Deruth Henituse received a letter telling him that Clopeh Sekka, the heir of the Sekka Household, would visit and stay in the county for a month. The said heir requested to train inside the Forest of Darkness since it was known to have powerful monsters and it was perfect for some crazy guy to get stronger. Cale actually didn't want to agree with that but he had to endure as it was already decided. All he had to do was hide so Clopeh wouldn't recognize him.

The next day, Clopeh Sekka arrived in the Henituse Estate and he was welcomed by the Count and his family. Deruth told Cale he didn't want to force himself in greeting Clopeh since he was still recovering, but Cale insisted that it would be too rude not to greet the heir of the Sekka Household.

As soon as Clopeh laid his eyes on the redhead, who was standing out like a sore thumb because of his hair, he immediately recognized that child. He was that audacious child who humiliated him in his own territory. He smiled towards Cale and the redhead returned the smile but it looked incredibly stiff.

"So this is the Henituse Territory, it's great. Small, simple yet flourishing with wealth," Clopeh said.

"Greetings, Young lord. We received your letter of your stay here," Deruth welcomed.

"Yes, I would like to train my sword in the Forest of Darkness," Clopeh responded with a smile. Then, his gaze landed on Cale and the redhead just averted his eyes.

"I am Clopeh Sekka, son of Duke Rock Sekka," he introduced.

"As you know, I am Deruth, the current Count of the Henituse, this is my wife, Violan, my son, Cale and Basen," Deruth responded with their introduction. The three curtsied to show respect to their guest.

"We should go inside," Deruth said and he ordered his servants to assist the guest inside.

Basen had to excuse himself since he still had classes. So, Deruth, Violan, and Cale sat with him in the parlor. They mostly talked about trivial things at first and Cale just listened to them, counting seconds and wished for them to let him go.

"I wish someone in the county would accompany me while I venture inside the Forest of Darkness," Clopeh said.

"Oh! We will send some of our knights to accompany you," Deruth replied.

"Hm, I don't need any knights. I'm going there to train, I just want your son to accompany me," Clopeh smiled. Cale looked at him in disbelief.

"What? But my sons hasn't done any training. They won't be of help when they go with you," Deruth reasoned.

Both Cale and Basen didn't do any sword or martial arts training, one Cale has a weak body and two, Basen was not suitable for swords. Even though Deruth knew Cale had his powers, he couldn't risk his son going into a dangerous area.

"Hm? But I only want Young Master Cale to accompany me," Clopeh said as he smiled at the redhead. The latter just glared at him.

"Come to think of it, Young Master Cale has red hair, did you perhaps adopt him? If so, I wonder if the orphanage he came from also sells children as alluring as him?" Clopeh asked, clearly mocking the redhead.

The servants inside the parlor were shocked, even the Count and Countess were in dismay. Cale, on the other hand, had a calm expression. He was used to being a subject of underhanded remarks and questions like this. The servants' side glanced at their young master.

"Excuse me, Young Lord, but Cale is my biological son. Please refrain from saying those things," Deruth scowled.

"It's alright, dad. If that is what the Young Lord requested, who am I to refuse?" Cale smiled but his eyes weren't smiling which sent chills to Clopeh's spine. Deruth and Violan looked at their son with a worried expression.

"That's great! It's good that Young Master Cale is easy to talk to!" Clopeh smiled as well.

"Kindly notify my butler if you have set the date for your departure, I'll excuse myself," Cale replied as he stood and bowed.

Cale went back to his room, and as soon as he closed his doors, he leaned on his door and took a really deep breath. As he exhaled, he slowly sat on the floor. He remembered all the times when the servants in his house and the people and noble alike said almost the same thing before.

He looked like an outsider.

He doesn't fit well in his family.

He's ruining the picture of a perfect family.

The redhead looked like he got adopted somewhere.

It's better if the red-haired young master won't interrupt their perfect image.

And so on. He counted one to ten to calm himself. After that, he regained his composure and stood. He took the book on his table and went to the balcony to read.

"Ron, can you bring me some snacks and refreshments?" Cale asked the butler who was outside his room.

"As you wish," Ron replied from the outside and went to follow Cale's orders.

