3.5 km from Ydillia, 02:07
Although lying down, Norik cannot sleep. Beside Astrid, he holds her left hand, worried. Hours pass, and the sun rises. Everyone gets up, and the prince carries her again for a few kilometers. At this moment, Garret questions Akana:
-Garret: "How many meters do we still need to reach Hagam?"
-Akana: "Technically, we’re already inside the country. The fact that we haven’t seen any soldiers shows that most of Grinus’s troops were indeed killed in that battle."
-Garret: "Honestly, I was wary when the princess of Grinus joined us. I thought she was a spy."
-Akana: "Well, considering she hasn’t shown any hostility or suspicious actions, it’s better to trust her," she said, glancing worriedly at the prince and Astrid.
Noticing this, Garret reassures her not to worry, and the two continue forward with everyone else.
Inside the Essence, 10:25
Astrid wakes up and quickly stands:
-Astrid: ()
-"Well, where are you going?"
She turns and sees a woman she has never seen before behind her:
-Astrid: "I need to return to my companions. How do I get out of here?"
-"Are you sure? After what happened?"
-Astrid: "What?"
The woman snaps her fingers, and memories of what happened after she transformed flood Astrid’s mind. She is paralyzed by what she sees:
-"Do you really think they will accept you after everything you’ve done?"
-Astrid: "I-I know I destroyed a lot and put them in danger, but I still have to go back! To fight and protect them!"
The woman observes Astrid’s determination, and Lani appears behind the former:
-Lani: "I think that’s enough, mother."
-"Apparently so."
-Astrid: "...You..."
-Lani: "Astrid, I believe you want an explanation of what happened. My name is Lani, I am your mother, and this is Nep: your grandmother and the first Origin."
-Astrid: "WHAT?! BUT HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?! I REMEMBER BEING TOLD YOU DIED WHEN YOU GAVE BIRTH TO ME?!"
-Nep: "Tch, tch. Haven’t you realized yet? Despite your disappointing state now, you carry the blood of the Origin. The very fact that you are here proves it."
Astrid is overwhelmed with confusion. Lani approaches her:
-Lani: "My dear, I know this is a lot for you. For now, I’ll let you process it, and later, tell me about your life."
Lani places her left hand on Astrid’s head, and she slowly opens her eyes, realizing Norik is carrying her on his back:
-Astrid: "Huh? Why are you carrying me? Where are we going?"
As soon as they hear Astrid’s voice, everyone turns to her, relieved and happy, especially the prince:
-Norik: "I’m glad you woke up!" he says, setting her down.
-Astrid: "G-Guys... I’m sorry for what happened..."
-Keith: "No need to apologize; we only managed to win thanks to you."
-Garret: "Keith is right; we’re just glad you’re alright!"
-Anne: "And now I can return to Grinus to see my father again!"
-Astrid: "And you are...?"
-Anne: "Oh yes, because of everything that happened, I couldn’t properly introduce myself. I am Anne, daughter of Grinus’s crown prince, Louis."
Astrid smiles in surprise at her and Norik, but her expression slightly changes upon seeing Norik’s condition:
-Astrid: "Norik! What happened to your shoulder?! And your clothes?!"
-Norik: "Well... I ended up burning myself in the flames during the last battle."
She recalls the memories Nep showed her and looks saddened:
-Norik: "Astrid, don’t be like that. I ran after you because I wanted to save you."
-Astrid: "I understand because I would have done the same thing, but think twice before risking yourself like that."
He nods in agreement.
-Astrid: "Besides, normally, I’d be mad if someone said my name aloud in front of a bunch of people, but since you saved me, I’ll let it slide this time."
Everyone laughs, except Norik, who remains apprehensive. The moment of lightheartedness is interrupted by Koldarin:
-Koldarin: "Did you get to see Lani, your mother?"
-Astrid: "You... already knew what I am?" she asks, angered.
-Koldarin: "Yes, I tried to tell you before, but when I met you, you had already shut yourself off from the world. So, I had to show you in other ways."
-Nep: "I have to admit: this girl you saved is quite headstrong, Lani."
