Kyren finished reading the entry on Zybana in the journal. He closed the book and placed it in his inventory before heading downstairs. Just like every other morning, the aroma of eggs, bacon, and toast with jelly filled the kitchen. Grandma Windy had outdone herself again.
Kyren sat down and devoured his meal, leaving the plate spotless.
"Grandma Windy," he said, wiping his mouth. "I know I just got back, but I think I have to leave again soon."
She gave him a knowing look, as if she'd been expecting this. "It's okay, my son. You've done more than enough for this family. Just make sure to come back safe for me." She pulled him into a warm hug, holding on for a moment longer than usual.
As Kyren stepped outside, he heard her call after him. "Kyren, I almost forgot!"
He turned as she walked over, handing him a small backpack filled with snacks, water, and some extra clothes.
Kyren smiled, pulling her in for another hug. "Thank you for everything, Grandma. No matter what, I'll be back."
With that, he finally stepped away and headed out the door.
Once outside, Kyren decided it was time to test out Wayfinder mode.
Activate Wayfinder mode. Show me Lydel.
A strange sensation rushed through his body—his vision blurred, his balance wavered for just a second. When he blinked, a compass appeared at the top of his vision, an arrow pointing in the exact direction of Lydel's location.
He followed the marker until he arrived at Lydel's window.
"I knew I'd find you here," Kyren said as Lydel opened it.
"Where else would I be, homie? We just got back," Lydel replied with a lazy grin.
Kyren exhaled. "I hate to say it, but we gotta leave again soon."
Lydel's expression grew serious. "You think it's gonna get worse?"
Kyren nodded. "I read Grandma Windy's journal. What the cult is planning for the next lunar eclipse… it's bad, Lydel. If we don't stop them now, it'll be too late."
"What the hell happened in the journal?" Lydel asked, his brows furrowing.
Kyren took a deep breath and told him everything—about Grandma Windy's time in Zybana, what she had witnessed, and what was coming.
When he finished, Lydel ran a hand through his hair. "Damn… So we're not just stopping them. We're saving the villages they've already infected."
Kyren nodded. "That's the plan."
Lydel sighed but smirked. "Alright, I'm in. But give me a couple hours to pack my gear."
"Of course. I'll be back soon," Kyren said, shutting the window before walking back down the dirt road.
But before heading home, there was one last thing he wanted to do—for old times' sake.
Kyren stood in front of the same convenience store where he used to get robbed on a daily basis. A smirk tugged at his lips.
I might be a hero now, but I still gotta have some fun.
With a burst of speed, he bolted through the doors, grabbing handfuls of everyone's favorite snacks. His Soundless Steps ability left nothing but a gust of wind in his wake. By the time anyone even noticed, he was already gone, dashing down the street with his prize.
As he walked home, munching on a stolen candy bar, he decided to test Wayfinder mode again.
Show me how to get to Zybana.
His vision blurred again, and a new mission prompt appeared:
2 mission villages on the way to Zybana:
Longfoot
Zafeer Outpost
Would you like to stop there on your journey?
Kyren thought for a moment before selecting Yes. The compass at the top of his screen shifted, pointing northwest.
"At least we won't have to waste time looking for these villages," he muttered, feeling a little better about the journey ahead.
By the time Kyren reached the orphanage, Grandma Windy was already waiting for him at the back door.
"Son, I have something to tell you," she said. Then, stepping from behind her, Irene appeared, her head down, shifting nervously.
"Kyren… before you leave, can you help me figure out my power?" she asked quietly. "It started developing."
Kyren's heart skipped a beat. His face split into a wide grin. "Of course I'll help! Come on, let's go to the training spot."
Irene hesitated. "Just… don't bring Lydel." Her face turned red.
Kyren chuckled, shaking his head. "I think I get it." He ruffled her hair. "Go get ready. We'll head out soon."
Irene ran off, and Kyren made a quick stop at Lydel's window.
"I'm taking Irene to train," he told him. "She developed a power."
"That's dope, man. I'll be at the orphanage when you get back." Lydel gave a thumbs-up before shutting the window.
Kyren led Irene down a familiar path into the woods, stopping at the clearing where he used to train alone.
"So, Irene, what's your power?" he asked.
She hesitated, then lifted her hand. Slowly, small sticks and rocks rose into the air, floating toward her. The movement was clumsy, but the potential was there.
Kyren nodded, impressed. "You can move things with your mind?"
Irene nodded. "I don't have much control yet…"
"Well, that's why we're here."
For the next hour, Kyren trained Irene, teaching her how to incorporate her power into a fight. She started slow, but by the end, she was dodging and manipulating objects more effectively.
When they were done, Kyren placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Irene, go with Grandma and take the Power Exam. You'll get into an academy. And when I'm back from this journey, I promise I'll have a good weapon and armor set waiting for you."
Irene's eyes shone with determination. "I'll do it, Kyren. And if I get back before you do, I'll protect the village."
Kyren grinned and ruffled her hair again. "That's the spirit."
By the time they got back, dinner was waiting on the table.
"Thank you for helping her," Grandma Windy said softly.
Kyren just smiled. Both he and Irene dug in, exhaustion settling over them after the training.
As he finished his plate, he turned to Irene. "Keep training. Take that Power Exam. You're gonna do big things—I just know it."
She nodded, determined.
Kyren stood and gave Grandma Windy a long hug.
"We're off again, Great aunt. I don't know how long we'll be gone, but I'll be back. I promise."
Grandma Windy smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Then go, my son. And come back safe." Grandma Windy's face drop did he say great aunt. Realization hit her face on how truly deep there connection was.
With that, Kyren stepped outside, heading back toward Lydel's.
Their journey was about to begin.