A moment later, they came out of their room and they began to stroll around the city. It does not have that much of a difference, except for the existence of the dark elves. Cale looked at the place in fascination. The last time he visited this place was when he wandered around during his first life. The place was filled with corpses of dead dark elves and humans. Cale felt happy seeing it full of life.

Cale observed the people in the city. The merchants were selling their goods, the children played around the city, humans and dark elves were getting along and laughing together.

"I wish the dark elves could also live on the surface," Cale whispered but the group heard him since all of them have a good sense of hearing. Tasha, Alver, and the robed person were surprised by his remark. The prince smiled and took Cale's hand so the redhead wouldn't get lost.

"I really wish for that too," Alver smiled. He has only one ideal dream, and that is to bring the dark elves on the surface to live.

As a quarter dark elf, he knew that their race and the humans were not different from one another. Sure, they use dead mana to make them stronger but that was also the same for humans. Though, humans do not use dead mana to get them stronger but they use something similar. They were people of nature as well. He understood why humans feared them, but it would be nice if dark elves and humans could coexist on the surface.

"Is it really possible for us to live on the surface?" The robed person asked after they settled in the VIP room in one of the restaurants in the city. It was run by a human. Cale looked at the robed person.

"You, you are a human," Cale replied. Tasha flinched since they hadn't introduced the robed person.

"We have been going around the city but I still don't know your name," Cale added, the robed person fidgeted before she responded.

"I am Mary, yes I am a human but I am still different from other humans," Mary, the robed girl, introduced. She had a GPS-like voice and one couldn't tell what emotions lied under the hood and her voice.

"Hmm? What makes you different from us?" Cale asked as he recited the food he wanted to eat. After ordering their food, Cale faced Mary. The robed girl then showed her face and lifted her sleeves. Nobody in Cale's group showed emotions upon seeing her.

"I see, you're a necromancer. It must have been hard," Cale commented after seeing her. Tasha immediately pulled Mary's hood to cover her.

"It seems the Young Master knows a lot about necromancers?" Tasha nervously said.

"I know a thing or two," Cale nonchalantly replied.

"Mary, is there something you want to say to me? You've been staring at me for a while now," Cale mentioned. It was true. Mary had been looking at Cale ever since she showed herself in the mayor's office.

"I am just curious about Young Master Cale. I read my master's diary and it mentioned a red-haired beauty. You also fit the description in the diary," Mary replied. Cale's companions looked at him.

Well, he certainly is a beauty, Alver thought and nodded his head.

It seems my Young Master's appearance will bring a lot of flies around him, Ron hummed while gently rubbing his dagger underneath his sleeve.

Young Master's beauty transcends human standards, Vicross proudly nodded.

When I first saw him, I thought he was a dragon as nobody had that kind of beauty except our race, Olienne pondered.

Wow, why do I feel like people kept noticing my appearance? Even the White Star liked my face, Cale sighed.

"I'm flattered!" Cale awkwardly laughed.

I see, so she's that pitiful necromancer who wished to see the world for her to meet her own death from the hands of the humans she wanted to learn more about, Cale assessed.

When he wandered around the world as he waited for the full blooded moon, he saw different corpses of people. He saw the bodies of slaves of different races, beast men, humans, dark elves, and dragons. As he walked around the world, he offered a requiem for the souls to move on to their next journey. And among all those corpses, what stood out the most was the body of a necromancer whose soul wished for her to see and learn more about the world and other races.

Whenever Cale guides the soul to ascend to the afterlife, he often hears their regrets, longingness, unfulfilled wishes, resentments, love towards another person, and their wills. Mary, who died during the course of war, doesn't have any memories of her past. Hence, she wanted to travel the world to see its beauty. However, the life of a necromancer was not an easy one. People will scorn them and call them cursed beings just because they use dead mana and could bring back the dead and use them.

The young Mary in front of him was still hopeful towards her only dream and wish. Cale looked at her with sadness. Mary noticed this and she anxiously looked away. The food arrived and Cale told them they would eat first before continuing their previous conversation.

