Midnight was approaching. Gödel was outside his hut and had already prepared everything for the trip.

Soon his friend would be there with some unknown people. The night was cold and Gödel was strategically thinking about how to defeat every creature he encountered without using too many resources.

Suddenly, a huge gray wolf appears before Gödel. It belonged to the race of giant wolves from the north region of the continent.

“Hey, Fenriz! Come here, friend!” Gödel throws a piece of dried meat to the wolf and it catches it in the air. “Have you patrolled the surroundings?” The wolf looks at Gödel.

“Very well! Let's wait here a little longer.” The wolf sits next to the Vice Commander who mends a half-sided conversation.

“You know, Fenriz, when I found you when you were an abandoned and injured pup I never thought we would go through so much together.” Fenriz looks at Gödel with expressive eyes. The wolf seemed to understand the young man's words.

“You and Hilbert have always been by my side.” Gödel looks at the sky with a nostalgic look and continues to speak. “I think this must be the closest to what they call family, right?”

The wolf continues to look at the ranger. “And of course Kay has always been on our side, isn't it, buddy?” Fenriz emits a bark. The young man continues to speak to the wolf.

“She adopted us when I was a kid lost in the forest and shared the deer meat with you, that we hunted together. We always escaped monsters and strong beasts, but we always defeated the weak ones.” the giant wolf also starts to stare at the moons.

“I was very young and when I fled to the forest to escape my father's violence, I never met him again. Somehow I can’t remember my parents faces anymore.” Gödel looks at the grass and continues to speak.

“All I felt was fear, fury, and hunger. When we defeated those rangers of our brigade, Kay came to meet us. Do you remember that day?” The wolf blinks while looking at Gödel. “She was walking so sweet with her black hair, that silk dress, and that food basket. Her perfume was so soft. We always expected her to show up with the basket until one day we followed her and I think that, from that day on, we were completely tamed.” Fenriz stares at the moons again and Gödel proceeds to speak.

“I didn't want to have to take you to such a dangerous place, but I also wouldn't want to go there without you by my side.” Gödel strokes the wolf's head.

A few moments later, Fenriz emits an alert bark. It was Hilbert who appeared with three other people on horseback, all wearing the golden armor of the Eagles Brigade with hooded cloaks.

They approached the old oak while Gödel and Fenriz also came closer to the tree. As Hilbert got off his horse the huge wolf jumped towards the prince, knocking him down and licking him.

“Fenriz, you big dog! You missed me, didn't you? I missed you too” Hilbert strokes the wolf and wipes the drool from his face as he gets up. The horses retreat a little before the presence of the wolf, after all, he was bigger than the horses themselves and had a frightening presence, but they are restrained by their riders.

“Well done Gödel! I think you already got the other team member I asked for.” Hilbert looks at the wolf with a smile on his face.

“I didn't want to have to take it to such a dangerous place.” Gödel looks sadly at the huge wolf. It didn't even look like it was a huge knife sharped-fanged beast.

“He'll be fine, don't worry my friend.” says the prince.

“So, who are those who accompany you? The smell of one of them is not strange to me.” answers the ranger with a doubtful face.

“Let me introduce our fellow travelers!" Hilbert looks at the hooded horsemen as they remove their helmets. “The one on my right is Henry von Leon, a very exceptional warrior with the long spear.” The strong and tall blond short-haired man waves at Gödel. Leon had a huge scar on his face and a serious countenance.

“And this one to my left is Amadeus Flick, a specialist in attack and defense spells, he can enchant our weapons with magic if necessary.”

The young man had black medium-length messy hair and a slim silhouette, he smiles and also nods. Amadeus was a little taller than Marjorie.

“I know their scent! And that one behind you, with that familiar smell?” Gödel stares at the rider who lowers the hood.

“Could you have more manners and stop sniffing people around, Gödel?” replied a soft but mildly irritated voice.

“MARJORIE!?” Gödel is so surprised that he raises his voice tone, after that he starts to laugh pointing at the girl.

“This is your backup, Hilbert. What will this spoiled girl do? Cry until the enemies die of piety? Why didn't you bring your mother too?”

The brigadiers were offended by the way the patrolman treats the Queen and put their hands on their weapons. Hilbert raises his hand and they retreat.

“I will turn you into ashes, Gödel, you illiterate fool!” Marjorie was very angry with Gödel, who continued to laugh at the girl's angry face.

