The sky of Thyrus stretched wide beneath a bright blue hue as a golden phoenix glided calmly across the clouds. Each beat of its wings left behind shimmering trails of light, as if the sun itself were whispering through the air.
Upon its back rested two small passengers in quiet refuge—Sacri, a tiny plant creature who let their body play freely with the flow of the wind, and FaYzuma, a baby dragon still asleep, curled tightly like an exhausted crystal of fire.
"If every place were like this…" Azure murmured softly in his phoenix form, "…maybe the world isn't as bad as I thought."
He descended, wings cutting through the approaching horizon.
Before them stood a towering structure like a torch of light—Heiyan Tower, the primary symbol of the Qinyan Region. Its elegant height resembled a colossal pen writing upon the sky itself. From its peak, sacred light flowed gently—not blinding, but inviting.
The tower was more than a structure.
It was a stage for the voice of the people.
Each day carried a different theme—Monday for singing, Tuesday for comedy, Wednesday for interviews. And today was Wednesday: The Heart Assembly, a day where words were born from honesty, not power.
As they flew closer, the face of Qinyan unfolded clearly below—clean streets without a trace of litter, neatly arranged gleaming buildings, herb gardens lined according to leaf color, and residents waving warmly despite never having met one another.
"This isn't just a region," Azure muttered as he shifted into his human form upon landing at Koiku's central plaza.
"This is an urban paradise."
Sacri rolled across the grass with a soft laugh. FaYzuma remained asleep within a magical cradle, breathing steadily. The scent of green tea and warm buns drifted gently through the air, blending with the morning calm.
Suddenly, an owl landed quietly before them.
But before FaYzuma could reach out—
FWOOOSH!
The owl transformed into a tall woman wrapped in a soft violet aura. An ash-brown princess-cut swing coat fit her frame neatly, evening gloves covering her hands, and her presence felt calm—like a full moon that didn't need to shine brightly to be noticed.
"Welcome to the Qinyan Region," she said gently.
"I am Gracelyn Louis, Head of the Tourism Division and leader of Thyrus Core Support Unit Three."
Azure raised an eyebrow.
"You show up out of thin air like an elite, but your voice sounds like a festival announcer."
Gracelyn smiled faintly, her steps still elegant.
"And you sound like a tourist who forgot to bring an itinerary."
After a brief pause, she invited them casually.
"Come with me. I'll take you to the Spa of Tranquility—Qinyan's hidden gem. But be careful… many who enter don't want to leave."
Wait… is that spa hypnotizing people or something? Azure thought instinctively.
As they walked, Gracelyn moved like a professional guide. Every alley had a history, every flower served a purpose, and every building possessed a 'soul.' Sacri often stopped in awe, and FaYzuma eventually woke, laughing softly at a fountain shaped like a golden eagle.
The wind blew gently. The sky was slightly overcast, yet Qinyan remained alive—calm, breathing, and real.
Suddenly, a magic messenger rushed toward them from the Southern Wing.
"Lady Gracelyn! You are urgently requested at the Right Defense Wing of the region!"
Gracelyn exhaled softly.
"Understood. I'll head there now."
She turned to Azure—her gaze sharp yet gentle.
"Continue your sightseeing. Don't forget to breathe in Qinyan's air fully. It can heal things you don't even realize you're carrying."
She paused, adding with a light tone,
"And Azure—the spa is known for gentle techniques. Not hypnosis."
With a graceful motion, Gracelyn returned to her owl form and flew swiftly south.
"…Did she just read my mind?" Azure whispered.
Sacri nodded slowly.
---
Their steps led them to a pristine white spa building, its walls adorned with finely carved clover leaves arranged in perfect order. The aroma of lemon balm and lavender flowed gently through the air, soothing the senses even before they stepped inside. The silence here was not emptiness, but a healing stillness—as though every corner breathed softly, offering weary hearts a place to rest.
The spa attendants welcomed them with calm smiles. With confidence, Azure presented Llione's golden Thyrus card. Without question, they were guided to specialized treatments tailored to each being.
FaYzuma curled happily, his blue eyes sparkling as warm mist caressed his body. Sacri was briefly planted into special soil, roots merging with the earth as their leaves swayed gently, as if savoring the touch of the land.
Azure closed his eyes, allowing the aromatherapy and delicate massage to unravel burdens long accumulated. Each tension, each fatigue, slipped away one by one, leaving his body light and calm. He smiled faintly.
