Chapter 30: A New Path Begins

The next day, Y was sitting by the window of the room, quietly lost in thought.

A voice behind him broke the silence.

Anna: “You can’t sleep, can you?”

She stepped closer, pulled a chair, and sat beside him.

Y: “That’s right.”

Anna: “What are you thinking about?”

A brief silence followed before he answered in his usual calm tone:

Y: “Anna… I’ve decided to enter the Abyss.”

Anna breathed out softly. She wasn’t surprised—almost as if she had expected the answer.

Anna: “That doesn’t surprise me.”

Y: “At first, I was looking for an alternative solution… but if Dansleif himself couldn’t find one, then it means it would just be a waste of time.”

Anna lowered her head slightly.

Anna: “And of course, you’ll refuse anyone’s help, right?”

Y: “Correct. And I’m certain everyone will object to it.”

Anna: “Even I object to the idea… which is exactly why you’ll have to convince us.”

Y: “That won’t be easy.”

Suddenly, a knock on the door cut the moment short.

Anna opened it, and Lauma stood waiting outside.

Anna: “Is something wrong?”

Lauma: “Dansleif wants everyone to gather outside.”

Anna: “Alright. Y… let’s go.”

And the moment they stepped out of the building, cheers and applause erupted from every direction.

Students were lined up on both sides, forming a long passage leading toward the academy’s courtyard.

Anna stopped, realizing the scene, and took a step back.

Meanwhile, Y stood there, taking in the calm crowd around him.

Y: “I’m not used to this.”

Lauma let out a small laugh and nudged his shoulder.

Lauma: “Go on… and enjoy the moment.”

And so, Y began to walk.

In the Magic Academy’s Courtyard

Dansleif, the King of Mages, stood before all the students and instructors.

With a steady voice, he began:

Dansleif:

“Yesterday… was a difficult day for all of us.

But thanks to everyone’s efforts, we were able to protect the academy and prevail.

So… well done, all of you.”

Then he raised his voice:

“Today marks the beginning of the Magic Exam.

But before that… a new month has begun, and you all know what that means.

Step forward—the one with the highest number of accomplishments this month.”

Y stepped forward until he stood before Dansleif.

Dansleif lifted an ancient book.

Dansleif:

“A month ago… this man entered the academy, surrounded by doubtful stares and murmurs of mockery.

On page 190 of the Magic Codex, there was a single line:

Magic lies not in blood nor body, but in will;

for those who dare surpass their limits may become greater than the beings born with magic of their own.

And as I’ve said before… this man embodies that very phrase.”

He paused for a moment, then asked:

“Tell me, Y… what do you want?”

Y: “No matter what spell you grant me… I cannot use it.”

Dansleif: “Then ask for something else.”

Y: “I want a cooperation agreement between my team and the Magic Academy.

We will help you whenever you need us… and in return, I want three mages from the academy to join my team.”

Dansleif stared at him for a moment.

Dansleif: “Is that truly what you want?”

Y: “Yes.”

Dansleif gave a small smile.

Dansleif:

“Then I will choose the three myself.

Lauma… Klee… Angela.

From this day forward, you are members of Y’s team.”

Klee and Angela screamed with joy and hugged each other tightly.

Lauma tried to maintain her composure… only for Diona to jump on her suddenly.

Lauma: “Calm down, Diona!”

Diona: “Finally! Someone else to play tag with us!”

Lauma: “You never lose sight of your goals, do you?”

Ash: “I’m glad you’re joining us.”

Lauma: “I’m glad too.”

Then Y spoke:

Y:

“We still have some time before we leave, so I suggest everyone rest well.

And… my apologies, but we won’t be staying for the Magic Exam—unless you insist on it.”

Klee and Angela exchanged looks.

Klee: “It’s alright… we’ll be fine.”

Y: “What about you, Ash?”

Ash: “I won’t take the exam.”

Anna: “Then let’s meet here in an hour.”

Angela: “I need to talk to my brother before leaving.”

Klee: “And I have to inform Aunt Molana.”

Lauma, however, remained still—quiet in a way that wasn’t like her.

Y turned toward her.

Y:

“I recognize this silence.

You’re hesitant, aren’t you? Thinking about Dansleif… and the others.”

Lauma lowered her head a little.

Lauma:

“I hate to admit it… but you’re right.

I’m hesitant.”

Y:

“What is your goal, Lauma?”

She looked confused for a moment, then answered shyly:

Lauma:

“My goal… is to see different places.”

Y:

“You’re free to stay here… and you’re free to come with us.”

Before she could reply, Rose approached quietly, bending slightly to meet Lauma’s eyes.

Rose:

“Listen carefully, dear.

Just as you support us, we want to support you as well.

And remember… Dansleif and I are here for our own reasons, too.”

Lauma’s eyes widened in surprise.

Lauma: “Can I… really go?”

Rose gave her a warm smile.

Rose:

“Of course you can.

And you can visit us anytime you wish.

Just don’t forget to bring Klee and Angela with you.”

Lauma trembled with joy.

Lauma: “Thank you… all of you…”

Ash stepped forward, excited.

