Chapter five

The soft morning sunlight glistened on the leaves swaying in the breeze. Aém stepped off the bus at a small stop by the roadside, not far from the lake. The scenery around him was mesmerizing, with the lake in front reflecting light like a shimmering mirror, while distant mountains stood majestically in the background, almost like a painted backdrop.

The narrow gravel path stretched through lush green fields, gently sloping down towards a vineyard neatly lined up in rows. The bright green grapevines intertwined to form a natural carpet, and the faint scent of moist earth and ripe fruit filled the air.

Aém, dressed in a simple black t-shirt, faded jeans, and a small bag slung over his shoulder, walked along the winding path. Soon, he spotted a group of people bent over in the vineyard, their movements rhythmic as they worked.

The sound of pruning shears cutting through the grapevines was steady. Several workers were under the sun, some lifting large baskets filled with dark purple grapes that looked so ripe they almost seemed ready to drip with sweet juice.

Aém stood for a moment, watching, before walking closer. A woman carrying a basket of grapes turned and smiled at him.

"Excuse me..." Aém said, raising his hand in greeting. "Is Piana here?"

The woman paused her work and set the basket down beside her. She smiled warmly and wiped the sweat from her forehead with a light cloth. "Piana? She should be at the house by the lake," she said, pointing toward a large house perched on a low hill by the lake.

Aém followed her gaze and saw a large wooden house with a spacious veranda extending toward the water. The house's color blended harmoniously with the surrounding nature, and tall trees shaded the area, while a small greenhouse stood on the side.

"Thank you," Aém nodded with a small smile before walking past the vineyard towards the house. The sound of his footsteps softly tapping on the gravel was accompanied by the cool breeze from the lake, as if welcoming him to this place.

Aém stopped at the large wooden door. He paused for a moment to take a deep breath before knocking. The sound of the knock echoed softly in the air around him, and the peaceful atmosphere of the house allowed the sound of water lapping against the shore to be heard. He wasn't sure what he was about to face, but he knew his purpose was clear... to find Piana, an old friend whom he wanted to bring back to the team.

He waited for a moment, but no one answered the door. Aém raised his hand to knock again, but just before his fingers touched the wood, an odd sensation washed over him, like a gentle pull of the wind around him.

He blinked, and when he opened his eyes again, the world he knew had changed.

Around him was a dimly lit, small room with simple wooden walls. The familiar carvings on the wooden pillars were still in place. The faint scent of wood and earth wafted through the small vent. Soft footsteps and the high-pitched voices of children practicing echoed from outside.

Aém stood still, his heart racing. Some long-hidden memories resurfaced. He slowly walked to the sliding wooden door, his palm resting on the cold wood before gently opening it.

A small courtyard lay before him, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens. Green vines climbed the bamboo fence along the edge of the courtyard, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the perfectly trimmed bonsai trees. A small pond with stacked stones held koi swimming lazily in the clear water.

Aém walked out onto the veranda that stretched around the house, placing his hand on the railing as he looked down at the training area. Children in simple practice outfits were trying to follow the moves of an elderly man who was teaching them. That man was his father, the man he hadn't seen in years, standing tall and poised, his sharp gaze as keen as the sword in his hand.

Aém stared at the picture, the feelings in his chest welling up—longing, sadness, and guilt—all resurfacing at once.

"Missing your father?" a voice asked.

Aém turned around, and there, sitting neatly at a small wooden table set up for tea, was a woman in a pink kimono. Her golden hair, neatly styled, shimmered softly in the light. It was Piana.

"Sit down, Aém."

He furrowed his brows, unsure how she had appeared or when the tea table had materialized, but his legs moved instinctively, and he sat across from her.

Piana began brewing tea, every movement of hers delicate and graceful. Hot water was poured into a cup, and the fragrance of the tea filled the air the moment she twisted her wrist, handing the cup to Aém.

