Part III – The Mountains That Listen
Night had slowly fallen over the Forest of Illusions, but unlike elsewhere, the stars here seemed closer—almost watchful. The kitsune village had grown quiet, while the group gathered in a small circular pavilion carved from living wood.
"The Mountains That Listen..." Yuri murmured, gazing at the holographic map projected from a sphere of light in Ayame's hands.
"The ancient home of the Dwarves," the kitsune explained. "A people who chose to build beneath the stone, rather than fight above it. Every kingdom has knocked on their door. None have received what they sought."
Kayla stared at the map in silence, her expression serious. "And what is it we're seeking?"
"Answers," Alexander replied. "Or at least the right questions."
Yuri studied the map's outlined borders: a large central island, crossed by valleys, mountains, and lands marked with nine symbols. Each emblem represented a kingdom she had visited—or had yet to discover. But one area, in the very center, remained cloaked in mystery.
"That is...?" she asked.
"Elaria," Ayame whispered. "The Tenth Continent. The last land still pure, untouched by the Primordial Siblings. It is here that our kingdoms reside. It is here that the balance of the world is at stake."
Lucen clenched his fists. Elaria... That name stirred something inside him. His father had mentioned it only once—darkly. The land that resists. The key... or the doom.
"And what if the balance is hidden there?" Yuri said, unaware of how deeply her question struck them all.
"Or the final trigger," added Kayla grimly. "If Elaria falls, the entire world will be devoured by Corruption."
A heavy silence full of omens settled over the pavilion.
Then Ayame, with a wry smile: "But I haven't told you yet—reaching the Dwarves means passing the 'Stairway of the Seven Vows.' An ancient trial. Seven climbs. Seven oaths. And no one can cheat."
Yuri stiffened. "Another trial?"
"Still better than a blind war, wouldn't you say?" Ayame replied, resting a hand on her shoulder. "And besides... it'll be interesting to see who's worthy of the truth."
Kayla scoffed. "Interesting for those who enjoy playing a part."
Ayame chuckled. "For those who know how to watch."
Meanwhile, Alexander had taken a few steps away, eyes fixed on the sky. The stars above the Forest seemed to dance around a point—a point only he could see.
Elaria... what do you want from me? And what did my father truly want?