her voice remained level, dangerous. ¡°If the Order of Nyx learns of this, they will have both of us executed.¡± The Order of Nyx¡ªNyxara¡¯s ruling council. Her mother was among them. Varessa turned back to Varithra, eyes burning with anger. ¡°What were you thinking? Making an ally out of the enemy?¡± ¡°She is not an ally,¡± Varithra said firmly. ¡°We just had a common goal.¡± Varessa scoffed. ¡°You think that¡¯s an excuse? You expect me to believe you fought alongside a Luminara for survival and not because you hesitated?¡± Varithra clenched her fists. ¡°She is still my enemy.¡± Varessa shook her head in disappointment. ¡°You are suspended from the battlefield for a week. Use this time to reflect.¡± Varithra bit her tongue, knowing there was no use in arguing. Just as she reached the door, she paused. ¡°Is it worth it?¡± Varessa frowned. ¡°What?¡± Varithra turned to face her, eyes searching. ¡°The cycle. The war. Is it really necessary to keep killing?¡± The room fell into a tense silence. ¡°Stop,¡± Varessa said, her tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°Do not speak words you cannot take back.¡± Varithra looked at Maria, hoping for some support, but Maria merely shook her head, silent. Realizing she was alone in her doubts, Varithra said nothing more and left the room, shutting the door behind her. ¡ª Varessa remained seated, staring at the spot where her daughter had stood. For a long time, she said nothing. Maria sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re worried about her.¡± Varessa exhaled heavily. ¡°How can I not be? She¡¯s been saying and doing strange things lately. She questions things she shouldn¡¯t. And questioning the war¡­ it terrifies me.¡± Maria squeezed her shoulder gently. ¡°She is young. She will learn.¡± Varessa leaned forward, resting her forehead in her hand. ¡°I just don¡¯t know what to do.¡± They sat in silence for a while before Maria finally spoke again. ¡°Are you sure about the ritual? We still need more time to perfect it.¡± Varessa¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°We have to do this. It is the only way to end the war. We must burn every single Luminara out of the cycle itself.¡± Maria studied her for a moment before sighing. ¡°Very well.¡± She stood up, preparing to leave. ¡°Get some rest, Varessa.¡± Maria had only taken a few steps when Varessa reached out and grabbed her wrist. Maria turned back, surprised. ¡°Stay,¡± Varessa murmured, her voice quieter, almost vulnerable. ¡°It¡¯s been a while¡­ and I¡¯ve been lonely.¡± Maria hesitated, then gave a gentle smile. ¡°Of course.¡± As she sat back down, their fingers intertwined, and Varessa leaned in. Their lips met in a slow, familiar kiss before the scene faded. ¡ª Elsewhere, Varithra sat alone in her room, staring at the ceiling. Her thoughts swirled¡ªCaelum, Lucielle, her mother, the war¡­ ¡°Is it worth it?¡± she murmured to herself. The cycle, the endless battle, the killing¡ªwas there truly no other choice? For now, she had no answers. But at least for one week, she would not have to fight. And to be honest¡­ she liked it that way. A world without war. A world without killing. With that final thought, she closed her eyes and let sleep take her. Chapter 5: The Hunt The night in Abyssia was eerily calm, a rare moment of peace in a land ravaged by endless war. Caelum stepped out from the ruins he had taken shelter in, inhaling the cold, dry air. The wasteland stretched endlessly before him, illuminated only by the faint glow of distant embers still smoldering from past battles. He found comfort in the silence, a stark contrast to the chaos that erupted every time the war horns blared. He moved carefully across the barren land, arriving at an open clearing some distance from his hideout. In his hand, he carried the bodies of three Emberfang Hares, creatures he had hunted the previous night. Their small, lean bodies were barely enough to sustain him, but they were the easiest prey to catch. The Emberfang Hare¡ªa nocturnal creature with jet-black fur and crimson eyes¡ªwas known for the faint ember-like glow emanating from its fangs. They weren¡¯t particularly strong, but their bites contained a mild burning venom that could cause searing pain. Hunting them was relatively simple: stay out of their line of sight and strike swiftly before they could react. But tonight, Caelum sought something more substantial. He placed the three hares on the ground and knelt beside them. The trick to drawing out his real target wasn¡¯t scent but sound. The beast he was after relied more on vibrations than smell. Clenching his fist, he slammed it against the ground. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Just as he was about to strike the sixth time, he stopped¡ªhis senses sharpened as a subtle tremor rippled beneath him. A smirk crept onto his face. It worked. "There you are". He stood up and stepped away from the bait, summoning his Umbracraft blade from the surrounding shadows. The ground quivered. The tremors grew stronger. Then, with a burst of sand and dust, a massive beast lunged out of the earth, landing directly onto the hares. The Dreadfang Stalker¡ªa reptilian predator with pitch-black scales and piercing yellow eyes. Its elongated snout was lined with jagged, venomous fangs, and its muscular body was built for both speed and stealth. It was a master ambusher, striking its prey in a blink before dragging them into the sand to suffocate. The beast lowered its head, greedily snapping up one of the hares in its maw. That was Caelum¡¯s chance. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, his Umbracraft blade slicing through the air. The Stalker barely reacted as his weapon severed its head cleanly from its body. Its form collapsed instantly, blood pooling beneath it. Caelum exhaled, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "Well, that was easier than last time." Just as he let his guard down, a second tremor shot through the ground. