November, Two years ago

(Danielu)

One would find it difficult to understand Sylia's struggle to live both as an adult for herself and as a child for Masha's sake. The residents of the Slums knew of her complex lifestyle. Some frowned upon it, while others understood how challenging it must have been to live with the ill-behaved Masha.

One persistent complication was Taki Beymeyer. The Nobleman had begun living on the Slums Outskirts sixteen years ago. Quite a few citizens still remembered seeing him arrive when he was just over fourteen years old. The young man had clearly been neglected by his family.

At first, few Slums residents knew he was a Noble. It was only after many months that they began realizing his background.

By now, most Slums residents and local soldiers knew that Beymeyer had fathered Takara, Yuuji, Danisha, and Danielu. Yuuji was a special case, however, as his conception was apparently magical. He was technically Takara's descendant.

Taki was born the thirteenth son and eighteenth child of a Landlord Over-Baron of Beymark Region. He became a Commoner after selling his Land Rights to start making a living in one of the closest cities. His family had gone completely bankrupt soon after he left home, and he couldn't obtain any of the promised alimony to attend school. As a result, he ended up in the Slums' Outer Outskirts, trying to make a living despite his lack of education. As one of the youngest and an adopted illegitimate child, he had few rights. The small parcel he had been entitled to wouldn't have even fit a lower Commoner, and it was not fertile enough to allow him to cultivate his own vegetables or start a Magical herb business. What he received for his rights barely covered his trip to Erlankor, and he began working instead of studying as soon as he stepped inside the city walls.

Takara later learned that his father and eldest brother, aided by his cousin Albertini, had cheated him out of most of the sum he was due.

Many people living within and around the Slums had come to know Takara very well. He is now recognized by the vast majority as the Noble attendant of Saint Sylia. The man is often seen in the Takernam Hirf-Enclaved district that appeared twelve years ago and where his children with Sylia have several assets, including the most popular Espresso Macchiato shops. These were considered marvelous since the city had very little sugar, coffee, and even milk.

The shops supplied themselves through the attached Enclave of Brigaldia.

The food in that district exceeded the quality of anything the citizens had been used to, while not being exclusive to Nobles. Alas, not everyone could access the Hirf-Enclaved area, which was protected by a field that repelled corruption. Still, many tried and came from afar to visit the Hirf-Enclave.

The place became even more popular after it expanded to welcome new businesses started on behalf of Sylia and Takara's youngest, Danielu. In addition to coffee, some shops now offered strawberry, coconut, and cocoa flavored products that seemed even more popular among the younger generation. Many youths came specifically from other Provinces for a chance to try those and meet the young boy who had received a Blessing from the House of Lord Chester at birth.

(Danielu's new shops corner)

Before we continue with our story, it is necessary to explain certain aspects of the world in which Sylia and her companions live.

The Nobles hold titles ranging from Under-Baronet to Arch-Duke or Grand Duke, depending on the hierarchy they belong to. They are divided into two main categories: Landlords and Dutylords. Landlords possess extensive lands either in the countryside or near the main cities which constitute their Lord Domains. They exercise control over a territory they are responsible for. As Landlords, they are expected to develop and maintain their territory and improve its financial revenues. Dutylords, on the other hand, often lack lands, although most are entitled to an estate. Those without property are typically provided some by either the King or the Noble to whom they are subordinated.

In addition to these categories, there are three distinct groups of titled Nobles.

First, there are the Nobles. These come from families ranking at least Viscount-class and hold at least a Baronet title. Under-Baronets are not considered true Nobles and are instead associated with the Noble Gentry.

Next are the Laynobles, who are lower-class Nobles often from families below Viscount-class. According to Traditionalists, they are not considered true Nobles and are sometimes referred to by the Clergy and the Old Noble Families as Half-Nobles. Laynobles often serve higher-class Nobles and do not enjoy all the social and financial privileges of Nobles. For example, they are not permitted to collect taxes from Commoners without special mandate from their Noble employers. This category is frequently scorned, since Laynobles are seen as servants to other Nobles and are considered only slightly above the Noble Gentry.

