The next set of battles could be considered the apex of the yearly Summer Solstice competition in the Month of Light. It was, after all, the last remaining sixteen competitors, and there were few that could look down on them for coming this far.

Some had arrived through might, defeating all of the foes that appeared before them no matter the number.

Some had appeared with grace, executing their enemies with a single technique in a display of impressive and insurmountable skill.

Some won through fortune, fighting very few battles due to the luck of the draw. One might argue they had an advantage, as they have yet to even display the full might of their abilities.

Despite the grandiose status of these battles, it was a bloody battlefield of politics. Each of the three major factions and their sub groups wanted their chosen champion to win. It would bolster their position above the others factions when it was time for the cadets to graduate, allowing them to perhaps harvest the most talented of talents from the yearly batch of cadets.

Likewise, the same desire to win had spread to the participating cadets. Some of those that were holding back could no longer do so, and some of those that wished for a casual spar could no longer enjoy the festivities. There are many eyes on this battle, including that of the High Priestess herself. There were unconfirmed rumors that the Sisters were searching for another apprentice, and despite the authenticity of the statement, it only added to the pressure to do well in the tournament.

The amount of dangerous injuries in the last round of battles rose, as well as the number of times a teacher had to intervene before the ‘friendly spar’ got out of hand. It was good that the Holy Land of Ecclisa had an abundance of skilled healers, so there weren’t any life-changing injuries inflicted… yet.

After the first six battles, it was finally Yuelei’s turn to enter, but she had seen quite the number of scenes. A girl with her hand cut off by a bloody battle axe, a boy who had his kneecaps crushed by a spell, and the first ranked male cadet, Prince of Beasts losing to the Princess of Flowers in a spectacular battle of magical auras and defensive wards. Yuelei was glad she had not encountered them in the lottery selections, for she was not confident in beating them with her current abilities without the help of Liur.

Not that she wished for victory. She had already achieved her goal of reaching the top ten of the female cadets. Glory was a hollow and meaningless word to her, and to bask in it would leave on vulnerable.

However, with luck both working for and against her, Yuelei had arrived in a dilemma. The next two battles were fought and won by the Magnolia Valkyrie, in an impressive display of swordwork that deflected projectiles accompanied by desperate endurance. Due to the luck of the draw, the last match in the series would yet again call upon Byrhilda. She had entered the arena without a word and flourished her blade, yet it was obvious she was still exhausted and drained from the previous two battles. For Yuelei, who had plans to concede as soon as she reached the top ten, this could be considered both a blessing and a curse. She could win and move onto the next set of battle without effort, and as long as she wasn’t in the first match, she could move up yet another few ranks as more and more participants dropped out.

But these cadet ranks are useless to me. Yuelei thought to herself as she stood still and simply watched her opponent, noticing several bruises and cuts that were barely closed. Clearly the healers had only did just enough to stem the bleeding. It was not pity that Yuelei felt, for all of the things she would feel pity for, her own kind was not on that list.

What she felt was caution. An injured and cornered animal is dangerous, and her opponent did not seem to have any intention of backing down. Yuelei had personally witnessed the insane bursts of speeds that the Magnolia Valkyrie could reach in battle- superior to even June’s Trail of the Wind.

Her grim determination to face Yuelei despite the odds made Yuelei uneasy. Especially since Byrhilda had not once used an offensive spell in all her battles, insteading relying on the speed and strength of her blade.

Shall I deal with her for you? Liur’s voice echoed in Yuelei’s mind.

No. That would bring all manner of trouble. It was one thing for Yuelei to ‘honorably’ defeat her in battle, and another for her to send Liur- of which many thought of as her pet, to defeat her well-liked enemy.

Then every second you ponder away means the more strength she recovers. Liur commented. It is not like you to be so indecisive.

Human society is complex and fickle. It is a pain to deal with. Yuelei conveyed her thoughts to her companion. She had already achieved her goal to reach the top ten to graduate early, yet due to her luck or perhaps lack of luck, she was given a weakened opponent. If she were to win, she may move up a few more ranks, but it may earn her the ire of others and it would be harder to concede in the final eight matches without drawing more attention than necessary. If she were to concede, it would appear to be that she was pitying her enemy and looking down on her determination.

In that case, why don’t you simply concede and offer a rematch at a different time? These knights all have a sense of honor, and won’t bother you too much if you do so. Liur advised. She too had no interest in ranks and positions of the cadets, for in the wilds, even a dragon could be taken down if it faced enough enemies at once.

Yuelei thought for a little while before agreeing with Liur. After all, her stop here at the Royal Knight Academy was but the first step, and there was no need to risk herself in a battle where she may suffer grievous injuries. Making up her mind, she started moving towards her foe in a leisurely pace.

“I bear you no ill will.” Yuelei declared quietly, barely loud enough for only her opponent to hear, as she held up both hands to show that she was not holding anything. “May we have a momentary truce?”

Her opponent hesitated for a bit, before nodding, and finally putting down her weapon and also walked forward. They met in the center of the field within arm’s distance, but of course, Byrhilda said not a word as she was mute. This was a fact that few knew, and Yuelei was not one of them.

In Yuelei’s eyes, she simply saw it as caution and mistrust. Still, she was not after her trust nor her approval, she was here to make her concession cause less problems in her remaining time as a student. She slowly reached for her Palian Satchel, pulling out a set of Snakeskin Bandages and Rejuvenation Potions before tossing it at her.

“I have no intention of fighting someone that is barely standing!” Yuelei declared loudly enough for the crowd to hear as she raised a fist up in the sign of concession. Hushed whispers sprang up as Yuelei made her way towards the other end of the arena.

“As a testament to your determination, I will accept your challenge at a different date. This is neither pity nor admiration, for I have already achieved what I meant to do. Perhaps your goddess is watching over you after all.”

With those vague words, Yuelei decided to make her escape from the arena, her back to the silent and flabbergasted crowd.

Well, it’s not like she cared what they thought.

“You sure know how to mess with people’s minds.” Silfy pinched Yuelei when she finally caught up to her. She and June had saw Yuelei make her way out of the stadium and had hastily intercepted her. “That was a bit disappointing. I was wondering if there would be a new rank two cadet today...”

“I don’t take pleasure from another’s misfortune. It’s just business.” Yuelei replied curtly.

