Both decided that it was best to travel using one horse to not be easily separated. Three days had passed ever since they left the comforts of Sunny Drop Queendom. The Kingdom of Blackmount was picked by Luna as their first destination due to it being closer compared to the other kingdoms. Gilbert was impressed that she actually had planned beforehand where to go first and which path to take to avoid detection from the enemies. Meanwhile, he was sulking and did not do much to help, not even plan ahead. This made the prince visibly guilty. He mentally scolded himself, with the situation they are in, planning ahead is necessary. After all, failing to prepare means preparing for failure.

Luna, who was riding in front of him, noticed his silence. She opened her mouth to ask what was bothering him. Her voice was so quiet that Gilbert almost missed it. The prince guessed she was a bit hesitant to ask.

"It's nothing. I'm sorry I couldn't contribute anything." He was confused when Luna turned to give him a smile.

"I'm just glad you're here." Although he was sure she meant nothing by that, Gilbert still couldn't stop the reddening of his cheeks. To Luna, he was the hero and he hopes she's right.

With that in mind, Gilbert suddenly remembered something. "Your Highness—"

"Call me Luna and then I'll call you Gil," she cut him off.

Gilbert almost choked on his own saliva. The princess only laughed at him and said, "We'll be together from now on so let’s not call each other using our titles."

Finally, he gave in. "Your High—Luna," he faked a cough to cover his mistake after seeing the pointed look the girl gave him, although it didn't look that intimidating due to her struggling just to face him. "Is there a reason why I'm the one in your vision?"

Luna made a noise indicating that she was thinking. After a few seconds, she answered, "You were chosen by the gods."

"Why me?"

"Gods work in ways we don't understand. I guess we'll just have to see why," she said finally looking ahead, her voice hinting a smile.

Gilbert knew that most of the previous heroes were rulers of Wyvern, that information was at least found in history books. Though that doesn't mean the sword's bearer is limited to royalty or residing in Wyvern. Being a male or female does not matter as well. In fact, Gilbert remembered one of Sunny Drop's previous Queens had been chosen by the Gods. However, many believed that the gods favored Wyvern. No one dared to mess with the said kingdom in fear of angering the gods. This allowed Wyvern to grow an unspoken authority over the other Kingdoms and Queendom.

Knowing the nature of humans, Gilbert was glad that his kingdom maintained a good relationship among others.

With the sun almost setting, the two finally find themselves in Blackmount's only entrance. To their alarm, the gates were ruined and the walls that were supposed to protect the kingdom were covered in cracks and holes.

"I knew they began to stir years ago, but I didn't think they'd already started full-scale attacks," Luna muttered with brows furrowed in concern. This unsettled Gilbert behind her. Even their horse—he's called Speed according to Luna and really likes his name—was frozen on his spot. He was obviously scared, and Luna had to calm him.

What greeted them once they entered the broken gates was an eerie silence and deserted homes. Since Blackmount had only one entrance, as in most cases in every kingdom, the closest to the gate weren't houses but barracks where soldiers were residing. In the middle was the royal palace and it can easily be seen from the entrance. Gilbert guessed the residential houses were at the back, opposite the gate.

Something's wrong, Gilbert thought with a frown. How long had Blackmount been this way, he wondered. Clearly, they were attacked judging by the traces of broken weapons and corpses Gilbert couldn't identify. However, he was sure they were large wolves, he was even surprised to see bones. His frown deepened as his concern went to Luna, this might give her a scare and he was right.

The poor girl was shaking slightly. It was obvious she was trying her best to not show it by how hard she was holding the horse’s reign. He grimaced at himself after countless failed attempts of comforting her. He resorted to awkwardly tapping Luna on her arm before saying, "Stay here." and he got off the horse,

“You might get hurt!” Luna protested but Gilbert assured her he won’t go far so as to keep an eye on her at the same time. With that said, Gilbert explored the long building that was thankfully still intact. As expected, it was deserted except or the smell of blood that reeked all over.

Seeing how he grimaced, Luna hurried Speed over to him. “Found anything?”

Gilbert shook his head the moment he got out of the barracks, “Just the aftermath of a battle.”

“Oh,” she uttered as soon as the metallic smell of blood hit her nose.

Gilbert moved to another building and Luna followed whilst riding Speed. After confirming that there really was indeed a fight, Luna wants to keep an eye on Gilbert, not wanting him to be hurt or worse, get killed before they could defeat the Lord of the dead.

Outside, the two found several gray stains that they guessed were blood from years ago. That was when the two realized the fight happened not too long due to the still fresh stains they found earlier.

