"Requesting reinforcements!"

"Master, we need help!"

"The Magic Gate between the Capital and Frosthail has been destroyed!"

"Horde of rogue shifters...running amok!"

"There are undead everywhere!"

"Requesting immediate assistance in Oasis!"

"The eastern market is gone...send help!"

The voices crashed over one another through the communication brooch, each message sharper than the last, urgency bleeding into panic as reports flooded in from every direction at once.

Ocean listened silently without interrupting or responding as he gathered enough intel on what calamity befell in what places.

At first, from Ruel he had gained the knowledge that three locations would be under siege on a particular date but he didn’t know what kind of attacks would be carried out. He only knew Oasis and North were the targets.

Now, the information was clear.

Around him, the arena had begun to fracture into disorder. The tremors that had once drawn cheers now bred confusion, then fear. People pushed against one another, voices rising, questions turning into shouts as no answers came.

Ocean raised the sound resonance crystal to his mouth, his voice cutting cleanly through the rising panic.

"Everyone, calm down. I repeat- everyone, calm down. As long as you remain inside the Colosseum, you are safe."

His words spread across the arena, steady and unwavering.

Those who belonged to Oasis faltered first, some clinging to his assurance as if it were the only solid thing left beneath their feet. Others, however, remained trapped in their fear.

"How can we stay calm?!"

"What was that just now?!"

Ocean did not react to the outbursts. He simply continued, his tone firm, leaving no room for doubt.

"The Colosseum is protected by multiple barrier formations and defensive spells. Nothing will breach it. Remain where you are."

The exits were already being sealed as he spoke. Guards moved swiftly, securing every passage. With nowhere to go, the crowd had no choice but to stay, though unease lingered heavily in the air as anxious murmurs replaced outright panic.

Ocean lowered the crystal slightly and turned his gaze toward Grand Duke Alarice. The tension in the man’s expression was unmistakable; those closest to Ocean had heard the fragmented cries for help that had come through moments earlier.

Without delay, Ocean lifted the crystal again.

"I request His Majesty, the Archmage, and all noble heads to gather in the general waiting room immediately."

The announcement struck the private booths like a spark. Nobles who had been unaware of the situation stiffened, confusion flashing across their faces, while those aligned with Ocean were already rising, moving without hesitation.

"We do not have much time," Ocean added, a sharper edge entering his voice. "All designated individuals are to proceed to the general waiting room at once."

This time, there was no delay.

Movement spread quickly through the upper tiers as doors opened and figures hurried out, urgency finally catching up to them.

Only once he saw the flow begin did Ocean lower the crystal.

In the same motion, he brought the communication brooch to his lips.

"All personnel, remain alert. Deploy reinforcements to the north, the eastern district, and Oasis immediately. I repeat- reinforcements to all three sectors. Execute without delay."

He repeated the order twice more, ensuring it carried through every channel before letting his hand fall.

When he turned, Grand Duke Alarice, Sir Godfrey, Eric, and Carlos were already waiting, their attention fixed on him. He gave them a brief nod, then glanced toward Elder Mira.

Concern was written plainly across her face. Ocean’s expression softened, if only slightly. He offered her a reassuring smile before taking her hand.

"Please allow us to handle this," he said quietly.

He guided her toward one of the guards and instructed, "Escort her safely back to her booth."

Only after ensuring she was attended to did he turn and move forward, the others falling in step behind him as they made their way through the corridors.

The general waiting room was already filling by the time they arrived. It was vast enough to hold a thousand people, yet the air within felt tight, strained by the unease of those gathered.

Voices murmured in low clusters, impatience and confusion threading through the room.

That changed the moment King Roger entered, the Queen of Mordino at his side.

The room stilled almost instantly.

Ocean stepped in shortly after with the others, his gaze sweeping across the gathered nobles, assessing, counting and ensuring no one of importance was missing.

For a fleeting moment, his eyes settled on Kai, who stood alongside Asher, Roan, Enora, Lyall, and Remi.

Then he shifted his attention forward.

King Roger’s gaze locked onto him, sharp and demanding.

"What is going on here, Marquis Ocean?"

Ocean’s expression darkened as he met the King’s gaze.

"We are under attack, Your Majesty."

For a brief moment, the room fell into stunned silence then it fractured as a few nobles let out sharp scoffs, disbelief edging into their voices.

"The war has ended, Marquis. Who would attack us now?"

"And for what reason?"

"Or is this some elaborate excuse to cover your own mismanagement?"

Their words overlapped, skepticism rising quickly into open doubt.

