YT stood amidst the fallen bodies, his red eyes glowing in the dim torchlight. Lirion's headless body crumpled to the ground as silence filled the throne room. Mark, Elisa, and Sofia stared in disbelief. Their leader—the supposed hero—was Starmon all along.
Mark was the first to speak, his voice shaking with frustration. "Starmon? It was you? Why didn't you tell us before? We could have avoided all these injuries—"
"Hold your horses," YT interrupted, his tone sharp. "It's a long story. To put it simply… I'm Astor YT. Killed by Malakar Veilgrave, reincarnated in Starmon's body to destroy him. Story over."
Elisa narrowed her eyes. "Astor YT? Reincarnation? What the hell are you even saying?"
Ignoring her, Astor walked toward Sofia, his expression softening. "Are you alright?"
Sofia, lost in thought, snapped back to reality at his words. She hesitated before replying, her voice shy, "I-I'm fine—"
"Lily," Astor interrupted, turning his gaze to the robed demon girl beside Sofia.
Lily, her breathing still uneven, gave a slight smirk. "Still able to stand. Thanks to you and Sofia."
Astor crossed his arms. "What happened to your fighting skills?"
Mark scowled. "And why aren't you asking about Sofia? She got hurt too but still helped everyone!"
Elisa, arms crossed, added, "Also, who is she? And why do you both have red eyes?"
Lily stepped forward. "I'm Lily. Astor's… friend."
Astor scoffed. "Friend isn't the right word. Comrade in arms is more accurate."
Mark wasn't satisfied. "Lily? But she's not from our village. Where did you find her? And how did you get this power? And why is she calling you Astor?"
Astor exhaled sharply, his patience wearing thin. "Enough with the questions. We don't have time for this. Let's move." Without another word, he turned and headed inside the castle toward the prison room.
"Wait! I still have questions!" Mark protested, hurrying after him.
Elisa and Lily followed as well, while Sofia lingered behind, deep in thought. She replayed the battle in her mind—Astor fighting Lirion, consumed by rage. But after everything, he only asked about Lily. A sharp pang settled in her chest, but she quickly wiped away the tears threatening to form and followed the group as the screen faded to black.
The heavy iron door groaned as YT pushed it open. The stench of rust and despair filled the air as the group stepped into the prison chamber. Rows of iron cages stretched before them, filled with prisoners, their eyes hollow with exhaustion.
A child's voice broke the silence. "Chief! Save us!"
Mark, Elisa, and Sofia rushed toward the cages, their swords striking against the rusted locks. As the doors swung open, the children ran to them, clinging to their arms, their small bodies trembling.
Meanwhile, Astor and Lily moved deeper into the chamber. At the far end, a single cage stood apart. Inside, a beast girl sat against the wall, her hands bound in thick chains, her fur matted with dirt.
Lily eyed her carefully. "A beast girl. She could be useful."
Astor's expression darkened. "A beast girl? Open it."
Lily shattered the lock with ease, and Astor stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
Mark, Elisa, Sofia, and the children gathered around the cage, watching intently.
Astor took a step forward. "Hey. Wake up."
The girl stirred, her ears twitching as she opened her eyes. The moment she saw him, she let out a low growl, her fangs bared as she lunged at him—only to be yanked back by the chains.
Mark and Elisa unsheathed their weapons. "She's dangerous!"
"Silence." Astor's voice cut through the air like a blade.
The girl froze, her gaze locking onto his. His eyes—deep, crimson red—sent a shiver down her spine. In their world, only demons and curse users had such eyes.
Astor stepped closer. "What's your name?"
She flinched, hesitating. He slammed his palm against the iron wall. "Answer me."
Sofia's eyes widened. "Starmon! Stop! You're scaring her!"
Elisa crossed her arms. "Look, now she's crying. Apologize."
The girl wiped her eyes, her voice barely a whisper. "I… I am… Lili-ana."
Astor's gaze didn't waver. "Can you fight?"
Mark's jaw tightened. "Are you insane? Don't tell me you're planning to send a thirteen-year-old girl into battle against Malakar."
Liliana's ears drooped. "I can't fight… Master Lirion would be angry."