After a fruitful meal, the group went out of the restaurant and began walking slowly to digest the food. Cale already saw what he needed to see.

"Mary! Is there somewhere you wanted to see or go?" Cale asked as he turned to Mary.

The robed girl pondered for the answer. Tasha was aware of what the young girl wished to see. She was told that Mary didn't have any memories before they took her in.

"I want to see the world, but it is not possible right now. I don't want to worry my family," Mary answered. Tasha felt relieved as the young girl was understanding, but she also felt guilty. They couldn't help it, they didn't want to risk her.

"I see. Do you have any specific things you wish to see?" Cale asked once again.

"I don't know. I don't have any memories before I got here, so I am not sure what I want to see," Mary answered him honestly.

"Hm, I see. Then, is there any spacious place somewhere here in the City of Life?" Cale asked Tasha.

"Yes, there is," she answered. Tasha wondered what the Young Master was thinking about.

"Then take us there! I'm going to show something to everyone," Cale grinned. The group looked at each other.

"Alright, follow me," Tasha responded and the group began to walk towards the location Cale requested.

They arrived at the end of the city, the place was spacious and there were not many people around them.

"This place is perfect," Cale said as he clapped his hands once. All of them looked at the bright redhead.

"Mary, you see there are a lot of things you could witness when you go to the surface," Cale spoke. Mary listened to him attentively, so did the others. He approached Mary and he held her both hands.

The others were shocked by his actions. Ron facepalmed as it was quite rude to touch someone without permission.

I think my puppy Young Master needed to recount his etiquette lessons, Ron sighed.

"I will lend you my eyes, I will show what I saw and you can judge where you want to go," Cale closed his eyes and he activated his [All Seeing Eyes: Memory Projection]. He wanted to show her how beautiful the world was.

Of course, his group would be able to see what Cale was showing to Mary. A bright light glowed in Cale's chest and before they could comment about it, memories of Cale flashed before their eyes.

Mary widened her eyes when he saw how pretty the world seemed to the Young Master's eyes. It was in Cale's point of view. She could see a lot of merchants and people in the market. She saw how pretty and vibrant flowers were. She saw different kinds of animals that were not common in their city. She saw how blue the sky was. She witnessed how dark yet sparkly the night sky was. She saw the vast ocean and seas. She saw how bright the city lights were on the surface. She saw how lively and blissful festivities were. She saw how white snow was. She saw how pretty the four seasons were. Every inch of the world was breath-taking for her. She couldn't help but tear up. She didn't know she still had these kinds of emotions. She thought she was incapable of feeling anything after she absorbed dead mana to survive in the desert.

The others were seeing what Mary was seeing. It was truly pretty, peaceful and hopeful. They could understand why the little Mary was tearing up. The memories shown were not just images but it also contained hopes and dreams. The memory was making Mary become hopeful for the future. Even Tasha was moved upon seeing those memories.

So this is how my Young Master sees the world, Ron thought as he showed a rare smile.

Ever since that tragedy, I always thought that the world was black and white. I didn't imagine it could be this beautiful, Vicross thought.

After the memory finished playing, Cale let go of Mary's hand. The redhead created roots for them to sit on.

"Young Master, it was truly beautiful," Mary said after she composed herself. Her voice was still the same as a GPS.

"I am glad you liked it," Cale smiled.

"Cale! I didn't know that this world is amazing in your eyes!" Youna said. He was a dragon but he was still young. At an early age, he already saw how ugly the world was. The same could be said to the two ancient dragons with them.

"Well it's a matter of perspective. The way I perceive the world has always been different. The same goes for you and everyone here," Cale responded.

"I wish I could see the world with my own eyes too!" Mary declared.

"You can do that. You can venture the world on your own and see it for yourself," Cale replied.

"But, can I actually do that? I'm a necromancer, I know people hate me. I will be chased out wherever I go," Mary said. His words contained sadness but one couldn't notice it by her tone and facial expression alone. However, Cale could feel it.

