When the storm of mana finally subsided, Kael staggered, breathing hard. The glow faded from his eyes, leaving behind a strange stillness — as though the forest itself now pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat.
The System's voice lingered faintly in his thoughts.
"Synchronization complete. Welcome, wielder of the Ultimate Supreme System."
Kael exhaled slowly. "Looks like we've found something big, Zephyr."
His beast companion tilted his head and gave a low chirp of agreement.
Kael looked toward the great stone door again, still pulsing with dormant energy. He knew better than to enter alone. "We'll come back tomorrow," he said firmly. "With the others. No sense in rushing what we don't understand."
Zephyr let out a soft growl, wings twitching.
"Yeah, I know," Kael murmured. "But patience, my friend. We'll clear this dungeon together."
As they made their way back toward the entrance, Kael's steps slowed. The air outside felt… different. The moonlight fell over unfamiliar terrain — the northern wind was colder, sharper.
His eyes widened. "Wait… we're in the Northern Territory?"
He turned to glance behind him. The Everflowing Blackwood's distant glow was hidden behind a massive mountain ridge, separating the elven lands from the North. Somehow, the dungeon had shifted space — or perhaps its entrance had connected realms.
Zephyr let out a chirping sound, as if laughing at Kael's surprise.
"Alright, alright," Kael sighed. "Let's get back before anyone panics."
Zephyr crouched low, and Kael climbed onto his back. With a mighty flap of his wings, they soared into the night, cutting through the cold winds and gliding back toward the forest village.
By the time they returned, the stars had already scattered across the sky. The Elven guards watched in awe as Zephyr landed before the Queen's residence once again.
Kael knelt before Queen Salix Alba, recounting everything — the cave, the mana surge, the strange door, and the awakening of his Ultimate Supreme System.
The Queen listened in silence, her expression unreadable. When Kael finished, she finally spoke.
"You have done well to restrain your curiosity, Kael Eldrath," she said. "But before you or your companions may enter the dungeon, you must seek permission from the Duke of the Northern Territory. The lands you describe lie under his rule."
Kael frowned slightly. "But, my Queen, the dungeon's entrance connects directly to the forest through the mountains. Shouldn't the elves oversee it?"
"The Ginkgo Clan will handle communication between us and the Duke," she replied calmly. "Until permission is granted, none may enter. Such power cannot be approached lightly."
Kael bowed his head respectfully. "As you command, my Queen."
"You may go now," she added softly. "It is late. Rest well, young one."
Kael found his friends gathered around the campfire near the guest quarters. The night was calm, filled with the sounds of laughter and soft elven music.
Lyra looked up first. "You're back! So—how did you find a dungeon in the first place?"
Kael smiled faintly. "I went looking for a quiet place to train near the mountain. The mana around there felt strange, and I'd heard a few scouts complaining about monster attacks. I decided to check it out—and found that cave."
Elian folded his arms, skeptical. "You heard the scouts? When?"
"When you came to fetch me to meet the Queen," Kael said casually. "Two elves were talking nearby about a beast problem they couldn't solve."
Thorne cracked his knuckles, grinning. "So what I'm hearing is—there's a brand new dungeon, and we get to raid it soon?"
Amara rolled her eyes. "Calm down, Thorne. You'll have plenty of time to swing that sword."
Kael chuckled. "Not so fast. The Queen said we need permission from the Duke of the North before we go anywhere near it. Once we get his approval, then we move."
"Ugh, politics," Thorne groaned, falling back onto the grass.
Lyra smiled warmly. "Still, it's exciting. Our first real dungeon together."
That night, the group stayed awake longer than usual, sharing stories and comparing their Systems — light, storm, wisdom, and shadow — each one glowing faintly in their eyes as they revealed their inner strength.
Finally, as the moon dipped low, they settled into rest beneath the silver canopy of Elarion.
The Next Morning
At dawn, Amara stood before them, her hands glowing with radiant light. "Everyone ready?" she asked.
"Ready as ever," Kael replied, adjusting his sword. Zephyr crouched nearby, stretching his wings.
Amara raised her hands and began to chant. Golden symbols swirled beneath their feet. "Levitas Aetheris."
A warm current of wind lifted them into the air.
"Hold on tight!" Amara called as the spell expanded. The magic surrounded the group — Kael, Amara, Lyra, Elian, Arden, and Thorne — while Zephyr soared beside them freely.
They rose above the clouds, gliding across the massive mountain divide that separated the North from the Blackwood. The journey took six hours, the world unfolding beneath them like a living map.
When they finally descended onto Northern soil, the chill air carried the scent of frost and iron. Vast stone walls guarded the Duke's territory, banners of silver and black fluttering against the wind.
Kael took a deep breath, gazing at the land before them. "We're here."
But as they began to explore the outskirts, Kael's expression darkened. A subtle presence brushed against his senses — cold and unseen.
Someone's watchi
ng us.
He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Stay alert," he murmured. "We're not alone."