The Main Wall of Limelight city
Night had returned as golden hues of the sky faded as the last sliver of sunlight dipped behind the distant mountain range.
Atop the massive towering wall that divided the noble and the common district, a lone soldier stood watch, his gaze sweeping over the vast expanse beyond. Below him, the city stretched out in a sea of flickering lights—lanterns swaying outside homes, torches lining the bustling streets, and the distant glow of a forge still burning into the late hours.
The soldier adjusted his grip on the hilt of his sheathed sword, the cold night air whispering against the exposed portions of his skin. His armour—a blend of metal and leather—was designed for both protection and mobility. Polished steel guarded his vital areas, while reinforced leather allowed for swift, unrestricted movement, setting him apart from the common guards stationed outside the main wall.
He exhaled slowly, his breath visible in the crisp air, then tilted his head back to gaze at the sky. Stars had begun to pierce through the darkness, shimmering like distant beacons.
He whistled idly, a low, tuneless melody that filled the quiet space around him.
Just another quiet night on the wall.
Or so he thought.
"Oi, you hear that?" A guard passing behind him suddenly slowed his pace, his brow furrowed.
"Hm? Oh, sorry, that was me," the soldier admitted, shrugging.
"No, not you. Listen."
They both fell silent.
CAAW! CAAW! CAAAAW!
A distant, guttural screech ripped through the night air. Up ahead, dark shapes moved against the backdrop of the sparkling dust ring, their wings stretching unnervingly wide as they glided toward the wall.
The first guard squinted. "Birds?"
"Probably. This time of night, they're just heading back to their nests," the other replied, though his voice lacked confidence.
"Yeah… maybe. But something feels off." The second guard pulled a spyglass from his belt, flicked it open, and pressed it to his eye. His breath hitched.
"Well?" The first guard leaned in impatiently.
The scout hesitated. "It's a bird…"
"See? Figured—"
"…a wyvern-class bird," the scout finished, voice tight.
The first guard stiffened. His stomach dropped. "You're joking."
"Do I look like I'm joking?!"
A heartbeat of silence.
Then—FWEEEEEEEET!
The piercing sound of the emergency whistle tore through the night, followed instantly by the deep, ominous toll of the warning bells.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Guards bolted to their positions. Armor clanked, boots pounded against the stone, and orders were barked through the chaos.
Men rushed to the nearest siege weapons—massive ballistae, each the size of a small house, mounted along the length of the wall and few more guard also arrive at the weapon. They grabbed their goggles that was hanging nearby as a precaution and swiftly put them on before manning the siege weapons.
One soldier took aim, adjusting the heavy mechanism with practiced precision. Two others worked swiftly to load the bolt—an crystal-tipped spear thicker than a man arm—into the firing groove. A fourth guard cranked the tension wheel, drawing back the immense string with a deep, straining creak and tick.
The fifth stood back, hands glowing with magical energy. He placed his palms over the loaded projectile, murmuring an incantation. The bolt hummed, the metal lines engraved into its shaft glowing a brilliant blue. Sparks crackled along its length as electricity danced across the surface and the crystal tip glow menacingly as it charges blinding the area with intensity.
"Ballista one—ready!" a soldier roared.
"Hold…" The lead operator lined up the shot, tracking the incoming shapes cutting through the night sky. His breath slowed. His grip tightened.
"FIRE!"
The first bolt screamed through the air, crackling with raw energy as it split the darkness. A sharp, chipping noise echoed across the sky as it soared.
Then another. And another.
One after another, ballistae along the wall launched their deadly payloads. The night lit up with a dazzling display of blue lightning, streaking toward the oncoming threat.
The wall was ablaze with an electrified glow, each shot tearing through the sky like wrathful gods striking down from above.
Arrows gleam like shooting stars, tearing the sky with blazing scars.
Grand House Hall
At the same time, far from the rising chaos on the walls.
The grand hall of the castle was alive with opulence and chatter. Guests of honour filled the vast space, dressed in their finest garments, their conversations weaving through the air like a symphony of noble etiquette.
