Three hours had passed since Chloe escaped through the ventilation. The sky above Cryverra had turned dark, swallowed by ashen clouds pressing down like the weight of a war not yet declared.
Mist slowly crept over the mountains, hiding dozens of moving shadows among the trees. Meanwhile, underground… eight young men sat silently behind bars, exchanging only glances, waiting for something.
War doesn't always start with gunfire. Sometimes, it starts with a small decision.
A row of armed figures began to appear. Behind them, smoke rose from the base of the mountain.
Astaross: "Everything's going according to plan, S… and now, the war begins here."
Emrik: "Is everyone recovered?"
Cashew: "Seems like it. Even Lucien is awake."
S: "Hey Lucien, how are you feeling?"
Lucien: "Looks like I missed a lot."
Lucien: "Are we in jail? And why are the six of you in here too?"
Astaross: "Calm down first. It's gonna be a long story."
Siro: "S, do you think Chloe succeeded with our plan?"
S: "You're still wondering if she made it?"
S: "I've been counting down this whole time."
Siro: "Counting down for what?"
S: "The first madness in history…"
Astaross: "Cashew, did you use your summon object power to call out that sword?"
Cashew: "Yeah. How did you know?"
Tiber: "That sword is the very reason we ended up in here."
Footsteps echo from outside.
Guard: "You will be trained to fight the government rebels this afternoon. Please eat the meal provided."
Dario: "I'm not eating that. That doesn't look like food."
S: "Told you to just sit here and count down with me."
Cashew: "S, have you lost your mind?"
Lucien: "Give me that food. I can't hold out anymore."
Astaross: "Are you sure you want to eat it?"
Emrik: "Just give it to him. He just recovered—at least his stomach should be full."
Siro: "Here, Lucien. Eat, so your condition improves."
Tiber: "S, I'm not sure about Chloe. Even though she's our school friend, I feel like she's unreliable for this plan."
Lucien: "What plan are you even talking about that got all of you locked up too?"
S: "Ever since we jumped the fence, I'd already planned to get arrested on purpose—just so I could meet you guys."
S: "And Chloe—I picked her as the messenger because I felt she was fast at getting things done."
Cashew: "So you guys stepped onto the prison roof on purpose?"
S: "Exactly."
Emrik: "It's been almost five hours since Chloe escaped. What if she got caught before reaching the car?"
Astaross: "I think she's fine."
Dario: "Look, that damn guard's coming again."
Guard: "Commander Caspian wants to speak to you. Please wait here. He'll be here shortly."
Cashew: "Just seeing his face makes me sick."
Lucien: "Who's Caspian? Feels like I missed something again."
S: "We'll talk about him later. I want to hear what he wants this time."
Caspian: "You damn brats!"
Astaross: "That's his voice."
Tiber: "Is he insulting us?"
Caspian: "Tell me, what message did you send with that friend of yours who escaped?"
Caspian: "Answer now or face the consequences!"
S: "And what if we don't want to answer?"
Tiber: "S, don't provoke him."
Caspian: "Guards! Order the scout unit to find out how far that group has gotten!"
Guard: "Yes, Commander."
Caspian: "Tell me what message you gave that brat—or I'll kill you right here and now!"
Astaross: "Guys, our game starts now."
BOOMMM… explosions, screams, and heavy footsteps echo from the hillside. Emergency signals flash throughout the building—chaos has begun.
And from the hilltop, now swarming with anti-government forces…
Chloe: "Guys, I hope you're still hanging in there."
Chloe: "I've done my part—now it's your turn to play…"
Back inside the prison…
Astaross: "Has our message been received?"
Caspian: "You bastards sacrificed yourselves just to get that brat to call for help."
Caspian: "Attention all guards—I'll split our forces in two. Half will hold back the rebels, the other half comes with me to the military base. We need reinforcements!"
Caspian: "Fight with all your hearts. I hope none of you fall in battle."
Guard: "But Commander—what if this fortress is taken before we return?"
Caspian: "If that happens… then we no longer deserve to call Cryverra our home."
Everyone—MOVE!!
Emrik: "S, this wasn't in our calculations. They're going to call in full reinforcements."
Siro: "And they haven't opened a single cell door yet. Are they planning to sacrifice us here?"
Astaross: "What are you talking about? The rebel forces are on our side."
