The air within the cavern still shimmered faintly with Boreas’s fading power. Star stood in the silence that followed, the weight of his words pressing against her chest like frost. Every breath she took felt heavier—filled with purpose, fear, and the echo of a destiny she hadn’t asked for.

Star gripped the sword tightly, its light reflecting in her resolute eyes. Boreas’s explanation had brought her clarity—but also the weight of a truth too heavy to ignore. The Aeon’s words lingered in the air, a reminder that her journey had only just begun.

"You must leave immediately. Nidhogg will not stay silent once he learns that you’ve completed my trial," said Boreas firmly as he walked toward the cave's exit, his footsteps echoing on the cold stone.

Before they could leave, Klara called out, her curiosity piqued. "Boreas, wait! I want to ask about the scrolls Elder Ulric spoke of. The ones about the Demon King and Nidhogg."

"Oh… you mean the scrolls written by Alioth?" Boreas asked, tilting his head slightly.

"I don’t know who wrote them, but they’re said to contain the method to defeat Nidhogg…" Klara replied earnestly.

Boreas turned around, stomping his foot hard against the ground. A block of ice on the cave wall creaked open, revealing five aged scrolls nestled within. Klara stepped forward slowly, her eyes wide with reverence, and gently took the scrolls from their resting place.

“I don’t know what they contain,” Boreas said, “but Alioth asked me to safeguard them. You may read them once we’re out of here.”

Klara quickly stored the scrolls in her satchel, securing them tightly. Boreas resumed his stride, leading them through the long corridor of the ancient cavern. Star and the others followed, their eyes drinking in the breathtaking sight of the old, elemental sanctuary.

As they walked through the narrowing tunnel, they passed walls etched with intricate carvings. Strange symbols glowed faintly, pulsating with forgotten energy. Klara, ever the inquisitive one, couldn’t resist tracing her fingers along the smooth stone.

“Boreas, do you know what these carvings mean?” she asked, eyes gleaming with fascination.

Boreas glanced at the walls and nodded slowly. “From what I know, they are ancient prophecies. They speak of a hero who would rise to challenge a dragon brought forth from the roots of the Tree of Life into the mortal world. That hero, as we know, was Alioth—the Blonde Hero.”

Klara furrowed her brow. “But what about the full prophecy? What else does it say?”

“I don’t know the complete contents,” Boreas admitted. “It’s written in a language long forgotten. Only Kazegami, with their vast wisdom, might be able to decipher it. As far as I’m aware, the prophecy predates even the Great War.”

Klara fell silent for a moment, contemplating. “So… this prophecy was made long before the Great War?”

“Possibly,” Boreas said, his voice distant. “I came to dwell in this place after the war ended. These inscriptions may even date back to the Aeon War—a conflict that nearly erased everything.”

Star’s curiosity was now ablaze. “The Aeon War?” she whispered.

Boreas turned toward her, his expression grave. “Yes… a war that nearly destroyed the entire cosmos. It was a battle that spanned across realms—a war between Aeons that almost tore apart the very fabric of reality. I rose to my position as an Aeon only after that war ended, roughly 20,000 years ago. You might learn more if you visit the Kazegami Province. Kazegami is one of the few Aeons who still remembers the war… and its consequences.”

Friedrich, deep in thought, added, “Ah… that’s why you mentioned the Seven Fundamental Aeons, right?”

Boreas nodded. “Correct. Some of the Fundamental Aeons survived the war. They’ve lived since the beginning of the universe itself. Their existence transcends time—they’ve witnessed the birth and collapse of countless worlds.”

Star, Siegfried, Friedrich, Klara, and Kevin followed Boreas deeper through the corridor. The air grew colder. The light dimmed. And before they realized it, they had reached the mouth of the cave. The once-brilliant sun now hung low on the western horizon, casting long shadows across the earth.

Outside, Hilda waited anxiously. Her face lit up the moment she saw them emerge from the cave. She ran forward, joy and relief flooding her features.

“Star!” she cried, embracing her tightly. “You made it out alive! I wasn’t sure you’d survive the trial, but I kept praying to Boreas that you’d come back safe.”

Hilda pulled back, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. But then, her gaze shifted—her expression froze in disbelief as she noticed the towering figure behind them.

“B-Boreas?!” she gasped, her voice trembling with awe as she looked up at the formidable Aeon of the North Wind, his imposing form casting a shadow over the group.

Boreas smiled softly, his voice resonant yet gentle. “You must be of the Frostholm lineage—descendants of proud warriors.”

Hilda’s voice quivered—whether from the cold or from his presence, she wasn’t sure. “Y-Yes, great Aeon Boreas. My ancestors founded the village of Frostholm with your blessing. And now, it is my duty to protect it from Abyssal creatures, just as you entrusted my family.”

Boreas’ expression softened, and he spoke with deep respect. “I see. May I know your name, brave one?”

Hilda blinked in surprise, then straightened with renewed confidence. “Of course. My name is Hilda Frostholm, and this is my younger brother, Kevin Frostholm. Our parents are gone now, and we are the ones who carry on the village’s legacy.”

Memories stirred in Boreas' ancient eyes as he processed the name. “Hilda… yes, the Child of Ice who never faltered during the Abyss attacks all those years ago.”

Hilda’s heart swelled with emotion as she recalled those dark days. “You remember me, Boreas? You gave me this Gnosis when I was only fifteen. It was my first encounter with the Abyss. The attack came suddenly, and in my naivety, I rushed to the front lines... without thinking of my own safety or anyone else’s.” Her voice trembled. “I was foolish—selfish.”

Kevin gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice calm but firm. “Sister…”

Boreas’ gaze grew even warmer. “That’s exactly why I granted you the Gnosis of Frost. To remind you that true courage lies not in reckless abandon, but in unwavering resolve—even in the face of the Abyss. You’ve grown strong, Hilda. You’ve learned the true value of protecting others.”

Tears welled in Hilda’s eyes as she bowed deeply. “Thank you, Boreas. Without your guidance, I would have been lost long ago.”

Kevin stood beside her, nodding earnestly. “We’ll continue to protect Frostholm—as you entrusted us.”

As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, Boreas watched it silently, his breath turning to mist. Star, Siegfried, and Klara sat at the edge of the cliff, catching their breath after the final trial.

Star’s gaze grew more resolute, her spirit reignited after receiving Boreas’ recognition. Yet behind her firm eyes, a flicker of doubt lingered—her thoughts in turmoil.

Can I truly meet everyone’s expectations? Can I walk the same path Alioth once did... and save Atlantia once more?

As the last trace of sunlight disappeared beyond the frozen horizon, Star’s reflection shimmered faintly on her sword’s blade—half light, half shadow. She clenched the hilt tighter, her heart whispering a vow only the wind could hear.
“Alioth… I’ll find the truth you left behind.”