Astral Point: Summoners Dimensional War

Catherine slowly opened her eyes, the soft afternoon sunlight peeking through the gaps in the inn room's curtains making her blink several times. Her whole body felt weak—a result of oversleeping after a long, exhausting night in Esverita. Reluctantly, she rose from the bed, tidied her clothes as best she could, and stepped out of the room.

Arriving at the lobby, she found Thomas, Virginia, and Pierre already seated at a simple wooden table, enjoying their afternoon meal. The aroma of warm bread and soup was tempting, though Catherine's face betrayed no enthusiasm.

"How can you all look so relaxed?" Catherine grumbled, leaning against an empty chair. "I was nearly dead from exhaustion last night, and now you're already enjoying a meal like this?"

Virginia turned to her with a faint smile, clearly accustomed to Catherine's sarcastic tone. "We're tired too, Catherine. But a short rest and some food work wonders for recovery."

Catherine rolled her eyes and scanned the table. "Where's Nina? And our little prince?"

Thomas, sipping his warm tea, replied, "Nina is with Prince Claudius and Lord Barthold. They're in town as well, resting just like us. The prince still needs time to fully recover."

"Hmph, fine," Catherine muttered, picking up a cup of tea prepared by the inn's staff and sipping it slowly. Her eyes wandered out the window, her thoughts turning to the unfinished mission.

Before long, the lobby doors opened, and Jeanne entered with a firm stride, followed by the more casually dressed Pharnaces II. They joined the group at the table, catching Catherine's attention.

"Awake already?" Jeanne teased lightly.

Catherine scoffed. "I don't sleep through important moments, Jeanne. Last night, I worked hard to keep your precious prince alive."

Pharnaces gave a small smile and interjected, "We all worked hard. But I'm not here for a morning-evening debate. There's something I need to ask."

Everyone turned their attention to him as he continued in a serious tone. "The quest regarding Esverita's internal conflict—we've been through so much: saving the prince, dealing with the chaos, even involving troops from Libenthium. But there's still no notification that the quest is complete."

Catherine set her cup down gently, turning her chair slightly to face Pharnaces. "I've been thinking about that too," she said. "What we've done doesn't seem to be enough. Something's still missing."

Jeanne nodded in agreement. "The Archpriest Mephisa and the Archlich at the church. Maybe the real conflict ties back to them. We might've only addressed part of the problem."

"Does that mean we have to return to Esverita?" Pierre asked, his tone heavy with fatigue and doubt.

Thomas, who had been silent until now, stared thoughtfully at the table. "There's no other option. If we abandon this quest unfinished, whatever's happening in Esverita could spread. The people we saved might end up in danger again."

Catherine sighed and stood, stretching her stiff back. "Fine. But not today. I just woke up, and I refuse to die of exhaustion again. We rest tonight and plan our next move in the morning."

But a sharp voice suddenly echoed in her mind, sending a shiver down her spine.

"This quest has nothing to do with Archpriest Mephisa or the Archlich in the church," the voice said firmly.

Catherine listened closely, recognizing the familiar yet always unsettling voice of the Navigator. It continued, "The quest is tied to Prince Claudius. You must ensure he claims the throne as Esverita's rightful heir. Until he fully recovers and takes the throne, the quest will remain incomplete."

Catherine sighed softly but loud enough to catch the attention of Thomas and Virginia nearby. Before they could ask, the Navigator's voice pressed on, "Go to Prince Claudius at Lord Barthold's residence. Resolve this matter. You know what must be done."

Silence followed. Catherine felt the urgency behind the Navigator's words, as usual. When the voice faded, she looked up to see Thomas, Virginia, and Pierre, who had clearly heard the same message.

"He just spoke again, didn't he?" Pierre asked, his tone a mix of weariness and frustration.

Catherine gave a brief nod. "The quest is connected to Prince Claudius. We need to ensure he takes the throne. That's why it isn't finished yet."

Virginia frowned. "He's still recovering. If we push him too soon..."

"There's no other choice," Catherine interrupted. "As long as he doesn't take that step, we'll stay stuck in this mess. And as you know, an unresolved quest always leads to more problems."

Thomas stood, his face resolute. "Alright. If that's the step we need to take, then we have to do it now."