S: "At least we still have a chance to escape. They won't have enough time to reach the military center and get back here."
The alarm blares louder. The fortress gate has been breached. Remaining forces are fighting while waiting for help.
Lucien: "They're inside now."
Cashew: "Lucien, are you strong enough to run if things go south?"
Lucien: "Don't worry—I'll run as far as I need to if it comes to that."
S: "Looks like the battle's begun."
S: "I can hear gunfire from behind these walls."
Tiber: "I think it's just a scare tactic. The soldiers stationed here are elite troops—well-trained and experienced."
Tiber: "Even if outnumbered, they could still take down dozens."
Astaross: "I hope Chloe's okay. I'm sure she joined the rebels."
Dario: "Yeah, and I hope she's already met up with her brother."
Guard: "Release some prisoners—we need more people to defend the fortress!"
Emrik: "They're releasing prisoners to make them into backup fighters?"
Emrik: "I hope they pick us too. Once we're out—we run."
S: "Impossible. We've already been labeled a dangerous group. Look, they've even put us in the same room so they can identify us easily."
Astaross: "Hey guards, we want to fight too! We want to defend Cryverra—for peace!"
S: "Idiot. What are you doing?"
Siro: "Let him try."
Astaross: "Please—I really want to smash those damn rebels out there."
Guard A: "How do we know you're actually willing to help?"
Guard B: "Commander Caspian ordered us to keep a close watch on you."
Astaross: "You think you can hold out until he returns with this few troops?"
S: "Exactly. We'll help—if you release us right now."
Guard B: "What do we do?"
Lucien: "I don't think this will work."
Dario: "Shut up—they're trying something!"
Guard: "Hey! You all, get out there now! The first line of defense has been breached by cannons!"
Guard A: "Damn—they're more prepared than we thought."
Guard A: "Looks like you're staying in this cell. Enjoy your time."
Astaross: "Wait! But—ugh, damn it. I failed."
Siro: "Nice try though."
Emrik: "Cashew, use summon object now—create something to get us out of here!"
Cashew: "I don't have enough stamina—sorry."
Dario: "Then Astaross, try using teleportation—maybe it's active by now."
Cashew: "WAIT A MINUTE!"
Cashew: "So the teleportation power really did go to Astaross?"
Lucien: "Kinda obvious. So it's you, huh?"
S: "Actually, this whole prison stunt was so we could ask you, Lucien."
S: "Looks like you know a lot about teleportation and its generational cycle."
S: "So—do you also know how to activate it for the first time?"
Lucien: "I do know a few things. Let me recall Ton, the previous wielder."
Lucien: "He activated it when he was nearly hit by a steam vehicle on the street—but he never even knew he had that power."
Lucien: "Unlike Astaross—he's already aware, but the power's still dormant."
Siro: "So it activates when the user is under pressure."
Cashew: "Or maybe when they feel completely hopeless—like there's no way out."
S: "Siro—use your power. See if you can catch a future fragment about this."
Siro: "I'll try. — Rssshhhh…"
Tiber: "Did it work?"
Astaross: "If his eyes are still closed, then he's still in the process."
Dario: "The battle outside's getting worse… But why hasn't Chloe saved us yet?"
Emrik: "Patience. They have to fight through a lot of guards. We rely on ourselves for now."
Siro: "There's no future fragment about Astaross or his teleportation yet. But I did see we'll escape safely."
Siro: "But I also saw… something. We'll be split up—for some unknown reason."
Emrik: "This is getting complicated… I just wanna go home."
Lucien: It's impossible to break out of this cell—every part of it is made of steel.
Cashew: I think I can try using summon object, but probably only small tools like a hammer or chisel.
Tiber: That's fine, hurry up! This is our chance to escape from the village.
Cashew: Summon object! – Ctsinggg crtizzt…Booff..
Cashew: We got a hammer and a saw. Now I'm completely out of stamina.
Dario: Give me the hammer.
Astaross: Hand me the cutting saw. I'll break through this damn prison.
—From the lower part of the prison, a voice called out to all eight of them…
Hey, where are you guys… S, Astaross, answer me!
Dario: That's Chloe's voice!
Emrik: Did the rebels win? That was fast if the fight's already over.
S: WE'RE ON THE SECOND FLOOR, CHLOE… HURRY UP AND GET HERE!
Chloe: You guys made it… Thank you for waiting for me.
