Interlude

Before meeting Fichte, Mandeln had no one left in her life to lean on. After escaping her home and leaving everything behind, she traveled the world for more than two years, all alone as she searched for a place she could call her new home. That’s why, when she heard that Ätherisch was less than two months of travel away, she remembered the old diary she had taken without permission, never intending to return it.

That’s it! She thought. How could I forget?

No one would blame her if she had forgotten the reason why all this began, especially since more pressing matters occupied her mind. Yet she eventually remembered—her time at the academy, the night incursions to the library, and most importantly, a day that was supposed to be one of the most important in her life, a day that truly lived up to that expectation.

Because on that fateful day, Mandeln fell into a dungeon.

Even as a child, Mandeln was never someone who followed the rules strictly. So, when she was tasked with finding her favorite root to carve her staff from and create an instrument for her magic, she wanted the very best. And she knew exactly where to find it. Ewig Baum roots, the most resonant and with the most beautiful and delicate grain, were found only deep within the Verloren Secret Forest—her grandfather had told her so. And, of course, it was far beyond where they were allowed to go.

So, despite the warnings, she ventured deep into the Verloren Forest.

Mandeln’s skin tingled with electricity. Compared to the grove near the academy, the energy here felt even more ordered and harmonious—a place so sacred and untouched that she couldn’t help but keep exploring.

Eventually, the air around her began to swirl strangely, and Mandeln noticed a fluctuation in the energy. As she went to investigate, it took just one step—and a lot of bad luck—for the ground beneath her to crumble, sending her tumbling into a hollow chamber underground.

I can’t get out. Mandeln thought as she glanced around. As her eyes adjusted to the dark, she noticed the damp walls, the claustrophobic corridors, and the unsettling feeling that something might be watching her. Despite never having been in one before, she was completely certain. This is a dungeon.

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Alone, slightly afraid, and with a twisted ankle, she slowly wandered the intricate, earthy paths carved by ancient creatures and tree roots, deeper and deeper into the cavern. From what Mandeln could see, this dungeon was a natural one, which was advantageous—at least she wouldn’t have to worry about traps.

Eventually, she arrived at an underground clearing, some sort of spherical pocket, filled with refined and visually stunning roots.

I found them. Little Mandeln thought in excitement. Ewig Baum roots!

They were just as beautiful as her grandpa had told her—so smooth and refined that there was no need to polish them at all. Despite having no known way out, she was ecstatic. Her classmates would be so jealous when they saw her brandishing her new staff.

As she approached the roots, a strong arm violently shoved her to the side. Looking at its owner, she saw a young man bravely fending off a heinous wild beast. Fang against iron, the skilled warrior made quick work of the creature, sending it to its maker.

Oh, so this is the man I’ll marry. little Mandeln thought, recalling the stories from the books at home. Mother! I’ve found my prince!

The man’s name was Saufer. He treated her with kindness, showered her in riches, and—at her request—chose the most beautiful Ewig Baum root of all. Then, like the gentleman he was, he guided her to the exit. Under the violet sunset, they promised to meet again.

What a strange thing to remember. Mandeln thought, her brow dripping with sweat. Especially at a time like this.

Surrounded by her wounded comrades, it felt so out of place to recall that memory once again.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she desperately healed the only friend she had left, knowing it was futile when all her comrades lay unconscious and wiped out around her.

We’re going to die.

Yet, like a child, she clung to that memory, hoping to relive it when she crossed the veil.

As the matriarch of all Kaltehölle spiders in Ätherisch launched her final attack, Mandeln thought of him.