Seo Jiwoo

  Aurora turned, her gaze over to me, before she could notice, I hid the necklace into the inventory, making way forward as she tucked me along the festival.

  “Did you buy something from the stall?” She said, looking around the festivities.

  I followed her gazes, trying to appear nonchalant about it. “No, just looking around. There were some unique designs that vendor had.”

  She gave me a silent stare but I shrugged it off as we went deeper into the city.

  The crowd was ever relenting, children laughed, playing street games that used magic, I watched an orc near a stall engaged in a match of arm wrestling with an elf. I could feel their mana pumping through their veins, palms clenched as they pushed harder to not give each other any edge.

  Aurora cracked a chuckle looking at the elf whose face looked like a tomato. The orc was also struggling, his teeth clenched.

  The crowd ahead was getting bigger, more people near the town square, my shoulder grazed against a passer-by, I looked at Aurora and before she could bump into someone, I pulled her a little closer, grabbing her hand.

  Her neck snapped in my direction, the cloak hid her head well, but I could see her cheeks flush from the edges, and I let go immediately.

  “It’s getting quite crowded.” I said, holding myself back from rubbing my neck in awkwardness.

  “Y-Yeah,” she stuttered. After a moment of silence, Aurora spoke. “Follow me, I know an alley that can take us directly to the town square. That’s where the main event should be held.”

  So, I followed without a word, feeling my heart flutter for a heartbeat. The more I thought, the more my emotions seem to stir in her presence.

  My steps in rhythm with hers, letting her enthusiasm guide me. We tasted food from the stands along the way—spending the coins I’d earned from Ramus—laughing, playing, and enjoying each moment. Yet, deep down, everything felt strangely fleeting, almost surreal. I hadn’t relaxed like this in so long that it felt alien, like a feeling I’d forgotten. But her presence, her laughter, brought a warmth I couldn’t ignore.

  After a short walk, we entered an alleyway behind a restaurant which led us deeper into the town, eventually, we reached the town square, where the folk music was loudest.

  We approached silently, as I saw a big fountain in the middle of town, the marble over it gleamed under the late afternoon light, the water sparkled like jewels, witnessing a crowd of elves, orcs, and dwarves dancing together in a lively circle, moving to the beat in a traditional, well-practiced rhythm.

  The town square was quite big—it was large enough for everyone dancing to accommodate themselves and not disturb each other from moving around.

  Aurora tugged me into the crowd, and soon we stood among the dancers. “They’re dancing to honour the spirits of the forest and our ancestors.” Aurora held her hand out to me, inviting me to dance. The pairs around us moved together, one male and one female.

  I hesitated for a passing moment, moving my gaze sharply around us, then I spoke as I brought it back to her.

  “I don’t know how to dance,” I protested, but she grabbed my hand with a playful glint in her eyes. “Come on, Shun. You, one of the most skilled mages I know, scared to dance?” She laughed, and I shrugged, letting her pull me into the rhythm. “Just follow my lead,” she instructed, twirling gracefully, her arms flowing like a gentle rain, her feet gliding effortlessly.

  Trying my best, I mirrored her movements, stepping along to match her rhythm—my eyes were mostly fixed on her feet and arms, trying to mimic each movement she made or the slightest twitch of her muscles. She gave me a surprised look as her cloak slipped, revealing her face, illuminated by the approaching evening—I didn’t try to correct her hood, we were well hidden between the other dancers.

  Her teal eyes sparkled, her gunmetal hair swaying with each step. “You said you didn’t know how to dance?” She asked, eyes wide with disbelief and doubt.

  “Well, I’m just following your movements,” I replied. “It’s like matching an opponent’s moves in battle. It’s not that hard when you think about it—you just have to follow the rhythm and not make a fool of yourself.” I added with a laugh.

  She laughed, raising an exaggerated eyebrow. “Oh, so I’m an ‘opponent’ now? Am I really that intimidating?” She teased, giving me a mock glare—but, I found it cute.

  “Not precisely,” I admitted. “But…I guess I just didn’t want to step on your toes, Your Highness.”

  She blinked, then laughed—a sound soft and full of amusement I’d heard after a long time.

  “You’re doing a terrible job then,” she teased, her voice dropping just enough to carry a hidden fondness. “My toes are very much intact.”

  “Good,” I said, smiling. “Then I’ll keep going. You lead, I’ll follow.”

  Her teasing expression softened, the corners of her lips curling into something gentler, almost tender.

  “You know…” she said after a beat, “I don’t think I’ve ever had someone say that to me and mean it.”

  “Then I’ll be the first,” I replied, a little quieter this time, leaning forward.

