NoveLight ™
Surrounded by mountains and thick forests, the mountain fortress of the Nameless Kingdom stands hidden. A lone woman made her way through the dense forest, pushing aside branches and foliage, following an unseen path that led to the fortress.
"Here again, huh?"
Nephti, her expression sharp, muttered as she glared at a mark she had left on a tree. Due to the illusion magic that Ras had cast over the mountain and forest, it was nearly impossible to reach the fortress through conventional means. Even for Nephti, a demon, flying would have been a reasonable option, but for some reason—perhaps the effect of the magic or her stubborn pride—she didn’t feel inclined to do so.
"That damn Ras Undead."
Nephti had a reason to reach the fortress. After parting ways with Yuu, she had immediately set out for the fortress, but now, she had been wandering this forest for over an hour, circling the same spot.
"So, what brings you here?"
"Hmph, I see you noticed."
Emerging from between the trees were several figures—the elite captains of the Nameless Kingdom's army, who had previously been guarding Yuu.
"Don't get cocky. We weren't exactly hiding, you know. If we were serious, you wouldn’t have even sensed us," one of the beastfolk men spat, glaring at Nephti as he rudely spat on the ground.
"Oh? So even beasts can crack jokes?" Nephti responded mockingly.
"What did you say?"
"Enough!" A larger beastman clad in heavy armor stepped between them, his massive presence calming the tense atmosphere. He was the captain of the First Division, a boar-like man who commanded respect.
"He started it! That newcomer thinks she's all high and mighty!"
"Newcomer?"
"What do you mean, ‘newcomer’? You came to our kingdom after us! If you’re not a newcomer, what are you?"
"Our kingdom?" Nephti snorted with disdain, looking down her nose at the beastman.
"What the hell's so funny?"
"Do you even know who transformed this desolate wasteland into a thriving island? It was Lord Odno! If Ras or Hisui had something to say, that would be one thing. But a mere beast, who has contributed nothing, has no right to act so arrogantly."
The surrounding soldiers, clearly used to this kind of confrontation, merely yawned as they watched.
"You're saying the beastfolk are useless?"
"Isn’t it true? Who provided you with homes, food, water, clothing, crops, and livestock? Who taught you how to fight? Who built the rocky walls around this island and created the forest, mountains, and this fortress? It was all Lord Odno. Do you seriously think you did all that?"
Unable to retort, the beastman growled in frustration.
"Don't get full of yourself just because the King gave you a weapon!"
"Are you jealous?"
"Huh!? I got one too, you know!" The beastman proudly tapped the two short swords at his waist.
"Yours might be made of mithril alloy, but mine’s crafted from the black dragon’s horn, just like Lord Odno’s own weapon."
Nephti stroked the cursed spear Yuu had given her. Just touching it drained her stamina, a reminder of the curse’s effect.
"Who cares when you became a captain anyway!? None of us recognize that ridiculous title of yours, and you dare call yourself one of the King’s personal guards?"
"It’s called the Mahoroshū, you imbecile! And what’s wrong with the most loyal and strongest warriors leading the King’s personal guard?"
"I’ve had enough of you—argh!" The beastman reached for the hilt of his short swords, but before he could draw them, a heavy fist landed on his head, sending him sprawling to the ground. The one responsible was the boar-man, whose mithril armor made even a simple punch devastating.
"What the hell was that for?!"
"I told you not to start a pointless fight."
"But she—"
"Enough. You always complicate things when you talk. Just keep quiet for now."
The boar-man’s intimidating glare silenced the protesting beastman. Then he turned to Nephti.
"And you, Nephti, stop provoking him."
"Hmph. Fine, get to the point. I’m busy, you know. If you have something to say, make it quick."
"It’s about that conversation you had with Namari. We need more details."
"And why should I tell any of you?"
"All of us here are captains. If it concerns the King, the information should be shared."
"I disagree."
"Tch," one of the soldiers clicked his tongue, stepping forward to break the tension.
"If you're done with your pointless bickering, just spit it out already!" The speaker, an elven woman named Zenobia, leaned against a tree, casting a disdainful glance at the others. Her younger brother, Chris, stood beside her, bowing his head apologetically.
