Jericho's jaw tightened.
"Erica… we have to help them. If we don't, they'll die — either from starvation… or from whatever now stalks that forest."
The weight of his words settled heavily in the room.
Erica exhaled slowly before turning back to Lord Martin.
"Lord Martin, how have your defenses handled this so far? Have you formed any strategy since discovering the change? What measures have you taken to protect your people?"
Martin looked ashamed.
"I sent twelve men into the forest to investigate further."
His voice faltered.
"Only three returned."
Silence.
"That's how we confirmed the reports. The creatures… they're different. Coordinated. Aggressive. Our weapons were useless. Blades barely pierced their hides. Arrows did nothing unless fired at close range."
His hands trembled slightly.
"And that wasn't even the worst of it. They attacked the town shortly after."
Alice stiffened.
"We lost many that day. After that, I declared a state of emergency. Curfew. No one in. No one out. Trade halted. Hunting ceased."
He looked exhausted.
"I am surprised you arrived without incident."
Jericho and the others exchanged glances.
Martin lowered his gaze.
"I was preparing to report this to the king of this territory… but I hesitated. I didn't know how to explain something that sounds like madness."
Erica stepped forward.
"Lord Martin, allow me a proper introduction. This is Jericho. William. Alice. They are not ordinary individuals."
She met his eyes steadily.
"This is your territory. I will not act without your consent. But I ask you — allow us to assist."
Martin hesitated.
"Your Highness… I know your reputation. The strongest knights in the world. But I do not know them. I cannot bear more blood on my hands."
Jericho stepped forward slightly.
"You won't."
Erica nodded.
"Trust me."
The room was quiet for several long seconds.
Finally, Martin exhaled.
"…Very well. I place my faith in you."
Relief, faint but real, passed through the group.
"In the meantime," Martin continued, regaining composure, "please stay here. Rest. Refresh yourselves. You are guests of this house."
Erica inclined her head.
"Thank you."
⸻
A few hours later, they gathered in Erica's room to devise a plan. Jericho was the only one missing.
The others waited in silence until, moments later, the door opened and Jericho stepped in.
"Sorry I'm late," he said, taking his seat.
Erica folded her arms. "What kept you?"
"I had to take care of something. I'll explain later," Jericho replied with a light smile.
She studied him for a second, then nodded and shifted to the matter at hand.
"We all understand the situation now. It's serious — especially considering the measures the lord has already taken. So what can we do to help? We can't just wipe out every creature in the forest…" She paused, glancing at Jericho. "…Well, technically we could — thanks to him — but that would be a terrible idea. Those creatures exist for a reason. Destroying them would cripple the ecosystem."
She leaned forward slightly.
"So we need a way to protect the townspeople and travelers without destabilizing the forest. Any ideas?"
A heavy silence followed.
William rubbed his temples. "This might be our toughest challenge yet. During the invasion of Warmark, at least our enemies were people. Even tyrants can be reasoned with — no offense, Jericho… at least not that day." He exhaled. "But animals? How are we supposed to handle this without wiping them out entirely?"
"I may have a solution," Jericho finally said, drawing everyone's attention. "But after this, the king of the kingdom this town answers to must be informed. Major changes will be necessary. We'll need to travel to the capital."
The mood in the room shifted instantly.
"So what's the plan?" Alice asked, curiosity bright in her eyes.
"For now, I'll construct a massive wall around the town. Temporary, but solid. It will keep the creatures out while we stabilize things. And with the way technology is advancing, I'm sure Clover will eventually find a way to enhance it — maybe even make it aesthetically pleasing."
Erica sighed dramatically. "I doubt she'd ever call anything you build 'temporary' or 'plain.' Knowing Clover, she'd preserve it exactly as you made it. She has… unwavering faith in you."
Jericho frowned slightly. "Come on, Erica. Just because you two are rivals now doesn't mean you have to be dramatic whenever her name comes up. You're still friends."
The others exchanged weary glances.
"Uh-huh," they muttered in unison.
Jericho, oblivious, continued.
