The dawn painted the sky in soft hues of pink and gold as Kael sat on the fresh grass in the garden. His small fra remained still, but his mind worked intensely. An open book of magic rested in his hands, its pages detailing the fundantals of mana manipulation. He moved his fingers gently through the air, attempting to influence the currents of wind around him. Small breezes responded to his command, though his inexperience made the results inconsistent. Even so, he persisted, his focused expression contrasting with his youthful, almost infant-like appearance.
Beside him, Sylphie remained in a deep slumber. Despite Elion's powerful healing, she had not awakened since the incident. The extre ntal strain and excessive mana usage had taken a heavy toll. Elion had explained that Sylphie had suffered sothing akin to magical burnout, her body and mind utterly exhausted from pushing past their limits. Unable to be moved, she now rested in the garden, absorbing the energy around her like a flower blooming in the sunlight. Kael occasionally cast worried glances her way, his youthful face betraying a mix of concern and guilt. He knew the ordeal had been traumatic, and the lingering sense of helplessness weighed heavily on him.
As he tried to refocus on his studies, a soft sound broke the silence—a faint groan. Kael quickly turned to Sylphie, whose body began to shift slightly. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing an unusual golden glow. Kael let out a relieved sigh, but the relief was short-lived, replaced by a strange unease.
Sothing wasn't right.
There was a different presence emanating from her.
"You're awake," he said softly, trying to contain his excitent. But as Sylphie opened her mouth to respond, he realized the voice that erged wasn't hers.
"Young one…" said the voice, deep and echoing, as if a thousand whispers spoke at once. "I have watched you since the mont you stepped into this world."
Kael froze, his eyes wide as he stared at Sylphie. This wasn't her. The aura surrounding her was different, commanding, like an ancient force he could barely comprehend.
[The World Tree, Yggdrasil, is watching you.]
"You… you're the World Tree?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise but also reverence.
"Yes. And it is through this young one that I speak, for she is my heir. Her connection to runs deeper than you can fathom," the voice replied.
Kael swallowed hard, trying to steady his thoughts. He had read legends of the World Tree, the entity that sustained life and magic across the continent. Never did he imagine he would one day speak to it directly.
"Why are you speaking to ?" he asked, maintaining as much composure as he could.
The Tree, through Sylphie, smiled faintly. It was a serene smile, yet one laden with an incomprehensible wisdom.
"Because you changed the course of this world. Your act of bravery and sacrifice in saving this young girl was a significant event. You demonstrated sothing that few possess: the ability to defy destiny," she said. Kael didn't fully understand what she ant—how could simply hugging a girl and calming her have saved the world?
"But I didn't do anything grand. I… I just didn't want her to get hurt, so I held her tightly," he murmured.
"And that, young one, is what makes your gesture all the more powerful. You acted not for glory, but out of compassion. That is the essence many who seek power lack," she responded, her voice lodic.
Kael felt a warmth in his chest at the World Tree's words. But he also knew his actions hadn't been free of mistakes. He had almost lost Sylphie that day.
"She's important, isn't she? How can I help her?" Kael asked. Though he wouldn't admit it, he had grown fond of the young elf.
"Continue to grow, young one. Use your body wisely. Your fate is intertwined with Sylphie's and mine."
Kael furrowed his brow. "Intertwined? What do you an?"
"You will understand in due ti. For now, know that your existence is a turning point for this world. But be cautious. With great power cos great enemies," she said, her voice slow and deliberate. "I will leave sothing with you. Please, survive."
Kael nodded slowly, absorbing the World Tree's words. He knew there was much more to learn, but for the first ti since his reincarnation, he felt he wasn't alone.
The aura surrounding Sylphie began to fade, and her expression returned to normal. She blinked a few tis, looking confused and exhausted.
[You have received a Mana Core Blessed by the World Tree.]
"Kael?" she murmured, her voice weak but familiar.
"Welco back, Sylphie," Kael said with a relieved smile.
"I… what happened?" she asked, frowning and touching her head.
Kael shook his head gently.
"You collapsed after using too much mana. But don't worry, you're safe now."
Sylphie looked at him for a mont before giving him a faint smile.
"Thank you for taking care of , Kael."