Ash:

“Don’t worry! Our team is diverse.

I’m from the Spirit Kingdom,

Anna and Diona are from the Fairy Forest,

Lunaria is from the Hunter Kingdom,

then we have Mond, the Vampire Clan, the Dwarves, the Samurai…”

Lauma’s eyes widened.

Lauma:

“You’ve visited… all those places?”

Ash laughed.

Ash:

“Actually… the only one who has visited them all is Y.

We’ve only been to half of them.

But trust me—if you stick with Y, you’ll end up in the most unbelievable places.”

Lauma took a deep breath.

Then she said:

Lauma:

“I’ll join you.”

Inside the Academy

Molana watched Klee with a worried look in her eyes.

Molana: “So… you’re leaving the academy? Are you sure about this decision?”

Klee: “Yes… could you please tell my mother that I’ll be moving to Mond?”

Molana: “Very well… I’ll handle it.”

Klee then ran off, hurrying to prepare for the journey.

In the Academy Garden

Angela walked through the academy garden, her eyes searching for her older brother.

At last, she found him sitting on a wooden bench in the center, gazing quietly at the sky.

His left arm was still broken from his last battle.

She approached him softly.

Angela: “Why… haven’t you healed it?”

Leonard glanced at his arm before answering:

Leonard: “This… is my punishment for all the mistakes I’ve made—toward you, and toward Y.

If Y hadn’t appeared… you would’ve never grown this much.

I… apologize for everything.

It should’ve been me teaching you… supporting you.”

Angela sat down in front of him, gently placing her hand over his.

Angela:

“I know you were trying to protect me.

Ever since the day Mother died, you’ve carried the burden of the family alone.

But… my wish is to follow her path—to become a fighter like she was.

And that’s why… I decided to join Y.”

Leonard’s voice trembled as he lifted his uninjured hand and placed it softly on her head.

Leonard: “Then chase your dream… and no matter what happens, I’ll always support you.”

Angela stood up and began to walk away.

But his voice stopped her.

Leonard: “Angela…

Yesterday… you looked just like our mother.

You fought well.”

She turned back, rushed to him, and embraced him tightly—

crying into his shoulder.

Inside the Library

There was a gathering inside the library…

Not a team meeting,

nor a family meeting—

but something entirely different.

Within the library, whose books still bore witness to yesterday’s events, a round wooden table sat at the center.

Around it were Alexander, Soran, and a girl with her head covered by a hood, staring silently at the tabletop.

On the table were five cups, and two empty chairs waiting for their owners.

The library door opened, and Y and Anna entered, taking their seats quietly.

Soran stood up, filled the cups with water, and spoke in a low voice:

Soran:

“Yesterday… we lost someone who was once our companion—

not in real life, but in the world we believed was our real one:

the world of games.

We were comrades there.

And this drink… isn’t just for Elishia,

but for everyone we lost the moment we arrived in this world—

a small tribute to all their memories.”

Everyone raised their cups and drank, placing them back on the table in a heavy silence.

Y: “How have you all been?”

The girl: “I think this is the first time I’ve seen you as a real person… Usually you’d join my livestream, or just play with us from time to time.”

The girl removed her hood—revealing tied-back brown hair, a clear scar across her eye, and clothing similar to Soran’s: leather mixed with metal.

Anna: “It’s good to see you both again… Soran and Robin.”

Robin: “I’ve met Anna and Alex before, but you… you were always disappearing.”

Alexander: “And to be honest… this is my first time seeing you in person as well.”

Anna chuckled:

Anna: “Truth is, he always played in his private room—never in the main hall where the gaming setups were.”

Y: “Tell me… how did you end up here?”

Soran: “All I remember is that it was launch day. We were sitting in front of the screen waiting for the servers to open… then suddenly, we found ourselves in another world.”

Y: “Seems like it happened to everyone.”

Robin: “Almost all the regular players were transferred… and a huge number of new players too.”

Y: “I can imagine the chaos that caused.”

Alexander: “You don’t need to imagine it. It really happened—two years ago.”

He leaned back, recalling.

Alexander:

“When we appeared, we were in a large plaza…

Our appearances changed, our lives changed.

And just minutes later, someone used magic and injured another person…

The place turned into a real battlefield.

Many died.”

Robin placed a hand over the scar on her face.

Robin:

“The change in appearance made everything worse.

No one trusted anyone anymore…

I got this scar that day.

But suddenly… a powerful aura appeared and stopped every fight instantly.

A woman with long red hair… a sword at her waist… and clothes that looked surprisingly ordinary.”

Alexander: “That was Milena—the Queen of the Hunters. She told us we were on the borders of Rokara, also known as the Hunter Kingdom.”

Soran: “Yes. After that, things became clearer:

1. This world isn’t the game we knew.

2. Magic is completely real here.

3. And there are countless races—far more than we ever imagined.”

Alexander: “And because of that diversity, you can clearly see the conflicts between them.”

Robin: “Even among the hunters themselves… over the past two years, I’ve seen hunters betray each other.”

Y: “What about the rest of our old group?”

