"I must apologize for my recent unbecoming behavior. My name is Kozof Moruway, and as you've likely surmised, I am Cassian's father," Kozof said, rubbing the back of his neck with a guilty expression.
The scene had shifted to the living room. Now, a cup of tea sat before each of them, emanating a rich aroma of crushed herbs.
"Our eccentricity is easily explained: we were stunned, as this is the first time in ages that Cassian has interacted with anyone besides us," he continued, lifting his porcelain cup and taking a small sip. He grimaced, clearly detecting citrus notes. "Ugh, dear, you know how I feel about citrus..."
"Let's not dwell on that," Evelina tactfully cut her husband off, clapping her hands lightly. "Now, to the point. What Structure did you receive?" she inquired without preamble.
Cassian met her gaze, held it for a moment, gathered his thoughts, and exhaled: "A magical Structure of the support type." It was the truth, but only part of it.
"Support..." she whispered softly, then shifted her surprised glance to her husband.
"Quite unusual. Both of ours are utilitarian, so the chance of deviation for Cassian should have been minimal," Kozof mused thoughtfully.
A second wave of anxiety washed over Cassian that evening. He slowly clenched his fists and stated firmly: "Minimal, but not zero."
"Of course not. I simply didn't expect your ability to turn out non-utilitarian," he replied, lowering his gaze as he drifted into his own thoughts. "My grandfather had a magical Structure, but of the combat subtype, not support."
Evelina nodded in agreement with her husband's words and added gently: "Actually, this might even be for the best. Support Structures are rare and highly valued in any field. Even on the battlefield, such specialists stay in the rear—tending to the wounded or bolstering allies." She looked Cassian in the eyes, and an encouraging smile flickered on her lips. "So, you won't be lost."
Her smile prompted Cassian to exhale inwardly with relief—the most challenging hurdle had been cleared. At that moment, Kozof Moruvey turned his attention to Matt: "So, if I'm not mistaken, your name is Matthew? What type of Structure did you get?"
"Combat..." he replied curtly, but quickly added: "...And just call me Matt. It's what I'm used to."
The couple nodded almost in unison in response to his request.
"Combat and magical... Hmm, you two could make a formidable duo," Kozof observed, bringing the tea to his lips again. "At your age, I desperately wanted one of those. My late friend and I dreamed of joining the Legion of Horror Cleansing... We fantasized about becoming those very heroes who protect the country..."
He fell silent, and Cassian clearly saw a sudden surge of sorrow in his eyes, the cause of which remained unclear.
"Heh, but deep down, I knew I'd probably end up with a utilitarian Structure, while he'd get combat. I envied him with pure envy when it happened just like that, but there was nothing I could do. He joined the Legion as he wished..." Kozof's voice sounded hollow. "And a few months later, I learned he'd died. The Horrors tore his body apart so badly that we had to bury him in pieces."
The brutality and directness of these words made Cassian shudder inwardly. He understood perfectly what Kozof was trying to convey.
"Since then, I can't stop wondering: was the envy worth it? Wouldn't it have been better to abandon those foolish childhood dreams for my own safety? After all, I'm alive, I have a job and a family." He set the cup aside, leaned forward, and said grimly: "I know, Cassian, that you want to follow in Ian's footsteps. I have no right to stop you. But I beg you—be careful. I've already lost one son, and it's unbearable to watch my younger one strive to repeat his path."
These words ignited a fire deep within Cassian's soul—he couldn't fathom its cause.
"Darling, no need to worry so much. I'm sure Cassian understands the gravity of his choice," Evelina interjected, gently nudging her husband in the side. "Besides, he has a support Structure. Most of the time, he'll be in the rear, protected by others."
Cassian felt an urge to reveal the full truth about his Structure to them, but he restrained himself.
At that point, Kozof turned to Matt: "Hmm, come to think of it... Where are you from, Matt? Your features suggest Kemetian roots."
"Honestly? I don't know myself..." Matt replied, involuntarily rubbing his cheek.
