Chapter 19: Starting Point
"Pick one of the following," Bastian said, drawing Arbus's attention back to the images in files he'd laid across his desk.
"What are they?" Arbus asked as he went over them again—his mind slowly shifting away from thoughts of the Primordial. He knew openly focusing on it wasn't a good idea, after all. From what he'd been told, the Primordial was capable of watching those in the universe through some method he didn't understand, as if they were a feed on its universe-spanning television.
Its attention would most likely be drawn to those openly discussing matters relating to it, or maybe even thinking of it. At least, that's what Arbus thought. He wasn't sure though, since he had no way of knowing how things worked in a realm far beyond their own.
"These are training facilities. You'll be spending the next few months in one of them, training to be the best knight you can be. So pick one you like, or at least one you think will be the most challenging for you," Bastian answered.
Arbus's brow furrowed slightly. "Do I really need this though? I've seen the knights stationed at Terytl-B, and can one hundred percent say I'm stronger than most of them." 'Most' because there were a few exceptions that he wasn't sure he could handle normally. The Qus knights, in particular. Those in the Renegades had all seemingly learned how to use their race's abilities of transferring thoughts directly into the minds of others as a weapon—disorienting their enemies' senses while they fought. Not an unexpected development.
He still thought he would win though, when factoring in the fact that he regenerated, and they didn't.
"I know Trip's torturous training probably gave you more than you'd need to be a knight already, but this is about protocol," Bastian shook his head. "Just one of the many reasons I dislike it. It's so inefficient and so slow."
"I agree," Arbus grumbled as he studied the images. One of them was in a lava-like environment. 'Most likely Aka,' he thought, remembering the planet that possessed two different types of oceans. One water, and the other steaming hot lava that never cooled. 'Pass.'
The second one was Ot, a planet in the Shadora Collection of planets shrouded by eternal darkness, like all the others. An unnatural effect brought on by the two rulers and Head Commanders Bel and Zub. 'Also pass.'
His gaze finally fell on one that caught his interest. The snowstorm planet—Tomber. A planet that fell under the jurisdiction of the deceased Head Commander, Wing. It was currently considered a free planet. That was mainly due to how undesirable it actually was, due to the abundant population of puppies.
"How's the facility on Tomber?" Arbus asked, glancing at the Sentinel.
Bastian raised a hand and stroked his jaw. "Tomber huh.... Well, that place is a little complicated. It's a great facility if you're looking for a challenge, naturally. But it's also the most dangerous."
"What's the difference?" Arbus asked with a dismissive shrug of his shoulders.
"...I guess that's one way of looking at it," he said with a slight smile.
He closed the files, holding them up as Ophilia silently walked up and grabbed them before leaving the room.
"I don't want to bring up the matters we've already discussed prior in detail. You already understand what you have to do." He continued.
"I'm hoping you can get through this training as quickly as possible. Given your current skills and achievements, I'm sure you'll do just fine," Bastian said as his expression turned serious for a moment. "We... do not have as much time as I'd hoped we did."
Arbus's brows pulled together in a frown. "What happened?"
"It's not something I can simply talk about with you. Not with the current you, anyways," he sighed, pointing a finger upward. "It's information only shared among the very top brass of the Renegades, you see. Even I can't break that rule."
Arbus's mind raced as he tried to figure out what the Sentinel was trying to tell him, without actually telling him anything.
"Don't think about it too deeply for now." Bastain said with a wave as he leaned against his chair. "I believe that's everything I wanted to discuss with you. It's about time you head back," he added as he looked toward the study's door, where Ophilia was now standing again.
Arbus glanced toward her, then back at Bastian with a complicated expression. "Back to where? I don't have anywhere to go."
There was no chance of him returning to Terytl-B, naturally.
"Your home on KT. I'm sure your master had someone keep it in one piece for you while you were away," Bastian replied.
Arbus's eyes dulled as he thought of the refugee civilization on one of Tarok's moons—KT.
It was one of the many places survivors from star systems destroyed by the Reincarnators usually ended up at.
He had lived there for the past six years with his mentor Trip, his grandfather's closest friend.
He remembered the traumatized refugees on the moon who attacked him when he first arrived there because of his human appearance.
"In a few weeks, after you're sufficiently prepared and recovered, a transport will arrive to take you to Tomber," Bastian continued.
"I'd honestly rather send you to one for specialized training, but that would be a whole new can of crawlers to open. And I think I've pushed my luck with the council far enough."
"Ophilia has already prepared a transport to take you there. Let's meet again after you're done, Arbus."
Arbus remained silent for a few moments, then stood, bowing slightly to Bastian before walking toward the entrance.
Then, he came to a halt as a sudden thought flashed through his mind. He glanced back at Bastian with a complicated expression.
"There's one last thing I want to ask you. If you don't mind."
Bastian's brow raised slightly. "Of course, anything."
Arbus considered his words for several moments. "How... are my parents doing?"
Bastian didn't say anything for a while as he stared at Arbus.
Eventually, he let out a long sigh. "That's a complicated question," he replied thoughtfully. "Your mother, well, I suppose she's doing fine. She's securely locked up on Tarok as punishment for her deeds."
"You can thank your grandfather for that. He'd thrown away his pride and knelt before the Emperor for weeks on end with his head bowed, begging for his daughter to be spared so he could keep her imprisoned for the rest of her life."
"That would usually mean nothing to the Emperor," Bastian continued. "Anyone willingly, and sometimes unwillingly colluding with a Reincarnator is put to death. But for some reason, he felt lenient enough to let her live."
Arbus's gaze trembled as he let out the breath he didn't even realize he'd been holding. It felt like a weight he'd been carrying for years had suddenly lifted off his shoulders.
No one had told him anything about his mother before today. He hadn't brought it up last time with Bastian, because he had been terrified to overstep with a Sentinel despite Bastian's urging. Even his master refused to tell him anything.
A sense of genuine relief washed over him.
A moment later, Bastian continued on. "As for your father... Well, no one knows for sure."
"Usually, any Reincarnator caught would be interrogated and executed."
"But Joren Kaelen cannot be killed."
"From the rumors I've gotten through the grapevine, he is most likely being held in the Emperor's castle, far beyond this galaxy, at the borders of the human empire and the free universe."
"It is quite a surprising rumor, considering the Emperor would usually never concern himself with a task like that before. Not when the Pinnacles exist," he added meaningfully. "Still, if that is the case, then he should be doing somewhat fine as well."
Arbus remained still as his gaze grew distant. His love for his father was the most contradictory emotion he'd ever felt before. Especially after everything he had been through, and seen humans do.
He hated humans and the Primordial so much. And yet, at the same time, he wanted his father back with all his heart.
Eventually, Arbus turned to Bastian as he nodded gratefully. "Thank you. For everything, Bastian."
"You're welcome, Arbus." Bastian replied with a smile as he watched Arbus walk out the door with Ophilia guiding him. After he heard the sound of the lift at the very end of the floor, his smile suddenly faded.