A voice drifted through the darkness. It was soft, melodic, and too close, curling around his dream.
"My lord... my love..."
"I have searched through centuries of ash and bone to find you."
"Soon, I will stand beside you, and together we shall make angels weep and demons crawl."
"The world will burn in reverence... and I will be your queen."
Her tone trembled with adoration and madness, each word was soaked in hunger.
A faint tremor ran through Rage, a shiver crawled across his skin. Rage stirred awake, warmth pressing against his face.
Rage mumbled first, his voice was low and thick with sleep. "...Who was that?"
Then came another rough murmur, uncertain. "More importantly..."
He muttered, strained. "Can't... breathe."
With effort, he turned his head to the side, the weight on his face made movement hard. His vision cleared slowly, and the world came into focus. His head was resting on someone's lap.
Just before he moved, he caught a sidelong glimpse of what the weight had been, the softness pressing against his face was unmistakably someone's bosom.
The scent and texture were too familiar to mistake. Silk, faint perfume of the sea.
Mariselle.
He jerked upright and moved away with a quick shuffle. "Where am I?"
Mariselle's calm voice met him. "My chamber."
He scanned the room. The curtains drawn half open and light slipping through its deep blue drapes.
"How long was I out?"
"Seven days," she said softly.
Rage drew a sharp breath. "Seven days?"
Rage ran a hand through his hair and groaned. He looked down at himself, bare-chested, faint lines of muscle more defined than before. He flexed an arm, brow furrowing. "Did I just..."
His hand moved to his chin and rubbed it, expecting it to be long and sharp.
He sighed in relief. "Thank god it's not."
He looked back at her. "What happened?"
Mariselle's gaze did not waver. "You collapsed within the Archive. The scholars brought you here."
She inclined her head slightly, her voice calm and distant. "You would not wake and I nursed you until now."
Rage stared, uncertain. "Nursed?"
A faint smile curved her lips. "You live, do you not?"
Rage rubbed the back of his neck. "Not exactly an answer."
Her expression did not change. "Then it is the only one you need knowing."
Rage glanced around the room. He finally noticed the others.
The four bunny maids stood along the wall. He gave them a faint nod.
Seloria's face remained composed, but her eyes betrayed the worry she didn't voice.
Near the door stood the butler, posture perfect as always.
"Oh hey, Sebastian," Rage said casually.
The butler inclined his head. "Walter, sir."
"Right. Sebastian." Rage stretched his arms, testing his balance, then moved toward the door.
Before he could leave, Mariselle's voice drifted through the quiet.
"You are to attend a gathering in the Grand Hall," she said. "It begins within a few hours. Do not keep them waiting."
He turned slightly.
"Got it."
He stepped out. The sound of his boots echoed softly against the marble floor.
Out in the corridor, sunlight spilled through tall windows, casting soft reflections along the polished floor.
A group waited ahead, familiar faces. Tavin, Lienne, Yuri, and the scholars from the archive. All of them wore the same expression, relieved but still worried.
Tavin was the first to speak. "Sir! You're awake!"
Rage stopped, blinking at the small crowd. "Sadly."
Yuri's eyes studied him quietly. "You caused quite the scene."
He scratched his neck. "Yeah, good at that."
Lienne stood slightly behind the others, hands clasped, gaze fixed on the floor. She opened her mouth, then thought better of it, the words dying halfway.
Rage gave a short nod. "Oh. Hey."
He turned to Yuri. "So... what exactly happened to me?"
Yuri crossed her arms, her tone was calm but edged with concern.
"You suddenly collapsed. By the time we reached you, you were already convulsing on the floor."
"Right," Rage muttered. "Can't remember."
He looked around. "The orb, where is it?"
"It is safe," Yuri replied. "Locked within the Archive. Still glowing. It has not dimmed since that day."
Rage's brow rose. "Glowing, huh?"
"It would seem so."
He sighed. "Great. I should head there now."
Tavin smirked, elbowing Lienne gently. "We came because someone was worried. In fact, she's been visiting quite often while you were out."
Lienne's face turned crimson. "I just wanted to make sure he was alright!"
Rage hesitated. "Thanks?"
He rubbed the back of his neck. "You all coming?"
Before anyone could answer, one of the scholars, a round-faced cheerful man whose robe seemed a size too large, raised his hand. "Actually, Sir, maybe we could eat first? You've been asleep for quite a while. You must be starving."
