Henrry sat in silence, strapping the final piece of his armor. The faint hum of mana pulsed through the walls, and yet his mind was elsewhere.
He had found his answers—about the stick, his father, Abron, and even himself.
'Mclery...'
Henrry's expression softened. He remembered the man's calm voice, the way he'd always stood between him and danger. For the first time, Henrry truly understood him.
He smiled faintly
But that smile faded as Mia's voice echoed in his mind.
"Mclery was a mistake."
Henrry's brows furrowed. He didn't know why Mia had said it—but the words still stung.
A knock at the door pulled him out of his thoughts.
He turned. "Come in."
The door opened, and Mia stood there—firm, but uncertain.
"I heard what you told Master Ujaraq," she said. "You're going to fight Yamada?"
Henrry nodded.
Mia stepped in, voice sharp. "You can't be serious. Yamada… he's beyond strong. He destroyed more than half of the Infinity Clan. Even Grandmaster Omar couldn't stop him. He has the combined might of all four clans. You're not ready."
Henrry looked her in the eye. "If you had the chance to avenge your father… would you take it?"
Mia's lips parted, but no sound came out.
"He gave his life for your people, Mia. I can't walk away from this."
She lowered her gaze. "I wish… I could say you're wrong. But I know you won't change your mind."
A hooded figure entered the room. "Master Ujaraq is calling you."
Without a word, Henrry and Mia followed him through the winding tunnels of the hideout. Ujaraq stood waiting in a circular ground, surrounded by a few others. The air was thick with tension.
Ujaraq turned toward Henrry. "We have a problem. Your face."
Henrry blinked. "What?"
"A scout from the Beast Clan saw you. That means Yamada knows you're here."
Another mage added, "We can't hide you and train you at the same time. You're too recognizable. The only way… is to change your face."
Henrry stared. "Is that… possible?"
Mia nodded. "The Mirage Clan can do it."
Ujaraq spoke again. "We've already summoned George. He's here."
From the shadows stepped a man in deep blue robes—eyes glowing silver.
Mia whispered, "He's a sixth-rank mage. Ujaraq's old friend. He gave us this hideout."
George approached Henrry, his voice calm and deep. "This spell is temporary. You'll wear a new face for 80 days. After that, it will fade unless reapplied."
Henrry gave a slow nod.
George raised a hand and whispered, "VadanBhiin"
A soft light spread across Henrry's face. His jaw became sharper, his chin more pronounced. His nose gained a noble, pointed angle. His eyes shimmered blue like glacial lakes.
Ujaraq patted George's back approvingly. George handed Henrry a small pouch of silvery powder.
"After 80 days," George explained, "take this in your hand, snap your fingers, and say 'VadanBhiin' The spell will return. If you want to undo it permanently, speak the spell without the powder."
Henrry touched his altered face, barely recognizing himself.
At that moment, Ronnie burst into the chamber. "Mia! Where's Henrry? I was supposed to train him today—he's not in his room!"
The room erupted in soft laughter as all eyes turned to Henrry.
Ronnie stared, confused. "Wait… Who's this?"
Mia smirked. "That is Henrry."