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]

Loud knocking sounded again from downstairs, this time with more than one person. The sound of armored footsteps echoed from the ground floor of the inn, the royal knights. Naturally, since my life seems allergic to quiet, I turned to Arka.

“Say you have a solution.”

Arka actually remains calm, this man can probably remain calm even when the world is really burning.

“How many?” I asked.

He closed his eyes for a moment as if feeling something.

“Twelve,” he replied.

I nodded slightly. Not great, but still better than fifty.

“And one person who is quite strong,” he continued.

To make matters worse, Mira walked closer to the window and peeked through the gap in the curtain. Her face immediately changed.

“Their captain is here,” Mira said.

I approached.

“Who?” I asked.

Mira swallowed hard.

“Valen Drakhar,” Mira answered.

The name clearly has a meaning unfortunately I was not born in this world, I just stared at him blankly Mira turned her head quickly.

“He is one of the strongest knights in Lemuria,” said Mira.

 “Ah.” 

Information that I really didn't like, Arka finally stood up, he took his stick and walked towards the door.

"Don't go out." said Arka.

I frowned.

"Wait. What?" I was surprised.

“I will talk to them,” he said.

I looked at the old man.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

Arka glanced at me briefly.

“If they come into this room, the situation becomes more complicated,” he replied.

I crossed my arms.

“It's hard to imagine a more complicated level than my life right now,” I continued.

Arka ignored me and opened the door, before leaving he paused for a moment.

“And no matter what happens, do not activate your fragment inside the city.” 

I raised an eyebrow.

“Why?” 

He answered briefly.

“Because everyone will know.”

Then the door closed and the room suddenly became much quieter. I stared at the door for a few seconds.

“He just left.”

Mira sighed.

“Trust me, it's better.”

I walked towards the window, from the second floor I could see part of the main street with several knights standing guard outside the inn. 

Their silver-blue armor reflected the light of the night lanterns. In the center stood a man in dark blue robes and heavier armor, dark blond hair, an upright posture, a sharp gaze, and a distinct aura of leadership. Valen Drakhar, I guessed, but even from here, his aura felt steady and oppressive, not at the level of an ordinary person. I let out a soft sigh.

“Long day.”

Mira stood beside me.

"I didn't expect them to move this fast."

“I've only been a fugitive for a few hours.”

“Congratulations,” he said flatly.

“Your popularity is increasing.”

I glanced at him.

“I prefer other promotional methods.”

Under the open door of the inn Arka appeared and walked down casually, Valen took a few steps forward the two of them started talking. 

Too far to hear but body language was clear enough Valen looked polite but wary, Arka looked like he was talking about the weather. 

The old man was really absurd, I noticed the situation of twelve knights one strong captain and the city gates were closed. 

My mana isn't completely stable yet, it's still not normal. Conclusion: fighting now is a bad idea, Mira seemed to read my expression.

“Don't think about anything else.”

“I'm just calculating the options.”

“That's the face you make when you think about something that could potentially destroy a building.”

I was a little offended.

"Not always."

Mira looked at me, I raised my hand.

“Okay, quite often.”

The conversation below seemed to be getting more serious, Valen took out a piece of paper possibly a warrant the Knight behind him started to move slightly, the formation changed I immediately tensed up.

“Oh, that's not a development I like.”

Mira also watched.

“Looks like they want to check all the rooms.”

It was amazing I looked around the room one door, one window, one old man negotiating with our lives.

“What if they go up?” I asked.

Mira thought quickly.

“We can go through the roof.”

I glanced up at the wooden roof, I was just about to formulate a plan when the sound of footsteps started to be heard on the stairs, Mira and I looked at each other.

“So fast,” I whispered.

Mira gripped her staff, and I gripped my sword tighter, my instincts immediately kicking in, adrenaline surging. Damn, before I could rest, the footsteps stopped right in front of the door. A few seconds of silence felt incredibly long, then a man's voice rang out from outside. 

Calm. 

Firm.

“Open the door.”

It wasn't a shout, it wasn't a threat, but it was clear enough that it wasn't a request. I looked at Mira, she swallowed hard, and I sighed.

“Yeah,” I said quietly.

“I think a quiet night is too optimistic.”

I stepped closer to the door, Mira immediately held my arm.

“What are you doing?” asked Mira.

"Improvisation," I answered lightly.

“That was not a reassuring answer,” Mira continued.

“Nothing in my life is calming,” I continued. 

Fair enough, I stood right in front of the door contemplating my options. 

Escape through the window? Risk of being seen. 

Fighting? Bad. 

Opening the door? That's probably a bad thing too.

Excellent choice, I took a breath and before I could decide Arka's voice came from below.

“Captain Whale.”

His tone remained calm but louder.

“If you insist on checking that room, then I suggest you be prepared to accept the consequences.”

I blinked. Oh? Interesting, outside the door the footsteps stopped silent again. A few seconds later, the man's voice came again, this time a little more cautious.

“Is that a threat?” 

Arka answered casually.

“That’s advice.”

I almost smiled, this old man was getting more and more interesting. Below, I heard the murmurs of several knights, the tension rising, and then Valen's voice came through clearly.

“Get down.” A short order.

The footsteps in front of the door slowly receded, and I lowered my shoulders slightly. It wasn't safe yet, but at least I wasn't dead, a small victory. 

I returned to the window below Valen staring at Arka for a moment, their gazes met in silence as if there was another conversation that couldn't be heard then finally Valen gave a signal. 

All the knights retreated, they really retreated. I raised an eyebrow, no way. They just left after a few minutes, the streets were relatively quiet again. Arka went back up to the second floor. As soon as I entered the room, I immediately spoke.

"Good."

I pointed at him.

“Now I need a really good explanation.”

Arka closed the door his expression unchanged.

“Valen knows me.”

“Obviously,” I said.

“The next question is why did the captain of the royal knights retreat just because of your words.”

Arka was silent for a moment and then said,

“Because he was smart enough not to mess with me.”

A very arrogant and oddly believable answer. Mira seemed as curious as I was.

“What is your true identity?” Mira asked.

Arka looked at the two of us. Then he sat back down casually.

“Tomorrow morning,” he said.

“I will take you to a safer place.”

I frowned.

“What place?”

The old man answered briefly.

“A place where you can do class evolution.”

The room suddenly fell silent, I froze. Mira immediately turned to me. Class evolution? Finally.

The notifications that had been flashing continuously since earlier felt increasingly heavy.

Class Evolution Available

Requirements met

Evolution pending...

I stared at the screen for a while then turned to Arka.

“And of course I assume this process is completely harmless,” I said flatly,

Arka smiled faintly, a small smile that didn't give a sense of security at all.

“Dangerous,” he replied.

“But if it fails, your problem is solved faster.”

I closed my eyes, what a truly quality mentor.

[END CHAPTER 29]