Dragon

"It is strange." Vianna dismounted from her Gryphon, walked to Belorell's side, and helped him steady his mount.

"We should not continue forward for now, Your Highness. Send someone ahead to investigate."

Belorell nodded in agreement. The Ranger-Captain summoned a subordinate and gave him a few brief instructions. The chosen Ranger cautiously approached Golden Mist Village.

"Sunwell above, please do not let anything happen while Mother is away." Belorell prayed quietly.

The Ranger returned quickly, but the caution he had shown upon leaving had completely vanished from his face. Now, there was only panic and fear.

"Your Highness..."

"What is it?" Belorell anxiously leaped from his Gryphon and went over to support the soldier, who nearly stumbled and fell. Vianna came closer as well. "What happened?"

"Everyone in Golden Mist Village, they..."

"What about them?"

"You should see for yourself."

The soldier clearly did not know how to describe what he had seen. Since he had returned safely, it meant he had encountered no danger such as enemies. But aside from enemies, what else could leave a battle-hardened Ranger so flustered?

Belorell released the Ranger's arm and ran toward Golden Mist Village. Vianna shouted his name behind him, but she could not stop him from quickening his pace.

Over that neither-short-nor-long distance, Belorell imagined all kinds of possibilities. The people of Golden Mist Village might have been attacked, suffering heavy casualties—but there was no smell of blood in the air. Or perhaps everyone had vanished, but if the scouting Ranger had seen nothing at all, he would never have worn such an expression.

There had to be something terrifying!

None of his guesses were as shocking as reality. Every resident and guard in Golden Mist Village lay on the ground, utterly motionless.

Belorell froze completely. For one instant, he seemed