Aeon was witnessing one of the most joyous sights in the world—something he had only ever seen after saving a world from destruction. He had traveled through fifty different worlds and saved each one of them. He remembered every face, every tear, every desperate plea, and every smile that came afterward. All those moments were etched deep into his heart.
And the scene before him now stirred those very memories.
Parents wept as they embraced their children, clutching them as if they might vanish again. Grandparents held their grandchildren as though they were treasures too fragile for the world. Old men who could barely walk rushed forward with wooden canes, stumbling yet refusing to stop until they reached their families. The tears of reunion, shining like jewels, could be seen even from afar.
Children who had been snatched away while playing outside the forest sobbed into the arms of their mothers. Parents who had cursed their helplessness now held their children close, trembling with relief. Around them, villagers who had stood by began crying too, unable to restrain their emotions at the sight.
The air itself seemed to tremble with joy. The forest, which had been still and silent only moments before, now pulsed with life. Birds called, leaves rustled, and it felt as though even nature was celebrating the return of the lost.
A small child broke away from the crowd and ran straight to Aeon. She grabbed his hand with her tiny fingers, tugging gently. Aeon lowered himself to one knee, meeting her eyes. The little girl leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek, her smile pure and radiant.
"Thank you for saving me," she whispered.
Aeon froze for a heartbeat. Then, almost unconsciously, he reached out and patted her head before pulling her into a gentle embrace. A single tear slipped down his cheek.
The cold, ruthless man who had slaughtered thousands without hesitation… the warrior who turned battlefields into graveyards with his own hands… even he shed a tear.
"The journey that began only to save Silvia," Aeon thought, "has ended with the smiles and happiness of these children and their families. I don't know what to say… I don't even know what to do. But if there is a god… then I thank him for making me capable enough to reach this moment. Now I have another reason to protect this world."
The girl noticed his tear and wiped it away with her tiny hand. "Don't cry," she said softly.
Aeon smiled faintly beneath his mask.
Before him now stood the people of the Elf Forest—families reunited, tears glistening, gratitude overflowing. And then, through the crowd, Faereluna, Calenthia, and six other high elf elders appeared, rushing toward the gates after hearing the news of Aeon's return.
Their gazes met his. Aeon simply raised a hand in an awkward, casual gesture, as if unsure how to handle their stares.
Then, to the astonishment of everyone, Calenthia broke into a run. She leapt at Aeon, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. Gasps spread through the elves; some even covered the eyes of their children.
"What are you doing, Calenthia? Don't act like a child," Aeon said flatly. Pushing her away.
"Who's acting like a kid?" Calenthia retorted, clinging to him. "I'm just happy to see you again! You don't know how long I've missed you!"
"Get off of me, we can talk normally," Aeon said, his voice a mix of exasperation and amusement.
Faereluna stepped forward, her voice calm but warm. "Mister Aeon, it is a joy to see you again. I hope the task I entrusted you with was not too burdensome."
"Well," Aeon replied, his tone dry, "after a long time, someone managed to make me work this hard—and actually use my brain."
"I am glad to hear that," Faereluna said, her eyes softening. "And on behalf of every soul in this forest, I thank you for bringing our loved ones back to us."
All around her, the villagers bowed deeply to Aeon.
"The list I gave you contained only one hundred names," Faereluna continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "One hundred people who went missing over the last five years. But do you know how many you brought back, Mister Aeon?"
Aeon tilted his head slightly.
"Three thousand," she said, her lips trembling as a tear slipped free. "Three thousand of our kin… returned to us."
The forest fell into stunned silence.
Faereluna's voice grew heavier with the weight of history. "A hundred years ago, during the war between the kingdom, the empire, and our people, we thought so many of our kind had been slaughtered. We mourned them as the dead. But they were not dead… they were sold. Sold as slaves to nobles in both the empire and the kingdoms. Even Calenthia was one of them." She cast a sorrowful glance at the elf clinging to Aeon's arm.
"And yet, because of you, Mister Aeon… today we are reunited with family and friends we thought lost forever. For this, please accept our humble gratitude."
The villagers bowed again, their voices trembling as they whispered his name like a prayer.
Aeon gazed at them all, smiling faintly beneath his mask. For all his cold words, for all his ruthlessness, he was quietly glad—glad that he had been able to return what had been stolen from them.
"It's not as if I did it for free," Aeon said, his tone steady but not unkind. "I'm taking something from you as well. So don't bow your heads. And a queen shouldn't bow to a commoner."
