Finally, after days on their mission, they reached the Great Lands of Waterfalls. They stood in awe, watching the breathtaking waterfalls cascade down, the rivers crystal-clear, reflecting the sky above.

"Woah, this is... beautiful," Leon murmured.

Aster gazed at the magnificent sight, a rare moment of wonder crossing his face. "It is. But we should deliver the treaty to the leader so we can finally return home."

"Right," Leon nodded. "Let's get a move on.”

They rode toward the river, but neither of them knew where to find the leader. They stood there, scanning the area for about thirty seconds, when a group of men, equipped with gear, approached them.

"Hey, you two!" one of the men called out.

"Hello there. Who might you be?" Aster asked, eyeing them curiously.

"We are the guardians of the Great Lands of Waterfalls. Declare your purpose for entering our lands," one of the men said firmly.

Leon dismounted and spoke with a steady voice, "We are captains. I'm Captain Leon, and this is Captain Aster. We hail from the city of the Scorching Wastelands, sent by our ruler to deliver a treaty to your leader."

“What is this treaty?” one of the guardians asked, his eyes narrowing as he studied them closely.

“I... I haven’t had the chance to read it yet,” Leon admitted, his voice steady but apologetic.

One of the guardians leaned in toward the other. “Should we trust them? They could be invaders.”

The second guardian hesitated before nodding. “Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt—for now.”

The first guardian straightened and gave a firm nod. “Very well. We’ll take you to our leader. But make no mistake—if you cause any trouble, you will face death.”

Leon met his gaze without flinching. “I will comply.”

The guardians led Leon and Aster beneath the Great Lands of Waterfalls.The roar of cascading water above grew muffled as they entered a vast underground.

Finally, they arrived at an ancient temple. its towering doors opening with a low groan. The guardians ushered them inside. At its center sat the leader.

“My lord, these two bring a treaty for you,” one of the guardians announced, bowing low.

“A treaty?” the leader’s voice echoed, calm yet sharp. “Leave them.”

With a nod, the guardians turned and exited, leaving Leon and Aster alone.

"Let’s introduce ourselves, then. I’m Sylvian, leader of the Guardians and ruler of the Great Lands of Waterfalls. Now, who are you?"

Leon and Aster bowed respectfully. "We are captains from the city of the Scorching Wastelands. We come bearing a treaty from our ruler, Havasu."

"Hm...hand it over," Sylvian said, his tone firm.

Leon reached into his bag, carefully pulling out the sealed document, and handed it to Sylvian. Breaking the seal, Sylvian unrolled the parchment and began to read aloud:

"By the decree of the Ruler of the Scorching Wastelands, we seek to establish a lasting peace between our lands. In exchange, we agree to open our borders for trade and mutual support. Both parties shall protect each other’s territories from outside threats and refrain from any further aggression. This treaty will be upheld by our leaders and renewed every ten years to ensure continued prosperity and harmony.”

Leon held his breath before asking, "Leader Sylvian, do you agree to the terms of the treaty?"

As the silence stretched, doubt gnawed at Leon's mind. What did it even say? I hope he signs it, or everything Aster and I went through will be for nothing.

Sylvian’s eyes scanned the document one last time. Then, with a calm, almost cryptic smile, he pulled out a feathered pen, dipped it in ink, and signed the treaty with a flourish. Handing it back to Leon, he said, “I accept your ruler’s terms. Let this be the beginning of a new era.”

Relief washed over Leon as he took the signed parchment, exchanging a glance with Aster. The mission was a success. Leon and Aster bowed twice more before departing with the signed treaty. The guardians escorted them back to their camels, where they all shook hands in a gesture of newfound respect. Once the farewells were exchanged, Leon and Aster mounted their camels and set off.

Finally, after another four grueling days, they returned to the city, their faces alight with relief and joy. As they passed through the gates, the entire city erupted in celebration. Anthropomorphized animals—fennec foxes, sand cats, hares, and meerkats—danced alongside the caramel-skinned locals, their cheers filling the air. The Mirage Vanguards stood proudly among the crowd, waving banners and shouting the names of Leon and Aster.

A sea of joyous faces surrounded them, a hero's welcome that made their journey worth it. There, standing at the forefront, was Havasu, waiting patiently for them to dismount from their camels. As they did so, Aster couldn't help but ask, "Ruler, what is all this? This... praise?"

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Havasu smiled warmly. "I knew the mission would be a long journey for the both of you," he said. "So I had the idea that, if you both returned safely, we would celebrate your success together—myself and all the citizens of the city."

Aster and Leon exchanged a look of gratitude, their exhaustion fading in the warmth of the crowd’s cheers.

"Do either of you have the treaty?" Havasu asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Leon quickly pulled it from his bag, handing the signed document to the ruler. Havasu inspected the seal, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. Placing a hand on each of their shoulders, he said, "Well done. Come, let’s continue this inside the palace."

They followed Havasu through the grand doors, where he ascended to his ornate throne. As Leon and Aster bowed before him, Havasu spoke, his voice resonating with pride.

“For your strength and unwavering endurance, I bestow great honors upon you both. Leon,” Havasu continued, turning his gaze to him, “your father was once the original Sage of the Oasis. He saw great potential in his offspring, and in recognition of that legacy, I grant you the title of Sage of the Oasis.”

Leon’s eyes widened, gratitude and surprise mingling on his face.

“And Aster,” Havasu said, shifting his attention, “you have been the backbone of the Mirage Vanguards. Your dedication and leadership have inspired your comrades. Therefore, I bestow upon you the rank of General of the Mirage Vanguards. Lead them to greatness, as you always have.”

