Chương 41: Speak no Evil

Corel paced angrily outside the tent of that insufferable Voldura. Pathfinder brought her nothing but stress and annoyance, the bane of her existence. She was just about to shout again at the guards blocking her way when, finally, the Voldura himself emerged.

"Corel," Pathfinder said in a bored tone.

"I've told you countless times to call me Corelliandra," Corel repeated for what felt like the hundredth time.

"What do you want?" Pathfinder asked, irritation briefly flashing in his eyes. He had to pretend to be nice to her in public to keep up his image before the clans. This was precisely why she refused to meet him alone, where his false face would shatter.

"The gate. Have you decided on who will enter it?" Corel had asked him this question repeatedly since they discovered the Profession Gate. Such Gates were the rarest on their world, and very few Voldura had obtained a high-grade Profession beyond the common Chef or Hunter roles. Only those desperate for a quick advancement picked a common Profession willingly, given the minimal stat gain and very low potential for evolution.

She needed a strong Profession, and this Gate was her perfect opportunity, if only she could convince him to let her enter.

"I am close to deciding," Pathfinder said, turning away dismissively. His unconcerned attitude grated on her, but it was also an opportunity. He did not consider her a threat to his power; she was just the daughter of a now-dead Clan. She would use that dismissiveness to her advantage. She took a deep breath and walked beside him, considering her words carefully.

"Please," she said, trying to keep her voice neutral.

"I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to enter the gate." Pathfinder glanced sideways at her and smiled. They were discussing the Gate she'd discovered just two weeks ago, with an unprecedented entry limit of one hundred. She knew Pathfinder had entered his own Profession Gate sometime in the past. Which was the reason he held such immense power now. He was undoubtedly the most powerful Voldura on World 31, and her future bond, the thought grated at her endlessly. But what could she do about it?

She was too weak. She was trapped. She needed to wrest her future back into her own hands, and no one could help her.

"What will you do for me if I let you enter?" Pathfinder asked.

"What do you want? I have already given you everything." Corel replied.

"You still have not agreed to the rite of bonds," Pathfinder countered.

"Give me a date, and I will let you enter the gate today." Corel hesitated. There were still over two hundred days left until her quest was complete, until he arrived. Then, an idea struck her. The next Integration Empire meeting would take place in roughly three hundred days. At that meeting, the top ten from each world participating in the Integration would be teleported to an unknown location, meeting with leaders from the six great empires.

Some would be recruited based on their performance in the integration competitions. She knew this was a gamble, but she was desperate and running out of options. Entering the Profession Gate was critical to her gaining enough power in time, no matter the cost. And so, Corel made a decision she would later regret.

"After the next Empire Meeting, I will accept the rite of bonds," she said. Pathfinder's eyes lit up in victory.

"Done. You may choose four others to enter the gate with you. Now go, my future bond." Pathfinder walked away, knowing he had just secured the final piece of his puzzle. One day passed before Corel assembled her team and entered the Profession Gate. She strode down a long corridor illuminated by unseen lights, her four teammates walking quietly beside her. They moved silently for nearly five minutes before entering a massive circular room.

At its centre sat a silver-skinned Voldura behind a desk, with five empty seats arranged opposite him. Each of them took a seat without speaking.

"Welcome to profession gate X eight T," the silver-skinned Voldura said, looking up. His eyes scanned all five Voldura seated across from him before settling firmly on Corel. With a slight smile, he waved his hand, causing an orb to appear on the desk.

"Starting from you on the far right, please step forward and place a hand on the orb, and then enter the doorway to receive training on your chosen profession." Gusgo stood first. He had been a part of Corel's team for the shortest amount of time, only four months, and she didn't trust him at all, knowing full well he reported everything she did back to Pathfinder. Corel had very few allies anymore; most Voldura were too scared to risk themselves for her. Gusgo touched the orb.

After a brief discussion with the gate clerk, he departed through the doorway that appeared on his right. Next, Foryousa stepped forward and placed her hand on the orb. Corel noted the privacy array beneath the desk, preventing her from overhearing their conversations. She saw, however, that each Voldura had a wide smile after choosing their professions, which told her the available options must be impressive.

