Night had completely fallen by the time Hazel and Orion reached the floating portal platform.
The atmosphere was nothing like before.
Soldiers rushed through the massive gateway.
Messengers ran in every direction while crystal communication panels floated above them, repeating the same emergency announcement.
"The government district of the Third Realm has suffered a massive terrorist attack!"
"Four Elders have been confirmed dead!"
"The capital has fallen into a state of emergency!"
"The borders of the realm are now sealed."
"No one is permitted to leave until the perpetrators are found."
The beautiful cherry blossom trees surrounding the portal swayed in the cold wind.
Hazel continued walking without slowing down.
Orion followed closely behind, lowering his hood.
Just as they reached the staircase leading to the portal...
"Stop."
A squad of soldiers surrounded them.
The captain stepped forward.
It was Kaien.
The same guard who had allowed them into the realm several days ago.
His expression was no longer friendly.
"I'm sorry..."
"But no one leaves this realm."
"Orders from the government."
"We'll search everyone until we find the people responsible."
Silence.
Hazel slowly reached for her hood.
She pulled it back.
Her long green hair fell over her shoulders.
Emerald eyes met Kaien's.
"I did it."
Kaien blinked.
"...What?"
"I destroyed your government."
"I killed your elders."
A wave of silence spread across the platform.
Even the soldiers behind Kaien stopped breathing.
Orion slowly looked toward Hazel.
"Sis..."
"What are you doing?"
Hazel ignored him.
She looked directly into Kaien's eyes.
"You asked who did it."
"I just answered."
She took one step forward.
"What are you going to do about it?"
Kaien's hands trembled around his spear.
"H-Hazel..."
"The woman who fought Robert..."
One soldier instinctively stepped backward.
Another quietly lowered his weapon.
Nobody dared move.
Hazel's voice remained calm.
"Move."
"Or I'll make this platform look like the government district."
For several seconds...
Nobody spoke.
Finally...
Kaien slowly stepped aside.
The other guards immediately followed.
None of them had the courage to stand in her way.
Hazel walked past them as though nothing had happened.
Orion stared at the frightened soldiers before quickly following behind her.
Neither guard attempted to stop them.
Some battles...
Were already lost before they began.
Hazel stopped before the glowing pink portal.
Without hesitation—
She stepped inside.
The portal swallowed her whole.
Orion took one last look at the Third Realm before jumping after her.
Both disappeared into the light.
---
The endless void returned.
One by one...
Twelve colossal gateways floated through the darkness, each connected by streams of shimmering energy.
The heart of the Realm Network.
Orion looked around in amazement.
"So..."
"How do we get home?"
Hazel raised her hand.
"We don't belong to any realm."
"We belong somewhere between them."
A green light gathered in her palm.
Another portal slowly formed before them.
"This is our route."
The portal expanded.
Without another word, Hazel walked through it.
Orion followed.
Darkness swallowed them once again.
---
Moments later...
Cold night air brushed against their faces.
They had returned to Robert's hidden world.
The familiar castle stood beneath the moonlight.
Orion stretched his arms.
"I finally want a proper night's sleep."
Hazel smiled faintly.
"You always want a proper night's sleep.
The two walked back toward the castle.
Just as they reached the entrance, a soldier hurried over.
"Miss Hazel."
"His Majesty requests your presence."
Hazel sighed.
"This late..."
She glanced at Orion.
"You should rest."
Orion nodded.
"Good night, Sis."
He disappeared into the castle.
Hazel walked alone toward the throne hall.
---
The enormous doors slowly opened.
Darkness filled the throne room.
Only the crimson flames burning beside the pillars illuminated the vast chamber.
Robert sat upon his throne exactly as always.
Crossing one leg over the other.
Watching silently.
Hazel stopped before him.
Orion stood nearby and respectfully lowered his head.
Hazel immediately looked at him.
"Stop bowing every time you see him."
Orion awkwardly straightened himself.
Hazel folded her arms.
"You spend twenty-four hours sitting on that throne."
"Doesn't your back hurt?"
Robert couldn't help smirking.
"You really do greet me differently every single time."
"Now..."
"Let's discuss the mission."
Hazel yawned.
"Then discuss it."
Robert looked toward Orion.
"You surprised me."
"You looked inexperienced..."
"But you aren't weak."
"I watched everything."
"The way you eliminated that elder..."
"You've exceeded my expectations."
Orion's eyes brightened.
"Thank you."
"It was an honor."
Robert nodded.
"One day..."
"You'll become one of the strongest members of this organization."
"I can see your potential."
Orion lowered his head slightly.
"I'll gladly give my life if it's ever needed."
Robert smiled.
"Exactly what I expected."
"You may leave."
"Get some rest."
Orion bowed once before leaving the throne room.
