Hmph. So he is here again. Liur murmured to herself as she floated above the treeline, staring at a lone knight that had made a small camp near the Justinia manor. Liur had long since noticed his presence, but seeing that Lin had already left him alone, she was inclined to leave him alone too.

At least, that was until today. The reason why Liur was still awake in the middle of the night was because she had sensed fluctuations in the darkness, and the Shadowless could not enter the ring of lamps that surrounded the manor, which means only magical beasts… or humans were fighting, and rather closely too.

And as such, Liur stared down from her perch near the treetops, watching as several cloaked assailants clashed with Farrel, waiting and watching to see if she needed to intervene.

“Cowards!” Farrel spat out as he parried a slash with his longsword, his back towards the trunk of a tree to prevent his attackers from circling around him.

“Do you have no pride!? Fight me fairly!” Farrel shouted

The masked assailants smirked and closed in. They were not knights, but hired assassins. Their weapons were coated in a film of poison, and if they land a single slash, their victory was all but assured. As long as they get the job done, what was honor and glory?

Two of them with the envenomed blades kept Farrel busy as the others readied crossbows. As they fired, a column of flame burst forth in front of Farrel, causing his would be attackers to jump back, and the bolts bouncing off the writhing, solidified wall of fire.

Two spurts of blood announced Arfled’s arrival as one of his swords was embedded in the chest of an assassin before he could even reach, and at the same time, a flash of steel swung toward’s the impaled man’s neck. As their comrade was brutally beheaded, the remaining five quickly backed off and regrouped.

“Sir Arfled!” Farrel greeted as he walked over to Arfled, who was calmly cleaning the blood off his blades while eyeing the cloaked invaders. “Praise the goddess for your timely arrival!”

“It’s not over yet.” Arfled pointed one of his straight swords at the assailants barely illuminated by the campfire as he glanced over at Farrel.

Realizing that they have been revealed, the leader of the group started to relay orders. “Our target is right in front of us! Don’t hold back!”

At his words, three of them started going through the motions to cast spells designed for assassination. Their presence was already revealed, so there was no point resorting to only physical weapons as long as they completed their assigned task. Arfled moved to intercept them, quickly followed by Farrel, but their path towards the mages were intercepted by the two swordsman.

“We call upon the dark gods to eradicate our foes, and upon our souls we solemnly swear to purge all non-believers.” The three-man spell was starting to complete, and shadowy arms not unlike that of the shadowless started to creep out from the edge of the campfire. “Dark Reuni-”

“Ah ah. Can’t an old man sleep?” A voice sighed as the flames of the campfire seemed to flicker momentarily, and the next moment the three spell casters were engulfed in raging flames, their cries disturbing the quiet of the night. Yet even their screams quickly faded away as their bodies became blackened corpses. The remaining two attackers gaped in shock, unsure of what had just transpired. However, they would have little time to ponder the event, since Arfled and Farriel seized this opportunity to strike.

“Uncle Galvin.” Arfled nodded to Galvin the butler, who was making his way towards them, dressed in a simple gown that served as his pajamas. It was a stark contrast to the formal attire that he usually wore.

“Arfled, for the last time, I am merely a butler.” Galvin yawned as he survey the bloody and charred cinders on the ground.

“Galvin?” Farrel recognized the name. “Former Knight Captain of the Harbinger Crows, Galvin Dusate?”

“I’m retired, I’m just a simple butler who wants to see his god-child grow up.” Galvin waved his hand in dismissal. “Young Crow, you did not see me here today. Understood?”

“I… understand, Sir!” Farrel saluted. Galvin’s name still held great influence on the covert unit of the Church, even after he had ‘left’.

“Well, what are you waiting for young Crow? Dispose the bodies.” Galvin shrugged and made his way back towards the manor where his warm bed awaited him. Arfled gave Farrel a nod before following, leaving Farrel in the midst a group of mutilated bodies.

A light snow started to fall, as if mocking Farrel at his grueling tasks ahead.

“I can swear to my ancestors that I placed it here last night...” Yuelei sighed as she rummaged through the entire alchemy lab again, looking for the bag of Opalis. After her revelation the night before, she had experimented with the Opalis crystals nonstop, learning that they were actually tiny larvae of the light element that feasted on the darkness element. However, the next morning, the Opalis crystals had vanished with the dawn, leaving behind an empty sack. Before she could continue pondering about its whereabouts, the door slammed open.

“Greetings to the omniscient and talented, Yuelei Alia, lady of the Whitefrost Mountains, leader of the Legion of Winter, friend of an ice phoenix, student of the legendary enchanter, alchemist of the-”

Yuelei chopped Silfy on the head as she bowed dramatically and recited embarrassing titles. Although some of the cadets might hear a few rumors here and there, if Silfy were to say such things in public, there would be no end to the trouble that might come if they would actually investigate her. “Silfy…” Yuelei sighed. “What is it?”

“Erm. Breakfast is ready.” Silfy rubbed her head in pain.“I couldn’t find you in your room so I thought you were here. Yuli, you’re gonna get muscle cramps if you keep sleeping in here.”

“I have slept on snow covered-ground, on tiny tree branches, and atop mountains two years ago. This place is a considerable improvement.” Yuelei rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah. Alright. Are you really a girl, Yuelei?” Ignoring Yuelei’s protests, Silfy started fixing Yuelei’s hair while dragging her towards the main hall. “

“I can ask you that myself...” Yuelei resigned herself to her fate.

After classes.

“Not interested.” Yuelei flat out rejected the pair of girls bearing invitations to visit their family manor. Ever since she had revealed her ability to manipulate frost, every few days some ancient house or noble family would try to come into contact with her. At one point some men had tried to come and woo her aggressively, but Liur’s glares kept them at bay.

One individual that was bolder than the others had managed to lay a hand on Yuelei’s shoulders, and the end result was that Liur had encased the young man’s hand in a huge block of ice and nearly gave him frostbite. From then on, any further invitations were much more… polite.

“We understand….we will take our leave.” The pair of twins nodded and bowed respectfully before leaving, slightly disheartened.

“Ah, aren’t you the popular one.” Silfy sighed. “First male cadets from the other side of the academy, then knights, and now, young ladies are trying to gain your favor too.”

“The fewer that knows about me, the better.” Yuelei replied. “I almost wish Lin hadn’t gone and made such a big fuss.”

