A month had passed since the wyvern's fall, yet the peace Itsuki expected never fully settled.
Everwood thrived.
The streets were now paved with stone. Streetlamps powered by crystal-light lined the roads, glowing at dusk. Villagers walked with tools of steel and even rifles slung across their backs. The once-small settlement had become a city in miniature, gleaming more advanced than most capitals.
But progress carried weight.
One evening, while Itsuki stood atop the watchtower, Lyra climbed up to his side, her silver hair swaying in the breeze. Her eyes, sharp as always, scanned the horizon.
"More travelers arrived today. Too many, too soon. Mercenaries, adventurers, even wandering nobles. They're watching us, Itsuki."
He frowned, remembering the scout's report: unknown figures lurking near the walls, strangers asking too many questions, merchants demanding audiences without purpose.
"…The world is starting to notice us," Itsuki muttered. "And not in the way we hoped."
Selene approached, carrying a scroll in her delicate hands. She set it on the wooden railing.
"Rumors are spreading. They say we wield forbidden magic, that you're a false prophet of creation. I… I think the Empire is behind this."
The word Empire made the air grow heavier. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
Itsuki's gaze hardened.
"So, they've decided to try and smear us before they ever draw a blade."
Lyra scoffed.
"Cowards. Let them come openly if they dare."
"No," Itsuki said, shaking his head. "This is worse. If people start to believe we're dangerous, every adventurer and mercenary with something to prove will come knocking. We'll lose the fight before a war even starts."
He closed his eyes, taking a slow breath.
"…Then we prepare. If they test us, we'll prove Everwood's strength the right way. Not just through weapons… but by showing them the future we're building."
Below, the village bustled, unaware of the shadows creeping closer.