Three days later, the news of the decade spread across every faction, kingdom, and remote corner of the All Realm under the headline:

  "Leroy Livingstone and Starmist officially engaged. A future for the council and two great factions."

  Inside a cave in the east, thunder roared outside as irritated rambling echoed within. Amaterasu opened her eyes, waking to a bright morning.

  "What kind of news is this? I cannot accept it!" Susanoo complained while raising the rolled newspaper in his hand.

  He placed the paper on a stone. Amaterasu offered no reply and simply opened it to read.

  "I am a god, yet Leroy was chosen, though they are both my friends," Susanoo muttered while pacing back and forth.

  "Hey, are you listening?"

  Amaterasu smiled widely, her eyes fixed on the newspaper while Susanoo was completely ignored.

  Meanwhile, the transmitter rang in Morsalem. Cygnus activated it while reading the newspaper, accompanied by burning incense and a cup of bitter tea.

  A sharp voice emerged from the device. "Master Spellbane, have you seen today’s newspaper?"

  "I am reading it, Sicilia," he replied while turning the page.

  Sicilia fell silent for a moment before continuing. "Was this outside your expectations or…"

  "That was their choice," Cygnus answered.

  "I see," Sicilia replied quietly.

  The calm within the room began to fracture as heavy footsteps of mages outside signaled the start of their daily studies.

  "Why did you contact me about this? Has something happened in Stargate?" Cygnus asked while opening the newspaper’s center page.

  The Master of Shapeshifters hesitated. "No, Master, actually… I was merely curious about your perspective."

  "Your duties first, Sicilia," Cygnus said while pouring tea into his cup, steam rising like a Cogworks factory.

  "Of course, Master. But I wonder, if I may ask, what about Lucretius after this?" Sicilia asked in an even softer voice.

  "I will speak with him shortly," Cygnus replied.

  He ended the transmission and contacted the residence of the Fallen Knight in Ashenmaw. Five minutes passed without response. The Sorcerer Supreme simply waited, returning his focus to an article detailing Cogworks faction developments.

  Hurried footsteps echoed across the fireplace hall of the abyss mansion. Yugor grabbed Lucretius’s transmitter left on the table.

  "This is Yugor. My apologies, general is not here-"

  "Where is Lucretius?" Cygnus asked immediately once the connection formed.

  Yugor’s face tightened. He carefully chose his words. "M… Master Spellbane, forgive me. I did not realize it was you."

  "He has gone hunting with General Raidbones."

  Cygnus snapped his fingers. The steam rising from his tea diminished instantly. He took a sip and said, "A newspaper will soon reach the abyss. Read it."

  Yugor grabbed a piece of charcoal from the fireplace and began writing on a scrap note. "Understood, Master Spellbane. Then…?"

  "Then burn the newspaper along with similar reports for the next several months if they show the same matter," Cygnus instructed.

  Yugor exhaled before writing again. "Understood. But why must the general not know?"

  "It is better he learns in his own time," Cygnus replied.

  "But Master Spellbane, general enjoys stories. I read them aloud from newspapers. If I cannot, what should I use?" Yugor asked while scratching his head.

  "I will send alternative information," Cygnus said.

  "V… very well," Yugor answered hesitantly.

  Cygnus folded the newspaper, finished his tea, stood by the window for a brief moment, then left the room to join the members of his faction.

  -One day earlier-

  Balthazar the Blasphemer walked into their meeting place, dismissing his subordinates to return home.

  "A beautiful morning, Balthazar," Burgess said, alone inside Pristine House.

  Several henchmen and Weapon Masters lay sprawled across tables, unconscious from the previous night’s festival at the night market. They had celebrated Leroy and Starmist’s engagement, unable to keep the secret even with only a single day remaining. The unfortunate drunkards had likely been dragged here by friends to prevent greater chaos elsewhere.

  "Indeed. Just for today we don't need to meet in secrecy even if First Brother is absent," the Blasphemer smiled while cleaning his knife.

  "That news serves as a good alibi. It makes us appear peaceful before the subordinates," Burgess replied.

