The war between the Beastkin Tribe and the Featherlight Race erupted sooner than anticipated. The tremors of the ongoing battle echoed throughout the mansion, the vibrations clearly felt by the girls in their room. Raya used her clairvoyance to assess the chaotic situation outside so they could plan their assistance.

 

“I-it’s a total mess out there. Everyone is fighting with their lives on the line,” Raya relayed, her face drawn with concentration.

 

“You don’t have to peek if it’s too much for you,” Rein said, gently comforting her.

 

“It’s alright. I should at least do this. It’s the only way I know I’ll be helpful,” Raya responded with firm resolve.

 

Astrid was watching the door when she noticed an opportunity. “Everyone, the guard has finally left. We can finally get out of this room!” She was about to forcefully open the door when Rein quickly stopped her.

 

“Don’t be hasty, Astrid. Let’s assess the situation first before jumping in,” Rein instructed calmly.

 

“Ugh! I can’t wait any longer! I’m itching for a fight,” Astrid complained, restless.

 

“Me too, big sis. I want to help those who got injured,” Fae chimed in, equally eager.

 

Despite the pressure, Rein maintained her composure. “I know how you’re all feeling, but we promised Mom that we’ll prioritize our safety. Please calm down for now. Let’s come up with a plan first.”

 

“Fine, so what do you propose?” Astrid asked, relenting.

 

“A-about that…” Raya joined the conversation with a suggestion. “I want to try and talk to their King and ask for his mercy. After all, I’m a Featherlight just like them. Maybe if I show them my heritage, they’ll finally acknowledge that the Beastkins and Featherlights can coexist.”

 

“That’s absurd! You saw how arrogant those birds are! There’s no negotiating with them,” Astrid disagreed instantly.

 

“B-but I still want to try,” Raya insisted, her hope unwavering.

 

“Being positive won’t help us in this situation. If you want to make a difference, then fight. That’s our only option for now,” Astrid clarified, prioritizing action.

 

Rein interjected with optimism. “I think it’s worth giving it a shot. It’s still better than having no plan at all.”

 

“I agree. If there’s a small chance that it might work, then it’s worth taking the risk,” Fae added.

 

“Ugh! Give me a break. F-fine! Let’s do it your way. Just remember that I warned you all!” Astrid finally conceded with a roll of her eyes.

 

“So it’s decided. Princess Raya will try to negotiate with the King of Featherlights. If worse comes to worst, Astrid and I will be there to protect you,” Rein declared.

 

“That’s very reassuring, thank you for supporting me,” Raya responded gently.

 

“Let’s do this! All hands on deck,” Rein instructed. With mutual agreement, they finalized their plan.

 

Astrid forcefully destroyed the door, and they all escaped the room. Using Raya’s clairvoyant magic, they quickly found the most discreet path out of the mansion.

 

Everything was going well until an unexpected shock occurred. A portion of the mansion wall collapsed due to the ongoing battle outside. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the falling debris split them apart.

 

“Girls, can you hear me? Are you all okay?” Rein shouted worriedly.

 

“We’re fine, Sis! We’re not hurt at all. Princess Raya and I are together,” Fae responded.

 

Rein calmed down immediately. “Thank goodness. How about you, Astrid?”

 

“I’m fine too,” Astrid responded. “All of you back down. I’ll make a path by cutting the rubble with my sword,” she added, preparing her weapon. Raya abruptly stopped her.

 

“Please stop! These rubbles are acting as a foundation. If you destroy it, everything will cave in, including us,” Raya explained frantically.

 

“What should we do then?” Astrid asked, retracting her sword.

 

“There’s no other choice. We have to find another exit. Let’s meet up in Ms. Nilda’s room. Please be careful, everyone,” Rein suggested.

 

They all agreed to the proposal. Rein knew everyone was scared and nervous, but as the oldest, it was her responsibility to provide comfort. “I know we are not together right now, but don’t worry, families always find each other. Just focus on surviving, I’m sure we’ll manage somehow,” Rein reassured them. Her words felt like a gentle, warming flame. No walls or rubble could stop their trust from reaching each other's hearts. Though split apart, their determination was unshakeable.

 

The girls moved forward individually. Raya and Fae were moving discreetly down the hallway. Raya was nearing her limit, having used her magic nonstop since the war began. Fae noticed her exhaustion and intervened.

 

“Princess Raya, you look exhausted. Let’s rest for a while,” Fae suggested.

 

“We can’t afford to stop now, someone out there needs our help,” Raya responded, pushing herself.

