A cold wind hit my face as Mira and I ran out of the ruins, the sound of crumbling rocks rumbling behind us like a giant monster that had just woken up and was on a rampage.

“Come on, faster!” Mira shouted.

“I've been trying that concept for the past five minutes!”

We jumped over debris down cracked stone steps and then weaved our way through black roots that spread wildly from the walls.

Ever since the second fragment merged with me, the entire place seemed to lose its stability. The previously still roots began to move like living creatures, and some even tried to grab my feet. I slashed at one root wrapped around my ankle with the World Thorn Sword.

No, this sword had clearly changed again, slicing through the roots with ease. Its blade was now longer and slimmer, a greenish-black color dominating the surface, with lines like the veins of living wood pulsing gently. The weapon's aura was heavier, more "alive," and a little worrying, to be honest.

“We’re almost there!” Mira said from behind.

The light from the exit appeared a few meters ahead and then the ground beneath me cracked.

“Seriously?”

I jumped to the side just as part of the floor collapsed down in a cloud of dust, I landed rolling and then immediately stood up Mira managed to get out first and turned around.

“Cancer!”

“I'm still alive.”

“For now,” he muttered.

We finally made it out of the rubble just as the main part of the building collapsed completely.

The explosion of dust soared high, the rumbling sound could be heard in the surrounding trees, I bent down while controlling my breath, my chest felt hot, the mana in my body was unstable.

Since the second fragment sync there has been a strange sensation constantly moving under my skin like something is growing.

A notification appears.

Synchronization complete.

The second fragment was successfully integrated.

Class evolution is available.

Please stabilize immediately.

I stared at the writing and sighed.

“Why do all upgrades always come with the threat of death?”

“Because your life doesn't know the word normal,” Mira replied.

I glanced at him.

"That is true."

For a few seconds we just stood still looking at the ruins that had now turned into a mountain of rocks.

Seraphiel didn't come out or maybe he didn't intend to chase, I'm not optimistic enough to believe he died under the rubble, a man like that is too annoying to die easily.

“He will come back,” Mira said quietly.

I nodded.

“Yes.”

And when that happened I had to be much stronger we started walking back towards the city my steps were a little unsteady, Mira noticed.

"You are okay?"

“Define fine.”

“You look like you're going to faint.”

“Good. That means my performance is consistent.”

Mira let out a long sigh, but she moved a little closer to make sure I hadn't completely collapsed. It was strange. Before, I probably would have refused help. Now? I was too exhausted to maintain my pride.

The journey home felt quieter, the sun beginning to set, the evening sky turning a golden orange. The atmosphere was quite peaceful, a stark contrast to the fact that just a few hours earlier I had stolen an ancient fragment and caused a ruin to explode, a balanced lifestyle.

As the gates of Lumeria City came into view, I finally felt a little relieved. Civilization, a place to sleep, food, and perhaps fewer divine assassins, hopefully.

But as we approached, I immediately knew something was wrong. The guards at the gate looked tense and more numerous than usual. People were gathering around, and the atmosphere in the town was unusual. I stopped.

“Why does it feel like every time I come back, there's always a new problem?”

Mira narrowed her eyes.

"Look."

He pointed above the gate to a large notice on a white sheet with the royal seal, I went closer to read it and immediately frowned.

Royal Emergency Decree

Starting today, all gates of Lumeria City are temporarily closed.

The search for the dangerous individual is ongoing.

It is forbidden to leave the city without official permission.

In the name of public safety.

I read the “dangerous individual” part twice.

“Oh.”

Mira looked at me.

“That was fast.”

“Very efficient.”

I hadn't even had time to shower, under the decree was a sketch of a face that wasn't very detailed but was clear enough.

Black hair.

Sharp eyes.

Unfriendly expression.

Very handsome in that slightly criminal way of course, I stared at the poster for a few seconds.

“At least the artist is quite praised.”

Mira massaged her temples.

“Straight, focus.”

I observed the area around Knight being guarded more tightly as several officers checked people entering.

“The main door is definitely not an option,” I said.

Mira nodded.

“I know a side street.”

