A wolf howled, signaling its pack before walking toward an innocuous clearing. Strangely enough, despite invaders trickling into its hunting ground none of those strange creatures on two legs stepped the hollowed clearing supposedly contained nothing but open field.

Like many times before, the wolf rushed into the hallowed ground and entered the barrier.

The seemingly untouched space rippled, revealing what hid beneath the [Paradiso] Arcane erected by the Horizon Dawn.

Operation Grave Guardian was speeding along.

Rem sat cross-legged, levitating a few feet from the meditation mat, marshalling [Tenshou] to stimulate wide-area battle meditation and mind-link to all operatives on the field. Inside a mental-scape, with [Clairvoyance] spun on full-blast, Rem functioned as the communication and performance booster for the entire operation.

“Any update,” Rem broke his concentration to ask the tech-heads, petting his newest minion.

Melody spoke from the disassembling bench. Various tools and magnification lenses aided her in gutting the microscopic robots. Horizon Dawn had captured several more samples since the operation begun, and as the sole engineers of the group, it fell to Melody to decipher their mystery and invented a countermeasure.

“I have finished assembling the new batch of EMP darts,” Melody gestured at those throwing darts. “I found something about the robotics, but it is useless information.”

“Go on.”

Melody adjusted her lenses configuration to zoom in on the micro-drones parts.

“Every sample of the drone shows a consistently clean edge. I believe they are cut by a laser cutter, but using a few tests and [Heavenly Eye], I find some strange traces of impurities. Microscopic amount of iron-oxide deposit on Silver Steel alloy isn’t detrimental in magical Metallurgy, but it is so easily preventable by regularly cleaning the machine or replacing parts. Whoever created this robotics is working with an old and barely maintain equipment. Rem, I think we can cut El Acerbia from the suspect list. There is no way in hell the esteemed Director of the Isle of Knowledge is hanging a plan this convoluted on rusting equipments.”

A door to their minivan slid opened.

“My findings support that conclusion. The robot’s creator mass-manufactured these sophisticate as hell robots from junks,” Cytortia replaced the jug of a Horizon Dawn’s certified liquid EMP primer on Melody’s workstation. “Whoever is behind this must be insanely smart. Too smart.”

“You found something,” Rem spoke.

“Yeah,” Cytortia showed him a vial full of light-blue liquid. “I extracted those things energy source. An alchemical-base Mana reactor operated using this solution. Aside from Iron Oxide there are also some trace of Sodium Chloride.”

“Salt? We are pretty near the ocean, so that ought to be expected.”

“Rem, our head honcho created a complex alchemical formula using sea water and rusting equipment.”

“I believe you can do something similar.”

“Yeah,” Cytortia shrugged sarcastically. “One time yes, but repetitively recalculating the concentration with every batch is another story.”

Rem almost got knocked out of his meditation.

“Cy, some explanation please.”

Cytortia took a deep breath.

“I wouldn’t notice it without [Bio Empathy] to read the substance concentrations, but each battery was made unique to its concentration of impurities. Someone meticulously measured out each vial, took a reading, poured specific concentration of reagent to optimize every alchemical battery — all of them”

Melody gaped.

“Wait, you are saying he recreated a new serum for every robot in this forest? That iws bat-shit insanity. Wouldn’t it be easier to just purify and standardize the raw material?”

Rem had a terrible feeling.

“There are two explanations for this behavior. Either our suspect lacked replacement equipment or they didn’t need it because they can work around the demerit.”

Melody looked at Rem.

“How can you work around recreating hundreds different formulas?”

Rem took a moment of silence. Mixing rouge scientist with technology directed his hunch south. Phantasia’s safety protocol was almost non-existent. This meant those crackpots might actually go overboard with their invention. Rem imagined several rogue creations that warranted Satholia ringing an alarm bell. Grey goo? No, if Nano-replicator swarms went rogue they would already kiss the bucket. WMD? Pointless, Phantasia already had that in spades. Bioweapon? Nah, it wasn’t their opponent's style.