He accepted it without a word, taking a sip. But as soon as the tea touched his tongue, the taste of wine flooded his senses.

"This...!" He jolted. "It's you!"

Piana chuckled softly. Before he could ask more, a cool breeze hit his face, and without realizing it, Aém closed his eyes. When he opened them again...

He found himself sitting in an outdoor lounge near a lake. The warm sunlight bathed everything, and Piana sat across from him, a wine glass in hand, catching the light and shimmering.

"Why are you warping around and making me confused?" Aém sighed.

Piana raised an eyebrow, giving a small smile. "I just wanted you to relive some good memories before we talk seriously," she said, elegantly sipping her wine. But her next words were full of mischief, "Or... has an alien invasion happened?"

Aém paused for a moment, then looked at her with a pleading gaze. He sighed deeply, gathering his words carefully for the situation. "Piana, we need your help."

Piana took another sip of wine, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Help with what? What crazy plan are you all up to now?"

Aém gave a dry smile and placed his hand on the table. "It's a bit complicated, but let's just say... we're hunting a vampire witch named Levey Whitehole. She's extremely dangerous. If we let her go through with her plan, the world might never be the same."

Piana leaned back in her chair, gently swirling the wine in her glass. "A vampire witch, huh? And how do you want me to help?"

"Piana..." Aém said seriously. "Your magic is what we lack. To stop Levey, we need someone who understands magic. You're the only one suitable."

Piana fell silent for a moment before laughing softly. "Suitable? Sounds like I'm your last resort."

"That's not what I meant," Aém quickly corrected. "We know how powerful you are. You're the one we trust most in a situation like this."

Piana studied him with unreadable eyes. She placed her glass down on the table and leaned forward slightly. "And what does Max think about this? I know he doesn't want to see me... or does he?"

Aém froze for a moment, trying to find the right words. "Well..."

Piana narrowed her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips, but there was a hint of displeasure in her voice. "Is he afraid to face me?"

"He's not afraid..." Aém said softly. "It's just... he thinks it might make you uncomfortable, and he doesn't want to force you into anything."

Piana leaned back in her chair again, her eyes lowering as if in deep thought. "So you're asking on his behalf because he doesn't have the courage, huh..."

"It's not like that," Aém said firmly. "Max didn't send me. I came because we all need you. Even Tae said the same thing."

Piana gazed out at the lake, her expression filled with contemplation. "Aém… I know neither of you has anything to do with the past between Max and me. I'm not mad at you or Tae. But with Max… it's not that simple."

"We understand," Aém said softly. "But please, look at the bigger picture. We're facing an enemy none of us can defeat alone."

Piana didn't respond immediately. She picked up her glass of wine, took a gentle sip, and then set it down slowly.

"I'm not making any promises right now," she said evenly. "But if you truly think I can help… let me think about it first."

Aém gave a slight nod. He knew this wasn't a full rejection, and he still had a chance to change her mind.

"Thank you," he said quietly before standing up. "Whenever you're ready, we'll be at Dali Village."

Piana gave a small nod in response.

As Aém walked away, silence returned to the area once again. Only the gentle breeze and the sound of water lapping against the shore filled the space, as if the world itself was waiting for her decision.

Aém stepped away from the lakeside, walking through rows of vineyards that stretched endlessly on either side of the path. The ripe, plump grapes reflected the soft sunlight, and the serene atmosphere of the place helped calm his scattered thoughts.

When he reached a fork in the path, he paused and pulled a small device from his satchel. It was a metallic disk about the size of his palm, its glossy surface etched with intricate patterns. A faint blue light glimmered at its center.

Pressing a button on the side, a soft *click* echoed as the blue light grew brighter. A thin beam projected into the air, forming a small holographic map. Aém used his finger to swipe across the map, stopping at a specific coordinate.

"All right…" he murmured, pressing the confirmation button. The ground beneath him began to hum softly as the device in his hand emitted a glowing quantum energy field. A faint whirring sound filled the air.

