The lands covered under the thick and undoubtedly magical fog once belonged to the Kingdom of Falcia.

"It's strange..." A female voice was distorted and muffled by the moisture in the air. "I can feel its intent and frustration. It's far weaker than I am but it's far older..."

"If you say so." A male voice agreed with her. It was deep and strangely melodic.

A huge Fenrir emerged from the fog carrying a woman on his back. The large wolf's white fur was majestic and slightly shiny despite the dimmed light filtered by the surrounding fog. He was sauntering as if he was strolling in the park, without haste or concern, while the ground froze in his wake. It seemed that the fog avoided touching the menacing wolf. The woman on his back was wearing a thin dress and seemed unaffected by the cold spread by the Fenrir. Her legs were hidden in the wolf's fur and she didn't need to hold its fur with her hands. Instead, she, somehow, pulled strings of moist air and held them in her hands as she studied them with curiosity. Behind them, advanced silent and intense ranks of soldiers and monsters. Some of them looked like Dwarves while others could pose for taller races, like Humans or various Beastkins, but their aura was wrong.

"It's just trying to make us go away..." She tilted her head. "Well... Granted it's less subtle than I was when I was just surrounding Avalon but it's less creative."

"Showing everyone hordes of undead is pretty creative if you ask me." The Fenrir retorted with a chuckle.

"Humpf!" She huffed, puffed her cheeks, and threw away the fog strand she held in her hands. "Unimaginative and lazy."

She raised her hand and snapped her fingers with a reverberating crack. The loud report echoed unnaturally through the fog as everything around the woman shook violently. The echo did not die as expected but, instead, was carried and amplified by the fog itself. The pressure of the mana released by the woman was so immense that even the fog parted.

"There are enemies nearby, Nephele." The Fenrir calmly announced.

"I know, Thor." She disappeared suddenly and the fog got much denser.

But not for long. Something was wrong with the fog that surrounded the newcomers. It was divided into two clouds: one of them was damp and grey while the second was pure white and dense. The white fog swirled almost playfully around the Fenrir and, then, it rapidly expanded. The grey fog resisted it for a moment but then something even stranger happened.

The grey fog tried to run away.

•••

"Damn it... I have no idea how we are going to navigate through this." Captain Ponar sighed. "Are we really going to proceed in a line formation?"

"I thought we could go over it." Admiral Wildhoff rumbled his fingers on the table. "We have no choice... Are the ships roped together?"

"Yes, Sir!" The Captain confirmed.

"We received a report from Victory and Spirit of Lion, Sir!" The enthusiastic voice proclaimed from the radio. "They got through the fog and the carrier deployed CBs! They haven't met any enemies so far and Victory is returning for us!"

"Excellent! As soon as Victory returns, we are..."

Suddenly, the fog trembled and disappeared. At least, in their vicinity, creating a wide corridor around a kilometre long which exposed Spirit of Lion and the returning HMS Victory.

"Cut the ropes! All ships forward!" James yelled. "Lock your course ahead and keep it, even if the fog returns!"

"Aye!" The helmsman yelled while the communication officer quickly forwarded the Admiral's order.

"Contact, Sir! Victory opened fire on ground targets, engaging the scouts!"

James rushed forward, out of the bridge, towards the bow of his flagship, and watched in awed silence. Victory unleashed the wrath of Gods upon multiple ranks of undead below. The fire rate and power of her weaponry were overwhelming. Her CIWS cannons were firing so fast that they created a beam of Arcane Bullets. Nothing could withstand the touch of that beam of destruction and the Arcadian ship of the line only used two CIWS. However, they also used their higher-calibre artillery to dispatch bigger undead abominations with ease. She cleared the ground for the allied forces while they doubled their efforts to cross the fog barrier. Red Phoenix had almost reached the other side of the passage when Thomas realised that the fog wall was slowly closing. He quickly returned to the bridge but his officers were calm.

"Status?"

"All ships should be able to cross the gap before it closes, Sir! Spirit of Lion reported there are no enemies in the vicinity. They ask if they should begin their scout mission?"

