Atem: the path of their lives
Chapter 4
Not all men are born equal
Jino‘s view
„Have you ever been in a city other than Merat, Jinas?“
„Huh? No, I guess not… I’ve only visited the nearby villages.“
„Then have you seen the landscapes that lay past this kingdom?“
„Nah, not really. I only went on a few trips around the borders because dad took me with him during some of his travels.“
„Hm, that might be enough. You see, there are reasons for why most humans only travel along the main trade routes and for why it is tradition not to set up settlements far from great cities.“
Nodding along, my new teacher gazed outside the window of my room before continuing.
„I am confident that you have seen a large mass of stones seemingly conjoined together and tall enough to tower over trees before. There is one in the vicinity that I have been keeping an eye on after all.“
Stones? What’s this about?
„I’m not sure, but I do remember dad telling me about something similar and to never approach it… Actually, isn’t that the thing behind the cathedral? I think it was a bit farther from it the last time I saw it, though.“
„Indeed. That is one of them. A Stellar giant.“
„Uh-huh.“
„Created through unkown means, they are beings which gather power from the stars and roam the lands at night.“
„Those rocks.“
„Quite so.“
„Right…“
„Their bodies are fraught with runes of such great complexity and power that they can move and even channel their powers to cause harm along with…“
What is he even talking about? I wonder how much time has passed since we began. I want to go have lunch already.
„…creator, which most believe to be Tenebra. After encountering a few of them myself, I find it safe to conclude that they are beings split off from stars. They have been…“
It’s a shame that outsiders aren’t allowed to look at swordsmen train in the Great hall. Maybe I could talk mom into letting me see the city guards spar or something?
„…that is why they make areas inhabited by them hard to pass through and impossible to inhabit. When they are active, they attack any beings with numen residing in them. Regular adventurers lack the means to defeat them. Generally speaking, their area of effect is limited to a certain location and as such do not pose a grave threat to those mindful enough to evade them. This one, however, is a special case, since…“
A butterfly with wings of blue, purple and white suddenly landed on my desk, mesmerizing me for a moment by its gentle movements and vibrant colours.
I wonder what this little guy eats…
„…yet you still pay more attention to your capricious thoughts than my own words. Such obtrusive feelings will not slip past me, Jinas.“
As if my body was struck by a current of lightning, I straightened up my posture and faced forward in an instant.
„I, uh…“
Not moving even one bit from the window while looking out, mister Arius spoke with a slightly amused voice.
„Could you repeat what I said?
„Well, godess Tenebra split apart stars… and they’re limited to certain locations…and you met some of them…and I guess they’re strong… and I’m sorry.“
A smile spread across his lips as he finally looked at me, not seeming angry at all because of my spacing out.
„Adhering to one’s sense of priority is quite alright, however it might not be correct at all times. You should value the time we spend together more than the activites you can enjoy alone later, especially during lessons.“
„I understand, it’s just that…this is so boring. Could you tell me more about how you fought one of those things rather than this?“
„Tales of peace and lectures of knowledge are far more interesting than those of conflict. You will understand this in due time.“
„If you say so.“
„Now listen. It is crucial to remember that they do not just occupy any spot they want. There is always a reason for everything in this world, no matter how insignifcant it may seem.“
At those words, I let go of all my past thoughts and focused.
„A great current of numen stemming from underground binds them to the earth. Only few know this, but they serve as guardians to very powerful labyrinths located right underneath them. Mighty and daring figures use them to track those labyrinths down and seize the treasures inside them, but most of them do not return back.“
„Guardians to powerful labyrinths…that’s so cool.“
My mouth now slightly agape, I listened eagerly.
„That is why your father was correct. You should stay away from Stellar giants for as long as you can.“
„Y-Yes, sir.“
Now fully invested in his teachings, I started taking notes.
Maybe this isn’t so bad after all.
„Now then, about the most eastern continent, often called Procul…“
– –
That was four hours ago. Currently, I’m heading out to the main market for some vegetables and pastry mom asked me to get.
„Heeeey! Heeey! Wait up, Jino!“
And tagging along with me is, of course, Lear…
„Come on, we don’t have all day for this! I can’t get through the city while looking after you if you visit every small shop along the way!“
Panting heavily, my little brother caught up to me.
