A heavy silence falls over the room as I utter the words: "the world's most wanted criminal".

Jasper clears his throat, breaking the oppressive quiet. "What exactly do you mean by that, Sahar?"

I straighten, my gaze sweeping the assembly. My voice, calm and assured, resonates through the room. "Four years ago, life nearly vanished across the globe, including your village. An event whose echo must have reached you, given its lengthy duration."

Aleria, about to interject, freezes as I continue, my words weaving a web of intrigue around us.

"Faced with the unthinkable, I had to make a radical decision. This mask I wear has become the symbol of the one the world relentlessly pursues."

Jasper's eyes narrow, his voice laden with suspicion. "Why reveal this to us? What's your intention?"

An enigmatic smile forms beneath my mask. "My intention? Certainly, this revelation might tarnish your image of me. But rest assured, I mean you no harm. After all, aren't you my saviours?"

Aleria's gaze sharpens, her voice strangely composed. "In that case, enlighten us."

Her change in tone surprises me, but I approach her, my presence naturally imposing.

"I disclose this because it's the first thing you'll learn about me when I free you from this forest prison that has held you for 68 long years."

My words resonate, captivating everyone's attention. Aleria and Jasper exchange perplexed glances, while Belyy and Pavel remain in the background, fascinated.

Aleria, her eyes gleaming with curiosity, almost whispers: "Why would you do such a thing?"

Sahara, as if to emphasise my words, gracefully leaves the table to perch atop my head.

"Before answering, I'd like to know the identity of my benefactor," I say, my gaze scanning each face.

Aleria steps forward, her voice tinged with pride and apprehension. "I found you in the woods, severely burnt after the explosion. I tended your wounds, ensured your recovery."

I nod, my eyes locking onto hers. "An ordinary healer would be content with vital care, proud to have saved a life. But in saving me, you've done far more. You've preserved not only my life but that of all those connected to me. Moreover, you've enabled a leader to potentially save millions, even billions of lives in the future."

The assembly remains speechless, hanging on my every word.

I then address everyone, my voice rising with passion. "The world isn't black and white. Outside, you'll hear my name associated with acts I won't deny. Yet, behind this criminal's mask lies a dream: to become a Soulmaster. I may be the most wanted man, but I want you to remember me as one who stands against injustice."

Suddenly, my ruh materialises as a golden aura, enveloping the room in comforting warmth. "You've saved me, and in return, I swear to free you from the dangers lurking in this land and eradicate the evil at its source!"

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The silence that follows is electric. Aleria and Jasper seem to see in me the echo of a dear departed.

Then, breaking the tension, Jasper bursts into booming laughter. "Forgive me," he says between chuckles, "but what a fascinating young man you are!"

His laughter dispels the last traces of mistrust. "You want to help us? Very well, we'll support you as best we can."

He bows slightly, his voice warm. "Dear Sahar, welcome to Rastaïno, land that bears the name of the chief who has watched over this territory for decades now."

Jasper turns to his eldest daughter, his face betraying slight tension. "Ria, darling, it's getting late. Could you escort Pavel to bed?"

Aleria nods, casting a final intrigued glance in my direction before gently taking her little brother's hand. "Come, Pavel. It's time for sleep."

Once the children have left, Jasper refocuses his attention on me, his expression turning grave. "Well, Sahar. It seems we have much to discuss. What exactly do you wish to know?"

I settle comfortably, Sahara still perched atop my head. "Tell me about the situation here. How do you protect yourselves from the ghouls? Who truly governs this village?"

Jasper takes a deep breath, his eyes betraying long-suppressed mistrust. "Our village is surrounded by fences, installed by Rastaino. They're supposed to repel the ghouls, allowing us to live in safety. At least, that's what we're told."

"Rastaino?" I encourage him to continue, noting his unenthusiastic tone.

"Yes, our... self-proclaimed prophet," Jasper explains, his voice tinged with scepticism. "He arrived 50 years ago, claiming to be a powerful seer. His green eyes, unique here, convinced many."

"And in 50 years, he hasn't aged?" I ask, curious.

