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Purple lightning crackled around Ray as the beast snarled, its eyes narrowing before it charged headfirst at him. But Ray was faster, sidestepping effortlessly and releasing a burst of electricity from his hand. The strikes landed one after another, each bolt numbing the creature’s limbs as it stumbled, barely able to stay upright.
Before the beast had a chance to recover, Ray was already in position for the final blow, leaving a violet trail behind him as he closed in. With a lightning-infused punch, he struck its face; electricity exploded on impact, knocking the creature out cold. The static crackled through the air until a voice interrupted from the speaker above.
“Well done, Ray. That’ll be all for today.”
Ray took a deep breath, letting the Mana fade as the purple lightning dissipated around him. As he exited the hall, he spotted Ella, who’d just come out of the viewing room, beaming at him.
“That was amazing, Ray!” she cheered.
“T-thanks,” he replied, rubbing the back of his head, a bit flustered. “Let’s head to the library.”
“Okay!” she said, taking his hand and leading him down the corridor.
Ray’s cheeks flushed as he allowed himself to be led by Ella, who skipped ahead, hand in hand, leaving the scholars behind them.
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Meanwhile, in a dimly lit room elsewhere in the facility, Theodore stood in front of a communication device, more advanced than the standard equipment used in alchemist workshops. The screen illuminated the dark space as he spoke.
“Ray’s power output has been increasing steadily each day. Soon, he’ll be ready as our squad leader against other descendants,” he reported.
“I see. So we’ll need him fully conscious to harness Axel’s powers after all,” a cold, older voice replied from the speaker.
“Yes. Ray couldn’t tap into Axel’s potential completely because his Mana wave related to his mental state was still suspended. Everything he used until the Riska incident was just reflex,” Theodore explained, a smug smile creeping onto his face.
“Make sure he’s committed to supporting our goals. If not, I’ll cut the funding on all of your projects,” the voice warned.
“Of course.” Theodore gave a small bow. “You can rely on me.”
The screen flickered and went dark as the transmission ended, leaving Theodore standing alone as the lights gradually brightened, filling the room.
“He really enjoys bossing us around, doesn’t he?” a voice cut in from just outside the view of the communication device. Leaning casually against the wall was a muscular man in his late twenties, arms crossed. His rugged attire and battle-hardened look made him seem like a seasoned monster hunter, with very short blond hair and piercing blue eyes.
Theodore chuckled lightly. “It’s the nature of power—those with the gold make the rules. Speaking of, shouldn’t you be heading south by now, Leo?”
Leo snorted, arrogance gleaming in his eyes. “What’s the rush? You think I’d lose to some prince? Even if he’s got Edgar’s Mana, I’ll still crush him barehanded.”
The two began walking out of the room together, with Theodore leading. “Oh, I’m not questioning your strength. But remember, we can’t afford to kill Howl. King Jaffra might turn a blind eye to most things, but I doubt he’d stay quiet if it were his own son.”
Leo smirked, but there was a sharpness in Theodore’s gaze as he glanced back. “Let’s keep this operation smooth. Can you manage that?”
Leo’s smirk faded slightly. As cocky as he was, he knew better than to push too far with Theodore. “Fine, I’ll get it done. Capture, not kill. Satisfied?”
“Perfect. Once you’ve got him, teleport back here and secure him in one of the cells. And bring Dina and Charlotte with you.” With that, Theodore turned down the hall, his figure fading into the shadows.
Leo clicked his tongue, a hint of defiance in his eyes as he watched him go.
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Elsewhere in the facility, Gart, Dina, and Charlotte strolled down the hallway toward the cafeteria, passing scholars along the way.
“Wait—she was a lost princess of Veledot?” Dina asked, wide-eyed.
“Yep, that’s what Theodore said,” Gart replied with a shrug.
“And she took down that massive beast alone? Unreal!” Dina added, shaking her head.
“I want a new weapon,” Charlotte muttered bluntly, her expression as unreadable as ever as she followed behind them.
