Wow, we’ve made it to Chapter 30! 🎉

This milestone is a testament to the journey we’ve embarked on together—thank you for sticking with the story, for your curiosity, and for your support along the way.

Reaching this point is a celebration of not just the tale itself, but of you, the reader, who brings it to life.

Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or joined along the way, I’m incredibly grateful to have you as part of this adventure.

Here’s to many more chapters ahead! Let’s dive in.

Chapter 30 - Requiem

Under the faint glow of the streetlamp, Love stared at the strange man who had just spoken the name she had been searching for with disarming calm.

Beside her, Ayperi floated restlessly, eyeing the individual with a look of suspicion.

The man, with his extravagant hat and an air somewhere between serious and playful, didn’t seem the slightest bit disturbed by the attention they were giving him.

Love was the first to break the silence.

> "Who are you? And how do you know we’re looking for Requiem?"

she asked, her voice trembling with exhaustion and doubt.

The man tilted his head with a curious smile.

> "Who am I? Oh, little lost creature, I was expecting a more original question. But I suppose curiosity is your way of facing the unknown."

Ayperi floated closer to her.

> "Listen, buddy, your rambling isn’t helping. Answer Love’s question or we can leave."

The man laughed, a soft and strange sound, as if everything was amusing to him.

> "An eloquent spirit! It’s not often one meets one like you. You know, your presence here is as intriguing as it is inexplicable. But let’s get back to it."

He took a step forward, his hat bobbing slightly.

> "You’re wondering if I know who Requiem is.

>

> Well, yes, I do.

>

> Because I am Requiem."

Love’s eyes widened.

> "You’re Requiem? Really?"

The man bowed theatrically, his hat grazing the floor.

> "In flesh, bone, and hat. I heard someone was looking for me, and here I am. It’s not often my name is spoken with such insistence. Now tell me, little lost one, what brings you to me?"

Love stared at him, surprised.

> "How do you know that name?"

He smiled.

> "I know everything that happens here. Port Fidelis is my city."

Love hesitated, exchanging a glance with Ayperi, who continued to float suspiciously.

> "Zeydran sent me," she finally said. "He said I had to find you and that you would help me."

Requiem raised an eyebrow, visibly interested.

> "Zeydran, huh? A name that carries debts and stories. Well, if he sent you, I certainly can’t ignore you. I suppose I still owe him a favor or two."

Ayperi intervened, crossing its invisible arms.

> "Why should we trust you? With that act, you seem more like a fool than a benefactor."

Requiem placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be offended.

> "Ah, cruel spirit, your sarcasm wounds me! But I will answer anyway. You can trust me because, as someone very wise once said... 'sometimes, the bizarre is the best ally.' Now, follow me. We certainly can’t talk here, under a streetlamp in the cold."

>

> The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Love stared at him for a moment, uncertain, but then nodded.

> "Alright. If Zeydran trusted you, then I guess I can too."

Requiem smiled, his face hidden in the shadows of his hat.

> "Wise decision, little lost one. And you, spirit, come along. It’s not often I have such interesting company."

He made a wide gesture, inviting them to follow, then turned and began walking with a graceful and relaxed step.

Love and Ayperi exchanged one last look before following behind him, wondering what other mystery they would find along the way.

Requiem moved with a light and elastic stride, though his walk appeared almost casual, as if driven more by play than by a clear goal.

His absurd hat bobbed with each step, and his cloak fluttered behind him.

> "Follow me, little lost one, and... you, curious spirit,"

Requiem said, turning for a moment toward Love and Ayperi with an enigmatic smile.

Love exchanged a quick glance with Ayperi, who floated beside her.

> "What do you think?"

she whispered.

Ayperi tilted its head with a sly smile.

> "I’ve never seen anyone so... out of this world. Maybe we should see where he’s taking us. Looks fun."

> "Fun?" Love sighed, wrapping her arms around herself. "This is no walk in the park, you know."

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Requiem didn’t seem to pay attention to their hesitations.

He led them through the alleys of Port Fidelis, passing by rusted warehouses and now silent markets.

The streetlamps cast long, dancing shadows, and the smell of saltwater in the air mixed with the scent of stale spices.

> "We’re almost there,"

Requiem announced with a melodious tone, as if promising a grand spectacle.

Soon after, he stopped in front of a huge iron gate, rusted and slightly open.

Behind it, they glimpsed an imposing but decaying structure: faded tents, metal arches that once must have been gleaming, and a large arena surrounded by splintered wooden bleachers.

> "Welcome to my kingdom," Requiem declared, dramatically spreading his arms. "Or rather, what remains of it. The Circus of Wonders."

Love took a step forward, scanning the surroundings with wide eyes.

> "It’s... magnificent, in a strange way," she murmured. "But what are you doing here?"