After the third Voldura vanished into a doorway, Alicetia stood, bowed respectfully to Corel, and walked up to the desk. Alicetia was one of only two allies Corel still trusted with her life. They had met shortly after Corel's capture by Pathfinder, and Alicetia had stood by her side ever since. A large scar marred Alicetia's face, making her look permanently angry.

This had become a blessing for her, as it deterred the more heinous males among Pathfinder's followers, sparing her from the abuse they routinely inflicted on others. Those disgusting monsters will be the first to die when I'm finally free, Corel thought bitterly. Alicetia turned and gave Corel a determined nod before stepping through her doorway. Markkoko was next, the other person Corel trusted implicitly.

He had been her friend since childhood and was fortunately away when her Clan fell, or he would have surely died alongside them. Upon returning and discovering Corel captured, it had taken her days to convince him not to throw away his life trying to kill Pathfinder. Instead, she instructed him to gain the Ghoyusiffiy Clan's trust and to strengthen himself so he'd be ready when she eventually earned her freedom. Markkoko had faithfully followed her orders, reaching level one hundred and four in his Class.

Now, with a profession from this Gate, he would rise even higher, becoming one of the strongest Voldura on their world. Corel prayed they both would survive and see their freedom together. Markkoko nodded to her before he, too, disappeared through his doorway. At last, Corel rose and approached the desk, placing her hand confidently on the orb.

"One moment, Seeker," the Gate clerk said, stopping her before she touched the orb.

"I have a different orb prepared for you. I've been awaiting your arrival." Had he been waiting for her? Corel watched in surprise as the clerk reached beneath his desk and retrieved a new orb. This one radiated a captivating glow filled with countless vibrant colours.

"You've been waiting specifically for me? How did you know I'd come to this gate?" Corel asked, unable to tear her eyes away from the mesmerizing orb.

"This gate was opened with you in mind. The system informed me of your imminent arrival, and that fate would grant you a special profession to aid in your quest," The man explained calmly. Was this gate opened for her? Now it made sense why she'd felt such an irresistible compulsion to enter, even if it meant sacrificing everything. The system must have influenced her decision. Corel felt like she'd lost control of her own life entirely.

If it wasn't Pathfinder forcing her hand, it was the system guiding her toward an unknown fate.

"Please, place your hand on the orb. All your questions will be answered shortly," the clerk prompted gently. Corel reached forward and touched the glowing orb. Instantly, a Profession screen appeared before her: Profession - Seeker of Nature(Legendary). This is an incomplete profession. To complete this profession, you must seek out Nature's Guardian. Your true profession can be unlocked only by bathing in his energy and power. Your destinies are forever tied together.

He will bring life to the Multiverse, while you will seek that which he needs most. Neither of you can complete your path without the other's help. You cannot reject this profession; it is now a part of your soul. Corel's body began to glow as her Profession took root. A tremendous surge of power flooded through her, vividly bringing her senses to life. Her vision was overwhelmed by a startling new clarity, and her muscles thickened and hardened, radiating strength throughout her entire being.

Her mind reeled from the intensity as every fibre of her body suddenly became... more. What had just happened? Once her mind settled enough to focus, she quickly opened her status screen, and what she saw left her breathless.

Status Name: Corelliandra Relashra Age: 28 Race: Voldura (Grade E - Rank 4) Alignment: Voldura (World 31) Heritage: Path of the Seeker Class: Seeker (Rare) Level 101, Professions: Nature's Seeker(Legendary) Level 54 Titles (10%) World 31 Seeker, World 31 Herald Skills General Skills: Multiversal Translator. Basic Cooking. Advanced Identify. Mana-Sight. Mana-Manipulation. Class Skills: Seekers Grace. Seekers Pursuit. Seekers Assault. Seekers Blast. Seekers Void Step. Seekers Grasp. Seekers Healing. Seekers Purify.

Seekers Domain. Seekers Foresight. Seekers Judgement. Mana Shock. Mana Absorption. Seekers Coverage. Seekers persuasion. Profession Skills: Nature's Barding. Nature's Guidance. Nature's Paradise. Nature's Keeper. Nature's Touch. Nature's Step. Nature's Alchemy. Nature's Flourish. Nature's Grace Basic Form. Nature's Harmony.