Alexander:

“After Milena stabilized the situation, guilds appeared—formed by the players who arrived with us.

Some preferred working in small squads for mobility.

Others went solo.

And many joined different kingdoms.

That’s only for the people who appeared with us in that plaza.

Others appeared in different regions entirely.”

Y: “This information helps a lot… thank you.”

Robin: “I have a question… What were you doing for the last two years?”

Anna: “Not two years…”

Robin: “What do you mean?”

Y: “I arrived in this world only six months ago.”

A short silence fell.

Soran: “But everyone appeared two years ago!”

Y: “Exactly. Which means something happened during that gap—

something that delayed my arrival by two full years.

So far it hasn’t caused me any problems,

so I didn’t bother investigating it.

Though I admit it’s strange…

A perfect weapon, a book filled with knowledge about monsters,

and a place ideally suited for training…”

Anna: “Do you think it was planned?”

Y: “Maybe in the first month… but meeting L, and everything that followed?

It’s far too random to be part of a plan.”

Soran: “Either way… it’s good to see you again.

By the way… did you meet anyone during these six months?”

Y: “Sadly… only my siblings. Everyone except Phoenix.”

Robin: “He was focused on raising the Hunter Rank.

Said it would benefit you someday.”

Soran: “The others aren’t much different.

Each one chose their own path.”

Y: “I’m glad to hear that.”

Alexander:

“By the way… what are you all planning now?

As for me, I’m staying here.

I want to learn as much as I can about this world’s history.”

Anna:

“My goal remains the same… to free every last Elf.”

Robin smiled at Soran.

Robin:

“As for us… we just want to stay together.

We’ve saved a lot of money over the past two years.

We’re hoping to settle in a quiet place.”

Soran:

“And you, Y?

What are you planning?”

Y:

“My goal is…”

⸻

The conversations and memories continued for a full hour—

a blend of laughter, silence, and nostalgia.

Anna stood first, offering a warm smile:

Anna: “We truly enjoyed seeing you all again… but we’re sorry, we have to leave now.”

Y turned toward them:

Y: “How about coming with us?

I can’t promise a peaceful life…

but I can promise you won’t be bored.

And Mond Kingdom… is a beautiful place to settle.”

Robin looked at Soran, silently asking:

Robin: “What do you think?”

Soran took a deep breath.

Soran: “After hearing Y’s words… I genuinely want to join.”

Robin laughed lightly:

Robin: “Me too.

I’d get bored if I stayed alone…

I need someone to talk to.”

Soran: “Am I not a person?”

Robin: “You’re my husband…

I need another person to talk to when you annoy me.”

Soran: “What is that supposed to mean?”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Robin: “I’m kidding, I’m kidding.”

Anna: “You two are already perfect for each other.”

Robin: “We’ve known each other for over thirty years.”

Alexander: “But you look much younger…”

Robin: “This world changed our bodies…

and gave us more time together.

Anyway… we accept your offer, Y.”

Alexander cleared his throat.

Alexander:

“As for me… I’ll decline.

My goal is clear:

I’m staying here to study this world’s history.”

Y:

“I respect that…

Good luck, brother.”

Alexander smiled softly.

Alexander:

“And you as well…

brother.”

And the group left the library,

leaving Alexander behind in its quiet stillness.

A few minutes later, the team had gathered again in the university’s vast courtyard.

Y, Anna, Ash.

Diona and Lauma.

Klee and Angela.

Soran and Robin.

Dansleif stood before them with his usual imposing presence, while students and instructors formed quiet rows around them, their breaths seemingly held in anticipation.

Dansleif:

“I will send you all to the Fairy Forest. Are you ready?”

Y:

“Yes.”

But before he could take a step, Klee and Angela approached him, moving to the front and bowing at the same moment.

Klee:

“We… apologize.”

Before he could respond, a group of students hurried forward and stood in line before Y as well.

One of them stepped ahead, speaking with sincere hope in his voice:

“Professor Y… would you consider teaching at the university again?”

Y, calm as always:

“To be completely honest… the reason I joined the university was simply to achieve our goals. Nothing more.”

Student:

“That’s understandable… but could you at least reconsider? Even a little?”

Y fell silent for a moment.

The student turned toward Dansleif and bowed deeply, followed by all the other students as one:

“Headmaster… please, convince him.”

Dansleif:

“What is behind this insistence?”

Student:

“I apologize for speaking out like this… but the regret still weighs heavily on all of us.

A month ago, Professor Y arrived… and we welcomed him in the worst way imaginable.”

A female student stepped forward:

“We even avoided joining the class he taught… and despite that, when the war began… he used himself as a shield to protect all of us.”

Y:

“So what exactly do you want from me?

If it’s magic… there are people behind me far more capable.

If it’s swordsmanship… many surpass me in experience.”

He turned slightly to his left:

“What do you think, Baradok?”

Baradok raised an eyebrow:

“…Are you trying to make use of us again?”

Y:

“You’re free to refuse.

But I see no reason you shouldn’t accept.

You and your team possess considerable experience—magical and otherwise.”

