Halochassis

The Cathedral Exa stood as the holiest sanctuary devoted to the Goddess Exceria, its towering white spires piercing the heavens like countless prayers frozen in stone. Every day, believers from every corner of the continent gathered beneath its magnificent vaulted ceilings to offer their faith, while priests delivered sacred sermons, crusaders stood vigilant as protectors of the church, and nuns moved quietly through the halls in devoted service. 

Among all the Cathedrals of Exa scattered across the world, none rivaled the grandeur of the one in Luminous City. Its marble walls shimmered beneath the sunlight pouring through enormous stained-glass windows, painting the polished floors with brilliant streams of crimson, sapphire, and gold. The entire cathedral was under the guidance of the Chosen One himself, Alexander Goldheart, whose very presence commanded reverence from both nobles and commoners alike.

For centuries, legends claimed that the cathedral’s sacred graveyard was the final resting place of saints, legendary crusaders, and heroes whose names had become immortal in history. It was said that the blessings surrounding the cemetery allowed their souls to rest peacefully under the Goddess’ divine protection. 

Because of the Silent Warlock’s immeasurable contributions to humanity, his funeral rites were performed with the highest honors the church could bestow. Every prayer, every blessing, and every sacred hymn was personally officiated by His Holiness, ensuring that Cattleo Vi Examillenia’s soul would be entrusted directly to Exceria’s embrace.

The funeral drew an overwhelming sea of mourners. Millions of citizens packed both the cathedral’s colossal interior and the vast courtyards beyond its gates, dressed almost entirely in black as an ocean of grief stretched farther than the eye could see. The mournful tolling of cathedral bells echoed across Luminous City, accompanied by the solemn choir whose voices floated through the air like angels singing a final farewell. Incense drifted gently through the halls, its sweet fragrance mixing with the scent of polished marble and melting candle wax. 

At the very front of the ceremony stood Cattleo’s students alongside the professors and fellow mages who had fought beside him throughout the years. Their expressions remained rigid, though many struggled to suppress tears that threatened to spill. The remaining Celestial Wardens, including Lireina Ashford, silently stood among them, each carrying the unbearable weight of losing one of their own.

The gathering was not limited to heroes and scholars. Nobles from nearly every province of the Empire filled the reserved pews, their jeweled attire subdued beneath black mourning cloaks. Dukes, duchesses, influential governors, and distinguished military commanders had all come to pay their respects. Even the Emperor of Empyrea himself attended the funeral, surrounded by rows of royal guards whose polished armor reflected the cathedral’s colorful stained glass. 

The sight caused Lireina’s emerald eyes to narrow. Her fingers slowly curled into fists beneath her cloak as resentment stirred within her chest.

If they had never developed the Halochassis... Cattleo would still be alive.

The bitter thought lingered only for a moment before she quietly exhaled and forced herself to let it pass. Blaming Empyrea alone would be unfair. The Halochassis may have been forged by the Empire’s greatest minds, but they had never intended them to become instruments of slaughter against humanity’s protectors. It was the Iron Bandits who chose to seize those weapons. They were the ones who had aimed them. They were the ones who had pulled the trigger without hesitation. Still, the question gnawed relentlessly at Lireina’s mind. Why? What hatred could possibly drive them to assassinate a Celestial Warden—the very heroes who had once saved the entire world from destruction? Was their resentment truly that deep?

The cathedral gradually fell into complete silence as Alexander Goldheart stepped forward before the towering altar. His white robes flowed gently behind him while rays of sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows, surrounding the Chosen One in an almost divine radiance. The sheer weight of his presence alone quieted the restless whispers among the countless mourners. When he finally spoke, his deep voice rolled throughout the immense cathedral like distant thunder, resonating against the towering pillars until every soul present could hear him clearly.

”The murder of one of the saviors of this world is unwarranted.”

His words struck the hearts of the audience with undeniable conviction.

”Cattleo Vi Examillenia was a teacher, a hero, a scholar, and most importantly... a friend. Millions of lives were spared because of his courage and wisdom during the battle against the Demon King. Though he has departed from this mortal world, his legacy shall never fade. Cattleo will continue to live within the hearts of every life he touched.”

Alexander paused briefly, his expression hardening as grief gave way to righteous anger.

”Yet there are those who have chosen to stain his memory. They spread despicable accusations that he kidnapped innocent children. These allegations are false—nothing more than filthy lies fabricated by the very murderers responsible for his death. They seek not only to destroy the man but also the hope he represented. Such evil cannot be allowed to thrive.”

His voice rose with renewed authority, echoing powerfully through every corner of the cathedral.