Astor grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Lirion is dead. I killed your master. Now, I'm your master. Understand?"
Liliana's eyes widened. "Master… dead?"
Lily's voice was sharp. "Astor. Look at her neck."
A dark, jagged collar encircled Liliana's throat.
Astor reached out, his fingers brushing against it. "This isn't from a merchant… It's a curse. I can feel it." He narrowed his eyes. "NULL."
The collar disintegrated into black mist.
Astor straightened. "You're no longer his slave."
Tears welled up in Liliana's eyes—not from fear, but from relief. Her small body trembled as sobs escaped her lips.
Astor rested a hand on her head. "Let's go. Free the rest of the prisoners. Then… we'll head home."
They all gathered in Moonveil, where the rescued families reunited with their loved ones. Tears and laughter filled the streets—some embraced in relief, while others wept for those who never returned. Among them, a young girl clung to her mother, sobbing uncontrollably. Her father, one of the rescuers, had been killed by Lirion's guards.
Mark clenched his fists. "How did this happen? Weren't they supposed to meet us at the emergency gate?"
Astor's expression was cold. "It happened because your plan was flawed from the start."
Mark's eyes widened in anger. "My plan? First, you hide the truth from us, and now you're blaming me?"
Astor stepped forward, his voice sharp. "Keep your voice down! This wouldn't have happened if you had let me handle it alone."
Sofia stood in silence, remembering Starmon's words back in Aetherium's square:
"Why the rush? The hero will save them."
Elisa frowned. "Starmon, what's wrong with you? Why are you talking to Mark like that?"
Mark scoffed. "He gets some new powers, and now he thinks he's better than us."
Astor's fists clenched. Before he could respond, a firm yet composed voice interrupted them.
"Are you the one who saved us?"
They turned to see a regal man in a crown, accompanied by two mages. His presence commanded respect.
"I am Albert Arc, King of Moonveil." The king extended his hand.
Astor met his gaze, then shook it. "Astor YT. The blonde girl is Lily, and the beast girl is Liliana. The rest are warriors from Aetherium."
Elisa shot him a look. "Aetherian warriors? We have names, you know. And don't forget—you're Aetherian too." She gestured toward Sofia and Mark. "I'm Elisa, this is Sofia, and that guy over there is our chief, Mark."
Albert smiled. "So, you're all Aetherians? That makes you our neighbors. Mr. YT, I can't thank you enough for saving our people. Not everyone made it, but… freedom often demands sacrifice. If there's anything we can do for you in return, name it."
Mark took a step forward. "We didn't do this for a reward. This was for—"
Astor cut him off. "You owe me."
Mark's face darkened. "What? You're demanding something?"
"It's my right," Astor replied bluntly. "But I don't want gold or gifts. Instead, next time I call for your aid, you will answer."
Albert nodded solemnly. "It would be my honor."
Before they could continue, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness. He was tall, draped in a long black robe, his hair and beard equally long. A staff rested in his grip.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hero."
The air grew tense. Everyone's eyes were on him.
Astor stepped forward. "And you are?"
The man smiled. "No need to be alarmed—I am not your enemy."
Astor's voice remained unwavering. "If you were, then you should be the one worrying, not me."
The man chuckled. "Such confidence… I like it. My name is Morpheous."
[Screen fades to black.]
"Chronicles of YT"
Episode 5: Morpheous
A stunned silence filled the air. Then, one by one, voices rose in disbelief.
"Morpheous? He's alive?"
"Where has he been all this time?"
Albert Arc took a step forward, his eyes narrowing in shock. "Morpheous… is it really you? Where have you been? We thought you were dead."
Morpheous gave a small, knowing smile. "I would have been… if I had stayed." His voice carried a weight of old scars. "When Malakar attacked, I was just a young man—barely seventeen years old. Helpless. Weak. My parents were slaughtered before my eyes by a madman who dreams of ruling all planets." His fists clenched as he spoke, his voice colder now. "I knew I couldn't defeat him back then, so I ran. I left Moonveil… went abroad… and learned magic."