 

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Princess. You need to conserve your strength,” Fae explained gently. “The village I used to live in was in the middle of a wide forest, so I’m used to exploring spacious places. We don’t need to rely on your clairvoyance all the time. We’ll eventually find our way out. You’ll just have to put your trust in me.”

 

Raya realized Fae’s advice had merit and stopped using her magic to preserve her Mana for the upcoming confrontation. They resumed moving. The mansion was a chaotic mess, but with Fae’s natural navigational skills, she guided them easily.

 

Just as their destination was around the corner, they caught sight of an unpleasant scene: a cluster of Beastkins lying on the ground, heavily wounded. Without hesitation, Fae and Raya rushed over to help.

 

“Oh no, what happened here?” Raya worriedly asked.

 

One of the Beastkins was still conscious, despite his grave injuries. Coughing violently, he managed to relay the truth to the girls.

 

“It was a one-sided battle, a massacre. None of us stood a chance.”

 

“You’re losing too much blood, please don’t talk anymore and focus on surviving,” Raya insisted.

 

“N-no, forget about us. Get out of this place while you still can!” The wounded Beastkin warned.

 

Despite the desperate warning, Fae and Raya were determined to stay and help. “I swear on my grandma’s name that I’m going to save all of you no matter what,” Fae declared confidently, preparing to start treatment.

 

Just then, an ominous presence lurking around the corner finally revealed itself. It was one of King Zayke’s elite guards, Alecks, the Right Wing. The still-conscious Beastkin warrior shivered in terror, a clear indication that the Featherlight was the one who had caused their downfall.

 

“My, my… my hunch was right all along. Staying here for a while was worth my time. What are two little humans doing on this battlefield?” Alecks asked, his ominous presence radiating danger.

 

The girls were scared, but their determination to help was stronger. Raya stood up to confront Alecks, seeing this as her chance to talk to one of her kin. She hoped her words might reach her people and stop the war.

 

“Please, stop the fighting while it’s still early. War only leads to destruction. Even if someone wins, the fighting will never stop! This endless cycle will happen over and over again until nothing is left. So please, let’s solve this peacefully without hurting anyone,” Raya begged.

 

“Pathetic fool. Your words mean nothing to me! His Majesty’s words are the only thing that matters in this world. His wishes are absolute, and I will follow them to the end,” Alecks responded instantly. He mindlessly worshipped his Tyrant King and had no interest in negotiation.

 

Raya was at her wit's end. She had no choice but to use her final card: revealing her identity, hoping it would make a difference.

 

Raya sprouted her angelic wings to show Alecks that she was a Featherlight just like him. “Even though I’m one of you, these people accepted me into their home. Friendship can bloom as long as you give it a chance, so please, open up your heart,” Raya pleaded a second time.

 

Her optimism wasn't enough. Revealing her identity was a grave mistake. Alecks’s response was the opposite of what she expected.

 

Alecks was furious and disgusted. “You halfling! You reek of human blood! Your purity is tainted by those of a lowly being. You do not deserve to live, you’re an anomaly to our kind! You are not needed for the empire our King is building!”

 

Raya’s hopes were utterly shattered. She realized negotiation was impossible with this stubborn, zealous warrior.

 

Alecks prepared to attack Raya and Fae without remorse.

 

[Light Magic: Solar Bloom]

 

He conjured a small sphere of concentrated light in his right hand. Though small, the energy output indicated it would be devastating.

 

Raya was overwhelmed and paralyzed by fear. The threat was in front of her, but she couldn't move.

 

“Goodbye, impure child. Anything that my light touches is doomed to explode,” Alecks stated with cold certainty.

 

Raya was seconds from impact when Fae stepped in, performing a wholly unexpected move. She used a unique, rare plant she had found in the Kurrbryde forest. With the help of her grandma’s medical book, Fae had discovered this plant could absorb any type of magic. The plant stores the absorbed magic inside its ovule, then releases it as an empowered projectile based on the magic type. Its only downside was that it was a one-time use.

 

Fae thrust the plant forward, and it absorbed the Solar Bloom spell. Alecks was caught completely off guard. Underestimating the "fragile humans," he saw his attack suddenly backfire. With quick-witted action, Fae reflected the attack, making Alecks taste his own magic.

 

Raya was equally shocked. “F-Fae… you saved my life, thank you,” she said tearfully.

 

“Princess, all my life, everyone protected me. Everyone was always there to save my life. I’m thankful, but at the same time, I hated myself for being weak. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget because it’s the reason why I keep pushing myself to the limits. At least once in my life, I want to be the one protecting and not the one being protected,” Fae responded with determined resolve.

