**Author's note: Do let me know if the chapter is confusing.
This was bad news.
Julian's eyes narrowed as the mist continued to eat at the golden creation energy. This shouldn't exist here, he thought.
There was no explanation. None that made sense, at least.
This was the real death energy. The original corrosive force that could rot even his own.
How did it get in? He thought again, fists clenched at his sides. Who put it inside that pendant?
There were too many questions and no immediate answers.
He closed his eyes and teleported, reappearing in a familiar place—the gardens of Easvil Castle.
A cool wind drifted gently through the air, and the scent of flowers washed through him.
It was night.
Moonlight bathed the serene garden in a soft, pale glow, and distant lamps lit the courtyard paths.
Julian inhaled deeply.