  We danced on, the music of the crowd fading into the background. And even as the sky dimmed and lights flickered on one by one, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

  Not anymore.

  When the dance ended, I stepped aside to let Aurora enjoy herself, watching her from a distance. A smile crept onto my lips as I watched her, but then I felt a shift in my mind—Mordian’s presence. A second later, he appeared at my side.

  ‘You’re back.’ I sent, looking at his tall form standing beside me.

  He gave me a side glance and brought it at the dancers who were enjoying individually. ‘Did you had a good time?’ There was a certain amount of amusement laced in his tone that I couldn’t ignore.

  I inclined my head at him but he ignored it. ‘Yeah, thank you for your consideration, Lord Astrionyx.’

  But there was a thin smile over his features, and I mirrored his expression.

  I looked back, finding Aurora in the crowd, now dancing with a little elven girl, both of them giggled and enjoyed their time.

  I just watched her for a moment, feeling my heart less heavy. This feeling...it wasn’t to bad. I admitted.

  But, I could feel a question already forming in Mordian’s mind, not long had passed before he finally asked.

  “Aren’t you going to tell her?” He asked, his golden eyes piercing. “You’ve already received the next trial quest from the system. Have you decided to bring her along or not? Or are you planning to leave her behind?”

  I looked at Aurora, still lost in the rhythm of the dance. After a moment, I replied quietly, “I’ve already made my decision.”

  Mordian nodded, his tone sombre. “Whatever your choice, I’ll support it fully. We can’t keep putting her life in danger.”

  ***

  Before evening fully arrived, we returned to the palace, the festival was coming to its final phase.

  But only after we had fully enjoyed ourselves. We took our fair share of time to look around and play.

  The guards greeted us, and soon after a short walk we found Lady Ariem nearby. She was accompanied by a maid, one I remembered from last time. Verma.

  We greeted them, she asked if we enjoyed the festival, a graceful smile over her mature face, and Aurora told her almost everything with a childish excitement, on which she composed herself.

  Lady Ariem chuckled, Aurora blushed in embarrassment but she looked overjoyed.

  Afterward, Lady Ariem proposed we rest a little before dinner, and Aurora went to her room to loosen up. I nodded and did the same, Mordian and I slowly walked back to my room, opening the door and entering.

  I immediately jumped on to the bed, placing my hands under the back of my head and relaxing.

  But rest wasn’t the only thing on my mind right now. Mordian took the seat near the desk and sat, his gaze directed at me, and I knew what was on his mind.

  It was related to our conversation during the festival. I still had to discuss about the trial with Aurora and this time, I wouldn’t waver.

  “When should we leave?” I asked, turning my gaze to Mordian.

  He looked unbothered as usual and spoke with grace. “Tomorrow at dawn. That should give us enough time to make our final preparations.”

  I nodded while lying, agreeing along. “I’ll go and talk to her shortly.”

  Mordian didn’t say anything but that’s all I needed, he already knew what decision I’d come to.

  I rested until the light outside had turned golden orange, the sky was turning darker by the second.

  I stood up from the bed, the bedsheets pulled a little and I reached for the door. I exited without a word, leaving Mordian behind as I strode through the long corridors and remembered the path to Aurora’s room.

  After a short walk, I stood outside her room, the wooden doors were made of old elven wood, which had a root like design with groves over its surface, creating a beautiful display, I walked closer and brought my hand closer, knocking twice on the thick door.

  Immediately, a voice ringed from the inside.

  “Who?”

  “Aurora, it’s me.” I replied with a casual tone. “Can I come in?”

  Just as I said, I heard calm footsteps approach the doors from the inside and they opened. Aurora was holding the doorknob, standing between the doors as she looked up at me.

  “Come in.” She said, confused by my sudden arrival. She invited me inside and I laid eyes on the inside of the room.

  It wasn’t as exaggerated as I thought. Well, being a princess, I expected something drenched in gold and gemstones—but instead, it felt more like a refined high-end suite back in my world.

  Well, given how she was, living a frugal life better suited her. Comfort over anything.

  I moved my eyes to the decorations of the room, the room was spacious, evening light spilling in from tall windows dressed in soft white blinds and curtains that swayed gently with the breeze from the balcony doors. From there, the capital stretched out in its entirety, rooftops and spires shimmering under the sky.

  A large bed sat off to one side, its headboard carved with subtle patterns, neither gaudy nor plain. At the far end stood a desk with neat stacks of parchment and a few inkwells, the surface showing signs of regular use. A couple of shelves lined the wall nearby, crammed with books of varying sizes and bindings, some worn from reading. Beside the window, a full-body mirror stood framed in polished wood, catching just enough light to seem almost like another doorway into the room.

