The gates of Valhalla opened like the maw of fate, welcoming Star and her companions into a city on edge. Banners fluttered, merchants shouted, but something in the air felt fragile, like a calm before a coming storm.

Star sat quietly in the carriage, her hand unconsciously gripping the emblem around her neck. It was more than a key. It was a name, a memory, a warning. And soon, it would demand answers.

Star and her companions exchanged puzzled glances. Still processing what had just happened, the three of them quickly climbed back into the carriage. Ludwig snapped the reins again, and the horses galloped into the capital, just before the gates began closing behind them.

Inside the city walls, they were welcomed by strings of glowing lights and flags fluttering in the breeze. The streets were lively and colorful—merchants sold their wares at crowded stalls, children played games along the road, and mothers bartered for goods with keen eyes.

The main road was wide and bustling. People moved in every direction. Ludwig steered the carriage steadily, taking them past residential homes and a vibrant market. The city of Valhalla was alive.

They finally arrived at the city square. A grand statue of a goddess stood there, exquisitely carved and towering over the plaza. Star stepped down from the carriage and slowly walked toward the base of the statue. “Aeon of Hope,” the inscription read—but no name followed. The name of the goddess seemed to have been scratched out, concealed deliberately. Star furrowed her brows. Who was this Aeon of Hope?

Before she could ponder further, a squad of guards approached her.

“Allow me to escort you to King Nicolas, Hero of Atlantia,” one of them declared.

Star and the others were led to the castle, the highest point in all of Valhalla—King Nicolas’s fortress. However, Ludwig and Erik did not join them. The two went off to find lodging and gather supplies for the night.

Star and her friends climbed the long staircase. It was steep and stretched high above the city, but Star showed no signs of fatigue. If anything, she looked even more eager.

At the summit, a majestic castle awaited them, its four spires piercing the sky. The structure was built of stone painted a pristine ivory white. A crimson carpet had been rolled out before the wide castle gates, which slowly opened to welcome them.

Inside, a man with a long beard and thick mustache awaited them, wearing a golden crown atop his head and many rings glittering on his fingers. Star and the others bowed before him. This man was none other than King Nicolas.

“There’s no need to bow before me, Hero of Atlantia. Please, rise,” said King Nicolas, gesturing for Star and the others to stand.

“Or shall I call you by your name—Star Rosalind,” he added.

“H-how do you know my name, Your Majesty? I never even introduced myself,” asked Star, startled.

“You must have met the nameless hero already, haven’t you?” the king replied, his gaze fixed on the emblem hanging from Star’s neck—an heirloom from her grandparents. “Judging by the emblem you wear, I assume you've encountered him, whether in person or your dreams.”

“Did Alioth foresee my arrival here?” Star asked.

“Oh? So he told you his name?” King Nicolas smiled. “Then yes, that’s right. That hero predicted your arrival in this castle—exactly 1,200 years after the Great War, during this current era of peace.”

“In fact… You and Alioth even met my ancestor, Queen Savanah the Second, long before the Great War. Do you not remember?” he added.

Star gasped. So did Klara, Siegfried, and Friedrich. Their eyes widened in disbelief as they turned to look at her. None of them could believe what they had just heard. Star, however, looked especially puzzled—she had no memory of ever setting foot in the capital, let alone meeting a queen who ruled Atlantia millennia ago.

King Nicolas gave her a gentle smile.

“It’s all right if you don’t remember, Star. What matters is that you are still yourself, and you haven’t changed.”

“So… what brings you to see me?” he asked.

“I’ve come to discuss the matter of Nidhogg, Your Majesty...” Star began.

King Nicolas’s smile faded. The chamber, warm just moments before, seemed to grow colder.

“Then speak carefully, Hero of Atlantia,” he said gravely. “For what you’re about to say may shake the foundations of this kingdom.”

Star took a breath. The fate of Valhalla—and perhaps all of Atlantia—was about to change.