chapter 2:

Astria wore tight leather pants and a black jacket that accentuated her athletic build. She completed her look with knee-high boots that added to her imposing presence. She was not the kind of woman who adorned herself with diamond rings or pink hair ribbons; instead, she preferred three layered straps around her thigh, securing her dagger and a small pouch carrying her miniature weapons and vials of poison. Another belt hugged her waist, holding the scabbard of her sword, which appeared worn out after the fierce battles of the previous day.

She sighed as she gazed at its dull blade, then muttered under her breath, "I need to get it reforged."

Sliding the sword back into its scabbard, she left her room. Outside, she found her uncle Iris seated at the breakfast table, reading the royal newspaper as usual. Although he had chosen to live away from the kingdom's clamor, he remained well-informed about its affairs.

Astria grabbed a piece of bread and took a quick bite, washing it down with a sip of milk before announcing casually, "I'm heading to the Enchanted Forest today."

Iris lifted his gaze from the newspaper and asked, "Why?"

"I need to sharpen my sword... You know, a swordsman is nothing without a sharp blade."

But his voice was slightly strained as he told her, "The former king has died."

She froze mid-bite, staring at him in shock. "In battle?"

He shook his head. "No... illness."

Relaxing slightly, she commented with feigned indifference, "Oh, well… at least he has an heir, which means Eilthera is safe."

However, Iris countered with a single statement that shattered her assumption entirely: "I don't think so."

She narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"The prince abdicated the throne, and someone else was crowned king in his place."

She stared at him in disbelief before bursting into laughter, "What kind of madness is this? What a coward!"

Yet, Iris seemed in no rush to pass judgment, replying calmly, "Don't judge him just yet... Maybe the new king will be better."

Astria exhaled in exasperation, rolling her eyes. "I don't care who it is... If a prince raised from birth to rule the throne abandoned it so easily, that makes him a coward."

"The throne is not a cage for cowards, but neither is it for those who fear responsibility… Whoever this prince is, I've lost all respect for him."

Iris raised an eyebrow before murmuring, as if about to drop another bombshell, "I can't believe you're speaking so superficially, Astria… Do you even know who the new king is? It's—"

But she cut him off, opening the door and stepping out without interest. "Honestly, I don't care who it is… Also, I might be late."

And with that, she closed the door behind her, oblivious to the fact that the name of the new king could change everything.

Astria walked along the green mountain slopes, taking in the scenery around her. The sun was at its peak, signaling the approach of noon. She let out a long sigh, as if trying to release the burdens weighing on her chest. Sitting on a nearby rock, she watched her horses galloping freely, playing with their young. She smiled, then laughed heartily at the sight of two foals bickering over a strand of hay, a warmth spreading through her amidst the recent cold days.

A spring breeze swept past, ruffling her hair and wrapping around her like a gentle embrace. She suddenly stood and approached her favorite horse, Barth, who had been watching her from a distance before trotting closer, rubbing his head against her cheek. She smiled and stroked his neck fondly.

"Ready, my friend?" she whispered, then swiftly mounted him.

Barth surged forward across the vast green fields, while Astria stretched out her arms for a moment, savoring the rush of air that stung her face and sent adrenaline coursing through her veins. She loved these moments—when she felt completely in sync with nature.

As she neared a dense forest, she pulled the reins slightly to slow Barth down. The trees here were taller and more intertwined, making navigation trickier. She proceeded cautiously until she reached a massive gate, adorned with golden engravings that shimmered under the dappled sunlight.

She dismounted and stepped forward confidently, only to be met by two heavily armed guards who instantly leveled their spears at her, their eyes gleaming with suspicion.

"Who are you?" one of them demanded gruffly.

Astria raised her hands slightly in a calming gesture before responding in an even tone, "Relax, relax… I'm Astria. I'm here to see Baladis."

They exchanged glances before lowering their spears slightly, signaling her to wait. Within moments, the gate creaked open, and two members of the Arachnia race stepped aside, bowing slightly to her.

"The queen awaits you, my lady."

Astria entered without hesitation, leaving Barth behind. She needed no escort—she knew the way by heart. Weaving through the village, she finally arrived at a large hut and pushed the door open without bothering to knock.

"Hey! I'm back!" she called out cheerfully before throwing herself into the embrace of an elderly woman with an aura of quiet authority. The queen chuckled and hugged her back warmly.

"I knew you were coming from the guards," the old queen said with a knowing smile.

But Astria couldn't ignore the unusually heavy security this time. She furrowed her brows and asked, concerned, "What's going on? I saw more guards than usual outside… Is something wrong?"

The queen clasped her hands behind her back and took a few steady steps outside before replying in a weary tone, "Yes… another attack."

Astria's eyes widened in alarm. "What?! Isn't the magic strong enough to protect you anymore? What kind of creatures are they this time?"

The queen sighed, gazing up at the sky as if carrying the entire burden of her people on her shoulders. "The magic is weakening day by day, my dear… as if the flame itself is fading… I still don't know why."

Astria stared at the ground in thought, then lifted her head with newfound determination. "I don't know about the flame, but I can help protect the village."

The queen looked at her solemnly. "Astria, they are the Akatribes… You won't be able to face them."

Astria let out a small, amused scoff. "You haven't tested me yet. But tell me, what do they want? And why now, of all times?"

The queen didn't answer immediately. Instead, she turned and re-entered the hut, using her magic to reveal a hidden passage leading underground. A stone staircase spiraled downward. The queen descended first, and Astria followed, gripping the hilt of her sword instinctively, as if preparing for any sudden danger.

The stairs led to a vast chamber illuminated by glowing green torches lining the stone walls. At its center stood a colossal brazier, within which flickered an ethereal white flame, casting an almost sacred glow across the room.

Astria gasped in awe. "I can't believe it… It looks unreal!"

The queen sighed heavily and spoke with a sorrowful voice, "This is the Flame of Arachnelia… and it has been losing its power recently. It is the source of our magic, and without it, we will grow weaker… or—"

She abruptly stopped, making Astria raise an eyebrow curiously. "Or what?"

The queen gazed at the flickering flame grimly. "Or we will cease to exist."

A troubled light flickered in Astria's eyes as she stepped forward. "So these creatures… the Akatribes… why are they attacking you?"

"We Arachnia are one of the four magical clans, but we are the weakest among them because we rely on an external magic source. The Akatribes, however, come from the Dark Kingdom. They have always lived in the shadows, but lately, their attacks have increased. I don't know what they're after. But trust me, your sword will not save you from them."

Astria remained silent, her fingers tightening around her sword hilt. "Actually… I came here to reforge my blade."

The queen took the weapon from her, examining the deep cracks marring its surface. "Already?"

Astria rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "I've had a few fights lately, so… yes!"

The queen ordered one of the guards to maintain the sword while she wandered with Astrea for a while in the village, discussing the growing threat of the Akatribes.

However, on her way back to her uncle's house, a strange feeling swept over her… as if someone was following her. She turned around repeatedly, noticing shadows and mysterious sounds, but there was no one there.

When she finally arrived home, she found her uncle standing outside with a middle-aged man who had white hair and wore luxurious royal attire. They were speaking seriously.

Astrea felt her throat go dry and swallowed hard. "Oh… oops… did I get myself into trouble this time?"