“Whether or not he had made a fuss, I doubt that someone that can use a unique element would be able to pass the days peacefully.” Silfy shrugged as the two of them continued home, their fur boots making imprints on the freshly fallen snow. Although the weather in the Holy Land of Ecclisa was much milder compared to the Whitefrost Mountains, it still snowed occasionally. Still, this sort of gently falling snow was a stark contrast to howling blizzards where the biting wind was like a beast tearing into one’s face.

You are being overly-cautious. Liur agreed. Compared to your appearance when I was but a chick, you no longer look like the helpless girl from back then.

Yuelei smiled bitterly. Although it is true she had gained the ability to use the frost element and lost some of her former appearance, she was now attracting unwanted attention. She may be better and stronger than her peers, but she was still a mere speck against higher ranked mages. Without Liur’s help, she could not even take down a Glimstalker on her own.

“I am too weak right now. If someone were to pick a fight with me, then I fear I would not survive if Liur was not around with me.” Yuelei replied to Silfy.

“Pft.” Silfy scoffed. “Where do you think you are? The Dew Plains? The Red Slate Republic? In all of the nations on the Eiloong continent, large and small, the Holy Land of Ecclisa is the most just. All Knights have to swear a duty to uphold the peace!” Silfy sounded proud, and Yuelei did not refute her.

That did not stop someone from attempting to use poison. Liur pointed out and Yuelei dutifully relayed the words.

“That… is true.” Silfy admitted. “But our public order is maintained very diligently. It is one of Priestess Geisla’s commands after all.”

Yuelei said nothing as to not push the matter further. There was some semblance of truth in her friend’s words, as she has seen churches provide food and shelter for those in need. Any fights that broke out was often quickly addressed by patrolling knights, if there were any at all. Even back in the Imperial Palace, Yuelei thought to herself, there were plenty of shady places that she was told to avoid.

“Ah, there’s June!” Silfy’s voice brought Yuelei out of memory lane. She turned to see June walking towards them, with a bow around her back and several Ghost Hares hanging on her back.

“Oh. Silfy, Yuelei.” June was a bit embarrassed at being discovered on her way back home, and with a bit of blood splattered over her clothing. “He- Hello.”

“You went hunting?”

“I was feeling a bit restless...” June admitted. “Back in the tribe, it’s customary for people to hunt in their spare time in preparation for winter.”

Oh? Liur cocked her head at her fellow food-hoarder. But of course her stash cannot be greater than mine…

“Liur… could it be that whenever I don’t see you around, you’ve been stashing away food?” Yuelei had a sudden revelation at her words. She had always wondered where Liur went whenever she wasn’t at the Justinia Estate.

It is better to be prepared.

“I agree.” June nodded after Yuelei sighed and told them what Liur had been up to in preparation for the Whitefrost.“In the northern reaches, when winter comes, the entire tundra is blanketed in more than ten meters of ice. Other than to dig tunnels to the others, we often shack up the entire winter.”

“...Winter here isn’t that bad.” Silfy shrugged. “There’s a group of fire type mages that go around after each snowfall to clear the roads. It’s interesting how the Whitefrost Mountains and the Desolate Tundras can have such vicious winters, while it is rather mild in the Land of Ecclisa.”

A small smile crept onto Yuelei’s face. After all, she knew exactly the reason why, and that was due to Lumnieve. Still, it wasn’t something that she could nonchalantly admit though.

“W-would you two like to come over for dinner?” June asked, a little embarrassed. “My cooking is not as good as Galvin’s but these Ghost Hares are fresh kills.”

“We would love to!” Silfy replied before Yuelei could decline. “Yuelei used to catch them back when we were at Lin’s place, and I kinda miss the taste.”

Liur looked at Yuelei and nodded. This will be a good experience for you to learn some more survival skills. The people of the Desolate Tundras are quite enduring.

As Silfy and June chatted about the dish she would prepare, Yuelei and Liur reminisced about their days back in the nest.

“So… how is it?”

“Fabulous.” Silfy nodded as she tore into the tender rabbit meat. June had roasted the entire rabbit over a fire before making a stew from the seared meat along with some wild plants that reminded one of parsley. “This is the taste I have been missing.”

“Mm.” June picked up the prepared rabbit fur skins and went to hang them in the cellar to dry, running into Yuelei who was using magic to remove the moisture from the already hanging skins.

“Sorry to trouble you but can you deal with these three as well?” June passed over the three Ghost Hair skins. Yuelei nodded and held her hand over the gory skins. In the next moment, a layer of frost covered them, which Yuelei promptly scraped away, cleaning any guts and fat stuck to the fur. She then hung the skins with a metal hook to the ceiling.

“I kind of understand how you could survive in the Whitefrost Mountains now.” June nodded in satisfaction after marveling how clean the skins were. Normally it would take June a good hour to scrape away the sinew and sticky bits. “The rabbit stew is ready as well.”

“I’ll be up there in a bit, after I finish up.” Yuelei replied. June nodded and returned to where Silfy was.

So what do you think? Liur was perched atop the pole from which the skins were hung to dry.

“I never realized I could store meat jerky by burying it.” Yuelei admitted. “Or use sugar as a way to preserve fruits and vegetables. Or boiling marrow and using it to make an aspic to preserve meat. I thought simply freezing it would be enough.”

Freezing is indeed enough, but only for raw foods. Liur nodded.

“I did learn a lot today.” Yuelei nodded, slightly amazed at the amount of knowledge June and her ancestors had built up. “If I ever need to find a place to hide away in the winter, I’ll remember it.”

Then you should come to my lair, and help me use all these… ‘techniques’ and help me prepare.

“Liur, are you still anxious about living in human society?” Yuelei chuckled.

Your kind can smile while plotting another’s demise. Liur said bluntly. We must be wary.

“That is true...” Yuelei picked up a jar of what appeared to be jam. “I wonder why June is preparing so much food, as I thought the Royal Knight Academy covered her expenses. Caution?”

This one thinks you can learn from her attitude. Liur nodded.

Yuelei did not say anything in response, because among the skins that were being hung to dry, she had seen the pelt of a Glimstalker.

The sound of shattering ice echoed in darkness, breaking the silence that had settled in the Justinia Estate.

Yuelei was practicing her frost magic late into the night with Liur accompanying her. She had intentionally went a ways off not to disturb the Justinia household. Her current level of strength did not satisfy her, and she had awaken from a nightmare of being chase by Glimstalkers. Only while she trained did she feel the shadows in her mind recede and give her some small comfort.