-Lani: "Honestly, I didn’t expect her to be so committed."
Astrid looks around, confused:
-Corey: "What’s wrong, Astrid?"
-Astrid: "Nothing. I just thought I heard someone."
-Koldarin: "If you’re hearing them, then it worked."
-Nep: "The dark dragon is right. Now that you’ve finally awakened to your power, you’ll hear me and Lani in your head."
Astrid presses her hand to her face, unable to believe what she just heard. Everyone, except Koldarin, is puzzled:
-Rendell: "Er... are you really okay?"
-Astrid: "I am. I just feel like I got myself into a big mess."
-Nep: "HEY!"
-Lani: "C-Calm down..."
The group resumes their journey after explaining to Astrid where they were heading. Along the way, Nep and Lani continue explaining her lineage. Nearby, Koldarin observes the result with satisfaction:
-Koldarin: "Ah... being able to talk to Lani, I wish that were me."
-Norik: "After what you did, it’s best to forget it."
-Koldarin: "Oh, still mad at me?"
-Norik: "How could I not be?! Just thinking about the possibility of her being lost forever..."
-Koldarin: "...and never seeing her again? I know that feeling all too well—the pain of never seeing her smile or hearing her voice again... It's tormenting."
-Norik: "I understand now what you meant in the chapel; you knew this would happen sooner or later."
-Koldarin: "And I see you didn’t take my advice seriously, and you’re still stuck in the same place."
-Norik: "Agh, I tried, but I was interrupted!"
-Koldarin: "Just making excuses, huh? Let me tell you something else: when I said Astrid had shut herself off from the world, that was my perception until I met you. In the savanna, it was obvious from her gestures that the only person she truly trusted was Your Highness."
Norik recalls what was said to him earlier about how Astrid treated him differently compared to the others at the start of their journey:
-Norik: "I won’t deny it; from the beginning, she acted differently around me. Probably out of gratitude for that small gesture I made when I was a child."
-Koldarin: "It may have been small to you... But why not ask for her perspective? Take the chance to express your true feelings."
Koldarin leaves him behind, and the prince falls into deep thought. Farther back, Corey and Keith converse:
-Corey: "I still can’t believe I survived last night."
-Keith: "Agreed, if Koldarin hadn’t done what she did, we’d probably be dead. Though Marin is ecstatic, realizing we’ve been traveling with the Origin this whole time."
-Corey: "Wow, when you talk about her, your tone changes."
-Keith: "W-Well, I guess that’s normal between lovers."
-Corey: "Ugh, I wish I had a girlfriend."
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
-Keith: "Why are you so fixated on that? Is it because of what you mentioned before?"
-Corey: "Yes, my parents always seemed happy together. I still want to find that same happiness with someone else."
-Keith: "Speaking of them, don’t you think they’d be worried? I’ve never seen you writing a letter, like Rendell does all the time."
-Corey: "If they were alive, I would. Ever since Marquis Dural killed them for refusing to serve him, my life has only gone downhill while living with my paternal uncle in Grinus. That’s probably why I keep chasing that same happiness even today."
Keith looks at Corey, saddened:
-Keith: "I’m sorry, I misjudged you."
-Corey: "Eh, you’re not the first and definitely won’t be the last. I did the same with you—I thought you were intimidating."
The two laugh and continue walking. Near Astrid, Akana approaches her:
-Akana: "It’s great to see you’re okay. When you transformed, I feared the worst."
-Astrid: "I still can’t believe everything that happened. I already knew I was a dragon, but never imagined I had the blood of the Origin."
-Akana: "Well, should I call you ‘Your Divinity’ now?" she said sarcastically.
-Astrid: "No, I still prefer to be treated as a companion of the group."
-Akana: "I figured you’d say that. After all, I still see you as a friend."
The two smile at each other.
-Astrid: "Though I’ll have to ask everyone, especially Marin."
-Akana: "Hahaha, true."
The group continues walking until they reach the border near Dairin, the capital of Hagam. Upon noticing some soldiers in front of the gate, they all hide behind the mountain rocks:
-Otto: "There are only a few guards, it won’t be difficult."
