Zenoir
The news spread faster than I had expected. The emergence of a Zero-class Adventurer raised questions about the catastrophe that might come. Since the rise of Adventurers, disasters, wars, diseases, and even… "beings" from portals appearing randomly around the world had become more frequent. And now, after five hundred years, the appearance of an Adventurer once again left people uncertain. What could possibly happen next?
After the ceremony, I went straight to the main hotel where I was staying — an Elven-style building, so unique that I sometimes found myself lost in thought just staring at the ceiling… a ceiling depicting beings with wings on their backs, something I had never seen before. I locked myself in my room. It wasn't small, but it was cozy. Lying on the bed, I kept thinking about my next steps. One thing was certain: I wouldn't wear that uniform. It drew too much attention.
"I feel… a little embarrassed with so many people staring at me," I thought, crossing my arms over my face.
I needed to study new magic, fighting styles, or even… gain more experience. I sensed deep in my spine that the time would come to take a life — something I had never done before. What would it feel like? Would it change me? Perhaps I would become something I never intended to, with no way back. That night, despite everything, I eventually fell asleep, knowing I had a meeting with Marshal Aoji the next day.
//////
The next day, I woke up on a Saturday morning. I wanted to stay in bed longer, but I had a meeting at noon. Before that, I promised to meet my sisters at an ice cream shop in the city. The room was still dark, the curtains blocking the windows. Sleepy, I got up and drew the curtains aside, revealing the wide expanse of Zero Island. The sun was near its zenith. As I admired the view, someone knocked on the door.
— Come in!! — I said, turning around.
It was one of the hotel maids.
— Good morning, my lord. I've brought the clothes you requested. — She placed several outfits on the bed. She was beautiful, with a sweet voice. Dark brown hair tied back, neatly parted on the sides… without realizing, I had been observing her for a while.
— Huh… thank you — Anything else?
— I don't recall requesting any clothes for you.
— Actually, it was Lady Nora who requested them.
"I also don't remember asking her for anything," I thought.
— Well, thank you anyway.
After she left, I checked the clothes: long cotton pants, a plain long-sleeved shirt, and black boots reaching almost to my knees.
"White shirt, black pants, and black boots… do they match?" I pondered for a few seconds.
I quickly got dressed and stepped outside. It was around eight in the morning, the sun already high. I realized:
"My hair is a bit long."
Walking along the limestone-paved street, I received curious glances from passersby, mainly members of the organization, but I continued toward the ice cream shop. When I arrived, I stopped in front and read the banner:
"More than a flavor…?"
I pushed open the door, bells jingling, alerting the attendants. The girls wore black-and-white uniforms made of linen and cotton, short with hems at the ends, long white socks covering their legs. Comfortable-looking… at least to me.
— Hello, sir. Here's our menu. We also have sweets and cakes for you. — One of the attendants showed me a small menu book.
— I'm fine, actually, I came to meet someone. — I said, looking around for my sisters. Soon, I spotted them near the windows. The shop wasn't big, but it felt cozy. As I approached, Nora saw me and stood up.
— Here!! — she called, waving her left hand.
I walked to the table, which had two large U-shaped chairs around it. Before sitting, I greeted Nora with a slight smile and glanced at Helena, sitting shyly on another chair.
"She's energetic… does my presence bother her?"
I calmly sat down.
— Um… how have you been all this time? — Helena stammered, her voice trembling.
"I need to turn this around," I thought.
— Hey… I hold no grudges against either of you, just relax. — The atmosphere became more friendly.
Helena wore her organization uniform: a black robe with a hood, red tribal designs all over. Her long black hair was tied in a ponytail. Pale skin, lightly tanned, and striking blue eyes caught the waitresses' attention discreetly. Nora, on the other hand, was in casual clothes, but that day she carried a different aura, her short hair shoulder-length as usual.
After ordering, we talked about trivial things. Yet, slowly, I realized the warmth I felt. The mood was pleasant, but that wasn't why we were here. Nora returned to the main topic.
Cough
— Um, Zeno, you agreed to help me, right?
— Yes, of course.
