Hope

The scroll was covered in dense writing. Joshua stood behind Cecily, using the glow of a Source Crystal Stone to illuminate it.

The first portion read like an old father's instructions to his children regarding their future lives. It seemed to be a will, and the sincere words on it would have moved any child who read them to tears.

Cecily's eyes did indeed redden as she read. Joshua also wanted to feel the same sorrow over this father's death.

But aside from a bit of melancholy, Joshua could not feel any sadness.

The final portion of writing on the scroll was extremely sloppy, but Joshua could still make out what it said.

'It has found me in the end. This is the fate of every Watcher, and this world is gradually approaching its end. Run! My children... take your people and return to the surface. Anoroth will eventually be devoured...'

"Leave Anoroth and return to the surface?"

Cecily quickly composed the grief and anger in her heart. She understood that these were the most unnecessary emotions at a time like this!

Notlein's death meant that the Demon Realm had lost its Ruler. If she fell into panic as well, the people would become even more terrified...

"Elder Sister Cecily, what should we do?"

Joshua could not glean any more information from the scroll. The only possibility he could think of was that the Demon Realm had been invaded by Things from Beyond.

"I will gather all the dukes and generals and get to the bottom of this!"

After saying that, Cecily took one last look at her father. Judging by the expression frozen on his face, he had passed peacefully in his final moments.

She wanted to hold a funeral, but there were more important matters awaiting her. After