“Oo. Cold as usual.” Silfy glanced behind Yuelei to see Homan Lothar standing a respectful distance away, but his piercing gaze surveyed her and June. His eyes lingered on Silfy for a moment before they locked onto June, who was staring back. “So tell me, when did you make such an acquaintance and cause him to owe you such a great debt?”

“Not one of mine, but a friend of a friend’s.” Yuelei shrugged. “I had half a mind to reject him on the spot, but Liur changed my mind.”

Silfy decided not to inform Yuelei about the shadow that fell over Homan’s face which, due to their positioning, Yuelei could not see.

“...You say that pretty nonchalantly, but a lot of the others would be quite happy in your place. There are few individuals that can boast being sworn an oath of loyalty, much less an outsider like you... no offense, Yuli. It is usually distinguished countesses or the sisters that serve High Priestess Geisla that receive such oaths of fealty.”

“None taken. Care to enlighten me?”

“Have you not paid any attention in class?!”

“I have no use for feudalistic customs and the games of nobles.” The venomous disdain was evident in her voice, causing Silfy to reel back a bit.

“Whoa. Take it easy, Yuelei. What did they ever do to you?” Silfy tried to pass it off playfully, but she didn’t realize she had stepped on a landmine. After all, Yuelei’s past was not without politics.

However, Yuelei simply grimaced and kept quiet. There was no point in getting worked up, or rather, she could not bring herself to muster the emotions to do so. If she had time to waste getting angry and irritated, then it was wasted time; a lesson that cut deep into her scarred hands back when she was being taught to forage spiked plants by Gallienoir.

“I’ve seen that man before.” June quietly spoke up, breaking the tension in the air. “I didn’t realize it until now, but I’ve slipped past him a few times in the forest when I am hunting.” Her voice did not carry over to where Homan was.

“Training?” Yuelei inquired, to which June nodded in response.

“He stands there in a stance with his eyes closed and only after a certain amount of time has passed, would spring to life.” June replied. “I believe he is a capable swordsman.”

“I have some faith in my swordplay and even greater faith in my hearing.” Homan’s voice finally broke out in response. “But it’s good to know the one skulking around the tree shadows and never stepping into the light wasn’t a beast.”

“I have always maintained a respectful distance. It is no fault of mine that you cannot tell apart a friend from foe.” June shot back.

“Friends? I don’t recall us becoming comrades.” Homan snickered.

“Now, now, I think we’re all tense and irritated after the last few battles. Why don’t we all take a step back?” Silfy stepped in to diffuse the situation. “Yuelei, where did Liur go anyway?”

“She went to pay a visit to an old friend.” Yuelei replied, tilting her head and squinting above her. Needless to say, she could not make out either Liur or the one she had went to greet- Drak.

“An old friend? Did someone come to watch? Isn’t that a bit… dangerous?” Silfy asked hesitantly.

“Unless there were a few that decided to watch the event from the skies, then, no.”

“I don’t think there was any… but you should still warn them. The Pegasus Knights often do patrols or training exercises in the skies.”

“I’m sure they can handle themselves. Rather, I would pity the ones that find themselves face to face with her, much less a dragon.”

“Her?” Out of the assembled individuals, only Silfy understood who exactly Yuelei meant. “Don’t tell me… “

“No, she’s not here in person.” Yuelei’s words allayed Silfy’s fears. “Lumnieve would surely not do something so impulsive… probably.”

“Good. It would be quite a shock if summer suddenly turned into winter...” Silfy swore. Even though it was summer, it was barely warm enough in the afternoon to go without a coat. The change of the seasons in the Holy Land of Ecclisa is only signified by the number of layers worn, and whether or not there was snow on the ground. “I don’t understand how your homeland is warmer, June.”

“In the tundras, it is not the snow and frost, but the endless wind that is cold. Our clothing is designed to ward off the biting winds.” June replied. “Even our entire head is covered, except for a few holes for the eyes. On top of them, we wear goggles of transparent crystal. In places without wind, it is quite comfortable.”

“...How do you tell who is who then?” Silfy asked.

“Body shape and usually by their weapons and gait. Generally speaking, we’ve always traveled as a group, so after some time, you get used to it. Winter is not so bad.” June commented. “For us, it is a season of respite when all the beasts and our livestock go into a deep slumber. Many days during that time are spent sleeping, playing, and making tools. At some places, the sound of hail upon ice forms chime-like sounds.”

“Are you aware of the phoenix word for winter?” Yuelei had recalled one of the conversations she had with Liur back in the days of the Whitefrost, when they had been sealed within the nest. “Wytfelda- meaning ‘Cold Rebirth’. All things are laid to rest when it begins, and all emerge when it ends.”

“Seems fitting for you two who lived in lands of eternal snow and ice.” Silfy grumbled. “But please keep winter away from us, Yuelei, humans are beings meant to walk under the sun, not dark and gloomy days under endless clouds... which are the ideal scenario for the Shadowless. When winter comes here, it is the beginning of yet another season of painful war. Do your people not have to deal with them during that time of year, June?”

“No. There are various standing stone formations of which they cannot approach, similar to the lamps that adorn Ellivita’s streets. We make camp there until the season ends. In the past, we have went to war with Greygrave when they tried to uproot and transport the stones to the perimeters of their city so they may expand.”

“And that was when the Holy Church stepped in, offering a supply of Opalis stones.” Silfy added. “Putting an end to your scuffles and eased relations.”

“Father said it was under the High Priestess’s initiative. Many were against them for being…different. It took a long time to get June and Fifi to get along. They were practically at each other’s throats at any and every occasion.”

“That Wuuther Warlock?” It was at this point when Homan intruded. “…I would have liked to cross blades with her. I did not see her in the tournament this year…I had thought she was a student here.”

Homan’s words were met with an awkward silence, and the tension in the air started to grow once more. Finally after a few minutes, Silfy simply shook her head and pulled on June’s arm.

“June and I are going to continue watching the tournament. Yuelei, I suppose you are heading back?” Yuelei nodded and glanced over at Homan, who seemed to have realized he had said something he should not have.

“Then we’ll see you later tonight.” With that, the two of them returned inside the arena. Yuelei took this as the sign to turn around and made her way away from the crowded entrance.

“...Was it something I said?” Homan inquired, trailing two steps behind Yuelei politely.

