Rudolf simmered with rage, his words dripping with frustration. "He admits he has it, yet getting it back seems beyond us. What does he think the Alliance is? A fucking charity organization?"

The voice from the communication device probed, [What's the next step, then?]

Rudolf shot back, "Shall we educate him on our capabilities?"

[And how do you plan to do that?]

With a dark gleam in his eye, Rudolf declared, "The stolen White Dwarf must be reclaimed through decisive action. What other choice do we have? Let's unleash our forces, Fleet Admiral."

In disbelief, the voice questioned, [An attack?! Could anything stop him, a man who survived the White Dwarf?! Just give what he wants!]

Rudolf's confidence faltered not. "He wants the White Dwarf. If we buckle, what do you think he would demand? Don't underestimate the White Dwarf. It holds power."

The voice objected vehemently, [No… Rudolf… are you crazy?! I won't condone that. Are you willing to risk destroying the wo—blip!]

Rudolf abruptly silenced the device, his gaze shifting to the protective glass dome inside the cockpit of his ship. A sardonic smile played on his lips. "That arrogant facade will crumble soon enough."

***

Morgan jumped down her white branch, arriving to find chaos in the war encampment. Soldiers scrambled to pack up their gear and the massive war machinery that had accompanied them.

“Miss Morgan,” Percival greeted her with a hint of surprise. “His Majesty didn't mention your visit.”

Morgan surveyed the scene and inquired, “What happened?”

“The Wintersin army is retreating, and His Majesty sensed trouble, so we're following suit,” Percival explained as he helped organize the hurried evacuation.

“Didn’t he just arrive this noon? Why would something like that…” Morgan prodded.

With a nervous glance, Percival admitted, “Well, you see, after meeting with the notorious Fleet Admiral of the outsiders...”

Morgan frowned. “The Fleet Admiral? Where's His Majesty now?”

Percival hesitated, then confessed, “He's... on the top of the fortress.”

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the snow-covered battlefield, chaos reigned supreme.

The Wintersin Army scrambled to pack their belongings, their faces etched with a mixture of exhaustion and anticipation as they prepared to retreat. On the other side, the Soulnaught Army mirrored their movements, a sense of urgency palpable in the frosty air.

Emperor Burn of Soulnaught stood alone at the edge of the fortress, a solitary figure perched between two warring empires. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, where the last rays of sunlight painted the sky in hues of orange and pink.

And just as the sun made its final descent, summer snow began to fall, a whimsical dance of ice crystals in the fading light.

Amidst this surreal backdrop, Morgan made her entrance atop the fortress, her steps deliberate and purposeful as she walked towards Burn.

“Caliburn.”

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The man turned, no smile apparent on his face.

“Are you evacuating the army?” Morgan asked, her arm automatically outstretched towards him.

Burn nodded, knowing that Morgan was trying to read his mind and welcomed her touch. “The outsider is demanding the White Dwarf back, and suddenly, Wintersin is retreating. The stage has changed owners.”

Morgan’s warmth rubbed against his palm, her expression slowly showing understanding as she read his mind. “What do you think is happening?”

“An attack,” he answered. “You are right. Somehow, they are agreeing to risk destroying this world. I am certain now that Wintersin is fleeing.”

“You know this, but you still provoked him?” Morgan asked.

Burn shrugged. “I needed information.”

They had nothing they could offer Burn, but they couldn’t destroy him without also destroying the world. He was both the rock and the hard place.

“I don’t know what they wanted from this world that they couldn’t give up on, but it works in my favor. The problem is, they’re stubborn,” Burn said.

“We’re going to die,” Morgan chuckled.

“Eh,” Burn shrugged. “I’m going to try to determine what is coming, how many, and whether the main ship ahead agreed to it. This Junior Fleet Admiral is arrogant and hot-headed, certainly witty, but easy to provoke.”

“Should I… help?” Morgan asked.

“Hmm,” Burn hummed. “Just tell me what you want me to remember for the next loop.”

She told him what happened in the Great Forest one by one, about Princess Nahwu and Princess Shorof, about Prince Locan, and about the Queen and the elders.

After that, Morgan frowned. She pondered for a couple of seconds and said, “I’m going to cry a lot again.”

Burn smiled.

“I’m going to be so angry again,” Morgan continued, “and you’ll go through it while in pain.”

“Sure,” Burn said. “I’ll treat it as a bonus round.”

“I’m sure you won’t make another cruel joke, and don’t forget,” Morgan grasped his hand tighter, “to tell me you love me again.”

It sounded like a threat.

But... To think that she was about to die again felt a bit sour. This exact version of Morgan would disappear, and the next loop Morgan would be born. The version where they hadn’t made love, and the version where they hadn’t 'fallen in love.'

"I will make sure to give you the same lesson too—ouch—" Burn teased before Morgan pinched his palm with her fingernails. "Fine, stop. I promise it will be the first time I tell you when I see you again. Stop pinching—"

"No, don’t. Not in front of everyone."

"Shy?" Burn teased again.

"Just..." Morgan hissed in annoyance. "When you’re done with the pain."

Burn suppressed a sigh. Ah, the thrill of imminent demise. This time, the entire world was set to kick the bucket. Whatever the looming catastrophe was, it would wipe out both him and Morgan.

His money was on another White Dwarf, not the same one he had.

But what if the universe decided to surprise them with something new? Something he had never seen before?

Something that could kill them without obliterating the world.

"I don’t know if this would calm you down, but I just want to say…” Morgan suddenly raised her voice. “I have only ever met three people other than me who could definitely defeat you in my lifetime.”

Burn turned to her, seeing her grasp his hand. She must have read his mind and understood his concern.

“Who are they?” Burn asked.

“Two died hundreds of years ago, and I’m sure they wouldn’t be able to defeat you without them dying. And one… is not here. In the next loop, I’ll tell you about them,” Morgan replied solemnly.

“Hmm,” Burn hummed, “Can’t wait to hear it.”

“So, I’m sure it’s just another White Dwarf,” Morgan said. “Even if it isn’t, I’m not going to let anyone other than me defeat you.”

“Oh,” the man sounded interested, “Possessive. How charming.”

Morgan blinked at him, her stunning eyes practically sparkling with worry. It was a strange sight to see him so utterly laid back, despite the dark thoughts swirling in his head.

"Did you think I was anxious about someone defeating me?" Burn shot back, a sly grin playing on his lips.

"How could you not be?" Morgan answered with another question.

"I was anxious about something else," Burn murmured, grasping her hand and pulling her closer. He lightly traced her chin and sneered, "I'm anxious about whether it's going to be a thrilling fight or just a snooze fest."

He knew it would end the world either way, so—

“Pfft…” Morgan understood now. Her little laugh echoed in his ears—he wanted to catch its vibrations and put it in a jar. “Caliburn…”

She whispered in his ear, her voice as sweet and dark as black honey—“Go wild.”