Sitting in a horse carriage made both of my legs numb and experience a sudden ache on my back. I streched my hands and my fingers reached the ground. The 2nd country is incredibly far that I spent long hours in a small, closed s.p.a.ce horse carriage.

The golden sign of Crystal country caught the attention of the tourists. It's worthy to be called the 2nd richest country after all, and the chaos in Soul'e country decreased it's economy thus, Crsytal country almost made it to the top. As the name itself refers, this rich country is known for the exquisite jewelries made of different s.h.i.+ning, s.h.i.+mmering crystals that is mined in this country.

If they are known for their mined crystals, 1st country is known for it's mined gold, silver and diamonds which has many uses in different fields of work. Our country has high quality weaponry, construction supplies, and jewelries. The ruler made his best to maintain our position and his disappearance created unconsiderable amount of damage.

I, Irvene Aly Elvina won't let our country experience downfall therefore I have to be strong to be capable of helping Soul'e country.

I had entered the 2nd country. The place looked more lively than the previous country and shows elegance in different areas wherever I looked. I had been admiring the beauty of this place when a familiar voice reached my ears.

"Give it to Councilor Erick Drewell and send my regards to him."

I turned to where the voice came from and I almost step backwards when I saw him. I ran to the opposite direction but my plan backfired as I heard him called my name.

"Irvene"

I slowly turned myself and awkwardly looked at him. His presence were just like the old times, wearing a black long sleeved s.h.i.+rt and paired with black pants. He prefers simple clothes yet it doesn't hide his overwhelming appearance.

"ah hi, Vaughn." I said. Vaughn Estrama, a close friend that I've been admiring for a long time. Not romantically but I admire him for his intelligence and his uncomparable techniques on a battle. I left and disappeared for a year and I don't know what he's thinking about my impulsive actions. This is our first meeting since my disappearance and I don't know how would I talk to him.

"So, I suppose you already read the letter I sent you." Vaughn walked towards me and I stood frozen where I am.

"I read that letter and just like you said, I think it's time to go back home." I said without looking at him.

His body suddenly hugged me tightly. I'm startled by his actions. He's acting weird today. "This would be the last time you'll leave for a long time." His words sounded serious and I ended up nodding my head.

I started feeling comfortable when he release me from his hug and distanced myself a little. "Since you left the country for so long, I think I have to tell you the current situation there." Vaughn said.

I nodded. Even though it's hard, I needed to accept reality and face it.

"Our country may look the same for outsiders but the internal conflict hasn't been stopped since the ruler's disappearance, who was by any chance, is your father." His words made my hands tremble.

Timothy Elvina, the ruler's ident.i.ty who happened to be my father. He looked at me straight in the eyes and upon hearing his words, I felt everything around stopped for a second.

"The ruler's already dead. His body had been found on the Red river. The reason why he's killed might be the throne but the killer's ident.i.ty is unknown and how the almighty ruler had been defeated." he said.

It's really unbelievable how the intelligent mage, the ruler, disappeared without warning and I knew when I heard about the unpleasant news, tears started rolling down on my face. At once, I hoped that he's still alive and breathing but hearing the truth today made me lose that only hope.

"I guess, I have to accept it, that my father's long been dead." I said. My mouth almost whispered those words and don't know if he heard it.

"I had a.s.sumptions who is or rather who are the persons that planned the death of your father. The persons who would be likely the cause of his death was the ones who initiated the chaos on our country. Also, your brother temporarily took over the throne to ensure the stability of our country though, I knew how much he hates it. I had been helping him on gaining informations outside and that's why I'm here." Vaughn explained.

I won't let those people lived like nothing happened. My hands formed into a fist and my heart ached and were like pierced by thousand needles because of my father's pitiful end. Even the strongest spell, if there is such, would not be enough to avenge him.

"I knew what you're thinking. No matter how much you wanted to get revenge, you should clear your mind and heart from anger and then, we will definitely find out who were those heartless people." Vaughn's words was like a spell which cleared my mind from evil thoughts. I'm very glad to meet such a kind hearted and caring friend who'll be with you in any kind of troubles.

Vaughn stood up from his seat and opened a magic portal. His hands held two red crsytals that is used to open a portal. That is an easy way to travel and only a few number of people have those things. He suddenly threw the other one at me which I caught.

"Don't left it at your house." he said.

It really is an easy way to travel but I left it when I ran away from home because they will know my ident.i.ty and caught their attention. I nodded at him.

Vaughn let his hands inside of his pockets and entered the portal. I followed him, to a shortcut to Soul'e country.