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"Finally, the doors have been opened," Cira said, her voice steady."Withdraw!" Osdenó commanded, his voice booming like thunder. But the creature ignored him, shouting at the top of its lungs, as if it wanted those on the other side to hear. "Come forth, brothers and sisters! The doors to the new world are finally open!" Cira raised her sword toward the monster, her eyes fierce. "What do you think is happening here?" "Welcome, my brothers and sisters. This is something a chimera like you wouldn't understand," the creature replied mockingly. "I'm merely opening the doors of Hades!You're nothing but a fool," Cira retorted, attempting to strike at its neck, but her blade met only hardened flesh. "Without strength and without power," she thought, realizing that she had exhausted all her magic and energy in opening the doors. The creature cackled, relishing her weakness. "You can't do it. I'm not like the low-level monsters you've been dealing with until now. You're finished; you can't use that immense power.You're just a pathetic human I could destroy with a light squeeze of my hand." Cira glanced at Liona, searching for help, but Liona was paralyzed with fear, unable to assist as she watched the creature prepare to kill Cira, as if it longed to see her breathe her last. Cira struggled to control the monsters surrounding them, but she was completely drained and unable to summon her magic. "I have to admit, you did well, sister," the creature taunted. "But by consuming Angel's blood, your essence has begun to fade.You are not one of us, and soon you will be free from this mortal body." "You are a curse," Cira whispered, her voice strained. "Father is ready to see you. I don't want to see you this pathetic. You should surrender and die." In that moment of despair, as darkness enveloped her, Cira felt her spirit abandon her body. She had regained control but lacked the strength to lift even a finger. This would be her end, she thought, closing her eyes and waiting for her life to fade away. Just then, she heard the roar of a dragon.Cira searched for her dragon, but everything had vanished into darkness, and she could see nothing. Just as she was about to lose consciousness from lack of air, she felt a powerful force cut through the air, striking the creature poised to kill her. Cira gasped, her breath returning as her dragon appeared, standing protectively between her and the monster. The trees around them were tall and dense; flying through that forest would have been impossible. The dragon must have sensed her need for help, as it had come to her aid. Cira attempted to rise but found herself unable.The dragon unleashed a torrent of fire, forcing the creature to retreat. Soon after, the dragon began to flap its wings, lifting Cira with its claws as it ascended. The creature lashed out, but its attacks fell short. Cira watched helplessly as they soared above the ground, her strength waning. The dragon carried her toward the mountains of Vaizel, sensing her need for refuge, and brought her to a human camp nestled near the mountains. Alarms blared throughout the camp as the massive dragon approached. The soldiers prepared for battle.Enzo stood at the front of his army, waiting for the moment when the dragon would be close enough to attack. As he observed, he noticed the dragon was holding something in its claws, but in the dim light, he couldn't make out what it was. When he ordered the attack, the dragon did not defend itself; it was solely focused on protecting whatever it carried. It fell to the ground, struck down by the soldiers' assaults. As it crashed, Enzo saw that the dragon was shielding a woman with red hair. "Stop the fire!" he commanded, raising his hand. Elisha approached Enzo, confusion etched on her face."What are you doing? We have the dragon at our mercy! Why have you ordered a ceasefire?" "The dragon wasn't attacking us. It was defending itself when we began our assault. Before it fell, I saw it protecting a woman with red hair. This must be my sister." "Even more reason to continue the attack! Your sister is the enemy! Have you forgotten?" "I haven't forgotten, but if she had wanted to attack us, she could have. We wouldn't have been able to bring down this dragon otherwise.You need to understand something before you continue this fight." "Are you aware of what you're asking?" Elisha replied, incredulous. "If I am, then I know that if the dragon rises again, regardless of my orders, it will be my responsibility." Enzo kicked the side of his horse and rode toward the fallen dragon. When he arrived, he saw it covering something with its wings, as if it were a mother hen protecting her chick. Enzo raised his hands and called out to the dragon, which had begun to growl softly. "I'm not here to harm you.Let me see what you're protecting." The dragon inhaled deeply, as if trying to discern who it was through its scent. It must have recognized something familiar because it ceased its growling and opened its wings, revealing Cira, unconscious beneath. Enzo felt a shift within him; something had changed in his sister. He could sense the dark power that had once consumed her was now gone. He approached cautiously. "I need to help my sister. Will you allow me to check on her condition?" The dragon offered no resistance as he drew near. Cira