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]

Morning came too quickly, and I wasn't even sure I'd managed to sleep. I spent most of the night staring at the ceiling, listening to the sounds of the city slowly returning to normal outside my window. Meanwhile, annoying notifications continued to flash in the corner of my vision.

Class Evolution Available

Evolution pending...

As if the system was deliberately making sure I couldn't ignore it thank you very helpful, I sat on the edge of the bed staring at my own hands. 

Since getting the second fragment there has been a subtle change that is hard to describe where it feels denser, wilder but at the same time more responsive. 

It seemed like my body was adapting to something much bigger or slowly giving in to it was still unclear, a small knock was heard at the door.

"Enter."

Mira opened the door slightly and entered, ready to go. Her simple white robe had been replaced with a dark gray coat to disguise her identity. Convenient.

“I thought you weren't awake yet,” he said.

“I appreciate that optimism.”

Mira looked at my face.

“You look bad.”

"Thank You."

“I mean worse than usual.”

I sighed.

"Much better."

He smiled slightly, our relationship was strange: there was still distance, there was still an unresolved past, but for the first time, his presence didn't feel like an intrusion. Arka knocked on the door from outside.

“It's time.”

Short. 

Efficient. 

Threatening the peace. 

I stood up and took the sword, as soon as my hand touched the hilt a warm sensation immediately spread to my palm the connection grew stronger somewhat worrying. 

We went down through the back path of the inn, the town was still quite quiet, the sun had just risen, a thin morning mist blanketed the stone streets. 

Arka led us wordlessly through the commercial district, narrow alleys and then towards the north side of town. 

This area is much older, buildings are starting to become sparse, houses look empty, some are even damaged, I looked around.

“Your safe place is in the most suspicious area of ​​the city?”

Arka kept walking.

“The less attractive a place is, the safer it is.”

It makes sense but it still feels like the beginning of a bad movie, we stopped in front of an old building that looked like an abandoned warehouse, the wooden door was worn, the stone walls were covered in moss, it was very unconvincing. 

Arka opened the door to the dark interior, empty, or at least seemingly empty. He tapped his cane three times on the floor. Click, the entire room shook slightly, and the wooden floorboards in the center slowly opened, revealing a stone staircase leading underground. I stared at it.

“Okay. This is definitely a secret lair.”

“You talk too much,” Arka replied.

We descended the stairs deeper and deeper, the air became colder, denser with mana, the stone walls here were filled with root carvings, ancient symbols, and runes that faintly glowed green. 

I touched one of the carvings as I passed by, there was a familiar sensation similar to the altar yesterday, my heart beat a little faster, this place is connected to the World Tree I'm sure. 

The stairs ended in a vast underground chamber. I paused, my eyes widening slightly. This room was completely different from what I had expected. It wasn't a cramped room or an old laboratory, but a large, circular stone hall, its ceiling high and supported by massive pillars. 

In the center was a giant ritual circle with a pattern of glowing roots, the mana so dense it almost looked like a thin green mist flowing through the air. Mira fell silent.

“What is this place?”

Arka walked towards the center of the room.

“Sanctum,” he answered briefly.

“Where one of the core branches of the World Tree used to be.”

I looked around, so this was some kind of ancient site. It was a good thing, of course, that the class evolution process had to take place in a place that looked like the site of a forbidden ritual. I was starting to accept my lifestyle. Arka stood at the edge of the circle, staring at me.

"Enter."

I approached slowly.

“Things I need to know before this starts?”

“A few,” Arka replied.

I sighed.

"Of course."

He raised one finger.

“First, this evolution doesn't just change your class.”

"I already guessed."

“Second, the fragment will test your compatibility once again.”

I frowned.

“What kind of test?”

Arka was silent for a moment as if choosing his words.

"Confrontation."

I don't like that at all.

"Who with?"

Arka's gaze changed slightly.

"Yourself."

...

I stared at him for a few seconds.

“Oh, good,” I said flatly.

“Because my life is clearly not tiring enough.”

Mira approached with a serious expression.

“Is this dangerous?”

Arka glanced at him.

“Yes.” Quick answer.

At least be honest.

"What if it fails?" Mira asked again.

“Class evolution batal.”

I nodded slightly, it still sounded okay. Then Arka added,

“Or his consciousness is destroyed.”

Ah, there it is, there's always a second part. I massaged my temples.

“Why is there never a simple version?”

"Because your class is not an ordinary class," answered Arka.

Okay I get your point, I stared at the ritual circle in front of me its green light pulsating slowly invitingly yet threateningly. 

To be honest, there is not a little fear but a lot, so far I have always moved forward because I was forced to survive to become stronger and fight back, but now it is different, I am very aware that every step further distances me from normal life and even from my own humanity. 

I glanced at Mira, and she stared at me silently. There was worry in her eyes, and something else. Trust? It was strange. I didn't expect to see that look from her after everything that had happened.

“If I fail, make sure I don't let my body turn into a strange tree,” I said casually,

Mira looks annoyed.

“Can you be serious for once?”

“I'm being serious.”

"Not visible."

I smiled slightly then walked into the circle, as soon as my feet crossed the boundary of the rune the light immediately lit up brightly the whole room shook, mana surged drastically, the sword at my waist vibrated violently.

Notifications appear in succession.

Evolution Process Initiated

Class: Withered World Tree Fragment

Evolution Path Available

Processing...

A strong wind emerged from within the circle, roots of light grew from the floor encircling my body, it was so cold then hot, so hot I clenched my teeth. 

Pain began to spread throughout my body, not as bad as the second fragment synchronization, but far more profound, as if my body were being dismantled and reassembled. I held my breath, and the world around me began to disappear, the room fading, Mira's voice faintly audible.

“Cancer!”

Then everything turned completely dark, I opened my eyes and immediately realized I was no longer in Sanctum. 

I stood in the middle of an endless, dark, silent empty space with only one figure in front of me, I froze. 

Because that figure was myself, another version of me but different, his hair was a little longer, his gaze was cold, his dark green eyes were shining faintly, black roots were spreading on some of his body. 

The aura that emanated was much heavier, more dangerous, more... empty. He looked at me calmly and then smiled faintly, a smile I really didn't like.

"Finally we meet." he said.

His voice was exactly the same as mine, I let out a soft gasp.

"Of course."

I drew my sword, and another version of myself did the same. His sword was bigger and more intimidating.

“Let me guess,” I said.

“For class evolution, I have to defeat a more problematic version of myself?”

He smiled wider.

"Appropriate."

The answer is not surprising at all, it is a truly consistent life.

[END CHAPTER 30]