The moment I slipped out of the locked room, I began searching for a way out of the mansion. Unfortunately, every window and door was sealed tight. While I could easily shatter a window and fly away, I didn’t want the guards to become suspicious and tighten security around the girls. I needed them to have as much freedom as possible once the war began so they could help out.

 

I moved as quietly as I could, but it was taking forever to reach the front door. The mansion was simply too huge, especially in my cat form. 

 

Ugh… I completely forgot how wide this place was, I thought, my irritation and impatience growing.

 

I was searching for an exit when I unexpectedly stumbled upon Erica. She was sitting alone in a corner of a hallway, a worried, tormented look on her face. I could feel powerful conflicting emotions radiating from her, the clear sign of an internal struggle that only I could perceive.

 

I didn't know the source of her distress, so I moved closer, hoping to hear what she was muttering. I was careful with every step, aiming for silence, but I still couldn't escape her sharp Beastkin hearing.

 

“Who’s there? Reveal yourself!” She snapped, instantly noticing me. She was nervous and scared that someone had seen her vulnerable side.

 

I felt the pressure, but then realized she hadn't seen my cat form. I decided to play along, stepping out slowly and pretending to be a normal stray animal.

 

Meow

 

Seeing only a small, seemingly powerless feline, she instantly let her guard down.

 

“Oh, it’s just a small cat.” She picked me up and began petting me gently. “What are you doing in this place? You shouldn’t be here, it’s dangerous,” she murmured.

 

Calmed by the physical contact, she finally started voicing her feelings and worries.

 

“Damnit, what should I do? I don’t know anymore. I’m so anxious just thinking about my brother being at the enemy’s base all alone. I want to go after him, but Mother was right, I’d only get in his way,” she confessed. The heavy weight of her dilemma was finally revealed.

 

At this point, pretending to be an innocent cat was useless. I considered her a good friend, and she had helped me and the girls countless times. Now it was my turn.

 

“If you’re this worried, then you should’ve just asked for help. It’s okay to rely on people sometimes, you know. You really are just like your brother,” I said out of the blue.

 

Erica was so shocked and confused that she accidentally dropped me.

 

“Y-you can talk? Wait… you sound just like-”

 

I cut her off. 

 

“Yeah, you’re right, it’s me, your friend Ina. I’m sorry for not telling you about this before. I just never found the right opportunity,” I confessed.

 

“I-I see.” After a moment of delayed processing, her confusion melted away, replaced by utter fascination. She scooped me up again and began cuddling me excitedly.

 

“Ina, you’re so cute!” She cried, like a little girl with a new toy.

 

“Ugh… Erica, I can’t breathe. You’re hugging me too tightly,” I complained.

 

“Oh, I’m sorry! I just couldn’t control myself,” she said, her face beaming with a genuine smile.

 

I can’t believe this girl. She was so heartbroken a second ago, and now she’s as happy as a dog, I thought, shaking my head.

 

“What are you doing here? I thought Mother had locked you up?” Erica followed up, curiosity winning over cuteness.

 

“Oh, I sneaked out so I could bring Komraad back, but I couldn’t find the exit and kept going in circles. I stumbled upon you, though, so I think I’ll be fine now,” I responded.

 

“Ugh… seriously, you’ll be in huge trouble if Mother finds out,” Erica worried.

 

“That’s where you come in. Buy me as much time as possible until I can bring your brother back,” I instructed.

 

Erica looked unsure, concerned about my ability to succeed. “It’s not that I’m doubting you, but I know how strong the enemies are. But, can you really do it? Can you ensure my brother’s safety?” she pressed.

 

To give a proper dramatic response, I transformed back into my human form. I gave her a warm, reassuring smile. “If there’s someone who can do it, it’s definitely me. Trust in your brother’s companion and your friend.”

 

Erica finally broke, tears welling up. “Please bring him back. I still haven’t apologized to him about that day, and I want to make it up to him before it’s too late.”

 

“Tee-hee, I will. Just make sure that both of you are back to the way it was once all of this is over, okay?” I responded genuinely.

