The northern Ice Wind Valley was some distance from Sky City, and it would take Hans and the others at least several days to return.
In any case, the Storm Dragon Eagle's back was broad enough to carry all of them without issue.
Hans and the others respectfully accepted the order and watched Duke and Daili enter the deep, shadowy passage.
The Storm Dragon Eagle spread its wings and flew to perch atop a towering ice cliff nearby, its sharp gaze sweeping across the entire valley like that of a loyal guard.
After Duke and Daili passed through the stone door, the passage gradually grew dim.
With a casual flick of his hand, he cast Illumination. A ball of light floated at his side, lighting up the entire passage.
The walls on both sides of the passage were carved with ancient murals and runes. Though eroded by time, their general meaning could still be made out.
Daili stopped from time to time to carefully study the murals and runes.
"These record the birth of the God of Light," she said, pointing at one mural. In the image, the God of Light had been born at the beginning of creation and appeared to be a sphere of light. "Here—"
When Daili saw the latter part of the mural, she suddenly froze, her fingers trembling slightly.
Noticing her unusual reaction, Duke asked, "What is it?"
"According to the mural, the God of Light will ultimately fall for the sake of this world—" Daili's voice began to tremble as well.
As the saintess of the Light Church, Daili clearly found it difficult to accept such an ending.
Duke followed the mural with his eyes and discovered that the God of Light had indeed eventually transformed into countless motes of light and scattered away.