A moment later, Ron came back with Cale's snacks and refreshments then the redhead dismissed Ron. Cale silently read the new book he acquired from their library. After thirty minutes of reading, a knock was heard.

"Enter," Cale said without lifting his head and continued to read as he sip his sweet tea. Ron entered with Clopeh behind him.

"The Young Lord of Sekka has come to request for your audience, Young Master," Ron said. Cale didn't bat an eye, he continued reading.

"Alright, Ron. You may leave. And you, what do you need?" Cale asked without looking at Clopeh.

"Well, I think I have said something unnecessary earlier. I am here to apologize," Clopeh answered. Cale closed his book and finally looked at Clopeh.

"What are you apologizing for?"

"I'm sorry I called you adopted earlier."

Cale stood and approached Clopeh. The redhead was shorter than the white snake.

"You're older than me, you should know how to mind your words and manners. You might be a guest but I can throw you out into the Forest of Darkness alone and you will never get out of there for the rest of your life," Cale said as his eyebrows creased.

Clopeh shuddered as he saw some glint in the eyes of the redhead. He felt that Cale was threatening him seriously—it wasn't an empty word.

What the hell are these people? His guards are hella scary plus that vicious butler, Clopeh thought as he recalled the events earlier. Cale's mages, knight, and butler cornered him and actually threatened him if he said something along those lines earlier, they would kill him regardless of his lineage. Clopeh knew he would be no match to the redhead's guards.

"Y-Yeah, don't worry. It won't happen again," Clopeh replied.

Cale remained silent and continued with his reading. Clopeh exited and went to the room designated for him. The white snake thought hard on how he could become closer with the redhead, whom he insulted the first day. Since Cale loved reading, Clopeh thought they could bond with the books they've read.

That night, Deruth visited Cale and accompanied him in his sleep. He knew Cale would feel lonely from time to time. He also learned that certain people would say something like that to his son. So, the next thing he would do was reprimand those individuals who dared to insult his beloved son. Even though Cale was very accepting and forgiving, Deruth didn't imagine that something like that would be said to his son. Cale was already good at handling himself but he still needed guidance and Deruth made sure he would be keeping a close eye to his son.

The whole week, Clopeh began looking for Cale after breakfast. He would always find the redhead under the maple tree in their garden or he's chilling inside his greenhouse. He began pestering the redhead into having conversations with him. One day, two days, three days, Cale ignored Clopeh and the fourth day, he indulged the white snake.

They would often talk about legends and stories about heroes. Cale just responded the way Clopeh would want to hear. If he wanted to manipulate Clopeh, he definitely needed the white snake to think they were the same. Unknowingly, Cale was having fun with his conversation with Clopeh. Of course, even if he realized it, he wouldn't admit it.

A week later, Clopeh and Cale would be departing to the Forest of Darkness. Deruth protested a lot to Cale's involvement in that dangerous forest. But Cale reassured his father he would be okay and Youna would be tailing him while remaining invisible. They don't have any knights or guards, only just the two of them with the addition of the invisible red dragon. The Knights, as well as Deruth, only saw them off right outside the Forest of Darkness.

"We'll be back after three weeks, dad. Don't worry about me!" Cale smiled. Deruth was still worried, who wouldn't? When he knew how much of a trouble magnet his son was?

"Be careful out there, Cale," Deruth said as he hugged his son.

Then, Cale and Clopeh entered the Forest of Darkness. The entrance was still peaceful but after they walked for hundreds of meters, monsters began to appear. Good thing for Cale, Clopeh was stronger than he expected. Well, the future Clopeh was a strong Guardian Knight, so his younger self would be strong as well. Clopeh defeated the monsters left and right without letting any one of them get close to Cale. Youna was also doing his part in killing off the monsters without getting noticed.

Unbeknownst to Cale and Clopeh, a certain black bird had been tailing them ever since they left the Henituse Estate. Youna already noticed it but chose to ignore since the black bird wasn't doing anything. Even if it did, Youna would definitely protect Cale and ditch Clopeh. The red dragon has great hatred for the said white snake.