“I’m afraid that person was a friend of theirs and died in front of them.” Yuelei put it bluntly. She had never met this person either, so she did not have too much attachment to the news.

“….But that’s impossible.” After a few silent moments, Homan mumbled. “Because last month, I personally ran into her.”

“It was during the second week of the second month of flame.” Homan started to explain quietly. After he had revealed that tidbit of information, Yuelei had made him agreed to come to the Justinia estate and explain things properly after dinner.It had slipped her mind when she returned to work in the laboratory, causing a bit of a fuss when June went to get the door, and Homan stood there, armed to the teeth.

He had also arrived earlier than expected, and Galvin had set up a place at the dinner table for him.All of this transpired without Yuelei’s knowledge, and she was only made aware when she was also called to the dinner table. Silfy had made a half-hearted comment to Galvin about having to prepare an extra seat from now on for Yuelei’s sworn follower. As soon as dinner had concluded, June had made to leave, but Yuelei stopped her and explained the situation. With a nod from Yuelei, Homan opened his mouth to speak.

“As you are aware, you can be excluded from classes if you fulfill enough tasks for the academy to supply the points. For someone like me, I prefer the road over a stuffy classroom. Thus I had taken a simple but long and arduous request to receive and deliver items to the Eam Watchtower.”

“It’s an ancient fort that was built during the first war.” Silfy explained after realizing Yuelei was not familiar with the lore. “It’s directly northeast of here and to the east of Greygrave. It is garrisoned to keep an eye against the Shadowless.”

“A supply convoy is sent out every month and half.” Arfled added. “But every so often, those garrisoned there grow restless for news of their family, and an official request is set up. If the roads are determined to be relatively safe, the task is passed to the cadets. From here, it takes a five days to get to the border by pegasus, three days by griffin, and eight days on foot.”

“I was fortunate to obtain a ride on a griffin from a patrolling knight that had issued the task. I was dropped down a three days walk from the tower, and from there, things went rather smoothly. Due to the abundance of the warding lamps, there were few Shadowless that indulged in transpiring on the roads.”

“It was on the journey back by horseback, when I had camped by one of the Opalis lamps, that I was joined by a young girl in an ashen gray clothing and wielding a pitch black staff. I called out a greeting and introduced myself- offering to share the warmth of the campfire, and she complied while sitting at the edge of the flames. I believed she was simply wary of strangers, especially a male.” Homan hesitated for a moment before continuing. “It was after a few moments of awkward silence before she finally introduced herself as Fifi Elvira.”

“That’s...” Silence reigned around the table, until finally Silfy spoke up. “Can you describe her?”

“Certainly. She had an oval-shaped face with freckles and a round, smooth chin. Her eyes… I believe they were dark brown or black with well-arched thin eyebrows. Her nose was rather small and her pale pink lips were dry and cracked. She was shorter than me, so I would say about 174-175 centimeters. As for her clothing, I’ve already mentioned the thick gray garments typical of Wuuther Warlocks.”

“...That certainly sounds like her.” June said hesitantly before turning to Silfy. “Did you think… she survived?”

“I don’t know, but I don’t think so. The search party found no survivors, and that was years ago. If she was alive all this time… we would have received word from the Wuuther Warlocks, who actively patrolled the area every week past the first month… But that aside, what happened next, Homan?”

“Nothing in particular. The night passed as I dozed in and out of slumber as usual. If anything, having an unfamiliar presence nearby kept me from sleeping well. It seems the horse also shared my sentiment, and it was quite nervous around her. When I woke up the next morning, she was nowhere to be seen. When I finally returned to the Academy, I decided to look into the name as I found her face familiar and found out she once participated in the tournaments years ago. That is all.”

After Homan finished speaking, uneasy silence reigned over the table.

“That doesn’t seem conclusive. It could have been someone that looked like her.” June said finally.

“Could have been an undead.” Arfled added. “There are rumors that the Necromancer is in the Red Slate Republic, but he could have moved north...”

“Or hallucinogens, but I doubt such plants grow in this cold...” Yuelei murmured.

“I know a few people in Greygrave, I’ll send a bird to ask.” Galvin replied. “Chances are slim, or we would have received word earlier.”

Quiet reigned once again, and in that silence, Homan stood up.

“...I should be heading back. It is getting rather late.”

Galvin quickly followed after him to see him off.

Yuelei!

“Liur?” Just as everyone was about to scatter and return to their chambers, Yuelei heard an urgent voice.

Barricade the walls and windows. Now! The seriousness in her voice and the telepathic link cleared any hesitation Yuelei had.

“What are you doing?!” Silfy shouted as Yuelei tossed a pitcher of water against one of the windows, while conjuring up a Water Orb in front of another.

“No time!” Yuelei raised both hands, causing the two separate splashes of water to solidify into a wall that sealed off the window. Just as she was about to start working on the other two windows in the main hall, the slam of the door could be heard. A moment afterward, the sound of a door slammed could be heard, then Galvin and Homan running, weapons drawn.

“We need to seal all the windows then move to the second floor!” Galvin shouted, pointing his rapier that was covered in black ooze at the doors, causing the floorboards to break apart as the earth beneath the house surged forward and blocked the door.

Arfled was the first to react, quickly ushering June and Silfy towards the stairs. Homan hesitated and tried to move towards Yuelei to lend a helping hand.

“Boy! Get your ass upstairs!” Galvin roared as he sealed the other pathways into the main hall. His commanding shout caused Homan to freeze in his steps and run over to Arfled and the others without another sound.

“What’s happening?” June asked Homan as she quickly strung her bow. Arfled and Silfy had dashed off to the armory to gear up and grab their weapons.

“The Shadowless came…the red eyes were all around us and in the distance, like flies to corpses.” Homan murmured as he tightened his grip on the hilt of his weapon. “...There were some that even stepped into the light of the Opalis lamps, and by the goddess... They were shaped like humans.”

“A new breed. Knight Captain Howard said there were rumors of light-resistant Shadowless.” Arfled added, having returned clad in full armor and two sheathed swords on his back. “...How many were there?”

“Too many to count.” Galvin said grimly, moving towards the stairs with Yuelei. They had sealed all of the entryways to the main hall with the stairs. “Haven’t seen this amount since the last great war. Let us hope they will disperse by sun rise.”

“But… why would they attack now?” Silfy murmured frantically.

