Merslin 3: The Shatterborn Oath

With the invasion of Etherion looming, Merslin and Kim Young-min each made their final efforts from their respective worlds to establish a connection between Earth and Luminaria. As they searched for dimensional rifts to bridge the two realms, they also completed final inspections of their respective armies. In doing so, they found both preparation for war and the potential for union—nurturing the last spark of hope.

Across Luminaria, Merslin moved desperately to locate a point of contact with Earth. By his side were Elena and several mages, tracing the flow of dimensional energy. Having already experienced the consequences of unstable rift phenomena, Merslin knew the dangers all too well. Yet with Etherion's assault imminent, there was no room left for caution.

"If we fail to establish this connection," Merslin said with a voice weighed down by resolve, "there may be no hope of withstanding Etherion. We must risk everything."

While scouting various regions of Luminaria, a powerful surge of dimensional energy was finally detected. It emanated from a site strikingly similar to where a previous rift had once opened. Approaching with extreme caution, Merslin and the mages began probing the area for signs of a potential link to Earth.

Meanwhile, the Luminaria military underwent its final checks in preparation for the inevitable clash. While Merslin pursued the rift, he also oversaw the readiness of each nation's forces. Griffin and hippogriff riders showcased their aerial agility in coordinated drills, while ground troops engaged in joint training to solidify their cohesion.

"This war will test everything we've prepared," Merslin told the assembled military leaders. "Every soldier and every strategy must be flawless. Etherion will be more powerful than we can imagine."

The leaders of each nation agreed, rushing to complete their final mobilization.

On Earth, Kim Young-min continued his research to locate the dimensional link. Drawing on his past experiences in Luminaria, he attempted to fuse scientific method with arcane theory in order to open a gateway between the two worlds.

"This connection is our final hope," he declared, voice steady with purpose. "If Earth's might and Luminaria's magic can be joined, we might yet hold back the threat of Etherion."

Young-min also inspected the status of Earth's armed forces—air and ground units alike—ensuring all were in peak condition. But even that, he realized, would not be enough without a deeper unity forged between worlds.

As both sides pressed forward in desperation, a sudden shift in dimensional energy signaled a breakthrough. From their respective vantage points, both Merslin and Kim Young-min sensed it—the rift was beginning to respond. There was now a chance.

"We may finally be able to connect," Merslin said to the mages. "But the risk remains. If this succeeds, we can finally bring Earth's strength into our fight."

On Earth, Kim Young-min too detected the signal and redoubled his focus, pouring himself into the task of stabilizing the rift. The closer they came to linking the worlds, the more determined both men became.

"We can win this through unity," Kim Young-min told himself. "A true bond between Earth and Luminaria is the only way to crush Etherion."

But just as the possibility of connection began to materialize—dark clouds surged across the skies of Luminaria. Without warning, Etherion launched its first assault. Massive warships emerged from the heavens, blanketing the sky and hammering the land with their opening barrage.

"Etherion has arrived!" Merslin shouted. "All forces, prepare for battle!"

Back on Earth, Kim Young-min detected the wave of hostile energy and immediately ordered defensive protocols.

"This is the moment," he said. "We fight to the end."

***

Episode: The Arrival of Nemesis – Earth in Chaos

The threat of the alien species known as Etherion—or Nemesis—had finally become reality. As they entered the solar system, Earth and the rest of the world plunged into a state of extreme turmoil.

It began with a powerful surge of energy detected from the outer edge of the solar system. The signal was picked up by both astronomers and military observatories, and its source was unlike anything humanity had ever encountered. The Nemesis fleet was approaching.

"This data is... almost unbelievable. The energy magnitude and velocity are unlike any object we've ever observed," one astronomer muttered grimly.

"If they're truly headed here, we may be facing something far beyond our imagination," warned a military expert.

Hours later, the enormous fleet of Nemesis entered Earth's orbit, casting their overwhelming presence across the sky. Their ships reflected sunlight with a menacing gleam, presenting a horrifying spectacle. Humanity could do little but feel utterly powerless.

