The village was cleared. Ezra, Grimm, Irene, and Granius all met together in the center of the village. All of the children were safe and the crew stood to prepare the next several sets of plans they had for winning the war.

“So Ezra I’m sure you have somewhere for the kids to go?” Irene asked.

“Yeah. There’s a village in the woods on the western coast. We can get there and be safe. There’s a few problems. One the way I got there is still unknown. I left from the forest but it’s unclear how I got there in the first place. Two. The mountain path me and my friends took has a massive hole that will make it hard to past, and it’s most likely filled with monsters. And three. Even if we get through that there is the chance that we’ll be spotted since Cloudwick has a full view of everything on that side of the Freelands.” Ezra answered.

“Which means if we go over it they’ll send the same ones who attacked Katreena and Anabelle at you.” Grimm added.

“So we can’t go through the mountain or over it. Around it is our last chance.” Ezra said.

“You insane. The water is filled with pillars of rock that stand taller than Grimm.” Granius came back with.

“Yes, but those pillars do have enough space for use to walk through.”

“Tell us more about this village first.” Irene told Ezra.

“Well. One thing I know is that they somehow worship monsters.” This made the three adults' eyes widen in concern. “Before you all get wild. Let me tell you how I left. I met a young man who also tried leaving. Everytime he went into the woods they would lead him back to the village. We found out it was because of a monster. But not just any monster. Turns out his mother was turned into a monster and regained her mana like other monsters. So she used it to change it’s layout. We managed to get through using our combined Virtue.” Ezra explained. “Thing is. The old guy who runs the town seems reliable. He was able to nurse me back to health, and it’s the only place I know.”

“That forest is crawling with monsters.” Granius said.

“Not likely. We would have sensed them if there were. And if there were they would be small fry.”

“Do we have any other options?” Irene asked. “Grimm where do you live?”

“I have my own small island off the coast. However. Just like those rocky pillars. My island has succumbed to the same fate.” Everyone became shocked. “Something is happening to the Freelands. Like it’s responding to the war. It’s like a scared child who is trying everything to keep themselves safe. Which is why regardless. We have to go to this hidden village.” Grimm stood up and started to walk away.

“Grimm wait. You have something else to add. You know what’s causing this?” Irene asked.

“I believe it’s the Charm of Inera. You think they’re only here for that tome. One of the world's most powerful artifacts is somewhere on this continent. And they won't rest until they find it. Let’s move we can’t waste much time.” Grimm finished.

“Fine. Grimm and Ezra you all lead the children safely to the village. The rest will go and seal the hole in the barrier.” Irene announced and they began to move out of Dustgarde.

They moved west of the village. They split off at the start of the forest. Ezra led his group of the children from both villages, one of Granius’ wives, and some of the adults from Fayspell out by the shore. Where they all witnessed just how brutal the sea was up close. Dozens, if not hundreds of large stone pillars were erupted from the sea, blocking the way out. They could barely see past them,

“Alright. Let’s make this quick.” Grimm said approaching the water. He placed his hand within and froze the sea surrounding the mountain. A large area was now possible for them to walk on. The children looked in awe. Some of the adults and Ezra were jealous. “Come on.”

They started to trek over the ice field. It was surprisingly easy to keep themselves standing straight. Eventually getting to a point where the trees were no more, and all there was lay the large towering mountain. Another interesting sight was the pillars, which grew in size the more they approached the mountain.

Ezra stopped to notice the features on them with Anabelle. They showed a feminine figure with six eyes and four arms. But not just one, many. And a bright sun above them all. Another mural, showcased a dragon breath using the elements against the sun.

“Ezra, keep up.” Grimm yelled back catching him off guard. He broke off from the murals and got back up with the group. Taking his place back to the front. They still had a way to go. Anabelle took to carrying some of the kids for every hour they had to cross.

Grimm looked back to Katreena, whose head was down following everyone. He stopped himself, and let everyone past until reaching Katreena.

“You don’t need to ask anything.” She said, head still down.

“That’s good. I want you to go into detail of what happens when you got back to Dustgarde.” Grimm asked.

“When we got into the city. We tried to look for the mayor. But the guy with the orange hair and that dancer wouldn’t let me take the elevator. A fight then broke out. The boys were quickly defeated. However. The used the potions that we brought with us and became stronger.” Katreena explained. Grimm smiled. “What’s weird. Is that they said those potions shouldn’t have worked.”

Grimm stopped. He taught for a second. Then he understood. “Vesta. She’s this Princess Teresa. She made the potions and tampered with them. But how did they turn out fine?”

“Guys we’re here!” Ezra called from the front. They came to a sunny shore where they saw the shining village. Ezra looked over to Anabelle, he guided her first into the village. Some women were sunbathing, to the dismay of the perverted Bellvin watching from afar.

“Why...that looks like that swordsmen with the red hair. Wait….That is him!” Bellvin said as he saw Ezra approaching. He walked onto the beach and met him halfway.

“Hey old man.” Ezra greeted.

“That’s good of you for asking. Of course these lovely people can stay with us.” Bellvin responded.

“Wait….you know what. Whatever. You’re not mad at me?” Ezra asked.

“Forgive and forget young man. It’s how I’ve lived so long. Bring them. They need a meal as it looks.” Bellvin said walking away. Ezra motioned the others to come.

Everyone got situated into the village. Bellvin had a huge feast prepared for everyone. Seems they all got a piece of this paradise. The women all bathed in the indoor bath with the children. Ezra, Grimm and the men all bathe in the coast. Grimm got his normal looks from the village's women. The ladies were given full treatment, as were the men give or take. The feast was magnificent, and everyone was able to settle in peacefully.

“This place is amazing.” Anabelle said as she was scrubbed all over.

“I know right. Besides you and Nicholai, there’s maybe one other person I want to bring here.” Ezra said as he ate a plate of food. “Alright. I’m gonna go talk to the old man. Have fun.”

Ezra went off to find Bellvin. To find him near the inn.

“Hey Bellvin. I hate to put all this on you, but another groups gonna be arriving soon most likely.” Ezra cautiously said.

“That’s perfect. Sarabell is always looking for a reason to treat anyone. You’ve done us a service Ezra. This made the swordsman smile.

“You’re not worried about the war?”

“Not at all. We’ve been hidden all this time. No point in worrying about something out in the open when your life is closed behind a door.” Bellvin proudly said. Ezra happily sighed at him. He looked to the inn, and saw a trail of blood leading into a room.

“Hey, what happened here?” Ezra asked.

“Oh, I wouldn’t go in there If I were you. Some girl came here after you left, real bad shape she was in. But she’s recovering on her own. ‘Don’t let anyone in, 'she said. So i’ll honor that request.” Bellvin answered. Ezra left it at that.

“Well. Thanks anyway. Look. Soon I'm going to go off and fight that battle. Can you keep an eye on the young ones for me. A few of the adults will stay behind, but I need your word.”

“Of course.” Bellvin answered. Ezra wasn’t convinced. Last time he was here, a monster nearly killed the entire village and he stood by and did nothing.

‘Bellvin. These kids...they aren’t mine. I’m dragging their parents into battle with me-” Ezra was cut off.

“When you left. I realized something. Arnis didn’t come back. Yet here you are. Must mean he’s alive. I always sat and wondered if the day would come. And it did. So many things are happening at once. And now he is a part of it. There’s no point in letting myself die to not see the end of it. You have my word Ezra. I won’t let a single man or monster harm a single person in this village.”

Ezra smiled. There was more happening around him than he could understand as well. And now, he felt ready.