Xinglan observed the view of the rocky hills filled with snow, he was standing across Suona and Amaris as they were in the Hill of Prayer while making sure the cathedral is safe from any harm. As he was keeping an eye on the preparation for the Advent soon, his eyes never leaves Suona whom his eyes were fixated towards her and also Amaris. The hill always gives a wide view of the area, a beautiful scenery just for those who climbed the hill while some were for running around and throwing snowballs at each other which makes him recall his times with his childhood friends.

When he was about to look around the marketplace from the distance, he heard a sound of large bell from the distance and made him yelled and fell down in panic attack that scared him so bad. He was in trance, his heart stopped the moment it was ringed and made him fell in an abrupt shock. "Xinglan, are you okay?!" Suona asked, approaching him with a shocked look on her face. Xinglan stared at Suona, noticing his friend's troubled expression before Xinglan moved and hold up his hand--letting him gathering up his breath once again.

"S-So loud... God..."

He stammered as Suona tried her best to calm him down, she was surprised--she never know Xinglan has a fear of bell, especially during Advent. Although he tolerates small bells and church bells (as long it's not that loud like a clacker one), the larger ones were driving him crazy like crazy. "Sorry about that, it's nearing the festival and..." Suona trailed off, before he shake his head and she helped him stand up as Xinglan stood. "I'm sorry, I had a fear of bells. I don't know why... I never had any traumatic experiences with them, nor negative ones... but whenever I encountered the big ones, I had a massive... panic attack that giving me a high, but... it's hell..." he said, covering his ears for a moment when the bell began to rang again.

Suona patted on her friend's back, she have known him as his only closest friend along with Amaris. Xinglan take off his rounded spectacles and wiping off the tears from his eyes, the panic attack made him having a bad headache. "It's not my fault that I took that a step backwards, I can't predict everything whenever we encounter the surprises... sorry," Xinglan trailed off again, making Suona froze before she pat his back, leading him to the steps and the two sat on the bench.

Amaris approached both of them as she bought some food for them, noticing Xinglan's pale and terrified face along with Amaris asked what's going on, even from the distance--she can hear him shivering. "H-He had a phobia of bell... when he heard that large bell earlier... he fell down and having a massive panic attack..." Suona explained, making Amaris surprised and she narrowed her eyes. "What...? Are you okay, Xinglan? What kind of medicine do you need? Or is there a way we can help you?" she asked.

Xinglan appreciated Amaris's kindness for asking the details, shaking his head at the last question as he looked around and take in a deep breath as he fixed his circular spectacles. "No need, that's why I never mention to anyone about it," he mumbled. "Also, I don't like the low-pitched ones... I never did like any alarm clock for a waking call, they're either too low-pitched or has the effect of my trauma experience..."

Amaris sighed, feeling concerned about Xinglan's trauma since this is something he doesn't want to talk about, in case if he have other extreme mental issues. "It's alright, I've deal with this kind of issue before and as long my anxiety is suppressed, I'll be fine," he assured, folding his arms.

"Let's go back to our patrol..."

On the town streets filled with snow, some of the elves doing their daily preparations for the festivities by decorating the villas and the storefronts. Most shops were selling all kinds of festive decorations made of plastic, paper mache and wood, and a bunch of different colored Christmas ornaments. During this time, the weather gets progressively colder due to the frosts and snowfall in preparation for the holy day, it's cold and wet. Christmas was one of Sonata's favorite holidays and sometimes she wish everyday would be Christmas due to the wonders in the weather and the aesthetically beautiful decorations, which she wished everything was like how it is: calm, happy and hopeful.

Suona was standing on the roof of the building with Xinglan, the two were surveying the situation outside as Amaris were busy with her own unit near the marketplace. Suona saw Sonata and the others delivering a parcel to the office from the window, she chuckled and turns to Xinglan who was leaning against the ledge. "What's the plan for us?" she asked.

"For now, to investigate any suspicious activities is the main priority for the Mail-Hunters to survey the areas and some folks, just in case if some thugs is up to no good. Other than that, everything's calm and no crimes so far," Xinglan replied with a slight shrug on his shoulders as the reddish-brown haired male wearing his black cloak, before he turned to Amaris who is busy conducting an interrogation against the criminal, probably an old client to be locked. "Like usual, Amaris love to stick up her reputation as the serious person."