Dansleif:

“We’ll provide each of you with individual compensation… and the contract lasts only three months.

Naturally, you may extend it if you wish.”

Baradok:

“We were planning to stay for a while anyway… to help with the university’s repairs. And that will take time.”

He turned to his team:

“What do you all think?”

Baradok’s team exchanged looks—unusually quiet and serious.

Baradok:

“…What is it?”

Stella:

“Are you sick?”

Baradok:

“No? Why?”

Zack:

“Normally… you make decisions without asking us.”

Baradok:

“…Do I really do that?”

Everyone, in perfect unison:

“Yes.”

He sighed:

“…Then from today on—consultation first.

Tell me. What do you think of Dansleif’s offer?”

Piros:

“I want a break from constant traveling and fighting.”

Stella:

“I agree with him.”

Zack:

“Staying here will help me refine my style.”

Reinhardt:

“I have nothing to add.”

Baradok looked at Dansleif:

“In that case… we accept.”

Even so, the students’ gazes remained fixed on Y alone—filled with respect, uncertainty, and longing.

Ash, quietly:

“What will you do now?”

Y:

“I’m sorry… but I will decline.

However… if you’re truly interested,

then once you graduate… come to Mond.

Perhaps our paths will cross again.”

Dansleif let out a brief laugh:

“Are you trying to steal my students?”

Y:

“Mond is simply another option… not theft.

We’re ready to leave.”

Dansleif:

“Very well.”

He struck the ground with his staff.

And in an instant… Y and his team vanished from the university.

Molana approached Dansleif with slow, measured steps and said:

“I never realized there could be a human like him…

Today he received more recognition than any graduate this university has ever seen.”

Dansleif:

“That is simply the result of his sincerity—nothing more.”

Molana glanced toward the courtyard where Y had vanished.

Molana:

“It seems everyone has changed because of him…

Even I was moved by him, despite never speaking to him directly.”

She paused for a moment, then added:

Molana:

“By the way… do you know where Helena is staying now?”

Dansleif:

“She’s always on the move. What do you need from her?”

Molana:

“I have a message for her from Klee.

I promised Klee I would deliver it to her mother.

I’m sure Helena will be very happy when she hears how much Klee has grown.”

Dansleif:

“I know a way to contact her.

Follow me.”

The party appeared in a spot close to the Elven Forest.

Y:

“Follow me.”

Y and his team stepped into the forest, and the moment his foot crossed the boundary—

A knife shot toward his head.

Y sidestepped calmly, avoiding the attack.

In the next instant, Liz burst out from the right, another knife in her hand, lunging for Y’s side.

Y caught her wrist firmly.

Suddenly, another shadow of Liz emerged behind him, striking from the rear—

but Y avoided the blow just as easily.

Y:

“It seems training with Lecht was the right choice.”

Liz gave a small smile.

Liz:

“And you, as always… never let your guard down.”

Y:

“Your thirst for attacking is what gave away your position.”

Liz:

“Isn’t that normal?”

Suddenly—

a familiar voice came from between the trees.

Leona:

“I didn’t expect you to return now.”

Y turned toward her, his expression unchanged.

Y:

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Leona…

That means a lot has happened.”

Leona stepped out and stood beside Liz, as if the two of them had been waiting for him.

Leona:

“That’s right. I’m here to get advice from Lecht and Freya.”

Y:

“A good choice.”

Diona suddenly rushed toward Liz and Leona and wrapped them both in a tight hug.

Diona:

“I missed you two so much!”

Leona:

“We missed you too.”

Liz to Diona:

“So… you finally figured out your magic?”

Diona:

“Yes.”

Y stepped forward a little.

Y:

“Tell me… what happened?”

Leona took a deep breath.

Leona:

“Long story short…”

Leona:

“…And that’s everything.”

Y:

“Phoenix and his companion held back the army…

Mond won the duel…

And then a mysterious message reached King Regon.”

Leona:

“Correct. And there’s another issue—

several armies are pressing on the kingdom from three fronts.”

Y:

“Are they connected to that prince’s kingdom?”

Leona:

“We believe so… but there’s a third force as well.”

Y:

“Another kingdom?”

Leona:

“Not a kingdom—

a large, organized group of fighters.”

Y:

“And the problem? We have fighters too.”

Leona:

“I’m not denying that.

The problem is their movements.

Their strategist is… skilled—skilled enough to expose every plan we set.”

Y:

“So that’s why you came to consult Lecht and Freya.”

Leona:

“Exactly.”

Robin (whispering to Anna):

“We’re completely out of the discussion…

that girl resembles Y a little.”

Anna (laughing softly):

“You’ll get used to it.”

Y:

“Let me introduce the new members.

The short-haired one is Klee…

the blonde is Angela…

and the one who looks a bit like Diona—her name is Lauma.”

Robin steps forward:

“I’m Robin, and this is my husband, Soran.”

Klee (looking at Leona):

“And who’s this girl?”

Liz answers in her place:

“This is Leona—Y’s deputy.

And by the way… Y is technically her uncle.”

Klee (whispering in disbelief):

“I thought Anna would be the deputy…”

Ash (laughing):

“Actually… Leona is like a smaller version of Y—

just more direct.”