Liur looked on expressionlessly, aware of the turmoil and trauma that was rooted in Yuelei’s heart. It was one of the reasons why she had greatly improved herself as well, but at this time she was merely guiding Yuelei. There are some things one has to surpass and overcome on their own.

Your formation of magic is good, Yuelei, but your control is horrendous. Liur commented as Yuelei tried to form three Winter Moons at the same time. However, she failed, causing a chain reaction of explosions of ice.

“It seems that instantaneously forming three Winter Moons is beyond my abilities.” Yuelei sighed. In the past she would have to buy time for the spells to form, and although that wasn’t a problem, it was not enough for her. She could control up to ten slow-forming Winter Moons but each one required nearly five seconds to form, and each second could be considered sacred in a true life or death struggle. Her new technique that she learned from Lin had allowed her to reduce that time to half a second, but with some drawbacks.

One of your Winter Moons is already equivalent to a Fireball or. Liur scoffed. But in truth it is a simple rank two spell when it comes to Frost Affinity. If this one had to gauge your current rank when it comes to frost magic, it would be around rank three.

“That’s rather low.” Yuelei sighed. “And in that case, my water and wind ranks are likely even lower.”

That is true. However, that is one advantage you have.

“Advantage?”

This one cannot cast water or wind based spells, nor her ancestors. Even Holli was only able to use fire spells, hence the blue flames she wielded. Water and Wind are the most compatible with ice magic, so you simply have to have them coexist. Your Blizzard Flurry is a good example of it, although it is rather weak.

“I understand...” Yuelei sat down on a stump that had been made by her Frost Edge. “It is a shame that it is this late into the night, there isn’t anyone that is willing to spar with me.”

This one is willing.

“I mean when it comes to dueling with swords. All you and I do is spar with magic, and even if I spar with Silfy, the frost simply covers her weapons. I suppose only a fire type user like Cecilla would be able to spar with me.”

You can always pick up a normal blade.

“I don’t plan on carry around a piece of metal inferior to my Frost Edge.” With that, Yuelei continued to train by conjuring her weapon during a swing and making it disperse after the swing was completed. It was an exercise that trained both sword and sorcery, and the oil lamp she brought along flickered along with her movements.

“Reporting, Sir.”

“You may speak.” Knight Captain of the Silver Guard, Harold, waved his gauntleted hand towards his sub coordinates, and they let Farrel past after he disarmed himself. “What news do you bring, Young Crow?”

“Sir, Two nights prior, I was attacked by six assassins. If not for the interferences of the residents of the Justinia household, I would not be standing here today.”

“…So you were detected?”

“If I may speak frankly, Sir, before the alchemist Lin left, he had already realized who I was and warned me. In this case however, it was the effects of magic that gave away our fight.”

“I see. It would be impossible to survive against six attackers at once without using magic.”

“I could not accurately gauge the strength of the enemy, but the weakest were at least rank five.”

“So Arfled dealt with them?” Howard’s eyebrows raised. He was aware that Arfled was a rank six wielder of the sword, and a rank five fire and light mage, but two against six were not close to favorable odds.

“No, Sir… Former Knight-Captain Galvin was there.”

“Galvin? The Stormcrow?”

“It is him.”

“...He disappeared after the last war. We did not pursue him seeing as he was our best covert agent, but to think he would end up being the butler of the family of his friend... Even I am curious of the reason why.” Howard rubbed his hand. “What about the corpses?”

“Most of the corpses had no defining features, but I did manage to find a few things of note.” Farrel stepped forward and placed a knight’s crest, a black piece of wood that resembled a talisman, and a bottle filled with a strange substance that was both liquid and fog at the same time.

“Continue.” Howard nodded after glancing at the items.

Farrel picked up the tiny metal shield plate that signified a knight’s status, this particularly one had a red flag crossed with a longsword, except that a large jagged cut had been engraved through the symbol. “After some investigation, this belonged to House Fanfiar, one of the houses that were stripped of their status during the last Shadow War, and exiled to the Desolate Tundra. When I tried to dig deeper into their history, it was strangely blank.”

“There is no need to look deeper into House Fanfiar.” Howard said gruffly. “Due to the stain they gave our Church’s honor, we have purged their name from our records. It is no surprise that some of the survivors held a grudge.”

“...If you say so, Knight-Captain.” Farrel’s tone indicated that he would let the matter settle only because Howard ordered it. “The talisman is one you should be acquainted with, and is the standard for the Wuuther Warlocks from the Desolate Tundra… however.”

“Go on.” Howard nodded after seeing Farrel’s hesitation.

“There were no other identifiers other then that token. The body had no tattoos, the bags had none of the Warlock’s favored talismans, and after some analysis, the user was a wind and water type mage, not darkness. It is my belief that the token was planted on the body.”

“I see… we will hold off on investigating the token, unless more compelling evidence comes up. Our relations with the Wuuther Warlocks have only recently been stabilized. It would be a bad idea to sour relations.”

“Sir, I believe the most notable item is this bottle...”

Howard held up the bottle filled with black fog. “What is this thing?”

“That was the same reaction I had, Sir, and it was only last night that I learned what foul thing it is...” Farrel’s eyes shuddered as he remembered how he had woken up last night. “Contained within that bottle is a Shadowless!”

Howard quickly pulled his face away from the bottle, glancing at Farrel before realizing he was not joking. Farrel’s eyes were wide, and his hands were shaking.

“The night before, I had fallen asleep amidst some books while searching for connections to the attack, however, a grinding sound caused me to jolt awake. And then, inches from my face, a large, eyeball was staring at me, along with a mouth of jagged fangs that were nibbling against the glass!”

Farrel’s tone had turned from a respectful knights to a hoarse voice like an old man’s.

“What’s more! I held the glass bottle against the light, and the Shadowless within simply ignored it! Also, it seemed to even enjoyed bathing in the light!”

“Farrel, calm down.” Howard reassured Farrel, but deep within his mind, he was already making plans to report this to Priestess Geisla. If their magical formations and barriers with the Opalis lamps were to fail… then all of the citizens of Ecclisa are in great danger.

“Sire.” Farrel regained his posture and sat back down. “What would you have me do?”

“...There must be another reason why the Justinia household has been attacked. However, with Lor-, Stormcrow Galvin residing there, there is no need for you to remain on guard duty.” Howard decided. “I hereby order you to travel north and come into contact with the Wuuther Warlocks. I will have a letter of introduction written for you, and you are to meet with their leader and investigate as you see fit .”

