As Dawn breaks throught the rocks of the mountain, everyone wakes up with a new hopeful gaze as Hagam is no longer in Grinus’s hands: the citizens greets each other energetically with joyfull faces. The group cheerfully greets each other as the prince delegates tasks to each member: Akana and Garret stand guard in front of the castle infirmary to prevent citizens from attacking the wounded soldiers. Keith and Koldarin do the same in front of an old mansion, slightly burned on the roof, where the rest of the soldiers are temporarily housed. One of the soldiers peeks timidly from inside, as almost stuttering:

  -"Er... excuse me, we need a new set of clothes."

  -Keith: "Alright, Prince Norik informed me where the tailor is. Let’s go."

  -"N-No! You should go alone—I don’t know if you can protect me from dragons." now exclaiming with a worried tone

  -Keith: "Nonsense, I’m stronger than I look. Besides, they need to take your measurements."

  -Koldarin: "If you prefer, he can go with someone else." as she suggests with a fake smile.

  The soldier agrees with hesitation to Koldarin:

  -Keith: "*sigh* Alright, I’ll call Corey."

  He leaves as not trying to look bothered by the sugestion. Despite the uneven topography in Dairin, the streets were large, with many buidings made with cobblestone on both sides, some of them damaged from the Grinus’s invasion. While Keith searches for Corey, he notices Astrid in the distance, sitting in a secluded area, empty with both people and buildings, only her and a few small bushes. She’s with her legs crossed, eyes closed, and arms resting on her knees. He demontrates confusion upon seeing this scene and approaches her:

  -Keith: "Never seen you meditate."

  She slowly opens her eyes and turns her head in Keith’s direction:

  -Astrid: "Oh no, I’m training to use my essence."

  -Nep: "WHO SAID YOU COULD GET DISTRACTED?! WE DO NOT HAVE THE TIME!" scolds her grandmother.

  -Keith: "Huh, okay. Have you seen Corey?"

  -Astrid: "I saw him at the market when I was on my way here." replies her as she ignores Nep’s shout.

  -Keith: "Thanks, keep pushing hard." says him on na encouraging tone.

  Astrid thanks him and Keith heads toward the market:

  -Lani: "Alright, back to it: try channeling the power you feel within."

  Throne Room, 06:38

  Norik speaks with the former slaves in front of a large white granite table amidst the room with a map of the capital on top:

  -Norik: "With this, you can temporarily live in these vacant houses until new homes are built in this section. As for necessary supplies—don’t worry, the royal treasury will support you until you find employment." Explains in a very firm and approachable way in order to all understand their respective temporary homes.

  They thank the prince and leave the room. A few minutes later, a man of medium stature, slightly dark skin, shoulder-length red hair, light brown eyes, and dressed in a white tunic, dark yellow pants, and boots, enters the room after knocking on the door. Norik greets him with a handshake and asks politely:

  -Norik: "Drako Alpr, how can I help you?"

  -Alpr: "Your Highness, first and foremost, I am grateful that you saved the kingdom and its citizens from Grinus’s grasp. Secondly, but no less important, I wish to discuss marital matters." Replies joyfully.

  -Norik: "Marital matters?"

  The price shows a confusing face, as he does not understands the necessity to talk to such topic, especially with the necessity of rebuilding Hagam:

  -Alpr: "Yes, as royalty, you must be aware that you need to find a wife to continue the lineage, especially since we don’t know if the king is alive."

  -Norik: "About that—I prefer to resolve it after the war ends," he says, his face slightly flushed as he think about marrying Astrid.

  -Alpr: "I retract my previous statement—Your Highness doesn’t seem to grasp the situation. If you go into battle again and perish, the throne will be vacant, causing chaos in Hagam. Moreover, judging by your reaction, do you already have someone in mind?"

  -Norik: "I-I’d prefer not to discuss personal matters now. I still have many problems to address, excuse me."

  The noble insists on the questions while Norik abruptly leads him out of the room in a vain attempt to hide his embarassment, answering none of Alpr’s questions. Upon leaving, the Drako thinks as he frowns:

  -Alpr: (Hmm... I would have suggested my daughter's hand, but if the prince already has someone in his heart, that complicates things. I need to inform the other Drakos and Grand Drakos to gather information in order to dispose of this obstacle)

  He walks toward the central staircase, pondering who could be the prince’s potential lover.