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. His instincts screamed at him, but before he could react, another Dreadfang Stalker burst from the earth behind him. It moved faster than the first, its powerful legs propelling it forward as it lunged straight for his back. "Shit¡ª!" Caelum barely twisted in time to dodge, but the beast¡¯s claws raked across his side, sending him rolling across the dirt. The impact knocked the wind out of him, but he forced himself back to his feet just as the Stalker circled him, its glowing yellow eyes locked onto him with primal hunger. The beast struck first, lunging at him with jaws wide open. Caelum ducked, rolling to the side as its fangs snapped mere inches from his head. He retaliated, slashing upward with his Umbracraft blade, but the Stalker twisted its body mid-air, evading the strike with terrifying agility. The two began circling each other, testing for weaknesses. Then, the Stalker made its move. It feinted left before abruptly shifting right, its tail whipping toward him like a club. Caelum barely managed to raise his arms in time, but the impact sent him skidding back. The moment he regained his footing, the Stalker pounced again. This time, he had no time to dodge. Instead, he met it head-on. Summoning additional Umbracraft into his free hand, he crafted a jagged spear of darkness and drove it straight into the beast¡¯s open maw. The Stalker let out a guttural shriek as the spear impaled through the roof of its mouth, piercing into its skull. It thrashed violently, but Caelum held firm, twisting the weapon deeper until its struggles finally ceased. The beast collapsed with a final wheeze, its glowing eyes fading into nothingness. Caelum remained still for a moment, his breath heavy. His body ached from the brief but intense battle, but compared to the first time he had fought these creatures, this was nothing. He looked down at his wounds¡ªalready starting to close. He had fought countless battles, but no matter how severe his injuries, his body always healed. His smirk faded as a familiar resentment surfaced. Shaking off the thoughts, he turned to the two fallen beasts. He reached down and removed their heads, severing them from their bodies. Dreadfang Stalkers carried a lethal venom in their skulls, something his father had once taught him long ago. The memory made him pause. ¡°That sure brings back memories¡­,¡± he muttered before shaking his head. Dragging the carcasses back to his camp, he skinned them with practiced efficiency. Using a rock and dry twigs he had gathered earlier, he started a small fire, the flames casting flickering shadows against the ruin¡¯s walls. Soon, the scent of roasting meat filled the air. He took a bite, chewing in silence as his thoughts wandered. Lucielle and Varithra. Two of the most persistent people he had ever encountered. He had met Lucielle first¡ªseveral months ago¡ªbefore Varithra appeared as a new thorn in his side. Lucielle was arrogant, proud, and overconfident in her abilities. Varithra, on the other hand, was quiet but deadly, her Entropic Flames making her a far more dangerous foe. Then there was the boy he had seen after the second horn. That child had called him something he had heard countless times before. Cursed Child. He had been called many names: Cursed Child, Blasphemous One, Cycle Ender. The list went on, and he had long since stopped caring. But as he chewed on his meal, another thought crept into his mind¡ªhis parents. His expression darkened as his grip on the cooked meat tightened. He resented them. Their love had given birth to a life of suffering. He had never asked to exist, to be hunted for eternity in an endless war. He had never understood their choice. And yet, there was one thing he could never forget. His mother¡¯s final words before her execution. ¡°Break the cycle.¡± Caelum clenched his teeth. ¡°¡­What the hell did you mean by that?¡± Chapter 6: Reflections in Silence Lucielle¡¯s body burned with exhaustion, but she didn¡¯t stop. Her blade of light slashed through the air in swift, precise movements, the golden glow illuminating the training grounds even under the eternal glow of Luminara¡¯s skies. Each strike, each movement, was meant to silence the turmoil in her mind, but no matter how much she trained, the doubts remained. She gritted her teeth as she struck again, the Aetherforged sword humming with power. Her father¡¯s decision weighed on her, his words echoing endlessly in her thoughts. Why did he hesitate? What was he thinking in that moment? Why had he chosen to sit in the council instead of leading on the battlefield, despite being a warrior¡ªa man she had once looked up to? ¡°Your focus is off.¡± Lucielle¡¯s sword stopped mid-swing as the voice reached her. She turned to see Kevin standing at the edge of the training ground, arms crossed. He was a fellow Aetherforger, one of the top graduates from the academy, and someone who had been annoyingly persistent in his attention toward her. ¡°I don¡¯t recall asking for advice,¡± she replied, turning away to resume her training. Kevin sighed and stepped closer. ¡°You may not have asked, but anyone with eyes can see that you¡¯re distracted. You¡¯re swinging your sword like it¡¯s a chore rather than a conviction. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lucielle tightened her grip on her weapon. ¡°Nothing that concerns you.¡± Kevin chuckled softly. ¡°You always say that.¡± She tensed. He wasn¡¯t wrong. Kevin had been a shadow around her since their academy days, always offering to train with her, always watching. She never understood why. Unlike the others, he never fawned over her status or sought favor from her father. Instead, he seemed genuinely¡­ invested. But she didn¡¯t want his concern. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help, Kevin.¡± ¡°Maybe not. But everyone needs someone to talk to.¡± She remained silent. After a few moments, Kevin sighed again and stepped back. ¡°At least don¡¯t push yourself to exhaustion. You won¡¯t do your house any good if you collapse before the next battle.¡± With that, he turned and left. Lucielle exhaled, lowering her sword as she watched him go. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Later, as she made her way back to her quarters, her steps slowed when she passed the portrait hanging in the hallway. Her mother¡¯s face stared back at her¡ªa striking resemblance. The same golden hair, the same piercing eyes. But Lucielle barely remembered her. She had died in the war when Lucielle was only four. She lifted a hand, brushing her fingers over the edge of the portrait¡¯s frame. Had she been fighting for her mother¡¯s memory? For revenge? For the glory of House Aldraine? Or had she been fighting simply because it was all she had ever known? Her thoughts darkened as she wondered¡ªhow many mothers, fathers, and loved ones had been lost in this endless war? How many had fought believing in their duty, only to become another casualty of the cycle? For the first time in years, Lucielle questioned the very war she had sworn herself to. Varithra sat on the edge of her bed, a thick leather-bound book resting in her lap. She wasn¡¯t truly reading it, though. It was her third day of suspension, and the isolation was both a relief and a curse. A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. ¡°Come in.¡± The door creaked open, and Maria stepped inside, her familiar warmth filling the room. Varithra didn¡¯t look up, but she felt the older woman¡¯s gaze on her. ¡°You¡¯re angry with your mother, aren¡¯t you?