Iris and Lilly were slowly walking down the main street of Westwood when they spotted the pastry shop Calicarpa mentioned. They had spent the last two days visiting the Dryad sanctuary and they had a lot of fun. The city was sprawling and you, barely, could tell it was full of refugees. Verni, who was tasked with the mission of inspecting and updating the defensive weapons for the Dungeon Cities, sent his brother, Vernon, to Westwood to oversee the installation of the new turrets on the city walls. Since Iris and Lilly wanted to visit Calicarpa and the Dryads, they decided to assist him and hitch a free ride. It was strange to think that Arcadia was at war with an ancient and mysterious enemy. Most of the residents had heard about an evil that took hold of the Ancient Forest but, only recently, was that evil given the name: Vestargo. But that was a distant subject and these young women were not concerned about it. The day was warm and calm so they enjoyed the free time and wonderful pastries.

"It feels so strange that Rose is not with us..." Lilly shook her head.

"Why? You know that she went to Metaka with Leonard and the Emperor to negotiate Metakan's assistance." Iris laughed and took a spoonful of ice cream. "Besides, she is almost a married woman! I'm surprised that she hasn't moved in with Leonard yet!"

"I know... But I never thought that she would leave us... Ouch!" Lilly rubbed the top of her head after Iris tapped her with her spoon.

"She is not leaving us; she just has her life! Don't you dare ever tell her that!" Iris huffed angrily. "You know Rose! She would be crying all day if you were to say something so stupid to her!"

"Sorry..."

"You should be..." Iris grumbled and returned to her treat.

Lilly pouted and took a sip of her tea. The pie she ordered was delicious but she had finished it already and now was torn between buying another one or just watching Iris finish hers.

"There you are!" Vernon suddenly appeared with a huge grin, a large plate of pastries, and an even bigger mug of beer. "Thank you for traveling with me for the last few days. The guys from the Engineering Corp of Westwood are nice but I barely know them. Here is a token of my gratitude, treat yourself, girls!"

"No problem." Lilly brightened as she picked up another cake from his plate. "So, are you finished?"

"Basically, yes. After the final inspection, we can return to Avalon if you have finished your tour. I can't wait to go to the mines of Iceleon..." He looked at their confirming nods and took a sip of his beer. "The artillery on the walls is placed properly and we have added CIWS for an additional good measure. There were just a few things to adjust so it was a quick visit."

"I thought that CIWS was a Navy gun." Iris picked up a few cookies from Vernon's plate and stuck one in her ice cream. The rest were piled near her cup of juice.

"Well, technically." He shrugged. "But in practice, it's universal. If it fits on the hard point, it will work. In Lord Theon's world, the weapon was used to destroy missiles. But here? It's a bane of infantry."

"Huh..." Lilly looked at the distant wall as if she wanted to spot one.

Suddenly, a violent explosion shook the ground, and all hell broke loose. The air over the city flickered and darkened, indicating that the protective barriers started to solidify.

"Attention! Citizens of Westwood, we are under attack. Please do not panic and head to the nearest bunker. Follow the instructions given by the Guardsmen!" A calm, male voice sounded through the speakers across the city and was repeated between the sounds of an alarm siren.

Though the gates should be closed, the people, still, looked around nervously while the Guardsmen, who patrolled the streets, started directing people to the shelters. Lilly looked at Iris and Vernon and they were already wearing their combat gear. She quickly swapped her dress to her Spellsinger robes and nervously clutched her staff. Only then, did she realise that Vernon was looking towards the sky.

"What in the hell is that?" She asked, feeling a slimy ball forming in the back of her throat.

"Fucking bugs..." Vernon spat on the ground. "I hate bugs."

"What should we do?" Iris looked around, noting other people had noticed the flying monsters as well.

"We should go to the closest shelter with everyone..." A chain of explosions shook the city which caused panic among the crowd and everyone started running. Something was exploding above the city's barrier. "Oh, Gods..."

The shield that protected their part of the city broke in a few places, allowing hundreds of bugs inside. Some of them flew forward recklessly but it soon became clear why. As they hit buildings or groups of people, they exploded with terrifying power.

"Fuck! We must find a bunker or retreat towards the inner gatehouse!" Vernon decided and took out his crossbow. "Move!"

They started running towards the closest emergency bunker but they quickly realised that they were never going to make it to the door. A crowd gathered near the doors were shouting angrily at ten Guardsmen who tried to explain that the bunker was already full and everyone needed to go with them to another one.

