A few days after Icarius's arrival, he went around to complete a few errands. During those times, the preparations for the rounding event had finished.

As Samael finished preparing his items, he went by to visit Lilith for the final time, as their departure was scheduled for today.

Upon arriving at Hallstone, he made his way to the garden, where Lilith's scent was strongest. There she sat on the grass, enjoying the warm glow of the sun and the cool morning breeze.

"Hey," Samael said as he sat beside the girl.

"Hey," Lilith said in return.

"We're going to leave soon; I just wanted to say goodbye," Samael said as he watched the clouds in the sky.

"I see," Lilith murmured.

Samael frowned as he held the girl's hand. "Don't worry, I'll keep my promise."

A smile made its way to the girl's lips as she rose up with a hop. "I know."

Samael's brows furrowed. "Is something funny?"

Lilith giggled as she turned around to enter the fortress. "Nope, I know you'll fulfil your promise. Besides, it's not goodbye, but see you later."

***

"What?" Samael asked, his jaw wide.

"Yes, apparently Aphemis herself will train Lilith to prepare for the incoming battle," Icarius said. "That's the only reason she won't participate in the training you guys will undergo."

"Now it makes sense..." Samael muttered as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Does this mean she'll fight against the Cardinals?"

"I don't know. That will be up to Aphemis," Icarius said.

A soft sigh escaped Samael. He did not know whether this was good or not. On the positive side, Lilith will grow even stronger, and the possibility of them meeting sooner is higher. However, on the bad side, she will get caught in the middle of the war.

"You know you can't protect her forever," Icarius said.

Samael fell silent as he leaned back. "...I know."

"Good, then let her grow and do as she wishes," Icarius said as he checked the time. "The rounding event should be starting now."

Looking back at the walls of Tera slowly vanishing in the distance, Samael couldn't help but long for the warmth of the hallstone.

Meanwhile, under the earth, deep below the heart of the city, multiple cloaked figures gathered, closely observing the markings and shards pulsating every second.

"Should we activate it now?" Kyros asked, cold sweat trickling down his forehead.

"Not yet, Thaesir Kyros," Azerel said, a sinister smirk present in his visage.

"Why not? The boy has already left! You've already broken every word you've said!" Kyros scowled in rage.

"Oh, but he will come back. He definitely will," Azerel said. "Besides, we need to wait a little bit more for the barriers to shut down. That is, if you placed the other objects as I told you," Azerel said as he listened to the wild laughter and celebrations of the world above.

Tera's structure was simple. The city is surrounded by two towering walls; one of said walls protects the outermost layer of the city, while the other is found within the sanctuary to protect the heart of the fortress. However, the true defensive capabilities of the place were due to the barrier of the mellaguns, which is powered by sunstone, which prevents enemies from getting in.

The heart of the city is located in the middlemost area of the sanctuary, where a large monument resides. Written in it are the names of the past saints who protected the city and kept it from harm.

Currently, the city is celebrating the arrival of their new saint and the beginning of the rounding event. Mass parties are currently being held all over the city, whether in the slums or the noble lands.

All academy students were currently gathered in the court of the school, where the headmaster and thousands of people watched the ceremony.

"Today we are gathered here today to celebrate the arrival of our new saint. May he live prosperously and safe from harm!" The announcer roared, causing the entire place to erupt in an ear-shattering round of cheers.

"However, the fun is only beginning as, ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to announce the bright stars of the academy!" He said as the crowd cheered without stop, shaking the court with ease.

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"Today, they stand before you to honour the pledge of servitude and grace. Today they shall lower themselves to show their prowess and humility. Today begins the start of the rounding!" The announcer roared as everyone screamed at the top of their lungs.

The students gave out their brightest smiles as they felt their hearts beat faster by the minute. This was their day, and it will forever solidify their name upon the masses.

However, unbeknownst to the people, a figure stood atop the academy building, watching the event unfold as a wide, fanatical grin etched itself on its face.

"Oh, how beautiful. Such a large crowd for such an important day," he said in ecstasy as he listened to the echoes of the people's voices.

Back on the court, the headmaster's smile died as he felt the presence of someone strong. Someone he isn't familiar with.

Tracing the source of the power, the headmaster's eyes landed on the roof of the academy, his gaze landing on a man adorned in a white robe... paired with a set of golden eyes everyone is familiar with.

"That..." the headmaster muttered, luring the family's leaders attention to him.

"Are you okay, headmaster?" Rob asked.

Azerel's fanatic smile widened even further as he raised his hands. It was a truly magnificent day. A day for the world to feel the power of beings way beyond their understanding. A greatness not many know and understand... The birth of a new age... The age of those that exist beyond reality.

"Arise... Oh seed of Nyxanthra..."

For a moment, the world felt still as everyone felt a chill encompass their body. A cold sensation that sent shivers down their spine.

Watching this, the words of the mellaguns echoed in the headmaster's head.