The heavy doors closed behind him.
Hazel turned around.
"Good."
"I'm leaving too."
"Wait."
Robert's voice stopped her.
"I wasn't finished."
Hazel sighed dramatically.
"I knew there was a catch."
Robert reached beside his throne and tossed a photograph toward her.
She caught it.
The moment her eyes landed on the picture..
Her expression changed.
A young girl smiled back at her.
Blonde hair.
Blue eyes.
Grace.
Hazel slowly looked up.
Robert rested his chin on his hand.
"James recently reported seeing this girl."
"She's connected to the Kryzheon Organization."
"...and she resembles Isabella."
"I want her eliminated."
"Immediately."
Hazel stared at the photograph for several seconds.
Then...
She threw it back.
It landed at Robert's feet.
"I'm refusing this mission."
Silence.
Robert narrowed his crimson eyes.
"...Explain."
Hazel's voice became unusually firm.
"Grace is important."
"She was..."
"My brother's first love."
"He loved her more than his own life."
"I've already seen enough pain in his eyes."
"I'm not adding more."
She took a step closer.
"And listen carefully."
"If you even think about touching her..."
"You'll answer to me."
The throne room fell silent.
Neither of them looked away.
Finally...
Hazel turned around.
"I'm leaving."
The massive doors slowly closed behind her.
Robert remained seated in silence.
After several moments, he let out a quiet chuckle.
"Out of everyone..."
"You're the only one I still can't control."
Morning sunlight struggled to break through the dark clouds hanging above the castle.
A few rays slipped through the tall windows of Hazel's room, falling across the wooden floor.
Hazel stood before a mirror, fastening the crimson sash around her dark charcoal combat uniform. She adjusted the black hooded cloak resting on her shoulders before securing the black-and-green katana at her waist.
She quietly left her room.
Instead of the throne hall...
She headed toward the castle garden.
The morning breeze carried the scent of flowers through the peaceful courtyard.
Robert sat alone beneath a large tree, casually enjoying a glass of fruit juice.
His long crimson hair flowed gently with the wind.
Although countless scars covered parts of his body, they only made him appear more intimidating rather than older. Despite his true age, his face still looked youthful.
He didn't even turn around.
"I wondered how long it would take before you came looking for me."
Hazel folded her arms.
"You say that like you were waiting."
Robert smiled faintly.
"I was."
He finally looked at her.
"So..."
"Why are you here?"
Hazel raised an eyebrow.
"I walked."
"I still have feet."
Robert chuckled.
"I meant your reason."
Hazel's expression became serious.
"I want to train Orion."
"He has talent."
"I can tell he's close to awakening his true power."
"But he lacks control."
Robert took another sip of his drink.
"So train him."
Hazel blinked.
"...That's it?"
"No argument?"
"No conditions?"
Robert shrugged.
"Would it stop you if I said no?"
Hazel thought for a moment.
"...Probably not."
"Exactly."
"So I'd rather save both of us the unnecessary conversation."
A small smile appeared on Hazel's face.
"You actually sound reasonable today."
She turned to leave before stopping for a second.
"...Thanks."
Robert leaned back against his chair.
"Don't thank me yet."
"Training under you sounds more like torture than education."
Hazel smirked.
"That's exactly the point."
Without another word, she walked away.
Robert watched her disappear through the garden before quietly laughing to himself.
---
A few minutes later...
Knock. Knock.
Someone knocked on Orion's bedroom door.
A sleepy voice came from inside.
"Coming..."
The door slowly opened.
Orion stood there with messy hair and half-closed eyes.
He rubbed them repeatedly before recognizing Hazel.
"Oh..."
"Good morning, Sis."
Hazel looked at him for a long moment.
"...It's already noon."
Orion froze.
"...Really?"
Hazel sighed.
"You could probably sleep through a war."
Orion scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"So..."
"What brings you here?"
"Is something important?"
Hazel nodded.
"You asked me something during our last mission."
Orion tilted his head.
"I did?"
"You asked me to train you."
Realization instantly appeared on his face.
His sleepy expression vanished.
"Wait..."
"You actually meant it?"
Hazel gave a small nod.
"I don't make promises I don't intend to keep."
"You have potential."
"But potential without discipline is worthless."
A wide grin spread across Orion's face.
"So..."
"You're really going to teach me?"
"Starting today?"
Hazel crossed her arms.
"Starting now."
"Get dressed."
"I'll be waiting at the training grounds."
Orion's excitement completely replaced his drowsiness.
"Give me five minutes!"
Hazel turned and began walking away.
"You have three."
The door slammed shut.
Inside the room, Orion hurried to grab his equipment while trying not to trip over his own boots.
Outside...
Hazel stood beneath the clear sky for a brief moment.
A faint smile crossed her face.
