At the border between the Aspiration Mountains and the Black Forest.
The sorcerer stood with a grim expression, staring at the dissipated gray mist in the Black Forest.
He had just discovered the legendary Sending Spring (fourth lake?) and had been in a great mood. But who would've thought that right after leaving the Abyssal Caverns, he would hear news of the gray mist's disappearance?
"Damn it! Under normal circumstances, the gray mist should've lasted for at least another half a month."
"After that half-month, the largest beast tide from the Black Forest was supposed to occur. Why did the mist disappear now?!"
Holding a black crystal in his right hand and clenching his left fist, the scene before him had completely disrupted his expectations, ruining his entire plan.
Unwilling to give up, he took a few steps into the forest to investigate.
But before he went far, the black crystal in his hand suddenly lit up—this meant he was now within Azelf's sensory range.
If Azelf, empowered by Aspiration City, discovered him, even Darkrai wouldn't be able to handle it!
"Damn it, I was just one step away!" the sorcerer growled, his hand trembling with frustration.
After a long silence, he let out a cold snort. "Consider yourselves lucky this time. Next time, it won't be so easy!"
…
"So, this thing came from Marina City?"
At the knights' encampment, Aven turned to the chief knight as he asked.
Kevin nodded slightly. In front of them lay the corpses of a Staraptor and a Sneasel.
To confirm the gray mist had truly dissipated, a scouting knight had ventured all the way to the Abyssal Cave.
Near its entrance, he discovered signs of intense battle—and these two dead beasts.
The Staraptor's body was covered in severe wounds, most of its feathers gone, and all its bones broken, clearly having suffered a brutal death.
As for the Sneasel, its fur was dull, but it had no visible wounds, resembling those beasts that had been corrupted by the gray mist.
Looking at the two corpses, Aven glanced toward Frosslass outside the camp.
According to Kevin, these were likely advanced-tier magical beasts—equivalent to gym-level Pokémon in Aven's world.
And yet, Frosslass, after awakening her ghostly energy, had completely crushed them. Just how powerful was she in that state?
Aven suddenly recalled his promise to her the day before and felt a little guilty.
If she really went berserk, even all his Pokémon combined might not be able to stop her.
Clearly, he needed to find a way to get stronger as soon as possible…
He sighed inwardly, feeling a deep urgency—this time, the pressure came from within.
"Yes, these two magical beasts definitely came from Marina City," Kevin continued.
"I traveled there during my continental tour and met a few knights from that city. I recognize the armor."
Aven frowned slightly and tested the waters. "So… are you saying the force behind this is really Marina City?"
Hearing this, Kevin's brow furrowed even deeper.
After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Given Marina City's strength, they shouldn't be able to attack Aspiration City outright."
"But what if it's after the Abyssal Beast Tide?"
"Hm, that's a valid concern," Kevin nodded, catching Aven's meaning.
If Aspiration City had suffered massive losses—or even been destroyed—during the beast tide, then Marina City would have the perfect opportunity to strike!
Regardless of the knight's identity or motives, these two magical beasts came from Marina City and had just died in the Black Forest. That meant someone from Marina City was definitely involved.
"If only we could find that knight…" Aven murmured.
Kevin replied, "I'll have the scouts look for him. If he hasn't left Aspiration City's territory, there's no way he'll escape their tracking."
"I'll personally report this to Her Highness. Regardless of Marina City's actual involvement, we must remain on guard!"
Aven nodded solemnly. His heart grew heavier.
Marina City was located in the southeastern corner of the Hisui Region, while Fruitvale Village sat in the southeastern part of Aspiration City's domain.
If Marina City launched an attack, Fruitvale Village would be on the front lines—that wasn't good news at all.
…
Inside the castle of Aspiration City.
Mira stood by the window, a faint smile on her face.
She had just received word from the front—the gray mist in the Black Forest had completely dissipated. The Abyssal Beast Tide… was over.
"Aven… thank you this time," the lord whispered softly.
In the letter, Knight Kevin had meticulously documented everything that had happened.
At first, when she heard about a beast tide of over ten thousand Abyssal monsters, her expression changed drastically.
She knew there was no way to hold a defensive line against such a force.
But then she read about Aven's diversion tactics, and how—along with Frosslass and Petilil—they had found a way to cleanse the mist's corruption.
In this battle against the beast tide, Aven had been absolutely key—he had almost single-handedly resolved the crisis!
"Next time I read Kevin's letters, I'll start from the end," Mira huffed, pretending to be annoyed.
It was clearly good news, but the way it had been written nearly scared her to death.
Still, thinking of Aven brought another smile to her lips. He hadn't let her down—just as she hoped.
Knock, knock, knock.
At that moment, there was a knock on the study door. It was Johnson's voice.
Mira smiled and walked over to open the door herself, surprising the finance officer.
"Your Highness, I came to report this week's financial status of Aspiration City," Jonson said wearily.
With the passing time, the poor in the slums were becoming harder to control, and the city's finances were stretched thin.
"Let's walk and talk," Mira said, breaking their usual habit of discussing affairs in the study.
"It's been so long since I stepped outside—I've almost forgotten what fresh air smells like."
"Oh, yes, Your Highness."
Johnson blinked but quickly responded—indeed, the princess had also been working tirelessly.
"The slum dwellers…" he began.
But she interrupted him before he could continue.
With an irrepressible smile, Mira said, "Johnson, the gray mist has vanished…"
The treasurer blinked again, then suddenly widened his eyes in shock and joy.
The gray mist had dissipated. The crisis in Aspiration City… was over!
(End of Chapter)