The Citadel of the Sky rose before Throk, Neptune, and Spink, who had just landed aboard Namiro's ship, shrouded in a majestic golden mist that seemed to dance with the light. The gleaming towers sparkled like fallen stars, and the vast expanse of the sky-blue heavens was dotted with floating islands that appeared to defy gravity itself. Every detail of that place seemed to have been crafted by the hands of gods—a pure manifestation of power and serenity. The air was light, yet charged with an almost tangible energy, making the hearts of the travelers beat faster with anticipation for the challenges that awaited them.
- Throk: "We've finally arrived," Throk murmured, admiring the grandeur before him. His stern gaze did not hide his caution, but also revealed reverence. "The Celestial Citadel... I've heard stories about this place for a long time."
Neptune, standing beside him, gave a faint smile, the soft breeze swaying his hair.
- Neptune: "It's far more than I ever imagined. But we mustn't let it distract us. We have a mission to complete."
Spink, full of energy, leapt forward excitedly, his unbreakable spirit in stark contrast to the solemn atmosphere.
The journey to the Citadel of the Sky had been arduous, but now that they were there, they knew this was only the beginning. Mysteries awaited in the divine heights, and the group was prepared to face them—yet the momentary peace of the place seemed to offer a false sense of calm.
Meanwhile, far from there, Aelion finally arrived at the Kingdom of Lior. The towering gates opened before him, revealing the inner court of the realm where activity was measured, yet a heavy tension lingered in the air. Aelion had been sent on an urgent mission, and his arrival was not a mere visit—he carried dark news about recent events in the Abyssal Depths.
As he was received in the throne room, he knelt before King Canvos, a man of formidable and fearless presence, with eyes that seemed to pierce through every hidden truth.
- Canvos: "Aelion, welcome," said the King, raising a hand in greeting. "What brings you here in such urgency?"
Still catching his breath from the journey, Aelion lifted his head and reported everything he had witnessed. He spoke of the battles in the Abyssal Depths—and of Midoki. He also mentioned the dire need for reinforcements.
Canvos's face hardened as he listened to Aelion's words. He knew the reported events were of great significance, yet the situation in Lior was also far from simple.
- Canvos: "I wish I could send aid, Aelion," began the King with a sigh. "But all the Divine Auras are out on patrol missions. And we've lost contact with Durin and Gronnak."
A heavy weight settled in Aelion's chest. His hopes for assistance were fading quickly. He had come all this way only to hear they could not help. Frustration churned within his mind, but he kept his composure. He couldn't lose hope so easily.
Before he could respond, a guard burst into the room in a rush.
- Guard: "Your Majesty!" he called out, breathless. "The barrier protecting the kingdom has mysteriously fallen."
The King rose at once, eyes wide in shock.
- Canvos: "The barrier has fallen?"
- Guard: "And more—Sir Alden Voss has returned after a month and a half of disappearance."
Canvos furrowed his brow, his mind already racing. The barrier—an elemental masterpiece of protection forged by Durin—could only be deactivated by her. Something was deeply wrong.
- Canvos: "Bring Sir Alden here at once," ordered the King, turning to Aelion. "Something is happening that we do not yet understand. We must restore the barrier—immediately."
Aelion stepped forward, resolute.
- Aelion: "I can reactivate it, Your Majesty."
The King looked at him, surprised.
- Canvos: "You have the power to do that?"
Aelion nodded.
- Aelion: "With my spiritual ability Protective Shell, I can erect an impenetrable barrier. However, if I do... I won't be able to move. I'll be bound to maintaining the spell."
Canvos hesitated for a moment. Aelion's sacrifice would be immense, but necessary for the safety of the kingdom.
- Canvos: "If you do this, I will offer you a Spiritual Treasure to aid you." He gestured to one of his advisors, who promptly brought forth an artifact wrapped in golden cloth.
The King unveiled the treasure: the Sosen Baria Staff, a legendary instrument known for extending the duration of any spell.
- Canvos: "This staff," he said, handing it to Aelion, "will strengthen your barrier and ensure it lasts as long as needed—even if you move."
Lifting the staff, Aelion closed his eyes and invoked his ability. A brilliant light began to surround his hands, and a nearly tangible energy stretched across the air, as if the very forces of nature responded to his call. The invisible barrier rose once again around the kingdom—stronger than ever—shielding all its inhabitants from any outside threat.
Aelion, now the power behind the barrier, became the fortress of Lior. With every pulse of his spiritual energy, the barrier solidified—impenetrable and invulnerable.
King Canvos, watching the young man with renewed respect, understood how delicate the situation had become. The loss of contact with Durin and Gronnak, the fallen barrier, and the mysterious return of Sir Alden Voss all pointed to something far greater unfolding. And now, with Aelion as guardian of the barrier, he needed more answers—and fast.
While the safety of the Kingdom of Lior now rested in Aelion's hands, a feeling of unease spread through the realm. Something dark was stirring, and the answers remained elusive. As Canvos prepared to face the next wave of threats, the mysteries deepened, leaving the fate of Lior in the hands of those willing to sacrifice everything.
The fate of the realms was now intertwined, and the battle between sky and earth was only just beginning.