  “Quiet simpler than you had in mind, Shun.” She asked and I turned to see her teasing expression.

  I smiled. “Well, just good enough for a princess, I have to say.”

  She raised a brow in amusement. “Is that so.”

  She walked closer to the doors connecting the room to the balcony and I followed her from behind. We entered the balcony silently, I saw a pair of chairs and a table placed here, bathed under the shimmering dusk light.

  Aurora walked closer to the edge, her hands gently went to rest on the stone balustrade, looking at the shimmering light of the capital where the festival was just wrapping up.

  “This was the first time I had so much fun during the festival.” She said, a thin smile over her face. “Thanks for going with me, Shun.” She said almost in a low voice, her tone calm and steady.

  I went to stand beside her, only a few inches apart, looking at the same scenery as her.

  “Me too. I had a lot of fun after a long time.” I said, remembering back on the moments of the festival already. “Thanks to you, I have a lot of good memories of this place.”

  Her smile widened slightly, but her eyes didn’t leave the town.

  “So, what did you want to talk about?” She asked. But, perhaps she already knew what I was here to talk about.

  I straightened, hardening my resolve as I spoke.

  “I have gotten the trial quest from the system, and we have decided to leave at dawn.” I said plainly, I looked at her, but she didn’t turn to me. “I wanted to let you know. I wanted to...”

  Before I could continue, she cut me off. “I already know you wouldn’t take me, even if I nagged you.” She said, disappointment evident in her eyes, but the understanding on her face was something mature, like she had already come to a decision before I said anything.

  The golden and orange hues of the setting sun spilled around us, drowning the world in a beautiful haze. But my heart felt like it was tied in knots. I stood there, leaning against the cold stone railing of the castle balcony, feeling the soft breeze brushing past us. It carried the faint scent of blossoms from the nearby garden, but I barely registered it.

  After what had happened last time—after we left the orcen world—my decision of taking Aurora with us had proved to be a foolish one, I was selfish to take her, knowing this decision would put her life in danger, and it had.

  And now we were silent, caught between the beauty of the setting sun and the growing awkwardness of unspoken words.

  Aurora broke the silence first, her voice soft yet steady. “Shun…” she began, pulling me from my turbulent thoughts. I turned to face her, my gaze meeting hers. Her teal eye—the other hidden beneath the long, flowing strands of her hair—shone with a quiet understanding that made my chest tighten. She stepped closer to me, and for a moment, I felt like the world narrowed down to just the two of us.

  “I will comply,” she said, her words catching me off guard. Her voice carried a maturity and resolve that hadn’t been there before. “Even back then, you were desperate to protect me, and I still wanted to come along on your journey. But I understand now.”

  She reached out and took my hand in hers. Her grip was firm but not overbearing, her touch warm and reassuring. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. “I know I’m not strong enough yet to accompany you. The dangers of each trial grow more difficult than the last, and the last time…we barely escaped. Just like you said. I won’t be greedy like before.”

  Her words stabbed at me. I had been desperate to protect her, yes, but the thought of leaving her behind still felt like a betrayal—but the guilt of knowing what my decision had done to her gnawed away at me. She had always been so full of life and determination. But now, I wanted to protect that smile, I didn’t want to put Aurora in danger.

  Yet, as I looked into her eyes, I realized she had already made peace with it.

  She continued, her voice tinged with a quiet determination. “But I promise you this: I’ll do my best to reach the enlightenment stage as soon as possible. I will grow as strong as I can so that, in the future, I can stand by your side—and Mordian’s—without holding you back. When the time comes, I’ll join you again.”

  I studied her expression, her unwavering resolve, and felt a mixture of pride and sadness swelling within me. “I’ll hold you to that,” I said, my voice quieter than I intended, but she heard me. She smiled softly, and for a moment, it felt like the heaviness in my chest lifted ever so slightly.

  The balcony was quiet for a moment, my hand still in hers. Aurora’s grip was firm as she turned to the horizon.

  I leaned against the railing, my other hand loosely placed on the balustrade. I looked at her face now, the evening sun bled amber across the sky, casting soft shadows across Aurora’s face as she stood beside me—closer now, that I felt the warmth of her shoulder.

  She didn’t say anything for a while. Neither did I. And yet, it wasn’t uncomfortable.

  Then her voice broke the silence—soft, distant, like she was speaking more to herself than to me.

  “You know what, Shun...all the adventures we had...they may have been short, but they hold a very precious place in my heart.”

