Darius noticed the lingering sadness on Soren’s face and sighed, his voice softening. “You’re still down, huh?” With a knowing smile, he reached into his coat and pulled out a small, polished ring. He extended it toward Soren. “Here. This should help you with your journey. A magic ring that increases your constitution and boosts health regeneration. It’ll make things a little easier for you.”

Soren took the ring, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface. He nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Lord Vex. I won't forget your kindness.”

Alice leaned forward with a mischievous smile. “Well, I have something for you too.” She reached behind her, pulling out a dark mantle. “This mantle has mana regeneration properties. It’ll help you replenish your mana faster. I’m sure it’ll come in handy.”

Soren stared at the mantle, awe flashing in his eyes. “Aunty Alice... thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” she said, her voice light, though her eyes held a depth of sincerity. “I know you’ll achieve your goal, Soren, and don’t forget, you’re always welcome to visit me in the cult. I’ll make sure to treat you to lunch or dinner when you do.”

Darius clapped a hand on Soren’s shoulder. “Don’t forget your duties, boy. Monthly missions are a part of your life now as a member of the cult. Don’t slack off, or I will personally punish you.”

Soren nodded, taking in their words. “I won’t forget. Thank you both... for everything. I promise I won't let you down."

Despite the gifts, despite their kind words, a weight still hung heavy in his chest. He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Even with the mantle and ring, the absence of Arayn felt like an empty space inside him, one that no treasure could fill. He didn’t want to be left behind, didn’t want to lose the bond he had with his master. Yet, deep down, he knew this was how it had to be. The path forward was his to walk alone now. Still, that sadness lingered, a quiet ache that he couldn’t shake.

The next day, Alice and Soren waited in a room. Rats scurried about as they formed a perfect pentagram on the dusty floor. Alice crossed her arms, tapping her finger impatiently against her elbow.

The door creaked open, and Arayn stepped inside, his expression as composed as ever.

Alice frowned, her sharp gaze locking onto him. "Where have you been?" she asked.

Arayn met her eyes briefly before glancing at Soren. "Gathering information about the other participants," he said coolly. His attention shifted fully to Soren. "Are you ready to leave?"

Soren gave a small nod, though his downcast expression betrayed his reluctance.

Arayn sighed faintly, stepping closer. "Remember, to grow stronger, you must forge contracts with demons that suit you. Always ensure you hold the higher ground, both in combat and in negotiations."

Soren's reply was quiet, almost fragile. "I understand, Master."

Arayn studied him for a moment before continuing. "Take missions from the Abyssal Priests. They are ritualists and researchers within the cult. Their tasks will align well with your abilities and help you grow."

Soren hesitated, then looked up. "Master... will we meet again?"

Arayn’s expression remained unchanged. "We will—if you survive."

The young man straightened, determination flickering in his eyes. "I promise to become stronger, Master."

Arayn nodded slightly. "Good. But listen closely. Do not seek me out until you've reached the expert class. Anything less would be a waste of both our time."

As if on cue, the pentagram of rats began to glow, the light spreading outward in a pulsating rhythm. The rodents shrieked in unison as a vortex of energy enveloped the room. Soren gave one last look at Arayn and Alice.

The light flared, and in an instant, Soren vanished, leaving behind only the fading glow of the pentagram and the quiet squeaking of the rats that had resumed their scurrying. Alice watched the empty space with a conflicted expression, while Arayn remained impassive.

Alice leaned against the doorframe, watching the spot where Soren had been. "Soren’s a good kid. It feels like I truly have a little brother that I can pamper," she said, her voice softer than usual. Her gaze shifted to Arayn, and a faint smirk tugged at her lips. "I still can’t believe you turned out to be a responsible mentor."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Arayn chuckled, his expression calm. "Raising Soren was purely for my entertainment."

"Is that so?" Alice raised an eyebrow, her tone tinged with disbelief. "Is it alright for you? If your plan works, you won’t see him for a long time. Are you really okay with that?"

Arayn’s lips curled into a faint smile. "As long as he survives, we’ll meet again someday. When that happens, I can’t wait to see what he’s become—whether he lives true to his origin or not."

Alice’s eyes narrowed slightly. "And why didn’t you tell him about his origin?"

"For some people," Arayn said, "it’s more entertaining if they uncover it themselves. It’s more satisfying for them to explore it on their own."

Alice tilted her head, feigning a pout. "Is that why you never told me about my origin?"

Arayn flicked Alice's forehead. "Exactly."

She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Don’t be petty, Arayn. Come on, just tell your sister already. Pretty, please."

