Aiden/Zackary POV
"I honestly don't know what to expect right now," Aiden murmured as he walked beneath the dense emerald canopy of the Spirit Forest. Beside him, Ashiq—known formally in public as Duke Constantine—watched him with a glint of quiet amusement.
"Don't worry. Luna will guide us," said Maximilian, the Duke of Klementine, pointing toward a dark elf woman in a flowing soft blue dress. Her silver eyes glowed faintly beneath the shade.
"This way, your Graces. I'll guide you to the human village," Luna said respectfully.
As they followed her, Ashiq leaned toward Aiden and whispered under his breath, "Zackary, don't you find it strange that the other kingdoms are suddenly taking interest in this remote village after all these years?"
"They're afraid," Aiden replied calmly.
Ashiq raised a brow. "Afraid?"
"Think about it. For centuries, we were legends. Every kingdom has heard of the Demon King and the Dukes of Twilight. After being sealed for 500 years, the world believed we were merely dormant—dangerous relics of the past. Aisha mentioned that humans feared us so deeply, they didn't even dare trespass into our lands. The last time they did, our retaliation nearly destroyed them. Now, suddenly, they hear whispers of humans and Twilight Territory inhabitants coexisting? Of course they're panicking. They don't know if we've awakened... or if we're preparing for something."
Ashiq exhaled, running a hand through his hair as they walked. "So their fear leads them to aggression. Trying to provoke a response... or test how far they can push."
"Exactly."
Moments later, Luna came to a halt at the treeline. "We've arrived."
Both Aiden and Ashiq shifted instantly into their composed, noble personas.
"Please allow me to inform the village head of your presence," Luna said with a bow.
The two nodded silently, stepping into the shadows to wait.
Village Head's POV – Caleb
"Grandfather!"
The call came from a small boy with golden-brown hair as he raced through the wooden cabin.
Caleb looked up from his ledger and smiled. "Yes, Cal?"
"Can I become the village head one day?"
The old man chuckled, placing his hand gently on the boy's head. "You can be anything you want, my boy. But your father will take over first."
"Is that why he's learning magic, even though he already knows how to fight with a sword?"
Caleb followed the boy's gaze to the window, where his son, Cassarian, stood beside his wife, the morning sun casting a glow over his flowing brown hair.
A sudden knock broke the moment.
Caleb opened the door to find Nathaniel, a young village boy with blond hair.
"Mr. Caleb, Lady Luna says she needs to speak with you. It's important."
Caleb's eyes narrowed in concern. "Cassarian, come with me."
His son joined him without question, leaving a kiss on his wife's forehead and gently ruffling Calisto's hair. They moved quickly toward the forest's edge.
When they arrived, Luna greeted them respectfully.
"Lady Luna," Caleb said, slightly out of breath. "Is something wrong?"
"Forgive me for the sudden visit," she began. "Yesterday's incident deeply disturbed the spirits and my kin. We sought counsel from our Lords... and a summit was held among the rulers of the Twilight Territory."
Cassarian and Caleb exchanged shocked glances.
"The rulers...? You mean the Demon King and the Demonic Dukes?" Cassarian asked, his voice faltering.
"Yes. They have been awake for some time now."
"Why would they help humans like us?" Caleb asked, pale.
"Because your village has shown compassion and honor. You've lived peacefully beside nature, and you've shown kindness to my people. That is rare."
Before either man could respond, a wave of suffocating magical pressure filled the air.
Cassarian stiffened. "What... is this... presence?"
"Impressive. He can sense us even through our suppression," Ashiq observed as he stepped from the forest.
"Could he possess Aura sensitivity?" Aiden added, emerging beside him.
Cassarian spun around. "Who are you?!"
Caleb turned slowly, stunned to find two unfamiliar figures behind them.
"These are the Grand Duke Vermillion, right hand to the Demon King, and Duke Constantine, King of Vampires and one of His Majesty's Elite Four," Luna said solemnly.