"No. Once our ground forces join us on the other side, we will head towards the closest city." He decided. "Once we leave the fog wall, they can pack back their assault crafts."

"Aye, aye!"

The next few minutes passed painfully slow. Fortunately for Thomas, he had to consider the next step of operation. He was going to leave Victory with two brigs because the Arcadian ship of the line was the only ship able to safely cross the fog wall encompassing the Cursed Land. Alternatively, he could simply wait for Ebrusians who were four hours behind. If the ground forces had belonged to Metaka or Iceleon, he would simply wait because they would need at least one day to regroup. However... He shuddered. These were Dungeons' monsters. He had no idea how long it would take them to prepare for the operation. On the bright side, those monsters were absolutely loyal to Arcadia so they were going to secure victory over the enemy Dungeon.

"Sir! Empress Freya is calling us!"

"Speakers!" He ordered.

"NATO battle group one, the ground forces engaged the first enemies. However, it's strange, they are many times weaker than we suspected and our troops are currently moving unmolested. Frankly, I have no idea what to think about it, Admiral. I would like to send scouting parties without involving the Navy. The situation is... Nothing as I imagined." Empress Freya's voice was firm. "I'm afraid we will have to move to the closest city and ask locals what's going on."

"As you command, Empress Freya." Thomas agreed. "The initial reports suggested that Cursed Lands should be teeming with undead."

"Yes... There are a few possibilities that we are currently investigating but nothing has changed. We should have some more information by the time Ebrusians join you. For now, let's keep the fleet together."

"If I may suggest, Your Highness, it would be a good move to send people with the scouting party. The locals might be very alarmed by the monsters."

"Of course..." She sighed. "I'm afraid I've gotten too comfortable with my people and most of our alliance feeling neutral about our denizens..."

Thomas decided to keep his thoughts to himself. He doubted that most people have dealt with the fact that Arcadia employed monsters in their ranks on an emotional level. He certainly hadn't.

"I would like to send as few ships as possible..." He hesitated, uncertain how to express that he felt comfortable only sending HMS Victory anywhere alone.

"Just send Victory if you have to." The Empress chuckled and saved him from an awkward explanation.

"Thank you. I was also wondering if we should simply capture the closest Mortal city as our foothold."

"Hmm... That's also a good idea. If the enemy Dungeon is observing the Mortal cities, it will try to stop us. But if we move immediately, we should get there before it... Yes, Admiral Wildhoff. We will adjust to your plan. The ground forces will be ready to resume the march in five minutes."

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"Yes, Your Highness!"

Once the call came to an end, Thomas began issuing orders. The fleet was divided into four smaller groups though moving at a snail's pace at a very low altitude and spread above the advancing army. Each group was led by a frigate except for the fourth, rear group. It consisted of an Iceleonian carrier and all support ships. Thanks to the new pace, Ebrusians should catch them before the Allied forces reach the closest city. According to the reports from Victory, the corridor in the fog would stay open until the Ebrusians' arrival. Nonetheless, he left Victory behind to coordinate with the reinforcements.

Once Thomas issued the new orders, however, he was unnecessary on the bridge. While he would still hear about the fleet report from his staff officers, he was more curious about the Cursed Land. He approached the external railing near the bridge and calmly observed the views. Gentle hills dominated the landscape, occasionally dotted with a forest or glimmering river in the distance. The land was calm and verdant. Appreciating the altitude of his ship, Thomas took in a picturesque view he had only, so far, seen in the bountiful lands of Arcadia, especially, the verdant green plains surrounding Avalon. But honestly, this was the last thing he expected to see in the fabled Cursed Land.

"Sir?" One of the sailors stopped nearby and looked at him in hesitation. Once Thomas' gaze turned to the young man, he straightened to attention with a salute.

"Yes, sailor?" He saluted back. "At ease."

"Aye!" He eased up, however, behind him were standing a few more young sailors with slightly distressed gazes. "I'm sorry, Sir, but we..." He swallowed and Thomas realised that everyone was afraid. "I... We-... I wanted to ask if we will return home? The Cursed Land... The stories, Sir..."