The trio began to patrol into the snowy path, walking inside the large paths inside the forest--which is used for cross-country skiing during the wintertime. From what they're seeing on the ground; many tourists and immigrants enjoying the winter to participate in many outdoor activities. "Sheesh, it's freezing cold in here!" Suona whined, groaning at the weather as her gloves were warm when the blizzard struck the area, and covered their eyes from the snow. Suona adjusted the scarf around her neck, until Xinglan pulled her head forward.

"Be careful of your head and some weird guys, she doesn't want you to get bashed or kidnapped, you know..." he said, his usual firm and cold tone remained the same--but his voice sounded like a soft whisper somehow, as it resonated through the snowy forest.

"Bless thee holy star, the skies' gift to the nation. Restore the Canarians' hope and virtue..."

Amaris read the old letter she received from the citizens who wrote them a wish during the Night of Silence, wishing the gods to deliver them a good health and fortune. Suona felt Xinglan's hand patted her shoulders, making her puffed her cheeks. "Heh, you're still a kid, anyway," he commented sarcastically with a smirk, making Suona threw her boot at him as it flying towards him which Xinglan dodged it. The snow gently falling from the sky was calming, soothing yet cold at the same time as there are trails of footsteps on the snowy path. When the holiday is getting near, it was perfect to do winter activities in order to refresh ourselves and get in the Christmas spirit.

Snow-induced areas are like a place where the children liked to explore during winter, a sense of belonging and fun.

The trio encountered Four Roses Husks who were roaming around the nest that filled with somewhat glowing blue lights and moving, crawling around and hissing. Suona quickly unleashed her Spring Snow Suite, Symphony No. 40 in G Minor from her back, adjusting the strings and tuning it. Amaris takes out her Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 while recharging her Melodic Scores, lastly Xinglan unsheathed his High Mountains and Flowing Waters and holding the bow on his hand.

"I'll handle that one, you two deal with the other."

Suona fired one long ranged attack to the giant insect, the force blew the Husk back and stunned for a few seconds and gave them time to attack them. "That's why Suona works better in long-ranged," Amaris teased with her usual monotone tone and giggle, keeping a smirk on her face. Xinglan huffed, before he produced a sharp, loud and strong screech-like attack with his weapon while Amaris rushed down to stab and thrusted the monster as the attack manages to cause a final blow from her gunshot.

Suona plucked each of the strings gently, until a torrent of icicle spear emerging from the ground and struck three Husk, as Xinglan and Amaris take their turn to use one melee. "I've missed fighting with the Husks, anyway. We often sparring and hunting them together when working night and day, it's pretty great," Amaris said, as she pulled her weapon after stabbing a Husk right through the stomach and kicked it off, before she fired another one and quickly took a swing with her lance.

"I know that."

Xinglan responded, before he fiddled the strings and shot a barrage of light-hued arrows of jade green-colored hue at the Husk which the attack managed to weakened their defenses. "Keep in mind that we shouldn't tire ourselves... also, try to evade some of my attacks because you might get yourself ambushed," he warned, before he played the infamous Huaxian piece--Racing Horse. He suddenly created a veil of protection using the silk string and attacked with precise timing. The moment Suona saw that, she stepped back and let Xinglan fire away the long-ranged attacks as her barrier activated.

Amaris clicked her tongue, she was well-aware that he intentionally wanted to have this weapon because he enjoy using the bow (since he's good in stringed instruments) and... the song.

The Huaxian nation are well-renowned due to their superior warfare methods which evolved in a recent moment, one of those methods includes evasive and attack styles that utilizes the silk strings and arrows. Which is why Xinglan is skilled in using a bow and having an advantage against the enemies that utilize silken bows and string. Xinglan continued producing more music as he plucked and strumming the strings, shooting sharp projectiles from above from some songs, alongside the gentle plucking of the strings from the symphonies, as long as he does the accuracy right. Amaris and Suona's musical ability and reflexes combined with Xinglan's defense are unstoppable, only if he didn't use this trick up his sleeves and focusing on offense.

It was a miracle why the trio are famous for their combat skills in the division when they worked together.

"Alright, time to destroy the nest," Xinglan mumbled, before he pulled the bow string and fired off a streak of light grey-colored string arrows and it creates a flurry of gale blades while the black arrow pierced and hit the ice with such great speed.

