It was still evening when they began heading to their homes.
The sky wore a dusky hue, casting amber shadows on the winding path as the group slowly made their way back. A gentle breeze carried whispers of the day's conversations and the lingering aroma of the vegetable rice they hadn't quite finished.
Skyler walked a few paces ahead, then suddenly stopped. Her voice broke the quiet.
"Guys… it feels like there's some kind of connection out there," she said softly, her gaze fixed on the distance as if seeing something beyond their world. "But it's nothing. I'll save that for later."
Elsie narrowed her eyes, the tone catching her attention. "Whatever it is, say it now," she said, her voice low.
Tony tried to lighten the moment. "I didn't even get to taste the vegetable rice," he said, patting his stomach as they continued walking. "We should definitely fix that."
Skyler's mom, who was waiting by the entrance, smiled gently. "I've prepared a room for you over there. You can spend the night," she said warmly, pointing toward a hallway with wooden flooring and glowing lanterns.
After the meal, the girls whispered among themselves and drifted to their rooms. Tony, quieter than usual, retreated into his own.
The room was dimly lit, but comforting. He placed the Codex on the desk, its worn leather cover almost humming with energy.
If Yamin is one of the two, he thought, then where's the other one?
He opened the Codex. Page after page of arcane symbols, mysterious signs, and maps stared back at him. The name Abergdon appeared in different scripts—some familiar, others completely foreign. It felt as though the place wasn't just a location—it was a key.
As dawn approached, the oil in his lamp began to fade. Flickering shadows danced on the walls before disappearing completely. Tony lay on the bed, his mind buzzing.
What is this place time has brought me to?
He closed his eyes for just a moment.
Then the rooster crowed—its voice sharp and early, as if trying to warn them all of something bigger.
Light slowly seeped through the curtains. A new day had begun. One meant for discoveries. And risks.
In another room, Skyler whispered as she got ready, "I have a learning season with Acarias… I need to get prepared."
Elsie heard her and stepped closer. "I would like to go with you," she said quietly.
Skyler smiled. "Then get prepared," she answered, already slipping out the door.
Meanwhile, Tony sat up on his bed.
Oh goodness… another hard day ahead, he thought. I need to be quick and leave this place. There's a mission ahead.
Pieces of the puzzle began forming in his mind.
If Yamin is one of the two, then her father… it has to be that old man on the street. That means he's the one who time-travelled.
He stood quickly.
I need to meet Yamin. We have to work everything out—and fast.
Some minutes later, Skyler stood at the gate and said
"Get me my scarf… oh, I also left my telescope," Skyler said politely.
"I'm almost done. I'm coming," Elsie replied from inside.
Skyler turned and called softly to Tony, "Tony would like you to come."
Tony stepped out of his room, slightly confused. "Yeah… but where?"
"A learning session with Z-12," Skyler replied.
"Z-12?" Tony raised a brow.
"Yeah," she said simply.
"I'd be happy to come, but I've got something to do."
"Elsie, I'm still waiting!" Skyler called again in a slower, teasing tone.
Then turning back to Tony, she offered him a quick smile. "Well, we'll be leaving now. Good luck." She raised her hand, and they shared a confident high five before the girls disappeared through the doorway.
Only after the quiet returned did Tony begin thinking more clearly.
What's the plan? he asked himself.
First, get to Yamin. Then find the other of the two. Help them on the quest—that'll bring everything together.
He paused. No… wait. There's more. I also need to find their father—the old man. The one from the street of Beijing. Bring him back to them… and only then will the mission truly be complete.
Without wasting another second, Tony took a quick shower, letting the cold water wake his senses. He grabbed whatever clothes he could find in the wardrobe—simple, worn, but strangely fitting.
Maybe she left these for me, he thought.
Stepping out into the morning light, one thing was clear:
He was heading straight to the Judgment Hall.
He had to talk to Yamin. And he had to do it now.