It seems that A.T. had kept the concept in, implementing it into this current arc.
Then I began to feel curious.
What would my future self look like?
What would he say to me after everything that had happened?
Had the changes I'd made to the story affected my own destiny as well?
One thing was clear: I needed to gather all five crystals if I wanted answers.
This fragment alone wasn't enough to activate the communication, but it was a start.
The other four had to be out there somewhere, perhaps in the territories of the other three factions, or even in the mysterious central city.
I closed my fingers around the crystal, feeling its power pulse against my palm.
Then I looked up at the leader of New Eldervale, composing myself.
"I humbly accept this gift," I said, bowing deeply in respect.
"Your generosity honors me, as does your friendship. May New Eldervale prosper for generations to come."
