"Because of that, you'll see more ancient trees towering above the city than buildings."

Ray nodded in understanding.

"Many history enthusiasts come here specifically for that reason," Alfred continued. "This city is steeped in culture. It's also where the Immortal Guild was originally founded. Even now, an important branch of the Immortal Guild remains here."

Ray's eyes widened. "Then where's the Immortal Guild's headquarters?"

Alfred glanced at him sharply. "Central City."

"Oh."

Of course. A legendary organization like the Immortal Guild would naturally establish its headquarters in a super city like Central City.

"Then why are we in Arcana City?" Ray asked, his curiosity fully ignited.

"I'm visiting an old friend," Alfred replied indifferently. "After that, I'll take you to a few places. Let's go."

They didn't take any vehicles, choosing instead to walk through the ancient streets.

The climate in Arcana City was warm and slightly humid. Paired with the abundance of greenery, the air felt remarkably fresh, almost cleansing.

Within minutes, Ray found himself liking the city.

Walking here felt peaceful—like stepping into another era.

"Teacher!" Ray suddenly exclaimed, nose twitching. "What's that over there? It smells amazing!"

He pointed excitedly toward a nearby shop.

Alfred paused, clearly conflicted. "You can still eat?"

Ray nodded without hesitation. "Of course! Teacher, let me treat you. I have money too!"

Alfred shook his head. "Let's go. I'll pay."

They entered the shop together.

The signboard read: Orion's Roasted Fish.

The moment Alfred saw the name, a rare spark lit up in his eyes. "No wonder it smells so good. It's this place."

"You've been here before?" Ray asked.

"Orion's Roasted Fish is famous throughout the central continent," Alfred replied. "Especially in Arcana City, Central City, and Llyne City. The recipe was said to have been passed down from the founder of the Spirit Tower himself, Orion Starlight."

"That's also how the shop got its name. It's rumored that he used roasted fish to woo the Dragon Butterfly Sovereign. Coincidentally, her name was Fiona Magnolis—quite similar to yours."

Ray's eyes gleamed with fascination. "So even legendary figures loved to eat!"

Alfred's eyelid twitched. "That's your takeaway?"

"Eh…" Ray scratched his head sheepishly. "Teacher, let's eat!"

The shop was packed with customers. Though simple in appearance, it buzzed with laughter and conversation, the rich aroma of roasted fish hanging thick in the air.

They took seats in a corner.

Alfred ordered with practiced ease, clearly familiar with the menu. With Ray's enthusiastic additions, they ended up ordering ten portions of every dish.

Freshly roasted fish was unparalleled. The skin was crisp, the meat tender and juicy, infused with fragrant seasonings that melted on the tongue.

For once, Ray ate until he was truly satisfied.

The academy dining hall's food filled the stomach but not the soul. This, however, was bliss.

His cheeks flushed as he devoured the fish, eyes shining with pure joy.

After calmly finishing two fish, Alfred glanced at the mountain of empty plates.

"Ninety-one fish," he murmured, staring at the bill.

"Thank you, Teacher!" Ray said happily, still feeling like he could eat more.

Alfred gave him a long look. "Your family must have worked very hard to raise you."

Ray blinked before realizing what he meant. Is Teacher… joking?

"Teacher, what's next?" Ray asked.

"We'll find a place to stay first," Alfred replied. "You were in deep meditation for seven days. After washing up and changing, we'll head out again."

"Okay!"

The inn Alfred chose was plain and unremarkable, but spotless.

He booked a single room with two beds.

Ray immediately took a long, hot bath, washing away days of exhaustion. After changing into clean clothes, he felt refreshed from head to toe.

Alfred took longer, emerging in pristine white robes identical to his earlier attire. His long hair cascaded down his back, already dry—evaporated by soul power.

"We're leaving," he said quietly, gazing out the window.

Ray sensed it then.

From the moment they entered Arcana City, something about Alfred had changed.

They continued on foot.

This time, Alfred's pace quickened. He guided Ray through winding streets that gradually grew quieter, the crowds thinning until only silence remained.

