Celebration begins.

In the guild master's office, Nova and Em listened attentively as the guild master delivered news about the case of the murdered guard. The guild master summoned both Nova and Em, making it clear that the case was now closed.

Nova: "Did they find out who killed the guard?"

The guild master responded, revealing a twist in the tale.

Guild Master: "A member of the syndicate confessed to the murder. When his leader discovered about what happened, he killed both the leader and the entire syndicate, after confessing he killed himself to pay for his sins.

The council is now investigating, but they couldn't find the origin essence in the murder body. It seems he might have safeguarded it to avoid permanent death. Nonetheless, the council won't let this go until they locate his essence. Killing fellow members and, worse, a superior is a crime punishable by something worse than true death."

With the revelation of the confessions and the subsequent actions of the syndicate members, the guild master declared that the matter was now in the hands of the council, absolving Nova and Em of any further involvement.

Guild Master: "Take a break today and go home."

Nova thinking why a syndicate member could confess for the crime he didn't commit. Despite the lingering questions, he sighed in relief, grateful that the immediate pressure had subsided.

-Next day-

Nova went to meet Jen,

Upon learning that Jen didn't uncover any information about the chrono Nexus, Nova turned to him for advice on where to continue his search. Jen, thoughtful in his response, revealed a potential lead.

Jen: "Lord Gaberiel was supposed to host a celebratory event after the planet's ranking remained unchanged. However, due to the ongoing investigation, he had to postpone the venue until things cool off."

Jen: "The venue will take place in two days in lord Gaberiel's castle. Many important individuals from other planets are expected to attend. Perhaps among them, you might find the answers you seek. However, it's crucial to note that entry to the venue requires an invitation."

With this piece of information, a glimmer of hope flickered in Nova's mind. The postponement of Lord Gaberiel's celebration presented an opportunity to delve into the mysteries surrounding the chrononexus.

The next day brought a knock on Nova's door, signaling the arrival of a servant from Lord Gaberiel's house. Nova, curious about the unexpected visitor, opened the door to receive the invitation he had been waiting for. The servant conveyed the message that Nova was invited to participate in the celebration party as a representative of the guild. Grateful for the opportunity, Nova graciously accepted the invitation.

Eager to prepare for the grand event, Nova went to the guild to discuss the invitation with Em. 

Em, suggested going shopping to acquire suitable attire for the celebration. She noted that Nova's current wardrobe, consisting of only two worn-out pairs of clothes, might not befit the grandeur of the event. Nova, recognizing the practicality of her suggestion, nodded in agreement.

Em extended an invitation to go shopping with her in the evening, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate clothes and accessories for the upcoming celebration.

Nova, appreciative of her guidance, agreed, and they planned to meet outside the guild later that evening to embark on a shopping excursion in preparation for the grand celebration.

Nova, appreciative of her guidance, agreed, and they planned to meet outside the guild later that evening to embark on a shopping excursion in preparation for the grand celebration.

As Nova and Em embarked on their shopping venture in the evening, they explored a variety of dresses and attire. To their delight, every outfit seemed to suit Nova exceptionally well, reflecting a sense of nobility and regality. Em, observing the seamless fit, couldn't help but express her curiosity.

Em: "Are you sure you're just a common person and not a member of royalty? These clothes seem to be tailored for you."

Nova chuckled at the notion and offered a playful response.

Nova: "If I were of royal blood, there would likely be people searching for me the moment I made an appearance in this planet."

Em found his explanation reasonable, and with their shopping successfully completed, they returned to their respective homes.

The next morning, a majestic carriage drawn by Pegasus halted in front of Nova's house. To his surprise, both the guild master and Em were inside, waiting for him. They couldn't help but admire Nova's transformed appearance, dressed in attire that befitted nobility. The guild master couldn't resist a teasing remark.

Guild Master: "You look ridiculously good in those clothes. Are you sure you're not hiding some noble lineage, Nova?"

Laughter filled the carriage as they shared a lighthearted moment. Nova, amused by the jest, joined in the mirth. Soon, they all entered the carriage, setting off towards Lord Gaberiel's castle.

As they approached the renowned castle, Nova marveled at its grandeur. The castle was adorned with arcanic runes, designed to repel demons and thwart rival forces. Nova, upon crossing the castle's threshold, inadvertently touched the boundary, causing the runes to evaporate and rendering their protective magic ineffective.

Inside the grand halls of Lord Gaberiel's castle, Nova sensed an invisible string being torn as he passed through the imposing gates. The castle was alive with a diverse array of beings—giants, spirits, and individuals from various realms—each engaged in conversations spoken in a myriad of languages. The air buzzed with the energy of anticipation.

As time elapsed, the man of the hour, Lord Gaberiel, made his entrance. The crowd hushed, their attention drawn to the esteemed figure. Lord Gaberiel addressed the assembly, acknowledging the challenges faced during the recent events.

Lord Gaberiel: "This conference has been particularly challenging, but we have successfully defended our ranking. In compensation for the recent incidents, the Asgard family has generously provided us with life energy and high-quality star-shards. This will enhance efficiency and boost trade on our planet."