„Woah, yeah, yeah. I promise I won’t run off again without telling you, so don’t leave me behind anymore.“
„Right, then you better stick to that promise.“
With the sun casting a shadow behind us as we advanced towards the city center, we navigated the familiar stone roads while taking in all the sights around us.
A large stone tower in the middle of the city stretched up above all the other buildings, serving both as a navigation point for travelers and as a headquarters for various guilds.
Looking around, I couldn’t help but appreciate my surroundings.
The houses here are usually well built and sturdy with decorative incsribements and wooden furniture. Some of them are small and at times cramped between other similar homes along the road, with the rest being large stand-alone structures most likely belonging to influential and wealthy figures. Our house, for comparison, is somewhere between the two of these extremes…but we didn’t come here to sightsee. Mom gave us an important task: to bring her the ingredients she needs for cooking lunch.
Both of us know that the longer we take, the hungrier we’ll become, so we should hurry up.
And if that’s the case, I have just the idea…
„All right, Lear. The first one to get to the main square doesn’t have to wash the dishes, but no taking any shortcuts!“
„Huh? Sure! You’re on!“
Just like that, we started racing along the all too well known paths to get to our destination.
This might not be the most reasonable way to get around, but it’s definitely one of the few ones that will get my brother moving.
Not running too fast as to not make him lose sight of me and turning around at times to check if he hadn‘t gotten lost, I carefully made sure nothing dangerous would happen to either of us as we surely approached the home stretch.
I of course left him in the dust at the end. No way I was getting stuck in the kitchen again.
„Wheh, that’s it. What did you think about that? Not bad, huh?“
„That’s not fair! You knew you would win! I’m going alone from now on!“
„Haha, then you shouldn’t have accepted.“
We stood in the middle of a busy intersection. Thousands of people scurried around in pursuit of their daily tasks and the main square was as noisy as ever. Traders persuading people into buying their wares, guards patrolling, adventurers walking around either as if they owned the place or as if they were lost, and kids not much younger than us running around. Various races mingle together there and it was quite easy to see.
The majority of that city’s, Merat’s, citizens were humans, but it also openly welcomed all other friendly beings. Tall and muscular figures with scaly skin dominated every crowd they found themselves in, their scales being slightly dark during that time of the season. Setting up shops, elegantly weaving through people and leaving a long lasting impression on all passersby, Beastfolk of many types and breeds roamed the streets. And of course, humans filled up most of the square.
In stark contrast to all of these were those with characteristically monster and at times demon-like features, the Terals. They were the only race still openly looked down on in certain districts and parts of the city, with that one not being very different.
Signs banning their entry adorned the various stores there as they held their heads low while passing through.
„Beat it! I’m just trying to get to work!“
„And do you have to take this damn road every time you do? You’re scaring away all my customers, freak!“
„Why, you…“
One such Teral was currently being held up near one of the major shops. His daunting and terrifying figure dwarfed any standing in his vicinity, gathering scorn and looks of disgust from onlookers. A pair of short horns protruded from his forehead and his massive three fingered hands looked as if they could easily crush the tiny shopkeeper shouting at him with their grasp, yet it seemed like the merchant was still on top in this argument.
„I’m sure I lost at least 4 buyers because of you! You better buy something or never come back again!“
„Your business is none of my concern, old man. I’m sorry if you think I’m the one at fault, but I don’t want any trouble.“
As if hesitant to use his natural strength to intimidate or win over his weaker counterpart in fear of dirtying his people’s reputation even further, the Teral placidly backed down and upon reaching some sort of mutual agreement the two of them parted ways in shared annoyance.
I find that huge guy scary too, but this is a little too strange. He didn’t commit any crime or offend anybody and was even the first one to step away, but everyone is still openly hostile to him. I’m sure the trader wouldn’t be so bold with anyone else at that too.
„See that? We should be careful around these people, Lear. Let’s just get it over with…“
Turning around, I saw – or rather did not see my brother with me.
„…Lear? Hey!“
Oh come on, I’ve been careful all this time. Don’t tell me I’m going to lose him here of all the places.
„Where did you–“
Yet in spite of my momentary panic and uneasiness, I soon found the youngest son of the Laborios household engaged in a heated conversation with a suspiciously moustached man at a stall right behind me.
I keep my eye off of him for just a moment, and this is what I get…
„So?“
„8.“
„4!“
„8.“
„How about 5?“
„Don’t try this on me kid, I said 8.“
Approaching the two of them, I slowly but surely made my way behind Lear so as to catch him off guard. In doing so, the vendor’s facial features and body language fully came into my view, giving me the impression that he was very experienced in his field as he had yet to budge under my brother’s onslaught of demands.
