The morning was quiet when a courier arrived at the gang's residence, the seal unfamiliar but elegant. Alex tore it open with impatient fingers, and inside was a single sheet of paper, ink flowing in precise, deliberate script:
> "I know you have discovered part of the truth. Come to the eastern edge of the Mystic Forest at sundown. There, I will explain everything you must know about your kingdom, the King, and the past sins of Hensville.
—Professor Callum Dareth"
The room fell silent. Even Riven, usually quick to react, simply raised a dark brow.
Alex's hands trembled slightly as he reread the letter. "He… he knows we've pieced some of it together," he murmured.
Saphira's eyes narrowed. "Then he wants to control how much we know before we act. We have to go—carefully."
Lady Marriane, always composed, leaned forward. "This is the opportunity we've been waiting for. The full truth lies ahead. But… be prepared. What you learn may challenge everything you thought you knew."
---
The gang approached the eastern edge of the Mystic Forest at sundown. The trees whispered in the wind, shadows stretching long across the mossy ground. A figure stepped from between the trunks—tall, composed, and unmistakably Professor Callum Dareth. His earth-affinity aura rippled faintly in the dim light.
"You've discovered part of the truth," Callum began, voice steady but heavy. "Now it's time you understood everything—why the Duke of Veymore, his son, and their people were destroyed, why my father suffered, and the revenge that is now coming."
He gestured for them to sit. "Listen closely. I will not sugarcoat this."
Callum's voice wavered slightly at first, then strengthened as he continued. "I am the son of Duke Alaric (deceased) and Lord Darius of Veymore. My fathers discovered the kingdom's greatest secret: the source of Hensville's Mana was not divine—it came from a powerful mystical beast, imprisoned and siphoned for its Mana cores. Each Dukedom received one core to pass their Mana to descendants. Veymore had no Mana, only alchemy. When my fathers stumbled upon the beast and the truth of its exploitation, the King struck mercilessly to protect his secret."
Alex's hands curled into fists, his chest tightening.
Callum's tone darkened. "The King killed my father, Duke Alaric, and attempted to destroy my soul as a child, to erase all traces of what we knew. My living father, Lord Darius, was spared—but exiled—because the King had been infatuated with him and desired his hand. Darius refused, mourning my other father's death and the destruction of our people. In desperation, as my soul teetered on the brink of destruction, my father absorbed me and transferred my essence into this body. That is how I exist now."
Riven's breath hitched, a low intake, the weight of dark mana's capabilities pressing in.
Callum continued, eyes unwavering. "Now, my living father seeks vengeance. He plans to corrupt lesser mystical beasts in the Mystic Forest with dark mana, turning them into creatures that will rampage across Hensville. They will strike the King, the royal descendants, and the present Dukes and their heirs. His goal is justice, but I… I do not want innocents to die. That is why I am telling you."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "I support my father's plan—not out of hatred for innocents, but because this kingdom was built on lies, blood, and stolen power. The King's crimes are unforgivable. But I cannot allow innocent lives to be destroyed in the process. That is where you come in. You must decide what you will do with this knowledge."
Lady Marriane's sharp voice cut in, steady and calm. "We cannot condone the King's actions. He murdered innocents, destroyed families, and abused his power. That is clear."
Saphira's jaw tightened. "But we also cannot allow innocents to die for something they had nothing to do with. We won't watch people suffer to satisfy revenge—even if we understand why your father wants it."
Edrin's jaw clenched. "We've seen enough cruelty to know we can't ignore this. Hensville deserves the truth, and someone has to survive to reveal it."
Kael's voice was steady, calm. "We will protect the innocent. That much is certain. How we proceed beyond that… we must decide with care."
Alex met Callum's gaze, his own eyes shining with conviction. "We sympathize with your father. We understand his pain and anger. But we cannot support a plan that kills innocents. We'll find a way to confront the King, but we will protect those who do not deserve to die."
Callum's expression softened, a mixture of sorrow and respect. "I understand. That is why I came to you. My father is bound by vengeance, but you… you still have the power to save those who are innocent. If you act, if you choose carefully, perhaps some balance can be preserved. Know this—revenge will come, with or without you. But you now have a choice: will you stand with him, oppose him, or simply protect the innocent? Whatever path you take, it must be deliberate."
The forest seemed to hold its breath, the wind whispering through the branches. The gang exchanged looks, hearts heavy with the knowledge of what was coming. They understood the pain and anger behind Darius's plan, yet their morals could not allow indiscriminate death.
Riven's hand found Alex's, firm and grounding. "We'll protect the innocents," he said softly. "Whatever comes next, we face it together."
Alex nodded, leaning into him. "Yes. Together."
Callum watched them, eyes shadowed but approving. "Then I leave you with this: the truth is here. The storm approaches. Be ready, and may your choices be wise."
The forest was silent again, carrying the weight of revelation and the quiet determination of those who would not let innocence be destroyed, even in the face of unimaginable vengeance.