Atlantia, Year 2234…
Two Months After Nidhogg's Defeat

Morning light filtered through the lace curtains of a small inn near Valhalla’s grand palace. The distant hum of the city drifted through the walls as Star and her companions gathered around a simple wooden table for breakfast. The smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling smoked meat mixed pleasantly with the gentle aroma of steeped tea.

Siegfried spread butter onto a slice of bread while Klara poured tea into delicate ceramic cups, her voice bright as she recounted a strange dream from the night before. Friedrich leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, quietly enjoying the rare calm. Nearby, Erik and Seth were deep in a lively discussion about Valhalla’s markets and food, their chatter adding warmth to the room.

A sudden knock broke the peaceful mood. Ludwig, the merchant who had helped them on their past journey, rose and straightened his vest.

“I’ll get it,” he said, walking to the door.

When he opened it, a young man in the official uniform of the Adventurers’ Guild stood on the threshold, a red badge pinned to his chest. His posture was tense, fingers fidgeting as he spoke.

“Good morning. The Guild has sent me. May I speak with Lady Star Rosalind and her companions?”

Star exchanged a glance with Siegfried, curiosity and caution flickering in her golden eyes. She stood, brushing crumbs from her cloak.

“That would be us. What’s going on?”

The receptionist shifted his weight.

“The Guildmaster requests your presence at headquarters. It’s urgent. He believes only you can handle the matter.”

Friedrich raised an eyebrow.
“Another crisis? Didn’t we just save the capital from total destruction?”

The receptionist bowed slightly.
“I’m sorry, but this is serious. You’ll understand once the Guildmaster explains.”

“Can’t it wait until after breakfast?” Klara asked, gesturing at the food.

The young man hesitated, then nodded.
“Of course. But please don’t take too long.”

Star gave him a small, reassuring smile.
“We’ll be ready soon. Thank you.”

He stepped outside to wait while they finished eating, and the group began speculating about the summons. Ludwig excused himself from whatever new trouble awaited them, offering a few words before they left.

“You lot always end up in danger somehow. Just… be careful this time, alright?”

After preparing their gear, Star, Siegfried, Klara, Friedrich, Erik, and Seth followed the receptionist through Valhalla’s cobbled streets. The morning air was crisp, the palace spires gleaming under the sun. Merchants called out their wares, and children ran through the busy market square, their laughter echoing off the stone walls.

The Adventurers’ Guild headquarters stood near the palace—a grand building of stone and glass, its heavy doors engraved with the Guild’s sigil: a shield crossed by twin swords. Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with tension. Adventurers gathered in tight groups, whispering in urgent tones.

The group was led to a spacious meeting hall where the Guildmaster waited. He was a broad-shouldered man with graying hair and sharp eyes, clad in a deep crimson robe that marked both rank and experience. As they entered, he rose and offered a respectful nod.

“Lady Star Rosalind and company,” he said, his voice steady and deep. “Thank you for coming. I am Guildmaster Leontius. Forgive the urgency, but Valhalla is facing a new threat.”

“What kind of threat?” Star asked, her expression tightening.

Leontius gestured to a large map mounted on the wall, a red X drawn near Valhalla’s edge. His face grew grim.

“The Tower of a Thousand Mirrors,” he said. “For centuries, it has stood on the outskirts of our land—shrouded in myth and mystery. Few dare approach it, and those who do report strange illusions and unexplained events. Most consider it an ancient relic best left alone.”

Klara frowned.
“But something’s changed, hasn’t it?”

He nodded.
“Recently, adventurers and soldiers were sent to investigate reports of unnatural shadows and a heavy, oppressive energy coming from the tower. None returned. Those stationed nearby speak of growing unease and whispers drifting through the night.”

Siegfried leaned forward, voice serious.
“And you think the situation is dangerous enough to need us?”

“Absolutely,” Leontius replied. “The energy coming from the tower is unlike anything we’ve seen. If we ignore it, it may spread and threaten all of Valhalla. You are among the strongest warriors of this era—people capable of facing the unknown. If anyone can uncover the truth and stop whatever’s happening, it’s you.”

“Do you have any idea what’s causing it?” Friedrich asked.

Leontius hesitated, his brows pulling tight.
“We lack information. The tower’s magic is ancient. The answers are likely inside. But be warned—the place is rumored to twist illusions, reflections, and the mind itself. It will test not just your strength, but your spirit.”

Klara crossed her arms, “Illusions and reflections… a place where truth blurs with lies. We’ll have to stay alert.”

“Staying alert won’t be enough for me,” Erik muttered, his tail flicking nervously.

Star, who had listened silently, stepped forward, “We’ll take the mission. If the tower threatens Valhalla, we’ll stop it.”

Leontius nodded gratefully, “Thank you. I’ll have supplies prepared for your departure. The fate of Valhalla may depend on what you discover in that tower. Be ready for anything.”

The group left the guild headquarters with the weight of their task heavy on their shoulders. The Tower of a Thousand Mirrors awaited—its secrets hidden behind brilliance and danger. Their first step toward uncovering the truth was about to begin.