When Dean Eleazar informed me that the Council had a crucial new mission for me, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of apprehension. After the crushing failure of our previous expedition against Xanatos, I wasn’t convinced I was up to the task.

And yet, there was a fire burning within me. I wanted—no, needed—to become stronger, more capable, so I could protect the people I cared about and honor the memory of Kenzo and Liam. Steeling myself, I straightened up, my gaze firm and unwavering, ready to face this new challenge.

"Yes, honored Council members. I am ready," I declared with determination.

Dean Eleazar gave a small approving nod, then raised his hand toward the center of the chamber.

Suddenly, a shimmering light appeared, growing and expanding until it formed an enormous three-dimensional map. My eyes widened in awe as the virtual representation of the Golden River kingdom unfolded before me.

"As you can see, our kingdom is just a small fragment of a much larger whole," Eleazar explained calmly.

With a wave of his hand, the map expanded, revealing three additional landmasses of similar size floating in a dark void.

"These four distinct realms make up our inner world. Each one holds its own version of reality, complete with unique inhabitants, history, and secrets," he continued.

I swallowed hard, stunned by the revelation. Our kingdom was merely one piece of a much greater world? And there were three other realms, each with its own reality?

"But… why have we never been told about these other realms?" I asked, my confusion evident.

Eleazar raised a hand in a gesture of reassurance. "This knowledge has always been kept secret to preserve the stability of our world. Only the highest-ranking leaders are privy to it."

He pointed to one of the neighboring landmasses. "That one, for instance, is the realm of Silverwind. And the one further north is Stonehaven."

My eyes widened further as the names he mentioned struck a chord. They matched the ones Xanatos had alluded to during our confrontation.

"So… Xanatos was telling the truth? There really are four distinct realms in this world?" I exclaimed, still struggling to process it all.

Eleazar nodded gravely. "Yes, it’s true. And each of these realms exists as its own unique reality, complete with its own people and history."

His expression darkened. "Unfortunately, it seems Xanatos has become aware of the existence of these four realms. He now poses a threat to the entire fabric of our world."

A chill ran down my spine. So this demon’s ambitions were far greater than I had imagined. If he set his sights on the other realms, the entire world would be at risk.

"What can we do to stop him?" I asked, my voice tight with unease.

Eleazar’s piercing gaze locked onto mine. "That is where you come in, young Griffith. The Council has decided to entrust you with a mission of utmost importance."

With another wave of his hand, the map zoomed in on an eastern region of the Golden River kingdom. A cluster of ruins appeared on the display.

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"According to our intelligence, there is an artifact capable of destroying any demon. This artifact, known as the Demon Vein, is said to be hidden in an old, abandoned castle in this remote area," he explained.

Leaning forward, I studied the map intently. "The Demon Vein? What kind of artifact is it?"

"It’s a relic of unimaginable power, forged by the ancients to counteract demonic threats," Eleazar said. "If we can obtain it, we may have a chance to defeat Xanatos once and for all."

His gaze bore into mine. "This is your mission, Griffith. You must venture to that castle and retrieve the Demon Vein. It’s our only hope of saving this world."

A mixture of apprehension and determination churned within me. After my last encounter with Xanatos, I knew I was no match for him. But this time, I had no choice.

"I understand, honored Council members. I will do my best to complete this mission," I affirmed, my heart pounding.

Eleazar nodded. "Good. But be warned, young man. The castle is likely riddled with traps and demonic creatures. You’ll need to exercise extreme caution."

"I won’t forget the lessons of my last confrontation," I replied with conviction. "I won’t make the same mistakes again."

A flicker of approval passed through Eleazar’s eyes. "Very well. Then prepare yourself and leave as soon as possible. May the blessings of the gods be with you, Griffith."

I bowed respectfully before turning to leave the Council chamber. As I made my way through the academy’s halls, my thoughts churned with everything I’d just learned.

Our kingdom was just one small piece of a vast world, composed of four distinct realms. And Xanatos seemed intent on threatening the very fabric of this interconnected reality.

The stakes were higher than I’d ever imagined. If I failed to retrieve the Demon Vein, our entire world could be plunged into chaos.

But beyond the mission, my mind kept returning to Kenzo and Liam. Their sacrifice couldn’t be in vain. I had to become stronger, more capable, so I’d never repeat the mistakes that led to their deaths.

When I reached the academy courtyard, I found Seraphina and Varon waiting anxiously for me.

"So, what did the Council say?" Seraphina asked, her voice laced with concern.

I took a deep breath and explained everything I’d learned. Their expressions shifted from shock to disbelief as I recounted the Council’s words.

"Four distinct realms? And an artifact that can defeat Xanatos?" Varon exclaimed, wide-eyed. "This is insane!"

Seraphina shook her head, her worry evident. "And they’ve sent you on another mission? Alone?"

I nodded solemnly. "Yes. They want me to retrieve the Demon Vein from an abandoned castle in the eastern region of the kingdom."

Varon frowned, his arms crossed. "This is madness! After what happened last time, you shouldn’t be going alone!"

I raised a hand to calm him. "I know, Varon. But the Council believes this is the best course of action. And I can’t afford to fail again."

Seraphina placed a comforting hand on my arm. "Griffith, we understand your desire to honor Kenzo and Liam’s memory. But you can’t throw your life away recklessly."

I gave her a faint smile. "Don’t worry. This time, I’ll be ready. I won’t make the same mistakes again."

Varon eyed me skeptically. "And how do you plan to prepare, genius? Xanatos completely outmatched you last time!"

I winced, knowing he was right. "I admit I wasn’t strong enough before. But I’ll train relentlessly. I have to become stronger, no matter what it takes."

Seraphina nodded reluctantly, though her worried expression didn’t fade. "Alright. But promise us you’ll be careful, okay?"

Placing my hand over hers, I smiled. "I promise."

With those words, I bid them farewell and headed to the academy stables. There, I quickly saddled a horse, preparing to embark on my journey to the eastern castle.

As I mounted the horse, I caught sight of Dean Eleazar watching me from the academy’s entrance. His expression was as stern as ever, but there was a faint glimmer of approval in his eyes.

Without a word, I turned my gaze eastward and spurred my horse forward. Determined, I rode toward the unknown, vowing to retrieve the Demon Vein and stop Xanatos once and for all.