The black star expanded above the battlefield.

Its dark light swallowed the clouds.

The ground began to tremble.

Cracks spread across the earth as an invisible pressure pushed outward.

Aster looked upward in horror.

"Everyone!"

"Get behind the World Tree!"

The soldiers immediately began retreating.

Sir Elias shouted orders.

"Move!"

"Protect the civilians!"

The Ice Titans formed a wall around the fleeing people.

But Lucien remained where he stood.

Seraphina grabbed his arm.

"Lucien, we have to move!"

He shook his head.

"If that star explodes..."

He looked toward the surrounding kingdoms.

"It won't matter how far we run."

Seraphina understood.

"We have to stop it here."

---

The black...