A cool breeze swept through the city at dawn, whispering softly through the empty streets. The sky was pale, the morning sun barely rising above the walls of the capital. Yet despite the peaceful morning, sorrow filled the air.
Hundreds of civilians and guardians dressed in black stood silently before a massive memorial stone at the center of the city square. Thirty-two portraits rested beneath it — the fallen guardians who had died during the assassination attack on the imperial palace.
Some families cried quietly.
Others stared at the portraits in silence, unable to accept the loss.
At the front of the crowd stood the Grandlord himself, separated from everyone else with two bodyguards behind him. Both of his arms were wrapped heavily in bandages beneath his black ceremonial robe. Even standing seemed difficult for him, yet his expression remained calm.
Slowly, he stepped forward until he stood before the memorial stone.
The crowd became silent.
The Grandlord looked at the portraits for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Every guardian whose picture stands here today died protecting this city. They died as heroes… and I would be a fool to ever forget their sacrifice."
His tired eyes scanned across the grieving families.
"I know many of you may hate me. Your sons, your brothers, your husbands… lost their lives while protecting me. But I promise you this war will end someday."
His voice grew firmer despite the exhaustion in his body.
"Peace will return to this cursed world."
A cold breeze passed through the square.
The Grandlord lowered his gaze slightly.
"As guardians, we all accepted death the moment we chose this path. I know none of them feared dying. They gave their lives for the future… and because of them, we are one step closer to ending this world war."
He closed his eyes briefly.
"I pray they all rest in peace."
The entire square remained silent after his speech.
Only the sound of quiet crying could be heard.
---
Back at the Guardian Academy, the atmosphere inside the classroom was unusually dull.
The homeroom teacher stood before the students with her arms folded.
"Your final examinations begin tomorrow," she announced. "If you still haven't mastered Chi Releasing, then do so tonight. It will be the final requirement to graduate as guardians."
The class instantly became tense.
Even Kei looked unusually quiet for once, resting his chin on his desk.
Peiren glanced toward him before scoffing quietly to himself.
"So you actually know how to calm down," he thought. "Guess yesterday was too much for everyone."
Once class ended, the students slowly began leaving the room.
As Peiren walked toward the exit, Hori quickly followed after him.
"We're heading the same direction," she said nervously. "Can I walk with you?"
Kei froze in surprise.
Peiren stopped for a second before glancing at her coldly.
"I prefer walking alone, peasant."
Without another word, he walked past her.
Hori lowered her head sadly.
Kei felt anger rise inside him seeing the way she was treated, but before he could say anything, he noticed how dark the sky was becoming outside.
He quickly grabbed his bag and rushed out of the academy toward home.
---
Inside the imperial palace, the Grandlord stood within the royal courtroom with his back facing Regent Anoki.
His body trembled slightly.
One hand gripped his forehead tightly as intense pain surged through his head. The burns beneath the bandages on his arms felt unbearable.
"Grandlord," Regent Anoki said carefully, "you are in no condition to personally lead the guardian forces into battle."
The Grandlord remained silent.
"Grand Regent Mitsuki is currently stationed near the Sea Lands. We can send reinforcements to join him there before advancing against the Sand Lands."
For several seconds, the room stayed quiet.
Finally, the Grandlord spoke weakly.
"Very well… do as you see fit."
Regent Anoki bowed respectfully.
"Yes, my lord."
He turned and left the courtroom.
---
Outside in the palace courtyard, thousands of guardians stood assembled in perfect formation beneath the late night sky.
At the front stood a man wearing a high-ranking guardian uniform.
Kanji.
A High Marshal-ranked guardian and the third highest commander beneath the Grand Regent himself.
His sharp eyes scanned across the army before him.
"Today," Kanji began loudly, "we march to aid our allies in the Sea Lands against the Sand Lands army."
The soldiers stood straight without making a sound.
"Our mission is simple. Reinforce the Sea Lands and obey every command issued by their government during this operation."
He looked at the crowd sharply.
"Is that understood?!"
"Yes sir!!"
The roar of over twelve thousand guardians shook the courtyard.
Then, as dawn fully arrived…
A guardian force of twelve thousand five hundred soldiers marched out of the capital and toward war.