Y:

“Tell me… who worries you the most?”

Leona:

“The strategist.

He isn’t targeting a specific kingdom, which is the issue.

That’s why I need you to keep an eye on that prince’s domain.”

Y:

“Understood.”

Leona:

“You’ll find Lecht and Freya in their usual place…

along with the merchant eager to see you.”

Y:

“Rest for a bit.

I have something to take care of.”

Y walks off toward Freya’s domain.

Liz moves closer to Leona:

“So—what do you think of the new girls?”

Leona:

“They’re not that different from us…

Right, Angela?

Do you have trouble controlling your magic?”

Klee:

“So you really are another version of Y?”

Leona:

“I don’t think anyone could truly resemble Y.”

Angela:

“What do you mean?”

Leona:

“Y relies on instinct more than anything else.

I, on the other hand, use my magic to read people.”

Diona (smiling):

“And for the record…

Leona’s better than Y when it comes to evaluation.”

Y enters Freya’s quiet domain.

At the center, Freya and Lecht sit with a man and a young woman beside them.

Lecht looks at Y and says:

“You arrived at the perfect time.”

Y:

“So it is something important.”

He sits with them.

Lecht gestures to the man in front of him:

“This is Kraidon… the merchant.”

Then he points to the girl:

“And this is his guard.”

Freya:

“We’ll leave you alone.”

Y (calmly):

“No need. We’re not hiding anything.”

Kraidon smiles lightly.

“So… you’re the mastermind. The one who outplayed me in sheer madness.”

Y:

“Isn’t madness the reason we’re all here?

If you were a normal person, you would’ve never agreed to help us without any guarantees.

And by the way… I’m not a leader. Just someone who shares opinions.”

Kraidon:

“True… and I made concessions just to meet you face to face.”

Y:

“Go on. I’m listening.”

Kraidon:

“Simply put… I want 50% of the profits from your plan.”

Y raises a brow.

“Fifty? You must have a reason for such a large number.”

Kraidon:

“I brought a number of Elves for you… gathered the intel… and don’t forget the concessions and keeping your secrets.

I believe fifty percent is fair.”

He thinks to himself:

Ask for more than expected… and secure the real deal later.

Kraidon:

“So? What do you say?”

Y (completely calm):

“Ten percent. Nothing more.”

Kraidon freezes.

“…What?”

Y:

“And in return, I’ll give you something valuable.”

Kraidon:

“Such as?”

Y:

“The identity of the most wanted person in the black market.”

Kraidon glances at his guard.

“Nova, do you have anything on him?”

Nova:

“Nothing. He’s a complete ghost.”

Y:

“I know a great deal about him.”

Kraidon:

“And how did you get that information?”

Y smiles faintly.

“You already know the answer.”

Kraidon suddenly bursts into laughter.

Lecht and Freya look at him with confusion.

Kraidon:

“You’re a fascinating man…”

Nova:

“What do you mean?”

Kraidon:

“Because now, the real negotiations begin.”

He lifts his hand toward his left eye.

Kraidon:

“I’ve seen Mond’s blueprint. You intend to turn the entire kingdom into a new, independent capital… correct?

I remember everything—no matter how small.”

Y:

“Photographic memory.”

Kraidon:

“Exactly.”

He continues:

“I negotiated with everyone who spoke about the plan… yet each one gave me different information, even though they were aiming for the same result.

Why is that, I wonder?”

Y:

“I spoke with each person separately… and let them act freely.

Naturally, the negotiations changed.”

Kraidon:

“So this was planned.”

Y:

“Not really. I just participate in discussions.

I absorb ideas… then refine them. That’s all.”

Kraidon:

“Even so… I gathered a variety of details from three different people without any conflict. Impressive.”

Y:

“What do you think of fifteen percent yearly… and an official contract with Mond, making you its primary merchant?”

Kraidon’s smile widens.

“An interesting offer. But… how do you guarantee the plan’s success?”

Y:

“Your presence here… is the guarantee.

If the plan were weak, you wouldn’t have made all those concessions.”

Kraidon goes silent for a few seconds, then smiles.

“Fair enough. The plan is difficult, but if it succeeds, it’ll be worth every effort.”

Y:

“Then it’s a temporary agreement.”

Kraidon:

“Very well. We accept the fifteen percent.”

Y looks at him again.

“Interested in a private arrangement… between you and me only?”

Kraidon:

“I’m listening.”

Y:

“I want you to spread information about the most wanted person in the black market… in exchange for a large sum.”

Nova freezes.

“Wait… how do you have this information?

Even the highest authorities know nothing about him… unless…”

Kraidon smirks sharply.

“You’re that person… aren’t you?”

Y:

“Precisely.”

Nova steps back.

“You… want to manipulate the underworld…?”

Kraidon:

“They searched for you everywhere… even inside Mond.

I never expected a human to be hiding among the Elves.”

Nova stared at Y, stunned.

“Are you… one of the assassins? I can’t sense any magic from you!”

Y remained calm:

“I don’t have magic to begin with.

