Part 1
Three months had passed since the fall of Balliard. In that time, word of the Mist Valley attack had spread across the kingdom like some kind of urban legend.
The tale grew with every whisper: the roar of a skeletal dragon, an army of undead marching through the fog, entire villages vanishing… death lurking in every corner.
Of the summoned heroes who had defended the bastion, only Nanami Chiba survived. Rumor had it she refused to leave her room in Varka, unable to face the outside world without trembling in fear.
Junya Mori and Yui Kamishiro were officially listed as "missing." No one in the royal court wanted to admit the truth—that summoned heroes had fallen. To acknowledge it would deal a crushing blow to Valdheim's morale and remind everyone that even their so-called champions weren't invincible.
A reconnaissance convoy departed from Varka, the capital, and eventually reached the gates of what was once Arkenfel.
But it was no longer the same city.
Soldiers stood guard at the entrance, their silver armor replacing Valdheim's traditional crimson. They barred the convoy's path.
"Stop right there! Identify yourselves," one of the guards ordered.
"We're a reconnaissance group sent from Varka," the coachman answered, rapping on the carriage window.
The door opened, and out stepped Kazuki Hayama, the lead hero, as energetic as ever. He stretched like a kid after a long ride, followed closely by a general and several officers.
"Let us through immediately. We've come to see General Balliard," the commanding officer demanded.
"Balliard and Arkenfel are no more," the guard replied without hesitation. "This city is no longer Valdheim's territory. You may not enter."
"…Excuse me?" The general frowned, his voice rising. "I am Ulises Montero, general of the southern legions—the Southern Eagle! I demand to see Balliard at once, or my men will force their way inside."
"Mermur is a peaceful city!" another guard shouted back. "Guards!"
From atop the walls, rows of archers drew their bows, while more silver-armored soldiers emerged from the inner streets.
"Mermur…?" Ulises repeated in disbelief.
That was when a warm, gentle voice—like the first light of dawn—cut through the tension.
"What's going on out here? Why all this commotion?"
Lina stepped forward from within the city. She already knew the situation through her communicator, but she appeared as though she'd just happened upon it. Dressed in the white robes of a pontiff, she radiated an almost divine glow that stood out against the restored ruins of the city. Resting on her chest was a necklace shaped like angel wings—the emblem of Celestia.
"Your Holiness, forgive us. You've caught us in the middle of a quarrel with these outsiders," one of the guards said, bowing his head.
Lina gave him a solemn nod.
"There's no need to worry. You've all done admirable work."
Then her gaze shifted to General Ulises.
"Mermur is an independent city, free from Valdheim. From this day forward, it belongs to Mist Valley," she declared calmly.
"Independent, you say?" Ulises let out a bitter laugh. "Don't make me laugh. This city belongs to Valdheim."
"Then why not come and see for yourself?" she countered without losing her composure. "Ask the citizens what they think of Valdheim."
No one dared refute her words. But the general stood his ground, his expression hard.
"Come on now, let's not make this any more tense than it already is," Kazuki cut in, his usual cheer in place. "Why don't we go inside and hear what the people have to say?"
With a lighthearted smile, he reached out as if to casually drape an arm over her shoulders.
But Lina brushed his hand aside with a sharp backhand. The crisp smack echoed in the air.
The soldiers reacted instantly, bracing themselves.
"I'll ask you not to try touching me again… for everyone's sake," she said firmly, her voice unwavering.
"Well, well… the kitten's got claws," Kazuki muttered with a mocking grin.
Despite her short stature, Lina knew how to set boundaries. She refused to be intimidated by anyone—not even by a summoned hero.
"Shut your mouth, brat," General Ulises growled. With a motion of his hand, his men lowered their weapons. "Please… I want to speak with whoever's in charge of this city."
Lina nodded, her lips curving into a calm smile.
"Very well. You'll be escorted to the town hall. There, all your questions will be answered."
The group followed Lina as she walked slowly through the streets. Every step she took was deliberate—she wanted them to see the new order of Mermur with their own eyes.
Children played freely in the plazas, merchants offered goods from makeshift stalls, and the city buzzed with life. Only a few elders averted their gaze in disdain, unable to hide their resentment toward Valdheim's soldiers, whom they still saw as symbols of tyranny.
The contrast was striking. Valdheim had meant chains and obedience, but Mermur had become a refuge of prosperity.
"What's happened to this city? It's not nearly as militarized anymore…" Ulises asked cautiously.
"That's right," Lina replied with composed ease. "Mermur gathered the survivors of Arkenfel, and little by little, citizens from nearby villages began moving here. They're searching for opportunities—for a better life."
Her words were convincing, yet suspicion lingered in the general's eyes. That doubt only deepened when they reached the main church. The statue of Yoru was gone. In its place, townsfolk were working to restore a temple painted in pure white.
"What happened to Yoru's church?" Kazuki asked, curiosity clear in his tone.
"In Mermur, we no longer worship Yoru," Lina answered, serene as ever. "Our faith lies in Celestia, the Goddess of Light. She is like a benevolent angel, embracing us with warmth and hope, guiding our path forward."
"Blasphemers!" the hero spat, but Ulises raised a hand to silence him.
"I see…" the general muttered, watching how naturally the townsfolk seemed to accept their new faith. "It appears they're very much in agreement with it."
"I'm glad you understand, General. Shall we continue our tour?" Lina asked, her voice almost sweet.
"Please."
Soon they reached the central plaza. Where the old Social Club once stood, there was now an educational building, and at the heart of the fountain, Yoru's statue had been replaced by an angel holding a scale of justice.
But what truly caught Ulises's eye wasn't the statue—it was the sword embedded at the base of the fountain. He recognized it instantly. He had seen it raised countless times in battle, a symbol of valor and a rallying roar of war.
Lion's Roar. The inseparable weapon of Hector Balliard now stood there like a macabre trophy.
The general knelt before it. With solemnity, he drew his own sword and pressed its hilt against Lion's Roar, letting the two touch.
"Until we meet again in Yoru's hall… old friend."
He sheathed his blade and rose with unwavering resolve. He was a general—he could show no weakness to anyone.
"Please, High Pontiff. Before I depart, I'd like to speak with the regent."
Lina inclined her head with elegance.
"So it shall be. But your guard will remain here. Only you and the hero may enter."
"She doesn't like crowds," she added calmly.
Ulises confirmed the order with a slight gesture, and his men obeyed without hesitation.
The doors of the town hall creaked open slowly, as though bowing in reverence to Lina and her guests.