  I turned to look at her.

  Her gaze was still fixed on the horizon, but there was something in her eyes—something tender. Nostalgic. Like she was sifting through memories even as she stood right here.

  She let out a quiet breath. “I don’t think I ever got the chance to say that.”

  I stayed silent. Not because I didn’t want to speak—but because I felt like she needed to finish whatever it was she’d started.

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  Her voice wavered just slightly, like the words were heavier than she expected.

  “Because after fighting through a war…after all those dangerous situations…I’ve realized something about you.”

  She turned her head now, meeting my eyes.

  “I may be wrong, but...when I was stuck in that desert all alone…”

  She paused—not dramatically, not for effect—just…because it hurt.

  “I realized that it’s more painful to be lonely than it is to get hurt.”

  That hit harder than I expected.

  I didn’t know what to say. Something about the way she said it—quiet, raw, no pretence—made the air feel heavier around me. Like she’d opened a part of herself that wasn’t meant to be exposed so easily.

  And then she said it—the line that somehow explained me better than I ever had.

  “Perhaps that’s why you go to such lengths to put your life on the line for the people you care about. To be able to survive through your trials and grow even slightly stronger just for that.”

  I stared at her.

  No witty retort came. No sarcastic deflection. Just silence— the kind that wrapped itself around my ribs and pressed inward.

  She wasn’t wrong.

  Not entirely.

  And the fact that she saw it—that she could trace the lines of pain I thought I’d hidden well beneath strength, duty, and a practiced smirk—that stunned me more than any blade ever had.

  I turned my eyes back to the sky, needing something else to look at. My voice came out low.

  “...So you noticed.” I said more in acknowledgement.

  Aurora didn’t nod. Didn’t confirm it with words. She didn’t have to.

  I let the silence stretch between us, but this time…it wasn’t heavy. It just was.

  Maybe she didn’t know everything. Maybe I didn’t either. But for a moment, here on this quiet balcony, we both understood something real.

  And for once...

  I didn’t feel so alone.

  Everything that I had done since my first life, I was afraid to lose it all over again in this one. So I tried—I tried my hardest.

  A thin smile replaced my earlier expression, I felt the warmth of Aurora’s hand more prominently, something that anchored me in this moment.

  I reached into the system inventory and retrieved the pair of necklaces I’d bought during the festival when she wasn’t looking.

  I brought it forward and she gave me a confused look.

  She released my hand and I straightened. “I know it’s really late, but...happy birthday, Aurora.”

  Aurora looked shocked, almost dumbfounded by the sudden present. She was looking up at me rather than the necklace itself.

  Her expression turned into a beautiful smile, slightly teasing but refreshing to look at. “And here I thought you had forgotten even after I had explicitly said it during my speech that day.” Her head inclined slightly, inspecting the necklace.

  I gave it to her and she gently took it in her hands, looking at the carved design of the two halves—each piece complete on its own, yet designed to fit perfectly together when joined. But, just from a glance, even she knew it was a pair.

  “This is a pair.” She said and I brought my hands forward and held the necklace, my fingers finding the seam between the two halves. With a faint click, I pulled them apart, the chains swaying lightly as the pieces separated.

  I gave her both the black piece and the green one. She took it and I could see her cheeks were rosy.

  “I didn’t know what to get you, so, I bought what I thought was at least acceptable.” I said, feeling awkward. I wasn’t one to pick gifts for someone, but finally giving it to her left me relieved.

  “No,” she said, bringing the pendent closer and hugging it. “It’s beautiful. I like it very much. Thank you, Shun.”

  She turned slightly, looking above her shoulder as she passed me the black piece. “Will you help me put it on?”

  Without hesitation I took her piece in hand, Aurora took her locks and pushed them over her shoulder, exposing her slender neck, I brought my hands forward and connected the silver string.

  She straightened and looked down at the necklace that rest just above her chest. “Thank you, Shun. It’s beautiful.” Her voice was soft, but the smile that followed was warm enough to make my own lips twitch upward.

  Then her gaze sharpened, leaving me confused. She brought her hand forward, the other piece resting in her palm. “Are you not going to wear it?”

  I opened my mouth but nothing coherent came out. “This was a gift meant for you.” I said, but truthfully, I had bought this necklace with her and myself in mind.

  “I want you to keep it.” She said, her words not overbearing. “This way, you will remember me even if I can’t travel with you anymore.”

  I didn’t resist anymore and gave in. Receiving the necklace and letting her help me put it on. The chain brushed my neck as she fastened it.

