Cold winds swept across the desert, stirring the sand around the village walls. The sky above was dark, the green comet barely flickering in the heavens.

  Jamih stood silent as Mowj approached, eyes glistening, hands trembling.

  "Did I fail?" Mowj whispered.

  Jamih placed a firm hand on the boy's shoulder and pointed to the soil.

  "Look."

  Mowj opened his eyes. Tears streamed down his cheeks.

  "Then... I succeeded.

  But the heart...

  I failed.

  He stole it from me when I was so close."

  Jamih said nothing. He let the boy cry, let him collapse into his arms.

  "I was scared," Mowj sobbed.

  "My body was cold.

  I thought I'd failed when I saw everyone fighting... and I..."

  Jamih didn't move. He simply let Mowj hold him.

  Then Mowj knelt, placing his hand on the earth. A surge of green light erupted around him, pulsing with raw magic.

  Lainas stepped forward, stunned.

  "Mowj...

  Your magic...

  It's overflowing."

  The ground trembled. Plants burst from the soil. The corruption faded.

  Farmers cried out.

  "The land is healed!

  Mowj!"

  Jamih turned to him.

  "Is this...?"

  Mowj stood, eyes glowing.

  "Yes.

  I saw Uncle Senil in a dream.

  He taught me the way...

  Before he left.

  I now understand the foundations of curse-breaking."

  Jamih raised an eyebrow.

  Mowj walked toward Senil's grave.

  "Ledra and Commander Qaws...

  I've healed them."

  "Do you plan to heal the entire village alone?" Jamih asked.

  "No.

  I just want to see Senil.

  I want to help bury him."

  Lainas handed him a shovel.

  Mowj knelt, placing a handful of soil over the grave.

  "Thank you...

  All of you.

  I'm sorry."

  Jamih stepped behind him.

  "We accept your apology, boy.

  Just remember—next time you need help...

  Ask for it."

  Lainas turned to the soldiers and farmers.

  "Increase the planting pace.

  We rebuild now."

  Mowj walked with Jamih to Ledra and Qaws.

  He placed a hand on Qaws's chest. A soft green glow spread across his body, sealing the wounds.

  Then he touched Ledra's neck, suppressing the curse.

  Jamih frowned.

  "That should never have happened to her."

  "It was my fault," Mowj said.

  "I was too focused on my village...

  I forgot why I came.

  To heal her."

  Ledra's eyes fluttered open.

  "Mowj!"

  She embraced him tightly.

  "I saw a nightmare...

  I thought we were..."

  "You need tea," Jamih said dryly.

  "To calm your nerves."

  Ledra smiled.

  "Thank you."

  Qaws stirred, realizing he'd been lying beside Ledra.

  Mowj, flustered.

  "Miss Ledra... I didn't mean—"

  "Do you like being hugged?

  Or are you just not used to it?"

  "No! I mean—It's not—!"

  Qaws searched for something to cover his face.

  "Your armor's in the next room," Jamih said.

  Qaws turned to Ledra.

  "I'm sorry.

  I failed to protect you both."

  "No," Mowj said.

  "I came to apologize.

  I endangered everyone.

  I failed to purify the corrupted heart.

  Your strength wasn't enough because I took too long to focus."

  Jamih sighed.

  "We all make mistakes.

  Learn from them.

  And stop this miserable apology circle."

  He walked away.

  Qaws watched him go, then turned to Mowj.

  "Go after him.

  He needs healing.

  He took a blow to the shoulder protecting you.

  Refused treatment until you woke."

  Ledra smiled.

  "Go.

  We can't afford to lose him."

  Mowj ran after Jamih.

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  Ledra wrapped the enchanted hide around her neck again.

  Qaws approached.

  "I'm sorry."

  He looked to the sky.

  "They saved us.

  Restored everything.

  When Mowj was struck, the sky darkened.

  The comet dimmed.

  But now...

  It burns brighter than ever."

  Ledra stood beside him.

  "Those men...

  Leonithra.

  Lothar..."

  She rested her head on Qaws's shoulder.

  "Do you think your commander has a plan for them?"

  "He always does."

  —

  In the quiet chamber, Jamih handed Mowj a stack of books and a sealed message.

  "Read them all.