“Hey Gödel, we are not alone here! Leave the jokes for another time. We are oath-bound to defend the honor of the Queen, and so are you.” says Hilbert, looking at his friend while directing his eyes to the riders with a half-crooked mouth, hoping that his friend would understand the signal to cut the jokes.

Gödel gets the sign and tries to stop laughing.

“Will this savage travel with us brother? That's not fair.” the princess was on her period and did not like the idea of a very powerful nose next to her.

She felt very invaded and uncomfortable. Marjorie speaks again in anger. “Next time you jump in my window to talk or steal my food; I will throw an etiquette book on you, maybe you learn some manners while you fall to your death. I'd rather go alone than have this animal sniffing us all the time!” Marjorie started to blush.

“Relax little brat! I shall not tell a soul your lady secret!” Gödel smirks and Marjorie is so infuriated that she runs towards Gödel being held by Hilbert.

“I swear I will kill you Gödel, you depraved twisted fool!” The girl turns her back and gets back on her horse.

“Wow!” utters Hilbert, in a tone of outburst. “Why do people around me have such an inflated ego?” everyone looks at the prince as if they want to fill him with complaints about his unique and extravagant personality.

“As everyone is gathered here, I will talk about our route,” Hilbert speaks seriously, passing his eyes over everyone present.

“We shall depart to the city of Southbridge, passing the first inn of Blueberry Town, heading to South Town, and then following to Southstar, ensuring that Marjorie arrives safe and sound. We will return to Southbridge to check on the Eagle Brigade post.” Gödel seemed confused by the plans that Hilbert was explaining at that moment because they were totally different from what he had told before. “Then we shall return to Whitecastle.”

“Hilbert, I forgot to get a bag of supplies inside my hideout. Can you help me?" Gödel asks. The two enter Gödel's hideout and he closes the door quickly. “Hilbert, did you decide to change the plans?” asks the ranger whispering.

“No, Gödel, we are still going to the forest, but to several people, I told about our trip differently. I have to confuse our allies to confuse our enemies. I suspect that some people in the kingdom are behind the attack I suffered, but not them.” Hilbert who was also whispering sees Gödel nodding.

“Trust me! They will know everything at the right time. We can’t trust the night creatures’ ears anymore, but you can entrust your life to those two. Don't worry so much, I will tell all the details later.”

The two leave the hut carrying a bag that they leave close to the oak, that was just garbage, but they did it anyway as not to raise suspicion. While everyone is getting ready to leave, Fenriz begins to bark in an alert tone. The approaching figure was known, so Hilbert asks the wolf to calm down as he was one of the few people that Fenriz obeyed, besides Gödel.

Hilbert headed to meet the yet unknown person. It was Charlotte who wore a hooded cloak with a tight brown leather outfit, although the cloak covered her entire beautiful body. She had a raw leather bag with supplies, her bow and arrows, and also a belt full of throwing knives.

“I can't believe you’re here Charlotte!” the prince could not hide his joy at seeing his friend and loved one. “How did you find me?” Hilbert asks.

“I've been following you since you left your room to get Marjorie. I know how to hide my presence very well. I thought about the things you said, but what convinced me to come was boredom,” Says Charlotte blushing.

In fact, that was not the whole truth, the possibility of never more seeing Hilbert again deeply troubled the redhead, and she wanted to enjoy Hilbert's company as much as she could.

“It would be very boring to stay in that kitchen with Hilda. She talks a lot,” Says Charlotte, and the two laughs at the sarcastic comment. “Besides, I could enjoy a vacation. I never visited the lands to the south.”

“You will like the climate there and will be treated like a noble.” Hilbert turns to his team and introduces the young woman.

“This is Charlotte and she will be Marjorie's chaperone, some of you already know her. She will accompany us to Southstar! She is an excellent cook and a formidable warrior in ranged combat.”

The riders wave to the girl while Marjorie and Gödel look at each other in surprise. Marjorie gives Gödel an inquisitive face and he shrugs and moves his head from side to side as if to say "don't ask me if they are together, because I don't know either".

“Since, at last, we are all here, we shall finally head south!” says Hilbert contemplating the moons. He was very excited about Charlotte's presence.

Charlotte whistles and a black horse approaches. The redhead rides the horse elegantly while all the team leaves from that location to a road that was about half a mile away from Gödel's hut. Gödel used Fenriz as a mount.