was still alive, but her pulse was weak.Enzo lifted her gently into his arms, and the dragon let out a low growl. "I need to speak with you so I can help her. Otherwise, your beloved will die," he urged. The dragon seemed to understand, lowering its head and allowing Enzo to carry Cira. Elisha watched from a distance, astonished to see the dragon not attacking. As she mounted her horse and began to return, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Should we continue the attack?" her generals asked. "The dragon lies still, curled up around Cira, as if it has no intention of fighting. For now, we will not attack, but be prepared.If it approaches, we will strike." Enzo carried Cira to his tent, Hans trailing behind, shocked to see him cradling her. "What happened?" Hans exclaimed. "The dragon betrayed us. It didn't seem to want to attack, so it must have come seeking help for Cira." He gently laid her on the bed. "You're weak, Cira. We need to find a healer." Hans hesitated, reluctant to leave her side, but he knew he had to find help. Without a second thought, he dashed off in search of a healer. Elisha entered the tent shortly after and confronted Enzo. "Have you completely lost your mind?Why have you betrayed the camp? I'll remind you again: she is the enemy!" "She is, but she is also my sister. The sinister power that enveloped her seems to have vanished. I don't believe she is being controlled by darkness right now." "And how can you be so sure? What if she wakes up and decides to attack us?" "Can't you see? She's unconscious! She poses no threat at this moment." "But what will happen when she regains consciousness? How can you be certain she won't turn on us?" "It's not easy, but I ask you to trust me.I'm setting aside my feelings, even if she doesn't currently represent a danger. I won't betray her." "This is a dangerous gamble, Enzo. The lives of thousands depend on your decision. I hope you don't regret this." After that, Elisha left Enzo's tent and returned to her army, keeping a watchful eye on the dragon and the mountains of Vaizel, which were shrouded in deep darkness. Enzo looked down at his sister, who appeared pale and cold. He wrapped her in a blanket, though it was really for himself. "I hope I'm not making a mistake," he murmured.Enzo was sensitive to the presence of darkness, but he trusted his instincts too. Hans returned with a healer, who began to examine Cira. Enzo asked urgently, "How is she?" "She has lost all her power. She is completely drained," the healer replied. Hearing that Cira had no power left, Enzo felt a wave of relief wash over him. Until she awoke, they were safe from her. Hans took Cira's hand, feeling how cold she had become. "Is she very serious?" "Hmm... It's hard to say.Magical power can sometimes return, but in some cases, it cannot regenerate, and the user dies." Hans was horrified at the thought of losing her. "You need to do something to help her! Save her!" "I will do everything I can, but I hope it's not too late for her," the healer promised. Hans held Cira's hand tightly, feeling her growing colder. "Don't die, Cira. You must wake up. Come back to me. Don't give up." Enzo knew he couldn't remain absent from the front lines. He approached Hans and said, "I can't stay here. I need to return to the battle. Let me know when Cira wakes up.Even if her magical power is completely gone, we cannot be sure this isn't a strategy to destroy us." Hans continued to hold Cira's hand, the chill in her body growing more pronounced. "I doubt she is lying." "Perhaps, but this is war, Hans. Cira is the enemy. We must remain vigilant; remember, many lives depend on us and our choices." Liona was furious that the dragon had allowed Cira to escape. Yet she dared not show her displeasure, standing silently in a corner as events unfolded. Dagon hovered near the doors of Hades, but nothing happened; all was eerily calm.He wondered what would happen if he approached. Liona approached him cautiously. "What's going on?" "You can see it," Dagon replied. Liona squinted into the darkness beyond the doors. "I don't see anything." "Nothing can be seen. The realm of Hades is elsewhere, but nothing is visible." Dagon shifted uncomfortably. "What do you want me to do?" "If I'm supposed to perform the ritual correctly, why not just wait?" "You should have waited for her to finish." "I can't read what's in those columns. What do they say?" "I don't know either; it was her translation.Don't ask me what those inscriptions meant." "Damn it, I need that girl back. Go find her!" "The dragon is out there. Where could it possibly be?" "It's here; I don't think it's far." "There's a human army near the mountains. If it comes out, it will kill me." "I'll give you an army to accompany you. As soon as you see it, deal with that human and kill the stupid dragon that helped her escape." "I don't even know where to start searching." "The dragons have great strength and power.If you track her down, you'll find her." "Then you'll let me go?" Dagon ordered the monsters that had gathered around him to follow Liona. She mounted one of the beasts that resembled a horse. "I'll do what you asked." "Make it worth my while. Show that you're useful, or I'll have no choice but to dispose of you." "No, you won't. I assure you." Liona rode one of the monsters, which could sense the presence