Nico moved swiftly through the familiar streets of Dawnspire, determination in his every step. He arrived at the village hall, where he found Garen seated at his desk, scribbling on a piece of parchment. Without any hesitation, Nico entered and stood before him.
Garen looked up, a curious expression on his face. "Nico? You're back so soon. Was the mission—"
"I'm leaving, Garen," Nico interrupted, his voice firm and unwavering.
Garen's brows furrowed. "Leaving? Why the sudden decision?"
Nico took a breath, steadying himself. "Lila's in danger. There's a summoner named Alice—she's an S-rank. She's the one behind the eagle. Her summons kidnapped Lila and took her to a place she's hiding." He paused, measuring his words. "I don't know what Alice wants with her, but it isn't good. I have to go after her."
Garen's expression softened, yet there was a hint of worry in his eyes. "You're going into enemy territory alone?"
Nico nodded, his resolve as unyielding as stone. "I'll do what I have to. Thank you for everything, but I can't stay."
Garen sighed, clasping his hands together. "I wish there was more I could do, Nico. I've seen many adventurers pass through here, but…not many like you. Take care of yourself."
Nico managed a nod. With a final look of determination, he turned and headed back to the inn to pack his things. The room felt quiet, almost too empty without Lila's lively presence. His gaze lingered for a moment on her belongings still scattered around. For a brief second, doubt threatened to claw its way in, but he forced it back down.
After securing his pack, he made his way to the Adventurer's Guild one last time. The guild hall was quiet at this hour, with only a handful of adventurers milling around. He approached the reception desk, where the desk girl looked up with a smile.
"Nico!" she greeted warmly. "Back from Shadowed Ridge already?"
"Yeah," he replied, his voice softer than usual. "I just wanted to say thank you for all your help. I'm leaving."
Her smile faltered, her eyes widening slightly. "Leaving? But…why? Where are you going?"
Nico glanced away, hesitating for a moment before meeting her gaze. "There's something important I need to do. Take care of things here, alright?"
The desk girl's face softened as she nodded. "Good luck, Nico. And…come back safe."
With a final nod, Nico stepped outside, his expression hardening once more. He moved quickly, finding a quiet, open space on the edge of the village. Channeling his mana, he raised his staff, focusing on his target location—a small, quiet village tucked away between rugged hills known as Embervale. He'd never been there, but his tracking skill had revealed it to him as clearly as if he had.
A soft glow enveloped him, and in a rush of energy, he vanished from Dawnspire.
The teleportation spell was disorienting, leaving Nico slightly dizzy as he arrived in Embervale. The small village was nestled between two steep hills, its thatched cottages and stone pathways bathed in the golden hues of early afternoon. But his sudden appearance in the center of the village did not go unnoticed. A small crowd of villagers quickly formed, whispering and pointing, their faces painted with a mixture of surprise and fear.
Nico ignored the murmuring voices around him, his cold expression never wavering as he addressed a nearby villager. "Where can I find Alice?"
The man looked taken aback, glancing nervously between Nico and the people around him before muttering, "Alice hasn't been here for years…"
Before Nico could press further, a voice cut through the crowd, clear and authoritative. "I believe I can help with your questions."
The crowd parted, and a tall woman with a confident stride stepped forward. She was striking, with a sharp gaze and an aura of authority that made the villagers step back in deference. She wore a form-fitting leather jacket over a simple tunic and pants, her long black hair tied back, and a broadsword resting casually on her hip.
She stopped a few steps from Nico, crossing her arms and giving him a once-over, her gaze flicking over him with curiosity and a hint of admiration. "You must be the one who caused that surge of power over Shadowed Ridge," she said, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "I'm Lucy. S-rank swordswoman and protector of Embervale."
Nico nodded once, not taking his eyes off her. "And I'm Nico. I'm looking for Alice."
Lucy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Alice, huh? You know, she hasn't been in Embervale for quite a while. But it seems she left quite an impression."
Nico's jaw tightened as he processed the information, worry flickering in his gaze. "Then she's not here now?"
"No." Lucy shook her head, her expression softening slightly. "Alice left Embervale years ago, after she reached S-rank. She has a reputation, that one…powerful, but unstable."
Nico's shoulders tensed, his fists clenching at his sides. If Alice wasn't here, then where was she? And if she still had Lila—
Lucy's keen gaze didn't miss the flicker of worry in his eyes. "Why are you looking for her? From what I hear, she's taken up her own…interests."
Nico's eyes narrowed. He had no reason to tell Lucy more than necessary, but perhaps she could still be of help. "She has someone I care about," he replied shortly. "I'm here to get her back."
At this, Lucy's expression turned serious, and she regarded Nico with a level of respect she rarely showed others. She seemed about to say something, but the village's atmosphere shifted abruptly as murmurs swept through the crowd. The villagers had been listening, and now, at the mention of Alice, fear registered in their eyes.
"Did he say Alice?" one villager whispered, glancing around nervously.
"That's the same Alice who destroyed half the Shadow Plains, isn't it?" another muttered.
"She's coming back?" a woman asked, her voice trembling as she pulled her children close.
Within moments, the murmur of voices became a quiet panic. Villagers quickly retreated, casting fearful glances at Nico as they hurried indoors. Doors slammed shut, shutters closed, and soon the village square was empty, leaving Nico and Lucy standing alone in a circle of silence.
Lucy's gaze was unwavering, but a hint of concern crept into her eyes as she regarded Nico. "It seems just the mention of her name is enough to send everyone into hiding," she said, her tone soft but serious. "Alice may not be here, but if she's coming…Embervale isn't ready."
Nico clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his urgency press upon him. He had to find Lila and put an end to whatever madness Alice had planned. His gaze flicked to the empty windows and locked doors, and then back to Lucy, his expression grim.
"She's on her way here, Lucy," he said, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "And I won't stop until I find her."