Ocean did not so much as glance in their direction.

His gaze shifted instead to those who stood aligned with him. They were already composed, already prepared, their silence speaking far louder than the noise filling the room. Then, he looked toward the Archmage.

Silas met his eyes without hesitation.

"We don’t have much time, do we?" he said plainly. "What’s the plan?"

A ripple of shock passed through the nobles.

The Archmage, who rarely involved himself in anything beyond necessity, was not only acknowledging Ocean’s claim, he was trusting it.

Ocean’s lips curved faintly, not quite a smile. He could always trust his Uncle as he had stood by his side in most of his outrageous plans, though with a little big of nagging.

Ocean then turned back to the King. Roger’s confusion had not vanished, but it had sharpened into an apprehensive look.

"Marquis Ocean," he said, his voice steady but firm, "explain what is happening."

Ocean inclined his head slightly.

"We do not have the luxury of time, so I will keep this brief," he said, his tone calm, almost detached. "Whether you choose to believe me or not... is entirely up to you."

Several nobles were already drawing breath to scoff when Ocean unhooked the brooch from his coat and held it out in his palm.

The blue stone pulsed once before voices burst from it.

Not one. Not two. A dozen at once, overlapping, desperate, unfiltered.

The room froze.

"What-What is that?!" Duke Esmertia demanded, his composure cracking for the first time.

"A communication device," Silas replied calmly, his gaze fixed on the brooch.

"Send more support...now!"

"Master, we need reinforcements! The rogue shifters are overwhelming us!"

The voices were not alone. Behind them came the unmistakable sounds of chaos, howls tearing through the air, guttural growls, the clash of steel, and beneath it all... people screaming.

"The undead horde is moving toward Emerald Harbor! We can’t hold them back!"

Duke Esmertia’s expression changed instantly, all traces of skepticism vanishing.

"Oasis...people are dying-!" Another voice broke through, only to dissolve into violent coughing. A wet, choking sound followed, then silence.

The brooch dimmed.

A suffocating stillness settled over the room.

Ocean closed his fingers around the stone and looked up, his gaze cold.

"Does that answer your question?"

No one responded.

King Roger’s jaw tightened as the reality of the situation settled in. He turned sharply.

"Captain," he ordered, his voice cutting through the silence, "mobilize the Royal Knights immediately. Dispatch units to all affected regions-"

Ocean’s hand rose.

"Wait."

The single word halted the Captain mid-step.

Roger’s gaze snapped back to him. "Why are you stopping him?"

"I am leaving for the harbor," Duke Esmertia interjected abruptly, already turning toward the exit. "Every moment we waste-"

"I request all of you to wait," Ocean said, his voice sharper now, carrying across the room with unmistakable authority.

That was enough to ignite the unrest.

"Wait? For what?" A noble snapped. "Our territories are under attack!"

"Undead? Rogue shifters? What kind of madness is this?" Another demanded. "Grand Duke-explain this!"

Voices rose again, but this time not in disbelief but in agitation.

"Are we supposed to stand here while our lands burn?!"

"If Emerald Harbor falls, the entire western trade collapses!"

"And Oasis, did you not hear them?! People are dying!"

"And what exactly is your plan, Marquis?" someone challenged, eyes narrowing. "Or do you expect us to simply trust you and do nothing?"

The pressure in the room mounted rapidly, nobles turning toward Alarice, toward Dahlia, toward Davian searching for answers, for some place to release their frustration.

Ocean pressed his fingers briefly to his temple, the noise grating but not distracting.

"Enough." Baron Oberon’s voice cut through first, firm and grounded. "Marquis Ocean would not have gathered us here without reason."

Count Nash stepped forward, his tone cooler but no less steady. "If he wished to delay us, he would not have shown us that."

"Use your heads," Zach added bluntly, irritation clear in his voice. "Running blindly won’t solve anything."

That only fueled the fire.

"And who are you to lecture us?"

"My territory is under threat- will you take responsibility for it?!"

"Or will you hide behind his orders when everything collapses?!"

The room threatened to spiral again making Ocean feel like his Dragon’s Presence might just make things quick, but before he could resort to that someone else took charge.

"Enough!"

Duke Esmertia’s voice thundered this time, cutting through the chaos with sheer force.

The large room grew quiet and he turned slowly, his sharp gaze settling on Roger first, then shifting to Ocean.

"I do not know the full extent of what is happening," Duke Esmertia said, his voice tight with restrained urgency, "but I am not staying here while my harbor stands exposed. It sustains half the kingdom’s economy. If anything happens to it..." His gaze hardened on Ocean. "I will hold you responsible, Marquis."

