Turning Point 1 [Finale]

As the sun still haven't rise on the following day, our evacuation plan neared its conclusion. Most of Roa's residents had already left for the designated safe haven.

Only a handful of families, including the mayor's, remained to make their final preparations before joining the departure.

My responsibility was to ensure the mayor's family's safety during their journey to the safe haven. It was a duty I accepted with reluctance, knowing it meant parting from my brother for a time. Nevertheless, duty always came before personal desires.

Before our separation, I confronted my brother one more time, gripping his hand firmly and meeting his gaze. "Take care, brother. Please be safe here within the citadel, alright?"

"Of course. Have a safe travel as well," he replied, trying to match my resolve. However, beneath his determined facade, I sensed a hint of unease.

Noticing that troubled expression, I probed gently. "What's wrong, brother? You seem quite bothered."

He hesitated briefly before opening up. "I can't quite explain it, but something feels a bit off."

"What do you mean by that?" I inquired, curious about his concerns.

"You see, I've been in touch with most of the mages responsible for supporting me with the citadel's protective barrier," Rudeus explained, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "However, I haven't seen Master Roxy among them until now."

Roxy, our talented magic tutor, was the kind who would typically be at the forefront of such a significant magical endeavor. Her absence raised troubling questions.

"Have you tried sending her letters about the impending calamity?" I suggested, wondering if Roxy might be unaware of the situation.

Rudeus frowned as he replied, "That's the weird part, Reine. I've written numerous letters to her ever since we learned of the calamity, and yet, there hasn't been any responses."

"Hmm, that does sound strange," I mused, contemplating the implications. "Why don't we discuss this with the mayor? He might have some clue into her absence."

He nodded in agreement, and together we made our way to the citadel's entrance, where the others were finalizing their preparations for the journey.

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As we arrived at our destination, we spotted lord Sauros, Mayor Philip and Ghislaine standing near the entrance. Not only that, raised voices echoed from outside, indicating some kind of commotion was happening.

Curious about the disturbance, we decided to approach the three and inquire about the situation.

"Good day, everyone," I greeted all of them. "It seems there's quite a commotion here. Did something happen?"

The mayor shifted his attention to us, his expression a mixture of warmth and concern. "Ah, that? It's just a heated argument between mother and child."

"How troublesome this situation has become," Lord Sauros grumbled impatiently.

Ghislaine, while maintaining her stoic demeanor, had a troubled look in her eyes, which didn't go unnoticed.

Rudeus and I exchanged glances, both of us curious about the nature of the argument. We looked forward and saw Madam Hilda arguing with Eris in the distance.

"What do you mean you're not coming with us?" the mistress questioned her daughter.

Eris, standing her ground, crossed her arms and replied firmly, "I want to stay here and defend the citadel."

Madam Hilda's features contorted, a blend of frustration and concern. "Eris, it's too dangerous to remain here. You must come with us to the safe haven. We can't risk your safety."

Eris shook her head vehemently, her determination unwavering. "No, I can't abandon Roa and leave it vulnerable to harm."

"But dear, you're aware the citadel has a protective barrier to shield it from the calamity," Madam Hilda attempted to reason.

However, Eris remained resolute, countering her mother's argument. "That doesn't guarantee safety, mother. I can't let Ghislaine defend Rudeus and the other mages on her own."

Madam Hilda was left momentarily speechless by Eris's stance, her frustration mounting as she grappled with her daughter's stubbornness.

Witnessing this, Mayor Philip couldn't help but let out a sigh. "Ah, my own child has become quite the handful lately," he lamented, casting a side glance toward us. "If only there were someone who could reason with her."

Lord Sauros was more direct in his approach. "You two, go and resolve that situation immediately!" he ordered.

Taking the hint, Rudeus and I reluctantly obeyed, approaching the mother and daughter with the hope of mediating and shedding some light on the matter.

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As we approached the mother and daughter duo, they both regarded us with a mix of surprise and frustration, the weight of their disagreement evident in their expressions.

