After our little sparring session, Sir Gilead took me to the Chained Isles, where Cassie was waiting for me on a flying ship. She took me to the Tower of Hope.
"What a nice place you have here."
"Yes, quite a few of us have settled in," Cassie confirmed.
"You know, I wanted to tell you this before we separated on the Forgotten Shore. Your revelations are useful and serve as good guidance, but don't be shackled by them."
"What do you mean?"
"My teacher once told me: The weak don't get to decide their fate, but the strong write their own. So don't lose hope when you see something. You already know that the future can be altered—just like how it happened in that hellhole."
She hummed in response, not entirely convinced.
"Just watch me. I will show you that fate is not absolute."
After looking around, I returned to the real world and started cooking dinner. While I was cooking, my communicator rang.
"Master Jet, how can I help you?"
"I've arranged your deployment. You are to leave with Sunny in five days."
"Okay, thank you."
Just as I finished cooking, Nephis arrived.
"You cooked."
"I told you—I'm a good cook. Come, let's eat."
"Okay."
We ate dinner, and after we finished, I said,
"I need your help with something."
"What is it?"
"I want to exchange some Memories. I obtained about thirty Awakened Memories, varying in type and rank."
"What are you looking for?"
"I need seven charm-type Memories with cold resistance."
"Why do you need those?"
"I'm going to Antarctica."
She didn't say anything for a moment, just stared at me. A few seconds passed before she finally asked,
"When do you leave?"
"In five days."
"I'll get you the Memories."
"Thank you."
"There will be a banquet tomorrow. You are coming with me."
"What is it for ?"
"A declaration of war."
"How lovely. Anyway, I can show you my dancing skills then. I heard its similar to fighting so I think I will be quite good at it."
The next day we went to the palace like residence, where the banquet will be held. I don't have clothes for these types of occasion so Neph told me she will get me something there and her dress is there too.
As I put on the fancy suit, probably made from nightmare creatures i was looking at the mirror.
"Damn I look good in everything." I was really satisfied and then summoned back the blindfold.
As I was waiting for Nephis a familiar figure was approaching.
"Morgan, a pleasure to meet you again." I said friendly. "I apologise for yesterday, but you must understand me. I literally risked my life for them. And you know the saying: If you want peace, bring the tools of war."
"You are really interesting, nothing like how your companions described you."
"What can I say ? I am a many-sided individual."
She left without saying anything else.
Not long after Nephis came out of the room and I lifted the blindfold for a second to steal a glance.
"You look beautiful." I grinned.
"You look good too."
We walked to the hall where the banquet was and it was already in full swing. Nothing interesting happened there to my disappointment. I danced with Nephis and after a few minutes I recognised someone who was among the Forgotten Shore survivers.
I walked towards her and said.
"Seishan, I hope you are doing well."
"Oh, the hero in the flesh. First I must thank your sacrifice, without you we couldn't leave that place."
"I'm sure you would have managed somehow. Would you care for a dance ? As it turned out I am quite good at it." I asked and streched out my hand.
We danced and I asked.
"So where did you leave the prince of nothing ?" she stiffened.
"What are you talking about ?" she feigned ignorance.
"Don't bother, I feel he is here, probably talking with my stalker friend." I said and spinned her around.
"Don't worry, I won't say anything. I don't really care about your games. But do pass on my warning to your clan: if my people get caught up in your schemes, I will spare no expense in getting even."
After I said what I wanted, I stopped our and bowed her a bit and thanked her the opportunity.
"I enjoyed myself here, but I think we should leave now, don't you think so Neph ?"
"Let's go."