The bed felt warmer than the air. Ren lay on his back, eyes fixed on the neon lights in the settlings. The outside insects sound was the only sound heard in the room. Somewhere deep inside him, Nyxa stirred in the black sea. Then she spoked...

"You did well today."

Her voice was softer than usual, a ripple through the stillness of his thoughts.

"You carry more weight than most could endure, yet you keep moving. That is not weakness, Ren. That is your power. You are truly capable to be my master. You was and you will."

His fingers curled slightly against the blanket. "Power… doesn't feel like much."

"Your power is extraordinary. You can't feel it now but will. But you are emotionally strong. Don't worry they will gain their memories."

"Hope. It will became true."

Ren let out a slow breath, tension bleeding from his shoulders. Nyxa did not say more, but her presence lingered like a quiet ember in the dark. His eyelids grew heavier until sleep finally claimed him.

★★★

When he awoke, the light spilling through the curtains was thin and pale. The faint scent of snow drifted in with the cold air. He sat up, rubbing his face before standing. His joints cracked lightly as he moved toward the adjoining washroom.

The water in the basin was icy against his skin, but it chased away the last threads of sleep. Steam began to rise as he filled the bath. He sank into the warmth, his breath leaving him in a long sigh. The heat eased the tightness in his muscles, yet his mind was already bracing for the day ahead.

By the time he dressed and stepped into the hallway, the house felt alive. Voices murmured from the main hall. When he entered, Elian and Sera were already seated, waiting for him.

Sera smiled faintly, her hands resting neatly on her lap. "You're awake. Good morning. Sit. The food's still warm."

Ren took his place at the table. A small fire in the hearth crackled softly. The smell of bread and roasted roots filled the air. Then he stepped towards the table and sat.

"Good morning." He spoked.

"How are you feeling? You look so tired." Sera asked, her eyes searching his face.

"I feel better. It's bcz my body have not habit to live in snowy areas," he said simply.

Elian leaned forward, his tone lighter. "Ohh! Right so many peoples feel like that bcz their energy is consume faster here to protect them from cold weather. Don't worry! After breakfast, you will feel better."

Then Elian spoked...

"After breakfast I'll take you around the village. Show you where everyone's settled. Your mood will be better than."

"Sure!"

Ren nodded.

They ate without hurry, the quiet punctuated by light conversation. Sera asked about the road he had taken here. Elian spoke of the last snowstorm and how the villagers worked together to clear the paths.

When the meal was done, Elian rose, gesturing for Ren to follow.

★★★

The village lay tucked between frost-crusted fields and a line of dark pines. Snow crunched beneath their boots as they walked. Elian greeted passersby by name, each returning a smile or nod.

Ren noticed their clothes simple, handwoven layers against the cold. Faces weathered but calm. They spoke to Elian with warmth, yet their eyes carried no flicker of recognition when they glanced at Ren. So they asked about him and Elian replied them that... "He is our guest and friend of commander."

After that they did conversation with Ren politely. Ren also did conversation with them. Then they moved ahead slowly slowly...

"This is where the blacksmith set up his forge," Elian said, pointing to a squat stone building with smoke curling from its chimney. "He doesn't remember much either. But he knows his craft better than anyone."

They passed children laughing in the snow, their games leaving tangled trails of footprints. An elderly woman offered them roasted chestnuts, pressing the warm paper bundle into Ren's hands with a toothless grin.

It was a life built on what remained after forgetting. A place where the past had been cut away, leaving only the present to hold onto.

When they returned to the house, the commander was already waiting outside. His cloak was heavy with frost, his stance straight as a drawn blade.

"Sir Ren, Good afternoon. We have to leave as soon as possible. You have to go elsewhere also." he greeted, inclining his head.

"Good afternoon commander. Yaah, i know. We have to leave now." Ren understood that something is important. That's why commander said to leave as possible as soon.

Elian said , " Now, it's too early commander. Atleast both of you should stay for lunch. Sera's cooking."

The commander gave a polite smile but shook his head. "We cannot. We must leave soon. It's an important to leave now."

From inside house Sera heard. She stepped fastly and reached at door of the home. Where they all did conversation. Then Sera spoked. "It will not take long. Pls atleast go after taking lunch."

"Thanks for asking but it is not the time," the commander said gently. "Another day, perhaps."

Sera's lips pressed together, but she didn't argue. She didn't knew why she felt something unusual. Something familiar with Ren. But Instead of anything, she said...

"Commander, pls wait for a minute. I am coming soon. I have something to give him."

"Okay. Take your time. We have some minutes." Commander replied. Then...

she disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a small cloth bag. She handed it to Ren, her fingers warm against his.

"Say our hello to your parents," she said softly. "And feed them these fresh fruits. These are very good. Take care of yourself. And definitely come to meet us again."

Ren held her gaze for a moment, then nodded. "…I will. Thanks for everything. And both you will take care of your health too. Also say hello to Mira and sorry bcz before she come i leave this place for that."

"Don't worry. We will say." Sera spoked.

"Thanks again." Ren spoked. In his heart so many emotions felt.

"Don't say thank. If we had son than he is like you. You are like our son. You will come here anytime." Sera spoked.

"Sure." Ren spoked. The broad smile seen in his face. He felt so happy. Then...

They left the village shortly after. His parents showed both of them when they were leaving. Until their bodies not faded. Something felt familiar to them but they didn't expressed. Not to eachother also. Then they both entered in their home.

The path wound through pale hills, the wind biting against Ren and Commander's faces.

The commander broke the silence. "Sir, Lark contacted me this morning. He asked when you would be leaving. He is waiting where Watson currently stays."

Ren adjusted his pace to match the commander's. "Why? Anything happens there?"

"I don't know but he wants to meet you there," the commander said. "Well, i understand your situation. You are really brave. If someone is in your place than he was broked."

Ren made no reply, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

When they reached the facility gates, the hum of the teleportation array filled the air. Its stone rings glowed, runes pulsing in slow rhythm.

Ren paused before stepping onto the platform. He turned to the commander.

"Thank you. For everything."

The commander gave a firm nod. "Safe travels,Ren. And don't forgive me."

"Sure. I will not Sir, Halvorn." Ren replied.

In Halvorn's face small but deep smile came.

The light of the array rose around Ren, swallowing him. The snow, the wind, and the world he was leaving behind.

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