Weeks had bled into a month since the "Night of the Dragon." In the eyes of the public, Evercrest was a city reborn under the watchful gaze of a new hero. In the eyes of the brothers, it was simply the end of the first phase.
Tonight, the air in Café LeBlanc was thick with anticipation. It was the time of the month that determined the future—the monthly Gacha pull.
Legolas was miles away in the Royal Capital, his silhouette framed by the high windows of his new studio on Sapphire Row as he draped rare fabrics over a mannequin. Sebas was a shadow in the Heartland, his tea stall gathering whispers among the Talbott border-knights. Erwin was on the streets of Evercrest, his blue eyes sharp under the brim of his hat as he led the night shift patrol through the lower districts.
Only Gellert, Soma, and Zero were physically present in the darkened café.
"HAPPY HALF-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!" Soma roared, popping a handheld confetti cannon. Colorful bits of paper rained down into Zero's meticulously cleaned espresso machine.
Gellert, sitting at his usual corner table with a book of ancient runes, didn't even look up. He merely clapped three times, slow and stoic.
"Again, Soma," Gellert said, his voice dry and biting. "The term 'anniversary' is reserved for yearly occurrences. It is literally in the name. Latin annus means year and versus means to turn. Meaning 'year-turning.' Celebrating a half-year is an etymological insult."
Soma grinned, leaning over the counter to whisper loudly to Zero, who was just coming down the stairs. "Zero! Look at him! Gel is talking about butt holes again!"
Gellert's eyes snapped up. His jaw tightened. He didn't argue. He didn't even stand. He simply flicked his wrist toward Soma with an open palm.
"Silencio."
Soma's eyes widened. He threw his head back to let out a triumphant laugh, but his mouth moved in total, eerie silence. He tried to shout, to scream a retort, but no sound—not even a breath—left his throat.
Gellert sipped his tea nonchalantly and closed his eyes. "Much better."
Zero reached the bottom of the stairs, rubbing the back of his neck and sighing as he watched Soma frantically gesturing like a mime in a transparent box.
"Okay, guys, let's focus. It's Gacha time," Zero said, walking behind the counter. He looked at the frantic red-head. "Gel, can you dispel the charm?"
Gellert let out a long, suffering sigh. "Fine. His silence was the only peace I've had all day." He snapped his fingers, and the magical vacuum vanished.
"—ARE BANNED FROM EATING MY FOOD FOR A WEEK! HUMPH!" Soma finished his sentence at full volume, crossing his arms and pouting.
Zero chuckled, leaning against the polished wood of the counter. "Calm down, you two. Now I truly understand why Legolas tried to get out of this house as soon as possible. The Hub is already noisy enough without you two fighting in person."
Zero tapped the screen of the magically modified cash register. A holographic panel bloomed into light, shimmering with blue text.
[Gacha Points: 8,630]
"The 'Dragon Challenge' was a massive success, Soma," Zero said, impressed. "Ever since you released that Spicy Dragon-Fire Wing challenge, the café hasn't had a single empty seat during lunch."
Soma rubbed his nose, his pride instantly overriding his anger toward Gellert. "Hehe! Of course! Anyone can make a 'spicy' challenge, but only a genius can make one that actually tastes good! Hehehehe... HAHAHAHAHA!"
Gellert and Zero exchanged a tired glance. They didn't even need the Hub to share the thought: 'He's an idiot, but he's our idiot.'
"Alright guys," Zero's tone shifted, becoming solemn. "Prayer time."
He sent the signal out through the Hub—a mental pulse that reached across territories, cutting through the busy minds of the other brothers.
In the café, Gellert set down his tea and straightened his posture. Soma dropped his ego and clasped his hands together in a sincere prayer stance.
Miles away, in a dark alley of Eighth Avenue, Erwin signaled for his patrol to halt. He pulled his rune-car to the curb and stepped out. "I need a moment for personal meditation," he said to the veteran sergeant beside him.
Wolfe leaned back, lighting a cigarette. "Alright, kid. Do your thing."
In the Talbott forest, Sebas stood by a small campfire, surrounded by elven knights who had grown fond of the "old man's" tea. "Forgive me, gentlemen," Sebas said with a gentle bow. "I must offer my nightly gratitude."
"Ah, your fisherman's ritual," Gerva said, nodding respectfully. "Go ahead, Iroh."
In the Capital, Legolas dropped his charcoal pencil mid-sketch. He stood in the center of the studio, bowing his head in the direction of Evercrest.
From the side, Ysolt Delacroix froze, her eyes widening as she watched him. The way the light hit his bowed head—the absolute, unwavering devotion in his stance. "Yes!" she whispered, her hands shaking as she grabbed a fresh piece of parchment. "Hold that! Loyalty... piety... prayer... HOLY! Yes, hold that stance, Legolas!"