  Banquet Hall, 12:11

  Everyone enjoys lunch, including the Grinus soldiers, with these showing hesitation and also disbelief on their faces:

  -"To think we’re eating with the Prince of Hagam..."

  -Norik: "It’s not a problem. I’m glad you’re feeling better."

  -"W-We are very grateful for your hospitality, despite what we’ve done. I believe we will be able to return to Grinus tomorrow."

  -Norik: "I’ll arrange a cart and provisions then."

  -"T-Thank you, Your Highness. Er... Princess Anne, would you like to come with us?" asks him, turning slowly his face to her.

  -Anne: "I appreciate the invitation, but I still plan to stay in Hagam to reconcile with the citizens. I’ll return to Grinus later." She replies with a small smile.

  Astrid eats her last portion and turns to Norik:

  -Astrid: "How’s governance going, Norik?"

  -Norik: "One problem after another, but I’m working to make it right."

  -Astrid: "Don’t exhaust yourself. It’s a shame I can’t help due to training." Says in a concerned tone.

  -Norik: "Don’t worry about me—focus on your training. Everyone in Hagam will surely be surprised and happy to see your draconic form."

  The two smile reassuringly at each other. Everyone notices the slight change of tone between the two and Akana asks:

  -Akana: "So... something happened between you two for you to be so close now?" she asks with a grin.

  -Norik: "W-Well, w-we’re in a relationship," he responds, blushing, and Astrid holds his left hand.

  -Astrid: "Calm down, or you’ll choke on that stammering."

  The group cheers joyfully, except for the soldiers, who appear visibly confused. After lunch, everyone return to their posts. An hour passes, and outside the infirmary, Alpr approaches Akana in a manner that he thinks as ellegant, but looks ridiculous to her and Garret, which makes them raise a brow:

  -Alpr: "Good afternoon, Akana."

  -Akana: "What do you want? Nobles like you usually ignore the existence of guards like me."

  Despite the rudeness in her tone, Alpr tries to not lose his composure and asks in the most polite way he can:

  -Alpr: "T-True, but I’m here to ask: is Prince Norik in a relationship with someone?"

  -Akana: "And why would that be of any interest to you? If I were you, I’d help His Highness with the renovations in Hagam."

  Now offendend to her response, he begins to shout angrily at her:

  -Alpr: "OF COURSE IT’S OF INTEREST! LOOK AT HOW YOU’RE ADRESSING ME..."

  While watching all the situation, Garret impatiently draws his bow and aims an arrow at Alpr’s head:

  -Garret: "Would you shut up already?"

  -Alpr: "WHAT?! HOW DARE YOU, YOU INSOLENT—"

  Before he even completes the insult, the young man fires the arrow, grazing the noble’s right cheek:

  -Garret: "For your information, I serve the prince, not you."

  Alpr clenches his teeth and walks away, thinking about how they are lucky that he didn’t brought his essence. As soon he disappears from sight, Garret asks in a disgusted tone:

  -Garret: "Is that one of the nobles everyone bows down to?"

  -Akana: "He’s a noble of a lower title."

  -Garret: "With all that arrogance? Wow, now I understand why you wanted out."

  -Akana: "And that’s nothing compared to the Grand Drakos. They’re the filth of Hagam. By the way, thanks for helping me."

  -Garret: "No need to thank me, we’re friends. Besides, I still have a lot to learn from you about combat."

  Akana laughs, and the two continue chatting nonchalantly.

  Mansion, 13:26

  In front of the mansion housing the Grinus soldiers, a young woman with long, curly black hair tied in a ponytail, fair skin, blue eyes, and wearing a knee-length white dress with long sleeves, approaches timidly Koldarin:

  -"E-Excuse me, are you the only one on guard now?"

  The sorcerer turns to the young woman, with a deceiving grin:

  -Koldarin: "Oh, how adorable~ Yes, Keith went to train with Otto. I’m Koldarin, what’s your name?"

  -"M-My name is Wakala, daughter of Grand Drako Amgal."

  -Koldarin: "Oh, a noble? I’m sorry, but I can’t let you in."

  She quickly steps between her and the entrance:

  -Wakala: "That’s not why I’m here. Though I would rather be at home right now..." replying while looking down sadly.

  -Koldarin: "Then why don’t we sit and talk?"

