After a short while, Lavender reappeared behind the counter with a triumphant cheer, slamming an old, dust-covered tome onto the polished wood. The title shimmered faintly under the enchantment lights: Legacy of the Hydrophina.

  “What’s that? I’ve never heard of anything like that,” Liliya asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

  “Hydrophina,” Lavender began, his voice dripping with pride, “is the sea serpent of the southern seas. I acquired this grimoire from a Grand Master who lived among the southern islands, surviving by hunting these monstrous beasts. For a Grand Master of his affinity, they were mere snacks, but for others, they’re as deadly as an Emperor Beast.”

  He smirked, clearly hoping the story would nudge the price upward.

  “This tome contains spell formulas based on the serpent’s own magic, water, and poison techniques. The Grand Master used a recording artifact to capture every spell the creature unleashed, then hired a Grand Magus to decipher and reconstruct them into usable magic. The old bastard was a genius and a lunatic. Imagine thinking of this while fighting for survival on those islands!” Lavender shook his head, still marveling at the audacity of it all.

  Kai listened intently, admiration flickering in his eyes. Now that’s a man who knows how to think outside the box, he thought. Ingenious.

  “Can I take a look?” Kai asked.

  “Sure, sure. See if it suits you,” Lavender said, though his tone carried doubt. To him, Kai looked more warrior than mage.

  Kai opened the grimoire, and the moment his eyes scanned the pages, his first circle spun faster, deciphering the intricate formulas. Deep within his inner world, the middle head of Hydragon stirred, its emerald eyes glowing as it absorbed the knowledge alongside him.

  The tome held five spells in total: two water-based, two poison, and one hybrid spell, the ultimate legacy of the beast. A repertoire like this would not only sharpen Kai’s combat edge but also allow him to reconnect with his strongest affinity: water. It was time to return to his roots.

  Aqua Guillotine: Forms a razor-sharp blade of compressed water that slices through enemies with surgical precision.

  Hydrophina’s Embrace: Forms a serpentine water barrier around the target. Restricting the air flow and crushing them under pressure.

  Neurotoxin Veil: Releases a thin, invisible layer of poison that targets the nervous system, slowing reflexes and mana flow. While slowly eating away at the sanity of the enemies, creating mirages.

  Toxic Tide: Summons a wave of toxic water that floods the area, poisoning and drowning enemies simultaneously. Its size limited only by the user's mana.

  Hydrophina’s Legacy: Channels the essence of the sea serpent, creating a colossal water serpent infused with venom that fights alongside the caster for a limited time. Usable only with six circles.

  After absorbing the grimoire’s secrets, Kai’s eyes glowed like liquid sapphires. Water mana surged within him, swirling in elegant currents around his body. A soft, shimmering aura formed, and behind him, an ethereal image of Hydrophina materialized, a monstrous serpent cloaked in deep oceanic blue, its scales almost black. A crimson crest ran along its spine like a blade of fire, and its tail ended in a spear-like spike that radiated lethal grace. The phantom hissed, a sound like crashing waves, before dissolving into Kai’s form.

  Lavender paled, his voice cracking as he slammed his hands on the counter.

  ? “Hey! You thief! Did you just absorb all the knowledge from the grimoire without paying?”

  Kai blinked out of his trance and smiled calmly.

  ? “This truly is an amazing book. Don’t worry, I’ll pay. In fact, I’ll add extra. How much?”

  The old mage’s eyes gleamed like polished gems. “Five hundred high-grade mana crystals. Not a stone less!”

  Kai nodded without hesitation and pulled out ten Ultra-Grade Crystals, their golden glow bathing the shop in light. “Take these. Cover all the costs for whatever they need. The rest is an apology.”

  Lavender’s jaw dropped. “I’ll be damned… You take this!” He thrust a small golden card toward Kai, embossed with the emblem of a wizard’s hat.

  “This is my VIP card. Use it in any store across Sacra for discounts. You’re the best customer I’ve ever had! Tell me if you need anything else.

  And, your monstrous talent will be kept secret. It’s not normal to learn high-level spells that fast. It’s insane!”

  She smiled, eyes gleaming with mischief. “I knew you’d like him! Say, Kai, could I take a look at those spells since you don’t need the book anymore?” Her greedy gaze locked on the tome.

  Kai chuckled. “Sure, but you’ll have to share with Scry!”

