Chapter 49
The Departure
"No… you cannot go there, Einver!"
The princess spoke quickly and with worry, her voice carrying a genuine touch of fear for that mysterious and unknown place.
Einver asked her calmly:
"Why?"
The princess replied, her eyes filled with dread:
"The Forest of Dreams is a dangerous and terrifying place. Over the years, many people have entered the Forest of Dreams, but none have come out… they all died, or only the Creator knows what happened to them."
The prince spoke after a moment, his voice calm but serious:
"Only one person came out of the Forest of Dreams, four years ago. I heard the news from my father, who said that the man who emerged was no longer the kind and gentle person he once was. The first thing he did after leaving was…
He went to his home, killed his wife, his little son, and his daughter as well. Then he killed his brother and his dearest friend. He murdered them while screaming: 'How could you do this to me? I was betrayed by you, you bastards!'
After that, he took his own life. He had truly lost his mind. After long investigations, no one ever found any evidence of betrayal or anything of the sort… His wife had been an honorable and strong woman, and his brother and friend were innocent and courageous. None of them deserved what happened to them… but in that man's mind, he had been betrayed by them."
The prince sighed, then spoke in a gentle tone:
"Let me give you some advice, my brother… do not enter the Forest of Dreams."
The prince ended his words, thinking he had convinced Einver to abandon this suicidal journey.
But Einver smiled, lifted his head to meet the prince's gaze, his eyes shining with determination:
"Doesn't that make the Forest of Dreams an even better place? I truly want to go there. I want to discover what happened to those who went before me… I want to know what it was that drove that man insane. You've only encouraged me more and more to go, Your Highness."
Hearing Einver's words, the prince raised his hand and slowly smacked his forehead, smiling in disbelief:
"It seems nothing can ever stop you."
Einver finished his drink, then stood firmly:
"Forgive me, but I must leave now."
Einver bowed politely, placing his hand over his chest and lowering his head slightly, then turned gracefully and exited the dining hall, raising his head high with the pride of a man who knew his worth and his purpose.
Mai Ko had heard everything from afar, as she had already left when the drinks were served, though no one knew she had been listening to them from behind the door. She felt sorrow for her elder brother's departure, knowing well that his heart could not be easily stopped.
…
Before the gates of the City of Sunlight, Einver stood beside his horse, smiling lightly, ready to depart—but a voice stopped him:
"Stay where you are!"
Einver turned his head, and saw all those who had been at the table approaching to bid him farewell.
The queen stepped forward, thanked Einver once more, and departed, reminding him again that he could return here whenever he wished, for the City of Sunlight was now his second home.
The prince then spoke in a friendly tone:
"Do not forget what I told you… if you ever want anything, simply contact me, and I will fulfill any request you make."
Einver looked at the prince in surprise:
"Contact you? How do I do that?"
The prince was stunned at Einver's ignorance, but the old man, Mai Na, smiled and said:
"Forgive his lack of knowledge, Your Highness… but Einver doesn't know much about these things. I've taught him many things, but it seems I forgot about the Communication Crystal."
The old man Mai Na stepped forward and produced a black crystal, transparent, roughly the size of a hand, resembling a smartphone. He said:
"I knew you wouldn't know about the Communication Crystal, so I prepared one for you in advance, as a token of my gratitude."
Einver took the black crystal, pressed it lightly, and a list of names appeared, already entered by the old man:
— Princess Sun Mi
— Prince Sun Ko
— Your grandpa, old Mai Na
— Mai Ko
Einver was surprised by this advancement of the world, while the old man continued explaining:
"All you need to do is press the name, then it will connect. You just wait until the other side answers. You can add new contacts by pressing the mark above.
This device is used to communicate with anyone in this part of the world, as it runs purely on natural magical energy. Since the world is filled with magical energy, your call will reach anyone you want."
Einver smiled and joked:
"And who is this old man… Grandpa, hmm? I didn't know I had a grandfather here. I want to erase this name—how do I do that? Teach me, old Mai Na."
Mai Na's face turned red with anger, while Einver laughed and tucked the device into his bag, then gently placed his hand on the old man's shoulder:
"Don't be angry, my grandpa… doesn't anger shorten one's life?"
The old man Mai Na smiled playfully:
"Who's your grandpa… damn it! How could I ever have a rascal like you as my grandson!"
The two laughed freely together, before Einver turned his gaze to the prince:
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your generous offer."
The prince smiled, then followed his mother, leaving only the princess and the old man Mai Na behind.
Einver looked at the princess and asked:
"Where is my little sister? Why don't I see her?"
A soft, tearful voice answered, and Einver turned to see Mai Ko clutching her clothes and crying.
Einver smiled gently and said:
"I cannot stay here… your big brother has work he must finish first. Smile and listen… you can contact me anytime, and if you need anything, just say it, and I will come to you, even if you're at the end of the world."
Mai Ko smiled with happiness and relief:
"Really?"
Einver replied with confidence:
"Of course, little crybaby."
Mai Ko smiled even more brightly and said:
"Alright, but next time you come, bring me some gifts."
Einver answered with a smile:
"Very well, I'll bring you plenty of gifts."
Then he turned to the princess and said:
"Please, this is my token of gratitude for saving us… thank you."
The princess bowed and handed Einver a blue scroll, inscribed with: The Art of Swift Swordplay.
Einver smiled and said:
"Thank you, Princess, for this gift… at last, I've obtained a new combat technique."
Mai Ko pouted, being the only one who hadn't given Einver anything yet. She then pulled out a small necklace—just a thin string carrying a carved wooden pendant.
Einver looked at it and understood, stepping closer to ask:
"Is this gift for me?"
The little girl blushed and said:
"Yes."
Einver took the pendant, opened it, and saw her image engraved inside. He smiled, then placed it back in her hand.
The child's face fell, and she said sadly:
"Didn't you like my gift, brother? I'm sorry."
Einver smiled and replied:
"Foolish girl… this is the best gift I could ever receive in my entire life."
He nodded slightly and said:
"Put it on my neck."
Mai Ko smiled warmly and happily, and gently placed the necklace around Einver's neck, saying:
"This was a gift my mother gave me."
Einver answered with certainty:
"I will wear it with me everywhere, and I will never take it off."
He placed his hand on her head kindly, and Mai Ko beamed with joy and happiness.
Einver mounted his horse and set off, while Mai Ko waved at him, telling him to return soon. Einver waved back, and after a few minutes, he disappeared from their sight.
He rode on toward a new journey in a new land, carrying his courage and strength in his heart. He was optimistic about what lay ahead, but what this brave traveler did not know was that what awaited him was a terrifying nightmare that would break his spirit and test his strength and resolve to their very limits.
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