A thunderclap rolled across land as a trembling wave just as Needle and Plate had approached the base of Bouillon Castle. Its only residents turned out to be two bats, completely unaware of why curious humans had come poking around.

— Well, look at them — bold little things! Should we scare them off?

— I thought no one would ever come here but us. Let’s just wait and see.

According to the legend, a mysterious nine-dimensional being lies hidden in the ancestral home of Godfrey IV. Once, merging with the duke himself, it led him to victory in a crusade. They say that if you place your hand on the fortress wall and stare into its darkest corners, you might catch a glimpse of the shadows of the past.

— Let’s get out of here. This place gives me the creeps.

— Wait… turn around. I think someone’s watching us.

— Aaaah! Plate! Don’t do that! It’s just bats!

Lightning kept flickering on the faces of the restless couple until the sky finally cracked open above them in a wall of rain and howling wind. Time to head back to the cozy cottage, brew some tea, and settle in by the fireplace.