✦ Forest Path — Hours Earlier
Branches snapped under heavy boots. The convoy survivors weren't marching—they were dragging themselves forward. Wards flickered weakly around them, just enough to discourage lesser beasts.
Gabe wiped dried blood from his cheek. "We teleported like half a region away… why do my legs still feel like molten iron?"
Seris answered without slowing "Because group teleportation that large didn't land us safely. Just… less dangerously."
Draen kept scanning the treeline as he walked. "We're alive. That's enough for now."
Elzra walked slightly ahead, chin up—every step magically cushioned by Spirit mana so mud didn't touch her boots. "Teleportation was flawless. My magic saved all of you."
Gabe groaned. "Right, yes, Your Majesty, we're eternally grateful. Could you save us again by shutting up?"
Elzra tossed her hair. "I heard that, half-human."
Seris—despite exhaustion—almost laughed.
Draen pointed forward. "Village walls ahead."
Elzra blinked. "Finally."
✦ Village Entrance — Arrival
The village guards nearly panicked when they saw the condition of the convoy—shattered armor, scorched cloth, blood, missing pieces of carriages, unconscious knights on makeshift stretchers.
One guard ran forward. "What—what happened to you?!"
Draen lifted a hand calmly. "Abyssal ambush. Not random. Coordinated."
Seris handed over a sigil-marked report tablet. "We need a healer hall. Now."
Gabe added, "And maybe a drink. Strong one."
Elzra's chin lifted. "I require medical attention, privacy, and a proper room. Also—preferably refreshments."
The guards stared.
Gabe whispered to Seris, "She's fine."
Seris whispered back, "She's Elzra."
✦ Medical Hall — Bandages and Bad News
Once they were healed enough to think straight, Draen requested a private meeting with the Village Leader.
The Leader—older demon, serious eyes—sat facing the four of them.
Draen summarized:
Rift location, Abyssal army, Organized behavior, Lieutenants directing monsters, Dragon presence & Impossible numbers.
The leader listened without interrupting, face tightening with each detail.
Gabe added, "Whatever these things are, they're not wandering beasts. Some of them moved like soldiers."
Seris nodded. "And the Abyssal influence was… layered. Different mana signatures chained together."
Elzra raised her chin. "Meaning someone is giving orders."
The leader exhaled. "This goes beyond local command."
He stood slowly. "Captain Draen, Lieutenant Seris, and Princess Elzra… your word carries more authority than mine. Combined—it's enough to demand emergency reinforcement review."
Draen nodded. "Then we need to move quickly."
Elzra crossed her arms. "I'll sign whatever formal documentation you require," Elzra said coolly. I have no intention of dying in this remote village."
Gabe muttered, "Heaven forbid."
Seris elbowed him.
The leader rubbed his temples. "I can't officially call a war. But I can cancel public gatherings, prepare high-level adventurers, and send an urgent report for investigation."
Draen nodded firmly. "That's enough for now."
"So," the leader said, "first order of business—stop that ridiculous tournament."
✦ Tournament Arena — Mid-Fight
Asura—currently disguised as Zen—pressed two fingers against an opponent's weapon, sending the blade spinning from his hand. The crowd erupted again.
Lucilla and Rhazor watched from the stands like exhausted parents.
"Why is he enjoying this so much?" Lucilla complained.
"He's eight," Rhazor replied. "This IS joy."
[ ＳＹＳＴＥＭ : Host you should really—uh—consider leaving the open area— ]
[ ＡＥＴＨＥＲＢＯＲＮ : Ignore her. Continue the entertainment routine. ]
Asura smiled faintly. "Warm-ups are important."
✦ Sudden Interruption
A guard rushed across the arena floor, blowing a horn.
"ATTENTION! Tournament is suspended by order of the Village Leader!"
Boos erupted instantly.
The current fighters froze. Even Asura blinked in surprise.
Lucilla leaned back, arms crossed. "Well… that's new."