„Come on, mister, I’m sure we can agree on a deal! What if–“
„…Hey.“
„?!“
Putting my hand on his shoulder, I abruptly turned him around to face me just for him to jump back in a mix of fear and childlike excitement. After realizing what sort of situation he was in, he cleared his throat and spoke.
„H-Hey, Jino…“
„What was that about no running off without telling me? I’m sorry sir, I’ll take this sassy lost child out of here at once.“
I glared at Lear in a playful way so as to make him feel a bit regretful.
I¨ll teach this kid to finally listen to me for once.
„No, look! I’m right in the middle of important business here. I’m sure you’ll end up thanking me in the end! Besides, I did tell you I was gonna go somewhere alone…“
Huh. Did he really? True, I might have heard something like that…
„Make a decision already, you two. I don’t have all day just for this.“
Hm, let’s see how this goes.
„Fine then, just don’t take too long.“
Being pressed on by the merchant to buy something, I took a step aside and let Lear continue as I watched carefullly.
Having been given the space to finish what he started, my overexcited brother became even more unshakeable in his bargaining.
„Alright sir, take a look here. There’s no way both of these medallions cost as much as 8 silver Pelagus coins. I mean, this is only ironskin hide. Anyone could get these materials for much cheaper anywhere else. Besides, one of them is a bit worn out and scratched here and there…you’re just reselling these, aren’t you, mister?“
„…“
A tinge of irritation could be seen swelling up on the merchant‘s face
„But if you’ll be so insistent, then I guess there’s no other choice. Good luck selling this to any of the other, way more knowledgable than me, adventurers. Have a good–“
„…They’ll be yours for 6.“
„Deal!“
And just like that, a sassy lost child persuaded a long time trader into lowering his prices. Aftewards, we quickly made our way over to a tavern as originally planned, coming to a stop right in front of it.
Having recieved a silver handcrafted medallion shaped like the head of a Leontari, a mighty feline monster with a pair of snakes coiled around its mantle, I carefully inspected it.
It certainly seems to be well made. I don’t see any signs of it being worn before, either… Was all that fanfare before made up or am I just this incompetent at recognizing quality goods?
„Now, Jino, we have something to connect us together wherever we may be! If we both wear these, we’ll always be thinking of each other!“
Flaunting the exact same medallion in front of me, he jumped up and down in one spot, full of enthusiasm.
I wonder he gets all this energy from…
„You’re right. That’s a nice thought. Thank you.“
Smiling, I stashed the recieved pendant away into my bag as I entered the inn. While doing so, I caught a glimpse of some writing inscribed onto the back of it.
I’ll have to take a look at that again later.
– –
The tavern was brimming with people. Songs and tales echoed all throughout its halls as folk of all kinds merrily drank and ate to their hearts‘ contents while laughing and sharing stories of their adventures. An unexpectedly beautiful chandelier decorated the rather spacious interior, lighting it up along with many candles scattered among the wooden tables.
Regarding the tables, there was a pretty evident seating order at first glance in there. All the way from those who barely had enough to get by to the richest and noblest customers, it seemed like everyone was seated at a table based on their wealth. While regular clients were near the entrance and in the corners of the inn, those with an apparent abundance of money all sat in the middle at the largest rectangle shaped table, not allowing those of lower status to sit with them.
I guess people really like to segregate themselves from others based on anything they can. And even though many races mix in here, you still wouldn’t be able to see even a single Teral no matter where you looked.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
„Hello, sir. We’d like to buy all the stuff on this list.“
Having to squeeze through dozens of merry and half drunk customers as we slowly made our way over to the innkeeper, I pulled out a checklist of the food we were supposed to get before placing it on the counter.
The bartender only gave the two of us a brief look before inspecting the piece of paper presented to him.
He was a human in what seemed like his fourties. Bruises and calluses adorned his muscular arms clearly worn out from years of hard work. His bald head was compensated for by his large, well tended to beard. Yet despite his looks of suscipcion and carefulness, the air around him had a certain quality of dependability to it.
Glancing at me one more time after returning the shopping list to me, he finally spoke.
„Sure. Got the money on ya?“
„Of course. This should cover it.“
Saying that, I handed him 6 silver coins, all the money that I was given for this by mom.
