As they approached the machine, Dante’s eyes locked onto something just beside it. A massive world map, not like the crude sketches he had seen scrawled on Furthian scrolls, but a grand, intricate thing—detailed and precise. It pulled at something deep inside him, a whisper in the back of his mind that had been growing louder ever since he arrived in this world.

  His body hitched. His fingers, almost on their own, reached out to trace the contours. The rivers, the mountains, the oceans—it wasn’t just familiar. It was his.

  “This… is my world…” The words left his lips in a hush.

  Silver hobbled up beside him, tilting his head. “Whaddya mean?”

  “This map… It’s my world. Whatever this place is, whatever it’s become—it was my planet.” His voice wavered, but his hands remained steady on the map.

  Silver scratched behind his ear, clearly not following. Ezekiel stepped in beside him, studying the map with narrowed eyes. “What does it all mean?”

  Dante exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “It confirms what Ozma said… I created alternate worlds. Not just versions of myself, but entire realities…” A hollow chuckle escaped his lips. “All this time… I’ve been home.”

  His finger traced a familiar outline, stopping over a landmass labeled Human Lands. His chest tightened. Slowly, he shifted his finger to the east, where the label changed—Chimeran Lands.

  “Look… we’re right here.” He tapped a spot that should have been France. His gaze flicked upward, settling on the tower that loomed over them. “I knew it looked familiar. This had to have been… the Eiffel Tower…”

  His voice faded. The weight of it all hit him at once, slamming into his chest like a falling stone. An overwhelming force surged throughout his body to his fingertips. His vision blurred at the edges. He staggered back, the strength draining from his legs.

  “Whoa, hey—Dante!” Silver yelped, reaching out but failing to support him. “I can’t hold ya up, mate!”

  Dante barely caught himself, gripping the edge of the map’s frame, steadying himself. The dizziness passed, but something inside him still felt disconnected. “I’m okay, Silver.” He forced a small, shaky smile. “I’m home. Not exactly home, but… this is my world. Just… a different version of it. I should have expected this, but… the confirmation hit me hard… I’m… home.”

  Silver let out a low whistle. “Well, that’s somethin’, huh? But uh, not to rush ya or anythin’, don’t we got somewhere to be?” He motioned toward the massive elevator.

  Dante hesitated. A part of him wanted to stay, to keep staring at the map until he found something—anything—that made sense of it all. But the world wouldn’t wait for him to catch up. He forced himself to turn away.

  “Yes… of course. C’mon, let’s go see the Queen.” He exhaled and led the way to the elevator, though his mind remained fixed on the map behind him. Perhaps the Queen could explain why the world is the way that it is. But is now the time to bother with that question?

  Silver marveled at the machine, “incredible. Only machine I ever see.”

  “Right, because tech was banned. Yet, this is allowed to exist?” Dante recalled.

  “Aye, musta been some exception type of thing… so we uh, just go in n’ it goes up?” Silver gulped as they stepped inside the elevator.

  “I would have thought your fear of heights was cured when we were flying in the chariot…” Dante pushed the only button that existed, and the elevator responded.

  “I just like havin’ me paws on the ground, mind ya, not on some… contraption! Least the chariot was Furthian made, not some strange lookin’ thing!” He looked around at the elevator chamber. “Y’know, me tail still hasn’t recovered from yer last shenanigans.”

  Ezekiel chuckled, “These are the kinds of stories I like to hear. You argue like me and my brother.”

  They all had a quick laugh as they ascended quickly to the top floor. As the elevator doors opened, they were met by a highly decorated hallway. It led to Queen Artemis’s throne room as a masterpiece of cold elegance, built to inspire awe rather than comfort. Smooth, polished marble stretched beneath their feet, its dark surface reflecting the dim glow of ornate golden sconces lining the walls. Towering pillars of obsidian flanked the passage, their surfaces carved with celestial patterns. Heavy, deep-blue banners embroidered with silver filigree draped between them, displaying symbols of Artemis’s reign.

  “Cheery…” Dante said, gawking at the decorations.

  “That’s our queen for ya.” Silver added.

  At the far end, an immense set of double doors stood waiting—carved from jet-black wood and inlaid with shimmering veins of metals from the stars, their towering presence a silent reminder of the power that lay beyond. There was another door to the side, but it didn’t look important. The imposing doors were guarded by two Furthian Hawk Sentinels. They tilted their heads and quickly realized who they were seeing. They knelt before Dante.

