"The Hero's Guide—this book in your hands is your path to saving Nivar. It contains the section on your weapon, which will symbolize your strength, how to train with it, and how to master it. It also includes the basic enchantments you can use on your journey."
Aether paused for a moment before looking at Emily and asking:
"Who is supposed to be the Hero of Nivar?"
"Emily glanced at Scar, then back at Aether with a "Seriously!?" look before speaking in an exasperated tone"
"Ugh, even though you're smart, sometimes you amaze me with how clueless you can be! You are the Hero of Nivar, you idiot!"
"But isn't he the hero?"
"Oh—...that's a good point, to be honest."
Scar remained silent, watching them until they finished speaking. Then he said:
"To understand what's happening, you need to know what occurred after I fled to the forest. Here's what happened:
Years after my escape, the Shadow began spreading chaos wherever it pleased, with a power that made me seem like an insect in comparison. Yet, I realized I had to try and confront it. I trained until I became its equal.
We clashed countless times, and each battle ended in a stalemate, with both of us retreating because neither could deliver a decisive blow. What I didn't realize until recently is that the prophecy has now been fulfilled for the second time. As you can see, Nivar was destroyed twice—once before I became strong, and again as a result of our battles. This is what brought you here. So—"
Emily suddenly understood something:
"Do you mean that for the first time, there are two Heroes of Nivar in the same timeline?"
Scar smiled and nodded in agreement. On the other side, Aether had been silently observing. When everyone fell quiet, he spoke:
"I understand what's happening."
"Huh?... What do you mean by 'I understand what's happening'? Did you come up with a solution?"
"Scar replied, surprised by Aether's calm response"
"According to what you said, the first time Nivar was destroyed wasn't because you were weak. What happened was that all the people of Nivar were guilty of what occurred. The Shadow emerged from the anger that consumed you, creating what is called the 'Shadow.' The second time was my summoning, and since I am essentially a copy of you, the hero is still one in the eyes of the prophecy. The only difference is that there are now two bodies for one hero—assuming I am your copy from a different world."
"Scar stared at Aether, his eyes widening in shock, before saying"
"Wait... that—that might be true! Perhaps the Hero of Nivar is still one person, just in two bodies."
Emily looked at them, a smirk tugging at her lips, and said in a teasing, sarcastic tone:
"You two really are identical—chatty, philosophical overthinkers."
"Scar and Aether both looked at Emily. They smiled before Aether spoke"
"Alright, jokes aside—we have a lot of time here, and... I'm feeling hungry. So, do you have anything to eat, mate?"
Scar smiled and nodded in response:
"Well, I suppose this calls for a trip to Crimson River Crossing. There's plenty of food there."
"Aether and Emily were puzzled by the name. Emily asked"
"Crimson River Crossing? What kind of place is that? Is it a restaurant or a fast-food joint?"
Scar tilted his head, confused by her words. Aether laughed and explained
"I don't think they know those dishes here, Emily. Remember, we're not in our world anymore."
"But I want a burger!"
"Emily said in a stubborn, childlike voice, making Aether collapse onto the bed laughing. Scar stood between them, looking utterly bewildered. Once Aether regained his composure, he turned to Scar and asked"
"Could you tell us more about this place you mentioned?"
"Of course! Crimson River Crossing is a market where vendors gather to sell their produce and goods. It used to be bustling with people when life was peaceful. But now, due to monopolies and insecurity, fewer farmers are willing to sell their crops openly. Still, some people go out of necessity, and we might find something useful there."
"Isn't there something faster? This woman might eat us if she gets too hungry!"
"Aether pointed at Emily before darting out of the cabin. Emily chased after him, annoyed by his remark, while Scar remained behind, watching them behave like children despite the profound conversation they'd just had"
"After a moment, Scar heard Emily's scream and instantly teleported to them, startling everyone with his sudden appearance. When he looked around, he saw Aether, Emily, and another person—a girl wearing a royal dress. Scar was taken aback by her appearance and asked"
"Who are you? And why are you in Griffin Forest? From your looks, you seem to be from the royal court."
The girl replied in a hoarse, exhausted voice, her face marked by fatigue and fear
"I... I am Claire, the middle princess of the Eastern Kingdom. But... who are you? And who is this girl? Why does she look so much like me?"
"She pointed at Emily, who was still blinking repeatedly as if trying to convince herself she wasn't dreaming—seeing herself in a royal gown in the middle of a forest. As she struggled to process the situation, Aether teased"
"Earth to Emily~ Can you hear me? Earth to Emily~ Come in, Emily!"
To be continued...