Madam Hilda appeared weary, as if she had engaged in a lengthy argument with her daughter, while Eris maintained her stance of unwavering determination, her resolve clear in her eyes.

Rudeus stepped forward first and spoke calmly. "Eris, we admire how much you care about Roa. But your safety, as well as the safety of your family, is more important right now."

"He's right, dear," Madam Hilda concurred, her voice tinged with concern. "We cannot allow you to stay here. It's just too dangerous."

Eris, however, stood her ground, her determination unyielding. "I appreciate your concerns, both of you, but I've thought long and hard about this. I can't bring myself to abandon Roa."

I joined in, my tone gentle yet firm. "Look, Eris, we get it. You really care about the citadel. But there are strong people like Ghislaine and my brother, who can protect Roa. If you come with us to the safe haven, your family will feel better, and you'll be safe too."

"She has a valid point," Rudeus agreed with me, sounding concerned. "Think about it. Your safety matters the most to everyone. Joining with Reine and your family is the best way to help Roa."

Eris seemed torn by our words, as if she were engaged in an internal battle between her desires and what was safest.

Madam Hilda put her hand on her daughter's shoulder, looking worried. "Eris, please, for your safety and for our peace of mind, come with us. It will be better for Roa if you're safe."

Eris closed her eyes for a moment, contemplating our words. When she opened them again, her decision was clear, even if it brought a tinge of sadness.

"I've heard all your pleas, and I understand your concerns," Eris spoke with unwavering bravery. "But my answer is still no."

Her unwavering resolution momentarily left the mistress and my brother utterly speechless, her choice made with a conviction that seemed unshakable.

As for me, I couldn't help but chuckle at her sheer stubbornness. "Well, Eris, I suppose there's no way in changing your mind, is there?"

"That's right. I've decided to stay and defend Roa rather than flee with my family," she explained, her unwavering determination evident.

Hearing her unyielding resolve, I couldn't help but smile wearily, while Madam Hilda and Rudeus exchanged concerned glances.

But then, a sudden thought crossed my mind, and my weary smile became playful. I leaned in closer to Eris and whispered something to her ears. "Or perhaps you just want to stay because you have a soft spot for my brother?"

Eris's face turned a deep shade of red, embarrassed by my comment. She pushed me away, exclaiming, "W-what are you talking about, Reine! You've got it all wrong!"

Amused by her flustered reaction, I continued to tease her. "Oh really? Then why is your face turning such a lovely shade of red?"

"N-no, I'm not blushing! You're just imagining things!" she stammered, her attempts to regain her composure only making her more flustered.

Seeing her like this just because of my brother was amusing, and I couldn't help but acknowledge if she does have feelings for him.

Meanwhile, Madam Hilda and Rudeus exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback by Eris's unexpected response.

My brother eventually broke the silence, his voice filled with confusion. "Um, Reine, as entertaining as this conversation might be, what exactly is your plan here?"

"I agree, how does teasing my daughter help in convincing her to leave?" Madam Hilda chimed in, equally confused.

I turned my attention to the two of them, still grinning. "Well, you see, I'm testing her."

""Testing her?"" both of them asked, not understanding my point.

Eris, on the other hand, glared at me, clearly unamused by my teasing and demanding an explanation.

I decided it was time to address the confusion and provide clarity. "Eris, I have a question for you, and your answer will determine the validity of your decision to stay in Roa."

Hearing my serious tone, she nodded. "Alright, what's your question, Reine?"

Taking a deep breath, I prepared to ask the question that had been bothering me since this argument began. A question that would reveal why Eris was so insistent on staying in the citadel. A question I was about to ask right now.

"Eris, do you have feelings for my brother?"

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The silence that followed my question was almost palpable. Madam Hilda and Rudeus wore expressions of sheer astonishment, their eyes wide as saucers, while Eris was in a state of complete embarrassment, her face crimson and her eyes avoiding contact with anyone.

For a moment, it seemed as though time itself had frozen, and I couldn't help but wonder if I had pushed things too far with my teasing. My heart raced as I awaited Eris's response, fearing I might have crossed a line.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she managed to regain her composure, though her blush persisted. She cleared her throat and spoke, her voice trembling with a mix of embarrassment and sincerity.