-Astrid: "I can strike them by surprise, and you can handle the rest."
-Norik: "W-Wait! I think it’s better if Garret attacks them from that rock while we ambush from the west."
-Astrid: "Not a bad plan, but I can handle them too."
-Norik: "I know, it's just that... I don’t think I have the courage to watch you go alone."
-Astrid: "Huh?"
-Nep: "Creature, you’re even more clueless than I thought."
-Astrid: "Ugh, shut up. Is there a way to mute you and only hear my mother’s voice?"
-Nep: "EXCUSE ME?! SHOW SOME RESPECT, YOU—"
-Lani: "Alright, alright..." she said while holding Nep.
-Garret: "Since it’s decided, I’ll get into position."
-Otto: "Be careful, Garret."
-Garret: "I’m not a child anymore, Otto."
Watching him walk toward the rock, Otto recalls their conversation about Garret’s biological father. Otto sighs sadly and follows the others. Garret shoots an arrow into a soldier’s torso, drawing the attention of the others. Distracted, they fail to notice the attack coming from their left. The soldiers are quickly subdued. Norik approaches the gate:
-Akana: "It’s been a long journey..."
-Norik: "Yes, I still remember when Alder threw me to this side to save me, but now... I will fulfill what he asked of me in his final moments."
Astrid and Akana smile, and Norik opens the gates. Upon entering, more soldiers attack them. Anne summons a barrier to protect them. The soldiers, surprised, exclaim:
- "PRINCESS ANNE?! ARE THEY FORCING YOU TO PROTECT THEM?!"
-Anne: "No, but forgive me. As a princess, I cannot allow Grinus to continue trampling others!"
Koldarin blasts the same soldiers with strong gusts of wind, sending them flying and crashing into the border walls:
- "AGH!!"
-Norik: "Tie them up; I’ll deal with them later."
Immediately after, the group rushes toward the castle. Meanwhile, in the throne room, a short man with short graying hair, light brown eyes, and wearing silver armor with a golden symbol of Grinus on his chest receives news of an invasion from a soldier:
- "AN INVASION?! SO THAT MEANS COMMANDER NIGEL FAILED?!"
- "VICE-COMMANDER SELBIN, WHAT DO WE DO?!"
-Selbin: "Release the beasts."
- "What?! The corrupted ones?!"
-Selbin: "THAT’S AN ORDER! IF THE INVADERS ARE THE ONES WHO DEFEATED THE COMMANDER, WE MUST ATTACK WITH EVERY AVAILABLE RESOURCE, INCLUDING ENSLAVED DRAGONS!"
- "Y-YES, SIR!"
Upon reaching the castle gates, Marin comments:
-Marin: "We encountered only a few soldiers on the way."
-Norik: "The information Princess Anne gave us is accurate. I’m very grateful."
-Anne: "I’m the one who should be grateful for your trust," she said with a smile.
Norik opens the gates, and the group is met with numerous corrupted ones, who immediately attack. Astrid, Akana, Garret, Otto, and Corey block the attacks while the rest manage to dodge, except for Anne, who is struck in her right leg:
-Anne: "AAAAH!"
-Norik: "Oh no! Marin, quickly! Heal Princess Anne! Rendell, use the same magic you used against Alder! We’ll distract the corrupted ones!"
Marin runs toward Anne, but a corrupted one advances after striking Anne. Otto intercepts it, attacking from behind. Koldarin and Akana transform to protect Rendell while the others fight, simultaneously dodging the corrupted ones' attacks. Despite their efforts, Keith and Otto suffer injuries. Marin tries to heal them but is blocked by more corrupted ones. At this moment, Rendell invokes the same spell, striking several corrupted ones at once, allowing Marin to rush toward the wounded. The creatures revert to deceased elves. Everyone stares in shock, while Rendell looks at the scene in disgust:
-Rendell: () he thought, clenching his fists and teeth.
-Marin: "How could they do something so inhumane?!" she exclaimed while healing Keith.
Norik approaches Anne:
-Norik: "Are you alright, Princess Anne? Did you know anything about this?"