  -Wakala: "Huh?"

  Koldarin snaps her fingers, the entrance’s doors open loudly and a small table with two chairs floats out of the mansion, flying above the two. The soldiers are terrified with the noise and runs toward the second floor. As the furniture settles on the ground, the mansion’s doors close shut in the same way as they opened:

  -Wakala: "Wow! Magic!" she said, her eyes gleaming.

  -Koldarin: "Have a seat~"

  Wakala and Koldarin sit:

  -Wakala: "I-I don’t know where to start..."

  -Koldarin: "That’s okay, I can share a little about myself to break the ice: I’m a dark dragon who lives near the ruins."

  -Wakala: "A-A dark dragon?! Wow! I thought they were extinct!"

  -Koldarin: "And here I am: chatting with a noble of Hagam."

  In spite of Koldarin’s aloof intonation, she analyzes every single gesture and word from the girl, which does not perceive her second intentions:

  -Wakala: "Well... I am... Though my father only sees me as a gateway to royalty. He only cares about my older brother."

  -Koldarin: "Want some advice? Don’t limit yourself—I've long thought I was doomed to be an enemy of the Origin, until she proved me wrong. Just because your father wants you to be a certain way doesn’t mean it defines you."

  -Wakala: "T-That’s true, thank you, Koldarin," she replies with a bright smile.

  -Koldarin: "I’m glad I could cheer you up~"

  -Wakala: "A-Ah yes, I came here because my father asked me to inquire if the prince has a girlfriend. Probably to see if he can arrange a marriage between me and him... Though I don’t really like men..."

  -Koldarin: "Oh dear, seems like we’re two of a kind..."

  This time, Koldarin’s entonation turns softer and Wakala looks surprised to her reply, making her happier as the two continue chatting joyfully. As time passes and dusk begins to fall, Astrid stands up and heads back to the castle. On her way, many people greet her, as a way to show gratefulness for saving Hagam and she responds with a smile and a small wave to the public, something she would never do months ago. As the new Origin approaches the castle’s gates, she finds Marin in front of an orphanage:

  -Astrid: "Taking care of children? I can help."

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  -Marin: "Divinity Astrid! That’s not necessary! Rendell and Princess Anne are already helping me."

  -Astrid: "Ugh, drop the formality. You can keep calling me by my name."

  -Marin: "Are you sure?"

  Astrid rolls her eyes with her question, but tries to answer calmly:

  -Astrid: "Yes, I’ve never liked titles. Besides, you’re my friend—there’s no need for formalities."

  The cleric almost trips in response to her answer and replies in an astonished tone:

  -Marin: "A-A friend of the Origin?! Well, if that’s what you wish, I shall call you by your name. Since I first met you, I felt something different about you—like a comforting aura."

  -Nep: "If she felt that, then she is a faithful follower. Only the most devoted followers can feel the Origin and great shifts in the power cycle."

  -Astrid: (Well, Marin being a devout follower is no surprise) "But I insist on helping—two more hands make the work easier."

  Marin smiles, and the two enter the orphanage. The next morning, many people gathers at the border gate to bid farewell to the soldiers. The group shows relief in seeing their departure while some nobles express anger on their faces:

  -"Your Highness, thank you so much for the transportation."

  -Norik: "I only did my duty. Safe travels."

  The soldiers thank him again and depart. A tall elderly man with pale skin, bald head, blue eyes, and wearing a long blue silk robe, watches their departure with disdain:

  -"That scum should have been executed."

  -Norik: "Grand Drako Amgal, I understand your anger, but we need to leave such sentiments behind."

  -Amgal: "Your Highness is too naive—they might return with another army."

  -Norik: "That’s true, which is why we’re preparing."

  The Grand Drako’s face turns red in anger and starts shouting to the prince:

  -Amgal: "PREPARING?! IF YOU WERE PREPARED, YOU WOULD HAVE ACCEPTED ONE OF THE MARRIAGE PROPOSALS TO CONTINUE YOUR LINEAGE..."

  Astrid steps between them:

  -Astrid: "As the prince said, he is already making the preparations."

  -Amgal: "And who are you to interrupt me?" he responds harshly.

  Before she could speak, Koldarin replies:

  -Koldarin: "I’d think twice, or even more, before speaking like that to the Origin, old man."

