The heat in the northern sanctuary pulsed gently as Reeve stood before the Fire Elemental God.
Flames shaped like a crown hovered behind the being's head, calm yet overwhelming.
"Before anything else," Reeve said, "tell me your name."
The elemental paused, then spoke with quiet authority.
"Ignivar."
"Guardian of Primordial Flame… though now, merely a clone."
Reeve nodded. "Ignivar, I need your help."
Ignivar's fire bent forward, respectful.
"If it is for Astra Nox… I agree."
---
Soon, the Town Hall filled.
Kaelith.
Elaryn.
Lunareth.
Nerisse.
Seraphyne.
Tsukiyra.
The Orc Lord and Goblin Elder.
And standing apart—Ignivar, radiating restrained inferno.
Lunareth broke the silence. "What happened, Reeve?"
Reeve exhaled slowly.
"Now… we can start the meeting."
Everyone focused.
"Someone has noticed Astra Nox," he said.
"They are either trying to enter it… or destroy it."
Tsukiyra's expression tightened. "Who?"
Reeve shook his head. "I'm still figuring that out."
Then his eyes turned to Lunareth.
"Most likely… they're from Heaven. Angels—like you."
Lunareth's jaw clenched.
"…I was thinking the same."
---
Ignivar's voice echoed, deep and steady.
"If you permit it, Master… I can find who is watching."
Reeve didn't hesitate. "I agree."
As Ignivar turned to leave, the Orc Lord leaned toward Reeve.
"…Who is that?"
Reeve answered simply.
"The Fire Elemental God."
The hall fell silent.
Scene Shift — Beyond the Borders
Ignivar drifted through the unseen layers surrounding Astra Nox.
Not space.
Not sky.
Something thinner—like a veil.
Then—
He felt it.
A presence.
Watching.
Calculating.
Ignivar did not react.
He pretended not to notice.
He turned back calmly, flames steady, and returned to Astra Nox.
---
Back in the Town Hall, Ignivar stood before everyone.
His flames darkened slightly.
"There is someone," he said.
Silence.
"They are not inside Astra Nox."
"They are not attacking."
Then he looked directly at Reeve.
"…They are observing. Waiting.
And they are powerful enough to remain hidden from gods."
Everyone froze.
Tsukiyra whispered, "That's impossible…"
Ignivar continued.
"And one more thing."
His flames flared once.
"They already know your name, Reeve."
The hall erupted in shock.
Nyx's voice echoed softly in Reeve's mind:
「Warning. Threat awareness confirmed.」
「Astra Nox has been marked.」
Reeve smiled—not afraid.
"…So the game has started."