The sun was setting behind the grand spires of the Clover Kingdom's Royal Capital, casting a warm orange glow over its marble streets. Despite the peaceful appearance, Avi stood at the top of a distant spire inside the Akatsuki base dimension, his sharp emerald eyes studying everything unfolding below.
Avi (thought): "The threads of fate continue to shift. The pieces are moving faster than expected. The Eye of the Midnight Sun's activity is escalating, and Lucius... he's getting bolder."
From his position, various magical holographic windows hovered in the air, showing multiple locations in real time. One displayed the Heart Kingdom's border where dark mana pulses emerged; another showed the distant Spade Kingdom, where cultists of Lucifero quietly gathered. And in the center of it all, the Royal Capital prepared for a major gathering of the Magic Knights.
---
Inside the Akatsuki Palace War Room
Asta, Yuno, and Avi gathered around the massive enchanted table. The room was dimly lit, illuminated by soft floating crystals that pulsed with a calming rhythm. Maps, reports, and magical scrolls were spread across the surface.
Asta: "Another gathering? The Royal Capital is calling every Magic Knight Captain again. What's going on?"
Yuno (serious): "Something bigger is brewing. After the recent devil disturbances, the kingdom's trying to tighten its security."
Avi: "Correct. This time, it's not only about internal matters. Intelligence suggests movement from both the Eye of the Midnight Sun and possible rogue devils hiding within the Clover Kingdom itself."
Avi's fingers moved, and another set of holographic panels appeared, showcasing multiple locations where traces of forbidden magic had been detected recently.
Avi (thought): "But the real danger remains hidden. The false Licht and the corrupted elves preparing for reincarnation... and behind them, Zagred still whispers from the shadows."
---
Infiltrating the Royal Gathering
To avoid drawing suspicion, Avi sent one of his advanced wood clones into the capital under his second identity, wearing the Akatsuki cloak with its red cloud symbol. As planned, Asta and Yuno attended the gathering as official Magic Knight representatives of Akatsuki.
The Royal Hall was filled with powerful captains, nobles, and Magic Knights of every rank. Julius Novachrono, the Wizard King, stood at the central podium, addressing the growing threats.
Julius: "We must prepare for the possibility of coordinated attacks. Reports of forbidden magic activity continue to rise. The safety of our kingdom depends on each squad's diligence."
Captain Nozel (whispering to Fuegoleon): "These disturbances... they feel too organized. Someone is orchestrating this behind the scenes."
Fuegoleon nodded, though his mind carried another worry. Despite his immense power, the recent attacks had left him on edge.
High above, hidden under multiple layers of spatial cloaking, Avi's real self observed everything, noting every subtle movement, every whisper, every reaction.
Avi (thought): "Perfect. The stage is nearly set. The Eye of the Midnight Sun will act soon. But this time, we are ready."
---
The Sudden Attack
As the captains discussed their next steps, a loud explosion shook the entire hall. A black rift tore open in the sky above the capital. Magic Knights ran out into the open to witness multiple figures descending from the sky—masked elves infused with reincarnation magic.
"ATTACK!"
Panic erupted across the capital. The reincarnated elves unleashed devastating magic upon the city. Citizens screamed as buildings collapsed, and barriers struggled to hold back the incoming barrage.
Asta (shouting): "Yuno! We have to protect the people first!"
Yuno: "Understood!"
The two flew into action, engaging multiple elf warriors. Asta's Demon Slayer Sword absorbed incoming spells, while Yuno's Spirit of Zephyr sliced through enchanted projectiles with surgical precision.
Meanwhile, several Magic Knight captains charged into battle, their combined powers barely holding back the sheer ferocity of the elven assault.
But amid the chaos, another figure emerged—an elf-possessed Licht with a tremendous wave of light magic.
---
Avi's Silent Intervention
From above, Avi observed the confrontation, already expecting this event. But then his eyes narrowed as he saw Fuegoleon suddenly targeted by several elf mages working together to eliminate him. The barrage of powerful spells would easily overwhelm even his powerful fire magic.
Avi (thought): "I can't let Fuegoleon fall. His future role is too important."
Without directly appearing, Avi activated his system from behind the scenes.
[System: Target locked. Defensive Intervention activated. Summoning: Origin Wood Barrier - Phantom Layer.]
At the last moment, as multiple attacks converged on Fuegoleon, a translucent golden barrier sprouted from the ground, deflecting the powerful spells harmlessly into the air.
Fuegoleon gasped, momentarily stunned. He glanced around but saw no one near.
Fuegoleon (thought): "What was that magic? It wasn't mine... but it felt divine."
Avi smiled from the distance.
Avi (thought): "Your role must continue, Fuegoleon. The kingdom still needs its future pillars."
---
The Battle Intensifies
The battle raged for hours. The reincarnated elves overwhelmed many squads, their ancient magic proving almost unstoppable. Yet, thanks to Avi's shadowed interventions, multiple captains and knights were subtly shielded from fatal blows, buying them enough time to regroup.
As Julius engaged Licht directly, Asta and Yuno coordinated to save trapped citizens. The rest of the Akatsuki squad clones worked in secret, disabling critical barriers erected by the enemy that threatened the capital's core.
At one moment, Avi noticed an even darker presence emerging from beneath the Shadow Palace—Zagred's cursed mana began to seep upward.
Avi (thought): "Soon... the real devil will reveal himself. And when he does, I will be there, hidden, pulling the strings to crush every single plan."
---
Aftermath and Preparation
When the battle finally slowed, much of the capital was in ruins. However, thanks to the combined efforts of every squad, the losses were far less than they could have been.
Julius (weakened, but smiling): "You all did well. But this is far from over. The truth behind this reincarnation must be revealed."
Avi retreated to his dimension, entering his private chamber. In front of him floated new mission notifications from the system, displaying warnings about the Shadow Palace opening.
[System Update: Zagred's awakening accelerated. High-level contingency protocols advised.]
Avi (thought): "So it's finally approaching... the confrontation with Zagred. And beyond that, Lucius still watches, believing he controls the future. But you have yet to face me."
His manipulative smile returned as he stared at his chessboard, with multiple figurines representing key players on the world stage.
Avi (softly): "And the game continues."
[To be continued...]