The duel had ended, but Ketal’s mind remained awhirl with questions. He approached Karin, curiosity in his eyes, seeking an explanation for the mysterious power she’d unleashed upon him. “So, what exactly did you do to me back there?” he asked her, genuine interest coloring his voice. Karin replied without hesitation. “I altered the environment around you by manipulating the very air itself. I created a perfect void—a space where nothing, not even force, could have any effect.” Ketal’s eyes widened, a look of almost childlike wonder on his face. “You can really do that?” Karin nodded. “My contracted Spirit King is Minerva, the Spirit King. Through that contract, I can exert control and dominion over the very concept of wind. It’s more than just moving the air—I can change its nature and essence.” “Oooh...” Ketal couldn’t help but marvel at the concept. Just moments ago, he’d felt as though he’d been hurled into the void of outer space—utterly powerless to act, no matter how much strength he exerted. He could only flail, utterly immobilized, a sensation so strange and formidable that it lingered in his bones. “So that’s what it means to be a Hero...” Ketal mused aloud. He’d always been curious about the rumored abilities of those who had reached the realm of Heroes—how their will alone could shape the world itself, their desires imprinted upon reality as though it were clay. It wasn’t just raw strength or magical prowess. A Hero could, quite literally, remake concepts and rewrite the laws of the world. Seeing it in action was another matter entirely. “Is this how all Heroes interfere with the world?” Ketal asked her, voice tinged with respect and curiosity. Karin shook her head gently. “No, each Hero’s interference is unique. My contract with the Wind Spirit King allows me to exert dominion over air, to change its form and function. Other Heroes have their own methods, depending on how they ascended.” The nature of one’s path to the realm of Hero shaped what they could control—and how. “For example,” Karin continued, “those who ascend through the sword are said to be able to kill with thought alone. The Master of the Mage Tower, on the other hand, is rumored to manipulate the fundamental structures of the world—rewriting reality at its core.” Ketal chuckled, rolling the words over in his mind. “Wow, being able to kill with thought alone? There are all kinds of wonders in this world.” He listened with rapt attention, eager to devour every detail. Yet as the conversation wound on, a particular question gnawed at him. “But if you had absolute control, how was I able to break free?” Ketal pressed, his brow furrowing. “From what you said, it should’ve been impossible. You didn’t restrain me with brute force; you literally changed the concept of the air itself. No matter how strong I am, I shouldn’t have been able to move in a vacuum. So, how did I do it?” Karin hesitated, her expression turning pensive. “Maybe it’s a matter of your form created by your Karma,” she suggested softly. Ketal’s form seemed to have enabled him to escape the prison Karin had so thoroughly constructed. At least, that was the only explanation she could muster. “So if my form is strong enough, even that’s possible?” Ketal asked her, half-skeptical. Karin’s reply was uncertain. “No... At least, not as far as I know. Even with an extraordinary form, it shouldn’t be possible. After all, that form is still defined by this world’s laws. If I change the underlying concept, then even the greatest Hero should be bound by it. And yet, you broke free.” She trailed off, lost in thought. The contradiction gnawed at her—no matter how powerful one’s form, they were supposed to remain subject to the world’s principles. The only explanation was that Ketal’s power, his very essence, did not originate from this world. Was it because he had forged his form in the White Snowfield?Or is it simply because he himself is different—an outsider in every sense? Karin thought. Ketal was an Anomaly, as though he existed on a plane just out of reach of everything around him. Ketal, meanwhile, stroked his chin, intrigued. “Still, it took me a while. I couldn’t move instantly. Escaping took time.” “So it’s not as though you can break free instantly.” Karin observed, relief in her tone. That meant a Hero, someone like her, could still restrict his movements—at least temporarily. “There are still limits, then. Good to know,” Ketal mused. “Is there a way to overcome that?” Karin’s answer was straightforward. “You need to master the Myst” Though Ketal’s body was extraordinary—reinforced, protected, and empowered by his form—that alone was not enough. His power let him resist the world’s interference, but it didn’t let him act freely within it. He could not yet solidify or control his own existence in