Stats Strength: 339 (20) Agility: 682 (20) Vitality: 396 (20) Endurance: 396 (20) Wisdom: 349 (20) Intelligence: 466 (20) Luck: 10 (10) Hidden Stat: Seeker's Knowledge - 130 Free Points: 756 System Credits: 1, 300, 200 Her stats had more than doubled across the board. She had received a Legendary Profession, starting at level fifty-four. Even more astonishing, she had gained an incomprehensible seven hundred and fifty-six free points.

Another title had also appeared, boosting her title bonuses to ten per cent across all stats. She would have screamed in joy if she weren't so stunned. She'd instantly transformed from an ordinary Voldura who had just reached E-grade into a powerhouse.

"Congratulations on your new profession," the clerk said calmly. Corel looked up, barely able to comprehend what had occurred.

"How?" was all she could manage.

"I was warned this would be confusing for you," he replied gently.

"I was told simply: He Who Comes brings change and fortune to all he encounters. Whether it be good or ill fortune depends on the manner in which you handle the meeting. Your new profession's guidance and training await through that door." He motioned to a newly opened doorway on her right. Corel nodded slowly and stepped through, her head still spinning.

Corel remained inside the gate for one standard multiversal week, carefully absorbing every detail provided by the Nature Fairy awaiting her within the Nature Room. By the end, she felt fully prepared to wield her newfound abilities.

"Remember the most important lesson I have taught you," the fairy reminded her sternly.

"Your profession's gifts are a blessing and a curse upon any world you inhabit. Should the full extent of your power be revealed, you will be targeted relentlessly. Keep your strength hidden until the time is right." The fairy handed her a small, delicate hoop earring.

"This will mask your true profession from any Identify skill below C-grade. Those who attempt to identify you will see only the uncommon profession of Healer." Corel carefully placed the earring onto her right horn. She understood immediately how vital this small item was. Without it, she would be in mortal danger the moment Pathfinder discovered her true strength. With a respectful bow to the fairy, Corel stepped back into the circular room, where she saw Markkoko and Alicetia waiting.

"Shanshara, you finally returned. We were growing worried," Alicetia said, quickly approaching and examining Corel with motherly concern.

"Calm down, Alicetia," Corel said gently.

"I'm perfectly fine. Better than fine, actually." Alicetia's eyes glazed slightly as she activated Identify. Relief appeared on her face.

"You received a good profession, Shanshara, and it's already level fifteen! Excellent." Corel smiled softly in return, activating her own Identify skill to see what profession Alicetia had gained. Identify: Alicetia, Voldura, Forest Archer level 100, Camouflage Specialist level 10 Alicetia had gained an exciting profession.

"Is that a rare profession?" Corel asked curiously.

"Yes, Shanshara. It's an excellent profession and will serve us well when the time comes," Alicetia replied with a respectful bow. Corel smiled warmly and gently patted Alicetia's hand.

"Let's not talk of things far off and focus on the present. We must prepare." Composing herself, Corel strode out of the Gate, returning to her ongoing battle for survival against the Voldura known as Pathfinder. __ Lucius Von Brave, the forty-ninth, sat aboard his sky vessel as it soared through the Cosmic Belt connecting the Constanviro Empire to the Eludian Empire. He had been elated when he received word from Catalina Terravignion's royal aide that he was invited to hold his banquet within her palace.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the young prince. Soon, he would finally meet the most beautiful and sought-after princess in the Multiverse, Princess Rose Terravignion, the daughter of the God Catalina and his future bride. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it. He would make his father proud by achieving what no one else had: capturing Rose's attention and winning her favour. Lucius smiled smugly.

He had to be the luckiest being in the multiverse. There was only one minor inconvenience. Rose, naturally, would have an escort during the banquet, a lesser noble of insignificant background, no doubt. Still, a nuisance Lucius would have to remove somehow to speak privately with the princess. His father had advised him to challenge the escort to a death bout as soon as he entered the hall. But his father, the God of War, considered every problem solvable by simply killing whoever stood in his way.

Lucius, on the other hand, was far more refined. He preferred plotting behind the scenes to maim or disfigure the escort instead. Why kill him when Lucius could leave him so hideous that no one would ever glance his way again?

