The wide corridor of black marble stretched endlessly through the heart of the castle. It was evening, and light from the chandeliers poured across the onyx floor like molten gold, reflecting the faint outlines of ancient banners hung high above. The soft echo of boots on stone broke the silence as Nova pushed open the towering doors to the Hall.
The hall itself was grand — a fusion of ancient majesty and modern luxury. Velvet sofas in deep crimson lined the center, arranged around a glass table engraved with old runes. Polished silver ornaments gleamed along the walls, and abstract paintings that by one glanced looked one of a kind and expensive covered the walls.
Nova stepped inside, stretching his arms with a lazy sigh. His hair caught the light as he tilted his head slightly, his voice carrying a calm weight that fit the room's quiet gravity.
"So, you're here early," he said, glancing toward Miwa, who stood near the window, her figure bathed in soft golden light.
Miwa quickly turned, brushing her hair back. "Yeah," she replied softly, her tone carrying both relief and unease.
Behind Nova, Ai entered, her heels clicking lightly against the floor. Her expression carried that familiar sharp smirk, eyes glimmering with the usual mix of confidence and mischief. "So where is he?" she asked, already scanning the corners of the room as though expecting someone to step out of the shadows.
Kiyomasa followed, closing the door behind him with quiet courtesy. His soft hair and gentle eyes made him look out of place among the harsh edges of the hall, yet his posture was firm. "No idea," he said, voice polite but uncertain.
Nova walked over to one of the crimson sofas and dropped onto it with a relaxed ease. He patted the seat beside him, motioning to Miwa. "Let's just sit down for now."
The others joined — Ai crossing one leg over the other, Kiyomasa sitting upright and proper as always. Miwa sat carefully beside Nova, her fingers fidgeting in her lap.
"How are you?" she asked after a moment, looking at Nova.
Nova gave a half-smile. "Better than before."
"That's great," Miwa murmured, her eyes softening with visible relief.
Nova tilted his head, his voice warm. "And you?"
Miwa hesitated, then nodded. "I'm good too."
Nova reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. Miwa looked up, her eyes meeting his.
"Don't worry too much," Nova said with a grin, his tone casual but kind. "Leave the hard things to us uncles, okay?"
Miwa blinked, confused. "Uncles?"
Nova froze, then laughed nervously. "I meant—just leave the tough stuff to us, yeah? Don't sweat it too much."
Miwa smiled softly. "Thank you."
Before anyone could respond, the sound of the great double doors opening echoed through the hall. All four turned their heads at once.
From the entrance, a figure stepped inside — tall, lean, his movements composed yet commanding.
Zazm.
He was dressed in full uniform — the Obsidian Fang Commander's Regalia. The attire was unlike any they had ever seen him wear. His coat was pitch black, its fabric sharp and lustrous like woven night. The shoulders were adorned with crimson epaulettes trimmed with golden cords that draped elegantly across his chest, meeting at a gleaming silver clasp shaped like a dragon's fang. His collar stood high, lined in deep red, framing the side of his face.
On his chest rested the insignia — a fang piercing through a spiral galaxy — glowing faintly as though alive. His cape flowed behind him, long and heavy, the emblem embroidered across its surface in red and silver thread. It billowed slightly with every step, each movement cutting through the air with quiet authority.
His hair, dark and styled back neatly, tied at the base in a short knot beneath his collar, shimmered faintly in the candlelight. His expression was cold — unreadable, composed, and yet there was something undeniable about him. The room seemed to quiet in his presence.
He walked to the center, his boots echoing softly, before taking a seat. His gaze swept across them all with calm disinterest.
Nova leaned back slightly, breaking the silence. "That cape," he said, eyes narrowing. "And that uniform… it's the same one Supreme Commander Rhyes and Commander Myterl wear."
Zazm's gaze flicked toward him. His voice was low and detached. "How observant of you."
Ai crossed her arms, her tone laced with suspicion. "So, mind explaining why you're wearing it?"
Zazm's eyes were cold. "Because," he said simply, "I'm the new Supreme Commander of Obsidian Fang."
The room fell silent.
Miwa and Kiyomasa both shot up from their seats, their voices overlapping in disbelief. "WHAT!?"
Nova blinked, stunned. Ai just stared, her smirk gone.
Zazm remained unmoved. "I know it's confusing. But wait a little while. I'll explain everything."
