Karn nestled into the plush armchair, the Book of the Known comfortably resting against his chest. As twilight enveloped the city, the ambiance of his room shifted to a serene refuge. The soft glow of candles illuminated the girls' faces as they excitedly exchanged tales of their day, their voices blending into a lively symphony. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, Lady Amber stood by the window, her gaze sweeping over the Amber sector as the day retreated.

"It's been a whirlwind of a day," Hope remarked, eyes alight with enthusiasm.

Ralina, with her distinctive lioness grace, stretched out on the floor. Her bronze fur shimmered in the candlelight, her white horns standing stark against her feline features. Every so often, her tail would give a flick, revealing her thoughts and emotions.

A house servant entered, hesitance evident in their widened eyes as they beheld Ralina's impressive lioness form. The servant carefully set down mugs of steaming tea for everyone, giving a deferential nod as they placed Ralina's mug near her.

Lifting her cup, Hope met Ralina's gaze. "Master Parlin offering us personal classes is such an unexpected blessing."

Ralina's feline eyes, deep and contemplative, reflected the flickering flames as she stared at the rising steam. "It's a worthy opportunity. The human seems genuine enough."

She glanced towards Karn who had been silent for quite some time, relaxing in his chair with heavy lidded eyes. The book on his chest seemingly the object of her concern.

"After my ordeal with the Book of the Known, I'm left with a myriad of questions. Perhaps under Master Parlin's guidance, I'll find the answers I seek.”

As Hope twirled a small green block of wood between her fingers, her voice softened, "Theodoric, teaches history. He might help me unravel the mystery of my lineage."

All eyes lingered on Hope. They all knew the painful history — the brutal massacre of her people by the King. Finding any remnants of her legacy seemed near impossible. Still, they couldn't help but nurture a flicker of hope for her, wishing for some semblance of healing for the compassionate young woman.

Noticing the tears threatening to spill from Hope's eyes, Ralina gently nudged her leg in a comforting gesture. "It's alright," she whispered, sensing the haunting memories that shadowed Hope's face.

Karn observed Hope's fingers as they absentmindedly played with a block of wood. He recognized it — a keepsake from Bolgart, who had been like a father to Hope. The weight of lost opportunities, the times Hope failed to recognize the depth of their connection and then just when she recognised their significance it was tragically taken from her. The curse had taken much from her, yet with its removal she now knew what that meant.

"It's hard," Karn murmured, "But remember your bond, not just the loss."

Hope's eyes momentarily clouded with sadness before her determined spirit resurfaced.

"By the end of our stay here, I'll have honed my abilities so much that even Farlen would be shocked," Hope declared, her tone confident.

Karn and Ellie chuckled as Ralina's deep laughter rumbled through the room, her unique voice adding richness to their shared mirth. As the laughter subsided, Ellie enthusiastically shared her encounter. "The master of natural magic was so shocked by Scarf!"

Ralina growled playfully, "How did Scarf react?"

Ellie giggled, "She just stood there, completely unfazed. I'm curious about the master; does he truly understand Elementlets?"

Hope mused, "He reminds me of Alec."

"In what way?" Ellie inquired.

"There's a certain stoic calm about both of them," Hope elaborated.

Karn, all the while, had been a keen listener. His gaze eventually settled on Lady Amber, her grace accentuated by the waning light. As he absorbed the discussions around him, a question formed, inspired by the attire of the Master of natural studies.

"Lady Amber," he inquired, "what do the green scarfs mean?"

She looked over, a faint smile playing on her lips. "The green sash? It represents the Verdant Branch.” She took a sip of her own tea as she continued, “they reside in the Emerald Sector to the southeast, right next to the border of the great northern forest." She continued, her voice taking on a nostalgic tone, "They have always been fascinated by nature and its laws. Long ago, they lived in harmony with the forest. But times have changed. The forest has grown wild, and now it seems to be at war with the city."

Karn's mind raced back to Branside, where a similar struggle played out - the never-ending tussle between man and nature. "It's almost as if," Karn mused aloud, "the world itself is caught in a conflict between humans and the elements."

The room grew quiet as each of them pondered the thought, wondering about their place in this age-old battle.

Lady Amber's gaze remained fixed on Karn as the silence stretched, a twinkle of curiosity lighting up her eyes. "And what of you, Karn? We've heard about the others, but which classes have you chosen?"

