Astra Nox shimmered under an endless sky.
Floating lands, slow-moving mana currents like rivers of light, forests breathing with magic, distant volcano-glow at the northern horizon—
the Eclipse Collectors stood frozen.
No one spoke.
No one could.
"This…" Lunareth whispered, "…is a world."
Seraphyne's crimson eyes narrowed, sharp and alert. "No. It's a domain."
Tsukiyra smiled softly, pride hidden behind calm.
"This is Astra Nox—Master's world."
Reeve stepped forward, spreading his arms.
"Welcome, Eclipse Collectors, to my home."
---
Kaelith whistled. "So… you're a king now?"
He smirked. "Should I kneel?"
Reeve nodded seriously. "Yes."
Kaelith's eyes widened. "Huh?!"
"Hehehe—just kidding!" Reeve laughed. "Do you really think I'm like that?"
Kaelith crossed his arms. "Honestly? Yeah. I do."
Reeve sighed. "That hurts."
Even Elaryn smiled faintly.
---
Kaelith's gaze sharpened. "One thing, Reeve. How are you still alive?"
"The sword went through your chest."
Reeve grew quiet.
"…The Fire Elemental God. I don't fully understand it—but he saved me."
Seraphyne looked away, hiding her relief.
"I'll let you explore," Reeve said. "I need to check something."
---
Deep within Astra Nox's northern sector, magma flowed peacefully—not violently.
A sanctuary of fire.
The Fire Elemental God's clone stood there, calm, composed.
Reeve approached. "Hey. I wanted to ask… why did you save me?"
The elemental turned.
"Because you are my master."
Then, softer—almost grateful:
"And because I finally found a place to stay. A home."
He gestured around.
"No challengers. No demon lords. No endless trials."
"…If you can," he added, "please tell Demon Lord Elaryn not to fight me."
Reeve blinked. "She'd really kill you?"
"Yes," the clone replied without fear. "All other clones died that way."
Reeve nodded. "Don't worry. No one here will fight you."
The elemental bowed—fire lowering like a respectful flame.
---
Reeve returned to the Town Hall, mana humming beneath white stone.
"Tsukiyra," he asked, "where is everyone?"
"They're still exploring the kingdom," she replied.
"…But, Master—"
She paused.
"The borders trembled a moment ago."
Reeve frowned. "Trembled?"
Far above Astra Nox—
Something ancient shifted its gaze.
A ripple passed through the sky.
Not an attack.
A notice.
Nyx's voice whispered—quiet, sharp, ominous:
「Alert. External observation detected.」
「Threat classification: Unknown.」
Reeve looked up.
And smiled—slowly.
"So… they've finally noticed."