The warehouse was completely engulfed in flames.
The ceiling, roof beams, and walls crackled violently, signaling that collapse was imminent.
But Aster did not rush.
He sat close to Nedris, listening carefully to every word—despite the raging fire around them.
Beside them, One of the Seven Sages stood nearby, watching everything in silence.
Ned slowly raised his hand and showed the ring on his finger.
"They… need you…" he whispered his final words.
Aster looked at the ring.
It appeared ordinary—crafted from simple silver, nothing special about it.
Except for the black stone embedded in it.
Aster removed the ring from Ned's finger.
At that moment, Valorant spoke coldly to his disciple.
"We're leaving."
Without hesitation, they rushed out of the burning warehouse and blended unnoticed into the crowd gathered outside.
Aster covered his head with his cloak and followed behind his master without drawing attention.
They moved toward the city center.
Before long, they reached the area where the magic gates stood.
Despite it being past midnight, the gate remained open and heavily guarded by soldiers.
The guards stood alert in every direction, prepared for any sudden threat.
Valorant passed through the soldiers and approached a tent positioned near the edge of the archway.
The guards outside stopped them—but after a voice called from inside, they were allowed in.
Inside the tent sat the bear-like man Aster had seen before—Captain Deus.
He was seated at his desk, one hand pressed against his forehead, brows furrowed in irritation.
The moment he saw Valorant, he stood up abruptly.
"Is this the boy?" he asked, looking at Aster.
Valorant slowly nodded.
"And what about the things I requested?"
Deus sat back down.
"I did exactly as you asked. Just pass through the gate. The girls are already on the other side."
One of the Seven Sages turned toward the city.
"The rest is up to you," he said, then left the tent.
Though Aster heard their conversation, he paid no attention to the words.
He felt detached from the world—walking only where his master directed him.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't even consider covering his eyes.
They stepped beneath the massive arch and entered the swirling magic gate.
Moments later—
They emerged on the other side.
In a completely different city.
The moment they passed through, Aster felt the shift in atmosphere and finally regained some awareness.
He turned his head, trying to determine where they were.
"Stay here," Valorant ordered, then walked away.
He approached a few people standing near the gate and spoke with them.
After some time, the remaining civilians cleared out, leaving only the soldiers guarding the arch.
The glowing light of the gate gradually dimmed… and went out.
They had finally arrived in Obilvor.
***
Aster and his master stood before an inn.
Compared to the ruin they had stayed in within Vorkalis, this place was a thousand times better—cleaner, more elegant, more refined.
Not a single person could be seen on the street.
'This place seems… safe.'
Valorant led the way inside.
The interior was spotless. No rough faces. No visible weapons.
One of the Seven Sages spoke briefly with the innkeeper, then guided them upstairs to one of the rooms.
When the door opened, Anna and Suna, who were already inside, turned toward it.
Valorant let Aster enter first, then closed the door behind him.
The moment the girls saw him, they hurried to his side.
"They didn't hurt you, did they?" Anna asked anxiously.
"It's fine. Just a few scratches."
Suna stepped closer and said,
"Looks like I'm in better shape than you."
When the previous inn had exploded, Suna had suffered injuries—not fatal, but bloody enough. The white bandages wrapped around her bore faint red stains.
"Maybe," Aster replied uncertainly.
His clothes were torn, his body trembling as though he might collapse at any moment.
At that moment, Valorant approached with water and medicine in his hands.
"Drink this."
It was the same pain suppressor Veronica had given him earlier.
After swallowing it, Valorant asked,
"Feeling better?"
Aster nodded.
Suddenly—
A fist the size of a stone slammed into his face.
The force sent him flying into the wall.
This wasn't a blow meant for training. It was a strike born purely of anger.
Anna rushed to help him up.
Suna stepped in front of Valorant, blocking him.
"What are you doing?! Why are you hitting him like that?!"
Valorant took a deep breath, then dragged a chair and sat down.
He looked at his disciple.
"I'm waiting for an explanation. Why did you steal the book?"
Aster wiped the blood from the corner of his lips and slid down against the wall.
Suna looked confused.
"What are you talking about?"
Anna lowered her head, avoiding eye contact.
Aster remained silent, thinking of what to say.
Suddenly, Anna stood up and took out the book Aster had given her.
"This is the Essence of the black magic my grandfather used."
Suna frowned.
"So… necromancy is inside that?"
Anna nodded.
Suna's shocked gaze shifted to Aster.
She may have been just a servant—
But she knew what necromancy could bring.
Destruction.
Disaster.
In a trembling voice, she asked,
"You were going to give this to them?"
Aster kept his head lowered, saying nothing.
His silence was answer enough.
The room fell into a heavy quiet.
It felt as though everyone was waiting for him to justify himself.
"They forced me."
"I had no choice."
They wanted to hear something like that.
But he didn't say it.
Aster swallowed once.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on him.
"The reason I did that…" he slowly raised his head and looked at them.
"…because they know who I truly am."