When the strange sensation faded away, I opened my eyes. What greeted me were plains stretched out into the distance as far as the eye can see and nothing else. Other than the sheer amount of grass that I saw, I could spy some white flowers that have yet to bloom amongst them. Since we're in the Astrum kingdom, I guess these are flowers that bloom beautifully and nobly during the night, emanating light like a small star. I thought to myself as I crouched right in front of one of the flowers. After all, each kingdom is tied to a certain element except Void, and the one tied to this land is Star. The names themselves make it clear as day anyways. ...though, we only know the real meaning of the names because of an ancient scroll that was found in some ruins.

Sadly, hardly anyone was permitted to look at it, not even the higher-ups in the Academy. Only a select few of the royal family in Astrum were allowed since their ancestors were the ones that found it. Whether the scroll had anything else, no one knew other than them. Any attempts to gain that info always failed so it remained a mystery. I'm sure that some people out there are still trying but...they'll probably fail just like everyone else. All we can do is guess, really. Though, people supported the idea that the scroll was from an ancient civilization, and well...the theories surrounding that went all over the place. I shook my head, realizing I was getting sidetracked. With a sigh, I returned my attention back to the current situation.

"So this is the outskirts, huh? I'll be honest, I was expecting a bit more," I admitted as I stood back up. "No matter where I look, it's just plains everywhere. At the very least, there are flowers here but not as much as I would like..."

"Endless plains it may be, I've heard that it looks startlingly beautiful during the night," Vin replied, then glanced back at me. "Anyways, while you were busy thinking away, both me and Leo scouted out the place. I haven't found anything suspicious, even when using my enhanced eyes to see any traces of mana or spells..."

"I found nothing weird from my scouts too!" I heard Leo yell out from afar, catching me slightly off-guard. "It really is just all plains here!"

I suppose that's for the best. It makes it hard for enemies to hide and ambush us really, especially since the grass is really short. Relieved and slightly guilty that they did all that while I was away in my mind palace, I apologized to the archangel but he just shook his head, saying that there's no need to apologize and that it's alright.

"Uncovering mysteries will help us get closer to our goal too anyways, I think. So there's no point in me dissuading you against it. So for now, I'm sure it'll be alright for you to think about stuff while the rest of us will keep an eye out."

I nodded my head in response and opened my mouth to say something, but stopped upon hearing the sounds of Leo running towards us getting closer. I turned to look at him as he stops right near us, grinning. He must be really excited since we're finally out adventuring, huh? It is something he always wanted to do for so long... I couldn't help but return the smile with one of my own.

Vin, on the other hand, let out a sigh. "Isn't it too early to be excited...?" he remarked as he glanced at Leo. "I know we're finally out exploring but you might get sick of the plains we're seeing pretty fast..."

"...you're probably right. Then, that simply means we need to get a move on!" the blonde exclaimed, still beaming with excitement. "Onwards!"

The angel went off in the direction we were supposed to go as if he wanted to be the one to lead for once. Vin sweatdropped but quickly followed behind while I giggled and followed behind Vin. Though, speaking of which, what is there for me to think about...? Frowning, I crossed my arms over my chest as I walked, silently noting that Vin was explaining to Leo that I was going to be busy thinking. ...thank goodness he's telling him. That way, I won't feel bad if Leo were to try talking to me but I heard absolutely none of it...

As we walked, I couldn't help but wonder about the topic I was thinking about earlier ago before dropping it due to being sidetracked by the topic of the scroll and its contents. I wonder why there's no kingdom affiliated with the element Void, anyways. All of the other elements each have a kingdom so it's a little weird. Maybe it does exist but no one is aware of its existence because it's located somewhere no one can reach...? I shook my head, realizing that sounds silly. There was no recorded location in the world that was designated unreachable. Some locations were incredibly hard to reach but a few managed to do it and thoroughly scouted the place to the best of their abilities. No anomalies were ever recorded during the scouting either.

