God's Tree-Chapter 92: A Future Forged in Blood and Fire

The wind carried the scent of damp earth and distant rain as Argolaith, Kaelred, and Malakar continued their long trek through the untamed wilderness.

The battle from the previous night still lingered in their minds, their bodies aching from the clash. But pain was temporary—the journey forward was what mattered.

As they walked, the terrain slowly began to shift.

The dense forests gave way to rolling hills, and the first signs of civilization could be seen—broken cobblestone paths, remnants of old roads lost to time.

Kaelred ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. "Finally. I was starting to think we'd never see signs of people again."

Malakar chuckled. "You mortals are always so eager to return to your kind."

Argolaith smirked. "We like warm food and real beds. You wouldn't understand."

Malakar tilted his head. "Oh, I understand. I just don't care."

Kaelred ignored them, looking toward Argolaith. "So, what's the plan after we reach the city?"

Argolaith didn't hesitate.

"We rest, resupply, and then we keep moving."

Kaelred raised an eyebrow. "Keep moving? You mean toward your Five Trees?"

Argolaith nodded, his expression firm.

"I won't stop until I find them."

Malakar smirked, his glowing eyes narrowing. "You've grown more certain of your path. A rare trait in someone your age."

Argolaith glanced at him. "And what about you? Didn't you once search for your own Five Trees?"

Malakar's expression turned unreadable. "A long time ago."

Kaelred glanced between them. "And did you ever think about what came after?"

Argolaith exhaled, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"Yes."

Kaelred raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Enlighten us."

Argolaith's grip tightened around his sword hilt. "After I find my Five Trees, after I take in their life blood and awaken my magic… I'll head to the Grand Magic Academy."

Kaelred blinked. "Wait, seriously?"

Argolaith nodded. "Yes. When I turn twenty, I'll take the entrance exam."

Kaelred scoffed. "You're planning all of this before you even have magic?"

Argolaith grinned. "Why wouldn't I?"

Kaelred crossed his arms. "You do realize the academy only accepts the best of the best, right? You won't be fighting regular people. You'll be going up against nobles, warlords, and prodigies who've been training since birth."

Argolaith's grin didn't waver. "Then I'll just have to be better than them."

Kaelred stared at him, then sighed. "You really don't do anything halfway, do you?"

Malakar chuckled. "No, he doesn't. And that's why he might actually succeed."

As the night deepened, the road stretched endlessly before them.

Argolaith could feel it. The pull of his Five Trees. The distant hum of something waiting for him, something powerful.

He wasn't there yet.

But he was getting closer.

Kaelred shook his head. "You know, if you're really serious about this academy plan, I might just have to join you."

Argolaith smirked. "I'd be disappointed if you didn't."

Malakar's eyes glowed in the darkness. "And here I thought you two were mere wanderers. It seems you're building an empire of ambition."

Argolaith looked ahead, determination burning in his eyes.

"Not ambition. Just purpose."

And so, they walked on—toward the unknown, toward their futures.

The morning sun broke over the horizon, casting golden light over the land as Argolaith, Kaelred, and Malakar continued their journey north.

Their destination: Emberfall—one of the largest human cities in this part of Morgoth.

It would be the first true civilization Argolaith had ever stepped foot in, aside from the city of Val'Haren.

The thought made his pulse quicken.

Would he blend in?

Would the people of Emberfall see him as just another traveler?

Or would they sense that he didn't quite belong?

He pushed the thought aside. It didn't matter.

He had a mission.

Find supplies. Gather information. And continue moving toward his Five Trees.

Nothing else mattered.

As they reached the top of a hill, the city came into view.

It was massive—walls of dark stone rising high, towers and spires piercing the sky like jagged spears.

Hundreds of buildings stretched across the valley below, lights flickering like fireflies in the dim morning mist.

Kaelred whistled. "It's bigger than I expected."

Malakar smirked. "And yet, still small in the grand scheme of things."

Argolaith studied the city. The roads leading up to the gates were busy with caravans, merchants, and travelers.

It was a stark contrast to the untamed wilderness they had just left behind.

Kaelred exhaled. "Alright. What's our approach?"

Argolaith thought for a moment. "We enter separately. Less attention that way."

Kaelred nodded. "Smart. And after that?"

"We meet at the eastern market. There's bound to be information there."**

Malakar chuckled. "And if one of us doesn't show up?"

Argolaith gave him a deadpan look. "Then we assume you got bored and wandered off."

Malakar grinned. "A fair assumption."

The main road leading into Emberfall's gates was crowded.

Argolaith adjusted his cloak, pulling the hood slightly lower to avoid attention.

Despite his attempt to blend in, he couldn't help but observe the people around him.

Merchants shouted about their wares. Guards in polished armor patrolled the streets. Caravans rolled in from distant lands, carrying exotic goods.

It was alive in a way the wilderness wasn't.

It was… overwhelming.

But he kept moving.

Kaelred had already disappeared into the crowd, moving with practiced ease.

Malakar, on the other hand, had simply vanished.

Argolaith wasn't sure how, but he suspected some kind of illusion magic.

Either way, he was alone now.

And it was time to gather what they needed.

The market district was a chaotic symphony of voices, scents, and colors.

Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from fresh fruit to enchanted weapons.

Argolaith moved carefully, observing the crowd.

He wasn't looking for supplies just yet—he was looking for information.

He needed to know where they were in relation to his Five Trees.

And more importantly—how far away they were.

As he browsed a merchant's stall, a conversation caught his attention.

Two men stood nearby, speaking in hushed tones.

"Did you hear? Another group of wanderers claimed to have seen the Veiled Order further north."

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Argolaith's breath caught.

The Veiled Order.

The same group that had first revealed to him that he wasn't part of the Grand Design.

He took a slow breath, forcing himself to remain casual.

"You're sure?" the second man asked.

The first nodded. "Word is, they're moving through the Black Plains. No one knows why."

The second scoffed. "What else is new? They always appear and disappear like ghosts."

The Black Plains.

Argolaith made a mental note.

If the Veiled Order was on the move, he needed to know why.

Because somehow… he had the feeling it was connected to him.

By midday, Argolaith had gathered everything he needed—basic supplies, extra rations, and a map of the region.

He made his way to the pre-arranged meeting point.

Kaelred was already there, leaning against a wooden post.

"Find anything?" Argolaith asked.

Kaelred nodded. "There's a guild hall near the city center. Could be useful for training."

Argolaith hummed in thought. "We'll check it out later."

Malakar appeared a few moments later, seemingly materializing from nowhere.

"That was fast." Argolaith noted.

Malakar smirked. "I move quickly when I'm bored."

Kaelred rolled his eyes. "Did you find anything useful?"

Malakar shrugged. "I found a tea shop."

Kaelred groaned. "That's not what I meant."

Malakar grinned. "Oh, and I may have overheard some interesting things."

Argolaith raised an eyebrow. "Such as?"

Malakar's grin widened. "The Black Plains are stirring."

Argolaith stiffened. So he had heard right.

Kaelred frowned. "The Black Plains?"

Malakar nodded. "A cursed land. The kind of place where secrets like to hide."

Argolaith exhaled. "Then that's where we go next."

Kaelred gave him a long look. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?"

Argolaith smirked. "I already told you—nothing will stop me from reaching my Five Trees."

Kaelred sighed, shaking his head. "Then let's at least get some real food before we set out."

Malakar chuckled. "Now that is a plan I can support."

And with that, they made their way deeper into the city.