The Gate of the Underworld was a force not to be underestimated—lethal and unpredictable. Its black mages threatened the balance of power across the continent.
The figure possessing Melissa, the Caltheron family maid and the one orchestrating Syra and Alicia’s plight, belonged to this very group.
No wonder they were considered so dangerous and terrifying.
Although his father had once driven them out with ruthless efficiency, that didn’t mean the Great Velmora Empire was entirely safe from their reach.
On the contrary, their grudges still smoldered, lingering in the shadows. One of them was unmistakable: the figure controlling the sea monster and the ten silver wolves standing before him.
The Black Star emblazoned on them marked forced control—over humans, animals, and even monsters. As a symbol born of black magic, it clearly identified its wielder as a mage of the Underworld Gate.
How interesting, Nolan murmured, a cold smile playing on his lips. The more I learn, the more curious I become about that person.
By now, he was certain of the figure pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
There was no reason to waste time. With a simple wave of his hand, all ten monsters were reduced to ashes in an instant.
Their blood, flesh, and bones vanished, as if they had never existed.
This was no exaggeration. Using the power of space, Nolan compressed the atoms of their bodies, collapsing their structure into nothingness.
They disintegrated into ash within seconds—the fastest and safest way to kill. The creatures felt no pain, no suffering.
It was, in a sense, Nolan’s mercy for the ten monsters, whose souls had been manipulated by the true mastermind.
Shaking his head, Nolan resumed his steps, moving deeper into the forest.
...
Boom!
The sea monster unleashed a ball of energy from its mouth, crashing into the first ship.
Fortunately, the magic barrier surrounding the vessel held firm, preventing even the slightest damage.
Still, the shockwave was enough to throw many soldiers off balance. Some were flung across the deck, while others tumbled into the sea.
By now, ten soldiers had already been swept overboard, their fate uncertain.
As the acting leader in Luvistar’s absence, Elina wanted to save them all.
But the situation left her no choice. The ship had to keep moving to bait the monster, while the cannons on both sides fired relentlessly, chipping away at its massive form.
When will this end? Elina muttered, biting her lower lip as worry flashed across her face.
No matter how many attacks they unleashed, the monster did not fall. Its body was riddled with wounds, but they were far from enough. It seemed almost invincible—untouchable.
Bang!
A sudden crash rocked the starboard side of the ship. Everyone struggled to keep their balance—including Elina.
Some soldiers were thrown overboard, swallowed by the churning waves.
Elina grabbed a mast to steady herself, her eyes darting around in alarm.
"What happened?" she shouted.
A soldier ran up to her. "Princess, danger ahead! Five enormous whirlpools have appeared—likely caused by the sea monster. At our current position, we will be pulled in for sure."
Elina’s eyes widened in fear. She hadn’t expected such a disaster to strike on top of their already precarious situation.
As the name suggests, a whirlpool is a natural phenomenon. But powerful creatures—like the sea monster—can create them as well.
For sailors, whirlpools are a nightmare: once trapped, a ship can be torn apart, and its crew lost.
Now, five whirlpools had appeared directly in their path—a catastrophic threat.
Panic surged in Elina, but she quickly forced herself to regain control.
I mustn’t panic, she muttered, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. Brother always said calmness is the key to solving problems.
Her brother had taught her that every problem had a solution and that with a clear mind, a way forward could always be found.
Once composed, Elina opened her eyes and fixed a steely gaze on the soldier before her.
"Immediately alert the men on the quarterdeck. Deploy additional crew to adjust the sails. If I’m correct, we still have two spare sails, right? Open them at once! Use the sea breeze to maneuver sideways. Do it now!" she commanded, her voice sharp and unwavering.
The soldier, along with several others, responded in unison, "Yes, Princess!"
Boom!
The clouds darkened suddenly, and thunder roared across the sky. The sea breeze grew fierce, tossing the waves into chaotic swells.
Yet the sea monster’s pursuit did not falter. Alongside the second ship, it relentlessly chased them down.
Meanwhile, Ruthark received reports of five massive whirlpools ahead. Panic flared briefly, but he quickly steadied himself and regained control.
"Report this immediately to the quarterdeck," he ordered. "Add more crew to adjust the sails and deploy the two remaining ones. Follow the first ship’s course—I’m certain General Luvistar is doing the same."
"Yes, Captain!" the soldiers responded, saluting before rushing to carry out the commands.
Once they departed, Ruthark cast a determined glance at the first ship and muttered to himself, "We’ll make it through this."
...
In the center of an uninhabited island, a black castle rose among the tangled shrubbery, radiating an unsettling, dark aura.
Inside, a vast hall stretched out, encircled by statues of monstrous creatures—dragons, snakes, lizards, and more.
While motionless, the statues gave the impression of life, emanating a faint but dangerous energy.
At the center of the hall, a man cloaked in black stood before a round table. In its center, a black crystal orb glowed with a faint red light.
"Heh..." the man murmured, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "I never expected the princess of the Imperial Palace to show up. Doesn’t she fear death could claim her at any moment?"
He shook his head, eyes gleaming with disdain from beneath the shadow of his hood.
"Well, that’s fine. I’ve always despised the Imperial family—and I’ve longed to take the life of one of them," he whispered, a cold chuckle escaping his lips.
Suddenly, his expression shifted. A strange aura approached, unfamiliar and sharp.
"An intruder?" His eyes narrowed, brimming with lethal intent. "How dare he... Is he already eager to die?"