Supreme Hunter of Beautiful Souls

Chapter 20 A meeting and a farewell.

The dawn painted the sky in soft hues of pink and gold as Kael sat on the fresh grass in the garden. His small frame remained still, but his mind worked intensely. An open book of magic rested in his hands, its pages detailing the fundamentals of mana manipulation. He moved his fingers gently through the air, attempting to influence the currents of wind around him. Small breezes responded to his command, though his inexperience made the results inconsistent. Even so, he persisted, his focused expression contrasting with his youthful, almost infant-like appearance.

Beside him, Sylphie remained in a deep slumber. Despite Elion's powerful healing, she had not awakened since the incident. The extreme mental strain and excessive mana usage had taken a heavy toll. Elion had explained that Sylphie had suffered something akin to magical burnout, her body and mind utterly exhausted from pushing past their limits. Unable to be moved, she now rested in the garden, absorbing the energy around her like a flower blooming in the sunlight. Kael occasionally cast worried glances her way, his youthful face betraying a mix of concern and guilt. He knew the ordeal had been traumatic, and the lingering sense of helplessness weighed heavily on him.

As he tried to refocus on his studies, a soft sound broke the silence—a faint groan. Kael quickly turned to Sylphie, whose body began to shift slightly. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing an unusual golden glow. Kael let out a relieved sigh, but the relief was short-lived, replaced by a strange unease.

Something wasn't right.

There was a different presence emanating from her.

"You're awake," he said softly, trying to contain his excitement. But as Sylphie opened her mouth to respond, he realized the voice that emerged wasn't hers.

"Young one..." said the voice, deep and echoing, as if a thousand whispers spoke at once. "I have watched you since the moment you stepped into this world."

Kael froze, his eyes wide as he stared at Sylphie. This wasn't her. The aura surrounding her was different, commanding, like an ancient force he could barely comprehend.

[The World Tree, Yggdrasil, is watching you.]

"You... you're the World Tree?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise but also reverence.

"Yes. And it is through this young one that I speak, for she is my heir. Her connection to me runs deeper than you can fathom," the voice replied.

Kael swallowed hard, trying to steady his thoughts. He had read legends of the World Tree, the entity that sustained life and magic across the continent. Never did he imagine he would one day speak to it directly.

"Why are you speaking to me?" he asked, maintaining as much composure as he could.

The Tree, through Sylphie, smiled faintly. It was a serene smile, yet one laden with an incomprehensible wisdom.

"Because you changed the course of this world. Your act of bravery and sacrifice in saving this young girl was a significant event. You demonstrated something that few possess: the ability to defy destiny," she said. Kael didn't fully understand what she meant—how could simply hugging a girl and calming her have saved the world?

"But I didn't do anything grand. I... I just didn't want her to get hurt, so I held her tightly," he murmured.

"And that, young one, is what makes your gesture all the more powerful. You acted not for glory, but out of compassion. That is the essence many who seek power lack," she responded, her voice melodic.

Kael felt a warmth in his chest at the World Tree's words. But he also knew his actions hadn't been free of mistakes. He had almost lost Sylphie that day.

"She's important, isn't she? How can I help her?" Kael asked. Though he wouldn't admit it, he had grown fond of the young elf.

"Continue to grow, young one. Use your body wisely. Your fate is intertwined with Sylphie's and mine."

Kael furrowed his brow. "Intertwined? What do you mean?"

"You will understand in due time. For now, know that your existence is a turning point for this world. But be cautious. With great power comes great enemies," she said, her voice slow and deliberate. "I will leave something with you. Please, survive."

Kael nodded slowly, absorbing the World Tree's words. He knew there was much more to learn, but for the first time since his reincarnation, he felt he wasn't alone.

The aura surrounding Sylphie began to fade, and her expression returned to normal. She blinked a few times, looking confused and exhausted.

[You have received a Mana Core Blessed by the World Tree.]

"When I come back, I want to see how strong you've become."

Kael gave a small smile.

"I'm going to be so strong that no one will dare mess with you."

Eva, who had been silent, finally stepped forward."It's time." She activated the portal, the runes glowing in shades of blue and white as a light magical breeze began to swirl around them.

Elion stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Eva.

"Good luck. And remember, if you need help, don't call me, I'm married to dealing with you," Elion smiled.

"Dream on, I'll bother you until you die" Eva smiled, but something in her gaze showed a deep gratitude.

Sylphie gave one last wave to Kael before stepping through the portal with Eva, disappearing into the blinding light.

Kael stood still, staring at the spot where the portal had been, as the feeling of emptiness grew. Elion put a hand on his shoulder.

"They have their journeys, let's go in." Elion said as he took Kael's small hand. However, to her surprise, he didn't return the gesture.

"Huh?" She tilted her head, confused.

"The World Tree gave me a Magic Core." Kael spoke suddenly, his voice calm but full of meaning.

Elion froze in place, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What?!" She shouted, her voice almost echoing through the surroundings.

"She blessed me too." Kael continued, looking directly at his mother, the expression on his face serious and determined.

For a moment, Elion was silent, still processing what he had just heard. A Magic Core granted by the World Tree? Something like that was practically a myth, an event that transcended the understanding of most magical beings.

"That's... unbelievable." She muttered, bringing a hand to her chin, clearly thinking about the implications.

Kael, however, wasn't interested in giving her time to reflect. He looked up at his mother, his eyes shining with a mixture of determination and urgency.

"Teach me magic." He said, his voice carrying an almost imperative tone.

Elion blinked, surprised by the tone he was using. It wasn't a request; it was a declaration, almost an order.

"Do you have any idea what you're asking for?" She asked, still trying to regain her composure.

"I do." He replied without hesitation. "I need to become stronger. I can't just rely on you to protect me. I want to protect you too." He said it with a possessive look that made Elion's body tremble, her whole being scream for a small second...

'Did I... get wet?' she asked herself.

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