-Anne: "I’m better thanks to Lady Marin. However, I had no idea so many elves were used for this. The only thing I saw was my uncle Rodney taking some through the castle," she said, trembling and trying to hold back tears.
-Rendell: "No way. If he acted alone, there wouldn’t be nearly half these bodies."
-Keith: "What do you mean, Rendell?" he asked, slowly rising.
-Rendell: "In the letters I received from Her Majesty, she informed me that Ydillia’s elder council had been selling elves who disagreed with their ideals to Grinus. Seeing this scene only confirms it," he said, punching the wall simultaneously.
-Anne: "Rendell, as a princess of Grinus, I apologize."
-Rendell: "Your Highness bears no blame; I’m just frustrated that I didn’t suspect the disappearance of so many elves sooner!"
-Lani: "Perhaps this explains why the imbalance of power is centered in Grinus."
-Astrid: "What do you mean, mother?"
-Lani: "You may not feel it now since you haven’t trained with your essence. But we, as Origins, can sense where the cycle of power is unbalanced."
-Nep: "Once this problem is solved, it’ll be good to start training."
-Koldarin: "Are they saying something?"
-Astrid: "My mother said the imbalance of power is concentrated in Grinus, which explains the current situation," she replied without looking at her.
-Norik: "So it’s very likely her uncle is corrupting many elves..."
The conversation is interrupted as more soldiers descend the central staircase where the group stands, accompanied by several people dressed in rags. One of them, upon seeing Norik, exclaims:
- "Wait, that’s Prince Norik?!"
-Soldier: "SILENCE! GRAB YOUR ESSENCES AND TRANSFORM!"
The people in rags transform, but some of them end up attacking the soldiers themselves:
- "YOUR HIGHNESS, GO AHEAD! THEIR LEADER IS IN THE THRONE ROOM!"
The other dragons who didn’t attack remain confused. The prince approaches them:
-Norik: "Are you slaves?"
- "Yes, but now we don’t know what to do: protect those who enslaved and despised us, or you... the royalty of the country that ignored us when we sought help centuries ago at the border."
-Corey: "What do you mean? Isn’t Hagam the land of dragons?"
Akana looks saddened at the question:
-Norik: "I already knew about this, Akana. Don’t worry."
Norik lowers his sword to the ground and orders the others to do the same:
-Norik: "I... already knew that my father, the king of Hagam, closed the kingdom even further, to the point of rejecting even dragon refugees. If you want to take out your frustration on me, his son, do so."
-Astrid: "NORIK, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!"
He signals her to stay back, and she hesitantly obeys:
- "I don’t understand. You’re the Prince of Hagam—why would you do this?"
-Norik: "I do it because I know my father made unforgivable mistakes against many dragons. However, I once met someone like you at the border, who taught me that I can, and want, to be different from him."
Astrid looks slightly surprised:
- "..."
The dragons revert to their human forms:
- "We still have doubts, but... your words don’t sound deceitful like those we’ve heard throughout our lives. Go, the commander has a small troop guarding him in throne room."
-Norik: "Thank you. When we defeat him, you’ll be welcome in Hagam—not for what you just did, but for being refugees. I give you my word as prince."
The group picks up their weapons and ascends the staircase. Soon after, the dragons of Hagam revert, seeing the burnt and fallen soldiers on the ground. One approaches a former slave:
- "Good thing you knew better—otherwise, you’d be lying with those soldiers," he said proudly.
- "If Hagam depended on you, we would fight against it... Thankfully, the country has the prince to lead it in a new direction."
The other former slaves agree and exit the castle. The group rushes toward the throne room, defeating soldiers along the way. Upon entering the chamber, they are greeted by Selbin:
-Selbin: "I must admit, you are quite strong to have made it this far."
-Norik: "I am Prince Norik of Hagam. If possible, I wish to resolve this peacefully."
-Selbin: "Peacefully?! Such arrogance on your part, especially after the soldiers you likely killed to get here! I refuse to surrender!"
-Norik: "It’s true, I’ve committed acts I never imagined I would. However, are you certain you won’t surrender? I see only you and four soldiers around you."
