As I slowly regained consciousness, the first sensation that hit me was excruciating pain coursing through my body. My muscles were cramped, and I couldn't help but scream and wiggle in agony. The release of so much Perucolysis had taken a toll on me. However, my screams were quickly stifled when I noticed Aisha by my side, diligently mending my arm wounds.

She looked up in surprise, her delicate features accentuated by the lantern light and the warmth of the fireplace in the room. Our eyes met, and her presence alone had a calming effect on me. I felt my heart race at the proximity of her touch while she tended to my injuries.

As my senses gradually returned, I took in my surroundings. We were in Aisha's and her grandfather's house, a cozy room illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. The crackling fireplace added to the warmth of the place.

I tried to speak but only managed a hoarse whisper, "Aisha... how did I... get here?"

Before Aisha could answer, her grandfather, Old Man Salman, entered the room with a concerned expression. He explained that Deniz had found me near their house and brought me here when I had fainted. Relief washed over me as I realized the situation. Deniz had ensured my safety. After a while, Deniz too came in

"Ah, you're awake," Deniz said with a relieved smile. "We managed to get you here to Aisha's house."

I felt relieved knowing that Deniz had been with me through it all. Aisha had insisted on helping, and Deniz and Salman had brought me here.

Aisha, continuing her careful ministrations, glanced up and smiled at me. "You had quite a fall out there. We couldn't just leave you injured in the forest."

Old Man Salman, his eyes filled with wisdom, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, young man, it was the right decision to bring you here. Rest assured, you are in safe hands."

I nodded, finally understanding the situation. I knew I owed Deniz and Salman a debt of gratitude for saving me once again.

After some friendly conversation and an explanation of what had transpired since I had lost consciousness, Aisha and Salman excused themselves to allow me some time to recover.

Once we were alone, Deniz leaned in and whispered to me, "By the way, I still have those matchlocks with me. They're safely hidden. We can figure out what to do with them later. Also, i'll be taking your sword for now, don't want them to know about it"

With Deniz confirming that he still had the matchlocks and my sword in his possession, he too left the room,

As the night settled in, I found myself drifting into a slumber, free from the weight of overthinking. For a brief moment, I almost forgot the impending departure that awaited me on the morrow.

The gentle rays of the morning sun filtered through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. As I stirred from my slumber, the sunlight brushed against my face, coaxing me into wakefulness. I stretched and yawned, blinking away the remnants of sleep.

As my senses sharpened, I noticed someone standing by the window, gazing out at the world beyond. It was Cairo, his silhouette outlined by the morning light.

I sat up in bed, rubbing my eyes to clear away the last traces of drowsiness. "Morning, Cairo," I greeted.

He turned his attention away from the window, offering me a nod of acknowledgment. "Morning, Aries," he replied, his voice calm and steady. It was clear that he had something on his mind, something important he wanted to discuss.

Cairo cleared his throat before speaking, "Aries, do you mind telling me what happened last night? Jerich was furious when he found out that you disappeared without a word. We were worried sick."

Still groggy from sleep, I rubbed my temples and tried to gather my thoughts. "I'm sorry, Cairo. It's just...something unexpected came up, and Deniz and I had to deal with it. I should've left a note or something."

Cairo's eyebrows furrowed as he leaned forward

"Unexpected? I, you know better than to go off on your own in the middle of the night, especially when we have important plans for today."

I sighed, my irritation growing, "Look, Cairo, I get it. But trust me, it was a matter of urgency. We found something that could help us, and we didn't have time to wait."

We exchanged heated words for a while, our emotions running high. But eventually, I realized the importance of communication within our group and calmed down.

"Okay, Cairo, you're right," I admitted, "I should've communicated better. I promise it won't happen again. Let's focus on what we have to do today."

After Cairo and I settled our argument I cautiously stood up from the bed, Cairo's concerned gaze remained fixed on me. I stretched my limbs gingerly. Surprisingly, I felt much better than expected. The cramps from my earlier ordeal seemed to have faded, and my energy had recovered.

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Despite this improvement, the memory of using Perucolysis still sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't easily forget the excruciating pain it had inflicted. I touched my eyes gently, feeling a lingering discomfort from the blood that had seeped out.

Cairo's voice broke through my thoughts as he inquired about how I was feeling. "Are you alright now?"

I nodded, albeit a bit tentatively. "I think so. I'm just not sure about using Perucolysis again. That was... intense."

Cairo offered a reassuring smile. "You don't have to rush it. We'll figure things out."

After he said that, I felt this freezing sensation for a bit but ignored it.

Together, we left the room and entered the main area of the house. To our pleasant surprise, Aisha was there, a warm smile gracing her features. She greeted me with a nod of acknowledgment.

She handed me a bowl of steaming soup, "This should help with your recovery. It's a blend of herbs known for soothing wounds and restoring strength."

