“Put that Skeleton Soldier away, Lyndric Fayne. I’m bleeding too much right now. Once we get back to Moonspire Academy Base, we’ll figure out how to actually use it,” Kael Ardyn muttered sharply, the words echoing straight into the War God System agent’s mind.The Skeleton Soldier moved like clockwork, each bony limb clicking with unnerving precision. Step by step, it approached him, deliberate and controlled, like it understood exactly how serious things had become. The metallic rattle of its bones filled the cockpit, a strange, ghostly music that reminded him of the power they now held in their hands.It stopped at Kael’s side and stretched out a hand. Pale, skeletal fingers brushed his forehead. A cold shiver raced through him—quick, fleeting, but real. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, it was gone.Kael blinked. For a heartbeat, he thought he’d seen it grin—empty sockets and teethless jaw forming

“Really something else! Keep sending system messages! And this time—make it a special voice message!” The supervisor’s shout cut sharply through the quiet of the control room.Kael Ardyn didn’t even glance up. He was already logged into the Aether Combat Division. His eyes immediately locked onto the glowing icon in his mailbox. The preview blinked annoyingly: “I am an official staff member of the Aether Combat Division, I—”Kael groaned, rubbing his temple. “Spam everywhere… ugh. Delete it. Disable the mailbox function.” His tiny auxiliary elf bobbed obediently and scampered off. Alone, Kael tilted back in his chair, fingers poised, scanning the player list.There it was. A Skyward Empire combatant, weak stats, sloppy performance—a perfect next target.Months of grueling training, countless simulated battles, and near-endless strategy drills had honed Kael’s mech pilo

The monster appeared almost silently, sliding through the dim streetlights like a shadow. In just a few minutes, it was gone, destroyed with frightening precision.Kael Ardyn paused for a moment, taking in the scene. Pieces of the creature were scattered across the street, but the people passing by barely even looked. Most didn’t flinch. Cold, empty expressions stared ahead, like seeing monsters was no different than seeing stray cats or broken street lamps.He shook his head, letting out a soft sigh. What kind of world is this? Above, a thin crescent moon cast a silver glow. Below, the streets carried on as if nothing had happened. Soldiers and special units fought monsters every day, yet the civilians seemed to have learned the unspoken rule: watch, stay out of trouble, and survive.Kael didn’t linger. His footsteps echoed softly on the uneven pavement as he walked. Darkness pressed in from every side, thick and heavy. Most of the streetli

The city had almost fallen asleep by the time Kael Ardyn reached the edge of the crematorium grounds. Everything felt strangely hollow out there. The wind drifted across the empty courtyard like some restless ghost, brushing past him with the faintest scent of smoke and old ashes. Under the murky yellow lights, the metal door hung open—just a sliver, but enough for shadows to slip through if they really wanted to.Kael stopped and tugged the hood a little lower over his hair. Not because he was scared someone would recognize him—he wasn’t—but because drawing attention tonight would just be stupid. He wasn’t here to show off or play hero. He wanted answers. Actual answers. And deep down, he already suspected he wouldn’t like them.A soft scuff of footsteps—definitely not his—made him stiffen. He turned slowly.The Skeleton Soldier stood a few paces behind him.As always, it said nothing. It just… waite

The night felt quiet, but for Alice, it was anything but peaceful. Shadows clung to the corners of her room, restless, like they were alive, whispering the threat of the Beast World just beyond sleep. Kael Ardyn sat at the edge of her bed, moonlight streaking across his calm face, silver against the darkness.“I’ll protect you. Go to sleep,” he said softly. His voice was low, steady, a shield wrapped around her.Alice’s small hand reached for his. “Brother Kael, stay with me, okay? I’m scared… what if I fall asleep and end up there again?” Her voice wavered, just slightly, and she buried herself deeper under the blankets. “Besides, the bed’s big enough anyway.”Kael chuckled, the sound soft and warm. “Even if you hadn’t asked, I’d still sleep here. Aside from the bed, your floor is the only other option, and trust me, that’s not something anyone should try.”A