"Well, um... Yes," she admitted in a soft voice, her eyes still averted. "I do have feelings for Rudeus."

Rudeus looked equally stunned by her confession, his eyes wide and his face a deep shade of red. He seemed utterly at a loss for words but deep down, he is undoubtedly happy.

Madam Hilda, on the other hand, let out a surprised gasp and clasped her hands over her mouth, her eyes filled with a mix of shock and understanding. It was as if a puzzle piece had fallen into place, and suddenly everything made sense.

As for me, I couldn't help but grin mischievously, feeling a sense of victory in unraveling this mystery. "Well, well, it seems there was more to your decision than meets the eye after all."

Eris's embarrassment deepened, and she shot me a reproachful glare. "You just had to ask that question, didn't you, Reine?"

I chuckled at her reaction, unapologetic for my curiosity. "Hey, you can't blame me for being too curious."

Madam Hilda, still processing this revelation, approached her daughter, her expression a mix of surprise and concern. "Eris, why didn't you tell me about this?"

Eris lowered her gaze, her voice filled with regret. "I... I didn't want to burden you, Mother. I thought it was just a silly little crush, and I didn't want to complicate things."

The mistress sighed, her maternal instincts taking over. She hugged her daughter tightly. "Oh, dear. You should have told me. Love is a beautiful thing, and you shouldn't have kept it a secret."

Rudeus, recovering from the shock of the confession, finally found his voice. "Eris... I didn't know you felt this way."

Eris met his gaze, her embarrassment giving way to an awkward smile. "I never intended for you to find out like this. I was planning to tell you someday, but I suppose now will do."

The tension that had hung in the air began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of understanding and acceptance.

It was a turning point in their relationship, one that would undoubtedly bring new challenges but also new opportunities for growth.

Madam Hilda, still holding her daughter, turned to me with a warm smile. "Thank you, Reine, for bringing this to light. It's a relief to know the truth."

I nodded in response, my mischievous grin replaced by one of satisfaction. "You're welcome, madam Hilda. You could say that a little teasing can lead to important revelations."

As we continued our conversation and addressed the newfound feelings between Eris and Rudeus, it became evident that while the impending calamity loomed over us, there was still room for love, understanding, and unexpected surprises amidst the chaos.

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Eris's confession and her steadfast decision to remain at the citadel brought a sense of resolution to our group.

Madam Hilda, despite her initial reluctance, had come to terms with her daughter's choice. She now comprehended the depth of Eris's commitment to Roa and respected her decision.

Meanwhile, Rudeus and I returned to the mayor and the lord, recounting everything that had transpired in our conversation with Eris and Madam Hilda.

Mayor Philip listened intently as we relayed the events, from Eris's determination to stay and protect Roa to her surprising confession of feelings for Rudeus.

Lord Sauros, on the other hand, appeared somewhat detached from the discussion, as if he had expected such developments. He merely nodded at the appropriate moments, clearly preoccupied with his own thoughts.

With our report complete, Mayor Philip nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you for handling the situation, Reine and Rudeus. It's clear that Eris has made her choice, and as much as we might worry, we must respect it."

"Hmm, it seems we have no other choice. My granddaughter has made up her mind," Lord Sauros finally spoke, his tone measured and contemplative.

The words of the mayor and the lord held a tone of acceptance, recognizing that Eris was no longer a child to be ordered around but a young woman who could make her own decisions.

Mayor Philip then turned to Ghislaine, who had remained silent throughout the discussion. "You know what is expected of you, right?"

"Yes, master. I'll protect the young lady with all my life," Ghislaine said, her voice firm and unwavering. Her loyalty to Eris was undeniable, and it was clear that she would carry out her duty to the utmost.

With her assurance, Mayor Philip nodded in satisfaction. "Very well, then. Let us proceed with our preparations for the journey to the safe haven. The sooner we depart, the better."

"Wait, Mayor Philip. There's something I need to ask before you guys leave," Rudeus began, his expression filled with a sense of urgency.