“There’s no point in asking why.” Yuelei replied. “Liur just told me that there are also flying creatures. We have about ten minutes before they’ll be upon us. The upstairs windows need to be sealed, and we should barricade ourselves in one of the rooms. “

“The alchemy lab is one option, but I believe the armory is the wiser choice.” Galvin directed as he moved up the stairs. At the very top, he turned around while holding his rapier high in the air and then swung down at the stairs, causing the stone it was made out of to crumble, preventing passage between the two floors. “Ignore the second story windows, if there are fliers there’s no point trying to bar them off. They’ll just tear through the walls trying to get in.”

“Can we hide our presences?” Silfy asked.

“Not unless we kill the Opalis lights around the estate, which in turn allow more to approach the house in the first place, which in turn puts us in a more dangerous situation if we are to be discovered, which is likely going to happen anyways. Inside the armory.” Galvin pushed open the heavy metal door and gestured for them to get in.

“One moment.” Yuelei halted Galvin as he was about to close the door. A split second afterward, a blue streak darted inside, and Liur planted herself on top of Yuelei’s shoulders. Then they were sealed within among the suits of armor and weapon racks.

Several Water Orbs floated in the air with balls of light deep within. The result was a dim amount of illumination that was enough to see and move around within, but not enough to go through the wall of ice and stone that was in front of the lone window to the armory.

“Take these. It’s made from a type of beans in the south and will keep you awake for the night. Better save that adrenaline while you still can.” Galvin handed out small cube sized pellets of dark brown material. “If you’re hungry, there’s some rations as well, although I can’t guarantee their taste.”

“I’ll pass. Wake me up if anything happens.” June sat herself down with her back against the wall, while pulling her hood over her eyes. She rested her bow against her shoulder and her quiver beneath the inverse V shape made from her hugging her knees. Within moments, she had slumbered off in the same position.

“I’ll pass as well.” Yuelei added, moving to one of the corners and sitting down with Liur. They spoke in hushed voices as the Justinia family glanced over once before splitting up. Arfled and Galvin kept eyes on the two entrances while Silfy went over and sat next to June, laying a hand on her arrows and blessing them for the upcoming events. Homan withdrew to one of the walls where he can keep an eye on both the barricaded window and the heavy steel door.

“What do you think Liur?” Yuelei asked in a quiet voice.

There are scenes of the prelude to the last shadowless war in my grandma’s memories. The ground was covered in darkness like the night skies, and people went missing before the call to arms was given. We walled ourselves within the Frost Palace until it was all over.

“Lumnieve didn’t participate?”

Why would we? This is not our battle, nor is it our cause. This one was thinking whether or not to take you there while this time passes. You could receive training from the Lady Lumnieve yourself during that time. Liur brushed her head feathers against Yuelei.

“And how long will that be?”

The last war lasted five years. That is, if you don’t include the first year of skirmishes and mustering of forces.

“I don’t have that much time.” Yuelei mumbled.

Liur cocked her head, annoyed that Yuelei did not connect the dots, then sighed and started to lecture in a voice that reminded Yuelei of Gallienoir.

Ugyln is our word for war, which translates to ‘Season of Opportunity’ in your tongue. You humans believe that you’ve moved beyond feudalism, but the kings and lords are simply chosen by wealth or influence. Chances will present itself to you in troves, and one must be wise to choose the correct one.

Lumnieve, on the other hand, calls it Riemela, which means ”Prelude to Wintertide” in the spirit’s tongue. For no matter which war, when the season turns cold and bitter, all shall be covered in quieting snow. And only fools dare underestimate the killing cold of winter. I’m sure she would be more than happy to oblige you staying at the Frost Palace.

Your old mentor on the other hand, Lin, calls it the Avi’Kuola- “Innocent Hell” in the tongue of the old enchanters. For those that died were the young and innocent, and not the guilty and condemned. The flames of war are quite literal, for everything will equally and tragically be reduced to ash. I have no doubt your teacher would act in a way to benefit the inhabitants of this land, even if no-one hears of it.

But does that matter to you at all to have multiple opinions? In the end, it changes nothing. You are merely over thinking the present.

“...Are you actually giving me a pep talk?”

You are a student of winter, my dear, Yuli. But you are also the youngest and most naive. Someone has to watch over you.

“Wow. Thanks for nothing.” Yuelei rolled her eyes. She was a bit skittish about the upcoming battle, but Liur’s presence and words did relieve her nerves a little.

My pleasure. Liur clicked her beak together, her way of laughing without letting her dangerous voice out. There is no need to worry, Yuelei-

Before Liur could finish, Galvin, who was seated next to the metal armory door, slowly stood. A moment afterward, familiar sounds filled Yuelei’s ears- the scratching of hands or claws against stone, the sharp tapping of a beak against rock, and a low screeching sound, barely audible. But there was one new sound, the sound of footsteps. As sudden as they started they stopped, yet before anyone could so much as move, they began anew, this time with greater ferocity and spine-tingling screams.

“Sil and June, with me! Miss Yuelei, Homan boy, assist Arfled!” Gone was the visage of an old and polite butler that and in its place was the overflowing aura of a seasoned fighter.

“Here they come!” Arled signalled Yuelei as the Earthen Barrier crumbled. A Shadowless resembling a giant bird of prey screeched as it fell back, impaled by a Spear of Heavenly Light that Arfled had hurled.

Begone shades! A Ray of Absolute Zero from Liur momentarily lit out the darkness outside, revealing the endless silhouettes of the Shadowless. Those that touched the light screamed and moved away as their bodies smoked and withered away.

There was no time for Yuelei to give a warcry, for the Winter’s Breath that covered her body had combined with that of Liur’s and she had to struggle to keep in control of it. From it, she conjured up several Winter Moons, waiting for the creatures outside to group up before releasing them into their midst like cluster bombs.

Despite Yuelei and Liur’s best efforts, it was like trying to stop darkness from covering the land when the sun sets. Whenever they destroyed one Shadowless’s core, its body would simply be absorbed by those around it. The absorbers would then grow additional grotesque parts from their body, turning into some sort of abomination.