"Stop wasting time, people!" Vernon shouted and brandished his Imperial Inspector badge. "We must move! Now!"

The people around them were frozen with fear and Iris, almost instinctively, used Brave Heart Blade Dance Buff to boost their morale. However, as soon as she did it, Vernon swore profoundly.

"Buff with everything you've got, girl!" He shouted as he released a bolt that pierced one of the suicidal bugs. Its explosion killed five more. "GUARDSMEN, TAKE UP YOUR BOWS!"

"Evans! Lead the people towards the bunker in Central Plaza!" An officer shouted.

"Everyone move now!" Vernon yelled.

"I'm so sorry..." Iris finished the last of her buffs.

"It's too late, Iris. These bomb bastards are mana sensitive! They’re targeting spell casters. I don't know if the Emperor's Fairies are that sensitive." He said as he released another bolt and started running.

The buildings nearby started exploding as they were hit by more bugs. A large swarm formed behind them but the inner wall's weapon emplacements came to their aid as a CIWS gun shredded that group, forcing others to fly low between the buildings.

"Fuck yeah!" Vernon shouted in satisfaction.

They followed the crowd around a corner and saw the wide, main street leading to the Central Plaza. It was almost empty, only containing abandoned carts and dropped possessions. A few people lay dead, sometimes among other bugs’ carcasses, which indicated how they had died. Their group was slowed by a different group of large flying insects, similar to overgrown Hornets, that attacked people from all sides. Iris cried in horror as one of the women tripped and was instantly caught and torn apart by this new threat. A small girl was crying and Lilly moved to the side, grabbed her as the others continued to protect the retreating crowd, and quickly ran to catch up with the group.

"Fuck! Run Iris! Run as fast as you can!" Vernon aimed his crossbow and pressed the trigger with a flash of mana that instantly drew the attention of all bugs in the vicinity. "Death Mist!"

The bolt flashed with a bloody red light and created a fog in front of the latest group of Hornets. It shredded through their bodies, tearing away limbs and wings. Iris kept running towards the rest of the group, hearing Vernon's footsteps right behind her. They managed to catch up to the crowd only thanks to a Guardsmen who shot down the bugs that chased them.

"The bunker is sealed! To the Gatehouse! Evr- Argh!" One of the Guardsmen yelled right before a suicide bug exploded next to him. The force of the explosion sent the bug's clawed appendage straight through the Guardsmen's torso, painting a gruesome picture on those around him. He fell to the ground as some of the people started screaming.

"He's alive, Sir!"

"Leave him, Evans! That's an order! We must get the civilians to safety before the bugs swarm us!"

"We won't make it to the Gates!" Evans pointed at it.

The Gatehouse was certainly locked and a fierce battle swarmed around it. More people started panicking as more bugs approached them from the nearby alleys and roads.

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"To the Adventurers Guild!" Someone yelled and pointed at the nearby building.

"Let's go!" Vernon panted in agreement. "We can't stay in the open!"

The group quickly cut through the plaza and entered the Guild's building. Inside, they found more survivors and, most importantly, some Adventurers.

"Do you have a bunker?" Vernon asked straight upon entering the doors.

"Sorry, only a basement." The large Orc shook his head. "But it's better than nothing. Move the civilians there..." He took a better look at Vernon and called one of his friends. "Marry! This one is poisoned!"

An Elven woman started treating Vernon while Lilly found another woman with a kid among the survivors to take care of the girl she saved earlier. The Guardsmen sat for a moment to catch their breath while the Orc started detailing their situation.

"Those bugs belong directly to Vestargo. The bastard executed an almost perfect surprise attack. Almost. The attack came from underground but, instead of breaching the walls or emerging right under our feet, they were forced to begin their attacks outside the walls. Thirty thousand bugs attacked Westwood but they miscalculated. It was a fucking slaughterhouse outside the walls, however, about five hundred winged fuckers managed to breach inside before Kirin realised what was going on and strengthened the barriers, making them nigh impenetrable. We received reports that bugs tried to kidnap some people but, since they couldn't breach the barrier, they began a killing spree." The Orc shook his head. "It was a moment..."

"Attention everyone! Our Navy is inbound in ten minutes! The reinforcements from Avalon will be here in eight minutes and we are going to push back! Stay low and wait for the Legionnaires!" The same voice as before announced through the speaker system.

