Episode : The Oppressed Within the High Citadel
The Oathbound had gathered all the artifacts they plundered and the labor they enslaved across the continent to construct a massive fortress—the Fortress of God.
From afar, it looked like a temple itself.Sky-piercing spires, a blinding divine barrier encircling its walls, and a glowing Emblem of Light carved into its highest tower, radiating sacred brilliance day and night.
But the closer one came, the less it felt like holiness—and the more it felt like suffocation.The land surrounding the citadel was already dead.The grass had withered, the soil was cracked and dry, and even the wind refused to stir.It was as if the very earth had been strangled under the name of God.
Inside the Citadel – Violence Draped in Holiness
Past the gates lay a vast plaza, dominated by a banner reading:
"A Space Consecrated in God's Name."
Beneath it, rows of indoctrinated followers knelt.
In the plaza's center, priests opened silver-bound scripture, chanting in unison:
"God illuminates all, burns away all doubt.Those who defy His light are sinners."
Each time the priest's voice rang out, the worshipers shouted, "Amen!"—their eyes hollow, their souls drained, as if they were empty shells.
At the edge of the square, prisoners who had not yet been broken were dragged forward.The priests forced them to "confess" under the name of the divine.
Paladin A:"Kneel. Confess your sins before God's will."
A priest yanked a young man to his knees.His voice trembled as he protested:
Prisoner:"I only wanted to protect my family… I have done nothing wrong…"
But Paladin B seized his jaw, forcing him to look up.
Paladin B:"Family?You dare believe something matters more than God?If your tongue refuses to speak His name, your life ends today."
The prisoner's eyes flickered with the last sparks of resistance.But then, the priest pressed his hand against the man's forehead.
Silver sigils burned into his skin, and his eyes glazed over.
Prisoner (faltering):"I… obey… God's will…"
At first, his voice shook.Then it turned flat. Mechanical.
The Citadel Dungeons – The Three Captives
Deep below the fortress, the air was dead.
Every wall bore sacred runes; every cell was sealed by a divine ward.In the gloom of a solitary cell sat three shadows:
Elrahar. Brakka. Caron.
Once, they were warriors who shook the continent.Now, they were prisoners, bound in chains.
Brakka yanked at his shackles, his voice a low growl.
Brakka:"These damn wards… If I had my axe, I'd smash them all to pieces!"
Chains clanged against stone, their echoes swallowed by the dungeon.
Elrahar sat still, his voice calm.
Elrahar:"If brute force could break these wards, they would have fallen already.They used the name of God to bind even our strength."
Caron had been silent, listening.Then he smiled faintly in the dark.
Caron:"…If we can't break it with force, we'll find another way."
He shifted his wrist slightly—and the chains trembled, just barely.
Brakka:"What the—? That chain just moved… Don't tell me—"
Caron:"The ward blocks my magic…but it doesn't block my mind."
His eyes glinted coldly.
Elrahar:"…Your 'mind'? What are you talking about?"
Caron:"Psychokinesis. And fear.
The moment they falter,I slip through the crack.
This prison, these wards—they will break."
Brakka grinned savagely, gripping his chains tighter.
Brakka:"Good. When that day comes…we'll show them we're not the kind of men you can keep caged."
The Three of Elrahar waited in silence.Their power was sealed—but their hope wasn't dead.
***
Episode : The March of Elysium
Dawn of Departure – The Weight in the AirThe dawn over Elysium felt different.The harbor, the airship docks, even the plaza before the gates—all wrapped in a tight, breathless tension.
Banners snapped in the cold morning wind, while soldiers stood in rows beneath them.The metallic clink of armor buckles and sword belts broke the silence like drops of rain.
Civilians lined the streets two and three deep, whispering blessings.Mothers pressed their children's faces into their skirts, and the elderly raised trembling hands, murmuring prayers:
"Warriors of Elysium… come back to us…"
At the center of the square stood General Lisa.Her black cloak whipped in the wind; her gaze was steady and cold as iron.She had seen countless battlefields—but this was different.
This campaign wasn't just a war—it was the last stand against the resurrection of the Old God.
Lisa's InspectionLisa walked slowly down the formation, her gloved fingertips tapping a soldier's breastplate, her eyes catching every nick in a blade.
Lisa:"Has your edge dulled?"
One soldier hastily unsheathed his sword.Soldier: "General, sharp as ever!"
She gave no smile, only the faintest nod.Each step she took seemed to straighten a dozen backs.
On the docks, magi inscribed runes on the hulls of airships, their glyphs glowing red with the "Seal of the Wind."
Lisa:"How long will the wards hold?"
Archmage:"Against conventional strikes—half a day at least.But… if the Old God's magic touches it, we cannot promise."
Lisa:"Half a day is all we need.We'll reach the citadel before they fail."
Shadows Among SoldiersFaces in the line stood out.