Tiber: Chloe, how did you get past the guards?
Chloe: I went through the vent we broke open earlier. There wasn't a single guard there.
Cashew: Hey Chloe, long time no see.
Chloe: It's good to see you and Lucien. We did all of this so you both could be rescued.
Astaross: Now how do we open this iron gate? The saw isn't strong enough to cut through it.
Chloe: Everyone step back as far as you can. I'll open it.
S: With what?
Chloe: A bomb…
Lucien: Yep, looks like you'll be smelling gunpowder again.
Chloe: Back up now, I'm lighting it.
*—Pscessstt… — Boomm!
Chloe: Are you all okay?
Tiber: Damn, that stings.
S: That's it—we're free! Let's run!
Chloe: Hurry before the guards come in!
Cashew: Lucien, can you still run?
Lucien: Huff… Let's go—this is a once-in-a-lifetime shot.
S: Chloe, what about your sister?
Chloe: I met her—she's amazing. Turns out she's now a captain of one of the rebel civilian squads.
Tiber: That's great, now we've got a place to take shelter.
Astaross: Hurry, I hear guards' footsteps coming from the left side of the building.
Astaross: Sounds like the explosion was heard outside.
Chloe: Guys, I know your plan is to escape after this, but would you be willing to help us fight for justice?
Chloe: At least let's fight together for the home that's protected us since we were kids.
S: I've got no problem with that. What about the rest of you?
Astaross: I'm always ready.
Lucien: I'm a little worried… I think Caspian might come back soon with a full army.
Cashew: If he does, we'll fight. The government never explained the purpose of this tyrannical regime.
Cashew: If they won't explain and just resort to force, then we have no choice but to fight them to the bitter end.
Emrik: That's the vent we busted yesterday.
S: Climb up one by one!
Tiber: I'll go first.
Lucien: S, are you sure you want to join the fight?
Lucien: This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make our dream of escaping this village come true.
Astaross: But we also have a purpose—to fix the justice that's been broken here.
Lucien: If you all really want to fight, I'm okay with it. Besides, you know me—I always go with the majority vote.
Lucien: So let's get out of this building and fight.
Chloe: Thank you, everyone.
Chloe: I already told my sister about your plan—she knows a fast and safe route that'll make it easier for you to get out of here.
S: Chloe, are you sure you told her that?
Chloe: Trust me. The rebels don't care about people who want to escape the village.
Chloe: They let them go. But if someone wants to stay, they'll welcome them with open arms.
S: Alright then.
Tiber: Hurry up, grab this rope!
Astaross: I'll check the outside first.
S: Hey, wait for us…
Tiber: This is a mess… everything's destroyed.
Tiber: Come here, everyone. Get out and look at the situation outside.
Astaross: Let's jump off this building slowly.
Siro: Chloe, will we get weapons to defend ourselves?
Chloe: Looks like we will… probably.
Lucien: You don't sound convincing.
Emrik: The sky's really dark, huh? I feel like today's gonna be a bad day.
Chloe: Let's go join the troops.
Tiber: Hey, wait—why are we running?
Chloe: If you don't want to get caught by the guards again, then run.
Lucien: S, I'm asking you one more time—are you really sure about this?
Astaross: Lucien, why do you keep asking him?
Lucien: Escaping from the village was his idea in the first place. I just want to make sure he hasn't changed his mind.
Cashew: Chloe, wait… she's so fast!
Chloe: There it is—our army!
Rebel Soldier: Chloe! Quickly, rejoin us!
Astaross: Who's that, Chloe?
Chloe: That's my brother.
Tiber: So your brother's one of the commanders in the rebel army?
Chloe: Yep, that's right.
Chloe: We've finally joined the rebel forces.
Chloe: Bro, these are the friends I told you about.
Anor: Hey everyone, nice to meet you. I'm Anor.
S: Nice to meet you too.
Chloe: These are my friends—S, Astaross, Lucien, Cashew, Dario, Emrik, Tiber, and Siro.
Astaross: Good to meet you, Anor.
Emrik: So what are we supposed to do now? Looks like the guards have already been defeated.
Anor: Haha, that's right—we've already won. So you don't have to do anything now.
Anor: I also heard about your plan to leave this place. I have no problem with it—and I actually want to help you.
Anor: And you, Astaross… you're the son of the woman from that incident, right?
