While the monsters and the Pieces of Lucile frantically scoured every corner in their desperate hunt for the protagonist party and the demi-humans, those very individuals were leisurely enjoying fruits for dinner, blissfully unconcerned by the chaos unfolding in their wake.
However, the memory of their dire situation just hours ago still lingered. Cornered and certain that defeat—or worse, death—was inevitable, they had felt helpless. In those tense moments, as they braced for what they believed would be their final stand, a large formation resembling a crystal sigil began to etch itself into the ground beneath their feet.
Alarmed, Andrew and the others quickly raised barriers, using their aura and mana to shield everyone. Within seconds, the formation completed itself, revealing an ice crystal they instantly recognized.
"Naell?" asked Casper, his voice tinged with both surprise and relief. His guess was echoed in everyone's expressions.
The sigil was unmistakably Naell's—his signature as the Wizard of Time. Unbeknownst to him, during his time traveling and staying in Nonau, the guild had bestowed upon him that title after receiving endorsements from Awdita, Taglagas, and even the Republic of Summer.
Chosen for his unique snow crystal sigil, the title was awarded due to its representation of not just the passage of time, the end of a year, and hibernation, but also death and darkness itself. Ironically, as Odino Thorthon once pointed out, the title proved to be fitting: though Naell never actually killed, his mere presence could make anyone feel the weight of death.
That was why, when Andrew and the others finally realized that their dear friend, Naell Beryldot, was the one behind the spell, they couldn't help but feel relief. Once again, their friend had saved them from certain doom. Not only that, but just when they thought things couldn't get more casual, a message made of snow appeared in front of them, reading: "This is Naell. Let's go?"
''...''
Back in the present, in the ruined kingdom of Hatikala, the night was bitterly cold. Despite its location on the border between the Eastern and Southern Continents, one might expect a warmer climate.
However, Hatikala's geography told a different story. Nestled near the Hill of Nowhere, the kingdom was perpetually enveloped in frigid winds, with natural barriers trapping cold air from the sea and keeping the heat of the southern deserts and the usually warm eastern weather at bay.
Andrew took a slow sip from his steaming cup of coffee, the warmth offering a brief moment of comfort in the chill. "Still, to think it was you guys who Sire Ignis referred to as the backup," he remarked, glancing over at Naell.
Naell, genuinely glad to see them safe, replied, "Likewise, it's good to see you all."
From their reports, Andrew and his party were the first team dispatched for reconnaissance. They had been tasked with gathering vital information about the terrain and enemy movements, ensuring the safety and strategy for the larger force that would follow.
However, their main purpose for being there was to rescue the demi-humans, who were on the brink of annihilation. Duster Dipper, a schoolmate of theirs from Taglagas, was the one who had actually asked for their help.
"My real name is Graham Cloud. My family once served as the Arch-Duke protecting the border of Hatikala. Thank you for saving our lives."
Without his disguise, Graham Cloud had a striking appearance. Though mostly human in appearance, with a tall, lean build, sharp features, and piercing brown eyes, what set him apart were the orange wolf ears protruding from his head—a vivid contrast to his dark hair.
Naell and Owly nodded, though their attention was entirely focused on Graham's ears. They flicked slightly with each word he spoke, as if responding to the vibrations in the air. Both communicated telepathically, speculating that the flicking was a sign of his heightened senses, a trait commonly found in those with demi-human heritage.
Truth be told, Naell could barely remember who Duster Dipper was. However, he pretended to know, as it seemed trivial to care. Yet, when Rinca approached him from behind, a soft whisper brushed against his ear, sending a flustered warmth creeping up his neck.
"At the sports festival, he was the one fighting with knuckles," she murmured, as though he had been caught.
Naell blinked, caught off guard by the sudden voice and the delicate scent of pink peonies that seemed to emanate from Rinca. He turned toward her and gave a small nod in acknowledgment. Then, in a soft voice, he replied, "I know."
Rinca, however, was not fooled. Her sharp gaze locked onto him, eyes narrowing into a scrutinizing glare. She was clearly judging him, both for not remembering Graham and for trying to fake it. Naell felt a slight twinge of embarrassment creeping up his neck.
Just as he was about to carry on with his charade, he caught the subtle shift in her expression. The sternness in her gaze softened, melting into a teasing, almost playful smile. Her eyes glinted with a knowing amusement, as if she could see straight through him, reading every flicker of his thoughts. There was something in her gaze, something both daring and inviting, that made him feel as if she knew him far more intimately than he cared to admit.
He could only gulp, and upon seeing his reaction, Rinca giggled. The sound was so light and infectious that Naell couldn't help but let out a nervous chuckle in return.
Rinca then playfully tapped him on the shoulder, her voice warm as she whispered, "Don't worry, we're all a little forgetful sometimes."
Naell let out a relieved sigh and smiled at her, his heart lighter. The bond they shared—a quiet understanding—made even awkward moments feel effortless. As they savored the brief, lighthearted exchange, they became aware of the silent gaze from their friends.
Andrew and Casper were grinning widely, clearly amused by their exchange, while Aive and Viola looked flustered. Namiku and Note exchanged a playful "Hmm," and Utua, though smiling, had cold eyes, her expression betraying no emotion as usual. As for the rest, some were trying to stifle their smiles, while others pretended to be uninterested, though their eyes betrayed their curiosity.
The warmth of the moment quickly evaporated as Naell and Rinca flushed, both feeling a little self-conscious under the scrutiny of their companions.
After a brief pause, accompanied by a shared, awkward cough from both Rinca and Naell, the conversation resumed. Andrew took the floor, representing the guild, while Rizaul spoke for the Guardians and their pupils. Meanwhile, Utua, as always, stood firm, leading the discussion for the allied nations, her presence commanding respect and attention.
"Sajae and Drhys will arrive soon with the rest of the Guardians and pupils," said Rizaul. Naell looked forward to seeing Ignis, the mighty fire dragon, said to be the strongest Guardian.
"The guild is also preparing. Guildmaster Odino will take charge." Viola spoke up.
Far from her usual shy demeanor, Viola, now a full-time mage, had grown into her role. Rumor had it she would soon become the Sun Witch.
"Or so we hope!" she added, causing a few chuckles. Her shy nature, it seemed, could never truly disappear.
Viola could only offer an apologetic smile, which only made everyone laugh more, lightening the heavy atmosphere of the impending war.