The soft hum of energy faded as the girl took a hesitant step closer to Akin—and then collapsed again, unconscious. Her breath was steady, her body still warm, but her strength had clearly not returned in full.
Akin watched her with curiosity and calm, sitting beside the soft glow of the crystal lanterns embedded in the wall. "Who would've thought," he muttered, lips curling in an amused smirk, "that the things I read and watched would happen to me. Man... this is crazy."
Elan's voice echoed gently in his mind, rich with timeless wisdom. "Yeah, right? The secrets of the world are yet to unfold. Even we deities don't remember how we began. We just are."
Akin turned his gaze to the ceiling, eyes distant. "In my world, stuff like this was just fiction. Non-existent. All we had was science—physics, biology, chemistry... not magic. And yet, here I am, casually reviving someone with glowing energy."
Elan chuckled lightly. "Your memories are foreign and full of mystery. The vehicles… the 'smartphones.' It's like peering into another universe."
Akin's gaze drifted back to the girl lying peacefully. She reminded him of someone. A gentle ache stirred in his chest.
"Jane..." he whispered, remembering his older sister back home—how they'd argued over little things, how she always looked out for him when no one else did. Their last memory was a fight over something so meaningless. And yet, they'd made up like nothing ever happened. Family.
"I believe you've seen all my memories by now, haven't you?" he asked aloud.
"I have," Elan replied softly. "And your world is fascinating."
Suddenly, Akin felt it—a gaze. Subtle, distant, but undeniable. He stood, scanning the empty room. No one. But that wasn't right.
From far above, a beastkin mage watched Akin through a suspended magical orb, eyes narrowed, trying to read the strange aura emanating from the room.
Akin raised his hand calmly. "Know your place... stalker."
With a flick of his finger, yellow lightning sparked to life—crackling upward into the ceiling and vanishing. Across the palace, the magical orb shattered like glass, sending a jolt of backlash through the mage. He gasped, clutching his chest as the orb disintegrated.
Akin exhaled and sat back down. "We're leaving tomorrow," he said to Elan. "I'll stop by Elarian through the portal first. Then I'll head to the human capital."
"That's wise," Elan said. "I believe it's time you knew what your 'friends' are up to."
Night draped the palace in shadows, the lanterns dimming as Akin sat silently, deep in thought. He barely noticed when the girl stirred.
She stood and walked to him, her steps slow and unsure. Just as her hand reached out to touch his shoulder—Akin grabbed her wrist midair, reflexively trying to counter. His eyes locked onto hers. Recognition softened his face.
"Oh… it's you."
She nodded silently.
Akin blinked. "Oi... are you mute or something? Can't you speak or at least greet someone?"
She nodded again.
He sighed, scratching his head. "What's your name? Where are you from?"
A pause. Then, in a hoarse whisper: "I... don't have a name. I don't remember where I'm from."
Akin frowned. "What's with all you mysterious beings not having names? Well, I hope you don't mind if I give you one."
She shook her head gently.
"You remind me of someone dear," he said, voice softer now. "Your name will be Jane."
She paused—and then spoke clearly for the first time, "Jane... Thank you."
Akin smiled. "Get some rest, Jane. We're going somewhere important tomorrow"
Elsewhere in the palace of Empheria, a private chamber was lit with arcane flames and a long round table. The King sat at its head, flanked by Annabel, Jendol, Prince Iswell, the high mage Esria, and a few silent guards.
Iswell stood and spoke with conviction.
"Father. According to the soldiers' reports, the stranger is cloaked and powerful. They claim he's dark-skinned, but his energy was unlike any other. His magic alone was enough to vaporize the mutated beasts... and then he vanished."
Annabel's eyes darkened. Jendol frowned, deep in thought.
"From the testimonies," Iswell continued, "some say he descended from the sky. Others swear he came from the direction of the cursed land—or even the beastkin territory."
The King rubbed his chin. "And you believe he's... one of ours?"
Iswell nodded. "If he's slaying the corrupted, then yes. I say we wait. If he acts again, we'll have clearer proof."
Esria interjected, her voice calm but eerie. "This world is small, my king. If he is meant to meet you, it will happen. There is no need to rush destiny."
The king nodded in agreement. "Let us wait, then."
The council disbanded.
Morning.
Sunlight crept across Akin's room. He stood already dressed, boots fastened, cloak tightened. Jane was still asleep, her tattered garments barely clinging to her slender frame. She looked peaceful, but far too exposed.
He turned, undid his cloak, and gently laid it over her.
"Hold on to this," he said softly. "Once we reach where we're going, I'll get you a proper dress."
She stirred awake, clutching the cloak close, eyes wide with trust.
Akin nodded at her. "Let's go say our goodbyes."
A quiet breeze swept the outer courtyard as Akin and Jane walked toward the palace gates. Guards stood at attention, some stealing glances at the girl beside him, others whispering about the mysterious warrior who had bested the cheetah man.
As they approached the royal steps, the king stood waiting. His eyes met Akin's, and though he said nothing of the lightning or the destroyed orb, the nod he gave held meaning—acknowledgment.
Akin bowed slightly.
"I appreciate your hospitality," he said simply.
The king nodded. "Safe travels, stranger. I hope we meet again"
With a faint grin, Akin turned—and as he and Jane walked into the sunlight, a faint golden ripple opened beside them.
The people around there was shocked seeing a portal opened, because opening portal was one of the highest ranking magic. Not even their greatest mage can open a portal.
The portal to Elarian shimmered with ancient energy, awaiting their step.
End of Chapter 19.