A yawn escapes Hide as the massive city comes into view.
"Liona… the city renowned for magic. It looks just like Master described during her travels."
Towering spires stretch toward the sky, arcane sigils glowing faintly along their surfaces. At the heart of the city rises a grand structure unmistakably belonging to the Magic Academy—its architecture elegant and overwhelming.
Hide steps forward eagerly—only to be stopped at the gates.
"License and registration, please!"
The guard eyes him sternly.
Hide presents his Adventurer badge.
The guard inspects it carefully before nodding. "You may enter. Be advised—dangerous magic within city limits is prohibited."
Hide nods and walks through the gates.
The moment he enters, he's swallowed by life.
Mages in robes hurry down stone streets. Students carry stacks of tomes. Vendors shout over one another.
"Get your tomes and spells here!"
"Potions and magic stones for your needs!"
"Test your magic aptitude before enrolling!"
Hide's eyes drift upward.
"The city's more alive than I imagined… Just standing here, I can feel how abundant the magic is."
He notices them—the faint shimmer of Evers drifting through the air, denser here than anywhere he's been before.
Minutes later, Hide stands in the town square. Mages demonstrate inventions—floating lanterns, self-stirring cauldrons, mechanical constructs powered by Evers.
Behind him, gossip spreads through the crowd.
"Are you excited about the festival?"
"I sure am. I can't wait to see what's new this year."
"I heard the Emperor himself is coming to watch."
Hide stops listening and focuses on the performers.
Something about the city feels vibrant.
Too vibrant.
Hours later, Hide rests in an inn.
"A lot is happening in Liona… but why do I feel like something's moving behind the scenes?"
He exhales slowly.
"Guess I'll find out tomorrow."
A new day begins.
Music floods the streets. Colored paper and confetti rain from above. Laughter echoes through the air.
Hide stands among performers, dressed in bright circus attire and wearing a smiling mask. He tosses colored paper into the cheering crowd.
The festival has begun.
On a raised platform, Regis Solovan, King of the Adenia Empire, watches alongside royal guards. Beside him stand the prince and princess, both visibly enjoying the spectacle.
Hours later, a crowd gathers around Hide.
An old memory surfaces.
"Are you sure about joining the festival?" the ringmaster had asked.
"Uh huh," Hide replied.
"You haven't shown me your tricks."
"Watch."
Hide had thrown several cards into the air—birds bursting from them before dissolving into confetti.
"A card magician… You're in. Morning at the town square. Dress appropriately."
The memory fades.
Now—
The crowd falls silent.
Hide lays several cards on the ground.
As they land, rabbits burst forth from thin air.
Cheers erupt.
He flicks more cards skyward. Rose petals drift downward, and doves emerge from spinning paper.
Applause fills the square.
Night falls.
The festival concludes. Hide helps clean up before returning to the inn.
But a guard blocks the entrance.
"Halt!"
"What's going on?"
"The King is currently meeting with the adventurer staying here."
Hide raises a brow.
"So he's meeting with the adventurer right now?"
The guard remains silent.
Hide shows his badge.
He's allowed inside.
The inn dissolves.
Hide finds himself standing in a quiet garden beneath a grand tree. Moonlight filters through its leaves.
Seated calmly with tea in hand is Regis Solovan.
The King gestures for him to sit.
Hide does.
"So," the King begins, "you must be the adventurer every Guild is whispering about."
"Word spreads quickly. I'm surprised you tracked me down," Hide replies evenly.
"I cannot let someone who defeated a beast in the Forbidden Forest go unnoticed."
"What do you want?"
"Only a conversation."
Hide studies him.
"Why would a King be interested in a lowly adventurer?"
The King chuckles.
"That 'lowly' adventurer seems stronger than most. Looking at you… I see a force of nature."
Hide narrows his eyes.
"I get the feeling I won't be leaving until you get something out of me."
"I won't ask much. Tell me—do you know what's happening in the world?"
"No."
"Fiends have been attacking villages and cities. Rumors say the Fiend King may return."
Silence settles.
"So you want my help killing the Fiend King?"
"Correct."
"I'll think about it."
The King nods.
"I am Regis Solovan, King of the Adenia Empire."
"This Fiend King—do you know where he'll appear?"
"No. Our highest-ranking adventurers are investigating."
Hide rises.
"If an invasion crosses my path during my travels… I'll do what I can."
He turns and walks away.
The King sips his tea.
"He's an interesting one."
A figure materializes behind him.
"He is," says Lionel. "You weren't alarmed at all."
"He knew you were there, Lionel."
Lionel remains silent.
"Should I follow him?"
"No. He walks a path that shouldn't be disturbed."
"As you wish."
Lionel vanishes.
The King murmurs softly.
"Cyrus…"
Hide exits the gates of Liona.
He sighs.
Night blankets the road.
He sits beside a small campfire, eating bread while staring into the flames. Memories of his friends flicker in his thoughts.
Minutes pass.
He lies down in his bedroll and drifts to sleep.
The fire crackles.
A shadow approaches quietly.
A figure rummages through Hide's backpack, pulling out bread and eating it hungrily. Then, as if satisfied, the figure lies down beside the warmth of the fire.
The night continues—silent, watchful.