All magic swordsmen learned about the importance of loyalty through the stories of one name: the Cail. The Cail were annihilated for rebelling against their Lord, prioritizing personal interests over duty. Cail Lantis was meant to guard the South Tower. At the end of the Autozam-Cephiro War, he was executed by His Majesty Nair himself. The execution underscored that loyalty is not to be taken lightly. Regardless of one's importance or position, there is no mercy for traitors.

Serena flipped through her book, hoping Lune had made a mistake about Runes' history. But this was the reality taught to all young magic swordsmen! Serena slammed the book shut, wishing it was a misprint or something.

"We shouldn't have met Shinre." Senna lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling of her room. In his hand, he clutched the recording Alba had given him. He gazed at the electronic device. "What should we do now?"

"He must be an exception! He must have some genetic mutation or something to have those abilities…" Serena rambled, trying to find reasons to explain Shinre's presence. "He's just an Autozam kid. He's not a magic swordsman…"

"Serena, don't lose your mind just because Shinre praised your intelligence," Senna weakly pleaded. "He's truly a Cail. I'm grateful Father wasn't present at the previous state meeting."

Serena paced back and forth. "You're right; there shouldn't be a Cail in Runes. That's why Shinre lives among Autozam people and not in Runes. Does that mean he's being hidden? Or protected? What should we do? Maestra Nova definitely knows about this from the beginning. What if she reports it to Father? What if Shinre is in danger?"

Senna groaned in frustration. He could no longer tolerate Serena's musings. "Serena, your thoughts are horrifying. Be quiet!"

"And that fire power. He can't possibly have it! Only us and Mother have it in Runes. Please tell me that the ability passed through genes is a lie. Tell me others in Runes wield fire beside us..." Serena fell silent. "That's also impossible!"

"Let's forget about it. He won't meet us again, and we won't meet him again, right? Problem solved."

"We need to see Maestra Nova now. Besides delivering Alba's message, we must ensure she won't report this to Father." Serena abruptly got up and headed for the door.

"That means we're admitting our mischief!" Senna protested. "What will we say if she asks how we know about Shinre?"

"Which is more important, Shinre's life or your pride? This was your mistake from the beginning, not mine. You're the one who caused all this! Had you not searched for Shinre in the first place!"

Northwest Tower

It had been long since Senna and Serena last visited Nova, ever since they met Shinre. Elva was right. Nova had withdrawn from everyone. She was absent from her classes, leaving all teaching responsibilities to Lune and other staff. The two walked through the deserted halls of the Northwest Tower. Every magic swordsman they encountered appeared tense and uneasy.

"What's going on?"

"Your father... His Majesty Nair... He has just arrived. He is here," replied a guard fearfully when Senna asked. His eyes anxiously darted upward to where Nova resided on the top floor.

"Father?" Senna asked, seeking reassurance.

"He looks furious." That was genuinely alarming news. "It seems like he will drag Maestra Nova out of here. Please return to your chamber. Don't come here at a time like this..."

Senna and Serena paid no heed. They rushed up.

"Serena," Senna called, suddenly stopping his sister.

They heard something they weren't supposed to. The sound of a heated argument. Both of them froze. It was their father and Nova. Senna was shocked that such a thing could happen between them. He looked at Serena, asking with his eyes if they would go there. He saw Serena give a slight, but serious nod. Cautiously, they tiptoed closer, keeping a safe distance.

"I will not leave my tower until you retract your plan to destroy Cephiro!" Nova shouted at Nair. "Don't let your emotions guide you. You're only leading everyone to their deaths. There will be no happiness for them. You're betraying your own mission. Think of those who have known peace in Runes. Think of Hikaru. What will she say if you're crushing her land again?"

Serena clutched Senna's hand tightly. It was true; there would be war with Cephiro. Alba was right.

"You think this is an emotional decision, Nova?" Nair's voice was oddly calm. "It is wrong, but also the right thing to do…"

Nova fell silent, and then her sobs broke out. "You love her so much. You really love her! Please think again. For years, you have protected her perfectly. Why do you have to break her heart again in her last time?! Enough of what she's been through... because of us…"

Serena felt Senna trembling, just as she was. Her anxiety was becoming unbearable. What was happening between their father and mother? Why was Nova defending their mother so fiercely? What had their father ever done to their mother? "What will she say if you're crushing her land again?" Serena covered her mouth. It referred to the past war with Cephiro!

"I want her to live a little longer. There are things she must do for herself. I will not retract my decision. Being here, I don't intend to ask for your support. I want you to know you will not be involved in this. When the time comes, please take Senna and Serena away from this place. Please, take care of my children... no matter what happens."

"She is not just your wife. She is the Pillar of Cephiro! Her bond with Cephiro cannot be broken, no matter what you do to change her fate. She wished for Cephiro to let her go and has long accepted that she would die this way. What makes you unable to accept this? Release Cephiro. That is what you promised her! She wants that land to be free... That's her greatest wish..."

"Are you now thinking about Cephiro? What about her happiness? Can you let her die with such a broken heart? I want to gift her a little more time… one more chance… to return to the person she once was." Hearing Nair's voice quiver and quieter, Serena and Senna realized that their father was in tears. "A man should die smiling; why a Pillar must shed tears? A man should die content with their life; why does a Pillar mourn theirs? In this world, thousands of Pillars forsake their happiness and die for the lands. Let me be the first to be selfish... sacrificing a land for a Pillar..."

How devastated Nova felt, unable to change his stand.

"Nova... You are the Magic Guru of Runes. Please carry out my orders... Or... free yourself from me if you still find me completely wrong."

"Nair..." Nova, after being silent for so long. "You can't be serious about giving me such a choice."

A long silence followed. The decision was made.

"Be prepared."

"What should I tell your son and daughter? I don't want to lie anymore..."

"Tell them... I am working towards a world far better for them." Nair's footsteps were heard approaching the door.

Serena felt Senna pulling her hand. Senna was urging Serena to leave. He felt they shouldn't be listening to this. It was too unbearable. Serena shook her head vigorously. No, they weren't finished yet.

Nova's voice became calmer. "Nair, I want to confess something. It has been troubling me so much that I can't bear to hide it any longer..."

Nair stopped his steps.

"I failed to carry out your order about that child." Nova sounded hesitant. "That child… I have seen him. He is alive and live well. He has matured and realized he is a magic swordsman. He can use fire and lightning power..."

Serena's jaw dropped. Shinre?! Senna urgently pulled Serena away. She felt their father could show up from Nova's room anytime. She didn't want them to be caught eavesdropping. Senna dragged her further away. Serena was unwilling, still wanting to hear more. No!

"I want to warn you that what you fear most may happen… How will you face him?"

Serena had no chance to hear the rest. Senna quickly dragged her away, pulling her out as fast as possible. They ran cautiously, distancing themselves and slipping into an empty room. They closed the door tightly and held their breath. Before long, they heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching, then receding. Their hearts pounded loudly. They didn't dare speak for a while.

"Father is away… Finally…" Senna whispered. With a sigh, he slid down to the floor, feeling relief that they were safe. "I regret listening."

"Shinre... he's not a stranger. Father knows him. He is the one who placed him with the people of Autozam... And Mother... She is going to die... Senna…"

"Calm down. Let's get out of here." Senna felt sweat all over his body. That was so intense. He gripped the recorder Alba had entrusted to him so tightly. "We need to give this to Maestra Nova."

"No, Senna. I can't face her." Serena was trembling, hugging herself tightly. She slid down next to Senna. "I am scared..."

"Serena…" Senna embraced his sister.