“Sir!” Farrel saluted before leaving without a sound. Howard, picked up the flask and swirled the contents side by side, carefully watching for reactions. After a few minutes of doing so, several tiny pairs of arms reached out and the fog seemed to stabilize and condense itself. An eye the size of a bottle cap opened within the dark mist and stared at Howard in annoyance.

Howard stared back, and after a few tense moments, the eye closed and the fog dispersed within the glass bottle. He sighed as he placed the bottle into a cabinet.

“Has it really been two years since that incident…?”

The sound of resounding sword on halberd echoed through the courtyard. Yuelei had sought out Cecilla to spar, and she was more then happy to fight Yuelei again. Yuelei could not help but think she was one of those that lived for battles. Her attacks were full of unrelenting force, and in their exchange of physical strikes, Yuelei only had the time to defend. With another strike, the bottom of the halberd twirled forward, knocking her Frost Edge clean out of her hands.

“It is my loss.” Yuelei could easily form another Frost Edge, but then there would be no point to her training otherwise. She walked over to the residence and sat down on a wooden chair. “Your close combat expertise is much better than mine.”

“You honor me, Miss Alia.” Cecilla replied as she extinguished the flames from her weapon with her hands and sat down next to her.“If not for these flames, then I fear my weapon would have shattered long ago, or my hands suffering from frostbite. Plus, you did not use a single spell in our exchange.”

“It won’t be training otherwise.“ Yuelei shrugged as she rubbed her sore arm. Although her Frost Edge was almost weightless, it was both a curse and a blessing. Against Cecilla’s flame wreathed halberd which was immune to her weapon’s freezing capabilities, the drawbacks were even more apparent.

“If I may make a suggestion...” Cecilla said without holding back. “I believe you should keep in mind the advantages of using a weapon like yours.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well… according to what you told me, you can form as many as you want, right? Then there’s no reason you should only maintain one blade, or waste time recovering after a swing.”

“Once, when I was a child, I went to the Red Slate Republic to witness a demonstration held by the Ephemeral Blade school involving Dumeis, the Sword Emperor. However at the time, he did not use his treasured blades Banshee Pledge and Death Whistle, but created swords of wind and fire in his hands. However, when he attacked, he released his weapon and simply formed another one!” Cecilla sighed as she recalled those fluid and endless attacks, like the moves of a long lost dance.

Yuelei thought about it for a moment. Normally in battle it is a dangerous for one to lose hold of their weapon, but in her case, if she loses hold, then she could simply create another one. If she was smart about it, she could even cause the weapon to shatter into icicles that can attack her foes.

“I see... that is also a way to fight.” Yuelei conjured up her Frost Edge and glanced along the pale blue edge. “Does this make me a mage using sword techniques, or a warrior using mage techniques?”

“A mage using sword techniques.” Cecilla said without hesitation. “Your strength and agility are average, and you lack battle sense. Honestly, you suck as a sword wielder.”

“Must you be so blunt?” Yuelei chuckled bitterly as she glanced over at June and Silfy, whom were sparring with Galvin in preparation for the Rise of Angelic Wings ceremony.

“However, in terms of magic power, you are on par or even surpassing those that are in the top five of the Knight Academy Cadets.” Cecilla confessed. “In my opinion, you can even give them a run for their money, except for the rank one and two seats. Miss Priscilla Florella, the Princess of Flowers, and Miss Byrhilda Siegla , the Magnolia Valkyrie. Both of them are hard to approach, so only during the annual cadet tournament do you actually get a chance to cross blades with them.”

Cecilla sighed and stood up.

“Are you ready for another round?”

“Of course. But use some defensive magic this time. I plan to try to some new things based on what you told me.”

“Oh?” Cecilla slammed the end of the halberd into the ground and flames leaped from the ground, and covered her halberd. After a few moments, the flames transferred across her arm onto her body, making her appear like a vengeful infernal. She then walked ten steps back to put some distance between them. “Whenever you’re ready.”

With an eerie smile, Yuelei conjured up her Frost Edge. Without giving time for Cecilla to react, she closed the distance and attacked with a powerful overhead swing. Cecilla smirked and took a step back, raising her weapon to block Yuelei’s strike. In most cases, Cecilla would have been the one to charge forward, but she let Yuelei do as she pleased in order to try whatever she wanted to try.

However, upon contact, the sound of clashing weapons did not ring out, but instead the sound of shattering ice was heard as Yuelei’s hollow weapon fragmented, releasing water contained within.

“Wha-” Cecilla turned her face aside so the water would not get into her eyes. However, upon contact, the water on her skin started to freeze. The flames dancing along Cecilla’s body flared, and quickly caused the ice to evaporate before it could cause any damage. However in the time it took her to do so, Yuelei had already formed another Frost Edge and was following up with a rising slash.

“Hey, hey, that sort of technique is not funny!” Cecilla shouted as she leaped back to avoid the blow.“First you tried to freeze your enemy’s weapon, and now you’re just shattering your weapon to attack?”

“All is fair in war!” Yuelei shouted as she chased Cecilla, again smashing her Frost Edge into the halberd and sending out pellets of ice at Cecilla’s face.

“Fine! Have it your way!” Cecilla roared as the flames again protected her from the attack. After six more similar exchanges, where Cecilla could not fight back, she made up her mind to meet force with force. She then grasped the shaft of the halberd with both hands and the flames both on on her body and her weapon started to be sucked towards the axe blade. It expanded in size until it could no longer be called a halberd, but a large, flaming bardiche. “Come on!”

Yuelei quickly realized that Cecilla was planning to strike her weapon head on. Without hesitating she started to turn her weapon into a Primal Frost Edge whilst also borrowing the spell stored within Eternal Time. The two of them grinned at each other as they prepared their strongest attack, neither willing to back down. Cecilla, who had lost to Yuelei and prepared this spell to match hers, or Yuelei, who had utter confidence in her attack and wanted to see how it would fare against an element that could be considered her weakness.

However, right before the two of them could make a move, a surge of wind swirled up around Cecilla, caused all of her flames to be sucked into a cyclone that spiraled upward into the air before fading above the clouds. On Yuelei’s side, fang-like flames appeared along her Primal Frost Edge, eating into the ice and causing it to melt away.

“Miss Alia, Miss Solas, is there really a need to use such lethal attacks?” Galvin clapped his hands to break them out of their shock. Even though he had been parrying Silfy and June’s attacks with one hand each, Yuelei had not realized he was also paying attention to their fight. “If the energy of those attacks are to clash head on, then this old man would have to spent hours fixing up the alcove, so excuse my interruption.”

