Morning in the Library
In a library crammed with ancient tomes, Asandra sat behind the table, surrounded by the elite, in a silence so tense it felt as if every letter hung in the air. The faint glow of the torches cast dancing shadows across the walls, while the scent of old parchment and herbs steeping in tea lent the room a strange, almost mystical calm.
At nine o'clock, Elaria entered carrying a tray of tea, the aroma of herbs bringing a flicker of reassurance amid the tension.
Sera:
– Thank you, Elaria.
Elaria set the tray down, and the rising steam curled before their faces, softening the weight of the silence and creating a fragile space for thought.
Asandra (calm but commanding):
– For a long time, I have searched for the contracts… Reading books and manuscripts to understand these forces. I've discovered that not all of them are of the same kind… and there may be types we have yet to know.
Sera:
– Another kind… one whose nature is unknown, and yet there are those who wield it.
Bill:
– It's likely not dangerous yet, at least not at this stage.
Elaria:
– That's true only if the user remains cautious.
Tharion:
– Drin said the contract's owner transformed into a Ridelmon beast… And the creatures' origin traces back to the Farinthia forest, correct?
Sera:
– Yes, that's what I believed.
Elaria:
– A thousand years ago, before contracts existed, creatures appeared that devoured anything beneath their claws. People called them the Children of the Rift, but the elders whisper another name… the Forbidden (the Hoj). Ri Don Fulman, the legendary hero, led unending campaigns to halt them, ultimately sealing them within the Old Covenant—a barrier broken only by the betrayal of the guardians or one who defies the pact.
Bill (whispering to himself):
– Then… how do we explain what happened to that man?
Elaria:
– I do not know… Was Drin certain of the transformation? Or did he bring something from the Wall?
Sera:
– And how did he bypass the guardians? Remember, the Ridelmon dragon is no simple creature.
Tharion:
– Where is Drin now?
Sera:
– Preoccupied with training the squad.
Asandra's fingers tapped softly together, a quiet clatter that seemed to herald a coming storm. She lifted her cup slowly and inhaled deeply before speaking again:
Asandra:
– I foresaw the explosion before it happened, and I can see your contracts and their abilities. Drin told me he sensed someone watching from atop the Wall… Something is coming, and what happened today was merely a greeting.
– I want all of you vigilant. And let Drin know.
She rose with deliberate steps, moving toward the door:
Asandra:
– If there are no questions, you may return to your tasks… But today, do not enter Farinthia.
Sera:
– Understood, my lady.
Asandra (with a faint smile):
– Tell the trainee Kaelin that I have summoned him.
Sera:
– …I will inform him immediately.
The door clicked closed at half-past nine, and Asandra departed quietly, leaving a lingering sense of unease in the air.
Afternoon in the Training Grounds
Two hours later, in the empty training grounds, the clash of swords resonated in harmony with labored breaths, droplets of sweat flying from Kaelin's brow with each strike. His features burned with determination and bitterness, as though every blow sought to tear something from within him.
Kaelin (to himself):
– How long will this go on? Every day… training, food, sleep… repeat. I joined the Contract of Justice to expose their hollow justice… And now everything ended with the squad's annihilation. How I despise this world.
He paused, lowering his gaze to the ground, watching sweat drip onto the gravel, and whispered:
Kaelin (to himself):
– And no one cares. If they did—or if they didn't… what difference would it make? I am just a person without purpose… and it saddens me.
Soft footsteps echoed, and Aurelia appeared, wrapped in a gentle brown cloak, a cautious smile on her face.
Aurelia:
– May I join?
Everyone stared, surprised; normally, the squad refused her training requests. Kaelin's expression shifted slightly, reminded of someone long past… He lowered his head, then smiled awkwardly:
Kaelin:
– Sorry… I just finished.
He turned and left the grounds silently, leaving behind a trace of suppressed anger and unspoken confusion.
After Lunch in the Palace – 2:30 PM
The aroma of food filled the air, the dining hall crowded with trainees after grueling practice. Kaelin stood alone, slowly sipping his meat stew, until Sera approached:
Sera:
– Kaelin, once you finish eating, report to Asandra's office.
She said it and walked away. Kaelin took another spoonful, noting the satisfying sound of his sip: "Better than last time."
Suddenly, Aurelia sat beside him without a word, and he froze momentarily.
Kaelin:
– I'm afraid you…
Aurelia (bluntly):
– Sorry… you're right.
He looked at her in surprise:
Kaelin:
– Why are you here?
Aurelia:
– In the East, you cherish literature, right? Honestly, I am learning it now… and I mean it. I'm just listening.
She began telling a story of a boy whose parents were among the bravest knights, and Kaelin dropped his spoon in shock, eyes widening.
Kaelin:
– …I… I hate literature.
He rose quickly and turned away, leaving the hall in tense silence, emotions swirling between anger and confusion.
Evening in Asandra's Office – 5:00 PM
Asandra waited, motionless, until a knock came at the door:
Asandra:
– Enter.
Kaelin stepped in, measured steps, trying to control his tension, eyes scanning the room with careful scrutiny.
Asandra:
– Eastern one, Kaelin…
(She smiled faintly) Don't let the word affect you.
Kaelin:
– …Forgive me.
Asandra:
– You will be sent to Farinthia city…
His features shifted between shock and anticipation, heart beating rapidly.
Kaelin:
– With whom?
Asandra:
– Alone. This mission… will rid you of your punishment.
Kaelin's jaw slackened, a mixture of disbelief and relief washing over him:
Kaelin:
– And rid me of the world as well…
A silence settled between them before Asandra added:
Asandra:
– Exactly.
____
End of Chapter.
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