Sydney sailed through the vast, shadowed waters of Silva. Beside her, the colossal ship of Falcon cut through the waves like a beast of old.

  Falcon's voice thundered across the sea.

  "We head for New Thera Island—now!"

  "Aye!" the crew roared.

  The air was bitter and still. Silence hung over the ocean like a held breath. Inside her cabin, Sydney studied the map, brow furrowed.

  "Where did he go...?

  How did he vanish so quickly?

  My enchantment forbids sudden escape—unless he had a trick... something I missed..."

  —

  Elsewhere...

  Lainas stepped ashore on old Thera. Pirates watched him with suspicion and menace.

  One, face smeared with grime and stinking of rot, sneered.

  "Didn't expect visitors today..."

  Lainas climbed from his skiff, pinching his nose.

  "Well...

  Looks like the visitors regret coming."

  The pirates eyed his clothes.

  "You?

  You're not one of us.

  Not Leonithran scum...

  Not a brother.

  Who are you?

  Speak—or we'll gut you and feed you to the sharks."

  Lainas raised his hand calmly.

  "Please...

  Let's talk.

  No need for threats.

  I'm here to help—and to ask for help.

  I'm the Regent of the Luminous Tree village."

  The pirates exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.

  "Help?

  You're mad.

  You expect us to help you?

  A ghost from a forgotten villages?

  We haven't heard of the Tree folk in years—not since King Caesar burned our ships and taught us fear.

  We haven't dared set foot on land since."

  Lainas opened his eyes and pointed to his ship.

  "Look at that emblem.

  The Green Comet you see in the sky...

  We fight the same enemy you do."

  The pirates laughed harder, drinking foul-smelling liquor.

  Lainas exhaled, eyes downcast.

  "I shouldn't have come.

  Pirates... fighting beside us?

  They don't care.

  They don't even know what's coming.

  Do they truly fight the Black Order?"

  Then—from a wooden shack—a figure emerged slowly.

  One pirate called out.

  "Captain!

  Look what we found.

  A lost madman."

  Lainas looked up.

  "Finally...

  Someone who might be sane on this cursed island."

  —

  From afar...

  Qaws watched the scene unfold.

  "He's still talking...

  They're laughing.

  Do they even know what's happening in the world?

  I doubt Lainas told them the truth."

  Beside him, Nawal struggled against her bindings.

  "Can you release me?

  I need the ocean.

  If I don't reach the water soon...

  I'll be cursed.

  Permanently.

  I won't be able to shift again."

  Qaws blinked.

  "What?"

  "You heard me.

  I must immerse myself in the sea—or the curse will bind me forever."

  Qaws hesitated, then unlocked her shackles.

  "Wait."

  Nawal leapt into the ocean, vanishing beneath the waves.

  Qaws sighed.

  "Well...

  That was expected."

  He turned toward the island.

  —

  Back on island...

  Lainas watched the figure approach.

  A man with tangled hair, a black hat, and a wooden cane where his leg once was, limped toward him.

  Lainas cleared his throat.

  "Ahem..."

  the forgotten islands - Where Trust Breaks

  The man spoke in a quiet, deliberate voice.

  "So the expected visitors have arrived...

  Don't bother.

  We won't trade, buy, or even rob you.

  You bring spoiled goods—poison meant to weaken us.

  We know everything."

  Lainas's eyes widened.

  "Then... you know what's happening?"

  The man opened his eyes, drew his weapon, and his crew followed suit.

  From the ship, Qaws raised his hand—his crew aimed their weapons toward the island.

  The wind howled. Waves crashed louder.

  Above, the dark blue star Eklat pulsed, and the green comet shimmered.

  "Wait," Lainas called.

  "You're misunderstanding. We're—"

  "Misunderstanding?" the man snapped.

  "Look at your men. They're aiming at us."

  "Because you're aiming at us," Lainas replied.

  The man raised his hand. His crew lowered their weapons.

  Lainas signaled to Qaws.

  Qaws nodded, and his crew lowered theirs.

  "Fine," the man said.

  "Come with me. We'll talk inside."

  He turned toward a weathered wooden hut. Lainas followed, the pirates watching him closely.

  From the ship, Qaws muttered.

  "I don't know what's happening...

  But I have a bad feeling about this."