The two shared a glance and it was obvious they were visibly shaken by the discovery. Every step they took felt heavy, and the feeling of being watched surfaced. Luna felt the dagger attached to her belt and adjusted the bow and arrow on her shoulders as unease settled over. She was trained using both weapons in courtesy of the Queen, Her Majesty, but not once had Luna ever participated in a real fight.

Luna closed her eyes for a brief moment and saw fangs. As dread washed over her, she called to Gilbert who was still on foot ahead of her.

"Gil—" he cut her off with a hush. Luna held her breath and listened.

There was a scraping noise, and then a snarl.

Gilbert took out his sword and Luna took out her bow. By now, the sun was almost out, and it was getting darker. They at least need to find a shelter to hide.

"Gil, let's get out of here," Luna said once she was close and the boy agreed.

Just as Gilbert was about to get on the horse, several large wolves, similar to the corpses he had seen, stalked slowly towards them. If it weren't for their flesh ripped and bones showing, the two would have thought they were normal wolves.

"The Lord of the dead's subjects," the girl said, totally frozen all over.

Luna shrieked as Speed sent Gilbert sprawling on the ground in its panic. Gilbert landed with a loud thud and it was enough opening for the wolves to lunge at him. Out of instinct, Luna shot off one of her arrows, hitting the one closer to Gilbert on the nape. This served to anger the rest of them and they were now running at full speed towards the two of them.

In no time, Gilbert was already on his feet, his sword swinging at the wolves that got too close. Still, one of them managed to get close to Luna who was occupied in keeping Gilbert out of harm's way. It was too late when she realized she fell off Speed.

"Luna!" She heard Gilbert cry and Speed's loud squeal but it all sounded distant. She could only stare with wide eyes at the sharp fangs lunging at her. Fear took over. Luna shielded herself using her arm and waited for the sharp teeth to rip her flesh off her.

Nothing came.

"Damned wolves!" she heard someone shout in exasperation and much to her and Gilbert's surprise, the wolves opened their mouths to shout a reply.

"Damned humans—" and it was dead. Then everything was quiet.

"Are you alright?"

Luna looked up to meet the eyes of a stranger offering his hand. She hadn't even realized she was still on the ground.

Luna accepted and hauled herself up on her feet, "You have my gratitude—oof!" Gilbert grasped both her shoulders, turning her here and there to check for injuries before letting out a sigh of relief after seeing none.

"I'm glad you're alright." The prince then turned to their savior, wanting to have a good look. All five of them were wearing the same black cloak with its hood covering their faces.

But instead of giving his gratitude, Gilbert blurted out, "Those wolves can talk?" The stranger let out a deep chuckle, inferring the person was a man.

The stranger that helped Luna lifted the hood, revealing the face of Blackmount's crown prince.

"Your highness, Crown Prince Nathan?!" Luna exclaimed, mouth agape.

Gilbert squinted his eyes, and yes, he really was Nathan Draigh. His very symmetrical features couldn't be mistaken for another guy. Although the weariness in courtesy of the bags under his eyes was obvious, the boyish-glee twinkling in his eyes right now was the same as when Gilbert first met him.

Nathan showed a toothy grin, especially towards Gilbert, his good friend. He and Gilbert met on plenty of occasions, allowing them both to get acquainted. For a royalty, it was important to mingle and have good relations with other royals.

"I'm glad we made it in time," he said with a smile. Nathan turned to Luna and kissed the back of her hand whilst she curtsied.

"I'm glad m'lady is alright," he said before nodding at his men. "Welcome to Blackmount, or at least what's left of our kingdom."

The two heard Nathan's voice quivering at the end. Gilbert, knowing all too well how he felt, patted Nathan on his shoulder.

"What happened? I know the attacks had been relentless for years but to this extent?" Luna queried, her eyes roaming at the broken state of Blackmount with its people nowhere to be found. Sunny Drop also received multiple enemy attacks from the Evil Lord's minions, but not to this extent. And it wasn't as if Luna was allowed on the frontlines. Fey never shared anything either and this was something that the Queen would've told her.

"And let's not forget they can speak our language," Gilbert added.

Luna nodded, "Yes, that too."

"Also, this is occurring for years?" Gilbert asked again. Sero never permitted him to go beyond the palace walls. He was only informed of the state the outside world was currently facing, and the ignorant Gilbert trusted him.

"You're missing out on a lot," Nathan laughed before he turned serious. "Sunny Drop is probably the last one they want to conquer. We were attacked five years ago."