Before he could continue, the doors opened once more — and another familiar figure walked in.
Minos.
His hair was slightly tousled, his coat hanging loosely from his shoulders. He looked tired but content, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw them.
"It's been a while," Minos said with an easy smile, raising a hand in greeting.
Miwa and Kiyomasa instantly jumped up and rushed toward him. "Minos!" Miwa exclaimed, beaming.
He laughed softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "How've you all been?"
"Great," Miwa said quickly. "What about you?"
"I've been… somewhat living," Minos said with a sheepish grin.
Nova leaned back, smirking. "They not feeding you well there?"
Ai burst into laughter. "No, it's just this guy's been working hard for the first time in his life."
Minos gave her a deadpan look. "At least let me sit before you start with the disses."
Everyone burst into laughter.
They all settled down again. Minos' expression sobered slightly. "I'm aware of the situation," he said, glancing toward Zazm. "But before anything, I think you should all listen to what he has to say."
---
Zazm leaned forward, his elbows resting lightly on his knees. The faint gleam from his cape's clasp caught the candlelight as he spoke.
Nova exhaled slowly. "I knew you were doing something," he said. "But to think you were fighting in wars all this time…"
Ai frowned. "You could've asked for help, you know. But no, your dumbass had to go and do everything alone."
"I have duties that are mine," Zazm replied flatly.
"Back with that bullshit again," Ai muttered.
Nova's tone grew thoughtful. "So that's how you became the Supreme Commander of Obsidian Fang…"
Kiyomasa groaned, pressing his forehead. "I don't even know whether to be shocked or impressed anymore…"
Minos nodded. "It was just as much of a shock to me too."
Miwa spoke softly. "You've been fighting for more than two years… how many wars have you fought?"
"Several," Zazm answered, tone unwavering.
Miwa looked down, her voice trembling faintly. "I'm sorry. It's just… thinking about how much blood and death you've seen—it's hard. I saw something like that once… and it haunted me for days. But you've seen it so many times."
Kiyomasa nodded firmly. "You shouldn't have been fighting alone all this time."
Zazm closed his eyes briefly. "It isn't as serious as you think. You all still have a year in the EIAA. Continue that."
"We're not," Nova said sharply, his tone suddenly cold.
Zazm opened his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"You heard me," Nova said. "We're not going back there."
Zazm's voice hardened. "Then where are you going?"
"We're joining Obsidian Fang," Nova replied calmly.
"Don't be foolish," Zazm said, tone sharp.
Nova spoke in a serious tone his eyes threatening . "Oh my apologies—when you do it, it's brilliant, but when we do, it's dumb? Love your logic these days, Zazm."
Before tension could rise further, Ai spoke up, leaning forward. "Our purpose was never just to live quietly. We came into this world to reach that point — to fix the multiversal distortion. Don't forget that."
Nova nodded. "And to do that, we need to go deeper. Besides, we've already finished our zero-star studies. More of that is useless."
Miwa lifted her chin. "I'm not sitting either. I might not be the most helpful, but I'll follow too."
Kiyomasa's voice followed hers — quiet but unwavering. "Me too. I'm not leaving anyone behind."
Zazm looked at each of them in silence. "You've all made up your minds," he said finally. "Then there's nothing I can do."
He turned toward Minos. "What about you?"
Minos hesitated, clenching his fists. "I… also want to join Obsi—"
"Don't lie," Zazm interrupted quietly, his tone cutting through the air.
Everyone looked at Minos in confusion.
"Toreth already told me," Zazm continued.
Miwa frowned. "Minos? What's he talking about?"
Minos' expression tightened. "Supreme Commander Toreth… he asked me to learn under him — to become the next Legendary Engineer."
Ai leaned forward. "But what do you want, Minos?"
Nova's voice softened. "Yeah. Do you want to follow that path?"
Minos looked down, struggling for words. "I just… think I'm better at building things. My ability suits that more than fighting. So I thought maybe…"
Ai smiled faintly. "Minos, just say it."
Minos exhaled. "I want to become the next Legendary Engineer."
Nova grinned wide. "That's the spirit! Now we'll have a Supreme Commander and a Legendary Engineer on our side."
Ai laughed. "That's cool."
Minos blinked, surprised. "Wait—you're not… upset?"
Nova chuckled. "You thought we'd force you to join Obsidian Fang?"
