(After a month of intensive training in the Earth Empire, Agnes's skills improve noticeably.)
(Finally, the day arrives when she must leave the empire. It is time for her departure to the Plant Empire.)
(In the grand palace courtyard, Emperor Arkan and his children stand to bid her farewell. Diana, who has become a close friend to Agnes, stands beside her brother, Crown Prince Tarkan.)
(Agnes looks emotional as she says goodbye to everyone. Diana approaches her and embraces her warmly.)
Diana (sadly, yet joking at the same time):
Do you really think we'd let you go alone?
Agnes (surprised):
What do you mean?
(Before she can answer, Tarkan appears with a bag slung over his shoulder, and behind him Diana carries another bag. They stand before Agnes, smiling.)
Tarkan (gently but firmly):
We're coming with you to the Plant Empire.
Agnes (astonished and excited):
But… what about your responsibilities here?
Diana (grinning playfully):
Our responsibilities? We have an emperor who runs everything—and a sage who doesn't need us.
Tarkan (with a reassuring smile):
We're your friends now. We won't let you face anything alone.
(Agnes is deeply moved by their words, though she tries to maintain her composure. She looks toward Arkan, who smiles calmly and nods in agreement.)
Emperor Arkan (in a calm voice):
Go with her—but make sure you represent the Earth Empire in the best possible way.
(Agnes turns to Diana and Tarkan and smiles gratefully.)
Agnes (sincerely):
Thank you.
(The three depart together, leaving the Earth Empire behind and heading toward the Plant Empire. The road ahead looks full of new challenges, but Agnes feels safe with her friends beside her.)
<-------------❀------------>
(As Agnes, Diana, and Tarkan travel toward the Plant Empire, the road changes from open plains into a dense forest filled with gigantic trees and tangled vines. The air grows colder, and the scent of damp earth spreads through the air. Suddenly, the ground beneath their feet trembles—and a massive creature emerges from between the trees!)
(The plant demon is enormous, its body formed of twisted tree trunks, its limbs resembling powerful branches. Its eyes glow a bright green, and its voice is deep and terrifying.)
Plant Demon (in a booming voice):
Who dares enter the lands of the Plant Empire without permission?
(Diana steps forward, gripping her earth-forged weapon made of hardened stone.)
Diana (confidently):
We are guests of the empire. Step aside—or pay the price.
(The demon lets out a mocking laugh and lunges forward with shocking speed. Diana blocks the attack, while Tarkan joins the fight, using his spear to split the ground and launch sharp rocks toward the demon. Agnes tries to summon her winds, but she still struggles to fully control them.)
(Despite their efforts, the demon proves far stronger than them. It strikes Diana with a powerful blow, sending her flying backward, while Tarkan barely manages to block the next attack.)
Agnes (anxiously, trying to attack again):
It's too strong!
(Before the demon can deliver a finishing blow, a shadow appears among the trees—it is Undertaker. He leaps with unnatural agility, and with a single swing of his black dagger, he tears the plant demon apart. The creature vanishes into the air as if it never existed.)
(The three stand in shock as Undertaker calmly wipes his dagger clean, then turns to them with a sly smile.)
Undertaker (in a calm, mocking tone):
Looks like you need a guide who knows the way… and someone to save your lives.
(Tarkan steps forward cautiously, gripping his spear.)
Tarkan:
Who are you?
Undertaker (with a sly bow):
Undertaker, First Assistant to Emperor Raymond. I was sent to receive you.
(Diana steps forward, brushing dirt from her clothes and frowning at him.)
Diana (arrogantly):
Why didn't you arrive before that thing attacked us?
Undertaker (with a cold smile):
I wanted to see what you were capable of. Unfortunately… the results weren't encouraging.
(Though his words irritate them, he ignores their looks and gestures toward the path ahead.)
Undertaker (quietly, with a hidden threat):
Emperor Raymond is waiting. It would be best not to waste any more time.
(They follow him cautiously toward the Plant Empire's palace, while Agnes feels an unease she can't explain.)
<----------❀---------->
(Agnes and her companions arrive at the Plant Empire Palace. The palace seems like an extension of nature itself—its walls covered with trees and climbing flowers, its floors made of natural stone. Emperor Raymond waits in the grand hall, seated upon a throne entwined with plants, surrounded by a cold, majestic atmosphere. Beside him stands Princess Sylvie, wearing a green dress that blends perfectly with her surroundings. Her calm gaze rests on Agnes, as if silently evaluating her.)
Raymond (arrogant yet gentle):
So… the Saintess of Wind has finally arrived in my empire.
(Tarkan and Diana bow respectfully, while Agnes steps forward with confidence, trying to remain calm despite her tension.)
Agnes (calmly):
Thank you for hosting us, Your Majesty.
(Sylvie steps forward, a faint smile on her lips.)
Sylvie (softly, with sharp intelligence):
Princess Agnes… I've heard a great deal about you. I hope what I heard is true.
(Before Agnes can reply, the hall doors suddenly open. Crown Prince Lloyd enters—a tall young man with long green hair reaching his back and green eyes reflecting the same arrogance as his father. His sly smile reveals his conceited nature, yet he radiates an undeniable power.)
Lloyd (arrogant but welcoming):
Ah, it seems the welcoming began without me.
(Tarkan looks up, his eyes widening slightly before he grins.)
Tarkan:
Lloyd! I didn't expect to see you here.
Lloyd (teasing):
How could I not be? I heard the Crown Prince of the Earth Empire was escorting the Saintess of Wind. I couldn't miss this.
(They shake hands—friendly, yet competitive. Diana watches Lloyd with a scowl.)
Diana (whispering to Agnes):
He's just like his father… arrogant.
Agnes (smiling slightly):
But he seems a little less arrogant than you.
(Diana stares at Agnes in surprise, then stifles a small laugh.)
Raymond (commandingly):
Enough joking, Lloyd. We have work to do.
(Lloyd bows respectfully, still smiling, then turns to Agnes.)
Lloyd (confidently):
So you're Agnes. I've heard a lot about you—especially about your power.
Agnes (calm, sensing his challenge):
I believe you'll learn more during my stay.
(Lloyd studies her for a moment, then smiles faintly.)
Lloyd:
We'll see.
(The formal reception continues as Raymond discusses Agnes's training schedule and upcoming missions. Yet Agnes senses that everything here is wrapped in mystery and hidden schemes.)
(…)
Agnes (firmly):I will be ready for everything