 

She wiped her tears and nodded firmly. I was about to leave when she remembered one crucial detail.

 

“Wait, Ina,” she said abruptly.

 

“What is it?” I asked, turning back.

 

“Do you remember how the Featherlight mentioned his king was the Chosen One? Well, it might shock you, but my brother is one too,” Erica revealed.

 

The word ‘Chosen One’ hit me hard. I never paid much attention to it before, but now I knew it was significant. It had never crossed my mind that Komraad, of all people, was special. I knew he was strong, but I never questioned the source of that power.

 

“Really? Komraad? A Chosen One? Wait… what is a Chosen One? Is that why he’s so important in winning this war?” I asked.

 

“Yes, you’re right. My brother is essential to ending this war. He was picked as a Chosen One by the Titan of Beast, our creator, whom we revere. A Chosen One is basically a vessel for the Titan’s overwhelming power. A single Chosen One can bring monumental change to the world once they unlock the full potential of the Titan’s power,” Erica explained.

 

I remembered Rein mentioning the word Titan before. If I recall correctly, she said the Titans sacrificed their physical forms to ascend to spirit forms, bringing shape to the great races. Unlike humans, the great races can only use the power of their respective Titans. The Beastkin Tribe, created by the Titan of Beast, can manipulate aura. The same applies to the other great races. This was the first time I heard about the Chosen Ones, and I was completely surprised.

 

“I see… but I’ve been traveling with Komraad for a long time, and he never mentioned anything about being a Chosen One,” I told Erica.

 

A look of deep sadness crossed Erica’s face. “It’s because my brother is actively repressing those powers. He doesn’t want to accept it, and I think it’s because of the tragedy that happened to us in the past. I’m terribly worried about him. He’s been repressing so much power his whole life that he always loses control when things get out of hand because he doesn’t know how to use his potential as a Chosen One. He went to the enemy’s territory alone, unprepared, just to save us all. It’s a suicide mission. If nothing is done, he’ll lose control again. That’s why I’m begging you, please stop him before it happens again. My brother is a kind person. If he hurts a single innocent person because he lost control, it will break his heart again,” she pleaded, her voice cracking.

 

I understand now. This was likely the source of his trauma and the heavy burden he’d been carrying. It was all the more reason to go after him immediately. I couldn't let him shoulder this alone anymore. It was time he learned that depending on others was okay.

 

“Thank you for telling me, Erica. Because of you, I got to learn more about your brother and my friend. Leave him to me. I’ll make sure his mind is still intact when I bring him back, I promise,” I assured her fiercely.

 

“Thank you, Ina. Go and bring him back to us. As for the girls, I promised to protect them in your absence, so don’t worry about them,” Erica assured me.

 

Learning everything about Komraad meant I couldn't waste another second. I needed to get to him as fast as possible. I summoned my power and shattered a portion of the mansion wall so I could escape. I flew out of the hole I made and immediately resumed following Komraad to the enemy’s base. The guards heard the loud noise and rushed to investigate.

 

Thankfully, Erica quickly made an excuse, telling them she accidentally destroyed the wall herself. The guards, trusting the Leader’s daughter, believed her without question.

 

Meanwhile, the Featherlights who attacked the town had already returned to their home, the Azure Kingdom, long before Nilda even learned of the situation.

 

Unlike other kingdoms, the home of the Featherlights is a work of glorious wonder and a realm of its own. The Azure Kingdom floats adrift in a sea of soft clouds and eternal sunlight. Built upon three vast islands suspended in the sky, the kingdom shimmered with divine elegance. Its architecture is sculpted from pure white stone and adorned with glistening gold.

 

At the heart of Azure Kingdom soared the largest of the three islands, crowned by the Celestial Spire: a towering, radiant castle whose ivory towers pierced the sky and whose golden banners fluttered in the breeze like wings in flight. 

 

Upon arriving in Azure Kingdom, Alecks and his two Featherlight companions entered the Celestial Spire and proceeded directly to the throne room. They bowed their heads. “My lord, we are back from our mission.”