“Leave the finishing blows to us!” Arfled shouted as he spun his pair of swords that were letting off a dim white light. Running up to another Shadowless that was eating its fallen compatriot, he lopped off the monster’s head. Like a spark to kindle, trails of white veins spread from the wound and encompassed the Shadowless’s body. A second later, the creature’s body shattered like glass and turned into a pile of white flakes. Homan spun around with a bastard sword emanating a red glow, the trails of flame a powerful deterrent to any Shadowless that tried to flank Arfled or move towards Yuelei.

“Understood.” Yuelei nodded, noting that her attacks were ineffective. Instead outright going for their core, she started to simply detonate her spells in midair, ripping chunks of shadows from the Shadowless’s forms. Eventually they would regenerate, but it was enough to momentarily halt their advances and gave Arfled plenty of opportunities to finish it off, or Homan to singe their wounds so they could not regenerate.

Liur took a different approach, sitting right above the window with a series of Frost Blades that trailed along her wings like a warglaive. Whenever a Shadowless managed to enter, she simply move her wings closer and the blades of ice would cross over and cleaved anything that it passed through like a guillotine.

With Yuelei as the fire support, Liur as the gatekeeper, Homan as the vanguard, and Arfled as the executioner, it seemed that they would be able to hold on for quite some time.

Except it was at this point the sound of metal hitting the floor could be heard, accompanied by unnatural screams.

“What the hell are those?!” Yuelei turned around to at the sound of Silfy’s voice, except she never caught sight of her, for her sight was drawn to the things that stood at the doorway.

Like all Shadowless, their skin resembled shadows and shades, except their figures were undoubtedly those of humans. Where the eyes should have been were abyssal red ovals devoid of recognition. Where the mouths should have been was dark red grin, crimson light illuminating jagged rows of unnaturally fangs. And from those mouths leaked haunting screams and spine-chilling laughter as the figure’s arms and legs jerked and spasmed unnaturally.

Unlike Silfy and June’s horrified reactions, Galvin had leaped forward with his light-enchanted rapier. Aiming for one of the humanoid Shadowless’s heads, he jabbed forward for a clean strike- only to find the tip of his rapier blocked by a sword that was formed from the creature’s arm.

“Get down!” Galvin ducked as June quickly recovered and released a volley of arrows at the creature. The arrows flew towards the creature’s unprotected legs and arms, only to pass through them and land with a thud in the wall behind them. The being’s maniacal laughter mocked her efforts and the closest one swung at Galvin with a shriek.

“Hnngh!” Galvin snarled as he blocked the creatures attack on one knee, only to find the shadowy sword transforming into claws curling past his rapier and gouging into his armor. Before it managed to reach his chest, the creature jumped back to avoid a Holyflame Spear from Silfy.

“Galvin, are you alright?!”

“I’ll live. Stay on your guard!” Galvin shouted back, fingering the hole in his armor only to find a dark substance eating at his hands like a noxious acid. With a grunt, he took out a small bottle and poured its light brown contents over the hole. Within moments, the Stoneskin potion solidified, covering his hand and armor in a thin sheet of silver-colored dust and extinguishing the smoking toxin.

“A new type?” Silfy murmured as they stared at the four figures at the doorway, Despite the magically-lit room, they slowly inched forward while letting out gleeful hisses, as if the light itself was making them stronger. “Have the Shadowless finally decided to take on the forms of humans?”

“They are not beings that are capable of rational thought, much less make decisions.” Galvin grunted. With one hand, he was drawing figures in the air, light trailing at his fingertips while with the other, he was puncturing the Water Orbs in the air that served as makeshift lights.

“What are you doing?” June asked as she eyed the creature’s slow advance through the doorway. Most Shadowless would cringe and their bodies would smoke in the presence of light, but these anomalies seemed to revel in it- with the red glow coming out from their eyes and mouth growing brighter with each shuffling step.

“An ancient method of communication used by Ecclisa’s 128 Knights.” Galvin pressed a palm in the floating rune in the air. Liquid light dripped between his fingers and when it touched the floor, all the water created from the punctured Water Orbs flashed white, causing the humanoid Shadowless to snarl and halt in their steps. “It just so happens to contain Ecclisa’s Blessing. Phoenix girl! Arfled! Boy! Enter the circle!”

At his call, Arfled gestured for Homan to step back first. With a roar he swung his blades at the giant insectoid Shadowless that had poked its head through the window. As it dissipated into a pile of white flakes, he quickly turned around and retreated into the puddle of light-emanating water.

“What’s the plan?” Yuelei asked as she glanced over to the window, which the blinding light from the pool of Holy Water seemed to keep the normal Shadowless at bay, then at the humanoid Shadowless who had retreated out to the doorway, away from the blinding white light. “But more importantly, do those things have any other weaknesses?”

“That is what I hope to find out.” Galvin replied as as the magical rune in the air warped and took the shape of a sword with a pair of wings at the hilt.

“By Ecclisa, who is it at this time of day?” A familiar voice carried out from the symbol.

“It has been some time, Sister Niana.” Galvin greeted respectfully, but gingerly.

“....Galvin?” The voice on the other side went quiet for a moment before continuing. “What business does the former leader of the Harbinger Crows have, using this method of communication restricted to Ecclisa’s loyal?”

“Niana, we can spend hours questioning my loyalty to the Goddess, or we can skip the hostilities and formalities and you can connect me to High Priestess Geisla. I come bearing news.” Galvin deflected the venom in her words.

“...No news from the Stormcrow is good news. Give me a moment.” Sister Niana’s voice halted as group waited with bated breath.

“Watch out!” Suddenly, Silfy moved in front of the group with her shield raised. The sound of rebounding metal rang through the armory as an arrow-like projectile fell to the floor, quickly melting in the water. Yuelei fixed her gaze back on the humanoid Shadowless, only to see them wielding pitch black bows connected to their arms.

The second volley of arrows descended before they could react. There was no sound of a taut bowstring, or the clink of an arrow as it escaped its quiver- the reason why they were caught off guard.

Liur, whose instincts made her wary of danger, had trained her eyes on the humanoid Shadowless as soon as the first arrow had been fired. Thinking quickly, she froze the puddle of Sanctified Water into an Ice Wall, which thankfully managed to halt the arrows instead of them just passing through.

“By the Goddess, they have bows?” Arfled cursed. “Are they going to use magic next?”

