The crow hopped on its two claws to us, its red eyes sizing me up.

Still observing? Has this crow become a spirit? I thought spirits weren’t allowed after the nation’s founding.

Eunice looked at the crow. “I didn’t expect to meet a Mage here. What brings you to us?”

Mage? This crow is a Mage… Are you kidding me?

The crow tilted its head, then flapped its wings and flew to a branch on a nearby tree.

So you can fly after all! I mentally grumbled.

The crow sized us up again. It raised one wing, pointing back the way it came. It cawed twice and flew off.

“Follow it. It probably poses no threat,” Eunice said.

Puzzled, I followed.

As we walked, Eunice explained, “This isn’t an ordinary crow. It radiates magic. A Mage controls it.”

So it’s controlled. I’d thought the crow had turned spirit.

I tucked away the glowing metal ball in my hand, reshaping it into a round badge. With a guide, we didn’t need the light. Besides, carrying a glowing orb through the dark forest might attract beasts.

We walked in silence under faint moonlight. We reached a marshland. Trees grew sparse around the swampy water, with only one or two standing in it. Frog croaks echoed intermittently.

A low wooden bridge crossed the marsh water. It led to a patch of dry land at the center. Three wooden cabins stood side by side there. The leftmost cabin glowed with light. Its windows shone brightly, warm yellow spilling out slightly.

Eerie atmosphere… Is this a Mage’s home?

“Let’s go,” Eunice said, carrying Rosalynd on her back. She stepped onto the wooden walkway first.

I didn’t overthink it and followed quickly.

After crossing the bridge, we reached the lit cabin. Its wooden door stood open. The crow hopped inside.

The house had a strange rectangular shape, stretching deep inside. We followed the crow in and finally saw its owner.

A hunched, small old lady with grayish-white hair.

Wrinkles covered her face. She sat in a chair at the room’s end. A warm fireplace stood beside her. On the other side sat a black square table. A candlestick burned quietly on it. Its warm yellow light illuminated a thick book in her hands.

She shifted her gaze from the book to us.

Her voice was aged yet strong.

“Are you travelers lost in the mountains? If you wish to stay the night, use the cabin next door.”

“Thank you,” Eunice said. She didn’t leave. “If possible, could you heal our injured companion?”

The old lady fell silent, studying Eunice. Slowly, she spoke. “Child, I’m sorry. I cannot heal the wounded.”

“But you’re a Mage.”

“Magic isn’t omnipotent.”

“Many magics can heal wounds in this world.”

“Sadly, I’ve mastered none of them.”

The room’s air froze. Not a sound stirred. The black crow hid in a corner, far less lively than before.

Suddenly, thunder boomed outside. Bright white light flashed through the window, illuminating the room for an instant.

I startled. Could it really rain now?

Eunice gave up on healing Rosalynd. “We’ll leave at dawn tomorrow.”

The old lady closed her book. She stood, leaning on a withered-wood cane. Slowly, she approached us.

“Your room is on the left. My granddaughter used to stay there. You may borrow it.”

She led us to another cabin in the row. She pushed the door open, stepped into the deep darkness inside, cane tapping softly.

Does she have night vision too?

A small flame sparked in the dark. Warm light filled the room as she lit a candle.

This cabin mirrored her own. Simple but complete furniture filled it. A square window on the far wall showed the night sky behind.

“Vicious beasts roam this forest. Unless necessary, don’t wander outside at night,” the old lady said.

Eunice laid Rosalynd on the bed. She looked up at the old woman.

“How long have you lived here?”

“Too long. About a dozen years.”

“You must know the forest’s exit, then?”

She nodded. “Head east from here. You’ll reach the Avaria Empire.”

“And this place?”

“The Severed Mountains.”

Thunder rumbled again, echoing into the distant sky.

The old lady spoke calmly. “Though I can’t heal your friend, I see this girl merely overexerted her power. She’s in a deep coma, but her life is safe. Don’t worry too much.”

She turned to leave. Before closing the door, she glanced back. “Remember—don’t wander outside at night.”

After she left, I sat by the wooden table, fiddling with my metal badge. I stole glances at Eunice beside Rosalynd.

Eunice was lost in thought.

Rosalynd remained unconscious.

Silence filled the room.

I couldn’t let it linger. I had too many questions.

Since appearing in that grand hall, I’d followed Eunice blindly, knowing nothing of this world. Not even Eunice herself.

My biggest doubt: why did she keep her power after taking over my body? I’d been utterly ordinary before—no superpowers at all.

Answers needed talking. But as I opened my mouth, Eunice spoke first.

“Have you chosen a name?”

“A name?”

“You need something to be called.”

I’d once suggested naming myself after the Demonic Sword. Eunice had rejected it.

Fine. Time to think of another.

Just as I imagined a flashy name, Eunice interrupted.

“How about Krein? In my homeland, it means trust.”

Krein… trust?

She truly saw me as a partner. Since I had no better idea, I’d accept her choice.

I nodded. “Then I’ll be Krein.”

I touched the metal badge. A hint of excitement rose in my chest.

From now on, I had a name.

Thunder cracked outside. Rain began pattering softly, growing louder.

No way—it’s really raining?

Is my unlucky streak coming true?

I stood and went to the door. Dark clouds hid the moon. Chilly night wind blew. Raindrops fell steadily. Frog croaks rose from the shallow pond outside.

The wind made me shiver. I shut the door and returned inside. Eunice sat in her chair, facing me. She pointed to the bed.

“Rest. You’re exhausted after walking so far.”

“What about you?”

“This place isn’t safe. I’ll stay awake and keep watch tonight.”

Candlelight glowed in Eunice’s eyes. Her familiar face felt strangely distant.

I sat on the bed’s edge. My legs ached terribly. I looked at Rosalynd. The silver-haired girl slept deeply. Her lovely lashes stayed still. Defenseless. Her mind seemed sealed away, sunk in a gentle dream.

But reality held a harsh truth: the guarded Princess Royal had been kidnapped by evil forces.

I wondered when she’d wake.

Today had been too much. Lying down, fatigue washed over me. I closed my eyes and drifted into sleep.