Miwa smiled warmly. "You're free to choose. We're proud of you either way."
Minos' shoulders eased. "Thank you."
Zazm stood up. "That's that. I'll take my leave now."
"Already?" Miwa asked, rising. "You just came."
"I have work," Zazm said simply. "Once I have full authority, I'll treat you all."
Ai smirked. "Get ready to empty your wallet."
Kiyomasa nodded firmly. "We'll make sure you go broke."
Minos laughed. "You could buy every restaurant in this kingdom and he still wouldn't go broke."
"What?" Ai said, confused.
"A Supreme Commander earns that much," Minos replied. "If you convert it, he's already a trillionaire."
Miwa's jaw dropped. "That's insane."
Nova snorted. "Huh. Spoiled rich guy."
Zazm turned slightly. "I have to meet Jennie as well."
"She's still in her room," Kiyomasa said.
"Sleeping, I think. You can go check. We didn't tell her because she wouldn't leave her room either way."
Zazm nodded. "Yes it's good you let her rest."
He paused, glancing back at them all. "Are you truly serious about joining Obsidian Fang? The front lines?"
Everyone nodded.
Zazm's voice lowered. "Why? You can live peacefully. Luxuriously, even."
Nova stepped forward. "We can. Doesn't mean we will. We're a team. We fight together."
Zazm closed his eyes, letting the silence stretch. When he opened them again, the coldness in his gaze softened — just slightly.
"Very well," he said. "I'll make sure you're deployed to the frontlines."
Their eyes widened, but before anyone could speak, he raised a finger.
"However, you'll have to wait one year."
Nova frowned. "What?"
Ai groaned. "That's basically the same as finishing the year at EIAA."
"Not for that reason," Zazm said.
"Then why?" Nova asked.
"I need time to solidify my position. To gain more power. And the world right now is still skeptical of a Remnant becoming Supreme Commander."
Ai sighed, leaning back. "As much as I hate it… you're making sense."
Nova nodded. "We wouldn't want to make things harder for you."
He walked up to Zazm, his tone low but resolute. "Fine. We'll wait one year. But after that, you let us carry your burdens too."
Miwa stepped beside him. "Yeah. No excuses."
Kiyomasa nodded. "We'll do our best."
Ai smirked. "Guess we've got one pain-in-the-ass leader."
Minos grinned. "And you'll live with it."
Laughter rippled through the hall.
Nova smiled and raised a fist toward Zazm. "So just hold on for one more year… and then let us take the weight."
Zazm's eyes lingered on him. Slowly, he lifted his own fist, bumping it lightly against Nova's.
His expression remained cold, his voice flat — yet there was a quiet warmth hidden beneath.
As he turned and walked away, his long cape swayed behind him, the insignia of the Obsidian Fang gleaming under the golden chandeliers.
The light followed him until the doors shut, and silence filled the hall once more.
The corridors of the castle stretched endlessly, carved from deep blackstone that reflected the light of the chandeliers in long, trembling streaks.
Zazm's footsteps echoed through the silence—slow, deliberate, as if he carried the weight of an entire age with him.
The cape at his back trailed lightly against the cold marble, the silver crest of the Fang embroidered along its hem, half hidden in the shadows.
He stopped before a door. The faint light leaking from beneath it was dim, flickering—a candle struggling to stay alive. Zazm lifted his hand and knocked once.
No response.
He knocked again.
This time, the door creaked open. Jennie stood there.
She looked pale, much paler than before, her light brown hair tangled and falling over her shoulders in tired strands. Her eyes, though soft as ever, had lost their brightness; there was something distant within them, as if every night's rest had been cut short for years.
"Zazm?" she said, voice quiet, almost fragile.
Zazm met her gaze evenly. "Is it the right time to visit you?"
Jennie blinked, startled for a second, before quickly trying to fix her hair, tucking it behind her ear. "Ye–yes… come inside," she murmured.
Zazm entered, his boots pressing softly against the old floorboards. The room was small, lined with books, drawings, and faint notes scattered across the desk. A single window let in thin light through drawn curtains.
Jennie sat down on the edge of her bed, pulling the blanket around her legs. Zazm took a seat on the nearby sofa, resting an elbow on the armrest, expression unreadable.
Jennie forced a smile. "How have you been?"