  Before we move."

  "I have a plan," Mowj said.

  "We'll meet tomorrow.

  I want your thoughts."

  Jamih nodded.

  "Why are you staring?"

  "Your shoulder.

  I need to heal it."

  "I don't want that."

  "Let me see it, then."

  Jamih removed the bandages.

  Mowj's eyes widened.

  "Uncle...

  This is serious.

  You've lost too much blood."

  He closed his eyes. A violent green aura erupted around him. The comet flared overhead.

  Mowj placed his hands on the wound. The energy surged.

  Jamih's body trembled.

  "Your power..."

  "I know.

  I won't hesitate again.

  I won't hold back when it comes to saving those I love."

  The Division of Paths - Beneath the Green Comet

  Cold winds swept through the desert, scattering sand against the walls of Lajira. Inside, Mowj gently wrapped Jamih's shoulder, his healing touch glowing faintly green.

  "I read Senil's final message," Mowj said quietly.

  "He wants me to go to the kingdom of Leona."

  Jamih's eyes opened.

  "Leona?"

  Mowj nodded.

  "Azalor has poisoned their waters.

  The people are suffering.

  They're planning to seize the kingdom."

  Jamih's expression darkened.

  "Then they're targeting Silva's power centers.

  They've already destroyed the Luminous Tree...

  Now they move on Aurik and Leona."

  "Exactly," Mowj said.

  He opened one of Senil's books, scanning the pages.

  "He wants me to purify the waters...

  And assist Prince Lucas.

  If they break him, they'll forge an army that can't be stopped.

  The cost of resisting it would be catastrophic."

  Jamih leaned forward.

  "Then we go to Leona?"

  "Not just that.

  We need to divide our forces.

  Some with me to Leona...

  Some to Aurik...

  And some to seek what remains of Leonithra."

  Jamih raised a brow.

  "Leonithra?"

  "Yes.

  There are powerful pirates.

  If we ally with them, we gain ships, mobility, and strength.

  And I want..."

  He hesitated.

  "You want to kill Lothar?" Jamih asked.

  "I want to capture him.

  If he resists or harms innocents...

  We end him."

  Jamih smiled faintly.

  "Well said.

  Then we split into three groups."

  He stood.

  "You and Ledra will go to Leona.

  Take some of my men—and yours."

  "And you?" Mowj asked.

  "I'll go to Aurik.

  There are debts I need to settle."

  Mowj nodded.

  "Agreed."

  Jamih continued.

  "Let's send Qaws and Lainas to the Leonithran pirates.

  Qaws knows how to deal with them."

  "It's the Treaty of Leonithra," Mowj said.

  "A coalition of pirates fighting the Black Order and the traitorous Leonithran soldiers."

  Jamih raised an eyebrow.

  "A treaty?"

  Mowj nodded, eyes scanning the ancient texts.

  Jamih placed a hand on his head.

  "Don't stay up too late.

  If you struggle with Senil's writings...

  Ask the tea girl.

  And take care of her on your journey."

  He turned to leave, offering a rare smile.

  Outside, Lainas watched the soil—now rich and fertile. Farmers worked swiftly, accelerating growth with spells and chants. He turned to the wounded villagers.

  "Now...

  We just need to find a way to wake them."

  Jamih approached from behind.

  "You need rest."

  Lainas turned.

  "You're here? Good.

  I can rest now."

  He glanced at Jamih's shoulder.

  "He healed you.

  That's enough for me."

  "He's studying the cure," Jamih said.

  "He'll find a way.

  Go rest."

  "Thank you.

  If you need anything—"

  "Go."

  Lainas walked away, passing Qaws—emerging for the first time since the battle.

  "Qaws!" Lainas called.

  "Give me your hand!"

  Qaws slapped it.

  "Welcome back," Lainas said.

  "We're counting on you."

  Qaws covered his face.

  "Sweet dreams..."

  Lainas laughed and entered his quarters.

  Jamih watched as Qaws was surrounded by assassins and warriors of the Luminous Tree. They welcomed him with food and drink.

  "Sorry or what happened," Qaws said.

  One of the men chuckled.

  "Sorry? That's a joke."

  Laughter rippled through the group.

  Qaws looked out over the village—healing, rebuilding, alive.