"Don't worry." The Admiral smiled. "I reckon you all are aware that our fleet consists of the finest ships in Metaka. We will return home no matter what. This is the biggest fleet that has ever been assembled in an attempt to cleanse these lands. We have excellent allies and two Gods who personally joined our expedition. We can't and won't fail." He clenched his fist and his smile vanished as his voice turned serious. "Thousands of kilometres away from here, the Empire of Arcadia is waging war against a foe we can't even imagine. A ruthless and vile enemy that would destroy us all without hesitation. As you all know, that enemy is a Dungeon Empire... and they are losing to our greatest ally!"

The sailors that gathered around him smiled with faint hope. He turned away and pointed at the green meadows below.

"This is the last white patch on maps of our part of the continent. For centuries, this land was untouched and feared as the Cursed Land. That's why we are here! Once and for all, we are going to determine what evil hides here. We recently learned there were people still living here and we must determine what fate they suffered. But..." He, once again, turned to the serene view that spread wherever you looked. "But the situation here is nothing like what we expected. We must find the people who survived behind the fog wall and learn the truth about the fall of the Kingdom of Falcia. We must find and eliminate the threats to our alliance so Emperor Theon can continue the war against Vestargo the Cursed without worrying about treacherous attacks coming from here. This, my men, is our mission! It was entrusted to us, frail Mortals, from our Emperor, who is friends with Gods and the Hero of Eriar! I know that you are afraid and you doubt that we can succeed. But we have fearsome allies who know no death. They are not monsters but fellow soldiers united in the same goal: secure the lands belonging to our nations! We are soldiers and sailors! Has fear ever stopped us before?! No! We are the proud sailors of fleets of Metaka, Iceleon, Ebrus, and Arcadia! We will be victorious and return home!"

They cheered his speech but something was wrong. It was too loud for just a few sailors. Thomas, in shock, looked around and saw that every sailor was screaming and cheering. He heard the distant cries from the nearby ships and noticed people waving their hands or simply saluting him. Suddenly, the nearby sailors dropped to their knees and he felt compelled to turn around and lower his head as well.

"A great speech, Admiral Thomas Wildhoff." God Tuul'kara himself clapped his hands with a proud smile. "It would be a shame if only a handful of your people could hear it. I have no doubt they would try to relay it but... I took the liberty to carry your voice to every man and woman in this fleet. It was heard by the denizens of Arcadian Dungeons and even they felt inspired by your voice."

"God Tuul'kara!" Thomas gasped and tried to kneel but he couldn't move.

"Indeed it is I." His voice boomed but, instead of being hard, it was as soft as waves on a calm sea. "We arrived here to ensure that no enemy hides behind the fog that covered this country in mystery. I am the protector of sailors! I am the God of the Northern Ocean where cold winds and ruthless waves test the mettle of anyone daring to cross it! I am the one who blesses you. Have faith in us and in your Admiral. Have faith in the power of our alliance!"

The cheers erupted once more as everyone felt the blessings they received. Thomas was speechless.

"It's time to lift the curse that covered this kingdom. Our continent has been split because of it for far too long." The voice of a young woman echoed pleasantly in the air. "I'm Arletta, Goddess of Ebrus, and I will help as much as I can to see this curse lifted. Our nations will finally feel relieved and never again be afraid of the fabled Cursed Land! Because we will be victorious!"

Thomas smiled and nodded, still shocked by the turn of events. He looked proudly at his sailors who slowly returned to their duties. They were no longer afraid. God Tuul'kara was still standing in front of him, smiling softly at him.

"You have a bright future before you, Thomas Wildhoff." The God said which filled him with happiness and pride. "However, be wary of bad advisors and don't let greed poison your heart."

"Thank you for your warning, God Tuul'kara." Thomas lowered his head and clenched his fist on his chest. God's words engraved themselves in his memory and he felt at peace. "Is there already someone around me who I should be worried about?"