"Don't forget to be gentle," he whispered to himself.
The attendant replied politely, "We are at your service."
FaYzuma released small, shimmering magical bubbles, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. Sacri waved gently, and FaYzuma quickly understood, dispersing the bubbles so as not to disturb the spa's peace. The three of them drifted into silence—time itself seemed to pause, granting body and soul room to breathe.
After the treatment, Azure stepped outside and sat on a bench, gazing at the sky beyond the window. The soft hues of dusk calmed his eyes. Gracelyn's words echoed quietly in his heart.
It can heal things you don't even realize you're carrying.
FaYzuma fell asleep again, resting like a fireborn infant released from exhaustion. Sacri appeared refreshed, leaves swaying with the gentle breeze. Azure took a deep breath, savoring a rare sense of peace.
As the attendants escorted them out one by one, Azure looked on with a light heart.
"If I could, I'd give five stars," he murmured with a smile.
The evening sky sealed the tranquility perfectly. Only the gentle breeze brushed through their hair—giving body and mind space to prepare for whatever awaited next.
---
The sky above Qinyan's right wing began to darken. Heavy clouds rolled swiftly, signaling that something serious was unfolding.
Gracelyn arrived at the main defense building with firm, steady steps. No smile. No casual chatter. Every movement carried an aura of authority that made the surrounding space seem to bow in acknowledgment. The guards at the entrance lowered their heads respectfully, fully aware that her composure was more than mere appearance.
Inside the meeting room, five squad leaders were already waiting. Zhongshu Zhiangshi, the high official of Qinyan. Caeser Hill, leader of Thyrus Core Support Unit One. Valkarie Al-Absah, leader of Unit Two. Boyle Charles, leader of Unit Four. Kan Gang, leader of Unit Five. Their faces were serious, focused, awaiting reports that would determine the next course of action.
"External scouts report that the southern forest has been breached by dragons," Zhongshu stated in a heavy, controlled voice. There was no room for panic—only facts to address.
Caeser spoke calmly and professionally.
"What if we deploy only Valkarie's unit? They're our defense squad—our shield."
Gracelyn looked at him, calm yet commanding.
"Never underestimate the enemy, Caeser."
Zhongshu nodded slowly.
"Decision made. Deploy all units. Minimize damage."
Boyle voiced concern, but Zhongshu responded firmly.
"I'll personally intervene if the situation escalates. All units are deployed so this can be resolved swiftly."
Zhongshu stood—signaling a temporary adjournment. The squad leaders rose in unison, ready to mobilize their units.
Kan Gang broke the silence.
"Alright. Let's handle it like usual."
Gracelyn took command, issuing clear instructions.
"Valkarie, your unit takes the front. Caeser, ambush from the forest. Boyle, control from the walls. I'll support from the rear. Kan Gang's unit follows Valkarie's frontline. Understood?"
All nodded simultaneously.
"If there's nothing else," Caeser said, "move out immediately."
They left the meeting room with firm steps. No panic—only professional calm carrying a resolute aura, a sign that Qinyan was ready to face whatever threat came its way.
---
At a confectionery shop, midday in Qinyan appeared peaceful, yet something subtle lingered in the air.
Azure was selecting lollipops for FaYzuma and mist sprays for Sacri, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. Soft gossip from residents slipped into his ears.
"Hey, I heard the right wing might get breached. Better stay home."
Azure frowned slightly but only smiled thinly.
"Wasn't it sunny just now? Those clouds moved fast," he said, glancing at the darkening sky.
Sacri's roots shifted subtly, as if sensing danger from afar. The wind brushed through their leaves, gentle yet rhythmic—a quiet but clear warning.
"It's fine," Azure said cheerfully, trying to reassure himself.
"A cloudy day isn't a reason to stop relaxing."
FaYzuma clapped his tiny hands, cheering, "Llio… Zure…!"
Sacri swayed along, as if following a rhythm.
Yet beneath the cheerfulness, a faint tension hid within the darkened sky. Each of Azure's steps felt slightly heavier. His instincts remained alert—assessing every change around him.
As they exited the shop, the air carried a sense of caution.
Today might not be just another ordinary day in the Qinyan Region.
---
Meanwhile, outside the walls of Qinyan's right wing, battle was underway.
Rain began to fall. Wind howled fiercely.
All units were in position. The forest ahead remained silent—too silent.
Then, trees collapsed one after another.
Dragons emerged from the dense forest, advancing toward Qinyan.
