In Vier's office.

[What are you reading about anyways?] Ellen asked as she scooted over to Vier’s side and read one of the reports. Her face turned instantly dark as if she was struck with realization.

[Ellen?] Vier asked worried.

[That is, I think I have forgotten something crucially important…] Ellen said looking troubled. Vier tilted his head in puzzlement.

[You see, before you raided the palace, I had this one promise…] Ellen began to explain the promise she had with Shiroki.

[You have got to be kidding me…] Vier grimaced as he face-palmed.

[He ought to come with an army, a battle that probably could not be avoided] Vier sighed.

[You…you think so?] Ellen asked feeling slightly guilty.

[Well, I will need to make preparations for battle too, just in case we could not talk things through] Vier simply said.

[Sorry] Ellen said apologetically. Of course, she intends to settle the matter herself when the time comes.

For several days afterwards, Vier strengthen the security around the household and the spirits also trained in increasing their firepower. This is not only to prepare for the possible confrontation with Shiroki and his bands of spirits but also to fend off against the demon spirit beasts.

After thorough investigations, it was found that the demon spirit beasts’ attacks have certain strange patterns. Vier began to have suspicions in regards to the matter but have yet to have the resolution to call upon other great-spirit households and discuss the matter and work towards resolving it. Since, as soon as that happen, he would not be able to postpone his position as the Spirit Lord. Other consequences and possibilities of him assuming the position after that also gives him a head ache.

[Do you feel unwell?] Ellen asked in concern. Vier shook his head in denial and patted Ellen’s head gesturing her not to worry.

After a brief moment someone came and disturb the moving atmosphere.

[Excuse me, my Lord] Balamore.

[What is it?] Vier asked turning serious.

[Our further investigations have affirmed that the demon spirit beasts are acting more aggressive these past few laterals (weeks). Also, our scouts in the northern forest had reported that there are a horde of demons heading to Solis] Balamore reported.

Solis is the territory ruled under Vier’s household. There are 6 great continents whereby 5 were ruled by the 5 great-spirit houses. The 5 continents are vast which 70% were consisted of mountain ranges, forests and some were separated by the great seas and great rivers that are further connected to small rivers in the forests while 40% were capitals and towns as well as settlements scattered here and there where spirits lives.

The palace where Ellen once lived were located in the southern part of the Yutah continent located in the east of the spirit realm’s geography. The other continents include the Solis continent located in the north, the Rudal continent in the south-east, the Tiol continent in the north-east, the Frolis continent in the north-west and the mysterious and unexplored 6th continent of Vaatu located in the west.

Many intelligent demon spirit beasts marked their territory in the mountain ranges, caves, deep seas and deeper part of the forests so none actually dared to trespass and incur their wrath for it means certain deaths, while wild demon spirit beasts freely roam about the forests while avoiding the stronger demon spirit beasts.

Vier’s face immediately turned dark at the news. However, he swiftly gave appropriate instructions to the spirits to prepare for battle.

[As you had suspected, my Lord. Someone, perhaps an evil spirit, is the mastermind behind the demon spirit beasts’ rampage. The demons movements were strange as if they were listening to someone’s command. But to control this many wild demon spirit beasts, and attacked several territories at the same time is unheard of. As you have feared, we might be up against a terrifying foe] Balamore remarked.

[Eh?!] Ellen was shocked at the present circumstances. She did not know much of what was going on. She was after all, merrily enjoying herself at the mansion and the other spirits did not break any news to her.

[Worst, I think they may have the support of one or maybe more of the spirit households. While I try as I might to convince myself that it is not the case, the timing is simply too convenient as it happened not long after the news of the fallen spirit lord. While I do not like to think that the great-spirit households would betray us, I cannot deny the possibility] Vier sighed.

[Eh?!] Ellen exclaimed again. Her mouth gaped with the shape of an ‘o’.

Vier knew that he was the trigger for all of these unfortunate events since he killed the spirit lord and that he need to take responsibilities. But things are really going out of hand. There are so many things that he needed to do, that he did not know where to start, especially in order to clean up the matter of the spirit lord.

Coupled with the attacks from demon spirit beasts, an unknown enemy and possible betrayal from great-spirit households, he might just turn crazy from all the head ache. Ah, there was also Shiroki. Vier sighed again.