Of course he knew, we turned away from the main gate towards the quieter east side of town near the old walls which were partly covered in ivy.

Mira stopped in front of a seemingly ordinary stone wall and tapped in a certain pattern. Click. A small gap opened, and I blinked.

“How do you know the city's secret passages?”

Mira looked a little awkward.

“Our team was given access.”

Oh indeed the privilege of being called a warrior must be pleasant, we entered through the narrow alley it was dark and damp the smell of earth and wet stone.

After a few minutes of walking, we emerged into the warehouse area behind the commercial district. Great, I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Okay."

“Now I'm officially a fugitive.”

“It’s not official yet,” Mira said.

I pointed to a poster in the distance.

“They just printed my face.”

“A reasonable point.”

We walked towards the inn but the closer I got the more uneasy I felt, Predator Sense was active, danger was very close, I immediately stopped, Mira also stopped.

"What is it?"

I didn't answer, my gaze was fixed on the inn, the lights were still on, too quiet, too normal, a bad sign, then the inn door opened and someone came out.

An old man in a gray robe, a wooden stick in his hand, long white hair, his mana aura was very deep and very stable.

A notification appears.

Target identified: ???

Threat: High

Oh amazing, the man looked directly at me as if he had been waiting for quite a while and when he spoke his voice was calm but enough to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

“Finally you came.”

I gripped the sword tightly.

“Can you guess?” I said flatly.

“This conversation is probably not going to be pleasant.”

The old man smiled faintly.

"Depends."

He tapped his staff on the ground once, and the mana around us instantly changed. A barrier? We were trapped, it was incredible.

"I don't come as an enemy," he said.

I chuckled.

“Everyone always said that before my life got more complicated.”

The man seemed almost to smile. Almost.

“I am one of the few people who understand your class.”

That sentence made me freeze.

Okay, now that you've successfully caught my attention, Mira stiffened beside me. The old man stared at my sword, his gaze deepening slightly.

“It’s been a long time,” he muttered.

“It's been a long time since I've seen the inheritor of the fragment appear again.”

I squinted.

"Who are you?"

He was silent for a few seconds. Then he answered,

“My name is Arka.”

He bowed slightly.

“Someone who once failed to protect the World Tree.”

…

I was speechless, that sentence had made my night much more interesting and possibly even more dangerous. The new arc was no joke.

[END CHAPTER 26]

The back alley of the inn suddenly felt much narrower, a faintly shimmering transparent barrier around us forming a thin dome that separated this area from the outside world. 

The sounds of the city disappeared, no footsteps, no voices of traders, just me, Mira, and an old man named Arka. 

I don't lower my sword learning from experience, mysterious parents with important information usually come with two things: problems and additional trauma a classic combination. 

Arka seemed unperturbed by my attitude, he stood calmly with a simple wooden stick in his hand, his grey robe looked ordinary, even too ordinary for someone with such a heavy aura. 

Predator Sense was still active, there was no intent to kill, but the threat level remained high. Meaning: even without hostile intent, this man was still dangerous. I crossed one arm over my chest.

“Okay,” I said flatly.

“Starting from the most important part, why does my life keep getting more complicated every day?”

Mira closed her eyes briefly, as if tired of my comments. Arka smiled faintly.

“Because you brought something that shouldn't have risen.”

The answer was anything but reassuring, I sighed.

“Good. Very vague. I'm glad we started off badly.”

Arka raised his gaze towards my sword, his gaze sharp.

“There are only a few people who can receive two fragments and still live.”

"How much? A little? In recorded history?"

He paused for a moment.

"Only one."

I was silent. 

Okay that's worrying Mira looked at me quickly, I pretended not to be too bothered the internal panic could wait.

“And that person?” I asked.

Arka answered slowly.

“Died thousands of years ago.”

Ah the legendary predecessor who has passed away is always so soothing, I tapped my finger on the sword hilt.

“Okay. Next question.”

“You said you failed to protect the World Tree.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Age-wise, it makes you sound very old.”

Mira glanced at me as if to say seriously, is this your focus?   But priorities are priorities, Arka chuckled softly.

“I am indeed older than I look,” he said in a tone that was too casual.

Not helpful.

