The compass repositioned itself, pointing back toward Zybana after Kyren picked up Arvalen. He rubbed the small lion's head, petting him gently as he walked out of the chateau. He could feel something calling to him from within, but there wasn't time to waste checking all the rooms tonight.
Opening up the Wayfinder's Guide, Kyren saw an option he had never tried before:
Would you like to set a guide post here so you can always find your way back?
Yes/No
Kyren thought, Yes, and suddenly, a small stake made from his mana appeared in the ground at his feet. A new box popped up:
Veilheart Chateau location saved
Then it quickly faded.
Kyren stepped outside and called for Veldthar. The massive stormcrest eland had been grazing in front of the chateau. He came running up, stopping before Kyren. As he spotted the lion cub in Kyren's arms, he began to sneer and stamp.
"I know, buddy. He's not like that bad lion we fought. He's our friend, I promise," Kyren said, holding the little lion cub up to Veldthar.
Veldthar stopped sneering after examining the cub. The stormcrest eland didn't speak, but Kyren knew he understood. He climbed into the saddle, clutching Arvalen close as they began to dart back across the plains. Veldthar ran faster than ever—the world blurred around them, everything seeming to stand still as they crossed great distances in heartbeats.
They arrived back at the inn. Kyren dismounted, patting Veldthar on the back.
"Thank you for the ride. When I get those 100 stat points, you're getting an upgrade," Kyren said. "Want to stay out tonight or go into the realm?"
Veldthar didn't answer. He simply bounded off into the plains.
"I'll call you in the morning," Kyren thought, knowing the eland could hear him still.
He crept inside, only to find Runa sitting at a table in the inn.
"Where did you go?" she asked.
"Were you worried about me?" Kyren replied, smirking.
"Maybe I was," Runa said. Her face flushed slightly, but her tone stayed sharp.
Kyren extended his arms, revealing Arvalen. The cub wriggled, trying to escape. Kyren set him down, and Arvalen immediately began rubbing his head against Kyren's leg.
"I went and found this little guy. I was deciding if I wanted to keep him," Kyren said, gesturing toward Arvalen.
"Are you some sort of animal whisperer? I've never seen anyone get animal companions this easily," Runa said, a hint of jealousy creeping into her tone.
"Most animals hate me. In fact, a panther almost killed me right before my powers awakened," Kyren said.
"Who leaves a child alone where a panther can attack them?" Runa asked, shocked.
Kyren raised a hand to the back of his neck. "Well… actually, they didn't leave a child. This happened just a few months ago."
"I've never heard of someone developing powers that late."
"Me neither. But I'm just glad I have them now—something to help the outskirts," Kyren said, a grin forming.
He picked Arvalen up again and walked over to Runa, holding the cub out to her.
"Arvalen, this is our friend Runa, okay?"
He turned and headed toward the stairs. "Just bring him by the room if you don't want to play with him anymore."
"Don't fall asleep—I'm not doing babysitting duty!" Runa shouted after him.
Kyren made it to his room. The fatigue from the battle with the automaton was finally setting in. Despite the victory, it had worn on both his body and mind.
That dome… it has to be Vireon's power. I always thought my abilities came from my mom and dad's powers mixing—but no. Do I have both Kyanna and Vireon's powers?
His swirling thoughts couldn't keep him awake. Exhaustion dragged him under.
As expected, Kyren began to dream. But unlike the fleeting images of Kyanna he'd had before, this one felt just like the early dreams the system had given him.
He stood in the middle of a battlefield.
Leon—older now, in his forties—was locked in combat with the All Father. Their immense blows struck across the field, sending shockwaves in every direction.
But there was no sound. No breathing. No footsteps. Nothing but silence.
Two warriors stood nearby, clad in matching royal armor: Vireon and Kyanna. Older than the memory of their duel—easily in their twenties—they fought together in seamless synchronicity against at least twenty Converted. Their movements flowed together: beautiful, brutal, precise.
Kyanna struck first, disabling limbs and joints with swift, exact strikes. Vireon followed with devastating swings of his greatsword, finishing those who still stood.
It was a dance—elegance and devastation, style and force. And Kyren could feel himself in both of them. It was as if their every movement was being etched into his mind—foot placement, breath control, even how their mana flowed through their bodies.
The two cut down their enemies with terrifying precision. Only two remained—robed men in purple. They looked like Converted, mana swirling around them—but their bodies hadn't changed.
Before the battle could continue, a light ignited in the sky, brighter than the sun.
Leon's figure burned with incandescent flame.
Yet there was no heat.
His fire could only harm those it targeted.
The All Father began to burn, but his body healed just as fast. Mana raged around him like a tornado—draining energy from nearby Converted. They began to wither, collapsing where they stood.
Only the All Father remained.
Leon's fist, wreathed in flame, crashed into him. The blow sent him flying, searing a deep, blackened scar across his chest.
And still—the All Father rose.
Kyren awoke with a start. Arvalen had pounced on his chest, digging his tiny claws into his skin.
"Ow—put those away," Kyren groaned, wincing at the drops of blood forming on his chest.
"These are sharper than that full-grown world lion Veldthar and I fought," he thought, adding the observation to the thoughts swirling in his mind.
But something else stirred in his heart.
If those powers he saw… if they were truly his inheritance—his potential—then maybe…
Maybe he could reach them.
Kyren sat up, preparing for the day when a knock sounded on the door.
"Time to get up, Kyren. It's sword training time," Runa called, her voice smug.
Kyren groaned and opened the door.
Runa stood there, grinning mischievously.
"What are you about to do to me?" he asked, his face paling.
"You'll see," she said, already turning to head down the stairs.
Kyren followed—bracing himself.