Night had fallen over Oakhaven like a shroud of lead. The rhythmic clanking of the Crimson Mages' armor echoed against the stone walls as they patrolled the cobblestone streets. In the heavy silence of the manor, Hyoga lay in bed, following Lola's advice. His heart fluttered in his chest like a trapped bird. He clutched the Dreamstone necklace in his palm; slowly, the cold crystal began to warm against his skin. As he closed his eyes, the noise of the world faded into a deep, rhythmic hum.
Suddenly, Hyoga found himself in a vast, boundless white void. There was no ground, no sky—only an infinite radiance. As he looked around in bewilderment, a misty, indistinct figure appeared a few steps away. The silhouette, seemingly spun from pure light, was staring at him.
"Hey, who are you?" the figure asked. The voice seemed to come from a great distance, yet it resonated directly inside Hyoga's mind.
Hyoga turned toward it, his fear mingled with curiosity. "My name is Hyoga... But what about you? Who are you?"
The figure's face seemed to sharpen for a fleeting moment, but its name passed like an unintelligible whisper: "I am •••••••. What are you seeking here, little soul?"
Hyoga couldn't quite grasp the name, but the ancient authority in that voice compelled him to be honest. "I just wanted to use the necklace. I'm in a very difficult situation. My city is in danger, my friends are in danger..."
The figure took a step closer, leaving no footprints on the white floor. "A difficult situation, hmm? Well then, tell me, little stranger. What is this 'difficult situation' that has brought you to me in your sleep?"
Hyoga began to pour his heart out. "I have a book in my possession. The Ethereal Book of Laws. It holds intense mana power, but now a group called the Crimson Mage Order is hunting it. They've besieged the city, questioning everyone. If they don't find that book, who knows what they will do."
The figure remained silent for a moment. "I know the Crimson Mages," it finally said. "They are an independent clan that views any high mana power they cannot control as a threat, taking magical objects under their own regulation. They are disciplined and stubborn."
Hyoga asked in desperation, "What should I do? Please show me a way. I feel like this book is my only hope, but at the same time, it's like a curse."
The figure stood directly in front of Hyoga. Its voice was sharper now, more inquisitive: "Do the right thing, Hyoga. Give the book to them. I am certain this kindness will not go unrewarded."
Hyoga recoiled. "But... but I need this book! It's my only power!"
The figure's voice turned ice-cold. "Tell me, who are you to bring this darkness upon the lives of people living in a neutral and peaceful region? Is an object more valuable than the fear of a thousand innocents? Will you set a city on fire for the sake of your own ambition?"
These words struck Hyoga's soul like a whip. He was stunned. The figure was right. What right did he have to risk the lives of Naomi, Noah, and the people of Oakhaven just to protect his own heritage? "I think... you're right," Hyoga said, bowing his head. "Thank you for helping me."
As the figure slowly drifted away, the white space was suddenly submerged in water. Hyoga bolted upright in bed, feeling as if he were drowning. He was drenched in sweat.
Hyoga thought about the words of the mysterious figure in his dream. His decision was final. He quietly climbed out of bed, dressed, and placed the Ethereal Book of Laws into his bag with trembling hands. He slipped out of the manor like a shadow. The streets were cold, but he moved toward the light of the massive campfire in the central square. Soldiers from the 3rd and 7th Divisions of the Crimson Mage Order were keeping watch around the flames.
As the soldiers noticed him, they crossed their spears. Hyoga didn't take a step back. "Good evening. I am Hyoga. I live with High Mage Lola. I need to speak with your commanders."
A burly, armored man sitting by the fire raised his head. This was Itoshi, leader of the 3rd Division. Beside him sat Naoya, the commander of the 7th Division, younger but with piercing eyes. Itoshi gave a hand signal to the soldiers to let him pass. "Step forward, little friend. Being out at this hour is either very brave or very foolish."
Hyoga approached and sat on a stone near the fire. "Commander Itoshi, Commander Naoya... I have something I must give you. This might be what you are looking for." With trembling hands, Hyoga held out the book.
Naoya grabbed the book quickly and inspected its pages. His eyes glowed from the sheer intensity of the mana. "Where did you find this?"
