“I chased the stench of bandits all over these woods, taking my time to cultivate properly for the first time in many years.” Feng explained with a heavy voice.

“At first I thought I was seeing signs where there were none. As my energy returned, I thought my mind was perhaps too old, but my common sense has been turned on its head. I am sure of what I saw.”

“The limited information I was able to acquire from the bandits which I recently encountered with Master Micro confirmed as much, in addition to providing your potential location.” Lena added.

“An evil form of cultivation has polluted the culture of these lands.”

“Evil cultivation?” Micro asked.

“What makes it evil? Isn't it the same energy?”

“Perhaps you are correct, but the implications of this for us mortals trapped here on this fragile world are rather unpleasant.” Feng continued.

“The bandits did not come into such cultivation methods by chance. They did not stumble upon a dungeon and succeed in the mastery of core cards by sheer luck. They have been led by forces beyond our comprehension.”

“What forces?” Micro asked.

“Well, the forces I speak of may actually be less imperceptible to one with your unique perspective.” Feng grinned, but his eyes closed.

“I'm sure you will find the details beneath you, even boring, but please do try to understand what I say next.”

“I will.” Micro nodded.

“I will try, I mean...”

“There are magicians in this land who have created a hidden society, but they have not stopped at summoning monsters and heroes. No...” Feng shook his head, signs of fatigue appearing on his face as he spoke.

“They have passed along terrifying teachings to the mortal bandits of these woods. Who knows where else these teachings have spread?!”

“Master Feng, I can carry on if you are too-” Lena said with concern, but Feng held up his hand to stop her.

“No, I am obliged by rule of honour to recount what I have come to understand about this world.” Feng explained.

“The magicians which we have foolishly ignored and underestimated, believing them to be nought but feeble minded fools misguided by some spectre of the night, are a well established cult, and their reach is vast. The bandits spoke mostly of destroying the world, finding pleasure in the suffering of others, and other such detestable nonsense. But among the leaders I fought, many spoke of finding salvation in the Cult of Nora.”

“Oh man...” Micro sighed.

“Nora is a bandit now?”

“It would appear that the goddess called Nora has an interest in turning the wretched souls of this world into the mechanism of its destruction.” Feng said.

“I have never encountered a sect whose goal was not to empower themselves, even those who seek power through conquest. But those who follow this Cult of Nora are interested in nothing but destruction. It is their pleasure to add to the suffering of this world.”

“Why are you worried about the world though?” Micro asked.

“You're strong enough to take care of the bandit problem. And there are other cultivators who can help you, right?”

“Without context, a single monster or powerful opponent is nothing when weighed against the flow of time. All conflicts are resolved as a matter of course. Such is a rule of nature itself.” Feng answered.

“But the will of a god is a force with which nature alone cannot compete.”

“Nora said she wanted to help magicians beat cultivators, or something like that...” Micro replied.

“But they're not doing a very good job for the most part, are they?”

“The last immortal to impose their will on this world sought to improve our cultivation.” Feng replied.

“He made the dungeons and core cards!” Micro said, excited to be on the same page as Feng.

“After that one guy, and the war, and something about…”

“Precisely!” Feng praised Micro, but face remained dark.

“The power of an immortal is unfathomable. I mean that in the most literal sense. We call them immortals, gods, divine beings… But we do not understand their power. They may alter the course of an entire world on a whim. As easily as I may wave my hand, they may create or destroy worlds.”

“Wow...” Micro nodded.

“And now, one known as a god, for whatever reason...” Fend said quietly, as if afraid to be heard.

“Such a being wishes for our destruction.”

“That's why she sent me, and that other lady...” Micro said.

“And the heroes and monsters...”

“That's right.” Feng replied.

“But if she is so strong, why did she send me?” Micro asked.

“Why does she need help?”

“I do not understand why the goddess called Nora would utilize otherworldly souls to destroy the cultivators of this world. Perhaps I could never understand.” Feng said.

“Why she uses such indirect means, I can only guess…”

“The Empire in its entirety is shaken by the growing culture of magicians who deviate from the traditional path to power in the name of a goddess.” Lena added.

“Though most who call themselves magicians are insignificant fools with mundane interests, unknown threats have begun to appear in every corner of imperial society.”

“That's why you were looking for me with Azar.” Micro recalled.

“I really don't get it.”

“Are my words unclear?” Feng asked sincerely.

“I just don't get why everybody fights so much.” Micro shrugged.

“What simpler means of coexisting could there be?” Lena rolled her eyes.

“To grow stronger, we all must challenge ourselves and each other.”

“What's the point of getting so strong that you can destroy a world?” Micro asked.

“Just go for a drive if you have that much free time...”

Lena looked frustrated for a moment, but she restrained her urge to rebuke Micro and thought on his words for a while. She looked up at the night sky through the trees. A purple flash of lightning drew her attention for a moment, and she sighed. Feng seemed surprised by the way she held back, but eventually she spoke with resolve.