I wonder how Lear gathered that same amount for the medallions from earlier…
„Right, here ya go. Take care.“
„Thanks. You too.“
We quickly stashed all of the bought food into a leather sack and prepared to leave the inn as we turned around, but something seemed off.
The overall commotion around us has been increasing for a while now. It looks like a fight of some sort is about to go down.
„Ugh, you bitch!“
The noise and shouting only grew stronger as we walked towards the middle of the tavern where the nobles sat, soon drowning out and silencing all of the other talking and sounds coming from the rest of the customers.
Finally being able to see what the cause was, I furrowed my brow and grabbed Lear by the hand.
„Do you have no shame, you genetic failure?“
„Damn quarter breed, really thought you could steal from us? Right after we fed you?“
Having been caught by the hand which still gripped a pouch of money, the girl whose long gray, brown and white hair covered her face and eyes put on a bitter face full of anger as the group of men insulted her without end. She let out animal like groans and bared her tiny fangs at them.
„Don’t even dare to…“
„Bleagh!“
„…look at me like that!“
The man holding her hand kicked her in the stomach all of a sudden, sending her flying backwards and gasping for breath as the pouch she was holding fell on the floor, being distanced from by everyone present.
A now familiar figure appeared next to me. The innkeeper looked on worriedly and seemed prepared to step in, however–
„None of you are to interfere with this! I’ll see to it myself that this runt gets what she deserves.“
„Yeah, that’s right!“
Cheered on by his fellow compatriots, he walked towards the little girl.
„There’s only one punishment for thieving abominations like you…getting your hands cut off!“
He pounced at her as he said that, but the girl’s unprecedented speed left him flinging his arms through the air as she got on all fours and made her way around him before taking the pouch off the floor.
„Shit, catch her!“
Seeing that, I instinctively made way for her to get outside so as to not get in her way, since I was one of the people standing in front of the exit.
She shot right past me, only sparing me a single glance right as she passed through.
In that moment, I clearly saw it. Her eyes were each of a different color, one seemingly golden and the other a vivid purple. They seemed to burn a mark into my very soul. A mark of the prejudice directed towards her. Of the hardships she had been put through. Of the indignation she felt against the rest of the world.
Have I seen her somewhere before?
Not letting go of Lear’s hand, I also made my way outside after waiting for the nobleman to finish cursing and promising to find her upon his family’s name. Soon enough, we were standing in the middle of the city’s main square again.
„Woah, that was super crazy, Jino!“
„That’s one way of putting it…“
Finally having what we needed, we started making our way back home through where we came.
„Did you see how she looked? Like some beast-human-something! I wouldn’t want to cross her ever again!“
I nodded along, still chewing on the feelings conveyed to me through her fleeting eyes.
„Yeah, I sure wouldn’t want to either…“
„But anyway, a lot of cool stuff happened. I’m really looking forward to telling mom all about it! I’m sure she’ll like the medallions…“
Just thinking about that girl makes my stomach turn. I can’t help but wonder what she’s been through up until now for it to turn her into someone so vicious.
„…and how I haggled the price so skillfuly. Dad would definitely be proud…“
I’m sure I felt scared seeing her look so feral, but all I could do as she was being yelled at and kicked was stand frozen in place. It’s just like back then, and many times before as well.
Although if what they said about her stealing money was true, then I don’t know if I even have the right to help her. I don’t know what’s right or wrong anymore.
„…but that fight at the inn was the most exciting out of it all. Do you think we should tell mom that there’s a thief like that running around?“
Snapping back to reality, I turned around to look at my brother as I continued walking.
„First of all, you should–“
Suddenly, I bumped into a solid wall and hit the back of my head against it right after.
„Ow, what the hell…“
Ridiculous. I was definitely walking through an open road just now. How could I hit a wall? What’s up with that?
Opening my eyes after the initial shock, I noticed Lear’s listless gaze as he stared behind me, not letting out even a single sound. As I slowly realized how frightened he looked, an odd sensation spread over my entire body and I could feel the hairs on my body stand up. A crystal clear sense of dread gripped my heart as I started to feel the presence of something inhuman standing near me.
„W-What–“
Curiosity won over my natural instincts as I turned to look around despite every cell in my body screaming at me not to. Doing so, I spotted a demon– no, not a demon. A tall, large figure clad in armor so dark that it envoked the image of an endless void. Its massive frame and thickness seemed to ridicule the very idea of wearing, let alone walking in, such an armor. Yet the hulking mass of darkness moved, as if to contradict that exact thought.
