Phoenix finally returned to being just an ordinary tree, reminiscent of his former self from years ago. The immediate challenge was calming Ghoba, who had been inconsolable since Phoenix transformed. Bebak cradled him in his arms and attempted to sing; his voice was far from melodious, but eventually, it soothed Ghoba, who slowly stopped crying and drifted into sleep. "Phew, he's finally asleep. You know, Ranzak, it feels strange not to have a friend around anymore. We were like brothers, but Phoenix was an indispensable companion for both of us. Thanks to him, we made a twenty-year leap in just six months—a true testament to his genius. What I take pride in is that he has finally atoned for his past mistakes. Carrying the burden of his sins and those of his people was a heavy load, but now he stands as a remarkably strong man," Bebak said, smiling sadly beneath the ash tree.
"But Bebak, the one thing we didn't gain from Phoenix was the activation of the rune. How will we manifest our powers?" Ranzak asked, concern etched on his face. Bebak had an answer: "Ranzak, this time I trust Phoenix. He worked tirelessly to teach us. Remember, he said that the activation is a secret we'll learn upon completion. I have faith in him."
As another month passed, the ash tree reached full maturity, embodying both beauty and sorrow. They would never again hear the voice of their beloved friend, a citizen of the druid city. "Bebak, we have just five months left until the sixth rune is complete. Only we know about the arcane rune; we told the others that Phoenix didn't have much longer, so he would die. That secret is known only to three people: you, me, and Cuen," Ranzak said, his expression troubled.
"Bebak, why are you hiding this from our people? We are the only ones who knew who Phoenix really was," Bebak replied, resolute. Ranzak continued, "Ever since Phoenix started teaching the three of us, there was one student who excelled in all classes. Even Phoenix was taken aback, believing him to be a rising star. But I fear he may become a star of destruction."
Before Bebak could respond, they heard a sudden crunch behind the wall. "Who's there?" Ranzak called out. They rushed to investigate but found no one, as they had gone out to collect herbs. Bebak threw a rope, and Ranzak tossed a rock, managing to capture her. What they discovered was a druid citizen—or so they thought.
"Who are you, and why were you eavesdropping?" Bebak demanded. The stranger remained silent. Ranzak noticed something odd. "Bebak, do you see anything unusual about the ropes?" Bebak questioned, "What do you mean?" Ranzak replied, "The color, Bebak. He isn't a druid. Wait a minute—don't tell me you're a human?"
The captive sighed, "You've figured it out. Hello, Bebak and Ranzak. My name is Kat Von Hades Walker, but you can call me Kat Walker. I'm a spy sent by Noah-sama to observe you and report every move you make." Bebak was taken aback. "That's too much! Ranzak, I lost my friend, and now you tell me my blood brother is betraying me by sending spies? Why?"
Kat replied, "To destroy you, of course. The human kingdom has taken a dark turn. We have a king whose words are law; he was the first human. As our numbers grew, we began to worship him as a god, and it drove him mad. To maintain control, he became increasingly tyrannical and power-hungry, seeing humans as gods and druids as their slaves. His descent into corruption was his own doing."
Bebak interjected, "What is the human kingdom's goal, and why are you revealing this? Aren't you supposed to be a spy?" Kat smiled wickedly, "I am a spy, but I want you to know that your blood brother has become someone you won't be proud of. He has killed others openly, declaring he will do as he pleases because he is the king. Anyone who dares to oppose him will meet the same fate."
Bebak stepped forward, determined. "I don't care what Noah has done. If he chooses this path, let him follow it." As he spoke, he trembled with a barely contained fury. Kat pushed her luck further, "With his current mentality, he could come for everyone he sees as a threat, including your family—"
Bebak exploded with rage, cutting her off. "Do not even dare to suggest that again, or I will kill you myself!" His words hung in the air, filled with an intensity that made Kat's heart race. She felt a chilling fear at the thought of his fury directed at her. Ranzak stepped in, trying to calm Bebak down.
"Bebak, let's not lose ourselves over this. We need to think clearly," Ranzak urged. Turning to Kat, he asked, "What is your motive for provoking us? Is it just to tell us stories about Bebak's blood brother?"
Kat, her eyes glinting with malice, answered, "The human kingdom wishes to seize the druids' technological power for their own gain."
Both Bebak and Ranzak froze, the weight of her words sinking in. Bebak then made a decisive choice. "Ranzak, gather the most trustworthy scientists and builders. We'll wait five months until my friend fades away, and you, Kat, will remain imprisoned here. You will either serve as a double spy under a blood oath or face the consequences."
Kat's eyes sparked with realization, understanding why Noah had feared Bebak.
(Flashback)
"Kat, I want you to become a druid and report every movement they make," Noah had instructed. When Kat asked, "But why, your highness? You said the druid city isn't worth targeting," Noah had merely chuckled. "You don't understand, do you? Bebak is a force to be reckoned with. Once he's motivated by loss or challenge, he becomes an unbelievable adversary. I sense something greater is coming, and I need this information to ensure I can defeat him in the future."
(Flashback ends)
"Your highness, I see now why you feared Bebak Algai. He is indeed a formidable opponent," Kat admitted, her demeanor shifting slightly.
"Bebak, what do you need from those two departments?" Ranzak inquired, still processing the gravity of their situation.
Bebak replied, "Because in five months, we must be prepared to learn how to control our powers, especially if we are to face Noah. He may be my brother, but if he threatens my family, I will do whatever it takes to stop him."
As the tension thickened in the air, the reality of their predicament began to dawn on them. They had a limited time to prepare for the inevitable clash between the druids and the human kingdom, and they would need every ounce of strength and strategy to protect their home and loved ones.
"Let's focus our efforts," Ranzak said, determination flickering in his eyes. "We need to ensure that when the time comes, we're ready."
Bebak nodded, his resolve hardening. "We will train and gather intelligence. We cannot allow Noah to succeed in his plans. Our friend may be gone, but his legacy will not fade in vain."
With renewed purpose, they set about their tasks, aware that the next five months would be critical in determining the fate of both their world and their lives. They would prepare for the Activation of the Rune, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead, united in their goal to safeguard their future.
5 MONTHS UNTIL A.R.P
6 YEARS AND 5 MONTHS UNTIL THE BREAK OF THE D.H.W.