Everyone was silent for a moment. There was something about the Spire that unsettled Solaire. He had been shocked to discover the gateway was located in the Crimson Spire, but what shook him even more was learning who its guardian was.
Right on cue, Sunny turned to Nephis and asked,
"Right! There should be a gateway guardian, and the fact that thousands of Sleepers haven't been able to do anything means that creature must be something profane, right?"
Without a change in expression, Changing Star answered,
"A Fallen Terror."
Sunny and Cassie's expressions faltered. Trying to fight a Fallen Terror as a Sleeper was suicide. No matter how many tried, the odds of even reaching the gateway—let alone defeating such a creature—were close to zero.
Chuckling in dejection, Sunny muttered,
"So… what's the plan?"
After a moment, she replied,
"We'll form a hunting party."
Solaire nodded. He knew how perilous solo hunting was, and considering what Changing Star was planning, efficiency would be key. Creating a hunting party was the first step.
Solaire added:
[Going into the Dark City blind is very dangerous.]
Shrugging, Nephis responded:
"You're right. We'll need a pathfinder. I already have someone in mind. But first..."
Her voice took on a gleaming intensity.
"...Tell me everything you've learned in the castle. Every name. Every Aspect. Every ability and flaw. Every grievance people hold and every agenda they hide. I need it all."
Sunny smirked.
"This is going to take a while. I've been busy snooping around."
Hours passed. Sunny's voice grew hoarse as he slowly wrapped up his report.
"…That pretty much covers everything, I guess."
Solaire was thoroughly surprised. In just a week, Sunny had uncovered more than he had learned throughout his entire time at the castle. Still, not wanting to overstay his welcome, he rose and dusted himself off.
[I hope your future endeavors go well.]
Just as he was about to leave, he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. Slowly, he turned. Nephis met his gaze.
"The offer to join the hunting party was extended to you as well."
Solaire tried to excuse himself, but her grip tightened. Reluctantly, he answered:
[Please let me join your party.]
Chuckling, Sunny asked,
"So… who's going to be our pathfinder?"
Nephis sighed and replied,
"You already know her. It's Effie."
Solaire had heard rumors—of a giantess whose lair was littered with the bones of nightmare beasts. Before long, the three stood before a makeshift shack. A large bestial skull hung above the door.
Solaire gulped. He imagined some massive, hairy woman with a foul stench. Nephis knocked. No response.
"Maybe she's not home?" Sunny suggested.
Nephis continued knocking, at first gently, but soon escalating to powerful blows that seemed capable of breaking the door down.
An irritated voice called out from within,
"Whoever you are, you better be a nightmare creature!"
Footsteps approached. Solaire's heart thumped louder with each step. As the door creaked open, Nephis suddenly ordered,
"Both of you turn away. Sunny, turn your shadow too."
They immediately complied. Solaire could hear Nephis grinding her teeth.
"Effie, put on a Memory or something. Please."
Solaire imagined the worst, maybe it was a nightmare creature that turned men into stone. "Wait, why would Changing star befriend a Nightmare creature?"
He heard a clicking sound,
"Here. Better?"
Cautiously, Solaire turned—still expecting the worst. But what he saw shocked him. The woman before him was tall—nearly a head taller than him. She radiated strength and vitality. Her olive-toned skin glowed faintly, and she stood confidently. She was no monster.
"Well, that was anti-climactic," Solaire thought.
Looking the two over, Effie grinned.
"So, by the looks of you both, it seems you enjoyed your stay in the castle, huh? And you brought someone new."
Sunny replied coolly,
"Like you said... it's an acquired taste."
Effie smirked.
"So who's the new guy? He looks more fit than beanpole here."
Noticing Sunny's expression, Solaire quickly interjected:
[My name is Solaire. I'm from the same academy cohort as them.]
Before Effie could answer, Nephis cut in,
"Anyway, can we come in?"
Shrugging, Effie stepped aside.
"Sure. Why not?"
Inside the cozy cabin, Nephis laid out her proposal. She asked Effie to become their pathfinder. Effie looked almost offended.
"That's cute, princess. But do you know why I've never joined a hunting group?"
She paused, then added,
"It's because Gunlaug doesn't allow anyone strong to exist outside his control."
It was obvious to all of them: the only reason Effie wasn't part of a team was because she had refused to submit.
In a cold tone, Nephis asked:
"So, if we prove our strength... will you reconsider?"
Effie laughed.
"Damn, you say it like it's easy. You know how many people can't even step foot into the ruins, right? If you survive in this hell for a few years, maybe then we'll talk again."
Nephis stared at her for a moment, then smiled darkly.
"We'll talk again in the evening. Then, you'll change your mind."