Karn shifted slightly, feeling a bit on the spot. "Actually," he began hesitantly, "Master Theodoric has directed me to attend each of the introductory classes."

Ellie raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk touching her lips. "Sounds like you'll be having a busy time, then."

Karn chuckled, "It seems so. But it might be for the best. The more I learn, the better equipped I'll be."

Hope tilted her head, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Equipped for what?"

Karn paused, considering his words carefully. "Ever since my... experience with the Book of the Known, I've felt a pull towards it. There's something I need to find, something that's calling out to me."

Ellie’s expression grew contemplative. "You’ll be careful, won’t you?”

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Karn nodded, “Of course.”

She sighed as she spoke, “If Master Theodoric believes he can aid you, then I guess you will be okay."

Karn nodded, grateful for the concern. "I trust his judgment. And I know there's a lot I have yet to learn."

Ellie grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, on the bright side, you'll get to tell us about every class. We'll be living vicariously through you!"

Hope laughed, "And she'll be expecting detailed notes."

Karn chuckled, "Of course, just let me get my quill and parchment ready."

Karn caught Lady Amber's soft smile at his jest before she excused herself gracefully. She had made it clear that her focus wasn't on the Book of the Known but more on how magic could be harnessed to benefit her people.

As her retreating footsteps faded, the door creaked open to reveal Maze and Charles. They trudged in, appearing more like defeated soldiers than their usually energetic selves. Their sunken eyes and dishevelled appearances spoke of a trying ordeal.

Karn shot Maze a knowing glance, his eyebrow arching playfully. "Been dipping a bit too deep into event casting, have we?" he teased.

Maze ran a weary hand through his white hair, letting out a tired chuckle. "More than you could possibly fathom."

Charles, slumping against the doorframe, added with a huff, "You recall Maze’s story about that sanctuary beneath the King's throne, right?"

Ellie's eyes darted between the two, her voice rising in disbelief, "Don't tell me you went there!"

Ralina's low growl punctuated the room's tension, her feline eyes fixated on Maze.

"Wait, just hear us out," Maze implored, lifting his hands in a placating gesture.

As the two recounted their adventure, weaving tales of mysterious passageways, concealed guardians, and their startling discovery of young Elementlets, the room transformed from apprehension to fascination.

A fierce determination flared in Ellie’s eyes. "We can't just leave them there. We have to save them."

Both Karn and Hope nodded in agreement, sensing the urgency of the matter.

Charles hesitated before saying, "They're so vulnerable right now. We thought about relocating a few, but even the slightest misstep could be fatal."

Hope glanced at Ellie. “Could Scarf offer any assistance?”

Ellie shook her head, her voice tinged with worry. "She's out enjoying the moat right now. And she's young, I'm not certain she'd know how to aid them."

Karn, rubbing his temples, interjected, "We need to strategize. We need a sanctuary, somewhere safe from curious and malevolent eyes." He looked down at the Book of the Known, reflecting on its power. "Speaking of which, where's Alec?"

Maze cleared his throat, hesitating. "He's with them—watching over the young Elementlets."

Silence draped over the room, thick with tension and the gravity of their newfound responsibility.

Karn's voice sliced through the quiet. "The Book of the Known restored Alec and even healed Akana. It might be the key to helping these creatures."

Hope murmured, almost to herself, "We can't waste any time, not just for the sake of the Elementlets, but Alec too."

Karn's eyes shone with resolve. "What do you think we should do then?"

Charles, biting his lower lip, interjected, “Once we've managed to strengthen them, we need to move them, but how?”

Ralina’s tail curled, her voice filled with contemplation. "Perhaps the Great Northern Forest? It offers seclusion, and with some assistance, I can ensure their safe passage."

Hope, toying with her green wooden block, spoke, “I don’t think the forest is safe.”

Ellie's eyes darkened as she turned to Charles. "Remember Sorina? The forest become a monster that day, consuming everything in its path with uncontrollable rage. It was as if Brancourt's walls had incited the very soul of the forest," she murmured.

Charles nodded solemnly, his eyes distant, "The trees, they weren't just moving; they were attacking, growing at an alarming rate. During the Battle of Sorina, the forest became a living weapon."

Maze leaned forward, emphasizing his point, "I used the forest rage against the slave soldiers. Even before the battle the forest continues to inch closer to the city walls, day by day. It's as if it remembers the battle and is seeking retribution. It's not just dangerous for younglings; it's perilous for anyone."

