Astral Point: Summoners Dimensional War

The tension around them grew palpable. Catherine sensed something moving swiftly through the shadows of the forest trees. "They're coming," she said tersely, her gaze sharp.

The maid standing behind Virginia trembled harder. "They're going to kill me!" she sobbed again.

"Calm yourself," Virginia replied, though her eyes remained vigilant. "We won't let that happen."

Moments later, two figures leapt from the trees, moving with blinding speed. Two assassins, their faces obscured by dark hoods, each wielding daggers glinting with a faint green hue—poison.

One of them lunged directly at Catherine, swinging his blade with deadly grace. Catherine quickly unleashed her poisonous magic to fend him off, but the assassin's speed exceeded her expectations. She stepped back, nearly losing her balance, before counterattacking with another blast of poison magic.

Thomas moved swiftly, summoning a water crescent magic to assist her. "Don't let them get close to the maid!" he shouted as he targeted the second assassin sneaking toward the trembling woman.

The second assassin dodged, evading Thomas' water strike with agile leaps. "You're meddling in business that isn't yours," he said coldly. "Leave now, and you won't die."

"Death is no concern if it's for the sake of order and stability," Thomas retorted, attacking again with a larger water crescent magic.

Meanwhile, Virginia stayed close to the maid, casting basic healing spells on Catherine and Thomas whenever they were struck. Despite her support, one assassin managed to slip through Catherine's defenses, slashing her left arm with his poisoned blade.

"This dagger is laced with poison," the assassin said smugly, watching as Catherine staggered back, her balance faltering.

Catherine felt the venom coursing through her veins, spreading weakness from her arm throughout her body. "Damn it," she muttered, her vision blurring as she fell to the ground.

The assassin moved in for the final strike, but before his blade could reach her, Catherine raised her hand with effort and unleashed a poison spell directly at his face.

The assassin screamed as the poison melted the skin around his eyes. He collapsed, writhing in agony, before falling still.

The remaining assassin, seeing the dire turn of events, attempted to flee. Thomas gave no chance for escape. Gathering the surrounding water, he formed a massive sphere that engulfed the assassin's body. "There's no way out," he said coldly. The assassin struggled within the watery prison but eventually fell unconscious.

Virginia rushed to Catherine's side, placing her hands on the woman's wounded arm and chanting a healing spell. "The wound is deep, and the poison—" she began, then paused as she noticed the signs of venom dissipating on their own.

Catherine sat up slowly, her face pale but steadier. "I have a passive skill that counters poison," she said weakly but confidently. "My body has innate resistance that prevents further damage. You don't need to worry."

Virginia sighed in relief but still eyed Catherine with a touch of exasperation. "You're impossible to leave unsupervised," she muttered.

"And you worry too much," Catherine replied, rising unsteadily to her feet. "Focus on what's ahead. This isn't over yet."

Thomas inspected the bodies of the assassins, ensuring there were no immediate threats. "We need to find out who sent them," he said, his gaze falling on the maid, who was still trembling. "If this is part of a larger conflict, we need to understand where we stand."

The maid nodded, though fear still dominated her face. "I'll tell you everything... as long as you can guarantee my safety."

The Navigator's voice echoed in their minds with calm seriousness. "This is more than a side mission. We need her explanation before we move forward."

Thomas stood by the unconscious assassin, now lying limp in the dissipating water sphere. His tone was firm yet thoughtful. "What should we do with him? Drag him to the city for trial, or take a more... decisive approach?"

The Navigator replied with cold logic. "Kill him. Wasting resources to detain or transport him only increases risk. The maid can provide the information we need."

Catherine chuckled softly, her laugh dripping with sarcasm. "Finally, a sensible choice," she said, her gaze icy as it lingered on the assassin. "Enemies left alive will bite back later. Eliminating them now is just practical."

Virginia, helping the maid to her feet, turned to Catherine with a sharp glare. "Do we really need to go that far, Catherine? Killing someone who's no longer a threat?" Her voice was calm, but anger simmered beneath her words.

