Haynam Empire, Europa.

Aranal, the capital of the Haynam Empire, was a city built for power and control. Its design followed concentric rings of walls and districts, each one heavily fortified.

The outer district housed markets, workshops, and barracks, while the inner rings were reserved for nobles and military command.

The city's architecture reflected its militaristic order. Its buildings were tall and uniform, carved from dark stone, with wide, straight streets strategically laid out for troop movement as much as for daily life.

Crimson and black banners bearing the sigil of House Haynam hung from the walls and towers, serving as a constant reminder of the imperial rule. Soldiers patrolled every district, watchtowers occupied every street, and the presence of the Empire's army made Aranal feel more like a military fortress than a capital.

Life in Aranal was strictly hierarchical. Magi nobles and officers lived in comfort in the inner rings, while commoners and laborers toiled in the outer districts under heavy taxation and strict scrutiny.

Subjugated people from conquered lands could be seen throughout the city. Their customs were tolerated, but strictly controlled. Despite everything, Aranal thrived as a center of trade, with goods from across the Empire flowing into its markets as tribute.

And at the very center of it all was the Imperial Citadel, a colossal black stone fortress-palace where House Haynam ruled with absolute authority.

The palace of House Haynam was seen as a masterpiece of power and architecture. Marble courtyards, golden inlays, and towering statues showcased the wealth of the Empire. Inside, vaulted halls glittered with chandeliers and mosaics, every corner designed to project grandeur and opulence.

In one of the palace's lavish courtyards, a tall man with long dark hair and piercing emerald eyes lounged in the seating area with a carefree expression on his face. His frame was broad and imposing, and he wore regal dark robes marking his station.

This was Leland Haynam, Emperor of the Haynam Empire, and a mighty Mana Core Magus.

"So, how do you feel?" He asked, his voice soothing and his eyes tinged with hints of concern.

"I feel… empty."

Opposite Leland sat a man with short black hair that had a vibrant sheen to it. His striking brown eyes flickered with vile and cunning, but deep within… there was grief, loss, and confusion.

Leland deeply looked at the man sitting before him, someone he regarded as both friend and brother. He knew the sacrifices the man had made, the price he had paid, and the glory he had earned at the Battle of Ravenfell… yet words still failed him.

"You did well," Leland finally said. "At the very least, our Lord will have no reason to doubt you anymore. I suppose that is something."

He paused for a moment, then added, "And if it's any consolation, I believe it was better for them to die at your own hands than be sacrificed to the devils."

Opposite Leland sat none other than the man single-handedly responsible for the Cult's victory during the Battle of Ravenfell…

Marden Benton!

"I didn't do it for the Lord," Marden murmured. "I did it because I wanted to be free… because I wanted nothing to chain me down…"

The ghostly silhouettes of the Benton Family surrounded him, their eyes burning with anger, hatred, and indignation. He had begun seeing them ever since he absorbed their blood and souls in the dark ritual to free himself from the Cult Leader's direct control.

Of course, he hadn't told anyone about this, not even his closest friend, Leland Haynam, who was also one of the Elders of the Inner Circle!

What would the rest of the Magi of the Inner Circle think if suddenly one of them divulged to them that he had, in fact, gone mad? More importantly, how would the Cult Leader react to such information?

That is why Marden had kept it all to himself. The whispers, the madness, the ravings… he had kept it all to himself.

He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the screams of his murdered family members. He reached out for the wine jug on the table, then poured himself a drink. Then, he brought the gold goblet to his lips and savored the taste of wine with satisfaction.

Leland deeply looked at Marden's action, a slight frown on his face. At last, he said, "Since when did you start drinking?"

"Since I killed my kin with my own two hands," Marden muttered flatly.

He placed the goblet on the marble table, then leaned back in his chair and faced the sky. Gazing at the clouds drifting lazily across the blue sky, he murmured:

"I wanted to be free… like the clouds, but it came at a great cost. The wine helps ease the pain a little."

Leland heaved a long, heavy sigh. He truly did not know what to say. He remained silent for a few moments, then finally asked, "Have you met the Lord yet?"

"No." Marden shook his head. "I wanted to visit you first."

Hearing those words, Leland couldn't help but flash a faint but sincere smile. "Stay here as long as you need, brother. But go visit the Lord after. He has been awaiting your arrival."

"I will." Marden nodded, his gaze distant.

A long time later, he lowered his head and looked at Leland. Then, he asked in an inquisitive voice, "So what has happened while I was away? Anything I should know about?"

Leland's lips curled into a cold smile. Then, he said:

"The day of reckoning arrives soon, my friend. All preparations are complete. Europa, Yen-Lu, and Indus are ours. As for Mabi… heh, that belongs to no one. The only ones left are Nahua and Ulier. But thanks to your efforts, Ulier has already been struck, and two of their powerhouses killed.

"Once these two continents are conquered, the world is ours. And then, all we need to do is wait. According to the Lord's calculations, the next planetary alignment will happen sometime within the next one hundred years."

Marden's eyes gleamed with a peculiar light. "Within the next hundred years…"

"Indeed." Leland's lips curled into a wide grin.

"Once Tron is conquered, the Lord will summon the devils and offer this world as a sacrifice. Then, the Lord and a select few Magi will journey to the Greater Universe to pursue the higher arcane arts!"

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