The sky-ship lifted off the dock, smooth and steady, rising into the open sky.

The wind brushed past them. Clouds drifted by like slow-moving pillows.

Aria leaned over the front railing. "Wooo! I'll never get tired of flying!"

Caria sat on a crate, flipping through her notes. "We should list possible dungeons on the island. Some of them open only during events."

Sophia stood near the mast, watching the sky calmly. "Stay alert. Air routes can still have monsters."

Puddle crawled up Rhys's shoulder and pointed ahead. "Master! Big moon island!"

Rhys looked forward.

In the distance, a huge crescent-shaped island slowly came into view. The waters around it glowed with faint blue light, like the ocean itself was shining.

Lyra stepped closer, stared for a long moment… then whispered:

"…It's different. But the feeling is still there."

Rhys glanced at her. "Good different or bad different?"

Lyra shook her head lightly. "I don't know yet."

Aria grinned. "Well, whatever it is, we'll figure it out when we get there."

Sophia nodded. "We should rest while we can. The event will be chaotic."

Caria agreed. "Competitions, sword masters, hidden quests… it will be busy."

Rhys held Severance Tide at his side.

The blade vibrated softly — almost like it recognized the island ahead.

Puddle hugged his neck. "Sword is excited!"

Rhys smiled. "Yeah… feels like it."

The sky-ship glided closer and closer to Moon Island.

Lights from the island's ports began to shine.

Crowds of players, visitors, and swordsmen filled the docks.

Aria stretched her arms. "Alright! New island, new challenges!"

Caria adjusted her glasses. "Try not to start fights immediately."

Sophia sighed. "I doubt that will help."

Lyra stepped forward as the ship prepared to land.

"Welcome to Moon Island," she said softly.

"And to the place where swords decide everything."

The sky-ship settled onto the landing platform with a soft thump, and the crew lowered the ramp.

The moment Rhys's group stepped off, the noise hit them—

Clashing steel.

People shouting.

Vendors selling swords, polish oil, and training manuals.

Players showing off flashy sword arts in the streets.

Moon Island was alive.

Aria threw her hands up. "THIS. IS. HEAVEN."

Caria nodded. "This much noise means the event is in full swing."

Sophia looked around with alert eyes. "Stay together. Too many people."

Puddle climbed onto Rhys's head like a lookout. "I see swords everywhere!!"

Lyra walked beside them quietly, gaze drifting over the old architecture—crescent roofs, moonstone lanterns, wide dueling plazas.

"…Changed, but still familiar," she murmured.

They reached the main event plaza, where a massive stone archway stood:

KING OF SWORDS — GRAND ENTRY

A long line of sword users stretched from the gate to the plaza center.

Aria grabbed Rhys's wrist. "Let's register before the slots fill!"

Sophia nodded. "We should hurry."

They approached a registration booth where a tired-looking NPC clerk sat behind a glowing crystal tablet.

He looked up as they arrived.

"Names?"

Aria proudly pointed at Rhys.

"He's registering for the tournament!"

The clerk blinked. "Rank?"

Rhys kept his profile hidden as usual.

"…Rank 2, Advanced."

The clerk nodded without suspicion — many fighters hid their rank to avoid being targeted.

"Any sword type permitted. Arena divisions will assign you based on performance. Do you accept the risk of free-duel zones, injury, and defeat?"

Rhys nodded. "Yes."

The clerk tapped the crystal.

A glowing sigil appeared on Rhys's wrist — blue with a thin crescent mark.

"Registration complete. Your preliminary match will be announced tomorrow morning."

Aria pumped her fist. "YESSS!"

Caria closed her notebook. "Good. Now we can find lodging."

Sophia glanced at the dueling rings nearby. "And maybe scout the competition."

Puddle pointed at a group of swordsmen doing flashy moves. "Master! They shiny!"

Lyra stood behind Rhys, eyes narrowing slightly at the distant arenas.

"There are strong ones here… very strong."

Rhys smiled calmly, Severance Tide humming at his side.

"Good," he said.

"That's exactly what I came for."

With registration done, the group headed deeper into Moon Island—

toward inns, shops, training areas, and a whole island full of sword users waiting to be challenged.

They pushed through the bustling street, weaving between sword vendors, duelists, and excited spectators.

Moon Island wasn't just crowded—it was alive.

Aria practically bounced as they walked.

"Look at all these sword stalls! We gotta shop later!"

Caria scanned signs. "Let's find a decent inn first. Everything near the arenas will be booked."

Sophia nodded. "We need a quiet place. Rhys has matches tomorrow."

Puddle lifted her head, sniffing. "I smell noodles!"

Rhys smiled. "We'll eat after we settle."

Lyra walked slightly ahead, her gaze steady.

"Follow me. I know a quiet district. Less noise… fewer drunks."

Aria blinked. "Wait—you know the way?"

Lyra didn't look back.

"Some paths remain unchanged."

They followed her through a narrower stone street lit by moon-shaped lamps. The noise slowly faded behind them.

Soon, they reached a wooden inn with a soft blue glow under its sign:

Moonrest Pavilion

Warm light spilled from the windows. The interior looked peaceful—nothing like the chaotic plaza outside.

Caria sighed in relief. "Perfect."

Inside, the innkeeper greeted them with a smile.

"Rooms for six? We just had a cancellation."

Rhys booked the rooms, and they headed upstairs.

The moment they entered, Aria faceplanted onto a bed.

"SOFT!! I'm staying here forever!"

Sophia placed her sword by the wall.

"Tomorrow will be long. Sleep soon."

Caria took the corner desk to organize notes.

"I want to map all the arena divisions before morning."

Puddle rolled on a pillow.

"Master, this bed is heaven!"

Rhys placed Severance Tide on the bed frame.

The sword gave a faint hum—like it was pleased to be here too.

Lyra stood by the window, staring at the moonlit streets outside.

"…Many strong sword auras," she murmured. "Some familiar… some new."

Rhys sat beside her.

"Nervous?"

Lyra shook her head.

"Not for me. For them."

Rhys raised an eyebrow. "Them?"

She smiled faintly.

"You're going to surprise every swordsman here."

Rhys didn't deny it.

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