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[Valtara Fortress – War Council Chamber]
The air inside the war council chamber was thick with tension. A large map of the kingdom stretched across the table, illuminated by the flickering candlelight.
Leonhardt sat at the head of the table, his crimson eyes scanning the gathered Valtara family members. Celestia lounged beside him, playing with a dagger, while Evelyn sat further down, her hands clenched into fists.
Across from them, Duke Alaric Valtara, Leonhardt's father, leaned forward. His silver hair and piercing red eyes mirrored his son's intensity.
"The gods have sent a new Hero." Alaric's voice was calm but laced with anticipation.
Leonhardt smirked. "Caelum Aurelius."
Evelyn flinched. "He's not just a hero… He's a divine creation. He wasn't born in this world—he was made to kill you."
Celestia giggled, twirling her dagger. "How romantic~ The gods are so desperate~"
Duke Alaric crossed his arms. "This won't be like Rael. Caelum's power is unnatural. If he reaches the fortress unchallenged, we may suffer losses."
Leonhardt tapped his fingers against the table. "Then we won't let him reach us so easily."
A thick, oppressive silence followed.
"We'll hunt him first."
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[Kingdom Border ]
Caelum Aurelius walked through the ruined landscape, his eyes sharp, his mind unwavering. His summoned beast, Aetheris the Celestial Griffin, soared above him, its divine presence causing monsters to flee in terror.
In the distance, a group of knights clad in silver armor waited. Their banners bore the sigil of the Holy Order—remnants of Rael's failed crusade.
One knight stepped forward and knelt. "Great Hero, we have waited for your arrival. The gods have blessed us with another chance."
Caelum nodded. "Then we march at dawn."
The knight hesitated. "Lord Hero, forgive my boldness… but do you believe you can win?"
Caelum's gaze turned cold.
"I was not sent to lose."
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[Valtara Fortress – Midnight]
Leonhardt stood on the fortress walls, his cloak billowing in the night breeze. Below him, the Valtara soldiers moved like shadows, preparing for war.
Celestia joined him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Darling, what's the plan?"
Leonhardt smirked. "We don't wait for him to come to us."
He turned to the courtyard, where his beast, Ironhorn the Indomitable Rhino, stood ready. The massive creature's armor gleamed under the moonlight, its deep crimson eyes filled with battle hunger.
"We strike first."
Celestia's grin widened. "Oh, how cruel~ I love it~"
Leonhardt turned toward the battlefield, his voice filled with amusement.
"Caelum Aurelius… show me if you're worthy."
The hunt had begun.