The announcement was met with a mix of reactions from the diverse audience. Some nodded in approval, while others exchanged glances, perhaps contemplating the implications of this newfound boon for El-Kiin.

Nova sought advice from Ra'ah, a person with considerable experience in the outside world. Nova inquired if Ra'ah knew of anyone in the gathering who possessed such knowledge.

Ra'ah, after a moment of contemplation, shared valuable information.

Nova: "Do you know of anyone here with knowledge beyond these realms?"

Ra'ah: "There is someone, but he's quite eccentric and doesn't engage with strangers willingly."

Nova pressed for more details, eager to explore this potential source of knowledge.

Nova: "Who is this person? What's their name?"

Ra'ah: "His name is Merlyn the Wise. the head of Crystal Magic Tower in Yggdrasill, the planet of magic. Meeting him is no easy feat, as he is not one to converse readily. However, he is a well-known associate of Lord Gaberiel."

Knowing that Merlyn's appearance was ever-changing, Nova approached the guild master and inquired about the person conversing with Lord Gaberiel.

Nova: "Guild Master, who is the person talking to Lord Gaberiel? I was told he's special and doesn't maintain a consistent appearance."

The guild master, acknowledging the uniqueness of Merlyn, shared insights.

Guild Master: "That's Merlyn the Wise. His appearance is ever shifting, and that bracelet is a constant identifier. He's known for his vast knowledge and unique insights."

Having received confirmation of Merlyn's identity, Nova decided to seek a meeting with this mysterious individual.

Nova: "I've heard about him. Ra'ah told me. I'd like to have a meeting with Merlyn regarding a matter. I believe he might have insights that could be valuable."

The guild master, understanding Nova's curiosity and recognizing the potential benefits of consulting with Merlyn, nodded in agreement.

Guild Master: "Very well, Nova. I'll arrange a meeting with Merlyn for you. Approach him when the time is right."

As the celebration continued without any hitches, Nova found himself approached by a stranger with a cryptic message.

Stranger: "The Wise wants to meet you, Mr. Nova. Head to the room near that wall and say 'open.' The wall will disappear, and you will get in."

Intrigued and slightly cautious, Nova followed the instructions and found himself in a hidden room. There, he encountered Merlyn the Wise, whose appearance had once again undergone a transformation—this time, a blind figure with a youthful demeanor.

Merlyn: "May I know what you need, Mr. Nova? That is what others call you, right?"

Curious and eager for answers, Nova posed a direct question to Merlyn.

Nova: "Do you know anything about me?"

Merlyn, his blind eyes not hindering his perceptive abilities, responded to Nova's query.

Merlyn: "I don't know who you are per se, but the energy you radiate is similar to someone I meet."

Nova: "Who is that someone with similar energy? Can you tell me more about him?"

Merlyn's blind eyes seemed to focus on some distant memory, and he cautioned Nova with a tone of seriousness.

Merlyn: "He is not any species I know. I've encountered him only once and be very cautious. He is extremely dangerous, and even I cannot see through him, just like you."

Undeterred by the warning, Nova proceeded to inquire about the elusive term that echoed in his fragmented memories.

Nova: "Do you know anything about a place or thing called 'Chrono Nexus'?"

The question seemed to startle Merlyn, causing him to space out for a moment. When he regained his composure, he responded with a mix of surprise and concern.

Merlyn: "How do you know about that, and why do you want to know? Do not pursue that, Mr. Nova."

Nova, however, remained resolute, revealing the significance of the term in his quest for understanding his own past.

Nova: "It is a clue to my past. I remember that name."

As Nova delved deeper into the mystery of the Chrono Nexus, Merlyn provided insights into the elusive place that connected both the dark realm and the light realm.

Merlyn: "All I know is that it is connected to both the dark realm and light realm, and it's a place. The records about it are destroyed."

nova: Where should I go to know more about this?"

Merlyn, still cautious, suggested a source of potential information.

Merlyn: "The person I mentioned earlier, the one who resembles your energy, may know more about that place than anyone."

Intrigued and determined to find answers, Nova pressed further.

Nova: "Where can I find this person?"

Merlyn's response pointed Nova toward a specific location.

Merlyn: "A place called the Center of Commerce (COC)—a place where both the light realm and the dark realm can enter and trade."

As Nova expressed his gratitude to Merlyn for the crucial information, he prepared to leave. However, Merlyn, driven by a sudden impulse, made an unexpected request.

Merlyn: "Let me channel your energy; maybe I can see who you are."

Curious yet willing, Nova allowed Merlyn to peer into his energy. In that moment, something extraordinary happened. Merlyn saw a vision and fell into a trance. A mysterious echo spoke to Merlyn, cautioning him with urgency.

Echo: "Who are you? (*)"

Merlyn, emerging from the trance, realized that his memory had been tampered with.

Merlyn: "What did I say just now?"

Unaware of the intervention, Nova calmly replied.

Nova: "Nothing that important, Mr. Merlyn."

With this revelation, Nova now had a lead—a destination where he might uncover more information about the mysterious Chrono Nexus.