Returning to the human world, where war still raged between the Kingdom of Normandia and the Kingdom of Sartala, the loss of the First Division Commander created a severe imbalance in Normandia’s military strength. Worse still, the army of Sartala was reinforced by forces from the Underworld, creating a devastating disparity on the battlefield.

  Nearly collapsing under grief and the overwhelming imbalance of power, the soldiers of Normandia were on the brink of surrender. Then, from the direction of the Pisvor Valley, the Elven race unleashed a spirit-annihilating spell. The Underworld troops struck by the magic were instantly eradicated. It became a glimmer of hope amid sorrow.

  Fueled by grief and burning rage, the soldiers of Normandia launched a ferocious counterattack. Without the support of the Underworld forces, Sartala’s army suffered a crushing defeat.

  The First General of Sartala, alongside King Jorgensen I, ordered a retreat while summoning the Angel of Death, Briel. However, the Angel’s response left Sartala with no choice but to accept defeat.

  “I am willing to fight the Kingdom of Normandia,” Briel said arrogantly, “but I will not fight the Elves. That lies beyond the terms of our original agreement.”

  “Can you not break the agreement?” King Jorgensen I asked desperately.

  Seeing the king’s greed, Briel smiled, revealing his protruding fangs.

  “And what more are you willing to sacrifice so that I may assist you?” Briel asked, reopening negotiations.

  “Anything you desire, Lord Briel,” the king answered without hesitation.

  “Then I want your life. What say you, honorable King Jorgensen I?” Briel replied slyly.

  The king was stunned. He desired victory over Normandia to satisfy the long-harbored hatred within him. But victory meant nothing if he could not witness it himself. In the end, the renegotiation between the Kingdom of Sartala and the Underworld, represented by Briel, collapsed under the weight of such a cruel demand.

  As dawn broke in the east, the remaining Underworld forces returned to their realm, abandoning Sartala’s army to be relentlessly assaulted by the combined forces of Normandia and the Elves.

  Cornered and overwhelmed, the Kingdom of Sartala finally declared surrender. A massive white flag was carried by a mounted rider who circled before the battered Sartalan troops.

  Seeing the white banner raised, the combined forces of Normandia and the Elves erupted in cheers. Yet the celebration slowly faded, overshadowed by grief. Through General Malavsky, Normandia demanded the return of Prince Hans Dragensen’s body, who had been brutally slain by the Angel of Death, Briel.

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  After receiving the prince’s body, they returned to Normandia in mourning, escorting home the beloved prince and First Division Commander.

  The news of Prince Hans Dragensen’s death soon reached King Maximilian I. The royal family and the nobility were struck with immeasurable sorrow. When the prince’s lifeless body arrived at the palace gates in a carriage, King Maximilian I received his son with uncontrollable sobs. The pain of a father welcoming home his fallen heir was unbearable.

  He lost consciousness repeatedly, unable to accept that the son destined to inherit his throne had fallen in battle. Overcome by grief, King Maximilian I could no longer continue his reign. The throne was passed to Princess Iliana Jonasior Seranina, who, at only nineteen years old, was crowned Queen Maslamova I.

  The day of Prince Hans Dragensen’s death was forever remembered as “The Bloody Victory over Sartala.”

  There were no celebrations. No triumphant parades. Instead, the kingdom was draped in black. Members of the royal family, nobles, soldiers, and citizens alike wore mourning garments, their faces shadowed by grief.

  The funeral was held solemnly within the royal burial grounds three days after the war ended. Queen Maslamova I, who had replaced her father—now in deep depression—stood beside the fallen soldiers of Normandia who perished in battle. The ceremony was attended by High Elder Ulreon and the warriors of the Elven race.

  Under a drizzling rain, cries echoed as prayers were offered for the departed prince and the fallen soldiers.

  After the ceremony, High Elder Uldrick sought to meet King Maximilian I, who had locked himself inside the royal chambers. Together with Queen Maslamova I, he attempted to persuade the king to emerge. Their efforts failed; no sound came from within.

  Before returning to the Elven Forest, the High Elder entrusted a message to the young queen.

  “Your Majesty, please convey my condolences to the king,” Uldrick said. “And my congratulations on your coronation.”

  “I will deliver your message. Thank you, High Elder,” Queen Maslamova I replied respectfully.

  Noticing the queen’s hidden sorrow, Uldrick offered gentle encouragement.

  “Remain patient, Your Majesty. And keep smiling. Your brother would never wish for you to live in endless grief.”

  Holding back tears, the queen managed a faint smile.

  “Thank you, High Elder.”

  After Uldrick returned to the Elven Forest, Queen Maslamova I instructed the royal advisor, Jarl Valrien, to reinforce security around the kingdom.

  Weeks passed before King Maximilian I finally emerged from his chambers. He summoned his daughter, now Queen Maslamova I. She was shocked by her father’s deteriorated condition and tried to comfort him. But his depression ran deep. She called upon High Elder Uldrick to heal the king with restorative magic.

  Upon receiving the summons, Uldrick hastened to Normandia. Yet upon arrival, he was shocked to be blamed for Prince Hans’s death.

  “Because you and your people came too late, my beloved son was slaughtered by Briel,” King Maximilian I raged. “I no longer wish to see you or your kind. My descendants will defile your name!”

  Though Uldrick initially tolerated the outburst of his old comrade, he grew furious when the king swore that the Elves would never again set foot in Normandia.

  “Very well, Roman,” Uldrick replied coldly. “From this day forward, my people shall never step into your kingdom. And neither shall humans ever enter the Elven Forest again. I will fill Pisvor Valley with deadly beasts and turn it into a graveyard for any human who dares to cross it.”

  With a shaken heart, Uldrick returned to the Elven Forest. There, he created a colossal centipede monster known as Andradile and enchanted Pisvor Valley with illusions that would forever deceive humankind.