“From this moment on,” he declared, “I name you, Star Rosalind, Hero of Atlantia. You shall stand against the dark—bearer of light and hope in this time of ruin. Go now, and may your courage ease the suffering of this land. I entrust you with all the power and faith of this kingdom.”

The weight of the crown’s decree still lingered on her shoulders, heavy yet empowering. Star walked through the palace halls with Siegfried at her side, her heart hammering—not from fear, but from resolve. She had been named Hero of Atlantia.

Now it was time to act like one.

As the echoes of the royal decree faded, the palace guards led Star and Siegfried through the back halls of the castle. On their way, they passed through waves of displaced citizens—families huddled in corners, children clutching their parents, all seeking shelter inside the palace walls.

The guards fought to control the crowd as desperation surged, voices rising in fear. But Star walked with purpose, heart heavy yet aflame.

At the rear courtyard, Klara and Friedrich were already waiting. The moment Klara saw Star, she ran to her and embraced her tightly, her tears unstoppable.

“Star…” Klara choked through her sobs, clinging to her. “I searched everywhere... I thought you were gone.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, Klara. I... I was overwhelmed by everything. The sky… watching it shatter like that felt like a nightmare.”

“Thankfully the palace guards told us where you were,” Friedrich said with a breath of relief. “We came as fast as we could.”

“You two must’ve been so worried about us,” Star said with a soft laugh. “By the way—have you seen Erik and Seth? I haven’t since the chaos began.”

Klara wiped her cheeks and nodded. “They’re helping with the evacuations—guiding families to the shelters. And Ludwig is still in the city, assisting merchants who haven’t found a place to hide yet.”

“They’re all such good people,” Star said with a gentle smile. “Alright, then. Let’s go. There are still lives to protect. That’s why we’re here.”

“Where are we heading, Star?” Friedrich asked, excitement flickering in his eyes.

“To a village near Nidhogg’s lair,” she replied. “The King said monsters of the dark attacked it. We need to defend it—and retrieve Alioth’s sword from a cave nearby.”

“So we’re going monster hunting?” Friedrich grinned, his greatsword already humming with anticipation.

“That’s right,” Star said, her own smile fierce with purpose. “It’s time the world remembers... that heroes still walk among them.”

The night wind howled through the courtyard, carrying the distant sound of screams from the burning city. Star gripped her sword tightly as if to steady herself. The path ahead would be painted in fire and shadow, but she would face it head-on.

Because this was only the beginning.