The scene shifts to the following day. The morning sun filtered through the tall canopies of the Elf Kingdom, bathing the ancient stone streets in soft golden light. Kazuki made his way toward the royal palace of the Elf Kingdom, his expression calm yet determined. As he approached the grand entrance, the guards stationed there immediately recognized him. With swift movements, they bowed in unison and one of them hurried inside to inform the king of Kazuki's arrival.
Moments later, the guard returned and respectfully gestured for Kazuki to enter. The large wooden doors creaked open, revealing the elegant and regal figure of the Elf King seated upon his throne, surrounded by intricate carvings of nature spirits and ancient battles.
Kazuki approached with measured steps and bowed politely before the king.
"Tell me, young master," the Elf King spoke in a calm, deep voice, "what brings you to my presence?"
Kazuki lifted his head and spoke clearly, "Your Majesty, I wish to visit the Holy Spirit Room — to gaze into the mirror and see my future."
The king's brows furrowed slightly as he considered the request. After a brief moment of thought, he replied, "Kazuki… you are still very young. Such a vision may reveal things not meant for your eyes just yet. If the future it shows is grim, it might plant seeds of despair within you."
A small, confident smile appeared on Kazuki's face as he met the king's gaze. "You need not worry about me, Your Majesty. I've long accepted that the future, whether bright or dark, is meant to be faced head-on. I only ask for the opportunity to see it."
The king let out a thoughtful sigh, then gave a subtle nod. "Very well, if that is your wish. Guards, escort the young master to the Holy Spirit Room."
A pair of elf guards stepped forward and began leading Kazuki through the palace halls, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floors. What neither the king nor the guards knew was that Kazuki had kept this decision entirely to himself — not even Darius was aware of his intentions.
After a long, silent walk through the ancient corridors, adorned with murals depicting the Elf Kingdom's history, they arrived at a secluded, sacred chamber. The Holy Spirit Room was dimly lit, its walls etched with ancient runes that glowed faintly in the darkness. In the center stood a large, mystic mirror with a surface that shimmered like liquid silver.
Beside the mirror stood an elderly elf of noble bearing, his long hair flowing like threads of starlight. He was a direct descendant of the legendary elf who, long ago, possessed the ability to see the past, present, and future — a power passed down through generations.
Kazuki bowed respectfully before the elder elf. The elf gave a solemn nod and spoke, "Young master, I see you've come to glimpse your fate. Are you certain you wish to proceed? The future is not always kind, and it may burden you with knowledge you are not ready to carry."
Kazuki straightened his posture and replied, his tone steady, "I am certain. I wish to see my future, no matter what it holds."
The elf studied him for a moment, then gently placed a hand on Kazuki's shoulder and began chanting an incantation in the ancient tongue. The mirror's surface rippled as though it were water disturbed by a sudden breeze.
Kazuki took a steadying breath, his gaze fixed upon the mirror, prepared to confront whatever destiny it would reveal.