The Vice Captain of the Crimson Lions

Operation is a Go

The tower loomed before them, silent and ancient, its crumbling stones covered in thick moss and vines. Not a glimmer of light shone from its windows, only adding to the ominous aura. Nozel stood at the entrance with his arms crossed, his voice steady but tense.

"You are positive this is it?"

Xander nodded, holding up his Queen of Hearts card, which glowed faintly in the dim light.

"Yes, look."

The card pulsed brighter as he held it forward, casting a faint illumination on his determined expression.

"This card glows when it is close to Mynx. We are close to her. This is the tower from my vision,"

Fuegoleon's gaze hardened as he scanned the surroundings, nodding.

"All right. Normally, we'd split up to cover more ground, but not today. Jack, you're on lookout. If any armies approach, I need you to make some noise."

Jack winked, unsheathing his blades,

"You got it,"

William grabbed the card gently from Xander, examining the glow,

"Can this lead us to the room she is in?"

Xander shrugged, taking the card back and flipping his grimoire open to a specific page.

"We can try. Card Magic: The Queen's Promise,"

With a surge of mana, the card glowed brighter and took flight, leading them straight toward the heart of the tower.

"Okay, everyone follow that card. Nozel and William, you two are our first defenses. Leopold you are going to be right next to them at all times, understood?"

Leopold sighed but begrudgingly nodded,

"Yes,"

"Good. Yami and Mereoleona will be our first offense. I will be the last offense with Xander, but we must protect that card so we know where to go. Understood?"

"Yes,"

Fuegoleon nodded,

"Good. Let's bring Mynx home."

Xander and Fuegoleon led the way through the castle, they were surprised at the lack of security. The moment they reached the center of a large, shadow-filled chamber, every door slammed shut with a resounding bang, plunging the room into darkness. They were quick to open their grimoires and be on guard. The silence was shattered by an eerie, distorted laugh, reverberating off the walls. Xander narrowed his eyes as the card stopped glowing,

"Where are you?"

The shadows condensed in a corner and out walked Shallow. She waved at all of them,

"Ah, I was waiting for you to come. Doc told me that you would come for the other me."

Fuegoleon's gaze sharpened as he took a cautious step forward.

"The other you?"

Shallow nodded,

"Yes. He told me that when I was younger, I used to be a part of the Clover Kingdom. Which made me gag truly. Then he told me that you abandoned her. The younger me. You left me for dead and Aphi saved my life like he did yesterday. You only care that I have too much power. That is all. Guess what Clovers? I will never let you take my mana. You can not have my power and you will never get my loyalty. My loyalty is to the Diamond Kingdom!"

She then swung her fist at Fuegoleon, and he dodged and pushed her back. Fuegoleon's grimoire flashed as flames ignited around him, his expression hard.