- "ENOUGH! I SURRENDER! PLEASE SPARE ME!" said one of the soldiers, kneeling.
The others followed his lead, all pleading for their lives:
-Selbin: "YOU TRAITORS!"
- "Forgive me, Vice-Commander Selbin, but I just want to return to my family."
Before Selbin could respond, Garret shot an arrow into his head, causing him to collapse in a pool of his own blood:
-Norik: "Some of your comrades were injured on our way here. They will be healed, and afterward, they may return to Grinus."
- "T-THANK YOU!" they said together as Akana escorted them out.
-Astrid: "Are you sure, Norik? They might return with a larger force."
-Norik: "I am. Besides, I don’t believe they truly wanted to kill. I think most were simply following orders."
-Akana: "Your Highness, what shall we do with the dead?"
-Norik: "I know the nobles won’t like it, but we’ll bury them in the cemetery."
The prince glances around the throne room:
-Norik: ()
Shouts are heard outside. Norik walks to the balcony behind the throne and sees a crowd joyfully calling his name. He looks startled, but Astrid places her hand on his back and nods with a smile. Norik smiles back and steps forward, bowing to the crowd, who respond with a loud cheer and shouts like "Hagam is free!" and "The prince has returned!" The group descends the stairs and exits the castle, being warmly welcomed by the celebrating crowd. Hours pass, and night falls. Norik is alone in the castle hall when he hears a familiar voice:
-Astrid: "Thinking about the problems to solve?"
-Norik: "Don’t even get me started... Grinus forced all citizens to work in the mines, including the nobles. Just remembering their complaints already gives me a headache. On top of that, I have to protect the Grinus soldiers who are being harassed by the citizens. Though I don’t blame them for their resentment—I used to feel the same way."
-Astrid: "True, but you’ve changed for the better."
-Norik: "W-Well, if you think so. But I only managed because you guided me here."
-Astrid: "I couldn’t let you die alone, especially after you saved me centuries ago. I would’ve starved to death that night."
He recalls what Koldarin said:
-Norik: "Astrid... I wanted to say something..."
-Astrid: "Me too."
-Norik: "H-Huh?"
She pulls the Drekk?r from one of her pockets:
-Astrid: "I don’t need this anymore. And I didn’t accept it because it seemed valuable. Koldarin told me about an artifact exactly like the Drekk?r that allows locating any relative with a drop of a dragon’s blood. I wanted to find my father, but I already found what I thought I would have with him."
-Norik: "And what was it you wanted, Astrid?"
-Astrid: "Acceptance. Someone who wouldn’t judge me for who I was am. After I was expelled from the guild two years ago, I only thought about two things: finding my father, the one person I believed would accept me, and... how to repay you for saving me that night. I watched the castle from afar when I heard a soldier ordering to capture the Prince of Hagam. I didn’t think twice at that moment."
-Norik: "You can keep the Drekk?r—not as a hired assassin, but as someone important to me."
-Astrid: "Are you sure? Some soldiers said your mother died, but your father might still be alive."
-Norik: () "Yes, I am. I never had a good relationship with my father because he was always absent from my life, and it worsened during the brief moments I had with him—we only argued about Hagam’s policies, with him reinforcing the importance of isolationism, which I never agreed with."
-Astrid: "That explains why you were so concerned about that man who died near Ydillia. Alder, right? He was like a father to you?"
-Norik: "Correct. He was there in my father’s place. However, on this journey, I found another person who is very important to me—you, Astrid. I-I love you," he said, face bright red.
She looks surprised by his confession and recalls what Nep said at the border gates:
-Astrid: "W-Well... at first, I thought I only felt gratitude toward you, but... throughout this journey, I realized that I feel something different for you compared to the others. If this is love, I don’t know, given my past experiences. However, I’m willing to find out what this feeling truly is."
The prince beams with a wide smile and embraces her. Astrid hugs him back. However, the moment is quickly broken by a voice:
-Nep: "Finally! I was tired of all this unnecessary buildup!"
-Lani: "I’m happy for her but also worried—what did she go through to not even know what love is?" ()
-Astrid: ()
The two spend a long time together before returning to the festivities outside the castle.
