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The encampment of the Iron Flames sprawled across the hillside like a gathering storm, its banners fluttering with the sigil of a burning greatsword. Soldiers moved with practiced precision, training in rigid formations while others tended to armor and supplies. It was a disciplined force—resolute, serious, and, as Sylvaeria muttered with a dramatic sigh, *uncomfortably uptight*.
Yuki stood at the edge of the camp, cloaked in a loose robe woven from starlight threads. He scratched his cheek, eyes half-lidded, as Selene, Irkalla, and Sylvaeria handled the formal greetings.
"Well," Yuki said, tone dry, "at least they didn't immediately try to burn us at the stake. That's progress."
"They're not Church dogs," Irkalla replied, adjusting her blade. "Kael may be stubborn, but he's not a zealot. He'll listen. Maybe."
"Maybe," Sylvaeria echoed, twirling her wind-silver hair into a tiny curl. "Though if he calls you a 'false god' even once, I reserve the right to kick him into the sky."
"I'll allow it," Selene said with a gracious nod, hands clasped behind her back like a true Empress-in-waiting.
The formal meeting took place in Kael's command tent—clean, sparse, and military to the bone. The general himself sat with arms folded, his face carved from granite. His dark hair was streaked with silver, and his armor bore scorch marks from countless battles.
"So," Kael began, looking Yuki up and down. "This… is your so-called Flameborn?"
Sylvaeria narrowed her eyes.
"He is Yuki," Selene answered calmly, "Warden of Kindred Flames, Sovereign of the Forgotten Forest, and bearer of divine will. You will speak with respect."
Irkalla simply crossed her arms and glared, her expression promising violence if the mood shifted.
Yuki sighed. "Do we really need the full title every time?"
"Yes," all three girls said at once.
Kael remained unfazed. "We've heard whispers. Divine dragon. Forest tyrant. Lover of witches and swordswomen."
Yuki blinked. "That last one's oddly specific."
"I've also heard," Kael continued, standing, "that you burned the Church inquisitors to ash and left a field of flowers where they stood."
"That was mostly Sylvaeria," Yuki muttered.
Sylvaeria beamed. "It was *our* fire, dear. United in purpose!"
A second commander entered without knocking, her cloak fluttering with blue feathers. "I heard there was a divine beauty in the camp, and no one told me?" she called out cheerfully.
Captain Mira of the Thunder Hawks strolled in, her golden hair pulled back in a high braid, her lightning-sparked gauntlet still smoking faintly. Her gaze raked across the group—paused on Lumi, who stared suspiciously, then Seiris, who smirked—and finally landed on Yuki.
"Oh. You're taller than I imagined," Mira said, tilting her head. "Do all divine beings look this smug or is it just you?"
Yuki offered her a bland look. "I'm not smug. Just naturally cursed with good posture."
Mira laughed, clearly delighted. "I like him."
Sylvaeria floated between them immediately, wings shimmering. "Mine," she said, with a cherubic smile.
"He's everyone's," Lumi added from behind, her voice ice-sweet.
Kael rubbed his temples. "This is madness."
"No," Selene said calmly. "This is the future of your empire."
Kael's eyes lingered on Selene for a long moment—seeing the weight behind her words, the regal fire in her bearing. He finally nodded.
"I'll speak with the other commanders," he said slowly. "But if you truly want our loyalty, you'll prove your strength. That is tradition."
Lumi grinned. "A duel?"
"Fine," Kael grunted. "You or anyone of your choosing."
Irkalla stepped forward immediately, blade already sliding from its sheath. "I'll be your example."
As they exited the tent for the dueling ground, Mira leaned toward Seiris and whispered, "Is it always like this?"
"Usually worse," Seiris replied. "Last week, Elira nearly exploded a noble's garden because he called Yuki's horns 'decorative.'"
Yuki followed them out with a tired sigh. "You'd think being a divine being came with more naps."
From the gathered soldiers outside, whispers began to rise.
"The Flameborn…?"
"That's him? Doesn't look like much…"
But when Yuki stepped into the sunlight, shadows rippled unnaturally, and a wave of heat shimmered in the air. The scent of ash and spring blossoms followed him like an omen.
Even Kael blinked. "...Maybe not just rumors after all."
As Irkalla raised her blade, eyes burning with challenge, Yuki just rubbed his neck and muttered, "Really hope no one's expecting me to actually lead an army."
Behind him, the banners of the Iron Flames and Thunder Hawks fluttered—and slowly, subtly, began to turn toward the symbol of the **Ashen Flame**.
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**To be Continued...**