Something peered out right at me from the visor of its helment adorned with short horns, seemingly entertained by my mediocrity. My mind went blank when I realized it and I could feel all of my bodily functions steadily ceasing to work properly, as if slowly dying out just from being exposed to the sheer pressure coming from that…thing.
I tightened both of my hands into fists and closed my eyes, waiting for everything to get better. With time, the ridiculously heavy air and suffocating atmosphere slowly subsided before finally dissapearing without even leaving any traces of themselves behind.
When I opened my eyes again, all I could see was an empty road and people standing on both of its sides, seemingly wary of something. Seeing that the being from before was now gone, my body started functioning like normal again and a flood of emotions overtook me. Having been holding my breath for all that time, I gulped for air.
„That hurts… hey, Jino, I said that hurts!“
Noticing something was off, I soon understood that I had started gripping Lear’s hand with all of my strength at some point. It looked bright red right after I released my grasp on it.
Then the two of us stared at each other blankly for a moment. That moment turned into a while, then into a minute, and soon into an eternity. As things started going back to usual and we regained our senses of self, both of us were clearly showered with relief… and a tinge of worry.
Even the always ecstatic Lear was completely quiet.
„Let’s go home. Now.“
A small nod was all I recieved as an answer to those words.
– –
„That’s when I got these!“
The sun was steadily starting to set by the time we had made our way back home. Having dropped off the groceries in our rather spacious kitchen, we washed ourselves and changed into clothes more appropriate for dining as we waited for the food. Nobody questioned whether anything had happened along the way and while we hadn‘t told anybody yet, it seemed like mister Arius was suspicious of something already, as if he could see through us with just a look. Thankfully, he didn’t press us for any details.
And after all that, we were finally enjoying diner.
„That’s how I like it! Did you pull off the good old "pretending not to care anymore" trick? Or did you say you would get them at a better price elsewhere?“
„I did both, dad! Just like you taught me.“
„Very good, very good. Looks like you’re my son after all! I’m sure you’ll make a fine businessman one day.“
„Surely not as fine as you.“
„Haha, alright then, have another serving!“
Listening to my dad and brother talk about underhanded merchant tactics, I quietly munched on the delicious lobster we were being served.
Dad has been working as a travelling trader for most of his life, but he opened up a large company in this city when he settled in with mom. He used to tell us stories of how he visited all the other continents, got lost in crypts, ran away from god-like monsters, got famous and tagged along with many different adventurers on their journeys when he was younger, just to find the best customers and goods.
„And what about you, Jino? Do you like that pendant as well?“
All of that supposedly ended when he saved his to-be wife from certain death in a crumbling labyrinth and fell in love with her.
„Heeey. Hey, what’s up? I asked you something, you know?
„Huh? Oh, sorry… I was just thinking about…“
„Oh, oh, what’s this? Don’t tell me – is it that time for you already? You’re just like a maiden in love, son!“
„Wha–“
„Charles, come on. At least let them eat properly.“
Saying that, mom cleared her throat and shot the famed Laborios merchant a glance so deadly that I could practically feel sparks fly through the air between them, silencing his boisterous laughter in nearly an instant.
I wonder who saved who back then, really.
Not losing a beat, she turned to me and continued speaking.
„Is anything the matter, honey? You seem a little thrown off.“
„Well, the thing is…“
Should I tell them about what really happened? I guess they’ll know we’re hiding something if I don’t, anyway.
„…we ran into this really scary person on our way home.“
„What do you mean? How was he scary?“
„There was a really heavy air of intimidation and presence around him. It wasn’t like some average adventurer, though. I felt like I would suffocate just by standing next to him... He seemed more like a monster than anything else to me, not to mention that he was wearing an entirely black suit of thick armor, so he really stood out.“
I could see mom and mister Arius visibly tense up upon hearing that last line.
„And just where did you see that man last time?!“
Seemingly agitated, my mother lost her composure. I was a little surprised by the sudden change, but replied right away.
„Well, I bumped into him somewhere around the central watch tower in the middle of the city…“
Hearing that, the only two people in the room that seemed to know something about the described person exchanged looks.
¨Miss Claire, allow me to–“
„Under no circumstance. Listen, kids. Finish dinner and stay at home until I come back. I have to take a look at something.“
Saying that, she got up and started preparing to go out.