“For what you lack in awareness, you have repeatedly made up for in good fortune. Perhaps fortune is not the correct word... You often appear to create your own fortune, after all.” Lena said.

“Your methods shock and confuse me, but the results of your efforts are undeniable.”

“Thanks, Lena.” Micro smiled.

“But why-”

“Please continue to carve your own path through this world.” Lena continued.

“You are now strong enough to lead disciples of your own. Knowledge of your cultivation practices will also be of use to the cultivators of the Empire. If we succeed in emulating your traditions...”

“Wait, what do you-” Micro asked, confused by her solemn tone.

“I would have liked to walk your path a little longer, but I believe I have found an answer now.” Lena said, looking to Feng.

“What answer? What question?” Micro asked.

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“I doubted my purpose, as the disciple of a disgraced sect, as a tool of the Empire, and as a cultivator.” Lena replied.

“But I see what I must do.”

“I am of the same mind.” Feng said with a slow nod.

“The threat is too great.”

“We shall journey to the Empire’s capital with what we have learned.” Lena said.

“The petty politics of my sect feel like a distant memory now...”

“Oh, that's a shame.” Micro replied.

“If you have somewhere important to be though, I understand. Is there anything I can help you with? The end of the world sounds pretty serious...”

“Continue to grow stronger, Master Micro.” Lena said with a stern tone.

“The road ahead is long, and your path is your own. I will do what I can to help unite the Empire against this evil. The investigation has been largely fruitless until now, but the threat is much larger than they could imagine.”

“Those old generals would never imagine a deity empowering enemies of cultivators to such an extent. It will be difficult to convince them.” Feng frowned.

“Ah... This will take diplomacy...”

“In any case, Master Micro.” Lena said.

“We must leave you, for now.”

“Yeah, you sound really busy.” Micro nodded.

“Thanks for all your help so far. Say hello to Azar.”

“I shall carry your sentiments with me, Master Micro.” Lena bowed, and held the crystal Micro had given her in her hand.

“I have benefited greatly from our time together.”

“Take care, child.” Feng added.

“Thanks, guys.” Micro nodded.

~

When morning came, Lena and Feng announced their departure to Kolt, Kira, and Arbur. Kolt looked conflicted, and Kira struggled to hold back her tears as she said goodbye. Lena left them with a long list of cultivation techniques to practice in her absence, warning them that she would know whether or not they practiced diligently the next time they met.

Micro asked Arbur to train with the children while he and Blue continued to clear the road, and their peaceful journey through the forest continued. Blue's truck needed small repairs occasionally, but she continued to drive it while clearing trees.

After several more weeks of winter passed, and the snow grew heavier, Micro wasn't surprised to hear the familiar sound of Blue laughing victoriously in the distance.

“You lose again, tool!” Blue shouted at Micro, having reached the edge of the forest ahead of him.

“You're buying me so much of the mountain fried beef later! Let’s find more sects with food too!”

“We should head straight to Kel's sect, or I'll lose track of what I owe you!” Micro laughed back.

Micro eventually cleared his half of the forest, meeting Blue at the edge of a snowy field. Arbur and the children appeared behind Micro as he smiled at the snowy planes. The scene was made more surreal by the green and purple flashes of light that continued in the morning sky.

“Wow...” Kira said with a warm smile as she set foot in the deep snow.

“What, you forget what snow looked like?” Kolt teased her, but she continued to smile.

“It just feels like it's been so long since I saw it.” She replied calmly.

“I wondered if I'd ever see this much sky again too...”

“It does feel good to get out of the forest after a long walk.” Arbur agreed.

A particularly bright flash of purple light caught Micro’s attention, and a shiver climbde down his spine. He thought he sensed chaos energy for a moment, but he couldn’t be scertain.

“Is that normal?” Micro asked Arbur, pointing at the sky.

“It’s getting brighter, isn’t it?”

“There may be powerful cultivators doing battle somewhere in the heavens.” Arbur replied.

“It is a common enough sight. Now, what is our destination, master?”

“Oh, alright. Well, I still want to extend the road to the western edge of these woods, but there's something I want to see first.” Micro replied.

“We'll get there pretty quickly if we go straight from here.”

“Understood, master.” Arbur said with a bow. With both hands, he quickly pushed the children's head down. He looked at them anxiously.

“Your sect leader made a declaration. Acknowledge his words.”

“Ah, yes. Yes, master!” Kira quickly joined Arbur with her hands in front of her.

“Okay... master...” Kolt added awkwardly.

“Ah, don't worry about that, Arbur.” Micro waved his hand.

“Just follow me if you don't have anywhere else to be.”

“Yes, master!” Arbur said, repeating his gesture.

“Alright...” Micro shrugged.

“Oh, let's practice something my friend taught me.”

Micro turned around and got his disciples' attention, then pointed at his legs.

“Fill up your legs with energy like this...” Micro explained, channeling energy steadily to his legs.

