[The Day After the News of Imperial and Kai Spread]
The wind was cold and quiet as Ari, Tracey, Dawn, and Gray walked along the narrow mountain path. Each of them wore thick coats and warm layers, their breaths forming soft clouds in the chilled air. Snow crunched beneath their boots, and the barren trees around them creaked with the gentle breeze.
Despite traveling together, a heavy silence lingered between them.
The news from the day before still echoed in their minds—Imperial … the rumors, the secrets… the possible truths.
No one had dared to bring it up again. Not yet.
Hours passed.
Eventually, as the sun dipped lower into the horizon, they spotted two villages ahead—one on the right built beside a frozen lake, and one nestled into the cliffs on the left.
Ari stepped forward, her eyes narrowing.
Ari: "These are the final two villages in this region. If there's a Pillar here, it must be near one of them."
The group continued toward the lakeside settlement.
A wooden sign came into view at the village entrance, carved with worn but elegant letters:
"Mizukiri – The Water Village."
As they entered, the stillness was broken by the murmur of nearby villagers. Heads turned. A few older residents squinted through the snow, eyes widening as they recognized someone.
Villager (in awe): "Wait… isn't that… young Princess Ari?"
In moments, a crowd began to form.
Children peeked from behind coats. Elders bowed their heads in respect. Others stepped closer, whispering among themselves and offering warm welcomes.
Tracey (grinning): "Looks like someone's a local celebrity."
Dawn: "Well, she is royalty. What did you expect?"
Ari offered a gentle smile, greeting those she recognized and nodding politely to those she didn't.
Meanwhile, Gray stood slightly apart, his arms crossed, leaning against a frosted wooden post. His eyes scanned the crowd, but his expression remained unreadable.
[Later that Evening – Mizukiri Village]
After meeting the villagers and walking through the snow-covered paths, the group finally regrouped near the center of the village.
Ari turned to Gray, who still leaned silently near a wooden post.
Ari: "Gray, come on. We're going to get rooms… food… and a proper bath."
Tracey stretched his arms with a groan.
Tracey: "Man, I'm so done with walking. My back's frozen stiff. I need a hot bath or I'll turn into an icicle."
________________________________________
Soon after, the group arrived at the village's natural hot spring area, divided into sections for men and women. Steam rose from the surface of the water, blending into the cold night air.
Tracey and Gray headed into the men's section.
Ari and Dawn went into the women's side.
For the first time that day, everyone let themselves relax—if only for a little while.
Dawn quietly looked toward Ari, who sat silently, her arms wrapped around her knees, gaze locked on the flames. Her expression was unreadable—but distant. Like her mind was somewhere far away.
(Dawn's Thoughts):
She's still thinking about it.
About him.
I can't even imagine how it must feel… to know the one who took your parents away is out there, smiling, living, getting engaged like none of it ever happened.
Ari's not the kind to show her pain. But I can tell—it's eating at her. Not because she still cares about him… but because he doesn't seem to carry even an ounce of regret.
Dawn's fists clenched slightly in her lap.
She deserves peace. Closure. Something.
And right now… she has none of it.
________________________________________
On the other side of the fire, Tracey sat sprawled out on the wooden floor, arms behind his head.
He looked over at Gray, who stared up at the dark sky, as usual, lost in his own thoughts.
Tracey: "Hey Gray… Ren was strong, right? He used powers like Imperial. So…"
"Do you think the four of us could beat Imperial if we fought him together?"
Gray didn't respond. His eyes remained on the sky, expression unreadable.
Tracey: "…You're ignoring me again."
He sat up, turning more serious.
Tracey: "Then let me ask you this. Why are you chasing Imperial?"
Gray finally turned his head, looking at him.
Gray: "What do you mean?"
Tracey: "I mean… we all have a reason to be on this path."
He pointed around the room.
Tracey: "Ari wants to stop him—obviously. I want to find the strongest magical beast and form a bond. Dawn's looking for the truth behind what happened in her village. And somehow, all those things are tied to the Pillars."
Tracey: "And those same Pillars… are what he's chasing too."
Tracey leaned forward, more thoughtful now.
