It always feels weird when Arizona disappears like that — in a flash of light and gone to another world. The Otherworld. I wonder what that place is like. Maybe better than this world where the sun still shines. Yet, I've brought the sun back somehow. It only shines at the mountains for now, but I suppose it's a start.

Lyne and I venture down this dirt road called Vienne's Pass. I'm not sure why it's called that or who this Vienne person is, but it's a road wide enough for a magitech all-terrain transport unit to stroll through it. The road feels wet and muddy, but there's no rain. Remnants of tank treads and magitech walker foot prints engrave their marks on the road. Yet, despite the technology, the Laguna Waterscape rain forest remains. Verdent green foliage and vines decorate every illum of this great space while strange plant-like creatures roam about.

If I recall, the VIIIth Legion values the environment, including the trees and the creatures that live within the forest. They're not the type of legion who will chop down every living tree around just to empower the army. I wish I was part of the VIIIth Legion instead of the VIth Legion. It looks so beautiful here. In comparison, the surroundings around Castrum Tormenti Spiculum always look desolate and wasted compared to Castrum Hortus Tempore's general location.

It's a long walk. Halfway down the road, a sudden explosion blasts from a distance. Glancing above, I see a shower of meteors raining down.

"Bloody hells! Mathilde, do you see that?" Lyne points at the shower of burning rocks.

"I do," I say. "It's heading toward the capital city."

Something doesn't feel right. If Svyataya Reka is under attack by Nightmares, then we'll never make it there in time. It would take us eight hours to get there on foot. Instead, we pick up the pace and bee-line our way to Castrum Hortus Tempore. I hope they have a transport unit ready to board.

—————

We arrive at Castrum Hortus Tempore, the home of the VIIIth Imperial Legion of the Figarosa Army. Vines and foliage decorate the white, tall, metal walls that enclose the vicinity.

Two guards stand by at the gate, both of them in uniform comprising black and red armor, a metal helmet, gas mask, and a magitech rifle on their backs.

"Identify yourself," one guard says.

I would have expected this soldier to identify me by my uniform — except I'm not wearing my uniform. I almost forgot I'm wearing something new. Some kind of lightbringer's outfit, I guess. I say with an imperial salute, "I am Tribune Angusticlavius Mathilde sae Wairen of the VIth Imperial Legion."

The guards salute back and one responds, "My apologies. We didn't recognize your uniform."

The other guard asks, "Is the Archaean soldier with you?"

"She's not our enemy," I say, motioning my hand to Lyne. "Instead, she's a valuable asset we have in combating the Nightmares."

The guard taps their ear and radios. "Headmaster, there is a woman who claims to be part of the VIth Legion. She goes by the name of Mathilde sae Wairen. An Archaean soldier accompanies her. Are you expecting visitors?"

Both guards face each other, awaiting an answer. A few seconds later, they wave a hand. "Come right in. An escort will lead you to the Headmaster's Office. There, you will meet Legionnaire Hanji's assistant, Cidolfus olm Meteora."

I'm familiar with that name, but I've never met him in person before today. He's supposed to be a famous tinkerer and one who revolutionized the use of magitech within the Bektorias Empire and the Figarosa Imperial Army. I know writers have produced books about the man, so he has to be famous. Yet, I have to wonder why he's working for the VIIIth Legion, of all places.

While the uniformed escort leads us to the inner complex, I can't help but notice the greenery surrounding the outdoor parts of the base. Nearby at the courtyard, a garden presents itself, displaying an array of colorful flowers, exotic plants, and vines wrapping around the bottoms of cold steel benches. This place feels so green compared to the VIth Legion's main castrum, which is near a region full of snow and wilted trees.

A baby fae dragon flies around, observing the plants while shifting the color of its glossy skin to match the scene like camoflauge. Like an assassin, it waits for its prey, a chirping insect. The insect sits to on a red rose. A quiet moment later, the fae dragon whips its tongue out, snatches the insect, and devours it whole. Naslazhdaytes' yedoy, as the Northern Bektorians would say before a feast. Such cute creatures. I've always wanted one as a pet, but the environment around Castrum Tormenti Spiculum isn't suitable for raising one there.

—————

The escort leads us to the central part of the castrum and in a briefing room where a tall uniformed officer stands, facing away from us, and his hands behind his waist. He's staring at some aetheric projections — floating translucent images produced by a magitech device in the center of the table. The images depict a scene where a brilliant flash of light bursts from the top of Mount Tribulation.

"Mathilde sae Wairen," he greets as he turns to face Lyne and I. "Legionnaire Hanji told me you'll be arriving here. I'm glad to see you. My name is Cidolfus olm Meteora. I am the Headmaster of the VIIIth Legion's magitech research department, and Rin von Hanji's second-in-command."

Cidolfus spreads his arms with his hands open, raised to his height, presenting himself to us. Short, wavy, grayish-brown hair tops his head, groomed with formality. His eyes sparkle like bronze quartz stones. Finally, a clean cut beard and mustache completes his face.

