That day, the sky above the Elven world glowed golden. I stood at the base of the great tree—the gateway between their world and the human realm. In front of me stood Queen Victoria, as always, wearing her calm smile that hid immense power.
"I'm ready," I said softly.
She nodded. "You have come to understand who you are, Hiro. But remember… mastery is not the end. This is only the beginning."
I bowed my head. "Thank you, Queen Victoria. For everything… for guiding me. For not forcing me, and for letting me discover myself."
She stepped closer, touching my chest with the tip of her fingers. "The earth is here, and it will always answer your call—if you keep listening to it."
Then she handed me a small, dark brown stone—an earth crystal formed during my training.
"Keep this. Not to fight, but to remind you where your strength comes from."
I held it tightly. I knew... I would miss this place. But the world outside was waiting.
I looked toward the beam of light in the tree. Then stepped through.
My steps were heavy as I emerged from the old tree's passage.
The light from the outside world was blinding. The wind felt rougher. The sounds of birds, rustling trees, and the scent of damp earth were all so real... and so different from the Elven world that had become my home.
I walked upon the land I had once left behind. A brown cloak wrapped my body, concealing my face. But nothing could hide the fact that I had changed.
I followed the path leading to the village I once only saw from afar. The houses still stood, but the faces were new. Older. Worn. As if time had never stopped in this place.
At the market, I saw Carla. She was taller now, her hair longer. The way she looked at the world had shifted—more cautious, more mature.
I stood before her, but she didn't recognize me.
Her eyes glanced over me quickly, then turned away... before locking back onto mine.
"Sorry… have we met before?"
I lowered my hood, revealing my eyes.
She froze, and then her eyes widened.
"H-Hiro…?"
I gave a small smile and nodded.
It took a few seconds… before she finally hugged me. Awkward. Confused. But warm.
Elsewhere, a Sorcerer and another figure stood.
Before them, a crystal orb hanging in the dark room began to tremble violently. The old Sorcerer touched its surface, and an earthy aura burst forth.
"His soul has awakened," he whispered. "The Earth element no longer sleeps…"
Then, like an invisible wave, the news rippled across the world.
Joker, the name of the other person in the room, burst out laughing.
"Finally. That kid's finally crawled out of his hole."
Four other figures stood behind him, silent.
They didn't need to speak. Every eye was now focused on one name:
Hiro.