  —

  Inside the hut, the air was foul.

  Palm fronds and broken plants littered the floor.

  Wooden cups lay scattered.

  Rotting fish filled the corners with stench and shadow.

  Lainas grimaced.

  "This... is awful."

  "I'm not surprised by your reaction," the man said.

  "We're pirates. We live by instinct.

  We don't care for your civilized nonsense.

  Our goal is simple—loot, survive, and see tomorrow.

  We're not like you."

  "Fair enough," Lainas replied.

  "You're better than us.

  And you smell... unique."

  He sat across from the man.

  "Alright," the man said.

  "Speak."

  "We need help.

  The Black Order is sweeping through Silva—invading everything."

  The man interrupted with a laugh.

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  "I'd rather ally with them than with people like you.

  You send poison to kill us.

  You hate us for raiding your lands."

  "We didn't send the spoiled goods," Lainas said.

  "There's no time for blame."

  "Then who did?" the man snapped.

  "They looked like you.

  Spoke like you.

  Their ship matched yours.

  Do you think we're fools?"

  "No...

  It was the Black Order."

  A loud cough echoed from a dark room.

  The man's face changed.

  "The Black Order?" he growled.

  "And who serves them?

  We saw you walking beside that traitor Lothar—

  When we neared the shore and had to retreat.

  You're trying to deceive me.

  I gave you your chance."

  "Men!" he shouted.

  "Wait!" Lainas cried.

  "What are you doing?"

  Pirates rushed in, bound Lainas as he struggled.

  The man smiled.

  "You'll be our hostage.

  Leverage to force Lothar's surrender."

  Lainas fell silent, stunned.

  From afar, Qaws's eyes snapped open.

  "No..."

  Pirates dragged Lainas to the shore, pressing a weapon to his head.

  The captain shouted.

  "If you want him alive—surrender.

  Or we kill him here and now!"

  Qaws clenched his fists.

  "Damn it...

  Just like Jamah said.

  We have to play along—or we lose Lainas."

  The crew hesitated, unsure.

  "Lower your weapons!" Qaws barked.

  "Are we really surrendering?" one asked.

  Qaws smiled faintly.

  "Trust me.

  Do as I say."

  The crew complied.

  Pirates arrived in skiffs, bound the men, and looted the ship.

  Qaws was dragged ashore, bound, and met Lainas's gaze with a quiet smile.

  Lainas looked away, embarrassed.

  The captain studied Qaws.

  "Wait...

  You and some of your men don't dress like that fool."

  "You noticed?" Qaws replied.

  "I'm impressed.

  Didn't expect a pirate with sharp eyes.

  All I see are men like us—

  Tossed into the sea."

  The captain grinned.

  "You... I like.

  We'll speak again."

  "As if I care," Qaws muttered.

  Pirates dragged him toward the cages—alongside the rest of the crew.

  Rose stirred from sleep, stretching her arms with a satisfied sigh.

  "I slept well," she murmured.

  She glanced at the single coin left in her pouch.

  "Maybe I can buy some clothes... These are awful. But I want to repair them too. They were made by my mother."

  She looked down at her worn tunic and smiled softly.

  Then she slapped her cheeks with both hands.

  "Focus, Rose! You need that Flak Card!"

  She stepped out of her room.

  The inn was modest, filled with quiet chatter and the scent of warm bread. Guests glanced at her briefly, then returned to their meals.

  Rose whispered to herself, "This place isn't as grand as Uncle Mulham's inn... and my clothes make me look like a beggar. Everyone here seems... average. I stand out."

  The receptionist waved. "Miss Rose?"

  She blinked and walked over. "Yes? How do you know my name?"

  He smiled. "Mulham told me."

  "I'm Fadi. A pleasure to serve you."

  Rose smiled back. "Nice to meet you, Fadi."

  Fadi gestured toward a table. "Sit down while I prepare breakfast and juice. I promise you'll love it."

  Rose raised her hands. "No, no—I don't have money!"

  Fadi, already pouring juice, replied, "Don't worry. Pay me after your next mission. You're heading to the guild, aren't you?"

  Rose nodded. "Yes... I am."

  "Then it's settled. No need to worry."

  "Thank you, Fadi."

  He nodded. "It's nothing."

  Moments later, he placed the tray before her.