After fighting the monsters, their routine is to clear the targets as a final finish for the jobs. The three were in the National Postal Service Headquarters in front of the postmasters to be assessed, Amaris was always patient and not mind about criticism, then, Xinglan had to take a breather from the wind and Suona was still looking exhausted. "Man, I'm stuffed... after battling for the whole afternoon..." she groaned.

"After going on a patrols, the Advent preparations, deliveries... and lastly..."

Xinglan continued, as he took out a brown-colored paper with Suona taking a hold of the paper and she tilted her head while observing the writing. "Oh, an invitation to a party? I thought the Mass is over..." she said, before she turned to Xinglan who blinked. "It's for the promotion of one of the Candidates of Captaincy," he explained, before Amaris realized who the candidate is. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the promotion of Head Captain Oak. About time he's promoted after reaching his final rank as a Mailman Captain, it's the dream of every citizen..."

Amaris spoke, before Suona realized something. "Wait, Xinglan... I thought the promotion ceremony is over?" she asked, looking at the invitation as Xinglan puts the letter back into his vest. "It is. This celebration is different since it's the introduction of the newly-formed Unit of Candidates, if the Head Captain is here... that means he will be electing his confidants as captains, plus his responsibilities is much heavier now. God, I feel bad for Claude but that's his dream because... you know."

They nodded, it was sad but it took them quite a time for Claude to get his promotion due to his unexpected disappearances during each delivery, until he revealed about his younger sister who had a paraplegic legs--made him prioritize his personal life to her instead. Speaking of Claude; he greeted the trio, his appearance didn't really change a bit with his messy mop of grayish-white color, fair skin and violet eyes.

His personality had always been the same as well, with a soft smile on his face as Suona turned to him. For some reason, there's an air of familiarity around him.

"Claude...!"

Claude nodded and he smiled at the trio, he was feeling exhausted after resting for two whole days before his work to run around Welkin City to clear his missions. But, he always stay strong and take care of his health. "Long time no see, Xinglan, Amaris and... Suona, right?" he asked with a soft chuckle, before he approached and shook the trio's hands. Claude was glad that he got the chance to join the Squad once again, even though he wished not to serve the military forces nor be in an elite group in the Division. Suona giggled, as she takes in a deep breath while talking to him.

"Indeed, the three of us were always playing together along with Sonata, Claire and Gabriel too. We can hang out when we had free time, we haven't seen you in a while," she said with a cheery tone. Xinglan blinked at this, before he turned his head. "Wait, I thought you're just working in the office or...?"

Amaris watched him shake his head, before he smiled wistfully at them. "My duty is field-related, that's why I was often gone and not often I can hang out... but, I hope we can talk more while doing our first shift soon. You're all very busy preparing for the celebrations and... my sister really likes you guys, I don't have a time to be apart from her. I need to be here just so she can get around and know you all better."

Claude speaks of himself with so much compassion, given his shy demeanor it felt as if he was timid and insecure like those who were anxious like him. "It's okay, at least you're satisfied with your new job and we understand your reasons, honestly," Amaris replied, as the smoke-white haired young adult chuckled and looked up towards the sky. The star shining brighter and illuminating the dark skies, the winter has a beautiful kind of feeling that makes people's heart lift, the snow lightly falling gave a snow globe effect.

Few hours later...

Lloyd was observing the snowflakes outside the window of his office, the thirty-seven years old youthful Postmaster-General has been nostalgic ever since he used to deliver parcels during Advent for the first time and at the same time the Starlight Deliveries during the same event.

He watched the Mail-Hunters from outside his window, just relaxing and enjoying the festive season since there are many festivities held in the city. However, his eyes landed on Sonata as he couldn't help but took a detailed attention on her as well since... the carnival incident and she was the one who made him get out from his darkest hour in his life that took too long. The memory still lingers as he was facing a grave dilemma but finally seeing light because of her intervention, it made him smile again like he used to be and he didn't want to lose her after knowing her existence.