The mayor turned his attention back to my brother, his brows furrowing in concern. "What is it, Rudeus? Make it quick."

My brother took a deep breath before he asked his question, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "Have you heard anything from Master Roxy?"

"Yeah, that's right. We were wondering why she wasn't invited to participate in the operation of the protective barrier," I added.

Mayor Philip's expression darkened at the mention of Roxy's name, and it was evident that this question had been weighing on his mind as well. He exchanged a somber glance with Lord Sauros before responding.

"No, Rudeus, we haven't heard from her," he admitted with a heavy sigh. "And it's not just her. Several mages who were supposed to be part of the citadel's defense have failed to respond to our calls via letters."

Hearing that, Rudeus and I exchanged worried glances. It seems that the mayor also tried to contact Roxy with letters but didn't respond. Looks like there is definitely something really wrong here.

"Hmph, they are probably too busy to come here anyway," lord Sauros assumed. "And besides, there are already enough mages for the operation. So, I don't see this as a problem."

My brother's brow furrowed with concern, and he pushed further. "But what if something has happened to them? What if they are in danger? We can't just ignore this, can we?"

Mayor Philip sighed again, clearly torn between the urgency of the situation and the need to maintain order. "Rudeus, I share your concerns, but we can't afford to delay our evacuation any further. The protective barrier must be activated as soon as possible. I promise that once the calamity was over, we will try to gather more information and find out what's happened to Master Roxy and the other mages."

My brother reluctantly nodded, understanding the mayor's position, though his worry for Roxy was evident in his eyes.

"Don't worry, brother. I'm sure Miss Roxy is fine," I reassured him, trying to lift his spirits.

He nodded, understanding my words. "I suppose you're right."

"See you later, brother," I bid farewell to Rudeus. "I'll be back once the calamity is over."

"Yeah, you too, Reine. Have a safe travel," he said his goodbyes as well.

With that, I walked away from the citadel's entrance with the mayor and the lord. We approached Eris and Madam Hilda, who were just finished telling their goodbyes to each other.

The mayor stepped forward and reminded his daughter. "Please behave yourself while we're gone, Eris."

"Yes, father. I'll make sure Roa stays safe," Eris responded, her determination evident.

Madam Hilda couldn't hide her worry but maintained a composed demeanor. She held her daughter's hand and spoke gently. "Take care of yourself, Eris. And don't forget to listen to Ghislaine."

Eris nodded with a smile, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I promise, Mother."

Lord Sauros seemed to be indifferent in his expression, but in reality, he was also worried about Eris. So, he put his hand on her shoulder and said, "Take care, my granddaughter. May the blood of Boreas protect you."

"Yes, grandfather. Take care as well," Eris replied to the lord's words.

The lord smiled a bit upon hearing his granddaughter's farewell before turning around and walks away.

Lastly, I stepped forward and gave my farewell to Eris. "Well, I guess this is goodbye then."

"Yeah, I know. Now go, or else they'll leave you behind," Eris teased, repaying me for the tease I did to her earlier.

I chuckled at her tease and put my hand her shoulder before giving her an oath. "Please look after my brother on my behalf."

Eris was surprised at first but she agreed, her face a mix of determination and a hint of vulnerability. "I will, Reine. You can trust me to keep him safe."

With a reassuring pat on her shoulder, I stepped away, confident that Eris would indeed watch over my brother during the challenging times ahead. It was a comfort to know that he wouldn't be alone in Roa as the calamity drew near.

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With our heartfelt farewells exchanged, our preparations for departure were complete. The sky overhead was shrouded in dark, ominous clouds, casting a foreboding atmosphere over Roa as we gathered our belongings and made our way to the series of horse carriages used for the journey.

The streets, once bustling with life, were now eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the usual vibrancy of Roa.

I settled into my seat at the front of the carriage, which held Mayor Philip and his family, ready to embark on the uncertain path ahead.

As I glanced back towards the citadel's entrance, I saw Rudeus, Eris, and Ghislaine standing side by side, watching our departure.

