Chapter One - Equilibrium/Plot

This page contains a summary of all chapter plot events (short summary, detailed summary and quotes).

## To Purge This Town

The next day, guards find the crime scene under the impression that the familiar has killed the daughter, as the wounds on her body match the familiar's fangs. They wonder why a familiar would go into rage. Something inside of the Aetherflow reacts to the disturbance.

## The Shepherd

The bells of Almaria City chime for everyone to gather at the town center, as the Shepherd, Yuzai Cai'ohe, arrives in the city, guarded by a number of foreign guards, an adolescence familiar under the name of Sha'sheru by his side. The amal girl Delta is confronted by the higher authority for bringing offensive scrolls, as a flame nightmare, attracted by the condensed aether source, breaches through the crowd, setting buildings and citizens on fire. Sha'sheru races towards the animal, using their own magic to swap places with their master upon getting close enough to enable physical contact. With a single touch, Yuzai cancels out the magic abilities of the equine, causing the flames to vanish at once. The residents of Almaria promptly understand that the Shepherd is able to return aether to its default stage. After further discussions whether to trust this alleged hero, the Shepherd follows a suspicious hooded figure away from the plaza. He ultimately finds himself facing Xicshagoni, who somehow managed to escape his prison without the Shepherd taking notice - and the ancient sorcerer claims that the latter's powers appear to have a loophole.

## Equilibrium

[...]

Akaneiro, who is residing inside the cocoon of the Abyss, patiently awaits the arrival of his opponents while soothing the voice inside his head, which hungers for conflict. Once their presence appears in the field, the grim reaper emerges from the meadow, complimenting the shepherd for his honesty in his promise to face him. Irritated, Yuzai ponders what he deems the two possible outcomes of their battle, being either his own desired death or the fox's retreat. His lack of seriousness comes through as he mockingly asks the demon for his strategy, reminding him of his ability cancellation if he dared to engage.

Meeting his annoyance, Akaneiro inquires about the reasoning behind the belief that he came to end the shepherd's life, while also stating that he would deliver himself to the Lord of the Dragons if he lost. Deciding to lift the mood, the fox evaporates into his animal form, mocking the  Amal's abilities and undermining his capability of being quick enough to use it on him, which in return causes Yuzai to wonder if he had yet another trick up his sleeve. Once reverted to his human form, the demon sparks fire from his hands, asking to "talk" while engaging combat with his enemy. Realizing the situation the half-harpy uses the strength of his wings to leap into the air, dodging the accelerating flame before contact. Still maintaining the theme of wanting his life to end, Yuzai begins to provoke Akaneiro, wanting him to increase the potential damage.

[...]

The first flowers of spring begin to bloom.

## References

1. ↑ Birthright's Sanctuary
2. ↑ Equilibrium