“She has been abducted?”

The queen almost felt her glass slip through her fingers when she heard the news. A week later, In the morning, when one of her subordinates was supposed to check on the nameless scientist, they found the shack empty, and a few Dreamweavers passing by told them everything.

“It looks like another one of Valeria’s plans,” the butler said, bowing slightly.

“Damn… That bitch really never let go, does she?” Lilith, who was standing nearby gritted her teeth. “

The queen’s sharp gaze darted to Lilith. “What else do we know?”

The butler cleared his throat. “The Dreamweavers managed to save one of their kind. The same one that arrived here with the human.”

Lilith’s face went pale, and her gaze flicked toward the floor, avoiding the queen’s piercing eyes.

“She said she was going to organize a rescue mission,” the butler continued. “Shall we send some guards to help her?”

The queen raised a hand, silencing him. “No.”

“May I ask why, Your Majesty?”

“I cannot enter in direct conflict with Valeria,” the queen sighed. “If she ever find some of my soldiers near her palace, it might give her an excuse to declare a full-blown war.”

Another succubus interjected. “So we just let her do as she pleases? And what if she gets her hands on the spell before us?”

“There’s no need to worry,” Lilith said, though her voice wavered slightly. “If that girl goes there…” She paused, inhaling sharply as her hands trembled. “Valeria won’t stand a chance.”

The queen frowned at the sight of her most trusted subordinate visibly shaken. “That Dreamweaver? You’re saying she’s capable of taking on Valeria alone?”

Lilith hesitated before nodding, her voice barely above a whisper. “She is no mere Dreamweaver, Your Majesty. She’s… dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” The queen’s brow arched, skepticism lacing her tone. “Explain.”

“She’s not just a Dreamweaver. I’ve seen her in action before. She has powers that go far beyond their kind—powers that defy explanation. If she’s truly determined, there’s no stopping her.”

“And if Valeria provokes her?”

Lilith shuddered. “Then let’s just pray that Valeria’s arrogance is her downfall and that the Dreamweaver’s wrath ends there.”

The queen leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. “I see. But how do you know all this, Lilith? You seem more familiar with her than you’re letting on.”

Lilith’s gaze darkened, her voice dropping to a near growl. “Because I’ve fought her before. And I barely survived.”

“Ah, so you tried to snack on the little human, hmm? Couldn’t contain yourself, and she humbled you instead. How interesting…”

Lilith’s jaw tightened, her silence confirming the queen’s suspicions.

“Very well,” the queen said, turning her gaze toward her butler. “We’ll let this play out. Keep me informed of every development, no matter how insignificant. And if the Dreamweaver shows any signs of betrayal, I expect to know immediately.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the butler bowed in reverence and took his leave.

As the door closed behind him, the queen’s eyes returned to Lilith, the faintest hint of curiosity lingering in her gaze. “Lilith, I wonder… what does it feel like to face someone who shatters even your confidence?”

Lilith didn’t answer. Instead, she bowed slightly, retreating toward the shadows of the chamber.

Back in the slums, Saki had fully recovered from her wounds, thanks to the care of the succubi who had taken her in. The underground network of their dwellings was crude but resourceful, carved into the earth with walls of stone and wood, illuminated by the faint glow of dreamfire—ethereal blue flames that burned without heat.

Now, in the heart of one such shelter, Saki stood at the center of a circle formed by other Dreamweavers. Their faces were grim, their postures tense, as if preparing for a battle none of them wanted to face.

“So… the Velvet Palace is at the top of the Vale? On that ridge over there?” Saki asked, pointing toward the distant rise visible through a narrow slit in the stone wall.

The palace was perched on the ridge like a predator looming over its prey. The V-shaped valley in which the city was built seemed to funnel all attention to its peak, where the immense structure stood, defiant of the queen’s rule. Its bricks were a deep, menacing red, and a forest of dead trees encircled it like a barrier of twisted sentinels.

“Yes,” one of the older Dreamweavers answered, her voice heavy with apprehension. “The Velvet Palace. “It’s probably where they went.”

Saki narrowed her eyes, studying the imposing structure. “It’s bigger than I imagined. Almost rivaling the queen’s manor.”

“It is,” another Dreamweaver confirmed. “It’s also a brutal place. Many like us were captured and sent there to work as slaves.”