  I looked at the necklace hanging down my neck. I turned to looked at Aurora, her face was a vivid shade of red, but the smile on her face was grounding.

  She was quiet, like she wanted to say something, but held back.

  I looked at her piece and then mine. It wasn’t just a necklace anymore—it was something we’d both carry.

  We stood there for a while, both silent and determined.

  Aurora glanced toward the horizon once more, the golden light painting her features with an almost ethereal glow. “It’s about time to head back,” she said. “You have to leave tomorrow, after all.”

  I nodded, turning slightly to head toward the doors. But before I could take a step, I felt her hand on mine again. Her grip tightened slightly, and before I could process what was happening, she pulled me back toward her. The next thing I knew, she stepped closer, so close I could feel the faint warmth of her breath against my face.

  Her face tilted upward, and in an instant, her lips pressed softly against mine.

  Time stood still. The world around us faded into nothingness, as if the universe itself had paused. The breeze, the golden hues of the setting sun, the distant chirping of birds—everything disappeared. All that remained was her warmth, the softness of her lips, and the faint scent of lavender that always seemed to linger around her. My mind blanked, unable to process what was happening, and for a moment, all I could do was stand there, dumbfounded.

  When she pulled back, her face was a vivid shade of red, the blush spreading all the way to her long, pointed ears. She looked away quickly, unable to meet my gaze. My fingers instinctively brushed against my lips, still feeling the lingering warmth of her kiss.

  Aurora’s voice broke the silence, soft but teasing. “You better come back to visit once in a while, or I’ll search through every world and realm to find you.” She gave me a playful smirk over her shoulder, her earlier shyness replaced by a mix of sarcasm and sincerity. “You can’t escape me that easily, Shun.”

  With that, she turned and walked back toward her room, her back to me. I stood there, rooted to the spot, my heart racing and my thoughts a chaotic mess. As the doors closed behind her and she drew the curtains, I brought my hand back to my lips, feeling the faint smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. My cheeks felt warm, a faint blush creeping onto my face.

  “What the heck just happened?” I muttered to myself, the words barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

  ***

  Aurora Silverlight

  I left my room and rushed through the hallways, my footsteps echoing faintly against the stone floors as I tried to put as much distance between myself and the balcony as possible. My heart was pounding, my face felt like it was on fire, and my thoughts were an incoherent jumble of emotions. When I reached a quieter corridor, far away from prying eyes, I leaned against the wall, the cool surface doing little to calm the heat radiating from my cheeks. Slowly, I slid down into a crouch, burying my face in my hands.

  “I kissed him,” I whispered, my voice muffled against my palms. “I kissed Shun. What did I just do?”

  The memory of the moment replayed vividly in my mind—the way his eyes had widened in shock, the way the golden light had framed his face, the warmth of his lips against mine. My blush deepened, and I groaned softly, clutching at my knees.

  Turning my head slightly, I glanced back in the direction I had come from, as if I could see through the walls to where he still stood. “Did he like it?” I murmured, my voice barely audible. “He didn’t think it was weird or anything, did he?”

  The uncertainty gnawed at me. What if I had crossed a line? What if I had just made everything awkward between us? But…even with the doubts swirling in my mind, I couldn’t deny the tiny spark of happiness blooming in my chest. It was reckless and impulsive, but for once, I had acted on my feelings instead of burying them. And it felt…exhilarating.

  I pressed my hands against my cheeks, trying and failing to cool the heat there. “Ugh, I probably looked like such an idiot,” I muttered, shaking my head. But even as I chastised myself, a small, uncontrollable smile crept onto my lips.

  “You better not make me regret this, Shun,” I said softly, the words laced with a mix of fondness and determination, holding the necklace. “I’ll hold you to your promise.”

  With a deep breath, I pushed myself back to my feet. My blush hadn’t subsided, but at least my legs felt steady again. Straightening my posture, I turned on my heel and walked back toward my quarters, the echo of my footsteps the only sound accompanying me.

  I couldn’t stop smiling, though. No matter how embarrassed I felt, there was a warmth in my chest that wouldn’t fade, a quiet hope that maybe—just maybe—I’d done the right thing.

  ***

  Seo Jiwoo

  The next day arrived like a thief in the night, stealing away the comfort of rest and leaving me tangled in the remnants of my sleepless thoughts. My mind kept replaying the moment Aurora kissed me—her warmth, the touch of her lips, the way the world had seemed to stop. How was I supposed to face her now? Should I act like nothing had changed, or would there be a shift in the fragile balance of our relationship?

  I knew...I had come to accept my feelings for her...but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to give these feelings a name yet.

