Hunters plagued every corner of the capital, their presence turning once-thriving city into a war zone. Adventurers fought valiantly, pushing themselves to their limits in a desperate bid to purge the invaders. For the ordinary folk, there was no refuge, and hope flickered like a dying ember, overshadowed by the sheer scale of the chaos.

The lords' betrayal had shattered the fragile peace of the realms, and their treachery brought them together in a grand tower overlooking Aurora Isle. Among them was Jinni, the strongest swordsman and the man behind this turmoil. To Emilia, the extent of his involvement was still speculative, but the truth was beginning to unravel.

Mr Swordsman had filled in the gaps. Shinari, a cunning fox-like creature from the underworld, had orchestrated much of the disorder. Her true motives were shrouded in secrecy, but one thing was certain: whatever she sought from the Nine Realms, it was far from peaceful. Her machinations had set the realms ablaze, and while Mr Swordsman had slain her, it was clear that her death was not the end—it was merely the beginning of something greater.

The plan to restore peace was bold, almost impossible, but it was their only chance. Emilia knew she had to reach the tower before the lords could flee. To confront them directly was the only path to restoring peace.

To see this through, she would have to betray a part of herself—a part she had fought to suppress from the very beginning, a part she always disliked. Deep within her heart, she steeled herself for the trials ahead. Fear had already gripped her chest as she turned her gaze to her companions. Each of her friends had a role to play, and she silently vowed to do hers, no matter the sacrifice. Failure was not an option; she would rather perish than let down those who had placed their trust in her.

Pasta was joking with Kabal and Shot, their laughter easing the tension of the moment. Mr Swordsman stood with Lily and Tori, making proper introductions, while Jiji animatedly explained her latest invention to Astria and Falcon who were awestruck by the child's intelligence. Every single one of them had come for her, risking everything to stand by her side.

Her vision blurred as tears threatened to spill. Lowering her head, she clenched her fists and made a solemn promise to herself:

I'll do whatever it takes to protect them and their happiness.

With that, Emilia raised her head, determination hardening her features. The fight ahead was hers to lead, and she would not falter.

Pasta stepped away from the group, a mischievous glint in his eye as an idea began to form. "Wait a second... if the hunters are targeting Emilia, why not use her as bait?"

Emilia turned toward him, letting out a sigh that carried equal parts of annoyance and curiosity. "What do you mean, bait?"

Raising a hand as though shielding himself from her piercing gaze, Pasta quickly explained, "Just hear me out! If our priority is protecting the people, we could use you to lure the hunters out of the city. Your safety is guaranteed as well, with Mr Swordsman and I around no hunter would be able to touch a single hair on your head"

The group stared at him, their expressions ranging from incredulous to impressed. The idea wasn’t bad—straightforward yet effective—but coming from Pasta, it caught everyone off guard. A thoughtful plan from him? From Pasta?

Mr Swordsman allowed a faint smirk to cross his lips, pleased with Pasta’s unexpected ingenuity. Adjusting his hat, he addressed Falcon with his usual stoic demeanour. "Please, We’ll need your help getting out of the city. Wait for us by the gates. Once we draw the hunters there, and Kabal will be in charge of locking the gates behind them."

Falcon nodded, arms folded as his sharp gaze flickered to Astria, who was silently watching. Her presence, though calm, carried an unspoken weight—a subtle reminder of the consequences if Falcon had refused.

Tori and Emilia exchanged bewildered looks, a singular thought thunderously ringing through their minds. Did Mr. Swordsman just say please?!

Lily skipped forward, her light footsteps carrying her as she draped her arms around Mr Swordsman, her flowing hair brushing against his shoulder. "While you handle that, I’ll meet you all at the tower," she said with a playful smile. "You’re going to need all the help you can get."

Mr Swordsman gave her a rare, warm smile, his eyes softening as they locked with hers. "Yes. We will."

Tori couldn't take it anymore. She jabbed a finger at Lily as her voice echoed through the bloody theatre. "What did you do to Mr Swordsman?!" she shouted, her disbelief palpable. "He’s so... he’s so... he’s so likeable! First, he has a heartfelt talk with Emilia and Pasta, and now he’s asking for help?! The Mr Swordsman I know would never do that—not in a million years!"