  They instructed the bartender, newly arrived, to splash water on the unconscious drinkers so they would awaken and help clean the bar. Meanwhile, the two gang leaders descended toward the underground chamber, ordering food along the way.

  "What do you think he is doing now?" Burgess asked.

  Balthazar stuck out his tongue and mimed blowing kisses into the air. Burgess lightly slapped his face.

  "Stop. Your face is uglier than the abyss," the Jungle King mocked.

  "What I am curious about is what First Brother’s child might be like someday," Balthazar said while picking his ear.

  "I understand. Whether the child will look like the father or mother?" Burgess gestured.

  "No, furball. Starmist is not from the All Realm. Who knows, she may not be the same inside," Balthazar replied.

  "Inside?" Burgess asked, confused.

  Balthazar turned and gestured along his body from head to toe, indicating physical form. The Jungle King pondered for a moment.

  "Mammals brain. I mean even if Starmist looks like that outwardly, she might be different within," Balthazar clarified.

  The lion man burst into booming laughter that echoed through the corridor.

  "Leroy would kill you if he heard that."

  "Fortunately, he is already in Stargate," Balthazar laughed.

  They opened the underground chamber door and immediately shouted in shock upon seeing Leroy sitting silently inside.

  "Hah!"

  "First Brother, what are you doing here?"

  Balthazar and Burgess stared in disbelief, closing the door and sitting beside him. Leroy was neither drunk nor asleep. He simply sat there.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "I am drinking," he said quietly.

  "Should you not be in Stargate with Lady Starmist?" Balthazar asked.

  "You left early last night. I thought you would depart at dawn. Why are you here instead?" Burgess added.

  "Yes, but…" Leroy stammered.

  He rubbed his eyes and finished his drink.

  "I have not met her yet. I still have several matters to resolve. I thought there was time for this."

  Balthazar slammed his fist repeatedly against the table. "Impossible. Lady Starmist must be waiting for you every single day."

  "That can wait? Do not lie," Burgess growled, his lionlike glare burning with irritation.

  The two syndicate leaders stared at Leroy in silence, their expressions heavy with judgment.

  Leroy answered with a sudden strike against the table, the glass in his hand cracking.

  "What is with those looks? Who are you to rule my life?"

  Before tension could tighten further, the door burst open. Lisa stood there, voice sharp as steel.

  "Enough of this drama! Burgess, Balthazar, we use that method."

  Leroy’s fierce gaze shifted into confusion. The two men beside him nodded, wicked smiles forming as they faced their First Brother.

  "Forgive us, First Brother. This is for your own good," Burgess said while standing, knuckles cracking. Balthazar mirrored the motion.

  "What are you planning to do?" Leroy asked, a thin green energy igniting around his hand.

  Upstairs, the bartender finished polishing shot glasses and arranging chairs and tables. Some drunkards had already gone home, while others continued cleaning.

  Suddenly the walls and floor trembled. Glassware slid from shelves and shattered.

  "What is this? An earthquake?" the bartender asked.

  An explosion burst from the wooden floor below, tearing through to the upper level. Leroy was flung upward with Balthazar clinging to his shoulders in a crushing embrace.

  Every eye in the room widened in shock.

  "Release me, you maniac. I will remove your title as leader," Leroy shouted, green fists striking Balthazar’s head with no visible effect.

  The Blasphemer only tightened his hold.

  Burgess leapt from below, exchanging blows with Leroy and forcing him toward the exit.

  "Do not destroy this place. Who will pay for it?" Leroy shouted.

  Commonfolk and syndicate members cried out in panic.

  "This is bad. Boss Burgess and Boss Balthazar are rebelling against First Brother!"

  "Bosses, wait. That is our First Brother!"

  "What is happening? We were celebrating just last night."

  They could only watch from a distance as the brutal clash unfolded.

  "Pristine House can be rebuilt, but Lady Starmist’s heart cannot if she is left waiting in disappointment," Balthazar said while biting Leroy’s shoulder.

  Lisa climbed the half-damaged staircase and walked toward the bar, requesting a drink while observing the fight from afar.

  The Wild Snipe then turned toward the frightened onlookers, raising her relic weapon.

