Dawn broke slowly over the horizon, and golden light streamed through the stained-glass windows of the old chapel. The sun’s rays illuminated the worn wooden pews and danced across the stone floor, casting the sanctuary in a warm, renewed glow.

Star stirred in one of the side chambers, stretching her arms as she let out a quiet yawn. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she made her way to a small washroom and splashed her face with cold water. The chill jolted her awake, but did little to lift the lingering weight from her heart.

Steeling herself, she stepped into the main hall of the chapel, careful not to disturb the sacred stillness. She gently pushed open the heavy oak doors.

Sunlight poured in, scattering the shadows and filling every corner of the church with radiant clarity. Star squinted against the brightness as she stepped outside. The morning air was brisk and biting, her breath forming little clouds as she exhaled.

Her gaze fell upon the devastation before her: the remains of a village torn apart. Collapsed homes lay in ruin, blackened timbers and shattered stones standing as grim reminders of the previous day’s attack.

She walked among the wreckage, her boots crunching softly atop frost-covered earth. Grief twisted in her chest as her eyes caught on a small doll lying in the snow, abandoned near a crumbled wall. Once bright and colorful, it was now dulled by grime and stained with dried blood. Star knelt down, gently picking it up and holding it close, as if to shield it from further harm.

A voice broke the silence.

“What are you doing here?”

Startled, Star turned swiftly. A tall man stood a short distance away. His features were sharp and chiseled, his silver hair glinting like frost, and his piercing blue eyes studied her intently. His voice carried authority, though it lacked hostility.

Star rose to her feet and faced him. Before she could respond, the man tilted his head slightly, his stern expression softening with curiosity.

“Wait… you’re not from around here, are you?”

“No,” Star replied calmly. “I arrived just yesterday, during the Abyss attack.”

Before he could say more, a familiar voice rang out behind them, filled with relief.

“Kevin!”

Star turned to see Hilda rushing toward them, her cloak billowing behind her. Her face was flushed, but her eyes sparkled with joy as they landed on the man.

“You finally made it,” she said, breathless. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to welcome you and your unit.”

Kevin’s expression softened further as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“There’s no need to apologize, Sister,” he said with a faint smile. “I know you’ve been busy taking care of the village.”

Then his gaze shifted back to Star, curiosity flickering again.

“And who is this young woman? A guest?”

“Oh, of course!” Hilda brightened. “This is Star — the one who drove back the Abyss creatures yesterday.” She turned to Star, her voice warm. “Star, this is Kevin — my younger brother.”

Recognition dawned on Kevin’s face. He straightened and offered a small bow.

“My apologies,” he said sincerely. “I didn’t realize you were the hero everyone’s been talking about since last night.”

Star shifted awkwardly, clearly unaccustomed to such formality.

Kevin gave a light smile and extended his hand.

“Let me properly introduce myself. Kevin Frostholm, heir to this village.”

“You don’t need to be so formal,” Star replied modestly, shaking his hand with a small, genuine smile.

“A humble heart and capable hands,” Kevin said, lips curling into a wry smile. “My sister wasn’t exaggerating.”

“Kevin has been leading a mission to push back the Abyss beyond Valhalla’s borders,” Hilda explained. “That’s why the village was left unguarded during the attack — until you came and saved us all, Star.”

“These Abyss creatures…” Star asked, frowning. “Have they attacked Frostholm before?”

Kevin’s expression darkened, shadows of history reflected in his eyes.

“For thousands of years,” he began quietly, “this village has been a target. During the Great War, Frostholm suffered more than most. The Blonde Hero himself gathered warriors from all over Valhalla to defend this place. Their stand became the foundation of what we now know as the Adventurers’ Guild.”

Hilda nodded solemnly.

“Even after the war ended, the Abyss never stopped. This village… and Atlantia as a whole… remain under their shadow.”

“Do you know where they come from?” Star asked, her voice hushed with curiosity.

Kevin hesitated. “There’s one who might know — Boreas. According to legend, he holds the truth. But…” He exhaled slowly. “He’s been asleep since the Great War. They say he was gravely wounded defending this village. If even an Aeon couldn’t stop the Abyss… what hope do mortals have without divine strength?”

“That’s why Elder Ulric asked me to guide you and your companions to Asgard Peak,” Hilda interjected. “To undertake Boreas’s trial and wake him from his long slumber.”

Kevin blinked, taken aback. “Wait — you’re climbing Asgard Peak? But Sister, you’re pregnant! Grandfather must’ve lost his mind!”

Hilda chuckled softly, placing a hand on her now-flat belly.

“Actually, I gave birth yesterday.”

“What?!” Kevin’s voice rose in disbelief.

Hilda’s tone softened. “And it wasn’t Grandfather’s idea. It was mine. Star needs this — the village needs this. Boreas must awaken.”

Concern etched deep into Kevin’s brow. “Have you gone mad? You should be resting, not climbing mountains. If you're going, then I’m coming too.”

“Kevin—” Hilda started, but he had already swung his cloak over his shoulders.

“No arguments,” Kevin said firmly. “Let’s leave before the sun rises too high.”

As Kevin strode toward the old chapel to gather their climbing gear, Hilda turned to Star with an apologetic smile.

“Please don’t mind him. Kevin has always carried the weight of this village on his shoulders. He believes it's his duty—as a man, as a protector to keep us safe, no matter the cost.”

Star’s eyes softened, touched by the quiet strength beneath Hilda’s words.

“I understand. I saw how deeply he cares about you, and this place. He reminds me of Siegfried. That same quiet resolve… the kind that makes you feel safe when everything else falls apart.”

Hilda raised an eyebrow, curiosity blooming in her smile.

“Siegfried? You mean the tall, dark-haired boy who’s always at your side?”

Star nodded, her lips curling into a faint smile.

“Yes. We've known each other since we were children. The first time we met… I was being attacked by a Bergtroll in Blessing Forest. He shielded me by screaming so loudly they ran off.”

Hilda let out a soft, melodic laugh, the kind that warmed the cold morning air.

“Oh Star… do you like him?”

Star turned away, trying to hide her blush, but a gentle smile lingered on her lips.

Her thoughts drifted to Siegfried — to the warmth in his eyes and the shield he always held for her.

But as the horizon glowed brighter with dawn, Star couldn’t shake the feeling that the path ahead would test not just her strength, but her heart.