Lily chuckled, reaching up to pinch Mr Swordsman’s cheek with teasing affection. "Oh, Hady just had a little change of heart," she said, her eyes twinkling as they met his again. "I didn’t do much—just nudged him a little. The rest was his choice-"

A deafening horn blasted through the air, the sound powerful enough to rattle the rooftops. Astria sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “That must be our cruiser,” she said, her usually serene face showing a flicker of irritation as she glanced at Tori. “Dain’s here. We should get going.”

Tori, her mood already souring as she stomped the ground a few times. “He didn’t even take a little extra time,” she pouted, her voice dropping to a grumble. “Do we really have to leave already?”

Falcon let out a hearty laugh at her childlike sulk as he moved beside Astria, his wings stretching as though preparing for flight. “I’ll catch up with you all. Hope that’s not an issue.”

Astria gave him a side glance. “As long as you’re quick about it.”

Tori lowered her head briefly, then dashed toward Emilia, wrapping her arms around her in a trembling embrace. “I’m gonna miss you like crazy, girl!” she whispered, her voice breaking like she was about to cry. Then, with an unexpectedly serious tone, she added, “And don’t you dare forget to tell me about your moisturiser.”

Emilia, both touched and trying not to laugh, hugged her back. “I’ll miss you too… like crazy, girl.” Both burst into chuckles, finding solace in their shared ridiculousness.

Watching the heartfelt exchange, Pasta’s grin widened as he opened his arms theatrically. “What about me? Don’t I get a hug too?” he quipped.

To his surprise, Tori obliged, moving straight from Emilia to hug him tightly. Pasta’s face froze in shock, his cheeks burning as the sudden closeness short-circuited his brain. Tori looked up at him, her shimmering purple eyes captivating him in a way just like the day they met. For a brief second, he was lost in how stunning she looked.

But the moment shattered as Tori’s gaze sharpened, her smile morphing into an intimidating frown. “Give Emilia any trouble,” she whispered darkly, her voice dropping to a menacing tone, “and I’ll find you. And I’ll kill you.”

Sweat poured down Pasta’s face as he nodded furiously. Tori’s expression shifted back to her usual brightness as she patted his head with a playful smirk.

Across the way, Kabal and Shot watched the whole exchange with exaggerated envy, their lips twitching into forced grins as they gave Pasta awkward thumbs-ups. Deep down, though, they were seething.

“Man,” Shot muttered, “why does he get the farewell hug?”

Before Kabal could respond, Jiji arrived before them, her firework-laden backpack swinging across Shot.

“Don’t worry, Shot!” she declared with a devilish grin. “I’ll give you a hug! So be a man and let me hop on your back!”

Shot shook his head and took to his heels as Jiji chased him around the clearing, screaming for him to stop running.

Meanwhile, Emilia approached Astria with measured steps and gave a polite bow. “I wanted to thank—”

Astria pressed her fingers against Emilia’s lips, silencing her. “Thanks won’t cut it for my services,” she said, her icy glare melting into a sly smile. “You’re aiming to be an adventurer, right? Prove your gratitude by going on a real adventure with me someday.”

Emilia’s eyes widened before she nodded, returning the gesture with a sincere hug. "Deal"

As the farewells continued, the crew shared bittersweet smiles, laughter, and the occasional shout of panic (mostly from Shot) before they began the mission at hand.

*

The skies churned with ash and smoke, a grim veil cast over the burning city. Flames licked the air, the crackling chaos accompanied by the hunters’ wicked laughter. Amidst the devastation, a colossal silhouette loomed on the horizon. Its shape, though obscured by distance and haze, was unmistakable—a dark, mechanical marvel that crawled across the snowy ground on towering, creaking legs.

Iron groaned under its weight, and jets of gas hissed from its edges. Above, a massive cloth balloon stretched from its summit to its base, swaying in the cold winds. The sheer magnitude of the structure drew every eye—the hunters paused, the citizens hiding in their homes peeked out, all mesmerised by its impossible majesty.