"He is a threat," Catherine countered swiftly. "He's nothing more than a tool for murder. If we let him live, who knows when he'll bring chaos back to us?"

Thomas hesitated, his eyes betraying a rare uncertainty. "The Navigator has a point," he said at last. "Stability demands sacrifices. But I won't act without a compelling reason." He turned to the maid. "Give me a reason why he should live. If you can't, I'll follow the Navigator's advice."

The maid hesitated, her eyes widening in fear. "I… I don't know," she finally whispered, her voice barely audible. "I just want to stay alive. If killing him ensures that, then do it."

Virginia averted her gaze, her dissatisfaction evident, but she said nothing more.

Thomas raised his hand, summoning a small orb of water around the assassin's head. With a decisive motion, he cut off the man's air supply. The silence was deafening as the assassin's body went limp for good.

"It's done," Thomas said quietly, though his voice carried a weight of unease.

Catherine smiled faintly. "The right choice. We can't move forward burdened by doubt."

Ignoring her, Thomas turned back to the maid. "Now, explain why they're after you."

The maid took a deep breath as though summoning courage. "I am a servant of Prince Claudius, the second son of the King of Esverita. The faction of the First Prince, Calius, has been trying to weaken his position for a long time—"

Thomas frowned. "So this is a struggle for the throne."

Catherine seemed to ponder for a moment before letting out a small laugh. "Classic," she murmured. "Sibling rivalry for a crown. If you ask me, the throne should go to the one smart enough to keep it, don't you think?"

Virginia glared at Catherine coldly. "Don't turn this into one of your games."

"I'm simply stating the facts," Catherine replied coolly. "If we're stepping into this conflict, we need to know where we stand. And if this maid is telling the truth, we've already chosen a side."

The Navigator spoke into all their minds. "This quest requires you to resolve the kingdom's internal conflict. The next step is to confirm the information, then form a strategy."

Thomas looked toward the gates of Esverita, visible in the distance. "Alright," he said finally. "We'll see what awaits us there."

As the main gates of Esverita drew closer, the tension grew palpable. The maid, still looking exhausted and shaken, suddenly stopped. "Wait," she said in a low but urgent voice. "We can't go through those gates."

Thomas frowned. "Why not?" he asked, glancing at the guards stationed at the gate. There were at least a dozen of them, clad in heavy armor exuding royal authority.

"Because those guards aren't just ordinary sentinels," the maid explained. "They're all under the control of Prince Calius's faction. If I cross that gate, I'll be captured, and you won't escape either."

Catherine scoffed, folding her arms. "So, what's your plan? We can't wander aimlessly forever."

The maid shook her head quickly. "There's one place we might be safe. I know a staunch supporter of Prince Claudius—a noble named Lord Barthold. He's a Marquess who governs the western town of Libentium. If we go there, I'm sure he'll protect us."

Virginia, walking behind and occasionally scanning their surroundings, interjected with a soft yet firm tone. "How do you know he can truly be trusted? In situations like this, anyone could turn traitor."

The maid tensed but replied swiftly. "Lord Barthold has been a long-standing ally of our family. He commands his own military force, strong enough to protect us until things stabilize."

Thomas looked at the main gate, then at the path winding westward. He nodded slowly. "If the gate is a trap, we have no other choice."

Catherine rolled her eyes. "Libentium, a small town in the west, ruled by a noble who may or may not be loyal to the second prince. Fantastic." Her tone dripped with sarcasm, but her sharp eyes betrayed her focus. "I hope, maid, that you're smart enough to ensure he's truly on your side. I'm not interested in fighting for nothing."

"Do you have any better options?" the maid shot back, her gaze a mixture of hope and anxiety.

Virginia, who had been quiet, finally stepped closer. She looked at Catherine and Thomas before speaking. "We have to try. There's no point going back to Esverita now. If we head to Libentium, there's at least a chance. And if it's a trap, we can still fight."

