Chapter 28: Farewell

The sky was beginning to darken as the final vestiges of dusk gradually departed the world.

The two deceptive guards, responsible for Ain’s kidnapping, were cleanly eliminated by Nox, loosening the chains anchoring Ain to the city. Thoroughly unbinding these chains wasn’t probable though. His forgotten past still remained undiscovered.

Nevertheless, Ain was no longer disheartened by this.

Wisdom Root, or rather its ability, Heavenly Secrets, held immense potential. Unlocking his forgotten past wasn’t out of reach. He just needed to become stronger and gather more Heavenly Whispers.

After settling his affairs, Ain arrived outside of Everlite City.

Standing atop the lush grassland, he gazed at the familiar gray city walls. Despite the waning hours, the traffic before the northern gates hadn’t diminished whatsoever, still boisterous under the bright lights.

As Ain was lost in thought, Sage suddenly drew his attention. “Ain, take this.”

“Hmm?” Ain glanced over inquisitively. Resting atop Sage’s outstretched palm was an unadorned silver ring. The ring’s sleek design wrapped around gracefully, leaving an open end that tapered to the sides ever so slightly. It was simple yet elegant, engaging his aesthetics.

At this point, having recalled some rumors, his eyes brightened expectantly. Without hesitation, he accepted the ring, asking, “Is this a storage ring?”

“Yes. Spatial storage devices, or similar artifacts, are indispensable for spirit masters. You should already understand their utility,” Sage answered amiably.

Ain nodded, obviously aware of their significance. Just Livia’s act of bringing out an entire dining set in the forest was exemplary enough.

While inspecting the storage ring, he ascertained its similarity to his hololink. On the silver ring’s smooth surface was a barely discernible circular sensor. A holographic display was expected to emerge upon touching it.

“This storage ring is specifically designed for Rank-0 and Rank-1 Spirit Masters, allowing interaction through a holographic display. Normal spatial storage devices disregard holographic displays, requiring one’s spirit sense to interact instead,” Sage explained before thoughtfully adding, “Spirit sense is unlocked upon reaching Rank-2.”

“I see. Thank you,” Ain nodded gratefully. This gift was very practical, resolving an issue he’d foreseen upon defeating the Earthen Boar.

Resources such as fur, meat, horns, claws, and much more could be harvested from spirit beasts. Moreover, it was common to encounter various spirit plants and other resources during an adventure. Possessing the ability to transport these precious items was essential.

While Ain observed the storage ring, Sage cast a glance at Livia who immediately nodded before addressing Ain, “Ain, your belongings are already inside the storage ring. Are you ready to leave?”

Tearing his gaze away from the silver ring, Ain glanced at Sage and Livia with stirring emotions.

At this moment, there was some reluctance in his heart, but it didn’t stem from parting with Everlite City.

Despite their recent acquaintance, he undoubtedly sensed Sage and Livia’s deep kindness and compassion. Although rare, the slum wasn’t actually void of such empathy. Yet, the weight of the care and concern exhibited by the two was still foreign to him.

The pleasant warmth was akin to what he’d experienced upon contracting Nox.

Unlike his emotional heart, Ain’s gaze feigned tranquility. It’d become a habit to suppress these ‘weak’ sentiments. He tacitly equipped the storage ring before nodding, “I’m ready.”

“Alright,” Livia responded with a smile.

Sage, with his ever-present smile, patted Ain’s shoulders firmly, “Ain, our encounter has been brief but the threads of fate are interwoven like intricate spider webs. I am sure we will meet again one day. I wish you good fortune.”

Hearing this, Ain bowed slightly, realizing that Sage wouldn’t accompany them to Arcane Heart University. “Thank you for everything. I’ll remember this day and definitely repay you in the future.”

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Nox, inadequately camouflaged as a scarf, also chimed in, “Wooo…!”

Sage smiled at the duo before stepping away. Concluding the farewell, Livia held Ain’s shoulder and said, “I’ll be back, Director.”

As these words fell, Livia silently vanished alongside Ain.

…

Just as Livia initiated the teleportation, an unnerving darkness immediately drowned Ain’s vision. Bursts of shifting light fluttered across sporadically, greatly disorienting his senses.

Although sensing Livia’s hand on his shoulders, he failed to discern her figure beside him.

After what seemed like hours, or possibly just a few minutes, the bizarre sensations abruptly halted as the darkness dissipated.

“We’re here.” Livia’s voice sounded at this moment.

Ain shook his head to rid the discomfort while stepping on a bed of soft grass.

As the weightlessness faded, his knees almost buckled, causing him to stagger. His stomach churned uncomfortably as waves of nausea and lightheadedness assaulted him.

“Wooo…” Wrapped around his neck, Nox’s condition was no different, prompting Ain to unsummon his spirit pet, allowing it to rest within the aether ring.