In the café, Zero closed his eyes, his hands clasped loosely. He spoke to the void like he was talking to an old friend or a particularly stressed-out landlord.
"Dear Cecil... it's yo boy," Zero whispered, a smirk tugging at his lips. "The most handsome Archdemon of all, Zero Ashworth. Anyway, you know what time it is. It's Gacha night. You see Soma here? He's worked his butt off this month so we can do eight 11-pulls. I'm not gonna curse you this time, hehe. Thank you for all your blessings, and may you be promoted to Senior Deity as fast as possible! Amen."
"Amen," Soma and Gellert echoed, though Gellert looked like he wanted to wash Zero's mouth out with soap after the "yo boy" part.
Zero stepped up to the register. With a determined flourish, he tapped the [11x Draw] button eight times in rapid succession. The holographic display flickered, the points spiraling down from 8,630 to a measly 630.
Clack-clack-clack-clack...
Eight thick foil packs slid out of the register's drawer, landing in a neat pile. Soma immediately dove for them, his eyes wide. "Ooh! What kind of art did we get this time? Is it a limited edition holographic Cecil?"
"Since when did you start collecting the foil wrappers?" Zero asked, amused.
"It's history right here!" Soma declared, holding a pack up. "It's a piece of evidence of our upbringing in this world!"
Zero smiled and raised his hands. Dark, shimmering threads of Abyssal Weave surged from his fingertips, gently snaring the eight packs and lifting them into the air. He fanned them out in a circle for everyone to see.
"Wait... what kind of image is this?" Zero asked, tilting his head.
Each foil pack featured a small, stylized illustration of Cecil. At first glance, they looked identical, but as Gellert stepped closer, he noticed subtle differences in the deity's pose.
"Here," Gellert said, moving his fingers as if shifting invisible tiles. "Re-order them in a sequence... and focus your eyes in the middle of the rotation."
Zero used his weave to spin the packs in a rapid, circular loop.
Soma's jaw dropped. Zero began to snicker. Even Gellert let out an elegant, rare chuckle.
When spun at the right speed, the eight frames created a perfect, looping animation of Cecil doing the Macarena. The tiny, holographic god was swaying his hips and hitting his shoulders.
"Alright," Zero laughed, grabbing the circling packs. "I feel good about this month's haul. If Cecil's dancing, the RNG must be in our favor."
With a sharp tug of his Abyssal Weave, Zero sliced open the first pack.
"Your control over the Weave has become quite proficient," Gellert noted, watching the delicate threads work.
"It still requires a lot of focus," Zero admitted, "but it's getting easier."
The first pack erupted in a shower of golden sparks. Ten cards dissolved instantly—the usual +10 Magical Energy tokens—and the energy surged into Zero's chest, making his horns hum with power. But the last card... it began to emit a steady, intimidating blue glow.
Zero caught it. He, Soma, and Gellert crowded around.
[Tobio Kageyama]
Character Origin: Haikyuu!!
Traits: Known as the "King of the Court." A genius setter with near-supernatural spatial awareness, pin-point precision, and a relentless drive for perfection. He possesses the ability to analyze a battlefield in seconds and deliver exactly what his "spikers" need to succeed.
[The King's Toss] – Drastically increases the coordination and timing of all allies within a certain radius.
"Who is this?" Soma asked, squinting at the image of a black-haired boy in a volleyball jersey holding a ball. "Is he the main character at least?"
"He looks... intense," Zero muttered. "Like he'd yell at me if I didn't hold my coffee mug at the correct angle. I don't remember this one from our past life."
"A 'King of the Court' who plays with a volley ball," Gellert summarized, unimpressed. "Unless that ball is an explosive, I fail to see the tactical advantage."
Zero shrugged and moved to the second pack. Again, the energy tokens were absorbed, and the final card flared with a bright, earthy light.
[Sokka]
Character Origin: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Traits: The lead strategist of the Southern Water Tribe. A non-bender who compensates for a lack of magic with brilliant engineering, sarcastic wit, and mastery of the boomerang and sword. Trained by the master swordsman Piandao.
[Sokk-wit] – Provides a massive boost to tactical planning and the ability to find a "silly but effective" solution to impossible problems.
"Another one from the Avatar world?" Gellert sighed, leaning back. "I was hoping for the Avatar himself. Aang would have provided a much-needed mastery over the four elements."
"Hey! Don't sleep on Sokka!" Soma defended, pointing at the card. "He's a sword master and a brilliant strategist! Plus, look at that boomerang. That's class, Gellert. Pure class!"
"He's a comedian with a stick, Soma," Gellert countered.
"A comedian who survived a war without magic!" Soma fired back.
Zero looked at the two cards in his hand—a perfectionist athlete and a sarcastic strategist. "Well, at least the 'Nazarick' roster is getting more diverse. Six packs to go."