Finally, there are the Mednobles. They have titles up to Count class and start at Baronet. Mednobles are Nobles or Laynobles by definition but belong to a category often looked down upon, as they are directly in charge of the Commoners and maintain regular contact with them to carry out their duties. They serve as intermediaries for the higher-ranked Nobles they report to. Originally, Mednoble was simply a status reflecting specific Noble duties. It became a distinct group due to prejudice from the other Nobles who did not interact with Commoners. Ironically, Marquesses to Counts sometimes hold Mednoble status within major cities or urban districts, allowing them control over entire areas. This status often grants them greater political importance in regional governance than Nobles without such responsibilities.

Acquisition of a Noble title is never automatic and depends on several factors, such as Magic and Mana Level, Magic and Aura Skills, bloodline, family connections, and academic background. Although children born of two titled Nobles theoretically have better chances of acquiring a title, the reality is different. Each family holds only a limited number of titles, which usually go to the eldest and most powerful members. As a result, Nobles born into large families often find themselves without a title and must either accept a Baronet title if available or leave their Noble House to obtain a Courtesy Title, which carries few or none of the core Noble privileges.

Old families are even stricter, as they require certain traits and minimal abilities to be considered one of them. Those who fail to qualify are either completely rejected or placed in cousin families, originally created to "dispose" of those who did not fit the main family. This has happened more than once, particularly when initial heirs failed to develop necessary abilities or potential, leading them to leave their Noble Family and join a lesser family within their Family Group. Unfortunately, several such individuals have committed suicide over time, prompting earlier testing. Now, the heir position is not declared officially until a child is over thirteen and has fully developed their powers.

You now understand that what happened to Taki was not particularly uncommon in this world. He came from a Half-Noble family that didn't possess enough Distinctions to provide for the younger and less powerful children.

With this finally established, we can now proceed with our story.

***

This episode takes place two years before the current events, during the month of October. That day, Sylia brought Danielu to the Slums so he could meet a few children under her protection. His father Taki, one of Sylia's Noble attendants, accompanied them with Danielu's brother, Takara.

It was mid-autumn, and the air had grown cold. No leaves could be seen along the muddy streets they followed. The land felt bare, lifeless, with only slick ground and wooden structures that looked barely sound. Danielu, who had never set foot in the Slums before, walked in silent dread. His older siblings had warned him. His sister Danisha had flatly refused ever to come here unless absolutely necessary.

Sylia, for once in her adult form, led the way until they arrived at their destination.

Pullina and Piona, who were already there, waiting near the meeting point, greeted Danielu with impatient waves before he even closed the distance.

The group of children, which included Jimmy and his relatives, cheered when they saw Sylia and her servant, Gnome Sylia. Today was not just about introducing Danielu, it was mostly about the cooking class they would attend all day long. Their parents had been excited for them but clearly not as much as the children themselves who had been promised a taste of both Gentry and Low Commoner innovative dishes. All of them knew by now that Sylia always brought special treats, so they expected even more than what was promised.

Not many children and adults had been invited to this session, and some parents had even needed to be bribed into letting their children go for the day. In the Slums, children were used to doing chores and helping out, just as adults would in other neighborhoods. It had taken some free or highly discounted Rizio alcohol, prune wine, Xandeio Birds, semi-vegetarian Mulkus ham, and full cases of Potatoba to secure the attendance of a few children. The Slums residents knew Sylia had a soft spot for the kids, so they bargained fiercely.

Still, a few children were kept back despite the negotiations and would instead attend a lighter version of the event on Sunday.

Tuesday and Wednesday were busy days for the parents. Children didn't have school on Wednesday and were often expected to help the family or even work. Tuesday was off once every three weeks, and the free day was often used for chores. With winter approaching fast, the families' workload had increased significantly. So, they needed more assistance.