“Careful. Long-distance teleportation requires some adaptation.” Livia chuckled while propping him up.

Ain nodded weakly. A few minutes later, and with a spell from Livia, his condition finally recovered.

“How are you feeling?” Livia asked.

“I’m feeling better now. Thank you.” Ain answered gratefully. He hadn’t been far from vomiting earlier.

“You're welcome. I should have warned you, but I was also curious about your reaction.” Livia said admittingly, a wide smile on her face. Her bright purple eyes glowed faintly under the moonlight.

Ain’s eyes twitched at this statement. Regardless, he felt nothing but gratitude towards Livia.

Glancing at the lights in the distance, he inquired, “Is that Arcane Heart University?”

“Not exactly. The city you see is called Heart City, a subsidiary of Arcane Heart University. The university is just past Heart City. You can reside there until the recruitment in a month’s time.”

“I see.” Ain nodded in understanding. A brief silence ensued while he observed the distant city. Livia glanced at him for some time before saying, “Hmm. I should go now.”

Ain snapped out of his thoughts. Turning to face her, he said, “Thank you for bringing me here.”

In response, Livia suddenly pinched his cheeks, laughing at his deformed silly face, “Honestly, I am tired of hearing you say ‘thank you.’ How about you say something else?”

“Umm…” Ain uttered, dazed as his cheeks were pulled apart. After moments of hesitation, he said, “You're welcome?”

Livia chuckled even more, causing him to shrink his head in embarrassment.

“Well, I will accept that for now. Arcane Heart University has no lack of spirit masters. Be sure to make some friends. I hope you will have more to say the next time we meet.”

After finishing her piece, Livia gently patted Ain’s cheeks before disappearing under the moonlight. A mild breeze replaced her, sweeping past the lush grass, swaying his clothes and ruffling his hair.

Still staring at Livia’s previous location, Ain rubbed his sore cheeks. He suddenly felt a little downcast.

“Companions, huh…” He muttered, recalling the four essentials described by Sage.

Their farewells implied a reunion someday. Ain suddenly began to anticipate that day, hoping to embody their elegant demeanor by that time.

With a deep breath to clear his mind, his attention soon shifted to Wisdom Root.

[Name: ???]

[Species: ???]

[Rank: ???]

[Innate Talent: ???]

“It’s worse than the Crescent Azurlite…” Ain noted to himself.

While Livia was pinching his cheeks, he’d conveniently used Scan in an attempt to glean more information. In the end, the results were disappointing.

For the Crescent Azurlite inside the black monolith, he’d at least managed to uncover a name. However, for Livia, everything was unknown.

Previously, he’d attributed Scan’s lack of information to a disparity between him and his targets’ strength. It was likely that Livia’s rank was higher than the Crescent Azurlite.

“I should determine Scan’s limits when I get a chance.” Ain muttered quietly.

Despite the failure, he wasn’t discouraged by this failure. Scan was dependent on his rank, just as Heavenly Secrets was. Becoming stronger would resolve everything.

Putting these thoughts aside, Ain glanced at the silver ring gleaming in the starlight.

While inspecting the storage ring’s holographic interface earlier, he’d noted a few extra items aside from his belongings. He was highly curious, but after pondering for an instant, he decided to wait.

“I should enter the Heart City before anything else.”

It was already nighttime. Being inside the city would be much safer.

…

A veil of darkness shrouded the Dawnstar Archipelago.

After teleporting Ain, Livia silently appeared above an undulating crimson wasteland. Wherever she cast her gaze, her eyes were only met with red sand dunes measuring like mountain ranges, forming deep and endless canyons.

“Director, why did you run off so far? It took me quite some time to find you.” Livia complained lightly, brushing away some purple locks while approaching Sage who stood atop the highest point in this crimson desert.

With hands behind his back, Sage’s black robes fluttered in the strong breeze, staring at the brilliant stars. Hearing Livia’s words, he replied without looking, “The silence here is soothing.”

“Well, the surrounding thousands of kilometers are devoid of life.” Livia stated, scanning the vast region with her spirit sense.

“Mm-Mhm.” Sage hummed in agreement.

“So, did you discover anything, Director? How did he end up in Everlite City? What happened to Duke?” Without Ain around, Livia finally bombarded Sage with the questions she’d been holding back.

A brief silence ensued before Sage gently shook his head. “There were no significant discoveries. Ain seemed to have appeared in Everlite City without a trace. If not for the seal I left within the Prismatic Void Stone, we might have never found him.”

Livia furrowed her delicate brows, obviously disliking this answer. She thought for a second before asking, “What about the time aspect? That should be Duke’s legacy, correct? It is too coincidental for Ain to possess time-aspect techniques otherwise.”

“Possibly…” Sage responded unsurely before adding, “What we can be certain about is that Duke did not fail. Ain is still alive.”

Livia silently nodded, agreeing with this statement.