The land was eerily quiet.

  With every step we took, the absence of people on the large streets became daunting to us.

  “There is no presence of monsters around us.” Enzo was the first one to speak.

  The castle was not very far now; he had joined the group shortly after checking the surroundings ahead with the spirit of shadow.

  “Hmm, that’s probably because we are reaching closer to the castle where the avenger reside.”

  I said, stopping in my tracks.

  Chris looked at the clear sky and then at the castle with a frown.

  “So why are we going closer now?”

  “Great question. Sadly we are not; I don’t want to die just yet.”

  I muttered honestly.

  I really didn’t know why we would go any closer than we already were.

  But—

  “Now that we have come this close, it would be a pity not to take a closer look.”

  I suddenly heard a sharp inhale from my side and ducked.

  Swissh!

  Summer's fist went through the air where my head previously had been.

  I suddenly felt my hair stand on edge and the corner of my lips twitch upward as I stood back.

  Did she try to smack my head? I had dodged on time. I was suddenly feeling happy.

  Before I could question her on her actions, Summer stepped closer, dangerously close.

  I took a step back, feeling her breath crawl down on my skin.

  SMACK!

  “Ow!”

  However, I couldn’t see her other hand that landed at the back of my head.

  “What was that for?!” I complained, holding my head with one hand, and turned to look at her and the others.

  Enzo, Chris, Liber, and even Anny gave a satisfied look as they watched me clench my head in pain.

  “Good work.” Enzo nodded while Chris gave a thumbs up in his sister’s direction.

  Liber just stared without changing his expression and Anny made an odd expression, as if standing there awkwardly unsure what to do. However, they all looked satisfied.

  “Huh?” I got more confused.

  “Do you still not understand what that was for?” Summer asked, raising her brows. Her fist clenched and unclenched threateningly. “Looks like I need to hit you harder.”

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  I could see sparks fly in her hand.

  I pursed my lips as another sigh came out of Summer's lips.

  “Pity not to take a closer look… What are we? Tourist! Are we here to look at historical sites or attractions?” Summer’s voice went higher as she yelled.

  Ah… so that's what it's all about.

  Their reactions were genuine. A mix of stress and resentment had built up in their hearts. Though I was aware I was not the target of both. It just happens… people get tired easily.

  Though easy would be an understatement here. The lost city was as hellish as outside, without doubt, especially now that the war between two domains was getting worse with days passing.

  I looked at her, then shook my head.

  “I was joking.”

  “Seriously?”

  My lips continued to twitch as her gaze got sharper and colder.

  “Seriously… I don’t want to see the avenger or ruler or whatever is inside.” I nodded twice and said with an even voice. My hands came down, the pain at the back of my head subsiding slowly.

  “But you want to look at the surroundings of the castle?” Liber asked, prompting me to shut my lips.

  They all are unnaturally sharp today…

  I thought and didn’t say anything.

  Neither denying nor confirming his doubts.

  Liber tilted his head slightly.

  "This place is really bad and we had already left our hideout. The most obvious thing should be to leave this city for good when we still have the chance."

  I heard Enzo whisper with a sigh, his hand rubbing at his neck absentmindedly.

  Yes, that makes perfect sense.

  "But you want to know something?" Enzo added.

  "You still remember that?" I asked, not hiding my shock.

  I had told him I wanted to find some things here a month ago. Though I was still not aware of what it was.

  Enzo’s fingers stopped moving against his neck as he exhaled sharply through his nose.

  "Yeah, I do... I would prefer to know what it is if you have any clues now."

  I could feel chills run down my spine as they kept their eyes on me.

  The tall buildings now felt small as we stood under their curtains of shadow. I felt small as well, as I cocked my head to look at the dark spires of the castle.

  No, it probably wasn't a castle.

  It just looked from afar due to its high walls and dark spires. If I had to say what it looked like, I would say it was more akin to a crown.

  A crown that had fallen down to earth, cracked and bleeding its dark carcass into the land, twisting everything around it into something unnatural.

  "Hey, say something. Don't go silent now." Summer shook me by my shoulder, bringing me out of my dazed look.

  "I..." My tongue felt heavy, words sticking in my throat. Because the truth was... I had no answers. Just instincts—the gnawing feeling that something in that jagged crown structure wanted me here.

  Her frown deepened.

  "Should I do it or do you guys want to do it next?" She asked, raising her fist.

  "We have no chances of survival..."

  I finally said with a heavy heart, shaken by her threat.

  "Hmm, say something we don't know," Chris answered sharply with his brows furrowed together.

  I glared at him and nodded bitterly.

  "Let me finish..." I sighed and continued speaking.

  "We don't have a chance with how we are now... But what if we have a transcendent among us?" I said hesitantly.

  Liber's and Anny's eyes widened in surprise.

  "Asher, don't tell me you—"

  Anny gasped and covered her mouth with both hands.

  "Did you actually..." Liber continued with a sharp exhale.

  "Wait, wait! I don't get what you three are saying."

  Chris interrupted.

  Summer’s fist unclenched, her fingers twitching as she blinked rapidly. “A transcendent? Here? Now?” The word tasted like ash in her mouth, too impossible.

  "That does sound hopeful but I am also not sure where you are going with this, Asher." Enzo said while keeping his gaze on the surroundings.

  I could only let out a small laugh and look at them with a distant look; the two threads of my thoughts raced as if trying to see which would come out of my mind first.

  In the end I stayed silent before speaking clearly.

  "I have reached enlightenment."

  Silence.

  "H-how?"

  Summer's lips trembled.

  Her breathing hitched as she questioned me.

  "I just did, not long ago... The timing is not what's important. What's important is that if I could ascend, our chances of survival will increase tremendously."

  I kept a thin smile.

  I had cleared all the conditions needed for reaching enlightenment. Though they would never believe it.

  After all, it takes hundreds of years, if not more sometimes.

  But I have.

  I have a will; I knew what I needed further according to my path and element.

  So, all I need is to understand it.

  And it won't take long before I become a transcendent myself.