As Mirina said, "I also have something else for you."

Alex heard the words that came out of Mirina's mouth.

He said, "What is it this time?"

Mirina replied, "Come with me for a bit."

A smile formed on his face, "Gladly."

Elaria and Jacob were about to follow them when Mirina added, "Not you two. Just him."

Alex looked toward Elaria with a smirk. "See that? Just me. Such a pure‑hearted guy I am."

"Just go before I break that mouth of yours," Elaria yelled.

A translucent door materialized in front of them as Mirina and Alex passed through it.

In the next second, they were in a separate space.

Roots and plants filled the area, twisting along the walls and ceiling, forming a living tunnel.

Alex asked, "What is this place?"

"We are inside the World Tree right now," Mirina said.

"Seriously?" Alex asked, surprised.

"Yes," Mirina answered.

"Then why are we here exactly?" Alex said.

"You came here with the intention of breaking those deadly curses on your body, haven't you?" Mirina asked.

"So you can sense them, huh," Alex replied.

"When you've lived as long as I have, you gain knowledge about various things," Mirina said. "But I have to say, in my entire life I haven't seen a curse as powerful as the one on you."

"Yeah, I know," Alex said. "So why are we here again?"

Mirina flicked her finger.

A cave‑like passage opened ahead of them, branches and plants pulling aside as if obeying her will.

"Let's go," Mirina said.

Alex followed.

Soon they arrived at a dead end.

At the end of the cave, a single branch protruded from the wall.

A single drop of liquid kept falling from its tip into a brown bowl‑like structure beneath it.

"What is that?" Alex asked.

Mirina smiled. "This liquid you see dripping is the essence of the World Tree. Normally, the World Tree never gives it to anyone, but for some reason, it has decided to give it to you."

She continued, "The elixir you're going to make with the Fruit of the World Tree will not be enough to act as a catalyst to weaken a curse as strong as yours."

Mirina reached out to the essence, carefully collecting it into a vial.

"take this," she said. "It will be strong enough to act as a catalyst to weaken the curse."

A big smile formed on Alex's face. "You're really generous, Ms. Mirina."

Just as he reached out to grab it, Mirina pulled her hand back.

"But you have to promise me something," she said.

Alex sighed. "I knew it. It wouldn't be that easy. What is it?"

Mirina smiled. "In this ongoing war, make sure the elves survive. They are all like children to the World Tree, and it cannot bear to see their suffering."

"Alright, alright," Alex said. "I'll make sure the elves survive."

A bright smile appeared on Mirina's face. "Good."

She handed the vial of World Tree essence to Alex.

Soon after, Mirina and Alex came back outside.

Seeing them, Elaria looked toward Alex. "What was that all about?"

"Nothing," Alex said. "Just getting some special treatment, that's all."

"Fine, don't say it," Elaria muttered.

Elaria and Jacob then bowed toward Mirina. "Thank you for everything you've done for us."

"It was my pleasure," Mirina replied.

She glanced at Alex. "Not even going to say thank you?"

"I'm not an elf," Alex said. "And we made a deal, remember."

"Alright, alright. What a rude kid," Mirina sighed.

After that, Mirina, Alex, and Jacob finally left.

Soon they walked back toward the car, passing through security once more.

Jacob looked toward Alex.

"Mr. Alex…"

"How rude of you," Alex said. "From 'Your Highness' to 'Mr. Alex', huh."

Jacob bowed. "I apologize if I offended you."

Alex smirked. "I'm messing with you. Just call me Alex, it's fine."

Jacob's face lit up. "Alex, can you do me a favor?"

"I know what you're going to say," Alex replied, "and the answer is no."

"Oh, come on," Jacob said. "Please take me with you. I promise I'll do whatever you say. I'll even water the plants if you order me to."

Elaria, who was driving, glanced back. "You're taking him with you?"

"I'm not," Alex said. "He just keeps insisting that I should."

In the middle of their constant bickering and back‑and‑forth, the trio finally reached the royal palace.

Elven soldiers stood in neat lines, saluting as the gates opened. Many greeted Elaria respectfully as she stepped out of the car.

"I'm going to see Alden," Alex said. "You go and tell your father everything that happened—and take this."

