The morning sunlight streamed in through the wooden window frame, casting a soft glow across the humble kitchen nestled on the slope of Eternal Mountain. The quiet crackle of the fireplace blended with the faint herbal scent of tea, creating a strangely peaceful atmosphere.
Molvar was busy chopping potatoes with a broad-bladed knife, humming some folk tune he had clearly just made up. Karl sat by the window frame, eyes distant, gazing toward the horizon.
Three soft but firm knocks echoed from the front door.
Molvar looked up. "Huh? Who's coming all the way up here this early?"
Karl stepped over and opened the door. Standing there was Aris, holding a small basket filled with fresh bread and a few bottles of herbal medicine. Her face remained as gentle as always, though her eyes held a seriousness that didn't go unnoticed.
"Good morning," she greeted with a smile. "I heard something major happened at the port yesterday... I came to check if you two were alright."
Karl tilted his head slightly, signaling for Aris to come in. She placed the basket on the table, her eyes scanning the room before settling on Molvar, who was frying something while whistling.
"I heard... one of the Seven Heralds appeared," Aris said, lowering her voice. "And the port… it shook from the clash of two auras."
Molvar turned with a grin: "One hell of a night, I nearly thought I'd be roasted!"
Karl sat down, eyes fixed on Aris. "You came because of that?"
Aris nodded. "Partly out of concern. And partly... I have a proposal."
Both Molvar and Karl went silent. The firelight flickered on Aris's face, making her look more serious than ever.
"I plan to depart soon. To the Ancient Library, as promised. But I know I can't go alone anymore."
Karl frowned. "You want me to come?"
"Not just that," she smiled. "I want to form a small team. One that can face things like… the Heralds. You seem like a natural leader."
Molvar clapped his hands. "Perfect! I'll be the comic relief strategist!"
Karl glanced at Molvar, then back at Aris. A brief silence followed before he finally said, "I'll think about it. But I'm not saying no."
The breakfast ended on a light note, but Karl's eyes remained distant and contemplative. While Molvar lounged lazily on the bench, Aris stood up and glanced toward Karl.
"Would you walk me out for a bit?"
Karl nodded. The two left the small house, walking along the stone path winding around the mountain. Morning sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across the trail.
"I used to think I could handle everything alone," Aris said, her voice low and steady. "But last night made me realize… there are forces one person can't stand against."
Karl slowed his pace, hands behind his back. "You're not alone. If we have a team, I think we'll stand a better chance."
Aris smiled faintly. "So... can I take that as an unofficial 'yes'?"
Karl looked up at the clear blue sky and murmured, "Maybe."
They stopped where the path overlooked the sea. A soft breeze carried the scent of salt and waves crashing below.
"If I don't return," Aris said, "keep searching for the Ancient Library. There's something there… that could change everything."
Karl looked at her intently. "I won't let you go alone anymore."
The wind grew stronger. Aris pulled her cloak tighter, hiding the flicker of worry in her eyes.
"I'll leave now," she said, "before anyone can trace me."
Karl nodded. "Be careful. If things spiral out of control, leave a sign. I'll find you."
She turned, then paused. "Oh, one more thing…"
From her pocket, she drew a small, glowing violet stone. "This will glow as long as I'm alive. If it fades… then I might not have made it to keep my promise."
Karl took it, holding it tightly without a word.
Aris met his gaze one last time. "Don't forget the meeting at the Ancient Library."
And with that, she turned away, her violet cloak fading into the morning mist.
Karl stood silently for a while. The stone in his hand glowed with a faint warmth—like a promise yet to be fulfilled.
Behind him, a door creaked open. Molvar yawned loudly. "Well, that was touching. So, what now, oh Great One? Another grand journey?"
Karl tightened his grip on the stone, eyes set on
Morning light streamed through the ship's window, casting a glow on Karl's face. He sat at the edge of the bed, the violet stone still resting gently in his palm. Its glow remained, soft like a heartbeat.
Molvar whistled behind him. "Didn't you say you were going to get ready? Or are you meditating until noon?"
Karl slipped the stone into his coat pocket and stood up. "We'll leave port tomorrow morning."
"Well, finally a new journey!" Molvar stretched his arms. "So what's the first step? Breakfast? Shopping? Or dragging me into another brawl like always?"
Karl walked past him, opening the wardrobe to grab his cloak. "First, I need to visit Aris's home."
Molvar blinked. "Her house? Didn't she just vanish all mysteriously?"
"She left some documents about the Ancient Library I need. Besides…" Karl paused, then continued, "…there's an invitation I haven't responded to."
Molvar raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. He simply shrugged and slung his sword over his shoulder. "I suppose this means more interesting trouble."
Karl glanced out the window, where waves lapped gently against the ship's hull. The air seemed calm, yet deep within, he sensed something stirring—something greater than anything before.
Aris's house nestled quietly in a narrow alley within the old quarter. The dark wooden door remained closed but unlocked. Karl pushed it gently, and it creaked open.
Molvar glanced around. "This place screams 'read a book and vanish mysteriously.'"
Inside, the house was filled with the scent of old paper and a hint of herbs. Bookshelves lined the walls, and stacks of documents cluttered the desk. A small crystal orb floated mid-air, glowing softly with a pale violet light.
Karl approached the desk. On it lay a sealed letter marked with a red wax emblem, beside a bundle of papers clearly labeled with the insignia of the Ancient Library.
He opened the letter and skimmed it.
> "Karl,
If you're reading this, it means I've left as planned. Inside these documents are preliminary details about the ancient gate and a rough map of the Library.
Don't be deceived by the light within.
– Aris"
Molvar read over Karl's shoulder and frowned. "She always writes like she's about to die."
Karl said nothing. His eyes fixed on the hand-drawn map, which marked a location deep within the northern woods.
Molvar noticed. "We're going, right?"
Karl nodded. "Tonight."
Night fell, casting a calm veil over the port of Valon. Dim lanterns swayed gently in the sea breeze. Karl stepped onto the ship's deck, the night wind brushing through his hair, carrying with it the salty scent of the harbor.
Molvar leaned against the railing, softly whistling an unnamed tune. He said nothing, as if understanding that Karl needed a moment to himself.
Karl turned his head, eyes lingering on the familiar red rooftops and cobbled streets of Valon. All of it faded slowly into the night, leaving only a faint outline beneath the moonlight.
"Maybe… when I come back, everything will have changed," Karl murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
Then he smiled – a soft, subtle smile, neither sad nor cheerful, but one that held all his memories of this place. He turned away, facing the open sea.
The ship shuddered beneath his feet, then slowly departed the harbor, gliding across the still waters.