He lifted his staff slightly, as if the weight of his past was still attached to it. "My master was a great man. Under him, I mastered countless spells—spent ten long years honing my craft. And then, I returned… ready to seek revenge."
Elisa crossed her arms, her expression doubtful. "If you mastered so many spells, then why didn't you save these people?"
Mark scoffed. "Gained power but refused to use it for others? You and him are exactly alike." He shot a glare at Astor. "How pathetic."
Astor barely reacted. His tone remained calm but edged with sarcasm. "So, you showed up now just to tell us this?"
Morpheous shook his head. "I would have saved them if I could. But after I mastered my magic, I asked my master a single question—'Now that I am strong, can I kill Malakar Veilgrave?'"
A moment of silence.
Liliana, who had been listening with childlike fascination, leaned forward. "And what did he say?"
Astor answered before Morpheous could. "Obviously, he said no."
Sofia frowned. "How can you say that so confidently?"
Astor turned his gaze toward her. "If his master had said yes, then Morpheous wouldn't have wasted his time hiding in the forest. He would have killed Malakar already. But he didn't. That means the answer was no."
Morpheous let out a breath, almost amused. "You're sharp. Yes, my master told me that I still couldn't defeat Malakar. But do you know what he said next?"
A heavy tension spread among them. The air grew thick with anticipation.
No one spoke. No one moved.
Everyone waited, their eyes locked on Morpheous, eager to hear what came next.
Morpheous took a deep breath before reciting the prophecy:
"Two minds, one fate, a soul divided, yet whole.
One walks in shadow, the other in light's control.
Bound by fury, cursed by pain,
Only he can break the tyrant's reign."
The room fell silent.
Elisa furrowed her brows. "Two minds, one fate, a soul divided? What does that even mean?"
Sofia tapped her chin in thought. "I don't think two literally means two. If this is a prophecy, then maybe 'two' represents many people… or maybe it refers to one who is alive and another who has died. 'One fate' could mean that they both fought against Malakar."
Mark nodded, continuing her thought. "'One walks in shadow' could refer to curse users, while 'the other in light's control' might mean people like us—like my magic."
Albert Arc folded his arms. "Bound by fury… could mean that everyone here seeks revenge. Cursed by pain… well, that part is obvious. We've all lost someone to Malakar."
Liliana's voice was barely above a whisper. "'Only he can break the tyrant's reign…'"
Lily turned to Morpheous. "And you believe it's us?"
Morpheous shook his head. "At first, I thought so. Your interpretations made sense. But remember what my master said: 'The one capable to kill Malakar will be…' That means this prophecy speaks of a single person."
A tense silence settled over them before Mark scoffed. "You want to say Starmon is that person? The same guy I defeated yesterday in a duel? And now you're telling me he's supposed to be the one who kills Malakar? Please." He crossed his arms. "If that's the case, he should prove it by beating me first."
"Enough, Mark!" Sofia snapped.
Elisa shot him a glare. "Don't mock him."
Lily clenched her fists, barely restraining her anger.
Morpheous, however, turned his gaze toward Astor. "Starmon? Who is that?"
Mark smirked. "The one standing in front of you—'Astor YT'—that's Starmon."
Morpheous frowned. "Then why use two names?"
Astor sighed, his voice steady. "I'm not using two names. Starmon… is inside me."
A ripple of shock spread through the group.
"Inside?"
Astor's gaze remained firm. "I told them already. I am Astor YT, reincarnated in Starmon's body."
Morpheous exhaled sharply. "So I was right."
The others looked at him in confusion.
"This morning, I overheard Lirion's soldiers. They had captured some children and were taking them to the castle. While listening, I heard them mention that someone had killed Zarek Duskbane—one of Malakar's trusted men. I had no idea who that could be… but then, by nightfall, you all arrived, planning to rescue the prisoners."
Morpheous took a step forward, his voice darkening. "I decided to follow you—to see if this prophecy applied to any of you. Using my magic, I listened in on your plan and watched from the shadows. And then… I saw him." He gestured toward Astor.
"At first, he distracted the guards outside the prison. But something was off. Lirion must have known about your plan, because the rescue team had already been captured and executed before Mr. Starmon arrived."
