After the so-called re-explanation of the plan, our first goal was to light the four holy towers located on each of the main continents. Aria, who had gone to return the plates and other items, came back with a map of the world.
I had been curious about this world the entire time. We were going to face countless difficulties, and our lives could be at risk at any moment. So, I asked her to explain the essential information—the places we would visit, the people who lived there, the local lords who might aid us, and those who wouldn't accept us. If we wanted to survive, I needed to know all of this.
"Sir Kaito, I'm coming with you as well. You don't need to worry about these things."
"True, if you are with me, I don't have to…" I stopped myself, realizing what my words implied. I held my tongue and cleared my throat before correcting, "We don't have to worry about anything."
Grey kept eyeing me with a strange smirk, but I paid him no mind and said, "Please, tell us the necessary information."
Whether clueless or simply unwilling to understand, she showed no reaction to the teasing smirk. Grey, nearly disappointed, let out a sharp "Tch!"
She really looked focused on the matter, but she allowed us to have our fun—joking and laughing—knowing it helped keep our nerves steady. Without those moments, our tension would surely have overwhelmed us.
She continued by explaining the locations of the four holy towers.
"Grey, please take some paperweights from the shelf," she asked.
Grey smiled and responded, "Yes, Ay."
Now, a faint hint of a smile appeared on her face.
With the map spread out on the table, she began her explanation.
"There are four main continents, as I mentioned before. They are the Holy Empire, the Beast Empire, the Dragon Empire, and finally, the Demon Empire."
Though each land is vast enough to be called a continent, people often refer to them as 'Empires' instead. The reason is simple: each region is now dominated by a single, powerful nation whose influence is so complete that the land, its rulers, and its people are seen as one and the same.
Over the ages, countless races and kingdoms have vanished—lost to war, calamity, and time. These four empires stand as the last great survivors of all those ancient struggles, monuments to resilience in a world where so much history has already been erased."
"Erased…" I echoed, the word slipping past my lips before I could stop it. The weight of how much had truly vanished from this world made my heart clench—how many stories, how many lives, lost forever. For a heartbeat, silence lingered. But dwelling on it wouldn't change a thing—we had to look ahead.
"Now then, as we discussed, each empire plays its own role in the fate of our world…"
The Holy Empire takes its name from the sacred land at its heart, a place revered across the continents. Though the Holy Land itself remains beyond control, the empire surrounding it holds great significance.
It is ruled by Emperor Felix the Third, a leader who values his people above all else.
Recognizing the importance of the heroes' mission, he has generously promised us full support and supplies.
His commitment ensures we have the resources needed to bring heroes into this world, guide them, and aid them throughout their journey.
Grey grinned, "Seems like a nice guy… Think I should start saying 'Emperor' when I see him? Or just stick with 'Yo, King!'?"
I smirked and said, "Better call him Emperor—unless you want to lose your head."
Aria hesitated for a moment, a brief flicker of unease crossing her face. Then she softened her tone, speaking gently, "No, he is a good person, full of benevolence. He wouldn't mind something like that. But addressing him with the proper title—that is the respectful and proper way."
Grey cleared his throat awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "Well, uh, wise words, Ay. It's, uh, always best to show proper respect, no matter how kind the person may be."
"So, uh, maybe we should drop the teasing and focus on what really matters I added."
Then Aria resumed her explanation, her finger tracing the outline of a forested region on the map as she looked up to clarify her point.
"This is the Beast Empire. They see themselves as the natural rivals of the Dragon Empire and forge their strength through brutal training from a very young age. Their youth endure harsh trials designed to push their bodies and senses beyond normal limits, awakening beast-like physical abilities and heightened instincts. In their world, only strength commands respect. They won't even spare a glance for those who are weak, venerating only the powerful and relentless."
I gave a slow nod, expression thoughtful. "They sound fierce… not ones to trifle with."
Grey mirrored the gesture, eyes sharp. "Respect only comes from strength. That much is clear."
With that, we moved on, letting the weight of the Beast Empire's reputation settle between them.
These are the territory of the dragon empire.
The mountains are the true sanctuary of the Dragon Empire, where clans live in their own chosen regions, bound by their unique abilities. But those mighty clans have faced hardships—most of their strongest, like the Fire Clan, were wiped out during the demon invasions.
