The Outergod's Avatar-Chapter 73: The Secret of Raynoel’s Death

Markis offered Izikel a plate of green leaves and berries.

"Sorry, but this is all we have," he said apologetically.

"Thank you," Izikel replied, accepting the plate. He stared at it, trying to figure out which part was actually edible.

It’s all leaves... he thought with a frown.

There was a pause before he asked the question that had been on his mind since he woke up.

"When can I go home?"

"You’re free to return anytime, Lord Izikel," Markis answered with a reassuring smile. "I’ve healed all your injuries. The pain in your head should ease after a good night’s rest."

By now, it was already approaching nightfall, as Izikel could tell from the fading light slipping through the small window.

He looked up again. "Have you informed Sophia or the Legion Commander?"

"I actually wanted to talk to you about that before you leave," Markis said, his tone shifting slightly. "Lyzah told me how you both managed to escape Raynoel. She claimed she defeated him herself."

’So she didn’t tell him about me’ A subtle relief washed over Izikel at the thought. Still, he kept his attention on Markis.

"I know it might be hard to believe, especially since she’s a Druid," Markis continued, "but I want to assure you that her only intention was to restrain him. But... things like this sometimes get out of hand"

’Is he trying to create a cover story for why Lyzah was able to kill Raynoel?’ Izikel wondered.

"There’s no need for all that, Chief Markis," he said carefully. "I’m just glad she was around to protect me."

Markis heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness," he said. "And if possible, Lord Izikel... can you also keep it a secret from the Saints? It might cause trouble for Lyzah if they were to find out."

That made sense. Izikel could see how explaining that a young Druid took down someone like Raynoel might raise suspicion or worse, draw unnecessary attention.

"So, we’re keeping the fact that Raynoel is dead a secret?" Izikel asked, wanting to be absolutely sure.

Markis nodded solemnly. "I hate to burden you with this, but I’m left with no other choice."

Those words struck a familiar chord. Izikel was immediately reminded of when Lyzah had said something eerily similar.

"You don’t have to worry about me, Chief Markis," he said with a playful wink. "I can keep a secret."

Markis smiled in relief. "Thank you. Lyzah will show you the way out when you’re ready."

With a polite bow, the Druid leader left the room.

"Are you ready to go?" Lyzah asked, her voice soft but steady as she entered.

"Yeah."

She led him down through the wooden house that she’d earlier called home.

But just as they reached the door, Lyzah stopped.

"Aren’t you coming?" Izikel asked, confused.

"Are you sure?" Her eyes lit up with hope. "I figured... you wouldn’t want me to come back. Not now that Raynoel is gone."

"Are you forgetting?" he replied. "We’re the only ones who know. We still have to keep up the pretense."

"Oh, right!" she said, smiling brightly.

The wooden house was built near the edge of the ancient and towering Old Tree. As they left, they had to walk in a half-circle around its massive trunk—nearly 180 degrees to reach the other side.

Surrounded by black decayed trees and thick roots, Izikel found himself wondering if living in a place like this didn’t have some kind of negative effect on a person’s health.

’Oh yeah’ he remembered. ’Druids hardly ever fall sick’ 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

As they passed around the Old Tree, he noticed a large, gaping hole near its base. A few tired-eyed Druids were entering through it.

Naturally, his curiosity got the better of him.

"Lyzah, what’s inside that hole?"

"That’s where the Heart of the Tree is located," she explained. "Only the Tree Keepers are allowed inside. I only remember entering that place once... and I was very little."

’The heart of the tree?’ Izikel imagined what it might look like. ’Surely it’s not an actual heart... right?’

The thought felt interesting enough that he continued to imagine all the things it could actually look like.

’Maybe like a seed?’ that made more sense.

They had finally rounded the tree and were making their way back to the main path.

The village looked different at night—calmer, yes, but still brimming with quiet life. A few villagers walked about, some carrying baskets, others chatting softly among themselves.

Eventually, they reached the manor that stood proudly on the hilltop.

"Lord Izikel, where have you been?" Sophia asked, stepping forward with concern in her voice. Behind her stood several guards in full armor.

"We were just about to start looking for you."

"Sorry for making you worry," Izikel said tiredly.

"There’s no need to apologize," she replied gently. "Everything is fine as long as you’re safe."

Izikel didn’t stick around for long. He headed straight to his room.

As soon as he reached it, he let himself fall onto the bed. His body sank into the mattress, the weight of exhaustion pulling him down like gravity. Despite the Druid magic that had healed his wounds, fatigue still gripped him fiercely. It seemed like their magic couldn’t heal everything.

’I didn’t even ask what happened to Raynoel’s body’, he realized. ’If she left it there, someone else might find it...’

But he couldn’t summon the mental energy to care—not right now. His body ached in a way that was deeper than pain. He had once again come face to face with death. In countless other realities, he probably wouldn’t have survived.

The only reason he was still breathing was that Raynoel had underestimated them. He’d gotten arrogant and reckless after he figured out Izikel’s abilities.

If he had dodged Lyzah’s strike, or if she had missed entirely, there would’ve been no saving them.

’At least now’ Izikel thought as he closed his eyes, ’I don’t have to worry about someone killing me in my sleep’

But even that peace was temporary. Because the real danger—the true hand behind all of this—was still out there.

Vircan Argenthex.

He was the real mastermind. The one who wanted Izikel dead.

’Maybe... maybe when he learns of his son’s disappearance, he’ll back off. Maybe he’ll leave me alone’

But that was just wishful thinking.

Izikel knew better. That wasn’t how this story was going to end.