Prologue (3/4)
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The sisters stared at a tower, to be more specific, various delicacies unknown to them were arranged in a tower-like structure. The staff informed them they would be eaten from top to bottom, to make a complete dining experience.
Four plates and silver cutlery were arranged neatly on the table, though the two only took two sets. Though still observing the tower rather intently.
Ellie tried to take a portion of the topmost layer, some kind of semi-transparent green glob, very much akin to pudding, though she would fail on the first attempt due to its sheer bounciness… So she tried again… And again…. And Again…
As much as the big sister wants to help her, she’s having trouble of her own… namely, trying to grab onto the green glob on the opposite end. “Maybe… we can skip to the lower layer?” Ellia said, backing off a bit.
The ‘tower’ is divided into six layers, the second layer seems to be various fried goods, though it is noteworthy that there is not a single sight of oil seeping through them nor do they look baked. The third layer would be a small sampler of salads, arranged in micro-bowls resting on top of a silver plate used to separate each layer. The Fourth layer would be soup, kept perpetually hot by [Heatstone] below, its content seems to be mushroom, spices and seafood. The fifth layer would braise meat of an unknown variant, and the last would be half-raw steak, still cooking slowly.
With a mutual nod, the two decided to work their way from the second layer downwards slowly. The fries were crispy and aromatic, with the perfect balance of flavour. Perhaps if they could be stashed into some sort of sealed bag and mass-produced, every household would undoubtedly have a number of them in their pantry.
Just then, another intrusion to the two’s temporary abode, a cloaked figure, made Ellie shriek, not because they were particularly troublesome to look at, but rather because of their suspicious nature. From top to bottom, not even a hint of skin was shown, concealed under brown-ish robes, face covered with a mask and hands gloved of the same colour. They were not much taller than Ellia, combined with a lack of defined physique, there wasn’t much of an intimidating aura. Had the attendees not been behind them, one would have assumed this person to be a textbook example of a fugitive.
The figure glanced at the two before swiftly occupying the seating to the opposite without words, seeing that everything was in order, the staff made their way to other sections of the train.
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“From the looks of it, the material for the cloak doesn't seem to be of much quality… we have those in our homes too, the details on the mask seemed to have neither religious significance nor is a design from a particular region… Is it safe to think that it’s just a spare or one for practical use…? Could it be a magic item…?”
It was said that if one is sufficiently proficient in utilising magic, one should be able to discern entities or items that are magical. Of course, this could simply be a myth the big sister heard from the local teachers, there was no way to verify the claim after all.
“Pardon my intrusion and my suspicious attire… It is not my intention to leave you scarred.” the figure spoke, surprising the two, while the voice sounded androgynous, it gravitated more towards masculinity. With a snap, a golden medal the size of an orange materialised and floated next to the food tower.
“Serinnian Commons…” Ellia glanced at Ellie who nodded in understanding and whispered back, “It reads ‘Here by identifies: Imperial Institute of War Section 2, Second Artillery Lieutenant, Madoff…’”
“Yes, that is quite correct, you are free to address me as such” the cloaked person responded, the medal faded from existence, their “As per instructor Neuman’s request, I shall guarantee you a smooth experience at the institute by acting as your guide.” The mannerism and tone of his speech indicated the true high stratum of society. Although nobility may have been demolished, the vestiges of its era remained discernible.
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Ten years ago, a certain incident dubbed ‘The Red Winter’ ignited a four-way civil war across the then Serinnian Empire. Once the ashes and dust settled, the monarchy and nobility were no more, autocrats grasped victory over the royalists, unionists, and separatists.
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There was a brief moment of awkward silence, there was much she could say, but in the end Ellia decided to cut through it with an introduction of her own. “Sir Madoff, my name is Ellia and this is my sister Ellie… We are pleased to be your acquaintance…?”
Ellia spied a glance at Ellie, there wasn’t a particularly impressed look on the little sister’s face, though she did not seem to disapprove of the introduction either. Shifting her eyes back towards the subject, she would see him using his right hand to cover what would have been his mouth. Only then did the big sister saw the pair of eyes within the cover of the mask.
“Red… no, crimson eyes…” She noted to herself, conjuring several conspiracies in that instance.
“Ah, pardon me, you do not need to look that stressed nor do you need to talk to me with such a ceremonial tone nor honorifics, please be at ease and act as you would have with your peers.”