A young recruit gripped his spear so tight his knuckles turned white.A veteran tightened his gauntlets and muttered under his breath:
"This war… it won't be like the others…"
A female archer plucked her bowstring, whispering:
"They fight in God's name.I wonder if their God is watching…"
Lisa said nothing.She just placed a hand on each shoulder as she passed—a silent promise:
"You are not alone."
Lisa & Lian's ConnectionAt the far end of the square, a sealed letter arrived.The blue wax cracked—Lian's voice spilled softly into the morning air.
"Lisa…At the harbor, I thought we couldn't hold.But I've learned—my strength alone isn't enough.Elysium's strength is needed."
Lisa folded the letter slowly, the faintest smile tugging her lips.
Lisa:"…At last, you've asked for help.Lian… you've finally grown into the prince you were meant to be."
She tucked the letter close to her heart and walked on.Now it was her turn to move.
In the Palace – Merslin & ElenaLisa arrived for the final briefing.
Merslin rose from the throne to greet her.Elena stood at his side, her calm smile like spring sunlight.
Lisa (kneeling):"Your Majesties, preparations are complete.Two thousand soldiers, three hundred mages, every airship and warship—we're ready to march."
Merslin:"Good.This isn't just war, Lisa.If the Old God awakens, the whole continent falls into ruin."
Elena:"Lian asked for our aid.It's the first time he's said those words.That alone tells you how heavy this battle is."
Lisa bowed her head lower.
Lisa:"Yes.This time… we must win."
Merslin clasped her shoulder.
Merslin:"Come back, Lisa.If we lose you—Lian loses his anchor."
Lisa gripped his hand firmly.
Lisa:"I will. I'll bring victory back with me."
The Day of DepartureWhen the sun finally rose, the harbor erupted with a single roar:
"Elysium! Elysium!"
Airships lifted into the sky; ships cut the waves as mages unleashed the Seal of the Wind, silver gusts carrying the fleet forward.
Lisa raised her banner high.
Lisa:"This is not just war—it is the defense of our world!Where we march—hope marches with us!Elysium, forward!"
The sky split with the rise of the fleet.Soldiers gazed down at the shrinking city, at the families they left behind.
And Lisa, her cloak whipping, stared beyond the horizon and murmured:
Lisa:"…Lian.Wait for us.We are coming."
***
Episode : The Coming Clash
Days at Sea – Heavy and EndlessSeven days since the airships launched.
The sky stayed gray. The sea stayed calm.But the weight of waiting gnawed at every man aboard.
On deck, Lian sat with his greatsword resting beside him like an old motorcycle leaned against a wall.The blade still reeked of dried blood; his wrists bore the scars of the last battle.
Lian (low):"We fought days ago… but I still smell blood on my hands."
Beside him, Ivella polished her spear, muttering:
Ivella:"Waiting is worse than fighting.I'd rather be bleeding on the ground than sitting here doing nothing."
Lian didn't answer.He just watched the sea.Even the flight of a lone gull across the waves felt strangely ominous.
Whispers Among the Soldiers
Young archer:"They say the citadel is massive… Can we really take it?"
Old veteran:"They fight in the name of their God.Not for coin. Not for crown.For faith. And that… is far more dangerous."
Lian's eyes closed briefly.He knew the truth of those words.The Oathbound were zealots—they would die with smiles on their lips if it meant dragging the world into their chaos.
The First Shadow of the Shore
Three days later, a fogbound coastline emerged.Beyond it—the Oathbound citadel lay somewhere close.
Then, alarms rang across the deck.
"Contact! Small enemy force approaching!"
A vanguard of paladins surged from the shore—white cloaks snapping, blades drawn.
It wasn't a battle to win territory.It was a warning.
The clash before the storm.
The Brief, Brutal Skirmish
Lian drew his greatsword.Ivella twirled her spear, smirking.
Ivella:"Finally. Something to stab."
Her spear shattered the first paladin's shield.Serin raised her hands, scattering droplets of living water—slowing enemy strikes.Kairen whispered a prayer, then slid his dagger between a paladin's ribs.
The fight was short but vicious.The paladins fell.The shore ran red.
Lian drove his sword into the sand, breath heaving.
Lian:"This was a probe.They know we're coming."
Elysium Arrives
That night, banners appeared on the horizon.
Golden lions snapping in the wind—Elysium had come.
Dozens of airships, hundreds of transports, thousands of soldiers—the earth itself trembled as they landed.
Reunion
Lian stepped forward as Lisa dismounted from her horse.She was unflinching as ever.
Lisa:"Lian.I was getting tired of only hearing your voice through letters."
Lian:"Teacher… You're finally here."
Then Ria—his sister—ran to him.She threw her arms around his neck.
Ria:"Oppa! You're alive—I was so scared."
For a moment, Lian froze.Then, he smiled and ruffled her hair.
Lian:"…Sorry. For making you wait."
Toward the Citadel
Across the plain, the Oathbound Citadel loomed.
Walls of stone.Black banners.A suffocating divine barrier shimmering in the air.
Soldiers swallowed hard.
Lisa:"…That is our target."
Lian narrowed his eyes.