  I felt uncertain, unsure, yet somewhere in my heart, I had already come to a decision. It lingered in the shadows of my doubts, waiting for clarity. By now, everyone must have gathered in the courtyard where we’d planned to leave. Lost in the storm of my emotions, I walked through the castle halls, a spectrum of feelings coursing through me—awkwardness, nervousness, and a strange, unshakable warmth from remembering yesterday.

  Just as I was about to turn into the corridor leading to the courtyard, I saw her. Aurora.

  She walked with a grace that made time slow, her gunmetal hair swaying like silver threads under the morning light. Each sway of her step felt timeless, an allure that was as natural as the brilliance of the moon. She wore a simple yet elegant dress that adorned her beauty without being ostentatious, allowing her to move with ease and comfort.

  For a moment, I stood frozen, caught in her light, but the sound of her footsteps brought me back to myself. She noticed me and approached, a small, awkward smile tugging at her lips.

  “Good morning,” she greeted softly, her teal eyes glancing at me hesitantly.

  “Morning,” I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

  We began walking side by side, the silence between us suffocating yet somehow filled with words neither of us dared to speak. Finally, Aurora found the courage to break it.

  “Shun…” she began, her voice wavering. “I didn’t want to make things awkward like this, but…I couldn’t hide my feelings any longer.”

  I stopped, turning to look at her. Her expression was vulnerable, her teal eyes searching mine. I gave her a kind smile, one I hoped would convey understanding rather than rejection.

  “I know,” I said gently. “And I’m really happy about your feelings, Aurora. But…I can’t accept them. Not yet.”

  Her gaze faltered, a shadow of sadness passing over her face before she forced a small smile. “I understand,” she whispered, though the quiver in her voice betrayed her.

  “You already know what I have to do,” I continued. “The burden I carry, the trials I have yet to face. If I accepted your feelings now…I’d only put you at risk, and that’s the last thing I want.”

  Aurora nodded slowly, her lips pressed together in a thin line. “I know,” she said, her voice steadying. “And I respect that. I just…needed you to know.”

  She stopped walking, and I turned to face her. She reached out, and I instinctively took her hands, bringing them close to my chest. Her touch was warm, trembling slightly, and I saw a single tear trail down her cheek.

  “Aurora,” I said softly. “Give me some time to sort out my own feelings. I can’t promise anything right now, but…you’re important to me. More than I can put into words.”

  She didn’t say anything. Instead, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me. The hug was warm and full of unspoken emotions, a quiet understanding passing between us. I patted her back gently, reassuring her in the only way I could at that moment.

  When we pulled away, we shared a small, bittersweet smile. Without another word, we continued toward the courtyard, walking side by side once again.

  As we arrived, the group was already gathered. Ramus stood tall and imposing, his eyes sharp and observant, beside him stood Lady Ariem. Camus leaned casually against the stone wall, his usual smirk present. Neil, ever regal, stood near Anastasia, whose quiet elegance contrasted Beatrix’s fiery demeanour. And then there was Mordian, silent as always, his presence commanding without effort.

  The journey awaited us, but for a brief moment, I allowed myself to glance at Aurora once more. The warmth in her eyes reminded me that no matter what lay ahead, I wasn’t alone.

  I walked closer to the group waiting for us, greeting them as we approached.

  “Enough time already, boy,” Gramps said, his tone dry and face nonchalant. “If you had your last moments with my grandniece, should we get to your farewell?”

  Lady Ariem turned to him with a glare. “Why do you have to make it sound like he’s going away forever? You should learn to better pick your words, Camus. I guess, living in that forest all alone has turned you into someone who thinks every sentence needs to be a humourless eulogy. Honestly, do you ever say anything that doesn’t sound like bad poetry at a funeral?” She said, and Camus backed away for once, but both of them had a smile on their face.

  Ramus stepped forward, his robes fluttered ever-so-slightly, his gaze meeting mine. “I had hoped we had more time, Jiwoo, but alas, you must continue your journey.”

  I nodded back. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back the next opportunity I get.” I said, eyes determined. “And you will get your chance to win at imperial quarrel next time.” I added with humour lacing each word.

  Ramus and I shared a laugh, the quiet understanding made my lips curl, but before I could do anything else, Gramps walked closer to me, there was something in his hand I didn’t recognise, in the shape of a sphere.

  He brought it forward, the porcelain sphere had a shimmering design, it didn’t glow, but the way the light outside hit its surface, it looked ethereal.

  “What’s that?” I asked, eyeing the sphere with a keen curiosity.

  Almost immediately Gramps explained. “This here,” he held the sphere higher. “is a special kind of artifact I had made just for my reckless disciple’s sake.”