No, Rem thought about another possibility. Hell, as a fan of Superman, that guy tacked behind his subconscious right after Lex Luthor. He checked all the boxes too; heavily reliant on robotics, calculation capacity high enough to model a reagent/impurity optimization graph, and skilled enough to orchestrate this entire party.

But why? What could it gain by attracting idiotic kids? If Rem’s instinct was correct, his top suspect had no motive to commit this crime. Power or ransom money held no sway over that enemy. Why arrange for this convoluted competition?

Rem answered sternly.

“Simple. They tabulated a graph modeling the energy source effectiveness with Impurity and reagent mass. He only needed to follow the model to get all the optimal concentration and mixed accordingly.”

Melody’s eyes bulged.

“No fucking way. He needs to manipulate two graphs for hundreds times.”

“If my hunch is correct, it won’t be a problem for that specific enemy.”

Cytortia realized Rem caught the identity of their enemy.

“You know who are we fighting against?”

“Not who, it is what,” Rem spoke. “But I only have a hunch. Better not make assumptions until we found more pieces of the puzzle. I am likely to be wrong, because its current strategy defied everything it should have done.”

Rem didn’t voice what he believed they were up against.

The odds were bad enough. This specific section of enemies were serious threat to every hero ever. Rem doubted even their combine might can wing this.

Rem whispered to the wolf.

“Warn every squad. Tried to track all the 33 Stars. They are likely the top victim.”

…

Roar!

A massive horned gorilla with green fur roared at the hooded elf who somersaulted from it punched and onto golden lotus appearing in the air?

[Overflow]

Luxinna vanished in a flash of speed and lightning, darting into sight above the green beast. New golden lotus formed, lending the elf some mid-air leverage she needed to continue her assault.

[Electro Gift]

The golden [Static Glass] anklet on Luxinna’s lag flashed as its electromagnetisms stacked with the Arcane. The golden lotus beneath her feet magnified its electric field, maximising the repulsive thrust and launching Luxinna like a rail gun.

[Overflow] + [Electro Gift]

Luxinna released her muscle limit for sudden explosive punching power. Her fist, armored with a [Static Glass] gauntlet, slammed into the beast's head and exploded with force and electricity discharge. The explosion shook the earth and several nearby trees. To tie the carnage, the elf performed a triple spin in the air and landed beautifully as the behemoth behind collapsed with a thump.

Luxinna raised her hand and cast another Arcane.

[Electro Lorde]

Pulse of electromagnetic wave washed over the unconscious monster, frying the robotic embedded in the spine and freeing it from the parasite control.

“Phew,” Luxinna breathed.

Horizon Dawn split into three teams. Rem acted as a solo coordinator. Melody and Luxinna hit the research bench. Meanwhile, Lux and Hikma took to the ground with aid of befriended animals to control the perimeter and prevented a magical beast above the participant paygrade from attacking en masse.

Rem’s voice spoke in her head.

Luxinna. Time to reposition. The squirrels spot Sorin Enma trying to rob several participants. I doubt he plans to let them escape via the badges. I need you to persuade him otherwise. Our wolf squad also spots the Sun Senwei, Holyworth and Cocogar trying to sneak to that position. I want you to deescalate all of them.

Luxinna got to give it to Rem. Who knew animal friendship was this useful?

“Roger. Any progress on your end?”

Only theories. Nothing solids.

…

On the other end of the forest, Hikma sat under a shade, cooling down from his battle.

Behind the boy, a huge hydra was buried beneath the earth, leaving only its heads above ground. [Conceptual Seal] produced [Paradiso] barrier bound the serpentine head, effectivly neutralising it. As a Primal Arcane, [Paradiso] represented the boundary separating the Multiverse and alternate realities. As the first seal and all fore-father of boundary technique, its strength as a defensive technique was only surpassed by its flexibility. Other than selective barrier with of vast varieties, [Paradiso] operated as a supreme containment and sealing option only limited by the user imagination.

