Leaving the Past Behind
The road stretched far beyond the
Aeralis Ruins—
Winding through hills, fading into a horizon that promised something new.
Elior walked ahead, hands loosely in his pockets.
Beside him—
Mira
And just behind—
Eclipse Lunashade
Not heavy.
Not suffocating.
Just… quiet.
"…So," Mira finally said, breaking it,
"…you gonna explain what actually happened back there?"
He didn't look at her.
"…We stopped something big."
"…Didn't end it."
Mira Stops Walking
"…That's not an explanation."
Elior Shrugs
"…It's the truth."
What He Doesn't Say
The abyss.
The balance.
The cost.
Some things weren't easy to put into words.
"…I'll explain later," he added.
"…When I understand it better myself."
Mira Studies Him
For a moment—
She said nothing.
Then—
"…Fine."
But her tone said:
This isn't over.
Eclipse Lunashade walked quietly—
Its aura calm—
Yet faintly flickering.
Not unstable.
But aware.
Watching something unseen.
The land shifted as they moved forward—
From broken stone—
To green plains.
From echoes of battle—
To signs of life.
On the horizon—
A city rose.
Not towering.
Not overwhelming.
But strange.
Elegant structures curved like drifting air—
Banners floating instead of hanging—
Architecture shaped by wind itself.
Ballonea City
Mira's Reaction
"…Okay."
"…That's actually beautiful."
Elior Smirks
"…You say that now."
"…Give it ten minutes."
As they approached—
The mood shifted.
Guards stood at the entrance.
Not aggressive—
But alert.
Watching everyone who passed.
"…Since when do cities look like they're expecting trouble?" Mira muttered.
Elior's Instinct
"…Since trouble started moving faster than news."
They stepped through the gates.
The wind flowed gently—
But the people didn't.
Whispers echoed through the streets.
"…That's them…"
"…You felt it too, right?"
"…Something's coming…"
Mira Lowers Her Voice
"…They're scared."
Elior Nods
"…Not scared."
"…Waiting."
On a nearby wall—
Something scratched over old paint.
A broken emblem.
Something that once resembled
Team Umber
But now—
Twisted.
Changed.
Eclipse Lunashade suddenly stopped.
Its aura pulsed—
Dark.
Then light.
Then both.
Elior Turns Immediately
"…Lunashade?"
For a split second—
A wave passed through the city.
Not visible—
But felt.
A pressure—
Like something watching.
Mira Steps Closer
"…Yeah… I felt that."
Elior's Warning
His tone shifted instantly.
"…Stay close."
Something Is Here
This wasn't coincidence.
This wasn't aftermath.
This was something new.
High above
Ballonea City
A figure stood at the edge of a tower.
Still.
Silent.
Watching.
The same man.
The wind moved around him—
But he didn't move at all.
As if he was the center of something greater.
His voice blended with the wind—
Low.
Certain.
"…So you made it."
A pause.
"…Good."
"…The stage is ready."
And the journey continues...