of other creatures. They were powerful, even dragons, having been revived by the darkness. So controlling them shouldn't be too difficult. She was determined to find Cira soon.If she didn't, Dagon would unleash all his fury upon her. When the earth shook, Leriana ordered Fay to immediately head for the human kingdom. Meanwhile, Cassiel approached Leriana. "I also have to stay. Do you know the truth?" "Yes, I do." "If I can't force you to fight, I'll help you wherever I can, but don't make me go back there. Don't force me to face the dark king again." Cassiel embraced Leriana, knowing what she had endured when she faced the dark king. Even after centuries, those memories still haunted her. "I won't." "Be careful. This time, don't die." "I won't.I promise I'll return to you." "Find the closest entrance to the Shur Desert so you can get there as quickly as possible." "Thank you." Cassiel left a necklace he had worn, a precious gift from Leriana, something he had guarded jealously. "I give you this as a guarantee that you will return." "I'm surprised you still have it." "To me, it's a treasure. That's why it was kept in the guardians' room. I didn't want to lose it. This will be the guarantee of your return." "If you don't return, it will be destroyed." Cassiel knew Leriana spoke the truth; she couldn't lie. "Please give me some time.Don't destroy it, and don't run away." "That's something I can't promise." "I wish you could lie." Fay appeared, interrupting their farewell. "Your Majesty, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I come to inform you that we are ready to go." "Let's move. There's no point in delaying any longer. Open the door." Everyone gathered in the garden, where the army was preparing to march to the kingdom of Xurt. Tarik was there to bid farewell to his priest and mother."I'm glad to see you've come to send off the army." "You belong here as the hereditary prince." Leriana smiled and walked slowly, offering words of encouragement to her soldiers before opening a portal that led to the kingdom of Xurt. "Good luck on your journey, my faithful friends. May the winds, the earth, and your eyes guide you safely back home." With those words, the soldiers crossed the portal. Cassiel followed, casting one last glance at Leriana, wishing he could return soon.Kiara touched the door of her mother's workshop and asked, "May I come in?" "Of course, come in." Enora had been speaking with Dantriel when Kiara entered. Upon seeing her, Dantriel bowed and greeted her. "Good morning, Princess Kiara." "Good morning, Dantriel. Could you give us a moment alone?" Dantriel looked to Enora for approval. "Make sure everything is ready for us to leave. I'll be there shortly." "Yes, Your Majesty." Dantriel exited the workshop. Enora turned to Kiara."What do you want to say that Dantriel can't hear?" Kiara noticed her mother was wearing armor, indicating she would lead her army. "Will you truly lead your own army? Would you send me away?" Enora approached Kiara, caressing her hand. "What mother would send her only daughter to war?" "I would. I'm more prepared to fight these monsters than you think." "Though I am queen, I am also a warrior, and I'm more experienced than you. I don't want to risk sending you into battle against them." "But-" "Don't expose yourself to danger if it can be avoided. If you fall here, I won't allow it.Don't insist any further, Kiara. I won't change my mind." Kiara had hoped to return, but she never imagined her mother would lead the army herself. Had she known, she wouldn't have returned, as she couldn't bear to see her mother again. Enora noticed the anxiety in her daughter's eyes, sensing there was something she needed to say but unsure how to express it. "What's wrong, Kiara?Do you have something else to say?" "Please take care of my friends in the human kingdom." "I will, but first, I must ensure your friends are safe." "The king of Cosset and his brother, along with the wizard Sirius and Barto, the fairy informant." Though she had never met him, Enora knew well of Barto, as Ethan spoke of him often. "If that's the case, your information has always been invaluable to us. I'll make sure to protect all the people you've mentioned." "Thank you, Mother." Enora hugged Kiara tightly. "Take care, little girl.I'll see you soon." Before leaving, Kiara called out, "Mama!" "What is it?" Enora asked. "How easy is it to reach the Xurt Desert?" "You described the place very well, so I believe I can create a portal that will take us there." "Do you want me to help you create it?" "There's no need, but you can come and ensure it's done correctly." Kiara followed her mother to the training camp where the soldiers were gathered. She saw Ethan leading a squadron."I thought you wouldn't want to leave the kingdom again." "Taking me to the battlefield doesn't seem like the best punishment." "I suppose so." Enora began to create the portal, and Kiara fell silent, not wanting to distract her. When it was finished, Kiara was astonished to see the mountains of Vaizel, shrouded in a cloud of darkness. Seeing Kiara's reaction, Enora said, "I suppose this is the correct place." "Mother, let me go with you. Let me fight by your side." "No, I'm leaving to protect you. You must protect the kingdom and our people." Enora embraced her one last time."Remember, if I fall, you will be the queen."