As they reached the center of the village square, Boreas turned to face the gathered villagers. His deep voice echoed through the icy cliffs, commanding the attention of all present.

“People of Frostholm,” he declared, “these are the Heroes of Atlantia—those who have braved trials and earned my blessing. Honor them, for they are your hope for the days to come.”

A cheer erupted from the crowd, their applause resounding across the glacial expanse. Star felt a tightness in her throat, but managed a faint smile as Siegfried gently took her hand in reassurance.

Boreas stepped aside, creating a path for Star to move forward. He gave her a solemn nod, his gaze calm but expectant.

“Speak, young one,” he said. “Let them hear the voice of their future.”

Her friends offered encouraging smiles, pride shining clearly in their eyes. Taking a deep breath, Star stepped up. The cold wind stung her cheeks as she faced the people.

“People of Frostholm...” she began, her voice trembling slightly before she steadied herself. “Do not be afraid. My friends and I will protect you. We promise to purge the Abyss from Atlantia... and to defeat Nidhogg!”

The villagers roared in agreement, their applause and shouts of thanks rising like a wave that washed over the long-silent square. Her words were more than a declaration—they were a spark, igniting long-lost hope in their hearts.

As the applause died down, Kevin approached Star with reverence. Though weariness marked his face, gratitude and relief softened his features.

“Star,” he said gently, bowing low, “thank you. Thank you for giving Frostholm something it has not had in a long time—hope.”

He straightened, his expression growing grave. “And thank you for aiding our village. The Abyss creatures have become increasingly aggressive. Without your intervention, many of us might not be standing here today.”

Klara tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “I remember you said you drove off Abyss creatures before we arrived. Where did they come from?”

Kevin nodded, his tone grim. “The borderlands between Valhalla and El-Dorado, near the Tower of a Thousand Mirrors. That’s where they’ve been gathering.”

Friedrich’s brow furrowed. “Gathering? What’s drawing them there?”

“We don’t know,” Kevin replied with a shake of his head. “They assemble in large numbers, then scatter to strike. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.”

“But Abyss creatures don’t strategize. They don’t think,” Friedrich murmured, eyes narrowing. “Something... or someone... must be controlling them.”

Star’s voice cut through the murmurs, calm and resolute. “Nibelung.”

The name alone stirred unease among the villagers. Hilda, standing nearby, turned toward Boreas, who had been silently watching.

“The Demon King,” Boreas said gravely, his voice like distant thunder. “So... he’s to rise again after a thousand years in the Night Kingdom?”

Star nodded. “Yes. Alioth told me when I received the Gnosis.”

Kevin and Hilda exchanged glances. Hilda turned back to Star, curiosity lighting her face. “Alioth… who is that?”

Star hesitated, the weight of the name heavy in the air. “He is—”

Boreas interrupted gently, his voice colored by distant memories. “Alioth is the one you know as the Blonde Hero.”

Hilda’s eyes widened in disbelief. “The Blonde Hero? But... you knew him personally?”

A low chuckle rumbled from Boreas’s throat, bittersweet and fond. “Oh, how could I not? Before the Great War, that boy would visit me often. We walked beneath the moonlight, speaking of stars and faraway worlds. He would sometimes fall asleep beside me, as though the burdens of the world had melted away.”

The Aeon’s massive voice softened, his gaze distant as if lost in another time. “Even when he smiled, there was sorrow in his eyes—a weight he never shared. He bore so much... yet never asked for help, never let anyone see the cracks.”

The villagers listened in awe, as though hearing a legend step out of myth and into reality.

Boreas’s voice gained strength again as he addressed Star. “He entrusted his legacy to you, young one. Do not take that lightly. Alioth may not have sought recognition, but he wanted his will to endure.”

Star bowed her head with conviction. “I won’t disappoint him.”

Boreas then lifted his great head, his icy blue eyes scanning the horizon where a faint rift shimmered in the night sky like a wound. His deep voice carried a somber note.

“I only hope… Alioth can seal the Dimensional Rift completely.”

Kevin, still beside Star, frowned. “The Dimensional Rift...” he murmured, the name itself a dark omen.

Boreas’s tone softened. “It’s late. You should rest here until morning. You're heading to meet Queen Savanah the Second, aren’t you?”

“Queen Savanah?” someone in the crowd echoed, confusion rippling through the villagers.

Kevin stepped forward. “Queen Savanah is gone, Boreas. She was succeeded by King Nicolas, her chosen heir.”

Boreas blinked, his massive white fur shifting as he exhaled slowly. “Ah… I had forgotten how long it’s been. It feels like only yesterday that Alioth walked this land and spoke with me.” His voice grew quieter, a thread of sorrow weaving through his words. “Time flows so swiftly, doesn’t it?”

Hilda stepped closer, her expression gentle. “Boreas…” she whispered, concern in her eyes.

But Boreas shook his head slightly, halting her words. “No need to worry about me. I’m just reminiscing.” Straightening his large frame, his voice resumed its commanding tone. “Go now. Rest. This has been a long day for all of you.”

Star lowered her gaze, watching Boreas’ massive form among the villagers. The wind whispered through the icy square, carrying the weight of legends and the burden of a legacy she was only beginning to understand. Tonight, she had spoken, she had pledged—but the true trial of carrying the Blonde Hero’s will had only just begun.