Rhazor rubbed his chin. "Something serious must've happened."
Asura frowned slightly. "…something's wrong."
[ ＳＹＳＴＥＭ : I feel Abyssal signatures growing… slowly… somewhere distant. ]
[ ＡＥＴＨＥＲＢＯＲＮ : Curious direction. Curious pattern. Delightful. ]
✦ Crowd Dispersal
People grumbled, merchants packed up, excited adventurers voiced disappointment.
Guards walked tent-to-tent informing everyone.
"Asura," Lucilla said quietly, "we should head back. Mary hasn't left her room all day."
Rhazor tapped their shopping bag. "We finally bought her real clothes, so we better fix this pajama crisis."
Asura nodded. "She's probably dying from embarrassment."
[ ＳＹＳＴＥＭ : Emotional trauma confirmed 😣 ]
Asura smiled. "We'll rescue her."
✦ Village Hall — Authority Gathering
Inside the main hall, top adventurers gathered: swordsmen, rogue hunters, shield-bearers. The three young S-rank showoffs strutted around obnoxiously.
Draen stood beside the village leader, posture straight, despite bandages. Seris was quiet but alert. Gabe leaned on a wall, arms crossed. Elzra sat like she was presiding over someone else's meeting.
The leader raised a hand.
"We may face organized Abyssal forces near this settlement. We prepare defenses. We call reinforcements. We quietly evacuate non-combatants starting tomorrow."
An adventurer scoffed. "You're saying an army from the Rift is heading THIS direction?"
Draen answered calmly, "We lost half our convoy. That is your proof."
Silence followed.
Elzra sighed dramatically. "If you need more evidence, I suggest you go stand in the Rift yourself and ask it politely."
Gabe smirked. "I'll buy a ticket for that."
Seris pinched the bridge of her nose.
✦ Meanwhile — Village Streets
Asura, Lucilla, and Rhazor walked quietly through dim lantern-lit streets.
The festive atmosphere was gone—people rushed home, shutters closed, lights dimmed early.
Asura glanced toward the horizon again. "Mary'll be fine once she sees her new outfit."
Rhazor: "I'm mostly scared she'll judge our taste."
Lucilla: "She will. But she'll still wear them."
Asura smiled.
✦ Inn — Stubborn Door
They reached their shared inn room hallway.
Rhazor knocked. "Mary? We have clothes."
Silence.
Lucilla sighed. "Mary, come out. Nobody cares that you were in pajamas."
A soft voice replied from behind the door:
"They weren't pajamas," she said miserably. "They were my worst nightmare."
Asura leaned against the door. "It's okay. We got something nice for you."
The voice hesitated. "Cute?"
Lucilla: "Extremely."
Rhazor: "And practical."
Asura: "And not pajamas."
Soft silence… then the latch clicked.
Mary the Instructor poked her head through the door—just enough for one eye to peek out—hair messy, cheeks red.
"…You're not allowed to tell anyone," she warned.
Lucilla smiled, gentle. "Your secret is safe. Now try the dress."
Rhazor gently held out the clothes. "Please. Save us from your pajama trauma."
Mary grabbed the outfit like someone stealing treasure and slammed the door again.
Lucilla: "…she's adorable when flustered."
[ ＳＹＳＴＥＭ : I am ALSO adorable. ]
Asura whispered, smiling: "Different kind of adorable."
The system paused, flustered.
[ ＳＹＳＴＥＭ : …oh. ]
The wind moved strangely again—cold from the south, where the mountains should have blocked the flow.
Asura looked up.
[ ＳＹＳＴＥＭ : Host… something is getting closer. Very slowly… but steadily. ]
[ ＡＥＴＨＥＲＢＯＲＮ : A magnificent storm approaches. Prepare snacks. ]
Lucilla opened the door. "She wants opinions, come on."
Asura turned from the night.
"Coming."
And for now—
the Abyss marched on unnoticed.