Jasper shakes his head, frowning. "Not a wrinkle. It's... troubling. He claims to identify those susceptible to becoming ghouls."

"How does he maintain order?" I inquire, sensing the tension in Jasper's voice.

"He has two generals," Jasper responds, lowering his voice. "They handle the 'security' of the territory. Let's say they ensure no one asks too many questions."

I nod, assimilating this information. "Are there other particular events related to protection against the ghouls?"

Jasper hesitates, casting a nervous glance around. "There's... the Verdict of the Brave. Every two years, men are 'chosen' to repel the ghouls. Most never return."

"And what becomes of their families?" I ask softly.

"That's where things become... disturbing," Jasper whispers. "Often, family members, especially women, disappear. Rastaino claims that Achor, our supposed protective deity, takes them away until their family head returns."

I furrow my brow beneath my mask. "Achor?"

Jasper nods, disgust perceptible in his voice. "Yes, a powerful being said to watch over our village. But no one knew of it except Rastaino. I've always had doubts, but your arrival... it confirms my suspicions that something is truly amiss here."

I digest this information, sensing the situation is even darker than I'd imagined. "I see. Thank you for your honesty, Jasper. This information is crucial."

Jasper looks at me, a glimmer of hope mixed with fear in his eyes. "And you, Sahar? What exactly do you plan to do?"

I take a moment before responding, carefully weighing my words. "I'll investigate discreetly, gather more information. My aim is to uncover the truth about Rastaino and find a way to liberate your village, while truly protecting you from the ghouls."

Hardly have I finished speaking when Aleria reappears in the room, her face betraying a new idea.

"I might have a solution to help you move around without arousing suspicion," she says, her eyes shining with determination. "Tomorrow morning, I need to visit my cousin Ilya. He's bedridden, struck by a strange illness."

I listen attentively, intrigued by her proposal.

"Ilya is about your build," she continues. "You could wear his clothes. It would give you a valid reason to be seen in town, if anyone were to spot you."

Jasper nods, approving his daughter's idea. "It's clever, Ria. But Sahar, you must understand the danger. If a stranger like you were discovered here, you could be accused of being a ghoul. And we... we would be severely punished for hiding you."

I perceive the gravity in his voice and understand the risks they're taking to help me.

Aleria looks at me, a mixture of doubt and hope in her eyes. "Do you think you can follow me without being noticed? The journey to Ilya's isn't long, but there are always eyes watching in the village."

A slight smile forms on my lips. "Don't worry about that, Aleria. I have my own methods for going unnoticed. No one will see me if I don't wish it."

She seems sceptical but nods. "Very well. We'll leave early tomorrow morning. Be ready."

Back in the room I've been given, I lie on the bed, Sahara cuddling against me. My thoughts drift to Aleria, this young girl with such intriguing purple eyes.

"She's truly mysterious, this Aleria," I murmur to Sahara. "At times, one reads her like an open book, and the next moment, it's as if she completely changes personality, becoming wary and inscrutable."

I recall her claims about my treatment. "She said she healed me, but the recovery I've experienced far exceeds the norm. For a ruh of healing to achieve such feats, one would need to be at least of master rank."

I sit up, frowning beneath my mask. "Yet, when I deployed my ruh earlier, I clearly felt that both father and daughter can manipulate theirs. But they seem totally unfamiliar with the term. It's... disconcerting."

I shake my head, dismissing a hypothesis. "The idea that she might be a master like me is to be excluded. The difference in SEP between us is glaring. She clearly doesn't exceed the elite rank."

My eyes narrow as I formulate my theory. "There's only one explanation left for her healing method. Her eyes... That unique purple colour intrigued me from the start. She must possess an ocular power that doesn't require ruh. That would explain her extraordinary abilities despite her apparent level."

I absently stroke Sahara, my mind racing. "Tomorrow, as I follow her, I might learn more. I'll need to be particularly attentive to her eyes and any unusual manifes

tation of power."

I close my eyes, mentally preparing for the day ahead. "This village certainly harbours many mysteries, Sahara. And I'm determined to unravel them all."