Days have passed since they returned to Limes Temple. Everyone is busy investigating the incident in Bordertown.

Even if the Shadows didn't cause a disturbance, their presence was enough to bring in fear.

How did they manage to enter?

Some even start to get paranoid.

The Divine Lord Foeni has worked day and night with the Holy Guardian Lords. They are trying to solve the mystery but no accord.

All they can do for now is to try their best and calm everyone's unrest. They assure everyone that everything is safe.

It's almost the Winter Festival, and the crowd is expected to come in numbers. Security has tightened all around Mystic Spirit Realm hoping to prevent any mishaps.

It is a custom celebrating this event at Limes Temple Grounds to honor the Goddess of Astra.

The Inner Courts is a sacred territory in Mystic Spirit, and it is a well-protected place. Still, nobody dares to be complacent, knowing the brooding threats.

The Oracles also attend this said event, but it seems they'll miss it this year. With everything that keeps popping up, everyone feels apprehensive and doesn't feel celebrating.

Not to mention, they just survive an onslaught, and they are currently in hiding. Nobody knew where they are except Eu.

Still, the festivities should commence as usual. Amidst all of the misfortunes, there are still plenty of things to be thankful for after all.

Security tightens as Limes Temple continues to prepare for the said event. Captain Jairu and his men ensure there would be no mishaps the following days.

The Divine Lord Foeni and the Holy Guardian Lords are all expected to be present and facilitate the festivities. There is a ritual they have to perform as part of the said event.

Meanwhile, Gwyddien has been staying in Limes Temple with Eu's insistence. He started learning beyond his usual range of familiarity — Combining elements and concocting potions.

Eu is strict and makes sure he copes up with everything she teaches him.

He cannot deny that Eu is the best mentor he has ever had. She taught him unconventional combinations that no one dares to try.

He is convince being assigned in Mystic Spirit is indeed beneficial for his growth. Not to mention, he met wonderful people and traveled to places he never thought he would.

Gwyddien is currently interested in their Winter Festival and the Goddess of Astra.

Somehow, he can't help himself to be amazed by the similarities of their traditions and cultures. Despite the Divisions of Realms, their connections are very evident.

Winter Festival, also known as the Winter Solstice, signifies the longest night and shortest day. It also implies, death and rebirth.

Meanwhile, the Middle Realm also honors the Goddess of Astra, but they observe this event in Spring and known as the Lunar Festival. They celebrate the event to commemorate new beginnings and fresh starts.

The Casters believe their magic is a knowledge that the Goddess left them to utilize. With this, they were given new hope and a fresh start.

A long time ago, Astra was indeed a chaotic place, and this ability has given them an opportunity to protect themselves. They take advantage of their surroundings and learn to channel their innate magic capabilities.

According to their teachings, they are one with their nature, and they should never take it for granted. If they protect it, they will reap blessings and give them unimaginable abilities.

Different versions of the Goddess beliefs are passed down and exist. Then again, it's probably pieces of her story being told.

***********************

Mystic Spirit belief has it.

Astra was once a world of chaos and discord. Only darkness and savages dwell in these lands.

It is a godforsaken place, indeed.

The Goddess soon comes forth and starts the Age of Beginning. She systematized and brought forth order in this disparage world.

She started building cities and shielded those who cannot protect themselves. She parted them with knowledge and segregated them to their classes— Mystics, Magical, Beasts, and Ordinary men.

The Goddess taught them those who have power should always protect the weak.

She formed and started governing the four Elemental Kingdoms that became the foundation of the world.

Feirnesia, the Kingdom of Flames.

Aquaria, the Kingdom of Water.

Aerelia, the Kingdom of Wind.

Terra Incognita, the Kingdom of Earth.

*******************

Gwyddien listens attentively to the children's story. It is a somewhat different version, and it also consists of information not included on theirs.

He can assume it is probably an older version since it mentioned the Foundation of Astra.

Also, why does it only consist of the four Elemental Kingdoms?

Then again, both stories consist of Astra's turbulent beginnings, and the Goddess intervenes to change the world.

He never questions these before, but he can't himself delving into the matter.