Waving my hand to bid them farewell once more, they responded with waves of their own. Their figures gradually grew smaller as the carriage began to move away from the citadel.

A bittersweet feeling washed over me, knowing that I wouldn't see my brother, Eris, and Ghislaine for some time. However, the determination to reach the safe haven and ensure their safety propelled me forward.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my anxious heart, readying myself for the journey ahead.

"You seem tense, young lady," a voice called out to me. I turned to find a knight in armor driving our carriage.

"Apologies, Sir Knight," I replied with a polite smile. "It's just that these are uncertain times, and leaving my loved ones behind in Roa has left me a bit anxious."

The knight nodded in understanding, his expression a blend of empathy and duty. "I understand your concerns, young lady. The calamity has brought about many uncertainties. But you know they say, duty comes first."

"I suppose that's right," I conceded, reminding myself to focus on the mission and set my personal feelings aside.

"My name is Siegfried Lionheart, by the way," the knight introduced himself. "I am the commander of the knights of Roa"

"Nice to meet you, Sir Siegfried. I'm Reine Greyrat," I replied, extending my hand in a friendly gesture.

"A Greyrat?! So, you're related to the lord of Roa?" Sir Siegfried asked, his voice tinged with surprise as he eagerly shook my hand.

I couldn't help but smile wryly as I watch a grown man getting excited upon hearing my name. It was as if a fan was meeting their idol for the first time.

"You could say that I am related to them in a way," I explained, finding amusement in his enthusiasm.

The commander knight appeared genuinely intrigued, and I could tell he was eager to hear more.

However, our conversation was abruptly interrupted by another knight who had been riding ahead of us. He approached our carriage with urgency in his demeanor.

"Commander, we've received word from the scouts!" the knight reported, his voice filled with tension. "They've spotted a group of unidentified individuals approaching from the east!"

Siegfried's expression shifted to one of alertness, and he turned his attention to the knight. "What?! Unidentified individuals? Are they armed?"

"Yes, sir! They're wearing hooded cloaks and wielding bladed weapons!" the knight informed him with a sense of urgency.

Hearing the knight's description, my heart skipped a beat as I recalled a group of individuals that matched that very description.

But then, we heard the sounds of scream and blade clashing on the distance. It is most likely we're under attack.

In response to the event, Siegfried looked back to the knight he was talking to and commanded, "Go tell the other knights to assume a defensive position. I will catch up afterward."

"Understood, commander!" the knight complied with the command and left.

Siegfried then turned to me and said, "I'll be gone for a while, Reine. Please stay here and guard the lord and his family."

"Understood!" I nodded, complying to his command. After that, he jumped out of the carriage and unsheathed his sword before rushing towards the disturbance.

"What's happening out there?!" Lord Sauros shouted in frustration, pulling me back from my thoughts.

Mayor Philip, however, addressed me calmly. "Reine, tell us what's happening."

"We're under attack, Mayor! Please stay inside!" I informed him urgently, my mind racing as I considered the implications of this ominous development.

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After informing the mayor about the attack, I quickly climbed onto the roof of the carriage to get a better view of the unfolding events.

In the distance, a group of dark hooded figures armed with daggers and swords engaged in a fierce battle with the knights who had taken up a defensive position.

The clash of steel against steel and the cries of battle echoed through the air, creating a chaotic and tense atmosphere.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to discern any identifying features or symbols on the attackers, but they were shrouded in darkness and cloaked in anonymity. It was clear that they intended to remain hidden.

Siegfried, the commander of the knights, fought valiantly at the forefront, his blade a blur of swift and precise strikes. His leadership and combat prowess were evident as he directed his knights in their efforts to repel the attackers.

Despite the chaos and danger, a sense of determination and unity prevailed among the knights. They fought with a fierce resolve to protect the carriage and its passengers, including the lord and his family.

As I continued to watch the battle, I suddenly felt a presence dashing towards me. I quickly drew my sword and blocked the attack.

CLANG!

The clash of metal rang out as I deftly parried the attacker's strike. A hooded figure grinned wildly as he laughed at me.