Hyoga told the story he had rehearsed: "A group of adventurers were hunting this book in the forest. We encountered them while fleeing our village and found the book together. There were some unfortunate events along the way, but I realized this book should belong to you."
Itoshi smiled. "Truly impressive confidence, little friend. Everyone else hides from us in fear, yet you came to our feet and acted honestly. Since this book is in our hands, there is no reason for us to remain in this city. Oakhaven will spend the rest of this night in peace because of you."
Hyoga was relieved. With a burst of courage, he added, "There was a man in my village who said he used to be a Crimson Mage division leader. His name was Valerius. He said he was the former leader of the 14th Division."
Naoya's eyes widened so far they nearly bulged. He almost dropped the book. "Valerius? You're talking about him? I was a huge admirer of his! No one understood his sacrifices. He was expelled from the Order by the High Leaders, but to us, he was always a true guide. I admired him when he came to my city when I was a child."
Itoshi burst into laughter. "It seems you've touched Naoya's softest spot, Hyoga."
The rest of the night went differently than Hyoga had expected. Sitting by the campfire, Naoya excitedly recounted Valerius's old heroics, how he had been wronged, and the secret history of the Order. Hyoga was astonished to learn that the "drunk old man" in his village was actually a legend.
At the first light of dawn, the Crimson Mages began to pack up. Hyoga hadn't slept all night, but he felt more alive than ever. Itoshi and Naoya approached Hyoga before mounting their horses.
"Young friend," Itoshi said, reaching into his armor and pulling out an old silver coin with a deep sword gash across it. "This coin saved my life when an enemy blade pierced my armor during a war; it softened the blow. I am impressed by your honesty, Hyoga. Keep this. If you ever want to become a Crimson Mage in the future, show this coin and find me, alright?"
Hyoga accepted the coin with respect. "I promise, I will take very good care of it."
As the soldiers rode away from the city, Hyoga returned to the manor. Inside, Lola and Emily were standing up, filled with anxiety. Emily ran to Hyoga the moment she saw him. "Oh, Hyoga! Where have you been? We were so scared when we couldn't find you in your room!"
Hyoga smiled, showing the coin in his pocket and his empty bag. "I was with the Crimson Mages. I gave them the Ethereal Book of Laws."
Lola stood frozen in shock. "Why did you do that, Hyoga? That book was your heritage!"
"It was just as you said, Lola," Hyoga said calmly. "Through the power of the necklace, I saw a figure in my dream. He told me that the peace of this city was more valuable than a book. So, I did the right thing."
Emily took a deep breath and hugged Hyoga tightly. "Well... I suppose it worked. The Crimson Mages are leaving the city. Perhaps it is for the best."
As the hours passed, the daily routine returned to the manor. Noah and Shizuka immediately took Hyoga out to the garden. Noah, with his usual stern demeanor, started the training session by saying, "Your book might be gone, but your muscles are still here!" Hyoga practiced sword drills with Noah while Shizuka threw small stones at him from the corner to improve his reflexes.
"Faster, Hyoga! The enemy won't attack you with a book!" Noah shouted.
Drenched in sweat, Hyoga replied, "I understand, Noah! But this wooden sword is really heavy!"
In the afternoon, they went to the cathedral with Sophia. They lit candles and prayed for their parents lost in Aethelgrad. Sister Elena met them at the door.
"The Crimson Mages leaving is a miracle," Elena said in a soft voice.
Hyoga touched the gashed coin in his pocket and smiled. "Sometimes we create the miracles ourselves, don't we, Sister?"
When they returned home, Naomi was trying to prepare something in the kitchen, but her face was sour. "Hyoga! How could you give that book away? What if they attack us now?"
Hyoga shrugged. "The Crimson Mages aren't our enemies, Naomi. They were just doing their jobs. Besides, look what they gave me!" When he showed the coin, Naomi inspected it for a moment and then wrinkled her nose. "You gave it away for a piece of old metal? You're truly an idiot!"
"I'm not an idiot, you're just a coward!" Hyoga teased.
"Me, a coward? Come here!" Naomi threw the kitchen towel at Hyoga, and a cheerful chase began through the manor.
Everything had returned to normal. As Emily and Lola whispered in the kitchen, making new plans, Hyoga finally felt that he belonged—not with a book, but by the side of these people. Oakhaven was finally a real home.