The banquet stretched deep into the night and proved every bit as magnificent as the villagers had hoped.
Songs echoed beneath the stars while tankards clashed, and laughter carried across the village square. Men and women danced around the dying bonfires, feasted until they could eat no more, and drank as though tomorrow itself could be postponed.
Even Chief Lashkar eventually succumbed to the festivities.
Determined to prove that age had not dulled him, he challenged several guild members to a drinking contest and lost spectacularly, collapsing unconscious before the final round could even begin.
Loof spent the better part of the evening scolding every man involved for encouraging such foolishness. The accused merely laughed and defended themselves, claiming that a feast was one of the few occasions where common sense was permitted a holiday.
Victoria, meanwhile, quietly finished the meal prepared for her.
Though born a princess, she had been taught from childhood that wasting food was a grave sin. Every grain and every crumb carried the labour of someone else's hands.
One conversation led to another. One song gave way to the next. And before anyone realized it, the night had passed and morning arrived swiftly.
It was a decisive day.
The departure had originally been planned much earlier, but Victoria's training had delayed it. At this point, however, no further postponement was possible. Every day lost granted the Triad of Chaos more time to tighten its grasp upon the world.
Near the village entrance stood Victoria, Aiden, and Godric, their belongings secured upon mounts unlike any found in ordinary stables.
They were Luluths.
At first glance, they resembled deer larger than horses, their powerful frames built for endurance rather than beauty. Renowned throughout Utopia, they could travel immense distances without tiring and carry burdens that would exhaust lesser beasts.
Yet their most curious trait was neither their strength nor their speed.
A Luluth remained beside its master only so long as it felt respected and cared for. Mistreat one long enough, and it would leave without warning, never to return.
Across many regions of Utopia, a popular saying had emerged from this behaviour. When a Luluth abandons you, it takes a piece of your soul with it.
The entire village had gathered to see them off.
Guild members stood shoulder to shoulder with fishermen, hunters, craftsmen, and farmers. Faces old and young alike had come to offer their blessings for the road ahead.
Aristovelli approached the departing trio.
Unlike the others, she carried no farewell speech. Instead, she held a gift.
A book.
One she had written herself.
"Hard to Believe."
The title alone suited its author.
The volume contained countless spells and detailed instructions for casting them. It also served as an extensive encyclopedia documenting the races, creatures, and wonders of Utopia.
But those were not the reasons it had become famous. Its true notoriety came from the final portion of its contents.
Within its pages, Aristovelli recounted her journey to the Far Perching East—a forbidden region whose exploration had been expressly prohibited by every major magical authority on the continent.
The revelation caused an uproar.
The Magic Council denounced the work, ordered every copy confiscated and burned, and for a time, merely possessing the book was considered a criminal offence.
Naturally, such measures only made people want to read it even more.
"You are always quoting books. I take it you enjoy reading?" Aristovelli extended the volume toward Victoria.
It was the original manuscript—and the last surviving copy.
"Take it with you," she said. "Consider it an extension of my lessons. It should prove useful during your travels."
A mischievous smile appeared on her lips.
"Just avoid reading it in public. Unless, of course, you enjoy attracting flies."
"Thank you."Victoria accepted the book with both hands.
Carefully, she placed it among her belongings before securing the satchel shut.
Only then did Aristovelli turn her attention to Aiden and Godric.
"Look at them," she said, gesturing toward the gathered members of their respective guilds.
The guild members stood proudly among the villagers, watching their masters with expressions that ranged from cheerful to solemn.
"You may wish to leave them with a few words before departing, don't you think?"
"They already know what to do," Godric replied while adjusting the straps of his luggage. "Besides, I am no longer their guild master."
"Just admit you're terrible at speeches," Aiden said with a grin.
"Be quiet." Godric released a weary sigh.
"In the Legend Guild, words are not always necessary. We have spent enough years together to understand one another without them."
His gaze drifted toward his former guild members.
"They already know my thoughts and my wishes for them."
The members of the Legend Guild exchanged proud smiles. There was no need for further explanation. Everyone of them knew those words to be true.
"We really are different in every possible way," Aiden said, laughing.
He scratched the back of his head.
"The Comet Guild talks about everything. Important things. Stupid things. Things that make sense and things that don't."
His grin widened.
"Though I suppose I may have talked a little too much last night."
Laughter erupted from both villagers and guild members alike.
Aiden raised a hand. "So yeah... you'll all be fine."
His gaze swept across his guild. "Just keep our rivalry burning."
At once, Gron and Eltrish stepped forward and bowed deeply. The remaining members followed their example.
