A glorious spacecraft navigates the cosmic expanses, serenaded by the harmonious symphony of comets and stars. Nestled within its subspace, a perpetual generator hums as passengers traverse the currents of time, their faces adorned with a blend of sorrow, fear, and ire. Abruptly— arcs of electricity manifest around the generator, and a young man hurtles forth...

Kanji "... Ugh. My head feels dizzy. G-Guys. What time- Whoa!"

He narrowly evades an incoming punch.

Kanji "Azan! What the hell?!"

Azan "It's all... YOUR FAULT!"

Fueled by rage, he unleashes a barrage of jabs, each Kanji deftly dodged.

Azan "IF ONLY YOU DIDN'T CONVINCE US TO GO ON THIS STUPID JOURNEY! MY DAD WOULD STILL ALIVE!"

Kanji "What?! Hold on! What happened when I was gone?!"

Claire and Gwen intervene, halting their friend's assault.

The rest of the wielders hold Azan though some look reluctant as if they share the same sentiment. A few seconds pass and Azan's rage begins to fade. He calms down and the two wielders sit on the floor face to face.

The remaining wielders restrain Azan, some reluctantly, sharing a similar sentiment. Moments pass, and Azan's fury begins to wane. He composes himself, and the two sit on the floor, eye to eye.

Azan "... Earth. Earth is gone, Kanji."

Kanji "What? No... that can't be! Are you sure?!"

Azan "... Just take a look at that."

His gaze is drawn to the holographic display at the room's center, revealing a radiant supernova.

Kanji "No... M-Mom."

Azan "Wait. You have a parent too... fuck. I-I'm sorry-

Kanji storms away, tears streaming down his cheeks. Claire and Gwen watch with concern, their palms tightly clenched. An uneasy silence pervades as the wielders pair off from each other. Kanji enters his room and heads straight for his bed, lying down, his tear-streaked face now one of sorrow. He gazes up at the reflective ceiling...

Two beautiful girls gracefully settle beside him.

Kanji "Claire. Gwen. Why are you guys here?"

Claire "To cheer you up, dummy!"

Gwen "Yeah, please mellow down your worries. We don't think Earth was destroyed for certain."

Kanji "What makes you so positive? It is so unlike you."

Claire "Listen, Kaney. You weren't awake and from what I could tell was that Earth is definitely still there."

Gwen "Claire's assumption is quite plausible, K-Kaney. C-Can I also call you Kaney?"

Kanji "Sure, why not. Please continue."

Gwen "Thanks. Well, do you remember the gray filter that expanded across our solar system and the original Earth disappearing?" "Yes, I can finally him Kaney!"

Kanji "Yeah... now that I think about it... that occurrence was a bit odd. I assumed that it was just part of Earthas's influence like some kind of special ability."

Gwen "I thought too at first but my theory is that Lord Kin teleported our Earth somewhere else so that Earthas can utilize that phantom "Earth" without causing much trouble."

Kanji "But... wouldn't the original Earth return as soon as Earthas was defeated? Seeing that the supernova is obviously active isn't filling me with confidence."

Claire "Well, it did seem that the grey stuff was still there while we were exiting."

Gwen "You caught a glimpse of that. Your eyes are pretty impressive."

Claire "Thanks, bestie."

Kanji "... I like to thank you guys. I feel a lot more hopeful."

Gwen "... Ummm, Kaney. Can we..."

Claire "... Hang out in your room? Just the three of us."

Kanji "Fine. I always wanted to watch some movies with you two anyway."

The girls smile, exiting for a change of clothes. Kanji rummages through his inventory space, finding a fresh pair of UFO pajamas. Claire and Gwen return in orange and purple striped pajamas. The trio nestles under the blanket, immersing themselves in movies for the remainder of the day. Elsewhere, a pair of giants ascends a lengthy flight of stairs. Diana saunters alongside Adrian, the supporting space of the stair's platforms providing an ample space for conversation.

Diana "You know these longass stairs make for good exercise."

Adrian "I specifically designed it for that purpose."

Diana "Yo, that's really cool. Anyway, what do you want to talk about?"

They ascend to the apex where Adrian's colossal bed lies flat.

Adrian "Well, I want your feedback on a poem I made and to cheer you up. You have parents, don't you?"

Diana "... Yeah, but I'm pretty sure Earth is gone with that grey magic shit. Also, I'm that bothered even if they are gone."

Adrian "That's kinda dark."

Diana "Not really. Russian parents tend to toughen up their kids. My childhood was like a fight for survival type stuff where my parents threw me into a jungle to survive. Hey, it made me strong and I'm really happy. I mean look at these babies!"

Adrian "... Sigh. It seems my attempt at cheering isn't needed then."

Diana "Hey, you can still try and make me feel better anyway. Anyway, what's this about a poem?"

Adrian "Well, you know I like writing novels. Right?"

Diana "Well, duh! I have been paying attention when you were writing for Icarus. What was that shit about?"