"No. Not yet." Tuul'kara looked into the distance as if he were looking into the future. "But soon. As you climb in power and gain favours from your Emperor, many will try to use you and many will try to manipulate you. Listen to your heart and remember your friends and moments like this. Keep a clear image of who you are and no one will be able to drag you down."

"Thank you!" He bowed with respect.

"Don't mention it." Tuul'kara laughed kindly and once Thomas raised his head, the God of the Northern Ocean was gone.

He took a deep breath and considered the warning. He couldn't tell if it was part of the insight he received or some distant memories of things he detested about his own father. But he knew that God Tuul'kara was right. Given time, there would be people trying to take advantage of him. He smiled. He looked forward to seeing what his life would be like. But there would be time for introspection later. The rest of the fleet was closing in, with Victory leading the Ebrusians in five smaller formations. The Ebrusian ships were catching up with the rest of the allied fleet but, surprisingly, they were slowing down and assuming the rear guard.

"Inform Victory to join the leading formation. Admiral Volke is assuming command of the Ebrusians and all auxiliary ships." Thomas ordered.

"Aye, Sir!" The communication officer quickly confirmed.

"Tell him that Ebrusians need to prepare for combat because we are going in with only the shields. Except for Victory, we will need nearly a full minute to engage any enemy. They are covering us." Thomas added.

In the distance, he noticed the first signs of civilisation. An impressive wall surrounded a large city. Its gates and drawbridges were closed and spotters informed that many people were standing on the walls. However, the city itself looked peaceful and wealthy. The only thing that put it apart was a complete lack of any symbols. No flags or banners waved in the wind. There was also no destruction around the city nor any sign of the undead trying to breach the walls.

"This is ridiculous..." Thomas mused to himself.

"Agree..." He recognised Goddess Arletta's voice and quickly turned towards her to kneel, but once again was stopped as if something only allowed him to bow.

She was incredibly beautiful and watched him with a slight nervousness. She gently smiled at him and crossed her arms in front of herself. Just a few moments later he felt the familiar presence of God Tuul'kara and bowed to him as well.

"Goddess Arletta, Admiral Wildhoff." Tuul'kara smiled and exchanged a polite bow with them. "I must agree with you. This situation is incredibly ridiculous. I think we should take just your frigate and come to the vicinity of the city. I'm going to use my power to protect your ship and crew, Admiral."

"Yes. I will do the same..." The Goddess almost whispered as she openly stared at Tuul'kara.

"Communication! Inform Empress Freya that we are going to talk with locals. Ask for her forces to be on standby since we want to try to talk with them first!"

"Aye, Sir!" The communication officer exchanged a few words before he raised his voice again. "You have full authority over the ground forces. The Empress will be monitoring the situation and only step in when the enemy Dungeon shows up."

"Thank her." He nodded and looked at Captain Ponar. "We are coming closer, just the flagship. I need to question these people."

"Aye, aye, Admiral!"

The ship slowly moved forward with a raised white flag. Thomas hoped that it would help the people in the city ease their nerves when they realised he only wanted to talk. They crossed the distance in no time and stopped just a dozen metres before the closest gatehouse. Thomas noticed how the locals were scared and skittish. Many of them were holding improvised weapons but the guards were wearing properly maintained yet slightly out-of-fashion armour. They all dropped to their knees, however, once Goddess Arletta and God Tuul'kara stood behind Thomas.

"My name is Admiral Thomas Wildhoff of the North Aderon Treaty Organisation's first fleet! We were sent to investigate the situation behind the fog wall in the lands that once belonged to the Kingdom of Falcia. Outside the fog, your lands are known as the Cursed Land and, until recently, we were unaware that any people survived the war against the evil Necromancer! We don't mean any harm to you!" The Admiral shouted, instantly raising a murmur among the people on the walls. A few of them slowly stood up and walked closer to the crenelation. "We would like to talk with the City Lord! We want to help you!"

"Admiral Wildhoff of the North Aderon Treaty Organisation! My name is Isandr Smith, I am the city lord of Kowaar! We don't need your help! If you truly wish no harm to us and want to help us, leave now!"

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