Dina turned, her brow furrowing. “Please, you couldn’t even bring home the prize money from the arena! What are you—”
Before she could finish, she collided headfirst into Leo, who had appeared from around the corner.
“Ow, ow, ow!” Dina clutched her forehead, glancing up to see Leo towering over her, arms crossed and visibly unimpressed. “Oh, hey, Leo…”
Leo sighed, folding his arms. “You and Charlotte are coming with me to the south tomorrow morning.”
Charlotte blinked. “Where?”
“The southern region. We’re capturing Howl Cladun,” Leo replied, his tone less than enthusiastic.
Dina’s eyes widened. “What? Why?”
“Ask Theodore. He says Howl’s about to claim Edgar’s Mana, so we’re to follow him and secure both the prince and the Mana. Doesn’t matter if he gets it first or not.”
“They know how to extract it?” Gart asked, raising an eyebrow.
Leo shot him a flat look. “Like I said, ask Theodore. I don’t care.” Turning to leave, he added, “I’ll be waiting in the teleporter room tomorrow morning. Don’t be late.”
With that, Leo walked off, leaving the trio standing there as the scholars around them went on with their routines.
“What’s his problem?” Dina muttered, rubbing her forehead. “He thinks he can just boss us around?”
Gart shrugged. “Well, he’s the squad leader, and he’s one of those guys.”
“Yeah, yeah, mana soldiers or whatever,” Dina grumbled. “Let’s just get some food so I can forget this headache.”
She stomped off toward the cafeteria, with Charlotte and Gart trailing after her, exchanging a look of exasperation.
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In the quiet library, Ray and Ella sat together at one of the tables, a few open books scattered around them.
“See? These are birds,” Ella said, tilting the book so Ray could get a better look at the colorful illustrations.
“These things on their sides… those are wings?” Ray murmured, squinting as he leaned closer, clearly fascinated.
Ella chuckled, leaning back against her chair. “Yup! I still can’t believe you’ve never seen a bird before.”
Ray’s gaze fell to his hands, fingers tracing an invisible shape. “I don’t know much about anything outside this place.”
“Is that so…” Ella mumbled, casting a quick glance at him.
Suddenly, Ray looked up, a hint of urgency in his expression. “Ella… you’re from outside, right?”
Caught off guard, Ella hesitated, her gaze shifting nervously before she nodded. “I… guess so. Why?”
“Then can you take me out with you?”
Ella’s eyes widened, and she immediately looked around the quiet library, her voice dropping to a whisper. “What? I can’t do that!”
“But why am I not allowed to leave?” Ray pressed, his tone frustrated but still tinged with a childlike curiosity.
A voice interrupted from behind them, making them both jump. “Oh, you’ll be able to go out soon enough.”
Turning, they saw Theodore approaching with a calm smile. “Hello there, Ella, Ray,” he greeted, his tone gentle but somehow calculating.
“G-good afternoon, Mr. Theodore…” Ella replied, suddenly reserved, folding her hands on the table.
Ray’s eyes lit up. “I can leave soon?”
Theodore chuckled, settling beside them. “Yes, of course. We just need to be certain you’re in control of your powers before you go out. It wouldn’t be good if they went on a rampage and hurt anyone, right?”
Ray looked down, a bit subdued. “I… guess not.”
“Which is why we have you fight those creatures. There are monsters out there too, roaming the land. But aside from that, we also need your powers for something greater,” Theodore continued, his tone earnest.
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“My powers?” Ray repeated, looking back up.
Theodore nodded, reaching out to tap Ray’s chest lightly. “Yes. You’re not the only one with a gift, Ray. But others out there… well, they’re our enemies, and they’re as strong as you. We’re at a disadvantage without you.”
Ray’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why are they our enemies if I’m not?”
“It’s just a misunderstanding, of sorts,” Theodore replied, his voice soothing. “For now, focus on strengthening your powers. Soon enough, you’ll be able to help us with a project that’ll let you see the outside world. How about it?”
