[Inside the Palace of the Empire of Light]
(The Emperor Luminus sits in his vast office. The room is softly illuminated by golden candelabras glowing with a faint light. Papers and reports cover his desk as he studies a magical map displaying strange movements across the continent.)
Luminus (in a low voice to himself):
Darkness is creeping into places it has never reached before… this is not natural.
(A gentle knock sounds at the door before it opens. Empress Garret enters with confident steps. She wears a long white gown, her golden eyes radiating both intelligence and warmth.)
Garret (calmly):
You look exhausted, Luminus. Haven't you taken any rest?
Luminus (smiling faintly at her):
How could I rest, Garret, when darkness threatens everything?
(She approaches and gently places her hand on his shoulder.)
Garret (firm yet gentle):
Your strength comes from your wisdom and calm, Luminus. But if you exhaust yourself, you won't be able to protect anyone.
(Luminus takes her hand in his and looks at her lovingly.)
Luminus:
You're always right… as usual.
Garret (smiling softly):
That's because sometimes I think with your mind.
(They sit together beside the desk, and Garret speaks more seriously.)
Garret:
I heard about the creature that attacked Agnes and the others in the Valley of Light. Do you think it was a test from the darkness?
Luminus (shaking his head slowly):
Not a test… a message. The darkness knows about Agnes, and it seems to see her as a threat.
Garret (thinking aloud):
That means it won't stop here. It may try to use others against her. But do you think the darkness is coming from the lands of Savage?
Luminus (in a deep voice):
Yes, I believe so. That's why she must be ready—not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Her great power could be the key to saving us all… or to our destruction.
(They fall silent for a moment. Then Garret looks at him with a faint smile.)
Garret:
You're worried about her, aren't you?
Luminus (honestly):
She reminds me of our daughter, Kira. Strong… but in need of guidance.
Garret (laughing softly as she remembers):
Do you remember when Kira was young and refused to follow either of our instructions?
Luminus (smiling gently):
And how it always ended with her challenging us—and succeeding in her own way.
(Garret places her hand over his heart.)
Garret:
Perhaps Agnes needs the same space to discover herself, Luminus.
Luminus (agreeing calmly):
I know. That's why I trust her.
(They exchange a look filled with love and respect. Garret stands and turns to leave, then pauses and looks back.)
Garret (with a small smile):
Don't forget to take a break, my Emperor.
Luminus (warmly):
I'll try… though you know I'm terrible at that.
(She leaves the room, and Luminus sinks back into thought—yet feeling more at ease after speaking with her.)
<----------❀---------->
(Under a golden sky shimmering with sunlight, Agnes, Diana, and Tarkan walk through glowing pathways. Magical light reflects vivid colors on the ground. Elias leads them calmly.)
Elias:
This area is known as the Valley of Phantoms. It's said the phantoms here aren't mere ghosts, but wandering spirits from ancient eras.
Diana (joking):
Great! That means we might make a new—not-so-living—friend.
Tarkan (smiling lightly):
Diana, I'll never understand how you find humor even in terrifying places.
Agnes (looking around cautiously):
I feel something strange here… as if the air itself is heavy with unnatural energy.
Elias (stopping and looking at her with interest):
You feel it too? Interesting. Only a few can sense the energy here.
(Suddenly, the ground shakes. Deep sounds echo from beneath them.)
Diana (nervously):
Please tell me that's not our new friend…
(A massive creature emerges from the ground, formed of pure light and energy. Its transparent body and golden glowing eyes make the air tremble.)
Tarkan (drawing his sword):
Well, looks like the talking is over.
(The group quickly spreads out. Diana attacks with rocky force, Tarkan strikes precisely, and Elias restrains it with light—but the creature is stronger than expected.)
Agnes (trying to use her wind power, struggling to control it):
It's not affected easily…
(The battle intensifies. The creature manages to slightly injure Elias, causing Agnes to snap.)
Agnes (shouting):
I won't let you hurt my friends!
(A new power surges within her. She spins, unleashing powerful winds infused with surrounding light energy. The creature is struck and begins to fade.)
Diana (in awe):
Agnes… that was incredible!
Tarkan (proudly):
I told you she'd improve quickly.
Elias (smiling):
You have talent, Agnes—but it comes with great responsibility.
Agnes (breathing deeply, smiling confidently):
I know… and I'm ready.
(The energy in the valley returns to normal, but they all know the danger is far from over.)
<----------❀---------->
[The Next Day – Evening]
(Under a vast glass dome reflecting candlelight, everyone sits around a long table filled with exquisite dishes and shimmering golden drinks. Emperor Luminus sits at the head beside Empress Garret.)
Luminus (smiling lightly):
Since you are our guests, I believe it's time for some wise advice.
Diana (curious):
Advice? Like what?
Luminus (grinning mischievously):
My first advice—never face a Light Demon unless you're fully prepared, because—
(He dramatically clutches his chest.)
Luminus:
—their beauty is extremely dangerous.
(Everyone bursts into laughter except Garret, who glares at him.)
Garret (calm but firm):
Luminus, please don't embarrass yourself in front of our guests.
Diana (laughing):
Don't worry, Your Majesty—we're used to flashy people.
Tarkan (smirking):
Do you mean yourself, Diana?
Diana (mock-offended):
Of course not!
(Garret interrupts calmly.)
Garret:
Now that the joking is over, I have real advice.
(Everyone listens.)
Garret:
True strength lies not in how much power you possess, but in how you use it. Sometimes intelligence and patience surpass brute force.
Agnes (respectfully):
Wise words, Your Majesty.
Diana (grinning):
But if you don't have muscles, you'll need a lot of intelligence and patience, right?
(Laughter erupts again.)
Luminus (raising his glass):
A toast—to intelligence, patience… and muscles, because they do look impressive.
(They all raise their glasses.)
Elias (later, to Agnes):
My parents seem to like you very much.
Agnes (soft smile):
They're wonderful people. I've learned a lot from them.
<----------❀---------->
(The next morning, under the golden sun, Agnes, Diana, and Tarkan stand before the Palace of Light with their bags ready. Luminus, Garret, Elias, and Kira stand to see them off.)
Luminus:
I hope your time here was valuable. But remember—
The Ice Empire is unlike anywhere you've been. It is home to the most cunning and powerful demons. Do not be fooled by the cold—danger lurks everywhere.
Diana (confidently):
Don't worry, Your Majesty. We're used to monsters now, right Agnes?
Agnes (calm but cautious):
Yes… but your warning is wise.
Kira (softly):
I'll miss you, Agnes.
Agnes (warmly):
I'll miss you too. I'm sure we'll meet again.
Garret (gently):
Be strong, and show the world that the wind can carry power as well as peace.
Agnes (firmly):
I will, Your Majesty.
(The ship departs northward—toward the Ice Empire.)
<---------->