"Afterward, the four began their journey across the meadow toward the Eastern Palace gates, exchanging lighthearted banter about the differences in their lives. They discovered that despite their nearly identical appearances, their thoughts and ways of living were vastly different. Though they shared some personality traits, they were far from carbon copies of one another."
Much later, after a long walk...
"The team reached the outskirts of the palace. Claire avoided the main gate, explaining her reasoning."
"Alright, let's steer clear of the main gates and entrances. If the princess is seen bringing strangers into the palace, the royal court will only think one of two things: either she's up to something dirty, or she's a traitor to the kingdom."
"The others wondered how they would enter if they had to avoid the main entrances. Claire replied"
"I know of a tunnel above one of the gates. We'll sneak in there—no one will see us. That tunnel leads to the guards' chamber, and from there, we can descend to the library, which is located beneath the main hall."
"True to her word, the team moved stealthily through the shadows, careful to avoid the guards' notice. They managed to scale the palace wall and slip into the narrow passage. Claire entered first, followed by Emily, then Scar. But just as Aether attempted to enter, he lost his footing and fell onto the grass below."
Scar tried to reach for him, but Claire stopped him:
"Stop... the last thing we need is a confrontation with Garn, the head of the guard... If Aether can survive, he will survive."
"She pulled them deeper into the passage, leaving Aether behind. Aether struggled to his feet after the painful fall—only to find himself face to face with a menacing figure."
"Well, well... what do we have here? A rat trying to sneak into the palace? Bad luck—I'm your opponent now."
"The man spoke with a mocking smile, his expression a mix of sarcasm and amusement."
"So, will you be obedient and enter the dungeon, or will you try to resist, little rat?"
"Aether stood calmly, his mind racing through every possible scenario. His eyes scanned the area for an escape route, but the path was blocked—this man was massive. So, Aether began to speak"
"Without a fight? Impossible. That's boring. Come on, big guy—show me what you've got."
"Haha! It seems you don't know who Garn is! Don't worry—you'll find out very soon."
"Garn puffed out his chest, brandishing his spear with an air of arrogance and pride. He removed his guard helmet and roared terrifyingly."
"Come on, rat! Try to make this last longer than two seconds!"
"Aether clenched his fists and whispered, "Blade." The scythe materialized in his hand. He stood face to face with Garn, his hair flowing in the wind as he smiled strangely."
Then… the clash began...
"Far below, in the underground library, the three heard the majestic and thunderous sound of the collision."
"The two girls exchanged worried glances before turning to Scar, whose face had turned pale. Scar began to mutter in despair"
"I hope he escapes before the fight escalates... He must run... We're in trouble... If Theer doesn't take control, Aether will get us all into a mess."
"Emily's patience snapped. She stood up, ready to go help Aether, but Scar pulled her back down. She saw the panic on his pale face"
"I fought him once... and barely survived. Do you want to die? Go ahead."
"His words froze Emily in place. If Scar had only barely survived that person, Aether would undoubtedly die if the situation continued like this."
"On the other side of the palace, the battle between the two intensified. Garn raised his spear, charging it with magic before hurling it. In a flash, the scythe moved on its own, intercepting the spear mid-air."
"Strangely, the spear did not fall to the ground—instead, it returned to Garn's hand."
"Aether noticed this and threw the scythe horizontally, beginning to circle Garn in a wide arc. Thanks to the scythe's lightness and incredible speed, it spun around Aether like a shield while Garn continued hurling his spear again and again."
Aether (thinking): He's fast… I need to make a decision. I can't hold out much longer. He's an experienced fighter. Engaging him is stupid, but trying to run is even dumber. I'd be an easy target if his spear has long-range capabilities… I don't know its full reach. Come on, think fast!
"Aether blinked for a moment before darting around Garn in wider circles. Garn noticed immediately and closed the distance between them, forcing Aether to leave the castle grounds."
Garn (thinking): I know your plan… it won't work. But I have to admit, thinking of disarming me just 15 seconds into the duel is impressive. Don't disappoint me, rat.
"Then Garn shouted at Aether, his voice booming with clear excitement."
"Come on, rat! You have a special-class weapon! Why aren't you using it?!"
"Aether was confused by his yelling and began trying to summon Theer, who finally responded to his desperate attempts to communicate. Aether began to hear his voice"
"What do you want? You're bothering me!"
Aether replied irritably while dodging a spear that nearly pierced his skull:
"Bothering you?! I'll die if you don't intervene!"
His words angered Theer, who yelled back:
"I can't control you right now! You're too weak to wield weapon-based magic! It's not that I'm afraid of that raging bull—it's that you're too feeble!"
"With a final leap, Aether avoided a spear that almost pierced his heart. He exhaled in frustration at Theer before looking at Garn and raising his hand to the sky. The scythe descended into his grasp. He stood still, arousing Garn's suspicion. Garn hesitated to throw his spear again, fearing a trap."
Then Aether looked at him and smiled:
"Fighting you was fun, but I'm not interested in battling right now. Maybe later… see ya."
He swung the scythe toward the horizon and whispered despairingly:
"I hope this works."
"As he moved the scythe slightly faster, he hurled it deep into the forest behind Garn."
"Garn considered this a retreat and returned to the gate calmly. It was the first time he hadn't finished a battle on the same day, but he smiled at the phrase "maybe later."."
"On the opposite side, Aether collapsed against a tree trunk in the forest, gasping for air alone. He slumped to the ground, exhausted..."
Then Theer's voice echoed in his mind:
"You withdrew once you realized your opponent's strength… a wise choice. At least you're not insane."