  Scry’s ears perked up instantly. In a blur, he zipped across the room like a lightning bolt.

  ? “Ooooh, wow! That’s an interesting grimoire. Liliya… you weren’t planning to hide this from me, were you?” His claws slid out with a metallic click as he lunged.

  “Wha… No!” Liliya yelped, clutching the tome as she bolted between shelves, Scry hot on her heels like a predator chasing prey.

  Lisa chuckled as she walked up towards Kai. She had just finished eating her cookies.

  Kai smiled, gesturing toward Lisa and her three spirits. “Say, do you have anything for a talented Spirit Summoner?”

  Lavender leaned over the counter, his jaw dropping. “A child contracted to such spirits? Heavens… I am truly blessed to witness this today! Spirit Summoning is incredibly rare. Wait, I think I have something.”

  Without another word, the old mage dashed into the labyrinth of shelves, his robe fluttering like a shadow. Minutes later, he returned, carrying two thick tomes bound in shimmering leather.

  “Here, take both!” he said, handing them to Lisa, who hugged them like priceless treasures.

  “The red tome will teach you about the spirit world and its countless beings. It’s not too expensive. The green one, however, contains advanced knowledge of spirit magic, especially spiritual armaments.” Lavender explained with a proud smile.

  At that, Max, the wyrm coiled around Lisa’s neck, raised his head. “Oh… I didn’t know there were still mages who remembered that ability.”

  Lavender’s eyes twinkled knowingly.

  Kai tilted his head. “Spiritual armaments? What’s that?”

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  Max answered in his calm, ancient tone.

  ? “It’s a rare ability that allows spirits to merge with their master’s body, strengthening them. At higher levels, we can even transform into weapons or armor, but that requires at least six circles of mana to sustain. Body merge is simpler and can be done with one circle.”

  Kai nodded thoughtfully. “Lisa, this will help you in the future. Keep it safe, okay?”

  Lisa hugged Kai tightly, her eyes glowing with joy. “It’s a gift from brother, I’ll cherish it forever!” she cheered.

  Kai chuckled, then turned to the rest of the group. “Anyone else need anything?”

  Umbra crossed her arms, her dark eyes cold as steel. “I don’t need books. Only weapons.”

  Lavender shivered under her glare, but deep down, he didn’t mind. There was something oddly thrilling about being hated by such a woman.

  Zara and Xarion shook their heads as well.

  Scry zipped over, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Oh, I’ve got an idea! Do you have anything about Paladins?”

  Kai’s brows rose, catching on immediately. “Does he deserve it?” Kai chuckled.

  “Let’s surprise him. Scry actually has a good idea for a change!” Zara teased.

  “For a change, my furry ass!” Scry shot back, puffing his chest.

  Lavender perked up. “Oh, I do! Right here.” He pulled a yellow tome from beneath the counter, its surface radiating holy mana.

  “But… It’s been reserved by Master Nerva,” the mage admitted.

  Kai laughed. “Haha, small world! We’re looking for a book for the same person as Nerva.”

  “Oh, small world indeed,” Lavender mused. “I can get you something on Templars instead. They use light mana too, more offensively than Paladins.”

  Kai agreed and purchased the Templar tome along with two books for Lisa, leaving him three Ultra-Grade crystals to spare.

  “While I’m here,” Kai said, “do you have a mask relic to hide my identity?”

  Liliya’s head snapped toward him. “I was going to get one from my master for you!” she protested.

  Kai smiled gently. “If I can buy it here rather than owe your master, I’d rather do that.”

  She frowned, puffing her cheeks. Now I need to find another present for him… Humph. Bastard. She wanted something useful, something that would remind him of her.

  Lavender waved his hand, and dozens of masks floated into the air, shimmering with enchantments. “What design do you want?”

  Masks of every shape and color hovered before Kai, but his eyes locked on a simple white one, two eye slits, and a crescent dark moon etched across the forehead.

  “I’ll take that one,” Kai said, pointing.

  Lavender nodded, lowering the mask. “Excellent choice. Durable, and it can’t be removed without the user’s permission. Fifty high-grade crystals.”

  Kai paid without hesitation and stored the mask. “Well, that’s everything. Keep the change.”

