It didn't come as a shock that Gilbert had also entered Fallen Heaven since he was a key figure in his generation. But what truly surprised Oscar was that Gilbert broke off from the Primal Council and created his own base of power, opposing both the council and the forces of Shattirma. Oscar lightly clenched his teeth, recalling Avril's retelling of her journey to find him in the Brilliant Drake Empire. The bastard dared to court his wife, a most repulsive offense. Veins pushed against the skin of his neck, and anger flared in his eyes as he delved deeper into the pit of grating memories.

'He was late on purpose.' Oscar kept his words silent, known only to him and those inside. He could feel his heart drumming as he found himself in a bloody street, his ears numb from the roars and cheers for Gilbert. None acknowledged the bodies nearly submerged in the scarlet river. His own painful cry was drowned out by the victorious shouts chanting the name of a man who came too late. Late, Gilbert was, indeed, and not for any good reason. So many died in a siege that should not have occurred. A crackle from the brazier interrupted his thoughts, and he blinked before the bright flames.

Silently, Oscar gestured for Serit to continue, and the Defiant spy explained, "Gilbert, parts of the Bloodlands, including his spouses, one the holy daughter, and several other prominent factions have rallied under his sway. My reports tell of a giant golem of rust and steel standing by Gilbert's fortress. The other powers are cautious of the nature of this strange addition."

"A golem…is the one that awoke in the tundra?" Oscar cursed under his breath, regretting his inability to do anything to halt that monstrosity. As Serit described the golem's features through a miniaturized replica from Ein, Oscar briefly wondered what the purpose of the golem was, certainly not for show or merely to protect Gilbert. It broke the lands and toppled mountains for a deeper purpose. He was sure of it.

'It is the Caerulumen. Primal Council, Shattirma, and the Caerulumen. Their fires, long stoked and cared for, are now ready to burn alongside the others.' Ignyres grunted.

'What does that make us? The stragglers and rebels struggling for space to breathe?' Demon scoffed. 'They are inconsequential. All that matters is we live.'

'Shut up, both of you.' Oscar rubbed his forehead, but it seemed others took it as a sign of concern. He noticed the grim mood befalling the group, but he didn't know what to say, not wishing to raise their hopes.

"It's just a big rotting golem. What's the big deal? Just chop it down and move on." Desmond bellowed in deep laughter, Aster's face reddening as she hid behind her sleeves in clear embarrassment at her husband's words. The sounds of chuckling filled the room, Desmond's lightheartedness spreading healthy to the others.

"That concludes the current status in the eleventh land. Any questions?" Serit looked around then quickly retracted, clearly having asked rhetorically. He turned to Oscar and nodded, "With the protection of the Lands of Zeret and the far distance from the split factions of the Primal Council and Gilbert, I'd say we're safe for now. The only concern is the Shattered Scion."

"We'll discuss it when the others are gathered. Roak says they will arrive tomorrow. Good enough?" Oscar held back his sigh.

"That's enough. I want patrols to scout the perimeter. Do I have your permission?" Serit deferred to him. Oscar held the most sway in the group. Thus, the decision fell onto him.

"Do as you wish. I'm retiring for the night." Oscar waved off everyone else and left Avril behind, letting her enjoy another night with her sister. He could sense many gazes glued to his back and hastened his steps by a pace faster, relieved once he turned a corner away from the prying eyes. Oscar retrieved a droopy bag and realized he had drunk it dry earlier, tiredly releasing the prior sigh. However, he had a replacement. The dried herbs tasted very bitter as his teeth chewed on them, but they did their job and lessened the burden on his mind. Perhaps he was addicted.

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'What now?' Ignyres asked, appearing as a ball of colorful flames floating in the air.

"Wait, I guess." Oscar chewed the herbs down to the stems and spat them out. The night sky of stars and ten luminous orbs graced the far and wide grasslands below, blades of false moonlight cutting off near the impossibly high walls of the dark tower. He spent the next several moments in silence and deeply contemplating his options, sticking his gaze on the horizon for any newcomers. His heart thumped heavily once, and he placed a hand over his chest, sensing that the elemental spark in his core was emitting a droning tune. It longed for something, nudging toward the dark tower, and he knew who.