“And Luka is probably there…” Saki’s jaw tightened, as well as her fists.

The group shifted uneasily, their fear palpable. One Dreamweaver, younger and frailer than the rest, spoke up hesitantly. “Are you sure it’s worth risking yourself for a human? That place… no one comes back from it.”

“And Valeria is a powerful Nightlord. Her power rivals even the queen,” another stood up, her face pale, showing her own weak state.

“Luka’s my friend,” Saki sighed with a slight shake of her head. “He’s very important to me. More than anything else.”

As if they had heard something incredible, the whole group let out a quiet sigh of awe.

“I-I know the tunnels that lead there!” a small succubus suddenly piped up, raising her hand. Her diminutive frame and wide, earnest eyes made her stand out. Though Saki had met her when she tried to invade Luka’s dream. “I’ve used them to visit a friend who was taken there.”

Saki jumped with joy. “You think you can guide me there?”

The small succubus nodded. “Yes! I can get you there!”

“Ah, no, that’s not what I meant,” Saki chuckled. “I want you all to go there through the tunnel.”

The enthusiasm in the room instantly deflated. “You want us to go near the palace?” one of the older Dreamweavers exclaimed, her voice rising in protest. “No way! That’s suicide!”

Saki crossed her arms, her expression unwavering. “I’m not asking you to risk your lives unnecessarily. I’ll be the one drawing attention to myself. I need you to use that distraction to get inside, save Luka, and free as many prisoners as you can.”

“You make it sound simple,” another muttered bitterly. “Do you even understand what you’re asking?”

“I do,” Saki said firmly. “That’s why I’m taking on the riskiest part. I’ll storm the front and cause as much chaos as possible. If all goes well, most of Valeria’s forces will focus on me, and you’ll encounter minimal resistance.”

The older Dreamweaver shook her head, her voice rising with frustration. “That’s madness. You’ll die within seconds! You don’t stand a chance against Valeria’s army.”

“Oh? Do you have so little faith in me?” Saki gave them a smug grin. “I am very powerful you know?”

The room fell silent. All of the Dreamweavers looked at each other, uncertain, until the small succubus stepped forward. “I will do it. Like I said.”

Her courage made the other look down in shame and some of them even left the campfire. Saki looked at the older one, her gaze pleading for help.

“Sorry, but if I get a hold of your guy, I’m taking him for myself. And I doubt you would want that, right?” she smirked devilishly.

“I-I won’t do that,” the smaller one said. “I just want to save my friend…”

Saki’s grin softened into a determined smile as she placed a hand on the small succubus’s shoulder. “Thank you. Your bravery means more than you know.”

The small succubus blushed slightly but nodded resolutely. “I’ll do my best.”

She then turned to the rest of them, her gaze hardening. “You know this might be your only chance to get back at Valeria, right? Aren’t you dissatisfied with the way you’re treated here?”

The older Dreamweaver chuckled and shook her head. “We’re all nameless people here. No one will remember us whether we save the others or not. Besides, as I said, most of them would eat your little human the moment they save him.”

Saki’s expression turned cold, her piercing gaze silencing the older Dreamweaver. “Touch Luka, and I promise you won’t live to regret it.”

“Suit yourself,” she chuckled. “But if you go there for just a human, you won’t live long either.”

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

With that, most of the Dreamweavers left the campsite, leaving only Saki and the small succubus.

“Well, it’s just the two of us now.”

The small succubus hesitated, glancing at the empty spaces where the others had stood moments before. “I-I’m sorry they left. I wish they could’ve been braver.”

Saki placed a reassuring hand on the succubus’s shoulder. “It’s okay. They made their choice, and we’ll make ours. Let’s save our friends.”

The small succubus nodded, her nervous energy giving way to a faint glimmer of determination. “Once you start invading the palace, I will search for your friend.”

“Good,” Saki said, gripping the hilt of her whip. “Let’s go.”

After Saki helped the small succubus pack some supplies, she decided to leave her at the entrance of the tunnels, in case she needed to know the location for later. But as they approached the entrance, the small succubus stopped abruptly.

Saki turned, her brow furrowing. “What is it?”

“Why are you doing this? I mean, really. I know you said Luka’s important to you, but… why risk so much for him? For a human?”

Saki frowned, a cold gaze lowering on the girl. “To you, he is nothing more than a human, huh?”