> "A refuge,"

Requiem replied with a hint of melancholy in his voice.

> "Once, it was full of life, lights, and sounds. Now, it’s my little corner of peace."

> "Peace? In a place like this?" Ayperi intervened, spinning its glowing aura around. "This doesn’t look like a peaceful place."

Requiem smiled.

> "Ah, curious spirit, peace is not necessarily silence. Sometimes, it’s simply knowing that no one will ever find you. Now, sit down, I’ll tell you a story..."

They sat on some benches still intact in the arena.

Requiem adjusted his hat and took on a more serious expression.

> "Long ago, on a faraway planet, enveloped by a thick golden mist, I arrived to explore the unknown..."

With sweeping gestures and a voice that captured every nuance, Requiem began telling a story Love already knew.

He spoke of mysterious creatures, the living forest that seemed to breathe, and the sparkling river that shone like liquid gold.

Love listened intently, her eyes widening more and more.

At some point, she couldn’t hold herself back.

> "Wait a second! This story... I’ve already heard it. You’re... you’re Lirion, the traveler!"

she exclaimed, pointing at him.

Requiem stopped, looking at her surprised.

A playful smile appeared on his face.

> "Well, little creature, I didn’t expect anyone to remember that name.

>

> Yes, it’s me.

>

> But tell me, who spoke to you about Lirion?"

> "Caronte," Love replied in a shy voice. "He told me about you."

Requiem burst out laughing, a deep and genuine sound.

> "That old sailor never forgets anything! Well, now you know it’s me.

>

> But I’m not here to tell you old stories, little lost one. I’m here to offer you a way out."

> "A way out?"

Love repeated, confused.

> "Yes," Requiem confirmed, his eyes sparkling with an enigmatic intensity.

> "This planet is not safe for you.

>

> I’ll take you to another world, far from anyone who might chase you."

Love hesitated, looking to Ayperi for advice.

The spirit smiled encouragingly at her, and she finally nodded.

> "If it’s the only way to be safe, I accept,"

she said in an uncertain voice.

Requiem stood up, spreading his arms.

> "Then let’s get ready, little lost one. A journey awaits you that you will never forget."

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Suddenly, the rapid and panting sound of footsteps interrupted the silence in the Circus of Wonders.

A man, quick-footed, breathless and dusty, burst through the main entrance, leaning on his knee to catch his breath.

His face was drawn, marked by the exhaustion of the run, and his expression betrayed an urgency that left little room for doubt.

> "Requiem!" he exclaimed, trying to catch his breath.

> "Urano has arrived... the emissary of the Sky... he’s at Port Fidelis, with his men!"

Requiem turned slowly, maintaining his usual composure, but for a brief moment, a spark of concern flashed in his eyes.

> "Urano, you say?" he asked, his tone strangely calm but as sharp as a blade.

> "He’s causing chaos all over the island," the man continued. "They’re looking for someone... a certain ‘Love’. They’ve closed the port and are searching every ship."

Love, who had been standing aside, stiffened.

She felt her heart race, like a drum beating wildly, and her hands began to shake.

> "They’re looking for me," she whispered, almost voiceless.

Then, louder:

> "They’re looking for me!"

The echo of her words faded into the air as panic took hold of her.

Ayperi floated closer, landing on her shoulder.

> "Little lost one," it said gently, "calm down. You’re safe for now. Don’t let fear take over."

Requiem leaned slightly toward her, his usual carefree expression now serious.

> "Listen to me, Love," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "I won’t let them find you. You’re protected here. This isn’t the first time I’ve dealt with situations like this."

> "But... but it’s them," Love stammered, her eyes glossy. "The emissaries... they won’t let me escape. I have no chance..."

Requiem interrupted her with an enigmatic smile.

> "They have less chance than you think. Urano may seem like a titan, but even giants fall when they slip in the mud. Now sit down and listen: we’ll make sure you don’t fall into their hands."

> "Requiem is right," Ayperi added, spinning its small glowing aura around Love as a sign of comfort.

> "You’re not alone, little lost one. Not this time."

Love sat down on one of the benches, trying to slow her breathing. Requiem stood up, turning toward his man.

> "Keep an eye on Urano’s movements. I want to know everything: who he interrogates, where he moves, which ships he searches. Go."

The man nodded quickly, disappearing again through the gate. Requiem turned back to Love, who was still trying to calm herself.

> "It will be fine," he told her. "Soon you’ll be far away from all of this."

His words, accompanied by a reassuring smile, managed to instill some calm in Love’s anxious heart.

But inside, she knew the danger was close, and time was running out against them.

Thank You for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that the story has sparked your curiosity for what’s to come. If you’d like to stay updated on new chapters and support the journey of this universe, be sure to follow this page. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this story alive.

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Until next time,

Teo