Thomas sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "Navigator," he said in his mind. "What's your take? Is Libentium a good choice?"

The Navigator's calm voice responded. "Strategically, approaching a Marquess with independent military power is a logical move. If he supports Claudius, it opens the door to a strong alliance."

Thomas nodded and turned to the maid. "Alright. We'll head to Libentium. But if this is a trap, I hope you understand the consequences fall on you."

The maid bowed her head. "I understand. But I'm certain this is the best path."

Catherine gave Thomas a sharp look. "At least we're getting an interesting story out of this journey. As long as I don't have to wade through mud along the way, I don't mind."

Virginia gave a faint smile, though concern lingered in her eyes. "Libentium or not, we must remain vigilant. The world won't let us move unopposed."

Without further words, they began heading west, leaving Esverita's main gate behind.

As the sky turned crimson, marking the end of the day, their trek continued toward Libentium. Catherine, her expression a mix of fatigue and irritation, muttered her usual complaint. "Walking again. Always walking. Isn't there a carriage we can use? Or at least a horse?"

The maid lowered her head apologetically. "I'm sorry. I don't know of any vehicles nearby."

Catherine shot her a sharp look but, seeing the guilt-ridden face, let out a long sigh. "Alright, enough. No need to apologize repeatedly. I won't waste my energy being angry all the way."

After a few more moments of silence, Catherine finally asked, her tone flat but curious. "What's your name, maid?"

The maid looked startled before replying softly, "My name is Nina Cestisia. I'm Prince Claudius's personal servant."

Thomas, walking a few steps ahead, glanced back at Nina. "Nina, huh? I hope your devotion to Prince Claudius isn't blind. This world is full of people pledging loyalty without reason."

Catherine snorted quietly but kept her gaze on Nina. "It's a simple name. Easy to remember. Still, I wonder… is your loyalty strong enough to risk your life?"

Nina nodded without hesitation. "I wouldn't be here otherwise. Prince Claudius is a fair and just man. He deserves protection."

Virginia, trailing behind, regarded Nina with a soft but skeptical look. "Your conviction is admirable, Nina. But as Thomas said, don't let it become the sword that pierces you."

Suddenly, the Navigator's voice echoed in their minds. "I need to ask you all something—especially Catherine."

Catherine raised an eyebrow, slightly annoyed. "What now?"

"I'm uncertain. This is my first time facing something like this—internal politics, nobles, throne disputes. I don't come from a rich family or have experience in such matters. Since you're a queen, Catherine, I want your opinion. Is supporting Prince Claudius the right choice? We've never even met him. The Quest System only tells us to resolve the kingdom's internal conflict without specifying which side to support."

Catherine paused, then let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, so now you want my opinion? After making us conserve skill points earlier, now you're seeking advice from the 'Serpent Queen'? Interesting."

The Navigator fell silent for a moment, then spoke again. "I'm serious, Catherine."

Catherine sighed, shaking her head. "Fine. In politics, especially in power struggles, there's no such thing as 'right.' Our choice depends on who's more likely to win or provide the most benefit in the future. Supporting Claudius, based on what we know now, is a gamble. But supporting Calius? That's like bolstering tyranny if the stories about him are true. For now, we don't have a better option."

Thomas added, his voice serious, "These power struggles are inevitable. Political stability is only possible if one side wins decisively. If we want to resolve the conflict, we must make quick, firm decisions, even without complete information. As long as we maintain leverage, that's enough."

Virginia, her voice soft yet resolute, spoke last. "Whatever choice we make, I just hope it doesn't lead to more bloodshed. I'm not naive—I know war is sometimes unavoidable. But we should try to minimize the damage if possible."

Catherine gave a faint smile, then addressed the Navigator. "There. I've answered your question. You don't need to know everything to make a decision. But you do need to learn to make the most of what you have."

The Navigator seemed to process this, their tone slightly awkward. "Alright. I understand. Thank you."

They continued their journey, while Nina watched them with a mix of awe and doubt.

***