The next morning, on the sandy training ground, the members of Squad 2 gathered.
The elite soldiers stood in neat rows, with the group of recruits beside them.
Napoleta held a small key and placed it into Shinji's hand.
"This is the key to the food storage."
Shinji received it.
Napoleta continued.
"This mission… may last for several months. While we're gone, you must keep Heavenfield clean and protect the Military District, understood?"
Akidou, standing nearby, nodded.
"You don't have to worry, Napoleta. We promise to take good care of it."
Napoleta smiled, then put on his iron helmet.
"Alright then, we're heading out. Take care, kids."
He picked up his large crossbow.
Everyone waved goodbye.
Watching the figures of the elite soldiers gradually disappear into the distance, Shinji turned back.
"Hey, everyone."
Lio, Alba, Akidou, and Omelet all nodded.
"Let's go. We're going to visit Uncle Vuri."
As Shinji said that, they immediately turned and walked away together.
Meanwhile, as the elite soldiers were moving, the silver watch hanging at Napoleta's waist suddenly vibrated.
He immediately opened it.
"It's me, Grand Commander Umi Tsukigami."
Umi's voice came through.
"Greetings, Grand Commander. We've just left Military District No.1."
Napoleta replied.
Umi continued.
"Head to the North Gate. Once we obtain the permit, I, along with Ganso and Commander Raindor, will meet you there."
After speaking, the signal cut off.
Napoleta turned to the others.
"Everyone, head to the North Gate immediately."
The group instantly turned around and moved in the opposite direction.
Inside the Supreme Grand Commander's office.
"Alright, only my signature is left, isn't it?"
Odin picked up a pen and signed a document.
On it were already the signatures of Grand Commander Prometheus, Ares, and Umi.
After signing, he handed it to Umi.
"Here, the permit to leave Heavenfield."
Umi did not take it immediately. He only stared at Odin's arm.
"Supreme Grand Commander… are you not well?"
Odin coughed lightly.
"I've already exceeded the lifespan of the Lumeria race…"
He seemed slightly melancholic.
"But you don't need to worry. Starting tomorrow, the authority to approve departure from Heavenfield will belong to Rascha-Xena."
Odin extended the document again.
But suddenly, a massive hand grabbed his arm.
A giant man stood behind him, his size making Odin appear small.
Odin spoke quietly.
"You are…?"
"Guardian of the East under Rascha-Xena—Balut."
Balut wore a brown monk's robe, with a small red mark on his forehead.
His face was wrinkled, hairless, and without eyebrows.
"Odin, even if you haven't stepped down yet, all permits must be inspected by a Guardian."
Odin remained calm.
"Then take it and inspect it."
He gently raised the document.
But Balut did not take it.
Instead, he tightened his grip, crushing Odin's frail arm.
Umi spoke, his voice low.
"Balut, release him."
Balut showed no reaction—he tightened his grip even more.
Umi began losing patience.
"I said release him. No matter who you are, you must show respect."
Balut let go.
Odin's aged arm had turned purple, clearly marked by the pressure.
Balut glanced at Umi.
"This old man… a few days, maybe a few weeks, and he'll be dead anyway."
Umi stood up abruptly.
But Odin pulled him back.
"He's right. This old body… is already weak. You don't need to get worked up."
Balut suddenly snatched the document from Odin, crumpling it.
Umi sighed and sat back down.
"Fine. Then inspect it—"
Before he could finish, Balut tore the document apart.
Both Odin and Umi froze.
Balut let the pieces fall.
"Unnecessary."
Umi clenched his fist but remained silent.
Balut placed his large hand on Odin's head.
"Old man… you used to be strong, didn't you?"
Odin still smiled.
"No. Just rumors."
Balut yanked his head.
Odin did not resist.
Umi shouted.
"Let him go!"
Balut released Odin and slowly stepped in front of Umi.
"Or what… Grand Commander?"
The room grew cold.
Umi's body began to be covered in a layer of blue ice.
Cold breath escaped his mouth.
"I don't want trouble. But you must respect Supreme Grand Commander Odin."
Balut stood opposite him, his body twice as large.
"You want to fight me? Remember… I'm not the only one in this room."
From behind, Odin spoke.
"Enough, Umi. Don't oppose Rascha-Xena because of an old man like me."
Balut turned back.
"Be quiet. Sooner or later, you'll be kicked out of that seat—"
Umi could no longer hold back.
He kicked the chair in front of him, knocking it over.
Then stepped on it.
His hand instantly froze over, and a sharp shard of ice formed on his index finger, pointing straight at Balut.
Balut immediately turned, his arm glowing gold as he clenched it tightly.
The two were about to attack—
"Stop, Guardian Balut."
A voice came from behind Umi.
Another figure appeared.
He wore a black cloak and a bird-beak mask.
On both sides of his head were four small white wings.
"Guardian of the West, Francis. I have come under Rascha-Xena's orders to summon Guardian Balut."
At the North Gate.
A massive iron gate stood firmly, surrounded by old stone walls.
Napoleta leaned against the wall, looking up.
"Maybe Rascha-Xena isn't allowing Umi to leave Heavenfield… that's why he hasn't arrived yet."
The elite soldiers sat waiting.
Perrie sat on the ground, worried.
"Do you think… Rascha-Xena will let us go? Or force us to go to the church?"
The atmosphere was heavy.
Suddenly, a voice called out from afar.
"Hey! You guys are Squad 2, right?"
Everyone immediately looked down the long corridor.
Two figures were approaching with a limp—one dark-skinned, one pale.
It was Commander Raindor and Ganso.
Raindor wore a flashy blue outfit, with blond hair and black glasses.
Ganso wore a dark green cloak.
Everyone stood up at once.
"Greetings, Commander Raindor!"
But Raindor was struggling to walk.
The two had their arms over each other's shoulders.
Napoleta frowned.
"What happened?"
Raindor waved them closer.
When they approached, he asked.
"Where is Grand Commander Umi?"
"Sir, we don't know."
Raindor and Ganso were both out of breath.
Napoleta pointed at their legs.
"Commander Raindor… what happened to your legs?"
Raindor pointed at Ganso.
"Last night we slept together, and he kept kicking me off the bed… so I chained us together."
He sighed.
"But now the key is gone."
Suddenly, he remembered something.
Raindor pulled out a bunch of keys.
"Ah, here—"
Ganso brightened.
"Hurry and unlock it!"
But Raindor shook his head.
He searched through the keys, then pulled out one labeled "26."
He held it out in front of him.
Immediately, the key inserted itself into an invisible lock.
A small wooden cabinet slowly appeared.
Ganso was shocked.
"What… is that Essence?"
Raindor nodded.
"Yes. My Essence."
He reached into the cabinet and took out a piece of paper.
"This is the plan given by Grand Commander Umi."
The document stated clearly:
They would exit Heavenfield through the North Gate.
Then proceed to the city of Rhodes, 2 kilometers away, to stabilize their forces.
After that, they would move northeast toward the Kingdom of Saffrom on the continent of Sernik.