„Mommy, did we do something wrong?“
Lear was the first one to voice his worries.
„Not at all, love. There’s just a chance that that man could be someone we don’t want to meet in this city and I have to go find out whether or not that‘s true.“
With a startled expression, dad followed Lear’s example.
„Slow down, Claire. Can’t you at least tell us where exactly you’re going?“
„I’ll explain everything when I get back, I promise. Just… take care of the kids for tonight, please.“
„…Alright, don’t do anything rash.“
Visibly disgruntled, he went along with mom’s whim as if he was used to placing immense trust into the words and split second decisions of people he cared about.
Seeing as the person about to leave piled on travelling clothes atop of herself and strapped a sword to her waist, I reluctantly opened my mouth to try and convince her to stay.
„Mom– “
But before a single sentence could leave my lips, a hand descended unto my shoulder and grasped it firmly but gently, stopping me from saying what I wanted to.
It was the hand of my teacher, who peered into my eyes with his own once I turned to him. Once again, it appeared like he knew exactly what I was thinking as I looked into the boundless black and purple night sky expanding inside his eyeballs. His gaze told me everything, and I suddenly knew what I should say.
„–Stay safe, please.“
Hearing that, a smile played across my mom’s lips.
„Of course, leave it to me.“
A reassuring laugh followed by the faint sound of footsteps were the only things that could be heard before the door was slammed shut.
There was now an empty chair at the dinner table.
– –
It didn’t take long for us to finish eating. After what had happened, neither one of us talked about what else we had experienced along the way and an ominous silence filled the room. I’m sure both me and Lear wanted to get back to our rooms, yet the moment I stood up and made that clear…
„Jinas, come with me for a moment.“
„Oh, sure…“
The man that had one day suddenly appeared out of nowhere and since then had been teaching me about the world without asking for anything in return called out to me, leading us both into the living room.
Without asking for anything in return, huh? Not like I ever wanted him to butt into my life anyway.
We slowly sat on the couch and wooden armchair respectively as we left the other two in the dining room. Before long, I could already hear them disscussing something passionately.
Those two really are like two peas in a pod.
„Is something the matter? I’m not really in the mood for much right now…“
„I can see that. Let us use this time for a small lesson. It may at least distract your mind for now.“
Another lesson? Is he doing this so that I don’t have time to worry about mom?
„My aim is not to entertain you, child. I too am not bereft of worries, yet this appears like a timely opportunity. So?“
Yeah, like hell he would be so considerate. Whatever, let’s just go with it.
„Alright. Then, please go on.“
Pleased as if he already knew that I would not refuse, he leaned his back against the oak support of the chair and began talking.
„We are yet to disscuss the basics of rune writing. You have likely borne witness to some applications of it by now or even used a form it yourself. Neverthless, would you be capable of elucidating its functions and origin to me?“
He speaks in such a high class way that I can barely understand what he’s saying half the time, but I guess he wants me to explain what runes are.
„It’s… a way for people to materialize numen with an effect. If you know how to draw a rune reffering to a word in the ancient tongue, you can use it to make its meaning come true.“
„That is not entirely incorrect. The true nature of runes, however, is slightly different.“
„How so?“
„The ancient tongue you talked about… that is one of the many names the generations before us gave it. My people call it “the language of the world“. It is incomprehensible to the people of today, but indispensable to all who seek to understand the true meaning of numen. You have heard of those who are capable of speaking it, no?“
„Yeah, the ones that destroyed half the continent in the last great war. They’re dangerous. Very.“
„…Correct. Those same people used to be revered as gods in the past. In an attempt to recreate their powers, two ambitious and unbeliveably talented scribes captured the words they spoke into signs drawn with their life energy. After numerous attempts, they were able to create effects similar to those caused by the words they were trying to capture in their paintings. In that moment, runes were born, and even though they only mimic a fraction of the might of the “words“, they can be astoundingly powerful.“
„Really? Why haven’t I heard anything about that before?“
„It is not something the human race could hope to remember… knowledge passed down among my family.“
So humans wouldn’t even be able to remember something like that, yet he talks about it so casually. Just who is this man?
„…Be not afraid. You will understand one day. Nevertheless, that is how they came to be. Have you tried drawing a rune yourself before?“
„No, I’ve only ever used those that are already prepared, like the one on the hearth.“
Emitting a very faint light blue glow, it stood inscribed in one of the bricks composing the fireplace’s foundation. My teacher spared it a quick glance before smilling.