The light surrounded him, a gentle pull wrapping around his body as if he were encased in a cocoon.

In a split second, a bright flash enveloped him. When he opened his eyes again…

He found himself aboard an airship. The smooth metal floor gleamed beneath his feet, one side of the room lined with control panels and screens, while the other featured glass windows revealing a breathtaking view of the village below.

Aém frowned slightly, scanning his surroundings until his eyes landed on the center table in the room.

A small yellow note lay there, scrawled in messy handwriting:

"Follow me on the bike – Tae."

Aém sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. In the corner of the room, two electric bikes stood charging, ready for use.

…

Inside a small, tranquil home, the only sounds were Laufey's steady breathing and her mother's soft whispers, chanting incantations. Ancient books and scrolls lay scattered on a small wooden table. Intricate runes were etched on the ground, forming a large chalk-drawn sigil that reflected faint sunlight streaming through the window.

"Stand in the center of the sigil, Laufey," her mother instructed, her voice gentle but firm.

Laufey nodded and stepped cautiously into the center of the sigil. Her amber-green eyes studied the intricate runes around her with curiosity. She took a deep breath, raising her hands slightly in front of her, awaiting her mother's next command.

Her mother approached her, kneeling down to meet her daughter's gaze. "Close your eyes and listen to your surroundings. Let your essence become one with this sigil."

Laufey slowly closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. The sound of the wind through the window and the chirping of birds outside began to fade, leaving only the calm silence within her mind.

Her mother reached out, gently clasping Laufey's small hands. "Remember, unsealing is a way to return power to nature. But you must be certain that what you release will not bring harm. If you have even the slightest doubt, do not proceed."

Laufey gave a slight nod, her hands beginning to move under her mother's guidance. Her mother's grip was steady, directing her motions with care.

"Raise your right hand and touch the inner rune… yes, like that. Now trace your finger around the circle, ensuring your movements align with the energy within the sigil."

Laufey followed her mother's instructions meticulously. As her fingertips glided over the runes, she felt a faint vibration under her touch.

"The sigil's energy is responding to you now. Maintain your focus. Do not let fear or hesitation cloud your intent," her mother advised, her eyes fixed intently on her daughter's progress.

Despite the heavy pressure that seemed to fill the air, Laufey moved her hand steadily along the sigil. When her finger completed the circle, a soft glow began to emanate from the runes. The ground trembled ever so slightly beneath her feet.

"Very good, my child... but always remember this: unsealing is not merely an action but a responsibility. If you unseal the wrong thing, it could become the world's undoing."

Laufey opened her eyes, staring at the ethereal glow rising from the sigil. She felt the surge of power flowing around her—both beautiful and terrifying in equal measure.

Her mother placed a hand over her chest. "You possess this power because you are meant to be a protector, not a destroyer. Never forget that…"

…

Mid-morning sunlight filtered through the dense forest canopy. Ancient trees, some toppled and scorched with wide blackened scars, bore the marks of past battles. Although nature was slowly reclaiming the land, the damage that had been done could not be erased entirely.

Laufey Whitewhole tread carefully along a path littered with dried leaves and broken branches that crunched softly beneath her feet. She paused, her piercing green eyes scanning her surroundings. The air around her carried a presence—something hidden and intangible. As a Sealer, she recognized it instantly.

She extended her hand as if to grasp the unseen force. Her amber-green eyes narrowed slightly, and the wind that rustled the trees seemed to whisper faint stories of a secret long buried.

"Something… is here," she murmured to herself.

On the other side of the forest…

Max sat silently on a high branch, his sharp gaze fixed on Laufey as she explored the area below. His bow was clutched tightly in his hand, ready for whatever might unfold. Deep down, though, he knew that merely observing from afar might not be enough to stop her.

Not far from him, Tae and Princess Zan stood concealed behind a row of trees, strategizing with caution.