Where are we going?

They turned onto a narrow road, barely wide enough for two soul cars. One side was bordered by a tall wall, thick vegetation peeking over it. On the other side lay a dense forest.

Ray noticed Alfred's change immediately.

His steps quickened. His breathing grew uneven.

The icy detachment in his eyes was gone.

In its place were emotions Ray had never seen before—longing, sorrow, and quiet grief.

The man once described as "white robes and blue sword, cold as ice and snow" now seemed stripped bare, revealing a heart burdened with memories.

After another five hundred meters, a gate appeared along the wall.

Four words were engraved upon it:

Arcana Public Cemetery

Ray's heart skipped a beat.

A cemetery?

A chill ran down his spine.

Teacher brought me here… Who is he here to see?

As expected, Alfred led Ray into Arcana Public Cemetery.

The greenery peeking over the outer walls wasn't part of some neighboring forest—it belonged to the cemetery itself. Tall, ancient trees were arranged with quiet order among the gravestones, their branches forming a natural canopy overhead.

Alfred's white robes fluttered softly as he walked, his figure pale and solitary among the rows of stone. For a fleeting moment, he looked like a wandering spirit drifting through a land of memories.

This was Ray's first time entering a cemetery. His gaze instinctively wandered as they passed row after row of gravestones. There were only a handful of people present, standing silently before the deceased, faces solemn and reverent.

Alfred didn't pause once.

He walked straight ahead, as if guided by something unseen, until he stopped before a gravestone slightly removed from the cemetery's center.

The gravestone was tall and simple, carved with just a few words:

The Grave of Rihanna

Rihanna…

Ray blinked. That sounds like a girl's name.

"Wait here."

Alfred turned back to him, his voice softened—no trace of the cold indifference Ray was accustomed to. Instead, there was a warmth so gentle it startled him.

"Okay." Ray nodded and quietly stepped aside.

Alfred took out a clean white cloth and began wiping the gravestone.

Each movement was slow, careful, and filled with tenderness, as though he were touching something precious rather than cold stone.

The gravestone wasn't dirty—only a thin layer of dust clung to its surface. Still, Alfred wiped every inch with patient care until it gleamed faintly, jade-like in its clarity. Compared to the surrounding stones, it now seemed brighter, as though it carried its own quiet light.

The sorrow that had weighed upon Alfred earlier was gone.

In its place was a gentle serenity.

He worked in silence, eyes focused, expression calm and affectionate. Ray felt an invisible pressure in his chest. He wanted to help, to say something, but instinct told him not to intrude.

This moment belonged solely to Alfred.

An entire hour passed before Alfred finally stopped.

He straightened and gazed at the gravestone, eyes filled with a depth of affection Ray had never seen before. It was as though spring itself had brushed past his face, softening his features into something warm and alive.

"You always liked white," Alfred murmured softly. "So today, I'm wearing white."

"You said you liked my smile… so I'll only smile for you."

His fingers gently traced the carved name.

"Bing'er… how are you in the next world?"

There were no tears. Only a quiet smile, filled with longing.

When they finally left the cemetery, the sky had already darkened into evening.

Alfred had resumed his usual aloof composure, as if the tenderness from before had been carefully sealed away. Ray didn't dare ask questions and simply followed behind him.

Rihanna…

Was she a relative?

Or… someone more?

He remembered the kinds of stories Raziel Phoenix liked to gossip about and quickly pushed the thought away.

They returned to Arcana City.

The streets glowed under warm lights, crowded with people and lively businesses. The city buzzed with life, entirely unaware of the quiet farewell that had just taken place within its walls.

Though Alfred appeared unchanged, Ray's view of him had shifted forever.

Teacher isn't cold at all, Ray thought. He just hides it.

"What do you want for dinner?" Alfred asked suddenly.

"Huh?" Ray blinked. "Anything is fine!"

"Then noodles," Alfred decided. "Good noodles."

Ray's curiosity spiked instantly. Teacher actually called something delicious?

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