Lloyd felt like a child again whenever he sees her, her love for festivities and it was his favorite especially when there's going to be a family moment, his most memorable memories is his time in delivery through his journey when he became a postman. Those were his most fun of his youth years. He sighed softly, she was like his only 'light' that keep him from the darkest truth he has. Like someone who has been always there but never stopped to offer her kindness in ways he doesn't deserve of, so gentle and he sometimes wondered of her; or simply just have a wishful thinkings... wishing her to be part of his family.

"Hey, little star. Why do I feel like knowing you for a long time, but... we only meet each other last month? Your smile is warm like the sun, perhaps more warmer than that..."

Lloyd cringed when he remembered his childhood self keep looking at the stars, literally saying that alone to the endless night sky and the stars that he saw... many people said he was just a fantasist. His gaze softened for a moment before taking a deep breath and closed his eyes, he just smiled for a bit. "If you were an adult, Sonata... I would've wanted to be the one you hold in your dreams, and I would become the man who captures your heart..."

No, what was he thinking about!? That made his cheeks flushed a slight red. He cleared his throat to push the last thing back, he felt so weird--WHAT IS HE EVEN THINKING OF RIGHT NOW!?

The first glimpse of lights among the shadows of the cold winter... and no one else seems to remember this day in the deepness of the rain. "I need help right now," he grumbled, walking back to the table and sat down--he then slapped himself and sighing. "I'm starting to act like a drunkard..."

Sonata stared at the skies above, her wolf tail wagging slightly on the snow. She was so happy for something today, but she doesn't know what. There were just a few moments like these where she could see what she truly wanted, at times; all of her sadness and pain seemed to fade to nothing, and now she had moments where she didn't want it to ever stop or to ever come to an end. When she turn around to see her Postmaster-General, Lloyd was seen leaning on the open door--just there. Staring at her, as if her glow was drawing him into a comfortable trance of bliss.

"Master Lloyd?"

Sonata asked, tilting her head. Her light footsteps were audible, and he wonders if she notices the sound but the two both enjoyed the sound as if it was made by bells. Sonata's tail kept wagging while the snow drops were dancing on the cool breeze, he is surprised that the weather was getting colder--even after he has worn layers of coats for these cold days. "I forgot to bring my coat..." she pouted, before she felt his coat draped over her.

"Ah, don't worry about it. Your shift will be done soon, anyways," he reminded with a soft smile. "And there's also gonna be a small little celebration after this week, too. So I'll make sure you won't forget to take your break."

"Huh, I guess you're right... I still wondered what the whole deal is about," Sonata muttered while folding her arms. "This event, the Grand Galloping Gala, was originally part of a trade exhibition which was attended by only the richest of the rich," Lloyd said, kneeling so he can be on the same level as her. It makes her face flushes a slightly beet red before looking back to him, his smile seemingly felt warm to her that could've melted her heart.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Filled with politics and expensive stuffs, no need to attend since it's only for the Masters."

Sonata listens as she was looking at her hands, the sleeves of her dark Prussian blue coat covers her wrist. "There's going to be a Masquerade party tonight, more like a ball... there'll be a buffet, music, with some performances but with different set and a large space for everyone and you all are welcome, how can it not be fun?" Lloyd held her shoulders gently, so that she could face him. They watched the snowflakes gently float through the air for a moment, with the festive lights that lined the street that was still illuminated. "Oh right, Sonata... I want to say this, not as a Postmaster-General... but as myself, Lloyd."

His stare could've lit a fire in her for as long as she lived, but also felt a deep intensity for someone she knew, a touch of his hand always could've sent her soul into a place that she never dared to believe. "I always wanted to see the normal blue sky, white clouds and the sunlight in Canaria... and I began to wonder if... would things get better for us?"

Even so, they were aware of the secret that still remains hidden--the fact that the sky always in the endless night.

Sonata was confused when she felt his hands pulling away from her shoulders, she stared at his purple eyes for a moment--she felt so touched but curious when he said that. "Sometimes, I was so focused on keeping everything and everyone in this city safe. I just... stop looking up when there's always an 'end' instead of a 'start' there," he muttered quietly, as he had been through a lot in his life. "Sonata, in case if I'm not a Postmaster-General anymore... I wanted you to know that I wished to feel the weather as a normal person once more, to see the colorful skies and the normal sun when there's a chance. If one day my 'job' of being the Postmaster-General is over or even if I've died or something else and your dream come true for this..."