"I think Piana should be the one to make the first move," Princess Zan suggested, her tone calm but commanding as she rested a hand on the hilt of the sword at her side.

"Agreed. But we must tread carefully. If Laufey senses our plan, she could vanish again," Tae replied, tapping the translucent screen of a compact device in his hand, seemingly running diagnostics or scanning for data.

Dried branches cracked loudly in one direction, causing both of them to startle. Princess Zan swiftly drew her sword, while Tae stepped forward, his nano-blade activating instantly without a word.

"Who's there?" Princess Zan asked coldly.

From the shadows, Aém emerged slowly, a sheepish smile on his face. He raised his hands slightly to show he meant no harm.

"Relax, it's just me."

Tae and Princess Zan lowered their weapons immediately, but their gazes remained tense, soon replaced by a clear look of disappointment.

"And Piana?" Princess Zan asked, her voice carrying a faint glimmer of hope.

Aém averted his eyes before shaking his head slightly. "She said... she needs time to think."

The response plunged the group into silence. Tae let out a long sigh as if releasing all his pent-up worry in one go. The nano-blade dissolved back into his bracelet as he crossed his arms, staring intently at the ground.

Princess Zan stood still for a moment before slowly lowering her sword. She gazed out into the silent forest, her breath trembling slightly, though she concealed it under her steadfast demeanor.

"I understand," the princess said softly. "But we must move forward, even without her for now."

Tae gave a slight nod, though his expression remained uncertain. "Then we'll have to go with Plan B."

"Will Plan B even work?" Princess Zan asked, her tone laced with concern.

"I don't know…" Tae admitted, his eyes drifting toward Max, who was perched silently in a nearby tree. "But it's all we have right now. We don't have any other options."

Aém stood quietly, but the weight of the situation pressed heavily on him.

"I know she's important," Aém finally spoke, his gaze serious. "But maybe… we need to prove to Piana that we can do this, even if she's not ready yet."

Princess Zan glanced at him before nodding slightly. She turned back to the path where Piana should have appeared, as though still holding onto a faint hope that the woman would change her mind.

"I hope she'll come when we truly need her," the princess murmured softly before turning to face her team.

The three of them exchanged glances, their eyes filled with both concern and determination. Though they were missing something vital, they knew there was no room for hesitation on this path.

Max, who had been observing from the treetops, kept a vigilant eye on the scene below. His gaze sharpened as he spotted someone beginning to move. He quickly spoke through the earpiece to alert the team.

"She's starting to chant," Max reported in a low voice, tinged with tension.

Tae, who had been scanning a holographic screen on his device, immediately looked up. "Chanting? Here?"

Princess Zan, standing beside Tae, frowned deeply. Her eyes focused on Laufey, who stood in an open, desolate area. There was nothing notable there—no sigils, no markings, nothing that indicated a seal or ritual site.

"What is she doing?" Aém asked.

"Should we stop her?" Max asked again, his tone steady but ready for action.

Princess Zan hesitated briefly before instructing them to wait. "Hold on… I want to see what she's doing first. Don't move yet. We don't know what she might have hidden there."

Laufey's murmurs drifted faintly through the air, sounding like a strange, hypnotic melody. Max narrowed his eyes as everyone focused on her figure.

Moments later, a white light flashed like lightning, its brilliance forcing everyone to shield their eyes. The light engulfed a wide area in an instant.

"What's happening?!" Aém exclaimed, raising his arm to shield himself from the brightness.

As the light faded, they all turned their eyes to where Laufey had been standing. But her figure was gone. Nothing remained.

"She's gone!" Max said in shock, his eyes scanning the area.

Tae pulled up his holographic screen again. "I'm not detecting anything. No energy residue… no anomalies."

"Great!" Aém cursed under his breath, glancing warily around. "Could she have known we were watching?"

Princess Zan tightened her grip on her sword, her face a mix of confusion and alertness. She, too, scanned the empty space where Levey had disappeared, her mind racing to piece together what had just happened.