"And who are you supposed to be?" Nephti asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You haven’t heard? I’m the descendant of the illustrious Bailey clan, so naturally, I was chosen as a captain."
Nephti and the others exchanged confused glances.
"When did that happen?"
"No idea."
"Is she making this up?"
As the others began to mutter amongst themselves, Zenobia’s face flushed with anger, and she began to tremble.
"Well then, Nephti, what about Namari's report?" the boar-man asked, steering the conversation back on track.
Nephti crossed her arms. "I don’t have all the details either. Namari’s words were unclear, but what I gathered is that some fake hero, calling himself Roy, tricked Lord Odno and led him into a trap. Also, the scum from Jardalc attacked him with a large army."
Nephti’s revelation caused a stir among the captains.
"Roy the fake hero? Could that be the 'Hero of Pandora'?"
"Jardalc—are you talking about one of the Five Great Nations? How many of them attacked the King?"
Nephti nodded grimly. "I also heard that Lord Crow participated in the battle, but he’s currently in the labyrinth with Lady Nina. I was hoping to ask Ras about it, though it’s not something I’m eager to do."
The boar-man nodded. "I have something to ask you as well. Why is it that you’re so close to Lord Odno?"
Nephti smirked. "I’m not just close to him—I’m his most trusted guard."
The captains erupted in protest, but the boar-man silenced them with a wave of his hand.
"Listen, Nephti. The King is carrying a heavy burden, and it’s only getting worse. We need to help him, not add to his troubles."
Nephti’s expression darkened. "Lord Odno doesn’t need to bear this burden for us. It’s unnecessary. And you, a mere beastman, have no right to speak on his behalf."
Despite their bickering, the boar-man couldn’t shake the feeling that something darker was looming over their King—a burden even he couldn’t put into words.
"Lord Odno doesn’t need to bear this burden for us. It’s unnecessary. And you, a mere beastman, have no right to speak on his behalf."
Despite Nephti’s sharp words, the boar-man continued, seemingly unbothered by her disdain.
"You don’t understand, Nephti. Lord Odno is trying to build a nation where all species can live together without conflict. You think this is just about power? No. It’s about creating a place where everyone, no matter their race, can live without fear. He’s even researching our habits, illnesses, and unique traits—he’s going that far for us."
"And why should Lord Odno bother with such things? It’s beneath him."
"He’s doing it because he believes in us. He’s been gathering laws, medical knowledge, and all kinds of information from across the world. You think that’s for him? No, it’s for us—so we can thrive in this nation."
Nephti’s eyes narrowed, irritated by the sentiment. "Get to the point."
The boar-man sighed heavily, his voice lowering. "The point is, Lord Odno doesn’t sleep."
Nephti’s expression changed to one of surprise. "What?"
"I checked with the maids. None of them have ever seen him sleep. It’s not just a coincidence. Namari even told me that the King... simply doesn’t need sleep."
Nephti scoffed, "That’s ridiculous. Everyone needs sleep, even the strongest among us."
The boar-man shook his head. "I don’t think it’s that he doesn’t need sleep. I think it’s that he can’t sleep."
Nephti stared at him for a long moment, processing his words. Finally, she sighed, her voice softening just a little. "Lord Odno’s burdens are not something for you or I to interfere with. He bears them because he’s the King. And as his guard, it is my duty to ensure that he never falls under their weight."
With that, Nephti turned and walked away, leaving the boar-man and the other captains in silence.
The conversation weighed heavily on the minds of the captains. They knew that Lord Odno was more than just their king—he was their protector, their savior. But even the strongest of leaders needed rest, and the realization that their king may not be able to rest at all filled them with a sense of dread.
The boar-man gazed after Nephti, shaking his head slightly. "May the King’s burdens not destroy him before we can offer any help."
Boar-man: Leader of the First Division. He is fully equipped with heavy armor made of mithril alloy.
Nephti: Leader of the Mahoroshū (魔母衣衆).
Nephti's Spear: A spear gifted to Nephti by Yu.