Since Sylia had requested both days for activities, it had been quite the hassle for some families but they couldn't refuse the Saint without a good reason.

A few lucky families had even received fresh vegetables from Saint Sylia. Mostly cabbage, carrots, and turnips along with salt and spices. These were some of the most expensive items during autumn and winter. Although some harvests had taken place in early fall, demand was much higher in early October, as people needed to make preserves for the cold months ahead. The cabbage was mostly preserved with salt, Xilendu vinegar, and sometimes Red Pepperiosso. Commoners used it in winter as side dishes or in the preparation of soups and stews.

Sylia introduced Jimmy and his relatives to Danielu first. Then she turned to Pullina, who pulled her cousins forward to be introduced as well. The atmosphere began to turn sour as one of the girls, Linda, tried to win over a completely oblivious and emotionally distant Danielu. His father Taki was not one to be confused. He glared first at the girl, then at the uncle who had accompanied her.

Leaning toward Sylia, Taki asked quietly. "Was this girl one of the attendees?"

Sylia answered calmly. "No. She must have come along with her cousins. I gave them permission. I think one of them was sick, so she likely took her place."

William Diamson stepped forward and bowed slightly. "I apologize, my Lady. My sister insisted. She has clients today and couldn't keep the girl with her. Her father refused to make arrangements for the day, and my mother only agreed to take her in because of Chrisan. He would have ended up with her."

Sylia offered a small, knowing smile and turned her gaze to the girl. "I see."

Taki was still not pleased. He knew what kind of work the sister did. She was a courtesan. Not the kind of woman he wanted his son to be acquainted with. The girl still didn't take the hint and kept pestering Danielu with compliments.

Taki was about to intervene, with his eldest son Nagui Kermon, born of a gentlewoman not long after Taki had moved to the City; but Sylia shook her head. So Taki simply approached Danielu and placed a protective hand on his shoulder.

Danielu smiled warmly at the girl and said. "According to Lord Chester's precepts, I am gay to all blond girls who come on to me hard. I am not allowed to be gay for any other reason unless I have a special dispense."

Linda blinked once, then twice. Galend, one of the Guards in charge of protecting some of Sylia's children, chuckled. Taki was frozen in shock. He wasn't the only one.

Jimmy looked around and asked. "What is gay?"

One of the adults quietly stepped away, hoping not to be drawn into the conversation.

Taki nearly cried out. "My son."

Sylia sighed. "Don't worry. He is still supervised by the Chipmuck's Mascots. They must have told him to say that. I'll speak to them so they're more careful about what they teach."

She turned to Danielu. "Danielu, you are my son. You're allowed to be as gay as you like but you might lose Lord Chester's benediction if you seek men. Unless those men are extremely mean or can change their gender. You're encouraged to pursue anyone who has at least one cute Chipmuck's Mascot or, better yet, a Chipmuck Lord Chester doesn't yet have in his Flock. He might even reward you."

Danielu nodded, but his brother Takara sighed, exasperated. "Don't. You're already blessed by the Under-Sign of the Chipmuck's Mascots. I would be the one authorized to be gay, since my blessing comes from the Drake's Under-Sign."

Danielu retorted. "Don't be stupid. I'm cuter than you. Of course men would prefer me."

Taki began to shiver, and his son Nagui placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He was used to this. Sylia's children drove Taki mad. Yuuji, though not technically his son, got along better with him, mostly because he was more "normal."

Sylia said. "Danielu, you don't have to be gay today. I'll send Linda and a few of her cousins on a shopping and treats trip near her father's neighborhood. All on me."

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William protested. "My Lady, please don't send my children and nephews away."

Sylia replied. "I'll only send those close to her, so she doesn't feel lonely. My daughter Liussa, with Renklaf, has a bad temper and she's blessed by both the Chipmuck's Mascots and the Fire Drakes of Lord Chester's House. We might prevent a death that way."

Danielu nodded. Liussa appeared through a Portal a few seconds later, with her father and entourage. Her uncle Galend beamed at the sight of her. The incident soon ended.