 

The successful counter-attack was not enough to defeat the enemy. “What a surprise. So you weaklings do have an ace up your sleeve. But still, it’s a little disappointing that all you could do is scratch me,” Alecks boasted, unfazed by the minor injury.

 

The girls were out of options. Fae had only found one plant. Now that Alecks knew their limit, he was even more motivated, being the type who loved to torture the weak.

 

Alecks tried again, this time conjuring a spell that was even more powerful and destructive. The girls didn't have enough time to get away, nor could they leave the injured Beastkin warriors. All they could do was brace for impact, but even as the threat closed in, they stood firm.

 

Alecks’s magic was too fast for them to react to. The attack exploded, forming a massive crater and leaving a thick cloud of smoke.

 

“That’s what happens when you oppose a race more superior than you,” Alecks sneered.

 

He was about to leave, assuming the fragile bodies were incinerated. But as the smoke dispersed, the dead bodies he expected were nowhere to be seen.

 

Erica had managed to rescue the girls in the nick of time, snatching them away right before Alecks’s magic hit. The fact that she evaded a light-based attack was a testament to her strength and agility.

 

“Phew, I’m glad I listened to my instinct and came back inside here. I knew something was off the moment those bastard birds invaded,” Erica suspected, catching her breath.

 

“You have our gratitude for saving us, Ms. Erica,” Raya said sincerely.

 

“We thought we were goners, thank you, Ms. Erica,” Fae added with teary eyes.

 

“Tee-hee, anytime, girls. Also, your Mom entrusted me with your lives, so it’s my responsibility to protect you all,” Erica responded.

 

“Why! Why! Why! Why won’t you girls just die? You’re all so frail, so why are you so hard to kill!” Alecks shouted in extreme frustration, his short temper flaring.

 

Erica ignored his tantrum. With a confident, calm demeanor, she instructed the girls to rely on her.

 

“Girls, leave this one to me and go find a safe place you can hide in. I can go all out once I know you two are finally safe,” Erica instructed.

 

“But we can’t just leave all these injured people behind. I promised that I’d save them,” Fae argued.

 

“I know you have a good heart, but I want you to listen to me. Our bodies work differently from yours. These guys are tough, they’ll heal in no time,” Erica explained. “Just think about your safety for now. That’s what your Mom would’ve wanted for you anyway, right?”

 

Fae and Raya saw the seriousness in Erica’s eyes. They followed her advice, leaving her to deal with Alecks. Once they were out of the scene, Erica’s calm demeanor vanished, replaced by uncontainable rage. “You just tried to kill the most important people to my friend, and for that, you must atone. I’ll ensure that you’ll suffer a thousand times more!” She declared with fury.

 

“Pathetic fool! You should’ve just stayed obedient, just like you did last time!” Alecks responded, irritated.

 

“Last time, I had to think about the safety of the people around me. This time it’s different. It’s just you and me,” Erica responded one last time before going on full offense.

 

Erica instantly teleported behind Alecks with a powerful kick, but Alecks was fast enough to react. Erica didn't know Alecks was luring her in. He had already surrounded the room with tiny fragments of light, ready to detonate. His mastery of his magic proved he deserved the title of the King’s Right Wing.

 

Erica immediately saw through his plan and went on the defensive, managing to escape with just a scratch due to her quick wits.

 

“You think you can just attack me from behind and call it a day? How silly of you to think that you can end this fight in just one attack. Now let’s see which is faster, your speed or my light magic,” Alecks taunted.

 

They resumed fighting, going toe-to-toe. The intensity was so high that the aftershocks of their attacks could be felt throughout the mansion.

 

“Ha-ha! Dance, mutt, dance!” Alecks shouted joyfully, fueled by malice.

 

“Tsk, you talk a lot,” Erica muttered irritably.

 

Initially, their speeds were matched, but as time passed, Erica’s speed began to falter due to fatigue. Alecks noticed this and used it to his advantage, bombarding Erica with explosions, knowing she would evade them. Unbeknownst to Erica, this was a diversion to set a trap.

 

Erica fell for it. The platform she was standing on exploded the moment Alecks finished chanting his magic, causing her to lose her footing.

 

“The lights that I conjure aren’t the only things I can explode. I can make anything I touch turn into a bomb as well,” Alecks explained.

 

Erica realized her peril too late. Feathers from Alecks’s wings scattered around her. With a single flick of his finger, the feathers lit up and exploded.

 

The explosion hit Erica directly, but she managed to reinforce herself with her aura in time, minimizing the damage. She was severely injured but still stood firm, a proud warrior.

