Astral Point: Summoners Dimensional War

In the bustling square of the Kingdom of Esverita, two striking figures stood out amidst the crowd. The woman wore simple but clean clothing, exuding an aura of steadfastness with every movement. Beside her stood a tall man with a commanding demeanor, observing the crowd with calculating eyes. They were a holy heroine and a warlord king, both caught in a situation they hadn't chosen.

"Navigator," a telepathic voice echoed in the woman's mind, addressing her with respect. Before she could respond, another voice, younger and more petulant, cut in with a protest.

"I've told you already, call me Bambi! Not Navigator! Is it really that hard to respect a little request like that?"

The woman—known as the holy heroine—sighed deeply, restraining her frustration so as not to show it to the bustling crowd around her.

"Alright," she replied quietly, her voice calm yet filled with patience. "Bambi. I forgot, forgive me. But isn't this a bit childish?"

"You just don't understand the art of cute nicknames! I picked that name with care. Ugh, you're so boring," the girl retorted, her tone playful before shifting to one of cheerful determination. "Anyway, make sure you both do your jobs well. The handsome prince has to win!"

Pharnaces II, overhearing this mental exchange, rolled his eyes slightly, folding his arms across his chest as he cast a skeptical glance at the holy heroine beside him. "Do you also feel like this mission is a little too contrived? Is she even serious about it?"

The woman turned to him, her expression neutral but her eyes betraying a trace of weariness. "She's serious, even if her reasons don't make sense. If our task is to support this prince, then that's what we'll do. I don't like it, but I have no other choice."

Pharnaces sighed. "Of course. What could be more logical than spilling blood for someone we don't fully trust?" His sarcasm was evident but carried no anger—only exhaustion.

"Hey! I heard that!" Bambi's voice chimed in again, energetic yet teasing. "Pharnaces, if you don't stop complaining, I might assign you even harder tasks in the next mission!"

He snorted but chose not to reply further. As a warlord king accustomed to tactics and strategy, arguing with an incorporeal voice like Bambi's seemed like a waste of energy. He turned his gaze to the holy heroine, who appeared far more patient with the situation.

"So, what's our next move?" he asked her, deciding to focus on their objectives.

She scanned the crowd with sharp eyes, searching for signs of activity relevant to their mission. "We start by observing the prince's political opponents. If we don't know who we're up against, we can't plan our next steps."

Pharnaces nodded, though his thoughts remained skeptical. "Perhaps we should head to the adventurers' guild. At the very least, they're bound to have information about the kingdom and its current events."

Bambi interjected again, her voice brimming with excitement. "Do your best! I have high hopes for you two!"

The holy heroine began walking slowly down the cobbled streets toward the adventurers' guild in the Kingdom of Esverita. The hood of her modest cloak concealed much of her face, hiding her identity from the townsfolk. Though her movements were calm, her mind buzzed with strategies and unanswered questions.

"Bambi," she said softly, speaking through the telepathic link that connected her to the young girl. "Do you think we should take a few guild missions? They might offer important information about the monsters around the kingdom."

For a moment, there was silence. Then Bambi's cheerful voice responded with its usual vigor. "Why bother? You can handle all the enemies out there. You're a holy heroine, remember? Plus, you've got Pharnaces II with you. Aren't you two the ultimate dream team?"

The holy heroine sighed deeply. Her tone carried no anger, only a weariness that had become familiar. "Dream team or not, we still need information. Strategies can't work without a clear understanding of the situation."

Pharnaces, walking a step behind her, added in a serious tone, "Bambi, if we act impulsively, we'll never complete this quest. I've considered the possibility of sudden attacks from unforeseen enemies. The guild is the ideal place to gather intel."

"Oh, you and your plans." Bambi's voice sounded half-mocking. "I'm sure they're great, but they're so old-fashioned. Just focus on the quest the system gave us a few days ago. We know what to do, right?"

Pharnaces paused briefly, his face bearing a skeptical expression that needed no explanation. The holy heroine continued walking, resisting the urge to comment on Bambi's carefree approach.

"Without a solid plan, we'll just be stumbling around in the dark," Pharnaces said again, his tone firmer this time. "Even I, with all my battlefield experience, can't win a war without understanding my enemy."

The holy heroine nodded slightly. "That's why we need information. Even a simple mission from this guild could give us clues."

They finally arrived in front of the guild building, and the holy heroine paused for a moment to take in the sight of its sturdy but unassuming structure. The signboard hung above the entrance, and the sounds of activity from within—adventurers talking, bargaining, or simply laughing together—were clear.

"I still think you can do anything without needing these missions," Bambi insisted stubbornly. "But fine. If you think it's important, go ahead."

Pharnaces sighed deeply as the holy heroine glanced briefly at the sky, seemingly seeking divine patience. "Bambi," she said at last, her tone firm but still gentle. "Do you really not have any other strategies we can rely on? Or even just a hint?"

Silence reigned in their minds for a moment. Then, in a softer tone than usual, Bambi spoke again. "You're right. I don't have a strategy. But I have something better. I believe in you."

The words made the holy heroine stop in her tracks, slightly surprised.

"I believe because you are the most legendary holy heroine."

Pharnaces remained silent, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to discern whether this was genuine praise or simply Bambi's way of sidestepping the discussion.

The holy heroine didn't respond, only taking a deep breath. In a low voice filled with resolve, she said, "Alright, Bambi."