But Faereluna shook her head firmly. "No, our hero. You are no mere man. You are the one who restored our broken families… the one who mended this forest. So let it be declared."
She raised her voice, letting it echo through the trees.
"I, Faereluna, Queen of the Elf Forest, announce that from this day forward, Mister Aeon is our lifelong friend. Should he ever need us, the gates of the forest will always be open. Our lives, our hearts, and our blades will answer his call."
The elves erupted in a unified cheer, voices trembling with tears and gratitude.
And beneath his mask, Aeon—cold, ruthless Aeon—allowed himself the smallest of smiles.
Aeon graciously accepted the elves' trust, support, and friendship. The six High Elf Elders stepped forward, their faces no longer filled with suspicion but with deep respect.
"I'm sorry for not believing you, human," Thrandil said, bowing his head slightly.
"Because of my past experiences with humankind, I couldn't trust you. However, you proved me wrong and brought back my grandchild. Please accept this old man's sincere apology."
"You don't need to apologize," Aeon replied gently. "If I were in your place, I would have done the same."
"You're indeed modest," Thrandil said, his face softening. "If you ever need my help, feel free to ask."
Next came a towering elf with sharp eyes, broad shoulders, and a massive bow slung across his back. His presence was overwhelming, a warrior honed by centuries. It was Daniek—the Grand Archer of the Elf Forest, and Calenthia's father.
"Human boy," Daniek said, his deep voice steady but trembling with emotion. "I heard from my daughter that you saved her. I cannot express the depth of my gratitude. You did not just bring my daughter back—you returned life itself to my wife and me. For us, Calenthia is everything. You cannot imagine how long I searched, how powerless I felt when I failed."
He placed a hand on Aeon's shoulder, his gaze unwavering. His words thundered through the forest:
"Aeon! I, Daniek, Grand Archer of the Elf Forest, swear upon my name: should you ever command me to fight the entire Empire, I would do so without hesitation. From this day forward—your enemy is my enemy!"
Every elf in the forest began to cheer and clap, chanting Aeon's name, their voices echoing through the trees.
"Aeon! Aeon! Aeon! Aeon!"
The chant rolled like a wave, shaking the air. Children clapped, elders raised their voices, and the once quiet woods now roared with celebration.
"Please stop this," Aeon said, a blush creeping up his neck. "I didn't do anything for free, so please don't praise me." He looked at Faereluna. "Should we complete our unfinished business?"
"Certainly, this way, Mister Aeon," Faereluna said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
– – –
Both of them returned to the Queen's palace. In the daylight, the palace, which had appeared so dark before, now shone like a magnificent crystal. They entered Faereluna's chamber.
"Please sit, Mister Aeon," Faereluna said, gesturing to a sofa.
Aeon quietly took a seat. Faereluna went to her wardrobe and retrieved a golden-silver box, which she handed to him. Aeon took the box, his gaze fixed on it. Faereluna gestured for him to open it. Aeon held his breath and slowly lifted the lid.
Inside were two small, glowing bottles of potion. Aeon's hands trembled as he picked one up.
Name: Tears of Life
Grade: Divine Rank
Description: The healing potion blessed by the Tree of Life, 'Yggdrasil.' Capable of restoring the dead, reconstructing the body, granting longevity, and purging all curses.
Aeon let out a long, shaky breath. The thing for which he had gone to war with two great merchant groups, the one thing that could save Silvia, was finally in his hands.
He looked at Faereluna. "Thank you, Faereluna."
"No need to thank me," Faereluna said, her voice soft. "As I said before, you earned it. The Tree of Life blessed it because your devotion to protecting your loved ones is greater than anything. That's why you have the right to take it."
"But why are there two potions?" Aeon asked, surprised. "We only agreed to one."
"The Tree of Life gave you two potions," Faereluna said teasingly. "It wasn't my decision. Perhaps you have two loved ones in your heart."
Aeon felt a blush creep onto his face as two faces came to his mind: Silvia and Sara. Two girls who could make him do anything they wanted, and the only two girls he could never say no to. He snapped out of his thoughts, taking the box with him as he stood.
"Thank you for your help, Faereluna," Aeon said.
"I also thank you," she replied.
They left the chamber and found Calenthia waiting for them in the hall. "Is your business done? I was waiting for you," Calenthia said, her face eager.
"Yeah," Aeon replied.
"Are you leaving? Can't you stay with me for a while? I have so many things to talk to you about," Calenthia said, grabbing Aeon's hand.
"I'm sorry, Calenthia, but I need to go. Someone is waiting for me," Aeon said gently.
A sad expression crossed Calenthia's face. "Will we meet again?"