“I used to be part of the core guardians of the World Tree,” he continued, 

The room felt heavier, the tone of his voice changing a little further like someone was opening up an unpleasant memory.

"When the World Tree was still intact, there was a group tasked with maintaining its balance. Not a kingdom. Not a god. But those who understood that such power should not be held by anyone."

I nodded slightly, it made sense then of course someone messed it up because history loves patterns.

“The White Council?” my guess.

Arka looked at me, then nodded.

“The initial version.”

Interesting, Mira froze.

“Wait, wasn’t the White Council formed after the First Root Collapse?” he said quietly. 

Arka turned towards him.

“That's the version of history that's taught.”

Ah yes I'm starting to get really interested, finally some background information with its uses.

“So they lied,” I said.

“They erased a lot of things including the real reason the World Tree collapsed,” Arka replied.

I stared at him sharply.

“And that reason?”

Arka was silent for a few seconds too long then he said something that made my blood run cold.

“Because humans tried to make the World Tree a system of power.”

I was silent but didn't speak straight away, Arka continued.

"Classes, levels, blessings—everything considered normal today—are just a small fraction of the World Tree's original function. This system wasn't originally created for hierarchy, but rather for balance."

I processed his words so the system everyone is currently using has been twisted and misused, very human.

“The White Council wants to control the core of the World Tree,” Arka said.

“They believed that if the core was controlled, humans could dictate the evolution of the world as they wished and of course that went badly,” I said.

“Disaster,” Arka replied.

Hoping always, I massaged my temples. 

There's quite a lot of information today, I just:

Get the second fragment

Become a fugitive

Meet the immortal old man

Knowing the world system is the result of misuse of the cosmic tree

On a typical Tuesday, Mira took a step forward.

"Then why was Raka chosen?" he said,

Good question, I also want to know why the universe is so obsessed with making me the center of trouble. Arka stared at me for a long time, his gaze too deep, as if he saw something I didn't even know.

“Because fragments choose compatible containers, and the highest compatibility usually comes from one thing,” Arka said finally.

I don't like the direction this conversation is going anymore.

"What?" said Mira.

Arka answered calmly.

“Extreme will to survive.”

…

I blinked. Oh actually that makes sense. Unfortunately,

“Unfortunately, the more a person refuses to be destroyed, the higher their synchronization with the fragments,” he continued,

Mira slowly looked at me her expression a mix of sympathy and realization, I sighed.

“So trauma is an asset.”

Arka looked almost smiling.

“In your case, yes.”

Pleased to know that suffering has a return on investment, I glanced at the small notification still flashing in the corner of my vision.

Class evolution available.

It's true there is another problem.

“What happens if I continue evolving?” I asked.

My tone was more serious now, Arka didn't answer right away which was definitely not a good sign.

“You will become stronger but also closer to your original core,” he said.

I waited. Then:

“And it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain your human identity,” he continued.

That's the cost that has to be paid in the end, I chuckled of course there are no free power-ups the universe is consistent, Mira looks worried.

“Does that mean he could lose himself?” Mira said.

“Yes, if the synchronization is too high without stabilization,” Arka replied.

I crossed my arms.

“And of course you have a solution,” I said.

“Some,” Arka replied.

Better than nothing, he tapped his wand once the barrier around us shimmered slightly.

“I can help you control the fragments,” said Arka.

Oho the mentor arc is a potentially dangerous but useful cliche.

"Of course with conditions," he continued.

That's it, nothing is free.

"Then what next??" I said

Arka looked at me straight.

“Starting today you have to stop fighting like someone who just wants to survive,” said Arka.

I frowned.

“Because?” I said.

"Because if your primary motives are simply survival and revenge…" his gaze sharpened. "The fragments will consume you even faster," Arka continued.

Silence, the words hit me harder than I thought because I knew he was probably right. From the beginning, my entire development had been driven by: fear of death, wanting revenge, wanting to be stronger. 

It had never been more than that, I was silent for a long time, uncomfortable, a rare experience. Arka saw my reaction and then said more quietly,

“You have to find another reason to live.”