Morpheous' expression hardened. "Then I witnessed something I couldn't believe. At first, Starmon was struck down by Lirion's guards—he hit the ground hard. But then… something changed. Suddenly, he stood up."
He met Astor's gaze. "His blue eyes… turned blood-red."
The weight of his words filled the room.
Morpheous continued. "And in an instant… he killed thirty guards."
Everyone stared at Astor, stunned.
Astor exhaled, shaking his head. "That's what I've been saying this whole time. The kid who lost to Mark yesterday… that wasn't me."
Elisa hesitated before speaking. "So… it's really two people in one body? Is that even possible?"
Sofia's expression darkened. "Wait, Starmon got pierced by a sword. What happened to him?"
Astor crossed his arms. "He's still alive. As long as I live, so will he."
Sofia let out a breath of relief. "Thank goodness…"
Mark scoffed. "What nonsense. If this is really true, then listen—Starmon is better than you. At least he listens to us. He follows orders and—"
"Shut up, you idiot!" Astor's voice boomed through the room, his eyes burning with fury. "Say one more word, and I'll make you pulp!"
Everyone tensed.
Astor took a step forward, his gaze locking onto Mark's. "I know who is who! I was there when he got beaten by Zarek's guard. I was there when his uncle died! I was there when he—not you—recommended burning Zarek and his soldiers' bodies!"
Mark clenched his fists, but Astor wasn't done.
"And I was also there when you defeated him." His voice dropped, the weight of his words pressing against the air. "And I was also there when you didn't believe him… and that is how we got into this situation."
Silence.
Astor exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "I know what Starmon does… but he doesn't. That's why he always calls for a Hero."
Lily gently placed a hand on Astor's shoulder, her voice calm yet firm. "Enough. Getting angry won't change anything."
Astor exhaled sharply, his fists unclenching.
Sofia hesitated before asking, "When will Starmon come back?"
Astor's gaze remained fixed ahead. "He won't… especially not yet."
Sofia frowned. "Not yet? Why?"
Astor's expression darkened. "Because I won't let him come back."
Elisa tensed. "Why?"
Astor's voice was cold, unwavering. "Because now you all know about me. If I let him take over, there's a chance I won't be able to come back. I won't take that risk… But believe me, he will return—when my work is done."
A heavy silence settled over them.
Astor turned toward the horizon. "Now, let's go back. We're running out of time."
Without waiting for a response, he started walking. Lily and Liliana immediately followed, their expressions unreadable.
Albert Arc stepped forward. "Mr. YT, at least stay here for tonight. You can leave tomorrow."
Astor didn't stop. "We can't stay anymore. Zarek and Lirion are both dead. Who knows what comes next? Another General? Malakar himself? I won't waste this opportunity."
Albert Arc's voice was steady but filled with concern. "How can you be so confident? They are stronger than Lirion and Zarek combined."
Lily smirked. "Don't worry. He is YT."
Morpheous, who had been watching quietly, finally spoke. "I knew it wasn't just part of your name. So… what does 'YT' really mean?"
Astor halted. A wicked smirk spread across his face as he turned slightly, his crimson eyes gleaming.
"Yearns to Triumph."
A wave of excitement spread through the group. Their doubts melted away, replaced by something else—determination.
Mark, however, muttered under his breath, "Whatever."
One by one, he, Elisa, and Sofia followed after Astor.
As they stepped outside, the wind howled against the night sky. Their figures disappeared into the darkness—
And then the screen faded to black.
The night had grown deep, and the dense forest around them was eerily silent, save for the occasional rustling of leaves and distant hoots of nocturnal creatures. The group pressed forward, their steps sluggish with exhaustion. The moon's pale light barely pierced through the thick canopy, casting long shadows across the uneven forest path.
Elisa stumbled to a stop, her breathing heavy. "I'm tired now. I can't move any further," she admitted, her voice filled with exhaustion. Sofia, walking beside her, nodded weakly. She, too, was drained from the day's endless travel and the intense battle against Lirion.
Mark sighed, frustration evident in his tone. "We've been traveling since morning, and we had to fight that bastard Lirion. We're all exhausted. And thanks to you, we're now stuck in this damn forest for the night."