Aeon looked at her childishly sad expression. "If life allows it, then I promise we'll meet again," he said.
Calenthia's face brightened. She hugged him tightly. "Then I have one selfish wish."
"What?" he asked.
"Show me your face. We don't know when we'll meet again, so at least you can show me your face before you leave, so I can take a look at you properly." Calenthia said.
"Calenthia, you shouldn't pressure him into revealing his identity," Faereluna chided.
Then Aeon took off his mask, revealing his disguised face. Both Faereluna and Calenthia were mesmerized. His black hair, dark as night, and his dark violet eyes, like two dark gemstones of a beast, along with his milk-white skin, made him the very definition of a perfect man. Not even the most handsome elf could hold a candle to him. Both women froze, utterly captivated.
Aeon took a step closer to Calenthia. "Are you happy now?"
Neither of them replied. They just stared.
So Aeon gently pinched the cheeks of both of them at once. "Now can you two hear me?"
"Ouch, ouch, ouch!" they both screamed.
"Ahhh, it hurts, Aeon!" Calenthia whined. "You should be gentle with a lady!"
"Yeah, Aeon," Faereluna added. "Women have smoother skin than men."
"You both weren't replying, so I had no choice," Aeon said with a sigh. "Now that you're happy, I'll take my leave."
"Wait, wait, wait!" Calenthia said. "Before you go, answer me correctly."
"What now?" Aeon asked. Annoyed.
"Are you married, or do you have a fiancée?" Calenthia asked, her eyes full of hope.
"What?! What's gotten into you?!" Aeon exclaimed, shocked.
"Yes, Calenthia, you shouldn't ask a question like that to our savior," Faereluna said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "As the Queen of the elves, I should be the one to propose to him."
"Huh?" Aeon and Calenthia said in unison, completely taken aback.
"Mister Aeon, you don't mind having an older wife, do you? Tell me, am I beautiful? Am I good enough for you? What type of women do you like? What are your preferences? Do you love boys or girls?" Faereluna continued, her questions tumbling out.
"Faereluna, what are you saying?!" Calenthia shouted. "You're the Queen, so behave like one!"
"As a queen, I also need to get married and continue the high elf bloodline! Can't I love someone?" Faereluna shouted back.
The two of them began to argue, a playful but fierce catfight erupting. Aeon, seeing his chance, quickly put his mask back on.
"I'm leaving, you two!" he said.
He opened the palace gates, only to find the entire village gathered outside, waiting to say goodbye to him. Behind him, Faereluna and Calenthia came running, their argument forgotten.
Aeon's gaze swept over the crowd, but his eyes focused on a single girl standing in the front. She had beautiful white, snowy hair and striking silver eyes with an 'X' mark between them. Aeon recognized her face.
She was Ilveriel, the Starry Queen. A high elf and one of the future Nine Circles Mages alongside Silvia and Itzayana. She would eventually be known as the Empress of Nature.
Their eyes met, and a spark ignited in hers.
"There's still time left before our meeting," Aeon thought. "Wait for me, Ilveriel."
Suddenly, the people began to shout their praises.
"Please come back again, Mister Aeon!"
"We'll be waiting for you!"
"Thank you for saving us!"
"We'll miss you, Sir Aeon!"
"Don't forget about us! We'll be waiting for you!"
Calenthia and Faereluna grabbed his hands. "You haven't even left yet, and people are already missing you," Calenthia said. "You surely have a charm to attract people, just like you attracted me."
"Calenthia, behave! We're in front of people right now," Faereluna said, swatting her hand.
"I hope we meet again, Aeon," Faereluna said, her voice suddenly affectionate. "Always remember there's a woman who's waiting for you."
"Now who's not behaving?" Calenthia teased.
"I'm just saying my goodbyes," Faereluna replied.
"Aeon, don't forget about me and come back to meet me," Calenthia said, and kissed his cheek.
Everyone's eyes were on them. Faereluna was trying to pull Calenthia away, but she just laughed.
Calenthia finally released him. Aeon looked at everyone one last time. "I thank you all for your hospitality. I hope to meet you again someday," he said.
And with that, he disappeared into the shadows.
– – –
Aeon emerged from the shimmering entrance to the elf forest, sealing the gates behind him before walking out onto the snow-filled path. A rare, genuine joy radiated from him, so potent it could be seen from afar. He pulled off his mask, letting his hair and eyes shift back to their original silver, green, and blue hues. He was Kayle again.