"Ah, it seems your swordsmanship has improved, young lady," a familiar voice mocked me as the figure leaned forward to show me his face.

My eyes widened in horror as I recognized this person from the past. It was Vassago, the leader of the deranged assassins who had once been sent to kill me.

"Vassago?!" I exclaimed, disbelief and anger coursing through my mind.

He chuckled menacingly, his expression twisted with sadistic delight. "Oh, you remember me. I'm quite flattered."

My grip on the sword tightened as I immediately knocked him back. He quickly recovered and landed a distance away, then proceeded to laugh maniacally, sending a chill down my spine.

I jumped down from the carriage and glared at Vassago, my emotions a swirling tempest of anger and determination. This encounter brought back memories of our previous meeting, and I was more than prepared to face him again.

"You! Who the hell are you?!" a voice rang out behind me. I turned around and saw Lord Sauros coming out of the carriage.

"Milord, please stay inside! It's dangerous out here!" I urged, trying to keep him safe.

But he paid no heed and continued to shout again. "Silence, Reine! I'm talking to this scoundrel!"

"Aww, you've been too kind, milord," Vassago chuckled at the lord's words. "My name is Vassago Cascals, but you can call me the Prince of Hell."

The mayor, too, leaned out to catch a glimpse of the hooded figure and widened his eyes in recognition. "Hold on, I know this man! He's the one who was imprisoned long ago!"

With a chilling chuckle, Vassago confirmed the mayor's suspicion. "Indeed, dear mayor. However, your focus on evacuating your beloved citizens left me with the perfect opportunity to escape my cell."

I grimaced at the revelation, my grip on my sword tightening as I prepared myself to defend the lord and his family from this deranged hooded man.

"Anyway, it's about time to slaughter the lambs," he remarked, snapping his fingers. Suddenly, a group of hooded henchmen appeared, completely surrounding our carriage.

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Fear and tension filled the air as these sinister figures closed in on us. I readied my stance and spread my awareness, preparing to face my enemies.

Lord Sauros, despite the danger, stood his ground with a defiant glare at Vassago. "You won't get away with this, you bastard!"

Vassago simply grinned in response to the lord's defiance, clearly reveling in the chaos he had wrought. "Oh, but dear lord, I already have. It's too late to stop what's been set in motion."

As the hooded henchmen drew closer, Mayor Philip and Madam Hilda huddled together in the carriage, their faces etched with fear and determination.

"It's showtime!" Vassago shouted gleefully, signaling his henchmen to attack us.

I sprang into action, my sword moving with precision as I engaged the closest henchmen. The clang of steel against steel filled the air as our blades clashed, and I swiftly incapacitated my opponent with a well-timed strike.

Continuing this action, I disabled more of the hooded henchmen, using the three sword styles I had mastered over the years. The battle was fierce, but I was determined to protect the lord and his family at all costs.

Meanwhile, Lord Sauros, despite his lack of combat training, refused to be a helpless bystander. He swung his fists at the hooded henchmen who tried to attack him.

It was reassuring to see him defending himself, but I decided to help by taking out the other henchmen for him. With precise strikes and swift movements, I dispatched the remaining foes, ensuring their safety.

However, just as the battle seemed to be nearing its end, Vassago managed to slip past my guard. His movements were unnaturally quick, and before I could react, he was lunging towards the lord, his dagger gleaming with malevolence.

"Lord Sauros, look out!" I cried out as I quickly dashed forward, trying my best to save him.

Then suddenly...

*CLASH*

A shadowy figure emerged from thin air and blocked the attack with their sword. The person who saved the lord was someone whom I recognized. It was Fracta.

"Fracta!" I called out to them as I watched their masked appearance shining through.

Seeing that, Vassago clicked his tongue in frustration but quickly grinned wildly. "Well, well, looks like the party stopper is here."

"I let you live once before, Vassago, but not this time," Fracta declared coldly.

The deranged man laughed maniacally in response. "You're too late. We already stall enough time for these lambs to be engulfed by this calamity."