Second-in-Command, I wonder. Typically, those in that position have either sae or ten as their middle word. But olm? Perhaps there's something about Cidolfus that interests Rin von Hanji. Maybe a grander project behind the scenes. That's my best guess.

I stand at attention and give him an imperial salute. "It's good to see you, Cidolfus olm Meteora."

"Just call me Cid. No need for formalities here."

"Fair enough, Cid." I guess it's a common thing for the VIIIth Legion. While Cidolfus is not a fae, Rin von Hanji is, and so are many members of the VIIIth Legion. Almost all those fae are from the eastern half of The Great Tree and have long first names. If I recall, Rin von Hanji's actual name is Rinoah-Yuri Shinzo Hanji. Yeah, that makes sense to me.

Cid swipes through an assortment of aetheric projections, most depicting Nightmares of different shapes and sizes. "I don't know if you heard, but Nightmares attacked Svyataya Reka recently."

"Does that explain the meteor shower?"

Cid's gaze shifts but then returns to face us. "Yes, it is. Empress Hestalia cast her most powerful spell to ward the Nightmares. This is the same spell she used over forty years ago during the Bektorian-Archaean War."

That spell is Meteor. According to history books, then-Princess Hestalia used that spell to ward away an invasion of Archaean troops. However, after the war ended, she vowed never to cast it again because of how destructive it was to both Figarosa and Lexia armies. It was that time when Hestalia learned how to become a White Mage, setting her course to become a healer for the people instead of the conqueror her older sister, Garnette, was. If Empress Hestialia resorted to that, then the attack by the Nightmares must have been egregious.

I ask, "How did the Nightmares get into the capital city?"

Cid says while pointing at the aetheric projection with the Temple of Reflections. "It happened an hour after a brilliant flash of light burst from on top of Mount Tribulation. Our Mysidian point of contact says this is an omen, mentioning of the coming of The Warrior of Light."

Lyne shrugs and says, "Something tells me the Nightmares are pissed, aye?"

Cid shifts projections and displays one of a large group of black and white Nightmare beasts marching from the mountain and towards Bektorias' capital city, Svyataya Reka.

I gasp. "That looks like an entire legion of Nightmares."

Cid says, "When the light flashed, lesser Nightmares vanished from the mountains. Stronger Nightmares that survived the holy burst of energy retreated and staged an attack at the capital city."

I grit my teeth. Was this my fault? How was I supposed to know this would happen after my trial completed?

Lyne turns to meet my gaze. She says with a soft voice, "This is not your fault. The Nightmares are simply reacting to things around them."

I let out a breath. "I suppose you're right. They're retaliating because we vanquished one of their commanders."

"So Legionnaire Hanji was right," Cid says, his eyes letting out a suspicious gaze. "It seems you two have been to the mountain. No wonder your uniform looks different, Mathilde. I never thought you, one of the VIth Legion's top assassins, would one day become the Warrior of Light. Interesting how fate sets its path."

"I guess so. I mean, I'm still trying to wrap my head around that." My gaze wavers for a moment.

The Headmaster places his hand on my shoulder and lets out a smile. "In time, fate will set its course, and when all the pieces are together, then the entire world will see the sun once more."

"I hope so."

"For now, I recommend you two get some rest. The escort can lead you to your quarters. Legionnaire Hanji will be here tomorrow morning."

I ask, "Where is she now?"

"She was supposed to return tonight from her visit with the Figarosa Imperial Family, but because the Nightmares attacked the capital, she opted to stay there until things settle down."

Lyne places her hands behind her head and sighs. "I suppose that's fair."

"Anyway, I need to finish a few errands. When Legionnaire Hanji returns, she'll brief you on the next steps."

Do I seriously have to wait? Surely there must be something I can do now, right? I ask, "Wait a second. Don't you have a magitech transport unit ready for us to board to the capital?"

"Not at this time," Cid says. "We have either deployed them to assist in the efforts going on in the capital, or they are under maintenance. I understand your eagerness to help, but with so little resources, we can only do what we can."

Fuck! I try to contain my rage and say, "Understood, sir. Well, let's hope fate favors us then."

—————

The escort leads us from the Headmaster's Office, and into a cozy sleeping quarters reserved for VIPs at the upper floor near the Research Department. Vines and foliage decorate the white walls surrounding the suite. Red stained wooden furniture, each piece with its own intricate plant-like carvings, sets the theme in this room. Potted plants of lavender sit on elevated shelves, letting out a pleasant aroma.

In one corner, a bed mattress on a wooden frame sits where I immediately find rest on it. Its thin white sheets of linen feel soft and comforting.

Before heading to bed, Lyne and I stare out the balcony, gazing at the faint light coming from the mountaintop. We were there, and we discovered the light. Now we have to figure out how to spread it. I sigh, wondering what's ahead for the two of us.

Looking back and thinking about our encounter with Valis Barbariccia, I have to wonder what other Nightmares possess powers like her. She can't be the only one. I'm sure of that. Hells, something tells me there's a Nightmare like her who had led the assault at the capital city. Whoever that is, I'll be ready. For tomorrow, we press forward.

May the Gods save the Empress.