Elmesia of Sarion had grown ever closer to Varvatos. She visited often under the pretense of diplomatic talks, though her visits became less formal each time. Velzard, the Ice Empress and Varvatos' longtime ally, watched with silent discontent. She, too, harbored feelings for the Supreme Ruler of Nyvaris — feelings she barely understood herself.
Neither woman could bring themselves to confess. Both found themselves in a quiet rivalry, tiptoeing around each other during their visits, their conversations sharp but polite.
Far above the mortal world, Feldway, the Angel of Justice turned traitor, continued weaving his vast, terrible plan.
In the celestial halls of the Heavenly Star Palace, angels knelt before him — warriors bathed in ethereal light, their wings folded in reverence. Feldway stood tall, his robes like flowing starlight, and in his right hand, he held a scepter pulsing with ominous energy.
Before him knelt his closest followers and newly allied with him, the Insectar King, Zelanus — a towering figure, with a carapace that glinted black and green under the light.
Feldway:
"Now that the Insectar stand with us, the path to Veldanava's return is clear. The Demon Lords, the dragons... even Varvatos — they cannot stop us."
The angels murmured in excitement and devotion. Feldway raised his hand for silence, his voice sharpening:
Feldway:
"The Dragon Factors... we must take them. Velzard, Velgrynd, Veldora — each carries a piece of what once was Veldanava's soul. And Milim..."
(He smiled coldly.)
"Milim, his daughter... shall be the key to unlock his rebirth."
A chilling wind swept through the palace. Even among angels, a few shifted uneasily. Sacrificing Milim — a being of such life and force — was not a small task. But none dared question Feldway's will.
In Nyvaris, Varvatos stood atop the highest tower, his golden cloak billowing around him as he gazed beyond the veil of dimensions.
His deep, ancient magic scoured the cosmos, and what he saw made his brow furrow. He witnessed the armies — battalions of angels gathering, preparing, marching across the firmament.
He knew. Feldway.
The storm was about to fall upon the Cardinal World.
Without hesitation, he decided.
There was one being he had to warn: the Demon Lord of Ice, the Mediator — Guy Crimson.
In the Ice Continent, atop the highest peaks, lay Guy Crimson's Crimson Palace — a marvel of frozen beauty, glistening under the perpetual aurora overhead.
Guy sat lazily on a grand throne on the balcony, a glass of wine in hand. His long crimson hair fluttered in the breeze as he enjoyed the rare peace.
At his sides were Rain and Misery, dressed elegantly, each tending to their lord — Rain bringing a tray of exotic fruits and Misery pouring more wine.
Suddenly, the air grew heavy.
Not chaotic like when enemies arrive. No — this was different. It was heavier, deeper, as if reality itself was adjusting to welcome something...
someone beyond normal comprehension.
Rain's eyes sharpened instantly, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.
Misery raised her staff, cold energy gathering around her.
Without warning, a pillar of soft, golden light pierced the center of the balcony.
From it emerged Varvatos.
Tall, regal, his mere presence stilled the world around him. His eyes, ancient and calm, surveyed the three before him.
Rain and Misery, conditioned to react, were ready to strike — but as Varvatos' gaze touched them, a paralyzing pressure stopped them in their tracks.
Not fear.
Not magic.
It was pure existence — the weight of a being so far beyond them that resistance felt... pointless.
Guy leaned back in his chair, a wide grin spreading on his face.
Guy Crimson:
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Supreme Emperor himself. To what do I owe this very unexpected pleasure?"
Varvatos gave a faint smile — just enough to convey politeness without warmth — and seated himself casually opposite Guy.
Varvatos:
"Crimson King... I bring you news."
Guy snapped his fingers lightly. Rain and Misery, understanding the signal, immediately resumed their duties — Rain silently slicing fruit, Misery pouring Varvatos a glass of wine.
A moment of silence passed as Varvatos accepted the drink, taking a small sip before continuing.
His voice, deep and steady, carried weight:
Varvatos:
"You are the Mediator of this world. You must know — a great danger is coming.
One that will not spare anyone. One that will engulf the entire Cardinal World."
Guy's red eyes sharpened, the playful smirk fading slightly.
Guy Crimson:
"Danger... from where?"
Varvatos tilted his head up, his gaze piercing the clouds as if he saw beyond them.
Varvatos:
"The heavens."
Varvatos: (low voice)
"The Angels are moving."
For a moment, only the soft clinking of wine glasses could be heard as Rain and Misery froze mid-action.
Guy set his glass down, a finger tapping rhythmically against the armrest of his chair.
Guy Crimson:
"Tch... I had my suspicions. But hearing it from you...
Tell me. Who is leading them?"
Varvatos slowly turned his gaze back to Guy, his expression grave.
Varvatos:
"Feldway."
The name hit like a hammer. Even the air seemed to freeze.
Guy's crimson eyes narrowed, his mind racing.
He had known of Feldway's betrayal — but if Varvatos himself came down to warn him, it meant it wasn't just petty rebellion.
It was war.
Guy Crimson:
"Heh... so even Heaven itself wants to fall into chaos."
(He chuckled darkly.)
"Typical."
Varvatos stood slowly, his golden aura softly brushing against the icy winds.
Varvatos:
"Be prepared, Crimson King.
This storm will not spare the strong, nor the wise."
Guy rose too, a rare gesture of respect.
Guy Crimson:
"...Understood. I'll get things moving on my side."
Varvatos gave a faint nod, his body beginning to shimmer with golden light once more.
As he vanished, only his voice lingered on the cold wind:
Varvatos:
"Stay vigilant."
As Varvatos disappeared into the ether, Guy remained standing on his balcony, wine glass untouched, the auroras swirling violently above.
Rain and Misery quietly watched their lord, sensing the shift in the world's rhythm.
Rain: (softly)
"My Lord... what should we do?"
Guy smirked, a dangerous glint returning to his crimson eyes.
Guy Crimson:
"We prepare for war."