 

“Is that all you’ve got?” Erica taunted, spitting blood from her mouth.

 

“Grr… just give up already and accept your fate! Your Chosen One fell into our hands so easily, what makes you think you can do better?” Alecks responded angrily.

 

Huff Huff

 

“My brother wouldn’t lose to the likes of you unless you used dirty tricks against him,” Erica responded, her trust in Komraad absolute.

 

“Fine, struggle all you want. Let’s see how long you can last,” Alecks said, ready to finish her.

 

Erica’s lifelong training had made her body tougher than anyone else's, a testament to her dedication to standing beside her brother. Her survival after a direct attack was proof of her effort.

 

Beastkins, unable to use magic due to a lack of mana, compensate by reinforcing themselves with aura, which strengthens their physical capabilities and allows them to infuse non-living objects offensively and defensively. Achieving this mastery requires intense training of both body and mind, making it rare.

 

Regaining her momentum, Erica used the resources around her to compensate for her injuries. She bounced off the mansion walls to boost her speed, moving so fast that Alecks could no longer keep up with his bare eyes.

 

The moment she saw an opening, she attacked Alecks on his blind spot with full force. Her kick was so strong it shattered the surrounding walls. Alecks managed to dodge by creating an explosion under his feet to boost his escape, gaining distance and allowing him to cast a more devastating attack.

 

“Enough of this charade!” Alecks shouted.

 

[Light Magic: Falling Stars]

 

Alecks bombarded the entire area by conjuring exploding speckles of light, each capable of disintegrating a boulder. The impact destroyed everything in its path.

 

“Let’s see you dodge all that,” Alecks said confidently, believing it was over. But Erica tricked him: she infused a piece of her cloth with her aura, making him think he had hit her. He lost track of her whereabouts.

 

What?!? Where did she go? I can’t feel her presence! Alecks worried.

 

It was too late. Alecks suddenly noticed Erica was directly above him. He couldn't defend himself and received Erica’s attack head-on. The single kick was devastating, injuring him to the point he almost passed out. After all the fighting, this was Erica's first clean hit, and it was enough to turn the tide.

 

Alecks couldn't believe he was injured by someone he viewed as inferior. Realizing that defeat meant shame before his King, he stopped underestimating Erica and deployed his final trump card.

 

Coughing up blood, Alecks struggled to his feet. With one last surge of power, he used all his remaining mana to swell up and prepare to self-destruct, intending to take everyone and everything with him.

 

“With one explosion, I can destroy half of your beloved hometown. Now let’s see if you can stop this one,” Alecks said menacingly, laughing as his body began to glow. 

 

The countdown to self-destruction had begun.

 

Erica’s instinct screamed danger. She knew this disaster could only be stopped by self-sacrifice. Gathering her remaining strength, she rushed toward Alecks, grabbed him tightly, and lifted him into the sky.

 

“You fool! What are you doing!” Alecks screamed.

 

“I’m coming with you to hell,” Erica responded grimly. She put all her strength into her legs and jumped thousands of meters above the sky, carrying Alecks with her.

 

I’m sorry, brother. I wish I could’ve talked to you one last time, Erica thought, accepting her fate.

 

She managed to get Alecks away from the town just in time before they exploded. Her quick decision-making ensured no casualties in Kurrbryde. The explosion was immense, and everyone would assume no one survived.

 

But a miracle happened. Erica, though gravely wounded, somehow survived. As she fell thousands of meters, she started reminiscing about her past, feeling a fleeting moment of happiness that she was still alive. Just as she was about to fall to her doom, Raya came flying to the rescue.

 

“I got you, Ms. Erica,” Raya said, struggling under the weight and due to her inexperience with flying. She slowly lowered the gravely injured Erica to the ground.

 

Fae was waiting below, ready to treat the wounded.

 

“Why are you girls still here? I thought you escaped already?” Erica asked weakly, lying on the ground.

 

“We couldn’t just leave you behind, Ms. Erica. You protected us, so we wanted to return the favor,” Raya responded.

 

“Here, Ms. Erica, drink this. This will help you numb the pain for a little while,” Fae chimed in, quickly applying a first aid kit to Erica and the other injured Beastkins.

 

“You girls are going to meet your sisters, right? Go ahead and leave me here. I’ll rest for a while and follow you afterward,” Erica said.

 

With Erica’s instruction, the girls finally continued their goal of reuniting with Rein and Astrid.

 

The war continues, but one of the Elite Guards has fallen, giving the Beastkins a better chance of winning even without their Chosen One on their side.