"You’re an incredible girl, Star. It doesn’t matter whether you have Gnosis or not. To me, you shine as brightly as the stars in the night sky—just waiting for someone to see you truly."

The two of them continued walking side by side, but this time, Siegfried and Star were leaving the Blessings Forest. A radiant light shone clearly at the edge of the forest, and Star broke into a light jog toward the glow.

Past the woods, stone walls rose five meters high, shielding Odinshold like an ancient guardian. Surrounding the walls were lush, leafy trees visible from afar. Behind them loomed the mighty Mount Hringhorn.

Siegfried gestured for Star to come closer to the walled village. She nodded eagerly and jogged toward Odinshold with excitement in her step.

As they walked to the village, the two chatted cheerfully. Siegfried gave a small smile as Star recounted her childhood experiences battling monsters. She beamed with pride, clearly proud of her younger self. Without realizing it, they had already entered the forest that bordered Odinshold. Suddenly, a thick fog enveloped them, narrowing their vision.

"Be careful. Wolves will attack if we act carelessly," Siegfried warned.

“Wolves?!” Star exclaimed in surprise. “Wait... didn’t I hear there’s a wolf den near Odinshold that the villagers deeply respect?”

"Yep... these wolves are the ones that have protected the village from the Demon King’s monsters. That’s why the villagers hold the wolves of Odinshold’s forest in such high regard," Siegfried explained.

"Even though the Demon King was defeated thousands of years ago by an unnamed hero, his armies still roam. We’re lucky Valhalla wasn’t overtaken like Lumièrevalle was."

“Huh? What happened there?” Star asked curiously.

“You haven’t heard, Star? Lumièrevalle has long been occupied by the Demon King’s forces. Rumor has it a mage is controlling the king and ministers there, allowing the Demon King’s army to breach the gates and seize the palace,” said Siegfried with a shiver.

"And there’s a prophecy that a hero will rise to liberate Lumièrevalle."

"Could it be the same unnamed hero who defeated the Demon King?" Star asked again.

"Hmm... I’m not sure. That hero from the legends probably died a long time ago. After all, he defeated the Demon King thousands of years ago. No human lives that long," Siegfried replied.

“Oh look! We’re almost there. Come on, Star—take my hand and don’t wander too far.”

Star reached out and gripped Siegfried’s hand tightly, blushing as their fingers interlocked. Siegfried glanced at her, smiled softly, and blushed as well. They continued walking toward the village gates. Star looked around and noticed wolves watching her from the forest. Fear crept in, but Siegfried reassured her gently, saying it was all right.

After walking a little farther, Star and Siegfried arrived at the gates of Odinshold. Two armed guards opened the large gate, pulling a pulley system with thick ropes. The gate lifted with a deep creak and opened wide.

They passed the gates, and Star’s breath caught. Odinshold was even grander than she imagined, stone-paved roads, watchful towers, and a bustling fountain plaza alive with music and voices. At its heart was a building resembling a church, where many soldiers and warriors had gathered.

Siegfried explained, “That’s the Warrior’s Hall, where warriors gather after battle to share stories of their fights against monsters.”

“It’s always bustling in there. If you ever want to hear their tales, just drop by. They’d be more than happy to tell you everything.”

“Do you go there often?” Star asked.

“I used to, when I was little. I loved hearing the warriors tell their battle stories. But now... I don’t go anymore.”

“Why? Are you tired of their stories?”

“No, it’s just… I feel embarrassed going there now,” Siegfried whispered.

“Pfft... Hahaha,” Star laughed and ruffled his hair. “You’ve really grown up, huh? Not like a few years ago when you cried every time you saw a mountain troll, hahaha!”

“Star!” Siegfried shouted, face turning red.

“Alright, alright—I’ll stop teasing you,” Star said, finally calming her laughter.

Though flustered, Siegfried smiled as Star teased him. The memory of their first meeting came back to him—when he saved her from a mountain troll. Back then, Siegfried had cried during the encounter. It wasn’t courage that scared the troll off—it was his crying. Still, it saved Star, and their friendship had lasted ever since.

After walking a bit further from the town square, Siegfried pointed to a two-story house with a sprawling vineyard behind it. He grabbed Star’s hand and broke into a light run toward the house.

In front of the house, Siegfried’s parents were already waiting for Star and their beloved son. Both of them waved at the approaching young man and woman.

As they arrived at the front of the house, Siegfried and Star immediately approached his parents. They both bowed respectfully. After that, Siegfried invited Star into the house and showed her the room she would be staying in, located on the upper floor.

The room looked tidy, with a single bed, two small bedside tables, and a medium-sized wardrobe. There was a window that overlooked the vineyard behind the house. After showing Star the room, Siegfried then said—

“Siegfried! Wait!” Star called out, hurrying down the hallway after him.

Siegfried turned, already halfway to the door. “Star, I’m going to train with my father after this. You need to rest—really, you do. Lie down on the bed for a while.” His voice was gentle, but his concern was evident.

“No! I want to train with you too!” Star insisted, her energy seemingly undiminished despite the long journey.

Siegfried frowned, studying her face. “Star, we just traveled a long way from your village. You’re exhausted; I can see it. If you push yourself too hard, you’ll regret it tomorrow.”

“Huuft…” Star let out a long sigh, rubbing her sore legs. “Okay, maybe my legs are sore, but I still want to come! I won’t join in; just let me watch you train. I’ll sit under a tree or something…”

Siegfried hesitated, crossing his arms. “Alright, but you have to promise not to join the training. Just watch from a distance.”

Star grinned and raised her hand as if swearing an oath. “I promise, mentally!”

They went downstairs and headed to the backyard, where the golden afternoon sunlight bathed the lush vineyard nearby. The gentle rustling of leaves in the wind gave the atmosphere a peaceful, timeless feeling.

Siegfried led Star to a shady apple tree. He laid out a mat and arranged a small picnic with food and drinks. “This will keep you comfortable while you watch.”

“Wow, you really planned this, didn’t you?” Star teased, sitting under the tree.

Siegfried grinned as he picked up his training gear. “Just making sure you keep your promise.”

Star leaned back, watching as Siegfried and his father began their training session. The rhythmic clash of wooden swords filled the air, blending with birdsong and the soft rustle of the vineyard leaves.

A cool breeze swept through, and the warm sunlight felt soothing. Before long, Star’s eyelids grew heavy, and her surroundings blurred. With the gentle swaying of the branches above, she drifted into a deep sleep.

In her sleep, a faint light flickered beneath the earth, unseen by all, unnoticed by most. But not for long.