**Chapter 3: Petals and Shadows** The morning light filtered through the sakura trees in soft golden waves. Alex stood at the edge of the main platform, watching as the teams prepared to leave. The air smelled sweet and fresh, but he could already feel the tension beneath it. Veyra’s scouting group was the first to depart. Four women moved together, their steps light and silent. Veyra led them with calm focus, purple energy flickering faintly around her fingers as she tested the air for any sign of the Void. The others followed close, weapons ready and eyes sharp. The training teams stayed behind on nearby islands. Alex could hear the distant sounds of practice — blades clashing, energy cracking, and the occasional burst of laughter when someone pulled off a new move. His women were growing stronger every hour. He turned to the two who would travel with him. Lila adjusted the strap on her red blade and gave him a small nod. Mei stood quietly beside her, her sakura robes moving ge

**Chapter 5: The Void Within** The air inside the Heart felt thick and wrong. Golden roots glowed all around them like living veins, but dark purple lines ran through everything like poison. The floating orb in the center — the Void Seed — spun slowly, pulsing with cold energy that made the golden light around it flicker and dim. Alex stood at the front, sword in hand, golden aura burning bright. Lila was on his left, her red blade already drawn and glowing. Mei stood on his right, her hands raised as glowing petals swirled around her fingers. The cloaked figure in front of them didn’t move at first. Its red eyes burned through the darkness of its hood. Then it spoke again, voice like cracking stone. “You came too far, Sovereign. The Seed has already taken root. Soon this entire grove will belong to the Void.” Alex stepped forward. “Not while I’m still breathing.” The figure laughed, a low and ugly sound. It raised one hand and the Void Seed spun faster. Purple energy shot out

**Chapter 7: First Light** The first rays of sunlight touched the floating islands as Alex stood at the center of the main platform. His golden tattoos glowed softly in the morning light. Around him, all twenty-eight women gathered in silence, weapons ready and eyes focused. They had trained through the night. Now they were ready. Alex looked at each of them. Some carried blades. Others held glowing energy in their hands. A few wore light armor that shimmered with new power from their shared bond. The connection between them felt stronger than ever. When one moved, the others seemed to feel it. He raised his voice so everyone could hear. “Today we don’t wait. Today we take the fight to them.” A quiet murmur of agreement passed through the group. “We move in teams of five,” Alex continued. “Veyra, your group will scout ahead and clear any small pockets of void energy. Elena, you lead the second team and secure the bridges between islands. The rest of you stay with me. We head st