Shawn woke up the following day with renewed vigor coursing through him. The previous night, after an intense training session with the Captain, he had a long talk with his mother. He had told her that he and Rian planned to explore the jungle for adventure and perhaps some hunting. After some resistance, his mother gradually relented, though she insisted that he return home before sundown.
That night, he had also attempted to communicate with the feminine consciousness within his second core, but his efforts bore no fruit.
"This world is cruel to those without watches. I have to rely on the sun to tell time. I should make a watch to avoid such inconveniences," Shawn muttered as he stepped outside, heading toward the agreed meeting point. "Then again, even with a watch, I'm still blind. Unless I learn to use sound waves instead of air particles for my vision, a watch won't be much help." He chuckled at his own joke as he quickened his pace.
He arrived just in time, with Rian appearing three minutes later, map in hand.
"I'm surprised you're early. I thought your mom would put up as much of a fight as my dad did," Rian said, embracing Shawn briefly.
"She complained, but she eventually gave in. I guess she got tired of my constant grumbling," Shawn replied with a smirk.
Wasting no time, the duo set off toward their destination. They walked briskly, occasionally chasing away small beasts that crossed their path.
The breath of the forest was relaxing, energizing them, making their pores thirst for more of the relaxing eerie.
"This is going to be a long journey," Rian remarked. "We need to reach the center of the forest, but as you know, powerful beasts lurk there. Luckily, I worked my butt off and managed to buy two cloaking rings. They emit the scent of the fae, so the beasts shouldn't bother checking on us. But we need to hurry—once night falls, the real predators awaken, and we won't stand a chance."
Neither of them wanted to become food. They were trespassers in a hunter's domain, and at any moment, the hunter could strike.
After a grueling five-hour trek, they arrived.
"Now what?" Rian asked, catching his breath.
***Meanwhile, in an unknown land***
Five figures entered a modest-looking tent in the middle of a desert. At first glance, it appeared no different from the others scattered throughout the camp. Its exterior was clean but no grander than a typical family tent, barely large enough to fit four or five people at full capacity.
However, inside, it was an entirely different world.
Lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see, with thriving flora and peaceful beasts roaming freely. The landscape was as vibrant as a highland meadow, a stark contrast to the barren desert outside. In the distance, a colossal palace loomed, its boundaries impossible to discern even with sharp eyesight.
In a nearby garden, a young woman, seemingly no older than sixteen, tended to a flock of flawless white lambs. The five figures knelt before her in unwavering respect.
"My Lady you summoned us. We are here to receive your commands," one of them spoke.
"No need for formalities, Rhyzek. The same goes for the rest of you. Stand up—we are all companions here," the young woman said, her voice calm yet authoritative.
"I called you because we have a matter of grave importance to discuss. It will determine the balance of the universe as we know it. By now, you have all sensed the odd soul wandering through our lands. I have a theory about its origin, but it remains unproven. I will investigate it personally.
"Furthermore, he has fused with the Astralis Prism and survived. You know its maker. Though I wish not to recall that wretched man, he approached me, asking if I had seen it. I lied and said no. I doubt he believes me, but he dares not challenge me.
"By the will of the universe, none from beyond can step foot in this realm—no matter their rank, they will perish upon entry. So he will not come. However, I have foreseen a catastrophe beyond time, one that will impact the Prim World itself.
"Humans, driven by greed, will be the cause of this calamity. I ask only that you do not interfere with their lives. Am I clear, Vaelith? I do not want you keeping tabs on the boy—I will handle that myself. And Kaelmar, thank you for keeping him in check when he crossed the line. I understand he is the youngest among the Guardians and is still adjusting to this life. Guide him well.
"Zephyrion, Orivax—keep up the good work.
"Rhyzek, you will be in charge in my absence. I expect regular reports. If the owner sends his pawns, beat them down as you did last time. I hear some of them see you as a leader and call you an 'old goat,' despite you being far younger than me. But do not worry—everything will unfold as it should."
"Rhyzek, most know you as the guardian hence they will not notice my absence that much when I am gone. I will be gone for a while but things will be ok. You can now leave."
She conjured a seat, reclining into it as the others exited the small world.
"I hope my time with them proves interesting," she murmured, sipping from a crystal goblet filled with golden liquid.
Meanwhile, back in the forest, Shawn and Rian found themselves at an impasse. The map led them to the heart of the jungle, but beyond that, it offered no further instructions. Before them stood a massive mountain, its towering form casting an ominous shadow over them.
"Hey, Rian, I have an idea. Try passing a small flame under the map—but be careful not to burn it," Shawn suggested.
"Are you insane? Sure, I can control flames, but I'm not that skilled yet! I'm only at the late Aspirant stage, not the peak. I might burn the whole thing!" Rian protested.
"Relax. If anything goes wrong, I'll put it out immediately. Let me give you some advice before you start—think of the flame as an extension of yourself, not just an external force. If you treat it as a limb rather than a separate entity, you'll gain better control. I believe in you, Rian. Just focus."
Taking Shawn's words to heart, Rian conjured a small flame, first testing it on his handkerchief. He successfully controlled the fire, preventing it from burning the fabric. With renewed confidence, he passed the flame beneath the map. The first attempt ended in failure as the parchment began to smolder, forcing Shawn to extinguish it instantly. On the second try, the fire remained steady, and a hidden inscription emerged from the map's surface.
"I did it, Shawn!" Rian exclaimed. "But there's nothing—wait, I see something! No, no, no—the map is burning!" he shouted in panic.
Before they could react, the burning map launched toward Shawn, searing his hand. A painful cry escaped his lips as a rune resembling a withered branch was etched into his skin.
"Aghhh! It burns!" Shawn yelled, clutching his hand.
"I'm so sorry, Shawn! I don't know what happened! But we have to get back—it's getting late," Rian urged.
Before they could move, the mountain beneath them groaned and split apart. A massive fissure opened, swallowing Shawn whole while violently tossing Rian aside. Fortunately, they hadn't climbed too high, but unfortunately, Shawn had vanished into the depths.
"No, no, no—Shawn!" Rian screamed, his flames lashing futilely at the unyielding rock.
Tears welled in his eyes as panic gripped him. "What am I supposed to tell his mother? What will my father say? I'm screwed!"
Realizing his only option, he turned back toward the village, igniting his flames beneath his feet to propel himself forward at breakneck speed.
"I need to get help—fast!" he whispered, racing through the forest with everything he had.