I accepted the bowl gratefully and looked into her eyes. "Thank you, Aisha. I really appreciate your kindness."

Aisha seemed kinda sad at my words, it felt like she wanted to say something so I asked,

"Is there something to matter?"I asked

She said no but went into the kitchen in an instant like she might be hiding something, I thought to not be pushy and With the bowl in my hands, Cairo and I left the house, ready to continue with our plans for the day.

As Cairo and I walked towards our house, the streets were plastered with wanted posters featuring two suspects, both described as having medium height and build, who were believed to have stormed the storage room. The town seemed to be abuzz with talk of the recent incident, and it made me increasingly anxious.

Changing the subject, Cairo leaned in and spoke in a hushed tone, "You know, Aisha seems to be quite taken with you."

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in skepticism. "Are you sure about that? You know how appearances can be deceiving. Plus, I've never been the most confident guy when it comes to this kind of thing."

Cairo let out a thoughtful sigh. We continued down the winding streets, but my attention was momentarily diverted. Two guards, unmistakably the same ones from yesterday, were seated on a barrel nearby, discussing the physical features of the suspects. My heart skipped a beat, and a chill ran down my spine as I realized they might remember my distinctive red hair.

I tapped Cairo's shoulder, "We need to get back to the house as quickly as possible. The last thing we need is more attention drawn to us." With that, we quickened our pace and soon we reached the orphanage.

As I entered the house, the early morning stillness enveloped the house. Most of the children were still sleeping. I silently knocked on Deniz's door, poking my head in to say a quiet hello before proceeding with my plan for the morning.

We talked a bit about the events of last night, and then I acquired my sword and decided to do my morning routine.

Heading out to the forested area near the orphanage, I arrived at the place where I had practiced for years. The trees bore the scars of my training, marked with cuts and slices from my blade. I started with some mild warm-up exercises, stretching my muscles and loosening my joints.

I moved on to more advanced sword techniques. I practiced my parries, thrusts, and slashes with precision. As I moved through the forms, the weight and balance of the sword became second nature, and I could feel the connection between myself and the weapon deepening.

After an intense session, I was covered in sweat, my muscles ached in that satisfying way that told me I had pushed myself hard. I sat down by the trunk of a tree, catching my breath and wiping the sweat from my brow. I took a sip from a waterskin I had brought with me, relishing the cool refreshment.

It was then that I noticed Jerich approaching. He had a knowing smile on his face as he observed my training. "Impressive as always, Aries," he commented

"Thanks," I replied, a bead of sweat trickling down my temple. "I've been pushing myself hard, As you said progressive sets."

Again I felt the freezing sensation which was strange.

Jerich nodded, "You remind me of my younger days, Aries. Your determination is admirable, and I have no doubt that you'll continue to improve. And..... I also know that you'll do fine once you step into the outside world"

"It's not just about getting stronger, though. I want to be able to protect those I care about my siblings, everyone."

Jerich's smile widened, and he patted my shoulder. "That's a noble goal, Aries. Remember, strength isn't just physical; it's mental and emotional too. You also have to train in those areas too."

Despite his reassuring words, a lingering question gnawed at my mind. Why hadn't Jerich brought up the topic of my disappearance the previous night? I decided to tread carefully.

After my conversation with Jerich, he gave me a friendly nod and motioned for me to head back to the house for breakfast.

Feeling the fatigue from my intense workout, I decided to do a few more sets to push my limits. My muscles burned with each movement, and I could feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead. The sun was climbing higher in the sky, casting a warm, comforting glow over Ringsheer Island.

As I completed my final set, my body was utterly exhausted, and I knew it was time to head back to the house for a well-deserved meal. I wiped the sweat from my brow with the back of my hand and started the short walk back.

In my path,I observed from a distance as a line of guards marched purposefully toward the Ringsheer port. They were laden with cannons, crates, and barrels of gunpowder. The sight left me intrigued and slightly apprehensive, as it was unusual to witness such activity. At that moment another time, the freezing sensation came to me.

"What's up with that."

I decided to maintain a safe distance and avoid drawing any attention to myself. Silently, I retreated through the lush surroundings of the forest.

Upon my return to the orphanage, I noticed Deniz engaged in a hushed conversation with Layla near the entrance. Both wore expressions of concern, and it was evident that something significant had occurred during my absence. Deniz looked up as I approached.

"Aries," he said,

"something came up while you were out. Jerich had to go into town, and he told me to make sure you eat your breakfast."

I furrowed my brow, the events of the morning now layered with mystery and intrigue. Jerich's sudden departure and the secrecy surrounding it added an air of uncertainty to the situation. I nodded at Deniz, acknowledging his message, and made my way to the large wooden table, where the aroma of breakfast still lingered.

After finishing my breakfast, I ventured into the orphanage's garden, where I found Deniz seated on a stone bench, deep in thought. I joined him, and he looked up.

"Deniz," I began, "what's going on? Something seems off today."