After a while, he reached Quebiton city. Life had returned to its bustling rhythm. Citizens were shopping for supplies, collecting firewood against the cold, while children laughed, engaged in a snowball fight. Joy filled the air. The past few weeks had been chaotic for the Atheliya Empire, with the Roxidon clan spearheading the capture of corrupt nobles and human traffickers. For a time, teleportation gates were sealed and a city-wide curfew was in effect, but now, peace had been restored.
Kayle stopped at a fruit stall, admiring the vibrant colors.
"Come, gentleman, fresh juicy berries!" the stall owner called out. "You won't find better than these in the entire market!"
A few women who were browsing nearby paused, their attention captured entirely by Kayle.
"Oh my," one whispered. "Is he real?"
"He's too handsome. He must be a noble," said another.
"Is he from the Roxidon clan? I've never seen him in the city before."
"Wait... doesn't he match the description of the man the Roxidon clan has been searching for?"
Kayle, pretending not to hear their whispers, smiled at the owner. "I'll have some berries, please."
"Right away, gentleman!"
After storing the fruit in his spatial ring, Kayle made his way to the teleportation gate at the center of the city. A long line of citizens had already formed, and he patiently took his place. Before long, two knights wearing the Roxidon crest approached him directly.
"Are you, by any chance, a man named Kayle?" one asked.
"I am," Kayle replied. "How can I help you, Sir Knights?"
"Sir Kayle, please come with us. The Clan Head has been searching for you for some time."
"I don't understand," Kayle said, feigning confusion.
"Please, follow us. We can explain on the way."
As they walked, the knights explained that the Clan Head had ordered every knight and city official to be on the lookout for him. Kayle quickly understood that his sudden disappearance had prompted his guardian, Sir Harrison, to request help from the powerful clan.
Soon, he stood before the gigantic gates of one of the five great clans of the Atheliya Empire: The Roxidon Clan. The Roxidon name carried with it a certain dignity, and the castle was its embodiment, easily twice the size of Sir Harrison's mansion. Engraved on the gates was the symbol of an alembic, representing the clan's mastery of alchemy.
The gates swung open, and Kayle entered the grand hall. It was a magnificent sight. Precious marble from Alofis tiled the floor, grand paintings of clan ancestors hung on the high white walls, and a line of maids stood ready to welcome him. However, the person who caught Kayle's attention stood at the center of it all: Jennica Roxidon. He recognized her instantly from the Grand Researcher Symposium two years ago.
"Welcome, Kayle," she said with a formal but warm smile. "I am Jennica Roxidon, the younger daughter of the Clan Head. It is an honor to welcome you."
"Thank you, Miss Jennica," Kayle replied with a polite bow. "I am Kayle, from Venessa Academy."
She stepped closer, her hands clasped behind her back. "I know who you are, Kayle. The question is, do you remember me?"
Kayle took a small step back. "Yes, of course. We met two years ago at the Grand Researcher Symposium in Boris."
"Oh, you remember me! I'd have been so sad if you didn't," she said, her formal composure melting away into breathless excitement. "You know, you never even said goodbye before leaving Boris? I wanted to talk to you so badly, but we never got the chance. I wanted to ask about your research, but you just vanished! Everyone was talking about you, even my professors were looking for you! We could have had such a deep conversation... Oh, but where are my manners? You must be hungry. Maids, prepare the dining table! And a room for Kayle to bathe. Ah, forget it, you can just use my room! Everyone, go and prepare a change of clothes for him, it's his first time here, go, go!"
The maids stared, surprised to see the usually calm and composed Jennica talking so much and so quickly. Kayle himself was taken aback by the sudden storm of hospitality.
"It's alright, Miss Jennica, you don't need to do all that," he said, trying to gently interrupt. "I'm sorry, but I'm in a great hurry. My friends are waiting for me. I must return to Sir Maklice's territory immediately."
"What? It's your first time visiting my home! How can I let you leave so soon?" she insisted, her expression falling.
"Next time, I promise. But I really must go now. Please, try to understand."
"Don't force him, Jennica. He has his reasons."
The commanding voice came from the top of the grand staircase. Standing there was a man of average build but whose presence radiated an immense aura. The maids all bowed deeply. It was David Roxidon, the greatest alchemist of the era, head of the Roxidon clan, and Jennica's father.
Kayle bowed his head respectfully. "I greet the Clan Head."
David descended the stairs, his sharp eyes observing Kayle intently. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Kayle. I am David Roxidon. I've heard a great deal about you from Jennica. It's good to finally put a face to the name that is so often on my precious daughter's lips."
"Father! You're embarrassing me," Jennica said, her cheeks flushing red.