However, there was one option that made me hesitate dismissing that possibility. That option was space. ...now that I think about it, all the kingdoms and the Academy made it absolutely forbidden to go into space because it was incredibly dangerous. Of course, it caused quite the riot so everyone was told the reason. Apparently, a team of mages and scientists started a project to do interstellar travel way back then but it ended in complete disaster. It was reported that the instant they left the planet, all communications were forcibly cut off and all traces of the transport and the people in it disappeared alarmingly fast. Unsurprisingly, people are now too afraid to attempt such a thing again.

...yeah, perhaps that theory of the Void Kingdom being in space could work. Certainly seems plausible. There's a chance I could be wrong but... Before I could think any further, I hear a familiar voice in my head.

"Sorry to intrude, Miss Detective. I hope you don't mind this bored and tired prince barging in."

I jump in shock, caught completely off-guard. I'd appreciate it if you give me a—. Realizing there's technically no way for him to even give a heads-up, I stop myself from continuing that any further. With a sigh, I decide to drop it as I tried to calm down my quickly beating heart. I guess I don't mind but shouldn't you be focusing on defending?

"I am. Currently watching over the place as we speak. I just don't fancy sitting here all day, staring at these numerous magical screens with no person to talk to. My subordinates are no good at that kind of thing so I opted for you. Besides, this will help us get to know each other better since we're working together, right?" Tatsuya answered, then let out a loud yawn. "Guh, sorry about that. It takes a while for me to fully wake up."

...fair point. I don't see any reason for me to refute what you said. Though... I frowned, recalling the moment when he shot the jewelry box at me. If you don't mind me asking, why did you give me that necklace in such a roundabout way? That was kinda risky to do, you know...

He let out a nervous laugh at first, then quickly apologized right after. "I'm so sorry! I knew that it came out of left field so suddenly but I had no better options!" Tatsuya lamented. "It has to be sent fast enough before the connection is cut off or the box will fail to reach you! I also can't get close to you since that'll risk you being fully connected! If that happens, it'll send you away back to that moonlit garden and that'll immediately jeopardize the three of you and me so...!"

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Now I couldn't help but feel a little guilty. I had no idea that he was so worried about how sudden it must've been. It's fine, it's fine! ...I just wanted an explanation since I was so confused. I have nothing against you for doing that. I admitted as the prince breathed out a sigh of relief. ...though, speaking of which, is the communication spell that you put on the necklace only connecting to me?

"Correct," the male confirmed, who seemed to have thankfully calmed down. "If I connected it to more people, my cover would be blown since the incognito spell would no longer be able to keep the magic hidden. So, as a result, I'm only talking to you since you're wearing the necklace. Good enough explanation for you?"

Yup, good enough for me. I thought with a nod of my head, but quickly blushed and stopped out of embarrassment when I remembered he couldn't see that. A-anyways, I should continue investigating while the other two are keeping a lookout as we walk to our destination. Sorry if you were hoping for something more entertaining.

"It's fine. It's better than being stuck alone here with no company at all," he answered with a sigh. "Besides, I did say before I'm fine with helping out by giving information so I'll provide some input to help you solve whatever you're trying to solve. Though, don't expect much help about the Void Kingdom because I know nothing too."

Knowing that the prince will help too was definitely reassuring. Two heads are better than one, as they say. However, that brought one important question to mind. ...what can I discuss with you that'll bring new light to the situation though? There was the ancient scroll but I knew asking that would be a bad move on my part. I would be seriously pushing it if I did, especially since he hasn't fully trusted me yet. I didn't want to risk losing his trust when I needed information and help pretty badly.

Before I could think about what other topics to bring up, Tatsuya spoke up. "Ah, if that's the case, I'll take the initiative. It apparently happened last night but it's been reported that the Umbral Kingdom has been completely swallowed up by the dark elements.

Upon hearing that, I abruptly stopped walking, not expecting that in the slightest. Wait, hold up, completely swallowed up? I repeated, the sense of dread making my heart beat faster. Does that mean that...?

