In the same day from which the events of the last chapter took place.

Aldeen after leaving Elias, went back to meet with Michaela.

"Michaela, are you still here?" Aldeen called out, scanning the office with his eyes. Michaela peeked from her cluttered office space. "Yes, Aldeen, I'm here."

"How did things go? Is the chrono lab secured?" Aldeen inquired, his tone indicating concern.

"Yes, the lab's security is tight," Michaela confirmed. "I checked the identities of the guards stationed there, and nothing seemed suspicious. Additionally, I've implemented a barrier that reveals invisibility spells, adding an extra layer of protection. As for the documents regarding the latest innovations in chrono technology, I've hidden them securely."

"Well done! We can't afford to give the capital any more reasons to grow aggressive towards us," Aldeen acknowledged, expressing his gratitude for Michaela's efforts in safeguarding their technology and research.

"And did you accomplish what you set out to do this morning?" Michaela inquired.

"I accomplished most of them," Aldeen said with a sigh of relief. “Most?” she inquired.

"Yes, most," Aldeen replied, his tone tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

Michaela's tone held a mix of empathy and understanding as she spoke. "Let me guess," she began, her voice soft yet perceptive, "Elias refused to be a representative for the trade proposal you were going to send to Vornvegr?" Her eyes searched Aldeen's face, silently acknowledging the disappointment he must be feeling.

"That's correct," Aldeen confirmed with a nod. "Elias didn't agree to be a representative for the trade proposal we were planning to send to Vornvegr."

"Can't you just send another person?" Michaela inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity as she considered the possibility of finding an alternative representative for the trade proposal.

"Ah, I don't know," Aldeen admitted with a heavy sigh, sinking into a chair and lighting up a cigarette. "We actually can send someone else, but the only person who has an idea about that place and its protocols is Elias." The weight of the situation settled heavily upon him as he grappled with the dilemma before them.

"He escaped from there 20 some years ago. Things must have changed. I don't know why you insist on sending Elias!" Michaela exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. She couldn't understand Aldeen's insistence on relying solely on Elias, given the passage of time and the potential changes in circumstances.

"I just feel like sending him back to the hell he escaped from is bound to make him accomplish his task," Aldeen explained earnestly. "He won't drop his guard, and he won't give them any openings. Plus, Elias is one of the few men we have in this city who has the potential for high-level Xeno-arcanery." Aldeen emphasized the strategic advantage Elias possessed, despite the risks involved.

"I see. How about the academy and John?"

"Everything went smoothly, Michaela, smooth as silk. But I promised John I'd find a way to grease the wheels with Vornvegr.” Aldeen admitted with a furrowed brow, a hint of worry creeping into his voice.

“Now, with Elias refusing. Well, now it seems I'll have to sweeten the deal by handing over that blasted metal piercer he's been eyeing for months."

"I see," Michaela responded, her tone contemplative as she weighed the situation. "No matter what happens, I believe keeping John on our side should be a priority." Her words carried a sense of determination, underlining the importance of maintaining their alliances in the face of challenges.

"Well, I gotta go now," Aldeen remarked, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Maybe I'll give it one last shot at convincing Elias tomorrow. Let's hope I won't get punched in the face this time." With a flick, he extinguished his cigarette.

"What about you? Are you still going to stay here?" Aldeen asked, turning his gaze back to Michaela, curiosity evident in his expression.

"Yeah, I'll stay here," Michaela confirmed, her focus already shifting back to the task at hand. "I'll go over the necessary papers for the funds we received from John, ensuring they can be accepted by the bank in the morning. Now that Jambodia is in turmoil, I need to write papers to the military to reinforce the defense in the forest as well" Her dedication to her work shone through as she prepared to tackle the next item on their agenda.

"Well, see you tomorrow then!" Aldeen replied with a nod, offering a small wave before heading out of the office.

Meanwhile, in the Sylvan Vale forest at 21:00.

Kyla, just came back from the bee camp where she is supposed to be working. On her right hand a bowl with honey. She was talking to a colleague of hers; her name Shilia

"Yeah, I know. It was actually my son who told the scouts," Kyla confessed with a sigh, shaking her head at the memory. "Yesterday, he went for a jog and came back filthy like a skunk. I didn't know what the hell was wrong with him. Turns out, the idiot ate a bad mushroom and met with some travelers. He told me they were the ones who informed him."

