Rory had lived with the Vyncis' for almost a month now. It was an easy, carefree time. He would spend his time reading from the family library—quite an extensive collection, filled with actual records and history. There he learned that the Kingdom of Adringum borders Aklan to the south, the Federation to the east, and the Tellen Union to the west. It is considered a moderate power, though the role of hegemon seems to lie on the Tellen Union for now. Lands beyond there are unknown. There seems to be no Silk Road equivalent.

       He would also converse with Rosa, who had seemingly unending curiosity. He would dispense pieces of knowledge that would remain unknown for thousands of years. To his dismay, however, he noticed that she never questioned anything he said. The future leader of a clan cannot possible be so naive.

       Not all was good, however. Every meal he consumed, every bath he enjoyed, every new piece of clothing, every moment of peace stabbed into his heart. He would always think back to the orphanage, back to the days when he scrambled in the dirt. Without him, would Loria be able to handle the orphanage's economic status?

       And yet, though he truly was a noble now, he would not send them money. He couldn't bear to interact with them anymore; not while living luxuriously as they lived destitute lives of poverty. And perhaps, though he was even more loathe to admit it, he was still afraid. Afraid that they would trace the money back to him, and somehow, someway, his pleasant dream will turn to nightmare. Afraid that he would wake up, back in that room, deep down within the earth. Afraid of that insidious cracking noise, as the hammer fell down, down, down...

       Today, Rory was lazing on his bed when he heard the clacking of horses coming down the road. Soon, knocking followed. The Vyncis seemed to have visitors today. Silently, he crept out of his room and over to the staircase, where he peered down at the first floor. He could see someone come in. He had a stocky build. Gold curls ran down his head, framing a pair of piercing blue eyes. He motioned towards one of the family servants, who quickly scuttled off, coming back with a visibly disturbed Rosa. Her head down, she followed him out. Then, someone else came in. Wait, I know that guy... His heart began racing; it was him, that damned noble who started all of this.

       Unfortunately for Rory, he noticed his gaze and began walking up the stairs towards him. Rory controlled his instincts, that is, to run away as fast as he could, as that would no doubt be shameful as a member of the Vyncis family.

       "It seems we meet again, Rory."

       "I-it seems so."

       "Ah, did I never tell you my name? It's Illan. Illan Tykis. And that was Myell Tydyll. Is there somewhere we may converse?"

       Nodding, Rory led him to his room.

       "Don't be so afraid of me. Did you ever wonder who paid your bail?"

       "It was you?"

       "Of course. Without me, you'd still be down there. Well, I'd wager you'd be dead by now."

       "So you wish for me to repay me debt. Is that it?"

       "No, no. In fact, I am once again here to inform you."

       "Informing me again? Of what? Am I charged with treason this time?"

       "No, don't be so self-centered," he said with a laugh. "It's about Rosa. You did see her appalled little face, did you not?"

       Rory had, but Illan had shocked him into forgetting. "Go on."

       "Myell Tydyll, the principle heir of the Tydyll family. No doubt you've heard of the Vyncis clan's power in the past. Now, it belongs to the Tydyll. They have extremely close ties to the King. Now, as it turns out, Myell fancies your little girl."

       "And Pier is planning on marrying her off to strengthen the family?"

       "No, not at all. He is quite against it, in fact. But with the King's backing, the Vyncis do not have the power to oppose it."

       Rory stayed silent. Illan stood up.

       "Well, Rory, it was good meeting you. If you don't wish to see Rosa whisked off with that brute, I suggest you stop hiding out here and gain some political clout. You should see your female Abex peer. By gods," he said, raising his hand in an overly dramatic fashion, "she could convince rain to fall upwards." Before he had completely left the room, however, he made one last remark. "Rory, I'll give you one last piece of advice. Lorem Kywell. He's a lordling just like you and me, but he has by far the largest spy network. Anything you want know, he knows. A powerful ally and a powerful enemy. That's all."

       Rory just sat there for a while, watching the two carriages drive off into the distance through his window. He stood up, leaning against a wall, still as can be. Thoughts raced in his mind. Out of all the words Illan said, a few hit him particularly hard. "Stop hiding out here..." Had he been hiding? Hiding... Yes, he was hiding. Hiding from Loria, hiding from the nobles, hiding from his responsibilities to humanity. Hiding from the slow, the fast, the never-ending ticking of time, that ever so gradually inched it's way towards humanity's demise.