"It's hard to say for sure. They tried seeing whether or not anyone was still alive but no one could get in and detecting them from the outside was no good. The sheer amount of magical energy and strength was too overwhelming for the detecting spell to get through," Tatsuya explained. "Still, from what we know of how the Dark element works, them being alive is...definitely unlikely at this point. As to who did it, we do have one lead. The Wielder of the Dark Artifact has been reported missing for some time so there's a chance it may have been them. Why they would do it, we honestly have no idea."

...are we quickly running out of time, I wonder? Things were moving way too fast for my liking. Yet, the fact that the situation is moving so fast means that there must be multiple enemies I'll have to deal with. Unless there was lots of long-term scheming by one person, I can't see what else could be causing them. Letting out a sigh of frustration, I couldn't help but feel a little powerless. Yet, I can't afford to be intimidated. No matter what, I still have to try and fight back. Chalk it up to pride perhaps but I refuse to go down without a fight. As I look down and anxiously bite my lip, I was about to mentally respond to the prince but heard Vin call out to me.

"Is everything alright, Stella? Did you realize something important...?"

Taken by surprise, I glanced up at the archangel while Leo turns to look at me out of curiosity. "Well, it's not really me realizing something but I gained new information from Tatsuya..." I corrected as I tried my best to get past my anxiety. "Apparently, the Umbral Kingdom has been completely devoured by Dark magical energy so there's a high chance that kingdom is now gone."

Both of them were shocked by the news. Leo looked away, guilt written all over his face, while Vin, on the other hand, bit his lip and averted his eyes away, his frustration evident.

"If that's the case, we're picking up the pace. It seems we don't have the luxury of time," Vin declared as he turned away. "We can't reinforce our bodies with magic to get there faster since we don't want to expose ourselves so we're going to have to make a run for it. I sure hope you two brought lots of water."

The blonde closed his eyes and shook his head as if he was chastising himself. "Yeah, don't worry, I prepared for that! No need to worry about me!" he exclaimed with a laugh, though it seemed a little forced. "I might have overprepared regarding water and food but..."

"Same, I prepared for the possibility of us needing to rush over there so I'm ready," I answered, then let out a sigh. "I suppose I should be glad for all those training sessions I had to do in the Academy. Otherwise, all this trekking would be a pain."

"...speaking of which..." the archangel glanced back at us, his expression serious. "I need to evaluate Leo's fighting capabilities so when it reaches night and we camp out, Leo and you will have to spar against each other. Got it?"

I nodded my head while Leo seemed slightly hesitant but did the same. "Then, with that done, let's get going. We're on a tight schedule now," Vin remarked and ran off while the rest of us followed behind.

By the way, are you still going to remain connected to me or do you plan on stopping it now? I asked the prince as I kept pace with the blonde beside me. I won't be able to talk much now because I kinda need to focus on where I'm going and what's around me so...

"Hm? Ah, I'll still remain connected. I heard everything you guys said, by the way, so it's not necessary to explain anything to me," he stated, then he let out a yawn again. "Guh, sorry about that. I should probably get some black coffee at this point. ...anyways, just don't get too reckless, okay? Don't let the urgency of the situation blind your reasoning and logic."

I know. I know that painfully well from my training in the Academy... Some of the professors that I had were quite strict and made sure whatever they taught us was ingrained into us, to the point that it's instinct. ...in short, it was hellish. A lot of the students ended up regretting choosing those classes but it was too late to back down now. So, we just pushed on and tried our utmost best. Of course, it's only a given that I really don't want to think about what I went through either so I quickly changed the topic.

I can't talk much but I can listen to anything you have to say if that's any help! Weirdly enough, he didn't reply back immediately. Rather, it surprisingly took a short while before he finally responded.

"...well, if you're fine with that...then I'll rant away, I guess," Tatsuya mumbled out. "...you better not regret offering me that, alright?"