”These Iron Bandits will never be allowed to run rampant again. We will hunt them to the ends of this world if we must. We will uncover every conspirator hiding in the shadows. And when justice finally reaches them, they shall answer for every innocent life they have stolen.”

Alexander Goldheart slowly raised his clenched fist toward the cathedral’s towering ceiling.

”Long live the Celestial Wardens! Long live Empyrea!”

For a heartbeat, silence hung in the air before the entire cathedral erupted. Millions of grieving voices united into a single thunderous cry that shook the stained-glass windows and echoed beyond the cathedral walls, carrying across the streets of Luminous City itself.

”Long live the Celestial Wardens! Long live Empyrea!”

After the funeral ceremony had finally come to an end, the immense halls of the Cathedral Exa slowly emptied as countless mourners drifted toward the exits. The solemn hymns had faded, replaced by the soft murmur of conversations and the echoing footsteps of people returning to their ordinary lives. 

Lireina let out a long, quiet sigh as she stepped away from the crowd. The elegant black mourning gown she had worn throughout the ceremony brushed against her skin with every movement, the heavy fabric making her feel uncomfortably warm and slightly itchy. She tugged absentmindedly at one of the sleeves, resisting the urge to scratch her arm. Ceremonial attire had never suited her. Unlike most humans who were accustomed to formal clothing, Lireina preferred garments that allowed her to move freely. Long dresses, extremely tight corsets, and layers of expensive fabric always felt restrictive, almost like invisible chains wrapping around her body.

Fortunately, night had already descended upon Luminous City. Once she found a secluded corner away from the departing guests, she wasted no time changing back into the outfit she actually considered comfortable. The flowing white cape rested lightly upon her shoulders, contrasting against her fitted blue shirt, while her familiar short red skirt allowed unrestricted movement once more. The familiar weight of her holsters settled comfortably against her hips, and she instinctively adjusted them before letting out a relieved breath. Now she finally felt like herself again.

The cathedral’s stone hallways had grown considerably quieter compared to the bustling ceremony earlier. Moonlight filtered through the stained-glass windows, painting the marble floor with muted shades of blue and crimson as candle flames flickered gently along the walls. The silence was interrupted only by the rhythmic tapping of Lireina’s boots against polished stone.

As she rounded one of the massive pillars supporting the cathedral’s towering ceiling, her sharp eyes immediately recognized a familiar figure.

A towering, broad-shouldered man leaned casually against the pillar with his arms crossed and his eyes closed, as though he had been patiently waiting for someone to arrive. His long emerald-green hair was tied neatly into a ponytail that draped behind his back, while the faint scars decorating his muscular arms hinted at countless battles survived. Even while standing perfectly still, the Ultimate Dragon Warrior, Qinglong, radiated an overwhelming aura of strength.

Without even opening his eyes, he spoke.

”Hey, Lena. Would you like to dine with me?”

Lireina immediately narrowed her emerald eyes.

The audacity of this guy.

Of all places—and after everything that had happened today—he thought inviting her to dinner was appropriate?

Qinglong must have sensed the dangerous misunderstanding forming almost instantly because his confident expression crumbled into an awkward smile. He quickly opened both hands and waved them defensively.

”N-No, it’s not what you think,” he said hurriedly. ”I just wanted to talk to you about something... or rather, someone.”

His relaxed grin disappeared, replaced by an unusually serious expression.

”That black-and-gold Halochassis.”

Lireina remained silent.

”I heard you’ve fought that bastard twice already,” Qinglong continued. ”Word is he actually managed to wound you. At first, I figured you were just being... well...” He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. ”...you. Softhearted. Maybe a little stupid.”

He immediately raised a finger before Lireina could interrupt.

”But after seeing him myself...” His voice lowered. ”That guy’s bad news.”

Lireina simply flicked a strand of golden hair behind her shoulder before giving him an almost smug smile.

”Oh, really?” she replied. ”I heard Azazel beat the living hell out of you for over an hour.”

Her smile widened.

”Serves you right for charging in like a reckless idiot.”

Instead of taking offense, Qinglong merely chuckled. His grin spread across his face like a growling beast amused by its prey.

”My, my... don’t insult me, Big Sis Lena.”

He tilted his head ever so slightly.

”Don’t act like you don’t have a weakness.”

His golden eyes slowly met hers.

”You may be untouchable...”

His grin sharpened.

”But the people you care about aren’t.”

The atmosphere changed instantly.

The warmth vanished from Lireina’s expression as though someone had extinguished a flame. Before Qinglong could even blink, a metallic click echoed through the hallway.

Her pistol was already pressed firmly beneath his chin.

The cold steel touched his skin.

