The journey to the Emerald Continent was swift. Barsha, Aji, and Nora utilized a spatial teleportation portal from Prisma City straight to Elenoir, the grand capital of the Emerald Continent.

Basel, the Mayor of Elenoir, had already been informed of their arrival and awaited them at his official residence. The trio met with Basel first before proceeding to Advisor Alex's estate. The welcoming reception was kept modest, adhering to the Sky Squad's request to avoid special privileges or fanfare, as their stated purpose was merely a personal visit to Advisor Alex.

Entering the sprawling government complex, the three Sky Squad members—donning their official grand uniforms—were greeted warmly by Basel, who had cleared his schedule for their arrival.

"On behalf of Elenoir and the entire Emerald Continent, we extend our deepest gratitude," Basel welcomed them, gesturing for them to take their seats. "The Sky Squad has proven to be a divine blessing to the entire world."

The trio offered polite smiles as Barsha responded on behalf of her comrades. "We are simply fulfilling our solemn duty, Mayor Basel."

The Sky Squad enjoyed universal respect wherever they traveled. Formed with the noble mandate of safeguarding human rights and preserving peace across all realms, the burden placed upon these young warriors was immense.

Wherever they went, high honors awaited them—especially after news spread regarding how they had unmasked the Golden Crane Academy's treasonous alliance with the Demon Lord. Eyewitness accounts of the Sky Squad's heroic battle against the dark forces had swept across the continents.

Their combat prowess and bravery were now celebrated far and wide, inspiring an admiration that exceeded even the squad members' own expectations. Barsha and her companions took comfort in knowing that their fellow squad members, currently deployed on parallel missions across other continents, were undoubtedly receiving the same warm reception.

"Very well," Basel said, shifting his gaze. "Which of you is Nora? I received word that he originally hails from our region."

"I am Nora, Lord Mayor," Nora greeted respectfully, offering a brief bow. His massive broadsword was strapped securely across his back. He had a broad, sturdy build—a muscular and deeply dependable warrior. Earning a spot in the Sky Squad was no easy task, and his induction had brought immense pride to the Emerald Continent.

Basel studied Nora's imposing figure. His tall stature and powerful physique gave him a commanding presence—the exact blueprint of a formidable warrior capable of striking fear into his enemies.

"I am dedicated to serving the Sky Squad," Nora added earnestly, "and I remain deeply grateful to the citizens of the Emerald Continent who supported me throughout my journey."

Proud to have such a warrior represent their continent, Basel invited the group to join him for lunch. They proceeded to the main dining hall, where four regional representatives were also present. These four officials—Bisma, Nougon, Nini, and Kasput—served as Basel's key administrators, each overseeing one of the four cardinal border sectors: East, North, West, and South.

During the meal, an easy camaraderie developed among the group. Barsha quickly struck up a friendly conversation with Nini, bonding as fellow women in leadership.

"Is your visit strictly to meet with Advisor Alex?" Basel inquired casually.

Aji took the lead in answering. "That is correct. We are accompanying Nora to visit Advisor Alex. When Nora was a child, Advisor Alex sponsored his martial education and supported his family. Nora wishes to express his gratitude in person and foster closer diplomatic ties with the people of the Emerald Continent."

Aji delivered the explanation smoothly and directly. His calm authority and natural poise impressed the Mayor of Elenoir, who noted that the young man remained completely unphased in the presence of high-ranking political figures.

As the meal progressed, the conversation turned to local affairs following the fall of the Golden Crane Academy. The Mayor and his regional representatives noted that several unusual anomalies had begun surfacing across the Emerald Continent over the past two weeks.

The Sky Squad members exchanged curious glances.

The representatives explained that highway robbery against merchant convoys heading toward the capital had dropped significantly. Concurrently, hunters venturing into the surrounding woodlands reported a sudden, sharp decline in wild game, often returning empty-handed.

While these occurrences had developed over the past fortnight, Basel's representatives refrained from jumping to wild conclusions, chalking the anomalies up to the ongoing dry season, which often disrupted wildlife patterns and trade routes.

The discussion smoothly shifted back to lighter topics. The Mayor and his deputies reiterated their heartfelt appreciation for the Sky Squad's decisive victory over the Mondu traitors at the Golden Crane Academy.

For years, the Golden Crane Academy had dominated regional martial competitions, using their prestige as a cover while secretly colluding with the dark army—a betrayal that had blindsided the entire continent.

"Does the Sky Squad possess further intelligence regarding the Mondu?" Bisma asked, his tone laced with concern. "Are they truly embedded across every region?"

Bisma had long feared that if the Mondu truly existed in large numbers, it meant dark operatives had thoroughly infiltrated the martial community, hiding behind righteous facades.

Barsha offered a measured response. "Our knowledge remains limited. The Sky Squad was formed only recently. The confrontation at the Golden Crane Academy was an unexpected clash that broke out while our weapons were being forged."

Barsha's explanation resonated with the council. Official reports had already circulated stating that the Sky Squad had been targeted by dark forces while commissioning their armaments, leading to an all-out battle between light and dark factions. The martial community understood the reality: joining the Sky Squad meant living with a target on one's back, constantly hunted by the Demon Lord's army.

With the pleasantries concluded, the Sky Squad members offered their formal farewells. Mayor Basel provided them with mounts for their journey, instructing them to return the horses whenever they prepared to depart the continent. Leaving the capital, they set off toward Advisor Alex's private estate, located roughly ten kilometers outside the city.

As they rode, Aji and Barsha maintained completely neutral expressions, careful not to project any underlying suspicion. Nora, however, struggled internally—the very thought that his revered benefactor could be a traitor aligned with the Demon Lord was something he refused to believe.

Following Nora's lead, Aji and Barsha eventually arrived at a quiet residence situated on the outskirts of a rural village, nestled near a mountain range alongside a crystal-clear river.

"We've arrived, comrades," Nora announced, pulling his horse to a stop.