After a brief introduction to the other children and adults attending the cooking event, the group began walking together toward the edge of the Slums, heading toward the North-Easternmost Gate. The district they were going to had only been renovated a few years earlier. Sylia followed behind them with slow, measured steps.

Their destination wasn't the district itself but a quieter area which had been created by the Spirits four years ago and belonged to several Saints. Sylia and her servant, Gnome Sylia, had requisitioned a private courtyard there for their event. It had been cleared earlier that day, and a tempering field was already in place, bringing warmth to the place. Despite the chill of October, the space was comfortable, warm and ready to host their activities.

As soon as they arrived, Gnome Sylia scurried ahead, checking the perimeter, muttering about tray placement and firestones. A few of Sylia's servants were already there waiting near the large tables that had been covered with white cloth or very large table runners made with transformed and dyed bamboo fiber.

Kirsten's aunt, Hanna Carentos, arrived not long after, with her daughter Nolina clutching her skirt. She immediately went to greet Sylia and the others while bearing a quiet smile. The woman lived not far from there in the Slums so it had been only natural to invite her.

Pullina's cousin, Nailin Krevoski, went standing by the far wall with her cousin Margie. She hadn't said much during the walk there and had kept her eyes on the road while trying not to lose Pullina who had invited her over. Nailin was not part of that crowd and usually stayed behind not wanting to be noticed. She was the daughter of Grenek Krevoski and had been adopted by his First Wife. Her birth mother who didn't live in the Slums, hadn't had the money to raise a child, especially not one born part Sigmundi. So she had given her away to her father and his wife.

Hanna Carentos and a few others had quickly noticed the change in the area. Several buildings had appeared in space-wrapped zones. Their outlines were only partially visible, like structures hiding just behind a curtain of still-forming air.

Taki settled down in a corner and watched the children gather for the lesson, his eyes set on Danielu.

The menu had been planned in advance by Sylia and her Bunnies. Five main items had been selected: Roasted and Steamed Potadiosso, Burgundi Stew, Nippon Curry Rice, Badanao Bread, and Kreyzaldi Mirtilles Pound Cake.

The Potadiosso alone caused a ripple of excitement. Every child there recognized the knotted roots, shaped like thick parasitic tendrils. They were sweet when roasted, soft when steamed. However, what really caught their attention was the mention of red meat brought in from Danielu's Noble Domain. Even Nailin blinked at that.

Gnome Sylia clapped twice to quiet the group, then stepped up beside a large wooden table where many containers, bowls and utensils were placed beforehand.

"For the Badanao Bread," she began. "we'll need half a cup of whole wheat flour. Half a cup of almond and soybean milk. A quarter cup of Myugal syrup. Three Badanao—boiled and mashed. One teaspoon of baking powder. And a few chopped nuts. That's all."

She pointed to each item on the table as she listed it. Then came the explanations.

"Almond isn't something you usually have in the Slums." she said, pausing. "It's an ingredient known mostly to Nobles and Gentry. You know a similar ingredient called Almondioso. Compared to almond, it is bitter and cheaper though. Not as healthy. There are other variants of Almondioso which are much better but are very expensive and not cultivated around here."

Soybean milk didn't warrant much comment. Gnome Sylia just mentioned, offhand, that the kind used today came from lands created by the House of Lord Chester.

The baking powder, though, got more attention.

"This one's from Izranaga's Churches. It's made through Alchemy and is not something easy to procure. Don't ask me to teach you how to prepare it. It has a Church patent on its recipe."

Gnome Sylia gave no time for questions.

"Myugal Syrup is similar to Maple Syrup which is more easily found in Gentry houses as it is more expensive. It's made with Myugal leaves through Alchemy. It can be transformed into Myugal sugar through natural or magically induced crystallization."