"Yes, perfect," Lucius said, laughing maniacally. __ Horatio Valda sat outside in one of the gardens adjacent to the royal palace, Terravignion, enjoying the company of his two friends, Gladstone Cork and Viceray Fooods. The trio lounged beneath the shade of a large flowering tree, quietly discussing their plans. Horatio was focused, his mind preoccupied with their next moves. He had known of Princess Rose his whole life. When they were younger, they'd trained briefly together under the same instructors.

But she had always been leagues ahead, a prodigy unmatched in both talent and beauty. Horatio had watched as she soared beyond him, quickly surpassing his skills. But those moments from their small shared past had left a deep impression on him. Yet, he wasn't naive. He knew that Rose Terravignion barely remembered him; he was merely a fleeting passerby, overshadowed by greater figures in her life. Still, when the invitation to serve as her escort at the banquet arrived, he had a glimmer of hope.

Perhaps this was his chance to finally step back into her sight.

"The main problem is Lucius," Horatio said, his voice thoughtful.

"No doubt he will challenge whoever is chosen as Rose's escort. His father is ruthless, and from everything I've heard, Lucius is just as dangerous. Fortunately, the whispers also say he dislikes killing outright. So there might be a way through this without losing our heads."

"That's reassuring, at least," Gladstone replied, nervously fidgeting with his sleeve.

"What should we do?"

"The key to our success will be Daisy," Horatio explained.

"If we can secure Daisy's support, we'll be untouchable. She's the palace's true guardian, aside from Catalina and Rose herself; Daisy holds the most influence. Even Lucius wouldn't dare cross her." Viceray nodded enthusiastically.

"That's genius, Tio. Daisy can protect us from Lucius. If she backs us up, he won't dare touch us." Horatio smiled slightly, feeling more confident.

"Exactly. Now, all we have to do is convince her." __ A small portal opened on an isolated planet in the galaxy Xkf34, and two cloaked men stepped through, the gateway vanishing behind them in the blink of an eye. They stood perfectly still, not moving even a hair. This moment had been meticulously planned for fifty years, and at last, their mission had begun. After one week of motionless waiting, the two figures finally stirred, flexing stiff muscles.

One man reached into his storage ring and retrieved a small disk. Opening it, he revealed a computerized panel that flashed briefly before releasing a tiny drone into the upper atmosphere. With their preparations complete, both men sat down, waiting patiently. Their target was a world currently seventh on the Integration leaderboard. Sneaking onto a World mid-integration was something most would consider impossible, yet these two men were confident in their success.

As E+ grade Space Mages carrying the Infiltrator Bloodline, a rare space-based bloodline, they knew they could bypass the usual restrictions. Their Master's plan had equipped them with everything needed to accomplish this unprecedented feat. All they needed now was for their drone to locate the coordinates of the World Ranked 7. Once successful, they would become the first beings to infiltrate an ongoing integration, using the remaining integration period to locate the hidden items they needed for their master.

Their ambition was simple yet grand: to become the first-ever Space-Class Mages to reach A-grade and, eventually, ascend to godhood. They would not fail their master; failure was inconceivable. Without speaking, the two figures turned toward each other and smiled knowingly. *** Beep. Beep. Beep Two intruders detected inside Galaxy Xkf34. Accessing threat… Beep Threat level Calamity status. Predicting outcome if no response generated… Outcome prediction, total integration compromise. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Anomaly not accounted for, re-accessing interaction with anomaly… Threat level calculation when meeting anomaly... incalculable. Response decision regarding the invasion of Integration... None needed. Proceed as normal. Beep. Beep. Beep. *** __ A week had passed since Joe returned to India. He spent most of that time in discussions with Drishti and Samira, coordinating closely with the other City Pillars. Together, they were creating a comprehensive map marking the locations of all remaining Boss Beasts.

New Eden and Kunlun City had already defeated several more bosses after acquiring flying vehicles from their Pillar stores, significantly improving their speed and reach. Joe contributed minimally to the planning, but he did insist on one critical point: under no circumstances was anyone to approach Venezuela or enter Drok's territory. He refused to elaborate further, but given his performance during the Resource Grab, no one challenged his instruction.