  “Lord Sebooro, we’ve been waiting for your return. Please, the Queen is inside.”

  The sentinels opened the ornate door and stepped aside to allow Dante’s group passage.

  Dante awkwardly led his group inside, his eyes sweeping over the throne room in brief appraisal. The space was narrow, its cold metal walls reinforced with dark plating that absorbed much of the light from the sparse, bluish fixtures above. A long, unadorned black carpet stretched to the raised platform where Artemis’s throne loomed—a sleek, silver chair with sharp, angular edges. The air was still, the silence pressing. There were no guards, no banners of any kind, just emptiness and the Queen who waited for them.

  Her swirling gaze watched as they approached. She stood, meeting them. Silver bowed immediately. She smiled casually.

  “You please me, my dear warrior.” She said, then looked at Dante, “I must say. You truly are the spitting image of Sebooro.”

  Dante nodded. “I get that a lot…”

  “But you are not him.” Her face was still smiling.

  “Finally, someone gets it. Yes, I am Dante.” He said, sighing in relief.

  “Dante, yes,” She said, approaching slowly. “You are the one he spoke of.”

  Dante blinked in confusion. “What? He spoke of me? Who?”

  “Indeed. Sebooro spoke of you. He said that you would come under the guise of a different name. And that you would not know of anything of our lands or what has become of the world. As though their memory has been stricken! But, alas, I have no time to explain.” She said with urgency as she stepped away from her throne and glided to a side door, “Come. We have other matters to attend to.”

  “I…uh… okay…” Dante felt thrown off by her sudden demeanor shift. Not what he expected, but he didn’t want to be rude. He still needed to enlist her help, so he would at least hear her out. He looked at Silver and Ezekiel, but they shrugged, unsure of what to do or say. They decided to follow her for now. Hopefully, she's not leading them into some kind of trap.

  The next room opened up to the outside, allowing Furthian Sentinels to come and go with ease. They stood in formation, their armor a gleaming mix of silver and titanium, polished to an almost ceremonial shine. Despite their rigid posture, their presence exuded both discipline and spectacle. At the center of the room, an enormous table dominated the space, surrounded by Chimeran figures draped in regal attire. A map was spread across the table, which indicated a clear purpose—Chimera was at its heart, covered in carefully placed figurines and strategic markings. This was no mere gathering. It was preparation. A meeting for war.

  As his group approached, he observed the diverse assembly. He could only assume they were the royals of the Chimerans, each bearing the responsibilities of their respective kind.

  Artemis stepped to the head of the table and gestured to the gathered leaders. “As you can see, the heads of each Chimeran kind have come together to discuss a recent human advancement.”

  A tall Furthian eagle with sleek black feathers nodded first. “I am Zephira, representative of the Furthians.” Her voice was smooth yet commanding, like that of a seasoned orator.

  Next, a Ferenzial wolf with thick gray fur and piercing blue eyes leaned forward. “Name’s Garrik,” he rumbled. His voice was gruff, his accent rougher than Silver’s.

  Beside him, a golden-maned Vilazun lion sat with regal posture. “I am Solrath, ruler of the Vilazun,” he said, his deep voice calm but firm.

  A squat Meorbin toad cleared his throat, adjusting the thick ceremonial beads around his neck. “Croagel of the Meorbin,” he croaked. His tone was slow and deliberate.

  A hulking Rezzo tortoise, his shell marked with deep battle scars, let out a heavy breath. “Ormun,” he rumbled. His voice wore at least a century, if not more.

  An Athros grizzly with a thick, dark coat gave a deep chuckle. “Hmph. Name’s Vornak,” she said, arms crossed. “I’d rather break a man in half than sit here talking about it.” Her voice was like rolling thunder, full of raw strength.

  A Frathian bat, his thin wings folded neatly against his arms, spoke next. “I am Nivalis,” he said with a sly smile. His voice had a soft, eerie quality, like a whisper in the dark.

  A small but sharp-eyed Vigas shrew piped up next. “I am Skaev,” he said, his tone quick and clipped.

  A burly Stagas badger thumped his clawed hand against the table. “Durn. If the humans want a fight, we’ll give ’em one.” His voice was rough and unwavering.

  A Largo hippo, easily the largest in the room, gave a slow, deliberate nod. “Boros,” he said, voice deep as a river’s current.

  A striped Hoven zebra with sharp, intelligent eyes spoke next. “Call me Veyla,” she said smoothly.

