Gray nodded and turned to his desk. Taking a blank parchment, he dipped a brush into ink and began writing. His strokes were firm, unwavering.
"Dear Grandpa Meno and Grandma Cena,
By the time you read this letter, I will already be gone. I have decided to leave the clan and embark on a journey alongside Matriarch Zareena and Ziye. This is not a decision I have made lightly, but one that I believe is necessary. I know that if I stay, I will only bring you two more trouble, and I refuse to be a burden any longer. Do not worry, Matriarch Zareena has assured me that I will be safe under her protection.
I do not know when I will return, but I promise you that I will. I will not remain weak forever. The next time you see me, I will stand before you as someone worthy of being your grandson. Someone who is strong enough to protect those he cares about, just as you have always protected me.
You have given me more love and kindness than I ever thought I deserved. Even when the world turned its back on me, you never did. For that, I am endlessly grateful. You are the only family I have ever known, and no matter how far I go, that will never change.
While I am away, I will do everything in my power to grow stronger, not just for myself, but for you two. I will search for treasures, medicines, and opportunities that can extend your lifespans, so that when I return, we will have more years together. That is a promise I intend to keep.
Please, take care of yourself in my absence. Eat well, rest when you can, and try not to overwork yourself. I want to see you healthy and happy when I return.
Until then, know that I carry your teachings and your kindness with me wherever I go.
Your beloved grandson,
Gray"
This letter was not just from him, but also from the previous Gray.
He then folded the note and walked out of his room. He placed the note where his grandparents would easily find it.
Then, he looked at their room, wondering when they'll be able to meet again.
…
Ziye, who had been silent all this time, watched the entire exchange with furrowed brows. Once Gray had left the room, she turned to Matriarch Zareena, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"You shouldn't have invited him," she said quietly.
Matriarch Zareena raised a brow. "Oh? And why not?"
Ziye crossed her arms. "The more he sees of true strength, the more he will realize how impossible it is for him to ever reach that level. The bigger the gap, the deeper his despair. What if he breaks?"
Matriarch Zareena's gaze softened slightly as she watched Gray's figure through the door.
"He won't break," she said, almost to herself. "He will either adapt or perish. And something tells me, Ziye, that this boy isn't the type to perish so easily."
…
After a few moments of silence looking at the familiar, yet unfamiliar living room, Gray went back to his room.
Ziye remained silent, her gaze thoughtful as she looked at Gray who was walking back to them.
Ziye frowned at Gray and said with a dissatisfied tone.
"Bringing a weakling along on our journey is like carrying a decorative vase, it's useless and fragile."
Gray was surprised at Ziye's appearance as he didn't notice her presence at all.
After hearing her words, he frowned and looked at Matriarch Zareena with a questioning gaze.
Matriarch Zareena simply smiled helplessly as if to say 'You can settle this by yourself.'
Gray understood her intention and quipped to Ziye in an arrogant tone.
"Well, this vase you'll be carrying is as beautiful as can be. I can at least promise that much."
"How utterly shameless." Ziye clicked her tongue in disgust.
"Besides, you never know." Gray clenched his fists, pretending to radiate power.
"Maybe I'll miraculously awaken a hidden bloodline or have a fortuitous encounter on this journey."
Ziye scoffed, "Maybe pigs will sprout wings and achieve enlightenment."
She then went outside with Matriarch Zareena, preparing to leave.
Gray's eyes twitched but ignored her comment.
Then, with one final glance around his room, he grabbed the few belongings he had and stepped into the night along with the two girls.
Ziye brought out a flying carriage from her spatial ring.
It was Gray's first time riding one, and he couldn't help but be fascinated by the elegant construct. It hovered effortlessly in the air, moving with a grace that defied logic.
Gray sat inside the flying carriage, marveling at how smooth the ride was.
"This is way better than an airplane," he muttered.
Ziye raised a brow. "What's an airplane?"
Gray paused. "Uh… a really bad version of this."
As Gray sat on the deck of the flying carriage, the wind rushing past them, he took a moment to observe his surroundings.
He watched the forests and mountains speed by far below, and his mind drifted back to his final, fleeting thought before his own death. He thought of his friends. Leo, Specs, Knuckles... and Rat's final words: "Boss! Wait! Let's look for each other once we reincarnate! Find us, okay?!"
He turned his gaze from the scenery to Matriarch Zareena, who was calmly sipping tea, seemingly unaffected by the wind.
"Matriarch Zareena," Gray asked, his tone suddenly serious. "Do you know anything about reincarnation? What happens when a mortal... dies?"
Matriarch Zareena paused, her teacup hovering. She looked at Gray, a thoughtful, ancient light in her golden eyes.
"Reincarnation," she said simply. "Of course. It is the natural cycle of the lower realms. The turning of the Great Wheel."
"Gray's heart pounding slightly. "And what happens? Where do they go?"
Matriarch Zareena took a sip of her tea before answering. "When a mortal soul departs, it is drawn by the laws of the heavens. Usually, it's a quick process. They are cleansed of their memories and reincarnated by the Gate of Samsara within the same day."
'Gate of Samsara? Could it be that damn vortex that wanted to destroy me?' Gray thought to himself.
Gray felt a surge of hope, but Matriarch Zareena's next words dampened it.
"However," she continued, "there are millions of mortal worlds like this one, scattered across the vast Mortal Realm. Where a soul will be reincarnated... that is a mystery. It could be in the same village, or it could be on a world on the other side of the universe. There is no way to know."
Gray fell silent, although he already knew that it was going to be difficult to look for the others, he didn't expect it to be this difficult, it was nearly impossible!
Matriarch Zareena and Ziye conversed casually beside him, but after a moment of silence, Matriarch Zareena turned to him, her golden eyes twinkling with mischievous curiosity.
"Alright, little monkey, I've been meaning to ask," she began, a playful laugh in her voice.
"Back then, tell me what method you used for the farts."