However, beyond the splendour of the main hall, a long corridor stood in contrast—silent and orderly. A grand set of doors barred entry, standing as an unspoken barrier between the invited and the yet-to-be summoned. Beyond them, attendants and guards stood at attention, ensuring that only those officially called were permitted to step through.
For now, the guests remained in wait, unaware of the growing unrest beyond the castle walls.
Kimmi found herself growing restless as she waited for her family turn to be called. The grand hallway leading to the main hall was lined with towering marble pillars, each intricately carved with murals that seemed to whisper forgotten tales. She reached out, running her fingers along the cold stone, admiring the craftsmanship.
"Amazing work… but what does it mean?" she murmured, tilting her head.
Normally, she would not think much of something as simple as a pillar, but here, every single one bore a unique yet connected design—almost as if they were telling a story. Though she could not decipher their meaning, the mystery entertained her, offering a brief escape from the dull wait.
The Frasier family had already entered the hall nearly half an hour ago, leaving Kimmi alone with her mother and a sea of unfamiliar faces. Catherine stood by the wall, silent and unmoving, much like the other nobles who awaited their summons. Some guests exchanged polite conversation, but Catherine remained still, her thoughts seemingly elsewhere.
'Perhaps she has no one to talk to,' Kimmi wondered.
With nothing better to do, she stepped closer and took her mother hand, standing quietly by her side. Catherine glanced down, offering a soft smile before returning to her absentminded state.
Kimmi, however, could not help but scan her surroundings, watching as guests came and went.
Then, at last, a voice called out—
"Catherine Anne Gustmill and her daughter, Kimberly Mae Gustmill!"
A well-dressed man in black announced their names with perfect enunciation. Catherine grip on Kimmi hand tightened as she led her toward the entrance. The crowd parted smoothly, making way for them to pass.
At the doorway, the announcer turned to them with a formal nod. "Are you ready, ma'am?"
Catherine inclined her head slightly. "Yes, sir."
With that, the heavy doors swung open.
"Gustmill family!" the man's voice echoed into the grand hall.
As they stepped inside, Kimmi quickly realized that, despite their names being called, no one paid them any mind. The hall buzzed with people engaged in their own conversations, laughter, and whispers. No curious glances, no murmurs of acknowledgment—just indifference.
All except for the Frasier family.
They welcomed Catherine and Kimmi with gentle applause, offering them the only warmth in the cold sea of people.
Catherine stepped forward, embracing Emeline in greeting, their refined yet genuine goodwill clear.
Kimmi turned to Leyla and, without a word, spread her arms wide.
Leyla blinked, confused. "What… are you doing?"
Kimmi sighed dramatically. "Don't you want to follow what your mother is doing?"
Realization dawned on Leyla face. With a small, almost embarrassed smile, she leaned forward and hugged Kimmi in return. The embrace lasted only a second before they pulled away, exchanging amused glances.
Kimmi gaze wandered as she scanned the hall, searching for one particular figure.
"Where's your father?" she asked curiously.
Leyla lifted her chin with a proud smile. "He was summoned by His Majesty."
Kimmi raised an eyebrow. 'Doubtful,' she thought, but chose to say nothing.
As Kimmi took in her surroundings, she was struck by the sheer scale of the grand hall. It was vast—large enough to fit eight full-sized houses within its towering walls. Four massive marble pillars stretched to the ceiling, their intricate engravings adding to the regal atmosphere.
The polished marble floor gleamed under the glow of chandeliers, reflecting the flickering candlelight. In contrast, the second-floor balcony was crafted from dark, richly stained wood, lending a warm yet imposing presence—except for the section near the throne, which was made entirely of marble, further elevating its distinction.
At the far end of the hall, the throne rested atop a raised platform. A striking blend of wood and metal, it exuded both power and elegance. Deep red fabric and plush cushions adorned the seat, while a thick, luxurious carpet spilled outward like a river of crimson. Before the throne stood a grand wooden trunk table, its polished surface empty yet commanding attention, a striking contrast of white marble, deep red, and rich brown.
