CHAPTER 19

I woke up to the sight of my father standing beside me, his face clouded with worry. As soon as he noticed I was awake, he spoke in a serious tone.

"Rave, are you feeling better? I contacted the best healer in the kingdom, and he assured me you'd be fine in a few hours. But there's something very important we need to discuss. Come to my room soon. This matter isn't just about our kingdom—it involves our neighbouring kingdom as well. So come prepared."

With that, he turned and left the room.

I sat up, my mind racing. Just what could be so important? If it concerns not just our kingdom but others as well, then it must be something big. Whatever it is, I have to do what's best for my family.

Shaking off my thoughts, I quickly washed my face, dressed, and made my way to my father's room. My heart pounded as I reached the door. Taking a deep breath, I knocked.

"Come in, son," his voice called out.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside. My father stood near the window, closing it before turning to face me. His expression was unreadable, but the weight in his eyes made my chest tighten.

"Sit, Rave," he said, his voice firm yet calm.

I did as instructed, settling into the chair across from him. My fingers curled slightly over the armrests as I steadied myself.

"Yes, Father. What is it that you wanted to talk about?" I asked.

He met my gaze, his expression darkening. "Son, a lot is happening in the kingdom right now, and whether you realize it or not, you're at the centre of it all. The attack on you—it wasn't random. It was planned."

My breath hitched. "Planned? But… why?"

Father exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "The king has arranged a banquet after the hunting competition—only for the elders of the noble families. That means someone with high status had prior knowledge of it. Or worse… the king himself could be involved."

My fingers clenched into fists. If what he was implying was true, then—

He continued, "Somehow, word has leaked about your ability… that you possess compatibility with all six magic elements. Some don't want the Gallant family to grow stronger, and they will go to any lengths to ensure that doesn't happen."

My mind spun. All six elements… that secret should have been known only to my family and the king. Who found out? And how?

"For your safety—and the sake of this kingdom—your mother and I have made a decision," Father said, standing up. "Come with me."

Without another word, he walked toward the door, and I quickly followed, my heart pounding. We moved through the hallways in silence until we reached the basement. The air grew colder as we descended, the torches along the walls casting flickering shadows.

At the far end of the chamber, Father stopped in front of an old stone plate embedded in the wall. With a single motion, he pressed his palm against it and whispered an incantation.

A deep rumble echoed through the room as the stone shimmered, then slowly split apart, revealing a hidden doorway.

I stared in awe. "What is this…?"

Father turned to me. "This is a portal to another space. It has been used by our family for generations." His voice was steady, but I could hear the weight of history behind his words. "Only a true heir of the Gallant family can open it. My grandfather sent my father into this space for five years of seclusion to grow stronger. It is one of the reasons our family remains one of the strongest in the kingdom."

I looked at him sharply. "Then… did Grandfather send you as well?"

A bitter smile crossed his lips. "No. He didn't believe I was talented enough. He thought I would die if I entered… so he never gave me the chance." He let out a quiet sigh before turning back to the portal. "But I believe in you, Rave. I know your potential."

His gaze locked onto mine, filled with both determination and unspoken concern.

"This is your choice. If you enter, you will remain inside for five years. I don't know what awaits you there, but it will keep you hidden—and it will make you stronger."

A heavy silence hung between us. I looked at the glowing entrance, then back at my father. A storm of thoughts raged in my mind, but deep down, I knew there was only one answer.

I clenched my fists, straightened my back, and met his gaze.

"I'll do it," I said firmly. "I'll go into the subspace. Don't worry about me, Father. When I return, I'll be stronger than ever."

Father's eyes softened, pride flickering in them for the briefest moment before he nodded.

Father placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm yet reassuring. "Before you go, meet your mother. This will be the start of a difficult journey, and you should see her one last time before stepping into the unknown."

I nodded. "I understand."

With that, I turned and made my way upstairs. My steps felt heavier with each passing moment, the weight of what was to come settling deep in my chest.

When I entered my mother's room, she was already waiting. The moment she saw me, her eyes welled up with unshed tears. She tried to smile, but it wavered. Without a word, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her, feeling her warmth one last time before my departure.

Her arms tightened around me. "Be careful, my son," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Five years… it's a long time. Promise me you'll come back safe."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. "I will, Mother. I'll return stronger than ever."

She cupped my face, her fingers lingering for a moment before she finally let go. I took a step back, giving her one last reassuring look before turning away.

On my way back to the basement, I made one last preparation. Ignis. I silently called my companion, carefully moving him back into my inner space. If I was going into the unknown, I needed to be ready for anything.

By the time I returned, my father was already standing before the glowing portal, waiting for me. His gaze met mine, sharp yet filled with unspoken emotions.

I took a deep breath, steadying my resolve. "I'm ready, Father."

He gave a slow nod.

Without hesitation, I stepped forward into the shimmering light.

The moment I crossed the threshold, the door behind me closed with a deep, resounding thud.

And just like that, my new journey had begun.