At the Nakatam training grounds, a sudden pillar of fire that pierced the heavens stole every gaze.
"What the hell is that!?"
Endi stood frozen, his eyes locked on the blazing column of flame that split the sky.
The soldiers in training also stopped in their tracks, jaws dropped in stunned silence.
Among them, the first to react was Valentino. His expression twisted in alarm as he sprinted forward.
"Training is suspended!"
Ponaparto barked as he followed in pursuit, face grim, legs pounding at full speed.
The atmosphere was charged. Everyone present sensed instinctively that something extraordinary had just occurred.
"What could have happened?"
Rabesta whispered, still staring at the sky.
"I don't know… but I'm going to check it out!"
With resolve on his face, Endi dashed toward the direction of the flames.
Meanwhile, Esta bolted toward the royal palace, his worry for Rose driving him.
"Oi, Kumashis! Where the hell are you!? We're heading out too!"
Saizo's booming voice echoed as he searched for his comrade.
"…What am I supposed to do?"
Rabesta remained behind, dazed, lost in thought as though his soul had drifted from his body.
Meanwhile, in the throne room, sat Regalo and Moschino.
"There seems to be a commotion outside."
"A tall flame pillar just shot up!"
Moschino leaned out the window, voice oddly cheerful as he looked toward the rising blaze.
"If it concerns you, you may go and see."
Regalo's words, as though seeing through him, made Moschino stiffen.
"Ha-ha, no way! I can't just leave His Majesty alone, now can I?"
He tried to play it off lightly. At that moment, the throne room doors swung open—Rose entered.
"Leave his protection to me. You're free to go to the site."
Moschino froze, staring intently at Rose.
"…If the young master insists."
"Yeah. There's a chance those troublesome ones are invading."
"Indeed! Rest assured, should I encounter the enemy, I will annihilate them without fail!"
With his expression snapping into seriousness, Moschino strode from the chamber.
A heavy silence fell. Rose radiated an aura completely different from before.
"What wind blows you here, to volunteer as my guard?"
Regalo's voice was sharp, heavy with intimidation.
But Rose dismissed it, his tone low and cutting.
"Who said anything about guarding you? I came here to deliver your last rites."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm telling you to give me the throne. The Fifth World War has truly ended—it's the perfect turning point."
"What nonsense…"
Regalo sighed deeply, sounding utterly exasperated.
"That fire pillar—it could be their doing. And if they come invading, a figurehead like you won't stand a chance. The kingdom would collapse. But if I'm king, I can handle them. So step down."
"Do not delude yourself, foolish son. Know your place."
Regalo's gaze sharpened, his voice thundered through the throne hall.
But Rose did not flinch. His sharp eyes glared back, lips curling.
"You really don't get it, do you…? The moment you defied the gods, your fate was sealed."
His words, quiet yet freezing, made Regalo's face darken.
Elsewhere—
Rabesta wandered from the training grounds, lost in thought.
"Hmm… what now? Do I follow Endi, or go searching for Nova…?"
Unable to decide, he kicked pebbles aimlessly as he walked.
"Rabesta!"
A voice called. Turning, he saw Alpha rushing toward him, stumbling as though ready to fall.
"Hm? You're… Alpha, right?"
"Yes! Rabesta, what are you doing here?"
"That firework-like thing threw everyone into confusion. As deputy captain, I'm figuring out what I should do. And you?"
"What a coincidence! I was just about to do what I need to do."
Alpha flashed a pure, innocent smile.
But Rabesta had yet to see what hid beneath it.
"And what's that?"
"Well… I think it's about time."
"…Alpha, what are you talking about?"
"There is no such human as Alpha."
The air froze.
Suddenly, Alpha pointed his index finger at Rabesta.
From the fingertip, a droplet of water shot forth.
The droplet tore through the air like a bullet and pierced Rabesta's abdomen.
"Ghh—!"
He collapsed, unable to comprehend what had happened.
"My true name is Abel. From here on, I shall deliver divine punishment to the foolish swine."
With a cold smile, Abel stood in the blood-scented wind.