Lloyd seems... sad for the life that seems like it will be over for him, the endless night and he has been lost in this darkness he's in. He wanted to ask for one more favor, yet unable to do so and his chest ache when he tries not to think about it; but he wanted to get this off from his chest. "Even if someday, people will defame me, insult me, and made allegations to the point of my dismissal as the Postmaster-General..." he asked her.

"I hope you will still acknowledge me, one last time..."

Sonata listened and carefully remembered his words, her eyes looked at him and smiled a bit. "Like I said before..." she started, making him look back at her. "... we'll follow you until the end of the world."

Her sincere tone of voice is genuine and caring; and as she took her hands in his own, she promised her. If it comes to that time, she will stand by him. "Nobody can replace you, Master Lloyd... you're the best leader I've ever known. In fact, everyone here is very proud to have you. These Mail-Hunters, and especially, the people; they haven't stop caring and I care too! Even if you dismissed and betrayed us, we know deep down... you wanted to protect everyone," she comforted him, trying to be strong as much as possible despite the coldness she felt. Her sudden words must be painful to hear for Lloyd, but the truth is... he realized.

He realized he should stop thinking of 'what if' and decide.

"Actually, I shouldn't be saying this right now--because of you," he smiled and his hands moved to hold her shoulder softly, still cautious to whatever mood or feelings. Perhaps he gave up one chance, but there's something that he found in the deepest corner of his heart. To him, it was a new beginning. "You're a bit funny, loud and clumsy sometimes... like a walking trouble, but you're so... bright. You never afraid of taking a risk, stood what you believed in and take things from square one. Like a little star, and you're a positive one at that."

"Hmm, not going to lie but it sounds like you're in love with me."

Sonata spoke with a snicker, making him comically pale in shock--clearly surprised by her sudden remark. His blush and stammering face only made her chuckle nervously, but she cleared her throat a bit. "Um, in any case... if I can do something that make you happy..."

Lloyd couldn't help but blinked his eyes several times when she lowered her gaze, she almost lost her words and it makes him slightly frown as he saw her discomfort. "If I am not your friend anymore in the future... please tell me, Master Lloyd. Is there anything I can do to make you happy again? Remember, don't hesitate to ask," she said, worried that he'll become more lonely and miserable when the unthinkable and unimaginable becomes true one day--one chance.

The truth is that he hasn't asking much the same questions before. Maybe that's because until a year ago he hadn't realized it, but Sonata has given him what he hadn't have... a new dream. "I wanted see the clear blue sky, white clouds, and bright sun in the sky... not just this endless night sky filled with stars," he whispered, standing up and looking up at the sky above. "I wanted peace in Canaria... where there's no one will die from winter anymore. People saved by food and protection, Mail-Hunters could retire and spend their lifetime with their families. Of course, it won't happen overnight but..."

Lloyd looked at her when she stand, her snow-white hair brushed by the breeze and her teal-blue eyes stared at him; hopeful. What he admired more from her was that he was always able to save her in dangerous missions, before he always worked alone and he felt content if a job finished quick; but she reminded him of his purpose in this world to create a better and peaceful one... one where all of them can live free from Canaria's curse and enjoy the end of winter together. "I thought it was over?"

Sonata asked, she realizes that this isn't over for them. "Yes, I think I mentioned about Spiritus Husk before... once the Artificial Light's supply ran out, it will immediately awaken the ancient one--the one and only last remaining Husk that needs to be purged away."

They had discussed the ultimate Husk is lurking deep underground beneath the city, however, for how long has it been hiding? The main issue is how long has their source of fuel is dried up before the Artificial Light's demise? Who created the light in first place and who is the current supplier and manufacturer? How long has their oil ran out and all the generators lost power... it was just... mysterious.

"We have one more chances, the Spiritus Husk... is not like the Husks we defeated everyday. This one is... very ancient and too powerful that not even the strongest can defeat it on their own or without having the source energy's sacrifices and the worst is... it requires a huge supply of Melodic Scores from our heart. It always hunts for one kind of score from 'magic' musical notes as well as the energy--" Lloyd explains, realizing what the one goal that Spiritus Husk sought. He turned to Sonata, gripping on her shoulders with a slight determination and serious look.