The hall spanned three levels, each serving a distinct purpose. The ground floor, where Kimmi stood, was reserved for commoners and middle-class families fortunate enough to receive an invitation. The second floor, perched above, hosted high-ranking officials and nobles, offering them both status and an advantageous view of the event.
Suspended along the rail guards of the first floor, numerous heraldic flags hung in orderly rows, each representing a noble house or distinguished faction. However, the most striking banners adorned the vaulted ceiling, where four enormous flags cascaded down. Among them was the banner of House Sheen, its emblem shimmering in the candlelight. The others bore the crests of the most powerful noble houses—the House of Squall, the House of Selene, and the House of Eigner.
Kimmi gaze drifted toward the banquet tables, where an overwhelming variety of dishes awaited. The aroma of roasted meats, their glistening skins seared to perfection, mingled with the rich scent of spiced stews and herb-seasoned poultry. Freshly baked bread, sat beside bowls of creamy butter, honey and fragrant jams. Assorted cheeses, from sharp and crumbly to smooth and mild, were stacked alongside vibrant Okra vegetables and fruits.
Delicate pastries, dusted with powdered sugar, sat beside towering cakes layered with cream and berries. Small, intricate confections drizzled with honey and nuts gleamed under the candlelight.
Servants moved professionally, ensuring goblets remained full and platters untouched by emptiness. The clinking of glasses and the murmur of anticipation filled the air as guests cast eager glances at the feast, awaiting the official signal to begin.
Kimmi stomach rumbled slightly as she took in the extravagant display. Despite the grandeur of the hall and the strict decorum surrounding her, one truth remained unchanged—she was starving.
A drop of drool nearly escaped her lips as she stared longingly at the banquet tables. With urgency, she turned to her mother and tugged at her sleeve. "Mom… can I eat now?"
Catherine glanced down at her daughter, offering a sympathetic yet awkward smile. "No… not until His Highness is seated on the throne."
Kimmi face instantly fell, her shoulders slumping in defeat. 'That's just awful! How long is that going to take?' The thought of waiting any longer was unbearable.
Hunger-fuelled frustration settled on her face, and she was certain that, if left much longer, she might actually cry.
Before she could voice another complaint, a light tap on her shoulder made her turn around. Standing behind her was Lawrence, Leyla older brother.
"Brother!" Leyla exclaimed, immediately wrapping her arms around him in a hug.
Lawrence returned the embrace before pulling away with an amused smile. He was dressed in a pristine white officer uniform, accented by a deep blue cape. Embroidered on the fabric was an emblem—an open book and a white star.
Kimmi eyed the insignia curiously. "Did you suddenly join the knighthood?"
Lawrence let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Oh, absolutely not." He pointed at the emblem. "I'm set to join the government, not the military. I wouldn't dare enlist in the army."
Leyla tilted her head. "Then why the uniform?"
"Formality," Lawrence answered, waving off the question. Then, he clapped his hands together, straightening his posture. "Anyway, that's not why I'm here. You two—come with me."
Kimmi blinked. "Huh? Where?"
Before he could answer, Emeline raised a questioning brow. "And where exactly are you taking them, son?"
Lawrence cleared his throat, lowering his voice as he leaned toward his mother. "There's a designated gathering space for children. It's a direct order from the higher-ups." He finished with an awkward smile.
"I see," Emeline and Catherine answered simultaneously. They exchanged brief glances before turning their attention to their respective daughters.
Emeline's gaze sharpened. "Leliana, remember to behave."
Leyla straightened her back, nodding with mock seriousness. "Yes, Mother!"
Catherine, on the other hand, looked hesitant. She glanced at Kimmi, her concern was clear. Letting her daughter go unsupervised in such an environment made her uneasy.
Sensing her doubt, Lawrence offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. There will be maids and butlers watching over all of them."
Kimmi, eager to escape the torturous wait for food, grinned and gave her mother a confident thumbs-up. "I'll be fine!"