the way true Transcendents could. “Right now, you’re like a raw gemstone,” Karin said. “You’re incredibly sturdy and valuable, but you haven’t been cut or polished yet.” Technically, the power of Kalosia’s holy relic and the Legendary spirit Fiego were all powers from the outside. If Ketal wanted true freedom—if he wanted to move unbound by the world’s constraints—he would have to go beyond physical strength and learn to wield Myst for himself. Only then could he control and direct his presence, his form, and become truly unshackled. If and when that day came, Karin couldn’t even begin to imagine what sort of being Ketal would become. Ketal’s eyes narrowed in thought. “So that’s what I need...” Magic, Aura, the essence of spirits—all the mysteries of this world, all the forces that shaped it, fell under the domain of Myst. In the end, that was the answer. I want it. I want to understand it—truly grasp it for myself. Ketal smacked his lips, feeling his priorities shift. For so long, his only goal had been to explore the world. However, now, the hunger for Myst burned within him, rising inexorably toward the top of his list. “Thanks,” Ketal said at last. “I think that answers most of my questions.” “I’m glad you’re satisfied,” Karin replied. A smile flickered on Ketal’s face. “I had a wonderful time.” He had met Hero, had explored the elven sacred ground, lived in the shadow of the World Tree, and crossed into the Spirit Realm. He had met the Spirit God themselves, earned a contract with a Legendary spirit, and repelled a demonic invasion. He had even faced the monstrous hellfire’s vessel in battle. Now, he had crossed blades—literally and figuratively—with a true Hero. Once again, he was leaving with his heart full and his wanderlust stoked. It was time to move on. When Ketal told Arkemis and Karin that he would be leaving, Arkemis was stunned. “You’re... You’re leaving?” Her eyes went wide, and she practically stumbled over her words. “I’ve had enough fun here,” Ketal replied, grinning. “It’s time to see what the world has to offer next.” “Oh... I see...” Arkemis’s eyes darted back and forth, panic hidden just beneath the surface. I haven’t managed to win him over yet! She had tried everything—subtle hints, open flirtation, and every bit of knowledge she’d gleaned from books. She was finally getting better at it, or so she thought. However, without warning, Ketal had decided to leave the elven sacred ground. It felt like the sky was falling on her. “Wouldn’t you like to stay longer? Or maybe just settle down here, even for a while...?” Arkemis said. Ketal’s answer was cheerful and innocent. “It’s not a bad idea, but there are still too many things I want to see out there.” His expression radiated pure excitement for the road ahead. Arkemis couldn’t bring herself to stop him. Karin, ever composed, spoke up. “It would be foolish to tie down a free traveler. As much as it saddens me, I understand.” Arkemis wasn’t ready to give up. “Could I... go with you?” “No, Arkemis. That’s not an option.” Karin’s answer was swift and firm. The words were like a blade drawn with no hesitation. “The demons are still hunting High Elves. It’s too dangerous for you to leave. Until the threat passes, you must stay in the sacred ground.” “Ugh...” Arkemis couldn’t argue with that. Karin was right—the demons were still a menace, and their ambitions included the High Elves. No matter how safe she might feel beside Ketal, venturing out would be reckless. Karin, seeing Arkemis’s disappointment, tried to comfort her. “But you’re free now, you know. The pressure from the other elves is gone. You can pursue your studies as you wish.” Until recently, Arkemis had always felt like an outcast. She had left the sacred ground without permission and practiced alchemy—a field frowned upon by her people. If not for Karin’s protection, she could easily have been exiled or even imprisoned. However, now, everything had changed. Arkemis had used her skills to prevent disaster, stopping the self-destruction of the Quiklon fortress with her alchemy. The disaster would have been far worse without her intervention. She had saved the sacred ground almost single-handedly. For that, her status had improved beyond measure. She could now study alchemy as she pleased, using the rarest of materials from the sacred ground. For an alchemist, it was a paradise. Still, she lingered, casting hopeful glances at Ketal. Ketal spoke gently. “Arkemis, you have a great purpose here.” Her goal was clear—reshape her own body so she could one day have a child. “I think I’ll have a clear answer within a year,” she said, hope in her voice. “Then focus on that for now,” Ketal replied. “I’m not going anywhere, Arkemis. If you call, I’ll come. Don’t get so caught up in the present that you lose sight of your