There was also a persistent rumour circulating that Joe now possessed stats over a thousand, adding further weight to his words.

"I don't believe it. There is no way this farmer has any stats over one thousand. It's those floozies over at New Eden spreading baseless rumours. I warned you about them, Drish," Esha said heatedly. She had returned a few days ago from her trip to Kunlun, bringing her own mini sky glider back with her.

"I believe it," Drishti replied calmly, looking directly at Joe.

"We felt his full Aura a few days ago; his stats have increased significantly." Joe slapped himself lightly on the forehead. He was the one responsible for this rumour, having been careless with his words. He reminded himself once again to be more careful about sharing information. He could do nothing about it now; he just had to move forward. He raised a hand, gently scratching Veda's chin as she stirred around his shoulders.

She had been asleep almost constantly since his return, likely recovering from the removal of the spark. He hoped he hadn't accidentally harmed her. After all, he hadn't fully understood what was happening until it was already done.

"Well, whatever," Esha huffed as she sat nearby.

"Any Idea when she'll wake up?" She motioned her head toward Veda.

"No idea. But it doesn't feel like any time soon," Joe replied. Taking a moment, Joe glanced at the quest notification, checking how many Boss Beasts remained. Thirty-five left. The others were rapidly eliminating them now, and if he wanted to get fast levels for his second Class, he'd have to head out soon to avoid missing his chance. But first, he still had one more important task, a mysterious Gate in southern China marked on his map. He wondered what secrets the Gate would hold.

"Want me to take her, Joe?" Drishti asked, clearly missing having Veda draped around her shoulders. Joe raised a hand and gently tried to unwrap the salamander's tail from his neck, but Veda didn't budge even a centimetre.

"Still no luck; she won't let go," he said with a shrug, wincing as Veda shifted but remained fast asleep.

"No fair," Drishti mumbled quietly. Joe glanced down at the map displaying all the known boss locations. Of the remaining thirty-five Beasts, only thirty had been located so far. The rest were hidden, which wasn't a great sign. He just hoped they weren't lurking somewhere remote, like the North Pole or, worse yet, deep underwater. The idea of swimming in pitch-black darkness wasn't appealing. Thankfully, they were far ahead of schedule and still had over a year left, so he wasn't overly concerned.

At this rate, they might even complete the quest within a year of its start.

"I'm heading outside for a bit," Joe said, stretching.

"I feel like I'm close to another level up. After that, I'll probably head out again, even if Veda hasn't woken yet."

"Good," Esha replied.

"News from Kunlun is that Gao has gone on one of her trips, so they doubt anyone will see her for a month. I plan to head out, too. One of the beasts in Russia is perfect for me, so you keep your grubby seed fingers off of it, got it?" she added playfully.

"Yes, Ma'am, it's all yours," Joe said with a salute as he started walking outside. He caught Drishti's hesitation; she clearly wanted to say something, but she eventually turned away as he left. Things had been slightly awkward between them since Veda's prank, but Joe had already moved past it. His mind was focused elsewhere. Joe wanted to investigate the strange stars he saw whenever he activated Space Jump.

He wanted to understand their significance, which he thought was the first step toward mastering his new class and creating his own skills. He felt it would be nice to have some more diverse skills, especially now that his highest level was falling behind others. Both Hakeem and Esha were rapidly approaching level seventy, while his own progress in Magical Farmer had slowed as he focused on levelling his profession and new second class.

He considered having three slots filled a blessing, but levelling them simultaneously was a massive challenge, especially since most local Beasts were now too low-level to give him a meaningful amount of experience. Reports from New Eden indicated that beasts across North America were reaching levels of forty and even fifty. The same was true in China, allowing Kunlun and New Eden populations to level rapidly.

Kunlun claimed to have twenty people nearing level seventy, with over two hundred approaching level fifty-five. By comparison, Joe felt his top level was lagging, though his total levels and stats outclassed everyone else by an absurd margin. Kunlun had shared some of their warriors' stat totals with Esha, and Joe realized he had more points in intelligence alone than most had in all stats combined. It was staggering how powerful he'd become since gaining a second Class.