"Didn't your parents tell you anything?" Evelina asked in surprise.
"I'm an orphan. Spent my whole life in an orphanage," Matt parried nonchalantly.
"An orphan..." Evelina murmured softly. "From the orphanage here in Longville?"
"Longville isn't a big city. I only know of one orphanage, in the northern quarter. Probably from there," Kozof suggested, answering in his stead.
"Yes, I grew up in an orphanage... But now, after acquiring the Structure, I'm a full-fledged citizen and no longer a child," Matt declared, evidently drawing from the memories of his new body.
"That's right. After receiving a Structure, wards leave the orphanages to find their own paths. Moreover, orphans are guaranteed positions at state enterprises with provided dormitories," Evelina said.
"But no one forces you to choose that route. In fact, all newly awakened Structure bearers from Aelan's orphanages have the right to free education at the Federative Center for Training and Practice," Kozof continued.
"Federative Center for Training and Practice?" Matt echoed.
"Precisely. They provide basic knowledge about Structures and their associated powers. I strongly recommend starting there. Classes begin this very week. There's still time to enroll."
"Hmm... Yeah, probably worth it," Matt replied thoughtfully.
At that moment, Cassian glanced at him, and the couple noticed. "Cassian, if you wish, you could go there with Matt. It would be all benefits," Evelina suggested.
Cassian and Matt exchanged quick looks and nodded to each other after a few seconds.
"I think we really should go there."
"I agree too..."
"Glad to hear it. In the meantime, if you'd like, you can stay with us. Ian's bed has been empty for so long... I'm sure he'd be thrilled," Evelina said, and a warm smile appeared on her lips once more.
***
A little later that same evening, finally escaping the persistent Evelina and Kozof, they ascended to the second floor.
The second floor was much smaller than the first, yet it didn't feel cramped. The dark wooden floor creaked pleasantly underfoot, and in that short time, Cassian even managed to feel a slight sense of tranquility.
Standing before his door, he opened it and crossed the threshold.
The room consisted of simple furnishings: a wardrobe, a bed, a desk, a chair, and several shelves lined with a couple of books, unusual stones, and other items. The setup was Spartan in its simplicity, but Cassian didn't mind. He slowly scanned the room and took a few steps inside. Approaching the writing desk, he fixed his gaze on it. On the desk lay a textbook on the Aenian language, several scribbled sheets, and a fountain pen. A spark of interest flickered in his mind; he picked up the pen and tried to write a few symbols. It came out clumsily and bore no resemblance to the neat handwriting on the nearby sheets.
'As I suspected. Though I instinctively understand the local language thanks to the previous Cassian's memories, the art of writing is still beyond me,' he noted mentally, deciding to practice later.
Stepping away from the desk, he approached the shelf and began reading the spines: "Mathematics," "History of the World's Formation," "Tale of the Six Orders," "Sacred Secrets of the Great Master Tabaiko Anfilanze: Numerology and What the Threads of the Soul Say About Us. SALE: Only 8 Bronze Coins!!!"
Skipping the last one, he skimmed the titles and pulled out the book whose title had caught his eye.
Tale of the Six Orders
Author Unknown
Amid the black haze that flows from the source of white consciousness, seeping into the souls of beings that manifest their true nature, or their authentic "I," the Orders have dwelled since ancient times... The Six Universal Orders:
First Order: The Hero, whose heart is so vast that it envelops the entire World in its radiance.
Second Order: The Knight, whose sword is so deadly that it is etched in the memory of every creature.
Third Order: The King, who shapes the fates of the world through the power of his influence.
Fourth Order: Death, the invisible law that binds the living with chains of Fear.
Fifth Order: The Bridge, whose existence seals the heavens.
Sixth Order: The Devil, capable of devouring both light and darkness.