The thought of finally seeing the world beyond these walls was too tempting to resist. Ray nodded slowly. “Deal.”
Theodore smiled again. “Good choice. And with Ella here, you’ll even get to visit her hometown someday. Keep up the good work, Ray.”
With that, he turned and strode out, leaving Ray and Ella in the silence of the library to process what had just happened.
“T-that’s great! Right, Ray?” Ella’s voice softened, her posture relaxing now that Theodore was gone.
Ray nodded, his gaze distant with thought. “Yeah… So you live close by?”
“Well… kinda,” she replied, a bit evasive. “But honestly, I like it here better. The food’s nice.” She gave him a small smile, but her eyes darted away quickly.
“But I still want to see where you live,” Ray insisted, his purple eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, his curiosity was almost childlike.
Ella’s gaze flickered back, meeting his for a split second before she looked away, cheeks slightly flushed. “Y-yeah? Well, I could show you around, I guess. It’s nothing too fancy, though…” She bit her lip, looking both flattered and nervous.
As the day turned to evening, Ella walked Ray back to his room. She waved goodbye, her smile lingering as she turned to leave. Heading to the facility’s entrance, where a few hunters stood on guard, her smile faded when she spotted Theodore waiting for her by the large sliding doors. Though she’d have rather avoided him, she knew she couldn’t ignore him.
Theodore approached with a neutral expression, though a faintly satisfied look flickered in his eyes. “How was your day with him?”
“He… wants to visit my place,” Ella replied, her tone guarded.
“And do you like spending time with him?” he asked, watching her closely.
Ella hesitated, her eyes on the floor. “I mean, yeah. I’m so used to the kids back at my place. It’s nice to have someone my age for once.”
“Good,” Theodore said with a faint smile. “Keep it up, then.”
He stepped aside, letting her pass. Ella took a few steps before stopping. A wave of uncertainty washed over her, and she turned back, her voice barely a whisper. “W-what do you really want from Ray? You’re… a bad guy, aren’t you?”
Theodore raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “Is that what you think of me?”
“Well…” Ella stammered, glancing away. “I’ve seen you talking to some scary people. I don’t mind the scholars here, but you and those guys in different clothes…”
To her surprise, Theodore chuckled, a sound that made her shiver. “Don’t worry, Ella,” he said, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. “I promise, Ray won’t be harmed.”
Ella’s brows knitted as she searched his face, the unease still twisting in her stomach. “Y-you really promise?”
“Yes.” His smile lingered a moment too long, unsettling her further.
Ella’s face hardened, but she turned with a sigh, finally leaving without another word.
As Ella disappeared from view, Theodore’s smile faded. His eyes narrowed, and he muttered to himself, “He won’t die until he’s fulfilled his role. That much, I promise.”
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Meanwhile, back in Alma, Velle had just returned from her trip to Veledot. Along her journey, she’d managed to instruct workshops throughout the Mainland to offer cash rewards for anyone who could match Mana wave signatures of the three remaining heroes by 50% or more. So far, though, no reports had come in regarding potential new descendants.
After a night spent reviewing the tasks she’d left for Mint to manage, Velle decided to set off immediately for her ancestor Delphine’s burial site.
On the second floor of Alma’s alchemist workshop, she was preparing her gear for another journey as Mint stood by, her face etched with worry. “Are you really gonna go alone?” Mint asked, a hint of pleading in her tone.
Velle finished strapping a few items to her pack, glancing over at Mint with a confident smirk. “I’ll be fine. Besides, I need you to cover my work here at the workshop again.”
Mint crossed her arms, frowning. “You should still take someone with you—just in case, y’know?”
Velle adjusted her gloves, her expression firm. “If there’s something out there that I’d need Delphine’s powers to face, no one here would stand a chance against it anyway.”
Mint sighed in reluctant agreement, her shoulders slumping in defeat. As Velle turned to descend the stairs, she gave Mint a gentle pat on the shoulder. “I know what I’m doing, alright?” she said with a reassuring smile before heading down.