"See? I was right, Jeanne."

Jeanne remained silent at the remark as they entered the guild, leaving the conversation behind but carrying the weight of their responsibilities forward.

***

That morning, I woke up with a slightly heavy feeling. Perhaps it was the result of staying up late strategizing. The room in the main headquarters was modest compared to other chambers in this flying castle—no extravagant decorations, just a small work desk and a reasonably comfortable bed. I heard a soft sound from the corner of the room and turned to look.

Luna stood before the large control screen, her fingers swiftly manipulating the digital map that displayed the entirety of Esverita. Her posture was upright, her focus unwavering. I knew she wasn't human, but there was something calming about her efficient manner.

"Luna, haven't you rested?" I asked as I sat up, tidying my hair. "Don't you ever get tired?"

She glanced at me briefly, her expression as composed as ever. "No. I am not programmed to feel fatigue. My duty is to ensure everything runs smoothly," she replied without hesitation.

I smiled slightly at her response. "In that case, I should learn from you about dedication."

Luna returned her attention to the screen, ignoring my attempt at humor. I stood and approached her, observing the detailed map projected on the display. The city of Esverita was clearly marked in the center, surrounded by snowy plains and small mountains. A frozen river cut through several nearby villages.

"We've arrived?" I asked, confirming our position.

"Yes. A few minutes ago, while you were still asleep," Luna replied, pointing to the map where the flying castle hovered low on Esverita's western side. "Do you want me to summon the combat units now?"

I nodded. "Yes, but give them time to prepare first. Make sure they have breakfast before coming here. We don't know what we'll face out there, so they need to be at their best."

Luna nodded slightly, taking the order without question. "I will inform them," she said before turning and leaving the room.

Now alone in the main headquarters, I focused on the large map on the screen. Running my fingers over its surface, I zoomed in on specific areas around Esverita. Small villages appeared deserted, some even abandoned. I compared the data with previous logs.

There was little activity detected—suspiciously so. Esverita was the region's center of civilization; there should have been movement, even in the outlying villages. But everything was... silent.

I opened the time logs and matched the daily data. No notable changes. The same empty villages yesterday remained empty today. Zooming further north, I scanned the more remote mountainous areas. Nothing suspicious either—just faint traces of low-level monster activity.

"Could we have missed something?" I muttered to myself. No answer, of course. But the nagging feeling remained—that something was off.

Adjusting the map's angle, I accessed other logs but found nothing. The situation made no sense. If no other players were around, why hadn't the significant events in Lilac drawn attention?

I stared at the screen more intently. "Maybe things will become clearer once we explore the city," I thought. But if someone was lurking, we had to be ready. There was no room for error.

Soon, my team gathered. Catherine, Thomas, and Virginia entered the room alongside Luna. Catherine's confident stride was unmistakable, followed by Thomas's calm yet firm steps. Virginia moved lightly, almost soundlessly, her eyes exuding constant vigilance.

"We're here," Catherine announced, elegantly sweeping her long gown aside. "I hope you won't have us doing something as dull as last time."

Thomas sighed softly, arms crossed. "Catherine, even mundane tasks have a purpose. Without them, the world would descend into chaos."

Virginia said nothing initially, offering a faint smile as she folded her hands calmly in front of her, radiating serenity.

"Ready?" I asked, scanning their faces one by one.

"Of course," Catherine replied confidently, though her tone carried a hint of arrogance. "I'm always ready to showcase my brilliance, even if your tasks rarely match my status."

Thomas gave a slight nod. "Ready. While I still question our direction, I understand the importance of ensuring broader stability."

Virginia finally spoke, her voice soft yet resolute. "I am ready to serve, as is my duty. Whatever is required for the higher cause."

I nodded, hiding a small smile. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the three of them somehow managed to work together reasonably well.

"This mission is straightforward," I said, focusing their attention. "The goal is to gather as many resources as possible. Your primary focus is clearing dungeons around the kingdom of Esverita. Prioritize any quests the system assigns, then proceed to grind for resources to ensure we have ample supplies."

Catherine scoffed. "Gathering resources? This sounds like peasant work. But fine, I'll do it—of course, in my own way."

Thomas, silent for a moment, finally spoke with a more pragmatic tone. "Gathering resources is fundamental to survival. While it seems simple, it's part of a larger order."

Virginia bowed slightly, a gesture resembling a prayer. "If this is what's needed to support the team, I will do it. Simple or not, I believe it carries meaning."

Taking a deep breath, I emphasized the crucial point. "One more thing: proceed with the assumption that other players are present in Esverita. We haven't seen signs of them yet, but don't let your guard down. Stay cautious and vigilant. This isn't just about resources—it's about survival."

The three of them pondered my words. Catherine looked skeptical but seemed to understand. Thomas appeared to be formulating plans in his mind, while Virginia remained calm, seemingly accepting orders as part of her path.

I opened the system screen before me. A notification popped up:

[Would the Navigator like to deploy units "Catherine de Medici," "Thomas Hobbes," and "Marianna de Leyva" for exploration in "Kingdom of Esverita"?]

Without hesitation, I pressed accept.

In an instant, a bright light enveloped them. Their bodies dissolved into particles of energy before disappearing entirely from the room.

I stared at the now-empty space ahead and exhaled deeply. "Good luck."

***