The observatory was silent except for the distant hum of the wind outside.
Selis stood near the open balcony, spyglass in hand, scanning the landscape below with her usual dignified calm. The silver glow of the moon above bathed her figure in pale light, reflecting off her scarred face and the white strands of her hair.
Behind her, Kazimir stood like a loyal shadow, waiting in silence.
The painting was gone.
Where it had gone, Kazimir did not know, nor did he want to know. He felt no desire to ask.
For a while, they simply stood there. Selis, ever the composed, took her time surveying every direction, studying the terrain as if memorizing every detail.
Then, finally, she lowered the spyglass and handed it to him.
"See that colossal mushroom over there?"
Kazimir followed the line of her outstretched arm.
Far in the distance, rising above the sea of colossal trees and luminous flora, stood a massive red mushroom speckled with white dots. It towered over the rest of the landscape like a spire, its vast cap so large it could likely hold a village upon it.
It was even taller than the observatory tower they stood in now.
"We'll head there first," Selis said. "It'll give us the perfect vantage point to scout for prey."
Kazimir raised the spyglass to his eye, adjusting the lens until the endless ocean of greenery sharpened into focus.
Through the twisting vines, towering trees, and glowing fungi, he spotted movement, beasts roaming in the shadows, some small, some large.
He caught sight of a herd of creatures grazing near a pool of silver water.
Lowering the spyglass, he turned to Selis.
"Why must we go so far?" he asked. "I see beasts much closer."
Selis didn't even glance in their direction.
"Those?" she said dismissively. "That would be like trying to fill a lake with a single drop of water. The castle requires far more than that to sustain itself and keep that thing sealed."
The nameless god.
"No," she continued. "We'll be hunting bigger beasts than that."
Kazimir nodded. He had no doubt that she already had a plan.
"…So, what now?" he asked.
Selis turned fully to face him.
"Now," she said, "we rehearse the plan."
Her voice was even, measured, but her gaze was sharp, observing him.
"When we leave the castle barrier," she continued, "the climate and gravity will change. From the size of the flora, I estimate the gravity may be increased tenfold. The climate will likely be warmer as well. Your enhanced body should adapt quickly, but you need to be aware of it."
Kazimir listened carefully. Selis never wasted words.
"And most importantly," she stepped closer, her pale silver eyes locking onto his, "you will stay close to me at all times. Understood?"
The intensity in her voice left no room for hesitation.
Kazimir nodded immediately. "Understood."
Selis studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, as if satisfied, she gave a small nod.
"I doubt there's anything in this world that could cause you lasting harm," she admitted, "but still, I'd rather not see you hurt."
There was something soft beneath her usual commanding tone.
Then, her expression hardened once more.
"And Kazimir, promise me something."
Kazimir straightened, sensing the shift in her tone.
"I won't always have time to explain everything," she said. "There will be moments when I give you an order, and you'll have to follow without hesitation. Do you trust me?"
The answer was immediate.
"I promise," Kazimir said without doubt. "I trust you with my life and soul."
For the briefest moment, something flickered in her eyes.
Then, a rare smile touched her lips, small, fleeting, but genuine.
"Good," she murmured.
Then, back to business.
"You still have the provision and equipment in your cloak?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Good."
Selis turned toward the stairs, her white cape with silver embroidery of the Umbrax royal crest, flowing behind her as she walked.
"Then we're ready."
Kazimir followed as they descended from the observatory, their footsteps echoing down the vast spiral staircase.
They were heading toward the main gate.
Out into this new world.
Out into the unknown.