"It would ruin the fun," he replied flatly.

"You're really petty. That's what you are." Alice crossed her arms and shot him a playful glare.

"Alright, enough. Entertainment time is over. It's time to end this ritual," Arayn said, his tone becoming colder.

"So, it's finally the time, huh? Did you get everything you needed from Darius?" Alice asked.

"Yeah," Arayn replied, adjusting the edge of his coat. His voice carried a quiet confidence, as if he had already envisioned the outcome.

Alice tilted her head, watching him carefully. "So, who's first on your list?"

"Kaelion," he said without hesitation. A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes as he turned toward the door. "But first, there's a certain worm I need to punish."

Without waiting for a reply, Arayn stepped out of the room, his boots echoing ominously against the cold stone floor as he disappeared down the corridor.

Alice stared at an empty spot he had been. "Our relationship probably would change after this ritual. Still, if it was for a better future, I would do it. Goodbye, my dear little brother. At least, at the very end, I never regretted extending my hand to you," she muttered under her breath before turning her attention back to the pentagram with a sad smile.

---

Lyssa and Thalric spent the night in a house that seemed luxurious, both inside and out. The elegant furniture, gleaming chandeliers, and ornate decor gave the illusion of comfort and wealth, but it was all Lyssa’s magic at work. Illusions were the one spell she excelled at, and she used it to craft a space that felt far removed from the destruction outside.

The room was quiet. With only the two of them present, the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward until Thalric broke the silence. "I need to apologize," he said. "For betraying Aveline. It was a one-way act, and I forced you into it."

Lyssa’s gaze softened. "I accept your apology. But... I should apologize too. You’re stuck protecting someone like me."

Thalric shook his head. "Even if your family hadn’t ordered it, I would’ve volunteered to you."

Lyssa tilted her head, her eyes softening. "Why?"

He hesitated for a moment, then began to speak. "Because of my past. I was born with the blood of two clans. My father’s side was fine with it, but my mother’s side—Bloodmoon clan—they forbade marriage outside the clan. So I was always an outcast." He paused, his eyes distant. "Except for her."

Lyssa leaned forward slightly. "Who was she?"

"Her name was Faelith, my mate," Thalric said, his voice softening at the memory. "She didn’t care about the rules or the stigma. She loved me, and I loved her. When it became too much, we ran away together. It wasn’t easy, but we made it work—just the two of us."

A shadow passed over his face as his tone darkened. "One day, the Heralds of the Skyfather found us. They hated anyone who wasn’t human. They were experts, and I couldn’t protect her. They captured her, and I... I had to watch as they executed her in public. I couldn’t do anything. I failed her."

Thalric clenched his fists, his voice trembling slightly. "After that, I had nothing. I was at my lowest when the Morgaine family took me in and gave me a place to stay. That’s why this time, I won’t fail. I’ll protect you, no matter what."

Lyssa’s heart ached at his story. "I’m so sorry, Thalric," she said softly. She hesitated, then asked, "What will you do if I win this ritual?"

Thalric sighed, shaking his head. "I don’t know. I’ve been focused on keeping you alive. That’s all that matters right now."

Lyssa’s expression brightened slightly. "Then... stay by my side," she said. "Until you figure it out. I know I’m not the smartest, but I’ll be here for you."

A small smile broke through Thalric’s somber expression. "Just don’t get tired of me making my own decisions."

"You still need to discuss those decisions with me first. No more acting on your own without talking to me."

He chuckled softly. "I’ll try."

They reached out at the same time, shaking hands firmly. For the first time that night, the room didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

A blade drove into Thalric's back, stealing his breath in an instant. Lyssa's scream pierced the air as her eyes locked onto the scene. Thalric staggered, twisting his head just enough to see Arayn behind him, the sword firmly in his grasp. Arayn's face was void of emotion, his gaze cold as stone.

Thalric's voice broke the silence, hoarse and strained. "Why... can't I smell you coming?"

Arayn said nothing, his grip tightening on the hilt. He began to pull the blade free, but Thalric’s elbow shot back, forcing Arayn to leap back.

"Lyssa!" Thalric barked, ignoring the searing pain. "Use your magic!"

Before she could act, Arayn's hand shot forward, releasing a fiery blast of [Inferno Torrent]. The attack tore through Thalric's chest, its fiery beam grazing Lyssa and sending her reeling. Smoke curled around them, the heat unbearable.

Just as quickly as the torrent surged, both Thalric and Lyssa vanished into thin air. No sound, no trace—just emptiness where they had stood.

Arayn landed gracefully, scanning the area. "Oh? She’s still alive."