On the following morning, under a clear sky and a radiant sun, all those who were preparing to confront the Signs of Light gathered at the city gate. The people of Hi also came together to wish the approaching soldiers good luck.

Hiro, Hikari, Ace, Arthur, and Draco shared the same cart, ready for the journey ahead. Before they set off, however, Hikari made a point to speak with the new leader of Hi.

"I want to thank you for the festival. I'm sure wherever he is, King will be very happy," expressed Hikari with gratitude.

The leader responded humbly, "Actually, it's us who should thank you. If it weren't for King, we might not even be here today."

A smile lit up Hikari's face as she bid farewell, then climbed into the cart, ready to face the challenge ahead.

As the cart pulled away, the voices of the people wishing them luck gradually faded. Inside the cart, Arthur opened a map of the city of Nébula, capturing the attention of Hiro, who was curious.

Hiro inquired, intrigued, "Is that a map of their city? How did you get it?"

Arthur replied with a light tone, "I have maps of all the regions in this world. After all, I used to be an adventurer, haha."

Next, Arthur took on a more serious tone and explained his intentions: "However, let's focus for now. This journey is long, but I want to outline our plan before nightfall so I can share it with the soldiers."

Everyone aboard the cart immediately agreed, a chorus of unified voices saying, "Alright!"

Arthur continued, outlining his ideas: "First and foremost, we are not planning a surprise attack."

Hiro interrupted, his expression showing bewilderment, "But why?"

Hikari responded wisely, "Because it's quite likely they already know we're heading there. Everywhere we've been, we had the feeling of being watched."

Hiro rubbed his forehead, realizing the truth in Hikari's words. He sighed and asked, a bit defeated, "Alright... I had forgotten about that detail. So, what's the plan now?"

Arthur responded with conviction, "Our plan is straightforward, uncomplicated. It doesn't make sense to implement complex war strategies, given that the soldiers have little knowledge of each other and have had minimal preparation. Despite their skills, this would put us at a disadvantage. So, what I propose is this: we'll provide cover for you, Hiro, Hikari, and Ace, so you can make it to the boss's room, which is likely the throne room. There, you can face him without worries. What do you think?"

Draco nodded in agreement, affirming, "Wise as always. I wholeheartedly agree."

Hiro, Hikari, and Ace, all with determination in their eyes, also agreed. Hiro, with enthusiasm, added, "I can't wait for that!"

Arthur continued, bringing a crucial aspect to the discussion, "There's an important issue, Hiro. I've heard that you've lost control over yourself before. In this battle, we can't afford any slip-ups. If you lose control again, we'll be in trouble. So, you need to be mentally stronger than physically this time. He'll likely try to provoke you, and you need to stay strong."

Hiro responded, his determination evident in his words, "Don't worry, it won't happen! The only thing that could affect me was the issue with my father. However, I've realized that whether he's alive or dead, he's in an important and better place now. It won't affect me anymore. I'm sure he'd want me to win this battle, and that's exactly what I'm going to do!"

Upon hearing Hiro's confident words, Hikari blushed slightly, her eyes conveying a smile of relief and gratitude.

Arthur concluded, "Now, take the time to rest. During the night, we'll make stops, and don't worry, I'll talk to the soldiers."

As night fell, Arthur gave the order for all the carts to stop, and the soldiers set up tents to spend the night. Once everything was set up, Arthur and Draco gathered all the soldiers to explain the plan they had devised.

Meanwhile, Hikari, Hiro, and Ace remained in the cart. With a smile, Hiro suggested, "How about taking a walk? The night is warm, and the sky is filled with bright stars. It would be good for us."

Hikari promptly agreed with the idea, but Ace responded, "You guys go ahead, master. This journey has left me tired, I'll stay here and sleep."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Hiro nodded understandingly, "No problem, Ace. Behave well here. Shall we, Hikari?"

Hikari responded enthusiastically, "Of course, let's go!" And together, they stepped out of the cart to enjoy the starry night.

As they wandered through the night, with the sky reflecting on the grass of the open field, Hikari broke the silence. "Hiro, about your father, is that really what you believe?"

Hiro replied, "So far, I haven't found clear answers. The leader might be the only person who knows something, but I've also accepted the possibility that he might be lost forever... Anyway, I know he'd be proud if I helped save the world. And that's what I intend to do."

Hikari smiled, her face slightly blushing. "If you succeed, I have a gift for you."

Curious, Hiro inquired, "What is it?"

Hikari replied in a mysterious tone, "I can't say now, or it won't be a surprise."

