Everyone finally learned the complete truth about Azharoth.
After hearing everything, silence filled the air. No one knew what they were supposed to do next.
At that moment, Rudhran spoke firmly.
"We are not going to the Celestial Empire."
The others stared at him in shock.
"What do you mean?" one of them asked. "We escaped from the Shadows only to fall into the hands of the Celestial Gods?"
Rudhran shook his head.
"If we go there now, that is exactly what will happen. The Celestials are no different from the Shadows. For now, we will not step into the Celestial Empire. This is my decision, and I will not change it."
Parthibhan and Paarivendhan exchanged uneasy glances before Parthibhan finally asked,
"Then where are we supposed to keep everyone safe?"
Rudhran looked toward the dark forest ahead.
"I already have a plan. First, we will move everyone to a secure place. Only after that will we return here. I still need answers from the Sage. Until I learn the complete history of the Shadows, I cannot decide our next move."
Without wasting another moment, Rudhran led everyone through a hidden forest path.
Only then did they realize where he was taking them.
It was a small city called Hawra, located somewhere along the southern edge of the forest. From the way the people welcomed Rudhran, it was obvious he had helped them long ago. Because of that, the people of Hawra willingly opened their homes to the group and treated them warmly.
Rudhran decided to leave everyone there safely.
But before leaving, something caught his attention.
Near the edge of the city stood an ancient well.
The moment Rudhran saw it, he felt something strange. It did not look like an ordinary well. A mysterious aura surrounded it, pulling his gaze toward the darkness inside.
Just as he stepped closer to inspect it, Parthibhan called out urgently.
"Rudhran! Where are you going? We must reach the Sage's cave before sunrise. Once night falls, finding the cave inside this forest will become impossible. We need to move quickly."
Rudhran silently stepped away from the well after hearing those words.
Soon, the group continued their journey toward the cave.
However, while traveling through the forest, Paarivendhan suddenly raised his hand.
"Hide!"
Without another word, he pushed everyone toward the hollow trunk of a massive tree. Confused and frightened, they quickly hid inside one after another.
No one understood what was happening.
Paarivendhan lowered his voice.
"Stay silent. The Shadow Beasts' spy birds are searching the skies. If their eyes find us, we are finished. Moving now will only lead us to death."
Everyone remained completely still.
For a while, the forest became eerily quiet.
When the sounds of the birds finally disappeared, the group carefully stepped out and resumed their journey.
But suddenly—
The screech of those creatures echoed through the forest once again.
Everyone immediately scattered and hid wherever they could.
After narrowly escaping several dangers and countless struggles, they finally reached the cave.
Inside, they met the Sage once more.
This time, the Sage revealed the hidden truths of the Shadows.
"There are many Shadow Lords," the Sage said slowly. "Azharoth was not the only ruler. Many others ruled before him. They did not die… at least, that is what the legends say. It is believed they were sealed somewhere beyond this world. Even I do not know whether that is truly real."
The fire beside him flickered violently as he continued.
"The one currently ruling the Shadows is called Nightraze. He is the true king of the Shadows now. More than anything else, he seeks the ancient sword."
The Sage's eyes darkened.
"If that sword falls into his hands… this entire world will kneel before him."
Everyone fell silent.
Then the Sage revealed another terrifying truth.
"The last king of the Celestial Empire… Astrael… is also waiting. He wishes to erase the Shadow race completely. To him, the destruction of the Shadows is more important than anything else."
Rudhran clenched his fists.
"Then tell us, Sage… what path is left for us?"
The old man closed his eyes for a moment before answering.
"There is only one place where neither the Shadows nor the Celestials can touch you."
Everyone listened carefully.
"You must find a hidden city."
"A hidden city?" Parthibhan asked.
The Sage nodded slowly.
"Its name is Velmora Veil."
The cave suddenly became silent.
"Neither the Shadows nor the Celestials know of its existence. It is not an ordinary city… it is a forgotten world hidden outside the flow of time itself. No map can reveal its location. Most people do not even know such a place exists."
His voice became heavier with every word.
"Even the Gods cannot enter it. Shadow powers become useless there… and even Celestial light fades away."
The group stared at him in disbelief.
"The city is filled with mysteries. Rivers flow in reverse. Shadows do not move on the ground—they drift across the sky. The buildings themselves breathe as though alive. The people there do not speak with words… they communicate through memories."
A chill spread through the cave.
"The sky of Velmora Veil is divided in two—one half shines with a white aurora, while the other remains in endless darkness. Yet neither side ever touches the other."
The Sage slowly looked at Rudhran.
"There are countless secrets hidden within that city. But first, you must find it. If you can enter Velmora Veil, escaping from the Shadows will become possible."
He paused briefly.
"But no one has ever found it."
"And even if someone does… entering the city itself is said to be impossible."
The others fell into deep silence after hearing those words.
But Rudhran simply stepped forward.
"I will make the impossible happen," he said confidently.