“...Are they actually Shadowless? It’s as if they are-” June’s words were drowned by the high pitched wail that came from the other side of the Ice Wall, followed by the sound of splintering ice as the barrier fell. Despite the light from the pool, the creatures charged forward, leaving hissing sounds as they stepped into the Holy Water. Arfled and Galvin moved forward to intercept two of the humanoid Shadowless, with Yuelei, Silfy, June and Homan dealing with the other two. Liur alone held the window entrance.

“These things are strong!” Silfy’s knees buckled as she blocked a blow, the creature wailing in pain as it struck her light-enchanted shield. The light tipped arrows that June shot at the monster only seemed to be ineffective. The arrows would embed themselves into the creature’s goo-like flesh, only to fall to the ground when the surrounding ooze burnt away and dropped to the ground like vicious tar. The creature would then regenerated from the damage.

“And why in Ecclisa’s name can it move in the Sanctified Water?” Silfy shouted as she slammed her shield into the thing’s face, causing it to stumble to move back a few steps.

“As if I would know!” Homan snorted as he exchanged blows with another humanoid Shadowless, his flame-tinted sword leaving a swathe of glowing red cuts on the thing’s body. “It does seem to slow them down at least!”

Yuelei resorted to controlling the bits of ice on the ground to pelt the creature. Learning from June’s arrows, she mixed the ice with a touch of primal magic, causing it to explode on contact. The resulting spray of Sanctified Water was harmless to Homan, but was like acid to the humanoid Shadowless causing it to howl in pain.

“Any day now, Niana.” Galvin shouted as he parried an an overhead strike, his free hand occupied with the magical rune. “Otherwise the only ‘news’ you’re going to get is from a ghost.”

“...I can’t seem to get into contact with the High Priestess.” Sister Niana’s voice had a hint of surprise.

“Don’t give me that nonsense, Niana.” Galvin snarled into the communication rune after he overpowered the creature’s next attack and kicked it away. “That either means the High Priestess is dead, or about to send a global message to the other sigils across the land! Do you understand the implications of either of those?!”

Before a response could come from the winged sword sigil, it flashed in an even brighter brilliance that drowned out all the other events happening in the room and even disintegrating two of the closer humanoid Shadowless. A wave of emotions seemed to overtake the room as as the glowing symbol transformed into the shape of an angel with three sets of wings. Galvin, Arfled, Silfy and Homan merely stared on in shock as a firm but solemn voice called out from the symbol of the Goddess.

“Brave lords and ladies of the Goddess…” Priestess Geisla addressed the many listeners scattered in the Holy Land of Ecclisa quietly. “Many of you have already realized that by the nature of this symbol, that war has come upon us.”

“Eam Watchtower in the north has fallen, and we have word from Greygrave that several hordes are mustering in the Desolate Plains and will be upon us within a few months. Angel Fortress at the border is currently besieged by a horde of flying Shadowless, but Gareth’s Bulwark has not reported any sightings. There are no reports of any movement on the eastern and western borders, but several patrolling Pegasus Knights reported parties of Shadowless moving in from the Whitefrost Mountains, an unprecedented invasion. ”

At those words, Silfy and Arfled shot Yuelei a questioning look. Unable to offer any answers, she merely shook her head slowly. Before she could turn and ask Liur, the announcement continued.

“There have been sightings of a new type of human-like Shadowless with three observed forms. For clarity, we will be referring to them as the Shadeless. One of the forms is known to use shadow magic and draw out more Shadowless, another is a powerful weapons-master that should be avoided by any under rank six. The third variant can be either of the above, and is highly resistant to light magic. If you find that your light spells are not working on it, do not, I repeat, do not, further strike it with light magic! Upon a powerful impact or when it starts to tear at itself, all of the contained magic will explode!”

After hearing those words, eyes turned to the surviving two Shadeless on the ground. They had fallen to the ground after being struck by the bright light from the communication rune, and were writhing in what was originally thought to be pain the pool of Sanctified Water. One of them turn its head to Silfy, before letting out eerie cackles and started to claw at its neck with its twitching claws.

“Get outside! Now!” Galvin was the first to react, picking Silfy up by the waist and dashing to the window. Liur grabbed Yuelei by her arm and used her wings to propel herself out the window and into the air. Last to leave was Arfled, who had tossed aside both his swords and hoisted up Homan and June in his arms.

As soon as Arfled had made the leap out the window, the sound of wind being sucked inward could be heard, followed by a thundering crash. In the air, Yuelei stared in shock at the result of the light explosion- it was as if a giant sphere had appeared within the armory and disintegrated everything with it.

“Ugh.” Arfled groaned as he crashed into the ground, rolling twice before stopping. After a few seconds of lying still, he weakly got up on a knee and released Homan and June.

“Thanks Arfl-” June started to say, before looking down and noticing the pile of blood and what appeared to be entrails on the ground. Her eyes widened and she quickly ducked around to see that an entire chunk of Arfled’s chestplate was missing. Even in the darkness of the night she could make out the pale white color of bone.

“Dad, are you alright?” Silfy quickly approached, not noticing June or Homan’s expression. Galvin, who had quickly caught on, stealthily moved behind Arfled’s back to check on his wound while kicking up some dirt to cover the evidence on the ground.

“..I’ll be fine.” Arfled forced a pained grin as Galvin hastily applied a searing paste. “This is the Holy Land of Ecclisa with the best healers of all countries after all.” He joked, looking beyond Silfy’s shoulders at June and Homan.

“Silfy he’s-” June tried to speak, only for Homan to clap a hand over her mouth and pull her away in a hushed tone. Homan had understood the meaning behind that look.

“Silfy, why don’t you go enchant June and Homan’s weapons? The blast will only disperse the Shadowless for so long. We will also need to prepare for any Shadeless if they show up again.” Galvin said in firm tone as Yuelei landed nearby, rubbing at the talon marks on her arm.

“But he’s-”

“Silfy Justinia!” Arfled raised his voice, causing Silfy to jump and meekly obey Galvin’s words. She dashed over to where June and Homan were.

“...I’m afraid this is fatal.” Yuelei murmured quietly after Galvin asked if she could do anything. It was one thing to close a wound or clear a toxin and another to replace entire organs. “I’m actually amazed he is still standing at this point.”

“It’s only temporary. The drug I gave him will expire within a half-hour at best if his willpower is strong unless we can get him to one of the sisters or the High Priestess.” Galvin shook his head slowly.“Can you create a block of ice to seal his wound? I’m afraid cauterization would not work well.”

