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The next day, Seletina woke up before the sun rose. Dragging her leaden body out of bed, she stared at her reflection with the blankets still covering her.

“……”

Her skin was snow-white without any dark circles under her eyes or puffiness. Seletina’s skin, which was the pinnacle of beauty, was still glowing even with little sleep.

Despite this, there were minor inconsistencies that only Seletina could tell. Her eyelids were weighing on her eyes, and her once peach-colored lips had somewhat faded.

Seletina pinched her cheeks with a bit of force. The pain expelled her drowsiness, and a few tears welled up in her deep blue eyes.

“Lichter…” Seletina muttered the name of the masked man she’d met the night before.

Although she hadn’t seen the man’s face, nor had the man confirmed it, Seletina couldn’t imagine the man being anyone else but Lichter. Many questions emerged in Seletina’s thoughts as she tried to convince herself that the man in the mask she had encountered was Lichter.

(Why did he attack me? Why didn’t he inform me that he was alright? Why was he wearing that mask? Why, why, why…)

“I have no clue…” There was no way for Seletina to know. This uneasy feeling in her heart was increasing Seletina’s concern for the outcome of the critical battle.

Seletina exhaled weakly and decided to put the matter with Lichter on hold for now. She buried it into the very depths of her heart. To the innermost area where it wouldn’t dim the brilliance of her sword.

“It’s already morning…”

The morning had finally come. The jet black of the night began to change to a soft purple as it caught the orange hues of the morning sun.

Seletina opened the window, letting in a strong, cool breeze that she wasn’t sure was coming from the morning or the evening. Her tiny ears were slightly jostled by the far-off bird chirping.

The morning was here. The morning that could turn out to be Seletina’s last.

◇◇◇

A grim energy pervaded the city. Everyone, from soldiers to serfs and even hermits, understood that the situation allowed no room for even the slightest relaxation.

The air thickened with the sound of heavy hustle and occasional cries of infants in response. People’s faces, filled with anxiety and tension, bore a gloomy expression. It felt as though they were being led to a guillotine.

They were all headed towards Imitia Belbed’s ship— towards Ulbdor’s west gate where the Ark awaited. Though not exactly well-behaved, the mass was disciplined by the soldiers and walked solemnly toward the Ark.

“You can still get on,” Seletina called out, dressed in white and standing on the viewing platform of the towering clock tower. She looked down at the river-like stream of people below. Her words were directed at her old friend, Imitia Belbed.

“That’s an insensitive thing to say to a devoted warrior.” Imitia remarked jokingly and proceeded to quench her thirst with a leather water bag. Imitia’s determination was firm. She would not change her mind.

However, Seletina considered Imitia as a close friend, even family, and couldn’t help but be concerned for Imitia’s safety.

“I see…” Even though Seletina accepted Imitia’s decision, her expression was solemn.

She couldn’t help but wonder just how much her expression would light up if Imitia changed her mind and decided to board the ship. However, she knew that Imitia wouldn’t have a change of heart.

Imitia examined her dagger, her silver wolf ears twitching without a hint of hesitation. In truth, Seletina was overstepping, considering that they had made a promise to either face death together or return side by side.

“It’s almost time,” Imitia said, putting away her pocket watch in her clothes.
“Okay…”

Seletina gave a slight nod and followed her friend, her expression pensive as she trailed behind. The back of her friend, once so distinct in Seletina’s memory, now seemed as broad as her own. Seletina understood that she was smaller now, and it was also because of this that she felt Imitia’s back was so dependable.

There were ten hours to go until Ulbdor’s gate opened, and the decisive battle began. Seletina burned all of the people she saw in her mind. The visions of the people she’d sworn to protect.

“Imitia.”
“Huh?”
“We’ll protect them no matter what.”
“Of course…”
“And we too will come back, no matter what.”
“Of course…”

They exchanged only a few words, yet for them, it was sufficient. Their hands naturally clasped and held tightly together, a silent testament to their shared resolve.

After a thirty-minute walk, they arrived at Ulbdor’s eastern gate, destined to become a gate of hell as the sun set. The atmosphere here was unsettling.

In stark contrast to the bustling crowds they had passed earlier, a palpable heat and an eerie stillness hung in the air around the gate. The fully armored troops looked as if they were on the brink of boiling over, yet none spoke a word. Their silence hung heavy, leaving it uncertain whether they were lost in thought or paralyzed by fear of the Demons lurking just beyond the gate.

“Amazing…” Imitia muttered.

Although she’d said that as if almost in a trance, Seletina couldn’t help but agree with her. The 2,000 soldiers gathered here were all those who had given up their lives. A group of brave heroes who’d gathered here to help their families escape, and help their city.

Seletina couldn’t help but show them respect. She was proud to be able to fight alongside them. Seletina’s mouth was closed shut as she walked forward with a silent determination.