After they reach the beginning of the main road, Hilbert signals everyone to stop. He had asked Gödel to prepare potions for the horses. These potions caused the resistance and speed of the horses to increase by five times. Fenriz was able to reach very high speeds and did not need to take any potion. After giving the potions to the horses Hilbert says:

“We’ll probably gain four days of advantage with these potions,” says Hilbert, giving a thumbs up to Gödel who simply responds with a wink.

The journey continues smoothly along the road to the south. The horses went at great speed, but due to an enchantment made by Amadeus Flick, the effects of the strong winds were not felt.

The small troop rides well and at high speed into the night. While they are already away from the Whitecastle City walls, about twenty miles far, Fenriz suddenly stops, and then everyone stops the horses. The wolf starts to growl as it looks at a hill from a distance. Everyone observes a figure with huge wings at the top of the hill, which even from this distance appeared to be very large, about nineteen or twenty-two feet tall estimated Hilbert.

“Hurry! Let's move on!” says Marjorie with concern and fear.

“It wouldn't do,” says Hilbert. “Whatever that is, this thing is already targeting us. Continuing on horseback would only put us in a big disadvantage.

“Prepare for combat! Charlotte! Disperse the horses and protect the princess at all costs.” the redhead nods affirmatively.

The creature takes a leap from the hill and begins to flap its wings as it sets out towards the party.

Everyone prepares for the confrontation while Charlotte takes the princess across the road, hiding with the girl behind a large rock she had found. The party were drawing their weapons and preparing for the battle.

“Don't underestimate the enemy! We need to determine its nature first and then attack with all our strength.” Says Hilbert.

Everyone answers in the affirmative. The creature lands about five feet ahead of them, shaking the ground as its huge body started to flex its muscles.

The creature was twenty feet tall and its wings were enormous. His body was all black with huge claws on his hands and feet. It had a head that resembled that of a lion containing very sharp fangs. It had a very muscular humanoid trunk and legs that resembled the legs of a harpy. Hilbert notices the huge eyes emanating a red light.

“Amadeus! Use the elemental light enchantments on my sword and the weapons of Gödel and Leon. And aim for Fenriz's body as well!”

The prince gives the order but does not take his eyes off the monster that was before them. Flick begins to focus an aura of light on his body by saying some magic words.

Gödel draws two swords full of bristles on the back and curved at the ends. Leon takes his golden long spear off his back. The magic of light already made the weapons sparkle as dawn approached. The creature begins to speak in a very low voice as if it were a roar:

“What a warm welcome, Your Majesty!” everyone looks with astonishment because the creature knows how to speak and had recognized Hilbert. “I would love to be able to taste your royal bones, but unfortunately I will have to be content with the meat of your friends!” the creature roars.

“The only thing you shall feel today, you disgusting beast, is the taste of our steel!” Hilbert says that with a smile on his face. “Let's use the Arrow formation of the Eagle Brigade!” Hilbert commands his team that starts to stand in the designated formation.

The prince quickly advances while Gödel and Fenriz are just behind flanking the creature. Leon jumps at the creature with his spear and Flick stays behind, concentrating his aura on the weapons. Suddenly the creature expels a huge blast of fire from its mouth towards Leon and Hilbert.

Leon, still in the air, spins his spear at high speed creating a whirlwind deflecting the flames and then lands on the ground. Hilbert uses his shield to defend himself, for his shield was very resistant to elemental attacks which protected him from great damage. At that moment, Gödel unleashes a powerful attack on the creature's backside with his swords, black blood was pouring from the deep cut.

Fenriz on the other side grabs the creature's leg, tearing a large chunk of dark flesh. The creature roars in pain and throws simultaneous punches towards Fenriz and Gödel, with great force, shaking the ground again. Both with great agility avoid the attack. Hilbert takes advantage of the breach and suddenly jumps to cut off the creature's head. As the head falls back to the ground making a loud bang, everyone started to access the situation.

Charlotte looks at that scene as she covers Marjorie's, mouth that was about to emit a celebratory shout, and whispers to the princess:

“Don't expose our position!” the princess widens her eyes and refrains.

Everyone watches the fallen body of the bestial creature. As Leon approached the creature, Gödel shouted for them to move away, because the light of his eyes shone with more intensity.

A magic circle and an aura of purple brilliance begin to envelop the body of the fallen being. The monstrous creature's wounds healed as its head attached to its neck again.

They could not believe the vision they had witnessed. The creature quickly took off with its huge wings.

