"Ash Phantom: The Legend Reborn"

Hoshin Maru called out firmly, "Wiki. Marco. Step forward."

The two mages quickly stepped into place, standing at attention.

Hoshin Maru's voice held weight. "Marco, Wiki… do you have Plans 3, 4, and 5 ready?"

Wiki gave a sharp nod. "Yes, sir. All three plans are in place and fully prepared."

He stood straight, voice firm but heavy with urgency.

Marco: "Plan No. 3 is focused on crippling Yuzen's firepow er. We'll target their weapons and war suits directly. Our mage units will secretly infiltrate Yuzen City, and during these three months, we'll deploy forces to Roma City and its trade port. The idea is to manipulate their supply chain — starve them from the inside."

He glanced at Wiki, who nodded in agreement.

Marco continued: "Plan No. 4 — in case we fail to strike Yuzen through Roma — is our backup strategy. We'll build underground tunnels during this time. If we're ever surrounded or blocked, those paths will become our lifeline. Of course, there's a risk someone might detect them… so we're assigning our wall illusion mages to cloak the area with combined ritual magic. The tunnels will be hidden — sealed under the safety of Scholar Plateau."

He took a breath.

Marco's tone shifted darker: "And then comes Plan No. 5 — if all else fails. We go all-out war. Tricks don't always work when the enemy is alert, and one more thing, sir — we've received news that Zackey is planning something. After winning the Battle of Night, they've been celebrating nonstop. But I don't think it's just a celebration…"

He paused.

Marco: "Something's coming, Hoshin Sir. And we need to be ready."

Hoshin Maru's tone darkened as he stood from his chair.

Hoshin Maru: "I command that security around Scholar Plateau be tightened immediately. Guard the borders with absolute caution. From this moment on, the tunnel construction begins — silently and strategically. Time is ticking."

He took a long breath, then stared out the window toward the distant clouds.

Hoshin Maru: "Only one commander of Ace rank remains in Yuzen… and there are high chances he'll become the new leader."

His voice grew heavier, filled with disdain and a hint of fear.

Hoshin Maru: "He's a master manipulator — twisted the minds of his people with nothing but cheap tricks and hollow pride. But make no mistake... he's powerful."

He looked to the generals in the room.

Hoshin Maru: "At the age of 19, he swam through lava and came out unscathed. He's leapt from impossible heights… never a single scratch. He fought elites — not one could defeat him."

A bitter silence filled the hall.

Hoshin Maru: "He takes women from his defeated enemies as prizes — he's not a man. He's a monster. His skin is like armor forged in the pits of hell… and his power? Still a mystery. No one knows where he got it."

He clenched his fist, eyes sharp as blades.

Hoshin Maru: "Prepare yourself. The storm is coming.

Nestled between misty hills and a river, there is a town situated, with wooden houses and curved rooftops. At each doorway, there is a paper lamp hanging, glowing at night. Wind chimneys spin slowly. Somewhere in the corners, there are trees, and their branch are extended through the street sides.

The main town place is celebrating—drums and wine everywhere. Zackey, with many people, wearing no clothes, just a paper scroll on his waist, was going through the streets, dancing, and celebrating. The town people came out from their doorways, seeing their leader happy, they became happy too.

Zackey's semi-long, half-blue, and half-red hair danced in the air. Mist and clouds all around the place. Above the town, a whole mountain is covered with greenery, and between that mountain, a waterfall flows—it looks like nature is having its own heaven.

The streets are a little wet from the water. Meanwhile, Zackey, with his big golden eyes, is smiling and laughing like a mad demon.

Zackey is fully drunk – "I am the shiniest sun of Yuzen! Praise me more! Legends of my type are very few in this world. This is my land, this is my world — I can do whatever I like!"

He gazed sideways. From one house, a beautiful lady was watching him.

Zackey's eyes narrowed, pupils widening with a lustful face — "Oh... my meal.

He ran toward the house. The girl, terrified, rushed inside. Her father fell at Zackey's feet.

"Please, please… she's innocent. She didn't do anything. Please forgive us, King…"

Zackey smiled faintly, grabbing the man's shoulder and flashing a mad grin.

"Your daughter is amazing, mister. I just want to praise you for that. You're truly an artist… to have created this piece of beauty."

"Aamin, bring the money bag," Zackey said.

From the crowd of dancers, his assistant emerged — Aamin, a man with long white hair and a feminine energy. He handed over a heavy bag.

Zackey: "Here… 10,000 Zen."

The man's eyes widened at the amount. "You are a great king…"

Zackey chuckled. "Hehehe… now, may I enjoy your daughter?"

The man hesitated, but the money clouded his thoughts. He nodded.

Zackey entered the house.

From inside, the girl's desperate scream echoed — "No! Please, no!"

Moments later, the harsh sounds of furniture being shoved and struggle could be heard through the silent street.

A heavy, guttural roar echoed through the town — the sound like a mad elephant rampaging through a forest. It was Zackey, his voice twisted with monstrous pleasure. Inside the house, the girl's terrified screams rang out again and again, piercing the silence like shattered glass.

Her torn clothes lay scattered across the floor.

Blood trickled near the doorway.

And outside… her father danced with joy, blinded by the weight of gold.

People stood still. Eyes averted. Hearts hollow. No one dared to speak.

Those who cared… were forced to stay silent.

Zackey came out of the house, a wide, twisted smile on his face. His feet were soaked in blood—but not his own. Each step left a red mark on the street.The town watched in silence, heads lowered, eyes filled with fear. Zackey laughed like a mad beast.