As Imperial follows the locket's pull through the forest, he's ambushed by illusions of Kai and Ari, forcing him into a brutal battle that tests both mind and strength. Meanwhile, Tracey faces a haunting vision of his grandfather in a village turned hostile, unsure what's real and what's not.
A Flashback Begins...
Tracey was just a boy, no older than seven or eight. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he looked around the quiet stone-paved village surrounded by jagged hills and evergreen trees.
Tracey: "Home? Is this... our new home?"
His grandfather, a rugged old man with kind eyes and a gentle smile, placed a hand on his shoulder.
Grandfather: "Yes, Tracey. From now on, we'll live here. It's peaceful, safe. A good place to grow."
They settled in the Stone Village, a secluded community that rarely welcomed outsiders. Despite the calm surroundings, whispers always followed them.
One day, the village elder approached Tracey's grandfather.
Elder: "You can't keep hiding the truth from the boy. He has a right to know."
Grandfather: (sighing) "He's just a child. Let him live without fear, even if just for a while. He shouldn't have to suffer for what he is."
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A Few Weeks Ago...
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows. Tracey's grandfather was preparing to leave.
Grandfather: "I'm heading out to work now, Tracey. Be a good boy and stay inside, alright?"
Tracey: "Okay, Grandpa! Be safe!"
He summoned his beast companion—a large, deer-like creature with bark-textured fur—and set off toward the forest to cut wood. Selling lumber was how they survived.
As he passed the marketplace near the edge of the village, hushed voices followed him.
Man in Market: "There goes that cursed old man again..."
Man's Son: "Why is he cursed, father?"
Father: "He and that grandson of his use beast magic. Stay away from them—bad luck follows their kind."
The grandfather heard everything. He always did. But he kept walking, his heart heavy but his resolve unbroken.
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The Incident
Later that day, while returning with a bundle of woods on his shoulder, a young boy accidentally ran into him. The old man lost his balance. The heavy lumber spilled—some of it dangerously laced with poisonous sap. Reacting instantly, he shielded the child with his body.
Parent: "What have you done?! You could've killed my son!"
They didn't notice the bleeding wound across his chest. The grandfather only smiled weakly, relieved the boy was unharmed.
At the lumber shop, the keeper noticed his injury.
Shopkeeper: "That's serious. You should see a doctor."
He dismissed it with a nod, got patched up, and returned home, hiding the injury from Tracey.
But over the next days, he found it harder to breathe. Eventually, he went to visit the elder for help.
Elder: (shocked) "This wound is deep—and poisoned. Your lung's been damaged. I can treat the symptoms, but I can't cure it. You'll need an antidote, and only the capital hospitals have that kind of medicine."
Grandfather: "I know... but I can't afford it. I'd rather use what little I earn to secure Tracey's future. Just treat me enough so I can keep working a little longer."
Despite the pain, he worked tirelessly.
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Back to the Flashback – Final Days
One day, Tracey came home to find a crowd gathering. He was told his grandfather had collapsed in the forest. The elder and village leader took him to the site.
The old man lay on the ground, struggling to breathe. He smiled weakly when he saw Tracey.
Grandfather: "Don't cry, Tracey. You're not alone anymore. You have a home, people who care. And one day... you'll find even more to call family."
He held Tracey's hand one last time.
Grandfather: "Live. Be strong. Become the greatest beast summoner this world has ever known..."
He passed away with a peaceful smile. Tracey wept and screamed in heartbreak, vowing to fulfill the promise he made.
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Back to Present – Illusion Battlefield
Tracey, now older, stood in disbelief. Villagers attacked him without reason.
Tracey: "Why are you all attacking me?! I'm Tracey! Don't you remember me?!"
Blades and arrows flew his way. He dodged, hesitating to fight back.
Then he saw him—his grandfather, charging with rage in his eyes.
Tracey: "No... it can't be! Grandpa?!"
Frozen with shock, he took a hit and stumbled.
Tracey: "Why... why are you attacking me?! It's me, Tracey—your grandson!"
He tried to embrace him, but was struck again. Every fiber of his being screamed in confusion and pain.
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Elsewhere – Imperial's Illusion Battle
Imperial was still locked in combat with illusions of Kai and Ari. Each clash sharpened his instincts.
Imperial (thinking): It's like sparring with shadows of my strongest allies... a rare opportunity. But training must wait.
He narrowed his eyes and muttered:
Imperial: "Lightning Magic: Thunder Clap."
He swung his sword—lightning exploded outward, tearing through the sky itself. The illusion shattered like glass.
He stretched, calm again.
Imperial: "Phew... that was refreshing. A good warm-up. But this isn't over."
He paused, then his gaze hardened.
Imperial: "Wait... Tracey. He might be in a similar illusion."