Astaross: Yeah, that was my mother.
S: So, which way will you help us escape?
Anor: Head north from the city center. There's an abandoned crystal mine there—with an underground tunnel that connects to the far side of the land.
Anor: I can guide you as far as the mine entrance. Think of it as my way of thanking you for saving Chloe.
Chloe: Yeah, I'm really grateful to all of you.
Siro: (squinting, eyes sharp as he gazes into the distance) …Hey! Look over there..!!
At first, it was just a blur—like shadows dancing behind the fog. But then the shapes became clear: rows of steel helmets, dark uniforms, and flashes of sunlight glinting off polished metal.
The ground rumbled softly. Thousands of synchronized footsteps pounded like a giant's heartbeat. From the north, a formation of soldiers advanced. Precise. Disciplined. Unrelenting.
Some rode armored vehicles—like mobile fortresses. On top, heavy weapons aimed at the sky, ready to fire at a moment's notice.
Flags with the Central Cryverran emblem fluttered in the cold afternoon wind. A silent declaration: they've arrived—and they're not here to play.
The Central Cryverran Army.
Not just reinforcements. They were an ultimatum.
In front of that line, even silence was suffocating. Every step closer screamed one thing that needed no translation: they didn't come to negotiate.
Siro: (unintentionally glimpses a fragment of the future where they stand—his eyes frozen, as if witnessing something horrifying)
Siro: We're too late. Run—NOW!
Anor: Hey! Check with the scope—what army is that?! Is that more of Caspian's troops?
S: No way… T-that's the Central Cryverran Army.
Anor: WHAT?!
Cashew: What army is that?
Astaross: No way… They actually came here…
Lucien: (wide-eyed in fear) Central Cryverran? That's the strongest and most elite military force in all of Cryverra!
Chloe: Bro, what do we do now?!
Tiber: (hands trembling, pointing behind them) Guys… look behind us—we're surrounded… from every side of the mountain.
Dario: There's no way to escape…
S: Is this the end… of our friendship?
S: I just wanted Cryverra… to be the home we once knew again.
Emrik: I want to go home… Why are we even here? (face full of despair)
The Central troops began advancing toward the rebel lines. The pounding footsteps, the grinding of metal wheels—all in sync.
A few warning shots were fired into the air by the Central forces—meant to crush the civilian army's morale.
But it was all too late. A massive battle was now inevitable. And this… was The Cryverra War.
Anor: No other choice—get ready to fight with everything you've got.
S: A-alright.
Lucien: (in a barely audible whisper) I hope we make it…
Cashew: (Summon Object) This isn't the time to give up! Grab some weapons—and armor too!
Tiber: Wait—I thought you were out of stamina? How are you still summoning?
Cashew: I don't know… I suddenly felt this inner drive—and my energy came back.
S: Then let's fight. I still have a dream—to escape this village. (says this with resignation)
Cashew: Take this armor and gear up.
Tiber: Just give me a cannon.
Emrik: I'll take a rifle.
Anor: They're all fired up again… just because of one small dream…
Anor:Everyone! Let's fight Central with everything we've got… Don't give up as long as you can still stand!
Siro:I don't know what's happening to me, but lately… I keep seeing the future.
Dario:Hey hey… look! They're charging straight at us full speed!
Astaross:Ready for battle! (raises sword)
Siro: (eyes wide open)
What's this feeling? Right after Astaross said that… it's like my spirit ignited!
Lucien:Even the pain from my wounds is slowly fading…
Cashew:I felt it too… What the heck is going on?
Chloe:Guys, brace yourselves for Central's first wave!
Anor:WATCH OUT—THEY'RE FIRING A FLAMING CANNONBALL!!
–Bfuhhhh–
Tiber:It's scorching hot…
Astaross:
Attack—!!
Siro:There's too many of them. No way we can win this! (runs and looks toward the hill)
Chloe:ASTAROSS, LOOK OUT!!
Astaross:
Huh? Look out for wha— –KABOOM–
Cashew:ASTAROSS!!!
S:He got hit by the flaming cannon! Everyone, protect him!
Astaross:It hurts… Why do we have to suffer like this?
Tiber:Astaross, can you still hear me?
Dario:Cashew! Get some bandages, now!
–Summon object–
Cashew:Quick, wrap him up!
