OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE SIX CONTINENTS
MORNING EDITION – Published Under the Authority of the Central Government
FIVE DETAINEES LINKED TO THE WORLD ENEMY ESCAPE
EXECUTION FUGITIVES VANISH DURING THE NIGHT
Nimurelle — Five individuals previously detained on suspicion of affiliation with the world enemy are reported to have escaped from the underground holding facility during the night.
The five detainees are part of an official investigation concerning the use of forbidden crystals and are scheduled to undergo further proceedings prior to the appointed day of execution.
According to initial reports, the escape is discovered at dawn during the смена of the guard. As of this publication, no signs of open resistance or significant structural damage are found within the detention facility.
Authorities state that preliminary suspicion points toward possible internal involvement. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and no official conclusion has been announced.
All continents have been notified. An intensive search for the five fugitives is underway. Citizens are urged to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
---
"You still require several more days to recover fully, child. Are you certain you intend to depart now?" Charlotte asks.
A nod follows.
"Whatever occurs there, I have already tried. Besides, the heart of the matter is myself." A faint smile appears. "Look forward to my actions in the newspaper."
A glance turns toward Nero.
"Do not worry. A return will come soon. Training will resume afterward, understood?"
Nero nods slowly.
Between Charlotte's waist and hand rests a familiar sweater.
"Wear this. Yours should be washed and left behind the curtain. When you return, it may be worn again," Charlotte says, offering the sweater—similar to the one Johan once wore.
A sudden recollection arises—Johan's glasses are still in possession.
The sweater is accepted.
"If there is no objection, Doctor."
Charlotte nods. "Take care of yourself, child."
Another nod answers.
"I shall wait here, sir. News will be awaited," Nero says.
A nod returns.
Steps draw closer. An embrace is given to Charlotte, then to Nero.
"Farewell, everyone."
They respond with nods.
"Travel safely, child. Take care of yourself," Charlotte says.
A turn follows. Steps lead toward the carriage already waiting. The carriage is boarded.
Whatever awaits there remains uncertain. Even death would not be in vain.
---
"Tomorrow will be a heavy day. Whatever happens after war is provoked, all of this is for my father, Rose's uncle, and your Captain," Olivia says.
A quiet voice answers, "A return to my homeland awaits. A sister is lost without even a long conversation. A father forgets me in that place."
A confused sound escapes Olivia. "Your father?"
No reply comes. The gaze remains nearly empty.
"The King of Gaelvorn is her father. Confirmation was sought, yet no mistake is made. The face is recognized clearly," Santiago explains.
"Is that true, Rose?" Olivia steps closer.
A nod confirms it. An embrace follows.
"You have not lost everything. Departure may come tomorrow. Nothing is entirely gone. I remain here. Aunt and your cat, Lucy, await at home. Uncle will return tomorrow as well."
Another nod.
Olivia rises. "Night approaches. Tents must be built. Plans for the great day tomorrow will be discussed. Whatever happens, one of us may fall—what matters is that my father, our Captain, must survive."
---
Zeco stands at the end of the long table, his gaze sweeping across the representatives of the four continents. The royal meeting chamber feels heavy with unspoken tension.
"Marshals of the four continents. I represent Marshal Nimurelle and assume leadership of this meeting."
He pauses briefly.
"The task is clear—determine the formation positions. Five full lines will surround the execution site. There must be no gaps."
No one interrupts.
Zeco turns toward the large table upon which the map of Nimurelle is spread. He steps forward, raises his right hand, and places his index finger precisely at the center of the land—a vast green field marked as the execution site.
"Here."
His finger shifts northward.
"Nimurelle secures the northern side."
To the west.
"Ilgnisar cavalry secures the west."
To the east.
"Nocthollow archers hold the east."
To the south.
"Solcendria reserves at the south."
Slightly beyond the main circle.
"Zepharia guards the perimeter."
One by one, the marshals nod.
"The main gate remains open as the official route. Beyond that—there is no escape."
He draws a circle at the center of the map.
"The execution platform stands here."
He traces a second, wider circle.
"The citizens will surround this area at a safe distance."
He taps the space between the two circles.
"This zone is fully guarded by Nimurelle forces. No one may approach without authorization. Any rescue attempt must penetrate five layers of defense. It is nearly impossible."
He draws a long breath and exhales slowly.
"The remaining forces are filled by Nimurelle ranks."
Silence envelops the chamber.
"Regrettably, the five individuals linked to the world enemy and scheduled for execution have escaped."
Tension tightens several faces, yet no voice speaks.
"Any questions?"
Heads shake.
"That concludes the meeting."
Johan stands near the entrance as marshals exit one by one.
"Regrettable?" Johan says, stepping inside once the room empties. "For the sake of clarity, Johan, Marshal of beloved Nimurelle."
A warm smile appears on Zeco's face. "Anything to add regarding the meeting?"
A nod comes.
"Near the conclusion, mention is made of the five fugitives linked to the world enemy and scheduled for execution, correct?"
A confirming nod answers.
"And responsibility for them remains until the execution day arrives. A misfortune, is it not?"
A heavy breath escapes. "Indeed. Gratitude for the understanding."
"I know the record of service rendered to Nimurelle's government. No prior mistakes. Unfortunate that this is allowed to occur."
"Allowed?" Zeco asks quietly.
A slow nod follows, a thin smile forming. "Allowed to occur. Or is betrayal intended?"
Silence lingers. A gentle shake of the head answers. "No such intention exists. Apologies for the failure."
A soft exhale. A few pats land on Zeco's shoulder. "Trust remains. Ensure no repetition tomorrow morning. Understood?"
A nod confirms it. "It shall be remembered."
Johan turns and walks toward the exit, raising one hand in farewell.
"Until tomorrow."