At the Same Time

The Holy Palace was in complete chaos.

Though the kingdom had been in a state of war since the Demon King's return, this incident carried a level of urgency that was unparalleled.

“What?! Cardinal Reuben has been caught in high-tier Magi?!”

“Yes, several witnesses confirmed it. A few other knights appear to have been taken to the Demon Realm as well. How could this happen…?”

“This is unthinkable… utterly unthinkable!”

Marquis Miles Pluto’s furious shout echoed through the Holy Palace, as if even the heavens were trembling at the news.

Why does it always have to be my family?!

Only a few months ago, Meteor and Rearwin had miraculously returned from the Demon Realm.

Damn that accursed Demon Realm!

Since the Demon King’s return, this was the first time a Cardinal—a position of immense authority—had been swept away by high-tier Magi.

Though many knights had perished in battles with Magi, the death of Cardinal Reuben would devastate morale across the Holy Palace.

He wasn’t just a Cardinal; he was revered as one of the strongest and most exceptional holy knights in history.

The unprecedented situation brought all the Cardinals together.

“This is a dire situation. Losing someone like Cardinal Reuben, one of our most vital pillars of strength, is a blow we cannot afford. If the nation hears of this, despair will spread like wildfire.”

“We can’t assume he’s dead yet. If anyone can return from such a calamity, it’s Reuben. His strength surpasses that of any ordinary man.”

“Indeed. There have been cases in the past where people returned from high-tier Magi alive. And let’s not forget Meteor, who recently came back from the Demon Realm against all odds.”

“That was a miracle, and you know it. Even knights greater than Reuben have vanished in the Demon Realm, never to return.”

“……”

A heavy silence fell among the Cardinals.

No one dared to speak further, as the odds of Reuben’s survival seemed no better than a coin toss.

Some even believed it was impossible for him to return alive—being caught in high-tier Magi often meant certain death.

“This is a disaster. If the public finds out about Reuben, the entire kingdom’s morale will plummet further into despair…”

“And who will bear the brunt of that blame? The Holy Palace, of course.”

“Just when we thought spirits were lifting thanks to the appearance of the girl with divine power—after 150 years, no less…”

The Cardinals exchanged bitter glances.

Though the Holy Palace was home to many skilled knights, there was no one who could replace Reuben. He wasn’t just a warrior; he was a symbol of hope and strength.

His death would extinguish one of the kingdom’s brightest lights.

But even the Holy Palace was powerless to save him. Venturing into the Demon Realm to search for him would only result in greater casualties.

Thus, the Holy Palace decided on its response to the crisis.

On behalf of the Pope, Bishop Miles Pluto declared:

“...The warriors of the Holy Palace shall continue the war against the Magi without fear or hesitation. Priests will unite in prayer for the safe return of God’s chosen son from the Demon Realm. We will prevail.”

There was nothing more they could do but continue their battles, pray, and wait.

In the face of death, nothing changed.

Even the highest-ranking figures, like Cardinals and grand knights, were not immune to the grim realities of this war.

Meteor Learns the Truth

Meteor heard the news only after finishing his training. Without hesitation, he sought out his father, Miles.

“Father!”

Miles had just finished preparing for another sortie. As always, he was ready to leave to purge more Magi.

He sat atop his white steed, looking down at his son.

“I see you’ve heard the news.”

“Is it true? Grandfather was taken to the Demon Realm?”

“My heart feels as though it’s been shattered. The Demon Realm… when will we finally uproot those vile creatures?”

Dear God…

Meteor struggled to find words. His father’s piercing blue eyes burned with an intensity he had never seen before.

“Not a single Magi or Demon Realm scum shall be left alive. If it were up to me, I’d capture the Demon King’s father or child as a hostage and destroy them. Every last weed in the Demon Realm will be annihilated. Let’s go!”

With those words, Miles spurred his horse forward, charging off with his knights in a cloud of dust.

Meteor stood in the swirling dirt, watching them disappear.

Father… I’ve never seen him this furious before…

It could only mean that his grandfather’s situation was truly dire. Meteor felt a heavy weight press against his chest.

Will he return?

No. He must return. Meteor clenched his fists.

The greatest holy knight in the land couldn’t possibly fail to come back.

“Sir Meteor!”

A voice called out, pulling him from his thoughts. Meteor turned to see Lucas running toward him.

“Lucas.”

“There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“What is it? If it’s about my grandfather, I already know.”

Meteor’s chest tightened further as he spoke.

“Yes, of course. How could this happen… But you survived the Demon Realm, Sir Meteor! Cardinal Reuben will surely make it back too!”

“…Thank you.”

“But that’s not why I came. Crescent didn’t show up for training today. I checked her dorm, but it seems she isn’t there either. Where could she have gone?”

“What?”

Meteor’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Crescent? Missing? And skipping training on top of that?

Crescent was one of the most motivated trainees in the Holy Palace. She had never once been late, let alone skipped training entirely.

“Sir Meteor!”

Without wasting a second, Meteor rushed toward the dormitory building.

He needed to confirm with his own eyes that Crescent wasn’t in her room.

Bang, bang, bang!

He pounded on the door several times, but there was no response. Finally, he struck the locked doorknob with the hilt of his sword, forcing it open.

“Crescent!”

The room was empty. The bed was neatly made, and the chair was perfectly aligned.

Opening the wardrobe, he noticed a missing set of training clothes.

“…Where could she have gone?”

A mix of confusion and dread filled Meteor’s mind. Then, he thought of his mother.

If his mother found out that Crescent was missing, on top of Reuben’s situation, she would surely collapse.

And Meteor, who had sworn to protect Crescent like a sister, would be consumed by guilt.

He needed to find her, and fast.

Taking a deep breath, Meteor began piecing together where she might have gone.

Had someone in the training program, like Edgar and his gang, locked her up or harassed her again?

No. That was in the past. After their joint training mission, Edgar hadn’t dared to bother Crescent again—not since she nearly took his head off with a knife.

Meteor himself had witnessed her terrifying resolve that day.

Then what could have happened…?

As he prepared to leave the room, Lucas caught up to him.

“Sir Meteor!”

“Lucas, ask around and see if anyone has seen Crescent today. I’ll search outside the palace grounds.”

“Understood! It’s an honor to assist you, Sir Meteor!”

“Thank you.”

Leaving the enthusiastic Lucas behind, Meteor hurriedly began his search.

He scoured every corner of the nearby villages, but there was no sign of Crescent.

By nightfall, and even into the next morning, she still had not returned.