“So, we’ll be fighting ferocious monsters?” Friedrich grinned, excitement gleaming in his eyes.

“Exactly,” said Star. “It’s time to show the world that heroes are real.”

Friedrich and Klara perked up at the prospect of defending a village from monsters of darkness. But Siegfried didn’t share their enthusiasm—his face was clouded with unease, his thoughts plagued by the fear that something terrible might happen to all of them… especially Star.

Star, sensing his worry, gently took his hand. It was a silent reassurance, a gesture that said everything will be alright. Siegfried inhaled deeply, then stepped into the crystal carriage with Star and the others.

As they traveled, Star gazed out the window and caught a glimpse of Nidhogg spiraling high in the sky, breathing waves of violet flame. His jet-black scales pulsed with an aura of dread. A chill crawled down Star’s spine as she watched the harbinger of ruin above them.

Siegfried noticed her trembling. “We’ll defeat that dragon,” he said, his voice calm and steady. “You don’t need to be afraid, Star.”

“I’m not afraid,” she replied softly. “It’s just… I feel like I’ve seen this before. But I don’t remember when, or where…”

“Are you thinking about what His Majesty, King Nicolas, said?” Siegfried asked.

“Maybe… I don’t know,” she murmured, pressing a hand to her head.

“Star…” Siegfried pulled her into a warm embrace. “You don’t have to force yourself to remember the past—especially if it hurts.”

“Right now, let’s just focus on what lies ahead,” he continued gently.

Star smiled at him, the tension in her face easing. Her headache had faded. But neither of them noticed Klara and Friedrich glancing back from their seats with amused smirks.

“Ah… these two,” Friedrich whispered. “When are they going to confess to each other?”

“Shh! What if they hear you?” Klara hissed back. Then, with a playful glint in her eyes, she added, “But… we really should make a plan to get them to confess.”

“I might have just the idea.” Friedrich leaned in, whispering his scheme.

“Are you sure? That sounds risky. What if it backfires?” Klara frowned.

“Leave it to me!” Friedrich beamed. “You know what they say—people confess their feelings in moments of crisis and fear.”

“Huff… I hope you’re right,” Klara muttered, sighing as she leaned back in the cushioned seat.

The group continued their journey toward the northern region of Valhalla, to the foot of Asgard’s peak—their destination. The Northern Territories were infamous for their eternal winter, where the sun never rose and ancient caves held cryptic prophecies and the fabled sword of the Blonde Hero. This land was guarded by an Aeon known as Boreas—the Aeon of the North Wind.

Star peered out the frosted window. Her eyes followed a herd of deer racing across a sprawling meadow of green. A smile bloomed on her face at the carefree sight. But then, her expression darkened. Ominous black clouds began to gather in the sky. Rain poured violently, and the deer scattered in panic, searching for shelter.

Star felt it—an oppressive darkness ahead. As Asgard’s peak came into view, thick mist coiled around them, and violent winds howled through the sleet and rain. But Star and her companions pressed forward. They would not falter—not now, not when lives were in danger.

When they reached the village gates, they found devastation.

Snow fell silently over the ruins. The ground was layered in icy mounds, the air heavy with despair. Yet, scattered throughout the rubble, villagers clung to life, taking refuge beneath collapsed homes.

Without hesitation, the group dismounted and rushed toward the survivors. Star hurried to a partially collapsed home and spotted a heavily pregnant woman writhing in pain, her eyes wide with panic.

“Friedrich! Call the midwives and the healer—quickly! She’s in labor!” Star cried out, heart pounding.

Friedrich dashed off, summoning help as fast as his legs could carry him. Meanwhile, Star carefully helped the woman out of the rubble and laid her down gently in front of the house. She did her best to comfort her through the pain, whispering words of reassurance.

Fortunately, two midwives and two healers soon arrived. Star sighed in relief and stepped back, watching from a short distance as they prepared for the delivery.

But before the baby could be born, a terrible sound froze the air.

Heavy footsteps. A low, rumbling growl. Then—shadows moved.

Star turned to see them.

A monstrous horde emerged from the fog, marching steadily toward the village gates.

Darkness had returned.

Star’s breath caught in her throat as the first pair of glowing eyes pierced through the fog.

More followed—dozens, maybe hundreds—shimmering like sickly stars in the darkness.

“Everyone, get ready!” she shouted, drawing her sword as the monsters closed in.

The midwives huddled protectively around the laboring woman as the ground trembled beneath the horde’s march.

Star planted her feet, heart hammering.

This time, there was no running. The battle for the village had begun