Beneath Nova’s smile, Arcturus saw a visage of a man who has long given up. From his demeanor alone, Arcturus could tell he did not want to do anything about this. It angered him. Someone was using his alias to spread misinformation about the lore; lies were like fire; it would spread for miles and hours and when it stopped, the damage it caused could not be taken back.

“Why aren’t you doing anything about this?” Arcturus asked.

“Because it’s pointless. Even if I vouch for the truth, nobody will listen. Humans listen to what is given to them only. Give them another version of something they already know, they will reject it. They only care about protecting what they know and deflect anything they deem incorrect to them.”

Nova’s words were like a stab wound to the heart; he spoke the absolute truth. Humans deny the truth in order to feel safe; they only cared about what benefited them the most. Humans were selfish; all living beings were selfish when it comes to consumption. Arcturus hated that fact, but selfishness was a trait every being had and needed. Without it, survival would be impossible. This world was never kind to the selfless.

“Why do you look so hurt, Arcturus?” Nova seemed worried.

“Because all this time, the people of Terrenter lost faith in Souhait was because of misinformation. If there was some way to reverse this, people’s faith in Souhait and in wishes would return!”

“I would love for that to happen, but it seems impossible.”

“How could you say that after seeing what I’ve gone through in life? For me to meet you, it means that nothing is impossible.”

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Nova’s eyes widened. He quickly lowered his head. Arcturus could tell Nova was very moved by his words and concealed his flustered face in order to not show it.

“Thank you.” Nova uttered.

“Can you lift your face up? I want to ask something.”

Nova complied to his request. Arcturus asked, “Can you tell me more about the fake Loreseers?”Nova sighed. Arcturus could tell he was in for a long story. He did not mind as he liked long ones.

“There are a lot of fake Loreseers. From what I have gathered, I know about nine of them so far–well, there used to be nine. Their purpose is to mislead the people of Terrenter and to make them stop believing in us. Why? I have no idea.” Nova shrugged his shoulders as he ended his sentence.

“You said there used to be nine? What happened to that person?”

“I killed her.” The way Nova had responded so nonchalantly, as if it was a normal occurrence to him gave Arcturus chills. Arcturus knew Nova was no helpless boy, but the thought of talking to someone who had committed a crime shook him to his very core. Humans were stigmatized to adhere to rules and to always believe that people who murdered others were bad.

If Nova had killed someone, that would make him an untrustworthy person. Yet, Arcturus could not find any reason to hate or distance himself from Nova. He knew murder was wrong on a moral scale, but knowing how this realm worked, he knew there was a deeper reasoning behind his actions.

Nova continued, “Arcturus, you may not be aware, but you are acquainted with one of the fake Loreseers.”

His sentence surprised Arcturus. “I am?” He pondered who it could be and a person came to mind. The thought of that person caused his blood to boil. He narrowed his eyes, almost like he was glaring at Nova. “You don’t mean…?”

A book glowed behind Nova. Nova pointed to it without looking behind. “Why don’t you open this book and find out for yourself?”

Arcturus did as Nova inquired.