"Thank you for everything!" Their voices rose as one.
The sincerity behind those words struck deeper than any grand speech could have.
Aiden answered with a broad smile. Godric, meanwhile, pretended not to care. Only the faintest softening around his eyes betrayed him.
As the moment settled, Chief Lashkar and his granddaughter, Loof, made their way through the crowd carrying several carefully wrapped bundles that appeared to contain provisions for the road.
"We prepared some food for your journey," Loof said, offering the bundles. "It will not sustain you for the entirety of your travels, but at least you will have something to eat during your first few days."
Aiden accepted the provisions with a grateful smile.
"Thank you. You're a lifesaver." He lifted one of the bundles.
"But do not worry. Once we run out of your delicious meals, we'll simply hunt for our food."
"You're welcome... of course," Loof stammered, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.
"What a womanizer." Victoria rolled her eyes.
Neither Aristovelli nor Godric reacted. They had long since grown accustomed to Aiden's peculiar charm. As for Chief Lashkar, he paid little attention to the exchange.
His thoughts were fixed on the farewell ceremony.
For generations, the people of Corniche Village had practiced a rite of libation whenever a cherished guest departed.
It was more than a blessing for a safe journey.
It was a prayer offered to their ancestors—a plea that the roads ahead remain kind to those leaving, and that fortune would one day send visitors of equal worth back to their shores.
After reciting several invocations in an ancient tongue understood only by the village's natives, Chief Lashkar uncorked one of his finest bottles.
The clear liquor poured onto the earth.
An offering to those who had come before.
"We may have begun our relationship on poor terms," the chief said, his weathered voice carrying across the gathering. "Yet you have brought us far more joy and peace than grief or discord."
His gaze swept across Victoria, Aiden, and Godric.
"For that, the people of Corniche Village wish you a safe journey."
He raised his hand solemnly.
"May our ancestors guide you toward gracious shores."
With that, he turned away, taking Loof's hand as they began to leave. Yet after only a few steps, Loof stopped. Something compelled her to look back.
Her eyes met Victoria's.
"There is much I do not understand about your journey," she began softly. "Nor do I truly know what it is you seek to accomplish."
"But for reasons I cannot explain... I can feel the weight of it here." She pressed her palm against her heart. "It feels as though something terrible may happen if you fail."
The words surprised even her. Still, she forced herself to continue.
"Perhaps I sound foolish, but..." Her voice trembled.
"Please be victorious, no matter what hardships stand before you."
A faint smile appeared on her lips. "And one day... come visit us again."
Victoria guided her Luluth forward a few paces before turning back. The morning wind stirred her dark hair.
"I look forward to your next meal."
For the first time that day, warmth touched her voice.
"Until then, become a strong woman."
Tears welled in Loof's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Words failed her entirely, caught somewhere between gratitude and emotion she could not yet name.
To those watching, Victoria's words had sounded simple—almost random.
But Loof understood.
Having once shared a quiet moment with the fallen princess in the warmth of her family's baths, she had glimpsed something beyond her cold exterior. That brief encounter had been enough to shape admiration into something deeper, more resolute.
In that instant, she made a silent vow.
She would become a chief strong enough to stand beside figures like the Fallen Princess—and the Legendary Witch—not in their shadow, but as someone capable of protecting her people.
Recognizing the unspoken meaning behind Victoria's words, Loof lowered her head in quiet acknowledgment. Then, without another word, she turned and left with her grandfather.
Aiden and Godric mounted their Luluths as well.
For a moment, it seemed the farewells had come to an end.
Then Aristovelli's expression changed.
The smile she had worn throughout the morning vanished, replaced by something colder.
"The hunt has begun." The words immediately drew everyone's attention.
"You mean the cult has already unleashed its dogs?" Aiden asked, surprise flashing across his face.
"It appears we lingered here longer than we should have," Godric added.
Victoria's eyes narrowed.
Aristovelli lifted a hand to shield her eyes from the morning sun as she stared toward the distant horizon.
"For the past several days, I have kept a divination spell over the surrounding forests and beyond," she explained. "From the flow of mana I perceive, and the records I have studied concerning the Agape Cult, I judge this to be the presence of a Patriarch."
"A Patriarch!?" Aiden and Godric exclaimed in unison.
Even Victoria's expression darkened.
"Yes."Aristovelli's gaze remained fixed on the distance.
"And he is advancing quickly. Far too quickly for ordinary travel. He is either flying or riding a creature capable of sustained aerial movement."
Her eyes narrowed further.
"What's strange is that he should have reached us long ago. He appears to be following a trail."
A brief pause followed.
"And more importantly... he is not alone."