Back in the Court of Cadenza, heavy footsteps thundered through the grand halls.

Pasta, blade in hand, chuckled as he faced the approaching hunters. His sharp eyes gleamed with excitement as he dashed forward. “Let’s get this party started—”

Suddenly, Mr. Swordsman seized him by the collar, holding Emilia in his other arm. His speed blurred the world as he raced past the hunters, leaving them scrambling in his wake. Glass shattered as he leapt through a window.

Unbothered by the fall, Mr Swordsman manipulated the wind itself, carrying them to the rooftop of a nearby building.

“Hey, Swordsman!” Pasta barked, flailing in his grasp. “This is humiliating man! Let go of me!”

Mr Swordsman glanced at him with a deadpan expression. “No.”

With that, he continued bounding from rooftop to rooftop, the hunters trailing like a swarm of persistent insects.

From her perch in his grasp, Emilia spotted the enormous mechanical structure in the distance. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. So that’s how they got here, she thought. But her wonder was fleeting, interrupted by a hunter materializing directly in their path.

Mr Swordsman quickly hurled Emilia into the air. His voice was sharp and commanding. “Pasta! Behind us!”

Pasta grinned, drawing his blade as he turned to face the threat. “Now we’re talking.”

In a flash, Mr Swordsman disappeared into parallel space, his form bolting through the grey world meeting his prey. He swung his blade in a powerful arc, cutting down the hunter instantly before catching Emilia.

Meanwhile, Pasta darted toward the pursuing hunters, his movements swift and calculated as he sliced through their ranks leaving nothing but scars. He appeared behind them, leaving his mischievous grin on as the hunters crumpled to the ground, writhing in agony from his blade's venomous edge.

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But before he could catch his breath, his gaze darted upward. Flocks of monstrous birds filled the sky, their shadows falling over the city. “Uh, Mr. Swordsman?” he murmured, a nervous grin creeping onto his face. “We’ve got a problem.”

A hunter riding one of the birds dove toward him, the creature’s gaping maw aiming for the kill. Undeterred, Pasta sheathed his sword, hardening the energy around his fist.

“Long time no see, ugly bird. Let's reintroduce ourselves” he said with a smirk, before delivering a thunderous punch, sending the creature crashing into a nearby roof.

For a moment, Pasta admired his work—then the pain hit him. He staggered, clutching his hand as tears pricked his eyes. “It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!” he groaned, collapsing to the ground. “I’m never doing that again!”

The flock of birds swarmed closer, and Pasta’s eyes widened in panic. But just as the monsters neared, the sky exploded in vibrant, cascading fireworks. The dazzling display sent the birds into disarray, and hunters who fell were swiftly apprehended by the city’s security forces.

High above, a guttural scream mixed with laughter echoed through the clouds. Shot soared through the air, tears streaming from his eyes and his hat flapping wildly in the wind. Fireworks were strapped to his feet and shoulders, propelling him in erratic patterns.

Clinging to his back, Jiji grinned ear to ear, her jetpack keeping them balanced. She hefted a launcher onto his shoulder, firing more fireworks. Her golden eyes of perception assisted her in locating the weak points of the birds in seconds. Her face was alight with unbridled glee as she shouted, “More twirlys!”

Shot twisted his neck to glare at her, his voice desperate. “Jiji, bring me down!”

But Jiji only laughed louder, pumping her fist into the air as she guided them into dizzying loops as the fireworks continued to erupt.

The hunters multiplied like a plague as Mr. Swordsman glanced back at Pasta. “Keep up,” he said flatly, his pace unrelenting.

Pasta nodded, trailing behind as they dashed across the rooftops, leaping onto the lower levels of the capital. A spark of exhilaration lit his eyes. He recalled the moment Mr. Swordsman used parallel space earlier. It hadn’t seemed like he vanished entirely—there was a faint glow moving at incredible speed. This was proof that his skills had improved, ever since he began his training with Mr Swordsman.

