The Witch's Forest still stood, though now it was little more than a shadow of its former self.

The Great Luck that had once blessed it was gone. The devastation from the recent battle was one thing, but more importantly—the Witch Queen herself had already fled.

The witches who remained were pale and trembling, eyes full of fear.

Ethan cast them only a faint glance, showing not the slightest interest, then turned to look in another direction.

"Yami, Asta—how's it looking? Did you find her?" Ethan asked, scanning the area.

Among the group, he didn't see that familiar figure. A bad feeling crept up his spine.

Yami shook his head. "Sorry. We searched the entire castle, but there's no sign of Vanessa."

"Not found?"

The news made Ethan's chest tighten. The joy he'd felt earlier from obtaining the Celestial Spirit Treasure faded by several shades.

"Two possibilities," Yami went on. "Either the Witch Queen took her, or she's already—"

"She was taken," Ethan interrupted firmly. Compared to the alternative, he much preferred the first explanation.

If you're going to take someone, you must have something to gain from it.

Sure, Vanessa was a witch, but in the Witch's Forest there was no shortage of witches—good ones at that. The Queen had let Vanessa live outside for so many years without lifting a finger; why suddenly go to the trouble of bringing her back now?

Yami exhaled smoke. "If that's the case and she's not in immediate danger, then… what should we do about the Witch's Forest?"

You couldn't save your teammate by rushing blindly. As captain, Yami knew you had to set priorities.

Geographically, the Witch's Forest sat right between the Diamond Kingdom and the Clover Kingdom. Whoever controlled it held an overwhelming strategic advantage.

That was why the Diamond Kingdom had always coveted it.

Hearing Yami's words, Ethan forced himself to set aside his emotions. "Let's go. We'll inform the army to take over and garrison this place. As for Vanessa, we'll plan our move carefully."

In the Clover Kingdom's capital…

Without his magic and now looking like a young boy, Wizard King Julius Novachrono spoke gravely—startling everyone present.

"No need to guard against the Diamond Kingdom anymore."

"You mean…?" someone began.

"That's right," Julius said, nodding. "Because the Diamond Kingdom no longer exists."

A quiet heaviness filled his voice.

They had been rivals—enemies even—and a part of him had wished for their destruction. But when it actually happened so suddenly… there was an odd emptiness to it.

"How? How could an entire kingdom just vanish?" Ethan was easily the most shocked of them all.

The Diamond Kingdom's fall was something he'd expected—but only later, after Asta and the others had gone to the Heart Kingdom. And there was still Saint Mage Colin; how could it just be… gone?

"The news was heavily suppressed," Julius explained. "By the time we heard about it, twenty-two days had already passed."

"Twenty-two days? That's…"

Ethan, like Julius, was keenly aware of timing. Twenty-two days ago was right after they'd finished fighting the Word Soul Devil. Go back a bit further, and that was when the national war with the Diamond Kingdom had taken place.

Julius met Ethan's eyes. "You've guessed it, haven't you? Yes—the Spade Kingdom struck while they were vulnerable."

Spade. Heart. Diamond. Clover.

All the nations were technically on the same continent, though separated by distance. While strength was balanced, they kept to themselves. But once one kingdom weakened, the others would pounce.

Compared to the Diamond Kingdom, Clover was farther from Spade—a small mercy.

Ethan shook his head and gave a short, humorless laugh. "Figures. Guess they were just unlucky."

He felt no sympathy. They were enemies, after all.

"But really… the Spade Kingdom is sly."

"I'm guessing they were watching the battlefield the whole time," Ethan added. "Otherwise, there's no way they could have moved in so fast. Armies don't just march overnight—it takes time to mobilize, even with instant orders. And for the news to be locked down for over twenty days? They must've been ready in advance. Wouldn't surprise me if their troops were hiding nearby during our war."

Julius nodded. "Likely. But speculation is pointless now. By absorbing the Diamond Kingdom, the Spade Kingdom's power has grown immensely. We can't stand against them alone, so… I plan to send an envoy to the Heart Kingdom to form an alliance."

An alliance?

The idea lit a spark of hope among the gathered Magic Knights.

Even at full strength, the Clover Kingdom had struggled to match Spade in military might. But with the Heart Kingdom on their side, the balance could shift.

"I'll go! I'll take that mission!" Asta declared, puffing out his chest, eyes glittering with excitement.

Going abroad! He'd never even left the country—foreign moons must be rounder, right?

"What do you mean you'll go? I'll go!"

"No, me!"

Shouts broke out across the room. Apparently, all worlds had one thing in common—everyone loved a free trip.

"Enough," Julius said firmly. "This is too important to risk failure, so…"

"Me?" Ethan asked dryly when Julius looked his way.

His combat power was undeniable, but diplomacy wasn't exactly his strong suit. If someone gave him attitude, he'd probably deck them before thinking.

"Correct. I suspect the Spade Kingdom will try to ambush the envoy en route, so the one leading the mission must be strong. But knowing your… temperament, this time you won't be alone. Mimosa!"

"Here!"

"Asta!"

"Here!"

"Mimosa Vermillion, though from the Golden Dawn, studied for a time in the Heart Kingdom when she was young. She has personal connections there, which will help. As for you, Asta—besides forming the alliance, I want you to investigate the matter of the devils."

Ethan's lips quirked in a knowing smile.

So Julius wasn't completely ignorant about devils after all. If anything, he probably knew more than he let on—and now he'd found an excuse to confirm it.

"Um… can I come too?"

Noelle raised her hand, cheeks pink. The others exchanged meaningful looks at Ethan, whose own face colored slightly as he looked away.

Only Asta, bright-eyed with realization, blurted out, "Oh, so you just want a free trip too!"

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