Both Leon and Aster were momentarily speechless, humbled by the ruler’s words and the honors bestowed upon them. They bowed deeply once more, overwhelmed by a sense of accomplishment and pride.

They walked out of the palace to the sound of the people's cheers, a wave of joy washing over them. As the sun set, the city grew quiet, and later that night, Leon and Aster found themselves sitting atop the palace roof, gazing up at the starry sky.

Suddenly, a streak of light shot across the heavens.

"Leon, look! A shooting star!" Aster exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement. "Go on, make a wish!"

Leon smiled softly, shaking his head. "Why would I need a wish? I've already got what I wanted."

Curious, Aster turned to him. "And what was that?"

Leon’s eyes met Aster’s, the warmth of the moment reflected in his gaze. "A great friend beside me," he replied.

Aster’s expression softened, touched by the sentiment. Together, they returned their focus to the stars above, letting the peaceful night surround them as they continued watching in comfortable silence.

Under the sun, the sky so wide,

A boundless sea where dreams abide.

No clouds to drift, no storms to sway,

Just endless blue, a tranquil bay.

Where winds are whispers, wild and free,

Like gentle waves on a still sea.

A perfect calm, a boundless space.

Back in the present day, Leon lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling as memories flooded his mind. “Aster,” he murmured to himself, “you’re a great friend.”

Meanwhile, outside the quarters, Aster stepped into the sunlight and noticed Zander and Leo engaged in a lively conversation with Barto.

“Barto! Barto!” Zander called out eagerly. “Did you really find the mystical pond you were telling us about?”

Barto grinned widely, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Oh, I did, Zander! And trust me, it’s even more incredible than when i found it the first time.”

“Did you actually find the pond? I need definite proof,” Leo demanded.

Barto chuckled and replied, “Proof? Of course I have proof, my strong tiger friend.” Reaching into his satchel, he pulled out a small gourd. “Here it is—the proof you’ve been waiting for. Just take one sip, and watch as your life changes before your eyes.”

Leo took the gourd, turning it in his large paws to examine it closely. Zander leaned in with a grin, urging him on. “Come on, Leo! Take a big sip and see if it’s as amazing as Barto claims!”

With a reluctant sigh, Leo finally brought the gourd to his lips and took a hearty sip. The moment the liquid touched his tongue, his eyes fluttered closed. For a moment, everything around him faded away.

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself floating on soft, billowy clouds. The air was fragrant with the scent of fresh rain, and a soft glow enveloped him. It was as if the minor water gods themselves had blessed his senses, each drop of the mystical water awakening a profound sense of peace and delight.

Leo blinked, snapping back to reality. He looked down at the gourd in his hand, now truly understanding the magic Barto had discovered.

“Unbelievable,” Leo murmured, his voice filled with awe. “It’s like... tasting the heavens.”

“Me next! Me next!” Zander shouted eagerly as he snatched the gourd from Leo’s hands. In a burst of energy, he leaped thirty feet into the air, took a generous sip, and floated back down gracefully. His eyes lit up like stars against the night sky, a look of pure delight spreading across his face.

“Haha! It’s amazing, Barto!” Zander exclaimed.

Barto rubbed his hands together with a satisfied grin. “I’m glad you both enjoyed it. It took me quite some time to get my hands on it, but seeing your reactions makes it all worth it.” He then turned away, his voice dropping to a mutter, “Now, it’s time to show that ruler it’s real. Then I will sell to the people and make a fortune.”

As Barto walked off toward the palace, he waved over his shoulder with a cheerful grin. Zander and Leo waved back, watching him disappear into the distance.

Aster approached them with a curious smile. “I overheard you talking with Barto,” he said. “Judging by your reactions, that water must be something special.”

“Yeah, it really is,” Zander replied, taking another eager sip. “Tastes incredible.”

Not to be outdone, Leo grabbed the gourd and took another swig, savoring the magical taste.

Aster watched them with a thoughtful expression. “Mind if I try some? I’ve been dealing with a splitting headache all day... maybe that water could help.”

Without hesitation, Leo passed the gourd to him. Aster took a cautious sip, and in an instant, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. The throbbing pain in his head vanished, leaving him with a clear mind and a newfound sense of energy.

"My... headache, it's gone. I feel so much better," Aster said.

"Your headache is gone?" Zander replied, intrigued. "Maybe this water has some kind of healing properties."

"A water that heals, huh?" Leo mused. "Where did that water carrier find such a pond?"

Zander shook the gourd lightly, pondering. "Remember, Leo, when he mentioned the pond was mystical? Wherever that pond is, it might actually have the power to heal. It worked on Aster's headache, and when Leon was injured, he bounced back like he was never hurt."

Aster muttered, “Strange.”

Meanwhile, on the mountain known as Sand and Stone, Vayu knelt before a stone statue carved in the likeness of his fallen master, Jingzhi. Bowing his head, he whispered a prayer filled with both sorrow and resolve:

“O Master, forgive me for my weakness, for I have failed to slay the vile human Leon and avenge your death. I beg you, Master Jingzhi, hear my plea. Know that I will not let your sacrifice be in vain. Guide me to victory so that I may bring you peace in your eternal rest. O Master, grant me strength.”

Vayu's voice trembled as he repeated his prayer. Suddenly, a thunderous thud echoed across the mountainside, shaking the ground beneath Vayu's knees. He froze, sensing a powerful aura swelling behind him. With a sharp intake of breath, he turned to face the source.

“The Liege of Wishes... you’re here,” Vayu whispered, his voice tinged with both awe and trepidation.