Caeser's unit moved stealthily from within the woods, launching ambushes. On the walls, Boyle's unit fired precise shots while Boyle himself unleashed high-pressure air blasts toward the enemy groups.
Valkarie's and Kan Gang's units held off any dragons that broke through. Though some were injured, Valkarie's protection prevented severe casualties.
In the air, Gracelyn's unit engaged the flying dragons. Using gravity magic, she restrained and brought them down one by one.
Suddenly, Caeser's voice came through magical communication, his breathing heavy.
"Be careful. There's one dragon… possibly their leader."
Gracelyn immediately altered the strategy.
"All squad leaders, focus on that dragon. Others handle the weaker units. Orders effective now."
The dragon emerged slowly from the forest, walking calmly while clapping its hands. The battlefield fell silent. All eyes fixed upon it.
"Didn't expect it," the dragon said casually,
"your forces can still withstand an attack of this scale."
Kan Gang advanced without hesitation—but his strike was effortlessly deflected by a single wing sweep.
The dragon stood still, wings folding back. The attack seemed to have no effect.
As it moved to strike the fallen Kan Gang, Valkarie reacted instantly—a protective field formed, followed by a sword swing. The dragon stepped back, evading with ease.
Boyle and Gracelyn gave no opening. Air blasts slammed down as gravity dragged the dragon toward the ground. The earth cracked. Dust filled the air.
From the shadows, Caeser hurled a poisoned blade toward the dragon's neck.
The dust cleared.
The dragon still stood.
The damage was there—but shallow.
It slowly raised its head, shaking it lightly.
"If this is what you call strong…" it said, glancing at the dark sky,
"…then you haven't seen what's truly awakening."
Its ears twitched. It signaled the other dragons.
They retreated swiftly.
"Sorry," it said calmly.
"Our leader ordered a withdrawal."
Shock rippled across the battlefield.
"You're not the leader?" Valkarie's voice cut sharply.
The dragon turned toward the forest. Gracelyn tried to restrain it with gravity, trees collapsing, but it was too fast.
Caeser gave chase.
"Caeser, don't!" Gracelyn shouted.
But he pressed on.
The trail grew clearer—until something felt wrong. A different aura. Darker.
Dragon corpses littered the path.
At the end of the trail, Caeser stopped.
The dragon lay dead—killed by a massive living skull.
"Against the current, words end," the skull spoke.
"I merely control this skull for a time."
Caeser readied himself.
"What do you want?"
"I am merely the wind that carries news," it replied, gazing toward the Thyrus Kingdom.
"…I seek one thing. The child of the Dragon King."
The blue light in its eyes faded. The skull turned to dust.
The rain began to subside.
Caeser collapsed to the ground, exhausted.
Gracelyn arrived and asked gently,
"You alright?"
"Yeah. Just tired."
"Let's return to Qinyan. File the report."
Gracelyn lifted Caeser with her power and headed back. Most units had already withdrawn. The scent of smoke lingered in the air, mixed with wet earth and the remnants of battle. On the now-quiet field, only cleanup units remained—collecting dragon corpses, marking areas, analyzing residual magic, and carefully evacuating the wounded.
Meanwhile, all Thyrus Core support leaders reconvened to discuss what had occurred.
Gracelyn opened calmly.
"While we wait for Zhongshu to arrive, let's report today's findings."
Kan Gang replied without hesitation.
"In my view, today's key operation was Valkarie. Without her protection, casualties would've been far worse."
The meeting room doors opened. Zhongshu entered, and everyone rose simultaneously. He offered a faint smile before speaking.
"Don't forget your strategist as well. Surely Valkarie wasn't the only one working hard today."
After signaling everyone to sit, Zhongshu continued,
"Alright. I want today's full report."
Gracelyn stood.
"In that case, let me—"
Zhongshu raised a hand gently.
"Gracelyn, I know you're exhausted. Let's start with Caeser."
Without objection, Caeser stood. Though clearly fatigued, his tone remained professional.
"From my perspective, the strongest dragon on the field wasn't their leader. He was more like a messenger—applying pressure and issuing threats."
Zhongshu interjected with mild intrigue.
"So that was elite dragon power? Even five squad leaders couldn't bring him down. Interesting."
Caeser nodded slightly and continued.
"After their retreat, I pursued that dragon. Along the path, I found numerous dragon corpses—as if they were killed while withdrawing."
Zhongshu leaned back slightly.
"So something's hidden within that forest?"