After Cecilla had left...

“So, what do you think of our chances?” June asked Galvin awkwardly.

“It is my belief that the three of you should refrain from participating in this year’s ceremony. After these days of training there is some semblance of teamwork among you three, but compared to the last year’s ceremony, you three are merely above average. The three of you are better individual fighters than team players, and frankly, it’s holding the three of you back.” Galvin held nothing back and gave them his impression and thoughts.

“I see...” Silfy hung her head. “As I thought, without those two we really don’t have much of a chance.”

At her words, the atmosphere grew quiet and solemn. Yuelei glanced over at June, who had a similar expression like Silfy’s. When she turned to Galvin, as usual, his expression and body language revealed nothing, and silence started to permeate into the room.

Nobody spoke for a while, and then finally Galvin broke the silence.

“Miss June, would you be staying for dinner tonight?”

“Erm… no. I will be taking my leave.” June stood up and bowed before leaving, quickly escaping the stifling atmosphere.

“Excuse me as well. I will take a bath to remove this dirt off me.” Silfy quickly followed after without meeting Yuelei’s eyes. As soon as she left, Galvin let out a sigh.

“Truthfully, Miss Yuelei, it would be best for the two of them not to participate, otherwise some old wounds may reopen.” Galvin sighed again and sat down across from Yuelei, no longer holding the appearance of a butler but that of a man his age.

“I see.”

“Are you not going to ask for the reason why the two were acting strangely?”

“No.” Yuelei had no interest in digging up one’s past. She herself, was a fallen princess after all, even though she herself no longer considered herself as one.

“...You’re a cold one.” Galvin shook his head. “Or perhaps a wise one.”

“You’re going to tell someone that uses frost magic that they’re cold?” Yuelei rolled her eyes.

“You got me there.” Galvin laughed as he stood up and retrieved two glasses and a bottle filled with golden brown liquid. He poured Yuelei a cup, then himself a cup of the rum and reclined back onto the worn armchair, mumbling to himself as he sipped the strong liquor.

“A few days ago, some people tried to attack this residence.” Galvin confessed, trying to gauge Yuelei’s reaction, but smiled bitterly when there was none.

“What does that have to do with the matter at hand?”

“Well... Who knows.” Galvin said mysteriously, running a hand through his gray beard. “I doubt Silfy or that June will talk about their past, and since it’s only the two of us, I suppose now is a good time as ever.”

“It seems you are bent on telling me this.” Yuelei replied as she glanced around the room. “You even set up a wind barrier to capture sound.”

“Ah, so you noticed.” Galvin grinned smugly, but the smile quickly faded back into his serious look. “But yes, as the one of those that saved Lady Silfy’s life, this is something you should know for your own sake.”

With that, against the sound of the occasional clinking of glass, Galvin retold the events of the past.

“Two years ago, Silfy and June had two very close friends. Fifi Elvira, a budding mage from the Wuuther Warlocks, and Nieves Kalim, one of Silfy’s childhood friends.”

“It was a strange friendship, two individuals from the people living in the Desolate Tundra and all three of the Holy Church’s factions, but the four of them complemented each other well. And during that year’s Rise of Angelic Wings, the four of them were the dark horse that obtained victory. A guardian, a warlock, an archer, and a lancer, it was quite a formidable party at the time. They were at the top of the rankings in all the team based competitions that year.” Galvin refilled his glass, and there was just a tinge of pride in his words.

“At the end of the year, an annual expedition to the north was held. Well, although it’s called expedition, it’s more of a public relations display. About a hundred or so cadets would venture together and visit those that live to up north, particularly Greygrave, the home of the warlocks, and Eifellas, the ancestral home of the shepherd tribe society. It is a joyous occasion, and the warlocks and shepherds often throw a grand celebration for our cadets, while we bring them our own produces as a sign of goodwill.”

“What I am saying from here on forth is the testimonies of the survivors. Three days after the expedition squad left Greygrave to visit Eifellas, they were attacked by the Shadowless. However, no matter the amount of Shadowless, they were nothing before fifty well trained cadets and the five rank six and seven knights that were accompanying them. At least, that was what they, as well as the upper echelons of the church, thought. Two hours into the fight, the Shadowless tide suddenly halted and silhouettes of the dark beings started to flicker and lose shape.”

“The knights thought it was over. So did the cadets. However the darkness of the night only seemed to grow denser, and it was said that even the moon was shrouded by darkness until only a thin outline was seen. And from the darkness emerged ebony Shadowless shaped in the form of humans, with features that were molded from the blackness itself. Tendrils of the night crept forth from behind them, and then, the attack began.”

“Only about an eighth of the cadets managed to escape back to Greygrave. All of the others were either eaten by the darkness, or went missing. Nieves was said to have died acting as a rearguard and was consumed by the Shadowless. Fifi on the other hand, is either missing or dead, there has been no traces of her for the past two years, so the latter is more likely. After words of the incident reached our ears, the entire Church along with its three branches mobilized and marched north. However we found nothing at the scene of the incident, not even blood. It was concluded that the group was attacked within another’s ‘Realm’.”

At the word, Yuelei could not help but recall Eir’s beautiful sphere of water like that of an untainted underwater grove, and then Lumnieve’s terrifying castle and legion of knights clad in ice and blue steel sitting upon a mountain as a blizzard swirled around them.

“With no leads to go on, all three factions had no choice but to return. However, as soon as the survivors returned to the Holy Land of Ecclisa, they were all stricken with afflictions not known to us, likely some foul creation of that ‘Realm’. Those that were weak died within a few days, the stronger ones were healed after Lady Geisla’s intervention as their afflictions were not as severe. However, June lost the use of her legs and became a cripple, and a few days after, Lady Silfy herself fell into a deep slumber, her body emanating the scent of death. For a quarter of a year, Arfled and I sought out healers, shamans, witch doctors, and whomever could save her after Lady Geisla herself said it was in the hands of the goddess. And from there on, I think you know how this story ended.”

Galvin leaned forward against the armchair, pouring himself yet another drink. After a grunt, he sighed and gripped the entire bottle instead and reclined back.

“It is my belief that the Templar Order, who despises relations with outsiders, orchestrated the attack. During the incident two years ago, the Templar Order were the ones that spoke strongly against sending troops to assist. It was only the fact that the vote was two to one and the outcry of many of their followers that forced them to comply. Well, it eventually led to their downfall, and justice was served.”