Catherine sighed, shaking her head with a small, resigned smile. "Go on, then."
With that, Lawrence motioned for the girls to follow. "Alright, let's go."
As they followed Lawrence through the hall, Kimmi hesitated for a moment before glancing up at him with hopeful eyes.
"Um… Lawrence," she started cautiously, "will there be food in the children's area?"
Lawrence chuckled, already expecting the question. "Absolutely," he assured her. "Plenty of it, actually. They've set up a separate table just for the younger guests."
Leyla face instantly lit up when she heard about it. "Really?! That's amazing!"
"Well, about time! I've been starving for ages!" Kimmi huffed.
Lawrence laughed, shaking his head. "Then let's hurry..."
With newfound excitement, Kimmi quickened her pace, practically dragging Leyla along with her.
Lawrence led Kimmi and Leyla to a vibrant courtyard just outside the grand hall, guiding them to a small table near the fountain before heading back inside.
The courtyard was situated in the southeast section of the castle, elevated high above the ground to prevent any unwelcome intruders from entering. The only entrance to the area was through the main hall.
Colourful flags and banners fluttered gently in the night breeze, adding vibrance to the scene. Lanterns cast a warm, golden glow, their light dissolving the shadows beneath.
At the centre of the courtyard stood a grand fountain, its cascading waters shimmering under the soft lantern glow. Around it, small tables were neatly arranged, each adorned with an assortment of treats and delicacies for the children. The setup exuded both elegance and warmth, making the space feel open and inviting.
A cheerfully painted wooden fence enclosed the areas, enhancing its lively charm. Gentle chatter and bursts of laughter filled the air as maids and butlers moved gracefully between tables, balancing trays laden with refreshments.
At first glance, the feast seemed plentiful—piles of fresh fruit, delicate pastries, and an assortment of sweets glistened under the flickering lights. But as Kimmi gaze roamed over the offerings, her excitement quickly soured. Her expression darkened.
'Where was the roasted meat and vegetable?' she thought.
She felt betrayed. The rich, succulent dishes she had glimpsed inside the main hall were nowhere to be found. Instead, the only savoury dish available was a simple meat pie.
'Bread and meat?' In her eyes, that was the worst possible combination—dry, plain, and a poor substitute for a proper feast.
Her stomach churned in disappointment. This was not what she had envisioned. She had hoped—no, expected—the children feast to match the grandeur of the adults banquet inside. Instead, it felt like a well-decorated exile.
Kimmi stomped her foot hard beneath the table, sending a sudden jolt through the wooden surface. Plates rattled, glass wobbled, and a particularly unstable fruit tart nearly toppled over. The other children at the table flinched, their eyes darting between Kimmi and their precariously shaking food.
Leyla shot her a sharp glare. "Kimmi! Stop it! You're going to spill everything!" she muttered,
Kimmi jabbed a finger at the hall. "They're in there feasting on actual delicious food—while we're stuck here with... sweet." She poked a meat pie with honey glaze, her face contorting as if it had personally wronged her.
Leyla rubbing her forehead. "Kimmi, stop it. You're making me look bad," she muttered, sneaking a glance around as the other children at their table turned their curious eyes toward them.
Whispers quickly spread.
"What's wrong with her?" one child mumbled.
"Is she okay?" another asked, leaning in slightly.
"She's hate sweet!" a boy half-Suprise, though there was a flicker amusement in his voice.
Kimmi froze mid-movement, realizing the attention she had drawn. With a loud huff, she let go of her hair and smoothed it down with her hands—only to make the mess even worse. Stray strands now stuck up at odd angles, making her once neatly styled hair look like a bird nest.
From her perspective, the entire setup felt like a herd of sheep being corralled into a pen. And she was one of those sheep.
The servants hardly paid attention to them, except when they had to intervene in fights or settle disputes.
A clear divide existed between noble children and commoners. The commoner children were seated in the open lawn, while the noble children had their own pergolas—elegant structures draped with sheer white curtains.