¡± Maria asked gently. Varithra remained silent, staring at the pages of her book without reading a single word. Maria sighed and walked over, sitting beside her on the bed. ¡°She just doesn¡¯t want to lose you.¡± Varithra finally turned to look at her. ¡°She doesn¡¯t trust me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± Maria placed a hand on hers. ¡°She¡¯s scared.¡± Varithra frowned. ¡°Of what?¡± ¡°Of losing her only child, just like she lost your father.¡± Varithra¡¯s expression darkened. Her father¡­ the man she had never met. He had died before she was even born, another soldier lost to the endless war. She had grown up knowing only his name, his legacy, but never his face. Maria continued, her voice softer. ¡°Varessa loved him deeply. When he died, she was already carrying you. She had to raise you alone, and this war has never given her peace. She only wants to keep you safe.¡± Varithra¡¯s grip tightened around the book. ¡°Then why does she keep sending me to fight?¡± Maria sighed. ¡°Because that is the way of our world. She doesn¡¯t want you to fight, but she knows no other choice. None of us do.¡± Varithra looked away. She hated that answer. She hated that their entire existence was dictated by an endless cycle of war and death. But wasn¡¯t she the same? Hadn¡¯t she thrown herself into battle without question? Maria gave her a reassuring squeeze. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than you think, Varithra. And you are not alone.¡± She pulled the younger woman into a hug, holding her tightly before pulling away with a small smile. ¡°Get some rest.¡± As Maria left, Varithra remained seated, staring at the door long after it closed. Her father had died before she was even born. Her mother fought to protect her, but in doing so, forced her into the same cycle of war. Was there truly no other choice? She leaned back against her pillows, closing her eyes. Perhaps, for just this one week, she could pretend there was a world without war. Perhaps. Chapter 7: Celestemancers Thread Lucielle stepped into the war camp, breathing in the familiar scent of steel and aether. The air buzzed with movement¡ªwarriors rushing past her, captains barking orders, and the occasional flicker of Aetherforged weapons being summoned and tested before battle. The ground trembled beneath the weight of countless boots, the energy of anticipation thrumming in the air. As chaotic as it was, this place felt more like home than anywhere else. She moved through the crowds with purpose, scanning the area until she spotted a familiar face. Darren, one of her squadmates, leaned against a stack of crates with a satisfied smirk. "Well, well, look who finally decided to show up," Darren said, arms crossed. "Got what you deserved, huh?" Lucielle met his gaze but said nothing. Darren chuckled, shaking his head. "I hope you''ve learned something from that suspension. Maybe you¡¯ll stop running off on your own now." Lucielle remained silent, adjusting the gauntlet on her wrist. Darren¡¯s smirk faded slightly as he studied her. "Oh, come on," he groaned. "You¡¯re gonna run off again, aren¡¯t you? We need you out there, Lucielle." She finally spoke, her voice calm. "Well, you¡¯ve survived these past seven days without me." Darren scoffed, but before he could retort, another voice cut in. "Darren, stop pestering her already." Stelle, another squadmate, approached with a composed smile. She placed a hand on Darren¡¯s shoulder, effectively pulling him away from Lucielle. "You have to understand where he''s coming from, Captain," she said formally, addressing Lucielle by her rank. Lucielle simply sighed. "Just hold onto Darren for me, Stelle. My work will be finished soon." Stelle frowned slightly. "What work?" Lucielle didn¡¯t answer. Stelle studied her before exhaling. "Is it a captain¡¯s order?" Lucielle¡¯s response was brief. "A friend¡¯s request." Stelle shook her head as if already regretting her involvement. "Fine. Just¡­ don¡¯t do anything reckless." Lucielle gave a small nod and walked past them, her mind already focused on the task ahead. As she navigated the camp, she took in the faces of soldiers preparing for battle. Some tightened their armor, others checked their Aetherforged blades, ensuring their weapons were in peak condition. A few engaged in last-minute duels to sharpen their reflexes. Then, she spotted him¡ªKevin. Surrounded by his squad, he stood with his arms crossed, laughing at something one of his female squadmates had said. The women around him practically fawned over him, their admiration clear. Lucielle narrowed her eyes, unimpressed. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. What does that man even have that makes them flock to him like that? she wondered. As if sensing her gaze, Kevin turned his head, and their eyes met. A slow, knowing smile spread across his face before he casually winked at her. Lucielle¡¯s expression twisted in immediate disgust, and she turned away without hesitation. The last thing she needed was to deal with him. Finally, she found the person she had been searching for. Karen stood at the edge of her squad, yawning while leaning against a stack of supply crates. Her teammates were engaged in a strategic discussion, but she seemed uninterested. "Karen," Lucielle called. Karen¡¯s eyes snapped open, widening in surprise. Without hesitation, she grabbed Lucielle¡¯s wrist and pulled her to a quieter spot, away from prying ears. Her gaze was sharp with suspicion. "Please tell me you¡¯re just here for a casual visit and not because of¡­ that," Karen said, her voice filled with a mix of hope and wariness. Lucielle¡¯s silence was answer enough. Karen groaned, slapping her hand against her forehead. "Oh for Vaelis sake, You got suspended for a week, and you¡¯re already inviting more trouble? Who are you so persistently tracking all these times? Some Nyxaran captain? A big shot?" Lucielle crossed her arms. "Our deal is simple¡ªyou give me what I want, and I give you five Lux gold coins. Easy." Karen eyed her warily. "I don¡¯t know about this, Lucielle. You¡¯re onto something dangerous, and you¡¯re dragging me into it." Lucielle shrugged. "I¡¯m not forcing you. It¡¯s a mutual deal. If you refuse, I¡¯ll just find another Celestemancer." Karen was silent, thinking over her options. Then, with a deep sigh, she muttered, "Fuck." She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them with renewed focus. "Alright, fine. But if this gets me into trouble, I¡¯m blaming you." Lucielle simply extended her hand. "Let¡¯s begin." Karen hesitated before placing her fingers on Lucielle¡¯s forehead. A chill spread through Lucielle as a thin, glowing rope of light extended from Karen¡¯s palm. "Found the target," Karen murmured. Lucielle lifted