  At the gate, Jamih stood alone before a fire, the green comet blazing overhead.

  He took a deep breath.

  And the wind carried the scent of renewal.

  The Awakening of Silva - Beneath the Blue Star

  The morning sun rose over Lajira, casting golden light across the village. The cursed silence of days past had lifted. Villagers stirred from their homes, returning to their routines. Soldiers patrolled the streets. Farmers tended to blooming crops. Assassins returned with herbs and fresh game.

  Jamih stood at the edge of the village, eyes fixed on the sky.

  A strange star had appeared—deep blue, pulsing faintly beside the radiant green comet. He raised an eyebrow, watching the celestial pairing shimmer above Silva.

  "Qaws," he called.

  "Commander," Qaws replied, approaching with a tray.

  "Breakfast is ready."

  Jamih nodded and sat among his men.

  Lainas emerged from his barracks, stretching, then joined them at the fire.

  Jamih turned to Qaws.

  "You've gathered quite the collection of herbs.

  Some of them... unfamiliar.

  Was this the tea girl's idea?"

  Lainas smirked, and the soldiers chuckled.

  Qaws flushed.

  "No, no—it's for healing."

  A healer chimed in with mock sincerity.

  "Of course. Strictly medicinal."

  Laughter rippled through the camp. Children played nearby. Food and supplies were distributed under Qaws's supervision.

  Jamih placed a hand on Qaws's shoulder.

  "Well done."

  Qaws nodded, quietly proud.

  Lainas glanced around.

  "Where's Mowj? And the girl?"

  "Still asleep," Qaws said.

  "She's been helping him read. Explaining the texts."

  Lainas looked up at the sky.

  "That star... it's new."

  Jamih's gaze followed.

  "Yes. After the fall of the Luminous Tree, Silva's sky dimmed.

  Then came the green comet—when the boy awakened.

  Now this blue star...

  We're not alone.

  Others are fighting.

  We need to reach them."

  Lainas nodded.

  Around them, the village flourished. Flowers bloomed. The soil cooled. The harvest began.

  "First," Lainas said,

  "We cure the cursed.

  Then we move."

  Jamih bit into a piece of meat.

  "Don't worry.

  Mowj will find a way."

  Just then, Mowj stumbled into the courtyard.

  "I found it!" he cried—then collapsed, fast asleep.

  Qaws smiled. The soldiers laughed. Villagers cheered.

  Lainas rushed to him.

  Jamih lifted the boy gently and sat him upright.

  "You need food, boy.

  We've work to do."

  He gestured to Qaws.

  Qaws lit a small bundle of herbs, releasing fragrant smoke.

  Mowj stirred.

  "What is that smell?

  It's... refreshing."

  "Stimulating," Qaws said.

  "Wakes the body. Clears the mind."

  Jamih shoved a piece of meat into Mowj's mouth.

  "No talking. Eat first."

  Lainas raised a curious brow. The men laughed again.

  Mowj chewed, then grinned.

  "Alright!"

  Qaws stood.

  "I'll prepare the cursed villagers.

  My men are ready."

  Mowj finished his meal. Jamih signaled for another plate and a drink.

  Lainas chuckled.

  "You're spoiling him."

  Mowj coughed.

  "That's... a lot."

  "Satisfied?" Jamih asked.

  "I think so."

  Mowj wiped his mouth.

  "I've found the spell.

  I'll use the crops Senil gave us.

  Mix them with my enchantment.

  But I'll need the Suhail battalion."

  "They're yours," Lainas said.

  "What do you need?"

  Mowj pointed to the central hall.

  "Her."

  "Her?" Lainas echoed.

  Jamih stood, strapping on his armor.

  "I'll be at the gate."

  "Wait—where are you going?"

  "Ledra will teach them the purification spell.

  You prepare the training grounds."

  "Understood."

  Lainas signaled his men. A circular arena was cleared.

  "I'll go with Qaws and Uncle Jamih," Mowj said.

  "We'll head to Valia.

  Cleanse it.

  Plant new crops."

  "Smart move," Lainas said.

  "Lajira's harvest won't feed everyone.

  Valia's southern soil is rich.

  But you may face the Black Order."

  "I doubt it," Mowj replied.

