The northern gate loomed ahead, its silhouette stark against the grey sky. A thick fog clung to the air, swirling around the fortress walls like a living thing. Star walked with unwavering purpose, her steps steady even as her heart pounded in her chest. 

Beside her, Siegfried carried his shield and sword with quiet resolve, his expression calm and focused. Friedrich, usually bold to the point of recklessness, was unusually silent, his greatsword resting across his shoulder. Klara followed closely behind, the faint glow of her catalyst pulsing in her hand like a heartbeat.

The soldiers stationed at the gate were already in formation, their faces pale but resolute. In the distance, the guttural growls of Abyssal beasts rode on the wind—low, rasping sounds that sent shivers down their spines. The tension was unmistakable. The air felt heavy, weighed down by the gravity of what was about to unfold.

King Nicolas stood near the center of the gate, his posture firm though his shoulders were taut with strain. The vulnerability he had shown earlier was gone, replaced by the steely presence of a ruler preparing for war. When Star and her companions approached, he gave them a curt nod, jaw set.

“We don’t have much time,” he said, voice low but firm. “Scouts report the creatures are advancing. They’ll be at the walls within the hour.”

Star glanced at the soldiers nearby. Some clutched their weapons tightly, knuckles white, while others whispered prayers to gods she didn’t know. Fear was etched into their eyes—but so was resolve.

“What’s the situation?” Siegfried asked, his tone sharp and professional.

“The Abyssal monsters are advancing in waves,” Nicolas replied. “The first will likely test our defenses. But the second... that’s when they’ll try to break through the gate. We’ve fortified it as best we can, but these creatures don’t play by the rules of war. They don’t tire.”

Friedrich let out a sharp breath, stretching his arms. “Good. I was worried they’d be too easy.”

Klara shot him a look. “Let’s try not to get yourself eaten this time.”

“Hey, that was once,” Friedrich protested, though a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “And I wasn’t eaten. I was swallowed—then cut my way out. Big difference.”

Star couldn’t help a small smile at their exchange, though her attention quickly returned to Nicolas. “We’ll help however we can,” she said firmly.

Nicolas nodded. “Good. I want you at the front lines. The soldiers need to see you—need to know you’re fighting alongside them. That’ll give them hope.”

“We’ll hold the line,” Star promised.

As they moved into position, the sounds of the Abyssals grew louder. Harsh, guttural roars echoed through the fog, followed by the thunderous rumble of heavy footsteps. The soldiers braced themselves, weapons at the ready.

Star took her place at the front, flanked by Siegfried and Friedrich, while Klara stood just behind, her catalyst glowing brighter with rising energy. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the first wave of creatures emerged from the mist.

They were monstrous abominations, formed from flesh and shadow—ever-shifting and writhing as if their forms couldn’t fully hold shape. Their eyes glowed with unnatural light, and their mouths, packed with jagged teeth, snapped hungrily. Thick black ichor dripped from their bodies, hissing where it touched the earth.

“They’re coming!” a soldier shouted, his voice cracking with fear.

Star raised her sword, its blade blazing with Light. “Hold the line!” she called, her voice ringing across the battlefield. “We fight together!”

The fog moved.
The earth trembled.
And then the Abyss answered.