He flicked his wrist, and the third foil pack tore open mid-air. Ten small sparks of golden light flew into his chest, but the eleventh card remained, spinning slowly with a cold, white-and-red glow.
Zero's eyes widened. "No way..."
Soma leaned in so close his nose almost touched the card. "WHOA! It's the hooded guy! Zero, it's him! 'Nothing is true, everything is permitted'!"
[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]
Character Origin: Assassin's Creed
Traits: A legendary Master Assassin from the Italian Renaissance. A nobleman turned shadow-warrior, Ezio is a master of parkour, social stealth, and a wide array of lethal weaponry including the iconic Hidden Blade. He is a leader who built a brotherhood from the ground up to fight against secret tyrannies.
[Eagle Vision] – Allows the user to perceive enemies, allies, and targets of interest through walls and within crowds, highlighting their intent.
"Ezio," Zero whispered, a wave of nostalgia hitting him. "I spent so many hours climbing cathedrals as this guy back in the apartment. This is high-tier stealth."
"He looks efficient," Gellert remarked, his eyes tracing the Hidden Blade in the illustration. "Sebas mentioned he needed a way to train the 'Spiders' of the Hao Sect. This man is not just a killer; he is a mentor of shadows. If Sebas absorbs this, the Nazarick underground network will become truly untouchable."
Zero nodded, feeling the weight of the card's potential. He quickly moved to the fourth pack. He didn't even look at the energy tokens, his gaze fixed on the final card as it emerged with a fierce, violet aura.
[Tai Lung]
Character Origin: Kung Fu Panda 1
Traits: A snow leopard and a formidable master of the Leopard Style of Kung Fu. He possesses immense physical strength, agility, and the ability to strike nerve points to paralyze his opponents. His drive is fueled by a perceived betrayal and an insatiable hunger for the Dragon Scroll.
[Nerve Attack] – A precision strike that can disable an opponent's mana flow or physical movement with a single touch.
"Tai Lung," Zero muttered. "Kung Fu Panda 1... wait, that implies there were sequels. I only saw the first one."
"Aw, man! I bet they made a bunch of them after we died," Soma lamented, poking the leopard's angry face on the card. "He looks like he could give Sebas a run for his money in a fistfight."
"He opens a door we haven't knocked on yet," Gellert observed. "The Beastfolk. Until now, our clones have been Human and Elf. Adding a Beastfolk master to our ranks allows us to infiltrate the tribal territories with total authenticity."
Zero sighed and moved to the fifth pack. He ripped it open, expecting another glow... but there was only a massive, blinding flash of pure gold.
[1,000 Magical Energy]
The golden light was so thick it practically shoved Zero backward as it forced its way into his mana pool. He groaned, clutching his chest. "No character card?! Fuck! Cecil, you're killing me!"
Soma burst out laughing, clutching his sides. "The Gacha gods have spoken! You're just a battery today, Zero!"
"Do not be foolish," Gellert chided, though a small smirk touched his lips. "1,000 units is a significant boost. It increases the stability of the Hub and allows you to maintain your own weave and clones without strain. It is a practical pull, if a boring one."
Zero grumbled, shaking off the tingle of the mana. "Fine. Sixth pack." He opened it, and a card with a clerical, holy aura drifted out.
[Shiro Fujimoto]
Character Origin: Blue Exorcist
Traits: The Father and Paladin of the True Cross Order. Despite his goofy exterior, he was the strongest Exorcist in the world. He is a Nephilim—a being with both human and demonic heritage—who spent his life protecting his adopted sons from the forces of Gehenna.
[Exorcist's Creed] – Highly effective against undead, spectral, and demonic entities.
"A Nephilim?" Zero squinted at the description. "Half-demon. He's like me, but from a different universe."
"A different flavor of demon," Gellert corrected. "This man wears the collar of a priest but also holds the rank of a Paladin. I believe we have found the perfect card to eventually infiltrate The Argent Theocracy. They would never suspect a demon if the 'human' face they see carries the absolute aura of a holy man."
"Put it in the binder first," Zero said, storing the card. "Like Sebas said, we need to establish our reach in the URA first. The Theocracy is a problem for the future."
The seventh pack opened. Out stepped a card that looked... remarkably ordinary. A man in a cheap suit with a colorful tie, standing in front of a tacky office.
[Saul Goodman]
Character Origin: Better Call Saul / Breaking Bad
Traits: A "Criminal" Lawyer. A master of loopholes, silver-tongued persuasion, and legal manipulation. He excels at making the illegal seem legal and finding the "trapdoor" in any contract.
[S'all Good, Man] – Drastically increases the success rate of negotiations and legal defenses, especially when the user is technically in the wrong.
"A lawyer?" Gellert mused. "Interesting."