 

King Zayke was seated on a throne, sipping wine from a holy-looking chalice. Even at a glimpse, he emitted a powerful presence, a glimpse of divinity. He was strikingly beautiful but unnerving, tall and lithe, with an otherworldly grace. With a cascade of luminous, long blond hair and eyes of radiant amber. He was young, barely into adulthood, yet spoke and ruled with the cold precision of one who believed himself the true Chosen One.

 

Unlike the elite guards who had two pairs of golden wings, King Zayke had three pairs of angelic wings that were larger and more elegant.

 

Three strong-looking Featherlights were also standing next to him: the remaining elite guards. Each had a specific title, representing a sacred part of the King: Left Wing, Right Hand, and Left Hand.

 

Dante, the Left Arm, was a towering figure of pride. Broad, imposing, and framed a fierce face with beast-like, glowing golden eyes that radiated hunger for battle. 

 

Rom, the Left Wing, appeared to be small and youthful. His round, luminous golden eyes sparkled with mischief. Despite his boyish charm, an unsettling darkness lurked beneath his cheerful exterior. He was the youngest and the most unpredictable.

 

Lou, the Right Hand, was the calm center. Though his features were less striking, his magical presence was the strongest. He carried an air of effortless authority and held the highest rank among the elite guard.

 

King Zayke took a sip from his chalice and addressed Alecks. “How did it go?”

 

“We have successfully relayed the message to the mutts. With utter destruction, as you commanded,” Alecks responded respectfully.

 

“Hmm… and what about the thing I told you to prioritize?” King Zayke’s gaze locked onto Alecks and his two companions, demanding the correct answer.

 

Alecks visibly gulped. “Unfortunately, Your Highness, we didn’t sense anyone capable of housing the Titan of Beast’s power within them.” He stuttered. “I-it’s even possible that such a person does not exist in their clan.”

 

“Nonsense! Just like us, they have the blood of a Titan running through their veins! Of course, they have a Chosen One blessed with a Titan’s power at their disposal! Or are you calling me stupid for believing so?” King Zayke's tone was filled with extreme intimidation.

 

“I-I would never even dare, my lord,” Alecks answered, shivering with fear. The other two felt the same.

 

It was clear the Featherlight King instilled pure terror in his people, viewing them only as pawns. “Useless! You had one job, and you couldn’t even do that right!” The depth of his disappointment was immeasurable.

 

King Zayke was about to unleash his rage when Lou, the Right Hand, managed to quell his anger. “Worry not, my lord. I will see to it that immediate action will be taken regarding the situation,” he assured.

 

“There better be, or your position as the Right Hand is as useless as these incompetent fools,” King Zayke responded, his eyes narrowed.

 

They were still conversing when a loud noise erupted outside the throne room, the sound of guards fighting someone with unimaginable strength.

 

“What is that noise?! Stop it at once!” King Zayke demanded.

 

The room went silent as the noise outside ceased. Then, a guard was thrown through the entrance, destroying the throne room’s massive door in the process.

 

“It seems we were tailed by someone on our way here,” Alecks assumed, wide-eyed.

 

“I-impossible! Are you telling me someone followed us on foot? Who could be fast enough to do that?” One of the Featherlights with Alecks stammered.

 

The room filled with tension as a lone warrior walked through the destroyed door, emitting an aura even greater than Nilda's. 

 

It was Komraad. 

 

The Featherlights present were overwhelmed but dared not show fear before their King.

 

“Is that all your defense can offer? What a shame, I wouldn’t even consider it a warm-up,” Komraad boasted, standing casually in a room full of enemies.

 

“Fascinating. A mutt entered my domain by himself. I applaud your naivety. It’s hard to tell if it’s confidence or just plain stupidity,” King Zayke taunted, leaning forward.

 

“Enough talking! Let’s fight already!” Komraad responded aggressively.

 

“The King is still speaking! How dare you interrupt him!” A guard shouted, attacking Komraad with the intent to kill. Komraad easily brushed him off with a single kick.