       Finally, one step at a time, he marched out his door, down the stairs, and into Pier's office, staring his pale foster father down.

       "Rory, is something the matter?"

       "What is the extent of our connections with the guilds?"

       "Quite decent, I'd like to think."

       "Could you get me in contact with the Mathematics Guild, the Engineering Guild, and Alchemist Guild? I have something to tell them."

       "Why, of course? When do you plan on—"

       "Now. I have much to tell and not much time."

       Outside the carriage door, Rory could hear the soft sputtering’s of summer rain intermixed with the clacking of the horses and the creaking of the carriage itself. He leaned his head against his seat, enduring the constant bumps. "I should tell them about springs, next," he grumbled. Soon, the poor driver, completely drenched, announced that they have arrived. Nodding, Rory stepped out and into the rain, tossing a gild to the driver. In front of him was a small apartment complex, located deep within the center of the city. Its residents would seem quite poor indeed if not for the fact that they had rented out the entire building. After a few knocks, Rory escaped from rain's wrath.

       "Good day," he said to the thin woman who welcomed him in, "I have an appointment with Lorem Kywell. Can you take me to him?"

       "Of course, my lord," she responded with a meek bow. He sighed internally; he really was getting use to this, and he hated it. She lead him to the uppermost floor, a small, cozy little room, where a sharp young man with thin, dark hair sat, awaiting him.

       Rory smiled and gave a small nod. "Good day, lord Kywell."

       "Good day, Abex Vyncis," Lorem mirrored.

       Rory took off his wet cloak, hanging it on a spare chair, and sat in front of Lorem. "I am here for business, Kywell."

       "What kind of business, Vyncis?"

       "The kind where papers are shared and knowledge exchanged. But first, a drink." Rory took out a bottle of wine, pouring some in two glasses. He drank first. "Not poisoned, my friend."

       Lorem simply smiled, picking up the glass and taking a drink himself. "Fine vintage, Vyncis. Fine vintage. Now, about business."

       "A customer should always seek a sample. What of me?"

       "Ha," Lorem laughed, "fine. I shall grant you that. You are Rory Abex Vyncis. Originally an orphan living in an orphanage, your origin is unknown. You were adopted into the Vyncis family after completing the Abex tests with a flawless score. Good enough?"

       "All the past, Kywell. All the past. What of the present?"

       "A feisty customer. Very well. You are very well known within the guilds and the intelligentsia. You introduced a new branch of mathematics, created boats fueled by fire, and light fueled by nothing. You have created a systematic procedure to predict chemical reactions. Some call you the genius of the century. You adore the Vyncis' true daughter. Your relationship with your foster parent is good. You have an unhealed leg wound from your days on the street. Enough for your narcissism?"

       "Yes, very good. I am pleased, Kywell."

       "Why, thank you. Just know that future information will cost you. And I know you have the money."

       Rory laughed. "Kywell, I don't think you quite understand. You will give me all the information you know and find the information you don't know. And you will do all of this for free."

       Lorem also laughed, though his smile was twisted. "And why, Rory, would I do that?"

       "Because of this," Rory said, snapping his fingers. The wine glass Lorem was holding was suddenly the host to a burst of light, shattering the glass into several fragments.

       "W-what was that?"

       "The wine. And you drank that wine. It will never leave your system. If at any time I command it, you will die."

       Lorem, shock visible on his eyes, looked down at his stomach. "Vyncis, this... this is despicable." Rory's reputation had its intended effect.

       "Despicable? You say that in public and the only despicable one will be the poor sap who has to clean your remains," Rory said, a sinister smile plastered on his face.

       "I-I lose. Have your way, Vyncis," he replied after a bit, shaking his head.

       "Glad you see my way. I want a bio on Myell Tydyll, and constant updates of his actions. Send them to the Vyncis residents in town." Rory stood up, grabbing his cloak. When he had finally left the building and back into his carriage, he sighed in relief. That was difficult. The actual explosion was caused by the violent reactions of alkali metals, specifically Sodium and the such, with water. A three gram sample was placed in a water-dissolving capsule constructed of sugar, which, eventually, would release the charge. All he had to do was time it properly.

       Just as he was relaxing, however, a knock came on the carriage door. In came a girl, finely dressed with a fashionable hat and soft, curling brown hair.

       "Aria, what are you doing?"

       "Just coming for a chat."