  -Nep: "HAH! THE DARK DRAGON IS RIGHT!"

  This time, the arrogant noble turns to Koldarin and points his finger to her, as to mock her statement:

  -Amgal: "The Origin?! Don’t make me laugh! The last time she was seen was two thousand years ago! Are you saying this filthy woman dressed in rags is the Origin?!"

  Disgusted with his attitude, Norik scolds Amgal:

  -Norik: "I demand more respect because she has saved me many times. If you say another insult, I’ll throw you in the dungeon."

  The prince places his right hand on Astrid’s waist and walks away with the group, wich also looks loathed with the noble’s behavior. Amgal watches them carefully:

  -Amgal: "Just as you said, Drako Alpr—a beggar has seduced the prince. Now it’s up to us to take what is rightfully ours."

  At that moment, Akana looks at her companions, and they nod as if silently agreeing on something. Astrid continues her training, but inside the castle at Norik’s request. Her mother starts clapping hands at Astrid:

  -Lani: "Very well, Astrid! You are progressing quickly and efficiently. In a day or two, you’ll be able to transform without losing control."

  -Nep: "And rub the truth in that arrogant fool’s face."

  -Astrid: "I think my discipline from training as an assassin helped with this. Though I still have some hesitation about touching the essence again."

  -Nep: "I’ve heard that before—why did you work as an assassin?"

  -Astrid: "In difficult times, I had to find a way to survive."

  Lani’s face shifts to worry for the answer and immediatly questions her:

  -Lani: "My dear, you previously spoke with the prince about finding your father... Galdum never returned?"

  -Astrid: "No, the village was destroyed by slavers before he could."

  -Lani: "I still don’t understand... Even if he saw the village in ruins, he would have looked for everyone, especially you, Astrid."

  -Astrid: "Mother, do you think something happened to him?"

  -Lani: "Without a doubt. He wouldn’t abandon his friends and family."

  -Nep: "Well, let’s set speculation aside and return to training."

  Astrid refocuses, but in a hidden conner of the corridor that leads to the entrace hall, several angered nobles watch her:

  -"So that’s the filthy woman?"

  -Amgal: "Yes, I hope you’re all ready."

  -Alpr: "Several dragons against one? Of course!"

  -Otto: "I wouldn’t do that if I were you."

  They stagger, searching for where the voice came from. To their surprise, Otto falls from above onto one of them, pinning him down:

  -"AGH!" -"WHAT THE—"

  Garret releases a flurry of arrows, striking several of them in the legs. Corey and Keith take down two more. One noble attempts to transform, but before he can, Akana strikes him hard on the back of the neck. With them all down, Rendell invokes a spell that immobilizes them:

  -Alpr: "That magic... Are you an ascended elf?!"

  Rendell ignores the question while Marin and Anne glare disdainfully at the nobles:

  -Anne: "I thought Hagam’s nobility would be more decent. Now I see I was mistaken."

  -Marin: "It’s a shame, Princess Anne. Unfortunately, the nobles here are just as arrogant as those in Grinus."

  Anne looks at Marin without turning to her, finally realising something:

  -Anne: (I knew I’d seen her somewhere in Grinus. She’s the daughter of one of the many dukes of the country. From the way she speaks, I bet she’s gone through several bad experiences with the nobles there)

  -Amgal: "HOW DARE YOU! RELEASE US AT ONCE!!"

  Koldarin approaches him and firmly grabs his chin:

  -Koldarin: "Shut up, you filthy waste."

  She lets go of his chin, then grabs his hair, and smashes his head against the ground with enough force to make his nose bleed. Then she stands and turns to her allies:

  -Koldarin: "We’d better inform the prince about this conspiracy."

  -Alpr: "W-WAIT! WE CAN STILL BARGAIN! WHAT DO YOU WANT? MONEY?"

  Anne looks even more disgusted and summons the same wind magic she used at Hagam’s entrance, sending all the nobles flying, screaming, and crashing hard against the castle walls. Most of them pass out from the impact. Astrid hears the screams and stands, searching for the source:

  -Akana: "I’ll fetch His Highness."

  Everyone nods in agreement. One noble, trembling, asks:

  -"Why are you doing this for a filthy woman?"

  -Corey: "Look who’s talking. Let me tell you one thing: if you mess with one of us, you’ll have to face all of us."