Their town, once bustling under the shadow of Mount Zephros, was reduced to ashes in a single attack.
They were once home to fierce warriors like Lady Seris and her husband, Lord Darion, who stood alongside the previous hero in battle and earned great respect throughout the lands.
A few from the Dragon clans managed to escape, though many were scattered. Sadly, the Fire Clan was completely wiped out, their town reduced to ashes.
When Aria spoke, her tone carried the weight of someone who had witnessed those events firsthand.
"It's… sad," I said quietly, worry gnawing at me.
Grey clenched his fists, eyes flashing with anger. "Those heartless beasts! how could they do something like this?"
Aria's face darkened for a brief moment, shadows flickering in her eyes—an unspoken torment hidden deep beneath her calm exterior.
Her features twisted ever so slightly in a way neither Grey nor I could understand, as if burdened by a secret only she knew. Then, with a quick breath, she masked it and looked away, the moment lost to us.
After a heavy silence, Aria shifted the conversation. "Now, about the Demon Empire…"Her voice grew steady again, but a hardness remained beneath the surface—a reminder of why this was the most dangerous part of the plan.
"They were, like I said, once humans, but no longer. Without any clear reason, they began wiping out clans and killing many people—even attempting the life of the previous hero. After him, they succeeded in killing many heroes chosen before you. So, we must move cautiously"
"If we want to execute our plan perfectly, we have to start with the Demon Empire first."Grey added, "Because they are hostile towards humans.
If we don't activate the tower inside the Demon Empire first, they will be on high alert. Then taking it would be a nightmare."
"That's really a wonderful plan," I admitted.
Then Aria said, "You're right, Grey. Let's start there, and then we can move to the nearest one after that."
We agreed with a nod.
Sir Kaito, we don't really know your fighting capabilities. And when you guys were talking about the fight with the Minotaur, I heard that.
I knew it! She's been watching us.
Sorry, I just wanted to make sure you two weren't uncomfortable. Without knowing how else to support you, I thought observing you up close might give me some clues, make things easier.
Grey smiled and shook his head. "That kind of thing's called eavesdropping—and it's a big no-no in our world. People would freak out if they found out."
Aria added, a hint of sadness in her voice, "Then my apologies, Sir Kaito, Grey. I won't do it again."
We'd always suspected she was hiding something, always watching and listening in on us. But it seems that's not the case. I felt a little relieved—she wasn't a bad person, just unsure how to act around people normally. Otherwise, she was good at handling us.
I glanced at Grey and smiled, nodding. Grey, who always seemed to understand how I felt, returned the nod.
But Aria's face lost its sharpness as if she dulled all at once.
Grey noticed and gave her a kind smile. "You don't have to worry about that. We trust you. We won't judge you for past actions. Let's keep moving."
"Thank you, Grey," Aria replied, returning his smile. Her usual expression returned, though her mood didn't seem to improve.
"Sir Kaito, first you have to get better at using your powers. The Holy Sword is one of the strongest weapons, and until you and Grey master your weapons, you can train here. After that, we can leave this holy village."
"As you know, beyond these walls lies chaos. We'll need allies to fight alongside us. Before heading into demon territory, we should gather some party members."
"Sounds great! Then we won't be fighting as a small team, and our survival chances will improve. I'm excited to meet more."
"What should I do? My tongue almost blabbered the words before I caught myself. If she's been watching us this closely, she's probably already noticed how painfully awkward I get around strangers.
Maybe there's no use hiding it anymore—I just have to face it, even if it comes out clumsy and awkward.
Aria turned to me with concerned eyes. "Sir Kaito, if you don't overcome that, surviving will be difficult—especially fighting monsters, demons, even misguided humans and bandits. So please, you have to work on that."
Seeing her vulnerability beneath that calm exterior stirred something deep inside me. I couldn't let her hope fade—not when so much depended on it.
Clenching my fists and drawing a steadying breath, I resolved then and there to give it my all.
I slapped both cheeks hard with my palms, looked her in the eye, and said firmly, "I'll try my best."
Her eyes softened into a small, grateful smile at my words. Grey's chuckle broke the tension, lightening the air between us. "I'll help you too, bro," he said, clapping me on the shoulder.
The weight of the journey ahead settled around us, but in that moment, surrounded by allies, I felt a spark of hope ignite. Whatever lay beyond this village, I wasn't facing it alone.