The rest of the ingredients were familiar and didn't require much explanation. Badanao, which nearly everyone had eaten at least once, was a vegetable that tasted like a mix of banana and potato. It was often used in baking within the Commoners districts. The Badanao flour was even more popular in any preparation made by Commoners since it was cheaper than wheat flour that remained more exclusively used by the Gentry and Nobles.

Gnome Sylia then moved to the second item. The Burgundi stew made with Prune & Grapedan wine and served with steamed Wheat-Rizio.

(Burgundi Stew)

For the first session, the attendees were to make only the stew and Badanao Bread. Another group would demonstrate the preparation of the Pound Cake and Nippon Curry Rice, which they would be making later that day. That class was intended for older children, adolescents, and adults. A simpler one was organized for the few younger children who stayed that late. Most of the children were to return home by five p.m., sometimes even by three or four. As a result, they wouldn't be able to attend.

Lastly, the Roasted and Steamed Potadiosso would be made by those who wished to participate in the session led by Sylia's Bunnies and attendants. It was also decided that the very young children would help make snacks with the Bunnies and Sylia's servants instead of taking part in the stew preparation. Those children were too young to cook or chop ingredients, at least by Sylia's standards. Some had only been invited at the insistence of their parents and weren't even from the Slums.

***

All too soon, dusk arrived. The day had passed quickly — cooking, having lunch, playing, then cooking again. Sylia had even brought some street musicians who kept them entertained throughout the afternoon. The courtyard was now lit with magical lamps and adorned with lovely decorations, making it look like a festival. The children had full bellies. Too full, for some who were still trying to digest everything they had. The meat brought from Danielu's lands was both rich in Mana and generous in quantity.

Since the sun had started to set, some new guests had arrived — either soldiers or acquaintances of Sylia and Taki. Ale barrels were lined up near the buildings, and people drank happily as they enjoyed grilled meat and delicious skewers made by Sylia's Summons. Additional seating, including sofas, had been brought out by Sylia's Bunnies and servants.

Jimmy smirked as he looked around. His relatives were ready to leave, even though their parents were usually tolerant, as they didn't come home before late at night.

He called out to Danielu, who was passing by his group after greeting a tired Pullina, who was lying with a friend of hers on one of the sofas brought by the Bunnies.

"Danielu, I heard the last batch of meat was brought not only from your lands, but also from your siblings'?"

Danielu nodded. "Yes. Takara is coming of age in a few years, so he started making contributions. The raspberry and grape wine came from Yuuji's lands, though. He received a small parcel near my paternal family's lands, which he started cultivating. We also have a joint farm there linked to a Semi-Enclave."

"Seriously? That's awesome. Must be nice to have a mother connected to powerful Spirits."

Danielu looked suddenly very sad. "Really? It's more lonely than anything… and Mum has to stay in her kid's body because of Masha."

Jimmy beamed. "I'm sure she'll get rid of Masha in no time."

Danielu sighed. "I doubt it."

Jimmy smiled reassuringly. "You can always come and play with us!"

Danielu shook his head. "I could hurt or kill you accidentally. We're not built the same. I have those Bunny Guards I can play with."

Jimmy blinked and looked at his brother, who shook his head. He sighed and said. "What about cards?"

Danielu shook his head again. "I have a blessing that provides cheats for all my games. Even my brother finds it boring."

"What kind of cheats?"

"The cards change or flee when they're too strong. Only Mum can play with me and even she has to glare at them so they'll return to her hand. They do, but they cry and apologize. They say they have to do as they're told. Well, actually, when Master Mathias plays, they jump off to him instead. He said something about his Source coming up with the Chipmuck Cheat Mode in the first place."

"That's too bad. We can still hang out."

"I won't be a child for long, so it might be troublesome for you."

***

Danisha, her light brown hair glinting under the flickering torchlight, wove through the crowded courtyard with a frothing mug of ale clutched in one hand. Her sharp eyes locked onto her brother, Danielu, who slouched against a stone pillar, his gaze distant, as if the revelry around him were a foreign tongue. She thrust the mug toward him, her voice carrying a teasing lilt over the din of laughter and clinking tankards. "Danielu, for once, be sociable. Mother dragged you here to practice for our visit to Uncle Denkalu. Don't make her regret it."