“Hilbert! Pay attention to that magic circle that has just faded away! There must be a wizard nearby supporting this creature!” says Flick looking at the soaring creature in the skies. The prince nods and then replies.

“Good observation Amadeus, we need to find this wizard, or else this creature will never be defeated!” says the prince and then looks at Gödel.

“Gödel, we need you and Fenriz to track down this supposed wizard and eliminate it as soon as possible.

“I'm on my way! If the creature was close to this wizard, Fenriz will be able to detect its smell.” Gödel rides on Fenriz that leaves like a lightning bolt towards the hill where the beast was first seen.

“Amadeus, I need you to enchant our armor with the levitation magic.” Hilbert looks at the creature that was very high in the sky flying in circles.

“The plan is as follows…” Hilbert turns to his companions and proceeds to explain his intentions. “Henry, you will distract that thing while I cut its wings, the impact will be enough for it to stay down for some time. I will use the supreme magic of the Sword of Light, as I do not know the resistance of its wings, so I cannot contain myself. Unfortunately, my aura will be weak so I will be unable to use other spells. After that, I ask that you, Amadeus use the supreme spell of containment, which will immobilize the creature. This will give Gödel some time. All of our aura will be used in the skies with our weapons and yours will be exhausted after this enchantment.” says Hilbert. Flick looks at Hilbert and speaks with a worried face:

“If Gödel does not defeat the wizard in time, that plan will fail miserably and we will have to fight this beast without any spells.” the fear on the young man’s face was remarkable.

“Amadeus,” says Leon looking in the eyes of his friend. “Just focus on not letting us fall from that height! We will not be able to use this enchantment with our entire aura concentrated on our weapons!” says Leon with an angry stare. Flick nods as he utters magical words that echoed like a strong wind.

“By the blessing of Ignis Helius, eternal protector of all-sky creatures, I invoke the elemental wings of the wind.”

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The armor of the two other warriors was enveloped in a kind of light aura while wings, invisible as the wind, emerged from the warriors' backs. Leon and Hilbert fly towards the creature. As they ascend to the skies, the two talk about the plan.

“Henry, I ask you to hold on as long as you can.” Hilbert looks with concern at his friend who responds.

“Trust me! I will use the Drilling Spear of Light and this will be your chance.” Leon looks at Hilbert confidently.

“Watch out for the blasts of fire, Henry!” Hilbert nods as he moves away from Leon. The prince needed to hide his presence as much as possible for the sneak attack to take effect.

While this was happening in the conflict zone with the creature, Gödel and Fenriz were approaching the hill to which the wolf climbs with its sharp claws.

Fenriz had detected a peculiar smell, which was coming from the top of the hill, just needed to go up without drawing much attention. Gödel sensing his partner's reaction leaves his back and begins to climb the hill cautiously. They were about five feet from the top.

In the skies, Leon approaches the beast making long-range attacks allowed by his long spear. The creature was much faster in the air. The beast made very fast and intense attacks against Leon that shattered the barrier of sound, but the levitation magic helped a little to soften the impacts that the warrior blocked with his spear, dodged some, and used his spear to pierce the beast flesh.

Leon made quick attacks hitting the creature several times. Hilbert waits intently for a breach, but Leon was suffering many powerful direct attacks. That way he wouldn't be able to summon the ultimate magic on his spear. The beast stops in the air and laughs out loud.

“Why don't you join the fun, Your Majesty?” Hilbert and Leon look surprised. “Do you really think I didn't notice your presence? Your friend is fighting alone and you and the other one down there just watch it.”

The creature looks at Flick from above with a sinister smile on his face and complements.

“I've never seen men fly before! I think that aura down there is responsible for that. Let's see if you can fly after I pulverize that magical little man down there.” the creature dives with a closed fist at high speed towards Flick.

Hilbert and Leon try to follow the creature, but the speed of the beast is meteoric. The creature was getting closer to Amadeus, who, horrified, focused on maintaining his spell even at the cost of his life.

When the creature was closer it got blasted with a rain of arrows all shot at its head. It was a sequence of very quick shots; at least twenty arrows had hit the creature in critical places like eyes, nose, and ear.

The creature is disoriented from its trajectory and bangs its huge fist one foot away from Flick. The shockwave was so big that it had thrown Flick away and made him lose focus on his spell. The arrows were fired by Charlotte who was running towards Amadeus who was knocked out by the shockwave of the devastating blow.