       Rory sighed. "Could you perhaps ask first, like ordinary people?"

       "You'd never answer."

       "Perhaps for a reason."

       "Oh, you don't like me?" she said, pouting cutely.

       "Stop trying."

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       "You're no fun."

       This was Aria Abex Ayell. The alliteration was an accident. She was perhaps the most politically active of all the new Abex's.

       "You're the only one who hasn't joined me, Rory."

       "And why would I join your silly meetings?"

       "You too have felt the injustice of the nobles, have you not?"

       "Maybe I have. Maybe I haven't. In any case, I do not want to involve myself with this mess."

       "It's not a mess. It's a revolution."

       "Which makes it a mess."

       "No, the mess is the peasant who gets executed for touching a noble's foot. The mess is the peasant starving while the nobles feast."

       "Aren't you doing that?"

       "Means to an end, Rory."

       "So you're a hypocrite. Great."

       She got closer. If Rory looked down, he would get a eyeful of cleavage. He resisted, however. "You're a genius, Rory. You've done things no one ever has. With you, we can do it. Come on, Rory. You can make the Vyncis family great again."

       "I'm already making them great again."

       "Why are you so resistant?"

       Rory sighed, looking at his leg. "You don't know what you're getting yourselves into. You're fully of spirit, but law does not run on spirit. It runs on iron, iron and blood." Thank you, Bismarck.

       "I never knew you were such a conservative."

       "You may consider me a conservative, if by conservative you mean one who conserves their life."

       Aria stared at Rory with puppy dog eyes, looking dejected. Finally, she gave up. "Fine, Rory. I give," she said, leaning back.

       "...shall you not leave?"

       "What, I just want a chat."

       "There are plenty others to chat with. You are endowed with admirers."

       "And yet, their admiration is the least of my wants."

       "I admire you greatly."

       "Very funny, Rory."

       For a while, they just sat in silence, listening the bustle of the streets.

       "Where are you headed?"

       "The Carpentry guild."

       "Oh? What magic are bringing you now?"

       "This," he said, holding up a cloth bag.

       "And what does it do?"

"Concrete. Mix it with water and it will later solidify into a waterproof solid."

"So you have created liquid rock?"

       "Essentially." Though I didn't create it. Thank the Romans.

       Aria sighed, staying silent for a while. "Don't you ever think of them?"

       "Them?"

       "The others."

       Rory paused, but quickly regained his composure. "If I were to think about every child who has failed the Abex Test then my mind would no doubt explode."

       Aria smiled. "Smaller scale, then. Surely you had friends?"

       "They have not disappeared. I can always visit. Bring gifts, impress them."

       "And have you?"

       Rory stayed silent this time.

       "Neither have I," Aria said, drawing her legs up and wrapping her arms around herself. "I was always afraid... afraid of rejection."

       "You won't be one of them anymore."

       "Indeed. They'll greet me, they'll take my gifts, they'll admire my clothes, but they won't think I'm human anymore. Just another monster." She paused for a minute. "Does that make me a coward, Rory?"

       "Yes, yes it does. We're all cowards, in the end."

       "So blunt," she commented with a sad smile. "Maybe that's why I like you."

       "Oh? I've heard the number of your potential suitors exceeds twenty."

       "Just more monsters."

       "And I'm not one?"

       She didn't answer. "I'm tired, Rory. Tired of it all. Tired of talking to monsters with masks, tired of being a masked monster. Tired of talking in circles, tired of trusting noone."

       "Being an Aristocrat isn't all fun and games after all."

       "No, no it's not. But I didn't join to have fun. I joined to change the world."

       "Such lofty goals."

       "And I don't plan on stopping. But sometimes, I just want to curl up and talk to someone, no masks, no lies, no filters. Just words and emotions, like I use to."

       "And that person is me?"

       "I suppose so," she said, looking down at herself. "What I mess I am. I apologize, Rory." She stood up, preparing to leave. Before she leapt out the door, she gave one last look back. "Farewell, Rory. We shall meet again. Oh yes, you will go to my party, will you not?"

       Rory sat in the carriage, alone now, listening to the rain outside. He touched his face. "Masks and monsters, huh?"

       "Dressing up, huh? A rare sight indeed. Cute dress, though."

       "What are you doing?" an indignant Rosa complained.

       "Just strolling around. Your door is open, to be fair."

       "Oh. Sorry, I am yet unused to living with someone other than my father."

