"Ah, I'm stuffed," Icariel sighed, leaning back as he patted his stomach. "Thanks for the food," he said, smiling at Elena, who was gathering the empty plates.
"I'm glad you liked it," Elena replied warmly. "So, how's the training going?"
"Oh, I finally mastered it—Vital Surge," Icariel said proudly.
Elena's eyes widened as she thought, "He learned it? And in just one month?" Then, breaking into a gentle smile, she said, "I expect Aelar to be great teacher, right?"
"Except the part where he beat me senseless almost every day," Icariel muttered with a grin.
Just then, Aelar entered the house.
"Who's talking behind my back?" he asked with mock suspicion.
"We're only saying good things," Elena said with a teasing smile.
"Sorry, teacher," Icariel added quickly. "I ate before you came. I couldn't wait. My stomach was eating itself."
Aelar laughed. "I didn't expect you to wait anyway."
Turning to Elena, he asked, "Where's Elif?"
"She's in her room, getting ready. She and I are going out."
Elif's voice called from the hallway, "Icariel, do you want to come with us? If you're done with training for today, that is."
"Sure, why not?" Icariel said, thinking to himself, "I should enjoy a little free time before the superhuman awakening training starts tomorrow…"
"Then wash up and wear the clothes I got for you," Elena said, pointing to a neatly folded outfit on the nearby bench.
"Alright, I'll be quick," Icariel replied.
He headed to the small bathroom on the first floor. It had a natural hot spring built into the ground—like a small, steamy stone pool. He washed himself clean, feeling the warmth soak into his tired muscles.
Afterward, he changed into the new clothes Elena had given him. They were elven-made—soft, sleek, and perfectly tailored to his form. His hair had grown longer over the month, cascading around his shoulders. Dressed like this, he looked sharp, almost noble. A striking boy with a quiet presence.
"I'm ready," he said, stepping out.
"You really took your time," Elif said from the front door, her arms crossed but a slight smile on her lips. She wore a silver long dress that shimmered in the sunlight—perfectly matching her elegant, refined features. Elena stood beside her, dressed in a black gown with golden patterns that shimmered subtly. She looked radiant.
"Dear," Elena said to Aelar, who was lounging in the living room, "we're heading out. Since you didn't want to join us, enjoy your rest."
"I will," Aelar replied with a chuckle. "Go have fun."
The three of them stepped out into the sunlit village. As they walked through the elven homes, they followed a cobbled path that led to a bustling market street. Stalls lined both sides—overflowing with fruits, herbs, fine cloth, carved trinkets, and even weaponry. Elves greeted them as they passed, cheerful and warm.
Elena picked up several fruits Icariel had never seen before—like oversized apples with shimmering skins and strange fragrances.
"Do you want anything?" Elena asked, her hands now full with two large bags.
"I haven't really found anything that caught my eye," Icariel said.
"Alright, but if something does, tell me," she smiled.
"Here, give me the bags," he offered. "You're still getting things anyway."
"Oh, what a gentleman!" Elena said, surprised but pleased. "Thank you."
"See, Mother?" Elif chimed in teasingly. "He's not completely useless."
"Elif!" Elena scolded, laughing. "Speak kindly."
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Elif said without sounding too sorry, a grin on her face.
Time passed quickly. The sun dipped lower, casting golden light across the forest canopy. Icariel was now carrying six bags, each one heavier than the last.
They finally reached the house again. Aelar was relaxing in the living room, sipping from a carved wooden cup. Icariel dropped the bags at the half-moon-shaped table and exhaled loudly.
Aelar laughed but said nothing.
"Now I get it," Icariel groaned. "That's why you didn't come with us! You knew they'd take forever picking things."
"I didn't send you," Aelar chuckled. "You wanted yourself, remember?"
"Ugh… I'm going straight to sleep," Icariel muttered.
"You earned it," Aelar said with a teasing tone.
Elena smiled as Elif added mockingly, "He's really weak—all he does is complain."
"Ahhh," Icariel groaned again, turning toward Elif. "You spent two hours deciding between a dress with black dots and one with green ones!"
Then he stopped, sighing in surrender. "Never mind. I'm too tired for this. I need to sleep."
As he headed for his room, Aelar spoke up.
"No training tomorrow."
"What?" Icariel turned, eyes wide. "Why?"
"I've been summoned to a meeting at the castle," Aelar explained. "Come with Elif and Elena. It'll be good for you—to see the capital, the court, and... to observe."
"You can train after that."
"Alright," Icariel nodded, stretching an arm lazily before heading to bed.
"Good night."