„I see. That is one of the more practical uses of the “words“… well then, let us try to create that same rune together, shall we?“
Oh? Am I going to be a rune scribe?
„Yes, sir!“
Finally, I’ll be able to awaken the great talent of a rune user hidden inside me!
Filled with enthusiasm, I promptly got up from the couch I was sitting on and started swaying back and forth as I tried to keep my excitement in check while waiting for instructions. Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait long.
„Firstly, we must consider what the rune itself is comprised of. The final effect generated by a rune or a number of them is achieved through the proper combination of different sub-runes. If runes are words, then sub-runes are the syllables forming them. Is that clear?“
„Well…maybe?“
„In other words, sub-runes are the lesser parts of a rune that each carry only a fraction of power, yet through their correct formation, the true effect of a rune is produced. To combine such parts without the correct knowledge required to do so, however, may result in grave ramifications.“
„What do you mean?“
In that moment, he started tracing the lines of the inscribed brick with his slender index finger.
„The rune we are talking about, for instance, is made up of two lesser runes…“
Trailing a path along one half of the inscription that resembled half of a square tilted sideways, he continued.
„…This one stands for Ig…“
Then, with a similar motion, he traced the other half that was clearly not connected to its counterpart through any lines.
„…And this one for Nis. On their own, they are merely capable of creating a very small flame, yet when conjoined together with numen, they produce the large fire you are used to seeing warm up this room…“
„But?“
„…but were one of them to be mindlessly fused with a sub-rune completely unfit for complementing their true meaning, such as one from the rune for dust, an unstable or highly dangerous effect would be produced, possibly harming you in the process of its creation.“
„But how can I know which ones should and shouldn’t be used together? They’re just a bunch of lines.“
„That is precisely why you must be aware of the word hidden behind each rune. Not only to be able to use its power efficiently, but to not harm yourself or others due to your ignorance and negligence.“
„That makes sense.“
That makes no sense. I understand what he’s getting at fundamentally, but there’s still a lot of questions in my head. For instance, what if I keep chaining a single sub-rune together, or what if the lines I draw aren’t straight or neat enough? I guess I’ll have to save them for later, though. I don’t want to look too stupid right now.
„You nod in acknowledgment, yet it appears you still do not understand what I am saying fully. In that case, allow me to demonstrate. Pay careful attention to my movements, Jinas.“
Saying that, my teacher grabbed a scrap of paper from the satchel strapped onto his waist and laid it down on the floor. Afterwards, a faint light began emanating from two of his fingertips as he started drawing shapes similar to the ones atop the fireplace onto it with elegant, practiced motions.
The moment he lifted his fingers up from the piece of paper, a roaring flame emerged from above it and soon consumed it without mercy, leaving its majestic beauty to slowly fade away before dying out.
„That was the rune for Ignis, meaning fire in the human tongue. And now…“
Recreating that same scene once again, he started drawing on a new piece of paper which he put a little farther away from me, yet some of the shapes on it were a bit different from the first one. Before I could notice all of the differences between that and the previous showcase, my teacher was already done with his work.
That time, a small uncontrolled explosion burst to life in place of a steady flame, catching me off guard as I yelped in surprise at the sudden sight.
„…that was the aforementioned inappropriate combination. Quite the difference, no?“
„Yeah, hell of a difference.“
„Now it is time for you to try. Attempt to recreate my scribing of Ignis yourself. You only need to redraw the lines I have just shown you by focusing numen into your fingers.“
Alright, it’s time to show my genius.
Yet another piece of paper was now menacingly staring me down as I prepared to draw onto it. A single deep breath was all I needed to affirm my determination before I began.
This should go here…and this should be like this.
Having confirmed that everything was exactly like it should have been, I gently lifted my finger up and waited for the desired effect. Right as I did so, a giant fire unlike any of the ones I had previously seen materialized itself in front of me and started racing up towards my face. I closed my eyes without even realizing it, and then–
[?????]
–I heard a vague sound. As I slowly opened my eyes again while fearing for the worst, the fire that looked as if it would scar me forever was then suddenly nowhere to be seen. At the same time, my teacher was looking over at me with a worried look.
Huh? Did that sound come from him?