The hydra screeched and spewed acid, but it was pointless. [Paradiso] block everything from the high-pitch screeching to toxic fumes.

Hikma. We got a problem. The Drakokia is heading deeper into the forest to pursue the Aztellic. Our wolves reported A-rank monster amassing nearby. The mastermind is counting on their battle to stop it.

Hikma stretched out with [Tenshou]. Rem taught him the basic basic, but Hikma instantly realized he won’t hit Rem’s mastery with that Primal Arcane. It simply the price of knowing over a dozen skills. Hikma had so many weapons he couldn’t take any of them to its limit. Meanwhile, Rem, who played only one instrument, could invest his very being to take the technique beyond its peak.

Still, Hikma learned enough to sense target’s presence using [Tenshou]. The connective consciousness linking him to the gang of 33 Stars shone like starlight.

“On my ways.”

…

Luxinna stopped on the three branches. The elf growled. Green fog. She recognized this shade of colors.

“Ok, come out,” Luxinna shouted.

“Your connection with us is getting stronger,” a young voice said from beside her.

Luxinna eyed her younger version. The manifestation of the Legend which gave her [Static Glass].

“What bought you here?”

“I need your help,” The younger elf pointed downward.

Luxinna watched black mud rose, swallowing the soft earth below her. Raw fear traveled down her spine. The mud was too familiar.

Then it rippled.

Golden vines emerged from the black lake. Grotesque flowers began blooming along the vine, revealing a gaping maw which haunted her nightmare. Luxinna knew this enemy too well. It was the first World Enemy she ever encountered.

“The Paracis Corrupter?” Luxinna trembled upon seeing the foes the nearly assimilated her. “But Rem already killed it.”

Her younger self laughed dryly.

“Really? Yeah, Satholia butchered the monster down to its soul, but it still possessed you for sometimes. The consequences that infection usually lay dormant for eternity, but not for True Magic user. Luxinna, every elf is aligned with nurturing element except you. Don’t you think that is strange?”

“I am a one-in-million fluke.”

“Yes, but truth is you have a dormant life-attribute that is utterly overpowered by your affinity for lightning. Your possession by Paracis Corrupter mutates that affinity. Originally, your life-attribute is fated to wither as your reliance on lightning increases, but your training in True Magic and exponential increased in power gave it the opportunity to grow. Predictable development given Paracis Corrupter’s ability to absorb surrounding Mana and now that thing hit critical mass to emerge from the depth of your Mana Core.”

“Why am I only hearing about this now?”

“I am not your nanny, Luxinna. Hell, that guy already showed himself a few times. Don’t you think your physical ability is unnatural? No elf should be able to overclock your body and brain regularly with no side-effect. And shouldn’t the fact you rival a space-faring dragon-girl in hand-to-hand combat ring alarm-bells. But most blatant of all is your first run in with the Primordial. Remember Lucas’ House?”

Luxinna recalled her investigation into the murders inside Venistalis. She stumbled across the presence of the Primordial, and the rest was a blur. But she recalled the savagery and roots.

“You mean those are…”

“Ding! Ding!” Younger Luxinna joylessly clapped. “You got your saved by your inner parasite, and now it will break free soon. You are starring your second trail.”

“My second trail?” Luxinna’s face scrunched up as realization hit. “You can’t be serious. That thing is my second Legend. It is nothing like Cytortia’s.”

The younger self snorted.

“All True Magic is unique and so is the trail the WORLD designed. That thing is your second trail, Luxinna. Succeed and you will obtain power that makes every elf before you impotent.”

“What if I fail?”

“No idea,” The younger self admitted. “The test detail is absurd. You got to see it to believe it. Our chat time is nearly over. Remember, the trail will start when your mind lulled, so be prepared.”

…

Artos Sevar stabbed a rabid wolf through the heart and decapitated another.