"Yes, you can do that. Not all people hate you. Can't you see? The humans here in this city don't push you away, instead they are protective of you," Cale answered.

While they were strolling around, he noticed the stares of every dark elves and humans they passed. They were wary of them. Cale didn't feel offended by that, rather he was glad that there were people by Mary's side.

"People are only scared of the unknown, since it has been a long time since they've seen a dark elf or necromancer, they fear your existence which leads them to hatred. But nothing is permanent in this world except for change," Cale continued as he looked into the eyes of his group.

"Change doesn't come to those who wait without doing something. If we truly want to make a change, we have to be the one to step forward and start working on that change,

It isn't easy, there will be a lot of challenges ahead. There will be more pain if you compare it to the comfort you're used to. But people are like cogs, if you decide to make a move eventually people will follow.

In the course of time, the cogs became rusty. It will be difficult to make everyone see and move, that's why we have to persevere and create a future where all of us can be truly happy!" Cale added.

All of them pondered on what the redhead had said. He was right, because they were afraid of being cursed upon and killed, they chose to hide. They chose to close themselves and protect their city and families. It was the right thing to do for them so they wouldn't go extinct.

"Your train of thought is interesting, little Cale," Olienne commented.

"You sound like an experienced old man, Young Master," Vicross added.

"What if I may actually be older than everyone here?" Cale laughed.

"As if," Alver and Vicross said in unison.

Well, he is but I am still older than you, the ancient dragons thought.

"Do ... Do you think I can do it?" Mary asked.

"Of course, you just have to become stronger to protect yourself and the family you hold dear," Cale answered.

"I will! That's my plan! I don't want to worry grandfather when I go out," Mary replied. She was still expressionless and monotonous but Cale could feel excitement and happiness from her. Cale chuckled.

"That's great to hear. And oh, I will give you a gift as a sign of my friendship!" Cale responded as he brought out his spatial bag and took a medium-sized vial.

"This liquid will help you get stronger. This item is incredibly precious," Cale said as he placed the vial on Mary's hand. Alver, Tasha, Ron, the dragons and Mary recognized the liquid. It's dead mana. The old butler frowned.

"Where did you get this, Cale?" Alver asked. It was difficult to procure dead mana so he wondered where the redhead got it.

"It's a dragon's dead mana, I found it in the Forest of Darkness," Cale answered. Now they were shocked except Youna, since he was with Cale when they got it. Nobody said a word.

"And oh, you can also have this," Cale handed a spatial bag to Mary. She opened it and she saw bones.

"This is?"

"A dragon's skeleton," Cale nonchalantly answered.

"Cale, we need to talk later. I have a lot of things I need to ask you," Eruhaben said. The redhead nodded.

"This is too much, Young Master," Mary said.

"It's not though. I can't use that so I'm giving it to you. You deserve that, make good use of it," Cale smiled. Mary clenched the vial and spatial bag she received.

"Thank you very much, Young Master Cale," Mary sincerely said. Cale's group just smiled.

Tasha reached her hand out and gently patted Cale's head. Her actions surprised Cale so he looked at her. Realizing what she's done, she immediately withdraws her hand. Cale just chuckled at that.

"You are such a kind young master," Tasha commented.

"I don't think I'm kind," Cale refuted and shook his hands.

Cale suddenly thought of an idea. He smiled at his own thoughts which made his butler and dragons notice it.

He's up to something again, they thought.

After a while, they came back to the Mayor's building to rest. Vicross immediately went to the kitchen after hearing his Young Master's growling stomach.

"Young Master Cale, thank you for today and for the gifts," Mary said. Cale just nodded and entered their room.

Cale felt really tired after walking around. He incredibly lacks exercise so his legs were trembling. He slumped down on his bed, Alver and Youna followed him to his room and sat on the chairs there. The older dragons rested in the living room.

"Youna, can you make me a teleportation scroll?" He asked as he rested his head to his hand.