 

“You should be prepared to die when you show your fangs against your enemy. It’s kill or be killed, amateur,” Komraad stated coldly.

 

King Zayke saw Komraad’s potential and was finally intrigued. “Hmm… how strong. Who might you be?”

 

“Who am I? That’s none of your business! I’m only here to stop you from making a mess in my hometown,” Komraad answered with determination.

 

“I see. You came here thinking that you alone can stop us from taking over your hometown. You think so highly of yourself,” King Zayke responded with a sneer.

 

“It’s not about pride or calling. This is about protecting the only home I’ve ever known and the home that I just found for myself. So you better be ready to accept the consequences of your actions,” Komraad explained.

 

Hearing his words, King Zayke had a realization. “Are you perhaps the Beastkin’s Chosen One? If that’s the case, wonderful! You saved me the effort of finding you. Everyone, seize him and make sure he regrets ever coming here!” King Zayke instructed his soldiers.

 

All the guards in the room attacked Komraad at once. Due to Komraad’s speed and power, he evaded their attacks and knocked them out simultaneously. With the wave of attacks relentless, he decided to end it quickly.

 

This won’t end unless I attack their King, Komraad thought.

 

Finding an opening, he lunged straight for King Zayke’s head. His attack was about to connect, but a soldier suddenly materialized in front of the King and received the blow instead. It was too late when Komraad realized the soldier he had hurt was still a small child.

 

“You coward! Using a little kid as a shield! You’re even worse than a demon!” Komraad shouted, his emotions exploding.

 

King Zayke was completely unfazed. He hadn't moved a muscle, letting his servants do all the dirty work. “Look what you’ve done now. You’ve hurt an innocent little boy. Now, who is the demon between us?” He taunted.

 

Komraad’s confidence was shattered. Despair filled his face as he stared at the little boy he had unintentionally injured. The sight reminded him of his traumatic past, causing his body to lock up.

 

The elite guards seized the opportunity to apprehend him. They were about to charge when the atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted. They were completely overwhelmed by the bloodlust Komraad was emitting. He felt like a completely new entity. Animosity filled the air, and most of the guards present fell unconscious. The bracelet that was supposed to prevent Komraad from going berserk suddenly snapped, unable to contain the burst of energy he released.

 

“What an astonishing power. He really is a Chosen One, just like me!” King Zayke stated excitedly, leaning forward.

 

“Be careful, Your Highness, we don’t know what he’s capable of in such a state,” Alecks warned cautiously.

 

After a few moments, Komraad’s aura turned a dark, furious red. His consciousness was gone. He was now an untamed animal, going on a rampage.

 

Komraad attacked everyone in sight. His punch reduced a huge concrete pillar to rubble, and his claws tore through the guards’ armor like paper. The guards were no match, forcing the elite guards to step in.

 

“Finally, some fun!” Dante, the Left Arm, shouted in delight.

 

“Fufufu… it’s been a while since we’ve fought someone,” Rom, the Left Wing, added playfully.

 

The four elite guards attacked Komraad together, yet they still struggled against a Beastkin who was acting purely on instinct. This demonstrated the immense power of a Chosen One, even one without self-control.

 

Even without consciousness, Komraad’s instinct drove him toward the strongest person in the room: King Zayke. Ignoring the four elite guards, he lunged directly for the kill. Finally, King Zayke moved from his throne, ready to defend himself.

 

“Come forth, my loyal knight, and punish those whom I deem enemies,” King Zayke chanted, raising his hand.

 

[Light Magic: Summon; Seraph of Iron]

 

In an instant, a gigantic, burly angelic knight, made of pure radiant golden light and wielding a massive mace, materialized. King Zayke’s summoned knight was fast enough to react to Komraad, who was moving faster than sound itself. With a single swing of its mace, the Seraph of Iron slammed Komraad to the ground, the impact cracking the stone floor. A huge shockwave sent Komraad spitting blood across the floor.

 

“Stopped in his tracks by a single attack, how disappointing. You can’t even control the Titan’s power within you. You came barging into my castle only to end up in such a state. How pitiful,” King Zayke said with immense disappointment. He thought it was over, but Komraad immediately recovered.

