[Witch Temple – The Mirror of Fate]

As the vision of Orland’s destruction faded from the Mirror of Fate, silence gripped the group. The weight of what they had seen pressed heavily on their shoulders—only eight days remained until the city’s fall.

Satori: “We’ll never reach all seven witches in time… Not unless we use magic.”

Iris: “Exactly. Our best chance is the Beastkin capital. It’s the closest.”

She traced a teleportation circle, and a brilliant flash swallowed them whole.

[Beastkin Territory – City of Oasis]

A gust of wind carried the crisp scent of pine as they stepped onto a stone-paved plaza. Around them, towering trees framed the grand architecture of the beastkin—sturdy woodwork adorned with intricate carvings of wolves, tigers, and eagles.

At the great gate, a squad of guards eyed them warily. But Iris lifted her glowing witch sigil, and they immediately bowed.

A beastman guard in gleaming armor stepped forward, his voice firm yet respectful.

Guard: “Lady Iris, we’ve been expecting you. His Majesty awaits.”

The group was escorted through the lively city—market stalls buzzed with traders, blacksmiths shaped enchanted weapons, and children with animal ears played in the streets.

Satori’s gaze darted between the bustling figures, and he muttered under his breath.

Satori (murmuring): “This place… it’s like another world. And catgirls are real.”

A passing wolf girl flicked her tail with amusement, her ears twitching as she caught his words.

Athen (smirking): “We’ve got sharp ears, human.”

Satori blinked in surprise but said nothing as Athen strode confidently ahead.

[Royal Hall of Oasis]

The throne room was carved into the mountainside—grand yet earthy, bathed in natural light and hanging lanterns. At the heart of it sat King Oasis, a towering figure with silver wolf ears and a gaze sharp as steel.

King Oasis: “Lady Iris. It’s been too long.”

Iris: “We need your help, Your Majesty. A demon army marches toward Orland. If it falls, so does the rest of the continent.”

The king’s eyes narrowed, his voice low.

King Oasis: “Humans enslaved us. They made us fight their wars. Why should I spill blood for them now?”

Iris: “Not for them—for your own people. This war won’t spare anyone if we stand divided.”

A heavy silence filled the room. Then the king raised his hand, and an older beastman stepped forward—stern, sharp-eyed, wearing ceremonial robes.

King Oasis: “Meet Chancellor Jones. He speaks for me in council and war.”

The chancellor bowed.

Chancellor Jones: “The king may not trust humans, but he trusts you, Lady Iris. And he wants to support your journey.”

He stepped aside, revealing the same wolf girl from earlier—lean, agile, clad in lightweight armor, her tawny fur glinting under the lantern light. Her piercing golden eyes locked onto Satori.

Chancellor Jones: “You’ve already met Athen. Don’t be fooled by her playful demeanor—she earned her place in the royal guard through blood and skill. She’s a prodigy—clever, fast, and unmatched in close combat.”

Athen bowed deeply.

Athen: “My name is Athen—named after the god of knowledge. I learn fast. I fight faster. If you’ll have me, I’ll stand at the front lines. I want to protect my people… and yours.”

Satori hesitated for a moment, then recognized her.

Satori: “You’re the wolf girl from before.”

Athen’s ears twitched, and she gave him a knowing grin.

Athen: “Nice to meet you, Iris-sama… and her companions.”

Satori extended his hand.

Satori: “I’d be honored to fight beside you.”

[Later – Exploring the City]

As evening fell, Iris led the group through the inner city—past shrines to ancient spirits, enchanted gardens, and beastkin children practicing martial arts under the moonlight.

Iris: “This city survived a hundred invasions. They protect their own.”

Cathy: “They’re proud… but who wouldn’t be?”

Sasha: “We need allies like this. Not just swords—but hearts that won’t break.”

Satori: “Still… it’s not enough. One city can’t stop a demon horde.”

Iris: “No. But even the smallest spark can ignite a fire.”

[Meanwhile – Demon Territory]

Within the blackened fortress carved into volcanic cliffs, a massive war table stood surrounded by shadowy generals. A hulking figure with blazing red eyes traced his clawed fingers across a map.

General Seasar: “One month. We strike the human front line first—then take them all, piece by piece.”

A cloaked figure stepped forward, holding a scroll sealed in black flame.

Demon Messenger: “The Nine Witches stir. The Lord demands we move faster.”