A ripple moved through the room. Several of Ocean’s supporters stiffened, ready to answer, but Ocean did not so much as shift.

He simply looked at the Duke.

"Fine," he said.

The single word landed heavier than any argument.

Duke Esmertia seemed momentarily taken aback, but satisfaction followed quickly. He gave a short nod to those aligned with him and turned toward the exit, already moving.

"Then go," Ocean added.

The Duke did not slow.

"But understand this," Ocean continued, his tone dropping, colder now as his voice followed in measured deliberate manner. "None of my forces will assist you."

That made him stop.

The nobles behind him faltered as well, confusion rippling through their ranks.

"What do you mean?" Duke Esmertia asked, turning halfway, his voice edged with disbelief.

Ocean’s expression did not change.

"You are responsible for your territory," he said. "If you choose to act alone, then you will stand alone. Should you fail... that responsibility will be yours to bear."

A faint murmur spread through the room and Ocean added, almost idly, "I will recall every one of my men stationed within your lands. They will withdraw immediately. Any survivors they are currently escorting..." his gaze flickered briefly, indifferent, "...will be left to your command."

The air turned suffocating, it was obvious that Duke Esmertia was trying his best to control himself from choking every person in the room with his wind controlling mana.

Even King Roger flinched, the bluntness of it cutting deeper than expected. A few nobles exchanged uneasy looks, unsettled by the sheer ruthlessness of the statement.

Others who knew Ocean’s attitude were not surprised, the Underworld Lords and Archmage Silas were completely unfazed.

Ocean turned then, just enough for his gaze to fall fully upon Duke Esmertia.

"Go," he said quietly. "Save as many as you can."

There was no mockery in his voice, neither anger but the composed tone was enough to make those words heavier than any threat.

The Duke stood there, unmoving for a moment longer, something unspoken tightening in his chest. The certainty he had carried only moments ago wavered if only slightly.

Around him, the lesser nobles looked between the two men, caught in a tension so dense it felt difficult to breathe.

"There is no time for this," King Roger said sharply, stepping forward at last. "Every moment we waste here costs lives."

"That’s right," Eric added, his voice firm. "Arguing won’t save anyone out there."

Carlos spoke next, his gaze fixed on his maternal grandfather. "Listen to them. You cannot handle this alone." A pause. "Without Marquis Ocean... you will lose."

That struck deeper than anything else.

Duke Esmertia’s eyes flicked toward him, genuine surprise breaking through his composure. For a fleeting moment, something unfamiliar stirred, doubt, perhaps, or something heavier.

Ocean, however, had already turned away, as though the matter was settled.

"Your Majesty," he said, addressing Roger once more, "may I present my plan?"

Roger held his gaze for a brief second, then nodded. "Go ahead."

Ocean’s eyes swept across the room, ensuring every attention was on him. Just then he saw something being tossed at him and he grabbed it without looking. His eyebrows jumped as he saw a marker and then looked at Silas who had tossed it.

Ocean moved without hesitation, crossing to the wide, pale wall at the far end of the room. With the marker in hand, he began sketching swiftly, clean, precise strokes forming the outline of the kingdom.

The nobles gathered around almost instinctively, drawn in despite themselves. Only a portion of the western faction lingered near the doorway, their hesitation plain as they weighed pride against survival.

Ocean did not spare them a glance.

"The western nobles aligned with my Foundation will receive full support," he stated, his voice even. His gaze flicked briefly toward Zach and those gathered near him, making the distinction unmistakably clear.

A few of the undecided shifted uneasily.

Ocean turned back to the map.

"The primary sieges have occurred in three regions- West, North, and the Northeast."

As he spoke, his gloved hand moved across the map, indicating each location with deliberate precision.

"In the West, the threat is a horde of undead."

A faint stir passed through the room.

Ocean’s gaze lifted to the two Princes.

"I request both Your Highnesses to take charge of this front." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Eric nodded immediately, his response firm. "Understood."

Carlos remained still for a moment, then inclined his head. "I understand."

"Fire will be effective against them," Ocean continued, already assigning roles. "Prince Eric, you will lead the offensive. Prince Carlos, you will prioritize evacuation and civilian safety."

Neither argued.

"Count Erkens will guide you through the western routes."

Zach stepped forward without hesitation. "Of course."

Ocean shifted his attention, his hand moving to the northern region.

"The North is facing rogue shifters."

His eyes settled on Alarice.

"Your Grace, that’s your forte."

