Though the people of the Abyss live in perpetual twilight, they are, strictly speaking, still reliant on the Cavern Cities for survival. Tars could already imagine the catastrophe that would befall the inhabitants of a domain when a city that had stood for a thousand years faced annihilation. The impact would ripple far beyond a single territory; chaos would spread as panic took hold and people spiraled into a desperate struggle for dwindling resources.

  Perhaps the city's nobility could choose to migrate to other Cavern Cities, but they would lose their former glory and power, likely being devoured by local aristocratic factions until they ultimately faded into obscurity. As for the commoners, most would face immediate death, likely receiving no news of the "Sunset" until the cataclysm was upon them, leaving them entirely unprepared.

  Even after the initial collapse, the consequences would persist. A vanished Cavern City would make trade between the remaining cities significantly harder; routes would lengthen, and the dangers lurking in the dark would multiply.

  Tars thought back to the rumors of the war between Twin Moon City and Red Moon City.

  Do these people really intend to forcibly seize another Cavern City before their own sun goes out?

  According to Myrtle, the birth of a Cavern City was often accompanied by an unforgettable expedition. This was one reason why mercenary bands and adventurers were so numerous; discovering a location suitable for a city was the ultimate dream of every explorer. Powerful nobles in the cities often funded adventuring parties for years, hoping for a miracle. Once a "Light-Stone" capable of sustaining a city was found, various factions would be rallied to launch a war of expansion—clearing out subterranean beasts, terraforming hazardous zones, and migrating populations.

  Tars suspected that in the process of building a city, there was one final, crucial step: hiring a wizard to modify and refine that so-called Light-Stone.

  After parting ways with the red-haired woman, Tars returned to his two-story cottage and resumed his life of secluded meditation. On the lawn in front of the house sat three reclining chairs. This had become the daily spot for the three kobolds to bask in the midday sun. All three had grown fond of the activity, and Aiskin and Big Dumb Hum, in particular, always wore expressions of pure bliss.

  When the night grew quiet, Tars would look at the newly acquired Zero-Ring spell in his hands and fall into a state of doubt. This thing seemed genuinely difficult to master.

  It was a spell that could influence a person's thoughts, their spirit, and—if viewed on a larger scale—perhaps even the soul itself. Though its effect was modest—merely making the target more tight-fisted for a short duration—it was a remarkable achievement, especially since the old man claimed to be a "wild wizard." Tars suspected the man had his own stories; it was impossible to create such a spell while spending a lifetime stuck inside this city. Tars leaned toward the theory that the man might have traveled to the wizard world as a servant in his youth.

  Between his exhaustive meditation sessions, Tars studied the spellbook every day. Suddenly, his life felt incredibly full. Meanwhile, Myrtle, who visited occasionally, seemed to fall into an increasingly visible state of anxiety as time passed.

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  Finally, on the tenth day of his stay at the manor, Young Master Rodrigo returned from the Old Baron's castle.

  Upon his return, Rodrigo was immediately led by the butler to Tars's cottage, just as Myrtle arrived for a visit.

  "Lord Tars, my deepest apologies," Rodrigo said with a smile, waving away the servants and butler. "For safety's sake, I was confined to a quiet chamber used for identifying 'Faceless Ones.' I wasn't able to secure my release until today, after staying the required amount of time."

  "I have been quite comfortable here," Tars replied.

  He noticed the look on Myrtle's face as she watched Rodrigo and instantly understood what was on her mind. The young master might not even know about the Baron's condition. Even if he did know whether his father was truly on his deathbed, he likely didn't know that someone was already spreading the news.

  "Lord Tars, how about we head to the Arena for some amusement today? I've been feeling quite stifled after being cooped up in that chamber for days," Rodrigo said cheerfully.

  Tars looked at him. Despite the mask of cheer, he could detect a faint trace of sorrow underneath. Perhaps the youth wanted to show himself in public, making the rounds to signal that nothing was wrong within his family.

  "You've only just returned. You should rest for a day first and head to the Arena tomorrow. I imagine Lady Myrtle has much to discuss with you as well," Tars suggested with a smile.

  Rodrigo glanced at the red-haired woman. "Haha! Very well then, tomorrow it is. I heard there are subterranean beasts never seen before scheduled for tomorrow; there are bound to be some thrilling challenges."

  "I shall look forward to it then," Tars said.

  After a few more pleasantries, Rodrigo departed with Myrtle. Tars watched their retreating figures, guessing that tonight would be another sleepless night for the young master. As for why he said "another"—the youth had looked quite pale upon his arrival; his time in the quiet chamber had clearly not been easy.

  His suspicion was confirmed the next morning. Tars was met by a Rodrigo whose bright smile was supported by heavy dark circles under his eyes. They exchanged greetings, but Tars did not ask whether the rumors about the Baron were true. They simply discussed the Arena.

  The three of them boarded the manor's beast-carriage. The Arena was located at the junction of the Inner and Outer Districts—a massive, circular behemoth of a structure. It wasn't particularly close to the manor, requiring quite a journey even by carriage.

  Inside the carriage, Tars spoke up. "Is the Sunset of Twin Moon City real?"

  Rodrigo nodded, his expression turning somber. "I only found out after seeing my father at the castle. I didn't realize the news had already spread," he said. "It is the destined fate of every Cavern City. I've read many records since I was a child. When faced with impending disaster, people make different choices, but the outcome never changes. Some cities choose to survive on life support by reducing the duration and range of their light. Others, like Twin Moon City, choose to launch wars. But even after the struggle, they still march toward annihilation—sometimes even faster."

  They arrived at the Arena and disembarked. Rodrigo immediately reverted to the role of the high-spirited youth, introducing the various features of the Arena as he led Tars to the private balcony reserved for the nobility.

  "Lord Tars," Rodrigo called someone over and said with a grin, "If your two companions see a fitting moment and wish to display their prowess, you can have him arrange it at any time."

  A small man with a red nose bowed hurriedly and retreated two steps to wait nearby. Tars nodded and looked down at the pit. The view from this position was excellent. Rodrigo summoned the red-nosed man again to provide commentary.

  The fight currently taking place wasn't part of the Arena's official program but a temporary arrangement—two captains of rival mercenary bands had chosen a duel to the death, and both had placed heavy wagers on the outcome.