"Peace forged in fire lasts longer than peace born in silence."—Treaty Fragment, Ashfall Archives
Fractured Thrones
After the trial of the Soulweaver and the collapse of Beacon Zeta, news spread like wildfire through the fractured kingdoms. With Leonhart's power growing and his name on everyone's lips in both the rebellion and the royal courts, envoys started to show up—some in heavy armor, others dressed for negotiations.
They gathered at Ashfall Bastion, an ancient volcano turned stronghold that always seemed to have fire flickering somewhere within its depths. Once a place where conflicts were settled during the Forgotten War, it was now a spot where new ideas were birthed, alliances were tested, and the frail hope for unity hung in the air.
Leonhart stepped into the volcanic hall, flanked by Mio and Seradin on either side. At the main table, representatives from the Eastern Pact, the Northern Clans, the remaining members of the warped Order, and the Western Kingdom were waiting. Among them was Princess Mio Greywoods, now openly regarded as the heir to her faltering throne.
A Call for Unity
Mio was the first to break the silence. "Sovereignty is a thing of the past. The Architect doesn't care about borders. It's only interested in those who resist it."
Soft murmurs rippled through the crowd.
One of the Northern Chieftains scowled. "So, what do you really want? That we bow down to your lover's flames?"
Leonhart stepped forward, exuding calmness despite the tension. "No. You'll either stand beside that flame or be consumed by what's coming."
He raised his hand, and a Weave Effect ignited. Warm threads—Hope intertwined with the Voice—flowed throughout the space. Tension eased, even those who were doubtful couldn't help but stare in wonder.
"This isn't about titles—yours or mine. It's about survival. If we don't come together, Beacon Alpha will turn us all into mere memories."
Silence enveloped the room.
Then someone spoke up.
"We stand behind the Accord," Lady Renae from the Eastern Pact declared.
One by one, others chimed in.
Terms of the Accord
The Ashfall Accord was built on three main rules:
Unified Flame Command: All armies would operate under one banner, led by Leonhart, with Mio taking charge of diplomatic efforts.
Soulshare Protocols: The volatile power known as Share would be strategically shared among leaders during battles to balance the odds.
No System Compromise: No territory would bow down or surrender to those controlled by the system.
Blood signatures were etched into the fiery stone. The treaty was sealed.
A new alliance had emerged amidst the chaos of war.
Midnight Reflections
Later that evening, Leonhart stood on the outer balcony of Ashfall, gazing at the fiery streams flowing through the obsidian terrain.
Mio joined him, dressed simply, but her expression revealed the weight of her thoughts.
"You didn't need to grab the reins like that," she said softly. "They would've followed the Accord even without giving you that title."
Leonhart shook his head. "We needed a face for the movement. And they needed to see all of me."
She observed him for a moment then leaned against the railing beside him. "My father would've hated it here. Too direct. Too... rough around the edges."
He chuckled lightly. "Well, he's not around to stop you."
A brief hush fell between them.
"Leonhart," she said, her tone gentler now. "When this is all over... what are we really fighting to become?"
He turned to her and gazed deeply into her eyes.
"Not rulers. Not gods. Just people who want to remember the past."
She moved a step closer.
"Then remember this."
And at that moment, they kissed— not out of desperation or need for comfort, but as a promise between them. Under the glow of the firelit sky, they shared a moment that was genuine, not fleeting or borrowed.
It was a moment of real connection.
The Fire March Begins
As dawn broke, the newly allied groups gathered. Banners unfurled one after another—flames, stars, crescents, wolves. A sea of symbols uniting for one cause.
Leonhart was at the front, his Volatile Share dancing behind his eyes. His presence radiated strength and an indomitable spirit, weaving Weave Effects that inspired confidence in his followers.
Right behind him, Mio carried the royal banner of Greywoods, which had been transformed into a phoenix instead of representing a typical crown.
[Global Alert: Beacon Alpha Activating. Final Firewall Reconstructing.]
Above them, ominous black light cut through the sky.
And thus, the final war began.