  Ostrich eggs, a slice of roasted meat, fresh bread, and a glass of wild berry juice.

  Rose's eyes widened. "This is... a lot! And delicious! I can't pay for all this!"

  Fadi chuckled. "It's half a coin."

  "That's still too generous!"

  He wiped the counter and served another guest. "You're used to the Emerald Inn. That place is luxurious—fine food, rare drinks. Here at the Daisy Inn, we're modest. Affordable. As you can see."

  Rose shook her head. "This isn't modest. It's wonderful."

  Fadi laughed quietly.

  Rose devoured the meal, savoring every bite.

  Fadi watched her, amused.

  She stood, wiping her mouth. "Thank you, Fadi! I'll pay you—I promise!"

  He waved. "Safe travels!"

  The captain stormed into the hut, voice booming.

  "Loot everything—except their food and drink!

  There's a high chance they're carrying the same spoiled crops that poisoned our men last time!"

  "Aye!" the pirates roared.

  Lainas, dragged by ropes, shouted.

  "You! It's not—"

  "Let it go," Qaws muttered.

  "But—"

  Qaws shook his head.

  The captain glanced at them with disdain.

  "If you're planning anything...

  I'll sever your heads and burn your ship—

  decorate it with your corpses as it sinks."

  He turned and entered the hut, stepping into the darkened room.

  "Are you alright?"

  A girl's voice, weak and coughing, answered.

  "I'm fine...

  But I feel faint...

  My neck hurts... Father..."

  "It's alright, my daughter," the captain said gently.

  "I'll prepare herbs and sea moss...

  With a few healing fish.

  It'll ease the pain."

  "Is it... tasty?" she asked.

  He smiled.

  "I heard voices earlier," she added.

  "Someone was speaking..."

  The captain's expression darkened.

  "Don't worry.

  They're the reason you're sick.

  The reason we lost your mother."

  Her face fell.

  "Mother..."

  The captain turned to the boy in the corner.

  "You... you haven't blinked or spoken.

  Are you alright?"

  The boy nodded slowly.

  "Good.

  I'll bring food and medicine."

  He left.

  "Brother... are you okay?" the girl asked.

  "You haven't said a word since yesterday..."

  The boy stood in the shadows, unmoving.

  Suddenly—glass shattered.

  The girl screamed.

  The captain heard it and rushed forward, his crew behind him.

  He flung the door open—and froze.

  The boy held a jagged shard of glass, his hand dripping blood.

  He gripped the girl's neck, the shard aimed at her throat.

  "Father!" she cried, sobbing.

  The crew stood stunned.

  —

  In the cages nearby, Qaws and Lainas heard the commotion.

  The guards abandoned their posts, rushing toward the hut.

  "This is our chance!" Qaws whispered.

  But from the palm-shadowed edge of the jungle, a figure emerged—clad in black.

  "Your chance?" he said, voice like smoke.

  Qaws and Lainas stiffened.

  "You...

  The Black Order..."

  "Damn it," Lainas muttered.

  The stranger stepped closer.

  "Your diplomacy...

  Your polite tone...

  It's worthless here, flatterer."

  "You could've just killed me without the speech," Lainas snapped.

  Qaws smirked, half amused.

  The stranger drew his blade.

  A black aura surged around him—cold, hungry, and alive.

  The Escape - And the Choice to Stay

  Qaws struggled with his shackles—until with a final twist, they snapped open. Around him, several crew members freed themselves just as swiftly—former assassins, trained for moments like this.

  Suddenly, a thunderous splash echoed through the camp.

  The dark-cloaked stranger turned toward the sound—just in time to be struck by a surging sphere of water. He staggered back, crashing to the ground.

  From the shadows, Nawal emerged—calm, deliberate. She shattered the cage with a single strike.

  Qaws stared.

  "You?"

  Lainas blinked.

  "I forgot about her...

  I wondered why she wasn't with you."

  "I let her go," Qaws said.

  "She told me a story that sounded... fake."

  "You?" Nawal snapped.

  "I was telling the truth!"

  "Doesn't matter," Qaws replied.

  "We need to move.

  There are small boats nearby—

  And the weapons cache is just beyond that ridge."

  He pointed.

  Lainas smiled.

  "You're something else.