They explored the Outer Region of the Forest of Darkness, the monsters in that region were mutant but still weaker compared to Clopeh. Cale quietly observed how the white snake fought. From time to time, Clopeh would talk with Cale. So far, they haven't encountered strong monsters yet. Cale was also quite unfamiliar with the said forest as he didn't get the chance to explore it during his first timeline. All he knew was the Forest of Darkness was dyed black and it was dangerous.

Before going inside the Inner Region, Cale and Clopeh took a break. The redhead couldn't continue without eating. Clopeh would survive without consuming food, as long as he had water that's enough, but Cale was different. The redhead peacefully ate his meal when he heard a metal sound clashing not far from where they were resting.

"Clopeh, can you hear that?" Cale asked as he stared at the direction where the sound was coming from. Clopeh looked at him then at the place where the redhead was looking.

Clopeh could hear the sound too. He stood and approached the source of the sound, Cale remained still from where he was sitting. Then, Youna spoke into Cale's mind.

Cale, there's a black bird that has been on our tail since earlier. He's currently sitting on the branches on top of us.

Alternately, Cale looked up and saw a beautiful black bird staring straight at him. Then, Clopeh came flying towards Cale as the white snake had been flicked away from the source of the clashing sound. Youna immediately casted a shield towards Cale and the black bird flew down to protect the redhead as well. Cale was clearly perplexed as to what was happening at the moment. After Clopeh hit the shield Youna casted, a white-haired individual also emerged from the forest. Cale was surprised to see a vampire and a whale at the same time.

"Just what is happening here?" Cale asked as he looked around.

There's the legend-maniac white snake, a whale, a vampire and of course his dragon.

"Oh, aren't you Cale?" The white-haired whale spoke as soon as he recognized the redhead.

"That's right. I am Cale, and who might you be?" Cale asked. The white-haired whale smiled, showing his sharp teeth.

"I'm Archie. I definitely recognized you since Paseton has been going on and on about that redhead friend. Even the King and Whitira know you," Archie replied, he looked at Cale from head to toe.

AH! That damn whale just checked you out! Youna spoke in Cale's mind. The latter just ignored the red dragon.

"I didn't know you're smaller in person and you look pathetically weak," Archie continued. Cale ignored the whale and turned to the black bird, who turned into a human. Archie got irritated and was about to say something when he suddenly felt chills from who knows where.

"And you? What is a vampire doing here?" Cale asked, squinting his eyes.

"Ho, so you know what I am. How interesting. I am Fredo, I am just curious about you. I heard a thing or two about you, that's why I am here," the vampire replied.

"You know them, Cale?" Clopeh asked. The redhead just shook his head.

"How about you, Archie? What are you doing here?" Cale asked.

"Ha! I am under punishment right now, they told me I have to hunt three thousand monsters before I come back," Archie replied.

"Just what did you do? Anyway, it's not my problem. Just do whatever you want, I am only here because of Clopeh," Cale said and turned their back on them. Clopeh smiled and followed the redhead.

Another week passed since Cale, the invisible Youna and Clopeh entered the Forest of Darkness, Archie and Fredo continued to follow the two. Clopeh and Archie were the ones competing for the most kills of the day, while Cale watched them. Fredo, on the other hand, was watching the redhead.

Fredo wouldn't get curious about Cale Henituse if it wasn't for the White Star mentioning him one time when he was talking with him as Naru. The White Star mentioned meeting a cute child with red hair whom he wanted to adopt but suddenly vanished when he came back. So he asked his butler to gather all the information of a redhead child and the individual who struck him the most was Cale Henituse. That was why he sought for Cale.

Ten days had passed, and they finally entered the Inner Region of the Forest of Darkness. Cale's companions, except Youna, felt iffy inside the inner region. The monsters became exponentially stronger compared to the ones in the outer region. However, Cale witnessed how strong Archie and Clopeh were. They might have struggled a little but they still managed to defeat the monsters. Archie kept counting how many monsters he had defeated, it was easy for him to do that since he was one of the strongest warriors in the whale tribe.

"Hmm, now that I think about it, what is Cale doing here? You aren't doing anything anyway," Archie asked as they had rested and were currently eating.

"I took him here," Clopeh answered for Cale.

"I see, so how strong are you, Cale?" Archie grinned as he looked at the redhead.

Ever since they came together, Archie hasn't seen Cale lift a finger in the fights against the monster so he was curious. He was curious since Whitira mentioned to him that the redhead child was strong, though he was hiding it.

