"You don’t have to be afraid, Star. I’m here, always by your side."

They looked into each other’s eyes for a moment, both of their faces flushed. Still, Star kept her gaze on Siegfried. Then, Siegfried pulled her into a tight embrace. Star was taken aback for a second, but she didn’t pull away.

After a moment, Siegfried let go and said softly,

"Get some sleep, Star. I’ll keep watch in case any monsters show up. You don’t need to worry about me."

Star nodded and lay her head down in Siegfried’s lap. Her eyes slowly closed. The night air brushed against her skin, chilling her. Noticing this, Siegfried removed his cloak and gently covered her with it. Star soon drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep until morning.

When morning came, it was Klara who woke her. “We’re almost there,” she said with excitement.

Star’s eyes lit up as she quickly sat up. She looked out from the carriage and saw a city in the distance, surrounded by high stone walls. Perched at the highest point of the city was a dark-hued castle, towering over the buildings below. A vast lake encircled the city, with a long, wide bridge stretching toward its gates. Star couldn’t contain her excitement—she was finally about to set foot in Valhalla, the capital.

“Hold on tight, I’m speeding up!” Ludwig shouted, snapping the reins of his horses.

Everyone in the carriage grabbed onto the sides as Ludwig accelerated. The carriage raced across an open field, then onto the wide stone bridge. Star peeked out again—the clear water shimmered beneath them, reflecting the sunlight. A soft breeze blew gently, as if welcoming her to the city of Valhalla.

Their journey came to a halt as they arrived at the gate, where numerous armed guards stood at attention. Ludwig dismounted and approached them to explain their purpose. But to everyone’s surprise, they were stopped—the guards refused them entry.

“Ludwig, what’s going on? Why aren’t we moving?” Star asked, puzzled.

“We... aren’t allowed in,” Ludwig answered bluntly.

Everyone was shocked. Why can’t we go in? Star wondered. Klara, growing impatient, stepped down from the carriage. Siegfried quickly followed, approaching the guard to inquire further. Star could hear their conversation from inside.

“Sir, why can’t we enter? We urgently need to meet the king,” Klara said to the guard.

“If you wish to see the king, you need to request an audience at least a month in advance,” the guard replied.

“But... can’t you see the rift in the sky?” Klara pointed upward, where the crack had grown larger and more ominous.

“You’re still not permitted entry without an invitation,” the guard answered curtly before turning to walk away.

“Wait... please tell us why,” Siegfried pleaded. “Commoners used to be able to enter the capital and request an audience with the king without any invitation. Why has that changed?”

The guard let out a sigh.

“Because the capital of Lumièrevalle has fallen to the Demon King’s army.”

Klara and Siegfried were stunned. Their eyes widened, and their mouths dropped open in disbelief.

“To prevent the same fate here, King Nicolas has enforced strict protocols. From now on, anyone wishing to enter the capital or speak to the king must have a formal invitation,” the guard explained.

“Was someone behind Lumièrevalle’s fall?” Klara asked cautiously.

“Many speak of a man called the Sage of Destruction—he’s the one who corrupted King Marcel and his advisors,” the guard replied.

“So if you have no further business here, I suggest you leave.”

Confused and anxious, Klara and Siegfried stepped aside to discuss how they might still be able to enter and meet with King Nicolas. Star soon stepped down from the carriage and approached them. The guard’s eyes landed on Star, and froze the moment he noticed the pendant hanging from her neck, the one given by her grandparents.

“W-what?! That emblem!” the guard exclaimed.

“Open the gates—now!” he shouted to the other soldiers.

Suddenly, everything shifted. Guards rushed about, pulling four massive levers. The grand gates of Valhalla creaked open slowly, revealing the city beyond.

The same guard stepped forward, bowing slightly in apology.

“Forgive our ignorance. King Nicolas has been awaiting your arrival, Hero of Atlantia.”

Star froze. The title Hero of Atlantia echoed in her mind like a distant prophecy finally catching up with her.

Siegfried stepped closer. “Star... what does this mean?”

She didn’t answer. Her gaze was fixed on the slowly opening gates—beyond them, answers awaited.

But so did more questions.

And the past she didn’t remember was about to find her again.