— In a year, I'll create the plan to free both branches: the Sui and Shi, from our clan's control. As long as the blood pact remains, we'll never have their help.
At that time, I didn't fully trust her words, but she spoke with such certainty that I wanted to challenge her.
— How do you know they'll help you once freed? — I asked, locking eyes, hoping to feel some trace of trust.
— Katarina Shi owes me… I'm sure she'll comply.
Nora's confidence was so absolute that part of me believed her. Her blue eyes shone brighter than I had ever seen.
"Is it the sunlight on her face making them so clear?" I thought, admiring her.
— That's why I ask… join my division!! We need to get stronger. I'm sure together, it'll be easier. — Nora said firmly, her conviction surprising me.
— Things might not go as you expect. Starting a revolt in the main clan and kingdom is total madness. — I replied, chewing on pieces of strawberry.
— Says the one who wants to kill my father… — Nora chuckled dryly.
— My goal was to destroy everything there, including you two. If your plan fails… I'll take everything with me. — My words shifted the mood again.
— I understand… do what you think is right. After everything, I won't interfere. — Nora returned to eating her caramel-and-vanilla dessert.
— I won't join your division. I'll have my own adventures. Look to your left, sister. What do you see?
Nora lowered her spoon, eyes following the direction.
— Buildings, people walking, children… what should I see?
I leaned forward, pointing with my left arm toward the horizon.
— My master once told me that beyond that horizon exists an unknown world, with "beings" never seen, living in unexplored lands. That's where I want to go.
— I see… then nothing to do. — Nora waved her hands.
Helena continued eating silently, ignoring the conversation. I noticed several empty ice cream bowls beside her.
— I heard you served on the border war, is that true? — At my question, both Nora and Helena froze, serious.
— I… I don't want to talk about it — Helena muttered. I didn't press further.
— Okay. Well, I have to go. You'll pay the bill, right?
— Of course, I called you here. A few gold coins less won't matter.
I stood and headed to the exit, glancing back.
— Helena, take care.
That gaze… unforgettable; pure and innocent, awkward yet warm. One smile was enough to comfort me. I left the ice cream shop and headed north to the organization tower, about five kilometers away.
/////
Arriving at the tower, Zeros — members of the organization — moved busily in all directions. I climbed the black marble stairs, admiring the massive door ahead, made of oak and mana alloys. I entered, receiving curious looks from staff and other members.
"This is a bit irritating," I thought.
I approached the reception desk, long and bustling with clerks assisting Zeros submitting their missions.
— Hey!! Miss!! — I called, trying to get the receptionist's attention.
— WAIT!!! — she shouted, turning.
I jumped back, startled, but I had expected such a reaction. After a minute, she faced me.
— Hello, my lord. How can I help you? — the receptionist smiled.
"What the hell caused that sudden mood swing?" I thought, slightly losing composure.
— I have a meeting with Old Man Aoji.
— And who are you?
— Zenoir, Zenoir Shisui.
— Wait a second. — She stepped aside, heading down a corridor to the right.
"A fierce receptionist…?"
I waited a few minutes. She returned, calling me from afar. I jogged to catch up and followed her through a wide corridor filled with doors, unsure what lay behind them. She led me to the last set: double wooden doors, opening from the middle — seemingly heavy.
Once inside, I noticed two people. Before I could enter, I asked the receptionist:
— What's your name?
— Zora. Come on, get in. — She pushed me inside and closed the door.
I heard a voice:
— Where's your uniform?
I turned. It was Old Man Aoji.
— I… forgot it somewhere.
Suddenly, another voice interrupted:
— This is the person you want me to accompany?
I looked right and saw a girl, slightly taller than me. An elf, but unusual… Her hair was a pale pink, almost white — unlike any elf I'd seen. Fine facial features, a slender nose, red-Cardinal eyes. Never seen an elf like her before.
"Maybe she's mixed-blood," I thought.
— Yes, it's him… the Adventurer I mentioned.
The elf stared at me intently, scrutinizing even my clothes. Aoji said:
— Zenoir, this is Emma Abrahan… she will be your tutor.
To be continued…