Mint watched her go, her worry intensifying. It wasn’t just because Velle was a young woman traveling alone—Mint had always seen her as a little sister, someone to protect, even if Velle rarely needed it.
Velle’s journey would take her to Kaska, the capital kingdom of the northern region. But first, she’d have to pass through Wendale—Renn’s hometown.
Luckily, the road to Wendale was well-patrolled and regulated, and Velle encountered no monsters that posed a serious threat. As an alchemist, she wasn’t allowed to hunt monsters that had bounties on their heads, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t fend off weaker creatures when necessary.
By the time Velle arrived in Wendale, the sky had already begun to deepen into the warm hues of sunset. She’d kept a steady pace on the journey here, meaning she’d have to rest overnight before continuing on to the next city.
She figured she’d use the evening to visit Tou and share an update on Renn. Her friends and acquaintances here would want to know how she was faring in the west.
Velle’s first stop was the mayor’s house. When Tou welcomed her in, she wasted no time, sharing all the important details she’d gathered.
“So,” Tou murmured, his hands clasped behind his back as he took in the news, “she’s staying to help in the west… thank you for telling me, young miss.”
Velle gave a polite nod. “I thought Renn would want you all to know how she’s doing. And since I need to head to Kaska anyway, it’s hardly a detour.” She adjusted her glasses, her expression calm.
“Hoho! Is that so?” Tou chuckled, eyeing her thoughtfully. “You’re likely a descendant yourself, aren’t you?”
Velle’s gaze sharpened. “Good guess, old man.”
Tou chuckled heartily. “Well, you may want to stop by the bakery, then. The bakers’ daughter is a close friend of Renn’s.”
With a nod of thanks, Velle took her leave and headed over as the sky turned a rich, golden orange. She could smell the faint aroma of baked goods even from outside, giving the little town a welcoming warmth.
The bell above the bakery’s door chimed as she entered. Inside, Oliver and Eric were finishing their evening cleanup, each wearing a flour-dusted apron.
“Oh, welcome! Sorry, we’re just closing—” Eric started, but Velle interrupted him.
“I’m not here to buy anything. I’m here to tell your daughter about Renn.”
“Renn?” Oliver looked up, her eyebrows raising with interest. “Are you a friend of hers?”
“More like an acquaintance. Is your daughter here?”
Oliver’s expression softened, her pink eyes warm. “She’s upstairs, dear. The open door on the left—you won’t miss it.” She gestured toward the stairs with a welcoming smile.
“Thanks,” Velle replied before heading up.
The second floor was cozy, filled with the quiet charm of a small-town home. She noticed the door on the left was indeed open, leading to a bedroom with a soft, girlish touch.
Inside, Aisha sat at a small desk, her brow furrowed in focus as she penned a letter, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Velle rapped her knuckles lightly against the doorframe, and Aisha jumped, startled.
“Ah! Oh, um—h-hello?” Aisha stammered, quickly standing from her chair.
“I’m Velle. An acquaintance of Renn’s,” she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. “I came to give you an update on her. She’s alive.”
Relief washed over Aisha’s face. “Oh, that’s… that’s wonderful. I’m Aisha,” she said, reaching out for a handshake. But Velle simply looked at her hand until Aisha awkwardly withdrew it.
“Renn will be staying in the west for a while,” Velle continued, her voice calm and matter-of-fact, “helping the hunters clear out monsters. And after that, there’s also the situation with the Veledot throne. I’m not sure when she’ll have a chance to come back for a visit.”
Aisha nodded, listening intently. “I see… thank you so much for telling me, Velle.” She offered a gentle smile, warm and genuine.
Velle couldn’t help but compare Aisha to Mint. Though they looked a bit alike, Aisha had a much softer and more reserved presence. Velle wondered if Mint would be easier to handle with just a bit of that calmness.
Turning toward the door, Velle said, “I’ll be off, then. I need to find a room at the inn.”
“Wait!” Aisha called, causing Velle to pause mid-step. “W-would you like to stay here instead? We have plenty of space.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Velle replied, her tone flat as she continued toward the door.
