The palace slowly began to vanish. It was a testament to the civilization built by countless human hands hundreds of years ago. Priceless decorations, works of art meticulously crafted by master artisans—every luxury that proved the splendor of the kingdom—lost its meaning and disintegrated into something else entirely.0

It wasn’t just the palace. The people who had lived and breathed within its walls were also changing. Servants who had been bustling about in confusion lost their sense of self. The king’s desperate commands faded away. Knights who had steeled themselves for battle disappeared before their resolve could harden. Even a beloved cat, cherished by everyone as it lazed in the palace’s courtyard, ceased to exist.2

All living traces of humanity within the palace turned colorless. In the midst of that transformation, the source of the calamity spoke, its voice brimming with anger. “We had no intention of revealing ourselves. We intended to respect your will and grant you freedom.”0

“That’s why you tried to stay hidden,” Ketal murmured. Until now, Nano had made every effort to conceal itself. It only showed its true...0