  As soon as Corey responds indignantly, Astrid arrives and looks surprised at the chaos:

  -Astrid: "I heard screams. What happened here?!"

  While Marin explains the situation to her, Keith questions Rendell:

  -Keith: "Another new spell?"

  -Rendell: "Yes, I managed to complete another scroll. Good thing it worked."

  -Keith: "True, though this kind of people disgusts me."

  -Rendell: "Worse still, the council of elves is just as bad, if not worse. But now that the Origin is with us, perhaps the situation in Ydillia will improve."

  Rendell’s voice expresses anger mixed with joy. Confused, Keith asks:

  -Keith: "What do you mean?"

  -Rendell: "The council exists to prevent unilateral decisions by the ruler—currently Queen Jósal. However, recently, they’ve weakened the queen’s authority, resulting in what we witnessed in the castle’s main hall. Since the Origin holds the power to return elves to nature—turning them into trees—they will pay the price for their arrogance, just like these nobles."

  -Keith: "Wow, when you talk seriously like that, you sound intimidating—even for an elf."

  Keith’s face shows a entertained surprise and seconds later, Akana arrives with Norik, who observes the nobles with disgust and sadness. Soon after, he asks Astrid if she’s alright, to which she confirms she is. Relieved, he turns to the drakos and Grand Drakos with a stern voice:

  -Norik: "As the current ruler of Hagam, I hereby strip the leaders of this conspiracy of their noble titles. Throw them into the dungeon."

  -"YOUR HIGHNESS, YOU CAN’T—"

  -Norik: "I thought you all had changed for the better after suffering under Grinus, but now... I see they continue trampling on others just as they always have..."

  In spite of the prince’s tone, his comrades notices the uneasiness behind his voice and they stare to each other as if in agreement. The prince returns to the throne room while listening to the nobles’ protests as Akana, Otto and Koldarin lift them. Once inside, he collapses onto the floor, resting his head between his knees and staring downward with a depressed face:

  -Norik: (I am doing what I always wanted and believed was best for Hagam, yet I feel suffocated by the lack of support.)

  He hears knocking on the door. Norik stands, opens it, and sees everyone except the trio that took the nobles to the dungeon:

  -Rendell: "Your Highness, we came to say something."

  He shows uncertainty after what happened and he asks with shaky voice:

  -Norik: "Go ahead."

  -Keith: "Don’t let those nobles discourage you—Your Highness is far better than them."

  -Anne: "Besides, Hagam isn’t the only place with people like them. Unfortunately, I’ve seen my father tied up by corrupt nobles many times."

  -Corey: "To be honest, you and Princess Anne are the first royals I’ve met who are truly worthy of leadership."

  -Garret: "We’re all here because we believe in each other—especially in Your Highness."

  The prince feels overwhelmed with the cheery voices in the encouragement of his companions. Before tears fall from his eyes, Astrid confidently questions:

  -Astrid: "So, Norik, is your determination still for nothing after hearing this?"

  Norik finally sheds tears of joy and thanks them:

  -Norik: (I really am a fool... Even if I don’t have their support, I have the backing of my companions

  The group spends a few minutes at the entrance of the throne room before returning to their respective posts. The following afternoon, the prince goes to one of the capital’s border with Akana and some soldiers, where the rest of the group waits. He approaches Astrid, pulls the gray essence from one of his pockets, and extends it to her. Astrid hesitates as she looks at the essence:

  -Norik: "It’s okay, Astrid," he says reassuringly.

  She nods and closes her eyes, taking the essence and transforming into her draconic form. Astrid keeps her eyes closed until she hears his voice:

  -Norik: "I told you! It’s okay!"

  Astrid opens her eyes and sees Hagam, the Dawn Mountain, and its surroundings. The citizens of Hagam shout joyfully upon seeing her draconic form:

  -"LOOK, IT’S THE ORIGIN!"

  -"YOUR DIVINITY IS HERE!"

  -Lani: "Congratulations, Astrid. Now you can restore and unite Kradlos into balance."

  -Nep: "You can probably feel now what’s happening in Grinus."

  -Astrid: "Yes, I sense something heavy and corrupted from there. Huh?"

