Even after Bloody withdrew the Blood Tree, Rodrigo’s body only twitched and writhed within the flames. Overwhelmed by the pain, he collapsed to his knees, crawling across the ground in desperation. It was only when his body had finally burned down to ash that it ended.

“You really tried, didn’t you? I might’ve spared you, but there’s nothing left to save. What a pity.”

Aziel, shedding his usual indolent expression, burst into laughter. With the flames flickering and his laughter echoing, Bloody watched in a daze. There are moments when one stares at fire like that. Moments when it’s too beautiful. Too dangerous. Too mesmerizing. That was how she looked now.

Only when she heard footsteps rushing toward them did she snap out of her trance and collect a small spiral of wind from the traitor’s remains. As she did, she glanced toward the prince’s mysticism with caution.

“You really are dangerous.”

“Dangerous, yes. But I’m also someone who can change the future.”

“…So you’ve proven that much now, that you can alter the future. What comes next? Is this the end of us?” 

“Are you disappointed?” 

“Not disappointed … just entertained.” 

“I made a proposal, and I proved it to you. Now, Bloody, it’s your turn to prove something to me.”

“Prove what? I already showed you my skills. My trust, too. I stopped the assassination. That counts for something, doesn’t it?”

“Don’t twist the favor of catching a traitor into something convenient for you. I’ll be collecting that debt in full. I’ve given you two things; proof, and a favor.”

“You keep debts and proof on separate ledgers? Prince Aziel, you’re more stingy than I thought.”

“Of course I do. I need to determine if you’re someone I can truly use in the future I intend to create.”

“Hmph. So, in the end, you’re asking me to act on your behalf at least once.”

“Let’s meet in the north. Do you have a way for us to stay in contact?”

At his question, Bloody produced a crimson jewel.

“Here. If you drop your noble blood onto this, I’ll respond.”

“You seem quite fond of my blood. Does it suit your taste?”

“…What’s that supposed to mean? Are you comparing me to a mosquito? I do have some dignity, you know.”

“You came running the moment I poured blood into wine.”

“I’m leaving! See you later!”

And with that, Bloody vanished into mist in an instant.

“Your Highness! Prince Aziel!”

“Are you alright, Your Highness?!”

Hearing the commotion, several people burst into the conference chamber all at once. Their armor was hastily thrown on, and their faces were pale with worry.

However, 

“What is this noise?”

Aziel, now returned to his original calm state, sat exactly where he had been, eyes closed. He wore a deep scowl, as though just awakened from sleep.

“I told you not to disturb my rest.”

His growl suggested blood might spill at any moment.

“S-Sorry, Your Highness!”

“Our apologies!”

Panicked, the group scrambled to flee the room. Silence returned once again.

“Bloody did all the fighting, and I reaped the victory with just a finger,” he murmured, the corner of his lips curling with satisfaction.

Alone, without the slightest hint of disorder, Aziel sat in place and welcomed the dawn.

A gentle breeze stirred around his body. It was faint, but bore the same mystic signature Rodrigo had used.

Several days had passed since Aziel and Bloody had defeated the assassin together. 

On the first day, scattered survivors had reached the fortress. Aziel had guided them while keeping constant watch over fate to avoid clashing with incoming enemy troops.

On the second day, the enemy made their appearance.

By the third, and again on the fourth, they continued to arrive in waves.

The war room buzzed with tension. No one had ever seen this many enemy soldiers gathering to overtake a single fortress.

However, 

“Silence, all of you! How dare you voice fear before the prince! Do you want to die?!”

For reasons unknown, the sub-commander of the fortress erupted in rage before Aziel had even spoken. He looked ready to strike anyone who uttered a single word out of line. At first, the officers were stunned and flustered by the outburst.

But then, 

“Ah! Could it be…?”

“No way…”

Their expressions twisted into lecherous grins, as if they’d come to some realization. Aziel had said nothing, yet they looked at him like that. Why was the sub-commander nodding proudly, as if he had accomplished something?

Had they all gone mad? Wasn’t it enough for just him to be the crazy one?

“Sit down, all of you. Say one more stupid thing and I’ll cut you down.”

Aziel’s threat quieted the room. As the officers sat, their faces carried a mix of fear, satisfaction, and something disturbingly like amusement.

Disgusted, he turned his attention to the map etched with mystical energy.           Fate warned him loudly ; enemy forces were approaching swiftly, faster even than the advancing Crimson Hawk Knights from the rear.

This fragile peace wouldn’t last through tomorrow.

“War is imminent. Prepare for battle.”

After dismissing the council, Aziel remained alone, closing his eyes and reflecting inwardly. The fire whirling near his heart had grown stronger. Or rather, it had become more compact. He had developed a new technique after subduing the demon from the orphanage. 

The art of condensing flame. Layering fire upon fire to intensify both heat and focus.

It was this technique he had used against Rodrigo, the flame launched from his fingertip had pierced through the weakened mystic defense.

[You have acquired: Weak Wind of Mysticism! The fire imbued with wind burns even fiercer!]

Although Bloody had recovered the majority of the mystic essence, a portion had merged with his flame and transferred to his body. Thanks to that, the power output of ‘Flameheart’ Core had increased, a welcome surprise.

But the greater reward was this, 

[The Weak Wind seeks greater winds nearby!]

A similar mystic type was slumbering somewhere. Apparently different from the one Bloody had recovered. If wind gathered together like that… then it could be drawn to him.

“That will do nicely.”

Fire and wind made a favorable match, there was value in it. As Aziel observed the mystic forces swirling within him, contemplating the uses of Flameheart Core…        A warning began to rise.

[Minor fates: Siege, Battle, Death, Injury are grasping at your leash!]

[Phantoms of a Fallen Nation seek to steal your destiny!]

[Analyzing location fate… Fortress fate: Imminent collapse detected.]

The time had come. Fates that had been gathering began to reveal themselves.    And at that moment, 

“BWOOOOOOOO!”

A deafening warhorn blared, followed by the clang of alarm bells that shook the air.

“We’re under attack!”

Resistance forces, having surrounded the area, began a full-scale assault.           They were after his life, and the imperial banner. Even in the conference chamber, set apart from the outer walls, footsteps and battle cries echoed loudly.                  Yet the prince, molded by arrogance and ferocity, expressed neither fear nor worry. With calm composure, he spoke, 

“All troops stationed beyond the forest and cliffs, listen well.”

He recited the battle plan he had prepared for this moment.

“When the enemy scales the walls, charge. Strike them from the rear.”

The cavalry had long been ready.

[Hidden fates are on the move!]

[Analyzing location fate… Fortress fate changes: From imminent collapse to fierce defense!]

[Minor fates of defeat, death, injury have been heavily consumed! You’ve gained significant divergence points!]

[Your planned interference is beginning to twist the battlefield’s fate!]

The battlefield roared with shifting destinies, changes filling the map.

“Bring me the finest armor! I will stand atop the ramparts myself!”

And at the end of this war, only the fate of victory would remain.