dream.” He smiled reassuringly. Arkemis’s eyes widened at his promise. “You mean it?” “Of course. I’ll always come when you call. Don’t let regret cloud your future.” “Understood, Ketal,” Arkemis said. That was enough for her. She nodded, determination shining in her eyes. “You're not leaving right away anyway, are you? We can save the goodbyes for later. I’ll focus on my research for now. See you soon!” Arkemis dashed off, as though a great weight had been lifted. Karin, watching her go, spoke quietly. “She’s a good child. She never really fit in—always struggled to adapt. As a child, she would come to me in tears, telling me she couldn’t bear it. She said our people felt like monsters to her, wearing faces like her own.” “Is that so?” Ketal asked her, surprised. “I worried for her for a long time, but she found her solution in the outside world. She cares for you, Ketal. Please... don’t hurt her.” Ketal’s response was simple and firm. “It’s not in my nature to harm those I’m friends with.” Karin smiled softly. “That’s good to hear.” The next day, Ketal prepared to depart at last. “Are you really leaving...?” Arkemis’s voice was thick with emotion. He smiled. “You knew this day would come. Farewell, Arkemis. When we meet again, I hope to see you changed—happy and fulfilled.” She nodded. “I hope so too. Thank you, Ketal.” Karin stepped forward, holding out a dark stone fragment. “Before you go, take this—the remains of the Quiklon fortress, as you requested.” Ketal accepted it, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. It was a piece of the demon’s floating fortress—an unusual souvenir. Karin couldn’t hide her curiosity. “Why did you want this?” Ketal laughed. “I just wanted to have it. Some people collect soil from the places they visit—I like to take something unique.” Karin watched as he carefully stowed the fragment away, then reached into her cloak and produced a shimmering green leaf. “And... take this as well,” she said. Ketal blinked in surprise. “I didn’t ask for this.” “It’s a personal gift from me,” Karin said. Arkemis’s eyes grew wide. “Isn’t that a leaf from the World Tree? Are you allowed to just give that away?” Karin glanced at her, a sly smile on her lips. “Says the one who snuck out sacred catalysts for her experiments?” Arkemis protested, “That’s not the same at all! This is on a completely different level!” The World Tree was perfect from its birth, and never grew any further. Each leaf was impossibly rare, so precious that even Arkemis had never dared touch one. Ketal examined the leaf, marveling. “Are you sure it’s all right for me to have this?” Karin shrugged lightly. “We already lost a whole branch to the demons. What’s one more leaf? Besides, no matter what deals you made with the Spirit God, I’d feel guilty if I didn’t give you something myself.” She paused, voice softening. “This will help you greatly when you seek to master Myst. Please, accept it.” Ketal tucked the leaf away, his expression bright. “Thank you.” Now, the moment had truly arrived. Ketal made his way to the outskirts of the sacred ground, with Karin and Arkemis following to see him off. Check latest chapters at NoveIꜰire.net Karin bowed deeply, solemn and regal. “As High Elf Queen, Karin Yggdrasil, I offer you the gratitude of all elves. So long as I reign, every elf in this world will welcome and honor you as a friend.” A gentle wind encircled Ketal, the breath of the World Tree itself—a pledge from the elves’ Queen, an unbreakable vow. “We elves will always stand by you.” “That means a lot. Thank you,” Ketal replied. Arkemis took a step forward, golden eyes fixed on Ketal. “I’ll focus on my goals, just as you said. But when that time comes... there’s something I need to tell you. Will you listen?” Ketal’s answer was immediate and sincere. “Always. I’ll wait as long as it takes.” Content, Arkemis stepped back. “Then it’s settled. There’s plenty of time left. I have to focus on the future.” She smacked her cheeks, bracing herself for the path ahead. And so, with a final round of goodbyes, Ketal set off, leaving the sacred ground behind. “Until we meet again,” Karin called, her voice carrying on the wind. “Don’t forget us!” Arkemis shouted. Ketal strode into the forest, his spirit light and his step unburdened. Now, where to next? he wondered, gazing up at the endless sky. His goal was clear: to master the Myst of this world. He thought about going to the Mage Tower, to meet the Tower Master himself and learn the secrets of Myst, or maybe the Under City, where criminals and rare relics gathered. He might even chase rumors of dragons, somewhere out in the great unknown. However, before all that, there was somewhere he needed to visit first. With that thought, Ketal left the sacred ground, his heart full of hope for the journey ahead.