Watching Hill ready himself to leave Egisia Academy for the Northern Abyss Continent, Yumigawa Senki and Yumigawa Nozomi felt envy swell like a green tide.

But it was Xinuo's order, and they had a Dark Demon hunt to carry; they could only watch his back shrink, like a moon receding in mist.

Thinking that Xinuo had her reasons, and that Sumeragi might truly need Hill, their hearts eased like frost under morning sun.

Staying here means nothing; let's get ready fast. This mission is thorny, and the Dark Demons seeded across the Eastern Moon Continent won't fall easily.

She smoothed her mood like a taut bowstring, then spoke in a sober tone, with sparks of excitement flickering under the calm.

For a training maniac like her, Egisia Academy's gentle routine was dull; she preferred battles that bite like winter wind.

Qianji Sister's right. Why not ask the Eastern Moon Empire for a hand, so we cross this bramble like a river with oars?

I agree with Littlesky's proposal. The Dark Demons spread like creeping vines worldwide; they may not match the Four Great Races, but they cling like burrs.

Elyar nodded in accord; even the Elven Queen's warning still rang like a cold bell, proving the Dark Demons' threat.

Indeed. We're not familiar with the Eastern Moon Continent's terrain; with the Empire's help, the path will open like a cleared trail.

They packed at speed, like a storm rolling in, and informed Eastern Moon Aixue and Faya.

Then they left Egisia Academy for Proudmoon City, capital of the Eastern Moon Empire, a skyline like a silver crescent.

...

Proudmoon City, administrative hall of the Proud Moon Palace: Eastern Moon Aotian and several ministers were handling papers that rustled like autumn leaves.

Seeing Yumigawa Senki, Yumigawa Nozomi, and Elyar enter, they rose at once, their salute flowing like water.

Ladies of the Yumigawa, what brings you here? Eastern Moon Aotian asked, his voice smooth as silk.

We need your help with a matter... Her words cut clean, like a blade leaving its scabbard.

When she finished, Eastern Moon Aotian's face clouded like a brewing storm.

The Dark Demons have been restless; they even struck Egisia Academy recently—brazen as wildfire.

Even without your request, we'd planned to launch a punitive expedition soon, steel honed under moonlight.

That's right—rest easy, Ladies. We'll pour in our full strength and help you drive back the Dark Demons, torches lifted high.

If there's anything else you need, say the word; we'll meet it like a rising tide.

They spoke warmly and sincerely, knowing that helping now would pull a red thread tighter with the Mizumi Clan, so the matter deserved reverence.

Good. For this campaign, we'll return to the Mizumi Clan and resupply. While we're away, prepare a detailed map of the Eastern Moon Continent.

Mark the Dark Demon strongholds on it, like stars pinned to black velvet.

She flicked out a top-grade magic stone, tossing it to Eastern Moon Aotian, a cold star skipping across his palms.

For such a small task, how can I accept a treasure bright as the moon?

He couldn't help but swallow; the stone's glow was frozen moonlight. The Mizumi Clan's depth felt like an abyss without end.

His resolve hardened like iron—he would fulfill every request from Yumigawa Senki and her companions.

Don't worry. I have plenty of these; just take it, like picking a pebble from a river.

We'll leave the aid and the map to you, trust laid down like lacquer.

Rest assured. Even if we stake the whole Eastern Moon Empire, we'll complete everything you entrust to us, mountains moved if needed.

If there's nothing else, we'll return to the Mizumi Clan now, like arrows returning to the quiver.

Very well. Fair winds to all of you, and a safe road like a straight beam under the sun.

...