As the doors swung open, Wysar stepped into the room. His eyes scanned the rows of shelves filled with files—the collective knowledge of the Everdread Forest. But as he looked at them, tears began to stream down his face, his expression twisted in deep regret.
"I'm sorry, Mother," Wysar whispered, his voice trembling. "I failed you. You didn't deserve to die. Perhaps it was I who couldn't control my own power, who couldn't keep a close enough watch. But this only makes my philosophy stronger, even if I have to become the very example of it. Mother... I truly apologize from the bottom of my heart."
With a sudden movement, Wysar summoned his sword—a blade that shimmered like a Solar Sword. With one powerful diagonal slash, he ignited the shelves. The archives erupted into flames, the paper turning to ash within seconds.
"I won't let these archives fall into anyone else's hands," Wysar muttered, watching the fire dance. "Besides, there's no thrill in facing the unknown if you've already read the secrets. What I know is just a drop in the ocean anyway... and as for 'you'... wait for me."
Who Wysar was referring to remained a mystery. Having physically destroyed the history of the forest, he vanished instantly, leaving the Solar High Council building behind.
The next morning, March 18, the guards arrived and found the basement doors standing wide open. As they rushed inside, they were met with a charred room. Everything was gone.
They immediately reported the destruction to the Elders. Within hours, all four Elders arrived at the scene.
"Who did this?" Relph demanded, his face reddening with rage.
"Someone turned our only source of information into ash," Ramonian added, his voice cold. "How shameful."
Umiko glanced at the ruins with a bored expression. "It doesn't matter now. I'm not wasting any more time here. I'm leaving."
The Elders, a mix of shocked and frustrated, stormed out of the building.
A week passed in a flash.
The day had finally arrived for the squads and the Research Force to depart for the Everdread Forest. Liuke was ready, but before heading to the base, he felt he had one last stop to make.
He needed to say goodbye to Klane.
Liuke arrived at the house where Klane lived with Lady Nasikawa, the woman who had adopted her. He rang the doorbell, and Lady Nasikawa opened the door.
"Lady Nasikawa, is Klane home?" Liuke asked.
"Yes, she's sleeping," her mother replied. "Did you need to talk to her, Liuke?"
"I've come to say goodbye."
Lady Nasikawa went inside and woke Klane up. "Look, Klane. Look who's here to see you."
Klane sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Is it... Brother Liuke?" She was still half-asleep and confused.
"Hey, Klane," Liuke said softly. "I came to say goodbye."
"Bye? Where are you going, Brother Liuke?" Klane asked, her sleepiness vanishing instantly.
"We've been given a mission to enter a terrifying forest," Liuke explained. He tried to lighten the mood with a small laugh. "Today is the day. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure if I'll make it back in one piece."
Klane's expression shifted to one of worry. "Why are you going? It was only a few days ago that you were kidnapped and taken to that horrible place! Doesn't the Solar Council care about your health at all?"
"Do you really hate them that much, Klane?" Liuke asked.
"Yes! They won't even let you live in peace!"
"Don't worry," Liuke said, his voice dropping an octave. "I'm going there to finish them."
"Finish them?" Klane whispered.
"Yes. Your mother probably knows that these new Elders are actually criminals. I can't let those wicked people live. If I get the chance, I'll end them right there."
Klane reached out and grabbed Liuke's hand tightly. "But what about you, Brother Liuke? Don't you care about yourself?"
"I... I don't understand what you mean, Klane."
"You've already given so much as a soldier," Klane pleaded. "You should be resting. With your burnout state, you could... at any moment..."
Liuke gently pulled his hand away. "I'm sorry, Klane. But I have to do this. If I don't, crimes against innocents will continue all over Helmora. I can't just let those monsters rule."
Klane looked down, realizing she couldn't stop him. "Fine. If you don't care about your own life, Brother Liuke... then at least promise me one thing. Promise me you'll return alive and safe."
"What's there to promise?" Liuke smiled. "I came back from the other side of the world. This is just a forest."
Lady Nasikawa, who had been listening from the side, stepped forward. "Klane is right, Liuke. You shouldn't take this lightly."
"Don't worry, Klane... Lady Nasikawa. I'll definitely return," Liuke assured them. "Now, I really have to go to the Solar Force base. I'm sorry."
Liuke said his final goodbyes and walked away. Klane and Lady Nasikawa watched him go, their eyes filled with fear and uncertainty.
Liuke finally arrived at the base. He saw Commander Jems's squad and his own commander, Elvis.
Liuke quickly moved to his position—third rank—and stood at attention. Commander Elvis wasn't right next to him at the moment, but Liuke noticed someone else. Someone he didn't know well, but who clearly knew exactly who Liuke was...