Well that sounds like a lot of work, I stared at the night sky visible beyond the barrier. Looking for a reason to live? Seriously? I hadn't even had dinner yet, but deep down, I knew this wasn't nonsense. If I kept walking with only hatred... one day I might truly stop being myself, and that, for the first time, felt scarier than death. The barrier slowly disappeared, the sounds of the city returned, and Arka turned around.

“Wait,” I said.

It stopped.

“If you want to help me…” I said

I gripped the sword tighter.

“Start with something simple,” I continued.

Arka turned around slightly.

“What is that?” said Arka.

I stared at him blankly.

“Tell me how not to die this week,” I said.

For the first time that night Arka chuckled.

“A realistic request,” said Arka.

It's good that at least there's someone here who has standards.

[END CHAPTER 27]

Arka walked into the inn as if the place had been his from the start, Mira and I looked at each other before finally following him in. 

The lower part of the inn was still bustling with guests, but strangely, no one seemed to notice us, or rather, they seemed unable to see us. I looked around warily.

“Illusion?” I asked quietly.

Arka nodded.

“A simple layer of perception,” said Arka.

“Simple by whose standards?” I muttered.

We went up to the second floor and headed to a room at the very end. As soon as the door closed, the atmosphere of the room immediately became quieter and heavier. In the center of the room stood a round wooden table, an old bookshelf, and several rolled-up maps. This room was clearly no ordinary inn room, Arka sat quietly.

"Sit down." said Arka.

I sat on the chair across from her while Mira chose to stand near the window, my hand still holding the sword for some reason since the second fragment merged I felt uncomfortable letting go too far like there was a strange connection. 

The sword was pulsing softly, almost like a heartbeat. I stared at it for a moment. It wasn't scary at all, it was completely normal. Arka was watching me.

"You're starting to feel it," said Arka.

“If you mean an unhealthy emotional relationship with this weapon, then yes,” I said.

The old man let out a small sigh.

“The more fragments you collect, the greater your synchronization will be,” said Arka.

“I've heard the scary part,” I said.

“The ‘losing identity and becoming a walking tree’ part sounds pretty self-explanatory,” I continued.

Mira held back a chuckle, at least someone was enjoying the sarcasm. Arka was unfazed. He took a small crystal from his robe and placed it on the table. The crystal was clear with a faint green glow.

"Touch." said Arka.

I stared at the object.

“Sounds like the start of a bad decision,” I said.

“Just touch it,” said Arka.

I sighed then touched the crystal with my fingertips, the next second a green light enveloped my palm, hot but not painful.

A notification appears.

Status Scan Initiated...

Analyzing Host Compatibility...

I raised an eyebrow.

“Good. Now even the rocks are judging me,” I muttered.

A few seconds passed, then a new screen appeared.

Host Analysis Complete

Synchronization Rate: 42%

Corruption Level: 18%

Mental Stability: Warning

Class Evolution Available

Recommendation:

Immediate Stabilization Required

I read the last part twice. Mental Stability: Warning. Mira watched and immediately frowned.

“Your corruption is rising quite fast,” said Arka.

“I saw that number too,” I said flatly.

Arka folded her arms.

“The second fragment speeds up the process,” Arka said again.

“What is a normal number?” I asked.

“Under 10%,” answered Arka.

I stared at the screen at 18%. Good always excels in the wrong places.

“What if it reaches 100?” I asked again.

The atmosphere suddenly became a little colder, Arka answered briefly.

“You’re dead. Or worse,” he replied.

I looked at him.

“I don't like there being a 'worse' option than death,” I replied.

"Get used to it," said Arka flatly.

An unhelpful answer. I leaned back in my chair.

“Okay. So how do you get it down?” I asked.

Arka knocked softly on the table.

"There are two ways: First, natural stabilization. It's slow, safe, and takes time," said Arka.

I nodded.

“And the second way definitely sounds illegal. Almost.” he continued.

I already suspected that. Arka continued,

“You have to learn how to consciously control the fragments, not just use them in battle,” he continued.

I frowned a little.

“What do you mean?” I asked, not understanding.

“All this time you've been using fragments like wild weapons,” he said.

“You let instinct, emotion, and survival activate it,” he continued.