And I moved around constantly… rarely staying in one place.”

Kraidon nodded slowly, as if pieces finally clicked together.

“That explains a lot…”

Y:

“As for the people of Mond—”

Kraidon cut him off with a smirk:

“Let me guess… a contract, right?”

Nova:

“But how?”

Kraidon:

“What matters is that he did it.”

Y:

“Actually… there’s no contract. Mond’s people are simply kind.

That’s all there is to it.”

Nova crossed her arms:

“Even money couldn’t win them over…”

Kraidon sighed with amusement:

“So then… what information do you want me to spread?”

Y:

“I’ll tell you during our next meeting.

If you still have doubts… remember this.”

Y placed a fox mask gently on the table.

Nova:

“…A mask?”

Kraidon stood up immediately.

“Very well. We’ll take our leave for now—

I have money to earn.”

Before leaving, Y asked:

“Can you bring rare resources next time?”

Kraidon:

“What kind?”

Y:

“Anything valuable—artifacts, armor, relics… whatever you can acquire.”

Kraidon:

“Understood. I’ll prepare them.”

He walked away with Nova, speaking in a low voice:

“He really isn’t suited to be a traditional merchant.”

Nova:

“What do you think of him?”

Kraidon:

“In negotiations, he reminds me of myself…

but far more unpredictable.”

Nova:

“He’s strong too… and his aura is unnervingly calm.

I’ve seen many powerful people, but never a group as diverse

as the ones in Mond… and here.”

She paused.

“Are you sure about this?

Working with him—and leaking information about him to the underworld—

will put a target on your back.”

Kraidon smiled with confidence:

“A real merchant builds his fortune no matter the circumstances.

And Y… he builds the fortunes of others without caring for his own.”

“That’s what makes him the ideal partner.

If I help him, he’ll help me.

Out of everyone I’ve dealt with…

he was the only one who negotiated fairly.

No tricks, no dominance—just equal terms.

Everything else he asked for was simply business.”

“He’s the best client any merchant could wish for.”

Lecht sat beside Y, glancing at him lightly.

“He’s quite the merchant.”

Y answered calmly:

“Yes. If we had tried to negotiate with him through business alone, we wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

Lecht nodded.

“Agreed. Without the scattered information we planted during the previous negotiations… it would’ve been far more difficult.”

Y:

“Exactly. Merchants rely heavily on intuition.

Giving him fragmented details from you, Rosari, and Nival… letting him piece together the plan himself…

and then speaking to him openly, hiding nothing—

was the best approach.”

Freya tilted her head.

“And what will you do now?”

Y:

“I’ll deal with that kingdom first.”

Freya smiled softly.

“It’s rare to hear you say that.”

Y remained silent for a moment before turning to Lecht, who suddenly asked:

“Y, I have a question.”

Y:

“Go ahead.”

Lecht smirked.

“Have you been neglecting your training?”

Y let out a quiet breath.

“Nothing escapes your eyes.

Recently, I focused more on mental training than physical… especially after mastering the domain.”

Lecht:

“Then… you won’t mind a quick warm-up, right?”

Y:

“I don’t mind.”

Their training began…

At first, their words collided before their weapons did.

While moving, Lecht said:

“Let me remind you… no matter how many victories you collect, a single defeat could be your end.”

Y:

“That’s why I push myself to improve every day.”

Lecht:

“In such a short time… you’ve crossed paths with some of the most famous figures in this world.

Do you think that’s a coincidence?

Don’t neglect your training, Y.

Train whenever you can… we don’t know what awaits you.”

Y:

“I won’t deny there are strange things happening… but the idea that the world is waiting for me feels exaggerated.”

Lecht stopped, catching his breath.

“All I want… is for you to be prepared for the future.

You don’t know what lies ahead.”

Y offered a faint smile.

“Thanks for the advice.”

Lecht sheathed his weapon, sat down, and asked:

“Tell me… what’s your next plan?

I’ve heard you’re collecting items from different places to craft artifacts… is that true?”

Y handed him his weapon.

“It is.”

Lecht examined it.

“I doubt it’s just to strengthen your team.”

Y:

“Correct. My main goal is to connect those tools to my weapon.”

Lecht’s eyes widened slightly.

“You mean…?”

Y:

“Exactly what you’re thinking.

I’ll craft tools for my team, each one suited to its user—

and at the same time, link them to my weapon.

That way, I can use their magic…

without them touching the weapon.

Just the tool’s presence is enough.”

Lecht:

“And with that… you’ll overcome your magic limitation.”

He smiled.

“So that’s why you asked the merchant for those gems…”

Y:

“I discussed the idea with Dansleif and Thoram.

Both confirmed it’s possible—

but it requires time and resources.”

Lecht:

“And what exactly will Thoram do?”

Y:

“He’ll combine Dwarven techniques with Samurai craft—

to create a tool bound to the weapon through a crystal and engravings.”

Lecht paused for a moment, then spoke clearly:

“Seems I judged you too quickly… my apologies.”

Y placed a hand on his shoulder.

“No need to apologize.

You’re doing the right thing.”