her hand, as if she had done this many times before. Karen, though reluctant, guided the rope of light and tied a knot around Lucielle¡¯s finger. The connection was established. Karen immediately pulled away, looking drained. "That¡¯s it. I¡¯m out of here." She turned and disappeared into the camp, leaving Lucielle alone with the thin, near-invisible thread of light wrapped around her finger. Only she could see it, thanks to Karen¡¯s channeling of Celestemancy¡ªVaelis¡¯ gift, the power of the Guiding Star. The ability to manipulate light for various purposes, from ranged attacks to illusions, was rare in Luminara. But now, Lucielle only wanted this for tracking. This rope was now connected to her target. She had tied the other end of the thread to them during their third encounter. Now, all she needed was a Celestemancer to establish the link, and she had it. The only risk was if her target was a Celestemancer themselves¡ªthey could sense and sever the connection. But she had already confirmed they weren¡¯t. Lucielle followed the glowing thread with her eyes. It extended far beyond the camp, stretching toward the battlefield. Then, the first war horn sounded. She exhaled and tightened her grip on her Aetherforged blade. Time to move. Varithra stood on the battlefield, her violet eyes scanning the chaos before her. The first war horn had sounded, and battle had begun, yet she lingered at the edge, waiting. A Luminaran warrior charged at her, blade gleaming with summoned light. With a flick of her wrist, black flames erupted from her palm, swallowing the man whole. He screamed, then fell silent as the Entropic Flame reduced him to ash. Another came. Another fell. But Varithra wasn¡¯t here for them. Her gaze darted through the battlefield, searching, waiting. And then, she saw her. Lucielle. A smirk played on Varithra¡¯s lips as she moved forward, keeping a careful distance. She didn¡¯t know how, but this woman always managed to find that cursed child. Varithra had only found him on her own twice. But with Lucielle? It was almost guaranteed. Slowly, she began to follow. Chapter 8: Shattered Balance Caelum lay on a rocky surface amidst the crumbling ruins, yawning as he lazily tossed small stones into the air. Boredom had settled deep into his bones, a rare feeling in the chaotic war-torn land of Abyssia. His violet eyes tracked the pebbles as they arced and bounced off the uneven ground. "Well, this is peaceful," he thought, stretching his limbs. He wasn''t sure exactly how long this peace had lasted, but by his count¡ªbased on the daily battles¡ªit had been about a week. A whole week without his so-called "archenemies," Lucielle and Varithra, hunting him down. "Are they dead? Or did they finally give up on me?" The thought flickered through his mind, but instead of relief, he felt a twinge of something else. Disappointment? Maybe. As much as they were enemies, they were the only people who actually spoke to him, even if their words were threats and taunts. It had been¡­ lonely without them. There had been the occasional Luminaran or Nyxaran soldier who stumbled upon him, but they were few and far between. Those who did find him were swiftly dealt with in minutes. None of them had Lucielle¡¯s uncanny ability to track him or Varithra¡¯s relentless persistence. His musings were cut short by the sound of footsteps. Caelum exhaled and slowly sat up. "Someone found me early today," he muttered to himself. The war horn had only sounded a few hours ago¡ªit was unusual for anyone to track him down so quickly. But when he turned his gaze toward the source, he froze. Lucielle. He blinked in disbelief, then a slow smile tugged at his lips. "I thought you were dead." "In your dreams," Lucielle shot back without missing a beat. Caelum tilted his head. "Maybe you gave up on killing me and suddenly changed your mind? Or is this some new strategy? Attack me once a week now?" Lucielle¡¯s golden eyes narrowed. "None of your business." "It¡¯s very much my business, considering you¡¯re here to kill me." Lucielle didn¡¯t answer. Instead, she extended her hand, and from thin air, a blade of solid light materialized¡ªher Aetherforged weapon. Caelum sighed and summoned his own Aetherforged sword, its brilliant form taking shape in his grasp. He caught the slight shift in Lucielle¡¯s expression¡ªher brows furrowed, and her lips pressed into a thin line. "Change it to Umbracraft," she ordered. Caelum raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?" If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Lucielle¡¯s voice grew sharper. "Your blade. Change it to Umbracraft." He glanced at his sword, the glowing construct of pure light. He knew it couldn''t kill her¡ªjust as her weapon couldn''t kill him. That was the nature of their cursed blood. But why did she care what weapon he used? Caelum smirked. "Nope. Not gonna do it." Lucielle¡¯s grip tightened on her sword. "Then I¡¯ll make you." She lunged. Caelum braced himself, but before their blades could clash, another set of footsteps echoed through the ruins. Lucielle immediately halted, turning toward the newcomer, her expression darkening into something more furious than before. "You." Varithra stepped into the ruins, her violet eyes glinting with amusement. "What, are you stalking me now, Lucielle?" Lucielle scowled. "You always show up right after me. Are you following me?" Varithra merely shrugged. Caelum, watching the exchange, let out a chuckle. "Well, this is familiar. But I have to say, I expected you two to stand together and attack me, not¡­ whatever this is." Something was off. Usually, the two women worked in tandem¡ªdifferent, yet synchronized in their shared goal of hunting him. But now, they stood apart, their stances tense, their eyes locked onto each other as much as him. He opened his mouth to ask what was going on, but before he could get the words out, Varithra hurled her Entropic flame straight at Lucielle. Caelum barely had time to process it before Lucielle dodged, her movement fluid, almost as if she had anticipated the attack. Without hesitation, she surged toward Caelum, her Aetherforged blade swinging. Caelum barely managed to block the strike, gritting his teeth as the force of it pushed him back. He parried just in time to see Varithra dashing forward, flames swirling around her arms. She spun, sending a concentrated lance of black fire toward Lucielle, who sidestepped with practiced ease. Lucielle retaliated, slashing the air and sending a crescent arc of pure light toward Varithra, who countered by raising a wall of flame. The moment it shattered, Lucielle closed the distance, her blade meeting Varithra¡¯s own flame-formed sword in a deafening clash. Sparks flew, heat and light colliding in bursts of