The festival had shattered into screams. Children were pulled by their parents, merchants abandoned their stalls, and the first portals opened before the disbelieving eyes of the crowd.
From the air, black rifts tore open. Trunk ogres—monsters with grayish skin and hungry eyes—emerged roaring, swinging iron clubs. Right behind them, entire battalions of soldiers from the Northern Kingdoms marched in formation, shields and spears covered in bloody runes.
Then, from the largest portal, a relic shattered—like glass breaking in silence.
The illusion fell.
An entire army that had been hidden by mana revealed itself all at once. The mass of soldiers roared, shattering the element of surprise.
Lukas stopped atop the walls. The wind carried the scent of sulfur and blood.
And he smiled, baring his teeth.
— The same trick… won’t work twice.
Hurried footsteps echoed. He turned and saw Leli running toward him, her eyes determined.
— Hey, Leli. — He grabbed her by the arm. — You’re not fighting. You’re evacuating the civilians.
— But, brother… I want to fight!
He pulled a small golden object from his pocket—a delicate compass engraved with runes.
— This is called the Alcairum Compass. It’s linked to the evacuation routes. Follow the golden lines that will light up on the ground. Evacuate all the civilians, nobles, servants… everyone. That’s your priority.
— But I—
Lukas cut her off, firm but with a brotherly smile.
— I’m not telling you not to fight. I’m telling you to be the people’s bodyguard. No one’s better for that than you. Make sure no one panics, make sure no one dies. It’s a lot, I know… but you’ll handle it.
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Leli’s eyes sparkled, her voice barely above a whisper:
— If it’s to protect… then fine. I’ll do it. But only because you asked.
Lukas ran his hand through her hair, messing it up.
— After the victory, everyone will be shouting your name — Leli, the people’s guardian.
She laughed awkwardly.
— I don’t care about that stuff. But… I’ll do it right.
And she left with firm steps, the compass glowing in her hand.
Lukas turned back to the portals. The walls trembled under the roars.
And then, a voice inside him:
— The game’s already started, boy. — Caesar’s voice thundered in his mind. — Now it’s war.
Runes lit up along the walls. Magical defenses awakened — circles of light and shadow pulsing like the hearts of giants. Caesar’s strategies, prepared in advance, were finally coming to life.
And when Lukas looked out over the fields, the scene was already legendary.
On the eastern flank stood Kyros José Fernandes, the Lion of the South, raising the Thunder Sword. His golden aura exploded like a sun at war.
Beside him, the Patriarchs of the Seasons:
- Helena Summer, with copper hair and golden eyes, wrapped in living flames.
- Kotan Aspen, serious and sarcastic, pure ice flowing through his fists.
- Flora Anapelum, surrounded by petals slicing the air like blades.
- Aurelius Rowan, his cloak of burnt leaves — the very essence of Autumn.
Further beyond, the mythical forces:
- TinBell, Queen of the Fairies, floating with ethereal wings and a crystal staff in hand.
- Rubya, the White Tigress, leader of the demi-humans, roaring with a feline aura pulsing like a storm.
And the southern schools, united:
- Palmares, their capoeira warriors spinning kicks that broke the wind.
- Sol Negro, jiu-jitsu students advancing in perfect sync — bodies like disciplined walls.
Among them, two names roared like thunder: Tariq and Nanda, both already in attack stance, ready for battle.
The wall vibrated, and Lukas raised his shield. His eyes burned.
— Then come…
The battlefield breathed death.
But Sorriso was ready.
End of Chapter 31