'At least there aren't any bugs flying around,' Kimmi thought. 'Otherwise, this place would turn into a circus.'
As she tilted her head back, her gaze caught something unusual in the sky—a faint, ethereal dome shrouding the entire area.
That is when she realized something strange.
Despite it being a winter night, she did not feel cold. The air was pleasantly warm, unaffected by the frigid temperatures beyond.
'It must be because of that dome, she mused.' She wondered.
Further above, she noticed another faint, shimmering wall, extending high into the air. Whatever barrier was protecting this place, it was layered—an unseen force keeping the elements, and possibly other threats, at bay.
The area was heavily guarded. Noble guards stood at attention, their watchful eyes scanning for any disturbance, while servants moved with purpose, ensuring everything remained in order.
It was a safe, controlled space. But to Kimmi, it felt more like a cage.
Not moment later.
A cascade of flickering blue lights painted the night sky, drawing gasps of wonder from both children and adults alike. However, amidst the dazzling display, one particular light stood out—a brilliant, fiery streak that cut through the sky with unsettling precision. Unlike the others, which bloomed and faded harmlessly, this one was not merely a spectacle.
It was coming straight for them.
"Oh! Fireworks!" Leyla gasped, shooting to her feet. Around them, children abandoned their food, eyes locked onto the glowing fire descending from the heavens.
"It's so beautiful…" murmured a girl at the next table.
Kimmi, hands still dramatically crossed, squinted up at the falling light, her disappointment momentarily forgotten. A grin spread across her face. "Oh, a wishing star!" She clapped her hands together and loudly declared, "Dear gods, I wish for ROASTED, SAVORY MEAT—juicy, seasoned, and dripping with flavour!"
Leyla groaned. "Kimmi, that's not how wishes—"
The chirping sound that accompanied the light grew louder, sharper—almost deafening. The ball of fire was not slowing down. In fact, it was growing. The once-enchanted gazes of the servants quickly shifted to expressions of sheer panic.
"Move the children back inside—now!" a noble guard barked.
Maidservants sprang into action, hastily ushering the children away from the courtyard. Some of the more obedient noble children, sensing trouble, scampered toward safety. The commoner children, on the other hand, remained frozen in place, their curiosity outweighing their fear.
The ball of fire hurtled closer, colliding with the invisible barrier of the dome. A deafening crack echoed through the air as the protective shield shattered like fragile glass, unable to stop its descent.
BANG!
A massive, burning creature crashed into the central fountain, sending water, stone, and unfortunate nearby pastries flying in all directions. The impact erupted in a burst of steam and fire, shrouding the remains of the fountain in a thick, swirling mist. The once-pristine centrepiece of the courtyard was now nothing more than a smouldering ruin.
Every child stood frozen. Every adult stood horrified.
Except Kimmi.
Her eyes sparkled with delight. "Oh. My. God. My prayer has been answered!" She clapped excitedly. "They got us a giant roasted bird as a surprise feast!"
Kimmi thought this was just a trick prepared by the nobles to entertain their children.
"Kimmi, You Stupid—" Leyla reached for her to take her away, but it was too late.
WHOOSH!
A powerful burst of water erupted from beneath the beast, instantly extinguishing the flames and sending a thick mist rolling across the areas.
CAAAAW!
A piercing screech tore through the air, dispersing the mist in mere seconds and revealing a colossal bird. The children froze, their hair standing on end as fear gripped them.
What had once seemed like a sizzling feast was, in fact, a very-much-alive giant creature. The bird spread its massive, charred wings, shaking off embers and ash. Its feathers, still damp from the fountains water, clung to its body, while a large, jagged ballista bolt jutted out from its wing, evidence of it toughness.
The garden erupted into chaos.
"It's a monster!" a maid shrieked, triggering a wave of panicked screams.
"Oh gods!" Kimmi face drained of colour. "I asked for meat, not a live one!"
"KIMMI, RUN!" Leyla screamed from a safe distance.
