After some time, Rawin left the Krever Lake behind him.
"Ma—Master Wars—!!" Rawin exclaimed in shock when he suddenly saw the man standing there.
"Please, keep your voice down. I don't want to attract unnecessary attention," Warsen replied calmly.
"Ah—my apologies, Master Warsen. What brings you here?" Rawin asked.
"I simply came to ask you a few things," Warsen said.
"And what might those be?" Rawin replied.
"First, could you tell me what happened the moment you regained consciousness?"
"Of course," Rawin said, then began recounting his encounter with Soveird.
Warsen listened in disbelief. "Hard to imagine you actually met him—Soveird."
"You know him, Master?" Rawin asked.
"Not personally. But long ago, I heard stories from the elders—rumors that he was the 'Emperor Who Slaughtered the Gods,'" Warsen explained.
"Is that even possible?" Rawin whispered.
"No one knows for sure. The tales are ancient," Warsen said.
"I see… that does make sense," Rawin nodded.
"Oh, and for my second question—where exactly are you headed now?" Warsen asked.
"I'm traveling toward Geyser Village, in the Great Barren region," Rawin replied.
"Hmm… Geyser Village. That's quite far from here. Are you aware of that, Rawin?"
"Of course, Master Warsen. That's why I'm wandering—to grow stronger along the way."
"I see. In that case, I suggest you visit Virieltha City," Warsen said.
"Virieltha City? There's a city like that in the direction of the Great Barren?"
"That city is extremely secluded. It's inhabited by elves—one of the rarest races, hunted by humans for generations. They hid their home to survive," Warsen explained.
"Wait—an elven city? I've never heard of such a thing. Isn't that just a legend?" Rawin asked.
"No, they exist. They simply seldom reveal themselves," Warsen answered.
"Then how am I supposed to find them if they stay hidden?" Rawin asked.
"Before you depart, meet me at the golden Greever Tree to the south. I will give you the key to their covenant," Warsen said.
"That sounds far too valuable… How could I possibly accept something so important?" Rawin said, startled.
"Don't worry. The key will judge its bearer. If you prove worthy, it will accept you," Warsen reassured him.
"So there's a test… Very well, I'll give it a try," Rawin said.
"Good. I'll prepare everything. Now, for my third and final question—do you have a companion for your journey? Or are you planning to find one?" Warsen asked.
"A companion…? I haven't thought much about it. But if someone wished to join me, I wouldn't refuse," Rawin answered.
"Hoho… Excellent. In that case, I believe I have the perfect idea for that," Warsen said enthusiastically.
"M-Master Warsen, I don't think that's neces—"
"Sst. Say no more. My decision is final," Warsen cut him off with excitement.
"Haaah… very well, Master," Rawin sighed helplessly.
"Good. Since my business here is done, I'll take my leave first," Warsen said.
"Yes, Master Warsen. Please travel safely," Rawin replied as Warsen walked away, waving his hand.
"Now… where should I go? Ah—Miss Firsa's house. But… do I actually know where she lives? Hmmm… I'll just ask Valien," Rawin muttered to himself.
He went to where Valien usually trained.
"Yoo, Valien. Training again?" Rawin greeted.
"Oh, Rawin. Of course. I'm preparing something," Valien said.
"Something? Like what?" Rawin asked.
"That's a secret. Anyway, you didn't come all the way here just to ask that, did you?" Valien smirked.
"No. Actually, do you know where Miss Firsa lives?"
"Hm… I have no idea," Valien answered.
"I see… then I'll get going," Rawin said and walked off.
"Hey—wait, you're actually leaving? Ah, whatever. He's already far. What am I supposed to do?" Valien sighed.
"Now what…? Maybe I should ask the young hunters," Rawin thought, heading to their training grounds.
When he arrived—
"Ohhh isn't that Senior Rawin?" Elvi said.
"Looks like it," Silvien added.
"Hello everyone. How are you all?" Rawin greeted.
"We're doing well as always, Senior Rawin," Arde answered.
"S-Senior?! Why are you calling me that?" Rawin asked in surprise.
"Because you're our role model, Senior Rawin," Orpy replied proudly.
"Haaah… really? Now I'm embarrassed," Rawin muttered.
"So, what brings you here, Senior?" Arde asked.
"Ah right. Do any of you know where Miss Firsa lives?" Rawin asked.
"I think I know," Elvi said.
"That's great! Could you show me?" Rawin asked.
"Of course, why wouldn't I? I'll head out first, everyone," Elvi said, waving goodbye.
The two of them headed north toward Firsa's home.
Night had fallen by the time they arrived.
"This should be Miss Firsa's house, Senior," Elvi said.
"So this is the place… Hello, Miss Firsa, are you inside?" Rawin called while knocking on the door.
"Yes, I'm here! I'll be out in a moment!" Firsa called back. A moment later, she stepped outside—only to freeze in surprise.
"Wait—Rawin? And Elvi? Why are you two here?" she asked.
"Hello, Miss Firsa," Elvi greeted.
"My apologies if we disturbed you," Rawin said politely.
"Not at all. Please, come in, both of you," Firsa said.
"Excuse us," they replied.
"So, what brings you here?" Firsa asked once they were seated.
"Oh, I only escorted Senior Rawin," Elvi said with a grin.
"A-ah… well, I was unsure where to go, so I thought of visiting you," Rawin said awkwardly.
"Hehe, is that so, Senior Rawin?" Elvi whispered teasingly.
"W-w-we're nothing like that! W-we're only teacher and student, just so you know!" Rawin stammered, blushing.
"Hehe, is that what you say? Interesting…" Elvi smirked.
"D-don't you dare—!" Rawin warned.
Just then, Firsa returned from the kitchen.
"The food is ready. Umm… did something happen?" she asked, sensing the strange atmosphere.
"N-no, nothing at all. Ahem—since the food is ready, shall we eat?" Rawin said quickly.
"That sounds good to me," Elvi replied.
"Yes, please eat as much as you like. I hope it suits your tastes," Firsa said warmly.
"Of course," Rawin and Elvi said together.
And so, they spent the rest of the night talking with Firsa, wrapping up the day with quiet, pleasant conversation until late into the night.