The warriors were falling at an altitude of about a hundred feet, which would make a strong and deadly impact. While they were close to the ground, the spell seemed to have recovered its power; it was enough to land safely. Hilbert, who had already noticed the whole situation, begins to prepare his spell of the light sword and Leon follows him with the spell of the light spear, supreme magic, and the last magical resources of the two. This was the right moment to strike back, but Hilbert only hoped that Gödel had put an end to the supposed wizard that was resurrecting the creature.

The demonic being writhed in pain, taking the last arrows out of his head as it was penetrated by Leon's glowing drilling attack that hit in the beast head. Hilbert also makes his supreme attack and breaks the creature into pieces, with a vertical blow and two diagonals.

The creature spurted black blood and dismounted into pieces. Everyone looked at the creature expecting the worst, but the creature starts to burn and turn in to smoke.

“Gödel did it!” exclaims Hilbert victorious.

In the distance, they could see Gödel riding astride Fenriz. Everyone seemed relieved at that moment. Marjorie approaches the battle place and goes to Charlotte who was helping Amadeus.

“Will he be fine?” Asks the princess looking at Charlotte.

“Yes, but if the impact was a little closer, he would not be so lucky.” Charlotte lifts Flick's head and puts a small sip of a red potion in his mouth. Slowly, Amadeus started to react and wake up.

“What ... what ... happened ... huh?” asks Flick still disoriented. Hilbert approaches and speaks to his companion.

“You are alive, Amadeus, we defeated the creature!” Hilbert smiles at his friend and completes: “You did a great job, get some rest now.” Hilbert looks smiling at his sister and Charlotte as Leon approached with Gödel and Fenriz. “Thanks to the two ladies for their help. Without you, we would not have been able to save Amadeus nor our skin.” Says Hilbert bowing to the girls who look at him and smile.

“The arrows came from Charlotte, but for what reason, when we fell, you asked us to spare our aura?” Leon questions, looking surprised and mends:

“It seems that you knew that the wind spell would regain its power,” says Leon, with a puzzled face staring at everyone around him.

“The spell that saved us came from Marjorie! I saw her aura from up there!” says Hilbert. Gödel and Leon look at the princess with surprise.

“Good thing I could hear the words that poor man said, otherwise you would be fused to the ground,” Says Marjorie returning to her normal state of arrogance.

“Hey… Hilbert!” Leon looks angrily at his friend. “You did not know if the princess, in fact, could use this levitation magic, and yet you asked me to avoid using it while we fell to our death. With all due respect Hilbert, but that was very risky.” Leon approaches Flick while Hilbert puts his hand on his neck with a half-hearted smile.

“She's kidding, Leon!” The prince looks at the girl with a little fear of the answer. “Isn't that right, Marjorie?” The prince feared the answer to his question.

“Actually, it was that or a devastating tornado, but I doubt that it would help you much.” Marjorie laughs at her brother's face and mends. “You should be more careful Hilbert, as Sir Leon mentioned before.”

Hilbert was trying to lighten the mood, in vain. He looks at Gödel and asks:

“What about you, Gödel? Did you find the wizard who was resurrecting the creature?”

“It was not a wizard,” says Gödel, and everyone looks surprised and listens attentively as the ranger starts to explain the situation.

“When I went up that hill there was only a black skull that emanated a purple light from its eyes sockets. It was placed on a short pole, full of odd writings that I couldn't read. The strange smell we were tracking was unusual, it kind of smelled like starfish or coral, my nose is not used to that smell, although I have smelled it before. I just broke the skull with a rock and that purple aura was gone.”

Gödel puts his hand on his chin and looks thoughtful as he wanted to remember where he knew that aroma.

“Hilbert!” exclaims Marjorie.

“I never read about any being in the whole world that resembled that type of creature. He vaguely resembled a Chimera that is found in the deserts of Sandstorm kingdom, but his body had characteristics and coloring that were too homogeneous to be one. The only chimeras that have a more harmonious fusion are the Werewolves.” Marjorie looks at the crater that the creature's fist had opened.

“Either they are enemies of another dimension or creatures that inhabited the land before the records were made by the first researchers.”

Hilbert recalls the confrontation with the first spectrum. “But it doesn't matter now. What matters is that many of my doubts were resolved after this macabre encounter. I need to explain a few things before we move on.”

“We will collect the horses and hide near the grove that is not far from here.” Says Gödel. “There, we can discuss your findings in peace, friend.” Gödel points to the direction of the grove. “There is a clearing there we can use to rest and eat something. That place is protected by an altar dedicated to Gaia. No creature from darkness dares in that blessed place.”