  Before transforming to her human form, she sees, in the distance, a medium-sized army bearing the banner of Grinus and alerts everyone in Hagam. Norik orders the evacuation of civilians and calls the troops to defend. Astrid flies toward the army, with the group and soldiers following. On the way to where Astrid flied:

  -Norik: "Could the soldiers I sent back have already returned with an army?!"

  -Otto: "That’s practically impossible, Your Highness. Even with a cart, it would take at least four days for them to arrive."

  -Garret: "If they sent an army, it’s probably due to a lack of reports from the troops stationed in Hagam."

  In this moment, Anne recalls the orders Princess Bel gave Nigel upon arriving in Hagam:

  -Anne: (After this battle, I should inform Prince Norik about what I overheard)

  Upon reaching Astrid, they find Grinus soldiers screaming desperately, trapped in a circle of fire:

  -Norik: "Astrid! Are you alright?"

  -Astrid: "I am—I cornered them to prevent them from reaching Hagam."

  The prince thanks her with a smile and asks Koldarin and Anne if they can extinguish the flames. Koldarin expresses incredulity:

  -Koldarin: "Well, I can conjure rain, but are you sure about this?"

  -Norik: "Yes, I am. The soldiers look desperate and afraid—I doubt they’ll attack."

  Koldarin sighs and raises her right arm and moves her hand in circular motions together with the princess, summoning rain. While she casts the spell, Norik orders a formation around the Grinus soldiers. Once the flames die out, they beg for their lives, with some kneeling:

  -Norik: "Who sent you to Hagam?"

  -"Prince Rodney! Please, let us live!"

  Hearing the soldier’s answer, Anne steps forward:

  -Anne: "All of you are castle’s guards. I assume he asked you in person to retrieve something from Duke Flemming, didn’t he?"

  -"Princess Anne! Are they holding you hostage?!"

  -Anne: "No, I’m here because I choose to be. Now answer my question."

  Perceiving the seriousness on her voice, he hesitantly answers, not for fearing Anne, more for the surprise by seeing her in this way for the first time:

  - (When she talks like this, her highness does resemble her father...) "E-Er... yes, Prince Rodney ordered us to collect a gray, diamond-shaped pendant and distributed several devices in case Nigel failed, but none worked on that white dragon."

  Nep scoffs on the soldier’s response:

  -Nep: "Bah! If they think a little gadget like that would work on us, they’re sorely mistaken!"

  -Astrid: "I saw them holding a purple device I’ve never seen before."

  Koldarin furrows her brow and questions angrily the soldier:

  -Koldarin: "What? Hand it over now!"

  The soldier retrieves the mentioned object from his pocket, and Koldarin snatches it from his right hand, examining it closely:

  -Koldarin: "Interesting... I’ll need to study this further."

  -Norik: "I will spare your lives on one condition: you will return to Grinus and inform your commander that I am coming to end this war!"

  The soldiers of Hagam cheer for Norik’s declaration, while those of Grinus tremble in fear. One whispers to another:

  -"My fear is this: going back to Grinus and reporting to His Highness... He was very adamant about retrieving the pendant."

  -"I-I don’t even want to think about what he’ll do to us..."

  All the soldiers of Grinus depart back to their homeland with frightful countenence. A few minutes later, Astrid reverts to her human form and approaches Norik:

  -Astrid: "You’re really going there?"

  -Norik: "I am. If this continues, they will keep sending soldiers to Hagam. Besides, I believe there are still places under Grinus’s control."

  As he hears the prince’s statement, Corey thinks of his birthplace and tightens his grip on the axe he holds. One of the Hagam soldiers states they are ready to march, but the prince replies:

  -Norik: "No, I want you to stay and protect the country as I will go with the same companions who journeyed with me. Before we depart, I want to return to the kingdom to make preparations."

  Everyone agrees and starts heading back to Hagam. On the way, Keith notices Marin looking uneasy:

  -Keith: "Are you feeling nervous at the thought of returning?"

  -Marin: "I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. Just thinking about the chance of finding my family there..."

  Keith holds her trembling right hand:

  -Keith: "Don’t worry. When I found you that day, you were alone, but now you can face what you fear—with me and everyone else."

  Keith’s voice is reassuring, making Marin smiles with small tears in her eyes and thanks Keith, who smiles back at her. Elsewhere, Astrid and Otto reminisce about life in Eflessia:

  -Otto: "I never did answer your question back in the forest, did I, Your Divinity?"