'He won't leave you alone. Metures calls.' Ignyres spat out an ember. 'He's always had to have his way.'

"I see," Oscar murmured. "I don't have a choice, do I?"

"Are you alright?" Avril plopped beside him, her voice laden with concern.

"I'm fine. I just hope this will be the last time." Oscar said, smiling to reassure her as he patted her head. "Are you worried for our children? Roak said they're safe."

"That's good. She turns her head from left to right and back again, wondering what's taking them so long. Truly, they are always late." Avril groaned and leaned on him. "Wake me when they're here."

Oscar nodded and eyed his wife with gratitude, neatly brushing her hair from spilling onto her face. She could have been enjoying more time with her long lost sister, but instead came here to comfort his poor self. Her faint breathing indicated she had fallen asleep, so he remained still like a statue and let her rest, her low snoring a soothing lullaby to his ears. He wanted to remain awake, but her songs lulled him again, his eyes flickering between the waking world and the dreams. Before fully succumbing, he requested Demon to take over for the night.

…….

'Wake up. They're coming.' Demon intruded in his dreams.

Another peaceful sleep devoid of nightmares, and it ended too quickly. Oscar blinked several times, regaining clarity and sight as he gazed forward, spotting multiple figures walking closer with the sunlight on their backs. He gently woke Avril up, and she perked up and leaped off her seat, rushing toward them. Seeing her frantic yet excited sprint, Oscar chuckled and followed suit, his large strides matching three of hers. The figures also pointed at them and seemed to shout and wave, running faster.

"Gloria! Renn!" Avril reached out and hugged the two, leaking tears of joy from her eyes. She patted down Renn's cheeks and scowled, "Why do you have a beard and mustache? Cut it off right this instant. She can't believe it. Ruining your handsome face like that."

"See, I told you our mom wouldn't like it." Gloria cackled and dodged Renn's grab, hiding behind Oscar and hugging him from behind. "I'm glad you're safe, Dad. Renn's been treating me horribly. Please punish him."

"Wait. What's the issue, Mom? Dad has a trimmed beard, too." Renn couldn't escape Avril's grip, reminding Oscar of when his mother chided and scolded him. Indeed, a son was just the same weak boy before a mother.

"That's because it fits your father. It matches his looks well. She can't get enough of how handsome that is." Avril giggled, then blushed, obviously embarrassed at her own words. Her embarrassment seemed to turn to anger as she pinched Renn's face more and said in a pressing tone, "But your features are more delicate. It ruins everything. Shave it off."

"Yes," Renn said, reluctance overtaking his expression. He clicked his tongue and glared at the laughing Gloria. "You're nearly a century old and still behaving like a little brat!"

Oscar widened his eyes, shaken by the power leaking from Renn, a very familiar power. Frowning, he halted Renn from chasing Gloria and gripped his son's shoulder. He stood a head over him and studied the boy from head to toe, his suspicions confirmed by the small details in the muscles and footing. Anger surged through his thoughts, and Oscar growled, "Who taught you Reis?"

"My Lord!" Marcus, Kragg, and Auren bowed together. Marcus pointed at the hooded figure behind them and said, "He taught the young master Reis despite our complaints. However, the young master was adamant on learning to be stronger."

"It's not something you should learn, Renn. You know what it does. It's a cursed power." Oscar gritted his teeth as Renn fell silent, his son not daring to meet him in the eye. Cursing inwardly, he let go and stomped toward the hooded figure, angered by the wide grin stretching on that accursed face. This man was undoubtedly a master of Reis, judging from the danger he felt. An inch away, Oscar stopped and asked, "Who are you?"

The man laughed wildly, and Oscar realized his identity, the maniacal laughter all too familiar in the long days of training in the past. Revealing his face, Adam smirked, slicking his white hair back. As Avril gasped and yelped in shock, the pair of gray eyes curled with the smile. "Ah, little brother, you've gotten way too tall. We used to be the same height. Little sister, you've gotten much prettier over the years; I guess love is indeed a great beautifier. In any case, your older brother is here to help. Oh, I forgot, congratulations on your marriage. I don't have any gifts."