But why in the heavens is Mr Swordsman not holding back? Pasta wondered, struggling to catch up with the swordsman who was already far ahead.

Mr Swordsman slowed just enough, his cold gaze shifting to Pasta. “It would be faster if I carried you.”

Pasta’s face twisted in indignation. “Not a chance in hell!”

The roar of the hunters grew louder, their shadows looming closer. From the distance, cannon fire thundered, scattering the enemies. From the giant walking building, Tori and Astria waved. Tori cupped her hands around her mouth, her voice piercing through the noise. “Go get them, Emilia!”

As they neared the city’s gates, Falcon and Kabal awaited them. Falcon spread his massive wings, lifting the group skyward. Below, the hunters swarmed like ants, some spilling out beyond the city walls in pursuit of their airborne prey.

Falcon didn’t increase his speed, deliberately teasing the hunters with the illusion that they could catch him.

Meanwhile, Kabal waited for all the hunters to pass through and keep a far distance from the city before he planted his hands against one of the gates. His muscles rippled, veins bulging as he pushed against the heavy iron, teeth clenched in effort.

The hunters continued their pursuit of the flying man while some noticed Kabal attempting to close the gate. They separated themselves and circled back to the gates.

From above, Jiji’s voice rang out. “Hold onto your bandages, Shot!” She unleashed a dazzling barrage of fireworks that slowed the attackers. Shot, now much steadier in the air, picked off stragglers with flawless precision, reloading and firing like clockwork.

Still, a few hunters evaded the onslaught and raced toward Kabal who was still struggling to lock the gates.

“Need a hand, big guy?” Eine called out, her white hair catching the breeze as she stood atop a building, arms crossed and a confident grin on her lips.

Kabal let out a booming laugh. "Well, I don't have a choice now, do I? Do whatever you want"

Drake was already moving, his spear gleaming as he summoned a whirlwind that swept through the hunters, scattering them like leaves. He flipped his hair with a smug grin. “Beat that, Ferian.”

Ferian took to the skies, her dark eyes glinted beneath the basket hat that veiled her face. Her little axe came crashing down with a devastating swing, fracturing the earth and creating a sinkhole that swallowed the hunters whole.

“You owe me dinner” she teased, twirling her weapon.

Kabal grunted, focusing all his energy on the gates. “Come on!” he roared. The gates were monstrously heavy, designed to be operated by mechanisms now destroyed by the hunters. Sweat poured down his face as the horde surged closer.

Then, from the alleys and streets, the people of the city appeared. Adventurers from the guild followed close behind. Together, they rallied around Kabal, throwing their weight against the iron doors.

Kabal paused, his eyes darting to the swelling crowd as Eine and her crew joined in as well. Then, with renewed determination, he pushed harder. Beside him, Titine, Jace and Merlin from Jiji's tournament joined in. They all strained as one, gritting their teeth as the gates creaked, inching shut.

Finally, with a deafening thud, the gates slammed into place, locking the hunters out. The crowd erupted in cheers, their cries of triumph rippling like wildfire through the city.

High above, Falcon glanced back, seeing the gates secure. With that, he picked up speed, soaring toward the Aurora Isle.

Mr Swordsman scanned the horizon below, his sharp eyes catching movement—three figures clad in black, striding toward the capital.

*

Tuomi yawned, clutching her closed umbrella, her dark makeup accentuating her sharp features. Black netting veiled her hair, and her laced, swirling outfit trailed lightly over the snow. “Ugh, I absolutely despise cold weather,” she muttered, her crimson eyes narrowing as she spotted Falcon disappearing into the distance.

Luther, a towering figure bound by golden chains that dangled from his hands, stepped forward. His blind eyes stared blankly, yet his presence was anything but unseeing. The dark suit he wore clung to his muscular frame, radiating power. “It seems we missed him,” he said, his deep, calm voice laced with an undertone of impending fury.

The third figure, Rinna, loomed silently behind them. A shadowy hood obscured most of her face, but the horrific burn scars stretching from her eyes across her skin were still visible. Her hands remained hidden in her hoodie’s pockets. “Bloodborne advised us to avoid him,” she said in a soft voice, light yet saturated with an ominous energy. “Our priority is to clean up the realm.”