"Oh, right! You mentioned Robert wanted to join the scouts," Shilia remarked, connecting the dots. "So, he went for a jog and ended up meeting travelers? That's how he got wind of the news. Everyone's making quite a fuss about it, suggesting we should fortify the forest."

"Yeah, I heard even Aldeen, the archon, the handsome one," Shilia replied, a dreamy expression crossing her face. "Ohhh! Just the thought of him makes me happier." Lost in her reverie, Shilia drifted off into her thoughts for a moment.

"What did you hear?" Kyla asked, gently bringing Shilia back from her reverie.

"I heard he had a meeting with Sage Willow. I wonder what they talked about," Shilia mused, her curiosity piqued by the mention of the meeting between Aldeen and the sage.

"Well, probably something outside of our concerns," Kyla remarked, unamused by the gossip. She attempted to divert Shilia's attention by breaking into song, singing, "Oh beautiful forest, ohhh!" Shilia joined in, their voices harmonizing as they sang together, momentarily escaping from the chatter and speculation around them.

"Shilia, can you lend me some rabbit meat? I'm slightly concerned about my son's health. Rabbit meat is his favorite, and I don't have any," Kyla requested as they approached Shilia's tent.

"If it's a bad mushroom, I've got the perfect herbs for it. Here..." Shilia replied, disappearing into her tent. She rummaged through the various small sacks she had until she found a selection of herbs.

"Jasmine, vervain, and guava. Make a tea with them, I'm sure he will be fine," Shilia suggested with a warm smile on her face, handing over the herbs to Kyla.

Kyla hugged Shilia tightly and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Thank you, Shilia. You always help me when I'm in need," she expressed with gratitude, touched by her friend's kindness and generosity.

Kyla reached her tent after a hard day at work, relieved to find her son, Robert, still asleep. She tended to some bee bites on her forearm, gently washing them with water, while the tea made of the herbs given to her by Shilia boiled on the fire nearby.

"Robert, Robert, wake up! I made some tea for you," Kyla called out gently, nudging her son awake as she held out a comforting cup of herbal tea.

Robert woke up, “Oh you made some tea” he kissed his mother on her forehead.

"Thank you, but you don't have to worry. I'm fine," Robert replied with a reassuring smile, although his eyes betrayed a hint of fatigue.

"What are you talking about? Yesterday your whole leg was bruised. Let me see it," Kyla insisted, her mouth agape as she examined Robert's leg, only to find that the bruises had completely disappeared.

"What in the..." she trailed off, astonished by the sudden disappearance of the bruises.

"Okay, that settles it. What happened yesterday?" Kyla asked with a serious and direct voice.

"No more hiding. You! Are! Gonna tell me what happened now!" She emphasized each word, her tone leaving no room for evasion.

Robert recounted what had happened, detailing his encounter with the travelers and mystical experience in the cave, carefully omitting the part about witnessing her death in the clairvoyant water. He also mentioned he planned meeting he will have tonight with Sage Willow. Kyla listened intently, her expression a mixture of concern and understanding as she absorbed his words…

"Mmm... so it wasn't the mushrooms. I guess they were good spirits," Kyla mused, considering the possibility. "I think they healed your wounds." She contemplated the mysterious events of the previous day, her mind racing with possibilities.

"Well... drink the tea, it's still good for you," Kyla suggested, offering the cup of herbal tea to Robert with a reassuring smile.

"Yes, Mom," Robert replied obediently before getting up with the intention of meeting Sage Willow.

"Wait, before you go," Kyla said, stepping into the tent and rummaging through various sacks.

"Take this amulet. It belonged to your late father," Kyla said, her voice tinged with emotion as she handed Robert the amulet. "I was going to give it to you before you were going to undergo the admission contest."

"But I think with the mystical experience you've had, you ought to have it now. It contains guarding powers," Kyla explained, her eyes reflecting a sense of conviction as she passed the amulet to Robert.

"Father" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, his fingers tracing the contours of the amulet. "I'll keep it safe," he promised, his eyes shining with determination as he tucked the amulet securely around his neck.

Why would Alistar want me to meet Sage Willow? Could it be connected to the spirits I encountered in the forest? But then, how would he even know about that?

Robert saw this encounter as a golden chance. Sage Willow's connections with the academy could open doors for him, providing valuable recommendations or insights that could pave the way for his aspirations. With hopeful anticipation, he quickened his pace, eager to see what awaited him at the sage's tent.