Lian:"We have to end this—before the fortress is complete.Time… is running out."
The Eve of Battle
Night fell.Hundreds of campfires lit the plain, flickering like stars fallen to earth.
Soldiers sharpened blades and whispered prayers.
One clutched his sword and muttered:
"When I return… I'll finally marry her."
Another hid trembling hands deep in his cloak.
By the fire, Ivella spoke softly:
Ivella:"Tomorrow, it all ends.Whether it's an ending… or a beginning."
Lian nodded.His fingers tightened around his sword.
Lian:"…Tomorrow, we win."
***
Episode 83: Wrath From the Skies
Prelude to Battle – The Moment the Quiet BrokeOn a misty plain, two armies stood face to face.
On one side—the golden banners of Elysium, their soldiers clad in discipline and steel.On the other—the white-cloaked legions of the Oathbound, warriors armored in blind faith.
A strange stillness held the field.But only for a moment.
"Advance!"
A single cry shattered the calm.Spears crashed against shields, swords clashed with iron.Lightning and fire tore through the sky—and the heavens themselves trembled.
Lian and His Companions – Carving Through Blood
Lian's greatsword swept wide.Each strike sent Oathbound paladins sprawling—but every time they fell, they rose again, shields locking tighter.
Lian:"If this keeps up, the battle will drag on—we need a breach!"
Ivella twisted her spear, blood streaking her face.
"They don't hesitate. This is what faith looks like when it turns terrifying."
Kairen steadied his breath, muttering through clenched teeth:
"If that fortress doesn't fall, all of this means nothing."
The Shadow Above
Suddenly—the battlefield dimmed.
Every head turned upward.
Above them—dozens of airships,blotting out the sun.
Wind split, sunlight vanished.From high above, Lisa's voice thundered:
Lisa:
"Servants of the Old God!Feel the wrath of Elysium—falling from the heavens!"
Bombardment – Wrath From the Skies
The first shell struck.
KWA-AANG!!!
The outer wall of the citadel shuddered; stone and dust erupted skyward.
Then came the deluge—dozens of shells raining at once.
Oathbound paladins threw up shields, priests chanted frantic prayers to weave holy wards—
But the airship bombardment wasn't a mere assault.
Each shell was etched with rune-script, layered with explosive magic.
The first ward cracked and shattered.
The second split into shards of light.
A priest screamed—
"The barrier won't hold! By the name of the God—"
Before he could finish, a third shell struck.Part of the citadel wall collapsed.
Chaos Within the Fortress
The bombardment plunged the fortress into panic.
Watchtowers crumbled, signal bells fell silent.Paladins shouted over one another, unsure who to obey.Priests abandoned indoctrination rites, muttering desperate prayers instead.
And then—
the prison broke.
The Dungeon – Fury Unleashed
Deep in the citadel, three shadows sat in chains:
Elrahar. Brakka. Caron.Once feared across the continent—now shackled prisoners.
Brakka (jerking his chains):
"These bindings—If I had my axe, I'd rip 'em to pieces!"
Chains rattled, echoing down stone halls.
Elrahar (steady):
"If brute force could break them, they'd already be broken.They've bound even our strength in the name of their God."
Caron sat silent in the dark… and smiled faintly.
Caron:
"If strength won't free us, then we'll find another way."
He twitched his wrist; the chains shivered.
Brakka:
"…That chain just moved. You—don't tell me…"
Caron:
"The wards block my magic…But they don't block my mind."
His eyes gleamed cold.
Elrahar:
"…'Mind,' you say?"
Caron:
"Psychokinesis. Fear.The moment they falter, I strike.These chains, these walls—they will break."
Brakka's grin turned savage.
Brakka:
"Good. When that day comes,we'll show them—we were never meant to be caged."
The three waited in silence.Their power sealed, but their will—unbroken.
Escape
The bombardment cracked the dungeon walls.
At that moment, Caron's psychokinesis ignited.
BOOM—!
Bricks ripped free; the iron door twisted and tore.
The prison gates collapsed—Elrahar and Brakka surged forward.
Brakka:
"Finally… air to breathe!"
He grabbed his fallen axe.His first swing hurled two guards, shields and all, into the wall.
Elrahar:
"Caron… thank you.Now it's our turn to repay."
Into the Fortress
The three stormed the halls.
Priests scattered in panic.Paladins tried to stand—Brakka's axe and Elrahar's blade cut them down.
Behind them, Caron raised a hand.Debris and shattered lances floated up—turning midair to swat aside every arrow that dared fly.
The Battlefield Reacts
Outside, soldiers of Elysium roared, seeing the citadel crumble.
"The bombardment worked! The fortress is breaking!"
Oathbound soldiers faltered.
"Why… why is God's will not protecting us?""Are we… losing?"
Lian raised his sword, voice sharp:
Lian:
"Now! Push forward!"
The Sky Still Burns
From above, Lisa's voice rang out again.
Lisa:
"Adjust angle! Stop firing on the prison—hit the core!"
Shells split the air.
The sky rained fire.