“As for why I’m telling you this...” Galvin sighed. “The target during this attack is unknown. There are leads on the corpses, but they’re all likely planted to mislead others. I plan to speak to Miss June and have her reside here for some time. You should be careful.”

“I am always careful.” Yuelei replied.

“You never let your guard down, do you?” Galvin smirked. “You…you may smile when you speak with my god-daughter and June, but I know how artificial that smile is. But if I have to add something, like us followers of Ecclisa, you follow your own convictions with zealotry.”

Yuelei said nothing, but instead sipped her drink. The taste of the burning liquid reminded her of Taw Berries and monster blood. It was not a pleasant taste, yet oddly satisfying and almost comforting.

“Ah... Forgive the ramblings of this old man.” Galvin sighed and stood up, his composure quickly returning to that of the proud and diligent butler of the Justinia family. He picked up the empty glass and proceeded to the door. With a curt bow, he left the room, but the air was still heavy and stifling.

I see. Liur nodded after Yuelei reported today’s happenings. I had thought that old butler was more than what he appears as. Nevertheless, he is not an enemy… yet.

“...Yet?”

Your kind is adept at manipulation and espionage. Do not so easily trust others... Liur cocked her head to the side, preening her feathers.

“Aren’t you over thinking things, Liur?” Yuelei shook her head.

Bonds are dangerous things. A wrong one could lead to an entire country to annihilation. But a proper one could also be a country’s salvation.

“Now you’re starting to sound like Lin in his ramblings.” Yuelei plopped down onto her bed, letting the tension out of her body.

Hmph! Liur turned away as if annoyed at her response.

“What do you make of the story? Is it possible that an unknown power lurks north?”

There are many beings of power not listed in your history Yuelei, such as Lumnieve, or even that man, Lin. What difference is another? It is also the very reason why you need to grow stronger. You still need to find your brother, don’t you?

“...”

But you’re hesitating because you are thinking, ‘this sort of life isn’t bad’, right?

“...It is peaceful.” Yuelei admitted.

Good. You were meant for something greater than this, Yuelei. If that man has started to wander again…the gears that support the world has started turning again.

“I take back what I said before.” Yuelei grumbled and covered herself with a blanket. “You don’t sound like Lin, but rather, Gallienoir.”

I will take that as a complement. As you are my partner and my sister, I will do what I must to make sure we are not crushed in the things that may happen.

“You sound like the end of the world is coming.”

Liur did not reply to Yuelei’s comment, but instead changed the topic.

Speaking of which Yuelei. Are you interested in the continuation of my grandmother’s story, no? If you’d like, I can show you another glimpse.

“...Can’t it wait for another night?” Yuelei grumbled. “First I found out that our plans for the competition is canceled, well, not that I mind it too much, but then I get an unwanted lecture by an overprotective old man, and then you’re speaking to me in riddles.“

Calm down, Yuelei.

“I am calm!” All of the stress accumulated suddenly burst out, and Yuelei hit the bed with her fists, acting like a girl her age for the first time in years. “I’ve always been calm! Because that’s what Gallienoir and Lin always said! Be calm!”

As Yuelei made to pound the bed again, she found her arm unable to move, and when she turned back, she saw that it was encased entirely in ice. After a few minutes of struggling with her own magic, she gave up. She followed Lin’s teachings and started regulating her breath, before expunging all the dark thoughts that had accumulated in her mind.

Are you fine now, Yuelei?

“Yes, so please release me.” Yuelei sighed, and the ice holding back her arm disappeared. “It seems I have been dwelling too much on the present.”

You are only human. Enjoy it while you can. Liur replied.

“I’ll have a look into your grandmother’s memories then, to see what awaits me, even if it’s a mere glimpse.”

Then sleep, Yuelei. I will show you the fate of one that forms a bond with a frost phoenix.

“Where are we?” When Yuelei came to, she was standing within a fine white mist that obscured all vision. “What happened to the battlefield?”

Liur’s voice ran out, but when Yuelei turned around towards what she assumed to be the source, it was all covered in mist. I said I can only give you a glimpse, anymore and even you would not be able to leave unscathed.

“Isn’t this just a memory?”

Even memories of the past can affect an individual. Remember last time you decided to be a valiant warrior charging to her demise?

“Did you really have to bring that up?” Yuelei grumbled. “I was caught up in the moment.”

You still need to learn to control your emotions. Are you ready to see past the mist?

“Show me.”

“What in the world’s goin-...” Yuelei gaped as the thick mist started to slowly fade away, revealing the battlefield below.

Before, the appearance of the Legion of Winter and the Snow Palace had already been a surprise boon to Holli, the half-dragon princess’s side. But against countless odds and endless enemies, it was only a momentary reprieve as the enemy withdrew their cannon fodder troops and brought out stronger ones that could evenly match with the Frost Knights. Even the undying and unrelenting Legion of Winter was slowly being suppressed by fire-element mages, forcing them to retreat into the Snow Palace itself. Enormous balls of fire and earth magic barreled into the ramparts of the Snow Palace, scarring the once-beautiful crystal blue walls, sending cracks throughout the entire structure.

A rather large Meteor screamed as it fell from the skies above and rammed into the Frost Palace, causing it to tremble and shake, as one of the watch towers crumbled. Yuelei turned her eyes towards the main gate, where Lumnieve herself was desperately holding back the attackers at the fallen entrance gate. Above in the skies, Holli was riding on Drak’s back as she rained frost and fire from above.

“Lumnieve...” Yuelei’s heart pained as she watched.

As Lumnieve dealt with the next wave of attackers with a wave of her fan, a ‘twang’ was heard as a ballista the size of a hill shot a magical lance at Lumnieve. Time seemed to slow as the enchanted lance spiraled through the air, sending buffeting winds that knocked away the soldiers below it. Lumnieve turned to the projectile as it aimed to extinguish her life, a shimmering purple light dancing along the edge of her fan.

“To think they even had copies of the Longinus… These humans have indeed progressed.” Lumnieve murmured, as she slammed her fan into the ground, causing a wave of purple light to rise up and rush to intercept the Longinus. As Lumnieve’s attack met the spear the size of a building, the runes on the spear’s shaft blazed and an explosion of magical energy instantly disintegrated those that were unfortunately caught in the blast. For a brief moment, Lumnieve sighed in exhaustion as the threat was dealt with, it had taken her a considerable amount of energy.