energy. Caelum exhaled, shifting into an aggressive stance. "Alright, enough of this." He lunged, targeting Lucielle first, forcing her to disengage with Varithra to block his blow. At the same time, Varithra swept low, flames bursting around her feet as she pivoted and struck at Lucielle¡¯s exposed flank. Lucielle barely managed to parry both attacks, her movements swift yet strained. The fight exploded into chaos. Lucielle¡¯s strikes were sharp, precise, and unrelenting, each swing meant to overwhelm. Varithra countered with fluid, unpredictable movements, her fire shifting shape mid-attack. Caelum was forced to weave between them, switching between offense and defense as their battle spiraled into a deadly dance. Varithra threw a whip of black flame at Lucielle, who severed it mid-air with a slash of her light blade. In that instant, Caelum lunged, his Umbracraft blade forming at the last second to strike. Lucielle barely deflected it, but the impact sent her skidding back. Varithra used the moment to charge Lucielle head-on, their weapons colliding with a shockwave that cracked the already fragile ruins beneath them. Caelum, sensing the inevitable collapse, cursed. "You two are going to bring this whole place down!" Neither of them paid him any attention. They struck again and again, their battle growing fiercer with each passing second. And then, in one final explosive moment, all three of them lunged at the same time. Caelum¡¯s blade met Lucielle¡¯s, his other arm intercepting Varithra¡¯s Entropic flames. The impact sent a tremor through the ruins. The ground groaned. And then it collapsed. The ruins crumbled, the abyss beneath swallowing all three of them into darkness. Caelum had just enough time to think, "Well, that¡¯s not good," before the void consumed them. Chapter 9: nightmare in the abyss Caelum groaned as consciousness clawed its way back to him. His entire body ached, but the pain in his hands was especially sharp, forcing him to suck in a breath. His left hand was half-burned, charred black from Varithra¡¯s Entropic Flames, the flesh still sizzling faintly. His right hand bore a deep sword slash from Lucielle, crimson staining his fingertips as the wound slowly stitched itself together. The pain lingered despite his unnatural regeneration. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I felt like this,¡± he muttered, grimacing as he flexed his fingers. His wounds would heal¡ªhe knew that¡ªbut the pain was a reminder that, at least for now, he was still bound to suffering. A faint sound snapped him to attention. Footsteps. His violet eyes darted around the darkness. Dust and debris still hung thick in the air from their fall, obscuring his vision. His senses flared, alert to any movement. And then¡ªa golden glow flickered behind the dust cloud. His breath hitched. ¡°Shit.¡± The second horn hadn¡¯t sounded yet. The battle wasn¡¯t over. Without hesitation, he summoned his Aetherforged blade, the radiant weapon materializing in his grip with a soft hum. The glow ahead surged forward, a shadow lunging through the dust. Caelum barely managed to raise his blade in time, metal clashing against light in a jarring impact. The force nearly drove him back, his arms straining as he struggled to block the strike while still half-lying on the ground. Lucielle. Her face came into view as the dust settled, illuminated by her own golden light. She was a mess¡ªcuts littered her skin, bruises blooming across her arms and cheeks, blood trickling from a wound on her forehead. But the most shocking thing was her expression. Wild. Desperate. Her strength, however, had waned. Even as she pressed her sword against his, her body trembled, her breathing ragged. Caelum felt the pressure ease slightly. Her grip faltered, and then¡ªher blade flickered and disappeared. Lucielle¡¯s golden eyes widened briefly before her body gave out. She collapsed forward, falling directly onto him. For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Caelum remained frozen, stunned by the sudden turn of events. Lucielle was unconscious, her head resting against his chest, her breathing slow and steady. Her warmth seeped through his torn clothes, her weight pressing lightly against him. He instinctively stiffened, glancing down at her sleeping face¡ªpeaceful, vulnerable. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. It was¡­ unsettling. He immediately scanned their surroundings, unwilling to lower his guard. The ruins had collapsed into what seemed to be a cavernous abyss, the jagged remains of stone walls looming around them. Then, a few paces away, he spotted another figure lying motionless amidst the rubble. Varithra. Unlike Lucielle, she was sprawled on her side, her dark cloak torn and tattered. Her breathing was steady, but she showed no signs of waking. A deep gash ran along her temple, her usually sleek black hair matted with dried blood. Caelum exhaled heavily and let his head rest against the cold stone. ¡°Finally,¡± he muttered, relief washing over him as he allowed himself a brief moment of respite. His arms ached, his body screamed in protest, but for the first time in a long while, he felt exhaustion rather than agony. He lay still, unmoving, waiting for his strength to return. Lucielle¡¯s warmth against him was unfamiliar but oddly grounding. He briefly entertained the thought of pushing her off, but¡­ waking her would only make things more complicated. And he could already imagine her reaction. ¡°She¡¯d probably try to hit me even after the second horn,¡± he murmured to himself with a tired smirk. The thought of her flustered expression almost made him chuckle. For now, silence reigned. ****** Lucielle found herself back on the battlefield, surrounded by the clamor of war. Swords clashed, magic crackled in the air, and the cries of soldiers echoed in the distance. But she wasn¡¯t alone. Fighting beside her, moving in perfect sync, was a woman with golden hair¡ªthe same shade as hers. Her mother. Lucielle felt a rush of warmth, a sense of belonging. Together, they cut through the enemy lines, an unstoppable force. And then¡ª A scream. She turned, heart pounding, and saw her mother impaled from behind. A black, writhing spear of Umbracraft had pierced her back, dark tendrils seeping into her skin. Blood dripped from her lips as she turned her head slightly, whispering through the pain. ¡°Dear¡­ the Cycle must not continue.¡± Lucielle screamed, reaching out¡ª And woke with a gasp. Her chest heaved, her golden eyes wide, her face damp with sweat. A tear traced down her cheek before she hastily wiped it away. Her head throbbed, her thoughts disoriented. Was that a memory? No¡­ it couldn¡¯t be. That never happened. She had been a child when her mother died. She had never fought alongside her, never stood beside her on the battlefield. ¡°Just a nightmare,¡± she whispered to herself, trying to steady her breathing. ¡°Nightmare?