Realizing the truth, Caleb dropped to his knees, pulling his son down with him. "We greet you, mighty rulers of the Twilight Territory!"
"No need to grovel," Aiden said with a gentle smile. "We came to talk."
Villagers began to peer from windows, murmuring in confusion.
"Forgive me, your Grace," Cassarian said, recovering quickly. "But what did you mean by coming to talk?"
"Your situation with the Dusk Kingdom and the Sunlight Empire has reached our ears," Aiden began. "The spirits and elves pleaded on your behalf. His Majesty ordered us to intervene."
"But... how?" Caleb asked.
Ashiq stepped forward. "We've come with three proposals."
Aiden continued:
1. Allow spirits and dark elves to live openly in your village.
2. Erect a protective barrier that only allows trusted individuals inside.
3. Relocate the entire village into the Twilight Territory.
Caleb and Cassarian were stunned.
"Options one and two would expose you as being under our protection," Ashiq explained. "That could provoke more aggression."
"Even the strongest barrier can be broken. And a few elves or spirits wouldn't be enough if a real army comes," Aiden added.
Cassarian clenched his fists. "What do we do, Father?"
Caleb hesitated, mind filled with images of his family, his people. "I... we..."
"You don't have to decide now," Aiden said gently. "We'll give you time."
"A day or two," Ashiq confirmed.
"Thank you, your Graces," Caleb said sincerely.
"Luna, stay here. When they've decided, summon us," Aiden instructed.
"Yes, your Grace," she said with a bow.
As the two nobles vanished into the trees, Cassarian exhaled deeply.
That Evening
Inside Caleb's home, Luna joined the family for a modest dinner. Cassarian's wife, Lia, held young Calisto on her lap.
"I apologize that Dukes Flare and Klementine couldn't visit," Luna explained. "But His Majesty chose Vermillion and Constantine because of their political experience."
"I thought the Grand Duke was a spirit. He seemed... otherworldly," Cassarian said.
"He's more than that," Luna smiled. "He carries the blood of several ancient races. He only looks like an elf."
Calisto's eyes widened with wonder.
"But do not be afraid. Of all the rulers, Grand Duke Vermillion is the most just."
"Luna dear," Mera, Caleb's wife, asked. "What exactly does he mean by moving the village?"
Luna nodded. "He said that if you choose to relocate, you'll pick one of three regions suitable for humans."
"Suitable?" Lia echoed. "Why wouldn't the others be?"
Luna began explaining:
"The Twilight Territory is divided into nine regions. In the center lies the Demon King's castle.
The Inner Four Territories are:
• Southwest: Grand Duke Vermillion's Territory – diverse and welcoming to many races.
• Southeast: Duke Stardumn's Territory.
• Northwest: Duke Flare's Territory.
• Northeast: Duke Constantine's Territory.
Among these, only Vermillion's domain is peaceful enough for human life.
Then there are the Outer Four Territories:
• North: Duke Aphrodite's Territory.
• South: Duke Tempest's Territory – rich in oceanic resources.
• East: Duke Hydra's Territory.
• West: Duke Klementine's Territory – home to the Spirit Forest.
Currently, we're in the West. Of the outer regions, only the South and West are viable for humans."
As Luna concluded, the family helped her settle in. Soon after, they made their way to the town center for a village-wide vote.
In the Sunlight Empire
Though the sky was dark, the Sunlight Empire's golden castle gleamed like a divine star.
Within the throne room, a knight knelt before a radiant throne.
"Your Majesty, what should we do about that village?"
The man seated on the throne wore regal finery, but his crimson eyes gleamed with cruel fire.
"Burn it. If they resist—imprison them. If they riot—kill them."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
As the knight departed, the king sat silently, fingers tapping against the gilded armrest.
"I will not tolerate disobedience," he whispered. His red eyes flared as a memory surfaced—of a woman with long black hair walking away from him, her back defiant.
"If I find them... I'll kill them. And I'll bring their corpses to you personally."