The best ones are the first to die.

Cleppe's castle - in a reception room.

''I would like to thank you all for your presence and your responsiveness.'' The viscountess began her speech in front of some of her power relay. Louis was of course there, as were about twenty people who looked after the other villages.

''We've got no news on the war's progress.'' She paused for a second. ''Which means something DID happen. Something important.

Stress began to form within all of them.

''None of our contacts have managed to get any more information about the war, or more likely, they couldn't tell us.'' Dying to reveal this information just wasn't worth it.

''However, they did notice something strange: Both Diana and the first minister have been working together, probably creating new reforms.''

Maybe this was a way for all of the networks to warned their power relay?

''Actually... most of these reforms are defensive directives for the closest cities to the conflict. And some of them could even be related to another recruitment.''

The atmosphere becomes even heavier with each pause.

''Hence, you may as well consider that humanity has suffered a crushing defeat and that there is a greater chance that the troops you sent will never return than the opposite.''

Not waiting for the people frozen in front of them to come back to their senses, she finished. ''You may leave now.''

Louis didn't dwell on it. More than sorrow, he felt relief. Maybe he hadn't been involved enough, hadn't made enough effort to get to know Lucas and Emma, or any of the other villagers who had left. Anyway, they were responsible for their own choice, this was what his logic told him. So he could be relieved.

'Fortunately, Rodolphe has been studying in the capital since... since....'

He stopped in his tracks, resting his hand on his forehead as a headache came over him.

'No... what am I saying? Alain didn't die that day...'

***

In a room.

A man of about 170 centimeters was looking around with emotion. He looked to be in his early twenties and wore a calm look on his face. The room he was in was messy but in a way he understood.

Full of books, of different objects - some of unknown origin or use - this room mixt everyday objects with experiments.

His wandering eyes came to pause on some frames. In them were what were called 'photographies', an image formed by energies that seem fascinating back in the time. The latest technology from where he came from really did seem ridiculous compared to what existed here.

These photographs showed two people, a middle-aged man, and a child.

These photographies were in succession, showing the passage of time.

The young boy always wore a smile, and made the sign of peace, proudly wearing a diploma whose year changed with each photo, as did his age. From a young child of 12 years old, he became an adult who surpassed his father in height, without his smile ever leaving the picture. His last diploma showed that he had become a low Paladin.

On the other side, the middle-aged man was getting older, and even if he didn't have any white hair yet, he was getting closer to that stage.

The young man looked at them in silence, a small smile on his face as the door behind him opened.

The person embraced him from behind before saying his name.

''Louis? Everyone's waiting for you, we need to go.''

''I'm coming,'' he said with a smile on his face before kissing the woman in her early twenties.

He fitted himself with small bracelets on his wrists, as well as a breastplate, leggings, and shoulder pads before going to the corner of the room to get a sword with an emerald outline and a tyrannical aura.

''I'm ready'' he said to his wife, already equipped.

Coming out of the room together, Louis and Manon saw a dozen people waiting for them downstairs in the residence.

After saying goodbye to their family, promising to return safely, someone interrupted.

''Louis, Manon... I'm sorry I can't go with you.'' Said a Demon possessing one green and one white wing. On the latter, patterns were inscribed on it, as if a particular energy network existed.

''Don't worry.'' Louis smiled ''Someone has to guard them.''

''I...''

''Olivier. No matter what happens, you will always be my beloved little brother. Not everyone needs to fight. Don't worry, because I'll be back safe and sound, you know me, right?''

''Yeah... see you soon then.'' He said, still a little disappointed that he could never help him.

As they left the house, a crowd was waiting for them, leading the way. Each of them had wings, whether black, white, grey, or even special. And as they walked, a torrent of applause awaited them.

That was the reason for their equipment.

It was a kind of parade before the real fight, where they would of course be equipped with heavy armor and helmets.

In the crowd, all kinds of exclamations and words could be heard, some seeing humans for the first time, their eyes twinkling with admiration.

This last battle, they were going to win it.

Knowledge: Tearing off the wings of a Demon or an Angel is the worst crime, after treason. Experimenting on winged people is also forbidden by the laws. And even if these can't reach them, the members of the sect's alliance would happily hunt them down.

Knowledge: With his 'righteous Knights', Ludovic tried to re-instate the flying equipment to the Knights.

No events were triggered.