He simply nodded, deciding not to ntion the conversation with the World Tree—at least not yet. She needed rest, and he knew there would be ti to share what had happened.
[So Ti Later]
Two days had passed since the incident, and now Eva and Sylphie were ready to leave.
The morning sun bathed the garden in golden light as Elion stood near the magical portal that would take Eva and Sylphie closer to the Elven Continent, helping them avoid unnecessary trouble along the way.
Eva adjusted the straps on her boots and double-checked the small travel pouch containing the Ring of Eternal Concealnt, among other essential items. Beside her, Sylphie stood visibly recovered, though there was still a hint of caution in her golden eyes.
Kael, sitting on the grass, watched silently. He understood the importance of their departure, but he couldn't shake the emptiness settling in his chest. Since the conversation with the World Tree, a special connection seed to have ford between him and Sylphie—sothing that transcended distance but still hurt in the mont.
Eva glanced at Kael, then back at Elion.
"Thank you for everything, Elion," Eva said, breaking the silence. "Without you, I probably wouldn't have been able to save Sylphie that day… or even be standing here now."
Elion gave a serene smile, her arms crossed as she studied the two of them.
"You owe nothing. Protecting those I love is all that matters to ." She looked at Sylphie with a warm gleam in her eyes. "And take care of her, Eva. She's still discovering who she is, but the world won't be kind enough to wait."
Sylphie, despite her youth, bowed her head in gratitude.
"I promise I'll be strong… and co back when I've grown to thank you properly," she said, bowing deeply.
'Strange mother... she's doing it again... kindly kicking them out so she can have all to herself...' Kael thought as he tried to focus on saying goodbye.
Kael stood up, walking over to them with hesitant steps. His small figure looked even more fragile in the sunlight, but his eyes, filled with determination, contradicted his appearance.
"Sylphie..." he began, his voice low. "Take care of yourself. And grow up well. We'll et in the future." Kael said smiling
[The World Tree Smiles at You]
He saw the ssage over Sylphie's head.
Sylphie smiled, kneeling down to et him. "I'll never forget you, Kael. You saved my life."
She reached out, her fingers gently caressing the little boy's face.
"When I co back, I want to see how strong you've beco."
Kael gave a small smile.
"I'm going to be so strong that no one will dare ss with you."
Eva, who had been silent, finally stepped forward."It's ti." She activated the portal, the runes glowing in shades of blue and white as a light magical breeze began to swirl around them.
Elion stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Eva.
"Good luck. And rember, if you need help, don't call , I'm married to dealing with you," Elion smiled.
"Dream on, I'll bother you until you die" Eva smiled, but sothing in her gaze showed a deep gratitude.
Sylphie gave one last wave to Kael before stepping through the portal with Eva, disappearing into the blinding light.
Kael stood still, staring at the spot where the portal had been, as the feeling of emptiness grew. Elion put a hand on his shoulder.
"They have their journeys, let's go in." Elion said as he took Kael's small hand. However, to her surprise, he didn't return the gesture.
"Huh?" She tilted her head, confused.
"The World Tree gave a Magic Core." Kael spoke suddenly, his voice calm but full of aning.
Elion froze in place, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What?!" She shouted, her voice almost echoing through the surroundings.
"She blessed too." Kael continued, looking directly at his mother, the expression on his face serious and determined.
For a mont, Elion was silent, still processing what he had just heard. A Magic Core granted by the World Tree? Sothing like that was practically a myth, an event that transcended the understanding of most magical beings.
"That's... unbelievable." She muttered, bringing a hand to her chin, clearly thinking about the implications.
Kael, however, wasn't interested in giving her ti to reflect. He looked up at his mother, his eyes shining with a mixture of determination and urgency.
"Teach magic." He said, his voice carrying an almost imperative tone.
Elion blinked, surprised by the tone he was using. It wasn't a request; it was a declaration, almost an order.
"Do you have any idea what you're asking for?" She asked, still trying to regain her composure.
"I do." He replied without hesitation. "I need to beco stronger. I can't just rely on you to protect . I want to protect you too." He said it with a possessive look that made Elion's body tremble, her whole being scream for a small second...
'Did I... get wet?' she asked herself.
---
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