I couldn't believe what was happening!
I, Misha Kanon, was chosen alongside other prodigies like Hiro. We were running through the dungeon as usual when an agent from The Authority approached us and invited everyone to meet their leader.
To our surprise, we were informed that we needed to travel to the Elven nation. Apparently, we were granted the chance to access the Luminary Spring, which would enhance our potential.
The leader didn't disclose why they trusted the Elven race, but assured us that powerful individuals would accompany us for protection and that we can trust the Elves.
We were also cautioned about other races who would be attending the event and wished us good luck.
I wasn't afraid to go to the Elven nation. Instead, I was excited. It was a testament to my hard work and an opportunity to become stronger.
Over the past year, my standing had risen, and I was recognized as one of the most talented individuals. I never expected to be competing with geniuses when I was in middle school.
However, I knew that my success wasn't solely because of myself. My parents, sister, and even the ShiverSong guild members had supported me. Zero Elea, in particular, has helped me in countless ways.
He even prepared a Level 7 Art for me. I was unsure how he knew or predicted such circumstances, but he assisted me.
I was shocked to discover his disappearance after the Devil's Invasion. I had no idea what had happened to him or how he had gone missing.
Some students speculated that he might have perished at the hands of devils. There was even a rumor, spread by Professor William whom I despised, claiming that Zero had died while fleeing from the devils.
I knew that the professor held a grudge against Zero, but it was unacceptable for him to condemn a student with lies. Luckily, many students had witnessed Zero fighting the devils and saving others.
Nevertheless, I was more concerned about Zero than the rumors. I thought about how worried and saddened his parents must be, but they appeared to be alright, albeit a bit worried.
They assured me that Zero was fine but would be gone for a while. I didn't know how they knew, but being his parents, I believed it. Even Professor Mia confirmed that Zero was absent rather than deceased.
Although I was curious and worried about where Zero had gone, I was less anxious compared to when I believed he was dead.
The same couldn't be said for my sister, Eleanor, who couldn't accept that Zero had left. She complained and argued with Zero, but deep down, I knew she genuinely cared about him.
I tried to explain that he might have gone somewhere temporarily and would return soon, but she refused to listen and stormed off to investigate.
I didn't intervene because if she could find out where Zero was, it would be for the best.
After some time, she returned, but her expression was grim.
"Did you find any clue about where Zero could be?" I asked. However, all I heard was her muttering something.
"That girl! It's that girl again. Damn!"
I didn't understand what my sister was saying, but she was incredibly angry. I inquired about her words, but she refused to explain and claimed it was a secret.
Well, I hadn't expected anything different, but it seemed that even my sister had failed to gather any information.
Nevertheless, despite his absence, Zero had prepared a Level 7 Art for me.
Even when he wasn't around, it felt like he was still helping me. I was immensely grateful to him and hoped to repay his kindness someday.
Furthermore, Hiro, Zion, Lisa, and Sylvia took me along as we conquered various dungeons, further boosting my experience.
By joining them, I realized that talent alone wasn't enough. The four of them were hailed as geniuses, but I witnessed their dedication and hard work firsthand.
They took risks, planned meticulously, and worked tirelessly. It was easy for others to label them as talented, but nobody truly understood the extent of their efforts.
I didn't want to fall behind them and pushed myself to work diligently, eventually catching up to their level.
We continued to train and conquer one dungeon after another until Seraphine decided to teach us her Art.
However, another peculiar event occurred during our training.
A Dark Guild attacked our training center, and the person who killed the sub-leader of the Rank-A Dark Guild seemed strangely familiar. He even utilized Shadow Dance, one of the advanced techniques of Shadow Genesis.
I suspected that it might be Zero, although his appearance was different and his mana aura gave off a distinct vibe. But my instincts told me it was him.
Unfortunately, I was too exhausted at the time to question him, and our lives were in danger, so I couldn't act recklessly.
But deep down, I was certain it was Zero!
To confirm my suspicions, I needed to ask Zero's parents, as they would have information about him. If Zero had returned, I assumed he would visit his parents first.
Instead of calling, I decided to go to Star City and inquire in person. Plus, I wanted to meet my own parents, whom I had missed.
I temporarily left Hiro's party and went to meet Zero's parents. However, the response I received was disappointing, and it seemed I had been mistaken about that person's identity.
During that period, I helped both my parents and Zero's parents. My sister had made the decision to join the army and fight against the devils, even though our father opposed it.
I wasn't sure of her reasons, but it seemed she was determined to join. Our parents couldn't dissuade her, and the same went for me.
I speculated that it might be because of Zero's departure. I couldn't be certain, but my sister's behavior had changed since Zero left, and it appeared she was searching for a particular girl.
Before my departure, she told me to work hard and become stronger.
After a few days, I left as well, receiving well wishes from my parents, Zero's parents, and many others from our guild. I was grateful to all of them.
That's why I dedicated myself to rigorous training because numerous people had high expectations of me, and I didn't want to let them down.
And now, I've been presented with the opportunity to use the Legendary Luminary Spring of Elven Nations.