I can't deny it because it's true.

Most of my strength comes out when:

Almost die

Angry

Desperate

A very healthy way of life.

“From now on, you have to access it without being triggered by emotions,” said Arka.

I squinted.

“So meditation?” I asked.

"More or less," he replied.

I stared at the ceiling, of course, of all the things I'd predicted after nearly dying in the ruins, meditation wasn't on the list. Arka stood up.

"We start now," said Arka.

“Now?” I said a little surprised.

"Yes," he answered flatly.

I pointed to myself.

"I haven't eaten yet," I said. 

“If you keep this up, you might not have time to eat much anymore,” he replied lightly.

"Okay, I get your point," I stood up reluctantly. Arka led me to the back of the room, where it turned out to be a small, hidden chamber. The floor was covered in ancient symbols forming a large circle, with a single cushion in the center. I stared at it for a few seconds.

“This feels like a spiritual trap,” I muttered.

"Sit." he ordered.

I sat down, Mira stood outside the circle, leaning against the wall, her expression clearly enjoying this, a traitor. Arka stood in front of me.

“Close your eyes,” said Arka.

I obeyed for a moment there was only the sound of my own breathing.

“Feel the mana in your body, focus on the flow in the center of your body,” he said softly.

I took a slow breath, trying to focus. At first, it was just darkness, but then I slowly began to feel something. A warmth swirled around my chest, but deeper inside, there was something else. 

Cold, heavy, roots, I could “see” them, the mass of greenish black roots wrapped around my mana core, pulsing and alive, even moving slightly as I became aware of them, I tensed.

“I saw it,” I said quietly.

“Good. Now don’t be afraid.” Arka’s voice sounded distant.

A bad sentence for a situation like this, the roots slowly moved closer to encircle my consciousness. 

My instincts immediately screamed at me to retreat, to flee, to run, but I forced myself to remain still, cold sweat breaking out on my neck. The closer I got, the heavier it got, and suddenly, one of the roots touched my consciousness. 

A flood of memories hit me, the sound of screams, fire, the sky collapsing, giant trees breaking, blood, human screams, and the sound of something enormous dying. I opened my eyes, gasping for breath.

“HAH!”

My body was wet with sweat, my heart was beating brutally, the room looked normal again, Mira immediately approached.

“Raka!” he called.

I raised my hand to signal that I was technically still alive, Arka looked at me seriously.

“What do you see?” he asked.

I caught my breath and then answered softly,

“Collapse,” I replied.

The atmosphere was silent, I could still feel the remnants of that sensation, it wasn't just a sight, more like a memory not mine but coming from fragments, I looked at my hands shaking slightly.

“This fragment holds memories,” I said.

Arka nodded slowly.

“Yes. The deeper the synchronization, the more you will see,” he replied.

I laughed dryly.

“Of course,” I muttered.

The additional trauma of the complete collection, Mira looks anxious.

“Is it dangerous?” I asked.

"If it sinks too far, yes." answered Arka.

“The boundaries between fragmentary memories and one's identity can become blurred,” he continued.

I looked at the floor so it was not just physical corruption but mental as well, complete premium package.

A notification appears.

Stabilization Training Complete

Synchronization Control +3%

Corruption temporarily suppressed

Current Corruption: 16%

I blinked.

“Oh.”

Not bad, a two percent drop. Small progress, but progress nonetheless. Arka nodded in satisfaction.

"You learn fast," said Arka.

“Too much survival experience,” I said as I stood up.

My legs are still a little weak but my body feels lighter, my head is also clearer at least for a while, Mira smiled slightly.

“Congratulations, you managed to not die today,” he said proudly.

I looked at him.

“Our standards are very low and so far it has been quite effective,” I said.

It was hard to deny, I was just about to sit back down when a loud knocking sound came from below three times, heavy and regular. 

Everyone in the room fell silent. Arka turned toward the door, his gaze sharp. I felt a sense of foreboding again as a servant screamed in panic from downstairs.

“Knight of the kingdom!” he shouted.

Oh good, I haven't even had a chance to enjoy the results of meditation yet.

[END CHAPTER 28]