"Remember what Alastair told you after you can have control in using your Melodic Score for your Automotive Gear? Those energy also comes from your mind, heart and soul, as it fuses with the spiritual connection between you and your Automotive Gear. There's an ancient theory that connected the magic between Human Hearts and Melodic Amber."

She blinked at the reason why her mentor asked her several questions, and the only answer that he told her during his Lessons was 'It's a secret'.

***

Oswald has a dream, through his ability as an Archmage.

His dream is a clairvoyance power, a gift bestowed upon his bloodline for making sure the members of the Mail-Hunters are in the position where they should be at, for they are not only the light of hope for Canaria, but also for everyone throughout Albisia.

He stood there with his usual deadpan expression, witnessing the flames and chaos in the city as the houses were burning while their lands were destroyed, and people screaming over something he didn't dare to understand. He was still a child when he was having these dreams over and over again, all of them were horrific, before the one that was the most tragic one; the genocide of Archmage that happened years ago--during the Night of Silence.

The last survivor of Archmage race and the 'pure-blood' descendant of Circa the Archmage, Oswald has been working hard in order to put all of the names of Archmages to justice--after Lloyd saved his life and make him work in National Postal Service; hiding his true identity while making sure the government won't find out or make him fight in the frontlines. He hoped he will not reveal his true form but he still kept himself calm, his golden eyes with orange-red circular irises remained dull when he observed the destruction.

He was in the hallway of the city hall in his dream, following the dark purple carpet as his cane tapped on the floor. He look around for a moment, until he saw Lloyd walking down the hallway with his cane on his hand--per usual as Oswald quickly followed him to the elevator. Then, he watched Lloyd heading to the Hall of Regimes where there are several government officials stood on the Council tables as he remained silent.

Lloyd sat down on his seat patiently, his expression was glum.

There are many officials surrounding him, demanding information about a secret weapon that was supposed to be the answer to Canaria's strength, but he don't want the Emissaries involved with something big like the existence of the final Fantastic Beast. However, the topic changes into defamation against Emissaries' positions to obtain the Will that has the ability to change the course of Canaria's survival--like if Lloyd is considered for the last nomination as its' wielder or anyone who can surpasses the High Judgement. The current Prime Minister, Aldo Weller--looking down at Lloyd who he has been always competing with him and this is their new 'chance' to get him.

"Lloyd Warren, what do you think about the possibility of Emissaries wielding an individual power, will it become a source for conflict and fear to rise? Whether these individuals will remain who they are, and the judgement to be exacted with our choice?"

Lloyd remained silent, before a high council officer spoke with his deep baritone voice. "Such a foolish notion, Lloyd. Power is what keeps us standing strong, it can benefit us to thrive and take back the things that was stripped away from us, and we should be their new salvation in this harsh reality. Do you know how many enemies of yours; insulting you, defaming you and showing you great hatred and threat? There's enough wars inside the country, and enough evidence to overturn your powers. If you don't comply with us, your position as Postmaster-General will be forfeited--I hope you make the right decision here."

Lloyd remained silent as the fire reflects on his glassy purple eyes, the voices overlapping the scene--until a smile crept up to his lips. "I have been very, very silent whenever all of you keep throwing slanders, blame, false information and terrible actions towards us... Postmasters, Emissaries, fellow citizens and the others that has the same purpose as me; this is the final warning I am going to say here. I will not putting all of my shares from my family's business to Canaria, and your time will now ended here. Please evacuate immediately, I don't want any bystanders to get involve in the explosion," Lloyd's words rang to the room as the counsellors gasped in horror.

Oswald watched Lloyd staring at the Prime Minister, who was frozen in his spot as several large boxes and wine glasses fell down, scattering the wine and the sharp edges were glinting under the fire from the clock tower.

Then, the scene changes in front of him.

He witnessed the chaos and fire in front of him, his deadpan expression did not falter even the smoke smudged over his face and his coattail gently flutters. He walks passed through the endless hell that was created. His golden eyes continued to glow amidst the smoke and the chaos happening in the streets, passing the Post Service Department where everything crumbles--until he stopped and noticed something.

Oswald realizes when he saw the debris and the remnants of the chaos, all of them belongs to... his workplace.

National Postal Service.