I’ll do it. Liur decided to spare Yuelei the experience, and converged her Winter’s Breath near the gaping hole, freezing over the blood and other bits.

“...That’s pretty cold.” Arfled’s voice was hazy..

“Hold still Arfled. Stay with us. Think about your daughter.” Galvin held a hand to the shattered armor, using bits of earth magic to repair it and cover the gaping hole that revealed Arfled’s insides.

...

“Sister Niana. Are you there?” Galvin addressed communication rune, which had returned to the symbol of a sword with a pair of wings at the hilt. “Based on what the High Priestess said, the Pegasus Knights are too occupied to go on a rescue mission, correct?”

“That is correct. Apologies, Galvin.” Sister Niana said regretfully. She had obviously heard the sounds before the global announcement and reasoned that they were in a precarious situation. “All of the mounts are being prepared for combat. If you can make it to the nearest church-”

“That’s two hours walk from here.” Galvin replied flatly. “We just survived an encounter with four Shadeless while bunkered down, and you expect us to survive an two hours in the open while ‘walking’ to the nearest church?”

“You are the Stormcrow. Think of something.” Sister Niana’s voice hissed. “You should know as well as I do that we cannot sacrifice the life of one for many. Isn’t that the reason you left in the first place?”

“...Fine. Then you can consider me to be truly dead this time.” Galvin swiped a palm through the rune and it vanished before turning to the people that circled around him. “So, you all heard her, what do you think?”

“If it was normal Shadowless, we could easily hold here until dawn. But if a Shadeless came…” Silfy trailed off.

“We can hide in the woods.” June offered. “It is not impossible to avoid detection if we meld into the treetops.”

“If a Shadeless with a bow came, we would be sitting ducks.” Homan interjected. “We could travel and meet up with the main road, there’s likely to be other evacuees and we would have strength in numbers.”

“It’s still a twenty minute travel to the main road, and there’s a chance there are no evacuees and the Opalis Lamps were destroyed.” Galvin shook his head. “It seems our best option is still to barricade ourselves in here and hold out for dawn.”

Yuelei made no comment in their conversation. After their encounter with the Shadeless, they had quickly moved into the basement before the Shadowless returned. Even now the sounds of clawing and scratching could be heard on the earth-reinforced wooden door that led into the basement. A dim flame served as illumination, hopefully not enough to draw in anymore Shadeless. Instead, she decided to take stock of her provisions.

Twenty-six Crystalflare Bombs, eight vials of various healing potions, about two milliliters worth of Gnome Shroom and Breeze Grass essences. It was a dismal pile that did not even fill out a quarter of the Palian Satchel’s pouches and vial holders. It was at this point Yuelei severely regretted leaving most of her alchemical ingredients in the lab, and she cursed herself for growing lax.

Liur was also unnaturally quiet, and when Yuelei looked at her she had her eyes closed and was swaying back and forth on her shoulder. Her sleeping visage made Yuelei wonder if she was wandering the memories of her ancestors, or simply recuperating after using that surge of strength to drag her away from the explosion.

You were just thinking something rude weren’t you? Upon feeling Yuelei’s gaze, Liur open one eye and peered at her.

“I was not.” Yuelei denied sheepishly. “Just wondering why you had your eyes shut?”

It is difficult to control a First Snow clone, especially at such a long distance. Some concentration is necessary.

“A First Snow clone? What’s that?”

In this case, it was a messenger that just finished its task. I was worried for a moment when I had to pull you away from that thing without being at full strength but it looks like I managed somehow. The term Shadeless truly isn’t suitable at all.

“Why do you say that? Did you find out something?”

Why would you name something the opposite of what it truly is? First the Shadowless, then the Shadeless… If not for human foolishness at times, I would think that there is something to hide by using these names.

Before Yuelei could reply, the tiny flame that functioned as a light was extinguished, causing a hush to fall in the cramped storage cellar. Sitting like rabbits in a burrow waiting to be catched did not seem to sit well with Liur, who promptly opened her beak and released a cerulean-flame that bathed the area in a deep blue light. Yuelei recognized it to be a weaker version of the frost-fire that Nakrin, the great Frost Dragon she once flew on, used.

“What in the goddess’s name-” Galvin cursed as soon as he caught a glimpse of the ground, where a viscous oil-like liquid was pouring down from between the cracks of the basement door and onto the floor. It twisted and turned until the shape of a head started to form, followed by a pair of red glowing eyes.

Silfy, who was closest, rushed over and slammed her enchanted mace into forming Shadowless. Veins of light spread over the puddle of shadows before it dissipated into a pile of white flakes. She turned around to give the group a thumbs up, but a split second later Arfled barreled into her, knocking her aside as the basement door gave way.

A wave of fluid shadows poured down from the hole, claws and talons of half-formed Shadowless mixed in. They engulfed Arfled like a storm, clinging to his body and biting into him. A majority of the attacks bounced off his dimly glowing armor, but the place where it was merely reinforced Stoneskin crumbled to pieces.

“Arfled!” Yuelei could not tell who it was that screamed as Galvin dragged them away from the fetid pool of shadows, raising the earth beneath their feet so it wouldn’t touch them. For a brief moment Yuelei saw Arfled glance over to Silfy and then exchange a nod with Galvin.

He picked himself up along with the Shadowless and pool of shadows at his feet. In a feat of strength, he charged out the basement door, taking them with him.

A split second afterward, Galvin sealed the basement entrance with another Earthen Barrier.

“We have to help him!” Silfy struggled against Galvin’s grasp, slamming her shield against his face several times in an attempt to free herself. Galvin stood there without responding a word and simply took the hits. Homan and June stood there, shocked speechless at the sudden turn of events.

The sounds of battle raged outside for at least an hour. With their adrenaline finally abandoning them and exhaustion kicking in, Homan and Silfy, both whom were unaccustomed to long battles, were dozing in a dark corner while being watched by June. Occasionally, June would rub at Silfy’s cheeks with her sleeve, wiping away any newly fallen tears. A deep chill had permeated through the basement where the wall padding was much thinner

Galvin on the other hand, had walked up to the entrance while rubbing at his bruised cheeks. Yuelei offered him a poultice for it, but he simply shook his head and pushed her hand away.

