---
The Scout's Return
Thunder rolled over the Blackwind Hills.
From the shadows of pine and mist, a hooded girl sprinted—cloak torn, lips bleeding, but alive.
She fell to her knees before Serian.
> "They're moving. Five thousand strong. Led by the Hero clone himself."
Serian didn't flinch.
> "When will they reach us?"
> "Three days."
The Demon Lord clone, standing nearby, cracked her knuckles with a savage grin.
> "Let them come. I've trained the children well."
But Serian's voice was cold.
> "No. We don't fight… not yet."
---
Meanwhile, at the Hero's Camp
They'd set up near a ridge of sacred ruins.
Tents sprawled like a silver tide, and campfires danced like restless spirits.
The Hero clone sat in his private quarters, eyes narrowed at the map.
Something felt off.
> "We're being watched," he muttered.
Lyselle entered. "The scouts saw nothing."
> "That's the problem."
He looked up, haunted.
> "There's a hunter out there who knows exactly what I'll do… because he is me."
---
In the Depths of the Forest
Lira stood beside a chained figure—one of the spies captured days ago.
She leaned in, her eyes glowing violet.
> "Tell me what the churches plan."
The spy spat blood.
> "You're a shadow. You'll be forgotten."
Lira leaned closer, whispering something.
Moments later, the man's screams echoed through the trees.
Serian arrived seconds too late.
> "You promised not to torture them."
> "I never promise. I offer, then punish those who decline."
He sighed.
> "And if the Hero reaches us?"
> "Then one of you dies."
---
Brothers in Blood
Night fell.
Serian stood alone, staring into the flame of an old torch.
He spoke not to himself, but to the two souls inside him.
> "You hate each other."
> "You fear each other."
> "But I… I'm both of you. And more."
> "So if you want to survive—stop fighting inside me."
Silence.
Then…
> "You're wrong," Azel growled.
"You're not both."
> "You're the end of both."
---
Final Panel
Three days passed.
The Hero's army arrived at the forest's edge.
Across the field stood a ragged group—children, former slaves, the outcast, and Serian in front, cloak fluttering like wings.
The Hero clone gasped.
> "Why… does he feel like home?"
---