But Aisha hurried forward and gently caught her arm. “I can’t just let a friend of Renn’s pay to stay at the inn!”
Velle looked over her shoulder, her expression plainly irritated, but Aisha’s pleading gaze held steady. “P-please…?”
With a long sigh, Velle finally relented. “Fine, fine. Just for tonight.”
Aisha’s face lit up. “Thank you!”
Later that evening, Velle joined Aisha’s family for dinner at one of the tables on the bakery’s first floor. The table was crowded with dishes—rich meat, fresh vegetables, fruits—all laid out with care.
“So, your name is Velle, eh? I’m Eric!” Aisha’s father said with a grin, extending a hand.
“And I’m Oliver,” Aisha’s mother added warmly. “It’s nice to meet you, Velle.”
Velle gave a nod, trying to keep her irritation in check. “Nice to meet you too.”
Despite her preference for solitude, the dinner had a homey warmth she couldn’t deny. The meal was hearty, a balanced spread that was far more elaborate than she’d expected from a bakery. As the sky outside deepened into night, Velle found herself quietly enjoying the company, if only a little.
After a quick shower, Aisha offered Velle her own bed, but Velle insisted on the spare mattress, preferring not to be a bother.
In Aisha’s bedroom, they settled into an easy conversation, chatting about Renn, Velle’s journey, and her work. Without her alchemist robe, Velle’s occupation wasn’t obvious, and Aisha had been curious.
“So, you’re an alchemist, huh?” Aisha said from her desk chair.
“Correct,” Velle replied, sitting cross-legged on the mattress, leaning against the edge of the bed.
After a pause, Velle decided to ask, “Who were you writing to?”
“Oh, it’s for Renn.” Aisha motioned to the letter on her desk. “I wanted to ask how she was doing in the west, since it’s been days now. Guess I don’t have to anymore.” She chuckled softly, though Velle sensed a bit of worry beneath the laugh.
“You should still send it,” Velle replied, her gaze lingering on the daggers in her hands. “I’m sure she’d love to hear from you.”
Relieved, Aisha gave her a grateful smile. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, Velle.”
That night, with only the lamp lighting the room, Aisha continued writing her letter. Though Aisha had turned off the main light to let Velle sleep, Velle stayed up with her, the quiet comfort of shared company holding her there.
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In the morning, after breakfast, Velle was ready to leave for her next stop northeast, toward Kaska.
Aisha and her parents came to see her off in front of the bakery.
“Safe travels, Velle!” Eric called.
“Will you be alright traveling alone?” Oliver asked.
Velle had heard this question countless times, but she kept her response short. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you for having me.”
Turning to Aisha, she added, “Don’t forget to send the letter.”
Aisha smiled. “I won’t. See you around, Velle!”
With a nod, Velle set off, a faint smile on her face as she looked ahead. Only two more cities before she reached Kaska.
The road toward Kaska was carefully regulated, with local hunters keeping it safe for travelers heading toward the northern capital. Velle’s journey to each city went smoothly; at each stop, she checked the alchemist workshop for updates on new descendants. But still, there was no news.
In the second city, Velle bought a winter coat at a small clothing shop before boarding the mana train north. During the ride, the air grew steadily colder, and soon the first snowflakes began to drift past the window. The region was already known for being chilly year-round, but Kaska, at the region’s farthest edge, was blanketed in snow nearly year-round.
After hours of travel, the train finally pulled into Kaska’s station. Snow covered the city like a sheet, muffling the sounds and giving the air a hushed, frozen quality. Velle breathed in, her breath curling into white clouds, as she stepped out of the station into the snowy streets.
Rubbing her gloved hands together, she made her way toward the massive alchemist workshop in the distance, barely visible through the heavy snowfall. She reached the workshop as the sky darkened, and, as if by fate, a report finally came in.
From a workshop somewhere else in the northern region, news arrived: a descendant had finally absorbed the Mana of one of the legendary heroes—Helena.
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