The atmosphere around the village instantly grew heavier.
"Perhaps we should remain and protect the village," Aiden suggested.
"No." Aristovelli's answer came without hesitation. "If you stay, the village becomes a battlefield." Her voice carried enough authority to end any argument before it began.
"The villagers would be caught in the middle, and casualties would become inevitable. We proceed according to plan." Her gaze shifted to the trio.
"Leave immediately. I will deal with them myself."
Then her expression sharpened.
"And do not forget your true objective. You must find Amzath. He is the key to locating both the Hero and the Sage."
A faint smile returned to her lips. "Follow my instructions and everything will be fine."
"Be careful, Grandmaster," Godric said softly.
Aristovelli blinked before turning toward him.
"Oh, Godo." A playful smile appeared on her face."Are you worried about me? How sweet."
Godric merely shook his head.
"Do not concern yourself." A strand of silver hair danced in the wind.
"I am the strongest for a reason."
For once, Godric did not argue. Instead, a confident smile appeared on his face.
Then Aristovelli turned toward Aiden.
"And you." She pointed her finger directly at him. "Do not become a burden to Godo and Victoria. Be a good boy."
Aiden looked personally offended.
"Why is it always me? Those two aren't saints either, you know!"
The witch ignored him completely. Her attention shifted to Victoria.
"See you, Queen. I shall be watching over the three of you from a distance. Don't forget, be ruthless." Aristovelli said with a faintly menacing smile
"Always." The fallen princess replied without hesitation, her tone mirroring the Legendary Witch's own sharp composure.
Aristovelli tapped Victoria's Luluth to signal it forward, and the others followed at once. After a final wave toward their guild members—perhaps for the last time—the trio galloped away from Corniche Village.
***
Deep within the forest, the Luluths tore through the undergrowth at tremendous speed, branches and shadows blurring together as Corniche Village quickly vanished behind them. The air grew colder the farther they went, the warmth of the farewell already fading into something distant.
Victoria finally broke the silence. "Who is this Amzath we are supposed to find?"
Aiden yawned from his saddle without even turning his head. "Dunno."
"I wasn't asking you," she replied flatly. "It is obvious you know nothing."
Aiden only chuckled, unbothered, while Godric, riding slightly ahead, finally spoke.
"Amzath the Explorer is a man shrouded in mystery, and our master appears to be the only one who has ever known him personally. Across the world, he is hailed as the greatest adventurer to have ever lived."
Victoria's gaze sharpened. "What makes him so special?"
"He is the only individual recorded to have traversed every region of this world without exception. More importantly, he alone outside the Magic Council possesses a complete map of Utopia."
Victoria frowned. "The map we use is incomplete?"
"Not exactly," Godric answered, "It has been deliberately fragmented. To prevent any form of meddling with the Triad of Chaos, the Magic Council removed entire regions from official records, especially those suspected of their influence or whereabouts."
He continued as the forest rushed past them. "Amzath ignored those restrictions. He charted everything—every land, every boundary, every hidden place—and attempted to make it public."
"And they silenced him?" Victoria said quietly.
"Yes. He is now a wanted man, carrying knowledge the Council considers too dangerous to exist freely."
Silence returned, broken only by the rhythm of hooves against earth.
Victoria exhaled slowly. "So, finding him is essential."
"Without him," Godric said, "we would be wandering."
Aiden tilted his head slightly. "Do we at least know what he looks like?"
Godric shook his head. "Not precisely. Aristovelli's description was vague. She only said he is unmatched in transformation spells and possesses an Expellis capable of rendering him invisible."
Victoria's expression darkened slightly as she stared into the endless forest ahead. "So, we are searching for a man we cannot recognize who can also make himself vanish at will."
Her voice lowered into a quiet conclusion as the wind pressed against them. "It is like hunting a ghost."
The Luluths burst out of the forest and into an open coastal expanse where land met an endless sea. Waves rolled in beneath a wide sky, and from the depths of the ocean rose two colossal creatures, their immense bodies casting vast shadows over the shoreline.
"Shore Whales!" Aiden exclaimed with childlike excitement. He had always adored them since childhood.
Godric and Victoria exchanged a single glance without speaking.
"He's just a child."The thought formed in perfect unison.
Yet Aiden was not alone in his reaction.
"Wow… they are enormous!" Elysia's voice rang out in awe.
Of course, only Victoria could hear her.
She exhaled softly. "I almost forgot she was there."
"Vicky, I can still hear your thoughts!" the fairy pouted immediately.
Aiden urged his Luluth forward to get a closer look at the shore whales, but by the time he realized it, Victoria and Godric had already moved ahead along the coast.