  "If any of you speak of this, I will hunt you."

  "Of course, Boss Lisa. We will remain silent," they replied.

  Outside, Captain Zaragoza strolled casually while eating a green apple. He broke into a run the moment the front doors of Pristine House exploded outward from within.

  "What happened?" he shouted.

  "Zargoz, backup plan!" Balthazar yelled while still clinging to Leroy.

  Zaragoza laughed loudly, then walked past them and pressed his hand against the wall of Pristine House. His relic gloves ignited, channeling a strange energy into the structure.

  "Zargoz, you insolent fool. Remove your hand!" Leroy shouted.

  Balthazar dropped from Leroy’s shoulders and, together with Burgess, restrained Leroy’s arms. Their argument drew the attention of nearby citizens who halted mid-task, stunned and speechless.

  Lisa finished her drink and approached. She pulled a ring box from her pocket and slipped it into Leroy’s coat.

  "Good thing I brought a spare," she said.

  "Have all four of you lost your minds?" Leroy shouted.

  "Enough, Leroy. Either Zargoz demolishes this building or you fulfill your task now," Lisa replied.

  Leroy lowered his head as the green energy around him faded. Burgess and Balthazar released their grip.

  "We will wait here if anything happens," Burgess said while squeezing his shoulder.

  Leroy offered a faint smile. Lisa gestured for Zaragoza to release the wall.

  "Seems I have no choice."

  Green energy flared across Leroy’s body as he launched into the sky, streaking away from District Three.

  "Farewell. Do not return until your task is finished," Burgess shouted.

  The Weapon Masters laughed together before abandoning the half-destroyed Pristine House to find another gathering place, driving away and threatening nearby witnesses.

  The bartender rushed outside in despair. "Wait, bosses. What about my bar?"

  Only Balthazar glanced back. "Fix it first. Then we will return."

  The bartender stood speechless, staring at the ruined building and the departing syndicate leaders.

  Leroy flew for hours before reaching Stargate. He did not hesitate to step forward, yet his movements felt stiff and fragmented as he approached the grand white doors adorned with stars and cosmic mist.

  What should I even say?

  His thoughts churned, but his body moved on instinct. His hand rose and knocked.

  A guard opened the door. Leroy did not enter immediately. Instead, he began speaking with the guard, asking about Stargate, Lord Star, and recent happenings.

  Starlax descended the nearby staircase while eating candy. Recognizing the voice, she hurried outside and slipped past the guard, standing before Leroy with a bright smile.

  "You finally came. I have been waiting."

  Leroy laughed awkwardly, trying to steady his breathing.

  "Starlax, I am glad you are smiling again."

  "Do you want to meet my aunt? You do, right? You are not fighting anymore, are you?" Starlax asked rapidly.

  "Actually…"

  "Is she here?" Leroy continued.

  "Come. She is reading near the garden," Starlax said.

  She walked ahead, guiding Leroy around the manor toward the back.

  "Starlax, has your aunt said anything about me these past three days after returning?" Leroy asked.

  The Star Girl shook her head. "No. She has not spoken much since coming home, but she is fine."

  Leroy’s expression stiffened.

  Did Starmist not mention that she traveled with me for months?

  He stepped closer to Starlax. "Starlax, have you ever thought…"

  He cleared his throat before finishing.

  "Thought about what?" Starlax asked, looking up.

  "What if your aunt were no longer in Stargate and lived somewhere else?"

  "Where would she go?" Starlax asked. Their pace slowed.

  "She would still remain in the All Realm. Perhaps the Mainland or somewhere else," Leroy replied.

  "Oh…" Starlax paused, savoring her candy. "That is fine as long as she still visits."

  "I see…" Leroy murmured, eyes lowered as the simple answer carried unexpected weight.

  From the corner of the manor, they spotted Starmist seated alone in the garden, reading a book.

  They stopped.

  "She is right there," Starlax said, pointing.

  But Leroy remained frozen, watching Starmist from a distance.

  Starlax tugged at his sleeve, pulling him from his daze. "Are you okay?"

  She is right there, but how do I make sure Starlax leaves first? I will lose my composure with two people here, Leroy thought.