Y retrieved his weapon and stood up.

“Excuse me… there’s a place I need to visit.”

Freya:

“Good luck… and don’t forget to rest from time to time.”

Outside Freya’s Domain, Leona stood beside Angela, helping her stabilize the flow of magic in her body.

Leona:

“Don’t suppress your magic…

Imagine it rising from your heart, then just follow its flow calmly.”

Angela focused—and after a few moments, a soft light shimmered around her body.

Angela:

“It worked!”

At that moment, Y appeared behind them.

Y:

“Leona… where is that prince’s kingdom located?”

Leona pointed toward the north.

Leona:

“Over there.”

Y:

“Lunaria Come a little closer.”

Lunaria stepped forward a few paces.

Y raised his finger and snapped—

In an instant, his Domain unfolded beneath her, and Y let himself sink into stillness as he sat down on the ground for several minutes, lost in thought.

After that, he stood up, placed a talisman sheet on the ground, leapt into the air, and summoned a blade using Lunaria’s magic, shaping it into a floating platform. Then, using Lecht’s magic to boost his speed, he shot straight toward the Kingdom of Estinor.

⸻

✦ One Hour Later — At the Walls of Estinor

Looking out at the city, Y murmured:

Y:

“So this is the Kingdom of Estinor…

All of this has been giving Leona a headache.

I should let her rest for a bit.”

He placed a second talisman on the ground and used the teleportation technique to return to the Fairy Forest.

Alright.”

Y turned to Ash.

Y:

“Do you have another mask?”

Ash:

“Yes. Here.”

Y put on the mask, then handed another one to Klee.

With a tap on the talisman sheet, the two of them warped together to Estinor.

⸻

Klee:

“What now?”

Y, wearing the fox mask, replied:

Y:

“Just follow me.”

Below them, the king was screaming at his army that had retreated from battle, hurling insults at them in front of his people.

Y spoke in a calm voice that still cut through the entire square:

Y:

“I didn’t expect the king of Estinor to be this foolish.”

Silence fell.

The King:

“Who said that?!”

One of the guards pointed to the sky.

Guard:

“Up there!”

Heads tilted back.

Two masked figures were floating in the air.

The King:

“Who are you?! Identify yourself!”

Y:

“There’s no need to introduce myself to someone unworthy of his position.”

The King:

“Kill him!”

Magic surged from the soldiers—

but Klee raised her hand and burned every spell in a single instant.

Y:

“I was planning to negotiate…

but it seems your mind doesn’t understand the word.”

His aura trembled—

and the sky began to move.

A massive meteor descended slowly over the city, flooding the heavens with a terrifying light.

The king and the people were struck dumb.

Some dropped to their knees.

Y:

“I’ll give you a chance to survive.

Choose:

Either the king steps out alone…

or twenty people leave the kingdom in his place.

You have ten minutes.”

The King (in panic):

“What do you mean—”

Y (sharply):

“Look around you…

Your families, your friends, the future of your kingdom—

all of it is in my hand.

If even one of you steps forward…

I’ll erase everything.”

Klee whispered:

Klee:

“I still can’t wrap my head around how someone with that level of precision over magic… doesn’t have any magic at all.”

Meanwhile, the king was screaming hysterically:

The King:

“Bring twenty people! My life is more important than all of yours!”

Captain of the Guard:

“Restrain the king!”

The guards closed in around their ruler and tied him down by force.

The King:

“I’ll have you all executed! I swea—”

The captain slapped him and said:

Captain:

“If it weren’t for our respect for your father…

you would’ve been in prison long ago.”

Y:

“So… that’s your decision.”

Captain:

“Yes. But I have a request…

Please spare the army.

And… please kill me as well.

I betrayed my king. I don’t deserve to live.”

Y:

“A king who cares more about himself than his kingdom… isn’t a king.

I’ll spare the army.

But I want you to choose a new king—

and I’ll be the witness.”

The people turned toward the captain.

Voices rose:

“You’re the most worthy!”

“You’re the one who cares about us!”

“You’ve protected the kingdom more than he ever did!”

Y:

“It seems your new king has been chosen.”

He looked at the man.

Y:

“State your name.”

The man stood firm.

Captain:

“My name is Darius.”

Y raised his hand, his voice ringing across the kingdom’s square:

Y:

“Then…

I hereby officially proclaim

Darius as the new King of Estinor.”

Lecht was wandering quietly through the forest when his eyes fell upon Liz, sitting beneath an ancient tree, lost in thought — as if she had cut herself off from the world.

He approached with light steps.

Lecht:

“Is something bothering you?”

Liz raised her head slightly, her gaze carrying more confusion than sadness.

Liz:

“I’ve been thinking about what Y said…

No matter how many times I try to ambush him, I fail.

He told me my thirst for attacking is what gives away my position.

So I started wondering… is it even possible to strike someone without wanting to attack them?”

Lecht went silent for a few seconds.

Lecht:

“…”

Liz:

“To me, it just doesn’t make sense. How can you attack without intent?”

Lecht drew a deep breath, as if searching for the right words.

