Luz stood at the highest tower of Biringan, watching as his people prepared for war.
Den's warning echoed in his mind. "24 hours. Surrender, or be destroyed."
But surrender was never an option.
Down below, his soldiers prepared for battle. Blacksmiths sharpened weapons, healers gathered supplies, and scouts were sent to the four remaining cities still under light's control. Ordinary citizens evacuated to Biringan, the safest place left.
Ino was still unconscious. That was bad. Luz knew they needed every strong warrior they had.
Elena approached him, worry in her eyes. "Luz… can we really win this?"
Luz took a deep breath. "I don't know, Elena. But as a light descendant, it's my duty to protect this world. No matter what."
She nodded, but her hands trembled.
---
Meanwhile, in the dark army's camp…
Den stood at the center of his massive army. His goal was clear—wipe out the remaining cities of light and take over Aetheris.
Behind him, Luz's clone stood motionless, its eyes glowing with a mix of light and darkness. It was stronger than Luz, created to destroy him.
Matthew worked inside his lab, crafting new weapons and strategies to guarantee their victory. He moved fast, designing tools no one else could even imagine.
Hook, on the other hand, sat lazily on a rock, tossing a kunai in the air. "This is gonna be easy," he said with a smirk. "We have the numbers, the power, and him." He pointed at the clone.
Den grinned, his ambition burning. His laugh echoed through the camp like a demon preparing for war.
---
Back in Biringan…
Luz sat alone in his war room, staring at a map.
The four remaining cities were circled.
He knew Den wouldn't just attack Biringan. He would aim to take everything.
They had to be ready.
Taking a deep breath, Luz stepped outside.
He looked around and saw his people—warriors standing in formation, healers preparing their spells, blacksmiths handing out weapons.
This was it.
The battle for Aetheris was about to begin.