“I mean…” she turned her eyes away. “Humans are just food, right? There’s no way a succubus could be friends with one.”

Saki’s gaze grew colder, a fierce anger bubbling beneath the surface, but she contained it, choosing instead to focus on the succubus’s words. Slowly, she stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “You really believe that?”

"You really believe that?"

The small succubus bit her lip, glancing downward. “I mean, I’ve never really… talked to one.”

Saki’s expression softened, and for a brief moment, she seemed lost in thought. Then she nodded slowly, her tone changing. “I used to think like that as well.”

The succubus blinked, surprised by Saki’s admission. “You did?”

Saki nodded slowly. “Humans are foolish, impulsive creatures, easily swayed by their basest desires,” she spat as if recalling a mantra she had said a million times. “Their dreams are our nourishment, their lives our toys.”

“At least until you meet one that is willing to give his whole self for another,” she finally said, her voice dropping to a quiet whisper. “When I was utterly and completely defeated, on the verge of death after a great fight against humans, one of them saved me.”

“That human you’re trying to rescue?”

Saki let out a hollow laugh, shaking her head. “No, not him.” Her lips twisted into a melancholic smile. “The one who saved me… he’s gone. Dead.”

The small succubus took an uncertain step back. “Then why…?”

“Because I killed him. Now go.” she finally said, her head urging her to enter the tunnel.

With a confused look on her face, the small Dreamweaver stepped forward with a bag on her back. Saki watched as she disappeared in the darkness, her heart heavy.

She had no right to play the judge, not to them. But she hated it. All these succubi were so… Wrong.

Just like she was a long time ago.

But unlike them, she had a choice. A choice she never made until recently.

With a bitter smile, she looked up and spread her small wings. A small amount of energy coated her body, and her green eyes flared. The wind picked up, making her dark brown hair flutter against the wind, and she flew up.

In a straight line, her face taking the full blow of the wind as she arrived right above the ridge and the Palace. She had a few minutes until the small succubus would arrive, but she decided she could already cause a lot of damage.

There was no guard at the entrance, after all, no one would even dare approach the place. With a powerful beat of her wings, she dove toward the building, her heart pounding with anticipation. Her booted feet connected with the first-floor window with a resounding crash, splintering the glass as if it were little more than fragile paper.

She landed gracefully in the room, the shattered remains of the window scattered around her like confetti. Her green eyes burned with determination, and she stood tall, arms at her sides as she surveyed the room. “Let the rescue operation begin!” she declared, her voice ringing with raw confidence.

The sound of her words was still echoing in the air when the first of the guards rounded the corner, alerted by the destruction she had caused. They froze in surprise, but Saki didn’t wait for them to react.

“Balweiln!” she shouted and launched multiple wind blades summoned at the tip of her fingers toward the guards.

Meanwhile, in the deepest cell of the Palace, the nameless succubi was polishing her spell.

It had been a week of being trapped in this place, one week of tireless work. But it was soon completed. The runes were carefully crafted, and thanks to the human’s control spell, the whole process of stabilizing it was completed yesterday.

Which meant he held no usefulness toward Valeria and had already been gifted to Laura that same day.

The succubus’s eyes narrowed as she polished the runes. There was little she could do to stop what was happening now. That human would die a probably horrible death soon and nothing could stop it.

Something clutched at her heart every time she thought of it. It was not in her best interests to get emotional but she still hated it. He was nothing special on his own, except the fact that she learned that he was from another world, and that his view on life was refreshing.

And the way he thought about magic was extraordinary. His talent was clear, despite the lack of mana that burdened him. It made her wonder what he could accomplish if he had more time, more resources.

He was a living paradox—depressive yet joyful, cunning but open, and sometimes, in the most unexpected moments, filled with a wisdom that made their conversations intriguing. Even after only a week, she mostly understood what he felt. Perhaps it was her ability as an old Dreamwear that had scoured the continent, or perhaps it was just a good alchemy between them but…

She dropped the stone in her hand, her thoughts a jumbled mess.

Yes. I could consider him a friend. Or a rightful successor, she thought, her mind drifting to the implications of the idea. It was dangerous, a foolish notion that could get her into trouble. But the realization stuck with her. It was true, whether she liked it or not.