"Why would you need that? You can teleport on your own and you have me," Youna replied.

"I plan on letting Mary and the Prince use our secret base," Cale responded. Alver looked at them at the mention of his name.

"Secret base?" Alver wondered.

"Yes, Ron and the others don't know it. It's just me and Youna," Cale whispered.

"Okay, I'll get it done once we get back," Youna agreed.

"Thank you, Youna. Also, don't share the location to anyone, okay? I will not allow it," Cale said. The two just nodded.

"Hey, I have plans tonight. Would you guys want to go with me?" Cale asked and grinned.

"Where to?" Alver questioned.

"You'll see once we get there, and oh we will be sneaking out with Mary," Cale whispered once again.

"No! We can't do that! We'll get in trouble if we get caught" Alver replied, in a soft tone.

"Yes, we can do that. Don't just run off your mouth to Ron and the others so we won't get caught. If something happens, I can protect you," Cale reassured.

"And don't forget about me, I am strong you know, I can protect all of you," Youna butted in and Cale showed his proud smile.

"It'll be just me, you, Youna, and Mary," Cale counted. Alver just sighed and shook his head.

"Even if I refuted, you will still go, right?" Alver said in defeat.

"Of course, no one can stop me from doing anything I want. Not from a human, a dragon, a dark elf, or a god," Cale grinned.

Alver thought he was exaggerating as he mentioned that even gods cannot stop him.

"Alright, alright. I concede," Alver replied in resignation. Cale threw his fist in the air as if he had achieved victory. Cale and Youna laughed.

"Also, stop calling me prince. It feels like we are strangers when we are not. Call me hyung," Alver said with a tint of blush on his cheeks and ears. Cale grinned as if he was mocking Alver.

"Alright, hyung!" Cale smiled.

Then, a knock was heard.

"Young Master, First Prince, Youna-nim, the dinner is ready," Ron said behind the doors.

"Alright, we're coming!" Cale said and turned to the two.

"Don't spill anything I said to anyone, alright?" Cale whispered.

"Okay," Alver and Youna said in unison.

Cale's group ate their dinner heartily. There wasn't much to talk about, only a few reminders for Cale to think about.

Later that night, when Ron and the others resigned themselves to turn in for the day, Cale and Alver who were pretending to be asleep stood and the redhead called Youna. They snuck out without anyone knowing.

"Where's Mary?" Cale asked Alver.

"I don't know where her room is," Alver answered. Cale activated his [All-Seeing Eyes] to watch over the City of Life to find Mary. After a few minutes, he found her and he told Youna the coordinates where Mary was.

They teleported inside Mary's room. The latter was surprised to see the kind redhead, the prince, and a dragon. Cale immediately covered Mary's mouth in case she started shouting.

"We're going out, Mary. Don't worry, we'll protect you," Cale whispered and smiled. Mary, who has been curious about the world, nodded.

Youna, Cale, Alver, and Mary held hands and the red dragon teleported them near the golden dragon's lair. The moment Mary opened her eyes, she was met with dark blue starry skies. The one where she's standing was soft and white like a blanket. She looked around and she saw trees, rocks, and light flickering in the distance. It was a breathtaking moment for someone who didn't have any memories of what the world looks like.

Mary's eyes twinkled as she stared at every corner her eyes could reach. She still doesn't show emotions on her face but it was clear how her eyes shone in everything she saw for the first time. Cale took a deep breath and also stared at the starry sky. Alver and Youna sat beside Cale.

These times are still peaceful, nobody could imagine that war would break out in eight years, Cale thought. As they were star-gazing, a meteor shower suddenly occurred.

"What was that? It's my first time seeing one!" Youna asked, looking excited. Alver and Mary were equally curious.

"That's a shooting star," Cale answered.

"Stars are falling? Won't it destroy our world?" Mary asked in worry and curiosity. Alver and Youna were not any better. Cale could see the frowns on their faces. The redhead chuckled at their cute reactions.