The colossal bird, spotting the tiny creatures scrambling away from it, wasted no time. With a powerful swing of its uninjured wing, it unleashed a raging gust of wind, creating a vortex that pulled everything toward it. Tables, banners, trays of untouched sweets—nothing was spared. Even people found themselves stumbling, their screams swallowed by the roaring wind.
Leyla, who had retreated earlier, suddenly felt weightless, as if she were nothing more than a stray leaf caught in a storm. Before she could react, a powerful gust yanked her backward, sending her hurtling straight toward the monstrous bird.
But—
A hand shot out, catching her wrist just in time.
Kimmi.
With her feet planted firmly on the cobbled pathway, Kimmi gritted her teeth, using every ounce of strength to pull Leyla back. The force of the wind threatened to pull them apart, but Kimmi refused to let go.
"I got you!" she shouted, her voice barely carrying over the storm.
Leyla clung to her, wide-eyed and trembling.
But they were not safe yet.
Kimmi survival instincts kicked in. As the wind threatened to drag them away, her eyes darted around until they locked onto a metallic chair tumbling past. Without hesitation, she seized it, flipping it onto its side.
Thud!
She slammed her foot onto the chair seat, forcing its legs to slide into the gaps between the cobblestones and grass. The metal bent under the pressure but held.
Using it as an anchor, Kimmi bent her knees and leaned forward, gripping Leyla wrist tightly. The leverage from the chair halted their momentum, keeping both of them from being dragged any further.
The wind howled around them, banners flapping violently, but Kimmi held firm.
Further away from them.
The bird spotted another struggling figure caught in the storm. Sensing an easy kill, it lunged, its massive beak shooting forward to snatch its first prey.
CLANG!
A knight threw himself between the bird and its target, raising his shield just in time. The beast beak crashed against the enchanted steel, sending a shockwave through the ground. The deflected attack slammed into the ground, leaving a gaping crater where the earth had once been, a grim testament to the creature raw strength.
More knights arrived, weapons drawn, unleashing a barrage of magic and sword techniques in an attempt to bring the monstrous bird down.
"Sword Art of the Moon Knight—Great Divide!"
One knight leaped high into the air, his blade engulfed in a blazing crimson aura. With a mighty slash, he struck at the beast thick neck, leaving a deep, gushing wound. Blood oozed onto the ground, staining the once-pristine pavement. Yet, despite the powerful strike, the bird sheer size made the wound appear shallow. It flinched, momentarily staggering back, but it was far from defeated.
"It's not enough!" another knight bellowed. "Take out its wings!"
Three knights rushed forward, their movements a blur. They had to act before the beast could recover.
"Sword Art of the Moon Knight—Spiral Pierce!"
In perfect unison, the knights thrust their swords forward, each blade spinning with a vortex of crimson energy. Their combined assault drilled through the creature wing, piercing flesh and bone. The bird shrieked in agony, its pained cries shaking the very air around them.
But a wounded beast is often the most dangerous.
The bird instinctively lashed out, swinging its injured wing with desperate fury. The three knights who had landed the attack were flung like ragdolls, their bodies smashing into walls and stone pillars with sickening force.
Seeing more knights rushing toward it, the creature was about to let out an ear-splitting screech.
The moment the colossal bird opened its beak, Kimmi instincts screamed at her.
She did not need to see it happen—she felt it.
"Leyla, cover your ears!" Kimmi shouted, yanking her friend close.
Leyla barely had time to react before—
CAAAAAW!
A violent shockwave tore through the air, extinguishing every lantern and brazier in the courtyard, plunging the area into near-total darkness. The screech that followed was unlike anything Kimmi had ever heard—an unbearable, high-pitched wail that rattled bones and made skulls feel as if they would split open.
Leyla eyes widened in agony as she clutched her ears, her body trembling from the sheer intensity of the sound. Tears welled up as her legs buckled beneath her, nearly sending her collapsing to the ground.
The once-glowing courtyard, now swallowed by darkness, became a battlefield of disoriented figures writhing under the deafening force of the monstrous cry.