  I raised a brow in confusion, Gramps looked boastful as ever. “And what is this artifact supposed to do?” I had a bad feeling emerge from my spine.

  With a dry cough he spoke. “Glad you asked. Knowing your reckless personality and how you dive face first into life-threatening danger, this artifact is supposed to tell me that you’re still alive and haven’t kicked the bucket.” I shrugged his statement.

  That wasn’t the case all the time. I thought awkwardly, but I felt Mordian’s gaze over me, having read my thoughts.

  “Anyway, place your hand over it and inject some of your mana into it. Once it’s activated, this sphere will retain a glow, indicating that you’re still alive.” He said, and I stilled in surprise.

  “So, you know, just keeping tabs on you to make sure you’re alive or not after you leave.” He added at the end.

  But a question nagged at the back of my head. “And what if its glow disappears?” I asked. “What would happen then?”

  Gramps gave me a sharp look, his face impassive for once, the humour gone. “That would only happen if you die—meaning all form of life has been snuffed out from you.”

  “I see,” I replied with an understanding nod.

  I placed a hand over the smooth sphere and channelled a silver of my mana into it. Just as I did, the sphere seemed to come to life and shimmer with an almost blinding light.

  “Good,” Camus said with a smile, as he gave the artifact a final look and then stored it inside his dimensional ring over his thumb. Right afterward, he withdrew three objects from his dimensional storage and gave them to me.

  I took them without so much a word and gave them a look.

  “These are mini version of this sphere, the gems on these necklaces are connected to the sphere, so they do the same thing.” He gave me simple explanation and I nodded along. “I had these made just in case you wanted to give them to someone if you ever went home.”

  I stored the necklaces inside the inventory, they vanished into thin air as I thanked Gramps.

  But for once, his face took on a serious expression. His lips pressed into a thin line, his features still. “Jiwoo, I’m not going to give you some sentimental speech—that’s just not how it is between us. But…be careful.”

  I stepped forward before he could say anything else and pulled him into a quick, firm hug. He didn’t return it at first, but he didn’t pull away either, he patted my back awkwardly once or twice. For us, that was enough.

  I pulled back and caught a smile on Gramps’ face. “Alright, alright…say your goodbyes to the rest. You’re making me emotional now, damn it.”

  I nodded and then went to the others, I shook hands with Neil, the awkwardness between us was gone, but we didn’t say much, beside him queen Anastasia bid me farewell with a kind smile.

  Beatrix was next and with a firm hand shake we bid farewell to each other. Soon, I walked closer to the middle, keeping a little distance from the others.

  “Jiwoo, if I remember, you don’t have a compass, then how do you intend to continue on your journey?” Ramus asked from the side, his curiosity plain and simple.

  But Aurora told him to just wait and see.

  The system window came into my vision, and I saw the interface displaying the trial details.

  『CONTINUE DUNGEON TRIALS?』

  『Yes』??『No』

  And just as I continued the trials, the space around me seemed to hold its breath, there was a shift in the air, the atmosphere changing.

  The portal began to form with an almost imperceptible ripple in the air, a subtle distortion that quickly fractured into jagged cracks, tearing open a hole in space itself, as a sharp breeze swirled in the courtyard.

  A charged silence filled the atmosphere, static crackling faintly as if the air itself rebelled against the anomaly’s presence.

  The portal coalesced into a swirling mass of dark, abyssal energy—an unnatural stain upon reality that seemed fundamentally wrong, as though it had no right to exist—but coexisting.

  I turned to them with a thin smile. Camus stepped forward, observing the portal I’d summoned without any help from a compass. Even without eyes to see, I knew he could feel the anomaly in the air.

  The others had a similar expression, their eyes jumped between the portal and where I stood. Only Aurora and Mordian stood with calm expressions.

  “Kid, I thought nothing about you could surprise me anymore…but damn, I was wrong,” Gramps said, an awkward smile tugging at his face.

  Mordian was already by my side, his bangs swayed in the flutter the portal caused.

  I turned to look at them one last time. “Thank you for everything. I hope we meet again soon.” I said, my gaze turning to look at Aurora one last time.

  Just then, I stepped into the portal alongside Mordian, our bodies vanished into it as I felt us being ushered forward.

  The passage—the portal—opened itself up to us as if a black void emerged from the torn apart fabric of space slowly making a path.

  I felt the portal’s exponential energy shimmer and ripple more vividly, as if it was conscious of my very existence and somehow I too felt a deeper connection to it.