"Let's see... how much potential you truly have, Orion."
I'll continue the scene in the same novel style, with stronger pacing, atmosphere, and dialogue.
Six months passed.
Morning after morning...
Hazel and Orion stood on the training grounds before sunrise.
Wooden swords became steel.
Sparring became real combat.
Bruises turned into scars.
Scars became experience.
Every day ended the same way.
Orion collapsed onto the ground while Hazel remained standing.
"Again."
That single word echoed through the training grounds countless times.
One evening...
Orion's breathing became heavier than ever before.
Sweat dripped onto the cracked stone beneath his feet.
Hazel slowly drew her black-and-green katana.
"This is your limit."
"Break it."
Without another warning—
She disappeared.
Clang!
Orion barely blocked the first strike.
A second came from behind.
A third from above.
His body was pushed further and further back.
"I can't..."
Hazel's cold voice interrupted him.
"Don't tell me what you can't do."
"Show me what you can."
Orion roared and charged forward.
His sword met Hazel's once more.
Clang!
The impact shook the ground.
Suddenly...
Blue light erupted around Orion's body.
Water began flowing through the air like living serpents.
The surrounding wind grew colder.
Hazel immediately jumped backward.
A small smile appeared on her face.
"So..."
"You finally awakened your true power."
Orion looked at his hands in disbelief.
Blue energy flowed around his fingers.
"I..."
"I actually did it..."
Hazel sheathed her sword before picking up a bottle of water.
"You've taken the first step."
"Now comes the difficult part."
"Mastering it."
Orion laughed happily.
"My hard work finally paid off."
Hazel looked at him quietly.
"It did."
She took another sip of water before speaking again.
"You know..."
"You remind me of someone."
Orion tilted his head.
"Who?"
Hazel looked toward the sky.
"My younger brother."
"For a while..."
"I thought I'd forgotten what it felt like to smile."
"But your presence..."
"...brought back a part of me I thought had disappeared forever."
Orion smiled awkwardly.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Before Hazel could answer—
A soldier hurried toward them.
"Miss Hazel."
"His Majesty requests your presence."
Hazel sighed.
"Tell him I'm coming."
The soldier bowed before leaving.
Hazel looked back at Orion.
"Training ends here."
"We'll continue tomorrow."
"This time..."
"We'll train your awakened power."
Orion nodded excitedly.
"I won't disappoint you."
Hazel gave a faint smile before walking toward the castle.
---
The castle garden was unusually quiet.
Robert sat comfortably on a white sofa beneath the shade of an ancient tree.
A cup of tea rested on the table beside him.
He looked up as Hazel approached.
"Sit."
Hazel casually dropped onto the sofa opposite him.
"You called."
Robert remained silent for a few moments.
Then he asked,
"You're Eyrx's sister..."
"Correct?"
Hazel frowned.
"...Yes."
"He died."
"And after that..."
"You returned to this organization."
Hazel nodded slowly.
"Unfortunately."
She couldn't understand why Robert was asking questions he already knew.
Robert folded his hands.
"Eyrx possessed one of the Savior Pendants."
"I've spent years collecting every pendant I could find."
"Where is his?"
Hazel answered honestly.
"I don't have it."
Robert raised an eyebrow.
"Who does?"
"Nick."
"I gave it to him."
"I couldn't use it anyway."
"It only responds to its chosen owner."
Robert narrowed his crimson eyes.
"Nick..."
"Who exactly is Nick?"
"Hiro Suguru's son."
For the first time...
Robert's calm expression changed.
"Suguru?"
"I ordered Moros to eliminate his entire family."
Hazel nodded.
"That's what everyone believed."
"But one child survived."
"Nick."
Silence returned.
Robert leaned back and closed his eyes.
"What does he do now?"
"He's an investigator."
"I see..."
Hazel watched him carefully.
"What are you thinking?"
"Stop speaking in riddles."
Robert ignored the question.
Instead, he remained perfectly still.
Several moments passed.
Then—
Fragments of memories flashed through his mind.
A young Eyrx...
Standing on a training field.
Nick beside him.
The pendant glowing between them.
Robert's crimson eyes suddenly opened.
A dangerous smile slowly appeared across his face.
"I understand now."
Hazel frowned.
"Understand what?"
Robert stood from the sofa.
His voice became unusually serious.
"Eyrx..."
"...is alive."
The words struck Hazel like lightning.
Her pupils contracted.
"W-What...?"
"That's impossible."
"I saw his body."
"I attended his funeral."
Robert looked toward the distant horizon.
"You saw what someone wanted you to see."
"The pendant confirmed it."
"It would never remain with Nick..."
"...unless its true owner still existed."
Hazel slowly stood.
Her heartbeat echoed inside her ears.
"...Eyrx..."
"...is alive?"