Late Third Epoch — Era of Discord
"Constantine!"
A sharp voice cut through the air. Eli Walker paused. That tone… it reminded him of the one his mother had used when she hurled slippers across the orphanage.
"I skimmed the Profane Slate," Eli said lazily, brushing his cloak. "The Storm Pathway was already claimed by the elves, so I turned to the Mystery Pryer Pathway."
Sauron narrowed her eyes.
"I only had time to memorize Sequence 9 to Sequence 4."
"You think I'll buy that?" Her brows lifted sharply. "I memorized an entire Pathway. You just snatched a few scraps?"
Eli's lips curled. "Do you want it or not?"
He flicked her forehead. Crisp. Good sound. Sweet melon.
"You bastard! Of course I want it!"
She grabbed his wrist, eyes gleaming.
"Come closer."
"Don't go too far!"
"Mm~"
"You trying to kill me?!"
"Reflex. Don't bite. I'll tell you for real."
Eli relented. In a low voice, he recited the full formulas, materials, and ritual steps of the Mystery Pryer Pathway from Seer to Traveler. Then, almost casually, he mentioned the Hermit Pathway's apotheosis ritual.
"You… you remembered Sequence 9 to 4, and then jumped straight to Sequence 0?" Sauron gave him a look like he was insane. "You skipped the middle part just to peek at the end?! What good is knowing that if you never get there?"
"I was curious," Eli replied simply.
Sauron exhaled. "You're insufferable."
"I'm leaving," Eli said, turning away. "Next time we meet, you'll be Mr. Sauron, right? Or—if you dislike that—just cut it off."
A sharp tug stopped him. He turned stiffly.
The red-haired girl smiled. "Really?"
"Fake. Your body, hair, and skin are gifts from your parents—you shouldn't damage them lightly."
Sauron's hand ignited with crimson flame.
Eli stepped back, fast, and put on his cloak in one swift motion. He turned with a dark expression and marched away.
"Don't you elves like grilled skewers?" Sauron called after him, grinning.
"Your words are venomous."
"Sweet?"
Eli quickened his pace.
Sauron sighed. "Another twelve months of digestion before I can advance to Demigod… That's enough time to finish Iron-Blooded Knight three times over."
He stopped. "If it bothers you so much," he offered, "I can find you a Demoness Pathway demigod characteristic. Free."
"Forget it." Sauron crossed her arms. "That Pathway doesn't suit me. I'll walk the Hunter Pathway like my father. My son will, too."
"Gender proves nothing," Eli said quietly.
Sauron turned and faced him. Her gaze burned, wild and unyielding.
"Little elf," she said, "if you're saying farewell to your past, I'll pretend I didn't hear your provocation. But remember this: beware the ambitious. It's always right to be vigilant—like right now."
He nodded faintly.
"Oh, and you—put your hood on, idiot. If the Church of the Storm sees you, they'll rush to dissect you."
Eli raised his hood without a word.
Sauron turned, humming as she walked off. Then she paused.
I do want a child… but elves don't really resemble us, do they?
She thought for a moment.
Ah, whatever. He's handsome enough.
North Sea Coast — Afterward
Back at the northern sea, Eli stood beside the bronze mirror. His objective had been completed. The Calamity characteristic was now secured inside Arrodes's mirror space.
Without that foundation, he wouldn't have dared to approach the Profane Slate. Sauron wasn't the only one who had viewed it—others had too. They'd simply died.
Adventuring was gambling. And most people lost.
"You like that Hunter woman?" Arrodes asked, swirling with light.
"I don't dislike her, I suppose."
"If you like her," Arrodes suggested cheerfully, "should we snatch her back?"
"No. That'd be boring."
"Then… her child? Once she gives birth, shall we raise it?"
Eli laughed aloud. "If Sauron heard that, she'd cook you alive."
"You don't care?"
"What should I care for? She'll raise it. You can keep an eye on it. After a few generations, let fate decide."
Even as he said it, he felt something strange—like a ripple of destiny touching the edge of his awareness.
But he shook his head. Whether he could survive the Fourth Epoch was still uncertain.
Let the future take care of itself.