Kimmi acted fast. Without hesitation, she tore at the hem of her dress, ripping off a large strip of fabric. Wrapping it around Leyla head, she pressed the makeshift cloth against her ears, desperate to muffle the unbearable noise.
But as she protected her friend, she felt a warm, wet sensation trickling down her own ears.
Blood
Droplets slid down her jaw, staining her collar, but—oddly—she did not feel any lasting pain. The deafening screech still rang in her ears, loud as ever, yet she could hear it clearly. Almost too clearly.
Leyla tear-filled eyes met hers. The sight of Kimmi bleeding sent fresh panic through her friend face, but Kimmi just smiled, trying to reassure her.
CRACK!
The wail was so powerful that the castle windows shattered, sending sharp glass raining down onto the courtyard. Leaves caught midair hung suspended for a moment before being violently hurled away.
The knights reeled in pain, some dropping to their knees as they clutched their ringing ears. But they were the lucky ones.
The civilians were not as fortunate.
Some collapsed outright, their ears bleeding freely as they lost consciousness. Others staggered, their balance destroyed by the sheer force of the sound. The younger children screamed, but even their cries were swallowed by the lingering echoes of the monstrous screech.
And then—
THUNK!
The beast clamped its beak around the massive ballista bolt lodged in its wing. With a vicious yank—
WHOOSH—CRASH!
—the bolt tore free, soaring through the air like a battering ram before slamming into one of the castle pillars. Cracks spread across the stone like veins of destruction, chunks of rubble breaking off and thudding to the ground.
The bird, now freed, let out a deep, satisfied caw. Though bloodied and wounded, both of its wings were finally usable again.
And with that, the battlefield had changed.
The knights knew it.
"This is bad!" one of them shouted. "Get everyone to safety—carry them if you have to!"
The knights who had managed to recover wasted no time. Some scooped up unconscious and injured children, hauling them onto their backs. Others helped dazed nobles to their feet, urging them toward the castle's inner halls.
Each time they cleared a group, they returned without hesitation, repeating the process with relentless urgency.
Kimmi and Leyla were not about to take any chances, like many other they run toward the exit as soon as the path cleared.
Meanwhile, the colossal bird flapped its wings, desperate to take to the skies. But its injuries were severe, and its tattered feathers made the attempt futile. It stumbled, barely lifting off the ground before crashing back down.
Frustrated, the creature inspected its wounded wing, pecking at the torn flesh. Then, from deep within its throat, a sorrowful cry escaped—low, drawn-out, almost mournful.
Caaaw…
For a moment, its piercing eyes softened.
Then—its gaze snapped toward the retreating people.
The sorrow in its eyes twisted into fury.
With a deafening screech, its neck bulged unnaturally, muscles expanding as its body tensed. The wound inflicted by the knights stretched and tore wider, sending fresh streams of blood cascading down its feathers. But the pain only seemed to fuel its rage.
And then—it charged.
Talons ripped into the ground, propelling it forward like a storm given form.
The knights saw it coming.
One of them, a mage-knight, slammed his hands together. "Mud Wall!"
The earth beneath him bubbled violently before surging upward, forming a massive barrier. The liquid mud hardened instantly, growing wider and taller—matching the sheer size of the bird itself.
"Defensive formation!" another knight bellowed. The remaining knights scrambled onto the wall, weapons raised, prepared to counter the bird advance.
Leyla, still sprinting toward the entrance, barely had time to react before strong arms suddenly snatched her away. A knight, retreating with the others, had seized her without hesitation, ensuring she was not left behind.
"Kimmi!" Leyla scream pierced through the chaos.
Kimmi skidded to a stop, her breath caught in her throat. She turned just in time to see the knight carrying Leyla—and several other children—through the towering mud wall, disappearing behind its safety.
Her stomach twisted.
She had hoped one of the knights would save her too.
Instead, she was left alone.
The knights atop the wall gripped their weapons, eyes locked on the beast.
"Damn it… That thing—it's Cootic!" one of them spat, horror settling in.