Adrian "I was recording every spec of detail throughout our entire journey. He is hoping to make an animated series based on it to entertain his adoring fans."

Diana "That's actually... sounds... kinda cool. Please, don't tell him that. So, this poem is something different, right?"

Adrian "It's going to be my magnum opus. Poetic stories are always the most complex and interesting but... I feel as though writing it from only my perspective would be rather selfish so I need your help. Your charming... I mean rashness can bring down the complexity of my story, making it more casual and easy to understand."

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Diana "Aww, come here you nerd! Let's get this stuff started!"

She gives him a tight hug, and they take a seat on the enormous surface. However, several books come flying off the shelter, but Diana catches them before they can land on Adrian. The two laugh it off, diving into the contents of Adrian's poem. As their hands touch, reaching the cover, a subtle blush brushes over their faces, quickly vanishing the awkward occurrence. The pair spends the rest of the day discussing the intricacies of the poem. Meanwhile, another pair walks away from a peer's room, their faces as red as tomatoes.

Noah "... I can't believe those two would just straight up say that they are having sex."

Sarah "Yeah. I know. Let's just forget about it. Didn't you also have a parent or parents?"

Noah "Yeah, just one but I have a feeling that he's gone long ago."

Sarah "Why?"

Noah "First, no response ever since this whole journey started. Second, the creepy way he said his goodbye like it would be his last trip. So yeah... I don't think he is coming back."

Sarah "Hey, cheer up. Wanna check my grimoire? Maybe one day, I can get one of the good ones and revive your dad."

Noah "No thanks but it be cool just to check it out."

She gives him a gleeful smile and drags him into her room.

Mina "Those two seem occupied. Now... is there something you want to spill out, Mr. Angry Mac Sorry Pants."

Azan "A bit harsh with the wording there, Mina."

Mina "I expected you, the business and professional guy, of all people to be more responsible and mature!"

Azan "Well, your parent died too. Shouldn't you also be mad?!"

Mina "No, because I'm not a pessimistic piece of crap- Fuck... Sorry. It's just that you were the one who always cheered me up and gave me good advice. It hurts... It really hurts to see you like this, Azzy."

Azan "Now you know I ain't perfect. Just a normal guy with normal feelings."

Mina "Azzy. Earth isn't gone. You're exaggerating."

Azan "How would you know that?"

Mina "Not now but maybe tomorrow so can you hold in your whining until then? Got it?!"

Azan "Angry Mina is scary. But what's this about waiting tomorrow."

Mina "While you were moping, I contacted AN and asked if they could check Earth for us but it turns out they can only view us not Earth. As a compromise, AN sent a wicked-fast recording drone that will reach Earth when the supernova dies down around tomorrow."

Azan "I feel... a lot better now. Thank you, Mina."

Mina "Hey, let's make some sundaes together just to cheer you up."

Azan "I would very much like that."

The day passes quickly for the wielders, occupied by their actions. However, for another, it feels as if it's going to be a longer day.

__________________________________________________________________________

On the distant planet of Caverrin, an air of tension and fear blankets the citizens of the Incarus Empire as signs of war plastered every region of a great empire. This vast empire dominates half of the planets, while the other half is marked by thousands of active volcanoes, seemingly dormant but waiting to unleash their fury for those daring to approach.

The empire itself is divided into three distinct sections— Sun's Bite Valley, Nobilis Metropolis, and the Commonasa.

At the heart of the dominion lies Sun's Bite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape home to the menacing and enormous Incaris Palace. When viewed from space, the valley resembles colossal bite marks inflicted by a mythical reptilian beast. The first entrance points or gateways to the palace are strategically positioned at the places where the imaginary teeth would have pierced the land. These gateways open up to a system of retractable tinodium bridges that connect to towers surrounding the palace. A complex network of bridges, reminiscent of a spider's web, extends from these towers, creating an intricate pathway into the countless reinforced doors that splatter the structure's height. The entire valley is encased by a massive invisible dome, a forcefield powered by 50% of the nation's rotatenium supply, extending even below ground. This recent addition serves the dual purpose of keeping both intruders and residents in check, especially following a security breach involving a certain spy.

Nobilis Metropolis, encircling Sun's Bite Valley, spans a mere 5 kilometers but stands as the bustling city hub of The Incarus Empire. Densely packed structures, including the distinctive "Royal Hive mounds," crafted from rare materials such as gold and Acar wood, dot the landscape. These anthill-like homes are exclusive to noble Castastrians, generals, and select exceptional soldiers, who can modify the form and size of their abodes using a credit system based on their contributions to the empire.

The largest and most sprawling part of the nation is The Commonasa, a vast region that extends from the city's outskirts to the base of the ominous volcanoes. In stark contrast to the opulence of Nobilis Metropolis, The Commonasa houses the common Castastrians— workers, teachers, slaves, farmers — in small anthills constructed from humble concrete. The density of these houses varies randomly, with some areas devoid of any shelter and filled with impoverished evictees unable to meet their quotas. Their lives are marked by hardship, misery, and the desperation of those pushed to the margins of society.