Rage exhaled. "...You're not wrong."
Yuri spoke without looking up. "Reasonable."
The scholar brightened. "Exactly! There's a bakery near the plaza--"
"Such trouble need not be taken."
The voice came from behind. It was smooth and carried authority that required no force.
Mariselle approached, her steps were silent against the floor. The scholars instinctively turned and bowed their heads.
"You are already here," she said. "The hall is already set, and the tables await. There is no need to wander beyond them."
Her gaze drifted to Rage, the faintest curve in her tone. "You will dine here..."
For a heartbeat, silence. Then Rage sighed. "Right. Royal orders."
Mariselle's eyes softened. "Merely courtesy."
She turned and gave a small nod. "Come."
The group followed as she led the way down the corridor toward the doors of the dining hall.
The following hour unfolded in the dining hall, a rare stretch of noise and laughter filled the marble chamber. Plates clattered, cups rang, and the scholars, freed from the hush of the archive, spoke all at once, trading jokes and half-remembered theories between bites.
Rage sat among them, his usual dry remarks slipped in often enough to keep the table roaring. Even Yuri, seated beside him, looked almost at ease, her expression was neutral but her silence was less heavy than usual.
Across the table, Lienne barely spoke. She only took quiet glances at Rage from time to time, her spoon stirred untouched soup as if to hide the motion.
A moment later, the noise softened. A royal guard entered through the tall doors.
He stopped beside Rage's chair and bowed. "Sir, the Queen requires your presence."
Rage looked up, a crumb still in his hand. "Now?"
The guard nodded, then turned slightly toward Yuri. "You as well, Lady Yuri."
Rage sighed and pushed his chair back. "Guess that's my cue."
He looked to the others. "Later, folks."
Yuri rose silently, collecting her gloves from the table.
The scholars exchanged glances as the two followed the guard out, the hall's warmth faded behind them with each step.
***
The grand hall doors opened with a deep, echoing sound that rolled through the marble corridor.
Rage entered first, Yuri following a step behind. The guard who had escorted them remained by the door. Another guard approached and bowed briefly before speaking.
"This way, sir, Lady Yuri."
He led them down the right wing of the castle to a wide chamber decorated with banners from every kingdom. At its center stood a massive round table, its surface gleaming beneath the light. Every seat was taken except one.
Mariselle sat among them, her posture was straight and her expression was serene. The four bunny maids stood silently behind her, motionless. Beside her were Van, Kyle, Geralt, Densuke, and Zach.
Across the table, Kazumi inclined her head slightly. The three shoguns stood behind her in full armor. Kazumi's lips curved faintly as her eyes met Rage's.
From the opposite side, Talwyn offered a polite nod. Her assistants followed suit.
Then came unfamiliar faces.
A tall elf with silver hair and calm eyes met Rage's gaze as the interface flickered.
[SYSTEM] Aerion Lv. 92
[SYSTEM] class: Marksman
[SYSTEM] Loyalty: 26%
Beside him stood a young woman of the same grace.
[SYSTEM] Ilyana Lv. 78
[SYSTEM] class: Markswoman
[SYSTEM] Loyalty: 30%
Prince Aerion gave a firm nod and princess Ilyana bowed, hands clasped neatly before her.
Rage muttered under his breath, "What's going on here..."
He glanced around the chamber, trying to piece together why he of all people was needed.
The guard gestured toward the final empty chair. "Your seat, sir."
Rage sighed and sat, Yuri took her place beside him. He leaned slightly toward her, his eyes moved to the nearby guests. "You know them, they are elves."
"Wood Elves," Yuri replied without looking up. "You clearly did not read enough in the archive."
Moments passed in silence. Then Mariselle rose.
She moved slowly, deliberately, her voice soft as drifting water yet carrying across the vast chamber with effortless weight.
"Welcome, sovereigns and kin. You stand before the circle united. Each banner now bound beneath a single accord."
Behind her, a pair of heavy doors opened. A councilman entered, carrying a sealed scroll bound in crimson wax. Its mark was unknown, yet somehow familiar. Mariselle sat once more with her hands folded neatly.
The councilman bowed deeply, then unrolled the scroll. His voice echoed through the round hall.
