Dark Aether enveloped her body. Her hair remained exactly the same. Her elegant elven ears shortened slightly while a pair of graceful black horns appeared above them.
Even the regal aura she naturally carried faded until it became calm and unremarkable. Moments later... the Queen of the Dark Elves no longer stood before him. Instead, a refined noblewoman of the Demonic Kingdom adjusted her cloak with practiced ease.
She looked almost exactly as she had before, yet at the same time, entirely different.
Atheline smiled.
"If I didn’t already know... I doubt I’d recognize you immediately."
"That’s the idea."
She stored the crystals back inside their case.
"Most people remember faces, but few remember mannerisms. We’ll simply avoid drawing unnecessary attention."
The final crystal was much smaller than the others. Lilith tied it gently onto the little fox’s collar. The tiny charm shimmered once. Her snowy white fur gradually shifted into earthy brown streaked with darker patches, and her bright appearance became far more ordinary.
She now resembled one of the countless mountain foxes native to the Demonic Continent. The fox blinked. She looked down at herself before spinning in a circle as if trying to understand what had happened.
Atheline knelt and scratched beneath its chin.
"Still adorable."
The fox chirped proudly. Lilith smiled.
"I doubt anyone will give it a second glance now."
She surveyed the surrounding landscape one final time. According to the map, the place revealed by the Goddess lay somewhere beyond the mountain range visible in the distance. Still far enough away that no details could yet be distinguished.
Their journey had truly begun. They descended from the plateau, following a narrow game trail through the forest.
The rising sun gradually painted the sky in shades of gold and orange, illuminating towering ancient trees unlike those found within either the Dark Elven Kingdom or the central regions of the Demonic Continent.
The forest here felt older, almost untouched. Birds with crimson feathers darted between branches overhead while strange calls echoed deeper within the woods.
Fortunately, no dangerous beasts revealed themselves. After nearly two hours of steady walking, signs of civilization finally began to appear.
A worn dirt road emerged from the trees with wheel tracks carved deep grooves into the earth. Not long afterward, they encountered a pair of hunters transporting several freshly caught beasts toward a nearby settlement.
The hunters nodded politely as they passed. Neither gave the couple more than a passing glance.
Soon, wooden watchtowers became visible above the treetops and stone walls followed. Compared to the magnificent capital or prosperous Blackforge, this settlement appeared almost humble.
Its walls were practical rather than impressive. Watchmen stood alert atop the battlements, scanning the surrounding wilderness far more often than the road itself.
Life here revolved around survival. Merchants arrived carrying medicinal herbs, monster materials, and hunting supplies. Hunters entered and departed in small groups. Wagons transporting timber and ore lined the entrance.
There were no elaborate decorations adorning the streets. Every building served a purpose. Lilith quietly observed the people as they entered through the city gate.
Most wore practical clothing, many carried weapons openly, and several bore scars that suggested years spent battling corrupted beasts beyond the frontier.
These people scarcely glanced at newcomers. Travelers arrived every day. No one had time to concern themselves with strangers unless those strangers caused trouble.
Atheline looked around with quiet satisfaction.
"We blend in."
Lilith nodded.
The little fox trotted happily beside them, occasionally stopping to sniff unfamiliar scents before catching up again.
As Lilith and Atheline slowly walked through the main street, they quietly observed the people around them. After several minutes, Atheline looked toward a sturdy three-story building near the center of town.
A sword and shield emblem hung above the entrance. The building had clearly been repaired many times over the years. Deep claw marks scarred several of the outer stone blocks, while sections of the roof had obviously been rebuilt using newer timber.
Hunters, mercenaries, escorts, and adventurers came and went constantly. A notice board stood outside, covered with requests ranging from escorting caravans to exterminating dangerous beasts that had wandered too close to nearby farms.
Atheline smiled slightly.
"We should start there."
Lilith followed his gaze.
"The Hunter’s Guild."
"Yes, information naturally gathers where travelers gather."
He looked toward the constant flow of people entering and leaving.
"Someone returning from the mountains, another arriving from another settlement, or a merchant whose caravan took an unusual route. They all pass through places most officials never visit."
Lilith nodded.
"They speak from experience."
The two entered the guild together. The atmosphere inside was warm and lively. Long wooden tables filled the common hall, many occupied by groups discussing completed commissions over breakfast.
The scent of roasted meat mixed with fresh bread and strong coffee. Near one wall, several receptionists accepted reports while clerks updated maps pinned to large notice boards.
A middle-aged adventurer limped toward the healer’s room while another loudly complained about a beast that had stolen his boots during the night.
The little fox looked around curiously before hopping onto an empty chair beside Atheline. Several nearby adventurers smiled at the small creature before returning to their own conversations.
Rather than approaching the reception desk immediately, Lilith quietly suggested they simply listen. So they found a table near the center of the room and ordered breakfast. While eating, they allowed the conversations around them to wash over them.
"...Road to East Hollow’s finally safe again."
"...Don’t go near the northern marshes."
"...Corrupted wolves this time."
"...Caravan lost three wagons."
"...Someone says the old bridge collapsed."
"...No, that’s been broken for years."
Bits and pieces drifted from every direction. Useful perhaps, but nothing connected to the place they wanted to go. After nearly half an hour, Atheline stood.
"I’ll ask around."
Lilith nodded.
"But indirectly."
He smiled.
"Of course."
He approached the large commission board where several adventurers were studying maps. Rather than mentioning ancient ruins or forgotten temples, he simply joined the discussion naturally.