Three days had passed since Estelle's "lesson" — or, as Nova privately called it, a near-death starvation ritual disguised as training.
Both he and Charlotte looked like walking skeletons as they dragged their weary bodies toward the main hut. The moment the doors opened, a wave of heavenly aroma hit them. Before them stood a full buffet — roasted meat, steaming bread, fruits glistening with honey.
Their stomachs growled in unison.
Neither spoke a word. They just charged.
Plates clattered, bowls emptied, and by the end of it, both of them were slumped back in their chairs, lifeless yet satisfied.
Nova exhaled. "Yo, Chief… how'd you know we were being starved to death? Estelle tell you?"
The village chief chuckled. "Aye, it was Estelle's idea. Said you'd need a feast after the ordeal she put you through."
Nova's eyes widened in disbelief. "Well, I'll be damned. The witch does have a heart."
Charlotte smiled softly. "See? Estelle can be thoughtful when she wants to be."
Before either could say more, thump-thump-thump! — Shelly ran in, Luma flapping after her in playful circles. She hopped onto Loyed's lap with a grin.
"Hey, Nova! Can I keep Luma? I promise I'll take good care of her!"
Nova laughed. "Sorry, kiddo. A kid can't take care of another kid. But hey, maybe when Luma has kids of her own, you can take care of them."
Shelly puffed her cheeks. "That's gonna take forever! You're no fun, big brother!"
Nova chuckled, patting her head. "There, there. Tell you what — if you behave, I'll bring you back a gift from Rulisia."
Her eyes sparkled. "Really!?"
"Really," he said with a grin. "Now go play with Luma while you can. She's got wings, but I doubt she'll forget her first friend."
Shelly cheered, running off with Luma close behind — laughter echoing through the hut.
Charlotte watched them with a faint smile. "They're going to miss you when we leave."
Nova leaned back, his golden-brown eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. "Yeah… me too."
The morning sun broke over the hills, painting Luna Village in a soft amber glow. The air carried the scent of dew and rebuilding — wood, earth, and hope.
At the village gate, three horses waited — sleek, strong, and still wearing faint traces of Ruwen armor. Their reins glimmered faintly in the light.
Nova adjusted the strap on his black cloak, his golden-brown eyes sweeping across the familiar rooftops. Home. For the first time, the word meant something real.
Charlotte fastened her small pack to her horse, her blonde hair catching the breeze. "I still can't believe we're really leaving," she said softly.
Luma rested on her shoulder, chirping in agreement.
"Leaving?" Estelle scoffed, lazily climbing onto her horse. "We're not leaving — we're upgrading our living conditions. Bigger skies, better wine."
Before they could continue, a familiar voice called out. "Nova!"
Shelly came sprinting up the dirt path, waving frantically, her small feet kicking up dust. Luma leapt from Charlotte's shoulder, fluttering around the girl with a cheerful cry.
Panting, Shelly handed Nova a tiny charm — a bundle of twine and beads. "Here! For good luck! I made it myself!"
Nova crouched down, smiling. "That so? Then I'll count on it to keep us alive." He tied it around his wrist, the sunlight catching its colors.
Charlotte dismounted briefly to hug Shelly. "Be good, okay? Help everyone while we're gone."
Shelly nodded, fighting tears. "You promise you'll come back?"
"Promise."
Even the village chief was there, pipe in hand. His wrinkled face softened. "You've given us peace again, Nova. Wherever your path leads, Luna will always be your home."
Nova gave a small bow. "Then I'll make sure this home never has to fear again."
The chief smiled faintly. "Go, then. And may the winds of Euphoria guide you."
Estelle rolled her eyes, though her tone carried warmth. "Alright, enough with the poetry, old man. Let's ride before I start crying."
Charlotte laughed softly, and even Nova's smirk couldn't hide the emotion behind his eyes.
With one last look at the village — the place that had changed them all — Nova mounted his horse. Charlotte followed beside him, and Estelle led the way, her cloak fluttering like dark silk in the wind.
As they crossed the ridge, the morning sun bathed them in gold. Behind them, the people of Luna waved.
And from above, Luma soared, her white wings cutting through the sky — a bright streak of hope marking the beginning of a new journey.
---
Nova — once known as Loyed in another world — and Elisia, who now walks as Estelle, have cast away their former selves.
These are no longer mere names, but vows.
Together, they march a path of no return — two souls bound by purpose, intent on reshaping the world, no matter the cost.
The morning sun stretched across the plains as Nova, Estelle, and Charlotte rode out from Luna Village — Luma perched lazily atop Nova's shoulder, her tiny wings fluttering in the breeze. Behind them, the village shrank into the distance, the first chapter of their journey now closed. Ahead waited the demi-human nation of Rulisia.
Nova studied the worn map in his hand, squinting. "This map's kind of confusing… the old man said Rulisia's east from here, right?"
Charlotte leaned closer, her hair catching the light. "Let me see that for a second."
"Yeah, sure — knock yourself out."
She traced her finger across the parchment with practiced focus. "Rulisia's actually north of Luna. If we head northeast first, we'll reach a forest before the border. It should take about a week in total — three days to the next village where we can rest."