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Through the dense thicket of tall trees and fragrant herbs, Robert navigated the forest with determination until he finally reached Sage Willow's tent.

"It looks a lot livelier than expected," Robert remarked, taking in the vibrant atmosphere surrounding Sage Willow's tent.

Multiple torches illuminated the area, casting flickering light and shadows, while braziers emitted wisps of fragrant smoke. Beautiful women gathered outside, their voices harmonizing as they sang mantras, creating an enchanting ambiance around Sage Willow's tent.

Inside the tent, Robert was greeted by the sight of stunning tapestries adorning the ground, each one a masterpiece of intricate design and vibrant color. But his attention was soon drawn upward, where he noticed an array of animal skulls hanging from the tent's ceiling. Each skull belonged to a different creature, their presence adding an air of mystique and reverence to the space. The juxtaposition of the beautiful tapestries and the solemn skulls created a unique atmosphere that spoke of both beauty and the natural world's primal essence.

Alistar noticed him and approached him with a smile. "Robert!" he exclaimed, carefully scanning him.

He looks a lot better. Yesterday, he was a mess, Alistar thought to himself, relieved to see Robert in improved condition.

"Hey!" Alistar called out as he approached the young Robert, who stood there in a striking white caftan, adorned with a black armlet on his right hand and a leglet.

Alistar, in contrast, wore a navy blue tunic with a crisp white belt cinched around his waist. Hanging from his neck was a lotus amulet crafted from gleaming platinum, catching the light with every movement. The two men made for an intriguing sight against the backdrop of their surroundings.

"Are you okay? You looked a bit tired yesterday. But, it seems you feel okay now," Robert remarked with a warm smile playing on his lips.

"Yeah, I'm feeling good," Alistar replied, returning the smile.

“Euuh…” Robert with awkward and sluggish movements seemed uncomfortable. Am I supposed to be just standing here, in the middle of all these people, everyone here seemed to be occupied with something. I should’ve asked him for the purpose of this invitation. Thoughts and confusion struck him.

"Alistar, I was, um... wondering why you invited me here?"

“What's with these skulls, damn it!” Robert was about to express his stress, but he barely was able to control himself. “Wait, don't say that! That's just too rude!” Robert's thoughts raced, a mix of stress and confusion swirling within him as he grappled with the unfamiliar surroundings.

"You must be confused as to why I asked you to join us today. Don't worry, I will explain everything to you," Alistar reassured Robert, sensing his confusion.

"Are you familiar with energy manipulation?" Alistar inquired.

"Um... No idea," replied Robert.

"Hmm..." Alistar mused, scratching his beard.

"Come with me," he added, gesturing for Robert to follow.

Alistar picked up a torch, and together they traversed the well-worn paths through the forest until they arrived at a massive boulder, connected with a mountain. Two guardians of the forest stood watch nearby, their presence adding an air of solemnity to the scene.

The guards, sensing the approach of unfamiliar figures, went into alert mode, their posture tense and wary. However, upon recognizing Alistar, their demeanor softened, and they relaxed, recognizing him as a trusted ally.

"You know what this is?" Alistar asked Robert.

"A mountain?" Robert replied tentatively, scratching the back of his head. He wasn't entirely convinced by his own response, sensing there was more to this place than met the eye.

As Alistar neared the colossal boulder, he closed his eyes in concentration. Suddenly, wisps of liquid smoke, resembling plasma, began to emanate from his shoulders.

With a surreal display of power, the boulder before them began to fragment, its surface morphing into a mesmerizing beehive pattern adorned with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Then, as if responding to some unseen command, the fragmented pieces of the boulder shifted and rearranged themselves, forming a doorway. Behind the boulder, a tunnel emerged, leading deep within the mountain to an unknown destination

The spectacle left Robert in awe, his mind racing to comprehend the incredible feat of xeno-arcanery unfolding before his eyes.

Robert stood there, mouth agape, his eyes on the verge of popping out of their sockets. He had heard of xeno-arcanery before, but understanding it had always eluded him. Was it a force residing within the body? Or perhaps within the materials surrounding it? Did it emanate from emotions, or stem from deep thought? Was it a gift possessed by some and not others?

His mind raced with questions, each one leading to another as he grappled with the elusive nature of xeno-arcanery. It seemed to be a mystery woven into the very fabric of existence, one that he yearned to unravel but found himself woefully unprepared to comprehend.

