The sea rose higher.

Waves surrounded the ships like enormous walls, blocking out the sky.

Lucien stood at the front of the vessel, his Blade of Dawn burning brightly.

"Nethros!"

The figure on the ancient fortress smiled.

But something was wrong.

His face was Nethros's.

His voice was Nethros's.

Yet the presence coming from him felt completely different.

Seraphina narrowed her eyes.

"That's not Nethros."

Aster nodded.

"You're right."

Lucien looked at them.

"Then who is it?"

Aster stared at the figure.

"I don't know."

---

The figure raised his hand.

The water immediately stopped moving.

Every wave froze in place.

The ships became completely still.

Even the wind disappeared....