Chapter 553: The Spark of the Second Act (1)

With a hastily crafted plan from Aegon Valerion and execution by Fray Starlight...

The people present had finally begun to see a way to strike back at the Church’s aggression.

Their situation was anything but easy. Enemies surrounded them on all sides, to the point that they even risked betrayal from within their own ranks—after all, the Church had taken their families and loved ones hostage.

But now, at least, they had a way to fight back.

Gathered inside a secluded meeting tent away from prying eyes, Fray Starlight declared that he could teleport directly into the enemy’s headquarters and strike where they least expected it.

"Wait." Oliver Khan cut in before everyone could get too optimistic.

"Teleportation abilities aren’t something you can just use freely. Fray Starlight—how many people can you take with you?"

Oliver’s question was a fair one. In response, Fray raised two fingers.

"I can take two people with me at most. There’s a way to bring more, but it would mean making multiple round trips until I run out of aura. That’s not really an option—once we arrive, the Church will almost certainly sense us. They’ll block me the moment I try to bring in more."

In other words... only three people could go.

Three against the full might of the Church.

It didn’t sound favorable for the Empire at all, but Aegon didn’t seem surprised.

"Alright. I figured this would be the case—no ability is perfect. In that case, we’ll need to choose those three very carefully." The prince’s words made everyone glance at one another.

Who would go? And who would stay?

Fighting the Church or fighting the Ultras... either choice was a nightmare.

But before anyone could volunteer or share their opinion, Fray stepped forward with a firm tone.

"Sorry, everyone. I’m sure you all have plenty of ideas... but I’ll be the one to choose who goes. That’s my only condition for carrying out this plan."

His words drew mixed reactions—some didn’t mind, others were clearly unhappy, especially among the Valerion family. But Aegon spoke before they could say a word.

"I’ve got no problem with you picking the team, as long as you keep in mind what I told you earlier." Aegon smiled faintly.

"I know—you want at least three SS+ class fighters to stay behind, right? Relax. I never planned on taking any of them in the first place."

The Empire had only four true SS+ class fighters, with a few others able to temporarily match that level through external means.

Fray had already decided on his first pick—the young man sitting to his right.

"First, Snow Leonhart—you’ll be the main fighter alongside me. Second..." Fray paused for a few seconds before pointing at someone no one expected.

"...You, Prince Aegon. You’ll be coming with me. That’s my first and only condition if you want me to carry out your plan."

The moment Aegon’s name was spoken, the reactions were intense.

Everyone could understand picking Snow—the Church’s own "hero" with overwhelming strength—but Aegon?

His abilities were a complete mystery to most. Few had ever seen him fight, as he usually took on leadership roles. Now Fray wanted to drag him into a direct battlefield. It looked more like an attempt to get him killed, which was exactly what angered Ivar and Luc Valerion.

"You’ve crossed the line, Fray Starlight."

"You think everyone in your generation is a monster like you? The prince’s chances there are zero!" Ivar snapped, but Fray only sighed.

"Zero? Is that really what you think? Then you know less about your own family than I do." He locked eyes with Aegon.

If Aegon had truly been weak enough to die easily, Fray would have killed him long ago.

The prince had many hidden cards up his sleeve ..so many that Fray had tried to take him out more than once, but something told him it would end in disaster if he did.

Aegon Valerion was an unknown land—no one knew what lay hidden there.

To uncover the truth and put that serpent under the light, Fray saw this as the perfect opportunity.

On the sacred island of Sicily, surrounded by enemies with no guards or troops to shield him, the prince would be forced to reveal at least some of his cards. And isolating him that way would also make killing him possible.

These were Fray’s thoughts—identical to the ones running through Aegon’s own mind.

’So this is your way of putting pressure on me, huh, Fray? Your thoughts are written all over your face. Predicting you isn’t hard.’ Aegon’s grin widened slightly as he shaped the answer he would give.

At that moment, Sansa Valerion finally stood. She’d been silent until now, but she couldn’t ignore what had just been said.

"Fray... take me instead of him. There’s no reason to drag someone like him along."

Leaving Oliver’s side, Sansa’s voice carried a note of urgency. She knew all too well what someone as cunning as Aegon Valerion was capable of—he could turn on them at any moment.

"You know how strong I am — I’ll be an asset on the battlefield, without a doubt!" she pressed, but Fray shook his head.

"Sorry, Sansa, but I can’t take you to a place like Sicily. Their holy power is the direct counter to your demonic power .. they’re your natural enemy. The danger to you would be far too great."

"But—"

"It’s better for you to stay here and fight alongside Oliver Khan against the Ultras. Your strength will make a difference here." Fray gave her a reassuring smile, then sent Oliver a subtle look ..one that clearly said he was leaving her in Oliver’s hands.

One glance between them was enough for Fray to realize Oliver and Sansa had already mended the rift between them. This was the perfect chance for Sansa to regain herself, at least a little. If she stayed with him constantly, she’d only sink deeper into the darkness of the path he had chosen to walk.

Sansa didn’t agree, but Fray insisted.

In truth, his original plan had included Ghost ..he had wanted to form the same team that went to Wendor.

But with the prince appearing out of nowhere, Fray didn’t want to waste the opportunity, and changed his plan on the spot.

"You all here know exactly what Snow and I are capable of—we’re not lacking in combat strength in any way. As for the prince, his achievements speak for themselves, and he can help in more ways than one. This lineup means we leave both the current and former emperors free to fight, alongside Phoenix and Sansa."

"In other words, the Empire will still have enough strength to handle whatever the Ultras throw at them, while we strike the Church quickly and deal with Joseph Plattier. What do you think, Aegon? Perfect plan, isn’t it?"

Throwing the entire weight of the decision on Aegon, Fray put the ball in the prince’s court.

If he refused, they would be back to square one.

If he accepted, he would be exposing himself completely—forced to face the unknown head-on.

It was an extremely dangerous position for a man who had always calculated his every step and planned for the smallest details.

The plan had its flaws, and some of those present suggested delaying the decision until Sir Alon and the Iris Sunlight statue returned ..both seasoned in military strategy ..in hopes of swaying Fray.

But he stood firm. If the prince refused, Fray made it clear he was willing to scrap the plan entirely.

After a long exchange of glances, Aegon Valerion’s eyes lit up, and a broad smile spread across his face as he gave his answer.

"You’ll have your way, Fray. I’ll join this raid and fight by your side against the Church."

At those words, Fray’s eyes widened for a split second before he immediately regained his composure.

"Very well. We leave at dawn, so get yourself ready by then." His words made Aegon chuckle.

Fray had chosen such a near departure time so the prince wouldn’t have a chance to prepare in advance.

He’d expected Aegon to demand more time—but the prince didn’t. Instead, he agreed to all the conditions without hesitation.

Silencing all dissent, the prince set the plan into motion, declaring that he wouldn’t back down. As Supreme Commander of the War Council, his word was final.

At that moment, an unusual team was formed ..three fighters from the new generation.