168 Farewell (2/2)

\”Oh boy! You've grown up! You've faced many hardships because of that hateful parasite!\”

Elyion was surprised when he heard this, he looked up and asked: \”H-how did you know?\”

\”It's not just me boy. Every single human in this city was infected by that thing! When it died, our memories recovered and I remembered us meeting multiple times. I always thought that you look awfully familiar but that pest will always make me forget about you. It turns out that you were transformed into a Shape Shifter! But no matter, Shape Shifter or not I'll protect you this time!\” Max tussled his hair and showed a kind smile.

Elyion felt a lump on his throat, he fought the urge to cry. He couldn't believed that he allowed himself to forget about this old man. That pest had greatly affected the lives of every human here, many have suffered and died but now that the pest is gone, everyone could move forward now.

This only made Elyion's desire to meet Raven even stronger. He broke free from the hug which caused Max to be confused, he then explained:

\”Grandpa Max, I'll have to leave for a bit. Don't worry, I'm just off to find someone, I'll be back I promise!\”

Max was surprised, a few ideas surfaced in his brain which made a lot sense for him. Therefore, he smiled and nodded. Without wasting anytime, Elyion waved goodbye and rushed towards the inn where both of them stayed for a while.

He didn't even bother opening his room, he stopped by Raven's room and opened door. Only to find out that he wasn't there.

Elyion felt his heart sank, a great sense of loss drowned his entire being as he realized that Raven wasn't here anymore. He already had an idea that he will leave as soon but he didn't expect it to be this soon. What does he do now?

\”Hmm?\” Elyion hummed, his eyes landed on the table inside the room. He closed the door behind him and approached the table and sat down on the chair.

There was neatly folded letter as well as a storage pouch on top of the table. Elyion picked up the letter and started reading it's contents.

'If you're reading this, then there is a huge chance that I already left. I plan on leaving this letter after I dealt with the Phantasm's corruption.'

'Don't bother to find me, you won't be able to. I was sent here for a mission and now that it's done, I have to leave, my people needs me as well. I am rather curious though. Now that you're free from the corruption of the Phantasm, what are you going to do? Cause I can't really tell you anything since that's your life, not mine.'

'Now that your unwavering faith towards human is gone and now that you realized that you are a human all along, I wonder. What will you do now?'

Reading up until here, Elyion felt empty. Raven's word made him realize what he was lacking right now. Back when he was being manipulated by the Phantasm, all he ever wanted was to become a human. But now that he found out that he is a human all along, he doesn't know what step to take next.

'Whatever your decision is, remember this. Only you can walk the road that you chose, not someone else. You are young Elyion, don't think too much. You've missed a lot during the times that you weren't in the city, think about that and start from there. You have a lot of time Elyion, don't waste it.' Elyion couldn't help but to smile when he read this.

'If fate wills it, then we shall meet again. Farewell, Elyion. Thanks for being my guide during my stay at the Thorn City.'

'P.s. I emptied Raul's treasury, everything's in the storage pouch. Take it as payment for your service.'