"King Aldric Ironbane of Drakhelm Dominion has rallied his vast army, numbering in the thousands, toward Firekeep. They are expected to reach the outer gates within days."
Rage leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowing. "I'll go back to Firekeep after this meeting. They might need me," he thought.
A murmur rippled across the table. The councilman continued.
"By decree of this union, each kingdom bound to the Circle shall extend aid where need arises. Firekeep has not called for aid yet, but the Circle shall still answer."
The councilman rolled the scroll, offered a brief vow, and stepped back toward the doors.
Mariselle stood first. Her voice flowed slow and clear. "I am Mariselle, Queen of the Abyssal Tides and host of this circle. For those who stand here and those who shall answer our call, we bind ourselves to lend strength and shelter when peril comes. Firekeep is counted among us and none shall stand alone beneath this accord."
Her gaze swept over the gathered rulers.
"Those seated at this table," she said with serene yet unyielding voice, "speak now your intent and the promise of your allegiance."
Then she returned to her seat.
Kazumi rose. "I am Kazumi, Empress of the Tenzan Skyhold. We pledge disciplined and seasoned warriors. They shall stand where steel is required."
She sat and her shoguns bowed their heads.
Talwyn followed. "I am Talwyn, Queen of the Molten Anvil. We bring not only weapons but tools, strong armor, and forged blades. My army will arrive at dawn."
She gave proud nod and resumed her seat.
Aerion stood, calm and straight. "Prince Aerion of the Sylvan Dominion. I speak for the High Matriarch Sylva." He inclined his head. "The Sylvan mastery of bow and field shall answer. Our archers shall take their place and lend their arrows to the union."
Silence fell. The round table took a breath.
Rage found the pause unbearable. He muttered, half to himself, half to the air, "Am I expected to say something?"
Mariselle's gaze turned to him. "If you wish to speak."
Rage stood. "So, yeah... I'll head to Firekeep in advance after this. I need to see them."
Her tone stayed calm and steady. "Going alone will change nothing. One man cannot stop what's coming."
"Firekeep is going to be attacked," Rage repeated. "I can't stay here while they're about to be overrun."
"The union you helped build will move together," she said. "We still have time to gather our strength and wait for those on the way."
Rage exhaled. "Makes sense." He paused. "Wait, what union?"
Mariselle's expression didn't waver. "Your actions formed it. The threads you pulled now bind kingdoms to your cause."
Rage leaned back slightly. "Can't remember."
Talwyn answered before the chamber could drift. "We joined because you passed our test. You came when we required rescue. You proved yourself."
Rage frowned. "What kind of test was letting yourself be kidnapped and enslaved so I could rescue you?" His mouth twisted between incredulous and amused.
Talwyn's smile was slow but certain. "We expected you would come."
"And if I did not?" Rage pressed.
"You would," she said simply. "Or the world would turn still for a time and yet you would answer."
Kazumi then leaned forward. "Your actions have proven your worth to many of us. The Skyhold forces witnessed it."
When it was Aerion's turn, his voice carried no pride or sorrow, only purpose. "We joined not because we must but because we are grateful. You saved our kind from ruin. We keep our word. The Sylvan will stand with you."
Rage let a low sound escape him. "So the elves..." He remembered the rescue in the warlord's stronghold, the stench of blood and rusted chains, the underground cells where the slaves had been kept. "You were saved, and now you're throwing yourselves into war to die?"
Aerion's gaze met his without wavering. "We hold honor above fear. Better to meet steel with arrow than watch our forests burn in silence. If Aldric's scourge devours Firekeep and marches onward, our forests will fall next. To stand idle is to let ruin find its way home."
"Makes sense," Rage said. "So, what's my role here again?"
The air changed before anyone moved.
It thinned and turned sharp and cold.
Every head at the table lifted. The lights above the round chamber flickered. Shadows grew long across the marble. Faint whispers moved through the air, soft and layered, as if spoken from the far end of a dream.
Then a voice, low, smooth, and clear. "Do not fear us. We are not your enemy. The sixth and the seventh seats are ours to claim."
From the far side of the chamber, the light dimmed. Figures emerged from the dark itself. It was Vealith, her step was silent and her presence was regal. Behind her came Lucian and Kieran.
Vaelith halted behind Mariselle and inclined her head slightly. "I am Vaelith, Queen of Ebonwake Shroud, and I pledge allegiance to the Circle."