"No, the world won't be destroyed if it's just that size. If it's bigger, it will cause an explosion if it lands," Cale explained.

"Good thing it isn't big stars," Mary responded.

"It's pretty," the three of them spoke in unison.

Glad to hear that, I was also elated at first when I saw it for the first time, Cale thought.

"Did you know they say that if you wish to a shooting star, your wish will come true?" Cale mentioned. The three looked at him.

"Really? How is that possible?" Alver asked.

"Well, some people who wished to a shooting star claimed their wishes came true. Maybe, shooting stars are like a lucky item for you to make your wishes come true," Cale answered. The three looked at the sky once again and all of them closed their eyes as if they were wishing.

Cale started humming a tune as he remembered a memory from his travels. Wishing upon shooting stars was more likely a superstition, but adults and romanticists always tell children wishes do come true. After wishing, Alver, Youna and Mary looked at Cale who was humming a tune.

Is he gonna sing? Oooh! I really like his singing voice, Youna excitedly listened attentively as he secretly brought out a recording device—so he could watch it again and again.

Then, Cale started singing and the three watched and listened to him attentively.

When daytime turns to night, when the moon shines bright,

When you're tucked in tight, when everything's alright.

Slip softly to that place, where secret thoughts run free,

There come face to face with who you want to be,

So swim across the ocean blue, fly a rocket to the moon;

The three who were listening to the redhead intently suddenly thought of something about what they wanted to be. However, they couldn't explicitly show what they wanted as there were a lot of people who questioned and made fun of their goal. That's why, the only escape they could have was to dream of their own self achieving all the things they wished for. After all, they ARE free to do whatever they want in their dreams. Nevertheless, they also want their dreams to come true. Cale, somehow, was telling them they are free to dream and do whatever they wished for.

You can change your life, or we can change the world.

Cale stood from where he was sitting and he stood in front of the three. Alver and Mary were living in hiding, in fears of getting captured and killed by the Church of Sun God. Cale knew it. A quarter dark elf and a necromancer. Great targets for the followers of the Sun God. Even then, Alver and Mary wanted a place where they could live in harmony with everyone. They hoped for a time and place where their kind weren't hated or scorned.

Cale was telling them if they can't change their life by themselves, there were people who were willing to take their side and help them enough to change the world. It was obvious that the redhead was willing to give them a helping hand.

Is that possible? Are people really capable of changing? Alver thought.

Take a chance, don't be afraid, life is yours to live;

Dark elves and necromancers are beings that shouldn't live in hiding, Cale thought as he continued singing.

Cale had always hated the prejudice and discrimination towards races human and alike weren't familiar of. They used fear and history to support their judgment. Fear wasn't always a good thing, and history was from the past. People learn from their mistakes to avoid doing the same thing but if their learning was something to do with shunning other races, that wasn't learning. That was just escaping from addressing the real issue.

Take a chance, and then the best has yet to come

I hope Alver and Mary won't give up on their dreams of wanting their race to be accepted and live on the surface, Cale thought.

I will definitely make it happen, just like how it used to be during the ancient times, Cale took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

Make a wish, it's up to you.

As the three listened to the redhead, they realized that wishes won't come true if they only waited. Real wishes do come true if you work hard on achieving it.

Find the strength inside, then watch your dreams come true.

Cale pointed to their hearts. A person's real strength lies in how strong and courageous their heart was. The three held their chest to feel their hearts. It was beating loudly.

You don't need a shooting star, the magic's right there in your heart;

Close your eyes, believe, and make a wish...

Believe in yourself. Strengthen yourself. Persevere. Be courageous. Don't be afraid. Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. That's how you can make your wish come true, Cale thought as he finished singing and smiled at his three audience members.

//TBC ...

A/N: Hello! Senamin here, once again! The song I used here is entitled, "Make a Wish". This is a soundtrack from a Pokémon movie (Pokémon: Jirachi Wishmaker). I hope you enjoyed this one too, thank you for reading and see you next time! 🌸