„Hm, It would appear that you are ill suited for rune writing as of right now. Your form was correct enough for a beginner, yet your control of numen seems to be lacking. Your absence of knowledge might also have played a part…perhaps I underestimated this.“
Huh? Did I mess up? Where’s my praise for being a natural at this? I thought it would go as easy as always…
„No matter. We will practice this art again soon, but it would be unwise to continue from here. Instead, let me show you a few other applications of runes.“
„R–Right.“
Still shaken from my earlier failure, I agreed without any resistance.
„Despite what some would lead you to believe, runes do not have to be utilized solely for combat. In reality, their true power lies in their limitless potential for utility and easing the difficulty of certain tasks. Say, for instance, that you would require a source of light–“
An orb of light rose above the wooden floor and pleasantly illuminated every corner of the room as the man sitting in front of me ran his hands across the floor, now covered with many sheets of paper.
„–, or perhaps yearned for the lack of it–“
Darkness then swallowed up that very same light, leaving only the candles scattered around still burning.
„–, or it may be the case that the situation necessitates you to wash yourself with no source of water around–“
His hands still not stopping their efortless movements, a ball of water suddenly appeared above my head before dropping down on me, leaving the upper half of my body soaking wet.
„H-Hey, what was that for? Cut it out!“
„–, or you simply wished to warm yourself up with a warm breeze.“
A hot but not uncomfortable current of air coiled itself around my body as he said that, drying both me and my clothes in a matter of seconds. Both of his hands were now performing completely separate motions. The fingertips glowing a tinge of blue drew arcs and shapes across the floor as a number of unbeliveable things materialized out of thin air only to disappear moments later.
Rocks that could move. Butterflies made of sand. Sparks that jumped around. Ice in the shape of a rose. I could only watch on in amazement as an elegant symphony of wonders played out before my eyes.
„Woah…“
Everything then returned to normal as one last rune was drawn, instantly dissolving all the effects of the ones used before it.
„Those are but only the simplest uses of what runes have to offer. A mere combination of different natural elements. Yet the words of people do not limit themselves to only such trivial topics, do they? And the imagination of man does not need to constrain itself onto material things, either.“
The hands that had already produced so much that day began drawing shapes and lines with numen once more. That time, however, they touched nothing but the empty space around them. Creating symbols out of nothing like it was something easy, they formed a couple of complicated looking runes suspended in the air.
„In due time, you will be able to accomplish something akin to what you are bearing witness to; a sentence made with the words of runes, even without the need for a physical medium. This particular one can be used to find or look for other people, like this.“
A sharp glow coming from the runes then permeated both of our faces. That must had been something unplanned for, as my teacher was clearly taken aback.
In that moment, his usually calm and docile expression had been broken for the second time in the span of an hour. He abruptly stood up and looked unnaturally worried.
„Mister Arius?“
„Find your father, Jinas. I must head out.“
„Wait, why? Did you find something out? I thought you promised mom to stay with us today.“
„I am afraid that this will have to be an exception.“
„…“
Not saying anything, I only silently watched the tall white haired man put on his cloak and head for the main door.
„Mister Charles, I apologize. I have to join miss Claire.“
„What’s this now? I thought you…oh. I see.“
My father and him only exchanged a brief glance, but it looked like that was all they needed to get their intentions across to each other.
„Go, I understand.“
„Thank you. And Jinas…“
He then spared me one last look as he kneeled down to meet me at eye level.
„…be not afraid. This will be no different from my regular nightly trips.“
Every night, mister Arius would go out and travel around the city to, as he says, gather information. He had always returned the next morning without any signs of anything to worry about and despite the apparent urgency and severity of the current situation, his words made me believe that he would come back home before I even woke up.
„What’s up with the both of you, suddenly running off somewhere…“
He had always kept his promises in the past and never told me anything that he couldn’t support with his own abilities.
That’s why, I chose to believe him.
„…Alright, stay safe.“
That sentence echoed around the room as yet another person left the house for a reason not known to me, closing the door shut behind him. It took me a while to realize that there were only 3 of us at home at that point.
The large dinner mom had prepared then started going cold in the dining room as we all went to sleep in one room upstairs, waiting for both of them to come back.
I had an odd feeling about everything that night and couldn’t sleep, so I was the first one who noticed it when morning came. Even though mom returned the next day, we were still missing one person.
That was the second time in his life that Arius Argenti broke a promise. It would not be until another two weeks had passed that he returned.
– –
End of prologue