Alira hadn't registered the soft thud of approaching footsteps, perhaps drowned out by the animated timbre of her and Kael's conversation.
'Damn… so they heard everything.'
"Explain, kid. What did you mean by the resurrection of Fenrir?" Terasvari stepped closer to the two of us.
"As for that, I don't know the details either." Kael replied flatly. "Ask Alira." He turned his head toward me.
'Oi, Kael! Traitor! You're making me explain this by myself?!'
"Uh… um… I—" I darted my eyes around, pretending not to understand.
"Ex.plain." Terasvari slammed her hand against the wall behind me, leaning her head in close.
"Yes, ma'am."
I caught the look of worry on Bandi's face. "Didn't expect to see you here too, Bandi. How's Lumino? You've been looking after him, right?" Kael asked, his expression skeptical. Arms crossed, eyes locked on Bandi.
Silence.
Bandi didn't answer. He just lowered his head, looking almost… sad.
'Why does it feel so heavy all of a sudden?'
"Hey… can you answer already?" Kael's voice sharpened as he stepped closer, glaring. "Where is Lumino?"
"Calm down, boy," Terasvari interrupted, placing a hand on Kael's shoulder.
But Kael's aura spiked. His eyes unfocused, all his intent aimed at getting an answer. The air in the room felt like it was being squeezed out, suffocating.
"Don't tell me to calm down!" Kael snapped at Terasvari.
"He's gone." Bandi finally spoke, voice low. "He went to Clementine's side."
Kael froze.
"He killed Ozrik… and several werewolves. Destroyed their den. Split the earth open." Bandi fidgeted with his fingers, his expression heavy. "He wants to wipe out the werewolf race."
I clamped a hand over my mouth. That… that wasn't the Lumino I knew. If it were Kael, maybe. But Lumino? He was kind, easy to smile, honest…
Wait. Back then, didn't his left eye briefly turn red? I remembered it clearly—when I asked to hold this spell book, on the way to the werewolf den.
'Possessed?'
No. Whatever it was, I remembered being worried in that moment.
'What a plot twist…' I thought. Still, I couldn't believe Lumino would do this. 'Right, Kael?'
I glanced at Kael. He stood still, expression unreadable.
'You don't believe it either, do you?'
"So, Alira, what do you mean before, about Fenrir?" Bandi said suddenly, looking at me.
"Rosaria told me Clementine plans to resurrect Fenrir in some kind of ritual. I don't know the exact details," I answered.
"Is that why she talked about a vessel when I was imprisoned in that mansion?" Bandi muttered.
"For a perfect resurrection, of course she'd need a vessel," Terasvari added.
"Heh… You're not thinking she'd use him as the vessel, are you?" Terasvari asked.
'Him? Wait—'
"I'm not sure," Bandi finally said.
Terasvari let out a shrill laugh, clutching her stomach. "If that happens, that woman will act. No way would she let someone she's already claimed with her scent become a vessel for someone else."
'Is she talking about Lumino? Don't tell me—Fenrir in Lumino's body?! What the hell?!'
"You're wrong." Kael finally spoke after being silent for so long. "You're wrong, Bandi. I won't believe it. Even if it's true, I'll ask him myself." He started walking toward the door.
Terasvari stepped in his way. "Where do you think you're going? You plan to storm Clementine's place alone?"
"Move."
"Why? If you're so confident, fight me first."
"Think, Kael!" I shouted. I didn't want him doing something stupid like going alone.
"Move," Kael repeated slowly. "Or you'll feel my blade." A sword materialized in his hand, and he drew it from its sheath.
"Young man. Are you thinking straight right now? Especially after hearing about Fenrir's resurrection? You'd be signing your own death. Listen to someone older for once," Terasvari said.
"Lumino said…" Bandi began, "Tell Kael and Alira that from now on, we part ways. And… he told me to say that he stands with Clementine. If you try to stop him from wiping out the werewolves, he'll kill you both."
'Lumino… don't you think that's a little harsh after everything we've done?' I felt my stomach drop.
"You don't know him," Kael turned to Bandi, his voice low. "If you did, you wouldn't say that, bastard."
Bandi flinched back a step, swallowing hard. "I'm only repeating what he told me, Ka… Kael."
"I'm angry too!" Bandi burst out. "He destroyed the forces I've built, killed my friend Alisa, made the vampires return to Clementine's side. I should be the one furious! Not you!"
They stared each other down, tension so thick I could choke on it.
'Can you both stop fighting? My head hurts…'
I realized my escape plan might already be ruined. No matter what, this was starting to sound like Bandi wanted us to take responsibility for Lumino's actions—and join this war.
'In other words, I'm stuck in this mess.'
I glanced at Kael. He'd definitely insist on bringing Lumino back—or at least demand an explanation. Maybe there really was a reason…
But part of me thought—maybe there doesn't need to be a reason. Maybe Lumino just wanted to do it. Or maybe he has a split personality?
'Honestly, I don't know him that well either. And I'm not exactly a good person, so I don't care if Lumino kills or destroys, as long as I'm not the target.'
"I have something to say," I announced, turning to Bandi. "I've finished making the potion for Ronovan. Guaranteed to heal him."
Bandi's face lit up, and even Terasvari whistled in surprise.
'Don't underestimate the great Alchemist.'
"Is that true?" Bandi asked, eyes bright.
"Of course it's true. But I have conditions," I said.
"First, Kael and I don't want to fight in your war. Our only goal is to get Lumino back."