"This will delay our journey, unfortunately. But we can't ignore this problem — not if we want this town to survive. I'll build the wall first. After that, we'll enter the forest ourselves. We'll assess the situation, thin the numbers where necessary, and determine the true strength of the creatures. That way, when we speak to the king, we'll know exactly what level of military support to request."
It was a solid plan.
But Erica raised a concern.
"The four of us won't be enough to cover the entire forest in one sweep. It's enormous. We'd need multiple rest cycles."
Jericho nodded. "I anticipated that. I recently developed a new application of my Mercury ability. It should make things easier. And if that's not enough… we'll have additional support. A friend is joining us."
William froze. "You learned another new skill?" He sighed deeply. "Please be gentle this time, Jericho."
Jericho offered a sheepish smile.
Alice tilted her head. "And who is this friend?"
"Oh — that's actually why I was late. I was speaking with him. It's Drako."
"Drako?!" Erica shot to her feet. "How? Why? Isn't that a terrible idea? If Jace finds out—"
"Relax," Jericho said calmly. "Drako received a new assignment. Jace sent him to keep an eye on me. Apparently their intelligence network learned we were heading toward the Mist Mountains, but they don't know why. So Drako was ordered to observe and report."
He paused, a faint grin forming.
"He insisted on using this opportunity to help us instead. He sounded genuinely excited. I couldn't refuse him."
William leaned back with a groan. "Wonderful."
"He'll provide backup," Jericho finished.
William pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine. We don't have time to argue. I'll cooperate… but he should keep his distance from me."
The others couldn't suppress their smiles.
Jericho stood. "Get some rest. We move at dawn."
One by one, they nodded and left the room — the weight of tomorrow settling quietly over them.
⸻
The next morning, Erica went alone to inform Lord Martin of their plan while the others waited outside the town.
Martin listened carefully.
The more she spoke, the paler he became.
When she finished, he sat in stunned silence.
"Your Highness… forgive me," he said slowly, "but what you are describing sounds… impossible. Soul energy awakening? Constructing a barrier from nothing? I mean no disrespect, but in my thirty years of life, I have never heard of such things spoken in the same breath."
Erica smiled gently.
"No offense taken, Lord Martin. I reacted the same way when I first learned of it."
She stepped closer.
"The world is changing. Today, you will see proof with your own eyes. And soon, the rulers of the three great powers will announce these developments to the alliance. You will not remain uninformed for long."
She straightened.
"For now, I need you to instruct your citizens to remain indoors. What you are about to witness may cause panic if misunderstood."
Martin hesitated… then nodded.
"I will see this miracle for myself."
⸻
Just outside the town gates, Jericho and the others waited for Erica to arrive before beginning.
After a few minutes, she appeared, walking briskly toward them.
"So?" Alice asked. "How did it go?"
"As expected, it was a shock," Erica replied. "But it's handled. We're clear to begin."
Jericho turned to step forward — but the sound of wheels grinding against stone interrupted him.
A finely decorated carriage, pulled by a well-groomed horse, rolled toward them. It came to a stop, and stepping down with measured dignity was Lord Martin.
He approached and gave a polite bow.
"I trust your night was pleasant."
They returned his greeting.
"If you would permit me," he continued, "may I witness this process with my own eyes? When Her Highness described it, it sounded… inconceivable. I promise not to interfere. I merely wish to see this miracle for myself, Jericho."
Jericho glanced at the others. Each gave a small nod.
"Of course," he replied warmly. "You're welcome to observe."
Martin stepped aside, gratitude evident on his face.
But before Jericho could begin again, another carriage thundered toward them.
This one stopped abruptly.
A familiar man stepped out — his face twisted with agitation.
Tiui Hmmas, owner of the Bell-Dome Trading Guild.
The moment he spotted Martin, he stormed forward.
"Lord Martin!"
Martin turned. "Sir Tiui? What are you doing here? Didn't you receive the announcement advising everyone to remain indoors?"
"Oh, I received that absurd announcement," Tiui snapped. "Which is why I went to your manor — only to be told you were here. Why would you issue such a thing? Do you realize what this does to my business? I cannot afford to close, not even for a day — especially now! I do not approve of this decision!"
