Gaia Chronicles: The Integral Saga

The usual hum of high-level military operations was drowned out by something unthinkable—laughter. Decorations flowed like wind-borne ribbons across the vast marble halls of Gaia HQ. Members of every division—Knights, Staff, Support—buzzed with life, energy, and unspoken excitement.

For the first time in years, Gaia was hosting a 10-day festival. No missions. No drills. Just celebration.

King Leonardo Serfort Granhart XI had announced it himself:

"Let there be ten days of light for those who protect the world from its shadows."

And with that, everything changed.

Training Courtyard, West Wing

Cyg Synthesis 11 stood silently, arms folded, watching from the shadowed edge of the courtyard. Around him, Gaia knights had discarded their combat gear for lighter festival robes. Banners of blue and gold were strung across the sky like falling stardust.

"Brooding already?" came a teasing voice.

He turned. Sylvia Synthesis 12 leaned against a column, her silvery braid glinting in the sun, dressed in a stylish sapphire vest with flowing sleeves. Around her neck, the faint chime of her Orisha Earrings shimmered with Ether.

"You'll miss the part where people turn from killers into artists," she smirked.

"I don't see the point in wasting energy on singing and dancing," Cyg replied.

"That's because you haven't danced with the right person yet," she said, flicking a playful note in the air with a snap of her fingers. Music rippled and dissolved into wind.

Before Cyg could respond, more voices erupted nearby.

West Hall – Booth Area Under Construction

Charlotte Synthesis 28 was arguing with a group of Support staff engineers.

"I don't care if the steam turbines explode! The popcorn machine will not run on normal pressure! It must explode flavor."

The staffers scrambled to adjust pipes, gears hissing. Charlotte wiped sweat from her forehead, smudging her cheek with oil. Her Kyrosyn Chakram was strapped behind her back—out of place, but she insisted on wearing it everywhere, even when constructing a snack booth.

"Charlotte, did you recalibrate the heat valve?" asked Mia Synthesis 18, walking up in her green apron and floral gloves, carrying a bundle of colorful paintbrushes.

"Of course I did. I'm not a barbarian. I'm a genius," Charlotte retorted. "Popcorn explosions will be scientifically calculated."

The two girls shared a knowing laugh.

Then they both glanced across the hall—and saw Cyg walking by.

Both girls instantly straightened up. Mia smoothed her dress. Charlotte coughed and subtly re-tied her apron.

Observation Deck – Upper Floors

Elsewhere, Eun-Ha Synthesis 15 sat quietly with a cup of warm tea, watching the skies.

Beside her stood Elaine Synthesis 7, practically glowing with excitement.

"Eun-Ha, we're doing a wind-powered flower glider show on Day 4! You have to come!"

"I'll watch," Eun-Ha said gently, her expression unreadable. "But I doubt I'll participate."

Elaine pouted.

"But it'll be so fun! You can float across the garden like an angel."

"Fun doesn't come easily to everyone," Eun-Ha replied.

But as she sipped her tea, her gaze slipped downward—past the clouds—to a certain silver-haired boy leaning against the railing far below.

She didn't smile.

But her fingers tightened around the cup just slightly.

Royal Garden – Noon

Harriet Synthesis 10 was organizing crates of fireworks with Raul Synthesis 27, who seemed more interested in throwing powder into flames than safety.

"Don't light it now, you maniac! That one's coded to mimic a mini-Aether Burst!"

"Exactly," Raul grinned. "Boom, baby!"

As Harriet grabbed the device from his hand, her eyes drifted across the path—to where Cyg stood talking to Thea Synthesis 0, likely about logistics.

Harriet exhaled slowly, brushing back strands of fire-kissed red hair.

"This festival's gonna be a war of a different kind," she muttered.

"You planning on winning?" Raul asked, following her gaze.

"Damn right I am."

Main Gate – Early Evening

All 31 Integral Knights were called for a preliminary briefing. A small hill overlooking the festival grounds had been cleared for the ceremony.

Thea, wearing her white commander's cloak, stood before them all, wind fluttering around her. Beside her stood King Leonardo, dressed in royal navy trimmed with gold. Despite his age, he stood like a pillar of the Earth.

"This festival is not just for joy," he declared. "It's to remind you—you are alive. Not merely warriors. But hearts. Souls. Dreams."

The wind carried his voice.

"And perhaps," he added, smiling slightly, "a few confessions under the stars won't hurt either."

Soft laughter followed.

Behind the formation, Sylvia, Mia, Charlotte, Elaine, Eun-Ha, Hikari, and Harriet all looked at each other.

"So… ten days, huh?" Harriet said, stretching.

"Ten days," Charlotte echoed.

"Ten days to see who he'll finally look at differently," Mia whispered.

Hikari, silent as always, only glanced at the distant form of Cyg, standing near the back, arms crossed, unreadable.

But deep within each of the seven… something had already begun.