Alcard took a deep, steady breath, his laughter echoing through the dim pathway as he processed his narrow escape.
"I saved my life!"
He said to himself, relief flooding his words.
Now, all he needed to do was walk the two kilometers back to the entrance and leave these cursed ruins.
He glanced back briefly.
"I wonder where are the others," he thought, but then shook his head.
He knew that he was in no position to save other students or his teacher.
If they cannot save themselves, it means that he has no power to save them anyway.
"The best thing to do is return to Bluecastle Magic and lead them here."
He thought, resolving to bring a more prepared search party to the Silver Darkbreach Ruins.
With his path set, Alcard steadied his mind and body.
He moved carefully through the narrow, winding corridors of the ruins, each step echoing in the silence.
The dim, stale air of the ruins gave way to a faint breeze, and soon he saw the hint of sunlight filtering in through cracks ahead.
Moments later, he stepped out of the dark stone halls and into the open air, emerging at the edge of the forest surrounding the Silver Darkbreach Ruins.
He took in the scene before him: towering trees with thick, ancient trunks, their leaves rustling softly in the afternoon breeze. Shafts of warm sunlight broke through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor.
"I never thought taking deep breath in open grounds felt this good." Alcard said to himself and then closed his eyes.
He paused and took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp, cool forest air.
The earthy scent of moss, soil, and leaves was a sharp contrast to the cold, damp air inside the ruins, and he felt a weight lift from his shoulders.
He turned, glancing briefly back at the ruin's entrance, a dark void in the side of the ancient stone structure, and silently promised himself he'd return—but only with the resources he needed.
Steeling himself, he adjusted his gear and began walking back to Bluecastle Magic.
Silver Darkbreach Ruins behind his back. Time to time he kept looking at his back to see any monster of people from the Bluecastle Magic following him, but nobody was following him at all.
He walked along the familiar forest path—a route he had traversed before. Yet now, every turn, tree, and landmark seemed etched into his mind with perfect clarity.
"I knew the way back to Bluecastle Magic well enough before," he thought.
"But now... it's as if I remember every detail."
As he moved, his eyes constantly scanned the surroundings.
He knew that the forest is still dangerous for anybody; there is no need to not look for dangers just because he was lucky to leave the ruins alive.
Thoughts of the white book surfaced in his mind.
"Whatever that book was... it's the reason for all this," he whispered.
His mind buzzed with energy, like a vast, endless library unlocked at his fingertips.
And then there was Earth. Memories of his past life, hazy and distant before, now came in vivid flashes.
His experiences, his knowledge, and even his emotions from that life were woven into his thoughts as naturally as if he'd always known them.
"I'm not just Alcard, the mage," he realized. "I'm Alcard who remembers Earth."
This newfound intelligence, this awareness—it was both a gift and a burden.
But one thing was certain: the journey back to Bluecastle Magic wasn't merely a return to safety. It was a new chapter in his life that he would like to experience to the fullest.
After a while, Alcard noticed shapes in the distance—villagers, by the looks of them, leading two horses laden with supplies.
As he drew closer, they saw his mage's robes and quickly averted their gaze, bowing their heads respectfully, though with a hint of fear.
The father tightened his grip on the reins, subtly shielding his family from him, while the mother took a cautious step back with her children.
Alcard considered saying something, perhaps asking for news or sharing a polite greeting, but he decided against it.
"There's no sense in troubling them," he thought. "They fear mages—best to let them go about their business without stirring any more anxiety." With a slight nod of acknowledgment, he continued on his path, allowing the villagers to pass unhindered.
"This world... it's clear I have power here. But it's also clear I'm separate from it," he reflected, thinking back to his old life on Earth, where such a simple interaction would've been easy and natural. Here, though, his presence alone inspired apprehension.