After several days of intense training, Naseria and Ourania sat beneath a large tree inside the training arena, taking a well-deserved break.
"Thanks for the food, Essa," Ourania said gratefully as she took another bite.
"You're welcome," Odessa replied with a warm smile.
The two had grown closer ever since Odessa began bringing food to the training arena. Despite coming from different worlds, their friendship blossomed quickly, much to Naseria's quiet relief. Ourania was as talkative as Odessa, which suited Naseria just fine, as she tended to get exhausted from too much conversation.
As Naseria laid back and took a quick nap under the tree, Odessa gently woke her up after some time. When she opened her eyes, Naseria saw King Theon approaching with Silas by his side. Both Odessa and Ourania immediately stood up and bowed, but Naseria remained seated before slowly getting up.
"Hello, Miss Naseria," King Theon greeted, his voice calm and measured. "It's been a long time since we last met."
"Huh, really? It felt like I just saw you a moment ago," Naseria said, and the king chuckled in response.
"Well, ladies, could you give us a moment to talk?" King Theon requested. Naseria and Odessa exchanged glances before Odessa and Ourania stepped out, leaving Naseria alone with the king.
"I hope your training has been going well," King Theon said. "You've improved a great deal in such a short period of time."
Naseria folded her arms, her expression unamused. "Just stop beating around the bush and tell me what you came here to say."
The king sighed and nodded, his expression growing serious. "I apologize. I need you to meet me later, after your training," he said, his tone hinting at something important.
Naseria narrowed her eyes but nodded in agreement. "Fine. I’ll be there."
After the training, that afternoon, Naseria made her way directly to the king’s study. As she entered, she noticed Silas already standing next to King Theon, who gestured for her to sit.
"Miss Naseria, why don't you take a seat," King Theon said calmly.
Naseria sat down in front of him, her expression composed but attentive.
"Your first mission will take you to the Dalhia Region," King Theon began. "According to our intel, people have been disappearing recently, and some have died from an unknown sickness."
He leaned forward slightly. "I want you to investigate and figure out what’s going on. I’ll be sending additional missions once you arrive in Dalhia. Silas will be responsible for sending regular reports. Wherever you go, I expect a report every seventh day. If you fail to send a report, I will send someone to find you."
"What do you mean disappear? And why assume they disappeared? Maybe they just ran away from this cramped kingdom," Naseria remarked.
The king paused, his gaze fixed on her, hesitating.
Naseria raised an eyebrow, understanding dawning on her. "It’s the Harrowsouls, isn’t it?"
King Theon’s eyes widened. "It’s... not," he stammered.
She sighed. "Look, kid, I’m too old for this."
The king looked down, then admitted, "You’re right—it is them. How did you know?"
"You mentioned the sea was dying," Naseria replied.
"Unfortunately. But it’s just a hunch. I’m not certain it’s the Harrowsouls. We have a special group that tracks them, so it’s still only a theory," King Theon explained.