The mention of a calamity sent shivers down my spine, and I realized that the situation was far more dire than I had initially thought.

Fracta quickly looked at me and shouted, "Reine, Sauros, get out of here and run!"

Their hasty words jolted us into action. Without hesitation, we turned to Mayor Philip and Madam Hilda, who were still in the carriage.

"You two, get out of the carriage now, and follow us!" Lord Sauros quickly urges them.

The mayor and the mistress wasted no time. They hurriedly exited the carriage and joined us outside. Fear and urgency were etched into their faces, and they understood the gravity of the situation.

With Fracta engaged in a fierce battle against Vassago, I knew we had a slim window of opportunity to escape this dire encounter.

However, just as we were about to flee, the sky in the distance opened, and a beam of light parted the dark clouds. A blinding ray of magical energy struck the citadel's giant protective barrier.

It clashed with the ray of magic energy and so far, it worked.... until it didn't.

The barrier, for some reason, mysteriously deactivated, allowing the beam of light to engulf the citadel.

"BROTHER!!" I cried out in horror, my heart sinking as I witnessed the catastrophe unfold before my eyes.

The citadel, once a bastion of safety, was now consumed by an ominous and swirling tempest of magical energy. The protective barrier had failed to work, and the calamity was unleashed upon Roa with an unrelenting fury.

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Despair weighed heavily on my heart as I watched the citadel, my brother still trapped within its walls, succumb to the catastrophic onslaught of the magical energy.

"Reine!" Fracta's voice cut through my anguish, reminding me of our urgent need to escape. They shouted at me, their tone filled with urgency. "What are you doing there?! Run!"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I tore my gaze away from the citadel. There was no time to mourn, no time to search for Rudeus. I had to focus on the lives I could still protect.

With Lord Sauros, Mayor Philip, and Madam Hilda in tow, we sprinted across the series of horse carriages, our footsteps pounding against the earth.

The beam of magical energy that had obliterated the citadel continued to expand ominously, casting an ever-growing shadow over the land.

The horizon was tinged with a sickly hue as the calamity raged unabated. The world around us seemed to tremble under its terrible power.

As we ran, we crossed paths with Sir Siegfried, who was busy protecting the remaining families from the hooded individuals. He looked at us with concern and confusion, his armored form radiating authority.

"Milord? What's going on? Why are you here?" Siegfried asked, puzzled by our presence amidst the chaos.

But before we could explain, Lord Sauros, his voice strained with urgency, shouted at him, "There's no time! Tell everyone to run!"

Startled, Siegfried quickly assessed the situation and realized the gravity of the moment. He shouted to his fellow knights, "Everyone! Cease the defense and retreat!"

His quick thinking spurred the knights into action. They abandoned their defensive positions and assisted the families into joining us in our desperate flight from the encroaching calamity.

We raced onward, the specter of the calamity growing ever larger in our rearview. It was a relentless force, swallowing everything in its path, devouring the horse carriages behind us.

"Everyone, keep moving!" Lord Sauros shouted, his voice snapping me out of my turmoil. His words were a harsh reminder that we needed to focus on survival.

Unfortunately, despite how fast we could run, the beam of magical energy began to engulf us one by one. The screams of the families we failed instantly stopped as they were devoured by the light.

Desperation clawed at my heart as I watched the inevitable approach. My breaths came in ragged gasps, my legs ached, and my vision blurred with tears. But I couldn't stop. I couldn't give in to despair. I had to keep running.

In the distance, I saw Madam Hilda stumble, exhaustion and grief taking their toll. Mayor Philip rushed to save her, but their efforts were in vain. They, too, were unfortunately swallowed by the blinding light.

Lord Sauros and Siegfried grimaced for the loss and they succumbed to the light as well, leaving me running all alone.

"Keep running, Reine. Don't lose hope," a voice suddenly calls out to me.

I glanced to my side and found Fracta, who was running beside me, their masked face unreadable. We shared a sense of powerlessness, but there was no time for words.

In the end, the calamity was upon us, and as the blinding light swallowed me too.

I closed my eyes, afraid to face whatever awaited on the other side.