"To disable the barrier would require something cold enough to shatter the sunstone."

"A wave struck out of nowhere, and the machines went offline!"

The headmaster's eyes widened as he looked at the man standing atop the academy.

"No..." he muttered.

"RUN!!!" he roared. But it was too late. It had begun.

Before everyone's eyes, the sky appeared to flicker as though a thin sheet of fabric hidden beyond their sight began to tear, slowly receding away.

"What's going on?"

"What's that?"

"Is this another trick of the academy?"

The headmaster watched in horror, along with the entire academy staff and the familial leaders, as the only thing guarding them from the horrors beyond their walls fell.

"EVACUATE THE PEOPLE!" Michael roared as the leaders snapped out of their fear.

"But where...?" Rob asked, his face pale.

Michael froze as he realised what the man said. Where would they evacuate? Yet, before they could even fully grasp the situation, a tremor deep beneath the earth erupted, causing chaos as the people ran for their lives.

However, beyond that chaos thundered a myriad of roars and screeches that made everybody's blood cold. Not just outside the walls... but within as well.

Everybody froze as they felt their hearts thump violently in their chests. It was a suffocating silence. Something they haven't experienced for a long time.

The headmaster shot another look at the roof, but the figure earlier had vanished. Clenching his jaw, he leaped high in the air as he landed atop the building, and what he saw made his breath hitch.

Far in the heart of the city, the air began to crackle as cracks in reality sprouted out of nowhere, creating gashes. No— portals...

"WE HAVE A BREACH!" The headmaster roared as everyone felt their hearts drop. The worst had come. It was now every man for themselves.

The headmaster racked his brain for answers as he watched the abominations mow down dozens of people. Even the knights were of no match as they were thrown away like used rags. Meanwhile, multiple explosions rocked the sanctuary, each scattered at random. What made it worse was that monsters were also starting to make their way from outside, and all their ballistas had shut down.

But as he was losing hope, the headmaster's eyes glimmered. Without wasting time, he dropped down as he spoke, his voice amplified. "Everyone! Remain calm and listen to me. Deep beneath the city are old bunkers from when the sanctuary was yet to be established. Knights, teachers, and students, please bring the people down!"

Without another word, the teachers went to work as they led the mass towards various entrances to the bunkers. Struck with fear, some of the lines went on stampedes, but with the help of the help of the students,, they were able to somehow reduce the damage.

"This way!" They screamed.

Michael clenched his jaw as he approached his Nightwalkers. "Okay, listen up everybody. We don't have time to waste and every help is appreciated. So, recon team, go and gather information. Make sure everyone knows what the headmaster said. Sabbath and the rest, you guys tend to the wounded and children while the quick reaction forces go and block the monsters from reaching us. GO!"

Everyone swiftly separated as they went to work. On the other hand, Lilith bit her lip as she felt the situation worsen over time. Just what was happening?!

Meanwhile, Azerel smiled fanatically as he watched the chaos and destruction ensue. Just like what Taranius predicted, the portal's appeared close to the flower, and soon, more and more will come pouring in.

Azerel couldn't help but tremble in ecstasy as he watched the people get slaughtered like pigs, their blood staining the earth and their guts scattered around the city, along with their pleas and cries of desperation.

It was truly a magnificent sight. A worthy banquet for the growing flower.

"W-what is this?" Kyros asked in confusion as he watched monsters destroy the city without mercy.

"What I promised," Azerel said.

"THIS WASN'T THE DEAL! YOU PROMISED ME POWER, BUT WHAT USE IS THAT IF EVERYONE IS GONE?!" Kyros blasted in pure rage.

"Don't you understand? If you were to be the sole survivor of this event, the other sanctuaries will view you as a hero who survived against all odds. You will have fame and power like no other!" Azerel said. "Besides, I am taking care of your enemies, aren't I?"

Kyros's mouth was sewn shut as he watched the carnage go on. What Azerel said was true. If he were to survive this disaster, he could make up all kinds of stories and gather all the sympathy and support of the other sanctuaries. He wouldn't only thrive in Tera, but everywhere else!

"I understand... What do we do now?" Kyros asked.

"Now you finally understand!" Azerel said. "First, we protect the flower beneath us, and it will do the rest."

"So kill every threat?" Kyros asked.

"Bingo," Azerel replied.

"Anyone?" Kyros inquired.

"Anyone," Azerel answered as Kyros's hands ignited red along with his forearms, his hair glowing crimson as he leaped forward.

"Now then," Azerel said as he looked at the cloaked assassin standing behind him. "Go."

The assassin nodded before his figure vanished without a trace.

Back on Samael's carriage, he felt an odd sensation. A deep, gut-wrenching fear enveloped his heart. On cue, Icarius took out a remnant, and upon seeing its contents, his entire demeanour changed.

"What's happening?" Ajax asked as he sat straight.

Icarius remained silent for a few seconds before he spoke.

"Tera is under attack."