"Ash Phantom: The Legend Reborn"

"Forward, my mages! Go towards that mountain!" Mekamaru shouted out over the cliffs.

Every mage who stood near him bellowed back, charged up and determined. They charged ahead through the acid rain coming down from the green cloud spreading like venom in the air.

On the other side, another group arrived—elite, swift, and well-organized.

Mekamaru's eyes tightened. "Why did you come, Sakura?"

Sakura, accompanying her mage soldiers in a sprint, replied without facing her.

"We're not facing just some foe, right? You said it's Aster… and Levi as well."

Mekamaru's fists were bunched together. "Yeah. This isn't something little anymore. This isn't about saving ourselves. This is protecting the plateau… and that boy who just arrived."

Sakura didn't say anything—her eyes were already alight with determination.

"I will never let you die, Sunny," she murmured in her heart.

All of a sudden, one of the mages at the rear called out, "Sir! The acid rain is intensifying! What do we do?"

Mekamaru looked at Sakura.

"You know what to do."

Sakura nodded. "I know."

She lifted her katana and incanted:

"Moonlight Slash!"

A sharp, glowing slash cut the air—a flash of silver light cutting straight through the cloud, tearing a path in the giant green fog overhead.

"Woooaaahh!! That's our Sakura, ma'am!! She's just awesome!" one of the troops shouted.

Sakura lowered her sword. "Don't celebrate yet. We're close now…"

——

Meanwhile, far across, Aster stood tall on the cliff, eyes narrowed. A small smile crossed his face.

"Hmm… One of the elites finally arrived."

Levi, standing at his side, smiled like a wild beast.

"Yes, Master. Today will be… enjoyable."

——

Royal Palace—Gate

Auren and Rose arrived at the royal palace gates, huffing and puffing, rain dripping off their faces.

"Let us in, please," Auren whispered, "Please…" 

One of the guards stood in their way. "You do not have permission to enter." 

A soft but authoritative voice appeared behind them.

Let them in. They are friends of the boy… Sunny."

At once, the guard retreated. "Yes, ma'am."

The gate swung open, and Auren and Rose entered. Their eyes opened wide at once.

Inside the palace was something they had never seen before.

The girl who had spoken approached them—wearing gleaming purple Barbiecore-style robes, crystals set all around. Her purple-diamond eyes sparkled, and her golden locks cascaded in soft, wavy waves.

She greeted warmly. "Hello, children. I am Violet. I'm the librarian of this palace. You two look exhausted—come and rest."

Auren asked rapidly, "Where is Sunny?"

She spoke kindly, "He is with Lady Scarlet, on the 10th floor.

"You can come with me to the library floor," she added, turning. "I think you'll love it."

——

They walked behind her. As they moved up through the tower, they saw floors full of wonder—magic lights, glowing trees, floating scrolls, and elegant staircases shaped like vines.

Close to the floor of the library, a branch protruded from the wall, creating a bridge through the air. The three of them crossed it, and the door creaked open slowly on its own.

Within, the space was candlelit and filled with the smell of old books. A gigantic, ancient round table occupied the center, with shelves circling around into the shadows.

Rose glanced back at the little door. "It seemed like an ordinary door from the outside… but inside, a whole world. What a magical place…"

Auren smiled. "Yeah… this is magic."

Violet chuckled gently. "You two are adorable. So tell me—do you enjoy history, fantasy… or do you get more interested in magical powers?"

Rose moved forward. "I want to know about magic powers.

Auren threw in hastily, "Yeah, the kind used by elite mages."

Violet nodded. "Okay then, listen well…"

They huddled round the table, warm candlelight on their faces.

Violet started to explain:

"You see, mages don't activate powers through birth. Nobody is born with an ability. What they activate is known as Vita—magical power."

She went on, serenely:

"Vita comes up typically around age 11 to 15. The moment you awaken Vita, it increases with your training, your bloodline, and your sacrifices. The higher the Vita you have, the more powerful abilities you can buy from within."

Auren furrowed his brow. "Buy?"

Violet grinned. "Yes. Just imagine Vita like magical money. If you possess 100 Vita, you can learn an ability that requires 40 Vita… and still have 60 to spare. That's the idea."

Rose leaned in. "So abilities… are like spells we choose?"

"Exactly," Violet said, "but the stronger ones are more expensive. Only top mages, who've trained for years, can cast powerful attacks like Spirit Summons."

They listened intently.

——

10th Floor—Scarlet's Chamber

Sunny, tell me who you are and who you were in the past.

Sunny can't resist the energy, like he did not want to know what happened.

What is it, Sunny? Tell me—Scarlet is hectic to know.

—

"Troops! We're here!" Sakura shouted, her voice echoing through the canyon. "Our enemy hides just behind that mountain!"

Every mage's heart pumped with energy.

Sakura raised her sword, her hair flying behind her, eyes sharp like steel.

"Let's go! CHARGE!"

A gust of wind followed her roar as dozens of mages shouted in unison, running behind her like a storm.

Evon stepped up, his eyes glowing with earth magic. He placed both hands on the rocky ground and shouted, Stone Rise: Titan Ladder!"

From the mountain's side, massive stone steps rose up like a stairway to the sky, creating a path high enough to reach the enemy hiding beyond.

"Climb! Everyone up!" Evon ordered.

One by one, the mages ascended. Boots hit the stone. The sound of determination echoed with every step.

Finally, they reached the top.

And there—right below them, in the valley drenched with green mist—stood Aster and Levi.

The moment turned quiet. All mages stared downward.

Levi looked up with a crooked grin.

"Ohhh look! Two elite mages up there," he said, voice playful and mocking. "I'm scared… sooo scared… Hahaha!"

He burst out laughing like a madman.

"Look at you all, standing tall like heroes. I like your theory, fools. The theory where… when death comes at you—" He raised his arms and shouted, Why not run straight into it yourself!"

Aster chuckled behind him, calm but dark. "That's… a good theory, Levi."

He looked up at the army on the ridge, smiling faintly.

"This might be fun."