There's something that's been bothering me, more now than before.
Almost the entire time, the Knight had to practically announce himself or stand right in front of me for me to notice him. I can make excuses, like the first time I got hurt, I was thinking. But almost every time I think or reflect, I lose my focus on my surroundings.
In this place, it's not really a problem if we ignore the first time I got hurt. But depending on where I end up traveling, this could become a rather dangerous habit. And apart from all that, in a way I'm breaking my word.
I frown slightly.
I'll sound ridiculous saying I won't look away, when I can't see beyond a few steps ahead. I let out a slight chuckle that carries a certain level of self-criticism.
It's time to look at things properly.
At the end of my words, within the space where the three constellations meet — or in other words, the paths of the mage, warrior, and thief — you can see a very slight reaction from the warrior's path in the form of a slight brightening. But just like a heartbeat that comes and goes, the brightness disappears in the next second.
If I recall correctly, there should be a skill called Detect Life in the alteration skill tree. However, based on previous cases, since it is another branch of magic, the way it is used will require a different logic.
I begin to wander aimlessly once again, with the still slight but now almost permanent frown. I can feel the headache coming on. In my previous life, although I had the marks of someone who frowned from time to time, the laugh lines at the corners of my eyes and mouth were much more noticeable.
With a slight sigh, I massage my forehead.
Is it because I'm younger? Emotions really seem to affect me more strongly than before. I mustn't forget that being happy doesn't depend on what happens to me, but on how I receive what comes my way in life. The same goes for peace and tranquility.
I suppose one has to relearn certain things.
Noticing that I no longer hear the Knight who, as I left, went back to gaining levels, I see myself in the lake.
I should bring a bench or a seat. For some reason, whenever I try to learn some new magic, I always end up gravitating here.
I begin to admire the tranquility of the lake. And paying a little attention to the distance, I can see some movement — but not the cause of it.
Detecting life, in a way, is seeing what you cannot see at first glance. With that perspective, I feel something slightly in my eyes. When I look at my hand, I see a very, very slight, almost transparent shadow. But when I become fascinated by the sight, it disappears.
Okay, that's comforting. The spell doesn't seem difficult.
If destruction responds to pain, could alteration be the decision to perceive differently? I look around me and, seeing that I can't see, I think: If I can't see, I just have to change the way I see things.
I begin to actively try to see what I cannot see, and then I see small colors much fainter than my own, but to my eyes they are clear. I turn to look in the direction of the castle, and I see a blue color and multiple reds mixed together.
I understand this is somehow related to the attention I give, mixed with my will perhaps? I'm not sure about the latter, but I know that's more or less the formula.
Let's try this out for a while.
Two days later
From what I can see, it definitely has to do with actively paying attention. I can easily detect life, but other spells have failed to activate. I know it has to do with actively paying attention, but the what is what's complicated.
Detecting life is vision, but with other spells, such as barriers, I'm a bit lost.
But more importantly, it's time to travel. Not because I'm ready, but because I honestly can't stand staying here anymore. The place isn't small at all, but I'd like to have someone to talk to; the Knight isn't the most talkative person.
I meet the Knight at the entrance. I don't know how traveling works yet, but this circular space at the entrance seems quite appropriate, given that we can isolate any danger on the first floor while the Knight and I attack from a distance from the balcony on the second floor.
He stops a few steps away from me.
I notice it immediately.
Not because he announced himself. Not because he stood in my way. But because there is life there.
A muted blue, steady and familiar, rests where he stands. It doesn't flare or pulse — it simply is. Present. Reliable.
"Heh… I see you," I murmur with a little chuckle before I can stop myself.
The knight tilts his head slightly, confused by my behavior.
I straighten, clearing my throat. "Sorry. New skill."
He gives a small nod, accepting the explanation without pressing further.
We stand there in silence for a moment, until the space at the center of the room reacts.
Light gathers.
Not violently. Not urgently.
It simply… opens.
Two shapes form in the air, side by side — two gateways outlined in faint geometric light. One is clear, stable, its surface smooth like still water.
The other—
The other is dim. Its outline flickers, interrupted by faint fractures of red light that pulse and then recede, like a warning sign struggling to stay lit.
I step closer.
As I do, text manifests beneath each portal.
The one on the right is simple.
Travel Available
No name. No destination. Just an invitation.
The one on the left…
Destination Locked
I feel it before I understand it. A pressure behind my eyes. A dull, distant ache in my chest — not pain, exactly, but something adjacent to it. Like standing in a place where something ended.
I reach out without thinking.
The moment my fingers approach the locked gateway, the pressure spikes. My vision blurs, and for just an instant—
I see myself smaller? Younger. Too young.
I stagger back, gasping, clutching my head.
The sensation vanishes immediately, leaving behind only a warning that feels less like refusal… and more like restraint.
I swallow hard.
"So that's how it is," I whisper. "Not 'never'… just 'not yet.'"
The system doesn't answer.
But it doesn't need to.
I look at the open gateway again. I still can't see where it leads — but now, when I focus, I sense movement beyond it.
Lives. Many of them. Chaotic. Uneven. Dangerous.
The knight steps forward, stopping just short of the threshold. He looks at the open portal, then back at me.
Waiting.
I take a slow breath.
This time, I don't look away.
Whatever waits on the other side — I'll face it properly.
I step forward.
The light envelops us both.
And then—
We cross.