 

“Impossible! He healed all those wounds in just mere seconds!” Alecks noticed, stunned.

 

Komraad was about to continue his rampage, but Lou, the Right Wing, managed to subdue him for good.

 

[Light Magic: Binding Chains]

 

Lou conjured sturdy-looking chains of pure radiant golden light from the floor where Komraad was standing, holding him tightly. No matter how much Komraad struggled, he couldn't escape. The chains only grew tighter the more he resisted.

 

King Zayke approached Komraad, mocking him mercilessly. “Look at how pathetic you are right now. Oh well, no point arguing with someone who couldn’t even understand what I’m saying. Just stay here like a good mutt and behave until we finish taking everything you’ve cherished,” he said, laughing menacingly.

 

He then gathered all his soldiers and announced the final stage of his scheme: the invasion of Kurrbryde. “My soldiers! The only wall stopping us from invading the lowly mutts has fallen! No more waiting for three days! We will attack this instant! Show the whole world that we are the most superior beings and are not to be messed with!”

 

His soldiers chanted his name in unison and immediately prepared to depart.

 

“See to it that this dog stays chained. I want to see his face in despair once I’ve claimed everything important to him. I am the only one worthy of the title of Chosen One. I will make him regret ever becoming one,” King Zayke instructed Lou, the Right Wing.

 

“Understood,” Lou responded respectfully.

 

All the Featherlight soldiers left with the King and the three remaining elite guards leading them. Lou stayed behind to watch over Komraad.

 

All these events unfolded while I was flying toward the Azure Kingdom. I was already halfway to my destination when multiple shadows passed overhead. The Featherlight army, making their way toward Kurrbryde with the sole purpose of invasion.

 

Why are they already on their way to Kurrbryde? I thought they were planning to invade after three days? Now I’m even more worried about Komraad! Damn it! Please be alright when I arrive where you are, I thought anxiously.

 

I briefly contemplated going back to Kurrbryde to assist, but I remembered the promise I made to Erica and the girls. I decided to keep moving forward, trusting that the girls would be fine. Since the Featherlights gave me a clear direction, the flight time was shortened. I noticed that the closer I got, the stronger I felt Komraad’s presence, confirming I was on the right path. However, his ember was slowly burning out.

 

Note: Ember represents someone’s life force that only Ina can perceive.

 

“What is this emotion? It’s pure rage. What is happening to you?” I asked myself, noticing Komraad’s drastically changed aura. “I hope I’m not too late,” I whispered.

 

While I was busy thinking about how to rescue Komraad, the Beastkin were still preparing their defense, unaware that time had run out.

 

“Leader! Bad news!” A guard shouted, getting Nilda’s attention.

 

“What is it?” Nilda asked, her face tight.

 

“One of our lookouts saw an army of Featherlights coming toward here! They came in full force!” The guard responded, frantic.

 

“Impossible! It’s still too early for them to be here!” Erica interjected, her voice shaking.

 

Nilda’s face hardened. She knew exactly why the invasion was early. “This only means one thing. My son has failed.”

 

“It can’t be, Mother. My brother can’t lose, r-right?” Erica asked, despair threatening to consume her. Nilda quickly brought her back.

 

“This is not the time to despair, my daughter. We need to be strong, or else everything will fall apart. We’re the only ones our people can depend on right now,” Nilda advised sternly.

 

Erica wiped the tears from her eyes and steeled her resolve. “Yes, Mother.”

 

Moments after the news was delivered, a massive shadow was cast over Kurrbryde, enveloping the whole town in darkness. The Featherlights, who came in full force, flew above, looking down on the Beastkin both literally and figuratively.

 

“My people!!! We will not go down without a fight! That’s the Beastkin’s way! Lay your lives for our sacred land!” Nilda roared. Her proud, dependable voice resonated, inspiring and empowering her people. They responded by raising their hands in a silent pledge.

 

And so, a war that is about to change the fate of two great races is about to begin. Who will come out on top?