“Can you do that yet? Take your time with-”

“I'll try!” Kira was the first to reply, and soon the three disciples were concentrating.

“Hey, farm tool!” Blue called out.

“Check this out!”

Micro turned to see Blue drifting in circles, kicking up clouds of snow.

“Be careful...” Micro replied, but he realized she wasn't listening.

~

Arbur was the first to channel a stable current of energy to his legs, having had experience with such techniques. Kira followed soon after, excited to jump around with her newfound strength. With Trill's assistance, Kolt eventually succeeded in strengthening his legs. Some of Lena’s teaching had prepared them for the technique, and Microenjoyed their excitement.

Although their pace was inconsistent, the children soon enjoyed running faster than they could have previously imagined possible. Micro wished he could see their delighted faces, but he was concentrating fully on the uneven ground. However, the snow hid many rocks and holes, and it wasn't long after they started running when Micro fell flat on his face, Followed quickly by Kolt and Kira, who had been running closely behind him.

“Ha!” Blue laughed as she drove by.

“Are you alright, master?!” Arbur asked, having jumped safely over them.

“Yes...” Micro answered. The three of them were covered in snow, but he was pleased to see the fine robes they wore were waterproof. He worried about Arbur, who wore looted bandits’ clothing over his old tattered serpent sect robes.

FLASH

“Woah!” Micro shielded his eyes as a purple light suddenly filled his vision. Through his fingers, he saw the blue and white sky had turned completely purple.

“Get down!” Arbur shouted, but Micro and the children were already half buried in snow.

BOOM

A deafening impact shook the snowy ground, preventing Micro from finding his balance. As he fell back to the ground by the children, another impact rattled him. He heard the muffled voice of Blue approaching.

“Trill! The boys!” Blue screamed.

“Got it.” Trill replied, and flew out of Kolt's pocket. He flew in front of Kolt and Arbur, grabbed the boys by their sleeves, and pulled as hard as he could. They all flew several meters in the blink of an eye. Trill grimaced as he pulled with all his might.

“Micro, the girl!” Blue shouted to Micro next.

Without thinking, Micro grabbed Kira's arm with his left hand. Blue landed on his shoulder, and he immediately felt the uncomfortable sensation of being pulled through space.

BOOM

Blue teleported the three of them away from the place they had fallen, and he looked back to see a ball of fire hit the ground not far from where he just was. The heat turned the snow to steam, burning his skin despite the core cards which made his skin tougher than iron.

Kolt gasped as the heat of the fire caught up with him. Kira screamed and buried her face in her sleeve. Micro tried to raise a shield of energy, but the explosions made it impossible for him to concentrate. He felt helpless.

“More incoming!” Blue shouted.

In a daze, Micro looked up and saw even more fireballs descending on the planes. He wished for a place to hide, and his brain began to search for an answer.

“A dungeon...!” Micro mumbled, unable to hear his own voice.

“What?!” Blue shouted.

“There was a dungeon...” Micro wheezed. He was disoriented by the explosions, but he remembered the general direction of the dungeon he had seen once before.

“Over there...!”

Blue frowned, then scanned the horizon with glowing eyes.

“I see two.” Blue reported as the explosions continued.

“Whichever is closest!” Micro shouted back.

Blue nodded, and pointed ahead.

A green light flashed in the sky, and Micro forced himself to his feet. He picked Kira up in both arms, and glanced to his right to see Trill dragging Kolt through the air in the direction Blue was pointing.

The snow beneath his feet became a swamp of slush and mud as Micro ran. He focused on reaching the dungeon as the heat grew unbearable.

“There!” Blue shouted as they came over a small hill.

The steam obscured their vision, but he could feel the energy of a dungeon ahead.

Micro vaguely recalled the shape of a feather in an amber portal which he had stumbled upon before. He began to consider a means of protecting Kolt and Kira from the pressure of the dungeon once they entered. A simple shield may be enough, but the Turtle Art may be necessary. Kel had been wary of the dungeon, but he didn't seem scared of it, so it couldn't have been too dangerous. Micro was optimistic that he wouldn't be separated from the children as they entered.

They were only steps away from the dungeon, and Kolt and Arbur had fallen unconscious from the burning pain. Kira continued to scream. Micro was ready to jump, but he saw Blue hovering in front of him, not moving.

“What's wrong-” Micro shouted, but he saw the worried look on her face. He looked down, and knew the reason for her hesitation.

“That's red...” Micro said with a blank expression.

BOOM

Another fireball hit the ground ahead of them.

Micro looked up at Blue. She looked back, and shook her head.

“We don't move, we die, boss!” Trill shouted.

Micro looked down at Kira, and his feet began to move before he could think.

Blue and Trill, along with Kolt and Arbur followed as the steam around them turned to smoke and sparks. Blue looked content, though her usual playful smile was absent. Micro braced himself for the sensation he had grown familiar with, as his vision was filled with the red glow of the ruby level dungeon portal.

But he felt nothing at all.