Soft light spilled through the narrow slit of the mana-tinted window, painting Ren's room in a faint silver glow. He was still half-dressed, sitting on the edge of his bed, when a familiar presence stirred inside him.

"…Master."

Nyxa's voice was quieter than usual, almost hesitant.

Ren tilted his head slightly, sensing the unusual tone. "Yes, Nyxa. What happens? Why is your tone unusual?"

"It's bcz of last night. All about last night… I am sorry. I spoke too much. You were not ready to hear those things, and it hurt you."

Ren leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I know you didn't mean to. It's fine… though I hope next time, you think before you say something like that."

Nyxa's reply came with a trace of regret. "I will."

A faint smile tugged at Ren's lips. "Good."

★★★

Steam curled through the air as Ren stepped out of the shower, drops of water sliding down his neck before vanishing into the soft fabric of the towel. He dressed quickly, fastening his belt, and reached for his jacket when the door opened slightly.

Elara stood there, dressed in her usual clean training attire. Her eyes scanned him briefly. "Good morning Ren. How's your head now?"

" Good morning Elara. It's fine now. Nothing to worry about."

"Good. Breakfast is in Father's room today. So come there, when you are ready."

"I am almost ready. Let's go." Ren spoked.

She stepped aside, and together they made their way down the short corridor toward Seroi's room.

★★★

Inside, Seroi was already seated on a long sofa beside a low, polished table. Various dishes were arranged neatly steaming bread rolls, crystal-blue fruit slices, and a pot of fragrant herbal tea that released a calming scent.

Seroi glanced up. "Good morning Ren. You look better. How are you feeling?"

Ren sat down opposite him. "Good morning master. Yes, Much better. Thanks for asking."

Elara took her place beside her father, and the three of them began eating. The quiet clink of utensils mixed with the warm crackle of a faint heat rune inscribed beneath the table, keeping the tea perfectly hot.

When the meal ended, Ren stood and adjusted his coat. "I should go to meet my parents and Watson. Thanks for such an amazing breakfast."

"Wait, Ren we also come with you. We have to go there also. Not with you but somewhere." Seroi spoked. Then after a cleaning of utensils, they were ready to go.

Elara, Seroi and Ren stepped towards the teleportation arrays.

"So, where you have to go master?" Ren asked.

"We will go to meet Elara's mother. Today her death anniversary." Seroi spoked gently. In his voice something hidden. A pain.

"Ohh, sorry." Ren spoked.

"No problem, she was very kind and gentle lady..." Seroi spoked and there conversation continued...

Together, they walked through the quiet halls until they reached the teleportation array at the far end of Arkenhall. The array's circular frame pulsed with steady light, runes shifting like a slow heartbeat.

Ren turned to them. "Thanks… for everything. I'll be back soon."

Seroi gave a short nod. "We'll be here. We will meet here after everything. Just tell us when you will come back?"

"Sure. We will meet again here. Probably, I will come back after two days. I want to spend some times with them." Ren spoked.

"Yes, it's good to spend time with them. It's been so many time passed you don't meet them." Seroi spoked.

Seroi smiled faintly, his hands clasped behind his back. Then...

Ren stepped onto the platform. In an instant, light engulfed him, the runes flared, and his figure dissolved into a streak of mana.

"Good bye Ren. Have a great journey." They both said.

"Good bye master and Elara. Have a great journey to you both also." Ren replied.

The array dimmed, leaving the room silent once more.

Ren disappeared with a flash of light.

A cold hill. Covered in snow. Snowflakes swirled in the air, catching the light of the array. It was a pleasant atmosphere.

It was Mount Eldrin. A bright light shone on a stone platform on its slope. In that light stood a man. It was Ren. In front of that place, thick walls, towers buried in snow, and the continuous echo of wards buried in rocks could be heard and seen. When he appeared...

The squeaking of boots broke the silence. Four soldiers in white armor approached, their spears shining in the yellow sunlight. They surrounded Ren from all sides.

"Wait, put your hands up. No tricks." One said, his voice was cut. "Who are you? And how did you come here? Why are you come here?"

Ren put his hands up and said, "I have permission to come here."

The soldier said...

"Show me, okay. But no tricks or we'll kill you here."

"All right," Ren said.

Ren reached into his cloak and pulled out the token Lark had given him a blue crystal disk with runes etched into its surface that throbbed slightly in the cold. The soldier looked at it, then signaled another to bring it to their commander.

A few moments later, a broad-shouldered man in a fur-lined cloak stepped out of the gate. His face was weathered, his steps thoughtful. He took the token from the soldier and turned it around in his gloved hand.

"It's old," the commander said, his voice heavy with memories. " Who gave you this? Where did you get it?"

"Sir, Lark gave me this yesterday," Ren answered. "My name is Ren. I'm here to visit my parents."

The man's eyes narrowed, staring at him for a moment, then a flash of recognition passed across his face. His voice became soft.

"…Ren. I was informed by Arkenhall that you will come here." He handed the token back and pointed to the gate. "Come. I will take you to them myself. I have heard a lot about you. I thought you would look like a middle-aged man but you are quite young."

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