“...Arfled managed to buy us some time, but dawn is still a ways off. In case the barrier falls again, I will go. I am not like him, who can use light magic, but I can still buy us a little more time.” Galvin informed her in a slow whisper. “When that time comes, I will have to ask you to take care of the rest.”

Self-sacrifice isn’t something to be proud of. Liur scoffed, twisting her head aside. Yuelei decided it would be wiser to not make her words known, but Galvin seemed understand her body language and let out a chuckle.

“Your phoenix friend doesn’t seem to particularly care for my resolve. Truly, magical beasts are creatures hard to understand.”

“In the past, I too had a magical beast companion fitting of the title Stormcrow. We didn’t communicate like you and your phoenix, but through body movements.. ”Galvin added after seeing the look on Yuelei’s face. A hint of a smile passed on his face, before his solemn tone returned.

“To think that I would outlive another one of my family members. It seems that old age has really caught up to me, even my limbs are cold. The Goddess surely does not have her eyes upon me.” Galvin laughed mockingly at himself.

“I had never thought you would be one to believe in a Goddess.” Yuelei had always assumed Galvin was more of the rational sort.

“The history of the Holy Church of Ecclisa is riddled with deceit and false idols.” Galvin scoffed. “But even so, at the very beginning, there was a Goddess that represented all that the current believers idealized. She has done nothing to forestall my prayers.”

He speaks the truth. That person was courageous enough to request the Snow Princess for help, albeit she never managed to enter the Frost Palace. Liur said when Yuelei turned to her for affirmation. Lumnieve sent her back with Tasha and Mouno’s assistance, and gave her a gift for her bravery.

Wait. Are you saying that Lumnieve knew Ecclisa? Yuelei barely managed to contain her voice from speaking out aloud with that revelation.

She is older than you think, Yuli. Older than Lin and even older than my ancestors. Unless she fell in battle, she would continue to- Liur cocked her head trying to find the right word. -endure.

“I should get going.” Galvin murmured as the sounds of the Shadowless grew louder. “If the Goddess wills it, then let my sacrifice not be in vain.”

Galvin held out an arm, and a pale green bird that seemed to appear out of thin air landed on it. The crow, or what would have been taken for as a crow if not for it’s set of six eyes, surveyed the room once, its eyes meeting that of Liurs.

“Sorry old friend, but I need your help -if the Goddess wills it so- one last time.” It gave an offended squawk before flapping its wings and flying upwards, simply passing through the ceiling.

“It is time.” Galvin stood up and stabbed his rapier into the barrier of stone, the point slipping through it like it was clay. A faint breeze could be felt, and the wall of stone turned into sand and fell onto the ground.

“Oh Goddess, hear this prayer that I offer so I have power to smite the darkness-“ Galvin murmured as he took a step forward into the midst of the red eyes. “Hear this prayer that I dedicate to your name so I may protect those within, and grant me the warmth for the cold battlefield ahead.”

...

“Goddess? Is that what I’m called now? Then I’m afraid that every battlefield I enter is fated to be cold.” A tinkling voice answered as soon as Galvin walked out.

Galvin turned around to come face to face with a giant white wolf that had sat down on top of the basement door. He turned his head upwards to see the figure of a young girl perched atop the wolf’s shoulder, illuminated by the moonlight. He could feel his limbs freezing over just being within her presence.

“Mouno. Why don’t you fetch Yuli’s friends before they freeze to death?” Lumnieve nodded to the Yeti Slime at her side.

Galvin yelled as a white streak barreled into him from behind, tendrils of of white fur binding him to a gigantic round furry creature. A split second later, Homan, Silfy, and June appeared next to him, even more confused at what just happened. A second later, Yuelei gingerly stepped out from the basement.

“Lumnieve?” Yuelei yelped as a chair of ice formed beneath her and deposited her behind Lumnieve atop Telif.

“A little bird told me about your predicament.” Lumnieve nodded at Liur. “Now then, are these the miserable little cretins that dared to threaten my precious Yuli within my domain?”

Lumnieve’s eyes flashed as she surveyed the Shadowless around them. Galvin had never seen the Shadowless acting so imitated as they gave her a wide berth. Despite the bed of warmth beneath him, he could feel ice forming on top of his skin. Mouno quickly covered those pinned to his body with more hair, shielding them from Lumnieve’s aura that froze even the air itself.

“Pitiful souls with nowhere to call home, bound to this wretched land forever to seek out sources of light. Allow me to give you the rest of which you crave.” Lumnieve’s voice was quiet, but it left behind a deep-seated fear and nervousness in the listeners.

Lumnieve held up a white palm to her mouth and blew a thin stream of white butterflies in the air. At the same time, the ground beneath them seemed to instantly freeze and crystallize like the surface of a lake.

As the frozen ground continued to expand and touch the Shadowless, their writhing and twisting masses were no exception to Lumnieve’s wrath. Their entire bodies would be covered in a layer of transparent frost and the black shadows would slowly vanish as the ice solidified, leaving behind a sculpture of ice.

The flying Shadowless in the air suffered a similar fate. The white butterflies glimmered in the remaining moonlight as they formed a giant cloud, engulfing the Shadowless whole and leaving nothing behind, save a few snowflakes that fell that marked their demise.

“Hmm. Did I overdo it?” Lumnieve rubbed her head and turned to Yuelei behind her. Telif’s teeth curled in response but she did not say a word.

Yuelei turned to survey the area. Despite the fact that it was the month of light, the Justinia manor was in pieces and covered in snow. The ground beneath their feet was covered in ice at least ten centimeters thick, and as she glanced around them, seemed to cover several acre’s worth of land. Even the lush trees and various plants did not go unscathed, frozen solid along with their leaves and branches. The reflective snow and ice also lit up the area despite the fact it was still nighttime.

“...I think you did.” Yuelei stared at the hundreds if not a thousand ice sculptures of Shadowless that was littered around them. “This land is no longer hospitable for living.”

“This haunted land was never suited for living in the first place. It is high time I remedied that.” Lumnieve gazed across the horizon.

“What do you mean?”

“Reimela, Imela nor wista fayyen du.” The words Lumnieve hummed rang in Yuelei’s ears like a haunting tune. Liur gave a rough translation.

Wytfelda is upon us, Yuli. The song of war is only beginning.