SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS
Chapter 964 - 964: Threads of Fate

Late Night...

The sea palace lay draped in moonlight — silver tendrils of ocean gleam pouring through the open shell-like arches, as if the stars themselves had leaned closer to watch the royal tides of destiny unfold.

It was late — the kind of deep hour when all sounds hush and even the sea seems to hold its breath.

Kent sat on the coral-paved balcony of his assigned quarters, legs folded, gaze lost in the flicker of the sea lanterns swaying outside. JoJo lay coiled around a pearl-stemmed railing, his eyes closed, the drum on his back silent like a sleeping heart.

That peace didn't last long.

A soft knock echoed at the chamber door, hesitant but urgent.

Kent stood and opened it — and there stood Lady Sana, wrapped in a sea-veil robe that shimmered with moon patterns. Her cheeks were flushed, and her breathing slightly uneven, as if she had rushed through the corridors without stopping.

"Sana?" Kent blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

"Forgive me," she said quickly, bowing lightly. "I… I couldn't wait till morning."

She stepped in before he could fully respond and bowed again, this time deeper.

"Congratulations. Truly. That weapon… even just hearing about it, the court is whispering your name as if you're chosen by the Sea God himself."

Kent nodded faintly. "People only see result... Not the struggle. Also, I just happened to be… in the right place."

"Still," she continued, her voice softening, "You've done something no one else could do in centuries. And more than that… I came to thank you."

Kent tilted his head. "Thank me?"

She smiled, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"Those pills you gave me months ago… the ones you refined quietly before even the abyss trials. I didn't tell anyone… but they cured my Yin Meridian illness. I've suffered for years — treatments from royal alchemists did nothing."

Kent raised an eyebrow. "So, you good now?"

"Now I am. It worked. I feel stronger. Clearer. My cultivation no longer fluctuates. I… I owe you more than I can express." she said, her eyes brightening with gratitude.

She stepped closer.

Too close.

"If there's anything I can do for you—" she whispered, "—anything you ask, Kent… I'll give it."

Kent smiled gently and took a step back, not out of coldness but care.

"Just continue walking your own path with strength. That's all I wish for."

Before she could speak further, another figure approached from the hallway beyond.

The air shifted.

And Lady Sana turned around, freezing instantly.

"Princess…"

Standing at the arch of the corridor was First Princess Neela, regal even in the softest shadows. Her silver-blue robes flowed like royal tide, and her golden brows knit into a faint frown as her sharp gaze fell on the two inside.

She didn't speak.

Didn't step forward.

Just observed — eyes glinting with something unreadable.

Kent sensed the tension instantly.

"Princess Neela—"

But before he could finish, she turned.

"I didn't know you had… company," she said flatly, her voice calm but cold, and walked away without another word.

Lady Sana bit her lip. "I should go."

Kent nodded politely. "Thank you for your words."

After she left, Kent didn't wait.

The moment her footsteps vanished into the night, he turned to JoJo, now stirring with curiosity.

"Time to go smoothen waves before they rise," Kent muttered with a sigh.

Minutes later, Kent stood outside Princess Neela's private pavilion. Two guards bowed and allowed him entry, though one warned softly, "She's not in the best mood."

He entered.

Neela was seated by the inner pool, back straight, arms crossed. Her long hair fell like midnight rivers down her spine, and her expression was unreadable.

Kent stepped inside quietly.

"It's late," she said without turning.

"Yes," Kent agreed. "But leaving misunderstandings in the dark doesn't help them dissolve."

Neela said nothing.

Kent walked closer and summoned his bow and JoJo, letting them shimmer briefly into view.

The weapon's radiant pulse softly lit the space.

JoJo blinked and hummed a calming note.

"I wanted you to see it. Not as gossip. Not from the court. From me," Kent said calmly.

Neela finally turned, eyes flickering to the weapon and then JoJo. "It's beautiful," she admitted.

"And dangerous," Kent added.

"So are you, apparently," she replied.

There was a long silence.

"I didn't mean to cause offense," Kent said sincerely. "Sana only came to thank me. I didn't call her."

"I know," Neela replied, eyes narrowing faintly. "I'm not a child, Kent. But I also know what that look in her eyes meant."

Kent smiled faintly. "And what about the look in yours?"

She didn't answer.

But her silence was loud.

Kent walked closer, kneeling before the edge of the pool, just beside her.

While staring at the water surface, Neela said, "This may be a good time to tell you that the Coral Spirit Clan has already made multiple assassination attempts on me. Through hidden assassins during the last envoy exchange."

Kent blinked. "What?"

"They're afraid I'll be the one to claim the legacy. And if I succeed in it… they'll try harder."

Kent's fingers clenched.

Neela continued... "You must wait. A month at least. Gather your strength, allies, protection... I'll speak to Father myself if I have to. We can shield you properly."

Kent shook his head slowly.

"I can't. I've already been gone too long. There are people waiting for me. Relying on me. People who still suffer."

"Who?"

Kent looked into her eyes.

His voice was quiet, but weighted.

"My wives. My people. I left them to pursue strength — now I must return it to them."

Neela's mouth opened slightly, then closed.

Understanding settled in her gaze.

She looked away, hiding something — emotion, perhaps — behind a veil of nobility.

"Then… I won't stop you," she said. "But I will pray you return alive."

Kent stood.

"I will."

JoJo floated up and gently brushed Neela's wrist — a soft gesture of goodwill.

She smiled faintly.

"He likes me?"

"I think he just knows who the kind ones are."

As Kent walked back toward the door, Neela looked over her shoulder.

"Be careful, Kent."

He paused.

"I always am. But thank you… Princess."

"Neela," she said softly. "Just Neela, when we're alone."

Kent smiled.

And disappeared into the moonlight.