"I am weak," Cale answered without looking at Archie. The whale doubted it. People will claim they're weak then in a blink of an eye they turn out to be strong.

A large wave of monsters were heard, then Archie had a terrible idea—but it was the best idea he could think of. Archie picked up Cale, which surprised the redhead as a foreboding feeling arose, then the whale threw Cale so hard in the direction of the monsters.

"YOU FUCKING WHALE!" Cale yelled as he readied himself. The redhead could hear the whale laughing and could see Clopeh, Fredo and Youna rushing towards him.

Cale activated his inherited ability with the combination of his ancient powers. Cale used the Indestructible Shield and sprouted roots and vines to pierce through the monsters rushing to him. As soon as he landed on one of the monster's bodies, he used the Sound of the Wind to keep him floating, then he stepped on the monster's body and jumped in the air. He used the Sky-eating Water to create water spears and rained it down towards the monsters.

Cale! You're overusing us! The Super Rock spoke in his mind. His ancient powers were quiet ever since the Wind Island incident and through the gods he learned they were keeping his body intact.

As much as I want destruction, I don't want you to overexert yourself from using us! The Fire of Destruction chimed in.

Cale, don't worry! I'll keep working! The Energy of the Heart cried.

Thank you, Cale let out a soft laugh.

Clopeh, Archie, Fredo, and Youna watched Cale as he single-handedly fought off the monsters. How he defeated them in an elegant and somehow divine manner. It was truly beautiful, how he moved his body, how he used his powers to kill off as many monsters as he could. Explosions and loud crashing could be heard. Youna stopped his state of trance and flew towards Cale and casted magic to destroy all the remaining monsters. Cale breathed heavily as he fell on his knees and crouched to hold his chest. Then, Cale coughed blood from overusing his power.

"Cale!" Clopeh shouted and ran as fast as he could. Fredo stood still as he could smell something enticing from the redhead.

The most precious and freshest blood of all! Fredo thought as shivers ran down in his spine.

Youna appeared in his human form and made Cale lean on him. Clopeh was shocked to see one of the redhead's guards.

That whale is dead, Clopeh thought.

Youna glared at Archie and unleashed a powerful magic that made the whale fly meters away from them.

Cale, it's okay. You'll be okay, just calm down, the Energy of the Heart said.

Cale kept coughing up fresh and old blood. Clopeh took off his cloak and wrapped Cale around it. After ten minutes of coughing fit, he finally calmed down, even his ancient powers became quiet once again. Clopeh carried Cale and Youna made sure Archie wouldn't come near them. They settled in one of the opened tree trunks in the Forest of Darkness.

"Young Master Cale," Clopeh called. The redhead sluggishly looked at him.

"Are you a descendant of Thames?" Clopeh asked, his eyes were sparkling with curiosity and admiration. Cale nodded.

"I was right!" Clopeh held Cale's both hands. Cale looked at the white snake suspiciously.

"Why do you know the Thames?" Cale asked.

"You see, there's a particular book about the Thames in my house. It was a legend about the descendant of the earth goddess," Clopeh explained, his face dubiously glowing. Cale felt shivers upon looking at him.

Wait? A legend about the descendant of the earth goddess? Cale tried to recollect his memories.

"My ancestor said in his journal that a descendant of the goddess gave him the book. It was given to only him. There are no other copies aside from the ones we have," Clopeh began to tell the story. Cale quietly listened.

"They said that the family was called Thames and they have the ability to control plants, just like the ability you showed us earlier!

My ancestor also said that the Thames possesses striking blood-red colored hair. They were undeniably divinely beautiful, both men and women. However, throughout the years, their clan began to live in hiding because people began to covet their powers. I thought I wouldn't meet one in my lifetime, but I am so lucky that I got to know a descendant of such legends!" Clopeh's eyes continued to sparkle.

Cale suddenly had a realization, when he got lost in time, the redhead met a certain white haired individual who was also obsessed with legends and mythology. Cale got incredibly bored in his ventures so he made up a certain book then he gave it to that white-haired person. Even though it was written by him, some parts of it were the truth and some were exaggerated. The title of the book was ...