"Is this really that interesting to you, Gwyd? Why didn't you come to me? I can probably tell you more.." Eu asked in disbelief, breaking his train of thoughts.

Gwyddien left the practice halls and disregarded his lessons to investigate something else. He bows his head in shame.

He knew that Eu has done her best to teach him and closely monitoring his progress. How can he abandon his lessons?

Though, Eu will probably indulge him if he asked about their traditions. He just didn't want to bother her while she assists with the fortifications.

He knows how important setting up the arrays to scan and detect any anomaly these days. They are, after all, is a crucial time due to the upcoming event.

Its an important event they must prioritize. This is, after all, a festivity that involves the Goddess of Astra.

Though Eu somehow understood why he did so, still, she also hopes that Gwyddien consulted her first. She'll be delighted to impart her knowledge to enlighten him.

"Come. If you wanted to know more, I think I can help you quench your curiosity..." Eu said and breaking her silence.

Gwyddien felt delighted upon hearing her offer.

Then again, why does he sense Eu will put him on an intensive training course as compensation? After all, he still fails to make his familiar submit to him.

Despite his efforts, he still lacking, and she told him to concentrate. How can he ignores her advice and go wandering around listening to old wives' tales?

"Little Eu, please be easy on me..." Gwyd murmured audibly.

Eu only smiles as she sees his worried face as she drags him back to the practice hall.

"It's not the time to doubt yourself, Gwyd. I trust you." Eu told him confidently.

"Why would you do that? I don't even trust myself?!" he complains.

"You are only saying that. You know better than anyone that you are more than meets the eye. You just need to have a little more faith." she chuckles and taps his back.

Gwyddien remained silent as he contemplates on what she said.

Even the Divine Witch Circe has put her trust in him. He really should consider and don't disappoint everyone.

Meanwhile, Eu is satisfied to see him think about it more. This person is very talented despite his lack of self-esteem.

"Come now, Gwyd. You are still ages away from your destiny. You have to train more!" Eu continues to drag him back to his training.

"If it's my destiny, why do I need to train?" Gwyd refuted.

"Do you really think you will survive in your current state? There is a brooding threat, and you are satisfied with your self?" She asked.

Gwyddien's prowess has indeed improved, but he needs to make a familiar submit to him. That is the only way to pave his way and accomplish many feats.

He needs to trust himself more.

Besides, a witch needs a familiar to imply their status. A powerful familiar means they are competent. It is simply a reflection of themselves and their capabilities.

She reminds him, accomplished individuals are not born overnight. They work hard for it to fulfill and attain their dreams.

Like everyone else, he must pave his way and put effort into making his dream a reality. She can mentor him all he wants, but the results will always come from him.

"This is not what we agreed! I want to know more about the Goddess!" he refuted.

"You'll know more after your lessons. I promise to tell you whatever you want. For now, you should know your priorities. The future awaits, Gwyd..." she said and urged him.

"You just sounded like the Divine Witch! You are tricking me..!" Gwyd argued.

"Well then, you can continue to complain. Still, you have to believe that this is for your own good and not mine." Eu reminded him.

The two continue with this argument until Gwyddien finally gives in and follows her instructions. After all, he knew that Eu was right that knowing advance magic will aid and benefit him in the future.

History is important, but one should also consider looking into the future as well.

Also, what one accomplishes in the present matters — each choice will lead somewhere.

Whatever one decides, it will always have an impact on the course of the events at hand.

Meanwhile, in Themis, the Master is quite satisfied after learning the incident in the border. He expected that they would discover his mediocre efforts anyway.

Somehow, the spell used has piqued his interest. It is an elaborate spell to detect anomalies.

In a time where everyone chooses an easier way to handle things, someone makes a complicated solution to solve the predicament.

He genuinely wanted to meet this mysterious caster, but he has concealed his identity efficiently. He highly doubts a Water Nymph is that knowledgeable to create such an elaborate spell after all.

First, a caster who can wield a void spell.

Second, a gifted swordsman who can rival his prowess.

Third, a mysterious drug.

Fourth, a caster who has the ability to weave together complicated spells to act according to any given situation.

He believes that there are still plenty of things to look forward to, and he decided to amuse himself instead. He trusts that his little brother will make impressive progress in the days ahead.