---
After the meeting with the Emperor, Feran invited Altair to return to his residence. They rode in a comfortable horse-drawn carriage, a stark contrast to the rough journeys Altair had endured in the underworld. Throughout the trip, Altair remained silent, his eyes observing the clean cobbled roads, the grand houses surrounding the capital, and the people living in luxury.
When the carriage finally stopped, Altair stepped down and paused for a moment.
In front of him stood a majestic castle with towering pillars and detailed carvings depicting Feran. This place was far larger than the small home he once lived in as a child.
"My little brother's house… is four times the size of my old one," he thought.
"Why? Impressed?" Feran patted his shoulder with a small laugh. "Come in, brother. I'm sure you'll feel more at ease here than in the underworld."
Altair let out a short scoff. "Comfort or not, I still need time to adjust."
They entered the castle, greeted by servants who immediately bowed respectfully to Feran. Altair raised an eyebrow, clearly not used to this kind of treatment.
That night, they sat at a large dining table with luxurious dishes laid out before them — steaming roasted meat, soft bread with butter, warm soup, and high-quality wine.
Altair stared at the food in confusion for a moment. In the underworld, he was used to eating whatever was available — meat roasted over an open flame, Scrimson fruits with a sour and bitter taste, and water that often smelled of iron. But here, the food felt overwhelmingly lavish.
As he started eating, Feran laughed. "Relax, brother. You look like someone who's never had proper food before."
Altair shot him a sharp look. "That's because I haven't, not in over fifteen years."
Feran immediately fell silent, realizing his mistake. "Ah… I didn't mean—"
Altair just shook his head and focused back on his meal. After they finished, they sat in Feran's study. There, Altair pulled something from inside his cloak — an old map, partially burnt in several spots.
"This map belonged to Grandfather. He was holding it when I found his body," Altair said, his eyes sharp. "Look at this."
Feran leaned in, examining the map. There were three main points marked.
The Rasyidian Empire in the north.
An eastern region marked with a small symbol.
And the southern central area — formerly the homeland of the Elementan race.
"This…" Feran narrowed his eyes. "Judging by the pattern, this looks like an escape route."
"That's what I thought too," Altair nodded. "If our father and mother are still alive, chances are they went toward this area."
They both fell silent for a moment, processing the new information.
"Are you sure you want to search for them?" Feran finally asked.
"I've already lost too much," Altair replied quietly. "If they're still alive, I won't sit still."
Feran gave a faint smile. "Alright. Then we'll need the Emperor's permission to go there."
That night, they went to bed early. Altair lay on a soft bed, a stark contrast to the cold, hard ground he was used to in the underworld. It felt strange… but also comforting.
---
The Next Morning – Meeting with the Emperor
The next morning, Altair and Feran returned to the palace to speak with Emperor Xarian. As they entered the room, the Emperor sat on his throne with a serious expression.
"What do you want?" he asked in a firm voice.
Feran stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I wish to request permission to travel to the eastern region marked on this map. I believe it may be where some of my family might be."
The Emperor frowned. "No. You've just finished a major war. I won't allow you to leave so easily."
Feran clenched his fists. "Please, Your Majesty. This is about my family."
The Emperor stared at him for a long moment, then let out a sigh. "Very well. But there is one condition."
Feran and Altair straightened.
"There is a war still raging in the eastern region. If you want to go there, then assist our forces in ending that war for me."
Feran and Altair exchanged glances.
"If that's the only way," Altair finally said, "then I accept."
The Emperor nodded. "Good. But before that… I want to see your strength, Altair."
Altair raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
The Emperor gave a thin smile. "I want you to duel my son."