Watching everyone get stronger, Karyk's thoughts drifted to Gabriel, the friend, brother and ally who seemed lost. His absence weighed heavily on Karyk's heart. He couldn't help but wonder how strong Gabriel would've been if he was alive.
Since they were both part of the same soul, Gabriel was the one who Karyk believed knew him the best. When Karyk became stronger, it was Gabriel that he wanted to share every information with, as soon as he came out of the Ancestral Temple.
Unfortunately, by the time he came out, he was greeted with the tragic information that Gabriel was dead.
He could only raise his head, apologize for not being there when Gabriel needed him. If possible, he would've revived Gabriel as well, but finding his soul was impossible.
"Can you get them a place to stay here?" Karyk asked Aliac.
Usually, no one was allowed to live in the Central World other than Aliac himself. And now, Karyk was asking for his friends to stay here. Usually, Aliac would've refused, but on the contrary, a smile spread across his lips as he nodded.
"Won't be a problem. Next to the Palace, you'll find another mansion where they can stay. Everything they need will be available there," Aliac replied.
Even if Karyk hadn't asked him, he would've suggested they stay here. If they stayed here, it would provide Aliac with the opportunity to observe the group closely, which could potentially benefit him in the long run.
Moreover, if Karyk's friends stayed here, it was evident that Karyk was going to stay here as well. It was for the best. With Karyk here, it was unlikely for him to come across the Gods that were hiding in the Southern World, preventing a potential conflict.
There was an even bigger reason why he wanted Karyk here. It had something to do with the reason he had to stay in the Central World all his life. Most of the world was completely unaware of the responsibility he carried on his shoulders.
Unfortunately, he couldn't tell anyone the reason, at least not now. He sat on his throne, watching Karyk and everyone else leaving the palace.
After they left, his smile disappeared, replaced by a calm demeanor. A sigh came from him as some worries reflected on his face.
"I don't know how long I can hold it back..." he muttered, looking in a particular direction. "I wonder if he'll really be able to help."
"As long as no other troubles are created in the Upper Realm, things should be fine for some time..."
...
As Aliac was thinking to himself, Karyk came out of the Palace, looking at the Mansion on the side.
Previously, there was no Mansion here, and only a Palace. But strangely enough, a mansion had appeared out of thin air. It was clearly the work of Aliac.
Karyk was the first to enter the mansion and after making sure that nothing was wrong, he asked Zena and others to enter.
The newly appeared mansion stood grandly beside Aliac's palace, a testament to the mysterious power of the Central World's ruler.
Its architecture was exquisite, adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering crystals that bathed the surroundings in a soft, ethereal light. Zena and many others marveled at the opulence of their new accommodations.
Inside the mansion, the interior was equally impressive. Lavish furnishings, elegant tapestries, and a grand central hall greeted them. It was clear that no expense had been spared to ensure their comfort.
While Karyk had initially expected resistance to the idea of his friends staying here, Aliac's willingness to accommodate them raised questions in his mind. What did Aliac gain from having them here? What was the true nature of his motives?
As Alion and the others settled into their new temporary home, they couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, not in a menacing way, but rather as if they were participants in some grand scheme beyond their understanding.
Meanwhile, Aliac remained in his palace, his thoughts consumed by the burdens he bore. The mystery surrounding his true responsibilities weighed heavily on him, and he knew that the time to reveal them was drawing near.
But he also knew that doing so would bring about consequences, consequences that could affect not only the Central World but the entire realm.
The fate of Karyk, his friends, and the unfolding events in the Central World were now inextricably intertwined.
While everyone settled into their new place, Aliac's voice was heard in the mansion.
"Consider it a small gesture for my new friends. If you need anything, just ask me and it shall be delivered."
Karyk understood Aliac's words. He was subtly implying that everything in this world was under control of Aliac
As days turned into weeks, Karyk and his companions settled into their new surroundings. Karyk spent his time training and honing the skills of his companions, taking advantage of the resources that the Central World offered.
Every once in a while, Karyk would always think about Gabriel. The regret was everlasting.
One day, as he stood on a balcony overlooking the Central World's breathtaking landscapes, he felt a strange presence. It was as if someone was watching him. Turning around, he was surprised to see Aliac standing there.
"Are you thinking about Gabriel," Aliac stated, his eyes holding a depth of knowledge that unnerved Karyk.
Karyk nodded solemnly. "Yes, I can't help but wonder if there's any way to bring him back."
Aliac sighed, his gaze distant. "Resurrecting the dead is a perilous path, my friend. However, you've done that many times. But I am afraid even you can't bring someone back to life if the person's soul has been completely destroyed.
Karyk was taken aback by Aliac's words but he didn't comment on this. Instead, he asked a different question.
"What do you need from me?"
Aliac remained silent for a moment before speaking. "I have my reasons for bringing you here. Are you sure you want to listen? If you do, you'll be involved in something that you might regret later on."