Ralina's ears twitched, her feline instincts always alert, "So, you're saying even if we healed the younglings and managed to transport them, the forest itself would pose a threat to them?"

Charles sighed, "Exactly. The temple we found, lies far to the south. It would mean navigating through the entire forest. For the younglings, in their current state even with the book, it would be nothing short of a death sentence."

Hope's fingers tightened around her wooden block, her eyes filled with determination, "Then we find another way. We can't let the younglings suffer because of the forest's grudge against Brancourt. There has to be a safer route, or perhaps another sanctuary altogether."

Hope nodded, "We need a place of safety."

Ellie, always the thinker, began to pace.

Karn exhaled deeply as an idea flickered in his mind, resolution hardening his voice. "I may have a plan, but it might sound a little crazy."

Charles leaned forward, his fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest of his plush armchair. "Well, Karn? Out with it," he urged.

Karn felt the pressure of everyone’s expectations. The atmosphere had become charged.

Hope's gaze, shimmering with green intensity, met Karn's. The silent plea was evident: Speak.

Holding up the tome, the red bindings gleaming mysteriously, Karn hesitated briefly. "This," he whispered, "is far more than just a book. It might be a portal, a vessel of some kind... a doorway I can enter."

Maze's eyebrow quirked up, a silent question forming, while Ralina's ears tilted in intrigue. Their expressions were a mix of fascination and doubt.

Drawing a steadying breath, Karn continued, "Its pages don't merely hold events. They hide an entire universe, a sprawling expanse that spills forth immense energy."

Maze, connecting the dots, mused aloud, "That might be why mortals experience overwhelming power surges upon contact. And the Elementlets, beings not constrained by our limitations, draw strength from it."

“I suppose so.”

Ralina's eyes sparkled with wonder. "So, this isn't just infused with magic—it's a whole other world?"

Karn merely nodded, his expression solemn.

Hope, her brow furrowed, pressed, "You mentioned this before, but it was hard to believe. You've actually been inside?"

"Twice," Karn confessed.

Charles blinked in surprise. "Twice?"

Karn elaborated, "The first went inside was with my mind, but the second... I believe it involved both my spirit and mind. That time I met a Froggian at a massive tower, Master Giblets who was a scholar and an artist who helped me. He took me to a massive city, and a massive castle ruled by King BalDrakkus.”

A shiver visibly coursed through Maze, his complexion paling. The mere mention of the ancient ruler seemed to dredge up ghosts from his past.

Recognizing Maze's distress, Ellie reached out, touching his arm reassuringly. "What's wrong?"

His voice quivered, "Sometimes the past should remain buried."

Charles, sensing more to the story, pressed, "Who it this BalDrakkus?"

“An ancient King,” spoke up Hope. “He died a long time ago, before even the cruel King was born.”

"From what I understand, BalDrakkus was reborn within the book. And he's not the only one."

The revelation of reincarnation sent ripples through the group. Karn added, "While the book exists here it absorbs this world's power—and the essences of all its inhabitants,” he paused eyeing his two best friends. “This includes when the book was on Earth."

Ellie gasped. “Are you trying to tell me every soul who died on earth is in that?” she asked pointing at the blood red covers of Karn’s book.

Karn slowly nodded.

Tears of hope brimmed in both Charles' and Ellie's eyes. The possibility of reuniting with lost loved ones was overwhelming.

Charles, voice shaky, sought clarification, "can you prove any of this?"

He winced in response, clearly stung by the doubt. Ellie sent a sharp, reproving look at Charles, who quickly raised his hands defensively. "It's just...it feels surreal, imagining everyone we lost being saved."

“I’d hoped that I could learn at the university to show you first.”

Maze interjected, redirecting the conversation, "I don’t mean to go off topic my boy, but what's the plan?"

Determination resurfaced in Karn's face. "I want to enter the book completely. Mind, spirit, and body."

Hope gasped, "That's too risky."

Maze pondered, "So, the idea is to shift the Elementlets into the book?"

"Yes," Karn affirmed, "Master Giblets' tower, nestled beside a vast lake, is secluded—a sanctuary."

Ellie voiced her concerns, "But will they truly be safe?"

"They will," Karn vowed.

"I'm coming with you," Charles declared, a fiery resolve in his eyes.