The night had passed in silence.
Not a single beast approached.
Not a single disturbance touched them.
It was as if the land itself recognized what rested beneath those trees…
…and chose not to interfere.
Morning—
The first light of dawn filtered through the forest canopy.
Eryndor was already awake.
Standing near the dying embers of the fire, he adjusted his clothing—calm, composed, eyes sharp.
Kaelus stood a few steps away, stretching his arms before picking up Tempest, running his fingers along the blade with care.
Rein was leaning against a tree, arms folded, already awake—watching.
Darius?
Upside down.
Hanging from a branch like it was the most normal thing in the world—hands in his pockets.
Stellar sat quietly on a piece of lumber, her breath faintly frosting the air around her.
Alucard stood beside Dova, who sat on a rock, both silent.
Isly and Tina were nearby, fixing their hair and adjusting their outfits like this was just another day.
Eryndor turned.
"Let's get going."
He looked at Darius.
"What's up ahead?"
Darius dropped from the tree—landing perfectly.
"There's a city about a mile ahead."
Eryndor nodded.
"Alright… let's move."
Movement
They vanished.
Not running.
Not flying.
Just—
gone.
Outskirts of a City -
They reappeared at the edge of a large city in the northeast.
The architecture was different—older, harsher, less refined than the central plains.
Rein looked around.
"It's my first time here in the northeast."
Kaelus shrugged.
"Yeah… the northeast is far from the central plains. Hardly talked about."
Stellar nodded slightly.
"It's pretty much everyone's first time."
Darius smirked.
"Facts."
Rein glanced at Kaelus.
"It's rare to see you so knowledgeable."
Kaelus didn't even look at him.
"Shut up, muscle brain."
Isly and Tina laughed softly.
Eryndor stepped forward.
"Alright… let's go experience something new."
They walked out from the bushes and onto the main road leading into the city.
People passed them.
Some glanced.
Some stared.
Some whispered.
"Hey… why are they wearing the logo of the black sun?"
"Shut up, idiot. What if they hear you?"
Kaelus exhaled lightly.
"From what I've heard… wearing the Black Sun symbol isn't exactly welcomed here."
Eryndor said nothing.
He just kept walking.
They reached the entrance.
Two guards stepped forward immediately, blocking the path.
"What is the purpose of your visit?"
Isly stepped forward calmly.
"We're just passing through. Long journey."
The guards exchanged looks.
A moment passed.
Then—
The gates opened.
"You may enter."
And the moment they stepped in…
Everything changed.
The streets were crowded.
But not lively.
Not thriving.
Just… crowded.
Homeless people lined the roads.
Thin.
Weak.
Eyes empty.
Vendors shouted, trying to sell what little they had.
Nobles walked through the streets in clean clothing—untouched by the suffering around them.
A massive statue stood at the center of the square.
The City Lord.
Tall.
Proud.
Smiling down at a broken population.
Alucard's eyes darkened.
"This place… is ruled by a fool."
Dova clenched his fist.
"Tch… this isn't right."
Eryndor's gaze shifted.
He saw her.
A woman.
Sitting on the ground.
Holding a baby.
Begging.
Not loudly.
Not desperately.
Just… quietly.
Like she had already accepted the outcome.
Eryndor walked over.
He didn't hesitate.
He placed gold in her hands.
The others followed.
One by one.
No words.
Just action.
Eryndor stood up.
Turned to the group.
"I can't overlook this."
His voice was calm.
But firm.
"I have to do something."
Kaelus smirked slightly.
"I would've if you didn't."
Darius nodded.
"I'm not overlooking this either."
Stellar's eyes lowered.
Frost crept along her skin subtly.
Memories.
A time when she had nothing.
When no one helped.
Rein cracked his neck.
"I'm gonna punch the head off that city lord."
Tina's expression hardened.
"People like this disgust me."
No more discussion.
No hesitation.
They moved.
Together.
Toward the far end of the city.
Toward the palace.
A Palace In The City -
A massive structure stood at the highest point of the city.
Inside—
The City Lord sat on his throne.
Relaxed.
Eyes closed.
Like a man without worries.
Then—
His right eye opened.
Knock.
"Come in."
A servant rushed in and dropped to his knees.
"My lord—there have been sightings…"
"A group wearing the image of the Black Sun has entered the city."
Silence.
Then—
The City Lord smiled.
Slowly.
Darkly.
"Contact the Compass."
"Close down the city."
The servant bowed deeply.
"As you wish, my lord."