The evening was strangely quiet.

  The forest seemed to breathe more slowly.

  The birds had gone silent.

  Even the wind didn’t stir the leaves.

  — Either it’s a celebration, — Mira said, squinting, — or everyone’s hiding somewhere.

  — Or both, — I added.

  We were walking along the path when she suddenly stopped.

  — Alright, that’s enough, — Mira said loudly into the emptiness.

  — Reim. Gray Wolf. White Wolf.

  — Seriously? Hiding from us?

  — We smelled you from a kilometer away. Come out.

  Three figures stepped out from the shadows of the trees.

  White Wolf—confident, cold.

  Gray Wolf—quieter, more flexible, like a shadow.

  Reim—calm, but his gaze shone with respect.

  They bowed in unison:

  — Forgive us.

  — We only wished to ensure the territory was safe.

  — You have returned… Mira Helvard. Sister of our Creator. Teacher of the Founders.

  — And you, Zenhald Helvard, — Reim added.

  He smiled. — Our Creator. Teacher. The First Spark.

  Mira snorted.

  — “Children of the Founders,” huh? Well, well… you grow fast.

  — Even artificially awakened, — she poked Gray Wolf with a finger, — but getting stronger. I like that.

  Gray Wolf lowered his eyes quietly—it seemed that was enormous praise for him.

  White Wolf said:

  — The Council of Branches awaits you.

  And they led us inside.

  The moment we stepped inside, warm light flowed upward from below—the tree recognized us.

  And then…

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Figures descended from above.

  First was Arlis—faster than anyone.

  He practically slid down the stairs, saw me—and froze, then—

  — Zeeeen?! R-REALLY ZEN?! — and threw himself into my arms.

  I nearly fell from the impact.

  Selia ran up second—hugged Mira, then me, almost crushing us with plant magic.

  Feris laughed, slapping my shoulder so hard I nearly sank into the floor.

  Tyrel jumped straight from the steps toward us, talking nonstop.

  Mirnan smiled reservedly, but his eyes betrayed his joy.

  Lienna burst into tears and pressed herself against both of us.

  Rien tried to look serious—but a second later he was already hanging from my neck.

  Sova came last—silent, calm, but his eyes shone so brightly that I knew:

  he was truly happy.

  Then the adults approached:

  Ellian—hugged me and Mira like lost children.

  Reinar—bowed, hands pressed to his chest.

  Vestir nodded, smiling his wise smile.

  Nelin brought a small pouch of herbs—“for fatigue and stress.”

  Silvarin raised his hand in a warrior’s salute.

  Arvalis patted my head, like in childhood.

  Elirea even conjured a small illusion—a glowing flower.

  Felin was writing everything down, excitedly and fast.

  Students, masters, children…

  They filled the hall.

  We stood at the center, surrounded by hundreds of voices, faces, smiles, tears.

  A whole people.

  A people who had grown around those two children we once were.

  And everyone looked at us with respect.

  With warmth.

  With pride.

  Arlis bounced forward:

  — We haven’t seen you in so long!

  — Training without you isn’t training!

  — You promised you’d come back! Remember?!

  Something clenched inside my chest.

  — I remember, — I said quietly. — I’m sorry I was late.

  Mira winked at me:

  — Better late than never, little brother.

  Selia grabbed her hands:

  — Mira, we’re so happy… we still use your breathing rhythms in our magic style!

  Sova added:

  — Zen’s books became the foundation of the practical course for all three groups.

  — Because of you…

  He paused for a moment, his voice trembling.

  — Because of you, we survived. We became stronger.

  Everyone murmured, nodding.

  Feris lifted me like a sack of potatoes:

  — The Teacher’s back! Now we can train like in the old days again!!

  Tyrel squealed:

  — Can I show what I’ve learned first?! I can run on vertical surfaces now! Well… sometimes!

  Arlis was glowing:

  — Zen… Mira… we’ve grown!

  — Look how many of us there are!

  — We’ve become a real community!

  Mira looked around at them all.

  Her eyes shone with a soft light.

  — Yes, — she said quietly. — I see it.

  — You’ve become who I always dreamed you would become.

  I felt something warm and heavy fill my chest for a moment.

  Maybe… this was happiness?

  When the noise subsided, the Council of Branches rose onto the upper circle.

  Mira and I stood before them.

  Arlis, Sova, Gray Wolf, Lienna, White Wolf, Reim.

  All serious—but their eyes shone.

  Sova stepped forward:

  — The Elven Forest welcomes the return of its Teachers.

  — We are ready to hear everything you wish to say…

  — And ready to tell you ourselves all that has happened during your absence.

  Mira smiled.

  — Let’s start simple.

  She placed her hand on my shoulder.

  — We’re together again.

  — And we’re not going anywhere until we know you’re safe.

  I nodded.

  — Let’s begin again.

  And the entire hall—the entire forest—seemed to exhale.