"... The Forgotten Existence. It was a family heirloom, it was one of a kind. You can't find that book anywhere, that's why we took pride in it," Clopeh added.

Cale wanted to scream. That was the title of the book he gave to that crazy person. Who would have known he would pass it down to his generation? And who would have known Clopeh was his descendant?!

To hell with fate! He wanted to go back in time and strangle that person. Clopeh continued to look at Cale as if he was his idol. 

Fuck! I reap what I fucking sow! Cale annoyingly thought. The redhead held the clasped hands of Clopeh and looked at the white snake gently.

"I didn't want it to be known because I don't want to be fussed over. I would appreciate it if you do the same thing, Clopeh. I don't want to endanger the people around me, you read the book right? You'll know what would happen to me if it's known," Cale said in a gentle tone and a sad smile. Clopeh's eyes shook.

"Of course! I wouldn't dare to spread it. I know where I stand," Clopeh said in seriousness. Cale smiled and it looked bright for the white snake.

"I didn't know your existence is such a big deal," Archie said as he tended to his wounds.

"I know you're a great human, but I didn't expect you to be greater than I!" Youna chimed in, his eyes strangely sparkled too.

Oh please, Youna. Don't join them, Cale thought.

"Hmn, that may be the reason why your blood seems special," Fredo added.

"Please, don't treat me differently. That story was from ancient times. I no longer have the blood of that race. I am just a simple human being. Just treat me like before and I hope you don't spread what you learned today. I'll definitely go after your heads," Cale responded.

"And you, Archie. Do something like that again and you won't be able to raise your head from the water," Cale hissed towards the white-haired whale.

Archie patted Cale's head.

"Don't worry, I won't. And I'm sorry," he replied as his hand began to rub Cale's cheeks.

"You better be. I am tired so I'll be turning in today," Cale said as he turned his body to the other side and fell asleep immediately.

The snake, the whale and the vampire looked at the redhead child as if they were planning something to him. Youna immediately put up his guard and glared at the lower race. Even though he hadn't gone through his second phase, he successfully demonstrated his dominance in existence.

Clopeh and Archie went out to hunt more monsters. Fredo and Youna stayed behind to guard Cale. The vampire was thinking of a plan how he could make the redhead human child his ally. If the White Star took a liking to him, Fredo should make use of that to keep the damned white star at bay.

Cale, on the other hand, was sleeping deeply and had a dream. The redhead was currently dreaming about his promise to the hero, Choi Han. The promise of finding him first. He would want that too, however he wasn't sure if Choi Han remembers him or not. The redhead slept comfortably as he thought of Choi Han. Thinking, it would be great if Choi Han and him would become allies. That is if Choi Han would want it too.

Unknowingly, Cale suddenly felt something warm was wrapping around his body. He thought it was Youna hugging him again, he nuzzled closer to the warm sensation. Somehow, Youna's body became a little sturdy which was weird since the red dragon was still young and still doesn't possess a sturdy body like this.

The redhead's eyes fluttered and the first thing he saw was a black shirt and cloak. He was currently sleeping on top of a sturdy body who wore black clothing. Cale placed his palms on the seemingly chest and began to feel it.

"Ahem," a voice of a man was heard. Cale sheepishly looked up and there their eyes met. The black obsidian eyes met with the reddish brown eyes. Cale's heart began to beat fast.

Cale was currently sitting on the black-haired man's lap and he was leaning on his chest and the man was currently holding him securely by wrapping his arms on his waist. He was familiar with that innocent face the black-haired man possesses. Cale's eyes grew wide as he knew this person in front of him.

Choi Han? Cale couldn't speak of the name of the person he spent his thousand years waiting for the moon.

//TBC ...

A/N: Once again, here I am. Here's the new chapter, I hope you enjoyed it.

It took me a lot of time writing this, that's why it took me a lot of days to finish. Plus, I experience great loss (since my fave character died 😭). I was too distracted these past few days, as a result I couldn't write a better chapter. I re-read this chapter many times and rewrote it over and over again until I am satisfied, and I hope you too, my lovelies. My updates will be slower since I am trying to heal my heart. I hope you understand.

Thank you for your patience! Keep safe always! 💕

Next chapter: Here comes the hero!