Hiro, playfully, tried to convince her to tell, but Hikari just laughed, enjoying his frustration.

Hiro changed the subject, asking about King. "And what about King? How are you dealing with it?"

Hikari sighed, "I still miss him a lot. But it's a part of life, and I believe he's watching over me from up there."

Hiro smiled gently. "That's true, no one loved you more than he did. I'm sure he's up there, looking out for you."

They decided to lie down on the grass, gazing at the starry sky and reflecting in silence. Hikari broke the silence once again. "Have you thought about what you're going to do after all this?"

Hiro reflected for a moment before answering. "I know what I want to do, but I'm not sure if it's possible. And what about you?"

Hikari gave a mischievous look. "Oh, that's a secret for now. But there's something else I want to do..."

They shared laughter as they watched the stars, both feeling lucky to have each other. Eventually, the tranquility of the night enveloped them, and they fell asleep right there, side by side.

The next morning, they were awakened by Ace's slobbery paws and Arthur's discreet cough, getting their attention. As Hiro and Hikari began to regain consciousness, Arthur couldn't resist a chuckle. "Good morning, you two! Rest well?"

Hiro and Hikari looked away, a slight blush coloring their faces. Arthur laughed even more, his playful expression lingering. "Well, we have a long journey ahead of us. Better get up."

Over the next few days, the cart continued its path through winding roads and meandering trails, traversing landscapes ranging from green hills to dense forests and vast plains. The sun rose and set, painting the horizon with warm and vibrant colors with each new dawn and dusk.

The journey was a mix of moments of tranquility and intense preparation. At each stop, the soldiers would descend from the carts and set up temporary camps, erecting tents and lighting fires to cook simple meals and share stories. The murmurs of conversations and laughter mingled with the crackling of the fire, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and solidarity.

Throughout the journey, Arthur took advantage of moments of rest to gather with the soldiers and review the plans. Maps were rolled out on makeshift tables, strategies were discussed in detail, and everyone worked to understand the role they would play in the approaching battle.

Hiro, Hikari, and Ace were also involved in the preparations, attentively listening to Arthur's guidance and discussing tactics with the soldiers. They were seen as leaders, symbols of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. Nighttime conversations were marked by reflections on the past, hopes for the future, and the determination to fulfill the objective at hand.

During the day, the landscape continued to change, offering glimpses of crystal-clear rivers, picturesque villages, and majestic mountains rising against the sky. Dusty roads led to intersections and crossroads as the cart continued at a steady pace, always heading toward the final destination.

With each new dawn, the travelers were greeted by birdsong and the freshness of the morning. With each nightfall, they gathered around the campfires, sharing stories of their lives, their motivations, and their hopes. And so, the cart pressed on, following the course of ancient roads and paths laid by generations, heading toward the imminent scene of the great battle that would shape the destiny of their world.

And finally, after days of tireless journeying, a certain morning revealed the long-awaited glimpse of the city in the distance. As they approached the gates, an imposing sight awaited them: rows of troops positioned in formation, ready for what lay ahead.

Hiro's heart raced as he gently squeezed Hikari's hand, seeking support and conveying confidence. Their gazes met, and with a silent exchange of determination, they knew they were ready to face the final challenge.

Arthur, ever imposing and full of leadership, raised his voice above the tumult around him and addressed the soldiers with electrifying energy. "Are you all ready?!" The resounding response echoed like thunder: "Yes!"

The commander didn't hesitate, knowing that the time for action had come. "Move forward and provide cover for Hiro, Hikari, and Ace!" With these words, the soldiers advanced, closing the distance between them and the awaiting troops, marking the beginning of the epic battle that would seal the fate of the world.

The clash of weapons and the war cries melded into a terrifying cacophony, yet the soldiers' burning determination stood out. Every step, every action was an expression of courage and resilience. Hiro, Hikari, and Ace moved forward with purpose, relying on the protection and support of those who believed in the cause.

The fight unfolded amidst flashes of steel, sparks of magic, and deafening roars. The battlefield was shrouded in an aura of intense tension and emotion. With each moment, each action, hope and the future intertwined.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, the collective effort transformed into a spectacle of strength and endurance. Each soldier was a crucial link in the chain, united by a common goal: to protect their world from the threat of the Signs of Light.

And thus, with tireless determination and unwavering willpower, the grand final battle unfolded before them. Destiny hung in the balance, and everyone was willing to fight to the end to ensure that light prevailed over shadows.

Who will be the big winner of this battle?