Alarice gave a short nod, his expression composed. "It will be handled."

Ocean inclined his head slightly, then added, "With the Seraph Knights currently unavailable, I request Duke Aurelius and Young Duke Rune to reinforce the northern forces."

Arthur nodded at once. "Understood."

A faint, approving look passed between him and Alarice before their attention returned to Ocean.

A brief silence followed, then Davian spoke.

"And Oasis?"

Ocean didn’t respond as he stared at the map.

Alarice’s voice followed, quieter but no less grave. "The reports were unclear... only that people are dying."

Ocean did not answer immediately. He wasn’t too concerned about Oasis he knew people would be in need right now but he also knew that he had made the preparations already.

"I’ll handle Oasis." The Queen of Mordino aka Miri volunteered.

The sudden announcement made the nobles including King Roger stare at her.

Ocean’s gaze shifted to her, and he shook his head without hesitation.

"I’m afraid not."

Miri frowned, her expression hardening. "Why not? I am more than capable of fighting."

"Yes," Ocean acknowledged calmly, "but it would be improper to involve our guest in this conflict."

She did not yield.

"You fought for us," she countered instantly.

A brief silence followed.

Ocean held her gaze, fully aware of the stubborn resolve behind her words.

"From what I understand," he said, his tone measured, "the situation in Oasis is... different. Your abilities may not be effective there."

The bluntness of it made a few nearby nobles stiffen.

Miri’s jaw tightened, surprise flashing across her face before it gave way to frustration.

"I cannot stand by and do nothing," she said.

Ocean knew she wouldn’t back away unless he assigned her to something. His gaze shifted, briefly meeting Eric’s.

"Then assist the Princes in the West," he said. "Your strength will be better utilized there."

Miri hesitated then exhaled sharply. "...Fine."

Zach, who had been watching the exchange, spoke up next, his tone edged with practicality.

"There aren’t many territories in the West that would require prolonged engagement. What happens once we clear it?"

His glance flicked meaningfully toward the nobles still lingering near the entrance.

Ocean understood.

"As soon as the West is stabilized, divide your forces," he said without pause. "Half will advance north to reinforce Grand Duke Alarice."

The sound of approaching footsteps broke through the tension.

Ocean did not turn. He didn’t need to.

Duke Esmertia and those aligned with him had returned.

"What is it now?" Zach demanded, his tone edged with open irritation as he faced them.

"We request the support of the Royal Knights," Duke Esmertia said, his voice measured, though the strain beneath it was evident.

A brief silence followed.

King Roger’s gaze shifted toward them, weighing the request, while Esmertia’s own eyes drifted past him, settling on Ocean.

Ocean, however, was looking at Silas and Marquis Fairisles.

"I’ll leave the Colosseum in your care, Archmage and Marquis Fairisles," he said calmly, the two gave him curt nods.

"Marquis Ocean is quick to abandon those who refuse him," one of Duke Esmertia’s supporters spoke up, his tone laced with thinly veiled reproach. "But His Majesty’s compassion is... far more generous. We trust he will consider our request."

A few nobles murmured in agreement.

Duke Esmertia inclined his head slightly. "With the number of forces already deployed across the kingdom, the Royal Knights may not be required elsewhere. It would be wise to reinforce the harbor instead."

The implication hung plainly in the air.

Ocean could feel the shift behind him, his supporters bristling, anger simmering just beneath the surface. Yet he remained utterly still for a moment before he slowly turned.

His gaze settled on Duke Esmertia, cold and unyielding.

"Doomed if I do," he said, voice quiet, "doomed if I don’t."

Duke Esmertia’s brows drew together. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

Ocean took a step forward, not breaking eye contact.

"I do not force aid upon those who reject it," he said evenly. "I am not a saint, Duke. I protect those who place their trust in me."

A faint pause.

"We do not have the luxury of persuading every ego in this room."

His voice lowered, losing even the pretense of civility.

"Your territory is your responsibility. Even if you choose to burn it to the ground... it does not concern me."

A vein pulsed at Duke Esmertia’s jaw, his restraint visibly thinning as he held Ocean’s gaze.

Without looking away, Ocean spoke to the room at large.

"That is the plan. All of you, move to your assigned positions immediately."

The finality in his tone left no space for argument.

"But Oasis hasn’t been assigned yet!" Davian interjected, unable to hold back.

Ocean’s gaze shifted to him, then briefly to Kai and the others standing nearby.

"You don’t need to concern yourself with Oasis," he said.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips.

"My people know how to protect their home."