The four bunny beastwomen, her maids, bowed low in unison, their eyes were lowered and reverent.
Vealith's gaze swept the table and came to rest on Rage.
"So... you have cared for my daughters well," she said with smooth voice and edged with amusement.
Lucian stepped forward a half pace. "Good to see you again, boy. Her Majesty was lonely after you left."
Vealith's cold and cutting eyes slid toward him.
Lucian lowered his head. "Forgive me, Your Highness."
Across the table, Mariselle and Kazumi's eyes found Rage, their gazes were cold and unreadable.
Rage raised both hands. "What?"
Before he could recover, another voice came, rougher.
"Serida of the Ferisglaive answers the call. We follow our daughter's mate, our new alpha."
Mariselle and Kazumi turned their heads toward him again. No words needed.
From the opposite archway, the Lycans appeared behind Serida, tall, broad figures draped in fur-lined armor, each carried the mark of their kind.
Rage glanced at Vaelith. "Wait, you're not supposed to be out during the day. You know, sun?"
Vealith's lips curved, faint and knowing. "As mysterious as it is, we have our ways."
Mariselle rose. "The matter is settled," she said, her tone was smooth and cool. "When all have gathered, the Circle will march for Firekeep as one."
"The realm of Abyssal Tides is generous and bountiful. You will find no shortage of comfort here. During your stay, take rest beneath our roof. My halls are yours, and you will be met with every courtesy."
"My attendants will guide you to your quarters. When the sun descends, the evening banquet will be held in the castle gardens."
Around the table, chairs moved as the rulers and delegates stood. The four bunny maids stepped forward, joined by others in the same plain uniforms. They moved in perfect order and began to guide each group out of the chamber.
One by one, the large doors opened and closed again. Voices faded to quiet sounds in the hall. The chill that had come with the vampires slowly disappeared, leaving only the faint smell of candles and parchment.
Mariselle remained standing until the last of them had gone.
As the last of the rulers departed, the chamber grew still again. The maids waited at the doorway, ready to guide the remaining guests.
Rage started toward the exit with Yuri beside him, hands in his pockets, eyes already halfway elsewhere.
"Where do you go?"
Mariselle's voice stopped him mid-step.
"Archive," Rage said.
"Then return before evening. My guards will find you should you forget."
"Go it."
With that, he turned and stepped through the tall doors, Yuri followed quietly at his side.
***
The archive was already alive with movement when they returned. Quills scratched, pages turned, and the soft murmur of scholars filled the room. Yuri went straight to her table without a word and settled into her quiet rhythm.
Rage, meanwhile, headed for the silent chamber.
The orb was still on the table, its pale surface pulsed with a slow, steady blinking cursor. Rage studied the system prompt displayed across its surface, scanning through the earlier logs.
The code he had injected seemed to have taken effect. Time to test.
"Your name is Lea," he said.
The orb's surface flickered.
[SYSTEM] Lea
"System check."
[SYSTEM] Loading Effective Address...
[SYSTEM] Voice Recognition: Active
[SYSTEM] Storage: Online
[SYSTEM] Input Processors: Ready
[SYSTEM] Output Processors: Ready
[SYSTEM] Additional Resources Loaded
[SYSTEM] Ready for Next User Voice Input
He picked up one of the books from the table. The spine was worn, and the pages were old.
"Alright." He cleared his throat. "In the beginning was the word."
[SYSTEM] Input Saved Successfully
[SYSTEM] Awaiting Next Input
"Put process on pause."
[SYSTEM] Paused: True
"Resume process," Rage said.
[SYSTEM] Paused: False
"It's happening."
He opened the book again. His eyes moved over the dense script, page after page.
After a while, he paused it once more.
"Retrieve previous string and cross-reference with text line seventy-four."
The orb flickered, then displayed letters on its surface.
He kept reading, the orb would pulse after each spoken word.
Hours passed. He was nearly at the last stretch of the book when a movement caught his eye.
Someone behind him was waving.
He noticed, then closed the book and walked over to the scholar.
"Sir, you appear to be talking to that orb," the scholar said quietly, eyes shifting between Rage and the orb.
"It appears that way."
"What does it do?"
"It records what you read on it."
"Really. Can I try?"
Rage leaned back slightly, trying to figure something out.
