Paths Beyond (Under Rewrite)

Chapter 31: A Time to Heal

He shook the thought away. Even if he could increase Shot's potential enough to approach a breakthrough, she likely wouldn't be able to advance without a couple more uses of a Central Organ. Resolving to act, Grey teleported to the nearest orb in his connection to the target and walked toward it.

As his fingers brushed the orb, he glanced back at the pool. It dipped slightly, only a small amount lost—enough to be regenerated on his own within three days. Then his focus faded, and he woke.

Shot's voice greeted him as his eyes opened. "So, you think you can get me far enough?"

Grey nodded slowly. "Eventually, yes. But I need to try something first."

He closed his eyes, attempting to focus inward again, but his efforts faltered. His brow furrowed, sweat forming as he struggled to penetrate the depths of his mind.

"Something wrong?" Shot asked, her gaze sharp as she noticed his unease.

"Sort of, but it's not major." Grey glanced around the room, spotting the familiar thread floating faintly in the air. It shimmered as it pierced through the walls, leading toward the lingering Will of the beast it led to.

"I'm not sure if they told you about my ability to track," he began, "but when I use it, I can't go back in to help you guys."

Keen sat up sharply, his expression serious. "So—that means we need to hunt again?"

Brawl followed suit, his voice firm. "This time, we invite the others. And we'll be more cautious. Last time was far too close. Thinking we were enough just because of our new strength was foolish."

"Should we go tomorrow then?" Grey asked, his tone steady.

Keen shook his head, his gaze shifting downward. "No. Elder is teaching you tomorrow—and the others who saw something in that scroll. I'll be joining too, to learn the knowledge passed down to every named Elder before me."

He paused, his expression thoughtful. "And when I inherit the title, I will teach everyone in the village. There's no purpose in hoarding so much knowledge anymore. The fear of giving people a reason to leave the village... that's no longer a concern. We will all be leaving."

The room fell into a heavy silence as Keen's words hung in the air. The last drops of elixir drained from the cauldrons, and Grey and Shot climbed down, their bodies renewed.

"You go ahead, kid," Brawl said, his voice commanding. "The three of us will plan the next hunt. It might be the day after tomorrow, so be ready."

Grey nodded and turned to leave. Curiously, the storehouse door had been left ajar, allowing him to step outside into the crisp air without hesitation.

He walked toward Elder's house, the night sky glittering above, stars scattered across the dark expanse like a galaxy come to life. When he entered, Elder was seated, his posture weary but his gaze steady, as though he had been waiting.

"I'm glad you're safe... how are you feeling?" Elder asked, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

"I'm alright. Thanks for preparing the elixir," Grey replied.

Elder waved off his thanks with a faint motion. "The monster your group brought back had incredible power—and its body, that flexible wood... Carver and his wife are preparing bows from it for you and the others. Why don't you head over there? Tear is with them."

Grey paused, studying the old man who had raised him. "Elder, are you alright?"

The Elder sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging slightly. "I am fine, Grey. I'm just... old. I'm overjoyed that we'll finally be leaving this place, but the process may be more dangerous than I anticipated. If beasts like that one are already so perilous, what happens when you venture further and further out? How long will it take before you can retreat to a safe place if needed?"