"Yes," Caeser replied briefly.
"At the trail's end, I witnessed an entity—a living skull—killing the dragon I pursued. It claimed it was merely controlling the skull temporarily and said, 'I am only the wind that carries news.'"
The room fell silent.
Caeser continued.
"The entity stated its sole objective—the current Dragon King's child. I cannot verify the claim. This is simply information relayed based on what I personally experienced in the field. That concludes my report."
He sat down.
Zhongshu broke the silence.
"Then this is clearly no ordinary threat. The question is—who exactly is the Dragon King's child?"
Boyle spoke cautiously.
"In this situation, we and all other defense units must remain on maximum alert."
Zhongshu nodded slowly.
"I'll bring this to the High Council. But before that—any suggestions on identifying the Dragon King's child?"
Gracelyn stood once more, polite yet firm.
"I propose gathering all citizens with dragon blood—including half-humans. No exceptions."
Zhongshu's brow lifted slightly, intrigued.
"Very well. Proposal accepted. Any objections?"
No one spoke.
"Then," Zhongshu concluded,
"this meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for your hard work. Dismissed."
One by one, the squad leaders departed, carrying with them the weight of a threat now far clearer—and far more troubling.
---
"Alright class, that's all for today's sword training. Kaien, your strategy is good, but you underestimated your opponent," Llione said gently.
Kaien nodded, embarrassed.
"Yes, ma'am."
Llione addressed the class.
"If there's nothing else, you're dismissed."
Kaien suddenly spoke up.
"Before that, how about we thank the instructor who volunteered to be here today?"
The students followed, thanking Toshi before leaving. Soon, only Llione and Toshi remained in the quiet classroom.
"Ugh… I'm exhausted," Llione sighed.
"But we still have one more thing to do today—visit our friend."
"Okay," Toshi replied briefly.
They stopped by the academy cafeteria. Llione bought a Velvet Lunar cake—her favorite—along with some juice. Though classes had ended, the place remained lively, driven by the chef's famously luxurious cooking.
"Don't you want anything?" Llione asked with a smile.
"…the food here's really good."
"No," Toshi replied shortly.
"Alright then," Llione said cheerfully.
"Let's go."
A short walk brought them to a cold stone corridor lit only by torches. Ahead stood a special containment cell.
"Release the seals. Supervised visit authorization," Llione ordered calmly.
A guard nodded, pressing his palm against the rune-carved wall. Four magical seals lit up at once. Click… schmm—the blue barrier slowly receded, freeing the space from emotional and vocal suppression.
"Llione! Mimiya's been waiting for you!" A cheerful voice echoed. Mimiya looked more alive than before—her spirit clearly nurtured by consistent presence.
"Sorry, Mimiya. I had class earlier," Llione said softly, slightly playful. She turned to Toshi.
"Toshi, wait outside for a bit. Don't worry."
Mimiya gently redirected Llione's attention back to her, jealousy woven into her softness.
"Llione should only look at Mimiya."
Llione smiled.
"That's not true. I brought you something today. Want it?"
She produced a Red Velvet cake from her mirror storage.
"Ta-daa! My favorite cake. I only bought one since it's expensive—so we'll share."
Mimiya's eyes lit up.
"It looks delicious! Mimiya gets the first bite!"
Bite after bite disappeared as they laughed together like siblings, enjoying a simple yet meaningful moment.
"I'm heading back now, Mimiya," Llione said while tidying herself.
"It's getting late."
"But Mimiya doesn't want to be alone…" Mimiya murmured sadly.
"It's okay. I'll come again tomorrow," Llione coaxed gently, handing over paper and drawing tools.
"Draw something while I'm gone. I'll collect it tomorrow."
"Mimiya wants to be free like everyone else…" the voice came softly.
"There's only one condition for you to leave this cell," Llione replied firmly.
"Emotional stability. Don't worry—I'll help you however I can."
Mimiya gripped the paper and tools. The touch was familiar. She looked at Llione with calm eyes—filled with carefully guarded hope.
"If Mimiya draws… will that help Mimiya stay stable?"
Llione nodded.
"Yes. You've been doing this for a long time already. I'm just making sure you don't do it alone."
Mimiya smiled softly. The torchlight swayed gently, providing its usual calming rhythm.
"See you tomorrow, Mimiya."
"As usual?"
"As usual."
The seals closed once more. Yet the warmth inside the cell remained—not from magic, but from the presence of someone who always returned.