"Hahaha, look, she's even shy in front of you," David chuckled.
"I am not worthy of such praise, my lord," Kayle said humbly. "I am just a commoner from the countryside."
"A commoner from the countryside who has changed the very history of magic," David countered. "Will you still call yourself a simple boy?"
"It was all thanks to the help of my professors and friends. I did very little on my own."
"Hah, you truly are modest. Now I see why my daughter is so taken with you," David said, his smile genuine. "Not a single grain of arrogance, despite all you've achieved at such a young age. I like you, Kayle."
"You flatter me, sir. My lord, with all due respect, I must return to my friends. They have been waiting for me for a long time. If you would permit me to leave..."
"Yes, I know," David said, his expression turning serious. "Harrison contacted me a few days ago. They are all very worried. You should return to them."
"Thank you, sir."
"However," David said, pausing. "Before you leave, I would like to ask you something."
"What is it, sir?"
"Harrison told me you left on a desperate quest to find a way to save your dying friend, Silvia. Tell me, did you find a cure for her?"
Kayle met David's gaze and understood immediately. This was not idle curiosity; this was the greatest alchemist of the era seeking knowledge that might surpass his own.
"Yes," Kayle said, his voice ringing with confidence. "I found it. The way to save Silvia."
"Oh? And what, pray tell, was it?" David asked, leaning forward slightly.
"My lord, are you familiar with the forgotten gods of history?" Kayle began. "Long ago, people worshipped many deities. But as time passed, their faith shifted to new gods—the Goddess of Light, the God of the Sky, the God of Steel, the God of Ocean. The old gods began to lose their followers, and after the great war against the Black Dragon Shakan, they faded from history entirely."
He began to unbutton his coat. "But they did not vanish. They lost their power and became beings of dream, meeting mortals but never revealing their true nature. I sought the help of one of these forgotten gods... and he asked for something in return."
Kayle shrugged off his coat, then his shirt.
The hall fell into a stunned silence. The maids gasped. Jennica's eyes widened in horror. David was speechless. Kayle's torso, front and back, was a ruin of overlapping claw marks—deep, vicious wounds that spoke of a battle with a monstrous beast.
"And I accepted his terms," Kayle declared.
"Kayle! What are those wounds?" Jennica cried, rushing forward. "What monster did this to you? Somebody, get healing potions! Call a healer, now!"
"I'm alright, Jennica. I must leave," Kayle said, his voice firm.
"Are you out of your mind? Look at you! Your flesh is torn apart!"
Kayle ignored her panicked pleas and walked directly to David, pulling a small, glowing small bottle from his storage ring. "This is how I found the cure for Silvia."
The small bottle radiated a soft golden light, so pure and potent it seemed to thrum with life. David's eyes, the eyes of a master alchemist, widened in disbelief.
"Is this... some kind of divine potion?" he breathed.
"Yes," Kayle said. "And I traded my life for it. Now, may I go?"
David Roxidon, the greatest alchemist of the era, was speechless. He had hoped for a new formula, a secret ingredient, a revolutionary theory. Instead, he was faced with a story of mythic sacrifice he could not possibly question. He let out a slow, heavy sigh—a sound of profound defeat.
"One last question," David said quietly. "How did you know of such a method?"
"The library at Venessa Academy is a legend in its own right," Kayle replied, putting his clothes back on. "You can find the answer to any question, if you know where to look."
As he turned to leave, David called out. "Stop, Kayle." He looked genuinely ashamed. "I know you are angry with me. I should not have pried and forced you to reveal such painful wounds. It was my professional curiosity overriding my compassion. Please, not for my sake, but for my daughter's... let us heal you. Take these. Heroic-grade healing potions." He offered a box filled with high-quality vials.
Kayle looked at the potions, then at David's face. "You don't need to apologize, my lord. You were curious. And I cannot be mad at a man who is giving me free healing potions."
He took the box with a small smile. Jennica rushed to his side and grabbed his hand.
"I hope you return safely," she said, her eyes shining. "And next time, you have to stay with me, alright? I won't take no for an answer."
"I promise," Kayle said softly.
Jennica smiled and, in a moment of bravery, gave him a quick, tight hug. "Now go. They're waiting for you."
With a final nod to the Roxidons, Kayle left the castle. The clan knights escorted him to the teleportation gate, using a VIP pass to send him on his way without delay.
Moments later, he stepped out into the familiar, snow-covered lands of Sir Maklice's territory. He ran, a glimmer of pure happiness on his face, leaving the politics of the great clans behind for the friends who were waiting for him.