"I'm fine," Zazm said quietly. His gaze shifted to her face. "However… you don't look like it."
Jennie's fingers fidgeted with the blanket as a shaky laugh escaped her. "I don't?"
Zazm leaned back, his eyes steady and cold. A strand of his dark hair fell over his face as he exhaled slowly. "I see."
The silence stretched.
Jennie lowered her gaze, the faint candlelight trembling across her eyes. "Did you… meet the others?"
"I came here today to deliver the news," Zazm replied, his tone calm, distant.
"What news?"
He gestured lightly to his shoulder, to the black cape clasped with a silver fang.
Jennie tilted her head—then realization struck. Her eyes widened. "Wait—" she said, her voice rising slightly. "Is that… Supreme Commander Rhyes's cape? You— you look good in it."
Zazm's answer came, plain and final. "It's the cape of the Supreme Commander of Obsidian Fang."
"Yes, that's what I meant but… why are you wearing it?"
"Why else?" His tone did not change. "Because I'm the new Supreme Commander."
For a moment, Jennie said nothing. The words took a moment to sink in. Her eyes widened again, this time completely. "Wait—what?"
"Yes," Zazm said simply. "I joined the Fang when we entered EIAA. After Myterl died, I was chosen to replace him."
Jennie pushed the blanket aside and folded her legs, her smile slowly returning—faint but sincere. "Really? That's… that's amazing."
Zazm nodded once. "Perhaps."
The silence that followed felt almost heavy. Only the ticking of the small clock on her desk filled the air.
Then Zazm spoke again, his voice quiet but weighted. "Jennie," he said. "Don't you want to go somewhere far away? Somewhere peaceful… with Nova?"
Jennie's eyes softened, a fleeting smile brushing her lips before she looked down. "I wanted to," she said.
"Then you should ask him," Zazm replied. "He'd go with you—and even others—"
"I said I wanted to, Zazm." Her voice interrupted his, quiet but firm.
Zazm stopped, eyes steady on her.
Jennie let out a trembling breath. "I wanted to," she repeated softly, "but now… after seeing the war with my own eyes, I can't just sit around and do nothing. Especially when I can still… change something."
Her tone cracked slightly. "I wanted to talk to you about it," she continued. "I want to join Sable Veil."
Zazm tilted his head slightly. "You want to become a healer?"
Jennie nodded. "I already have plenty of Vana, and if I go there, I can easily reach the level of Miss Lorriel or Aina. I can help people… properly."
Zazm's response came with no hesitation. "Then do it. Become a good healer. And if someday I need your help…" He looked directly at her. "Help me."
Jennie laughed quietly—a tired, breathy laugh that sounded almost like relief. "You're strong, Zazm. I doubt anyone could hurt you."
Zazm said nothing. His expression didn't move, his eyes hollow but calm.
Jennie exhaled, then smiled faintly again. "Anyway, I've grieved enough for one day. Talking to you helped a lot. And I can't exactly sit still when the Supreme Commander himself comes to see me."
Still, Zazm didn't smile. He only listened. The faint flicker of the candle's light reflected in his eyes—like a dying ember trying to burn one last time.
The silence lingered until Jennie spoke again, voice quiet and sincere. "Zazm… Aren't you tired?"
His gaze lifted. "Of what?"
"Of everything," Jennie said softly. She turned to look at him fully now, her tone fragile but grounded in truth. "I'm sure you've seen more than me. And even if you're stronger than I'll ever be… it's only natural to be tired. Because we're still human."
Her eyes searched his. "So… are you tired, Zazm? Be honest."
Zazm's eyes met hers, unmoving—his expression as still as the world outside. Then, slowly, he spoke.
"I'm not."
Jennie stared at him for a moment, then nodded once, faintly. "I see."
She rose and crossed the room, pulling open the curtains. The dull light of the fading day crept in, brushing against the dust and pale walls. "Thank you, Zazm," she said softly. "I won't be a burden again."
Zazm stood, his cloak whispering against the floor. He walked to the door, hand on the handle.
Before leaving, he said quietly, "You were never a burden."
Jennie froze, her eyes widening just slightly. Then a small, fragile smile crossed her face.
The door shut behind him with a quiet click.
And once again, the room was filled with silence—save for the faint hum of the wind pressing against the windowpane, and the slow heartbeat of a girl who had found peace, if only for a fleeting moment.
_______________________