  Finally, an unfamiliar race sat at the table. He looked like a shark. His skin, sleek and shimmering, grinned with rows of pointed teeth. “Varos of the Aguos,” he said. His voice carried a cold confidence. “My waters have already been tainted by their… machines...”

  Dante could feel all eyes on him, along with other eyes from the back of the room. Two very familiar figures, Roak and Fugg, with crossed arms.

  Interesting, those two again… Dante thought, trying not to be distracted.

  Artemis then spoke, “Ahem, thank you, Lords of Chimera. As you can see, Lord Sebooro has returned to us. To save us all from the staggering human forces that plague the north and south lands.”

  A bold claim almost struck Dante down. What!? What the hell is this!? I’m suddenly now enlisted in a war!?

  Artemis continued to speak, “The humans have come, seeking a mystical weapon from the ancient Human-Chimera war from long ago. Now that Sebooro is here, we can trust that he will wipe the humans out once and for all, just like the Ixions. Isn’t that correct, my lord?”

  Dante tried not to react. “I… uh…”

  Artemis remained stoic, but he could see it in her eyes. She was dead serious.

  What the hell is going on? She knows I’m not him! But… I need… damn it!

  “That’s right. I will wipe out the humans. But first, a word, Artemis…” Dante said, trying to act cool and play along with her insanity.

  “Do you have something you wish to say, my Lord?” She smiled deviously.

  “Yes, privately…” he said, motioning to the door with his eyes.

  The Queen smirked, “Certainly, my Lord…”

  Dante led her back into the Throne room. He motioned to Ezekiel and Silver to stay. Quickly, they shut the door. He then turned to see her smirking face and swirling eyes, which set him off.

  “What the HELL!? Are you insane!?” Dante said in an angry hush, “You know I’m not Sebooro! Why are you doing this!?”

  “You are the one that Sebooro said would arrive.” She began, unwavering. “The Chimerans need their leader. They’ve been waiting for you for hundreds of years, to return. You were the one that was promised to bring them out of ruin. You are to save them from the dangers of our world. And that you would wipe away our enemies!”

  “Look at me, do I look like I can just… wipe out an entire race of people!?” he displayed his broken, useless wings.

  She gazed at him, up and down, still smirking. “No.”

  “Then tell me, what do you expect me to do? I can’t fight for you. I can’t lead you – I can’t even fly!”

  Artemis gave a sly smile and jumped backwards, pointed out her gauntlet at him, and summoned a massive spear from her hand. From the familiar purple fog. The blade almost reached his nose.

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Dante bounced backward, preparing himself for a fight. “Whoa, What!? You… you’re modulated!? Are you… are you Tyr!?”

  She smiled deviously. “Hehe, not exactly…”

  “What is the meaning of this!?” He readied the sword.

  “I am the Queen of Chimera.” Her gauntlets tighten around the spear. “That is who I am. And you do not know who you are supposed to be. A savior? Bah!” She walked around him, with the spear still pointing at his face. “Now, kneel before your Queen, imposter!”

  “Don’t you understand? I am not your savior. My power is gone!” Dante tightened the grip of the sword in his hand, preparing himself for a vicious battle. “And I will not kneel to you!”

  “Hmph, figures you would say such a thing.” Her eyes shifted from calm to fury. “Since you won’t do as I ask, then I will just kill everyone in the other room. Starting with Silver, he had such high potential to be my elite guard, just to be skewered. My wings will tear through each leader, one by one. And then, I will behead that flying Rezzo with one fell swoop. And then you. I think I’d start by ripping out your module and smashing you to pieces. Think you are fast enough to stop me? Huh!? Answer me, wretch!” Her hands were shaking with rage, twisting and writhing on the spear’s handle.

  It was silent as Dante considered his options, which were none. If he tried to attack, she could easily plow through him. He wasn’t expecting her to be a psychopath. He glanced behind himself. And then back. It was indeed a trap after all. But one that he didn’t expect. Her glaring eyes watched as he shook his own. His hand loosened from the sword and pointed it to the ground.

  “I have… but one request…” He wavered, knowing full well that she could end him with ease.

  She slammed her spear on the floor. “Request!? HA! Don’t make me laugh. You are not in any position to make demands.”

  “I just… need your help…” he pleaded.

  Can’t believe it's come to this, he thought, lowering his head and waiting for her wrath.

  There was only silence. He waited another few seconds. Then he looked up at her.

  She was frozen. Her eyes widened. Her hand loosened from the spear slightly. It was then that she let down her guard, as though his words hit her deeper than any cut. It made no sense to him. She slowly motioned into a less offensive stance. “You want… my… help?” Her fury subsided inexplicably.

