A full day had passed since the fall of the Queen.
At the border of Helmora, Solar Soldiers squinted against the glaring sun.
In the distance, a solitary figure was approaching through the heat haze.
As he drew closer, they realized it was Liuke, but he wasn't alone.
He was accompanied by several horses crafted entirely from solar energy.
Strapped to them were small, frail bundles—nine children of the frost.
Liuke finally reached the border gates, his face weathered and weary.
One of the soldiers stepped forward, his voice laced with uncertainty.
"Liuke?"
"Yes," Liuke replied, his voice raspy from the long journey. "It's me."
The soldier looked at the glowing steeds and the tiny passengers.
"And who are these children tied to the horses?"
"I healed them with my solar energy," Liuke explained softly.
"They were children of the Eternal Freeze, on the brink of death."
"As a soldier, it was my duty to save them. I had to bring them here."
The guards exchanged glances but eventually stood aside.
As soon as Liuke dismounted, the solar horses flickered and vanished.
Other soldiers hurried forward to gently lift the children down.
"What will happen to them?" Liuke asked, anxiety creeping into his voice.
"Nothing bad. They'll be sent to an orphanage to be raised."
"Are you sure?" Liuke muttered, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Probably between one and two years old," he added when asked.
"Alright, you're free to go for now," the soldier said, his expression turning serious.
"But I have to ask... what about the three Commanders?"
"Commander Kling, Lak, and Yui? Elvis and Jems made it back some time ago."
The mention of their names sent a sharp pang through Liuke's chest.
"They were Commanders... but two were killed right before my eyes."
"I suspect the third was lost as collateral damage. I'm sorry."
The soldier sighed. "Well, it can't be helped. Go home, Liuke."
"But be ready—the Solar Council is going to be breathing down your neck soon!"
Liuke forced a small, tired laugh and walked away.
But inside, a heavy weight of guilt settled deep in his stomach.
So many legendary lives had been lost because of the chaos he was caught in.
He traveled from Aurora City straight to Pipon City, his hometown.
Throughout the journey, he remained deathly silent.
He avoided eye contact and conversation with anyone he passed.
When he finally reached his hotel, the silence of his room hit him hard.
He collapsed onto his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"I don't know what I should do..." he whispered to the empty room.
As he lay there, a face suddenly flashed in his memory—Klane.
"How could I forget my little friend... my sister?"
Liuke sat up abruptly. "It feels like I've been gone for years."
He quickly showered, ate a meager breakfast, and headed for Klane's house.
The door was opened by Klane's mother, who had adopted her.
"Liuke!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock.
"When did you get back? I heard rumors you'd been kidnapped!"
"You heard right," Liuke said with a tired smile. "I just got back today."
"Many people who came to save me didn't make it... I've been mourning them."
"But then I remembered Klane and had to come see her."
"Oh, that's wonderful! She's in her room, playing games."
Liuke followed her to Klane's door and stepped inside.
Klane heard the door open and looked up.
"Am I really seeing this?" she gasped, her controller slipping from her hands.
"Is this a dream? Br-Brother Liukee!!"
Klane dashed toward him, grabbing his hand and pulling him to her bed.
"Brother Liuke, you're really okay! I was so worried!"
"The Inquest Force told me you'd been taken to the other side of the world!"
"Oh Klane," Liuke said, patting her head gently.
"I thought you were just a naughty girl, but you're becoming sensible."
"Brother, since you've been to that other world, I want to hear stories!"
Then, her eyes fell on his right hand. She froze in total shock.
"Wait... how is your hand healed?"
"Ah, that... sit tight, I'll tell you everything."
Liuke spent the rest of the day recounting the harrowing events.
Klane listened with wide eyes as he described the battles and the survival.
"Wow, Brother Liuke," Klane whispered when he finished.
"You lost so much, but in the end, you were a hero to those babies."
"And Queen Sharley... she sounds terrifying, but maybe she was just lonely."
"You're right, Klane," Liuke said softly.
"The mother inside her tried to change at the very end. She just didn't survive."
"Let's go out, Brother!" Klane suggested, jumping up.
"Yes, take her," her mother added from the doorway.
"Take her out to celebrate this reunion, Liuke."
As they walked through the streets, Klane looked up at him.
"Where are we going, Brother Liuke?"
"To a bar," he replied. "It feels good to be back."
At the entrance, the bartender stopped them, eyeing Klane. "No kids."
"Don't worry," Liuke said firmly. "I'm a former Solar Soldier."
"I have her mother's permission. Nothing will happen under my watch."
The bartender gave a stern warning but let them pass.
Liuke sat at the counter and ordered a drink, with Klane perched beside him.
As he sipped his drink, a nearby conversation caught his ear.
"...you hear? All the Elders were murdered last night!"
Liuke's hand froze mid-air.
He reached out and placed a hand on the speaker's shoulder.
"Is that true? Are you serious?"
The man turned around. "Yeah, man. I'm dead serious."
"The news is spreading through Helmora like wildfire."
"But how? When did this happen?" Liuke pressed, his heart racing.
"Last night. Assassins took out the five Elders in secret."
"Now, the criminals have taken their seats."
"Didn't anyone oppose them?" Liuke asked, his voice rising.
"The Solar Force? Inquest? Did they all just sit back and watch?"
"Brother, those criminals aren't ordinary people," the man whispered.
"They are the strongest Solar Energy combatants in existence."
"They showed off powers on Live TV today that left everyone in shock."
"Powers that can control reality itself. Killing without touching."
"Bringing the dead back to life, or merging Solar Cores to multiply strength."
"But why are they doing this?"
"I don't know, man. But all the squads are under their thumb now."
"They announced a massive update tomorrow at 12 noon."
Liuke stopped asking questions, his mind reeling with dread.
"Brother, what were those men talking about?" Klane asked, tugging his sleeve.
"Nothing," Liuke said, trying to mask his fear.
"This is adult business, Klane. I'm sorry."
Liuke stared into his glass, lost in a dark worry.
What was happening to his world while he was away?