The speed was so absurd that even Qinglong—a warrior renowned for his reflexes—hadn’t seen her draw the weapon.

The cathedral corridor fell deathly silent.

The flickering candlelight reflected off the polished barrel while Lireina stared directly into his eyes. Her face remained calm, but the icy intensity behind those emerald pupils carried a killing intent powerful enough to suffocate the surrounding air.

”Point that lance at Croft again,” Lireina whispered.

Her voice was soft. Almost gentle.

”I dare you.”

She pushed the barrel slightly harder against his chin.

”I double dare you.”

A smile appeared across her face.

”You’ll suffer a fate far worse than death.”

For the first time since their conversation began, Qinglong genuinely looked uncomfortable.

”Whoa! Whoa!” He immediately raised both hands above his shoulders in surrender. ”And people say I’m the warmonger.”

He laughed nervously.

”Chill, Big Sis Lena. Chill.”

His shoulders sagged.

”Jeez...”

The tension lingered for another heartbeat before Lireina casually lowered her pistol. With practiced elegance, she spun the weapon around her finger once before smoothly sliding it back into its holster.

Then, as though the deadly confrontation had never happened, she clasped both hands together behind her back and smiled with innocent sweetness.

”Oh my. I’m terribly sorry, Qinglong.”

Her voice became light and cheerful again.

”I’ll have to humbly reject your invitation. I have somewhere else I need to be.”

Qinglong released a resigned sigh before shrugging.

”Okay then.”

A faint smile returned to his face.

”Maybe another time.”

Lireina giggled.

”How about never?” Her playful voice carried an almost teasing sing-song tone. ”Hehe~”

Qinglong simply looked away toward the cathedral’s stained-glass windows before scratching the back of his head with an exhausted sigh.

”...You’re impossible.”

Seeing that he had no intention of bothering her further, Lireina waved casually before continuing toward the cathedral’s massive entrance. The cool night breeze greeted her the moment she stepped outside, carrying with it the scents of damp stone, burning lantern oil, and distant food stalls still serving late-night customers.

Despite the pleasant weather, her heart felt heavier than ever.

Too many things had happened within such a short time.

The Iron Bandits had somehow acquired Halochassis powerful enough to threaten even the Celestial Wardens. Cattleo—one of humanity’s greatest heroes—was dead. Empyrea had secretly developed terrifying weapons capable of changing the balance of the world. And Qinglong, reckless as always, had nearly killed Croft during their previous encounter.

The burdens piled upon one another without giving her a moment to breathe.

Yet somehow...

She still smiled.

Not because everything was fine.

But because smiling had become a habit—a mask she wore to keep herself moving forward.

Even so...

She could feel the cracks beginning to form beneath that cheerful façade.

”A vacation would be nice...”

Lireina muttered to herself as she wandered through the moonlit streets.

The city was unusually peaceful compared to the emotional chaos inside the cathedral. Gas lamps lined the cobblestone roads, bathing the streets in warm amber light while shopkeepers closed their businesses for the evening. The occasional horse-drawn carriage rattled past, and distant laughter drifted from taverns where people sought comfort in drink after the day’s mournful events.

Rather than taking the shortest path, Lireina chose the scenic route toward the Adventurer’s Guild. The longer walk allowed the cool night air to clear her thoughts.

As she approached the guild district, something unusual caught her attention.

Several figures were gathered around the exterior wall of the guild’s main building. They wore simple worker’s clothing and carried lumber, ladders, buckets, and various carpentry tools. The rhythmic tapping of hammers echoed through the quiet streets as they repaired portions of the stone wall illuminated by hanging lanterns.

Carpenters? Lireina slowed her pace for only a brief moment. Working this late?

It struck her as odd. Most construction crews would have stopped long before sunset, especially after a citywide funeral. Still, none of the workers paid any attention to her, remaining focused on their repairs.

After a brief glance, she dismissed the thought and continued walking.

Maybe the guild had simply suffered damage that couldn’t wait until morning.

Pushing open the guild’s heavy wooden doors, Lireina was immediately welcomed by a wave of warmth and lively conversation. The familiar aroma of roasted meat, freshly baked bread, spilled ale, and wood smoke filled the air. Adventurers occupied nearly every table, some celebrating successful quests with overflowing mugs while others quietly shared meals after long days of work. Laughter mixed with clinking glasses, cheerful chatter, and the crackling fireplace near the center of the hall.

Like always, the Adventurer’s Guild served not only as a headquarters for quests but also as one of the city’s busiest taverns after dark—a place where weary adventurers could fill both their coin pouches and their stomachs before setting out once again.