  Let's go."

  But Nawal raised her hand.

  "No...

  Don't leave.

  I came here to help them.

  They need you."

  Lainas frowned.

  "Help them?

  They're pirates.

  They don't understand a word we say."

  "I know," Nawal said.

  "Because they've been deceived.

  Ships from the Luminous Tree used to come here—your people.

  We never stopped them.

  We knew who you were.

  You brought food.

  Healers.

  The pirates raided you, yes...

  But they knew your ships."

  She paused.

  "Then... things changed.

  Strange ships came.

  They bore your emblem.

  Crews that looked like yours—but didn't speak.

  They stood still.

  Didn't resist.

  As if they wanted to be attacked."

  "The ships were overflowing with food.

  The pirates celebrated.

  They distributed it freely."

  Her voice dropped.

  "The next day...

  Most who ate it fell ill.

  Their bodies weakened.

  Some died."

  Lainas clenched his fists.

  Qaws placed a hand on his shoulder.

  "Don't blame yourself.

  That wasn't you.

  And remember—

  You're the one who helped fix it."

  Lainas gave a faint smile.

  Nawal's eyes widened.

  "Wait... what do you mean?"

  Qaws nodded.

  "We found the cure.

  Right now, as we speak—

  Villages are healing.

  The remedy is spreading.

  Crops are growing again."

  Nawal smiled, eyes glistening.

  "That's... incredible.

  Then—"

  "Then?" Qaws echoed.

  "Please!

  Help them.

  They need you.

  Don't you want them on your side?"

  Rose stepped out into the early morning light.

  The streets of Aurik were already alive—guards patrolled the alleys, sorcerers glided through the market, and townsfolk bustled about their errands.

  She inhaled deeply, steadying herself.

  Her destination: the Mercenary Guild.

  As she walked, she noticed figures in red cloaks moving through the city. Their steps were deliberate. Their presence... unsettling.

  She pushed open the guild doors with her boot.

  Razan looked up from behind the desk, smirking.

  "Well, well. The Frog Lady returns. Looking for another amphibian adventure?"

  Jalmoud, chewing on a slab of meat, glanced at her.

  Mercenaries and warriors turned briefly, then returned to their maps and mission boards.

  Rose didn't flinch.

  "Shut up, you lunatic. You and your oversized brother are going to cause a famine at this rate."

  Jalmoud slammed his fist into the table, splintering the wood.

  "What did you say?!"

  The room paused.

  Razan narrowed her eyes. "Seems you're getting a little too confident."

  "You two have been stirring trouble since dawn," Rose snapped.

  She turned her back on them and approached the mission board.

  "Hmmm... This one's standard. Requires two people. Pays four coins. But I don't have a partner..."

  A voice echoed behind her.

  "Are you sure about that?"

  She turned.

  The Red Knight stood tall, armor gleaming.

  "I swear upon my honor to assist you, seasoned warrior! You need the greatness of the Red Knight!"

  Razan groaned. "Oh no... he's back. The clumsy fool."

  "What did you say?!" the knight barked.

  Jalmoud snorted. "The idiot knight returns. Two days chasing frogs and he thinks he's a legend."

  "You don't understand the sacred code of chivalry!" the knight declared. "Frogs must be slain with mercy. Their teeth extracted with grace!"

  Razan rolled her eyes. "You're truly an imbecile."

  "I must endure the ignorance of the people," he said solemnly. "I am here to protect them, even from their own words."

  Rose stepped back. "Stay away from me, you delusional freak."

  The Red Knight collapsed to the floor, dramatically defeated.

  Jalmoud chuckled. "The fool has fallen."

  The knight rose again, undeterred.

  "I was considering that mission. Are you truly serious about taking it?"

  "I'll do it alone," Rose said.

  "No, no! I cannot allow a fair lady to face danger without intervention!"

  "Get away from me! You're obsessed with honor and completely insane!"

  "I insist, by my oath!"

  Razan interrupted, stacking scrolls. "You can't take a two-person mission alone. Royal orders forbid it, at least for now."

  Jalmoud nodded. "Prince Asser's new policies. He's watching out for rookies."

  Razan smirked. "Fine. I'll assign this mission to the clumsy knight. Let him die."

  The Red Knight gasped. "Traitor to honor!"