Tired of the battle and that gloomy encounter, everyone leaves for that peaceful place.

The clearing to which Gödel referred was used by his fellow brigade's patrolmen, there they lit a bonfire. Charlotte prepared the pans and food. Everyone sat around the fire waiting for supper.

The horses were near the trees grazing. The site was about four miles away from the site of the previous battle, which was far enough from danger and the grove’s trees formed a beautiful cover against any type of winged creature.

The sounds of insects and night birds gave more life to that peaceful and blessed place.

“That creature was more eloquent than Bravius and Brando combined.” the prince jokes to break the silence, but only Gödel laugh at the infamous comment.

“The bastard was very shrewd and was even stronger in the air. Air combat is one of our brigade specialties, yet that thing was besting me,” says Leon irritably and looking at the fire.

“I thought I would die at that moment, if the beautiful maiden had not hit the creature, with those accurate arrows,” says Flick, with his eyes closed recalling the shock wave that had hit him.

“Hey, Marjorie. I didn't know you could use magic.” Gödel throws a piece of dried meat to Fenriz.

“Your nose couldn't smell it? That's right; you can't even detect your common sense, let alone my skills.” Marjorie turns her face away.

“All the skills gathered led us to victory, Marjorie,” says Charlotte, smiling and serves a stew dish for the princess and complements. “Including yours my dear!” The princess blushes her pale face as she takes Charlotte's plate with a smile.

“You guys can help yourselves!” Charlotte gives another smile and sits down with her plate.

They all help themselves and start eating quietly, it didn't even seem like they had been at risk for life an hour ago.

“Your food is my favorite charlotte!” says Hilbert that ate the stew almost with tears in his eyes.

Gödel and Marjorie look at each other with an "it looks like they're really dating, don't you think?" facial expression

“I think I would get as delicate as Hilbert if I ate your food every day, Charlotte! And not only when I steal it from Marjorie’s room.” Gödel is smeared with the food.

Fenriz kept looking at the ranger almost asking for a little. Gödel serves the wolf a little in the bowl he was eating, which leaves the wolf wagging its tail in happiness.

“It is much better than the food from our brigade’s cook, isn't it, Henry?” Flick smiles at his friend who nods in response.

“I ate your food every day, Charlotte. You never did anything that I didn't enjoy. Hilbert talked about you almost every day, but he never mentioned that you knew how to use the bow that way.” says Marjorie smiling.

Hilbert starts to blush and starts to eat his food faster. Gödel tries to keep from laughing, but the effort was in vain.

“I used to do tricks with a bow and arrow when I traveled with my troupe through the cities of the kingdom.” Charlotte looks sadly at the fire. Marjorie understands that it should have been difficult memories and decides to change the subject.

“I didn't see you use any weapons, Sir Flick.” Marjorie asks looking at the young man.

“That's why I don't use any, Your Majesty,” replied Flick. “I only carry this short sword because it is mandatory. My specialty in the brigade is enchantments and spells; I guess I serve only as support. I have been training to expand the limits of my aura since I was a kid.”

“You must have read many books about magic, right?” asks the princess that wanted to see how much Amadeus knew about the subject.

“I read some,” Flick replies sheepishly. Hilbert and Leon laugh at the answer. The princess looked disappointed.

“Your Majesty, Amadeus, besides training his aura and spells, just read books day and night,” Leon says, still contemplating the fire while finishing eating. The princess's eyes start to shine.

“It is true! And he is descent using that sword,” says Hilbert. “His nickname in the brigade was “I’mapage Flicker". What was the book count we did make on last year's bet, Henry?”

“It was two hundred and two just last year and the Vice Commander was correct. Everyone in the brigade put a gold coin on the bet. I missed it by one. It would be five thousand gold coins!” Leon looks down, clenching his fist.

“But she donated all that money to the orphanage,” says Flick smiling. “Your joke at my expense pays a lot for those poor children every year, which makes me happy after all.”

At this moment Marjorie sits next to Flick, pulling on various subjects about science and magic, both of them begin to demonstrate a lot of knowledge about these topics.

The two seemed to be immersed in their conversation, sort of forgetting everything around them. The new fact about the brigadier really impressed the princess. She never thought that in the wilderness she would find someone who liked to read as much as she liked, and also mastered several areas of knowledge.