What began as isolated anomalies noticed by scientists and military personnel quickly became a global revelation as news networks confirmed an alien invasion. Panic surged through the public.

"Breaking news: a massive alien fleet has entered our solar system and is now surrounding Earth. These forces are unlike anything we've encountered, and their intentions remain unknown," reported a major news outlet.

As footage of the Nemesis fleet replayed across every screen, the world spiraled into collective shock. Governments convened emergency meetings, urging citizens to stay calm—but fear spread uncontrollably.

Panic erupted in cities. People began hoarding supplies, and evacuation orders were issued in several regions. Streets, airports, and train stations fell into chaos as people scrambled for safety.

"Where do we even go? Are they going to attack us?" a frightened civilian asked during a live interview.

"Best to stay home… there's nothing we can do," another said, resignation in his voice.

But not everyone succumbed to fear. Years ago, Earth had faced an alien incursion and survived. Though the scars remained, some remembered—and remained composed.

"This isn't the first time. We made it through once. We'll do it again," an elderly man said calmly. "They're not invincible."

For younger generations and regions untouched by the previous invasion, however, terror was overwhelming. Social media became a wildfire of conspiracy theories and misinformation, feeding the chaos and mistrust.

"The government's hiding everything from us! They can't protect us!" an enraged influencer shouted online.

Some religious groups and mystics interpreted the invasion as divine reckoning or a cosmic trial, calling for spiritual readiness.

"This is God's test. Do not fear. Follow the divine will," preached one spiritual leader.

Soon after the Nemesis fleet positioned itself in orbit, one of the ships launched a swarm of small, agile craft—reminiscent of drones deployed from a mothership. They swiftly spread across the skies of major cities.

"Something's falling! What is that?!" cried a terrified civilian.

These sleek alien craft were armed with lasers and high-energy weapons. They began indiscriminately attacking cities, toppling buildings and triggering explosions. Earth had become a battlefield in an instant.

"This can't be real... They've actually begun the attack!" a news anchor gasped in shock.

Earth's military forces scrambled to respond. Fighter jets launched into the sky to confront the invaders, while ground troops activated air defense systems in a desperate bid to protect the cities.

"Scramble all jets! Intercept the enemy now!" came the urgent command from an airbase.

But Nemesis' aerial units defied human understanding. They maneuvered like unmanned drones—fiercely intelligent and ruthlessly efficient. They struck down jets and ground targets alike with terrifying precision.

Cities descended into chaos. Civilians, panicked by the explosions and the red streaks of lasers in the sky, flooded into shelters. Transportation collapsed. Broadcast stations tried to report in real-time but struggled to keep up with the rapidly changing battlefield.

"Evacuate immediately! Find the nearest safe location!" a news anchor shouted frantically.

But escape was perilous. The alien drones blocked evacuation routes, and people scattered in fear.

Earth's military fought valiantly, but Nemesis' technology and firepower were beyond anything they had faced. The first wave of battle left cities in ruins, and military forces suffered heavy losses.

"Can we even win this war?" one military commander asked in despair.

"It's not over," another replied firmly. "We fight—for Earth."

Days passed. The battles raged on. Cities crumbled, infrastructures collapsed, communication networks went dark, and power grids failed. Supply lines broke down, and a mass exodus of refugees began.

"We can't stay here. We have to leave now!" a panicked family shouted as they fled for shelter.

Hospitals overflowed with the wounded. Medical staff were pushed to the brink. Roads were shattered, public transit frozen, and even military units were forced into retreat. The scars of war were everywhere.

"We're losing… we can't hold out much longer," a weary soldier whispered.

Then—suddenly—the tide shifted. Nemesis' aerial units began vanishing from the skies. Their assault halted. The relentless attack ceased, and one by one, their ships withdrew. Earth's defenders and civilians, stunned by the sudden change, caught their breath for the first time.

"They're pulling back. The attack's over—for now," a commander reported urgently.

A momentary calm returned. But no one believed it was truly over. Was this a strategic retreat? A pause before the final strike?

"Why did they retreat? I don't think we've won," said a cautious citizen.

"We must prepare for their return," a military leader declared. "This time, we'll be ready."