"I've seen him move this boulder more times than I can count, but I'm still amazed every time he does it," remarked Guard 1, his voice tinged with a mixture of reverence and wonder.

"As I'd expect from Sage Willow's right-hand man," replied Guard 2, acknowledging the impressive display with a nod of respect.

“You know what this is?” Alistar, asked Robert with a relaxed gaze and a tilted face, in a way to incite him to think.

Robert thought to himself, Must be xeno-arcanery? What else could it be? The mysterious force everyone keep talking about!

“Xeno-arcanery” he replied.

"Not quite. This is simply energy manipulation," Alistar explained, his voice steady and confident. "Humans have the ability to create images and visualize them. Through intense training, those images and visualizations can evoke emotions. And if those emotions are sufficiently powerful, they can manifest in the material realm." His words carried a weight of wisdom, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of xeno-arcanery.

Robert's gaze intensified as he focused intently, his mind working overtime to grasp the concepts being explained to him. He furrowed his brow in concentration, determined to unravel the mysteries of energy manipulation and xeno-arcanery. Despite the complexity of the subject matter, he remained resolute in his quest for understanding.

Then Robert continues.

"If the materials around us respond to our feelings, they can respond to our wishes. And we can morph them however we like," Alistar elaborated, his words carrying a sense of profound insight.

Alistar then tossed a rock to Robert. "Try making a small cube out of this," he instructed, his eyes keen with anticipation, encouraging Robert to test his newfound understanding of energy manipulation.

Robert, then took the rock with his hand.

Robert's internal dialogue raced as he caught the rock. "Okay, gotta make a cube out of this. Visualize a cube! Not honey! Why am I thinking about bees? Get out of my imagination, they just keep appearing. Cube, damn it! Cube!"

He struggled to maintain focus, wrestling with distractions while attempting to harness his newfound understanding of energy manipulation.

Nice finally a cube in my mind! For a second he was able to visualize a cube in his mind empty of distractions. However the rock stayed as a rock.

Robert mouth agape struggled to understand why it hadn’t changed shape.

Alistar, then stepped in “You forgot the part about emotions!”

“Ohh!! You’re right. Let me try again!”

Okay, emotions! But how the hell am I supposed to have emotions about a rock?! Robert thought, frustration bubbling within him as he grappled with the concept. The idea of imbuing inanimate objects with emotion seemed absurd to him.

Alistar chuckled at Robert's bewilderment, his amusement evident in the hearty laughter that escaped him.

"Sorry, I just can't muster up emotions for a rock," Robert admitted, his head bowed in defeat as he spoke with a dejected tone.

“Am I supposed to love it? Be afraid of it? I don’t know how to do it!” said Robert with a frustrated tone.

"Come on, Robert, even rocks have feelings, didn't you know? Maybe if you whisper sweet nothings to it, it'll cooperate!" Alistar, said with a playful grin.

"This kid has no talent," murmured one of the guards, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Okay! Beautiful rock! You are so beautiful! Turn into a cube! What the heck am I doing?" Robert's thoughts raced as he attempted to follow Alistar's latest instruction. Despite his best efforts, the absurdity of his words only added to his frustration as he struggled to connect with the rock on an emotional level.

The other guard stifled a chuckle before adding, "Looks like he's trying to charm a stone. Maybe he should stick to simpler tasks, like picking flowers." Both guards shared a knowing glance, finding amusement in Robert's struggle with the concept of energy manipulation.

“Robert, stop for a moment.” Instructed Alistar.

“What do you think about life?”

From charming a stone to an existential question! What's with this dude? Robert's mind wandered momentarily, but he quickly shook off the distraction. Nah! Got to stay focused, he reminded himself, regaining his composure and redirecting his attention to the task at hand.

"Euhh... It's definitely hard. I mean, I wake up in the morning, run and jog to become a scout. I lost my father when I was a kid. My mother is working all day in the beehive, and I'm afraid of not succeeding in the admission contest. And..." With a defeated look, "Looks like I've got no talent in Xeno-arcanery, euh... I mean energy manipulation."

"However, I do enjoy being in the forest. Playing with different creatures in the forest and contemplating the mountains! But I don't know... Life is hard, definitely." Robert's words carried a weight of vulnerability as he opened up about his struggles and uncertainties, revealing a glimpse of the challenges he faced in his journey.

