As their journey began, Joseph inquired where they were heading, to which Yoshi responded that they were en route to the city of Hakodate. From there, they would travel to other cities and regions in need of aid, allying with local warriors to restore their lands to their former glory.

“It’s a three-day ride, so we must remain vigilant,” Yoshi explained. “Monsters and supernaturals are rampaging through territories, weakening their defenses.”

Yoshi went on to explain that some had reported these creatures possessing powerful relics and treasures, which was unusual unless they were being manipulated. “Although not all of these creatures can be easily controlled,” Yoshi added. “If they are being influenced, it's likely the renegades are behind it. These relics, in their possession, could be crafted into dangerous artifacts. While most relics are powerful on their own, when reforged into something unique, they become far more dangerous.”

“How did such relics end up in the possession of other regions rather than being kept safe in the kingdom?” Joseph asked curiously.

“A good question,” Yoshi replied. “But while the kingdom is safe, it isn’t invulnerable. Storing all relics in one place would make the kingdom a prime target for those seeking power. As we’ve seen with the renegades, even the most secure defenses can be infiltrated by insiders.”

He continued, “These relics were distributed to various regions for their own defense. Each land governed by the kingdom is responsible for its relics and treasures—until all hell breaks loose.”

“Interesting,” Joseph thought to himself.

As they traveled, they rescued some travelers who had been attacked by fierce beasts. Yoshi’s comrades swiftly dealt with the threat, and the grateful travelers continued on their way. Along their route, they faced and overcame numerous obstacles before finally making camp for the night.

While a few guards stood watch, Yoshi and Joseph rested in their tent. Lyra, who was also keeping watch, sensed something amiss. She noticed a raven perched on a tall tree, its eyes glowing red as it monitored their camp. Before the raven could flee, Lyra shot a burst of magical flames from her left hand, consuming it instantly. This action stirred a flurry of hidden ravens, which scattered under the moonlight, their presence revealed by her swift attack.

The next day, the crew continued their journey, facing fierce monsters and supernatural creatures. When the warriors struggled, Lyra stepped in, displaying her overwhelming power and skill. Her prowess intrigued Joseph, prompting him to ask Yoshi about Lyra’s past.

As they rode, Yoshi began by mentioning how Lyra had defended and vouched for Joseph during the council’s hearing, for which Joseph expressed his gratitude. Yoshi then delved into Lyra’s background.

“Lyra’s name spelled backward is Aryl, which is her true demonic name when she transforms,” Yoshi explained. “She’s a hybrid—half demon, half witch. Her father was an ancient demon, on par with the king and queen in terms of power. He married Lyra’s mother, a powerful witch from a renowned witch clan. During a great battle against dark forces, Lyra’s mother summoned the demon for help, promising her hand in marriage as payment for his aid. Her sacrifice saved the clan, but their peace was short-lived.”

Joseph listened closely as Yoshi continued. “Lyra’s father was ultimately betrayed by one of his own subordinates, who sought greater power from a supernatural source. The subordinate deemed Lyra’s father a traitor for mating with a human and considered their union an abomination. Lyra’s father died protecting his wife and children, but his death marked the end of their family. Lyra was the sole survivor. Her human sister also perished during the conflict.”

Yoshi’s tone softened as he reflected on Lyra’s tragic story. “Lyra was born without a heart. After the demons were defeated, King Yusuke and Queen Naomi—my parents—rescued her. They took her in as their own. Lyra, desperate to save her sister’s soul, begged the monarchs for help. But it was too late to revive her sister. The only solution was to merge her sister’s soul with hers and infuse her sister’s heart into Lyra’s body using dark magic. That’s why Lyra has two different-colored eyes—a symbol of her sister’s lingering presence.”

Joseph absorbed the story, understanding the weight of Lyra’s past. Yoshi continued, “The royal family raised Lyra as one of us. She became close to my brother and me, and we bonded like family. She trained under our guidance, mastering both combat and magic, but her natural heritage allowed her to surpass even what we taught her. Eventually, she avenged her clan’s death after uncovering the mastermind behind the attack.”

Yoshi’s voice grew more solemn. “Lyra can transform into a powerful demonic hybrid, a terrifying blend of witch and demon. She’s been infused with royal aura and magic, and she possesses the ‘All-Seeing Eye of the Almighty.’ With this ability, she can see through the very essence of one’s body, mind, and soul. She can trap and consume her target’s existence, erasing them from reality.”

“She’s also capable of casting hexes, stealing and manipulating souls, and controlling astral forms. Those she condemns are forced to wander aimlessly in the afterlife, void, or limbo, beyond any hope of redemption.”

Joseph marveled at the depth of Lyra’s power and the tragic events that had shaped her into the formidable warrior she had become.

Lyra possessed extraordinary abilities that set her apart from even the most powerful beings. She could detect magic, perceive its true form, and mimic almost any spell, summoning, or ability—even those on hyperversal and outerversal scales—despite her own aura level being classified as multiversal. Her talents extended beyond just replication; she could resurrect herself even if her essence was completely vanquished. Her life force was tied to the very essence of creation itself. To kill her permanently, one would need to destroy creation itself, and if creation were ever to be restored, so too would Lyra.

It was a risky gamble, but she had found a way to make this connection work, aided by powerful forces. Only beings that transcended hyperversal and outerversal levels could end her permanently. However, if the combined might of several hyperversal or outerversal beings were united, it might change her fate. Despite her immense power, Lyra had her limitations. She might seem invincible, but she wasn't, as even she had weaknesses like everyone else. Still, with all that power, she remained one of the kindest souls Yoshi had ever encountered.