Martin kept his composure. "Sir Tiui, I understand your frustration. But this measure protects you as well. We have had no peace for months. Travelers have stopped coming. That harms your business more than a single day indoors. I am trying to resolve this — with the help of these young gentlemen, lady and Her Highness."
Only then did Tiui glance around.
His eyes landed on Jericho and the others.
His expression darkened.
"Lord Martin… what are you doing with these incredibly rude children?"
"You know them?" Martin asked.
Jericho stepped forward calmly. "Sir Hmmas, I believe our previous encounter was a misunderstanding. We never meant to offend you."
"Oh, silence!" Tiui barked, stepping into Jericho's space. "Classless fool. Was this your doing? Is this why my guild must close? Do you have any idea who I am? I advise you and your hooligan companions to leave this town immediately — or I will make you regret ever being born."
His voice trembled with fury.
"That will be enough."
Erica's voice cut through the air like a blade.
Her presence shifted.
She stepped forward slowly — and something in her expression changed.
Cold. Severe. Royal.
"What did you just say to me, you brat?" Tiui sneered.
"TIUI!" Martin shouted. "Hold your tongue before you ruin yourself! Didn't you hear how I addressed her? Do you have any idea who you're speaking to?!"
Tiui scoffed. "Are you siding with them over me? Have you forgotten what I've done for this town? I built its prosperity! I can tear it down!"
Erica's eyes did not flicker.
"How pathetic," she said quietly.
"Tiui Hmmas," she continued, voice devoid of emotion, "you are under arrest for harassing royalty. You will be detained in this town's dungeon until officials from the Holy Kingdom of Righteous retrieve you."
For a second, Tiui stared.
Then he burst into laughter.
"Under whose authority, you delusional child? I should have you arrested for impersonating a royal—"
Guards moved in.
Steel clattered.
They surrounded him before he finished speaking.
"What is this? Unhand me! I can have you all dismissed! Arrest her instead!"
He struggled violently.
Martin's voice trembled with restrained frustration.
"Tiui… if you had listened, you would have heard me refer to her as 'Her Highness.' This is Erica Von Righteous — Crown Princess of the Holy Kingdom of Righteous."
The color drained from Tiui's face instantly.
"N-no… that's impossible…" He forced a shaky laugh. "A joke. Yes. A joke, Lord Martin?"
"I wish it were," Martin said softly. "I warned you about your temper."
"Take him away," Erica ordered coldly.
"Please! Your Highness! I didn't know! I beg your forgiveness!" Tiui cried as the guards dragged him away, his voice fading into desperate pleas.
Silence lingered.
Martin bowed his head. "Your Highness… I ask mercy on his behalf. He is impulsive, yes — but not evil."
Erica's gaze shifted to him.
"Lord Martin… would you prefer to take his place?"
Martin fell silent immediately.
{Good}, she thought.
{No one speaks to Jericho that way in my presence. He is too kind to respond. But I am not.}
Jericho blinked. "What just happened? I've never seen her like that."
William exhaled. "It's rare. Very rare. But when she reaches that point… stay out of her way. She cools down on her own."
Alice nodded. "It's always terrifying."
Jericho swallowed. "He won't be executed… right?"
William shook his head. "No. He was unaware of her identity, and we are in foreign territory. His ultimate punishment will be decided by this nation's king. However, his properties will be seized by our kingdom as compensation. Whether they're returned is our decision."
Jericho's shoulders dropped.
"I feel awful. I should have clarified things sooner."
Alice smiled gently — unsurprised.
William gave him a firm look. "You're too kind. This wasn't your fault. Focus. People's lives depend on what we're about to do."
Jericho inhaled slowly.
"You're right."
A moment passed.
Then Erica spoke again.
Her tone had returned to normal.
"Alright. Let's begin. Lord Martin, you may want to sit down. The shock might make your knees weak."
She giggled lightly.
Martin, thoroughly confused, took her advice and sat.
The air shifted.
Jericho stepped forward.
And finally —
He began.