[Two Days Later — City X.]
The morning sun struggled to pierce the high-altitude mists swirling around the Central Spire. Standing on the observation deck of the tower, located at the dead center of City X, Ethan and Patrick Marriott looked down upon their domain. From this vantage point, the city looked like a circuit board of mana and steel, peaceful and unaware of the impending storm.
"Hmm..."
Patrick drumd his fingers on the railing, the sound echoing in the silence.
"Please don't start, Patrick," Ethan said with a frown, looking at his side at his older brother. He knew that tone; it was the sound of a warrior denied his battlefield.
"Why are we left behind? We should be with him on this journey, but instead, we are tasked to protect this city?! Co on, what about the other five cities?!" He asked, frustrated. His mana flared slightly, betraying his irritation. He was a Marriott; his place was on the front lines, not playing nanny to a tropolis.
Ethan facepald himself, the leather of his glove slapping against his forehead. "Yes, the mission is important, and having two extra peak SS-Rank Summoners will increase the success odd. But think about this."
He removed his hand, staring at the sprawling city below.
"What if Night Ghost reached his location and discovered it was all a lie? He will surely run rampant, and the first city he will target is this," he said, staring at the huge, reinforced walls that encircled the city limits.
"This will be his main target because all the Ghost Organization mbers are here. With their help, they will surely attack this city," he explained, his voice calm and analytical.
"Yeah, I know he left us here as guards," the senior brother exhaled, leaning heavily on the railing.
"Not guards, we are protectors," Ethan corrected with a serious expression, his eyes narrowing. To him, the distinction was vital. A guard watched; a protector acted.
"Ok, what's the difference?" Patrick turned to face him, crossing his massive arms. "If they do attack, what is our plan?"
"Aren't you the oldest? You should think about sothing," Ethan teased dryly.
"Hey... Don't say that. Everyone knows you're the smart one. So what's the plan?" Patrick grumbled, conceding the point.
Ethan sighed helplessly. "My plan is already in motion, since yesterday."
"What?!!"
Patrick was dumbfounded. "When did you start that? Wait, tell about this plan!"
"Well... We know there are two organizations, who are both enemies. Their feud makes it much easier for us, because while they'll be taking care of each other in a battle, we will be strengthening the defense..."
He turned his head to the front gate, where the mana signatures were strongest.
"As you can tell already, the City Securities, and our Summoner Forces have already blocked all the exits. Not only that, we also placed a Mana Wave Barrier. The mont they plan to fly out of the city, they'll be shocked and stopped. Even an SSS-Rank Summoner can't survive that, let alone their summons," Ethan said with a confident smile.
"So what's your plan exactly?" Patrick asked, clearly still confused.
Ethan had only just strengthened the defense and securities, locking the gates tight. But the citizens were still inside. He was simply locking everyone—both good and bad—into a cage together. It was like placing wolves in front of sheep and locking the barn door.
"I know all that... Look down the tower, what did you see?" Ethan gestured with his hand toward the park below.
Patrick stared at him for so seconds, questioning his brother's sanity. He took two steps forward to the edge.
"Huh? Everything is normal," he said.
He watched the people below. It was a serene morning. Civilians were relaxing on benches, children were playing on the grass, others were chatting, and so were even having an early morning picnic. The center of the city was a lush green park, and the tower stood as a silent sentinel at the center of it.
"Now, look with your mana," Ethan added softly.
"Hey! If you want to tell sothing, just say it!! Don't take as your kid brother! This should be the other way around!" He yelled, his patience snapping.
Ethan exhaled, rubbing his temples. "Just do as I said, and everything will make sense. I don't have to go to the trouble explaining."
Patrick thought for so seconds, gritting his teeth. He looked down again, but this ti, he channeled his energy into his optic nerves. A blue energy glow illuminated his irises, revealing the hidden spectrum of the world.
What he saw froze him in place.
"Yep, that's my plan," Ethan said with a proud smile on his face.
"I admit... You are incredible. I don't know how you accomplish this, but good job," Patrick said, genuine awe in his voice. He raised his head to the horizon, staring at the rising Sun painting the sky in hues of orange and gold.
"A new day."
BOOOOM!!!
The peace was shattered instantly.
"...?!"
The two turned their heads south, staring at a massive plu of black smoke rising into the air, followed by the shockwave of a Mana explosion.
"Shit!! Isn't that District A?" Ethan yelled in shock, his composure breaking.
"An attack?" Patrick asked, staring at him in confusion.
"We haven't fully secured that district... The people are unprotected. We must hurry!!"
He didn't hesitate. With a flick of his wrist, a Golden Card appeared between his fingers. He threw it forward.
SHING!
The card shattered into particles of light. In the next mont, a majestic White Griffin materialized, hovering before them with a screech that pierced the wind.
"Be Fast!!"
Ethan jumped off the tower, landing perfectly on the Summon's back.
"Let's go! Fast!!" Ethan yelled in concern, gripping the Griffin's feathers.
The Griffin nodded, its eyes sharp, and shot forward with incredible speed, breaking the sound barrier and leaving a dumbfounded Patrick behind on the ledge.
"Gosh, at least wait for !"
Patrick shook his head. He opened his palm, and his own Golden Card appeared. He tossed it into the air, where it shattered into a massive Black Eagle, its wingspan darkening the deck.
"After my younger brother!" He yelled, jumping on the Beast as it dove off the tower, chasing the trail of white light towards the burning district.
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