The Kingdom of Termia had dissolved.
The capital was destroyed, and the members of the royal family scattered, creating small villages in isolated regions.
Some of these villages succumbed, conquered by larger kingdoms.
Others became dangerous factions, fueled by resentment and unstable magic.
But one of them prospered.
The most productive and resilient: the Ark of Serrooth.
Even seven weeks after the battle of Souta and the fall of Termia, it remained active — floating as a symbol of survival and desire.
Gabriel Gaiden, the Hero of the Sword, walked through the corridors of the ark with firm posture.
At his side, Bullet Rongar, the Heroine of the Pistol, held his arm with provocative charm.
She wore an elegant, seductive purple outfit, while Gabriel wore a white suit with a purple shirt underneath — impeccable, as always.
— *You’re so serious… why don’t you relax a little, my love?* — said Bullet, her voice firm and seductive, completed with an elegant smile.
Gabriel ignored the provocation.
— *Rongar, focus on the mission.*
Outside the ark, kneeling on the deck, was Zenkaki Sho, the Hero of the Katana.
Imposing, majestic, serene.
His half-closed eyes resembled a serpent on guard — always alert, in case something went out of control.
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At a nearby table, Lily Tempestine, the Heroine of the Dagger, ate carelessly, drawing looks of disdain from the nobles around her.
— *You talk too much,* — muttered Lily, wiping her lips with her fist.
Zenkaki almost smiled.
— *Why on earth did they pair our mission with these kids?*
— *Who are you calling kids?!* — complained Lily and Bullet in unison.
Gabriel measured the group through the communicator.
— *Zenkaki and I are tasked with taming the ark.*
— *Bullet and Lily’s mission is to capture a celestial general. Rumor has it he’s hiding here… a vampire who devours memories.*
The sky was beginning to darken.
— *He could appear at any moment. Zenkaki and I will intervene if things get out of control.*
— *We don’t want casualties. We’ll protect the passengers. All we need is for the queen of Serrooth to surrender.*
Bullet leaned closer against Gabriel’s body.
— *How cute… so proper, obedient, and still wanting to save these people.*
— *Makes me want to devour you whole.*
Gabriel looked serious.
Lily cut in through the communicator:
— *What are you doing with the kid? Don’t you have any shame?*
Bullet ignored her.
She pressed Gabriel against the wall, her eyes sparkling.
— *You’re not the type to mix pleasure with work, are you?*
— *I’ve always liked you… you’re exactly my type,* she said, holding his chin.
Gabriel firmly held her hand and pushed it away.
Then, he stepped closer.
Bullet blushed, confused.
— *Seriously… are you really going to accept?*
Music began to play.
The young hero was a gentleman, leading her to the dance floor.
She hesitated, but followed.
*Damn… I wanted to dance differently… but he’s actually pretty good.*
— *Coward…* — she teased, embarrassed.
---
### Omen
Outside, Zenkaki watched the sky.
Calm.
It was getting darker. Some stars already floated above the ark.
— *I have a bad feeling…* — he murmured.
Gabriel and Bullet, finishing their dance, walked together outside the hall, into the open air.
— *Miss Rongar, scan the area. From the fifteenth floor to the forty-third,* ordered Gaiden.
Bullet placed her hand over her eyes.
A magic circle appeared, and several data streams began spinning before her.
But as she turned a corner, she bumped into someone.
— *Watch it! Don’t you see where you’re going?!* — grumbled Bullet, frowning.
— *Miss Meliora?* — interrupted Gabriel, surprised.
Meliora froze.
— *If you’re here… then… encinuo Gabriel.*
Souta appeared behind her, staring at Gabriel with a distorted smile.
Bullet stepped back, revealing her divine relic, the rifle *Rocket*, already in position.
Souta responded by releasing his twisted aura, the spoon appearing in his hand like a shadowy teleport.
Meliora grew nervous.
Gabriel stood firm.