  He bent slightly to match her height. "Starlax, your aunt and I need to discuss something important. Could you leave us for a while? I will bring you sweets later."

  "Alright, if it is important. But no need for sweets, my mother said not to trouble others," Starlax replied before returning into the manor through a small side door.

  Leroy inhaled deeply, exhaled, brushed dust from his clothes, and walked toward Starmist. Each step felt heavier than the last until he found himself standing before her.

  "You came. Why did you not say so earlier?" Starmist said with a gentle smile, her cheeks faintly tinted blue.

  The Green Wraith’s neck stiffened. "Uhm… well I… forget that, Starmist. I wanted to see you."

  Leroy sat beside her. Starmist closed her book and observed the council chairman’s rigid posture.

  "Your chin is bruised. What happened? And why is there a bite mark on your shoulder? The stitching is torn," Starmist asked.

  "I accidentally hit a table earlier," he replied, unwilling to admit he had fought the Weapon Masters to reach this moment.

  Starmist’s hand glowed white as she gently touched his face, her healing ability dissolving the bruise instantly.

  Leroy caught her hand before it could withdraw.

  "Starmist, I would like to invite you to dinner."

  She blinked in confusion, then laughed softly. "Are you trying to know me better?"

  "I just…" Leroy’s words faltered.

  "Have you not known me enough?" Starmist asked.

  Leroy shook his head and raised a hand. "Alright, that was a poor idea."

  "What if we walk to Mount Terak? You can see the stars more clearly there."

  "The highest place in the All Realm," Starmist murmured.

  Leroy nodded, waiting tensely.

  "I will follow your idea. But if we stay too long, you cannot endure the cold," Starmist said.

  Leroy’s expression fell as he rubbed his face. "That is true. Why did I not consider that?"

  "Then stay here and read with me," Starmist suggested.

  Out of options, Leroy nodded and picked one of the books stacked beside her.

  They talked while discussing the books they were reading. Leroy, who had been stiff earlier, gradually relaxed and began to enjoy the atmosphere until dusk arrived.

  As the sun set, Starmist moved closer and rested her head against Leroy, causing him to stiffen again.

  The last time I faced a moment like this was long ago. Are all women like this in the end? Leroy thought.

  "Starmist, I want to ask about the news that will be out tomorrow."

  "Why did you agree when Elysius titled it… engaged?"

  Starmist simply smiled without moving. "Because I believe you will be serious about what you said."

  Leroy inhaled deeply once more. When he released his breath this time, relief followed.

  "I actually came here to propose to you, Starmist. I wanted to take you somewhere special, beyond your home."

  Starmist smiled again, her cheeks glowing faintly blue as she stroked Leroy’s arm. "My home is special for us as well."

  "It is where we first met."

  "Oh… perhaps that time is better remembered as a lesson," Leroy replied with an awkward laugh.

  He pulled the ring Lisa had given him from his pocket. He did not kneel or stand before her since Starmist remained leaning beside him. Instead, with trembling hands, he slipped the ring onto her finger.

  "Darling, I cannot wait for tomorrow," Starmist said.

  "Darling!" Leroy shouted inwardly as his heart pounded.

  "Yes. I feel the same," he replied.

  They watched the night sky together as stars began to blanket the heavens.

  "Perhaps we should hold another council meeting the day after tomorrow," Leroy said. "But we invite Bjorn, Cygnus, and Elysius first. What do you think?"

  Starmist nodded slowly.

  "Stay here until then," Starmist said, still gazing at the ring on her finger.

  Before nodding, Leroy suddenly raised his voice in panic. "I must first ask permission from Lord Star and Lady Star."

  Starmist laughed again. "They and Starslayer will not return until next week. They are visiting House Pulsara."

  "Inform me when they return. I must ask for permission," Leroy said.

  "And Starlax?" Leroy asked.

  "She is still recovering. By evening I must ensure she sleeps before Lady Star scolds her again," Starmist replied.

  Leroy nodded.

  That night, no romantic words were spoken, no moment stirred dramatic emotion. It was simply two people who already understood one another, choosing to carry the fate of the All Realm together.