Chapter 1237: Chapter 1237

As they left the greenhouse, Jenkins took the opportunity to voice his curiosity about its unusual space. The elf mulled it over for a moment before offering an explanation.

"The stability of space and time is paramount in any world," the elf began. "It's why you rarely encounter items or events that manipulate them. The abilities and rituals of Enchanters almost never touch upon these two forces. But elves are different. Our power comes not only from the great ones and the world itself, but also from the World Tree... it is our wellspring, and we are its favored children. Beyond the gods and those beings whose names I cannot speak—though you know of whom I mean—the World Tree is a pillar that upholds the world's stable cycle. That is why elves can achieve feats that are impossible for other races."

"Stability of time and space? A cycle?"

"Ah, young man, I'm afraid I cannot truly explain those words to you," the elf admitted with a sigh. "It's not that I'm unwilling, but that I don't understand them myself. Back home, I was no great scholar, just a simple gatekeeper. I may be ancient, but my long years have blessed me with life experience, not the kind of profound knowledge that I can never seem to grasp, no matter how hard I try." Thıs content belongs to N0veI.Fiɾe.net

The elf spoke with a note of resignation, then changed the subject, inviting Jenkins to try some bread he had just purchased. It was delicious, and Jenkins found himself thinking that if Chocolate were there, his cat would have certainly loved it.

Jenkins had visited the old elf for two reasons. The first was to let him know he would be away from Nolan for a while, and that any correspondence should be sent directly to his family's home. The second was to inquire about the elven potion.

The night of the full moon was fast approaching. If he missed this opportunity, Jenkins would have to wait another three months for the rare celestial alignment when both moons were full at the same time.

"I'm not sure whether I should perform the final preparation in Ruen or Nolan," he explained. "The last step is less about brewing and more like conducting a ritual, so I wanted to get your advice."

"It makes little difference; the potion can be prepared in either Ruen or Nolan," the elf replied. "But if I were in your shoes, I would choose Ruen. You know how things are in Nolan right now. Anything you undertake here comes with the risk of unexpected complications. Go to Ruen. It will be safer."

The old elf's advice was sound. Jenkins decided then and there that before he returned to Ruen that evening, he would ask the Star Spirit to transfer all the potion's components for him.

He and the old elf spoke a little longer, touching upon the events unfolding in the north. Jenkins subtly hinted at the sovereign who commanded the power of frost.

The old elf clearly knew of this great being, understanding Jenkins's veiled reference immediately. However, upon learning that Jenkins had received a portion of Its power, his expression soured.

"You should stay on the path of life."

The elf said with a stern face, his voice taking on the weighty tone of an elder guiding the young.

"I understand," Jenkins quickly assured him. "I have no intention of making the power of frost my core strength."

Since he had already eaten lunch with Hathaway, Jenkins politely declined the elf's offer to stay for a meal.

After bidding the elf farewell, Jenkins's next stop was the diviners' residence on the outskirts of the city. He had worried they might not be home, but upon his arrival, he discovered the two ladies were waiting for him, as if they had known all along he was coming.

"Miss Audrey, this is a letter from Alexia for you. Oh, right. I'm supposed to be in Ruen..."

Jenkins trailed off, a bit embarrassed as he stepped into the foyer.

"I know," Audrey replied with a light laugh. "Last time we were at the Sage's Church, Bevanna told me all about your cat's little adventure."

Audrey chuckled, instructing a nearby maid to prepare tea and pastries. She tucked the letter into her pocket without a glance and added with a teasing smile:

"Calling her by her first name already? Oh, heavens, I saw this coming from a mile away. Your personalities are practically identical—you're a perfect match."

Miss Audrey and Miss Brolignans were just as he remembered them, though they had changed into lighter household attire to accommodate the sudden warm spell that had swept through Nolan that week.

Miss Brolignans had now fully adapted to her power as a level-nine demigod, though her pale, whitened eyes had yet to return to normal.

From what Jenkins could tell, her eyes were spontaneously transforming into some form of mystical sight. It was impossible to say what kind of power they would grant Miss Brolignans in the future.

The primary reason for his visit was to see Miss Brolignans. She was preparing to leave Nolan and had only delayed her departure because she had not yet said her goodbyes to him.

Since Jenkins was unsure when he would return, he had come to see her himself so as not to delay her journey any further.

The elder diviner thanked Jenkins once more for the feather he had given her. She also confessed that her past actions had been misguided and offered him another sincere apology.

Having experienced death firsthand, she was a changed woman. The journey to the brink and back had granted her a new perspective, leaving her more serene and accepting.

Her departure from Nolan was a clear sign that she was no longer concerned with the title of Savior. Letting it go completely signified a new beginning for her.

"Jenkins, there is something I must remind you of."

Having brought up the matter of the Savior, Miss Brolignans hesitated for a moment before continuing:

"Audrey will inform you about the next Savior when she learns of it. What I need to tell you is this: when all the Saviors of this epoch have emerged, the final calamity will descend—even if the end of the epoch has not yet arrived. Yes, the calamity's arrival is inevitable, but its timing does not depend on the remaining years of this epoch as recorded in the Millstone of Fate. It depends on when all the Saviors have made themselves known..."

Jenkins had never heard anything before. He paused, his teacup halfway to his lips, and looked at her in astonishment.

"Does that mean... by gathering the Saviors, we're actually hastening the calamity's arrival?"

"Normally, there is only one true Savior, but many candidates. Once all the candidates have emerged, a series of complex trials and rituals must determine the final one," she explained. "But this epoch... is different. I'm sure you understand why."

There was no contest this epoch, because so far, every single spot belonged to him.

"But don't let it worry you," Brolignans added, her voice softening. "Whether a Savior can complete their great work has nothing to do with time. Whether the end comes in three hundred years or in the next six months, you will have to face it eventually. I only wish to remind you to be prepared. Whether this epoch ends in peace or ushers in the nineteenth in ruin... it all depends on you."