Joe genuinely felt he was becoming a monster. Deep in thought, he sat quietly in one of Nagpur's parks when that familiar feeling stirred within him again. Ding! Profession Nature's Guardian has reached level 55 - stat points distributed. He placed his free stat points into Intelligence. He had started spreading out his free points between multiple stats. Some in Intelligence, some in Agility, and some in Strength. He looked at his stats screen.

Stats Strength: 596 (50) Agility: 1203 (140) Vitality: 642 (60) Endurance: 642 (60) Wisdom: 1309 (40) Intelligence: 1530 (40) Luck: 170 Hidden Stat: Dao Knowledge - 1023 Free Points: 0 Four stats over one thousand, and one of them even surpassing fifteen hundred. He shook his head, closing his status screen. Veda still showed no signs of waking, so he decided to visit his friends one last time before departing. He found Drishti in her office, surrounded by piles of paperwork.

"You look busy," Joe said as he stepped inside.

"Oh! You're back sooner than I thought. I was about to finish up and find you. Here, sit." Drishti moved a stack of papers off one of the chairs near her desk.

"You know, I thought paperwork would disappear with the system," Joe mused, glancing at some reports nearby, city population numbers, food rations, building plans, profession priority lists. He winced sympathetically.

"Oof. You really have a lot on your plate."

"It never ends," Drishti groaned, signing a final document before rolling it up and tossing it into a small hole in the wall, sending it who knows where.

"But that's enough for today. Are you hungry?" she asked, standing and stretching.

"Hell, yes, I am," Joe replied, jumping eagerly to his feet. They walked quietly toward Drishti's house, enjoying the peaceful bustle of activity around them. Eventually, Drishti broke the quiet.

"I'm sorry about that concubine prank, I really didn't want to do it," she said hesitantly.

"Don't worry about it," Joe said with an easy wave, dismissing the topic entirely.

"It's already forgotten."

"You don't let anything faze you, do you?" Drishti asked, looking at him thoughtfully.

"Life's too short, or, well, I guess it isn't anymore," Joe chuckled.

"I remember reading in that tutorial book that every grade advancement increases life span exponentially. So, I guess being E-grade, I'll probably live for a few hundred years. Honestly, it's kind of scary to think about."

"You realize many people won't reach E-grade for years?" Drishti shook her head, smiling.

"Shit, I always forget my circumstance is a weird one," Joe sighed, staring at the sky.

"The system sure likes to mess with me."

"You're it's favourite," Drishti laughed. Joe smiled, enjoying her laughter; it was far better than seeing her awkward or embarrassed.

"Before you leave, I wanted to give you something," Drishti added, handing him a small piece of paper. Joe eyed it suspiciously.

"It's not another letter like the last one, right?"

"No!" Drishti said quickly, her face turning bright red.

"That was another one of Veda's pranks. She clearly has her mind set on embarrassing me at every opportunity," Drishti shook her head with a sigh.

"This one is the actual note I wrote. I found it just after Esha left to meet you for the resource event." Joe nodded with a smile, pocketing the note. Soon after, they arrived at Drishti's house, where Joe quickly set to work preparing an extravagant meal filled with an assortment of meats and vegetables. Thanks to his ever-growing seed collection, his culinary repertoire had expanded dramatically.

"You're the first one to try my new recipe, Drish. Now shove this in your mouth and tell me what you think," Joe said, winking playfully.

"Well, if I must," Drishti said, taking a large bite of the enticing dish. Her expression immediately lit up, joy evident as rich, vibrant flavours filled her senses.

"You have to teach me how you make everything taste so incredible," she said between enthusiastic mouthfuls.

"Tsk tsk, a chef does not share his secrets," Joe teased, waving his hand dramatically.

"This recipe I take to my grave." As the evening continued, they were soon joined by Samira, Esha, and a few other familiar faces from around the city. Drishti's home soon filled with cheerful music, laughter, and easy conversation as everyone reminisced and spoke eagerly about the future. Eventually, Joe managed to coax all three women into dancing with him. Drishti, slightly tipsy after several strong glasses of wine, was the first and most eager.

