I waited on the platform outside the concealed training space for the sword master, and in the meantime, I studied the shale structure of the exterior disguise in detail. I still couldn't find any gaps--it was an amazing design. Suddenly, I had an idea.

Feeling a bit guilty, I checked the staircase to make sure the sword master wasn't nearby. After confirming the coast was clear, I returned to the hidden door and cleared my throat.

"Qana Snow." I tried my best to mimic his impatient tone, confident that I had nailed it.

The shale structure didn't react at all.

Well, I didn't really expect it to work.

A while later, Qana appeared, carrying a large black backpack in his hand. I noticed he also had another one slung over his back.

I could think of a few possibilities for the equipment he was carrying, and none of them were particularly optimistic.

He unlocked the entrance without offering any explanation and stepped into the room. I quickly followed, and the sliding door almost caught my tail.

"This is for the second-worst and third-worst scenarios," Qana said, placing the backpack in the corner.

I appreciated that the sword master never sugarcoated harsh realities.

"I'm not sure how much time we have left; the procedures vary with each round. But if, for some reason, I..." He glanced at me. "...don't make it, tear down the door and take everything. Inside, you'll find everything you might need." Qana pressed against the wall, revealing a sword rack. "In that case, I'll ensure they won't notice you for a while."

Although I had just said I liked the way he didn't sugarcoat things, being handed instructions as if they were final words left me a bit overwhelmed. All I could do was nod reflexively.

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"Now, for the worst-case scenario," Qana said, tossing me a hand-and-a-half sword. I caught it by the blade, still sheathed. "I'll teach you how truly powerful psychics fight."

He drew Winter Chill, and the broadsword sent a shockwave through the air, causing the entire room to vibrate. Qana expanded his consciousness, and I noticed twelve silver metal orbs slowly orbiting around him at chest height, following a fixed trajectory. The master's deep blue eyes had turned completely red.

Qana waved his hand casually, and I sensed several objects entering my consciousness domain. I caught them, letting them hover in front of me. They were twelve adamantine spheres. I mimicked Qana's technique, setting the spheres to orbit around my chest. After completing the setup, I looked up and met the sword master's eyes.

"Stance, Snow," he said in an authoritative tone. But I swear I caught a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

I had so many questions! Don't you think you should explain some things to me? I also have so much I want to say to you! Why start with final instructions as if you're about to die? Do you really think I'm ready to face this mess without knowing anything?

No... He doesn't think I'm ready.

I stared into Qana's blood-red eyes, searching deeper.

He doesn't think I'm ready, so he's using the remaining time to prepare me as much as possible.

To prepare me... for surviving in the event of his "absence."

I had never considered the possibility that the towering sword master could fall in any reality. Qana was supposed to be unyielding and indomitable, nothing could stand in his way, let alone... kill him. But my rational side knew that was impossible. Qana had once said there were nine Alpha-level psychics, and he was the weakest.

What is this all for? What's so important? I'm still in the dark!

My past was full of vivid yet broken memories, mostly shrouded in mist because the Senate forbade any mention of the exiled wolf. Of course, I had no peer interaction to create any cherished memories. And now, the future, which once seemed to hold a glimmer of hope, was also obscured by chaotic uncertainty.

I was utterly trapped, stuck in this bewildering present, where all realities were poised to diverge.

I didn't know what Qana had packed in the bag for me, nor what awaited at the end of the path he had chosen for me.

I didn't know what the Nyxes remembered about me, what Aether planned to do, or how it would affect me.

I knew nothing. Only fog lay ahead, and my eyes were blindfolded. All I could do was charge forward into whatever might come or stay put and wait for something to catch up to me.

"Stance, Snow," Qana repeated, and the brightness of Lancelnopt Synchrotron Radiation intensified.

I swallowed all my doubts and questions, raising the hand-and-a-half sword at my side, assuming the stance.

It was a look of determination.

How could I let Qana down?

I guess trust means relinquishing control, choosing to accept the risk and rely on someone else even when the outcome is uncertain.

So, I raised my muzzle, straightened my back, and took that step, moving forward into the complete unknown.