Ashryn was set free—
and then left behind.
Forsaken. Alone.
He traveled across the entire world. Everywhere he went, he witnessed the same truth repeating itself again and again—
the powerless dying quietly,
the powerful ruling loudly,
all decided by how they were born.
Along the way, he saw the cracks forming within the World Dominion itself.
Rot hidden behind order.
Cruelty disguised as law.
And so, he rose.
Not for justice.
Not for glory.
But to gain his own power—
so he would never die a miserable death again.
---
{Present – Sandy Haven}
THUD!
Varo slammed his foot into Ashryn's face, grinding it into the sand.
"Shut your damn mouth," he growled.
Ashryn didn't resist.
Not because he agreed—
but because he had no strength left to fight back.
Nearby, Orimo rose slowly from the sand, the green flames on his back flickering… then vanishing. His breathing was heavy.
Suddenly—
People screamed.
"Celestial Beings—!"
"Navy Seraph Admirals have arrived!"
Rae came running instantly, lunging toward Orimo and grabbing his arm.
"Seraph Admiral Dior Kres and Seraph Admiral Orpheon Rangh," she said urgently.
Orimo's eyes widened.
"…What?"
Varo stepped forward, eyes burning with determination.
"I'll help you escape from here, Orimo."
Then—
Two familiar figures stood ahead.
Orimo screamed, disbelief flooding his voice.
"Ryuki!!! Equa!!!"
They spotted Orimo immediately, smiles breaking through the chaos.
"Orimo," one of them said, breathless.
"Auransa has been captured in the Abyss Vault."
Orimo froze.
"…When did that happen?"
Ryuki's expression darkened.
"During the Devil War."