Michael thought back. He had caught glimpses of someone when they were boarding the ship—always surrounded by quiet reverence.
He hadn’t paid much attention, but now he narrowed his eyes.
“She’s a mage,” Michael guessed.
“A great one,” Lian agreed.
That, alone, piqued Michael’s interest.
A great mage.
But Lian wasn’t done.
“She also happens to be the younger sister of the king.”
Michael blinked.
“…Come again?”
Lian’s expression didn’t change.
Michael let that sink in.
Royal blood.
He felt it was important information.
However, this important information, he didn’t know what to do with it.
“I didn’t know the royal family got involved in deployments like this,” he said slowly.
“They don’t. Usually. But she’s not like most nobles… nor most royals.”
The Grand Mage paused, glancing out at the trees below.
“In most noble homes, second-born sons and daughters are… surplus,” he continued, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone. “The firstborns inherit the name, the estate, the responsibilities. The rest are groomed for politics or for marriage.”
“There are exceptions, of course,” Lian said, “some noble lines allow daughters to lead. Some even favor the second-born if they prove themselves more capable. But those are rare.”
“And the royal family?” Michael asked.
Lian’s lips quirked. “The king is… unusual. He doesn’t treat his siblings as pawns. His sister, in particular, earned his respect early on. She showed talent from a very young age.”
“So he gave her freedom?” Michael asked.
“He gave her backing,” Lian corrected. “A difference few recognize. He didn’t just let her do as she pleased—he built space for her to grow.”
Michael crossed his arms, thoughtful. “And she became a mage.”
“One of the best. Primary stage mage at 12. Intermediate at 16. Advanced at 22. Grand mage at 37.”
“Great Mage at….60.”
Michael’s eyes widened.
This was pure cultivation that was being spoken about right?
‘Damn. Surely she must be a rare figure. Even in Aurora, I don’t think anyone can beat her….’
If only he knew about a certain King Level deceased daughter.
He glanced at Michael, the wind tugging at his long hair. “I thought it was time you knew. Not just because you might end up working with her… but because she’s the reason you’re here.”
Michael’s gaze sharpened. “What do you mean?”
Lian smiled.
“She’s the one who asked for you.”
Michael’s heart gave a slight jolt, though he didn’t show it.
“Why?” he asked.
Before Lian could answer, a faint shimmer disturbed the air behind them.
Michael turned sharply, eyes narrowing—and froze.
A woman now stood beside them. No sound. No footsteps. Just… presence.
“It’s great to finally see you in person, Sir Mic,” she said, her voice rich and calm, carrying the subtle authority of someone long used to being obeyed.
Michael’s eyes widened in shock. Mage Lian, on the other hand, respectfully bowed his head.
The woman returned the gesture with a faint nod before turning her attention fully on Michael. He hadn’t even sensed her approach. But that method of appearance—he recognized it.
Just like Teacher Brian…
His thoughts whirled. Wasn’t this how his Teacher Brian used to show up without warning?
Wasn’t this the exact form of spatial magic Brian had shown?
If this woman could do that… then she wasn’t just powerful. She was terrifyingly powerful.
As Michael struggled to compose himself enough to offer a proper greeting, Mage Lian stepped aside slightly and smiled.
“I’ll give you two a moment,” he said. “Sir, I believe she’d like to speak with you.”
Michael nodded, surprised but willing—only for the world to shift beneath his feet.
A blur. A sudden lurch of space.
He blinked, and the platform was gone.
He was standing alone in a quiet section of the forest, birdsong echoing faintly in the distance, the trees towering above.
“What is it with King-rank experts and just teleporting people without asking?” Michael grumbled, more to himself than anything else.
He turned around just as the woman appeared again—not walking, but hovering in mid air.
Her robes were deep emerald trimmed with gold, her eyes glowing faintly with power.
Her hair was dark as midnight, cascading down her back in thick waves that shimmered with an almost unnatural luster, like silk caught under moonlight. It floated slightly in the air, as if the magic around her distorted even gravity itself.
Her face was sharp, noble in every sense—high cheekbones, a straight nose, and eyes like polished jade that seemed to look through him rather than at him.
Her skin was pale, but not weak—flawless in a way that made her seem sculpted rather than born.
Magic clung to her like a second skin. It wasn’t showy or loud, but dense—refined. Every motion she made, from the tilt of her head to the flick of her fingers, felt deliberate.
Michael stared, momentarily forgetting the forest.
She on the other hand, regarded him carefully, as if peeling back the layers of his very soul.
“You’re not from here, are you?” she asked softly.
Michael froze.
The tone wasn’t accusatory, but… knowing.
He hesitated. Then opened his mouth to reply—
“Are you from…. outside this world?” she asked, this time more directly.
Michael’s heart skipped a beat. That question, so blunt and pointed, sent a flicker of fear through him.However, he quickly calmed down.
He’d seen something like this mentioned on the forums before, but he never expected it to actually happen to him—
His identity being exposed to a native of this world.
Still, he knew what to do.
According to the experts online, as long as he could keep his status hidden, he should do everything in his power to maintain that secrecy.
The identity of an Awakener was special.
For safety—his and others’—it was best if it remained completely concealed.
But even as he reassured himself, one question lingered in his mind
How was I found out?
However, this was something he couldn’t ponder about at the moment.
He had a predicament on his hands now.