  "Lothar's men destroyed most of their strongholds.

  We'll face what remains.

  And heal who we can."

  Qaws approached.

  "We're ready.

  The commander too."

  Lainas looked at Jamih, already waiting at the gate.

  "He didn't even hear the plan," he whispered.

  "Well done, Mowj.

  Shandriz would be proud."

  Mowj smiled and went to prepare his cloak.

  "I'll need seeds.

  Builders.

  Farmers."

  "I'll gather them," Qaws said.

  —

  Inside, Ledra stirred. Her head rested on a table.

  "Where's Mowj?" she murmured.

  "They're planning...

  I overslept."

  She stepped outside, waving.

  "Good luck!"

  "You too!" Mowj called back.

  Lainas approached.

  "The purification battalion is ready.

  I've brought food to the training hall."

  "Thank you," Ledra said.

  "Perfect."

  She entered the hall. The Suhail battalion stood silently.

  "Alright," she said.

  "We'll start with the basics.

  Then move into advanced techniques.

  Focus."

  Lainas watched from afar.

  "She's a good teacher.

  That's why Mowj chose her."

  Ledra continued.

  "Once trained, you'll be able to cleanse entire populations.

  Or purify natural materials.

  Prepare yourselves."

  Curious soldiers gathered outside.

  "You may sit," Ledra said.

  "Perhaps you'll join us."

  One Suhail soldier stood.

  "Forgive me, miss.

  To join our battalion, they must endure harsh trials.

  Swear the sacred oath.

  And be accepted by... Commander Suhail."

  Lainas stepped forward.

  Ledra raised her hand and winked.

  "Your commander was noble.

  His approval matters.

  But he's gone.

  Everything has changed.

  You are part of us now.

  When training ends, you'll be the Radiant Green Comet Battalion.

  Our alliance's blade.

  A nightmare to those who threaten Silva."

  The soldier sat. The others raised their hands in agreement.

  Ledra turned to Lainas.

  "Let's continue.

  Your success depends on three trials:

  Commander Lainas...

  Then me...

  Then Mowj."

  Lainas blinked.

  "Radiant Green Comet Battalion, huh?

  I'm a judge now?"

  Ledra resumed her lesson—mixing theory with hands-on training.

  —

  Elsewhere, Jamih, Qaws, Mowj, and a group of assassins, guards, farmers, and builders marched toward the first village.

  Mowj pointed.

  "Look!

  The tree we planted...

  It's grown huge.

  The soil is green—ready."

  Qaws leapt to harvest fruit. Others began repairing buildings.

  Mowj grabbed Jamih's hand and pointed to a structure.

  "Behind that... villagers.

  They may be hostile."

  Jamih nodded.

  "Stay behind me."

  He opened the door slowly. The cursed villagers lunged. Jamih blocked them with his blade.

  Qaws moved in.

  Mowj closed his eyes.

  "Night's calm..."

  A massive green aura surged around him. He raised both hands.

  The villagers collapsed. The marks on their necks faded.

  "You did it!" Qaws shouted.

  One villager stirred, then another.

  "I did it?" Mowj gasped.

  "I did it!"

  Jamih lowered his sword. Mowj jumped with joy.

  The soldiers cheered. The villagers gathered.

  "Thank you, Mowj!" one said.

  "You saved us!"

  Children awoke. The morning sky glowed. Warm winds swept through Silva.

  Jamih spoke, voice steady.

  "Help us rebuild.

  Plant again.

  Restore your routines."

  The villagers hesitated.

  "He's my mentor," Mowj said.

  "And my ally.

  Trust him."

  They nodded and began working.

  Jamih turned to Mowj.

  "Well done.

  This is the first of Valia's villages."

  "We'll move to the next," Mowj said.

  "We're ready," Qaws added.

  "The villagers will finish rebuilding."

  Jamih turned to Qaws, his voice low and steady.

  "Did you send the report to Lainas?"

  Qaws nodded.

  "Yes. He'll dispatch guards immediately to secure this village."

  Jamih's gaze lingered on the horizon. He exhaled slowly.

  "Good... Then let's move."

  Without another word, Jamih stepped forward—his cloak catching the wind, the green comet glowing faintly above him.

  The journey to Valia had begun.