¡± The unexpected voice made her jump. Her body reacted before her mind caught up, summoning her Aetherforged blade in an instant. The golden light cast sharp shadows against the cavern walls, revealing the speaker. Caelum. He lay nearby, arms raised slightly in a placating gesture, his expression amused despite the visible exhaustion in his eyes. ¡°Relax, will you? The second horn has sounded.¡± Lucielle narrowed her eyes. ¡°And why should I believe you?¡± A tired groan answered her, but not from Caelum. ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Varithra muttered from where she sat slumped against a nearby wall. Her tone was laced with irritation, her violet eyes dull with fatigue. ¡°I heard it.¡± Lucielle glanced between them warily, gripping her sword tightly before finally letting out a breath and dismissing it. She leaned back against the cold wall, rubbing her temples. Her mind was still clouded by the lingering remnants of her dream. What had her mother meant? And why¡­ why did it feel like a warning? Chapter 10: Beneath the Ruins A heavy silence loomed over the three warriors as they sat, scattered around the dimly lit cavern, each keeping their distance. The air was thick with dust, the scent of earth and broken stone filling their lungs. Faint echoes of distant water dripped somewhere within the ruins, the only sound accompanying the awkward quiet between them. Caelum leaned against a jagged rock formation, arms resting over his knees, exhaustion weighing him down. His wounds had closed, but the lingering ache reminded him of how close he had come to death¡ªnot that death would ever claim him. His blond hair was matted with dirt and sweat, his tattered clothes still smeared with blood, some his own, some not. He flexed his fingers absentmindedly, feeling the dull sting of half-healed burns on his left hand from Varithra¡¯s Entropic Flames. His right hand, where Lucielle had slashed him, throbbed faintly. Lucielle, sitting cross-legged a few paces away, had her arms folded, golden eyes fixated on Caelum with an intensity that he couldn¡¯t ignore. Her once-pristine armor was cracked and scorched, her long golden hair tangled and streaked with blood. Though her wounds had mostly healed, traces of bruises remained, hints of the brutal fight they had endured. She wasn¡¯t speaking, just glaring, lips pressed into a thin line. Finally, Caelum sighed. ¡°What?¡± Lucielle narrowed her eyes. ¡°Did you do something to me?¡± Caelum blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Do what?¡± ¡°When I was unconscious.¡± Caelum gave her a flat look. ¡°What exactly do you think I did?¡± Lucielle scowled, looking unconvinced. ¡°I don¡¯t know. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking.¡± Caelum pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything. You collapsed, fell on me, and that was it.¡± Her glare remained suspicious, but she didn¡¯t press further. Instead, she huffed and turned her gaze away. Varithra, who had been silent until now, was seated near a crumbling wall, legs stretched out in front of her. Her dark cloak was torn, her black hair in disarray, with dried blood crusted along the side of her face. Her violet eyes flickered between the two of them before she muttered, ¡°I don¡¯t think he did anything," she said, her voice laced with quiet certainty. Lucielle scoffed but said nothing more. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Caelum, done with the pointless accusations, reached behind him and retrieved a small satchel that had thankfully fallen with him. He rummaged through it and pulled out several pieces of dried meat. His fingers brushed against the rough texture, and he silently thanked himself for hunting before their last battle. While their immortal bodies could survive without food, the pain of hunger was an entirely different matter. He wasn¡¯t in the mood to deal with that kind of suffering on top of everything else. He held out a piece. ¡°Want some? I¡¯ve got enough to spare.¡± Lucielle looked away, stubborn as ever. Varithra hesitated, her pride clashing with her body¡¯s needs. A faint pink tinged her cheeks as her stomach betrayed her with a low growl. ¡°Tch.¡± Without another word, she snatched a piece from his hand and began eating. Caelum smirked but said nothing, taking a bite of his own portion. Lucielle, still holding out, sat stiffly until¡ª A loud grumble came from her stomach. Both Caelum and Varithra turned to look at her. Lucielle¡¯s face burned red. ¡°...Shut up.¡± Caelum chuckled and held out a piece of meat. ¡°Just eat already.¡± With great reluctance, Lucielle grabbed the meat and stared at it as if it had personally insulted her. ¡°What even is this?¡± she muttered, shaking it slightly. ¡°Dreadfang Stalker,¡± Caelum answered casually. ¡°At least, that¡¯s what my father called it.¡± Lucielle frowned. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such a beast in battle.¡± ¡°They¡¯re sensitive to sound and vibrations,¡± Caelum explained between bites. ¡°The warzone¡¯s too loud for them, so they usually avoid it. But outside the battlefield, especially at night, they roam freely.¡± Lucielle absently nodded, hesitating for a moment longer before finally taking a bite. She chewed slowly, then grimaced. ¡°It¡¯s bland.¡± Varithra snorted. ¡°Did you expect him to cook with spices in the middle of a warzone?¡± Caelum smirked. ¡°Exactly.¡± Lucielle said nothing, begrudgingly continuing to eat. Once they finished their meal, the silence returned. This time, it was less tense, but still thick with unspoken thoughts. Caelum finally broke it. ¡°So what now? Are we just going to sit here and wait for help?¡± Lucielle scoffed. ¡°You expect them to come looking for us? We¡¯re probably already marked as dead.¡± Varithra nodded in agreement. ¡°Death is common in war. No one¡¯s going to waste time searching for us¡± Caelum considered asking if their parents would search for them¡ªbut stopped himself. Who knew if they even had parents still alive? He wasn¡¯t about to stir up painful memories. Slowly, he pushed himself to his feet. His body still ached, but he ignored it. Varithra¡¯s gaze snapped to him. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Caelum stretched his arms. ¡°Looking for an exit.¡± Lucielle and Varithra exchanged glances before, almost in sync, they both stood and followed him. Caelum noticed and stopped, raising an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re both coming?¡± Lucielle crossed her arms. ¡°Obviously. We need to get out of here, not just you.