Nightshade Grove & Aryavarta's Shadows
Location: Nightshade Grove (Training Grounds) / Aryavarta Royal Palace
Scene 1: Trials of the Necromancer
Nightshade Grove breathed with ancient magic. Violet moss pulsed beneath their feet as Baltimore spread his arms.
Baltimore: "Behold! The proving grounds of the Great Mage Baltimore!"
Nero: "Stop preening, old man. We know you're SSS-Rank."
THWACK! Baltimore cuffed Nero's head. "Respect your elder, brat!"
Eri giggled as cosmic energy swallowed them. They materialized in a fractured dimension – seven floating islands under a nebula-streaked sky.
Nero: "Eri? Why are you here?"
Eri: (Eyes blazing) "So I won't hold you back when we crush Aryavarta."
Baltimore's voice boomed across the void:
*"Trials 1-5: Slaughter SS-Rank monsters.
Trial 6: Prove your strength.
Trial 7: Prove your unity."*
Nero's sword ignited with blue flame. "Let's dance."
Scene 2: Aryavarta's Throne of Lies
King Fernando's fingers dug into Arata's throat, slamming him against gold-veined marble.
Fernando: "I ordered Nero Almik's head. Not his escape."
Arata: (Gasping) "Princess Ayumi intervened… But the Moonlight Dagger struck true. None survive its curse."
Fernando tossed him aside like garbage. Crimson energy snaked from the king's palm into Arata.
"Your reward. Fourfold strength."
Arata shuddered as power scorched his veins. "My gratitude, Your Majesty."
Scene 3: Ayumi's Breaking Point
Ayumi stared blankly at a belated birthday parcel. Inside:
Goofy academy photos (Nero making bunny ears behind her)
A pressed lily (her favorite flower)
Nero's Letter:
"Happy Birthday, Ayumi-chan 💤
You're the kindest soul I know.
Remember our promise? Second year classmates!
– Your idiot friend, Nero"
Tears bled through the ink as Arata materialized behind her.
Arata: "A dying man's trick, Princess."
He unleashed illusions: Nero commanding monsters to slaughter villagers. Nero driving a blade through the Queen's heart.
Ayumi's grief curdled into fury. "Train me. I'll kill every traitor myself."
Arata smiled. "Gladly."
Scene 4: Clash at Ledger's Grave
Meanwhile – Forest Clearing
Yoshito and Keisuke halted mid-stance as Sayuri emerged from mist.
Yoshito: "Aryavarta's hound? Draw your sword."
Sayuri: "I renounced that kingdom. Let me pass."
Keisuke: (Eyes narrowing) "After what your people did to Nero? Move and die."
Yoshito moved like lightning – his blade kissed Sayuri's throat in a millisecond. "Try me, General-candidate."
Sayuri's shield flared, cracking under Yoshito's black-energy infused strikes.
"He's faster than the tournament…" she realized, sweat beading her brow.
Suddenly – Sayuri's head snapped west. "That presence…!"
She vanished toward a flower-strewn grave. Yoshito pursued, one eye bleeding void-dark energy.
Scene 5: Grave of the Fallen
At Ledger's memorial, Miku watered white lilies. Sayuri fell to her knees before the headstone, tears carving paths through battle-grime.
Yoshito materialized, shielding Miku – a dimensional rift humming around his blade.
"Touch my sister, and I'll scatter your atoms across realms."
Miku tugged his sleeve: "Big Sister Sayuri plays with orphans… She's good."
Sayuri pressed her forehead to the cold stone:
"Ledger… I failed you."
As moonlight washed over them, Yoshito's killing intent faltered. "Explain. Now."