  Lavender bowed deeply, his grin stretching ear to ear. “Thank you for your patronage, kind sir. I’ll eagerly await your next visit. And if you bring Miss Liliya along, I might even give a discount.” He winked slyly.

  Kai sighed and urged the group toward the door. They had preparations to make; the funeral was a delicate matter, after all.

  ***

  As the sun dipped below the horizon, preparations for the funeral neared completion. The massive metallic body of Rhino, or rather James, lay upon a stone table in the preparation chamber of the royal necropolis. His once indomitable frame now cold and lifeless.

  Theodor stood beside him, Nerva at his side. “I… I can’t believe this is James,” Theo whispered, voice trembling. His fists clenched as tears streamed down his face. “If the monster that did this were still alive, I’d burn him, and his soul, until nothing remained.”

  Nerva placed a steady hand on his shoulder. “It’s over now. At least he can rest in peace. We don’t know what happens to the souls of Chimaeras… but I hope he’s found peace.”

  Theo nodded silently, then gripped James’s heavy body and lowered him into the largest casket they could find. The lid closed with a hollow thud. “Goodbye, little brother. I’ll miss you. Lisa is safe, and I swear, we’ll uncover Cecily’s fate.” His voice cracked as he made the vow.

  Nerva summoned the trainees in ceremonial armor, Lucius among them, and together they carried the casket outside, placing it upon the podium beneath the fading light.

  Kai, Liliya, Xarion, Zara, Lisa, Barnacus, and others gathered in solemn silence. Servants and select nobles stood nearby; Theo had kept the ceremony as private as possible.

  He stepped onto the podium, facing the crowd. “You all know I’m not good with words,” Theo began, exhaling deeply. “But let me try. James was a kind soul, maybe too kind for this world. He never wanted the crown, never sought riches. He only wanted to protect his family and our kingdom. In the end, he fulfilled that wish. He saved his daughter Lisa… and by doing so, he shielded us from Rond. He was the best brother anyone could ask for. May the gods grant him peace in the next life.”

  Theo raised his hand, releasing Pyris’s spirit into the sky. The great beast roared, exhaling streams of fire that painted the heavens, a sign of honor from the kingdom’s protector.

  Everyone bowed toward the casket. Everyone except Lisa. She stood still, her face calm, her eyes dry. She had cried her tears long ago. Any hope of her father’s survival had died in that prison cell, along with her mother’s. She knew better than to dream of happy endings. Fate had given her a chance to grow strong, and she swore, here, before her father’s body, that she would never lose another family member again.

  Pyris roared one last time before returning to Theo’s weapon. Theo’s gaze fell on Lisa. Her brave face stirred a bittersweet smile. She’s stronger than we ever were at her age, brother. She’ll be one hell of a Queen. I’ll hold the throne until she’s ready. Theo swore silently.

  The trainees saluted, voices ringing across the necropolis: “Long live the son of Fallhaven! May your soul find rest in the afterlife!”

  They marched, bearing the casket into the necropolis and laying it beside his father’s tomb. With a final bow, the stone gates closed.

  Theo turned to the guests. “Thank you all for coming. It means more than I can say. There will be a simple dinner at the palace. I invite you all. And tomorrow, tomorrow begins a new era for Fallhaven.”

  Whispers rippled through the crowd. They had already heard the announcement: Jacob Sorgaz would be executed tomorrow at noon for his crimes against the realm. The Fiend did not forgive. Many gulped nervously as servants led them toward the palace.

  Kai and his group bowed and departed, leaving Theo and Lisa alone.

  “Are you okay, Uncle?” Lisa asked softly.

  “I should be asking you that,” Theo smiled faintly. “But yes… I will be.”

  “How are you?” He rustled her hair gently.

  “I’m okay,” Lisa said bravely. “I knew long ago Father wouldn’t return. But I’ll be strong, just like he was.”

  “I don’t doubt that.” Theo knelt, hugging her tightly. “Even if they’re gone, you still have me. You’re my only true family.”

  “I know, Uncle.” She hesitated, then added, “I’d like to stay here for a few years… if that’s okay?”

  “Oh, you mean the Towers?” Theo laughed warmly. “Of course. This is your land, my dear. Stay as long as you wish. If the Towers want you, they’ll have to move here!” His booming laugh echoed through the necropolis, a rare sound of joy amid sorrow.

  Lisa smiled, and together they walked toward the palace.?

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