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"Truly, Joseph," Yoshi said with a grin, "perhaps you've experienced her softer side?"

Joseph only responded with a faint "hmm," but Yoshi continued, undeterred. "She may appear tough on the outside, but inside, she's compassionate and selfless. Once you get to know the real Lyra, you'll realize she's everything loving and kind. She’s not perfect, but she's as close to perfect as anyone can get. Despite everything she's been through—trials, temptations, battles—she's overcome obstacles that would break most. But Lyra... she remains unique, generous to a fault."

As they neared the end of their three-day journey, they finally arrived at Hakodate City, only to be greeted by a scene of chaos. The defenders of the city were engaged in a fierce battle, struggling against rampaging monsters. The situation looked grim, with the defenders on the verge of defeat.

Just as Yoshi prepared to intervene, Lyra, with a slight nod from Yoshi, stepped forward. With a graceful flick of her fingers, she summoned her wand from thin air. It instantly transformed into a large staff, adorned with a glowing crystal that pulsed with intense magical energy. In one swift motion, Lyra spun the staff with one hand, its energy building to a crescendo.

The largest of the monsters, sensing the danger, gathered all its aura into a devastating blast, ready to unleash it from its mouth. But before it could fire, Lyra aimed her staff at the beast. The crystal pulsed once, and with pinpoint precision, it released a tremendous blast of magic. The monster's charged aura barely had time to react before Lyra’s attack hit. The impact was catastrophic. In an instant, the monster's head exploded, its skull shattered, brain matter splattered across the battlefield, and its body erupted from the inside out. Blood poured like rain, mingled with the monster's remains—shattered bones, intestines, and organs.

The saved warriors, now drenched in the remains of the beast, turned to see their saviors: Yoshi, Lyra, and Joseph standing just a few feet away.

Lyra, landing softly on the ground, extended her hand once more, releasing a non-lethal wave of magical energy that swept through the battlefield, vanquishing the remaining monsters into nothingness.

The defenders of Hakodate, some already recognizing Yoshi and Lyra, bowed in reverence for their saviors. Those who did not know them quickly followed suit, informed by their comrades of the royal pair’s identity. However, none of them recognized Joseph, who stood beside the two.

"Is it truly them?" one lower-ranking hunter whispered to himself. "Prince Yoshi and the Royal Witch Lyra from the Fujimori Wisteria Forest Kingdom are here to aid us? All my life I’ve heard stories of their power, but seeing it firsthand... it’s beyond anything the legends say."

With the pair's arrival, the hunter felt a renewed sense of hope. "With them here, we can finally rid ourselves of these monsters and supernaturals. It's an honor to stand in their presence," he murmured, though his gaze drifted to Joseph, curiosity gnawing at him. "Who is he? Their apprentice? A manservant, perhaps? He doesn’t seem like much of a warrior... but then again, he’s in good hands."

Yoshi, Lyra, Joseph, and their comrades approached the warriors they had just saved from near defeat. As they drew closer, Yoshi spoke softly, "Please, arise," prompting the warriors to rise to their feet. Their leader stepped forward, introducing himself with respect.

"I am Chiyori Momoka, a knight hunter, rank E, tier 11, and the leader of my esteemed comrades," Chiyori said, bowing slightly as he gestured toward his fellow warriors.

"He's a gnome," Joseph whispered into Yoshi's ear, his tone filled with quiet astonishment. Yoshi, however, only rolled his eyes in mild exasperation, clearly unfazed by Joseph's surprise.

Prince Yoshi immediately recognized Chiyori as one of the dispatched units previously sent to various regions to assist in times of crisis. Chiyori confirmed this, explaining that he had once served under the Fujimori Wisteria Forest Kingdom. His unit, along with other knights, hunters, and knight-hunters, had been assigned to defend different territories and protect them from various threats.

Chiyori then briefed Yoshi on the ongoing crises in the region, as well as updates from other lands that were also in dire need of aid. The severity of the situation was clear, with escalating attacks from both monsters and supernatural forces.

"Take us to your leader, the City Lord," Yoshi instructed, his voice calm but authoritative. Chiyori nodded respectfully, signaling for his men to prepare for the escort.

As they began to move, Joseph, walking beside Yoshi, voiced his confusion. "City Lord? Is that the title for a city's ruler? I would've thought it’d be mayor, governor, or something more interesting."

Yoshi smiled slightly at Joseph’s curiosity. "Hmm, well, titles for rulers vary across regions. While mayor, governor, and prefect are common, other cities use titles like city manager, lord mayor, or in this case, City Lord or Lady. Some even go by urban patriarch, matriarch, magister, or castellan," Yoshi explained patiently.

Joseph nodded slightly. "I see. So, it's all about regional preferences."

"Exactly," Yoshi affirmed.

Once they arrived in the city, the travelers who had come with Yoshi, Lyra, and Joseph were well taken care of. Those who had homes in Hakodate returned to their residences, while others were provided with accommodations in the city’s guest houses. Yoshi's presence and the swift response of his group had already shifted the atmosphere in the city from one of desperation to hope.

As they made their way to the city lord’s residence, the streets were lined with citizens offering grateful bows and whispers of admiration for their new saviors. Despite the looming threats, the arrival of Yoshi, Lyra, and their companions brought a sense of security that the people of Hakodate had sorely missed.