Clip-clop, clip-clop...
On the barren plains, a Forest Wolf with deep green fur raced swiftly across the land.
"That is the place we must pass through to reach the labyrinth."
Atop a raised hill, the Forest Wolf finally stopped at Molly's signal.
"...Uluo Fortress!"
Molly lowered the map in her hand and murmured as she gazed at the buildings in the distance.
Towering walls, row upon row of pitch-black artillery emplacements, and soldiers constantly guarding the top.
The light of the setting sun interwove with the darkness, lending even the flags fluttering atop the battlements a solemn, murderous air.
"Is that also Asiala's army?"
"No, it should be more accurate to call them the territory's army."
Molly gazed at the fortress and murmured to herself.
After a long while, she reached down and patted the Forest Wolf beneath her.
"Awoo..."
The Forest Wolf answered, then slowly lay down on the ground.
Molly flipped off its back and waved her hand, teleporting the Forest Wolf back to the forest.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, it would be better for her to walk the rest of the way.
Night fell.
Molly finally arrived before the fortress gates.
As expected, she was stopped by the soldiers guarding the entrance.
"Stop! No one is allowed through during the lockdown!"
The soldiers at the gate shouted, several spears snapping into position and pointing at Molly.
"This is a commission from Asiala and the Adventurer's Guild. I need to go to the labyrinth."
Molly had no desire to cause trouble, so she promptly took out the commission order and showed it to the leading soldier.
Thus, she soon found herself meeting the officer in charge of the fortress.
A young man dressed in silver-white armor.
"A young adventurer..."
"My name is Ronora Otto von Weissel, commander