There exist over 20 countries in the Northern Region of the Silver Continent. One of these countries was the naval country of Ziyech. With the sea in the front and the mountains in the back, this country had a crescent shape. At the capital, a marvelous teal palace served as the home of the royal family. The king of Ziyech was sitting on his throne looking at an envelope with a confused expression.

“Are you certain that this is authentic?”

“The envoy who delivered it had Renacido’s insignia as well as an azure dragon scale. We confirmed that it had a heavenly aura that only a higher being could possess. So we suspect that it’s from Tiamat.”

A servant explained the situation while kneeling before the king.

“….I see.”

The king opened the envelope and took out the paper inside and read it. His eyes widened and his hands trembled.

“What the hell is this?!”

He stood from his seat.

“Why is Renacido sending a peace treaty to us?!”

Elsewhere. On the opposite side, the Northern Region stood the country of Rennes. The queen who ruled this country was holding an identical paper as the Ziyech King.

“What’s going on here? The last time I checked we weren’t at war with the Dragna Empire. So why did its proxy send us a peace treaty?”

She crossed her legs with a frown.

“What’s more, is this piece of information attached to it.”

Near Dale laid the demon country of Edison. The demon king of that country was looking at the information in front of him.

“Nero and Kimiko are out of commission? There is infighting among the clans in the empire? Is any of this true?”

He looked at his advisors for answers.

“According to our sleeper agents, there was indeed evidence of fights in the capital as of late. The roof of the palace was blown off, the skies blacken, and explosions rang.”

“Also, the three clans have hidden themselves since then.”

“So you’re telling me that Tiamat’s Proxy gave us this information along with a peace treaty?”

“We have word that all the other countries in the Northern Region received the same thing.”

“What?.... That’s the same as surrendering to the rest of the northern region…Could it be that the damage the Dragna Empire received was greater than we expected?”

News of Miko’s peace treaty quickly spread across the globe and drew the attention of all the big guns of the world. The grandson of Nero and Kimiko had issued out peace treaties and gave out vital information about his clan. This was the same as lowering his head and begging them not to attack the country he built.

He was selling out his family to save his own neck!

“After I just told him not to do anything foolish too…”

Ecko sighed after receiving the report of Miko’s actions along with the other branch leaders.

“What do you three think?”

“The chance that Miko got scared and is trying to save his own neck is zero.”

Rouge answered.

“I agree. If he was such a coward he wouldn’t have accomplished any of the things that he did.”

Andreas spoke with a frown.

“There’s more to his actions. The problem is that he gave out vital information that will encourage people to attack the empire.”

Ecko nodded at Alexus’s words.

“Many will believe that this is a trap to lure or enemies here. However, once they confirm that Nero and Kimiko are indeed out of commission because of infighting it seems like a genuine attempt to defect. After all, his grandparents were injured. He may want to join hands with outsiders to avenge them.”

“I see. You can look at it from that angle.”

Andreas nodded.

“Rather than believing that he’s a coward, it’s easier to believe that he’s angry with the empire….In fact, the chances of that are high.”

Silence covered the room. They couldn’t understand the true intentions behind Miko’s actions. Even so, they couldn’t deny the possibility of him turning his back on them.

“Emergency!”

A servant burst into the room out of breath.

“What is it?”

“Armies of soldiers have been spotted camping out at the borders of Renacido! They’re preventing anyone from the rest of the empire from entering the country!”

“What?!”

Renacido, the borders shared with the rest of the Dragna Empire was swamped with heavily-armed soldiers and armored vehicles. Scouts covered the land and sky preventing anyone from crossing the borders. This action sent a clear message. Renacido was separating itself from the Dragna Empire.

“Why are we doing this? Not only that, why did the Don do any of the things that he’s done?”

A soldier mumbled to his comrades while keeping a lookout.

“I don’t know. However, it’s the don’s orders. I’m sure he has his reasons.”

“….Are we going to declare independence from the Dragna Empire?”

“I don’t know.”

“….This could lead to a bloodbath, couldn’t it?”

“…Yup.”

“…….”

“Are you scared?”

The soldier shook his head.

“The Don isn’t a fool. I’m sure that he has a plan. I’ll just do my part to ensure that it succeeds.”

His comrades smiled.

“Spoken like a true soldier. To think that you were a petite thief a year ago.”

“That’s my old life. I’ve been reborn since coming here. My life has a purpose now and I’ll protect the place that allowed me to change myself!”

