Leaving the [Auction House], Sora and Hiyoko headed out of Istanbul. He called Kara with his [Mana Phone] to ask for her location, but she didn’t answer. ’She’s probably in her [Time Space]...’ he thought, while adding her to his friend list once more.
The duo continued toward Ales, having planned with Kara a few days earlier to meet at his parents’ house at 8 a.m. Upon arriving and knocking on the door, Sora couldn’t help but smile. No matter how intense his training had been, coming home had become a cherished habit.
After chatting with his parents for a while, he heard a knock at the door and went to open it. Standing there was Kara.
Though she looked much the same as she had a week ago, he immediately sensed a new atmosphere around her. Her kind smile had faded, replaced by something different. Her eyes, which had once been warm and innocent, now held a tired, lonely look. Glancing at the level indicator above her head, he was stunned to see Level 122. ’What the hell? What did she do this week?’ he thought.
Noticing his expression, Kara smiled. "For the first time, I think I’m stronger than you. It was worth the time..." she said, activating the [Soul Link] that had disappeared when he left the [Time Space]. Instantly, Sora was struck with an overwhelming surge of Life Force coming from Kara.
Shocked, he blurted, "You... don’t tell me you spent the whole week in there?!"
Kara’s emotions flickered across her face as she briefly explained it was only around half that time. Sora quickly did the math: With the new time ratio of 2,000 to 1, a week outside is nearly 40 years in there... She’s been alone, with no one to talk to or see for almost 20 years?
Words failed him as he took in her weary expression, on the verge of breaking down. Without hesitation, he pulled her into an embrace. "Don’t ever do something like that again... please."
Kara, unable to hold back her tears any longer, returned his hug. She hadn’t seen him in almost 20 years and had missed him more than anyone else. After a moment, she gently pulled away and murmured, "Thank you."
Marie and Henri, who had followed Sora to the door, quietly slipped away when they saw him hugging Kara. Henri leaned toward Marie with a grin. "I told you she’d be our future daughter-in-law. And look at him, bold as can be! Guess he’s taking after his old man, capturing the heart of the most beautiful girl in town."
Marie, who usually scolded him for his jokes, just smiled. "Kara is indeed beautiful and so kind. I don’t think Sora can find anyone better to spend his life with."
With their enhanced senses, Sora and Kara caught every word. Embarrassed, Sora whispered, "Maybe we should come back another day..."
Kara laughed softly, her expression slightly better, "We can’t leave now! I haven’t even greeted your parents. Let’s at least have breakfast with them."
Reluctantly, Sora led her inside. After a pleasant breakfast together, Sora and Kara excused themselves to discuss their progress. They entered the [Time Space], where Sora was immediately struck by the changes.
Two massive houses now stood in the middle of the realm, each with sprawling gardens teeming with life. The vibrant greenery, small creatures roaming freely, and the landscape filled with mountains, a lake, trees, and even wild beasts between levels 50 and 100, left Sora in awe. What happened here? he wondered.
Kara noticed his reaction and smiled. She explained how, over the years inside, she had spent a significant portion of her gold enhancing the [Time Space].
"But didn’t you say it costs millions just for a basic house and furniture? How did you afford all of this?" he asked.
Sora’s mind raced. Time Palace? Soul Palace? Could she have had a similar experience? He wanted to know more, so he casually asked, "Time Palace? What’s that? Can I take a look?"
Kara hesitated. "It’s just a small place here in the [Time Space], but I can’t really show it to you... "
He nodded in understanding, then added, "I have a [Soul Palace], but I can’t show it either..." He gave her a meaningful look, hoping she’d catch his hint.
Kara’s eyes widened as she pieced it together. "You... you know?"
He nodded, "I have a vague idea. If that’s the case, it’s likely other Innate Skill users above level 100 know part of this truth as well."
"Maybe... But I don’t know how many of us there are. Are there hundreds? Thousands? Millions ? I remember a report from the early days after the update, mentioning how the top player who triggered the update, Roméo, revealed he had an Innate Skill. Back then, it was why he was leagues ahead of everyone. But after that, news about Innate Skills became less and less common, fading as if it became taboo. So, when I reached level 50 and unlocked mine, I hid it too."
Sora nodded thoughtfully. "That could mean many Innate Skill users know the truth, but if there’s some restriction on sharing such information, it explains why we don’t hear anything. Then, the players I killed... they may still be alive, somewhere"
Kara also had such a thought, "I have been wondering about that too, but it seems like we can’t know for sure if we are in a-"
Sora suddenly interrupted her "Maybe it would be better to change topics before we say things we’re not allowed to."
Kara nodded, realizing she almost blurted the truth.
Impressed, Sora felt his competitive side rise. "How about a duel? It’s the best way to see each other’s progress."
Kara grinned. "You’re so happy to see me that you want to fight me already?" She noticed Hiyoko trembling behind Sora. "Why is Hiyoko hiding like that? Did I kill her parents without knowing?"
Hiyoko, who had previously boasted about surpassing Kara, was now quaking in fear. Chirp chirp chirp chirp She thought to herself. Hmmm.. It meant ’Was she some sort of hidden deity pretending to be weak before?’
Sora, remembering her earlier arrogance, smirked. "Hiyoko wants to duel you, too. She’s so excited she’s trembling!"
Kara laughed, standing up. "Alright, let’s fight then!"
Hiyoko immediately bolted, trying to escape but finding that the [Time Space] was too small. Sora and Kara both laughed at her reaction.
Sora then stood, sending Kara a dueling request, eager to test his strength against hers, with no idea just how far she had truly come.