A week after the Blood Moon, beneath the slowly healing skies above the Prismic Gathering estate, silence greeted the return of two figures long absent—ones whose very presence tilted the balance of the world.
The dimensional gate shimmered shut behind Kazimir and Riah, their footsteps echoing across the crystalline path. The faint hum of the mansion's protective runes buzzed in recognition—but offered no warmth. Time in Vrasnia moved slower than Capriha; what was a week here had only been a day in that place forged of darkness and dreams.
Riah's red-and-white hair danced with the wind as the mansion's doors opened. Jessie and Neve waited at the entrance, rushing forward.
Neve: "You're back! Are you—are you two okay?"
Jessie: "You've been gone for too long. What happened?"
Kazimir's gaze was distant—his irises pulsed with lightning, but there was no spark in his voice.
Kazimir: "A war of gods is coming."
Silence hit like a blade. Behind them, the rest of the squad emerged—Tyrone, Raijin, Kamaki, Felicia, and Lihanna—all still healing from the Blood War. Their expressions shifted from relief to disbelief.
Neve: "Wait, what war?"
Riah stepped forward, face unreadable, voice calm.
Riah: "Solaris has fallen."
Everyone froze.
Jessie: "You're lying… You have to be lying. That's not possible."
Riah: "It's the truth. And now the balance is breaking. The Saturas and the Nullities will clash in what will be remembered as the final war for the Equation."
Neve stumbled backward, her white hair catching the light. "So… we've been praying to a god who's no longer listening?"
Kazimir: "You've been praying to a grave."
Jessie: "No. No way. Solaris is too powerful—"
Kazimir: "And yet he is dead. Slain by Nebula—an ex-Satura who devoured the light. History lied to us. We were raised in the eye of a god who no longer exists. The Eye… of the Devil itself."
The words shattered the air.
Neve: "And Abiba—she's been waging war on us for centuries… she's one of them too?"
Kazimir (nodding): "She's a disciple of Nullity."
He looked down at his own hand, fingers crackling with invisible pressure. Then he turned to them.
Kazimir: "And I have something to confess."
Jessie: "What now, Kaz?"
Kazimir: "…James was right. I am the Eye of Nullity."
Breath escaped the group like a storm had knocked it out of them.
Tyrone: "You're joking… that's impossible. You're telling me someone exists out there that you think might be stronger than you?"
Kazimir: "Not stronger. But if we fight—this planet may not survive. His name is Rygar. The Inverted Star of Nullity."
Lihanna: "What about the people around the world? What about us?"
Kazimir: "Me and Riah will protect them. But none of you can join this war."
Neve: "Screw that. My life belongs to this world. If the gods want war, we'll bring it back to them. I've seen everyone here grow. We're not kids anymore—we are warriors."
Riah (smiling softly): "The Saturas will win. For Solaris. For the world."
Kazimir said nothing more. He turned and walked toward the mansion, his silhouette wrapped in lightning and sorrow.
They watched him go, feeling the weight of truth crush what remained of their illusions. He was the Eye of Nullity… and still, they would stand with him.
Scene: Beneath the Crystal Sky
Hours later, steam curled from the marble-tiled bath in the eastern wing of the mansion. Light from floating crystals shimmered on the surface of the warm water. Riah sat in silence, her body resting, but her mind—far from it.
Riah: (thinking)Vanessa said they would betray us. That humanity would never accept Kazimir… I wonder… will he ever accept himself?
The sound of a door opening echoed through the still air. Riah turned her head. Gendai entered, towel draped over her shoulder, eyes calm but searching.
She sat opposite Riah, dipping her legs into the water. A few moments passed before Gendai spoke.
Gendai: "So… it's true. Kazimir is the Eye of Nullity."
Riah: "Yes."
Gendai: "And Solaris is… dead."
Riah: "Yes."
Gendai: "Riah… what really drives you to become this strong? Even you and Kazimir burn with that same hunger. What is it?"
Riah stared into the water. Her voice, when it came, was soft—but sharp with memory.
Riah: "My father… was a Vrasnai who challenged Karah—Kazimir's mother—for the throne. And failed. Over and over."
Gendai: "Wait—Karah?"
Riah: "Yes. He grew obsessed. When he was cast out, he found his way to Earth… and my mother. He forced himself on her. Murdered the elves who tried to protect her. And then I was born."
She clenched her fists beneath the water.
Riah: "He made me hold a sword before I could even walk. Told me I'd kill Karah, that I'd rule the Vrasnai. Every day, I trained until my arms broke. And if I stopped… he'd beat my mother."
Gendai (softly): "That's monstrous…"
Riah: "I was only able to heal myself not at a high level. When I turned thirteen… I killed him. So my mother could be free."
Tears shimmered at the corner of her eyes, but she did not cry.
Riah: "That day, I realized I could become strong—but not for him. For me. I joined the Astral Legion at nineteen to protect people… to be the sword that stops the pain."
Gendai (moved): "I had no idea… You always seemed untouchable."
Riah: "No one is. Not even Kazimir. He trained me. Sparred with me. Pushed me to love the blade and love myself. He's feared, but he's not evil."
Gendai: "You love him."
Riah (smiling): "I do. And when this war comes, I'll fight for him—beside him."
Gendai shifted, sitting beside her.
Gendai: "Then count me in. I'll fight beside you both. For the world. For peace."
Riah: "Just don't die on me."
Gendai (grinning): "Same to you, Phoenix Queen."
They both laughed under the crystal lights, as somewhere far above, the stars held their breath for the war to come.