After a long and exhausting week—thick fog, a clouded sky, and cold weather—Lloyd slowly approached the immense, fortified stronghold that stretched along the capital of the Land of Flame, Casten, known as Trost. This land was given such a name because fire is the dominant element in both its traditional and modern industries. The region is well-known for the high quality of its local products, which are exported all around the world.
Lloyd entered through the main gate at a slow pace. Luckily, he had reached his destination just in time—his supplies would have only lasted one more day. He looked around, marveling at the beauty of the city from the inside. From the outside, the view gave no positive impression, but once within, it felt more like a network of vibrant streets filled with shops, massive markets, lush green gardens, and colorful sights that covered the entire area.
He stopped at a bread vendor and asked for the price of a loaf.
The shopkeeper replied, "Only 10 Vinca."
Lloyd was momentarily confused—he had never heard of that currency before. He checked his pockets in hopes of finding some money and came across a gold-engraved coin marked with the number 40. He handed it to the vendor and asked for four loaves, which he received before leaving to look for an inn.
By chance, he came across a place called "James Karibi Inn." Posters on the walls advertised it as cheap, so he entered and booked a room for a week. Upon arriving in his room, he encountered a tall man with an athletic build and sharp blue eyes who stared at him intensely, making Lloyd uneasy.
Then the man, who resembled a statue, said:
"You're Lloyd Arneath. Don't even try to avoid my question, are you not?"
Lloyd quickly answered, "Yes, I am."
The man suddenly burst into hysterical laughter that lasted for several seconds. When he stopped, he looked at Lloyd and smiled:
"I'm James Karibi, owner of this inn and leader of the Dark Crows organization—a secret group dedicated to preserving peace in the land and gathering intelligence about other kingdoms. Would you like to join us? In return, you'll stay here free of charge, and we'll teach you how to unlock your inner essence and awaken your own Nerval ability. Doesn't that interest you?"
Lloyd immediately remembered Theodore, the knight who had once mentioned these Nerval powers, and he agreed without hesitation.
James then responded in a sharp tone:
"But there are rules you must never break:
First, never tell anyone about us.
Second, you must carry out every mission given to you—even if it means your death.
Third and most important: the protection of Casten is our ultimate goal. Betrayal means hell.
Is that clear?"
Lloyd, full of excitement, nodded eagerly. He was genuinely happy—who would've thought he'd get a free room and the chance to learn and refine a powerful ability?
James then added:
"Tomorrow at exactly 1 PM, come to the Kleinfor Forest. I'll teach you how to unlock your essence."
Lloyd listened carefully and watched as James disappeared into the thick fog that blanketed the area.
---
Meanwhile, in another corner of the realm, inside the Church of Nortchliak, two figures—a man and a woman—stood before a massive statue, both wearing white hoods and staring at the stone figure in silence.
The woman, with a soft and silky voice, said:
"I can't believe we're setting out tomorrow to destroy every nation on the continent. How pitiful they are."
The man replied in a coarse voice:
"We'll begin with Casten. It's the easiest target due to its small size. Search the Grand Palace—but make sure your identities aren't exposed."
A group of men and women then departed with the woman toward Casten.
Casten now stands under a hidden threat—one that must not be revealed.