Chapter 12 (Part 3)


     Emerging from the Pyro Void Rex's gaping maw, an elemental force ignites, birthing a brilliant white circular dome. The dome rapidly expands, reaching towards the stars, until it finally detonates, engulfing half of the grassland in its explosive brilliance. The shockwave unleashed hurls nearby debris into the sky, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.


     The devastating shockwave ravages the plains as the dome of blazing light consumes everything in its path. Blades of grass bend and take flight while nearby trees succumb to the force and collapse. The wind whips up brown smoke, carrying it through the air and spreading the aftermath of destruction.


     In a brief moment, the shockwave reaches the city of Asbranne, surging towards its sturdy walls and crashing through with relentless force. The deadly gust races through a slender six-story clocktower, shattering its glass and scattering it through the air. Windows crack in nearby buildings as leaves, stones, wood, and dirt become airborne, accompanied by loud crashing explosions echoing from the horizon.


     On the seashore, fleets of wooden ships hastily set sail, fleeing from the impending danger. People on board scramble to secure their belongings, from small fishing boats barely accommodating two individuals to massive vessels with five gigantic white sails. Some gaze down from the railings, observing the mighty blue waves as they leave the harbour behind.


     Meanwhile, desperate crowds jostle and push one another at the bustling docks. Others throw away belongings in their race to reach the awaiting ships. People rush to cross the planks, obscuring the sliver of concrete on the floor under the mass of bodies from above.


     Frederick hurries through the crowded ship's wooden decks, surrounded by hundreds of shouting individuals. He leans against the railing as his eyes slowly glance at the city on the horizon. His gaze widens, and his jaw clenches as he lifts his head to the sky, releasing a troubled sigh.


     Frederick's gaze locks on the approaching shockwave, visible through the hazy air. A faint blast reverberates through him as the wind brushes his hair, blending with the clamour of the surrounding crowd. His face remains frozen in a statue-like stillness, encapsulated by fear.


     In the devastated grasslands, once-green blades of grass have turned a desolate brown. White smog and fumes blanket the area while fleeting flames briefly dance before extinguishing. Amidst the destruction, a semi-circular dome constructed from rocks and soil stands. Suddenly, it cracks open like a fragile shell.


     Gregory cautiously peeks out from the cracked dome. He squints against the smoky haze as he scans the surroundings. He briefly kneels back down, glancing at his huddled friends inside the earthen dome.


     Suddenly, Gregory's eyes widen, and he ducks down as more soil peels away from the collapsing structure above him. Rising to his feet, Gregory turns around, and his eyes widen as he locks and gazes at a familiar man nearby. Gregory feels his throbbing heart burning in flames, yet it soothes his chest.


     The man is none other than Oliver. Oliver returns a soft, gentle gaze, wearing a benevolent smile as he stands still before his friend. With his hands confidently resting on his waist and his feet planted wide apart, Oliver smirks as the breeze blows his unkempt hair.


Gregory gasped as tears leaked from his eyes. "Ha... O-Oli..." Gregory huffed as his breath shivered.

"Hey," Oliver smiled, raising a hand and waving at Gregory.

"Oliver!" Gregory exclaimed.

Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah and Bethany gasped and rose in surprise with widened eyes.

"Oliver?" Sophia gasped, beaming a glistening smile.


     Gregory stepped across the broken earthen dome. He then bent his knees, crouching low as he smiled. Suddenly, he leapt forward and pounced on Oliver.


     Oliver opens his arms and catches his friend. They fall onto their knees as they chuckle, landing softly on the warm soil. Oliver then wraps his arms around Gregory's back, and Gregory tightens his embrace as they laugh.


"Hahaha!"

"How?" Gregory asked with a quivering voice, gently pressing his palm on Oliver's cheek.


     Suddenly, a clap catches the two men's attention. They look back, still on the floor, and spot Edgar cheering. Following Edgar's applause, their other friends join in, clapping as they smile.


     Soon, the sound of clapping multiplies, spreading throughout the surroundings. Guards and soldiers return from the city, encircling the group. They approach with enthusiastic applause, jumping and exuding a renewed spirit as their cheers and claps grow louder. The war has finally come to an end.

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