Reeve walked through the familiar stone gates of Eldmere Castle, his footsteps calm—too calm for someone who had disappeared for a year.
A guild staff member nearly dropped her ledger.
"HEY—REEVE?! You're alive?! Where did you vanish?! And who are they—"
She stopped, squinted at Seraphyne, then at the little girl.
"…Don't tell me you got married and didn't invite me. That's cruel."
Reeve sighed.
"Same answer as always. I'm not married. And if I ever do, you'll be invited."
She pouted.
"Tch. Heroes never change."
Reeve's expression softened as he explained—about Grimfang Wastes, Astra Nox, Heaven, demons, barriers… and finally—
"I'm a king now."
Silence.
"…Hah?" she blinked.
---
Eldmere Throne Room
The King of Eldmere sat upright, gaze sharp but curious.
"A kingdom born in demon land," he said slowly.
"Ruled by a human. Protected by monsters, vampires, dryads… and angels."
Reeve stood tall.
"I'm not here to threaten Eldmere.
I'm here to connect it."
The king tapped the armrest.
"What do you want?"
"Trade routes through Astra Nox.
Shared intelligence.
And neutrality if Heaven interferes."
Seraphyne's eyes glowed faintly.
"We do not conquer allies."
The king studied them—then laughed softly.
"You're insane."
Then—
"But Eldmere was built by madmen too."
He stood.
"Eldmere recognizes Astra Nox as a sovereign kingdom."
Mana sealed the words.
"We accept your treaty."
Reeve bowed once.
"Then we are allies."
---
The Road Between Worlds
As they returned, Reeve paused.
Before him—
The World-Tree Road stretched farther than before.
Roots glowing.
Mana flowing.
Astra Nox was getting closer to the normal world.
Too close.
Elsewhere — The Deal
Five figures walked together after finishing a quest.
Veterans.
Elite.
Power-only guild members.
A man in pure white robes appeared before them, smiling gently.
"Would you like to earn… fortune?"
Their leader frowned.
"From what?"
"Killing people from a kingdom called Astra Nox," the man said calmly.
"Officially, it's known as a land of demons and monsters."
Another asked, "What do we get?"
The white-robed man raised his hand.
"A mysterious weapon…
And more gold than you'll ever spend."
Silence.
Then smirks.
"…When do we start?"
"Wait," the man replied softly.
"You'll be invited."
His eyes gleamed.
---
Back in Astra Nox—
A notification shimmered faintly above the gate.
An unknown party has requested entry.
Reeve felt a chill.