Asa's suggestion of pursuing both goal had been the underlying purpose of the meeting, a strategy the Main Pillars had already considered but wanted to hear from the other Pillars' leaders first.
Her proposal quickly gained approval from the three Main Pillars.
"As the Pillars leaders, I want each of you to undertake this mission," Joseph declared, his gaze fixed on each Pillars' leader in the room. "Head to the Enchanted Mead Woods."
The Enchanted Mead Woods, a wood near the Upper North Region which is Asa's hometown, held the origin of the Crystal Dooms plague.
Crystal Flowers, whose pollens were dangerous and could infect humans, leading to their transformation into Crys, are mostly found in the Enchanted Mead Woods.
Coincidentally, it was also the very forest that Asa and Dan often come to for hunting before the emergence of Crystal Dooms.
Joseph continued, "Inspect the condition in the Enchanted Mead Woods. Take a sample of what is needed for the Blue Pillar to conduct further research on this."
Theodore sighed, directing his concern towards Madelyn. "As a brother, I really don't want you to get involved in this," he expressed as he gaze to his younger sister.
Madelyn reassured him, "No, it's fine, big brother. Asa and Joan are skilled in combat; I'm sure I'll be safe under their watch."
"That won't do," Theodore insisted. "Asa and Joan need to focus on their mission, which is to inspect the condition and take the sample. Your mission is to assess whether the sample meets your needs or not. We need one more person in the team to ensure your safety."
Hearing this, Asa quickly offered a solution. "I can bring one of the best fighter from the Black Pillar with us. We can assign him the task of protecting Madelyn during the mission." Asa's suggestion aimed to address Theodore's concerns while ensuring a balanced team capable of carrying out the mission effectively.
"Let's do that," Theodore agreed, snapping his fingers in approval.
Satisfied with the resolution, Edgar smiled. "Alright. The four of you will head out to the border and enter the Enchanted Mead Woods the day after tomorrow. Ensure that everything is prepared meticulously. Consult with Joan Eve if you guys need anything for the mission," he instructed.
Over the next two days, preparations for the expedition were set in motion. Joan Eve, known for his meticulous nature, worked closely with the team to ensure they had all the necessary equipment.
Asa, Joan, Madelyn, and the chosen Black Pillar fighter, Dunn Blair, gathered in a dimly lit chamber to finalize their strategy.
Asa spread a detailed map of the Enchanted Mead Woods on the table, tracing the paths they would take. "We need to be cautious, especially around the Crystal Flower clusters. Joan, you're in charge of identifying and marking them. Madelyn, you'll assess the samples while Dunn and I secure the perimeter."
Joan Eve scrunched his eyebrows together, suspicion growing within him. "Where did you get this map from?" he questioned.
"I drew it," Asa answered simply, her response carrying a confident undertone.
The revelation left Joan Eve momentarily surprised, the suspicion in his expression giving way to a sense of curiosity, "How?"
"I often come to the woods to hunt for food. How do you think I manage to stay alive all alone in the Upper North Region?" Asa remarked.
Joan Eve nodded, his eyes studying Asa with newfound respect. "Impressive," he admitted, a hint of admiration in his voice.
On the other side, Madelyn seemed to be enveloped in a newfound confusion. "Then, big sister, you must have come into close contact or at least close distance with the crystal flower clusters for you to know its place on the map, right?"
"Yeah," Asa nodded, confirming Madelyn's deduction.
Madelyn's jaw gaped open, a mixture of disbelief and wonder evident in her expression. "How are you still alive?"
Asa chuckled, a lightness in her tone. "Good question," she said, a wry smile playing on her lips. "I often ask myself that too."
Their discussion took some more time before they finally exited and made their way to their horses.
Being a less experienced horse rider, Madelyn initially considered hopping on Asa Amerta's back, but Dunn quickly called her name.
"My dear princess, your older brother told me to watch over you. Get on my back now," Dunn declared.
Madelyn rolled her eyes. "We won't even ride the horse to the woods. Only to the Upper North border. It's fine to ride with big sister," she retorted.
Asa was about to defend Madelyn and allow her to ride the horse with her, but a certain White Pillar member, sitting on his horse with a straight, cold face, beat her to it.
"Madelyn, listen to Dunn Blair. He is right. Stop distracting Asa Amerta," Joan stated firmly.
Hearing the words from her brother's right-hand man, Madelyn couldn't argue and reluctantly obeyed, opting to follow Dunn Blair's lead instead.
The four of them then made their way to the Upper North Region first.
Once exiting the central-upper north region border, Asa was met with a very familiar sight of her hometown. The landscape triggered memories of her past, a mix of nostalgia comes and greet her with a soft blows of a wind.
The Upper North Region had always been the forgotten region of Antara.
Yet, Asa vividly remembered it as a bustling place, filled with the laughter of children running around, adults working, and elderly people gossiping as they watched the kids play. It was once a vibrant community, brimming with joy and happiness.
Asa had tried to linger in the memories, holding onto the warmth that the region used to radiate. She had stayed as the last witness of those times.
Now, however, even Asa had long moved to the central region, and the upper north region had indeed lived up to its infamous name, the abandoned region.
The echoes of past laughter and happiness lingered, but the present reality painted a stark contrast.
It stung Asa's heart, and she couldn't help but stop her horse at the sudden pain she felt in her chest. Her eyes were drawn to her old home, not far from her vision range.
"So, this is the abandoned region," Madelyn mused.
Dunn sighed, "It's called the upper north region. Your big sister is from here; be a bit more respectful," he scolded.
Realizing her mistake, Madelyn offered a small apology. "I'm sorry."
Joan Eve, positioned on the side of Asa, followed her gaze. "Is that your old home?" he inquired, his tone devoid of curiosity, as if asking out of politeness.
"Yeah," Asa replied simply.
There was a brief silence before Joan asked again, "Do you want to pay a visit? Want to bring something from there?"
Asa turned her head to face Joan Eve and smiled softly. "No," she declined, "Everything that I hold dear in that house has been stolen away from me."