He handed her the Fruit of the World Tree.

"Tell him to turn it into the elixir and give it to me."

Elaria nodded and left.

But Jacob continued to follow Alex.

"Will you stop and go home now?" Alex said. "I already said no."

"I won't," Jacob answered, "not until you give me permission."

Alex ignored him and made his way to the training grounds of the elven empire.

When he entered and saw the scene, he stopped, baffled.

Many elven warriors were sprawled across the ground, groaning, as if someone had beaten them all into the dirt.

Standing among them, completely fine, was Alden von Crestvale.

"Come on," Alden said, sword resting on his shoulder, "is that all you guys have? No wonder you're losing the war."

When Alden saw Alex, he yelled, "Hey, where the hell have you been? I've been looking all over for you!"

Alex glanced at Jacob.

"Go beat that guy to a pulp," he said, "and I'll take you with me."

Jacob stared at the warriors lying everywhere.

He took a deep breath. "Are you serious…?"

"If you're afraid, then forget it," Alex said.

"Alright," Jacob replied.

He stepped forward, walking toward Alden.

"I brought some string for you," Alex called to Alden, amused, "to kick your ass."

Alden looked at Jacob. "This guy? Come on… Don't joke with me."

Jacob's voice cut in. "Are you scared or what?"

Alden's mouth twitched. "All right. You're on."

Alden drew his sword and slipped into his stance.

Jacob summoned a spear and took his own stance.

In an instant, their figures blurred.

Jacob lunged first, spear flashing forward with surprising speed. For a brief moment, even Alden was caught off guard—but he still blocked it with ease and snapped a kick toward Jacob's midsection.

Jacob twisted away, the strike grazing him, and swung his spear toward Alden's head. Alden barely tilted aside, the tip slicing through the air where his face had been.

They fought using pure technique, without pouring mana into their strikes. Steel clashed again and again as they dodged, parried, and countered.

Even so, Alden landed several heavy blows, each hit forcing the breath from Jacob's lungs.

After a brief exchange, Alden stepped back.

"You're good," he said.

Jacob smiled through his bruises. "You're stronger. Stronger than any opponent I've faced until now."

The aura around Alden shifted.

"Let's get serious, then," he said.

flames erupted around his body.

Jacob immediately felt the danger.

Mana flared from him too, lightning crackling around his arms and legs.

Both of them vanished in a blur.

Booming impacts echoed in the air as they clashed mid‑sky, streaks of fire and lightning crossing overhead.

A few seconds later, Jacob's body dropped from above and slammed into the ground, carving a small crater. He winced in pain but pushed himself onto one knee.

Alex looked at him. "That was entertaining. I enjoyed seeing you get beat—"

He coughed lightly. "I mean, I enjoyed seeing you fight."

Alden walked over.

"You've got talent," he said. "But your technique looks unrefined. Did your master not train you properly?"

"I don't have a master," Jacob replied. "I trained myself."

Alden blinked. "Seriously? You trained yourself?"

"Yes," Jacob said.

Alden glanced at Alex. "Where the hell did you find him?"

"In the streets," Alex said. "He was getting his ass kicked by someone weaker than him."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "This is a surprise—you praising someone."

"I've always respected talent," Alden said simply. "And this guy has it."

Alex smiled at Jacob. "Is that so? Good job, Jacob. Looks like you'll be useful."

Jacob's eyes lit up. "Does that mean…?"

"Yes," Alex said. "You can come with us."

Jacob bowed his head. "Thank you, Alex. I won't disappoint you."

"But Can you… please handle my father too?" Jacob added awkwardly.

"This is why I rejected you at the beginning," Alex sighed. "Alright don't worry. I'll tell Elaria. She'll do something about it."

"Thank you again," Jacob said.

"Yeah, yeah," Alex replied.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind.

'Alex, you there?'

'Telepathic communication,' Alex thought as only one person was capable of that. 'What is it, Zara?'

'Bad news,' Zara replied. 'We've spotted a lot of dragons heading toward Avaloria. Come back fast.'

"All right don't panic," Alex said threw the telepathic connection. "You know what to do."

'Are you sure?' Zara asked.

"Yes," Alex answered. " And don't worry I'm coming back right now."

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