Then eight more ‘twangs’ was heard.

Both Lumnieve and Yuelei could only watch in shock and wallow in helplessness as eight more Longinus spears flew through the air, targeting not Lumnieve, but the Frost Palace. The sound of shattering ice sounded like the roar of a dying dragon as eight consecutive explosions occurred.

A long silence reigned the battlefield as both sides beheld the effects of the attacks. Two lances utterly annihilated the walls and its troops, four had caused gaping holes through the palace from which the other side could be seen clearly, and the last two had been desperately blocked by Lumnieve. Her once prideful child-like demeanor figure was crushed as she collapsed onto the ground, light blue light pouring out from a one foot hole through her shoulder, and another in her thigh. Her face was full of bitter emotions. A dull creaking sound was heard as the Frost Palace started to tip to one side...

The enemy forces started to cheer, and eight more ‘twangs’ echoed on the battlefield.

Lumnieve’s eyes watched as the eight spears flew into the air from across the battlefield.

But at the halfway point, eight blurs dashed from the ground and the skies towards the lances. Yuelei recognized them as the magical beasts that served Lumnieve. They positioned themselves to receive the attack that even Lumnieve could not fully block.

The Longinus spears slowly grew in size, humming with dangerous magical energy.

The Longinus spears that seemed to rend space apart as they tore through the air.

But the events happened next caused both sides to tremble in shock.

A dark rift seemed to appear in front of one of the spears, swallowing it whole without leaving a trace.

Then, pitch black lance, the same size of a Longinus, fell from above the skies and knocked away one of the spears. The gathering clouds swirled in a spiraling vortex and a black castle floating in the sky slowly made its appearance known. Creatures with blackened wings floated next to it, giving it the feeling that somehow, night had fallen.

Crackling sound was heard, as a whip of lightning reached from the skies and disintegrated another spear. Another rumbling was heard, and then a giant sphere of blinding yellow lightning seemed to escape the dark skies and planted itself into the ground next to the Frost Palace. As the light faded away, a castle of yellow thunder was barely visible behind a legion of knights in golden armor.

Rumbling was heard as tree roots burst out from the ground and stopped another lance in its tracks, before squeezing and breaking it in half. From beneath the Frost Palace, thousands upon thousands of vines and roots emerged from the ground and supported the trembling and crumbling Palace. Behind it, a large tree materialized, and from it poured out armies of magical beasts.

A sigh was heard, and another Longinus was covered in a dark purple and black magic circle, and the entire weapon seemed to fizzle and melt. As the blackened liquid metal dropped onto the ground, a pool of foul-smelling liquid emerged. The soldiers nearby instantly started foaming at the mouth and tendrils of poison dragged them into the toxic pool.

The earth seemed to split as a gigantic earthen hand reached out from beneath the ground, cleanly grasping the shaft of a flying Longinus and breaking it in half. Then slowly, ever so slowly, a gigantic being of earth that looked like an Ancient emerged. As its legs reached out from the crevice, it stepped upon an assortment of cavalry that used magical beasts as mounts. It brushed his head as if to say ‘woops’.

Sand and ash seemed to creep off from the battlefield as yet another being made their existence known. An unnatural white flame engulfed yet another spear, turning it into ash. Next to the other castles, the sand and dust kicked up a sandstorm, and from it emerged a castle of white sand-ash. Cloaked figures that resembled mummies slowly marched out from it.

Finally, in front of the last spear, a cloaked and masked figure stood. Four-colored energy shimmered as he grasped the weapon and hurled it back at its sender. The ones that unfortunately did not get away in time were blasted into pieces from the explosion, and one of the ballistas were taken out of mission. The cloaked figure turned and dashed towards Lumnieve, where seven other figures were standing and supporting her.

Before Yuelei could get a good look at their features, Liur’s voiced echoed in her mind.

That’s enough for the glimpse.

“After all this, are you just-”

The world was covered in white light against her protest. Yuelei’s eyes opened to meet with the rays of the sun. Besides her, Liur was in a deep slumber.

Next morning, it seemed that things had returned to usual.

Galvin would politely knock on Yuelei’s door to let her know breakfast was ready, and she would conclude her magic training. Then she would go downstairs and be greeted by Silfy at the table. Except for this time, there was no morning conversation, and other than Silfy’s occasional response to Galvin’s questions of ‘what would you like for dinner.’ or ‘will you be returning later tonight’ or ‘I will be preparing an additional portion for Miss June, is that fine?’.

On the way to the Royal Knight Academy, the same atmosphere floated besides the two of them. Yuelei realized that she should not be the first one to cross the chasm, and waited patiently for Silfy to gather her thoughts.

“I guess there’s no helping it.” Silfy finally broke the silence, and after a few more quiet minutes, she started to speak again, her voice barely above whisper.“I had thought that after June was healed, everything could return to the way it was before.”

“When I woke up from that deep coma thanks to Lin, I had not known that June was alive. It’s a really cruel feeling, that feeling as if all your friends had died and left you behind. At that time I asked myself, by what right do I have to be alive?”

“Inside that casket that smelled of death, I thought that it was unfair that only I survived the ordeal, and I could not muster the courage to push against the casket door. But I am a coward, and it is against Ecclisa’s will to die until it is one’s time.”

“Yet when I pushed open the casket, I realized it was not Ecclisa’s will that wished for my continued sentience, but rather through the labors of my father, Mister Lin… and you.”

“And then one day, father told me that June was also alive, and I had mixed feelings about it. I was happy that one of my dear friend still lived, and I hated myself for thinking that. Nieves and Fifi protected us as we ran. Those two were by far the strongest of us four, one was a talented spear user and the other was a prodigy warlock. Instead of the strongest surviving, it was us, the weakest two that managed to escape that place. And after finding out that June had been paralyzed from the feet down, I asked Lin to help her to verify my belief. And when he healed her, my conviction that Ecclisa’s will does not truly exist, as Lin himself does not believe.”

“And it was then I wondered why has the Goddess forsakened us? Fifi, who was a warlock, once told me that gods and goddess are but symbols for the lambs to gather at. Gods and Goddesses are cruel beings that care little about their believers. Many times in the past, we would fight and argue over this, and Nieves was the one that would act as mediator and peacemaker. But this time, neither Fifi, who rejects the goddess, or Nieves, who compromises religion and life, was there to offer me advice.”