Before Danielu could muster a retort, a guttural, warped cry shredded the air, clawing its way across the twilight sky. Heads snapped upward, mugs forgotten, as the sound—hauntingly familiar yet grotesquely stretched—reverberated through the courtyard. A collective hush fell, broken only by the rustle of cloaks and the clatter of a dropped goblet.

High above, a crimson Wyveria burst into view, its tattered wings slicing through the gloaming like torn sails. Its scales shimmered, shifting from blood-red to a sickly violet along its jagged spine, exuding an aura that bled corrupted Mana in shimmering, toxic trails. The beast's eyes burned with malevolent intent, scanning the courtyard below. Gasps turned to screams as a swarm of smaller, razor-swift Beasts darted from behind the Wyveria, their sleek forms glinting like thrown daggers. They plummeted toward the crowd, claws bared, while the crimson Wyveria circled above, a predator assessing its prey.

Sylia, her summoned black and silver robes billowing like a storm cloud, raised a hand with calm authority. A radiant dome of multicolored light unfurled, swift and silent, enveloping the courtyard in a prismatic shield. The first wave of Beasts slammed into it, their bodies rebounding with bone-jarring thuds, wings crumpling as they were flung skyward or collapsed, stunned. The shield pulsed, unshaken, as more creatures battered against it, their shrieks of frustration swallowed by the barrier's hum. Guests shrieked, some scrambling for cover, others frozen in terror, but few noticed the delicate red-and-gold wards Sylia wove around the city beyond, shimmering like threads of molten light.

A chilling Dark Aura coiled through the courtyard, wrapping the panicked guests in its protective embrace, shielding them from the corrupted Mana's venomous touch. Sylia's voice cut through the chaos, sharp as a blade.

"Stay down! Cover the children!" The crowd obeyed, huddling over the youngest, their fear tempered by the aura's strange warmth.

Sylia's eyes narrowed, her senses prickling as she spotted a knot of Mages and Priests lingering at the courtyard's edge, their hands glowing with forbidden runes. Summoners. Her lips curled in disgust. She knew a coordinated strike when she saw one. As she sprinted toward them, a Portal tore open yards away, its edges crackling with unnatural energy. From it poured a cadre of high-level Knights, their armor glinting with an eerie, corrupted sheen. Sylia barked orders.

"Takara, handle those! Danisha, shield the guests!"

Her trusted Bunnies—ethereal, dark-furred creatures with gleaming eyes—materialized around the children, their presence a bulwark of safety.

Another Portal ripped through the air, closer now, spewing out an armored Knight whose very form pulsed with abomination. His skin crackled, glowing with an unnatural light, and writhing tentacles sprouted from his back, marking him as a man half-claimed by a corrupted Beast's Mana. His beastly eyes locked onto a cluster of children, who screamed and fled toward Liussa, their protector. She stood firm, her gentle smile belying the storm brewing within her.

Meanwhile, Danisha faced a new threat. A third Portal, its edges jagged and unstable, had torn open two streets away, spilling grotesque Humanoid Summons—twisted, half-formed things that moved with unnatural jerks. Panic rippled through the city as residents fled. Sylia, her senses razor-sharp, teleported a squad of armored Knights to aid the citizens, ordering her courtyard guards to hold their ground within the shield. Something darker stirred in her awareness. A corrupted Celestial's magic, faint but unmistakable, lurking behind the assault.

The mad Knight charged toward the children, his massive sword gleaming with malevolent intent. He never reached them. A blinding beam of fire erupted from Liussa's outstretched hand, engulfing him in a roaring inferno. When the flames cleared, nothing remained but ash. The children gasped, and Jimmy, along with his relatives, stared at Liussa in awe. Her father and uncle exchanged glances, their eyes brimming with pride and unshed tears. Sylia's earlier warning echoed in the children's minds. This girl was indeed dangerous.