"Hey! Don't leave me behind!" he shouted, waving frantically as he galloped after them.
"That man really is an idiot," Elysia commented.
"On that much, we agree," Victoria replied silently in her thoughts.
Aiden eventually caught up, his Luluth skidding slightly as he rejoined them, panting as though he were the one who had been running.
They pressed onward.
Landscapes shifted as they travelled—cliffs, dunes, and wind-swept plains unfolding before them in endless succession. Victoria's gaze moved constantly, taking in everything with a quiet intensity. It was as though she were seeing Utopia for the first time.
Yet this world had always existed before her eyes; she had simply been unable to see it. Since her arrival in Utopia, the fury and weight of Helios's betrayal had clouded her vision, blinding her to even the simplest beauty—a rainbow forgotten, a horizon ignored.
And so, they rode until the land itself seemed to hesitate before them, and the path finally split into a choice waiting to be made.
"The town of Brazareff lies half a day from here, depending on the route we choose," Godric said as he unfolded the map against the wind.
"If we pass through the Night Leaf Forest, the journey will be longer. At best, we would reach our destination in a day or two. Otherwise, we'll have to cut through the Valley of Mendiants. It is much shorter—we need only spend the night there; by tomorrow noon, we should arrive in Brazareff."
"However—" He hesitated slightly.
"However, what?" Victoria cut in immediately. "The choice is obvious. We take the Valley of Mendiants."
Aiden leaned back casually on his Luluth. "Look at her talk. And I'm supposed to be the problem here."
Victoria ignored him completely.
Godric lowered the map slightly, his expression tightening.
"The path may be shorter, but the valley is said to be under a lingering curse. It is wiser to avoid it."
"The fact that we have already set out on this journey is a risk in itself," Victoria replied without hesitation. "We are preparing to face the Triad. We cannot hesitate because of a mere curse."
Before either of them could respond, she urged her Luluth forward.
"Let's take the shortcut." Her voice carried over her shoulder. "Don't be cowards."
She rode ahead without waiting.
Aiden watched her disappear down the path, then exhaled a laugh. "Well… our adventure is going to be more interesting than I expected."
"Just shut your mouth," Godric muttered, folding the map and slipping it away as he followed her.
The two men followed the fallen princess, and together they entered the Valley of Mendiants.
It was a bleak mountainous basin where sunlight struggled to reach the ground, as though the very sky rejected the place. The air grew colder as they advanced, heavy with silence broken only by distant murmurs.
Soon, shapes began to emerge through the dim light—wretched black tents scattered across the stone, and figures beneath them.
People in torn cloaks knelt or sat directly on the ground, palms open, whispering in hoarse voices. They were not begging for gold or silver.
They were begging for food.
None of them appeared healthy. Their bodies were gaunt, skin stretched tightly over bone, faces pale and drained of colour. White hair fell in uneven strands, and their gray eyes gave the impression of blindness at first glance.
Yet it was no blindness.
In all of Utopia, it was said that none possessed sharper sight than they.
"So, the rumours were true," Godric murmured, his gaze sweeping across them.
Aiden looked between confusion and curiosity, studying the figures without speaking. Victoria, however, turned slightly toward Godric, sensing he knew more than he had yet said.
"Who are these people?" she asked.
"The Selifeh," he replied at once. "A fallen house of seers. They were once renowned across the world, but were banished, cursed, and exiled by the Magic Council after failing to foresee the Triad's invasion twenty years ago."
His voice lowered slightly.
"They are said to burn upon contact with sunlight, as though the world itself rejects them."
Victoria said nothing. She simply observed.
Even Elysia remained silent for once.
"We must avoid conflict." Godric continued. "Do not engage them. Night is approaching—we will continue forward until we find a suitable place to set camp."
"Why?" Aiden asked. "If they attack us, we'll have to defend ourselves."
"From what I have heard," Godric replied calmly, "the Selifeh are known to be pacific. I do not believe we will have to draw our blades here. But if by any means they prove themselves to be hostile, then we will have no choice but to defend ourselves."
The trio advanced slowly, as their eyes swept over the suffering remnants of the fallen house, each step heavier than the last.
Then Victoria's gaze—along with Elysia's—caught something that did not belong in silence.
A Selifehian child.
No older than ten, crouched among the stone and dust, eating a chameleon alive.
The creature screamed for mercy and struggled weakly in his hands, but the boy showed no hesitation, no emotion. He tore into it as though it were nothing more than fruit.
Blood smeared across his face, staining his lips and teeth a deep crimson. His expression remained hollow—detached, almost corpse-like.