They were meant to bear the torch of Consciousness and dispel the gloom clouding minds. But the gloom overtook the Orders themselves, beclouding the reason of one and turning him against his former comrades. It was the Devil, who coveted all the power of the cosmos. The other Orders had to stand against the one they once called friend. After a long and fierce battle, they managed to cast him down, after which peace reigned on earth. However, the Devil's legacy endures to this day, and it is unknown what it might do to fulfill the will of its fallen master.
'Strange book,' Cassian thought as he flipped through it. Mostly, it consisted of fairy tales about the Orders' adventures, culminating in their battle against the traitor and the restoration of world order.
"The Devil again..." he muttered. The Devil had been mentioned in this world more than once already. Evidently, the threat emanating from him was truly serious, given how much he was discussed.
"Found something interesting?" Matt's voice sounded from the doorway.
"Nah, just fairy tales for little kids," Cassian replied, returning the book to the shelf, and changed the subject: "Checked out your room?"
"Decent enough," he nodded. "Plans for tomorrow?" he asked, plopping down on the bed.
"Hmm... We've got a couple of days before classes, and we desperately need any info on this world," Cassian said, perching on the edge of the desk. "I suggest heading to the library. Can't think of a better option..."
"And squeeze the most out of these days," Matt finished his thought.
Cassian nodded in response.
"Well, we'll head there tomorrow," Matt said, rising from the bed. "Alright, it's late, I'm beat. Gonna crash."
"Good night."
"See you tomorrow," Matt tossed over his shoulder as he left the room.
Cassian watched him go, then collapsed onto the bed. The fatigue accumulated over the day finally caught up with him; his eyelids grew heavy and began to close on their own. Soon, he drifted into sleep.
***
"Ew! That's a mole cricket! Get it away from me, get it away!" a child's voice squealed, and its owner squirmed on the ground.
"If you don't stop, I'll shove it in your ear!" another voice retorted, and the insect was demonstratively brought close to the boy's face.
He shrieked even louder, broke free from the hold, and ran off sobbing.
"Mom! Cassian's scaring me again! He said he'd shove a mole cricket in my ear!"
"Hey! That's not what I said, you tattletale!" Cassian grumbled indignantly.
"Cassian, stop scaring Liam; you know he's afraid of bugs," came their mother's annoyed but good-natured voice from the veranda, carrying only a mild reproach.
Liam ran to his mother and buried his face in her skirt; she hugged him, soothing him.
"Shh, Liam, Cassian was joking; he won't shove a mole cricket in your ear. Right, Cassian?"
"Of course..." Cassian muttered, looking down.
His mother bent down, whispered something in Liam's ear, and he beamed with joy before running happily into the house. Then she approached Cassian, who was guiltily drawing something on the ground with a stick.
She ruffled his hair and said softly: "Cassian, don't be sad. Even if I'm upset with you for your pranks on Liam, that doesn't mean it's all your fault. I know he started teasing you first." Cassian looked up at her.
Before him was his mother's face. Her golden-brown eyes, her tender smile. In his entire life, Cassian had never seen a more beautiful woman—at least, to him, that was the case.
She leaned down, kissed his forehead, and ran her hand through his hair again: "Well, want to see what made Liam so happy? Spoiler: it's something you've wanted for a long time." She took his hand and led him toward the house.
'You intrigue me, Mom. Heh, you never change,' flashed through his mind, and in that instant, the realization brought tears to his eyes.
"M-Mom..."
"Mm? Cassian, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" his mother asked with concern in her voice.
"F-forgive me, please forgive me," Cassian exhaled, his voice treacherously trembling.
"What? What's the matter, son? What happened? Everything's fine," she pulled him close, hugged him, trying to comfort him, but Cassian couldn't stop.
"Forgive me... forgive me... for leaving you... without even saying goodbye..."
***
Cassian opened his eyes. Sunlight had already filtered through the curtains, bathing the room in warm light. Outside, it was a clear day.
A sharp, constricting pain in his chest made him recall something important. He instinctively touched his eyelids with his fingers and felt moisture on them. He immediately understood what it was.
Tears.
He had been crying.