I Don't Need To Log Out

"Our next step should be helping the others. There are a lot of fights happening around the frontlines. But with your teleport, we can go and clean all of them."

That was June's suggestion.

Her voice was steady, but she still wasn't looking at Arlon. Not directly. And he wasn't looking at her, either.

When she logged in, she went straight to speak with Agema.

There had been no awkward silence, no eye contact heavy with everything unsaid. And maybe that was for the best.

She wanted to talk to him. She truly did. But it wasn't the right moment.

Trionians were dying. Whole towns under siege. There wasn't time to unravel tangled feelings.

So, they prepared for war instead.

"You're right," Arlon said. "With our levels as they are, we can tilt the scale before... whoever he is arrives."

But then Agema spoke—her tone thoughtful but resolute. And what she said next immediately pulled Arlon's attention away from the battlefield.

"I think I should go back."

"Go back?" Arlon blinked. "What do you mean? I came back three weeks earlier than expected. Shouldn't you be able to stay longer?"

"I can stay," she replied, folding her arms behind her back. "But I shouldn't. Me being here doesn't help you anymore. No—at this point, I'm holding you back.

I've taught you all I can. If I remain, my power continues to tip the balance unfairly. And that's not what you need."

Arlon stared at her. He didn't like this at all.

He still wanted her around. Still had questions. No, he just wanted her to stay a bit more.

She wasn't the only reason he came back three weeks earlier than the agreed time.

No, he couldn't continue even if he wanted to.

But, still, he had come back early with the expectation that they would have three more weeks together.

"Isn't it okay? I am stronger now, and the balance has already been fixed. Even if you go, their extra advantage won't be taken back."

But Agema knew that wasn't correct. She didn't know if the balance was completely maintained or if there was something more.

If she made one mistake or answered one extra question, the whole Trion could be ruined.

So, before he could protest more, Agema continued, already anticipating his reaction.

"I know what you want. Don't worry. I'll leave you with my next book. You can continue your training with that.

And besides... I remember what you said before. Didn't you promise to come find me in the future?"

She smiled softly. "Time doesn't matter anymore. When you're ready—really ready—come find me."

Then, she turned toward June and addressed her with warmth.

"You're also my disciple. Don't forget that. It's not an easy thing to be called a disciple by the best mage in the universe. Be proud.

Also, now you can come with him to find me. I am sure Arlon will not leave you alone while he ascends."

She was obviously mocking them about the events of yesterday

And before either of them could respond, her form began to glow.

A quiet light, gentle and unhurried, but absolute.

"You know that I need to go back to my main body. Only then will she be able to become me that you know."

She didn't even give them a chance to stop her.

In the next second, she was gone.

Where she had stood, there was only a single object left behind—A book.

Arlon walked to where the light had faded, crouched down, and picked it up.

The Path to Beauty

That was the title of the book.

To be more accurate, it wasn't really a book. It was a collection of Agema's research notes just like before.

Her theories, thoughts, and calculations while she was still in Trion would be inside this book. But calling it a book wasn't right.

It was more like a notebook, or maybe even a diary.

She had always been free with her titles. These weren't meant for public eyes. Only one person was ever intended to read them.

Her disciple.

Still...

What the hell is this name?

Arlon felt his heart ache with the thought. This was Agema, after all. The beautiful, genius, but arrogant mage.

He opened the first page

There was no long message this time. No grand greeting or flowery send-off, at least not on the first page.

The first page was written for Arlon when he was still in the Tower.

For example, the very first note was about Mei. A message letting him know she had come to see him while he was still in the Tower.

He stared at the words for a moment, then closed the book with a quiet exhale.

There would be time for him to check all the messages in the upcoming days. If he started now, he didn't think he could stop.

Instead, he reached into his inventory and exchanged it with another familiar weight: A Magician's Secret.

He remembered what Agema had said, and it was time to act on it.

So, he walked toward June and offered her the book.

"I think you should have this," he said.

She blinked, caught off guard. "Really?"

He gave a small nod. He had wanted to keep it, but… this made more sense. Especially now.

Even though their last battle was soon, it wouldn't be the end.

There would always be another fight. Another test. And another world.

June accepted the book slowly, surprise lingering on her face. Her fingers brushed his as she took it, but neither said anything about it.

Then Arlon extended his hand.

It was clear he was ready to teleport them to their next destination. But when June hesitated to take it, he also faltered, suddenly aware of the moment.

Still, after a breath, he said, "Let's go to Kelta first. We need to map out our next destinations."

June looked at him for a long second, then nodded and reached forward.

Their hands met.

And the next moment, they vanished.