Lireina made her way through the bustling guild hall, weaving effortlessly between occupied tables as adventurers laughed over mugs of ale or boasted about the monsters they had slain that day. The wooden floor creaked beneath countless footsteps, while the warm glow of hanging lanterns chased away the chill of the night outside. A bard in the corner lazily strummed a lute, its mellow tune blending with the constant chorus of clinking glasses, cheerful banter, and the occasional roar of laughter. The lively atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the suffocating silence of the cathedral she had left only minutes ago.

Without stopping to admire the familiar scene, Lireina headed straight for the reception counter.

”Heya, Ariel.”

She greeted the guild receptionist with a bright smile and a casual wave, her cheerful demeanor returning as naturally as breathing.

”You got something for me?”

The young guild receptionist looked up from the stack of paperwork she had been organizing and immediately returned the smile.

”Oh, hi, Lireina.”

Ariel reached beneath the counter before carefully lifting a small object wrapped neatly in a protective cloth.

”Zinea stopped by earlier today.”

She gently placed the wrapped item onto the polished wooden counter between them.

”She asked me to give this back to you. She also wanted me to tell you that she’s very grateful you lent it to her.”

Lireina carefully unfolded the cloth, revealing a radiant emerald mana crystal nestled inside. The crystal glowed faintly from within, gentle streams of magical energy swirling beneath its smooth surface like emerald mist trapped inside glass. Even amid the guild’s warm lighting, the crystal shimmered brilliantly, casting tiny green reflections across her fingertips.

A small smile spread across Lireina’s face.

”I’m just glad it helped her complete her quest.”

Her voice carried genuine relief rather than pride.

Without another thought, she wrapped the crystal again and slipped it securely into one of the pouches hanging from her belt. The familiar weight settling against her hip reassured her that it had returned safely to its rightful owner.

As she adjusted the pouch, one of her pointed ears suddenly twitched.

Then the other.

A faint sensation crawled along the back of her neck.

Someone was watching her.

Years of surviving dangerous adventures had sharpened her instincts far beyond those of ordinary people. Even inside a crowded guild hall, where dozens of conversations overlapped and countless eyes wandered aimlessly, she could immediately distinguish ordinary glances from deliberate observation.

Her cheerful expression faded ever so slightly.

Slowly, she turned around.

Her emerald eyes swept across the tavern with practiced precision, examining each occupied table one by one. Several adventurers were too engrossed in drinking contests to notice her. Others were busy studying quest boards or haggling over monster materials. Nothing appeared unusual...

Until she reached one particular table near the far side of the room.

Sitting alone beneath one of the lanterns was a young man dressed entirely in a black scholar’s uniform. His neatly kept black hair framed a calm face illuminated by the golden candlelight, while his striking crimson eyes stared silently into the mug resting between his hands. Unlike the noisy adventurers surrounding him, he neither laughed nor spoke. He simply drank his beer in complete solitude, as though intentionally distancing himself from everyone else.

It was Shin.

Lireina’s face immediately brightened.

”Oh! Heya, Shin!”

She enthusiastically waved both hands above her head, smiling as though she had just spotted an old friend.

The moment Shin’s crimson eyes met hers...

He immediately looked away.

Almost instinctively.

”...”

Lireina froze. Her eyebrows slowly lowered. Her cheeks puffed out into an unmistakable pout.

Did he just ignore me?

A hint of annoyance replaced her cheerful smile.

Without waiting for an invitation, she marched straight toward his table, pulled out the empty chair across from him, and sat down with enough force for the wooden legs to scrape loudly against the floor.

”H-Hi... Lireina.”

Shin’s greeting barely escaped above a mumble. He kept his gaze fixed on the mug in front of him, clearly uncomfortable. From Shin’s perspective, the situation had just become infinitely more troublesome.

He wasn’t simply relaxing over a drink. He was in the middle of an undercover operation.

Every movement inside the Adventurer’s Guild had been carefully planned in advance. His role was to blend in among the patrons without attracting even the slightest suspicion. Outside the building, the so-called carpenters repairing the guild walls were not ordinary laborers at all. They were Adzeel and Aether, both disguised beneath convincing illusions while carrying out their own assignments as part of the same covert mission.

Everything depended on remaining unnoticed.

And now...

Lireina Ashford had walked directly to his table.

Shin could almost feel his carefully constructed cover beginning to crumble.

His heartbeat quickened despite the calm expression he struggled to maintain. Every instinct screamed at him not to draw attention, yet one of the most recognizable members of the Celestial Wardens was now sitting face-to-face with him in the busiest tavern in Luminous City. If anyone connected the two of them, months of planning could unravel in an instant.

This...

Had just become a great deal more complicated.