Nova groaned, tucking the map away. "Three days of nothing but travel, huh? This feels way too familiar… At least this time I'm not carrying anyone."
He shot a glance toward Estelle.
The witch smirked without missing a beat. "Don't complain, it's not cute."
Charlotte giggled softly, and even Luma gave a chirp that sounded suspiciously like laughter as the group pressed on toward the unknown.
Three days later, the endless stretch of dirt road finally gave way to a fortified village — larger and far more developed than Luna. Tall fences of steel and wood surrounded it, and faint trails of smoke curled from the rooftops.
Charlotte glanced down at the map in her hands.
"It seems we've reached Kuraraga Village. According to the markings, it's part of Rulisian territory."
Nova exhaled in relief, patting his horse's neck.
"Three days of nonstop walking. You guys are tougher than you look."
Charlotte smiled wryly.
"And we haven't slept properly for five days if you include Estelle's… meditation training."
Nova groaned.
"Yeah, about that, Estelle—what was the point? I don't feel much different. Sure, I had those random bursts of energy, but that's gone now."
Estelle smirked, her eyes glinting like a teacher ready to humble a student.
"Oh? Is that so? Then get off your horse, Mr. Skeptic, and relive that feeling. Eyes open this time."
Nova arched a brow.
"Fine, but I don't see the—"
Before he could finish, violet energy flared around his body, crackling like living lightning. The ground beneath him rippled as his aura danced in the air. Charlotte gasped softly; even Nova himself looked stunned.
Estelle crossed her arms, smug.
"See? You've become conscious of your mana. You can now control it to a degree — something that usually takes years of training. But you…"
Her tone softened.
"You're a special case. For reasons I'd rather not explain just yet."
She flicked her hair over her shoulder and started toward the gate.
"Now come on. I'm feeling like a drink."
Nova climbed back onto his horse, still radiating faint traces of violet.
"Man, Estelle… half sorry I ever doubted you."
Charlotte looked between them with admiration.
"Nova and Estelle are both so amazing… I really need to catch up, or I'll just slow them down."
As the three of them rode into Kuraraga Village — Luma perched on Nova's shoulder.
They finally arrived at the village—its high fences wrapped the settlement like a wooden fortress.
But before they could even take a step closer, two demi-humans appeared, spears in hand.
"Halt!" barked one of them.
"Why are humans trespassing on our lands?" demanded the other.
One had grey hair and matching hound ears; the other, sleek blue-black hair and catlike ears that twitched with irritation.
Nova raised his hands slowly. "Will you look at that… real demi-humans," he thought, a faint grin on his face.
"Relax, gents. We come in peace."
Estelle mumbled under her breath, "Oh right… I forgot demi-humans don't exactly get along with humans."
The cat-eared one snarled, "Why should we believe anything you say? Humans only take—and use us."
Charlotte quickly stepped forward, her tone calm and sincere.
"I promise, we have no ill intent. We're just travelers passing through. We only need a place to rest for the night."
The hound-eared one scoffed.
"Hmph… That's what you all say—until our people go missing, sold off as slaves or trophies."
Nova's eyes darkened. Even in this world… humans treat others like dirt.
He dismounted, still keeping his hands raised.
The duo tensed, weapons shifting into battle stance.
"One more step, and you're dead," warned the hound.
"No, please don't fight!" Charlotte pleaded. "We just came from a humble village called Luna—"
"Wait," interrupted the cat. "What did you just say? Luna Village?"
Charlotte nodded. "Yes. Luna Village."
The two exchanged glances, surprise flickering across their faces.
"Are you talking about the village on the outskirts—the one Elias Reigner's from?"
Charlotte blinked. "Wait… you know my brother?"
Their eyes widened. "Hold on—you're his sister!?"
Charlotte nodded again, smiling politely.
The shift in their tone was instant.
"Well, that's different! Elias is a good friend to our people. Honestly, the only human we can stand."
"Yeah," added the other. "Why didn't you say so earlier? Please—come in, come in. You can tie your horses by the gate. Don't worry, they'll be safe."
Charlotte smiled warmly. "Thank you very much."
Both guards froze mid-sentence, slightly flustered by her kindness.
Nova smirked. It seems bringing Charlotte was the right call. She's really carrying us through this journey.
As they walked into the village, the two demi-humans puffed out their chests.
"By the way, I'm Garp!" said the hound.
"And I'm Barp!" said the cat.
Then, in perfect unison, they struck an exaggerated pose: "And together—we are the Howler Twins!"
Everyone froze.
"Uh… sure," said Nova and Charlotte together, politely.
Estelle's expression remained stone-flat. "Ridiculous."
Nova chuckled. "I'm Nova Stoner, and the grumpy lady there is Estelle Stoner."
Charlotte followed cheerfully, "And I'm Charlotte Reigner. It's nice to meet you, Sir Garp and Sir Barp."
As they walked, Nova muttered under his breath, smirking, "Garp and Barp… sounds like a circus duo."
"Hey, we heard that!" the twins shouted in perfect sync.
The road to Rulisia stretched before them—a journey to find Michelle Bloodrose, the fabled Vampire of Chaos.
None of them realized, though, that this road would twist and turn far more than any map could show.