Tracey: "So even if we don't say it, we're all heading toward him. Indirectly or not. But what about you?"
He paused.
Tracey: "I'm not saying we don't want you with us. You're the strongest out of the four of us. And we need you. But I just want to understand—what drives you?"
"Why take this risk? Why walk this dangerous road?"
The fire popped again. Silence stretched.
Finally, Gray spoke, softly.
Gray: "It's not about revenge. Or justice. Or some deep emotional reason."
He looked into the flames now.
Gray: "I just want to see where his idea of 'changing the world' leads."
He paused.
Gray: "If someone like him thinks he can reshape everything… then I want to witness the outcome. Whether it brings hope—or destruction."
________________________________________
[Night – A Private Gathering Hall]
After the bath and a warm meal, they gathered in a quiet hall provided by the village chief.
Ari stood and unfolded an old village map on the wooden table.
Ari: "According to what I've heard, a Pillar has appeared… and the villagers actually saw it recently."
The others leaned in.
Tracey: "Wait, then what's the issue? That's good news, right?"
Ari pointed toward a spot on the map—a large cave marked near the edge of the village border.
Ari: "The problem… is where it is. The Pillar is inside that cave."
Tracey blinked. Then smirked.
Tracey: "What? Don't tell me you're scared of the dark, Ari. Don't worry, I'll go in and get those Pillar inscriptions. You can stay back and cheer for me."
A moment of silence.
Everyone stared at him with odd expressions.
Tracey: (raising an eyebrow) "…Ari?"
Ari crossed her arms.
Ari: "I'm not scared of the dark. The issue is that there's a monster/beast living in that cave. The villagers call it their guardian spirit. They worship it—like a temple."
Tracey's smug grin faded instantly.
Tracey: "…Oh."
Ari: "Entering the cave without permission would be seen as a huge disrespect to the villagers. They allowed us to stay here because they trust me. We can't risk ruining that."
Dawn: "She's right. If we just storm in and offend their beliefs, we'll lose their trust—and any help they could offer."
Tracey: "But we can't just turn around and leave without checking the Pillar either."
They all looked at the map in silence again.
The Pillar was close. But getting to it wouldn't be simple.
Just as the group fell into a heavy silence after Gray's words, a chilling sensation swept through the room.
A flicker of dark magic rippled through the air like a pulse.
All four immediately tensed.
Ari stood up first, eyes narrowing.
Gray was already by the door, his hand resting near his blade.
Tracey and Dawn followed swiftly, alert.
They rushed outside.
The snow had stopped, but the wind still carried an unnatural weight.
Ahead, in the village square, a group of villagers had gathered. They formed a loose circle around a single figure—a man in a dark coat, with snow-dusted boots and a travel-worn cape. His presence exuded quiet intensity… but what truly disturbed them was the unmistakable aura of dark magic radiating from his body.
One of the elders stepped forward with a warm yet respectful voice.
Villager: "You've returned at last, Benn. You carry a heavy duty… thank you for keeping our village safe."
Ari and the others slowed, observing closely.
Tracey: (quietly) "…That magic… it's coming from him."
The man—Benn—finally lifted his gaze. His eyes locked onto Ari and the group.
Then, unexpectedly, he bowed low toward her.
Benn: "My deepest apologies, Lady Ari. I didn't know you were present in our village."
The crowd murmured quietly at the mention of her title.
Another villager turned to explain, his voice reverent.
Villager: "Princess Ari… this is Benn. He's one of our own—but he serves directly under the Empress herself as a royal soldier. His return is rare, but always welcome."
Dawn's brows knit together slightly.
Tracey crossed his arms.
Ari gave a polite nod, but said nothing.
Benn straightened, gave one last look toward them—particularly toward Gray—then silently walked past and disappeared into a side path leading to a modest-looking home.
The villagers slowly dispersed.
The group returned to the hall, but the atmosphere had changed.
They gathered once again around the map, but Gray's gaze remained distant—fixed on the door.
Even as Ari resumed the discussion, Gray's eyes stayed sharp.
He hadn't stopped watching Benn for a second.
"Something about that man… didn't sit right. "Gray said.