He faced his comrades.

“Are you with me, Brothers?!”

“Oh!!!”

His comrades threw their fists in the air along with him.

“Praises to the Don King! Renacido to the day I die!”

“Renacido to the day I die!”

The soldiers' earthshaking shouts could be heard from miles away, causing the citizens of the Dragna Empire to tense up.

“Miko is going to lead a rebellion!”

This new piece of information came as a shock to everyone worldwide. Soon information that Miko hadn’t return to the capital since his return also made rounds and increased the authenticity of his possible rebellion.

“Certainly this makes more sense than him suddenly getting scared and running to others for help.”

Somewhere in the world, Jin Makoto was reading a report of what was happening with Miko. He looked at Bloom, Hana, and Shòuxíng who were covered in bandages.

“What do you think?”

“He must be planning something.”

“I agree with Bloom. That guy is always scheming after all.”

“You two make him sound like a manipulative schemer.”

Bloom and Shòuxíng looked at Hana.

“Well, isn’t he?”

She didn’t know what to say.

Xia, Primus Dominion. Nova was sitting on the throne meant for the branch leader. He wore a smile on his face.

“Most of the world seems to misunderstand the meaning behind the peace treaties that Miko sent out.”

He laughed.

“This might improve the mood that I’m in.”

Nami, Renacido. Miko was standing in front of Momo, who was sitting on a bed. She was unable to maintain her child form and was in her true form.

“How are you feeling?”

Momo looked at her hand with a frown.

“I still can’t get used to the feeling of not being able to use mana freely.”

“I see. It’s been a month since you’ve started your treatment. Alec said that you’re doing better than he expected so you might not need a year to make a full recovery. Even so, you should take it easy.”

“I know….How’s everything going?”

“I’m having everyone train themselves for the time being. After I get responses from the other countries then I’ll make my move.”

“Don’t overdo it.”

“Don’t worry. At the end of the day, I’ll end up the winner.”

“Winning and losing, I feel that’s all you talk about these days.”

“It’s because we’re at a stage where victory and losses will decide our survival.”

“Just don’t get yourself devoured by that obsession.”

“You and Ecko worry too much. I’m fine….I need to go.”

“Are you going to fight with Natasa again?”

“Yeah. In order for her to get accustomed to her powers, I’m having her fight me, Ace, Sora, Hina, and Layla in order. We’re all different fighters with different fighting styles, so it should be great practice for her and everyone else.”

“Layla really got stronger huh?”

Miko nodded.

“She’s weaker than me but the techniques that she learned in the Ruined World is enough to cause me a great deal of trouble. I think whatever attached itself to her soul when she was resurrected has made her extremely close to the original demons. She will definitely become extremely powerful in the future.”

“Really? Maybe I should spar with her when I recover?”

“I’m sure that she’ll love that.”

“….How are Tessa and Kristen doing?”

“….Kristen is still upset that I won’t allow him to see our mother. He isn’t rebelling but he isn’t hiding his dissatisfaction towards me either.”

“And Tessa?”

“She’s upset too but she’s surprisingly trying to be considerate. She’s trying her best not to cause me any trouble.”

“How mature.”

Miko nodded.

“You shouldn’t try to isolate yourself from your siblings though. Understandably, they’re worried and anxious.”

“I know. Not everyone can kill off their emotions like me.”

“I didn’t say that. I just want you to act like a brother should and properly guide them.”

Momo stood up and walked towards him.

“Remember, before you’re the leader of Renacido or Tiamat’s Proxy, you’re their brother first.”

Miko looked at her and nodded.

“I’m going to join everyone else. Do you wanna come?”

Momo shook her head.

“I’m still tired from my treatment. I think I’ll get some sleep.”

“….I see. Then I’ll come to check on you once I’m free.”

“Alright. Good luck.”

Miko nodded and left the room. Momo’s smile slowly faded from her face and she fell to her knees.

“Ugh…”

She held her stomach and fell on her side. Her breathing quickened as she rolled into a ball.

“It feels like my insides are being torn apart…Ugh!”

She laid on her back covered in sweat.

“?!”

Her body stiffened. She shut her mouth to prevent herself from screaming. She rolled on the ground, going back and forth. It was obvious the level of pain she was feeling.

“……….”

Miko silently leaned outside her door. The faint sounds of anguish that escaped the room all reached his ears. He gritted his teeth and clenched his trembling fists. He took a deep breath and then walked away.