The entire hall fell silent as the king entered.
His presence was so overwhelming that no one dared to breathe too loudly.
He walked slowly to the throne and sat, his gaze stern and commanding.
Moments later, the door behind him opened again…
And a figure stepped forward.
Kevin's eyes widened.
— That's… my cousin… — he whispered, stunned.
The murmurs spread like fire.
— It can't be… that's Luis Dinark!
— The First Sentinel of Light of the kingdom!
— The man closest to absolute strength!
Everyone was in disbelief.
The king, calm and solemn, raised his voice:
— Good afternoon, warriors.
You know why you are here. Recently, we captured an entity.
If we can find a compatible host, it will grant the Kingdom of Hestia power beyond comprehension.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
The king continued:
— But the process carries the risk of death. If the entity rejects the host, the body will not endure. Still, if it succeeds… we will have a new formidable warrior. So I ask you… who volunteers?
Silence. Only the wind slipping through the windows filled the room.
Until a voice rang out, firm and sharp:
— You summoned us here… to have us throw our lives away?!
— That's right! — another shouted. — I won't kill myself over such madness!
One by one, the warriors grumbled in anger and disappointment.
— I thought this was for an important mission…
— What a waste of time…
And so, they left in droves, abandoning the hall until it was nearly empty.
Luis stepped forward, ready to speak, but the king raised his hand, silencing him.
— No need, Luis. If they refuse, we won't force them. However… we cannot let this chance slip away.
Then, from the back of the hall, a voice echoed, steady and resolute:
— In that case… I accept.
All eyes turned.
Kevin stood there, in the center of the hall, a determined smile on his face.
The king and Luis turned at the same time, both surprised.
And for the first time, Luis gave a genuine smile.
— I think… that's a great idea.
(pause)
— Kevin.
The king rose from the throne in agreement.
— Guards! Hand the scroll to Luis. He will conduct the summoning ritual.
Then, looking at the Sentinel, the king ordered:
— And you… speak with your cousin. There are many things he must know.
Luis sighed, almost relieved.
— Yes, Your Majesty… though I've no idea how to break the news to him.
— What news? — Kevin asked, confused.
But before Luis could answer, the king's voice cut through the air:
— Young Kevin, there will be time for explanations later. For now, focus on what must be done. If you survive… you will be officially recognized as a hunter of the kingdom.
Luis began walking toward the door.
— Come, Kevin. We have much to discuss…
Kevin simply took a deep breath and followed, silently.
As they walked side by side, Kevin licked at a popsicle absentmindedly, the cold sweetness clashing against the heavy tension ahead. Luis, beside him, remained quiet, his eyes fixed on the narrow path winding between old, pale stone houses.
— So… how was your training these past four years, brother? — Luis suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
Kevin stopped for a moment, as if the question unlocked a faraway memory. Then he answered calmly:
— What felt like only four years for you… were fifteen for me. I learned much. I dare say that now, I could have a worthy fight against the First Sentinel of Light of Hestia.
Luis's eyes drifted toward the golden horizon of dusk. His tone carried both respect and irony:
— Probably… But you still wouldn't be able to defeat me.
Kevin smiled faintly, unconcerned, and bit another piece of the popsicle.
— Maybe. — He paused, then shifted the subject. — But… what about my sister? Where is she?
Luis didn't answer right away. He simply opened the door to a large, quiet house, gesturing for Kevin to step inside.
— That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. — he murmured, climbing the stairs.
The air was thick with the scent of burning incense. Ancient tapestries lined the walls, and every step echoed in the heavy atmosphere. Kevin finished his popsicle in silence, his heartbeat quickening with each stair.
— Is she okay? — he asked, his voice already restless.
Luis opened another door. What unfolded wasn't just a room, but a sacred sanctuary. Blue candles burned in circles, casting dancing shadows across a white marble altar. He sighed deeply before speaking, his voice heavy with sorrow:
— You're seventeen now, right? Then I won't waste words. In short: your sister, along with my mother—your aunt—went on a secret mission with the Eighth, Seventh, Sixth, and Fourth Sentinels of Light. And… they all died.
Kevin froze. His heart felt as though it had turned to ice. His trembling voice escaped before he could control it:
— You're joking… right?
Luis stepped closer, steady, his eyes carrying unshakable gravity.
— I don't find this the least bit funny.
The weight of the truth crushed Kevin. He clutched Luis's hand tightly, as if searching for support in that pain, then pulled him into a tight embrace. Silent tears streamed down his face, soon breaking into sobs.
Time passed. The sanctuary was now drowned in silence, lit only by the flames of the candles. Kevin knelt before the altar, his hand pressed to a scroll covered in symbols glowing a vivid red. Strange marks spread across his body, burning like embers under his skin. Luis stood nearby, watchful.
— You can let go now. — he said firmly.
Kevin obeyed, panting.
— My body… it's absorbing these marks. Is that… good?
Luis shrugged.
— Beats me. All I know is, the ritual's over, you're alive, so… I'd say that's good enough.
Kevin took a deep breath.
— And now? How will we know what this entity is?
— That's something only you'll discover, with time. — Luis replied. Then, in a lighter tone: — Since you're now part of the Hunters and Warriors squad, I'll give you your first mission.
Kevin stood, facing him.
— Tell me.
— Simple: tomorrow, around one or two in the morning, go to the train station. There, you'll find a boy your age named Julian. He'll explain the details. — Luis paused, then added with a crooked smile: — Oh, and don't leave this room until about eleven at night. If you do, you'll get really sick.
Before Kevin could answer, Luis vanished like a shadow, leaving only silence behind.
Kevin sighed, exhausted, lying down on the cold floor of the sanctuary.
— Better sleep… Tomorrow will be tough.
But sleep brought no peace. As he murmured in his restless slumber, tears trickled from his closed eyes:
— I should have been here… when they were gone…