Astor, walking a few steps ahead, muttered under his breath, "I can't believe these are Aetherian's warriors… Dumbasses."
Liliana tugged at Astor's sleeve, her golden eyes reflecting weariness. "Master, I'm tired too."
Lily, walking beside them, placed a reassuring hand on Liliana's shoulder before turning to Astor. "Astor, we should rest here. There's no need to push forward recklessly. Everything will be fine. We'll reach our destination by morning. It's not too far."
Astor remained silent, contemplating their situation. After a moment, he sighed and nodded. "Fine. We'll rest here tonight."
At his words, the entire group practically collapsed onto the ground, sighing in relief. "Thank goodness," Elisa muttered, stretching out her aching limbs.
The scene transitioned to a small clearing where a flickering campfire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the tired warriors. They sat in a loose circle, eating what little food they had while engaging in light conversation. Liliana had fallen asleep beside Astor, her breathing even and peaceful. Astor, however, had turned away from the group, his expression unreadable.
Elisa, glancing at Lily, hesitated before asking, "Lily, you're a demon, right? How did you meet Starmon or Astor? Don't your parents worry about you?"
Lily looked into the flames, her expression calm yet distant. "Yes, I'm a demon… but I don't know who my parents are."
Elisa's face fell. "I'm sorry for asking something so personal."
Lily gave a small smile. "Don't worry. It's no problem."
Sofia, curiously watching Lily, leaned in slightly. "Did you know Astor from his previous life?"
Lily shook her head. "No. We met in this world. From as far back as I can remember, I was in Astor's care. When I was a child, he hid me in a cave, protecting me from the outside world. Every night, he would come to bring me food and play with me. He taught me everything—magic, how to fight, how to survive. The reason I am who I am today is because of him. He acts like he doesn't care about people, but he's kinder than he lets on."
Mark snorted. "I doubt he even has a heart of his own."
Elisa and Sofia shot him sharp glares. Mark, noticing their disapproving looks, shrugged. "Whatever… Goodnight." He lay down, turning away from them.
Lily's expression remained firm. "Malakar is everyone's enemy, but trust me—we need Astor for this."
Sofia, worried about Starmon, hesitated before speaking. "Fine. But once Malakar is dead, he has to give Starmon back."
Lily nodded. "He will."
One by one, the group lay down, allowing exhaustion to take over. The camera slowly panned toward Astor, who remained awake, his mind was clouded with thoughts of vengeance. Malakar Veilgrave… What you took from me, I will make you pay for it. Just wait and watch.
The scene shifted to Malakar's castle, a towering structure shrouded in an ominous darkness. Inside the grand throne room, Malakar sat upon his throne, his piercing crimson eyes glowing under the dim torchlight. The air was thick with an aura of malice.
A curse user rushed in, breathless and visibly shaken. He knelt before Malakar and lowered his head. "My Lord! I bring grave news. Lord Lirion Faelthorn has also fallen."
Malakar leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable. "And… who was responsible?"
The curse user hesitated, his body trembling. "My Lord… it was YT and the Aetherians."
For a moment, silence filled the chamber. Then, a slow, sinister smile crept across Malakar's face. "YT… oh yes… YT."
With a mere flick of his finger, the curse user's body exploded into a mist of blood and ash. The throne room remained still as Malakar's smile widened.
"Zarek Duskbane and Lirion Faelthorn… both defeated by the same person? It seems I have fools in my ranks."
Malakar shifted his gaze toward a towering figure standing in the shadows. "Gorath Maldir, bring me the head of that brat YT and those so-called Aetherian warriors."
Gorath, a monstrous man with muscles like iron and a warhammer resting on his shoulder, cracked his knuckles and smirked. "Leave it to me, My Lord. I won't disappoint you."
Malakar's eyes gleamed with a deadly light. "Go… and if anyone dares stand in your way… destroy them."
With a wicked grin, Gorath turned and strode out of the chamber, his hammer gleaming under the dim torchlight. The screen slowly faded to black.
The title screen appears:
"Chronicles of YT"
Episode Title: Morpheous