  -Astrid: "Ugh, I prefer to be called by my name. But yes, I still don’t understand why you were known as 'Upright', and also I never saw you with your essence."

  -Otto: "Well, that’s because I broke mine before becoming an assassin. As for my codename, it was because I only took jobs involving the execution of criminals or corrupt rulers. I thought I was doing the right thing and, therefore, different from other assassins. But that illusion shattered when I discovered that many of my employers were just as—or even more—ruthless than the people I killed."

  His faces saddens as he remember distant memories. Astrid shakes her head negatively:

  -Astrid: "Unfortunately, that’s normal. Only cunning individuals hire an assassin to do their dirty work."

  -Otto: "This only proves my naivety back then. After that, I left the guild and wandered through Kradlos for centuries, taking on other jobs until... I met Garret."

  -Astrid: "...your son."

  -Otto: "Yes. When he asked me about his father, I saw that same vengeful look I had witnessed many times before."

  -Astrid: "I sense concern in your tone. Why don’t you talk to him about it? I believe the bond you two have is strong enough for you to openly about this with him."

  Otto grows pensive at her words, wondering himself if his words alone are enough to change his mind. Farther ahead in the group, Anne speaks with Norik:

  -Anne: "Prince Norik, I want to tell you something I overheard from my aunt when I arrived in Hagam."

  -Norik: "And what did she say?" asks him with a small curious tone.

  -Anne: "She ordered Nigel, the commander stationed in Hagam, to let Duke Flemming be killed by your troops and then collect his pendant."

  -Norik: "What? And what would she do with the Origin’s essence?"

  He shows a very visible confusion on what Bel’s motives to get the object:

  -Anne: "It probably wouldn’t be for her—it would be sent to my uncle Rodney. He’s been conducting several strange experiments lately. When Rendell mentioned the elves being sold, I suspect they went straight to Rodney."

  -Norik: "Your Highness, can you tell me what these experiments entail?"

  -Anne: "Unfortunately, no—Rodney doesn’t let anyone into his laboratory."

  Anne frows as she cannot not only answer his question, but also because she feels powerless to the whole situation:

  -Norik: "That’s okay, Princess Anne. What you’ve shared is already invaluable."

  Anne feels relieved on Norik’s consolating intonation and continues walking by his side. However, Norik reflects on the events of their journey:

  -Norik: (The corrupted ones, the devices, and Alder in that condition... Could it all be his doing? Hmm... I’ll only get answers straight from Prince Rodney himself.)

  The group arrives in Hagam, where each person gathers their belongings, and some purchase goods from the market. Meanwhile, Norik meets with a short elderly man with shaved white hair, green eyes, and wearing a long dark gray robe in the throne room:

  -"What do you wish, Your Highness?"

  -Norik: "Oliver, I want you to govern while I am away."

  Oliver backs away surprised:

  -Oliver: "What?! Are you sure, Your Highness?!"

  -Norik: "Yes, because you were a close friend of Alder, you also oppose Hagam’s isolationism and you are a council member. There’s no one else."

  The prince hands Oliver a letter bearing the golden seal of Hagam and his signature, which details the temporary transfer of power. The elder shows a certain hesitation, but accepts the letter nevertheless:

  -Oliver: "V-Very well, Your Highness. Now that you’ve reclaimed your essence and have the Origin in your army, I trust that everything will go well."

  -Norik: "Thank you. I’m counting on you, Oliver."

  Norik taps lightly his shoulder with confidence on his face, he darts outside the throne room, quickly leaving the castle and heads straight to a warehouse:

  -Norik: "How are the provisions?"

  -Akana: "We’ve gathered enough food for four days."

  -Norik: "Excellent, more than enough for the next city. We can depart tomorrow."

  Shortly after, Rendell approaches him with a very serious expression:

  -Rendell: "Prince Norik, before we head to Grinus, I request that we pass through Ydillia first. There’s a matter I really want to address."

  -Norik: "Alright, and what would that be?"

  -Rendell: "I’ve spoken with Astrid—I want her to bless Queen Jósal and teach a lesson to the council."

  Norik nods, and Rendell thanks him. The next day, everyone stands proudly at the border gates with a cheering crowd:

  -Oliver: "A safe journey to all of you."

  -"END THE WAR!"

  -"GOOD LUCK!!"

  The group opens the gates and bids farewell.