Kael's eye twitched slightly in my direction.
"Second, don't think about using us as your army. Whatever Lumino did to you, your subordinates, or your people—it's not our problem."
"Sounds cold, young lady," Terasvari commented.
"I'm not here for charity or to play nice. Besides, I'm a White Witch—Alira Lefki."
"Sounds fair. I won't force you, Miss Alira. Just bringing Ronovan here and offering that potion is already extraordinary," Bandi said.
'Smooth talker.'
"Ahem… Third—"
"You still have more conditions?" Terasvari cut in.
"I'm taking this crafting table."
"Eh? That's it?" Terasvari smirked. "Take it. It's useless to me anyway."
"I accept your conditions. But one more thing—Lumino is dangerous right now. I just hope you don't lose your lives," Bandi said.
"Lumino's an idiot. Don't worry. You think he can kill me? I won't lose to him." Kael finally smiled.
Thank the gods. I was glad Kael wasn't completely consumed by dark thoughts—at least not yet.
'That's what I choose to believe, anyway.'
"As for Fenrir… if Clementine really plans to bring him back, is there any power that can match him?" I asked.
"Don't worry—leave it to me. I'll kill him myself," Terasvari said, clenching her fists. "Bandi, in two days, let's strike first. They'll think we can't move because of the damage, so we'll take them by surprise."
"I'd like that, but I have a plan. Leave it to me. I have an idea on how to win," Bandi replied.
"What's the success rate of this plan?" I asked.
"0.01%," Bandi said without hesitation.
"Damn it—are you gambling?! This isn't a bet, it's a war," Kael said.
"Bro Kael, I've always lived with this motto, it's all or nothing."
Kael smirked. "You're crazy."
"Not as crazy as you."
'You're both crazy.'
--
By now, Alira and Kael had returned to the werewolf den.
The sight that greeted them felt almost unreal.
This… was Lumino's doing? Alira's mind raced as her eyes swept across the devastation.
The earth was split with deep, jagged cracks; trees lay uprooted, their trunks splintered; scorched patches and blast marks marred the soil. It was as if the land itself had been at war with something beyond mortal comprehension.
Alira turned toward Kael, her face twisting in disbelief.
"You're seeing this?"
Kael's voice was low, heavy with unease. "I think… this is his dimensional space-and-time manipulation."
"You're right. After Drakeflamish was defeated, the terrain looked exactly like this," Alira replied, her words tinged with dread.
A creeping guilt began to settle over them both.
"…We should apologize," Kael finally muttered.
Alira nodded. "Yeah. You're right."
They made their way to the meeting hall. Inside, the air was thick with tension.
Bandi and Terasvari stood by a mat where Ronovan lay unconscious. Beside them were two other werewolves one named Terwy, and the other, Rodeo, whose cold stare locked immediately onto the newcomers.
"You sure that potion will heal him?" Rodeo asked, his tone dripping with skepticism as his gaze flicked toward Alira.
"We won't know until we try it," Bandi interjected. "Wait… is this potion supposed to be drunk, or poured on the wound?"
Alira blinked, caught off guard by the sudden technical question.
"…Well—"
"I think it's better we don't rush to heal him just yet," she cut herself off, straightening her tone. "We don't even know if he'll fight on our side. Remember, we took him from Clementine."
"Then leave the healing to me," Alira continued. "Wouldn't it be better if you focused on coming up with a strategy that actually wins this war?"
Rodeo's lip curled. "And what business is it of yours? Who says you get to order us around?"
Oh great, we have a stubborn one, Alira thought.
"I don't know, maybe ask your leader — Bandi. If you've got complaints, take them to him," she said with a mocking tilt of her head.
"You little—!" Rodeo shot to his feet, looking ready to swing at her.
"Knock it off, man. You gonna hit a woman?" Kael's voice was calm but carried the weight of a drawn blade as he stepped in front of Alira.
"What's gender got to do with it? I've hated you two since the start," Rodeo snarled. "Your pretty boy friend destroyed this place — killed Alisa. I swear I'll slit his throat myself."
The veins in Kael's neck tightened. "Huh? You think you can? I'd suggest you stop fantasizing before it gets you killed."
"Alright," Terasvari's voice cut in with a smirk. "Why don't you tell us your strategy, Bandi, before these two actually do kill each other."
Bandi gave a short nod. "Fine. Listen up…"
He laid out his plan, his voice steady as the room fell silent. Everyone listened intently — until Alira's sudden hiccup shattered the stillness.
"This is the plan if they don't awaken Fenrir," Bandi continued, ignoring the interruption. "That's why we must strike before they expect us."
"Interesting…" Kael leaned back slightly. "Let's say your plan works — what happens afterward? Things will only get harder."
"I object!" Rodeo barked, fists clenched. "Why aren't you letting me face Lumino?"
"Because, Rodeo, Clementine is the priority," Bandi shot back.
"Meanwhile, I'll do whatever I damn well please, right?" Kael's voice carried a dangerous amusement.
"Exactly. You'll be our unpredictable force," Bandi said, then turned to Terasvari. "If Fenrir is awakened before then…"
"Got it." Terasvari raised a thumb with a grin.
"Hiccup… and for Ronovan," Alira added, hand over her mouth, "when the time comes, give me the signal. I'll be ready."
"Alright then," Bandi concluded, his lips curling into a confident smile. "Tomorrow, at midnight… we strike first."