Liussa, her form shimmering, ascended into the air, her body maturing in an instant as she chanted in a tongue older than the stones beneath them. The sky darkened to an oppressive void, and twin moons materialized. One cloaked in shadow, the other bleeding crimson. Her voice rang out, clear and commanding.

"Neron, go! Something's wrong with that Portal. I'll sweep the city. This is a coordinated strike. They've planted decoys to keep Mother occupied. Danielu, stay put. That Knight's eyes were on you first. You're their target."

Her words proved true as the Portal pulsed again, disgorging a horde of Dark Bunnies—corrupted mimics of Sylia's guardians, their fur matted with twisted shadow and decay.

Dio Krevoski-Sigmund watched in horror as his son Neron charged forward, a black sword gleaming in his grip. The blade carved through the creatures with surgical precision, but more poured forth, relentless.

(Neron attacking)

Neron's form suddenly pulsed with dark energy, sleek armor coalescing around him as a glaive flared into existence in his other hand. His own Dark Bunnies appeared, their gleeful smiles flashing as they brandished miniature glaives, cutting through the enemy with ruthless efficiency.

Jimmy, clutching his cousin Leonie and Pullina, gaped as Danisha struggled against the Humanoid Summons. Sylia's Bunnies, however, danced through the fray, their dark and white forms a blur as they sliced through the creatures with contemptuous ease, chuckling as the Summons disintegrated. The children and adults scrambled to their side, drawn to the Bunnies' terrifying yet protective presence.

Dio Jr. Sigmund, still clutching his mug, laughed raucously. "Hell's Demons would flee from those Night Bunnies!"

His father, Dio, trapped within a Bunny's protective barrier, roared, "Shut up! Neron's out there fighting those cursed things. Go help him!"

Dio Jr. grinned, unperturbed. "I was told to stay put. I'd just get in the way." His bravado faltered as he watched Neron transform, his youthful frame maturing into a warrior's as he carved through the Portal's endless spawn. A black Dragon lunged from the rift, its scales glinting like obsidian. Neron met it head-on, his sword flashing, then swapped it for a glaive in mid-leap. A single, precise strike felled the beast, its body collapsing into ash. Dio cheered, but his heart clenched as Neron, flanked by Sylia's smirking Bunnies, vanished through the Portal, pursuing the source of the corruption. Those Bunnies, Dio knew, would unleash horrors on their foes.

Above, the crimson Wyveria returned, its shriek splitting the air as it dove toward Danielu. It never reached him. Lightning burst from Sylia's barrier, arcs searing the Wyveria's wings, forcing it to falter, its body wracked with spasms.

Danielu, his patience frayed, stepped forward, eyes blazing with defiance. He raised a hand, and the air shimmered with heat as a colossal Red Horned Wyveria-Dragon materialized overhead. Its massive form dwarfed the courtyard, its crimson scales glowing like molten iron, horns curling like ancient thorns. With a single, thunderous sweep of its wings, it obliterated the smaller Beasts, their bodies incinerated before they could breach the shield.

However, the assault wasn't over. A new shape streaked through the sky. A violet-scaled Wyveria, smaller but swifter, its corruption pulsing with malevolent hunger. Danielu's lips curled into a grim smile. A glowing sword materialized in his hand, its blade humming with radiant energy. He leaped through Sylia's shield, untouched by its wards, and met the violet Wyveria head-on. It unleashed a torrent of violet fire, but Danielu raised a hand, conjuring a shimmering barrier that deflected the flames with ease. A beam of searing light shot from his palm, shearing through the Wyveria's wing. Gripping his sword in both hands, he vaulted onto the beast's back, driving the blade down in a single, devastating strike. The creature split in two, its halves disintegrating into violet ash before they hit the ground.

The courtyard fell silent, save for the crackle of Sylia's shield and the distant screams from the city. Danielu landed lightly, his sword still glowing, his eyes scanning the sky for the next threat. The battle was far from over.

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