Charlotte was ready to take care of washing the utensils. Hilbert offers to help, but the redhead refuses help with a smile on her face. Hilbert follows to find the altar of Gaia and after a while he says a prayer to the Goddess and light a candle he took out of his raw leather bag.

After eating and resting for a while, the prince returns from the altar and starts talking about the issue that was bothering him. Everyone is quiet and paying attention.

“I'm almost sure what I'm going to talk about now. I trust everyone around me and I will speak openly. I just ask you not to reveal the content of our conversation, as it would put many people's lives at stake.” Hilbert frowned without realizing the tension he felt and continues:

“The two enemies of unknown origin that I faced knew that I was a member of royalty. They must have some kind of connection, as they had the same red glow in their eyes and emanated the same purple aura. I thought the specter that attacked me that night at the library wanted to steal secret files, but that thing was watching the library exit from the top. If that fiend wanted to enter the library, it would have done so easily. What that wraith did not expect is that I would leave the library from another way. As it did not attract the attention of any patrolman, ranger, brigadier, or soldier, I can only assume that someone who has access to the palace has summoned it up there. And that person knew that I would be in that place at that hour. The second enemy knew of our route which confirms that the person, who heard about the route and time of our departure for our journey, was in the meeting room yesterday afternoon. I discarded the Troderitch brothers for obvious reasons. Don’t get me wrong Bravius has a big brain for Math, but not so much for words and plans. Kayleigh is like a mother to me, in addition to being one of the most faithful and truthful women I have ever met. Gödel identified the scent of that skull as of things that are found at the bottom of the sea. I can only think of one person who would have access to that skull that was probably obtained at the bottom of the sea. All these assumptions make me point that person behind all of this is the Commander of the Octopus Brigade; Napoleon Serraphin!” everyone seemed shocked by the statement and Hilbert continues. “Furthermore, the second creature said it would not chew my bones, which leads me to believe that I am their target. And the first one wanted to petrify my body, even though it threatened to kill me. I can only guess by putting these two facts together is that do need my body, dead or alive, for some reason. But the last hypothesis must be confirmed.”

Everyone there was thinking about what the prince had just said. There were so many different thoughts for each head, but none of them doubted a word of what the prince said. Hilbert continues to speak.

“I am sorry for not telling the whole truth before, and I was right not doing so. Who knows how many people are sided with Napoleon. For all these reasons, I say that it is no longer safe for us to travel together, as I am a risk to your safety. I wanted to be mistaken, but the last enemy confirmed that hypothesis. In addition, all attacks from these fiends occur at night. Stay alert at night and sleep during the day if possible. I'm leaving for the Shadow Forest with Gödel and Fenriz. The elves that live there have the answers I am looking for. I'm not going to talk to you about the end of the world or about fairy tales or legends, but I need to make sure that all these strange events that are happening are not an omen of something worse to come. And if it is really the end, I need to find a way to avoid it at all costs, for the sake of all of you and our people.”

“I swore loyalty to Whitecastle and also to you, Hilbert, until the day of my death. I want to accompany you on this journey. Then we'll kill that damn traitor!” says Leon with determination.

“I'm also at your disposal Hilbert. I can be of help in your search. In addition, it is very dangerous to go there with few members on the team.” Says Flick concerned about his friend.

“I need you to protect Marjorie. You cannot approach Napoleon until I have more concrete evidence. If you mention his betrayal, without proof, you will be putting your lives and the people of the kingdom at risk. He needs to have the illusion that nobody knows about his plans, so he will be careless and close to our reach. I'm sure he's involved with the cultists. Eventually, he will lead us to the leader of these damn murderers so we can finally nip the evil in the bud.”

Charlotte watched Hilbert with admiration, for she had never seen him speak so eloquently and intelligently, although the news was disturbing to the redhead.

The young woman walks over to Hilbert and kisses him on the mouth. Marjorie blushes to see that scene. Gödel gives a big smile while the others look in surprise at that scene. After the kiss the redhead speaks in a sweet voice:

“Give me back that kiss when you get back, okay?” Charlotte's eyes were shining. Hilbert without reaction and blushing looks at his beloved and replies:

“I'll give it back twice. I promise!” says Hilbert, holding Charlotte's hands and giving her a hug, then heads towards his horse.

Gödel and Marjorie at this point could only have developed a certain kind of strange bizarre facial communication, look at each other with a "they are finally together! Hooray!" face. Hilbert takes a large parchment from his horse and opens it, extending it to the floor.

