*Layla's POV

After delivering San to his tent, I headed to the Main House to meet with the Director. Since arriving in Calmora last night, I haven’t had the chance to discuss the information from my journey with him. So here I am, sitting in front of a wooden desk piled with books and scrolls, in a room that should have been spacious but felt cramped due to the various trinkets and unnecessary objects cluttering it.

The Director was still crouched by the fireplace, adjusting a valve on the tube that released cinnamon-scented smoke throughout the room. He lifted a kettle from the fire once the water had boiled, took two tin cups, and sat across from me at his desk. He poured the tea from the kettle into the cups and handed one to me.

“I didn’t expect the Council to be that desperate,” he said after listening to my lengthy explanation.

“I think Marumbi is the one to beware.” I took the cup of tea, feeling the warmth seep into my palms. “He seems to have his own purpose.”

The Director looked thoughtful. “That’s natural. If you’re seated on the Council, you can’t trust anyone. The question is why Marumbi is trying to separate the Weaver from Atma?”

“I don’t know either.”

As usual, the Director looked tired. Nothing had changed since I met him six years ago. He always seemed to be deep in thought. Nevertheless, the Director was an essential figure to me. He was firm yet pleasant. He welcomed and treated me like his daughter during my first year in Calmora. He also taught me various things like combat and magic. Although I once hated him for sending me to a nameless village with no protective magic when I was twelve, instructing me to protect that place by killing every Nien attacked at night for an entire year, I realized after returning that he did it to make me strong.

“At least I understand why you'd really want to go,” he said, blowing the steam off his cup of tea. “You know you’re carrying something dangerous, right?”

The Director had indeed forbidden me from going to the human world. But I had still sneaked out and opened a portal to leave. I lowered my head, avoiding his gaze. “I know the consequences.”

“Layla, I’ve always appreciated you. Even though you weren’t raised as an Akashadrhisti, you live by the same principles. You understand better than anyone that once a vision of the future appears, nothing can change it. Yet you always act based on those visions, doing everything to minimize the impact.”

I remained silent. I never liked this topic.

“That’s why I believe,” he continued, “bringing him here was the best option for you.”

We both fell silent. I continued staring at my cup of tea on the table, refusing to let any thoughts intrude.

“But perhaps Vena won’t like this. She might think it better if I kill him.”

I immediately looked at him. “Please don’t do that.” My hands trembled with fear. I knew the Director could do it, but... “I promise, if San must die, I will be the reason.”

The Director looked at me momentarily, then closed his eyes and sighed deeply. “I trust you, Layla.”

With that, the conversation ended. I stood up and walked towards the door.

“Do you also feel it?” The Director said before I opened the door. “Isn’t he different from what we imagined?”

The rain was still pouring outside. If it didn’t stop by nightfall, the war simulation would surely be canceled. But even if the rain stopped, all the firewood would be wet. The fire Weaver might struggle with the burning ceremony.

I stepped out of the Main House, walking through the rain without a single drop touching me. Not for any significant reason; I only didn’t want to feel cold. Most of the tents I passed were closed. I was sure Kevin hadn’t returned to his tent yet. Should I go to San again? The last time, it felt like we ran out of things to discuss. It wasn’t pleasant.

Now I stood in front of my tent. All I had to do was open it, go inside, and relax on my bed. But my eyes turned towards San’s tent. I saw a woman walking out and heading towards the southern forest. I shivered instantly. I knew who that woman was. Her slightly transparent body was enough to explain that she was merely a remnant of the spirit and consciousness of the woman who helped the Director establish Calmora. Not long after the woman disappeared, San ran out of his tent and chased after her.

Panic surged in my chest. No matter how fast he ran, he wouldn’t be able to find Vena. But, if he kept running south, he would find the giant banyan tree. I immediately started running after him.

The muddy ground and large roots made it difficult. It was already too late when I arrived at the Banyan tree. San’s hand was already touching the tree. A few seconds later, a surge of energy hurled San backward. He coughed and writhed on the ground, sitting with a stunned expression.

Why now?

I walked towards him. San didn’t react even when I stood beside him. “What did you see?”

San slowly turned to look at me with the same eyes he had when we first met at the research facility. “Layla...” He tried to stand, maintaining a one-meter distance from me. I could sense his fear. “I... I saw the Minerva Kingdom.”

I clenched my fists, looking at the giant tree nearby. “Calmora’s protective magic is embedded in this tree. We also always use it as a medium to open portals. Because of that, just like portals, maybe you saw a glimpse of the future. Portals always show visions of the place you’re going before you actually get there.”

San lowered his head. “Did you bring me here to save Minerva?”

I didn’t answer.

“Layla, I’m not that strong. I don’t know how to change fate. I... I don’t want to go.”

Raindrops began to touch my skin, slowly soaking me. “I never asked you to do that,” I said. “But right now, maybe you’re the only one who could.”

San’s eyes were filled with despair. He looked like he was pleading as if he was genuinely scared and powerless.

“But you don’t have to do anything.” I gritted my teeth, clenching my fists as hard as possible to hold back my emotions. “But please...” I couldn’t hold it back. Why so soon? Is there really no time to think of another way? “Please never think of this place as home.”

His expression changed. He seemed a bit surprised by my words. Then he lowered his head again, pressing his lips together. “I understand.”

Then he walked past me, heading back to the campsite. Leaving me alone with various thoughts and confusing feelings. I guess I’m the one who’s powerless right now.

At least I was grateful it was raining this afternoon. Because in that way, my tears could be hidden.