“I miss him,” she whispered, the words slipping from her lips before she could stop them. She blinked, startled by the sound of her own voice. It had only been a day since he was gone, but the silence that had followed in his wake was unbearable. She hadn’t realized how much his presence had filled the emptiness of her own thoughts until now.

Something was missing. Something vital.

He had been the one person who had seen her, understood her in ways no one else could. A kin, a kindred spirit who didn’t need her to explain everything. Even though he rarely spoke of it, she could see the hunger in his eyes—the thirst for knowledge, for magic, for science. That insatiable curiosity. It was like looking into a mirror, seeing her own reflection, but through the eyes of someone who was still full of wonder.

Too bad he would die soon.

It only shows how wrong this world is, she finally thought, her mind locking onto the task at hand and pushing aside the emotions inside her.

“Hum… Miss? Are you there?” A familiar voice echoed in the prison, making her head spin.

There, outside of the cell, she saw a small Dreamweaver packing a bag walking aimlessly, as if looking for something—or rather someone.

“Oh, it’s you.” The succubus returned to her work, her tone indifferent as she continued shaping the spell. She knew the little Dreamweaver since she was coming here almost every day to see her.

“Miss! You’re still here!” The small Dreamweaver stepped closer to the bars, a big smile stretching across her face. “Quick! I’m getting you out of here!”

The succubus raised an eyebrow, her gaze drifting to the eager expression of the smaller succubus. She examined her carefully, her mind still swirling with confusion. Is she mad?

“What?” She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the little Dreamweaver. “Are you so far gone from hunger that you’ve lost your senses? You should leave.”

The smile on the small Dreamweaver’s face faltered for a moment, but then she shook her head vigorously, stepping forward with a determined expression. “No, Miss! I’m serious! I’m getting you out! I’ve found a way.”

The succubus sighed, turning her attention back to the runes. She had no time for delusions or misplaced optimism. Yet, something about the little one’s words caught her attention, just enough to make her hesitate.

Before she could respond, a tremor shook the entire building, causing the water droplets from the damp ceiling to fall more steadily, a rhythmic pattering echoing in the otherwise silent room. The ground beneath her feet rumbled, and she could hear footsteps and shouts from above, growing fainter as they moved away from the prison.

“What is going on…?” she muttered, glancing upward at the ceiling, her senses alert to the strange disturbances.

“While she’s distracting everyone, we should free everyone here!” The small Dreamweaver worked frantically at the lock, using thin wires to try and pick it open. She glanced up with a determined expression. “The guards won’t be paying attention for long. We have to hurry.”

The succubus stood silent for a moment, her mind weighing the options. Being locked here wasn’t so bad but it would be better for her spell to be used by Danthea. Opportunities like these were rare, and she knew to take them.

“Fine,” she said, her voice laced with an edge of reluctant agreement. “Let me take some things before leaving.”

The small Dreamweaver’s smile widened, and her hands continued their work on the lock, the metal clicking as she skillfully maneuvered the wires. The tremors above were growing stronger now, adding urgency to the moment.

“We’re almost there, Miss,” the little succubus said. “Just a little more.”

She hastily took the runes and placed them in her pockets, popped up a pill in her mouth, and went on to join the Dreamweaver.

With a soft click, the lock gave way, the door creaking open. The little Dreamweaver beamed up at her, the joy in her eyes infectious despite the situation. She looked inside the cell and her smile faltered. “Wait, where is the human?”

The succubus with glasses stepped out, her hands in her pocket as she surveyed the space around them. “Now go free the others, I have something to do.”

“W-What? But I can lead you to the tunnel so we can get out of here!”

“No need,” she shook her head. “I have something important to do first here.”

“I can’t leave you! You’re my friend!” the little Dreamweaver protested, her voice trembling with desperation as she reached out.

The succubus reeled back in shock, her face turning into disgust and confusion. “What are you talking about? I was right, you are mad aren’t you?”

The small Dreamweaver’s face wavered, and for a brief moment, a flicker of hurt crossed her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something more, but before she could utter another word, a sudden sharp crack echoed through the air.

The succubus froze, her heart thudding in her chest. A bolt, quick and silent, pierced through the little Dreamweaver’s skull. The small succubus’ body jerked as the force of the strike threw her back, and blood splattered across the white coat and glasses of the succubus.

The quiet innocence of the small Dreamweaver, who had offered to help, was now swallowed by the cold brutality of the world. She was dead. Just like that.

