Frieden — Joshua A. Fagan

With Brazil defeated, Luke Sardenallke is free to turn his attention to the growing menace that is Veruterrae. Despite the visionaries' best efforts, Veru's plans are succeeding and his empire is growing. It will not be long until he has taken over the entire Octavale. Three years ago, Luke was on top of the world. Now he is sinking further into what he wishes was just a nightmare. Countries are being toppled. Cities are being destroyed. With so much death, he is left wondering when his time will come. His personal life is not much better. Problems arise in his relationship with Sere. They drift apart, and Luke is left to wonder if this rift is one that can be fixed. Continually, he asks himself how he can get through to tomorrow. His thriving is done. Now he is just trying to survive. The same can be said for the Octavale. The countries that have not been destroyed yet know their time will come one day. Fear holds the worlds captive. Far in the distance, Luke can glimpse a bright future. Desperately, he hopes that he lives long enough to see it come to pass.