“But then you, Lumnieve, and Liur came along. The three of you that believed in nothing other than your own power. You are a year younger than me, yet you wield power that is beyond those of mine and my peers. You reminded me of Fifi, who made great sacrifices to gain strength. Perhaps somewhere in my heart, I had thought that you had taken her place.”

“And for that, I am sorry.” Silfy turned and bowed her head. “In my moments of weakness, I schemed within myself to lean on you for support. But I realize it now that it is the burden of those that remain living to grow stronger for the sake of the fallen. June… probably realized this before I did.”

“I don’t quite understand but… you are forgiven.” Yuelei mumbled, not quite sure how to respond. “Don’t worry about such little things.”

“Yuuuuuuli!” At Yuelei’s half hearted reply, Silfy tackled her with a smile, the solemn atmosphere quickly dissipating like morning mist. “Don’t you ever change!”

“I can’t promise it, but...sure.”

“Changing the topic a bit… Yuelei, you’ve been saving up a lot of money lately, haven’t you? Are you saving up to buy something? A magical item, perhaps?”

“No. They’re traveling funds.” Yuelei did not find the need to hide the money’s purpose. Rather, it was a good limiter so she would not have to grow too reliant on others. “There’s someone that I need to find.”

“In that case, you can ask Galvin. He used to work in the intelligence sector of the Church, the Harbinger Crows.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Yuelei replied curtly. She could not bring herself to trust the enigmatic man called Galvin. Liur had said that he had greater strength than Arfled, so Yuelei could not understand why he was not there during the Ceremony of Rebirth. Plus she can’t exactly ask someone to find a ‘prince’ of another country. Someone as intelligent as him could probably connect the dots to who Yuelei really was.

“Hmm?” Silfy looked at her quizzically. She had a hunch that after she had left the room last night, Galvin may have said some things to Yuelei other than Silfy’s past. “In that case, you can also ask the League of Adventurers, they keep a roster of all registered members.”

“I see.” That’s another way to go about it, but Yuelei was almost confident that Airen would register under a different name. He was too smart for his own good, or so she thought, but it was worth a try. “But I’m afraid he would use an alias.”

“Well it is true that about a third of adventurers operate under a different name...”

“Out of curiosity, why do you know so much about this League of Adventurers?” Yuelei asked. “Did you perchance wished to become an adventurer?”

“Not at first.” Silfy admitted. “But I have always harbored thoughts about it. There are many things beyond the Church of Ecclisa’s reach that I have not seen. Plus, it is a relatively popular occupation for children of non-affluent houses, especially those that are not the heir.”

“But aren’t you the heir?”

“I am. But as you see, our estate is small. Galvin does not believe in having other servants, and Father wants me to pursue whatever I want. It was also Nieves dream to become an adventurer as well. But I plan to wait until June graduates first, and then visit her homeland.”

“So the two of you wish to travel together.”

“Of course. And if possible, we would like for you to join us.”

“I’m afraid that won’t happen. Where I am going, I’m afraid that danger will come for me. I doubt I even have the strength to protect myself.”

“...You have some strong enemies then, Yuelei. But fear not! The three of us shall prevail through all difficulties!” Silfy’s innocent smile was so bright that Yuelei had to turn away.

“The strongest enemy is always oneself.” Yuelei quoted Lin’s words. “This is a trial I must overcome alone Sil.”

“In that case, I suppose I have to make sure not to fall behind.” Silfy laughed. “Perhaps one day in the future, you, me and June can clear a high level dungeon together.”

“A dungeon huh… I suppose it is a good method to gather alchemy ingredients and maybe obtain a magical item or two...”

“Truthfully, with your expertise in potion brewing, if you were to go to another country, you would probably be able to make a good amount of money. Here, where a majority of the inhabitants possess the light affinity, alchemists are less needed. But I hear outside of the Holy Land of Ecclisa, high ranked alchemists are well respected and have all sorts of privileges.”

“That’s good to know. What about enchanters?” Within the confines of the hand written manual, Lin had written basic enchanting theory. However, the cost was currently too big for Yuelei to consider pursuing at the time. If what Silfy said was true, then she could use the income from potions to start on the path of an enchanter, which would in turn raise her overall strength.

“I… don’t know.” Silfy admitted. “I have never heard of someone having the ability to enchant weapons in this age. Most of the world’s current magic items were either handed down or found within a dungeon. Every so often, magic from a spell would seep into a weapon and change it to a magical weapon, but it’s said to be a stroke of luck that occurs only once in a million spells.”

“That actually sounds rather promising.” Yuelei’s eyes glazed over momentarily at the prospective income, but then remembered the enormous list of ingredients that spanned two pages for a simple enhancement enchantment...

“But if you ever become an enchanter, Yuelei, come enchant my sword, you hear? This dull blade isn’t even suited for cutting butter.”

“I don’t mind but...” Yuelei started reciting the list of ingredients for an enchantment that lightens armor. “-And ectoplasm from a Clock Wraith...”

“So uh, can I do it on credit? For the sake of our friendship and all that.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Aww. Come on, Yuelei. Aren’t we sisters that are close enough to even bathe together?”

“Let’s not bring up that hot spring business again. Remembering it gives me the shivers.”

“In that case, we’re fellow adventurers!”

“I haven’t signed up yet. Maybe I should reconsider doing it.”

“So mean! If Lin was here, he would be saying ‘I didn’t raise you this way.’ ”

“He would probably say something like. ‘He who seeks adventure, must also seek a place to call home.’ “

“That does sound like him.” Silfy laughed. “Especially when he’s sitting in that lotus position of his, I feel like he’s an ancient monk. Did you ever find out how old he was?”

“No. I never bothered to ask.”

“Eh, really? You’re not curious at all?”

“Not really… what’s the point in knowing?”

“I suppose that’s true. It doesn’t change the fact that he saved our lives. Ah, we’re almost at the academy.” The buildings in the distance grown larger, and other cadets were walking along the same path they were.

“Well then, I will go withdraw our application for the Rise of Angelic Wings ceremony. During the cadet version of the ceremony, we should take the time to visit the League of Adventurer branch. Most of the time it’s relatively crowded, but this should provide an opportunity.”

“I see.” Yuelei nodded. She was slightly surprised that Silfy had agreed to withdraw so easily, but she truly admired Silfy’s decisiveness.

“If we’re quick about it, we can make it in time to watch the main ceremony. If it’s you, Yuelei, you should be able to witness a few things that you can use to design some magic spells off.”