The next morning came quietly, sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Icariel stepped out of his room dressed in the same black clothes from the day before. In the living area, he found Aelar, Elena, and Elif already prepared.
Aelar wore his polished silver armor, reflecting the morning light like a mirror of moonlight. His long silver hair was tied into a low ponytail, and his piercing green eyes gave off a calm sharpness—like a blade sheathed in serenity.
Elena had chosen another black dress, different from yesterday's, with elegant golden embroidery and a striking symbol over her chest—an edgeless, handleless sword.
Elif stood beside her mother, wearing a silver dress with the same mysterious symbol.
"Good morning," Aelar greeted. "The carriage will arrive soon."
"Good morning," Icariel replied, eyeing the symbol stitched into their clothes.
"By the way," he added, "I've been curious… What's that symbol you all have on your dresses?"
"Oh, this?" Aelar glanced down at his chest. "This symbol is part of the Tree of Life history."
Icariel stayed silent, sensing there was more.
"Long ago," Aelar continued, "hundreds of years in the past, a straight piece of metal fell from the Tree of Life itself. It had no edge. No handle. And yet, without a doubt, it was a sword. The strongest one ever created."
Icariel listened, intrigued.
"The first to wield it was the First Elf King. Later, he gifted it to the strongest human of the age—a warrior of unmatched strength and heart. That sword not only granted power but was key in defeating the evils of that era."
"So… it's your symbol?" Icariel asked.
"Yes," Aelar said proudly. "It represents our pride, our legacy, and our connection to the Tree. It is both history and honor."
"Where is that sword now?" Icariel asked, glancing toward the towering forest beyond the village. "Is it around here?"
"It still exists in this world," Aelar nodded. "But no one knows its location. After the evil was defeated, the human hero vanished—and with him, the sword. It's been lost ever since."
"I see…" Icariel murmured.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Aelar turned. "Ah, they're here."
He opened the door to find two tall, muscular elf warriors clad in white and gold armor. Both had short golden hair and fierce expressions softened only by the respectful way they bowed.
"Warleader," they said in unison, lowering their heads. "The carriage is prepared. We are here to accompany you."
"Good," Aelar replied, then turned to Elena, Elif, and Icariel. "Let's go."
Aelar stepped out first, followed by Elena, Elif, and finally Icariel.
As Icariel passed the guards, they met his gaze with interest.
"So you're the student choosen by our Warleader," one of them said. "It's an honor to meet you, human."
"Thanks," Icariel said, slightly flustered. "Nice meeting you too."
Outside, the carriage awaited them. It gleamed under the light—an elegant vessel of white, green, and gold. Four tall windows lined its sides. At its head stood two enormous unicorns, pure white with flowing manes and luminous silver horns.
"Wow…" Icariel muttered. "What are those?"
"Unicorns," Elif answered proudly. "They're used to transport important people—like my father."
"They're beautiful," Icariel whispered. "I've never seen horses like that before."
"They are far more than horses," the voice inside his mind murmured. "Stronger. Smarter."
"Yeah, they have even a great amount of mana inside their bodies. Incredible," Icariel said silently.
Aelar stepped into the carriage first, followed by Elena, Elif, and Icariel. The inside was luxurious—smooth white seats, polished wood, and intricate designs resembling vines and leaves carved into the walls.
The carriage began to move, gliding smoothly along the forest road.
They passed through the outer sections of the elven village—then beyond. The anicent trees became sparser. Soon, stone buildings appeared. From the window, Icariel could see clean, well-maintained houses crafted from pale granite and wood shaped by magic. Arched bridges crossed narrow rivers, and elegant statues of ancient elves stood proudly in the plazas. The rooftops were slanted and curved, covered in green tiles that shimmered faintly with enchantments.
"I didn't know other houses were out here," Icariel said, surprised. "I thought it was just the castle."
"You didn't see them before because they're farther away from the portal you came," Elif said. "This district houses the elite warriors, generals, and leaders of our tribe."
"Then why don't you live here, teacher?" Icariel asked, glancing at Aelar.
Aelar smirked. "I prefer my quiet home among the trees. Peace is a rare luxury."
"I completely understand," Icariel nodded. "I hate noise too."
Aelar smiled faintly, eyes softening.
As the carriage passed the final row of buildings, a breathtaking sight rose before them.
The castle—grand, white, and majestic—stood at the heart of the city. Its towers curved like trees themselves, grown rather than built. And behind it, piercing the clouds above, stood the Tree of Life Part, its massive roots spreading for miles, its trunk wide as a mountain, and its leaves glowing faintly with a gentle golden light.
"Incredible..."