Alistar smiled, then asked once more. “Well, you are contradicting yourself here!”

“I mean if you like contemplating the mountains, and playing with different creatures in the forest. Why would you want to become a scout?”

Shocked, Robert realized he had never truly considered why he wanted to become a scout. The revelation struck him with a sense of introspection, prompting him to reflect on his motivations and aspirations.

"You could just work with your mother, doing normal and average stuff in the forest like most of us. Or do you consider yourself superior to normal and average people in the forest?" Alistar's voice carried a hint of judgment, yet it remained relaxed as he posed the question to Robert, challenging him to confront his motivations and aspirations.

"No, not at all! I love the people in the forest! I actually feel indebted to them. It's thanks to my mother that I'm able to train and focus on running and jogging," Robert hurriedly justified himself, a hint of emotion creeping into his voice.

"And I will definitely make her proud one day," he added with determination, his words carrying a promise to himself and a pledge to honor his mother's sacrifices.

"I see, but why is it only your mother that owes you? And you could still work regular jobs in the forest and lift the burden from your mother," Alistar added, his tone gentle yet probing.

"I... I don't know. I guess you're right, but I just want to be something better. I don't know! Damn it!" Robert's frustration and uncertainty spilled out in his words, revealing the internal struggle he faced in reconciling his aspirations with the reality of his situation.

"I don't know..." Alistar murmured, his gaze fixed on Robert, a hint of judgment evident in his eyes as he observed the young man's inner turmoil.

"I don't know" is a good answer. You must be humble! Because in fact, you don't know!" Alistar emphasized.

"So, should we just call it a day? Maybe it's time to go back and work in the beehive, relieve your mother from her duties?" Alistar suggested, his tone gentle yet firm as he offered Robert a practical solution to consider.

Bewildered, Robert's spirit felt broken, and for a moment, he considered giving up on his dream of becoming a scout and simply working in the beehive. The weight of his uncertainties and the pressure to fulfill his obligations to his family bore down heavily on him, casting doubt on his aspirations and leaving him questioning his path forward.

"I just wanted to know. I might fail, and failure might impact my mother, but it's still better than not trying," Robert admitted with hesitation, his voice reflecting a mixture of determination and uncertainty. Despite feeling intimidated by Alistar's judgment, he recognized the importance of pursuing his dreams, even in the face of potential challenges and setbacks.

"Not good enough! Do you even listen to what I just said?" Alistar's words carried a hint of frustration, urging Robert to reflect.

"I... I don't know, what do you want?" Robert's voice quivered as he fell to his knees, his sense of confusion and vulnerability laid bare before Alistar.

I know I'm dumb, and lacking in knowledge. Why does he insist on humiliating me like this? Or maybe it's me who is arrogant, for aspiring to be something I'm not! If only I could learn! If only I could have a teacher! Robert's thoughts raced, grappling with feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Then, a realization dawned on him: "Wait, a teacher, a great one, is in front of me. Maybe I should just ask him!" With newfound determination, Robert resolved to seek guidance from Alistar, recognizing the opportunity for growth and learning that stood before him.

"I don't know, can you please teach me how I can be better? Can you please teach me about the mysteries of the world? I want to honor my mother and the people in the forest. I want to have the power to protect my people from the rebels, the adversaries, and the enemies. Please, teach me, for I don't know," Robert pleaded, tears welling in his eyes as he expressed his earnest desire for guidance and mastery over his destiny.

"That's all you had to do; Ask!" said Alistar, walking towards Robert. With warmth in his smile, he extended his arm and added, "Get up, Robert!” His words were infused with encouragement and support, offering Robert a sense of validation and empowerment in his moment of vulnerability.

"That's it for today! Go and reflect about today! Tomorrow, I will hear about the answers you've thought, and then I shall enlighten you!" Alistar declared, his voice carrying a sense of anticipation for the journey of self-discovery that lay ahead for Robert.

"Yes, Master!" Robert replied with newfound determination, ready to embark on his journey of learning and self-discovery under Alistar's guidance.

"From this day forward, you shall help your mother in the beehive and train at the same time. You must not chase dreams at the expense of other people. People who want to be better must first do what normal people do—they must lift double the weight that others lift!" Alistar emphasized, stressing the importance of balance and responsibility in pursuing one's aspirations while honoring commitments to others.