"No problem."
Shade nodded in understanding, reached out to take the branch Vanessa handed him in the snow, and confirmed that it was genuine.
With that, all four branches of "Earth, Wind, Water, Fire" had been gathered. Tonight's only remaining enemy was the "Clockmaker." After that, he could head to the clearing in the forest where five enormous thrones stood and meet the Ancient One:
"Illustrious Miss, return to the ship. Galina, who is waiting with the Crescent Moon Secret Society for the treasure to appear, and Flora, who is supporting the Hermits of the Forest, both need you to bring them back.
"Sister, Vanessa, let's return to the city and prepare. Grace, Helen, you two stay on the ship with the writer Princess. With a Chosen One remaining on board, I'll feel more at ease."
Although Miss Olanord was also on the ship, Shade still hoped his base of operations would be safer.
The young ladies nodded in understanding. Shade reached out, grabbed the impatient Little Mia, and placed her on his shoulder. Only then did he finally examine Little Liana's current attire, smiling as he teased her:
"Look, Little Liana actually suits this armor quite well."
The Little Unicorn noticed the increasingly unfriendly expression on a certain cat's face. She lowered her head again and began trembling uncontrollably in fear.
Since most of the Paradox Worms that had come to provide support during the battle had been wiped out, with the hill collapsed, the Curse-Eroded Great Tree burning, the Gravel Worm devoured, and the Watcher dead, the defensive pressure southwest of the city had greatly diminished. The group encountered few obstacles as they entered the city from the ground.
Mr. Elderon, the "Valley Lord," who had fought alongside them earlier, caught up with them afterward. After asking about