Inside the central surveillance chamber, Zorua stood among a group of researchers specializing in tracking magical coordinates. Their discussion revolved around a single mystery:
The sudden disappearance of **Dragon Staff Castle**.
For years, the castle had appeared regularly on the empire's coordinate radars. Its movements were unpredictable, but it always left a detectable trace.
Now…
It had vanished completely.
Not a single magical signature remained.
Zorua folded his arms as he silently analyzed the situation.
*The disappearance of Queen Nira's castle like this is extremely suspicious.*
*Nira was always active, constantly moving her castle from place to place while feeding on the blood of the "pure" elves.*
*According to the ancient treaty she signed with most of the empires, she was allowed to do so—as long as she never targeted humans or the other races.*
*It was a compromise born from fear.*
*The kingdoms feared her destructive power too much to confront her directly.*
His eyes narrowed slightly.
*But her coordinates have been missing for nearly a month.*
*Did something happen…?*
*Something we don't know about?*
He exhaled slowly.
*I need to inform General Akaria immediately.*
*Our plan cannot afford unexpected variables.*
One of the researchers interrupted his thoughts.
"Sir Zorua… what are your orders regarding the disappearance?"
Zorua replied firmly,
"Continue monitoring the castle's last known geographical range. Scan every magical frequency you can."
"I'm going to report this to General Akaria."
"Yes, sir," the researcher replied.
---
Meanwhile, tension filled the headquarters.
Members of the alliance were pushing themselves through the most intense training they had ever experienced. The coming battle would decide the fate of everything.
Victory…
Or annihilation.
Despite the fear that lingered in the air, the soldiers' confidence in Akaria's leadership was unmistakable.
She stood before rows of elite warriors, their formation perfectly disciplined.
Her voice echoed across the training grounds.
"Warriors!"
"This is the final day of preparation."
"We have received the signal from the **Frost Shadow Empire**."
Her voice grew sharper.
"You must prepare yourselves—physically and mentally."
"This time, there will be no negotiations."
"Only two outcomes exist."
"Victory… or defeat."
"Ruler Kaizen will confront you with terrifying power. Even if the shadow of death approaches you…"
Her gaze hardened.
"Fight until your final breath."
"To die with honor on the battlefield is far better than surrender."
"The roots of the **Dark Age** have reached their peak."
"If we fall today, only one future awaits this world."
She raised her voice.
"The return of the **Moon Queen**."
"And the end of the world."
"Now return to your training!"
---
While her speech echoed throughout the headquarters, Nico Sigmund stood alone at the edge of the highest tower in the research complex.
From there, the entire city stretched beneath him.
His expression was cold.
It was almost as if the coming war meant nothing to him.
It wasn't confidence in his strength.
It was something else.
A deep awareness…
As though he already knew the outcome of the battle before it had even begun.
The sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts.
Akaria stepped onto the tower behind him.
She wore the same warm smile she had mastered so well.
"Hello, Nico," she said lightly.
"Why are you sitting here alone? You look like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders."
Nico didn't turn around.
"I was just thinking about the path this war will take."
Akaria stepped beside him, resting her arms on the stone railing.
"I understand your concern," she said in a tone meant to comfort him.
"This is difficult for all of us."
"But believe me… we're doing this for the sake of the world."
She looked toward the distant horizon.
"The danger surrounding us is far greater than any personal conflict."
"And I'm certain the other empires will soon move to support us."
Nico spoke quietly, his voice carrying a strange calmness.
"Thank you, Akaria… for welcoming me into the Black Spear."
"I truly enjoyed working with you and protecting this kingdom—the first place that accepted me."
"I'm ready to accept whatever outcome this war brings."
He finally turned his gaze toward her.
"The real question is… are you prepared to do the same?"
Akaria smiled faintly, though bitterness flickered behind her eyes.
"Of course, Nico."
"I'm ready to accept any fate… as long as we've done everything possible to protect this world from the destruction of the **Dark Age**."
Nico nodded slowly.
"I understand."
"Then there's nothing left to fear."
He paused briefly.
"But I do have one final request."
Akaria looked at him attentively.
"Go ahead, Nico. If we win this war, I'll do everything in my power to grant it."
Nico spoke calmly.
"Take care of the members of my alliance who remained behind."
"Especially the three of them—Athena, Noran, and Sevia."
"I don't want them involved in this war."
"I'll carry their burden myself."
Akaria hesitated for a moment before answering.
"It's a difficult request… We need every fighter we can get."
"But I'll respect your wish, Nico."
"After all… you are the cornerstone of this team."
Nico extended his hand.
"Then we have an agreement."
"I truly appreciate your support."
"I'm sure I'll repay that debt someday… in one way or another."
He turned away.
"Now, excuse me. I should leave."
Akaria nodded.
"Of course."
"See you tomorrow, Nico."
---
The moment Nico disappeared from sight—
Akaria's composure shattered.
Tears streamed down her face.
They were tears heavy with regret.
"I'm truly sorry, Nico…" she whispered hoarsely.
"I never imagined we would make such a decision about you."
"You gave everything to keep this team together… to protect this kingdom."
She clenched her hands.
"But saving the world from certain destruction matters more than anything else."
"Even if the price… is your life."
"I'm truly sorry."
---
About an hour later, Akaria sat in her office with Zorua, reviewing the latest developments.
"Any new updates?" she asked.
"Yes, Lady Akaria," Zorua replied. "There's something strange regarding Queen Nira and her mobile castle, **Dragon Staff**."
Akaria frowned slightly.
"That savage queen again… What is it?"
Zorua explained,
"Our coordinate team has tracked the castle's movements for over twenty years. It never stopped moving during that time."
"But for some unknown reason… the castle has completely disappeared from the radar."
"It used to appear and vanish intermittently, but now it has vanished entirely."
Akaria leaned forward.
"Are you certain?"
"The last thing we need is an unexpected variable. If Nira interferes in this war, it would be disastrous."
Zorua nodded.
"I know. But according to the treaty with the three empires, she shouldn't interfere."
"The real concern is that something may have happened to her… something that caused the castle's disappearance."
Akaria shook her head slightly.
"I doubt it."
"That queen possesses terrifying power. She might even rival Kaizen."
"She probably just changed her route."
She looked at him seriously.
"Continue monitoring her movements carefully."
"The important thing is that she doesn't interfere with our upcoming battle."
Then she asked,
"What about the power detection device?"
"And have the heroes mastered the new **Ultimate** technique?"
Zorua answered confidently,
"The device is fully calibrated and now provides extremely precise readings."
"As for the new technique, the heroes have reached roughly seventy-five percent mastery."
"All soldiers have also been equipped with the latest armor reinforced with mana shielding."
Akaria nodded with satisfaction.
"Good."
"Then we are fully prepared."
[End of Chapter 56]