Unknown History

In the old book Elora was reading, a passage titled Dark Period – 50 Years Ago caught her eye:

"There was once a Magician with dark element, that always lives in woods. He experiments on villagers, turning them into monsters, his name was Malverick the Demon. But one day a powerful magician, Sorcerer appeared in their village, he fought with Malverick the Demon, for 7 days and 7 nights, finally killing him but Malverick the Demon was far too vicious he exploded his lab, covering whole forest in monstrous hell, the plague further spread of village turning them into mindless monsters but Sorcerer did not let his plans success, he burned his life turning into a red star that overseas the village and cured the plague. Forest also turned normal in the light of Sorcerer, but because of the plague effect villagers cannot leave the village or they will turn into monsters again. But as long as light of sorcerer shines in sky, the villagers will always be protected."

Elora's hands trembled slightly as she finished reading.

"What the hell is this story? It's so detailed… if it happened 50 years ago but still didn't miss a single point… and what's with the red star…" Elora thought as a chill ran down her spine.

She clutched the book to her chest. I need to tell Adonis as soon as possible.

Meanwhile – Adonis's Side

Adonis was inside an old house, accompanied by Elliott. They were in the home of the last missing victim—Lewin's grandmother.

An elderly woman sat in front of him on a wooden chair. Adonis, wearing his mask, calmly asked, "Please tell me everything from the start."

The old woman nodded.

"Back then little Lewin was playing with Kubo, his pet dog. He always play catch with him after work. I always enjoy seeing him so happy. But one day, while playing, the Kubo suddenly ran off. Little Lewin followed it. I was too old to catch up to him… he disappeared in woods and since then he didn't came back."

She paused for a moment, a slight grin forming on her face.

Adonis noticed it—but chose to ignore it.

"Huh, did the dog also not come back?" he asked.

"No, it came back after 2 days," Mrs. Dawn replied, shaking her head.

Adonis stood. "Hmm, fine. Thank you for your time, Mrs. Dawn."

He turned toward Elliott. "Take me to family of all the victims."

Elliott nodded, and Adonis followed him out.

The two sat on a fallen log at the edge of the village, the red star glowing low above the tree line. The air was heavy with unspoken questions.

"Elora," Adonis began, breaking the silence, "what do you know about the Dark Element?"

Elora shifted, tucking a strand of silver hair behind her ear. "Dark Element is one of the special magics—rare and misunderstood. There are many theories, but most agree it originates from negative emotions: fear, hatred, despair. Since a person's awakening depends on their own nature, Dark users are even fewer than Healing users. And when they appear… everyone hates them."

Adonis nodded slowly. No wonder we don't hear about them much. "I see."

He paused, then asked, "I never asked—what's your element, Elora?"

She leaned back, crossing her arms. "Took you long enough. I have Wind, Water, and Lightning affinities—three elements. I'm only the third person in the entire kingdom with triple-element awakening."

Adonis raised an eyebrow. "Impressive."

He thought of his own magic—the golden swords born of will—and wondered where it belonged in the system of elements.

Curiosity got the better of him. "What about Support Magic? How does that fit?"

Elora smiled. "You really haven't learned the basics, have you? Support Magic doesn't require any elemental affinity. It's designed for those born without an elemental affinity—kind of a safety net. Basics like shields, buffs, healing arrays… all Support."

"So… I could learn Support Magic, too?" Adonis asked, hope flickering in his masked eyes.

"Of course," Elora replied with a smirk. "It's the true foundation of magic."

Adonis exhaled, relief evident in his tone. "After we're done here… will you teach me?"

Elora laughed, tossing her head. "Hiring a genius like me as your tutor? Bold. But for our friendship… I'll clear some time—if you keep treating me to meals."

"Deal," Adonis said with a grin behind his mask.

He stood, brushing leaves from his cloak. "But right now… we need to search the woods. Between the villagers' stories and your library findings, I'm convinced the truth lies out there."

Elora nodded, rising beside him. "Fine. Tomorrow, at first light."

They shared a determined look as the red star blinked overhead—its silent vigil a promise of answers yet to come.