"You know what," he said, glancing toward the other scholars, "I have a better idea."
His eyes swept over the room.
"Hope you're fine with volunteer labor and sweatshops." He chuckled under his breath.
He turned to the scholar. "Tell the others we're having a group meeting."
The scholar gave a quick nod and hurried off to inform the others.
A ripple across the tables. Heads turned. Murmurs rose and fell. A few scholars rose and moved closer, curiosity written plain on their faces. They formed a loose ring around Rage and the orb.
"What is it, sir?" someone asked.
"What is it this time?" Yuri asked. Her face was unreadable.
"Apparently... I need help," Rage said.
"With what?" Yuri asked.
"This may sound stupid," he said while pointing to the orb inside the room, "but I need someone to read books aloud in front of that."
Yuri folded her hands, amused. "Tell us first what is this you're creating."
"The most destructive weapon of all... Information." Rage said.
"How would that work?" one scholar asked, leaning forward.
"You'll see soon," Rage answered calmly.
He set the rules without ceremony. "You only read books in front of it."
"Which books, sir?" the scholar pressed.
"The most important ones first," Rage replied.
A murmur of approval ran through the circle.
"We'll gladly oblige," another scholar said, eager.
Another scholar stepped forward. "I'll arrange a list of what should be read first."
From the back, Lienne lifted her hand slightly. "I... I can help with that," she offered.
In the following hours, while the others were still compiling the important books, Rage continued reading through the last pages of the one he was feeding to the orb.
Then a scholar came rushing down toward him with short and uneven breath. "Sir, the royal guards are looking for you."
Rage paused, the memory of Mariselle's banquet surfaced.
"Is it night already?" he asked.
"Almost midnight," the scholar said.
"Oh, damn it." Rage rubbed the back of his neck. "Well... it is what it is."
Yuri approached. "Should we start reading in front of the orb now?"
She tilted her head slightly. "Seems like you're leaving."
"Yeah," Rage said, nodding. "But don't push yourselves too hard. Take turns, take breaks. I have to go now."
He turned toward the hall, the low murmur of voices faded behind him.
"What is it called again?" someone asked.
"Di... magic something."
"Digital Magic."
"Yes, that's it."
"I heard him say it too."
"I'm excited to be part of this."
***
From the high balcony, Queen Mariselle stood motionless, her silhouette was carved in silver by torchlight. Her gaze lowered toward the gates.
Rage entered through the gates, flanked by the royal guards.
A chill brushed his skin. It wasn't the night air. It was her.
He lifted his eyes. Far above, Mariselle watched him with a calm face that showed no feelings.
When he reached the castle doors, her voice flowed down from the heights.
"You're late."
"Fashionably," he replied without looking up, heading straight for the door.
He walked past the halls, past the echoes, down to the servants' wing.
The maids' quarters were unusually quiet, less crowded than usual. A few were asleep, scattered across their bunks, while the rest of the castle attendants were likely still assisting the visitors.
Rage tossed his coat over the drawer, kicked his boots aside, and fell onto the bed. It was wider now since he had asked for it a few days ago because Mariselle would not stop slipping in beside him at night.
"Have I eaten today?" he muttered, staring at the ceiling.
"Nah. I'll eat when I wake up."
He paused. "Wait... I have to check a few things first."
With a flick of his hand, his interface appeared above him. He scrolled through the logs from the time he had collapsed. Some new upgrades showed up that he did not recognize. They were vague, as expected, but likely good.
He exhaled and closed his eyes, the fatigue of the day was still heavy on him.
As he slowly fell asleep, the mattress pressed tighter as if the walls leaned in around him. The pressure was soft and warm. Mariselle again. She always found her way into his bed when the world slept and no one dared question the queen's habits.
The air grew heavy. Then came the whispers.
"I got here first."
"I am host."
"I can easily fit beside him, I'm small."
"What about we all just get along?"
"She's right."
Each voice was familiar, too familiar.
Then came a strange coldness, seeping through the warmth around him.
He didn't fight it.
Sleep took him, deeper.
[SYSTEM] Corruption : 50.2%
[SYSTEM] Empress Kazumi : Loyalty 100%
[SYSTEM] Queen Mariselle: Loyalty 100%
[SYSTEM] Queen Talwyn : Loyalty 100%
[SYSTEM] Queen Vaelith: Loyalty 100%