“This large scroll was made to be used to transport people magically to other places; it was developed for a possible emergency, in case someone important needed to escape in a hurry. It cost me a fortune, I asked the Dean Duke Habbermann himself to check its making and incantations. I needed him to expand the number of people it could carry, but the maximum number of beings it carries is three. The other scroll is already in the Southstar castle protected by King Bruce Allende’s Royal Guard. Everyone there are waiting for your arrival. I have another one that takes us to the entrance to the Shadow Forest. Morgan has assembled another team that awaits us.

“So, that implies that one of us will have to ride a horse to Southstar!” Marjorie affirms this by looking at her companions while Leon approached with the other horses.

“I'll go there on horseback,” Leon responds quickly. “I'm only going to go to the next inn at Blueberry Town, so I can keep the horses safe in the stables. I'll meet you at Southstar in about three or four days. These speed potions would only hinder me from taking five more horses with me. I will use it after sheltering the other horses. Take care and good luck on your journey.” Leon, who had already assembled the horses quickly when Hilbert mentioned the carrying capacity of the parchment, leaves for the south. He did not like the idea that any of his companions could risk taking that road. Everyone stopped to watch Leon's departure, which was already distant on the horizon.

“Sir Leon is so serious!” says Marjorie watching the warrior move further away as dawn arrived. “Will he be okay alone?”

“Unfortunately, he is the best choice to make this solo journey.” Says Hilbert. “He's one of the best warriors in our brigade, maybe the best one. He alone has defeated a horde of six hundred lizard men, and their strength is much greater than that of an experienced Royal Guard soldier of our kingdom.” Hilbert looks at Marjorie and pats her shoulder. “Don't worry sister. He'll be fine!”

“I remember that day!” Flick looks at the princess. “They attacked a village on the edge of the kingdom, for the lack of luck of those reptilians, Henry was there. Hilbert, Dani, and I arrived later. Henry was covered in purple blood. I would like to forget that vision.” Flick closes his eyes and smiles at the princess trying to hide the expression of disgust.

“And how does this scroll work, Hilbert?” asks Charlotte looking at the parchment full of magic circles drawn on it.

“It's very simple, just stay on top of it, but it has to be one at a time. After the third being use it, the parchment loses its effect.” Replies Hilbert.

“I go first to make sure everything is okay. See you soon guys and please take care!” Flick climbs on top of the parchment that looks like a rug. A bluish aura surrounds him as he disappears.

“Well, I think it's my turn now. Take care of Hilbert for me Gödel. And you too Fenriz!” Charlotte winks at Hilbert and climbs on top of the parchment, disappearing with the same aura that enveloped Amadeus.

“I'm going, brother! Take care of yourselves, you buffoons. I just hope your teammates are less crazy than both of you. Come back to get me, Hilbert! I will be waiting for you and Gödel to arrive alive, or I will not forgive you in the other world.” while Marjorie was heading to the parchment, she stops and goes towards her brother embracing him, then turns to the ranger who expected an embrace with open arms, but the young girl kicks Gödel right in the region of his lower parts.

“That's for you being an insensitive idiot! Learn to have manners!” The princess returns to the parchment, making a face at Gödel, who writhes in pain on the grass. The princess disappears in the same way as the others. Hilbert starts to laugh at his friend's unhappy situation as the wolf wags its tail, licking the ranger on the ground.

“Stop it Fenriz! I am not kidding you bastard!” Gödel speaks in a voice of pain. Hilbert laughs even more.

“Hilbert, you bastard! Stop laughing and help me up, you idiot!” Hilbert lifts his friend and pats Gödel on the back.

“There, there, Gödel. I’m sorry for laughing. I never thought Marjorie could be able to hit you, but you’re the one who taunted her first. Get yourself together, because it's our turn to leave.” Hilbert spread the other scroll on the floor. “Go first, who knows, the pain go away faster.” Hilbert pushes Gödel, still half arched in pain, to the scroll and he disappears just like the others.

Fenriz automatically stops on top of the parchment and is also transported. Finally, Hilbert climbs on the parchment and disappears.

All magical transports went well. The first three were in the castle being warmly welcomed by King Bruce's servants and the others were at the entrance to the forest being welcomed by two more people.

Everything was quiet at Southstar Castle. At the entrance to the forest, there was no sign of enemies either. Dawn came bringing hope to everyone's hearts. The calm was a relief, although the weight of their separation was heavy in their hearts.