It had become routine for people across the world to feel the weight of despair after the monthly tax collection by Joseph's heavenly army.

  Two years ago, that day had been branded into their memories as "God's Wrath."

  Humanity splintered into factions—some saw it as justified punishment for humanity's sins, others simply accepted it, and a few dared to resist.

  Neverport was among those settlements crushed under Joseph's rule, a quiet place near the southern coast where hope barely flickered.

  But tonight, something had changed. Instead of retreating to their beds to dream about loved ones lost, the people of Neverport celebrated.

  Axel sat on a stone wall, watching from the shadows as life began to seep back into this forgotten settlement.

  They sang, danced, and laughed. Meals were prepared, though meager, and the faint spark of joy began to burn.

  He smiled, but there was a heaviness to it.

  Becca approached him, holding a small wooden bowl of steaming meat stew.

  Her steps were hesitant, her grip tight on the bowl, "They wanted me to bring you this," she said, standing a little too far from him. "Looks like you've won them over."

  Axel took the bowl with a slight bow of his head, "I didn't do much," he replied, lifting the spoon to his mouth. "People just need someone willing to take action."

  Becca crossed her arms, watching him as he ate. The way he carried himself, even while seated, gave him an air that felt... out of place here, "You're not from around here." she said.

  Axel glanced at her, bemused. "What gave it away?"

  "The way you move. The way you talk." She hesitated, then added, "The way you eat. You're not some ordinary wanderer, are you?"

  He set the bowl down beside him. "I'm a royal," he said plainly. "Though I've been stripped of my title for years. Only two of us remain in my family."

  Becca's brow furrowed. "A royal," she repeated, her tone sharp. "You mean the same royals who've lived in comfort while the rest of us starve? The same ones who handed over their people to the heavenly army just to save their own necks?"

  Axel's response was quiet, measured, "You're not wrong to hate them."

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  She blinked, caught off guard.

  "I lost my title six years ago," he continued. "Whatever luxury I had is long gone. Now, I'm just a man trying to rebuild something better."

  Becca's lips twitched in annoyance. His calm demeanor irritated her, as if he didn't take her distrust seriously. "And what's your plan? You swoop in, kill a few divine creatures, and suddenly we're supposed to trust you? What are you planning to do with us?"

  Axel looked towards the village then his blue eyes locking back onto hers, "Resources. Training. Expansion. That's how we survive this."

  Becca laughed bitterly. "Look around. There's nothing to build on here. What resources do we even have?"

  Axel stood and dusted off his cloak, ignoring her glare, "There's a settlement to the north. Wynville. Its leader, William Peters II, is everything I despise—selfish, cruel, and aligned with the heavenly army. He's been using his position to enslave his people, hoard resources, and gain favor with Joseph. I intend to take Wynville resources from him."

  Becca's eyes narrowed. "So you want us to go steal from a man who's aligned with the army that is destroying humanity?" She shook her head. "We're not doing that."

  Axel chuckled softly, "William Peters is a parasite," he said, stepping closer to her. "He taxes his people into starvation while they waste away in fear. You think I'm a monster, but I've seen monsters, and he's one of them."

  Becca opened her mouth to retort, but something in his voice stopped her. There was pain there, buried beneath the bravado.

  "Why should I believe you?" she asked quietly. "For all I know, this is just a game to you. Maybe we're just pawns on your chessboard."

  Axel's expression softened. "If I wanted pawns, I'd have chosen ones I could control," he said, "I'm not a king who hides behind his people. I'm the queen on the board—the piece that fights for every move."

  His words startled her. She stared at him, unsure whether to trust him or turn away.

  Axel reached into his cloak and pulled out a silver amulet, the blue gem in its center catching the moonlight, "We've all suffered under Joseph's rule," he said. "This is my way of giving back to the people who've lost everything. I want to give them a chance at a real life. A better one."

  Becca sighed, rubbing her temples. "Fine. But how do you expect to pull this off?"

  Axel whistled sharply, and a white steed adorned in gleaming armor trotted into view.

  The children nearby gasped, running toward the horse with wide eyes.

  Becca scowled, "Seriously? Could you be any flashier?"

  Axel smirked, "This is Diego. He's been my partner through worse than this. You coming or not?"

  Becca hesitated, glancing back at the crowd. She shouted, "CJ! Philly! Get over here!"

  Two men stumbled forward, trying to look intimidating.

  CJ, still nursing his bruises from Axel's earlier fight, winced as Becca glared at him.

  "Listen up," she said. "You two are in charge while I'm gone. Make sure no one does anything stupid."

  CJ leaned in close, whispering, "Are you sure about this guy? He's dangerous."

  Becca followed his gaze to where Axel was grooming Diego, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. She rolled her eyes, "He's the best plan we've got." she said.

  CJ frowned, "We've got resources here—farms, fresh water, a mine. We don't need him."

  Becca turned sharply, "If he'd shown up two months ago, my sister wouldn't have been taken."

  CJ fell silent, his jaw tightening.

  Becca climbed onto Diego behind Axel, "We'll be back soon." she called to the crowd.

  Axel glanced over his shoulder, his mischievous smile returning. "Ready?"

  Becca sighed, "Let's get this over with."

  Together, they rode north toward Wynville, leaving Neverport behind.