Beside him, Magnolia clicked her finger, unleashing the wrath of the woods on a massive troll and slice them in half with a wind blade. Elven bodyguards gathered around the duo in various stages of fatigues. They fought their ways throughout the forest for hours, besieged from all sides by rabid magical beasts.

Artos waved his sword, summoning a deer created entirely from water.

“Siegfried, heal,” Artos ordered.

The deer bowed and radiated soothing water to alleviate the group's fatigues.

“Just how many groups of monster we fought?” Magnolia huffed. While normal B-rank wolf worth a pest at most, the countless attacks and ambushes were taxing her Mana.

“I lost count at 120,” Artos replied.

“Milady,” one elf came forward. “I am about to speak of turn, but I notice something strange.”

“Go ahead,” Magnolia growled.

“The animals attacking us is make up of disjointed group. This species of wolf never hunted with foreign rivals. I used to be a hunter so I am familiar with their habit.”

Magnolia’s annoyance hit the new level.

“Okay, wha…”

Artos picked that moment to interjected

“You mean someone is controlling them and put them into squads?”

“Yes,” the elf nodded, and started adding the detail now that he realized Artos was listening. “It is also a very well-built squad. The troll served as the frontline. The giant birds acting as aerial unit to sow chaos and the wolf to exploit it.”

“Do you think I am stupid to the point I can’t notice the obvious,” Magnolia scowled.

The elf shrank.

“Calm down, Mag. Sometimes listening to many opinions before acting isn’t a sign of weakness.”

Magnolia remained silent. She doubted her father would agree with that.

Suddenly, noises rang. Sensing an attack, Artos Sevar reacted immediately, unleashing the wall of water the crashed with a current of black fires. Black inferno wielded by a demon spread across the forest. From the burning earth, two demon-kin greeted the elves’ party.

“Yo, 23rd, 25th, you look pretty damn tired,” Amitate Aztellic mocked the elves. “Have fun playing with those dumb mutts?”

“Pathetic,” the demoness in scantily designed short and black corset added. Emily Aztellic may not have her brother’s excessive mockery. Instead, she preferred to voice her arrogance in short and concise order.

“Sneak attack? As expected from scumbag,” Magnolia prepared to summon all her spirits. Taking on Amitate alone would be easy, but the existence of Emily complicated the matters. Those two were the best tag-team in Phantasia, and together they ranked as the 19th on the 33 Stars list.

“Hey, you are the one setting an ambush! We just do it better!"

As they spoke, black flames spread. Four superhuman and multiple underlings were about to throw in a heated fiery scape once a tranquil sanctuary. Amitate’s unextinguishable magical fired consumed the trees and set the animals fleeing. Birds and beast went aflame while bees flee their hives. The begging of defenseless forest critters went unheard by a laughing demon and two so-called Children of Nature.

But someone heard the cried, and he came to lay the law.

[Pyro Lorde]

The wind shifted. Around them, Black flames—inextinguishable without specific magical reagent or extraction ability — weakened and sank to the Earth. In less than a split second, the hazardous forest fire vanished from the radar, leaving the blackened wood and burnt animals behind.

Suddenly, a humongous monkey flew past the group like it got punched by a fist of god. They blinked. That thing was an enormous gorilla at solid A-rank. How could the magical beast with an ability to threaten them be sent flying like that.

Then he appeared.

A figure in a black coat and helmet stepped into the brawl. The Hope Dawn—Horizon Dawn’s coat of arm — sewn proudly on his coat, unblemished even in this hellish landscape.

Silence

“Who the fuck are you?” Amitate sneered at the unknown.

“Nothing major, just a weakling being called to stop you four,” Hikma slid the improved PACIFIST’s hilt into his palm. “I need to heal the damage from the fire. May you please step aside peacefully?”

“Hell no.”

All four 33 Stars answered unanimously.

“Oh dear, well, just remember that offer still stand.”