“Understood.” Tuomi sighed, stepping forward. Her movements were measured but purposeful.

The hunters turned their gaze toward the trio, their faces blanching in recognition. The dark attire, the oppressive aura—there was no mistaking them. They were a formidable S-rank team under the direct authority of the guild master, Duke RK Bloodborne.

Despite the cold, sweat beaded on the hunters’ foreheads. The realisation of who they were facing sent them scattering in blind panic.

Tuomi tilted her umbrella, the lace edges brushing her shoulder as she flicked it open with a sharp flourish. The burst of energy it unleashed created a fierce gust, sending icy winds hurtling toward the hunters. The air, infused with her aura, intensified the storm’s effect, freezing the fleeing prey in their tracks.

Luther remained silent, extending his arms before striking them into the ice as the golden chains snaked into the snow like living creatures. With a sudden snap, they shot forth, ensnaring several hunters in glowing, unyielding binds.

Rinna’s body shimmered, turning semi-transparent as an ethereal duplicate of herself burst forward. The phantom raced across the snow with supernatural speed, striking down each hunter it touched with precision and efficiency.

Tuomi yawned again, twirling her umbrella lazily as if the scene unfolding before her wasn’t worth her attention. “This is unbelievably dull,” she drawled. Her lips curled into a faint smirk. “It’s a pity we can’t take on Blue Mask.”

Luther walked past her, his heavy footsteps crunching against the snow. He didn’t bother to acknowledge her remark. “Our orders are clear. Protect the capital. Bloodborne’s decree was to ensure the heart of the Fourth remains untouched. Though we may be late, we can still prevent further casualties. More hunters should be on their way”

Tuomi sighed dramatically, trailing behind him toward the capital. She spun her umbrella in lazy circles, her voice carrying through the frosty air. Then she stopped in her tracks, turning her head over her shoulder. “So boring...”

From afar hundreds of hunters rode forward on horses while others gliding through the air atop massive birds.

The trio kept their faces expressionless as they prepared for battle. Suddenly the sky exploded with colours as Jiji and Shot fired the birds down.

Then from behind screams echoed across the snowy plains as the adventurers ran across, others jumping over the walls to join in.

Kabal swung his massive axe, "I ain't leaving all the fun for you three dammit!!" he yelled with a massive leap to the sky towards the army of hunters. "This move is from my teacher Falcon!"

Lightning struck his form covering him in a glowing electric light as he struck the earth causing a chaotic explosion, sending the hunters in the air. He stood on his feet with a grin. "Woah!! " He screamed, raising his axe. "Adventurers of the Fourth! Let's get our Realm back!"

The adventurers screamed, raising their weapons as they fought against the hunters with a fiery heart. The dark trio watched, their stoic expression shifting into something of delight.

Tuomi stepped forward, with a smile. "Okay, guess we can have some fun as well"

*

Falcon soared through the skies, his sharp gaze locked on the looming tower ahead covered in a cloud of snow. The air grew heavier as they neared, the sinister aura of the place undeniable. He could feel it—hundreds of hunters infested the structure. No wonder his subordinates dreaded this place.

“You can drop us here,” Mr. Swordsman murmured, his voice steady, his eyes obscured. “He knows we’re coming.”

Emilia shuffled uneasily. “Shouldn’t we land first?”

Pasta opened his mouth to chime in, but before he could speak, a storm of swords came hurtling toward them.

Mr Swordsman released himself from Falcon’s grasp, his blade flashing through the air with incredible force causing the weapons to scatter.

The siblings stared wide-eyed. The volley of blades had gone unnoticed—there were no lifeforces to sense.

“Understood,” Falcon said curtly, releasing the group. Mr Swordsman landed gracefully in the snow below, his feet making barely a sound as the siblings fell from above, not making a sound except Pasta who was holding in a chuckle.

With a sharp stomp, Mr Swordsman sent a gust of wind surging upward, softening their fall.