  Just as I felt we were close to reaching our destination, the space around us resonated with a sharp ripple, I felt a dangerous shift in the space between me and the two locations that were connected together.

  Mordian’s presence was close by, but the space made it impossible to determine how close or far.

  The space around me shimmered dangerously, the exit collapsed from in front of me, the void around me sparked, like it was wrapping in on itself and collapsing like glass.

  Panic curled in my chest like a burrow, my body quivered as adrenaline rushed through my veins. Before I could even think of anything, I immediately reached out to the paths, igniting the skill with my mana and the interconnecting web came to life in front of me, distorted, warped, multifaceted and cracked in this space.

  I immediately searched for Mordian, but the paths looked unstable like I’d seen them in the thalassalithion world, but this time I had more experience reading the pathways and their intent.

  I didn’t look through each path individually, rather allowed each path to feed me the information themselves, I felt my temples sting under the burden, but finding Mordian took priority and soon I found him.

  The pathways carried me to him as I took a hold of his body, his face looked full of panic, unsure what was happening right now, the space around us continued to warp erratically, the pathways jerked back and forth, the web shimmered and pulsed unpredictably.

  ‘What’s happening?’ Mordian asked, but I didn’t have an answer to give him.

  Even I was still processing what we were facing...was this a part of the trial, or another disaster we had walked into.

  The space tightened around us like the closing jaws of some unseen beast. Instead, I reached deeper into the pathways around me, pushing my attention to the space around me.

  The paths collapsed in on themselves, twisting into knots or splintering into nothing. Others doubled back, connecting to places I didn’t want to see again.

  I felt my lungs press for more air under the burden, the space around us writhed, folding in on itself, the pathways jerking like tangled strings in a storm. I kept my hold on him, but something in the chaos pulled at me—a pulse, deep and steady, buried beneath the disorder.

  It wasn’t sight, sound, or touch. It was something else. Something older.

  The pathways shifted in my mind’s eye, their warped, cracked lines no longer just a mess of broken threads. They were still distorted, multifaceted, refracting in a thousand directions—but I could see where they bent, where they broke, where they might open.

  Still, I pressed on, sifting through the chaos until—there. A group of threads that felt…different. Stable, if only barely in this disconnecting void around us.

  Space itself whispered to me, each fold and fracture revealing the way it wanted to move. And for the first time, I realized I didn’t have to follow the paths as they were. I could coax them. Shape them. Find one that led us out.

  I reached deeper into the interconnecting web, letting the space edict guide my hands, my mind, my will.

  I reached for it, willing it to open, to pull us free—the web shimmered, a ripple shook the every void around us, I guided the path somehow, connecting it to this space and the unknown but stable destination.

  Without another thought, I tightly held Mordian and we were jerked across space, my body felt like it was free falling one second and moving through a tight tunnel next.

  It was suffocating to move like this, but just as it became unbearable, the light at the end of the tunnel revealed itself and we crashed on to solid ground, feeling the last of the tendrils brush off.

  I opened my eyes, taking the scenery around me, but before that, I turned to Mordian, and I took a breath of relief as I saw he was beside me, already on his feet as he helped me up.

  I rose to my feet and looked around. I registered a clean alleyway, the light was dim but it was afternoon and atmosphere was cold, the stone walls around us looked oddly familiar.

  “Where are we?” Mordian asked from behind, but I rushed to the edge of the alleyway and covered my eyes for a moment due to the sunlight.

  Mordian was beside me a moment later as I saw a crowd of people—humans—walking through the streets, the loud noise of engines.

  I saw the walking crowd stare at us, my face left dumbfounded by the realization.

  Why were we back on earth? The system had explicitly said that I couldn’t return home before I finished the trials.

  But, something about this street felt familiar, I remembered this path, almost too vividly. Before I could think, my feet moved, Mordian said something but I didn’t listen, I might have taken just a few steps, but then, I saw it.

  More importantly her. I felt like I could break down right now. My cheat felt heavy, my heart erratic, my eyes felt stuck.

  I saw the flower shop I couldn’t forget even if I wanted to. Azure blooms.

  And inside it, the florist that stood behind the counter with an apron, her blonde hair tied behind her head, the shining smile with which she tended to the flowers, her azure eyes that were full of life and kindness.

  It was her. I felt my mouth quiver, biting my lips as I resisted the urge to rush in there right this moment.

  My gaze was stuck over her. She looked alive, real. Not some illusion made by my mind.

  “We’re…home.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

  But I didn’t look at Mordian. My eyes stayed on her—the woman behind the counter, arranging a bouquet of camellias, smiling like sunlight.

  Rachael...