"The Giant Singing Bird…" another muttered, voice grim. "One of the most dangerous creatures when provoked. Its cries alone can bring armies to their knees…"
The knights braced themselves. They expected the bird to charge—but it did not.
Cootic stopped halfway toward the mud wall.
Then—its beak parted slightly.
A misty substance seeped from its mouth, curling like smoke into the air.
"It's building up something—" a knight started.
And then—
The bird opened its beak wide.
A blinding energy beam erupted forth, slamming into the mud wall with devastating force.
BOOM!
The barrier exploded.
Chunks of hardened earth exploded, sending debris flying in all directions. The knights stationed atop it were hurled backward, crashing violently onto the ground. Shattered pillars collapsed, their broken remains tumbling across the courtyard before coming to a stop in the far corner.
And worse—
The doors behind them were obliterated.
The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the castle, reducing the grand entrance to nothing more than a massive, gaping hole.
Kimmi barely managed to stay on her feet as she watched knights get flung aside like dolls.
Beyond the wreckage, inside the now-exposed main hall, she caught a glimpse of the people within—nobles, servants, children—all staring in horror, frozen in fear as they cowered further from the destroyed wall.
Where the grand doors once stood, now there was only devastation.
The colossal bird leaned down, peering through the shattered remains of the wall. It tilted its head, blinking its beady eyes as if studying the trembling figures inside.
A collective gasp rippled through the grand hall. People shrank back, their breath hitching as the beast regarded them—not with curiosity, but with the keen gaze of a predator sizing up its next meal.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air.
A low, eerie hum rumbled deep within the creature's throat as it parted its massive beak. Wisps of mist coiled inside its maw, swirling into a dense, glowing sphere. The air warped, crackling with raw power. It was preparing to strike.
Before the attack could be unleashed, a lone figure stepped forward.
An aged man with flowing blond hair, clad in a long, emerald-green silk robe, adorned with a circlet of the same hue upon his forehead. In his hand, he clutched a long, withered white staff, its surface cracked with time.
"Step aside," he commanded, his voice calm and firm.
The panicked whispers hushed instantly. Without hesitation, the people obeyed, retreating behind him as he inhaled a slow, deep breath.
He tapped his staff against the floor.
A pulse of magic rippled outward. Tiny flickering lights, like emerald fireflies, erupted from the air, swirling like miniature stars. Their glow expanded, weaving through the grand hall and spilling out into the ruined courtyard.
Creak!
The earth trembled.
With a deep, resonating groan, massive roots burst from the ground, splitting through dirt and stone alike. Cobblestones cracked, the very foundation of the castle shaking as the roots coiled and expanded.
They surged toward the broken wall, creeping along its edges, climbing higher and wider with terrifying speed. Windows warped as the relentless vines forced their way inside, sealing every opening within seconds.
As the roots settled, thick thorns sprouted across their surface—jagged, menacing, and razor-sharp. Among them, strange purple flowers bloomed, their delicate petals swaying as if whispering secrets to the wind, adding an eerie beauty to the barrier.
The colossal bird screeched in fury.
A blinding beam of energy tore through the night, slamming into the wall of thorns. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the earth, the sheer force shredding the outermost layers of the roots.
But the barrier did not break.
Though scorched and battered, more vines surged forward, regrowing as fast as they were destroyed. The wall held firm.
The bird stumbled back, its powerful chest rising and falling in laboured breaths. Scarlet dripped onto the ground, staining the ground beneath its massive talons. It had already bled heavily from its wounds, and unleashing its devastating energy attacks twice had only worsened its condition.
Kimmi watched the scene unfold, her entire body trembling. She had never known chaos like this.
The knights—once the castles capable defenders—had been blown apart like mere dolls. She did not dare think about whether they had survived the attack.
Heart pounding, she scurried beneath the remnants of a broken table, curling into herself, desperate to make herself as small as possible.
"The exit is completely sealed… Just perfect! Now how in the hell am I supposed to get out of here?" she muttered under her breath, frustration laced with fear.
Cursed to stay, to fight, to fall, a hidden strength yet her to call.