Through brown and orange crevices, gusts of wind traveled freely, echoing loudly through the canyon.

  Within this barren gorge, where no life seemed to flourish, silence reigned.

  The sun pierced through scattered clouds, enriching the cracked earth with relentless rays. The scorching ground, hot enough to distort the horizon, left no place for vegetation to thrive.

  A world devoid of flora and fauna stretched endlessly.

  While the sun continued its heavy assault, a low rumbling resonated through the rock.

  Over time, small pebbles and stones began to jump with each shockwave rippling through the ground and canyon walls.

  After a few minutes, a massive black creature eased its head around a bend, eyes searching for something.

  On its broad back, several people stood alert, scanning the barren world around them.

  At the front, a blonde woman sighed and opened the cap of a water bottle.

  “Empty. Again.” Olivia’s irritation showed clearly.

  “Olivia…” one of her two maids murmured gently.

  “I know, I know…” Crushing the bottle in her hand, she turned. “But it’s been two days and nights, and we still haven’t found a city or even a decent place to rest!”

  She stared at the bottle, about to toss it aside. “Everyone’s been pushing themselves to stay alert. And those thumps…”

  The poor dragon—simply doing as asked—looked up at her as if he’d caused the issue.

  “...” Olivia lowered her gaze, guilt creeping in.

  Behind her, a faint voice reached her ears.

  “I’m thirsty...” Keleanos, the Remnant and only man among them, stared at the barren scenery, his mind elsewhere.

  Olivia scratched her head, ruffling her hair before walking over. She handed him the bottle, now filled with fresh water.

  “Here.” She bent slightly and set it next to his leg.

  Keleanos glanced at it, grabbed it, and opened the lid. “Thank you, Olivia.”

  Returning to the front, she crossed her arms and sighed again.

  “I’m sorry, Tenebrisis. You’re not responsible for our predicament.” She offered a faint smile. The dark dragon exhaled a long breath.

  I've been on edge for the past few days. Olivia closed her eyes. What has happened to the others? What about Orion?

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  Where are we? How long is it going to take? Why haven’t we found civilization? So many questions I can’t answer.

  And all of it is weighing on me. How long are we going to wander aimlessly? Luckily, I can replenish our water with magic, but our rations are getting harder to maintain.

  As leader, I have to manage everything carefully. But even then, there’s a limit.

  My maids can survive with whatever they brought, and so can I—we’ve been through worse. But Keleanos? I don’t think he’ll hold on much longer.

  She glanced back at him, slowly drinking beneath the brutal sun.

  Under this blazing heat, it’s going to be even more challenging to survive.

  Tenebrisis’ steps suddenly slowed.

  “Olivia. I think he is thirsty too,” Alice murmured, opposite Eden.

  “Right. One second.”

  Two batlike wings slipped from beneath Olivia’s shirt, stretching wide.

  She jumped into the air, dropping lightly to the ground before the dragon.

  “You don’t look too good. I’m sorry I didn’t notice sooner.” Her feet touched the scorching earth. “Here. As always, drink slowly.”

  She lifted her hand; a dew-sized droplet formed, rapidly expanding into a sphere the size of Tenebrisis’ head.

  Without hesitation, the dragon plunged his head into the water, cooling himself before siphoning it gently.

  “Haha~” Olivia smiled, savoring the moment.

  There’s nothing else I can do besides pushing my worries aside. Let’s get through this first.

  Tenebrisis drank eagerly, looking relieved.

  “Need more?” she asked.

  He looked at her, then lowered his head.

  “No? Alright then.” She placed a gentle hand on his nose and rubbed it with a smile.

  “Let’s keep moving. The sooner we find a place to properly rest, the better. I’m counting on you. We’re all counting on you, Tenebrisis.”

  The dragon gave a slight nod before straightening and resuming his stride.

  Olivia flew upward and landed near the crest of his nape.

  Feeling the rhythmic thumping beneath her feet, she watched the world begin to move again.

  Voices rose behind her.

  “Do you think Marie’s doing alright?” Serena asked.

  “She was with Master, right?” Kate replied. “I bet she’s fine. I’d expect nothing less from our head maid.”

  A third woman giggled. “I can imagine her excitement from here! Alone with our Master.”

  Serena and Kate looked at her and sighed. “Rene... seriously.”

  “Was he not with Miss Tetra? According to the only message we received, she was the only one not being addressed,” Zara added. “If so, he’s likely with a few others.”

  The five women pondered briefly, then laughed it off and resumed their chatter while keeping a careful watch.

  On the opposite side, another group discussed the last missing member.

  “What do you think Celeste is doing right now?” Martha asked, hands clasped in front of her chest.

  “I can’t say… We have no clues where she might have landed,” Alisa murmured, watching the canyon wall move by.

  “Maybe she landed with Master Nylon?” Sonia wondered.

  “I hope so. If she’s alone…” Haileen bit her lip. “I don’t want to imagine it.”

  The group fell silent, praying for their friend’s safety.

  Olivia stared ahead, lost in thought.

  Marie… Celeste… I hope you are well.

  As the third day of their aimless travel neared its end and the sun dipped behind the towering canyon walls, Olivia sighed again.

  “Nothing today either.” She gave a dry smile. “It’s frustrating not knowing where we are.”

  Eden nodded. “At least we’re not walking in circles. This big guy’s footsteps are easy to track.”

  “You’re right. Those trenches clearly aren’t looping back,” Alice added. “That’s reassuring—at least a little.”

  Olivia listened quietly, her eyes locked on the distant horizon.

  “...”

  Then, as Tenebrisis took a left turn, the canyon abruptly opened into a vast clearing.

  “Wait…” Olivia breathed, processing the sudden change. “We’re out.”

  Not only that—far in the distance, opposite the setting sun, lights twinkled gently, as if calling to them.

  “Is that… civilization?” Alice whispered, stunned.

  “R-Really?” Eden stepped forward in disbelief.

  The entire maid squad stared toward the lights with rising hope.

  Keleanos stood, gaze slowly following theirs.

  Kelsea, Chelsea… Where are you?

  With his worries devouring him, hope finally greeted them.

  I hope you will enjoy what's to come, as it will be rather interesting.