  Instead of prodding her for information, he said it again, “Yeah… I need your help.”

  She tilted her head in confusion, as though this was unexpected, “Explain…”

  Dante decided to divulge the information. Something changed in Artemis; a spell was broken, or some kind of information she was fed didn’t line up. “Someone is coming… someone with a lot more power than you and I…” He watched her eyes, as though she was entranced by his rationale. “She’s after Ezekiel. If she gets him, then… everything may be lost…”

  Artemis summoned away her spear, “You… speak the truth? Is this why you came? Because you need me?”

  “Yes… Actually, that’s exactly why I came. The moment I heard about you, I knew I needed your help. I thought—this person, she’s like me. Maybe she’d understand. But then I saw Silver’s memory… and I saw you. And how much you looked like her... it shook me. It made me question everything, made me doubt if I could trust you. But in the end, I realized I didn’t have a choice. You're the only one who might be able to help me.”

  “So you want to join forces with me. Against the person that is coming…”

  “That’s right. If you promise to help me, then… I will help you. I’ll do as you ask.”

  “I… understand…” she said, hanging her head in shame.

  “One day I want to hear the truth, not from the Queen, not from the warrior within, but from you…”

  Artemis approached, and she then summoned away her amaranth breastplate. Exposing the swirling module in her cybernetic armored chest.

  Dante tensed. The air crackled with energy as she stepped toward him, her module exposed, pulses of blue light alternating rapidly. He instinctively raised his sword an inch before stopping himself. “Artemis… what are you doing?”

  She continued to approach. “A peace treaty between you and me.”

  “Uh…?”

  She came closer and closer and swiftly wrapped her arms around him. A sudden surge of energy crashed through his body like a tidal wave. Pure synenergetic power coursed through every appendage. His vision blurred to the point of blindness. He staggered back, dropping to one knee as arcs of magnificent force protruded from within.

  His hands trembled, then solidified, encased in blackened cybernetic armor. The sword clattered to the floor. The transformation spread like wildfire. He could feel the power crawling over him, effectively replacing the beat-up armor. The cyber armor climbed up his neck, spiraled down his back, and then down his legs.

  Then his wings unfurled. Each dull feather bristled, re-hardening into a metallic sheen. A sharp, grating sound filled the air. His wings have returned to their former glory. He spread them wide and gasped as the forces expelled from within. The module in his chest pulsated rapidly until, finally, he levitated. There was an exorbitant amount of pressure surrounding him.

  Dante gasped. “What… did you do?” Someone’s world was being pulled apart to be joined to whatever world he had inside of him. It almost made him feel sick… if he had a stomach.

  Artemis smiled. “I have given you half of my module’s power.”

  “Urgh!” The surging power vibrated through him.

  The crushing pressure finally lifted, leaving behind a hum of synenergetic power coursing through his body. The power settled inside him like it had before. Not quite as overwhelming as the first time, but it was there. He slowly descended until his feet touched the floor. He looked around the room. Now that his vision had returned, he could once again see and hear through the walls. He looked up and could see the sky through the ceiling. The Subnet pathways swirled above. It was overwhelming and unexpected. He couldn’t help but feel there was a catch.

  He stared at his armored hands, clenching them into fists. He picked up the sword and pointed it away. With an ounce of focus, the blade vanished into a swirling mass of purple fog. He then looked into Artemis’s expecting eyes. “I don’t know why you did this. How do you know I won’t try to destroy you?”

  She smiled deliberately. “You won’t. It’s not in you. The moment you surrendered, I knew.”

  He shook his head in disbelief. “What the– I’m… I don’t even know what to say.”

  “If you do as I ask, then perhaps when you return, we can talk more. Might I ask, is the person that is after your friend, Sophitia?”

  “How did you know her name?” Dante asked with a raised brow.

  “Tyr was all Sebooro ever talked about. I look like her. She was the first person that came out of your mouth when I made myself known to you. She was why Sebooro is, and Sophitia was the villain that made him be. So I put it all together.”

  “I see…” He wasn’t sure what had happened between Sebooro, Tyr, and Artemis, but he no longer dwelled on it. His confidence flooded over him; indeed, this was a good sign. At first, he resisted, but against his better judgment, he sank to one knee. “Thank you for helping me.”