The little succubus’ body crumpled to the ground in a soft thud, and the succubus took a slight step back from the slight shock.

In front of her, there she was. A guard who was cloaked in an invisibility spell, holding a pocket crossbow.

"I knew it," the guard muttered, her voice dripping with contempt as she loaded another bolt. "Something fishy was going on… Go back in your cell, Valeria needs you alive.”

Oh, now I remember, she thought. The face of the little Dreamweaver hadn’t resurfaced in her mind until now. There was a similar situation, just like that one. While she was taking a stroll around the slums, she found her being bullied by a group of Dreamweavers who stole her pills.

That day, she stepped up and used some of her inventions to save her. Because she couldn’t stand seeing the pills she had created being stolen like that from others.

“So that’s why you called me friend…”

She came to the realization too late. Now it held no meaning whatsoever. With a sigh, she turned around and faced the cell, her eyes hollow.

“Good, now close the door,” the guard ordered.

As she was told, she grabbed the handle of the door and began closing while her back was facing the guard, only to stop mid-way. While closing, she stepped on some blood coming from the small succubus who tried to help her.

Ah… They really are all foolish.

The guard’s impatience flared, and the lash of her tail snapped against the stone floor with a sharp crack. “Hey, close the damn door!”

Everything is pointless. Yet, her heart tells her something else.

“What if I don’t?” she asked, her eyes glinting from the light coming from the torch on the wall.

The guard’s grin only deepened, her eyes gleaming with malice. “I’ll force you.”

“How old are you?” The succubus’ voice was calm, almost detached as she raised an eyebrow, her eyes never leaving the guard.

“Why does it matter? Now get on the damn cell!”

“Haven’t your parents told you to respect your elders? You even splashed my precious glasses with blood.”

With a quiet sigh, the succubus took off her glasses, her fingers delicate as she wiped away the blood from the lenses, though without the proper material, all she could do was smear it, coating the surface in a red haze. She could hardly see through the mess, but that didn’t matter. Not anymore.

The casualness of the succubus in front of her made the guard waver a bit, her anger flaring out. “Get in the damn cell or I’ll skewer you!”

“Considering your immaturity and the fairness of your skin, I believe you’re quite young. Thirty years old perhaps? They only take the young ones for guard duty.”

The guard’s face reddened, the heat of her anger rising. “I’ll make sure you regret that, you little—” But she was cut off by the succubus’ next words.

“You’ve learned nothing and you already desire to throw away your life? Killing me would have grave consequences, and you know that.”

For a moment, the guard faltered. The defiance in the succubus’ voice, the calm authority she exuded, made her hesitate.

The succubus, still holding the door halfway closed, took another step forward, her gaze unwavering. “So go ahead,” she said, voice softer now, almost bored. “Skewer me, if you want. But know this… I won’t be the one to break.”

The guard’s grip tightened around her crossbow, the sound of her teeth clenching filling her ears. She could only watch as the succubus stepped up, closer and closer, her gaze locked onto hers.

“I’m waiting,” the succubus said as she walked up, her hands stuffed casually in her pockets. “Or perhaps you’ve changed your mind?”

“Get in the fucking cell or I’ll break your arms and throw you there myself.”

The succubus gave a faint, almost amused smile. “But if you break my arms, I won’t be able to work anymore, will I?”

The guard’s eyes narrowed, her grip tightening on the crossbow as she growled. “Then I’ll break your legs!”

“Now that’s better. For once you’re thinking.”

Her eyes shone as she looked her in the eyes.

“However, it’s a bit late for you to survive now.”

With a flick of the wrist, she pulled her right hand from her pocket, which was now fully covered by a glove with strange inscriptions on it. While talking to her, she grabbed it onto the desk and was busy putting it on while her hand was in her pocket.

“Balweiln.”

An inscription etched on the palm began to shine.

With a swift movement of the arm, a wind blade was created, powerful enough to split the guard in two before she could even shoot to defend herself. Blood painted the walls as the light faded in her eyes and her body crumpled to the floor.

The succubus clutched her side in pain after she launched the spell. “Dammit…” she breathed heavily. “I used too much mana.”

She gritted her teeth, picked up the crossbow, and took back a more relaxed posture before climbing up the stairs.

She had to find him, even if he was dead.