The glow of the Sacred Tree gradually faded. A breeze carrying the fresh scent of grass and leaves swept through the forest as Kai slowly lowered the hand he had pressed against the trunk. The blue light in his eyes receded, replaced by a calm, tempered resolve. He could clearly feel that the Starcore energy within him was no longer restless as before, but flowed steadily like a quiet stream, fully integrated into his body.
The Great Elder stepped forward and handed Kai a crystal pendant engraved with intricate magical runes. "This is an elven positioning crystal," he said solemnly. "It can sense the location of other Starcore fragments, and in moments of danger, it can also open a temporary magical barrier to protect you."
Kai accepted the pendant, which felt warm to the touch. A faint shimmer of light flowed within the crystal, resonating subtly with the pocket watch against his chest. "Thank you, Great Elder," he said sincerely, fastening the pendant around his neck and tucking it beneath his clothes.
Linore walked over briskly, holding a neatly folded animal-skin map. "I compiled this fragment distribution map based on ancient clan records," she said, spreading it out on a stone slab at the base of the Sacred Tree. "Aside from the fragment you already possess, the approximate locations of five others are marked here. The final fragment's whereabouts… are still unknown."
Ironhammer leaned in, his rough finger pointing to a red mark on the map. "This one is in the far northern icefields of the Eros Continent," he said in a deep voice. "When I was young and wandering in exile, I passed through that area and saw ruins buried under ice and snow, with intense magical fluctuations. I thought it was just an illusion back then. Now it seems it was likely a Starcore fragment."
Kai studied the map. The red marks were scattered across both worlds—polar icefields, volcanic depths, sunken ocean ruins. Every location was fraught with danger. He thought of Victor's influence spreading across the Eros Continent. Those places were likely already under the enemy's watch.
"We'll have to split up," Linore said, breaking the silence. She looked at Kai and Ironhammer. "I'll go to the volcanic depths of the Aurora Continent. It's an elven forbidden zone—only I know how to enter. You two head to the polar icefields. Ironhammer knows the terrain well and can help you avoid many dangers."
"No," Kai said immediately, shaking his head. "The volcanic depths are extremely dangerous. Going alone is too risky."
Linore smiled faintly, a flash of stubborn resolve in her ice-blue eyes. "I'm the best scout on the Aurora Continent," she said, patting the sword at her waist. "That level of danger won't stop me."
Ironhammer nodded as well. "She's right. Splitting up improves our efficiency. Victor's people are searching everywhere for the fragments. We need to gather them before he does."
Kai fell silent for a moment, then finally nodded. He knew time was not on their side. There was no room for hesitation.
The Great Elder looked at the three of them and took out two small vials from his robes. "These are focus elixirs. They suppress the energy fluctuations of the Starcore fragments, preventing detection by Victor's scanners." He handed one vial each to Kai and Linore. "Remember—the power of the Starcore exists to protect, not to destroy. No matter what danger you face, do not let its power consume your mind."
They accepted the vials and stored them carefully.
Over the next three days, they rested at the elven settlement. Ironhammer reforged the meteor-iron wrench, adding several dwarf-exclusive reinforcement runes so it could withstand greater Starcore energy. Linore hunted in the forest, preparing sufficient rations and cold-weather gear for the journey. Under the Sacred Tree's guidance, Kai practiced controlling the Starcore energy with greater precision. He discovered that when the energy reached its peak, the wrench could briefly transform into a magic-infused steam rifle, unleashing astonishing firepower.
On the day of departure, dawn had just broken, and the forest mist had yet to dissipate.
Standing before the teleportation array, Linore looked at Kai, a rare hint of reluctance in her icy blue eyes. "Be careful of Victor's shadow guards in the polar icefields," she said. "If you're in danger, crush the positioning crystal. I'll come immediately."
Kai nodded, then took the pocket watch from his chest and held it out to her. "Take this," he said. "The Starcore fragment inside can resonate with your positioning crystal. That way, we'll know if the other is safe."
Linore froze for a moment, then accepted the watch. As her fingers touched the cool metal casing, a warmth rose in her heart. She did not refuse, carefully placing it into an inner pocket close to her body.
"Take care," Kai said softly.
"You too," Linore replied. She turned and stepped into the teleportation array. A flash of pale blue light followed, and her figure vanished from the center of the formation.
Kai and Ironhammer turned toward another teleportation array—the one leading to the polar icefields of the Eros Continent.
Standing within the array, Kai glanced back at the Sacred Tree and the land filled with magic. He knew the road ahead would be long and perilous. Yet there was no fear in his heart.
The teleportation light flared, swallowing the two figures.
The polar icefields—howling winds, endless snow.
Within a set of ice-buried ruins, several bodyguards in black suits were carefully excavating something. Their leader was the same man who had previously led the ambush against Kai in the forest. He held a detector, its screen flickering with faint points of light.
"Boss, the detector's reacting!" one guard shouted excitedly.
The leader stepped forward, staring at the glowing dot on the screen as a savage smile spread across his face. "We finally found it," he murmured. "Kai Leonard—this time, let's see how you compete with me."
Suddenly, the light on the detector intensified. Then another signal appeared, rapidly approaching the ruins.
The leader's expression changed. He looked up sharply toward the distant horizon. Through the wind and snow, two figures were advancing toward them.
At the front was a young man holding a wrench gleaming with silver light, his gaze firm, his steps steady.
It was Kai—and Ironhammer.
A new confrontation was about to unfold across the frozen wasteland.