The storm did not stop.
Even after dawn, dark clouds still crowded the sky, moving unnaturally fast, as if something unseen was stirring them from within. The rain had slowed, but the air remained heavy—oppressive. The Ashcroft lands were quiet in the wrong way. No birds. No laughter. Just waiting.
Iris stood near the window, arms wrapped around herself.
"If this continues," she whispered, "people will suffer."
Behind her, Eena lay curled on the bed, eyes half-open.
"This is not ordinary weather," Eena said. "It's a natural disaster phase."
"Then we stop it," Iris said firmly.
Eena let out a short laugh."You speak as if you already have the power."
"I don't," Iris replied. "But you do."
Eena froze.
"You practiced last night," Iris continued calmly. "I felt it. The storm hesitated. You stopped it for a moment."
Silence stretched.
"…You really notice everything," Eena muttered.
"So you can stop it."
"Yes," Eena admitted. "But it will exhaust me completely."
"I will save you!," Iris said without hesitation.
Eena's ears twitched."And what do Iget?"
"One favor," Iris said. "Anything you want. Anytime."
Thunder rumbled again, closer.
Eena sighed dramatically."Humans really gamble with their lives so easily."
She jumped onto the windowsill. Blue light spiraled around her, sharp and wild. Wind screamed, rain twisted upward, lightning cracked—
Then silence.
The storm collapsed, as if strangled.
Eena staggered.
"Oof… I'm going to sleep for two days," she muttered."Do not wake me unless the world ends."
She fainted.
Iris caught her gently.
At once, a glowing screen appeared.
NEW QUEST UNLOCKED
Quest Name: Baptism of Immunity
Objective: Immerse yourself in Holy Water
Reward: Disaster Resistance Ability
Bonus: Power Enhancement
TIME LIMIT: 24 HOURS
Iris stared.
"Ashley…?"
She clenched her fists.
Then she understood.
Later That Morning
Iris arrived at the royal palace under a proper excuse—delivering a formal report about storm damage near Ashcroft territory. Nothing suspicious. Nothing rushed.
The palace training grounds were bathed in sunlight. Tall marble pillars framed a wide open hall, their white stone glowing warmly. Golden dust floated in the air, disturbed by movement. The sound of steel cutting through wind echoed sharply.
At the center—
Crown Prince Ashley Grantham was practicing.
He wore sword-training clothes: a fitted dark tunic, light armor on his shoulders, leather bracers tight around his forearms. His movements were precise and powerful, every strike controlled. Sweat traced his jawline, catching the light.
He finished a swing and turned.
"…Lady Ashcroft," he said coolly. "You're early in the morning."
She bowed slightly."Your Highness."
He sheathed his sword but did not relax.
"You don't visit without reason."
"I won't pretend otherwise," Iris replied.
She lifted her gaze.
"The storm last night," she said. "It wasn't natural."
Ashley's eyes narrowed."I noticed."
"I believe more are coming," Iris continued.
He studied her carefully."How do you know?"
Iris met his gaze without flinching.
"That," she said, "is a secret."
Ashley arched a brow.
"You expect me to accept that?"
"Not blindly," Iris replied. "Help me, and the you'll know."
Silence.
He crossed his arms."Help you with what, exactly?"
Iris hesitated—then chose her words carefully.
"I need to reach Holy Water."
Ashley stiffened.
"…You shouldn't even know that name."
"I don't," Iris said honestly. "I only know that you do."
His gaze sharpened.
"The location changes," Ashley said slowly. "It's guarded by monsters. Even I wouldn't travel there lightly."
Iris said "But it's necessary."
"And why should I help you?"
Iris took a breath.
"Because more disasters are coming," she said. "And this time, they won't stop on their own."
Ashley stared at her.
"How do you know that?"
She didn't smile.
"You'll know," Iris said quietly, "when you help me find the Holy Water."
A long pause followed.
Then Ashley exhaled slowly.
"…Interesting," he murmured. "You don't beg. You bargain."
He turned toward the palace.
"Very well," he said. "I'll take you."
Relief flickered through Iris—but it didn't last.
A screen flashed before her eyes.
WARNING
Plot Deviation Detected
Disaster Frequency Increased
Failure Will Cause Irreversible Damage
Iris clenched her fists.
The game was no longer observing.
It was tightening the noose.
To be continued.