Morning arrived gently over the Cancer Kingdom.
Soft sunlight spilled across white marble towers, turning them pale gold. Rivers crossed the capital like liquid glass, reflecting crescent bridges and balconies overflowing with crimson lilies — the royal flower of the kingdom. A cool breeze carried their sweet scent through the streets, and for a fleeting moment, the world seemed untouched by war.
It was a kingdom built for love… and remembrance.
Matt stirred slowly.
Warmth pressed against his cheek. He opened his eyes to find his head resting on Arie’s chest. Sunlight traced quiet lines across the sheets. Arie’s eyes were already open, a soft smile gracing his lips.
“Rise and shine… my center of heart,” Arie whispered.
Matt smiled, leaning upward to press a gentle kiss to him, the morning quiet wrapping around them like a soft veil — until a knock shattered it.
“Who is it?” Arie called, frowning.
“A royal Cancer guard. The Watcher requests your presence… the kings and Tower soldiers.”
“The soldiers?” Arie muttered.
“The request was specific.”
They dressed quickly, hearts still racing from stolen warmth, and hurried downstairs.
Tavari, Serena, Raphael, Sarah, and Joseph waited in the hall.
“The Watcher wants us,” Tavari said simply. “We leave now.”
No one argued. Within minutes, they entered the royal carriages. The gates opened, and the radiant beauty of the Cancer Kingdom slowly faded behind them as they began their return to the Tower.
Tavari’s thoughts were quiet but sharp. This is no ordinary call. The White Gods won’t wait, and neither will the Tower. I need to be ready… faster than ever.
The Tower stood colder than ever.
No music greeted them, no fanfare — only urgency. They moved through the corridors into the Vault Hall, where twelve kings sat in a crescent of golden seats above the soldiers. Beneath them, the Tower soldiers filled the ranks according to strict order:
Outer Guard — defenders of the walls
Iron Guard — trained warriors of missions
Royal Blades — elite chosen fighters
High Blades — commanders of armies
Crown Blades — the strongest, closest to the throne
A guard approached Tavari.
“The Watcher commands you to sit here.”
He pointed to a seat among the Crown Blades. Tavari took it silently, catching the curious glances of the soldiers around him.
The throne remained empty.
Then the air shifted. Pressure sank into every corner of the hall. Breathing felt heavier. Even the kings straightened instinctively.
The Watcher entered.
His presence was quiet, absolute. Like standing beneath a stormed sky, you feel it in your bones without hearing it. Everyone knelt immediately.
He lifted one hand — they rose only after he took his throne.
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“You must be wondering why I have summoned you,” he began.
“The Western and Northern Kingdoms have been attacked by the White Gods. They are near collapse and request the Tower’s protection. In exchange, they will offer gold and diamonds each month.”
A pause. Silence thickened.
“In astrology, wealth belongs to the earth element — foundation, survival. A kingdom offering its treasures offers its future.”
He swept his gaze across the hall.
“I did not accept for riches. The White Gods intend to harvest these resources, gaining enough strength to attack the Tower and the remaining kingdoms. I will destroy their plan before it matures.”
“Does anyone object?”
No one spoke.
“Kings — return and prepare your lands and projections. Ensure your people survive.”
The kings bowed and left. Only the soldiers remained.
The Watcher stepped down from the throne, walking among them. He stopped, letting his presence press on them like a physical weight.
“I will divide you into two forces.”
He raised his hand.
Western Kingdom Force
High Blade — Matt
High Blade — Arie
Royal Blade — Sarah
Royal Blade — Raphael
Army — 100 Tower soldiers
Northern Kingdom Force
Crown Blade — Tavari
Royal Blade — Serena
Royal Blade — Joseph
Army — 100 Tower soldiers
“Repel the White Gods and secure the kingdoms,” he continued. His eyes burned slightly brighter. “Beyond these walls, there is no Watcher to protect you. Out there, your choices, your strength, and your courage are your only shields. If you fall, your families will receive your honor, and your names will be remembered.”
He paused, voice low but ringing.
“Go… and make your Watcher proud. Make your families proud. Make yourselves proud.”
Outside the Tower gates, the wind was sharp. Two lines of horses waited, steam rising from their flanks. Armor clinked softly as soldiers mounted.
No one hurried.
Matt adjusted his gauntlet, looking toward Tavari. “For once… don’t do something reckless.”
Tavari smiled faintly. “You first.”
Arie rested a hand on Tavari’s shoulder. “You’ve grown too fast. Don’t carry everything alone.”
“I won’t,” Tavari replied, calm and certain.
Sarah crossed her arms, eyes softening. “If you die, I’m not forgiving you.”
Joseph exhaled. “He won’t. He’s stubborn enough to argue with death itself.”
Serena tightened her grip on the reins. “Next time… we return together.”
Raphael nodded. “We will.”
Silence lingered.
Matt stepped forward and pulled Tavari into a brief embrace. “Come back.”
Tavari nodded.
They separated.
Two roads awaited — west and north.
Hooves struck the stone. The sound echoed through the courtyard as the forces rode out, leaving the Tower behind… and the protection of the Watcher.
The world outside waited — ruthless, unyielding, and hungry for war.