"All right. Looks like we are goo-" The Orc started but wasn't able to finish as Evans jumped on him and tried to close his mouth.

"Gods! You idiot!" The Guardsmen cried in panic but it was too late.

A sudden explosion shook the building and buried the stairs to the basement under a thick pile of rubble. The buzzing of bugs became closer and, not a heartbeat later, a large swarm of Hornets and suicide bugs began attacking them. The wall towards the Main Square and most of the roof had suddenly ceased to exist. Dozens of bugs swarmed in and they were welcomed with arrows, bolts, and spells as everyone instinctively defended themselves. Before the gap was blocked by the insect monsters, Iris noticed Wolves and Kobolds running towards them.

"Hold on! Help is coming!" She screamed as she began to cast buffs.

"Iris, GET DOWN!" She was in the middle of her Sword Dance and couldn't do anything when she felt her defensive barrier flare to life. It managed to protect her but the force of the attack was so great that it pushed her to the side.

Iris cried out in pain when she hit the remains of a counter. Her head was spinning but there was no time to waste. Her barrier was depleted and its slow replenishment meant that her protection was reduced to what her heavy armour could provide. As she slowly refocused, before her eyes, a large Hornet descended behind Lilly. The Spellsinger was too occupied taking down a new wave of explosive bugs to notice this danger. Her Icicles slashed through the air thinning the swarm and Lilly was too focused on her spells to hear Iris' voice. The Bladedancer used her Crescent Slash but it was too late. A suicide bug survived the icy curtain and exploded in front of Lilly, taking down her personal shield. The power of the blast was so great that it instantly killed two Adventurers and wounded a nearby Guardsman. But the Hornet was intact, protected behind Lilly as her shields flickered and disappeared. The Hornet pierced Lilly's back and the lithe Half-Elf started screaming.

"Lilly!" Iris screamed as another attack skill missed the bug.

The Hornet lifted Lilly who was screaming in extreme pain, and, just a moment later, its mandibles dug into Half-Elf's neck. Lilly's pained scream ended abruptly when the Hornet cut off the girl's head. Iris was screaming in fury and pain of grief when the monster dropped the still-wriggling body of her friend to the ground. The Bladedancer cut with manic speed but the Hornet dodged her blades.

"Iris!" Vernon pushed her away and another explosion shook the Guild's mangled building once again.

Iris rolled on the ground. She was in pain, her head was hurting, and she only heard a horrible ringing in her ears. Vernon was lying near her; his left arm was torn away and he looked at her with unseeing eyes. His armour was horribly shredded and peeled off his body from the explosion. A puddle of blood was growing around his body. She moaned painfully, her tears and shock finally getting to her. There were still a few people standing and fighting but they were slowly losing. A searing pain pierced every part of her body like a fire that was slowly consuming her. She tried to get up but she couldn't. She slowly looked down and started screaming in horror- the explosion had torn away her right leg and minced meat remained of her left one. She took out a potion but another Hornet returned and struck her with its clawed leg. It shattered the healing potion and dented her chest plate. With her remaining strength, Iris waved her sword at the Hornet in a hopeless attempt to chase it away but it dodged and pinned her to the ground. She cried for help but a sudden sting took the air out of her voice and the pain was unbearable...

•••

All bugs were done for the moment Amber and Luna finally managed to teleport Theon and the reinforcements to the besieged city. But it took them long, precious minutes to form the spell. Irene joined Theon almost immediately when he had cleared enough space around the enemies so she could use her Dungeon Movement skill. She was accompanied by Aoi, Tia, Mia, and an entire battalion of Praetorians. But... It was already too late. They found him among the ruins of the Adventurers Guild building, holding in his arms the body of a young woman. Irene's eyes filled with tears as she recognised the familiar face.

"Nooo!" Irene cried as she ran inside and extended her hand.

She was casting her most potent healing spells but to no avail. Theon held the maimed body of Iris; her face was frozen in an unsettlingly painful expression. Theon's face was dark, and the air itself seemed to tremble in fear of his wrath. Iris was not breathing and she was covered in the healing potions Theon must have poured over her. Irene extended her hands, determined to use the one Miracle she was so afraid to use before.

"In the name of Heaven, bring forth the fallen, make their souls once more connect with their healed bodies! RESURRECTION!"

The time stopped and she instantly felt the presence of the Archangel.