He turned to Emilia, his sharp gaze dropping to her high heels. “You can’t fight in those,” he said, his tone firm.

Emilia brushed the snow from her dress with a small sigh. “I’ll manage. I can move well enough, so it’s not a problem.”

Pasta sprang to his feet, shaking snow from his hair. “Good, because I’m not lending you my boots.”

Emilia scoffed, crossing her arms. “As if I’d ask, genius.”

The three of them turned toward the tower. Its oppressive energy bore down on them, and the snowstorm swirling beneath it clouded their vision.

Mr Swordsman’s eyes narrowed as he stared ahead. “Pasta, Emilia,” he said quietly, “are you prepared for this?”

Emilia gave a resolute nod. “Yes, you don’t need to worry.”

He glanced at her, his expression softening into something almost reassuring. “I never said I did,” he replied. His voice was calm but carried a commanding weight. “Go put those lords in their place.”

Emilia felt a warmth spread through her chest despite the biting cold. His words somehow steadied her, making her feel invincible.

Pasta stretched, his grin widening. “You don’t need to ask me, Mr Swordsman,” he said, stepping forward confidently. “I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.”

The storm began to clear, revealing a mass of masked hunters, their weapons glinting in the faint light. At the forefront stood Ryder, his presence commanding as he removed his mask and let it dangle at his side.

Mr Swordsman and Pasta stepped forward, their expressions unreadable. Ryder raised a hand, signalling the hunters to charge.

The men roared as one, surging forward with raised weapons. Pasta’s lips curled into a devilish grin, his excitement barely contained, while Mr Swordsman remained composed.

In unison, the duo unleashed an explosive burst of energy that rippled across the battlefield, shaking the very ground. The wave sent the hunters sprawling, their bodies hitting the snow with a resounding thud.

Before Ryder could react, Pasta materialised before him, his grin widening into something almost wicked. “Hey,” he said casually, his fingers dancing over the hilt of his blade. Behind him, Mr Swordsman and Emilia passed without a glance.

Emilia paused, her gaze lingering on her brother. His growth in strength over such a short period was undeniable, but worry flickered in her chest.

Pasta chuckled, turning to meet her eyes. “You’ve got your own problems to handle, sis,” he said, ignoring Ryder’s deepening scowl. “Your big bro’s got this covered.”

Emilia hesitated only a moment before turning away, following Mr Swordsman into the tower. The pair walked in silence through the dimly lit halls, their steps echoing off the cold stone walls.

“Do you have your sword with you?” Mr. Swordsman asked abruptly.

“Yes.”

“Good.”

He came to a stop, his gaze fixed ahead. “The lords should be close,” he said, his voice sharp. “They’ll see you as weak.”

Emilia’s shoulders sagged slightly, her gaze falling to the floor.

Mr. Swordsman placed a hand on her head, his tone softening. “Use that to your advantage,” he said with a small, encouraging smile.

Emilia looked up, but her breath caught as she noticed Jinni standing behind Mr Swordsman, his back to him. It was as if he had appeared from the shadows. The once normal walls now bore fresh, jagged slashes, the remnants of a battle that had unfolded in an instant.

Saying nothing, Emilia left the two swordsmen in the hallway. She ascended the stairs, her steps quickening as she entered the upper level. Pasta’s laughter echoed faintly from the snowy battlefield outside, filling the air with a haunting mirth.

She clutched her chest, steadying her resolve as she continued forward. Her eyes caught on a door left ajar. Stepping closer, she saw a room filled with blooming cherry trees, their delicate petals drifting lazily on an unseen breeze.

Shinari lay on the floor, her mischievous eyes meeting Emilia’s. She pressed a finger to her lips, signalling for silence, her presence both calming and unnerving.

Emilia moved on, leaving the tranquil scene behind. She came to a grand door, its aura of nobility and power pressing against her like a weight.

Her hands trembled as she reached into her bag, pulling out her locket. The familiar image of her family brought a swell of courage.

With a deep breath, she pushed open the doors, prepared to face whatever lay ahead.