Chapter Sixty

Aeri narrates as the strike team leaves Rose Palace at midnight to assassinate King Joon. She feels no regret over killing her abusive father, prioritizing the safety of those she loves, especially Royo. The group of twelve—Aeri, Royo, Mikail, Teo, Calier, Fremo, and six recruits—ride to the Port of Charm while Sora and Tiyung remain at the palace with Fallador.

At the docks, they confront a massive, dark Weian fleet with sails furled. Mikail plans a stealth boarding by rowboat to avoid rousing entire crews. Fremo asks how to identify Joon’s ship with flags down, and Mikail admits uncertainty, assuming Joon is near Tamneki. Aeri realizes the risk of guessing wrong and argues to delay, but Mikail refuses.

Fearing for Royo, Aeri attempts a desperate alternative: using her sensitivity to relics to locate the Dragon Lord’s Immortal Crown and Flaming Sword. She quiets her senses, hears an internal voice, and feels an overwhelming etheric pull that nearly draws her into the water before Mikail restrains her. Convinced she can lead them, Mikail orders everyone into the rowboat.

Aeri struggles at first, overwhelmed by the Water Scepter’s draw from Mikail’s hand and her own rising relic lust. With Royo’s encouragement and Mikail’s focus on her unique attunement, she persists. The sensation shifts—she perceives the crown like a pulsing red heart—and points their course. On Mikail’s command, the oarsmen row exactly where Aeri directs, beginning their covert approach toward Joon’s location.