Chloe: (pointing at the battle)
Guys… half our forces have been wiped out…
Lucien:This is the end…
S:And look—Caspian's coming this way.
Caspian:Lucky me, you're still here. Now pay for what you started!
Caspian:I'll kill every last one of you! (Starlight shot!)
–KBOOMM–
That weapon Caspian's using… it's exclusive to Central. Even the toughest armor can only withstand one hit from it.
S:My eyes… they burn…
Lucien:I-it hurts…
Tiber: (collapsed, staring upward)
Our army… has fallen…
Tiber:Central… they're heading our way now…
Caspian:Here they are, sir.
Dario:Huh? Sir? What do you mean…?
Kyron :So they're the ones who caused all this. They used one of their own to call in the rebels?
Caspian:Yes, sir.
Kyron:I am Kyron, General of the Central Cryverran army.
Chloe:My brother… he's down?
Kyron: (looking at the fallen Dario and Emrik)
These two? They overheard our secret meeting in District 3 a few weeks ago.
Caspian:Is that true? Our data lists them as Emrik and Dario.
Kyron: (shouting)
ALL TROOPS—GATHER HERE IMMEDIATELY!!
Kyron:We've found the root of this entire rebellion.
Caspian:And this… this is the son of the woman who died at the market months ago. His name is Astaross.
Kyron:Oh… poor child. Do you miss your mother?
Astaross: (weak voice)
What kind of question is that…
Kyron:You'll see her soon. This rifle right here… it'll reunite you two.
S: (eyes wide open, frozen)
HEY—WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?
Cashew:Please… not him…
Dario:We're completely surrounded… I've got no strength left…
Kyron:My soldiers, witness this. I'm about to finish the one behind all of this.
Kyron: (slowly pulling the trigger)
One… two…
–CRACKKK–
Chloe:
BROTHER!!!
Anor, using the last of his strength, slashes Kyron with his sword. The hit lands hard on Kyron chest—but his armor softens the blow.
Chloe: (tearfully)
You're alive? Why didn't you tell us… so we could save you too?
Anor:I just… wanted to see you smile one last time. Live well, my precious little sister… Goodbye.
Kyron:Damn it—SHOOT HIM!!
–Door! Toor! BOOM!–
Anor fell that day, but he left the battlefield… a hero.
Astaross stood frozen after witnessing it all. Something… awakened within him.
Kyron:Now, let's finish the last one off.
Caspian:Sir, are you alright with that wound?
Kyron:It's nothing.
Kyron:Feel this burning bullet, rebel!
His eyes lit up. His still body moved again… Teleportation power…
Caspian:
Wha—what's going on!? Did you say teleportation!?
Astaross:
MAXIMUM TELEPORTATION POWER!!
Astaross shouted it unconsciously, as if guided by an ancient force that had long slumbered in the world…
S:Is this… the time?
–BFUUUOOMMMM!!!–
A massive explosion shook the battlefield.
One of Central's war fleets vanished—no trace left behind. And Astaross lay unconscious, collapsed after unleashing that overwhelming power.
Siro: (unintentionally seeing the future again)
My head… it hurts!
Cashew:D-did we win? Did Astaross really defeat them all in one strike!?
Lucien:That… that was Veylarin's true power: Teleportation.
S: (running to Astaross)
HEY! Are you okay!?
Tiber:He's out cold…
⸻
Dario:Look over there—are the rebel troops that Veylarin raised back on their feet after Astaross spoke those words? Or maybe… it's because of the explosion too?
Emrik:Impossible… They were completely wiped out before, seriously wounded.
Lucien:Where's Chloe?
Siro:There—over there.
—Chloe is crying over her brother's lifeless body… her sobs break out so intensely that even Lucien can't calm her down.
Lucien:Chloe… believe me. Your brother was a true hero.
Chloe:He gave me this map… right before he was really gone. I think this is the mine he was talking about.
Chloe:He said… this is a gift for all of you.
Guard (just regaining consciousness):
Chloe… is your brother Anor still alive?
Chloe:No… he's gone. He left us… as a hero.
S:I'll carry Astaross. Let's get out of here—my guess is that Central's forces got teleported to a random location.
S:There's a chance… they'll come back.
Dario:Let's go, Chloe. We have to take your brother's body with us.
Dario:He deserves a proper burial.
—Meanwhile, deep inside Astaross's unconscious mind…
Where… did all of this begin?