Queen Celestia of the Pyronis Empire reacts with fury upon learning that a crystal, crucial to her plans, was destroyed by a royal soldier from the Central Empire. Meanwhile, Imperial, Ari, and Tracey encounter a mysterious girl named Dawn, who initially attacks Imperial, believing him to be dangerous due to a dark aura. After a tense exchange, Dawn joins them on their journey, revealing she holds a secret known only to her village.
Scene: Arrival at Shrink Village
The sun was beginning to dip behind the distant hills as Imperial, Dawn, Ari, and Tracey arrived at the outskirts of Shrink Village. Compared to Tracey's hometown, the village was smaller, quieter, and surrounded by lush green meadows with trees that swayed gently in the evening breeze. The faint scent of wet soil lingered in the air.
Dawn pointed ahead with a smile. "That's my village—welcome to Shrink Village."
The group dismounted the beasts. Tracey raised his hand and with a simple chant, the beasts shimmered and vanished into swirling sigils—unsummoned.
"Let's rest here tonight. We'll continue the journey tomorrow," Dawn suggested, leading them toward the village gates.
As they walked in, the village came alive with activity. Some villagers were tilling the soil with magical tools that glowed faintly, while others were reinforcing wooden walls and rooftops. Children sat in groups under open canopies, scribbling notes on floating slates as instructors guided them with simple spell demonstrations.
A few villagers looked up and approached. One man took the heavy bag from Dawn's shoulder. A smiling woman and man walked over—a couple in their mid-40s, their eyes lighting up at the sight of her.
"Dawn! Are these your new friends?" her mother asked warmly.
Dawn nodded. "Yes, Mom. They helped me get home safely."
She turned to her companions. "Everyone, this is my mother and father."
Dawn gestured with a hand. "This is Tracey, that's Ari, and—"
"I'm Imperial," he introduced himself with a calm voice and a slight bow.
Dawn's father stepped forward and shook Imperial's hand firmly. "Thank you all for looking after our daughter. Please, you must be tired. Come to our home and rest."
As they made their way through the cobbled paths of the village, Ari noticed a group of children casting simple magic circles in the dirt. "What are they learning?" she asked.
"Basic stuff," Dawn replied casually. "Magic theory, rank systems, village hierarchy—stuff you'd expect."
Suddenly, one of the kids noticed Dawn and shouted, "Hey! Teacher Dawn is back!"
A chorus of young voices followed. "Teacher! Teacher!"
Dawn chuckled and waved. "I teach them a bit of combat training now and then. Nothing too serious."
They reached her house—a modest but beautiful structure made of stone and cedarwood, with runes etched on the doorway for protection. Inside, they sat in a cozy room lined with woven rugs, aged furniture, and a fireplace with a kettle bubbling over soft flames. Dawn busied herself preparing tea.
Her parents joined them a few moments later with warm smiles.
"So," Dawn's father asked, "what brings you young ones into the forest?"
"We're on a journey," Ari answered politely.
After a few sips of tea, Dawn leaned back and stretched. "Alright, Imperial. Tea's done. You promised me a battle, remember?"
Imperial raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
Dawn blinked, then grinned sheepishly. "Oh—right." She turned to her parents. "Mom, Dad… could you show them the library?"
Her parents froze. It was as if lightning had struck the room. Her father's expression hardened, his voice low. "Dawn… you know that's something we don't speak of lightly."
Dawn replied – "They already know about it, Dad. And I think… it might be connected to their journey."
Her mother looked concerned. "Connected? How?"
Dawn took a breath and explained – "Imperial… he's not just traveling for adventure. There's something happening in the world. Something dark. And his journey may be the key to understanding it. I believe they deserve to know. Please, trust me."
Her father, Drenor, exchanged a look with her mother.
Then her mother said, carefully, "Even if we trust them, Dawn, it's not our decision alone. That place… the library… it's not something we can open without permission."
Drenor added – "She's right. The village elders and the leader would never allow outsiders in. If we tried without approval, there could be consequences."
Imperial stood respectfully.
"Uncle," he said, "if this will bring you trouble, we don't want to push it. I understand. We're grateful for your hospitality—that's more than enough."
Drenor gave him a serious nod.
"You're a good boy, Imperial. You helped my daughter. That's worth more than any ritual. I'll speak to the village leader… no promises, but I'll try."
Suddenly, a villager arrived at the door, panting.
"Drenor! They're here. Bring the token money."
Drenor's face tensed. "Alright. I'm coming."
He turned to the group. "Excuse me, children. I'll be back shortly."
Ari blinked. "Token money? What's that about?"
Dawn's mother forced a smile. "Oh, it's nothing, really. Just a small... contribution to the local forces."
But Imperial's expression darkened. Something felt wrong. Familiar.
He stood up suddenly and walked outside.
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Outside…
A line of villagers stood quietly, heads low, holding coins and small pouches. At the front, a royal army captain loomed—the same one Imperial had nearly clashed with before. His soldiers moved like predators, barking orders, watching the villagers like prey.
A man kneeled before them, bruised and shamed. His head was bowed, trembling.
Ari and Tracey joined Imperial.
Ari immediately recognized the officer. She reached out and gently took Imperial's wrist, whispering, "Don't. Not again. Not here."
A soldier shouted to the captain – "Sir! We've collected from everyone—except them. They didn't pay last time either."
The captain turned, walking slowly toward the kneeling man.
Then, without a word, he struck him hard across the face, sending him to the ground.
Imperial flinched. His jaw clenched. But he stayed still, eyes burning, fists tight at his sides.
Back at the house, Dawn's mother saw what was unfolding from the window. Her face paled.
"Dawn… it's better if you and your friends stay inside."
But Dawn was already gone.
________________________________________
Near the square…
Dawn marched up to the captain, eyes blazing.
"What do you think you're doing?! That man just missed one payment. Is that a reason to beat him? We're already giving everything we can!"
The captain turned slowly, amused.
"Well, well. First the brat at the tournament… and now this little bird wants to chirp at me." He smirked. "Seems like your generation is getting too bold."
He lifted his hand.
"Capture her."
Drenor ran forward – "Please, sir! She's just a young girl. She doesn't understand. She meant no harm."
But the soldiers moved in.
Dawn didn't hesitate.
With a fluid motion, she slammed her foot into the ground, launching herself into a spin. Her elbow cracked one soldier's jaw. Another lunged, and she flipped him over her shoulder. Within seconds, three soldiers were down.
The villagers gasped, but no one moved. Fear had them frozen.
The captain's smile faded.
"Enough."
He drew his blade—and moved.
Dawn, distracted by a fourth soldier, didn't see him coming.
The captain's strike came swift and hard—a sharp burst of magic laced in his slash.
Ari screamed – "DAWN!"