The portal behind Akin and Jane shimmered faintly before vanishing with a soft, echoing hum. Silence settled over the grand throne room like a thick curtain. The nobles and soldiers dared not speak.
The king, seated high on the throne laced with glowing runes, slowly turned. His robes shimmered under the light of the floating crystals. He raised a single hand.
"Call the mage," he commanded, his voice calm but edged with tension.
Moments later, the mage—a tall, fox-eared man in silver-lined robes—entered and knelt low.
"So," the king began, eyes narrowing, "he saw through the magical orb... and destroyed it?"
The mage didn't lift his gaze. "Yes, my king. He pierced the illusion instantly. I barely dodged his attack. A second slower, and I would've lost my sight."
The king's brows lifted. He stood slowly, descending from the throne. His boots echoed through the marble as he walked.
"And our highest-ranking sealing magic?"
"Shattered," the mage admitted. "He opened a portal as though tearing paper. The laws we trust... they bent to his will."
A moment of silence passed. Then the king gave a slow, thoughtful smile. "That little lad is dangerous… but I like him."
He clasped his hands behind his back, eyes gleaming. "I hope we meet again, Akin."
Elsewhere, in the realm of shadows...
Akin and Jane stepped onto blackened soil as the portal faded behind them. The air was thick with a heavy, suffocating force—like breathing beneath water. Dark clouds swirled overhead, and the wind whispered like a dying voice.
Jane instinctively clutched Akin's sleeve. Her eyes darted around, barely adjusting to the gloom.
"What is this place?" she whispered, shivering.
Akin turned, unconcerned. "Oh, right—I almost forgot."
He raised a hand and snapped his fingers gently in front of her.
A wave of energy rippled outward. The oppressive darkness broke like shattered glass. The air lightened. The skies, once ash-gray, began to shimmer with pale sunlight.
Jane's mouth fell open as the land transformed before her.
Emerald trees burst to life. Lush vines slithered up ancient ruins, reviving forgotten temples. Lakes glowed with sapphire hues, and translucent butterflies emerged, fluttering above flower fields. Towering wind-spires slowly rotated once more, humming faintly with life.
"Welcome to Elarian," Akin said softly. "You're the second citizen of my hometown."
Her eyes widened. "Wait... is this the Cursed Land?"
He gave her a half-smile. "You catch on fast. I purged the curse. Unsealed its heart. But only those I permit can see its true beauty."
Jane spun in place, eyes wide as she took it all in—markets awakening from centuries of silence, birds returning to roost, spirits peeking from shrine doors with gentle curiosity.
"How is this even possible...?" she murmured.
Akin didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked to the distant mountains, his expression briefly pained.
She turned to him again. "Back in the castle... Thank you for saving me.... I owe you my life,, Master"
Akin nodded. "Someone I trust told me you're not just human. You're a mythical creature... in a form that looks human."
Jane's face paled. She stared at her hands.
"I... don't remember," she whispered. "I have fragments. Screams. Chains. Being dragged by demons into some underground prison. I remember pain. Fear. Then... nothing. I woke up in beastkin territory months later."
Her voice cracked. "I'm scared I'm not even real."
Just then, her stomach growled—loud and sudden.
Akin blinked, then laughed—a genuine, warm sound that made Jane startle.
"I feel you," he grinned. "Let's eat."
He turned and scanned the forest. In the distance, a deer-like beast grazed near a waterfall. Without warning, Akin vanished, leaping midair and diving through a sudden portal.
Within seconds, he appeared above the creature. Blue light danced along the edge of his blade. With a smooth arc, he struck—the beast fell, silent and clean.
Jane rushed to him. Akin was already carving the meat with surgical precision. He gestured toward her. "Come on. Let's cook."
He opened another portal—this one leading to a warm chamber deep beneath the mountain. Its walls shimmered with crystal veins. Faint echoes of wind spirits stirred.
Akin knelt and drew scattered metal to him with alchemic energy. With graceful movements, he bent them into plates and spoons. Next, he tapped the ground. A small stone oven rose up. He summoned wood with a wave, then snapped his fingers—fire erupted.
Finding a silvery mineral nearby, he grinned. "Salt ore. Jackpot."
He ground it with his hands and sprinkled it over the meat.
Jane watched him work—methodical, calm, yet powerful. She sat, letting the warmth of the fire thaw the chill in her soul.
As they ate, Akin finally spoke.
"I'm heading to the human capital next," he said between bites. "Unfinished business."
He looked at her. "You can fight, right?"
Jane nodded slowly. "Yes. Even if my past is foggy, my instincts... they haven't faded."
Akin gave a small, satisfied nod. "Good. I won't be protecting you all the time."
Jane laughed unexpectedly, and Akin looked stunned. "Wait—you can be loud? You've been pretending to be quiet all this time?"
She smirked. "I'm full of surprises."
She stood and knelt before him. "You don't need to worry about me. My memories may be broken, but my strength isn't. I can take on an army if needed."
Akin stood and motioned for her to rise. "Get up."
He circled her slowly, sensing her aura—raw, deep, wild, like a forest in a storm.
He walked to the pile of materials, his palms glowing. In moments, he shaped a long-sleeved robe—deep black and forest green, with swirling runes embroidered along the edges. A hooded cloak flowed behind it like a whisper of night.
He handed it to her. "Your colors suit the land."
Jane took it, holding it to her chest. "It's beautiful."
"What's your best weapon?" he asked.
She smiled faintly. "I don't need one. Magic is enough."
"Then get changed. Meet me outside. Let's spar."
Minutes later...
Outside the chamber, under a vast sky painted in twilight purples and blues, Jane stepped out robed in elegance and power. The fabric shimmered softly, harmonizing with the land.
Akin nodded. "It looks good on you."
He stepped back, his stance widening. "Let's have a nice spar."
Jane raised her hand. Her eyes glowed green. Flames coiled around her fingers, and in an instant, she launched a volley of fire.
Akin stood still. The blasts bounced harmlessly off a thin aura surrounding him, like light tapping on glass.
"That's it?" he teased.
The ground answered for her—roots surged upward, stones flew. The trees bent their limbs, aiding her. She leapt forward, fists wrapped in fire and energy.
Akin smiled. "Let's make it fun. You said you can take on an army, right?"
Jane dashed forward, fists ablaze with fire and energy. She struck, but Akin caught her wrist mid-air.
"Cute," he whispered, then tossed her aside gently.
She rolled and sprang up, eyes blazing. But before she could attack again, Akin released a fraction of his Nexis aura. The air grew thick. The earth trembled.
Gravity crushed downward.
Jane dropped to her knees, trembling. Her limbs wouldn't obey. Her breaths came short.
Akin's form glowed faintly blue—his eyes shining like stars. Power radiated from him like a rising storm.
Jane clenched her fists, struggling to move. Her pride screamed louder than her body.
Then, slowly, Akin stepped forward and extended a hand.
"I'm glad you can walk with me on this journey," he said gently.
Jane stared up at him, eyes glistening. She reached out and gripped his hand tightly—then pulled him into a sudden embrace.
"Master..." she whispered. "Thank you."
Akin said nothing. He just looked out at the horizon, where distant lands called.
The wind passed through the cave mouth, rustling their robes.
"Let's go," he finally said. "We've got a long day ahead."