       "Apology accepted."

       "Thank you. Could you, perhaps, leave?"

       Rory turned around. "Good enough?"

       "No, not... fine, I don't care anymore."

       "So, what begets such a special occasion?"

       Rosa sighed. "I have a social engagement."

       "Oh, with whom?"

       "No one in particular. It's a ball."

       "Myell Tydyll."

       "How do you know?" she said, slightly shocked.

       "I have my sources."

       "Oh?"

       "You don't like him, do you?"

       "I-It's not that..."

       "Your face does not lie, unlike the rest of us."

       She looked down. "So be it. I don't."

       "Do you truly not?"

       "Truly."

       "Alright, good enough," he said, closing the door. "By the way, I had this lock specially sent from the Engineer's guild."

       "Lock? Wait, no!" she said, racing to the door. True to his words, the handle would not budge. "Rory, damn it!"

       Rosa dealt with, Rory hobbled down to the first floor, awaiting his guest. Soon enough, he could hear the door open and the servants panic.

       "Good day, my lord Tydyll."

       "Good day, Abex Vyncis. Where is Rosa?"

       "Not here, unfortunately."

       Myell looked around. "Really now?"

       "Really."

       Myell walked closer to Rory, his large frame casting a shadow that engulfed the entirety of Rory's body. "I believe you should begin telling the truth."

       "Your family does a great deal of trading with both the Engineering guild and the Alchemist's guild."

       "And you have influence, huh? Don't get over yourself, Abex."

       "Just a reminder, that is all."

       Myell unlinked his sword's sheath from his belt. Rory began to finger the area next to Chronos; he hadn't used it almost a year, but...

       "You politicians can dance your game, leave me out of it. Money is power, influence is power. But real power comes in force. All the money, all the friends in the world can't save you when an army is against your throat."

       "Force? I have force as well." His fingers crept closer to Chronos' button.

       "Enough force to give you that leg?" Myell sneered.

       Rory froze; had he forgotten? Lay low and fight indirectly. He stared at his leg: this was what happened with Chronos last time. Would it happen again? And what was he gaining from this? Saving Rosa a few unwanted trips? From what he had learned of Adringum courting culture, he could only actually marry her when he had her father's permission, and Pier won't be giving him that any time soon.

       "Damn invalid thinks he can command me."

       Rory could see the sheathe raise itself higher and higher, just like before. Only, when his mind ordered his body to activate Chronos, nothing happened. His finger refused to move. He could only watch it descend, until finally, it struck his face. He toppled onto the ground, his balance already poor to begin with.

       "Where is she?"

       "Right here," Rosa said from atop the stairs, looking as dignified as she could.

       "How did you—" Rory groaned, but was silenced by another strike.

       She began walking down. "If you would please, give us some time. I shall be with you immediately."

       "As you wish, my lady," Myell said, giving a slight bow and walking out.  

       Rosa sighed, kneeling next to Rory. "What are you doing?"

       He laughed sheepishly. "I... I'm not sure anymore."

       "You're a fool, you know that?"

       He touched his cheek. "Indeed. How did you escape?"

       "Doorknobs unlock from inside. I'm not that stupid, though you may be."

       "Sorry."

       "You know the situation, no?"

       "Yes. The Tydyll family has strong ties with the king. We don't."

       "If I can get close to Myell—"

       "But if you get married—"

       "No one ever said anything about marriage. I can... I can just string him along for a bit. Keep the family safe. We can't get married until father agrees."

       "I suppose," Rory said, sighing.

       Rosa smiled. "When I asked you to invent new technologies, I didn't really expect you to do so."

       "I do not lie."

       "Yet you lie on the ground right now." She stood up, gathering her skirts. "Don't worry about me, Rory. I can manage for now," she said, turning to walk away.

       Rory just laid there on the ground for a bit, before he heard footsteps behind him.

       "Rory, I had not told you the whole truth."

       "Pier."

       "The Vyncis suffer, not from fertility, but from resolve. It is something that you do not have, and I do not have," he said, sighing.

       Rory stayed silent.

       "My son beaten and my daughter stolen from underneath my very own roof. I am pathetic." He paced forward. "Out of all the Vyncis, only Rosa seems to have resolve. The gods are not kind with us. I do not blame you. I cannot; I am far weaker."

       Rory stood up.

       "Pathetic," Pier repeated. "Pathetic."