"Saintess of ours..." His voice was sad and compassionate. "That Miracle is forbidden for us to perform and it's not within our powers to grant you this desire."

"Archangel! I beg you..." Irene dropped to her knees, shedding bitter tears.

"Only The One has the power you seek and, one day, He will judge you and decide if you are worthy..." The Grand Angel patiently explained. "But, even if we could grant you that wish, right now, it wouldn't be applicable to everyone. Only those with extraordinary souls can be Resurrected and these three you want to bring back..."

He closed his eyes and slowly shook his head in denial. After a moment, the Archangel looked at the scene of carnage with sadness and waved his hand. The maimed and mutilated bodies were restored, and it looked as if they were peacefully sleeping.

"Lilly... Vernon..." Irene stepped towards the Archangel and grabbed his robe. An overwhelming force struck her but she withstood his divine power. "Isn't there anything you can do for them?"

"We can guide their souls towards a complete rebirth..." The Archangel crossed his arms and looked at her apologetically. "Those three have enough strength to remember who they were, however, we can only guide them. We can't tell if they will choose to be reborn today, tomorrow or in a thousand years, our Saintess."

"But they will." Irene wiped her tears and looked sadly at the restored bodies of her friends who were like family to her.

"They will." The Archangel opened his massive wing, took two white feathers from it, and gave them to her. "I know it won't be any solace but take this for your sisters- Mia and Tia. I fear for their safety and, knowing how our Champion will retaliate, I don't want to consider what destruction he would bring if one of you, his wives, were murdered."

"Thank you, Archangel." She accepted his generous gifts but couldn't bring a smile to her face.

"I'm sorry that we can't protect your family." The Archangel sighed sadly and looked at Theon. "He will need your support, Irene. Don't let his grief and anger consume him."

"I will always be by his side and I won't let the darkness take him." She nodded, and the time resumed its flow.

Irene briefly dropped to her knees and, remembering what the Archangel told her, quickly stood and moved toward Theon. Theon, completely silent, was kneeling with Iris in his arms.

"I don't think that even you can bring back those who have closed their eyes forever, Irene..." Theon’s voice was like a whisper, full of sadness and pain.

"You're right..." She started crying over Iris' body.

"Twenty minutes. Twenty, damn, minutes, Irene... I saw her dying. It was too late to encase her in my mana, like I managed to save Lanka... Iris's wounds were too severe, her pain too extreme to teleport her away like I saved Blackbeard." Theon cried, holding Iris tighter in his arms. His voice was getting cold and menacing. "Vestargo took them from me. Lilly and Iris were like daughters to me, Irene."

"I know, my Dear." She whispered, feeling the tears welling up in her eyes. "I loved them as well... The Archangel promised me they will be reborn, but we don't know when..."

Theon simply acknowledged her words but that barely eased his pain. The three bodies of the people Theon considered his family and a very close friend were lying next to him.

"Oh, Lilly..." Theon gently combed Lilly's platinum-blonde hair and looked at her restored body with pity and immense sadness. "You could have saved yourself and everyone with you if you had only remembered to summon your Shadow Fenrir. But, you always panicked in stress and you were never cut for battle. I always tried to keep you away from it..." He lowered his head as tears fell down his cheeks. "It was my misguided overprotectiveness that killed you all, my daughters. But it seems that it wasn’t only you who forgot to summon your familiars..."

Aoi kneeled near Lilly and started crying as she held the cold hand of her friend. Mia and Tia had tears in their eyes as they tried to comfort their Empresses-sisters.

"When I found them, it looked as though Vernon had tried to save Iris at the last moment. He was so brave but he wasn't a warrior. He had a gentle heart..." Theon looked at the fallen Dwarf. His eyes were slowly turning red from tears that had fallen on their own. "The only thing you wanted, my Dear Friend, was to operate a mine. You were so happy when I promised you would be leading our mining teams in Iceleon..." Theon closed his eyes as he lowered his head. "You will never see your child or hear the voice of your beloved wife, Beryl, ever again..."

The Emperor of Arcadia was quiet. Again, for a moment, it was as if the world took a deep breath. Then, he opened his eyes which burned with blue flames of wrath. Theon looked northwest, towards the Ancient Forest. "You took them from me, Vestargo, so now, I will take everything from you that you hold dear in this world. For Lilly, Iris, Vernon, and everyone you murdered today... Nothing is going to save you from my wrath."