  She smirked and rolled her eyes, “Oh stand up, you buffoon. Come. We must return to the Chimerans. They need hope. They need to know that fear will not overtake them. They are powerful warriors, nonetheless, but they deeply need you as their rightful leader.”

  “I… okay… fine. I will try to give them hope.” His voice shook with the burden she placed on him. But if he was to remain on her good side, he would do as she asked. There was still an ounce of distrust that remained. It all seemed too convenient and easy. Something was up, but he could not foresee the future. For now, roll with it.

  Together, they returned to the war room. They had stared at him before. Now, they gawked—some in reverence, others in disbelief. Whatever had changed in him, they could see it, too.

  “Whoa! Nice armor!” Silver said excitedly, running up to inspect Dante’s new gear.

  Ezekiel was also stunned but gave a knowing nod. He could tell something was up, and it was best to stay in character. Be none the wiser.

  Dante smiled, “Yes, thank you. I’ve come to my senses. Let us return to discuss this… human advancement,” he said with leading confidence in his abilities.

  Yeah, nice… get into character. Okay. I can do this. He thought to himself, trying to keep up the facade. He then walked with Artemis to the head of the table. He looked at the map. Human figurines were made to indicate that human forces were last seen in the north and southlands. He looked over to Artemis, her eyes expecting him to lead. Alright. Let’s give them a show.

  “What do we know about the human advancements?”

  “I sent scouts a couple of days ago to the city of Vilazuna. They, however, have not returned,” Zephira said, sadness echoing in her voice.

  “Sounds like they were probably killed,” Solrath grunted.

  Varos then spoke, “As I stated before, their machines have tainted my waters. We saw many large vessels approaching the North and Southlands.”

  “Yes, the major cities of Vilazuna and Agorogoro may be under attack or devastated by their assault,” Artemis added.

  Garrik of the Ferenzials added, “Nideria, a subordinate of mine, is leading a battalion in Vilazuna. I have utmost faith in her abilities, but…”

  Dante clenched his fist, resolute. “Then it’s settled. I’ll make my stand in the Southlands—they’ll know I’ve returned. Come. Let’s rally the Chimerans and declare our strike.”

  He led the entire group to the balcony. He leaned over to see thousands of Chimerans still preparing for a battle.

  Dante stepped to the ledge, lifting his arms as if calling down thunder itself.

  “My Chimerans!” His voice rang out like a strike across the sky. “I am Sebooro—returned not just to save you but to lead you! The humans strike at our homes, our kin, our very right to exist! In search of a weapon they will be unable to attain!” He paused, letting that word hang like ash in the air. “Their search will only find my vengeance. Not one shall pass. Not one shall break us!” He summoned the claymore in a burst of purple fog and raised it overhead. “We will not cower. We will rise. From the North to the South, we will drive them back until their skies are ours again!”

  The crowd burst into frenzied howls and cheers. Roars shook the walls, claws pounded on steel, and voices rose like a crashing wave.

  He glanced at Silver, who gave a firm nod.

  “As will I,” Solrath added, voice rumbling deep in his chest as he took a proud stance beside him.

  “Us too! Us too!” Skaev echoed, barely able to contain himself.

  Artemis stepped forward, her eyes burning with pride. “The Chimerans have your back, Lord Sebooro,” She declared. “We have awaited your return for a very. Long. Time.”

  The Chimerans below continued to cheer, Howl, Bellow, Roar, and Screech in an epic animal symphony. They felt empowered by Dante’s war cry. They worked harder and faster than ever. They became vitalized with intense vigor. For all they knew, their god had returned.

  Stay in character…

  Just stay in character.

  He gritted his teeth behind the smile, trying to smother the spiral of doubt climbing up his throat.

  “Come, Ezekiel, trusty warrior, to the Southlands! As for the rest of you, defend this area. When I return victorious, we will wipe the humans from anywhere else they plan on intruding!”

  Artemis’s eyes sparkled with joy. She was getting what she wanted. Dante then looked over to Silver, “You must stay with Artemis, warrior. Since you are her elite guard.”

  Silver stood tall, “Yes, sir!”

  Their eyes met—and Dante gave him a firm look.

  Watch yourself, friend, he thought. Something about all this still stinks.

  He only hoped the glance was enough.

  Artemis touched his arm. “Go, my Lord. Show them what the Chimeran god looks like!”

  With one last look over the crowd, Dante gazed to the sky, the Subnet seemed to react. Without another thought, he launched into the sky with Ezekiel at his side, a sonic boom trailing behind them.

  As the wind howled past, Ezekiel drew closer. “You do realize we are most likely heading into a war zone.”