Catherine nodded and turned to Jeanne and Pharnaces, who were still seated. "Jeanne, Pharnaces, we're heading to Lord Barthold's residence to meet Prince Claudius. This is about completing the quest."

Jeanne appeared thoughtful for a moment. "Is this a direct instruction from your Navigator?"

"Yes," Catherine replied firmly.

Jeanne glanced at Pharnaces, who shrugged lightly as if to say, Why not? After a brief pause, Jeanne nodded. "Alright. I'll join. But let me confirm with my own Navigator first."

Jeanne closed her eyes briefly, seeming to converse with someone internally. When she opened them again, she said, "My Navigator agrees. It's a reasonable step forward."

The group swiftly prepared to leave. The road to Lord Barthold's residence wasn't far, but Catherine felt this journey would determine much.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by guards who recognized them. Catherine took the lead, her expression firm but carrying a trace of tension. Inside, they found Prince Claudius seated on a large sofa, with the ever-loyal Nina by his side. The prince looked brighter, though his body still bore signs of recovery from his earlier wounds.

As Claudius saw them enter, he rose slowly with Nina's help. "You've come," he said, his voice weak but resolute.

Catherine regarded him sharply and spoke in a serious tone, "We're here to ensure something, Your Highness. It's time for you to take the next step. Esverita needs a leader."

The prince sat back on the long couch in Lord Barthold's study, his face pale and filled with doubt. The bandages around his midsection served as a stark reminder of his recent wounds. Nina remained by his side, ensuring his comfort. In front of him, Catherine, Thomas, and Jeanne stood at attention, as if attending a crucial hearing.

"We need an answer, Your Highness," Catherine pressed, her tone firm. "This kingdom cannot wait much longer. Without a clear leader, chaos will only continue."

Prince Claudius lowered his head, staring at his hands resting on his lap. He clenched the fabric of his robes tightly, trying to calm his restless mind.

"I... don't know if I'm ready," he finally said, his voice hoarse. "Everything has happened so quickly. My brother, Cailus, is missing. The kingdom is fractured. And I myself—" He paused, glancing at the bandages around his torso. "I couldn't even protect myself."

"You don't have to do it alone," Jeanne interjected gently, her tone balancing Catherine's sternness. "The people of Esverita need hope, and that can come from you. The nobles, and we, will support you."

Nina, seated beside Claudius, clasped his hand tightly. "Your Highness, you've endured so much already. Perhaps this decision can wait until you've fully recovered."

"No," Catherine cut in sharply. "The longer this decision is delayed, the greater the chances others will exploit the situation. We can't risk the kingdom's future."

Claudius looked at Catherine, then turned to Nina. His face reflected deep hesitation, like a man standing at a crossroads with equally daunting paths ahead.

"I understand what you're saying," Claudius finally replied. "But becoming king is an enormous responsibility. I'm not sure I have the wisdom or strength for it. I'm just... Cailus' younger brother, someone who was never truly prepared for this."

The door to the room opened, and Lord Barthold entered with a serious expression. "Pardon the interruption, but I have something important to share," he said as he approached.

"The remaining nobles have cast their votes," he continued. "The majority support you, Prince Claudius. They believe you're the best hope for restoring this kingdom."

Claudius stared at Barthold, clearly stunned by the news. "They support me? Even after everything?"

"Because of everything," Barthold replied firmly. "They know the kingdom needs a symbol of stability, and you are the only one who fits that role. They don't see your weaknesses—only your potential."

Silence filled the room. Claudius closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. When he opened them, they shone with newfound determination.

"Then," he said in a low but steady voice, "I'll do it. I will accept this responsibility and become the King of Esverita."

Nina smiled softly, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Jeanne nodded respectfully, while Catherine allowed herself a faint smile, satisfied that a decision had finally been made. Thomas, who had remained silent, placed a hand over his chest and bowed to Claudius.

Lord Barthold offered a small smile. "A wise decision, Your Highness. We'll begin preparations for the official announcement."

As Claudius looked around at those gathered around him, a sense of relief washed over him, though he had just taken on a tremendous burden. There was no turning back now. He had to move forward, no matter what lay ahead.

***