“The Order of Sylphus have returned!”

A chorus of cheers and praise followed suit after the arrival of the said group. The Capital of Sherra, as usual, revered to their most successful and popular knights and mages, who had just recently completed a mission of most importance and urgency. From left to right, children to elderly sung praises to the marching people, all the while showering them in flowers and whatnot.

The news that a rogue meteor spell was going to land on their territory spread fast among the citizens of Sherra. People who could cast spells beyond the hundred-level line are very few, with the continent of Sherra only having five people achieving said feat in history. One of these illustrious people is Chief Commander Stella C. Sherra, the leader of the Order of Sylphus… or more commonly known as Princess Stella.

Slowly, the pair of carriages passed through the crowd waiting for them. Stella was waving her hand outside from the window of their vehicle, her smile ever so bright and firm. On the inside though, her thoughts were in turmoil and worry.

‘An unknown monster… and right after that, an exodus?’ the two adventurers they met are here with them in the capital. She’ll talk to them more after they arrive at the castle.

Houses and shops of different variety littered the whole capital. She could see the main branch of the Adventurer’s Guild, its bright red roof visible miles away from where she was. Even beyond that is the royal palace of the Sherra Kingdom, and Stella’s own home.

It towered over any building in the whole capital, and probably even the whole continent. With its highest point even piercing through the very clouds, and a size spanning over half of the entire capital itself, Sherra’s royal palace boasts as the largest castle in the whole world. It shows just how wealthy their kingdom is, and the current king’s-- her father’s-- ability to rule their kingdom.

It wasn’t long till their caravan reached the entrance of the royal palace. With a quick confirmation from the guards guarding the enormous front door, Stella and her group were led inside the chambers of the castle.

The group of knights and mages were silent as they trudged those quiet halls. Meanwhile, off to the back of the group were the duo of adventurers they saved, the Healer Helen and the Wizard Gale.

“We’re… we’re inside the country’s royal palace…!” Helen’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at the marble walls and pillars around her. Gale’s hand was tightly clutching her dress to keep the excited Healer from running off.

“I know you’re a country bumpkin, Helen, but at least try to hide it!” Since Gale originally came from this capital, she wasn’t as giddy as her female friend. Still, it would be a lie if she said that she isn’t marveling the sheer majesty of this place. The wizard fixed up her glasses and gulped, trying to keep her cool and lose it like Helen.

“We’re going to the conference hall.” Stella suddenly stopped and spoke behind her. “Vice-commander Regal, you two, come with me. The others may take their rest.”

The knights and mages dispersed not long after. Helen, Gale, Regal and Stella continued on to the hallway in front of them and made their way to the door at the end of the hall. Even from outside, they could hear several voices coming from within the room.

“Pardon the intrusion.” Stella knocked once on the mahogany door and opened it.

The ongoing discussion of several people halted upon their entrance. Stella immediately saw her father, the King, and several more other commanders like her. Each of them was sitting around a spherical table with a giant map of Sherra plastered above it.

“Stella, welcome back.” her father greeted her with a nod.

Just like before, the man’s golden hair made him look like a lion, which isn’t really far from the truth. Even as his daughter, Stella couldn’t help but be intimidated by this powerful and wise man. That’s how menacing her father looked like. Of course, Stella knew better than that.

“Excuse us for interrupting your meeting, father, but I have something urgent to discuss with you…” she glanced around the room. “and everyone else.”

One of the commanders, a man covered in silver heavy armor, spoke. “It’s alright. We weren’t discussing anything that serious anyway.”

“Then I guess my Order will be the one to clear that dungeon we were talking about?” A black haired guy wearing a light silver armor shrugged. “I don’t mean to brag but, our track record of clearing B-rank dungeons is quite good. A measly C-rank should be nothing.”

Stella resisted the urge to facepalm. ‘He’s still so full of himself.’ thought the blonde girl.

The remaining commanders just sighed and agreed. Now that their first meeting was finished, it was time to start Stella’s report.

“You may want to take a seat before we start this.” Stella looked back at the statue-esque pair of adventurers and smiled. “Alright, let’s start from the beginning…”

GRRAAHH!”

The black chalice rolled over the crimson carpet beneath after being thrown by a familiar someone. It was the Demon King, the entity that visited Sylph not a long time ago. The handsome features of the black-skinned demon were ruined by the bulging veins across his face and his dilated eyes.

“Failures! You’re all a failure!” the demon stood from his ebony throne and walked towards the kneeling bunch of monsters in front. “I gave you a single, simple job, but you still messed it up!”

”D-Demon King, we’re sorry…” a Single-Horned Wolf, not unlike the kind that resided in the Forest of Yggdrasil, muttered. “W-We didn’t actually think that the guardian would lose to that creature!”

“Your job was to keep her safe until I managed to convince her to join me. What couldn’t you understand there?” the black-haired demon grabbed the wolf’s horn and instantly crushed it.

“The, the monster was really strong!” A bug monster that resembles a cockroach quipped beside his fellow monster. “Before we even knew it, the guardian was already dead!” all of the other monsters nodded in agreement.

“I don’t need your petty excuses.” For a brief moment, the Demon Lord’s red iris shone bright, and on the next instant, the group of pitiful monsters was doused with a jet-black flame. Even their cries were left unheard as the fire burned off their vocal cords faster than they could register what was happening. Not even ashes remained where they once knelt.

Demon Lord carefully massaged his temples. “Damn it… now I’ll have to start from scratch convincing the next Wind Guardian again.” his mind wondered if he should really just abduct that fairy.

On another hand, this monster that killed Sylph interested him. He knows just how strong Sylph was. The monsters that can match that mischievous fae is very few, with him included. And he’s pretty sure he knows who are these monsters.

“But I know no red slime… Perhaps the Slime Queen may know more.” Demon Lord is quite angry for it killing the last piece for his plans, but he’d be too crazy to just outright kill a creature with such potential. “It’s either recruitment or death. The choices are simple.”

Several silhouettes appear near the demon, each with varying shape and size. The one who’s in the middle opened it’s mouth and revealed their sharp teeth. “My lord, we’ve arrived.”

With a quick glance, the Demon Lord already knew who they were. They’re the highest chain of command below him-- the generals of the demon army. Each one was personally picked by him, the highest of the highest class of demons.

“... Perfect. Where’s Envy?” in an instant, one shadow disappeared from the group of demons. It reappeared kneeling in front of the Demon Lord, though for some reason, it was still covered in darkness. Only a dark clump of void with a vaguely humanoid shape to describe its appearance.

“Yes, my lord.” from its voice, anyone could conclude that she’s a woman.

“Enter the Forest of Yggdrasil. I have a new mission for you.” he paused for a moment. “… Search for the new Wind Spirit and bring her here no matter what’s the cost. Also…”

“Find the monster that killed Sylph.”