"Erwin would love this," Zero said, reading the fine print. "He's always complaining about the 'inefficiency' of the Watchers' legal codes. If he can tweak the laws when he becomes the chief, he'll make the kingdom a better place."
"Though it says here he's committed illegal acts himself," Soma added, grinning.
Zero chuckled. "Do you think there's any lawyer in any universe with clean hands? He's perfect for us. We're building an underground empire; we need someone who knows how to hide the paperwork."
"Better Call Erwin, hehe" Soma said, entertaining himself.
Zero looked down. Only one pack remained. The eighth pack sat on the counter, its foil shimmering with an ominous, dark intensity. The air in the café felt heavier.
"Last one," Zero whispered. The tension was thick enough to taste. "Come on, Cecil... give me a heavy hitter."
He reached for the final pack.
…
Far to the north, where the air was so cold it felt like inhaling needles, lay the heart of The Argent Theocracy. This was the province known as The Great Stillness, a land of white-capped mountains and silent, snow-covered cathedrals that looked like frozen giants against the grey sky.
On the peak of the mountain stood the Anchorite's Spire, a tower carved from solid ice-quartz. Within its highest chamber, Helena Bright, The First Anchorite, sat in a meditative trance.
The room was silent, save for the crackle of enchanted white candles. Before her floated a massive, circular pane of ritual glass—a Mirror of Fate. For decades, it had shown the steady, stagnant flow of the world's light. But today, the mirror screamed.
Helena's eyes snapped open, her silver irises vibrating with shock.
CRACK.
A jagged fissure raced across the surface of the Mirror of Fate. Then another. The glass didn't just break; it shattered, the shards suspended in mid-air, each reflecting a different, terrifying image. She saw a city of shadows, a dragon made of lies, a king with red hair, a man commanding trees with a gesture of hands, and a demon with puppet strings connecting each of the calamities.
"A calamity..." she whispered, her voice trembling. "One greater than the Great Demon King war. The strings of Fate... They've been replaced."
The prophecies had shifted. The Light had spoken of heroes who would arrive to save Aetherion, but these souls were different. They had already touched the soil of this world, their presence a ripple that was turning into a tidal wave. But as she searched the shards for a location, the vision blurred into a swirl of red threads and golden sparks. They were hidden.
"Silentee!" she called out, her voice echoing with the authority of the divine.
The heavy oak doors creaked open. A young boy, no older than thirteen, stepped into the frost-rimmed room. He was a trainee of the Holy Orders, his tongue ritually silenced until his initiation, his eyes wide with reverence. He bowed low, his forehead nearly touching the cold stone.
'Great Mother,' the boy signed with his hands, his small form trembling in the presence of her raw divine mana.
"Go," Helena commanded, her gaze fixed on the hovering shards of glass. "Call the Hierophant here. Tell Theron Varrus that the winter prophecies are coming early. The stars are bleeding. He must come at once to interpret the vision of our Light."
The boy nodded frantically, bowing even lower as he walked backwards out of the room, never daring to turn his back on the First Anchorite.
Helena turned back to the center of the room. The candle flames, usually steady and white, were now shifting violently, turning a bruised violet and then a flickering gold. She walked to the window, looking out over the vast, frozen expanse of her nation.
"This year, the Winter Solstice will be a trial of fire and blood for us all," she murmured.
She knelt on the cold floor, her hands clasped tightly, her long white robes spreading around her like a fallen cloud. She began the Great Prayer of the North, her voice rising in a melodic, haunting chant that resonated through the very stones of the Spire.
"O, Great Light that guards the dawn," she prayed, "stretch Your radiant hand over those who carry Your flame. Grant safety to the Light Bearers, that they may not stumble in the rising dark. But for those who crawl in the shadows—the Taintedkind, the demons who seek to defile the world—let Your judgment be swift and without mercy. Burn the Wild Spark of the chaotic heretics, and crush the Calamity Bearers who walk among us. Let the winter winds find them, and let the frost claim their souls before they can extinguish our world."
As her prayer ended, a single shard of the broken Mirror of Fate fell to the ground, glowing with a dark, abyssal blue.
…
Back at Café LeBlanc...
Zero shivered. It was a sudden, bone-deep chill that had nothing to do with the temperature of the room.
"What was that?" Soma asked, noticing Zero's hand tremble as it hovered over the final Gacha pack.
"I don't know," Zero muttered, his eyes narrowing. "It felt like... someone just stepped on my grave."
He shook off the feeling and gripped the eighth pack. "Let's finish this."
With a sharp intake of breath, Zero tore open the final foil pack.
The familiar flood of ten golden magical energy units surged into his chest, making his skin tingle with a brief, static-like hum. As the light faded, the eleventh card was revealed, bathed in a regal, crystal-blue radiance.
*A/N*
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*A/N*