  “I know.”

  “From your stories, it is apparent that you have never been part of war.”

  Dante nodded. “That’s true. What’s your point?”

  Ezekiel’s voice grew heavy. “It is not to be taken lightly. You may be forced to end lives. Perhaps many.”

  Dante sighed. “That’s why I’m hoping we can negotiate with a commander. Reduce any unnecessary bloodshed. The Chimerans revere me as some powerful deity. Maybe the humans will too.”

  Ezekiel studied him and chuckled. “So, that was all for show. You don’t truly seek to destroy their enemy?”

  “I think… I think there’s more to this than we’re seeing,” Dante admitted. “Something is wrong. I can feel it. No, it’s more like I know it.”

  “Yes, her resemblance to Tyr was uncanny.”

  “What happened in there?”

  Dante explained how much of a rollercoaster of emotion it was. Her instability. There was something off with her.

  He closed his eyes in thought, “I see… but she’s not one of the Kaleidoscopians…”

  “No… she seems to have been created by Sebooro… and was somehow modulated… but.”

  “Indeed, only the machine controlled by Sophitia can create the modules.”

  “Yeah… the God Module. There’s still so much I don’t understand about this world—how it came to be, what Sebooro did. And then there are the humans. We have no idea what we’re walking into. But honestly, it doesn’t matter. I doubt the Chimerans stand a chance against Sophitia. Maybe the humans could… if they side with us. Back in my time, they were on the brink of something big. So, by now? Who knows. They could be allies… or just the same warmongering bastards they’ve always been.”

  “It is worth a try,” He encouraged.

  “There’s too much we don’t know and no time to figure it out. We keep moving and hope the answers come when we need them.”

  “That is the hope.”

  The wind roared past Dante’s ears as they shot through the sky, the ground below blurring into a smear of greens and browns. Flying had once felt unattainable, but now it was as easy as blinking. What would normally take weeks of walking took only mere minutes of their flight ability. Ezekiel proved to be an excellent flyer and easily kept up with Dante. Once they reached halfway, he realized something about himself.

  “Dante, I believe most of my power has returned. I should be able to use my Celestial powers again and can turn into Massa if necessary.” Ezekiel said excitedly.

  “Really? That’s great! Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that!”

  “Indeed, I do not want to terrify anyone again… even if we are on their side.”

  “After this… I’m not sure if we will be…” Dante mused.

  “It does seem treasonable… At any rate, come, take my claw. I can get us there faster.”

  He displayed his ability to teleport from place to place.

  “Amazing, yeah, teleporting beats flying any day!” Dante grabbed his claw. “Let’s not go right into the middle of the battlefield. Just outside of it, alright? On the Chimeran’s side.”

  Ezekiel’s eyes flashed with light—blinding, white-hot. In the blink of an eye, the world folded around them.

  Then—crack!

  They passed through the wormhole and stood at the edge of hell.

  The air shook with distant cannon fire. Explosions lit the horizon in sickening bursts. The stench of scorched flesh clawed at their noses, smoke curling thick around their heads. A haze blanketed the land in a ghostly film, and the taste of ash clung to their tongues like poison.

  Every step trembled with the thunder of war.

  But this wasn’t war.

  It was slaughter.

  Dante’s voice was barely a whisper. “Are we too late?”

  Ezekiel’s expression was grim. “Let’s hope not. Lead on, leader.”

  Dante shot him a side glance, half a glare—but it softened. Right. Leader. Time to play the part.

  They moved fast, weaving through the wreckage. Twisted steel. Shattered towers. Scattered bodies—Chimerans in heaps, limbs torn, blood soaking stone. Even a few humans and robotic creatures lay broken, though far fewer.

  The city of Vilazuna was nothing but ruin now. Charred skeletons of once-proud buildings clawed toward the sky, as if begging for mercy that would never come.

  Laser fire still echoed in the distance, carving lines of death across the battlefield. And then—they saw her.

  Nideria, leading what was left of a battalion, locked in combat at the heart of the chaos.

  No peace talks. No surrender. Only war.

  Dante froze. He stared at the horror, unable to look away. The Chimerans were his people—fierce, wild, proud. And yet… they were being butchered.

  What happened to them? They’re worse than the people I used to know… This is not good…

  He didn’t understand. Not fully. But something had gone terribly wrong. Someone had to be behind this.

  And maybe—just maybe—there was a human commander still inside who could explain.

  There had to be more to this.

  There had to be hope.