In the small mountain village, a secluded chamber lay deep within the mountain behind it.
More than half a year had passed since Akes returned from the Necropolis of the Gods.
During those six months, aside from spending time with Monica and Blaze, Akes had spent almost all his time in this chamber. He needed only one final spark of insight into the Mysteries of Fire Element to cross that threshold.
Almost there. Akes sat cross-legged in the center of the chamber, a faint crimson glow swirling around him.
Ever since returning from the Necropolis of the Gods, he had clearly sensed that only a thin barrier separated him from god-level. He could faintly perceive the laws of heaven and earth, and the true nature of fire elements grew ever clearer in his awareness.
Outside the chamber, in the village courtyard, Monica sat on a stone stool, her gaze drifting toward the mountain from time to time.
"Has Akes gone off to cultivate again?" Bingses approached with a cup of hot tea and asked softly.
Monica took the cup, feeling its warmth against her palms, and nodded slightly. "He said this was a crucial time and asked me not to disturb him. But-"
"But you still can't put your mind at ease, can you?" Bingses sat beside her daughter and gently laid a hand over Monica's. "No outsider can help him with his cultivation. What you can do is believe in him."
Monica fell silent for a moment, then murmured her agreement.
Monica said nothing more, only tightening her grip on the teacup.
Desri stood at the courtyard entrance in a plain gray robe, his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze likewise fixed on the mountain.
"Desri." Bingses looked up at her husband.
Desri did not turn around. He