"Have you ever heard of Bharatanatyam?" she asked with flushed excitement. Joe secretly accessed his dance skill, the movements effortlessly flowing into his mind. With a perfectly straight face, he lied, "Of course, I learned it back in school." Drishti's eyes widened in astonishment as Joe led her gracefully through the traditional steps, moving effortlessly like an experienced dancer. After their performance ended, Drishti collapsed onto a nearby chair, both amazed and exhausted.

Samira, now intrigued, agreed to dance next. She was less hesitant after watching Joe's impressive display. She requested an Odissi dance, which Joe conveniently also claimed he'd learned years ago. After thirty minutes of flawless dancing, Samira fell laughing into a chair, waving her hand in playful protest.

"There's no way you knew that dance beforehand! Somehow, you cheated!" she exclaimed, smiling widely. Finally, Joe turned to Esha, who was quietly making her escape toward the door. With a burst of speed, he scooped her up and pulled her into the centre of the room, hand in hand.

"Don't even think about it. You owe me this dance for all the trouble you've caused," Joe said, grinning as broadly as if he were Captain Ahab finally hooking Moby Dick.

"Prepare yourself, Esha."

"I'll let you off this once, Farmer, but if you touch my ass, you'll lose your arm," Esha laughed, guiding Joe's arm around her waist, his hand landing dangerously close to the said forbidden zone.

"Since you somehow know every dance, you should have no problem performing a tango," she added mischievously.

"Which is my kind of dance." Joe was honestly surprised. He'd never pictured Esha as a tango dancer, but he smoothly started the steps anyway. After thirty minutes of intense dancing, an exhausted but delighted Esha collapsed laughing onto Samira's lap. Not to be outdone, Drishti quickly recovered and sprang up for another round with Joe, demanding her own tango, which he happily obliged. Eventually, even Joe grew tired after dancing once more with everyone present.

The night was tremendously successful, filled with good food, excellent wine, and even better company. As the festivities gradually settled, Joe relaxed, having easily consumed his weight in wine. An hour later, Joe and Drishti sat quietly beneath the endless expanse of stars. The gentle rustling of leaves filled the silence between them as Drishti took one of Joe's hands gently in her own.

"I know you're leaving today," she began softly, her voice filled with quiet intensity. She looked deeply into his eyes, her gaze sincere yet tinged with sadness.

"I wanted to tell you something important before you go."

"Thank you for today," Drishti continued, a gentle smile crossing her lips.

"It's been far too long since I've felt that happy, seeing everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. It reminded me of what we're fighting for." She turned her face up to the sky, her eyes tracing the constellations as if searching for answers among them. Joe followed her gaze, silently sharing the moment's beauty with her.

"Being near you is like riding on a runaway train," she confessed softly, her voice wavering slightly.

"It never stops, it only gets faster. Some people would love a life like that, someone like Esha, perhaps. But that life isn't meant for me. I belong here, helping people and building something lasting. I have no regrets about my choice, and I hope you have none about yours." Joe studied her face quietly. For the first time, he saw clearly the passion and determination burning behind Drishti's eyes. She was truly content, fulfilled by the purpose she'd found.

A gentle smile crossed his lips as he raised his hand and delicately brushed away a loose strand of hair from her face.

"I think things could have been very different if we had met in another time, another place," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth but edged with quiet sorrow. A comfortable silence wrapped around them as they sat together, sharing a moment between friends who deeply understood one another.

"Promise you'll visit when you can," Drishti whispered finally, her voice breaking as tears filled her eyes.

"You're destined for greatness, Joseph Caldwell." Her hand rose to stroke his cheek, a final, tender gesture gently. Joe looked at her sadly, his heart aching with the moment's weight.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice filled with regret for the paths they would not walk together. Without another word, Drishti leaned in and kissed him passionately, a final bittersweet farewell filled with all the things left unspoken. When she pulled away, she stood quickly, trembling, her tears falling freely.

"Goodbye, Joe," she managed through a choked voice, turning and walking away, each step heavy with sorrow. Joe remained beneath the starlit sky, lost in reflection for a long while. As he stroked Veda gently, he felt her stir around his shoulders, sharing his sadness. A single tear slipped down her scaled cheek, mirroring his heart's silent grief.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Joe activated Random Teleportation and vanished from India, carrying the bittersweet memory of a cherished friend, uncertain if he would ever return.