¡± Caelum sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Fine. But one condition¡ªif we don¡¯t find an exit by sunrise and the first horn sounds, we keep searching. No fighting.¡± Varithra agreed immediately. ¡°Makes sense.¡± Lucielle hesitated. Caelum could see the conflict in her eyes, the instinct to battle ingrained deep within her.Caelum narrowed his eyes. ¡°Look, I can fight you for eternity and still not die. You decide what¡¯s more important right now.¡± Finally, after a long pause, she exhaled and nodded. ¡°Good,¡± Caelum said, satisfied. Without another word, he turned and ventured deeper into the ruins, the unknown stretching before them. And for the first time, they walked side by side¡ªnot as enemies, but as survivors seeking a way out of the abyss. Chapter 11: Echoes of Loss Commander Leneus sat at his desk, his quarters dimly lit by the glow of a single lantern. Stacks of reports and battle assessments lay scattered before him, his quill scratching against the parchment as he worked tirelessly. The rhythmic strokes of ink were the only sound in the otherwise silent room until a sudden knock broke his concentration. He exhaled sharply, irritation flickering across his features. "Enter." The door creaked open, and an unnamed warrior stepped inside, standing stiffly at attention. "Commander Leneus." "What is it?" Leneus asked, not looking up from his work. The warrior hesitated before delivering the report. "Lady Lucielle has not returned after the second horn, sir." The quill in Leneus'' hand stopped mid-stroke. A slow, deliberate silence filled the room as he finally lifted his gaze, his golden eyes sharp enough to make the warrior tense under his scrutiny. "Is the information reliable?" His voice was low, measured. "Yes, Commander. We confirmed it multiple times. No one has seen her return." Leneus closed his eyes briefly, then exhaled through his nose. "Dismissed." The warrior hesitated for only a fraction of a second before bowing and exiting the room, clearly relieved to be away from his commander¡¯s oppressive presence. As the door shut behind him, a figure stepped out from the shadows of the room, their hood concealing most of their features. Leneus barely reacted, as if he had been expecting them. "How likely is my daughter¡¯s death?" Leneus asked, his voice devoid of emotion. The hooded figure took a moment before responding. "The chances are high. The battlefield was chaotic, and she has not been sighted. If she has fallen, retrieval is unlikely." Silence hung between them like a drawn blade. After a moment, Leneus shifted his focus. "How is the experiment progressing?" "No major improvements yet," the hooded figure admitted. "We may need further support from the council members. Some components are proving difficult to refine." Leneus tapped his fingers against his desk before nodding. "I will handle that. Continue with your work. I expect results soon." The hooded figure gave a slight bow and disappeared back into the shadows, leaving Leneus alone. Rising from his chair, he strode toward a large, ornate portrait hanging on the far wall. The painting depicted a serene scene¡ªhimself, his late wife, and a small, golden-haired child barely four years old. His fingers traced the edge of the frame, his eyes locked onto the image of his wife and daughter. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. His expression remained impassive as he whispered, "I will destroy every Nyxaran. I promise you both." Not a single tear fell¡ªonly the unyielding fire of vengeance burned in his gaze. Meanwhile, in Nyxara, the air was thick with the scent of incense as Varessa and Maria sat in quiet conversation within a secluded chamber. The room was dimly lit by violet-tinged lanterns, casting soft glows over the intricate tapestries lining the walls. A silver tray between them held untouched cups of dark tea, the liquid having long since cooled. "She finally went out after her suspension," Varessa murmured, swirling the untouched tea in her hands. The slight tremor in her fingers did not go unnoticed. "Did she say anything about me?" Maria, ever the patient one, shook her head. "No. Varithra looked as normal as ever, as if nothing had changed." Varessa let out a small breath, almost a sigh of relief. "I have been so busy with the Order of the Nyx, I¡¯ve barely had time to attend to her. It was you who constantly checked on her¡­ and now I regret it." Maria¡¯s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "I think she would love to hear that from you." The warmth between them lingered for a moment before it was shattered by the hurried sound of footsteps. The sharp click of armored boots against the stone floor echoed through the halls, breaking the illusion of peace. A female warrior, unfamiliar to Maria but dressed in the official black and silver of Nyxara¡¯s military, rushed toward them, her face pale with urgency. Varessa lifted a hand, signaling for her to slow down. "Calm yourself, child. What is the matter?" The woman, still catching her breath, bowed quickly before speaking. "Lady Varessa¡­ Lady Varithra has not returned after the second horn." A stillness fell over the corridor. Varessa turned her gaze to Maria as if she had misheard. "What? That¡­ that can¡¯t be. She might be resting in her camp." The warrior shook her head. "No, ma¡¯am. We have already checked. She has not returned. There has been no sighting of her anywhere." Another silence. It stretched long and deep before Varessa finally spoke, her voice unnervingly calm. "Very well. I understand. You are dismissed." The warrior hesitated, confused by Varessa¡¯s composed demeanor, but she bowed and left without question. Only Maria and Varessa remained, the silence between them growing heavier with every second. "I have work to do," Varessa said suddenly, turning away and retreating toward her chambers. Maria, however, knew her better than anyone¡ªeven better than Varithra or her late husband. Without a word, she followed. Varessa stood with her back turned, her posture rigid, staring at the wall as if trying to hold herself together. The weight of grief bore down on her shoulders, yet she refused to yield. "Varessa," Maria called softly. Varessa turned, her expression unreadable. "What is it?" Maria didn¡¯t speak. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she silently opened her arms in invitation. That was enough to break the dam. Varessa rushed into Maria¡¯s embrace, clutching her as though letting go would mean losing everything. Her cries were raw, unfiltered, filled with the agony of a mother who had already lost too much. She sobbed into Maria¡¯s shoulder, her fingers tightening in her robes as wave after wave of sorrow crashed over her. "I lost my husband to this damn war¡­ and now my only daughter too¡­" Her voice trembled between gasps and sobs. "I will end this war. I swear it." Maria held her tightly, whispering nothing, only offering her presence¡ªbecause she knew there were no words that could heal such pain. The war had taken too much from both of them. And now, it had taken her daughter as well. Outside, the violet moon of Nyxara cast its glow over the land, bathing everything in its quiet, unfeeling light. The heavens did not weep for them, nor did they mourn the fallen. But within the walls of Luminara and Nyxara, two parents sat in silent grief, their hearts consumed by the same thought: If their daughters were truly lost, then vengeance would follow. Chapter 12: The Mysterious Ruin The trio moved cautiously through the dark ruins, their only source of light coming from the twin Aetherforged swords held by Lucielle and Caelum. The golden glow illuminated the crumbling walls, casting long, eerie shadows that seemed to stretch and twist unnaturally. The air was thick with dust, each step they took disturbing the remnants of a forgotten past. The ruins had clearly once been a place of grandeur, but time had not been kind. Walls bore intricate sculptures, now cracked and weathered with age. Large, regal portraits hung askew or lay shattered on the floor, their subjects lost to time. What remained of the carpets were little more than charred remnants, burned to ashes in scattered patches across the cold stone. Debris cluttered the path, remnants of furniture long since destroyed. The eerie silence of the ruins was only broken by their footsteps and the occasional drip of water from some unseen source. "What is this place?" Varithra wondered aloud, her voice hushed, as if speaking too loudly might disturb whatever remnants of the past lingered here. "Probably some kind of shelter," Caelum guessed, stepping over a broken chair, his eyes scanning the ruin. Lucielle frowned as she examined the architecture. "No, it looks more like a palace," she said with certainty. "I''ve seen enough palaces in Luminara to recognize one. The way this place is structured... the grand halls, the carved stone... it¡¯s too refined for a mere shelter." Varithra hummed in agreement, running her fingers along the jagged remains of what had once been an ornate doorframe. "She has a point. This place was built for someone important." They continued their careful exploration, their steps cautious as they made their way deeper into the ruins. As they entered a vast chamber, the sight before them made all three of them gasp. "Aureon¡¯s light¡­" Lucielle whispered, bringing her glowing sword closer to illuminate the room. The entire chamber was littered with skeletons. Some were slumped over broken furniture, others sprawled across the floor, their bones brittle and yellowed with age. Some lay against the walls, as if they had crawled there in their final moments, trying to escape something. The air carried the scent of decay, old yet lingering, as though the very walls remembered the tragedy that had occurred here. Caelum stepped forward, surveying the remains. "They must have died ages ago," he murmured, his voice tinged with unease. Varithra swallowed, looking around the room. "Was this a battle?" she asked, her voice quieter than before. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Caelum shook his head. "No¡­ look at them. They aren¡¯t wearing armor. Their weapons aren¡¯t scattered like they would be in a fight. And the furniture¡ªthis was once a lived-in space, not a battlefield. They died here, but not from combat." A shiver ran down Lucielle¡¯s spine. "Then what killed them?" she asked, kneeling beside one of the skeletons and running her fingers along its fractured ribs. None of them had an answer. The silence that followed was almost suffocating. Lucielle examined multiple skeletons, frustration creeping into her voice. "I can''t even determine whether they were Nyxaran or Luminarian. Their bones are too old, too weathered." She clenched her fists. "This whole thing is a mystery." Caelum exhaled sharply. "Then let¡¯s not linger longer than necessary. This place doesn¡¯t sit right with me." They all silently agreed. Whatever had happened here, none of them wanted to share the same fate. Leaving the skeletal chamber behind, they navigated through a broken exit, entering a long corridor lined with multiple doorways on either side. They checked a few rooms as they passed, but nothing stood out¡ªonly more shattered remnants of a forgotten past, more collapsed walls, and occasionally, more skeletons resting where they had fallen. At the very end of the corridor, they came upon a set of massive doors. Unlike the rest of the ruins, this one stood tall and unbroken, its stone surface adorned with intricate carvings. It was the only part of the ruin that seemed untouched by time. Lucielle ran her hand along the doors, tracing the symbols etched into the stone. "These symbols¡­ they represent the gods. Look here¡ªon the left, the sword with wings behind it. That represents Aureon. The leaves¡ªSolmara. The stars¡ªVaelis. These are the gods of Luminara." On the right side, Varithra pointed to different engravings. "And here¡ªthis sword with a shadow beneath it. That¡¯s Noctyss. The eye¡ªZareth. The dark hand¡ªErythos. These are the gods of Nyxara." But what caught all their eyes were the two symbols in the center¡ªsimple yet distinct. A sun and a moon, placed side by side. Silence hung between them. Caelum finally broke it. "So¡­ do either of you know what the sun and moon represent?" Both Lucielle and Varithra shook their heads, confusion evident on their faces. Caelum raised an eyebrow. "You two were raised in either Nyxara or Luminara. Didn¡¯t either of you learn this in your academy? Never good at history or something?" Both women turned to glare at him, their previous uncertainty replaced with annoyance. Lucielle crossed her arms. "I have never seen these symbols representing anything before." Caelum smirked. "So you really are bad at history." Lucielle¡¯s glare sharpened. "I will have you know that I graduated first in my year. No one even came close to my intellect, especially someone like you." Caelum shrugged. "If you say so." Varithra sighed, placing a hand on the door. "As much as I¡¯d love to watch you two argue, we have a more pressing matter. Do we open this or not?" Lucielle frowned. "I don¡¯t like this. I have a bad feeling." Caelum nodded. "Same here, but we don¡¯t have much of a choice. This is the only path forward." The three of them stood before the towering doors, uncertain of what lay beyond but knowing they had no other options. With a shared nod, they each placed a hand on the ancient stone and pushed. The doors groaned as they moved, the deep rumble echoing throughout the ruins.