He walked inside, noticing the familiar place was turned into hell as the huge pillars fell over. He saw familiar faces of his subordinates were lying on the ground, suffering from fatal wounds and some were coughing like there's no tomorrow. His cold gaze slowly flinched at the sight of these innocent citizens who worked there was dead, some suffered even worse than the first. He didn't know if this some kind of omen of his dream clairvoyance abilities or whatever to foretell about the future. He saw the Artificial Light in the endless night sky was no longer there, wait... does that mean... the Spiritus Husk has... conquered Canaria!?

The dark brown-haired man stepped back, his hand palmed against his cheeks as the sudden realization struck him like lightning. He saw some familiar faces of the Mail-Hunters who were laying on the ground, injured and dying, dying from their fatal wounds. He saw Sonata's body, frozen like a snowflake; that her uniform was covered in blood and how her torn coat was exposed as her legs were covered in frost, how her teal-blue eyes were lifeless in response.

Claire was laying across her along Alastair who was bleeding from the gunshot on his throat, bleeding with her throat slashed across her and lastly Gabriel's head was bleeding--a gunshot on his head and already dead on the snowy spot. Solvine also dead while laying across his daughter Sonata's body, he was stabbed through his chest. There was even Suona with her bleeding chest; her father Suiren has a deep wound on his face and body and Xinglan barely struggled under the tree and he was dying. Amaris also laying on her stomach, drenched in water and blood... her golden eyes held nothing as she didn't seems to breath from her mouth and nose.

There's no way, it's too surreal for this...

Vincent's motorbike was destroyed and burning, together with Vincent who was dead from his seat and his blood leaking out of his head. Claude was laying dead beside his dying younger sister Sylvette, hands were holding one another and tightly never letting go. Chase was also dead on the spot, laying across Vincent--together with Cordelia and Gilbert. Oswald was shocked, who's the one that killed them? Where are the Masters? He went to the Hall of Maestro, his golden eyes widened in horror once again when he saw someone kneeling down in the shadows. They were... covered in blood... and their dead eyes staring into the snow-white ground. The hall was half-destroyed, leaving a massive hole to see the darkness outside.

And the person was... none other than Lloyd.

Oswald ran towards him, but he couldn't see his face because of the curtains of his grayish-purple hair draping over his eyes. He took a peek of what he's looking, Oswald froze to see himself... laying on the floor, eyes staring to the ceiling and no longer moving. He must be dead, along with the others he encountered. This nightmare became worse to what he had expected. Who did this?

As Oswald pondered, he suddenly heard a familiar voice but it seems like 'Lloyd' is talking. The one Lloyd told him not to trust him and all; the one who has to stop Canaria from collapsing down, in which case he obeyed as his golden-orange hues widened.

The Stardust Express crew were dead as well, Xingfa cradled Zhilan on the floor while both of them were dead--even Ruka, Shintaro, Rin, Natsuki, Nico and Alice laying on the ground in different places--succumbing into their wounds. Not even the Summer Dragon and Autumn Thunderbird who got frozen like an ice statue will save them from harm.

Lloyd stood there, looking up as he seems... not acting like himself. There are bloody lines across his arms and cheeks with his arms curled on his waist and eyes closed in grief and the lifeless expression he had. But then, Oswald saw him spoke...

"There was nothing to fear. And there's nothing left for you. Now is the time to unleash the true, and now you are the true... 'King' of the city. My world is always full of wonders..."

What did he just say...?

As Oswald was looking down, he slowly noticed Lloyd was grinning... he was holding the white shining orb that similar to the shape of a star on his palm.

What is he holding?

His eyes narrowed, sensing something within the orb that seems... familiar? It's not from the National Postal Service, it's...

"I'll be the eternal and immovable one."

All of a sudden, he woke up on his bed and look around--he was in his bedroom and back in reality. The sun is just shining and bright, the birds were singing under his balcony. Oswald was sweating and his vision were still shaking as he struggled to keep himself sane from the waking dream. He sat up and put on his rounded spectacles, before he stand up and walked toward his chest mirror--looking at the reflection of his fair complexion and short dark-brown hair. His cold, owlish golden-orange eyes stared at himself.

There's one thing for sure; he will not allow this dream happening.

