The trio stared down into the gorge with a mixture of determination and awe. None of them had been there before, and the sight before them was truly a wonder to behold. The Valley of Day stretched out below them, a vast expanse filled with towering cliffs and deep shadows. The sun bathed the valley in a golden light, giving it an almost ethereal quality.
"Why do they call it the Valley of Day?" Bane asked, his eyes fixed on the landscape below. Sylvie was curious too. Despite all her studies, much of the world outside her own kingdom remained a mystery.
Mia glanced at them and then back at the valley. "I'll be honest—I've only heard stories. Supposedly, the valley is only safe during the day. Any village located in the valley, including Shun Village, knows that once night falls, everything stops. The reason is the beasts that call the valley home—the Slordes. These creatures can only see in the dark, and their vision is triggered by rapid movement. Sunlight burns their skin, and during the day, older ones enter an almost comatose, rock-like state. They can't hear, but if you're caught by them at night… well, let's just say you'd wish you were caught by Ifrits instead."
The description sent a chill through Sylvie and Bane. The Slordes were unlike anything they had ever encountered before.
"What's the plan then?" Sylvie asked, her voice steady despite the unease settling in. "We have limited time to complete the mission."
Mia thought for a moment before replying, "We'll just move during the day."
Bane and Sylvie nearly collapsed in exasperation. That was, of course, the obvious solution. But Mia acted as if she had come up with a brilliant strategy on the spot.
With a triumphant grin, Mia led the way down the path into the valley. "Let's get moving. If these beasts are as bad as they say, we need to cover as much ground as possible before nightfall."
As they descended into the valley, they quickly realized it was far more bustling than they had imagined. The valley was a thriving commerce center, with multiple villages seemingly merged to create a grand bazaar. Structures built into the cliffs with iron shutters dotted the landscape, and merchants called out to passersby, advertising their goods.
"Get your Shink hides! Best deals in the valley!"
"Griffin scales, 200 silvers per pound!"
"Fresh kebabs, best taste in the valley!"
The trio was astonished by the carefree nature of the people, considering the terrifying reputation of the valley after dark.
Mia suggested they find the quickest route to Shun Village or at least locate an inn to gather more information. Bane and Sylvie agreed, and they set off to explore the bustling market.
Sylvie managed to get some valuable information from a merchant who claimed to have been to Shun Village. According to him, if they left now, they could reach the village before nightfall. She quickly found Bane and Mia and relayed the information.
"Well then, let's not waste any more time," Mia said, her earlier confidence returning as they set off toward Shun Village.
Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched. From an inn window, a familiar face observed their every move. It was Gram, a bitter rival from the Warlord Initiation. He recognized Sylvie immediately and sneered as he watched them walk away.
"So, the witch is in the valley, huh?" Gram muttered to himself. "I don't know what mission they're on, but they won't complete it. Think you can embarrass me and get away with it? Think again. Let's head out, boys—we're hunting."
As the trio journeyed toward Shun Village, they began to open up to one another. The tension from the earlier encounter with Lora seemed to have shifted something in Mia. She listened more, shared more, and even seemed to reflect on her own actions.
Sylvie and Bane learned about Mia's past, how her father had been killed when she was just a baby, and how she had been raised solely by her mother, Melody. Mia, in turn, was surprised by Sylvie's ambition to become a War Master, and she didn't laugh or dismiss it as she might have before. Instead, she acknowledged it as a worthy goal.
As they traveled deeper into the valley, the lively atmosphere they had seen earlier began to fade. The path grew steeper, and the surroundings became eerily quiet. Massive trees loomed over them, their roots tangled with strange, glowing crystals that jutted out from the ground. It was as if the valley itself was holding its breath.
"We should be getting close," Sylvie said, her voice hushed. "According to the merchant, Shun Village should be just up ahead."
The path ahead of them began to incline steeply. As they crested the hill, they were met with a startling sight—a massive beastly figure loomed before them. At first, they thought it was a statue, but Bane quickly recognized it for what it was.
"It's a comatose Slorde," Bane whispered, studying the creature intently. "Wide, hammer-shaped head, nimble arms with massive razor claws, a tail for balance, and a mouth full of teeth like a Kraken's. This is a true monster. We need to get out of this area and find the village quickly."
Mia was impressed by Bane's quick assessment. She realized how sheltered she had been, and for the first time, she wished her mother had allowed her to go on more beast-hunting missions.
After another hour of walking, they finally reached Shun Village. It was a small, quiet settlement nestled against the cliffs. The villagers went about their business, but there was an undercurrent of tension in the air, as if they were all too aware of the dangers lurking in the valley.
Meanwhile, not far behind them, Gram and his party had also reached the comatose Slorde. Gram sneered at the sight of it, drew his sword, and stabbed the creature's stone-like body. "This thing is unsightly," he muttered as his group continued, following behind Mia's party. What Gram didn't realize was that his careless act would soon have dire consequences.