The Town Hall of Astra Nox buzzed with quiet discussion.
Maps were spread across the long table—routes, borders, distances.
Reeve stood at the head.
"If Astra Nox is to be recognized," he said, "we need a road. A road connecting us to the normal lands. One that anyone can walk."
Tsukiyra nodded thoughtfully.
"It will stabilize trade… and visibility."
Kaelith smirked.
"And invite trouble."
Reeve smiled faintly.
"Then we'll be ready."
---
Suddenly—
Nyx's voice whispered inside Reeve's mind.
Nyx: Do you feel that presence?
Reeve's eyes sharpened.
"Yes… I do."
He raised his voice calmly.
"You have permission. Come forward."
The air shimmered.
From between threads of green light, she appeared.
Long flowing hair like vines touched by morning dew.
Skin kissed by sunlight.
Clothes woven from leaves and living bark, breathing softly with nature itself.
The entire hall fell silent.
Reeve looked at her once… and spoke a single word.
"Dryad."
Her emerald eyes widened.
"You know what I am?"
"How?"
Reeve shrugged lightly.
"Just a guess."
She smiled faintly—then her expression darkened.
"There is no problem with your kingdom," she said.
"But… I need your help."
She paused, then bowed slightly.
"Master Reeve."
Reeve immediately waved his hand.
"Don't call me that. Just Reeve is fine."
She nodded.
"Then listen, Reeve."
---
"My master is responsible for repairing Grimfang Wastes—restoring its forests, healing the land. It's our duty."
She clenched her hands.
"Recently, someone from Soro appeared. He said a new kingdom had been born… and asked us to restore its trees."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"My master refused. No one had informed us of this kingdom. He didn't know whether to thank Soro… or question them."
She looked down.
"After that, he went to Grimfang Wastes."
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"He hasn't returned."
"Usually it takes three days," she said.
"It's been ten."
The hall grew heavy.
Reeve stood up instantly.
"Don't worry. We'll find him."
Her eyes filled with hope.
---
Later, outside the hall, Reeve whispered softly—
"Nyx… tell me what to do."
Nyx responded without hesitation, calm and precise.
A trace remains. Ancient mana. Follow it—but do not alert the source.
Reeve nodded.
Without another word, he moved.
Mana bent.
Space folded.
The trail led him farther than he expected.
Far beyond Grimfang Wastes.
Far beyond reason.
---
Reeve stopped.
Before him rose a black fortress, carved from cursed stone, wrapped in oppressive silence.
His blood ran cold.
"…So that's where you are," he whispered.
Above the gates—
The unmistakable presence of the Demon King's Castle.