Now, with the scent of war permeating the air, the balance of power trembles.

AN "... Calm down, AN. Nothing will happen to the common folk. Just make sure their attention is on us. It has to be done. Let the war begin."

An explosion ravages one of the Royal mounds on the border of Commonosa, spewing fragments of gold upon the scene.

A swarm of homeless Castastrians besieges the fallen area, driven by desperation. In response, a legion of soldiers arrives, attempting to quell the chaos by arresting the homeless individuals, but their numbers continue to multiply. Seizing the opportunity, AN quickly activates a remote device before hurling it into the fractured building's remains and vanishing from the scene. An iconic symbol of a draconic ant emerges as a symbol of the rebellion army, horrifying the soldiers as thousands of AN look-alikes materialize out of the image. The streets are soon painted red as the rebellion mercilessly attacks and slaughters the soldiers, causing panic to spread across Nobilis with reports of similar incidents along the border.

Meanwhile, in the midst of these tumultuous events, a trial unfolds in the throne room.

"Well. Well. Well. Look what we have here. Isn't it my favorite general? Got anything to say?"

KARNAT "..."

GENERAL1 "This ignorant and rude little shit-

"Calm your nerves. The rightful anger should be mine. Let's review the transgressions, ignoring my calls, laying waste to my "Red Web" project, effectively wiping out my devoted cultists, and obliterating a thousand meteorships in the blink of an eye! You, sir, stand as the greatest failure in our nation's history. I'm actually fucking speechless."

?? "FUCK! Release me, you inconsequential soldiers! I will extract his head for eliminating my only lead to Unification. UNITY WAS WITHIN MY GRASP!"

GENERAL1: "For God's sake! I understand your frustration, doctor. However, this is a trial, and we must maintain formality. Soldiers, kindly escort him out."

Ten more soldiers drag the doctor away from the throne room, and a muffled scream resonates before the grand doors reopen.

The sound of whistling draws near Karnat from behind, but he remains unresponsive. A rugged Castastrian unleashes a ear-shattering roar in the general's ear, yet... he remains unfazed. He then directs a wide, sharp grin toward her Majesty.

GENERAL2 "Looks like the fucker's broken. Told ya he was useless, stupid, and incompetent. Hell, look at this!"

He raises Karnat's right hand and erases the image from its back.

GENERAL2 "See! No image means no power! He was a fluke! Oh, I would ashamed to be one who chose him as a general. Am I right, Polsy?"

GENERAL1 "Watch your tongue, savage! Though, I can't help but chuckle at your conclusion. It was her Majesty's choice."

GENERAL2 "Oh... Err... Sorry, madam."

"Not to worry. In fact, I should apologize. Your intuition was spot-on. Now, what are your thoughts on the fate of our little friend here?"

Royal Guard "Death. Death. Death."

GENERAL1: "Indeed, he deserves execution- a fitting punishment. I say we give it to the doctor."

GENERAL2 "What?! Oh, come on! You guys are being too light! If I recall, this guy still has two subgenerals. How about we kill them too? Since they are somehow friends with this idiot then that means they must be failures too!"

KARNAT "... What? No... please."'

"Oh, look who decided to finally respond. Was your shock really that severe? I, too, admire her greatly, but she served her purpose to the fullest extent. I was proud, yet saddened to lose my model citizen. At least, I have this."

The Empress pulls out a small fleshy speaker...

"I love you. I love you. I love you."

"Such a sweet voice. The doctor salvaged what remained after the supernova, discovering a piece of her somehow survived. He attempted to revive her but only recovered this fragment of her consciousness. Still, I'm pleased, although I question who she was saying this to. Anyway, you will be culled today along with your peons-

A soldier rushes in, his entire body drenched in sweat.

"Your Majesty! We are in deep trouble! The rebels have launched an attack, numbering in the thousands! They've already claimed 50 percent of Nobilis Metropolis!"

GENERAL1 "What?! Thousands! Impossible! We slaughtered the lot of them!"

GENERAL2 "What's the big worry ya stupid tall cowardly pussy? I'll just go and kill them again!"

GENERAL1 "... And he's gone. I truly demise him but at least he's useful. How should proceed from here, my liege?"

"... Postpone Karlac's execution. Throw him into the deepest cell and assist in quashing those rebels. Only then shall the execution take place. Oh, and in the meantime, locate his subgenerals."

As he is dragged away, Karnat begins to weep, yet he makes no attempt to escape. Now, in a filthy cell, he spots a long rope in the corner. His thoughts teeter between life and death. However, her words echo in his mind, dispelling the notion. His mind is a mess, exhausting him. Karnat succumbs to sleep for the first time in many days, dreaming of a brighter future, one where he can control his own destiny.