Lecht:

“I know it sounds strange… but there are people who can attack without hatred or malice.

People who have completely let go of their anger and resentment.”

Liz:

“That’s… strange.”

A calm voice came from ahead.

Lauma:

“I understand what you mean.”

Lauma appeared quietly, her ears drooping a little, as though apologizing.

Lauma:

“Sorry… my ears picked up your conversation by accident.”

She went on:

Lauma:

“It actually happened just yesterday… right before Dansleif destroyed that place.”

Liz stared at her in surprise.

Liz:

“Yesterday?

You mean those sorcerers who tried to kill you?”

Lauma:

“Yes. Right in front of their hideout.

I saw something you don’t see often…

At the very moment when everyone else was consumed by anger,

Y was trying to find even one person among them who deserved to live —

even after Elishel died right in front of him.”

Lecht’s hand tightened into a fist.

Lecht:

“What composure…

If I were in his place, I’d have gone there to kill them myself.”

Liz:

“So Y really does master that way of fighting.”

Lauma shook her head gently.

Lauma:

“I don’t think it’s a ‘style’…

It’s simply how he is.”

Liz:

“That actually makes sense…

When I fight him, I never feel like he wants to hurt me —

yet his strikes are still dangerous.”

A deep, thoughtful look passed through Lecht’s eyes before he spoke again.

Lecht:

“There’s someone who knows a lot about this.”

Liz stared at him.

Liz:

“You mean… my mother?”

Lecht:

“Yes. Go to her.

In the end… she’s a professional.”

Lecht stood up, turned, and began walking between the trees.

He replayed their words in his mind, muttering to himself:

Lecht (to himself):

“This… is something I can’t learn.”

He kept walking without realizing where he was going, until he found himself in front of Freya’s domain —

as if his own feet were being guided by thoughts of Y.

From inside, he heard a soft, beautiful singing voice.

Freya (singing):

He carved no name upon the stone,

He never called for glory or throne,

Yet when he stood, the paths awoke,

And silence birthed the rising smoke.

Lecht stepped inside and found Freya dancing slowly in the middle of the domain, her hair swaying gently with the rhythm.

She continued:

Freya (singing):

And if you ask who opened the gate,

Who lit the dawn after all that wait,

History whispers,

without being told:

He was the first Hunter… and the first Hero.

Lecht smiled.

Lecht:

“You’re quite the dancer.”

Freya laughed.

Freya:

“I learned to dance from a friend… she’s far better than I am.”

Lecht:

“And the song? It’s very famous among hunters.”

Freya:

“I know.

I wrote it myself.”

Lecht blinked, surprised.

Lecht:

“I didn’t see that coming.”

Freya:

“It’s my way of preserving that person’s memory.

Everyone who met him five hundred years ago…

found their own way to remember him.”

Lecht fell quiet for a moment, then said:

Lecht:

“Looks like Anna was right…

She always used to say:

When Y appears… the world will start moving.”

Freya looked away softly.

Freya:

“On the contrary…

the world already changed the moment he appeared.”

Lecht:

“Everyone around him started to move after meeting him…

They became freer because of him.

Even we… in just a few months, he’s achieved what no one else has in that span of time.

He’s met historic figures… and set the whole course of events in motion again.”

Freya’s gaze softened, drifting into the distance.

Freya:

“I know you have a lot of questions…

but revealing the truth now would anger someone —

and he’s not someone anyone wants to provoke.

All you need to do…

is keep going.

You’ll learn everything in the end.”

Lecht gave her a calm, faint smile.

Lecht:

“There’s no need to apologize.

Everyone has their own secrets.”

Freya:

“Thank you… for understanding.”

Inside a merchant carriage — Kraidon & Nova

Kraidon and Nova were sitting inside a luxurious carriage when the earring on Nova’s ear flashed faintly.

Nova:

“There’s… new information.”

Kraidon gave a tired, amused smile.

Kraidon:

“I hope it’s something interesting. Go on.”

Nova:

“The rule of Estinor has fallen.”

Kraidon:

“I see… The king was foolish enough that this was bound to happen, but this is earlier than I expected.

Was it a coup?”

Nova:

“They say a man wearing a fox mask appeared in the sky.”

Kraidon snapped his head toward her.

Kraidon:

“Y…?”

Nova:

“They say he used magic strong enough to wipe out the entire kingdom.”

Kraidon:

“But Y has no magic… Was someone with him?”

Nova:

“Yes. Someone who uses fire magic.”

Kraidon rested his hand on his chin, a small smile forming on his lips.

Kraidon:

“Then it has to be him…

But how did he pull it off that quickly?

And on top of that… it seems he no longer cares about hiding his identity from me.”

Nova smiled softly.

Nova:

“I haven’t seen that smile on your face in a long time.”

Kraidon tapped twice on the roof of the carriage and called out to the driver:

Kraidon:

“Change our route to Mond.

We’re signing that contract now.”

Then he leaned toward Nova, his eyes gleaming.

Kraidon (in a low voice):

“At last… I’ve found him.

Someone who can play this game with me for a long time.

We’re going to turn the world upside down together.”