Some people out there see it as a prediction--but someone like him can manage the situation by knowing what is truly going to happen. It will tell in three ways; what will happen, how it will happen, and when it will happen, so the consequences have to be treated if it's a nightmare, and he's having the omen towards his safety and others. He took a shower and changed into his usual uniform, before he departed outside while noticing people who are going to start a new day. As he entered the lobby and made a clock-in to National Postal Service, he decided to inspect the area by keeping the secrecy, before the announcement filled the hallways about the arrival.

Ah, time to deliver the mail--business is at full bloom as usual.

Oswald walked out from his mansion as he was carrying his suitcase, not bothering to greet the maids and the butlers from his home. They've been such hardworking folks to take care of him and his status... Oswald reached to his pocket and took his pocket-watch to read it, no worries. He still have plenty of time, but he might prioritize his work first. "Good morning, Master Oswald," Solvine greeted him as he was dealing with some archives, Oswald nodded as he replied.

"Master Solvine... good morning to you, too."

Oswald hoped it will change, someday... he hoped it won't come true--he couldn't help but looking at Solvine's daughter.

Sonata was doing her job like usual with her friends. However, is there something odd around here? Not even Sonata? He decided not to put too much concern on his expression as he turned around, walking to his department where Senja greeted him with a smile. "Yo, what's up Oswald?" he greeted, Oswald sighed as he adjusted his spectacles. "Not now, Master Senja. I'm busy, leave me alone."

He didn't want to see Lloyd now, he definitely won't see him yet. But, what is going to happen is certain. He hoped someone other than himself will stop the chaos happening, for sake of his own survival as well--as he knew he was being targeted by forces he could not imagine, even the danger of the Canarian Council before the conflict caused by those corrupted officials, he will stop it before the day comes... by someone.

He need to know what did Lloyd do before being summoned to the meeting, he didn't know whether Lloyd is involved in this nor is it or isn't. He even went to the Maestro Hall; nothing. He wanted to confront Lloyd but he didn't want to expose his secrecy or worse... let out his anger without control. He had many enemies, enemies that wishes to kill him over his decisions of saving people's life and the civilians who opposed him and no one could turn their back against him.

"Master Oswald?"

Sonata called him, making him turn around. Oswald had several hours to prevent his plan from being put into the most vulnerable state, the government won't know--and if they do; he will make sure both Mail-Hunters and citizens of Canaria will survive at all costs. He look down at her, still in his deadpan expression like usual and only looking at her eyes. "Is there anything you need, Sonata Nocturna?" he asked, his tone was stern and cold--same like anyone who will approach him with a request from a citizen who needs help.

Urgh, she really hates this part--no matter how kind and respectful she was to the HR Director, he just won't give her a damn about her kindness. "Master Alastair wanted to talk to you, well... regarding this meeting and he wanted to hand over this important document to you. It may seem suspicious, because of your kind ability to notice things."

Oswald took the letter from her, tucking it on his coat's pocket as he murmured. "Thanks."

Sonata nodded awkwardly, before she turned to join Claire and Gabriel to their delivery missions as they went out the headquarters. He sighed before he grabbed some archives filled with confidential info, before he decided to speak something for a moment. "I... have seen things, both good and bad, that sometimes not really want to see. There are things you could not know... and you cannot change it, and my visions are always the same for everything. I'm even doubtful about the will to know the truth about their fates..." Oswald spoke quietly, as Solvine listened to him with his hands behind his back--silently understood.

Solvine remained stern on his expression, adjusting his chained spectacles. "Master Oswald, are you implying something?" he asked him with a calm demeanor.

"I am worried for Sonata Nocturna and her group," Oswald answered, sitting down on the desk. "I have heard tales about this kind of situation you are experiencing, you're an Archmage... right?" Solvine asked, he was told by Lloyd to not expose Oswald's true identity as Archmage in order to protect him from those people's attack... especially the government and their enemies' forces. So, he only say this to him in the closed doors.

There was amidst of silence between them, before he answered with his back facing the Deputy Postmaster-General. "As an Archmage that have been bestowed upon this great power on blood, our role are to preserve the future for Canaria and its' kind. I have hidden my true identity, even my 'true name' from being known by many people. Being the last of Seymour clan, I may have to be sacrificed for the peace to come. I have made my decision; put this task upon you, I know you could certainly save everyone who will fall into despair and ruins..."

He eyed Solvine while he adjusted his spectacles, showing his determination to let him understand about him.

"Will you do it, for me?"