“As if I can do that!” she cried internally, a shaky hand reached her thigh, Ellia was shaking, probably noticing the very same thing.
When they were younger, Talia, the self-proclaimed best mother in Priminn indulged the two with an oddly uncomfortable story about a certain girl, falling in love with a ‘blood fiend’. An imaginary construct capable of sucking out blood to consume, enthral or convert its victim.
As the mystery and adventure story gradually turned into a soap romance, their mother told them she would finish the story ‘when they are older’ many years had passed, but the household seemed to completely forgotten about it.
Despite her curiosity, she could not simply ask, “Are you by any chance a blood fiend?” Anyone asked that would surely be offended, to be asked if they are a fictional creature almost equates to asking another human if they were a lizard posing as a leading entrepreneur.
“You seem perplexed still… Could it perchance be because of my attire or the colour of my eyes?”
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“I think I understand now… You are very smart and learned…”
Within an hour, the tower of food would be finished—despite its staggering size, the weight of each item wasn’t too heavy—Whilst the senior lectured them about something called ‘genetics’, and some weird condition called ‘albinism’. Ellia did not prompt the question, but it was Madoff himself who explained the matter.
“Not at all miss, I merely have the opportunity to be taught this knowledge, I’m certain you will excel as well given the chance.”
Ellia nodded in gratitude, “Perhaps the fictional blood fiends are inspired by these people… Ellie seemed completely receptive now…”
“Um… senior, may I ask you something about where we are heading?” Ellie spoke up. “We are… requested to be at the Imperial Institute of War Section 3… Since you are from section 2, could you please tell us more details?”
“Permit me to pose an initial inquiry. Are you acquainted with the Five Institutes?” Observing the negative responses reflected in the shaking of heads, he proceeded, “The Five Institutes is, in actuality, a massive fortress city, within which resides The Imperial Institute of Science, Magic, and War. This latter entity is further subdivided into three distinct sections, each characterized by its unique recruitment strategies, course offerings, and ultimate objectives.”
“Is the end goal not to create a magic caster for the army…?”
Madoff did not answer right away, perhaps formulating an appropriate response. “I could extrapolate the nuance of the reasons; however, it is best that the matter be elucidated during your time learning fundamental magic theory and the initiation rites to not confuse you with an incomplete explanation.”
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“Elucidate… I thought only mother used that word” she noted to herself. Her heart feared the possibility that the being before her was actually Talia in disguise, but her brain denies that outlandish possibility.
“But I can disclose this, the destination station will be of considerable distance from the outer walls, whilst there is an internal railroad system, we students are expressly forbidden from availing ourselves of its services. There would still be time for sightseeing, if you would incline, I offer to show you a few locations.”
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The time was getting late, after several small talks the three agreed to get some rest, Ellia would feel strange sleeping in such a setting, but the train was considerably more comfortable than the carriage.
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Day 166th of 1877, the month of Treldop
It was at daybreak one day later, when they finally arrived at their destination, the landscape long changed from dirt and grass to concrete. The sky was particularly foggy, obscuring the view of even the station itself, with occasional lanterns signifying where the walls would be.
“I don’t recall there being a large water reserve around here…” Ellia softly spoke, being the first to get off the train, helping her sister and the rest get down, from her compartment, only four people, including her, got off at the station.
“Well spotted” Madoff said, eyes on the scenery outside, “Observe the clear grey tint, you might’ve never seen this living in East Tapol, it is called ‘smog’, toxic to inhale for various reasons…”
“’Tis most perplexing!” A boy exclaimed, appearance wise, he sport a short blonde hair with blue eyes, his height, and features seemed average, seemingly aged around Ellie. “My humble self hast never witnessed such a disgrace to our glorious Imperial Republic! How could the esteemed and righteous institute allow this ghastly sight to prolong!”
The senior shook his head lightly, he adjusted his mask as he spoke, “It was deliberate, but if you wish to learn more, I suggest you enrol in ‘Relevant History I’.” He paused, a social cue not lost to the new member of the cast.
“Esteemed senior!” he exclaimed, bowing so deeply that it seemed he might fold in half. His back arched like a drawn bow, a testament of his will, “I am Arieno, a humble servant from the frontier territory of Saint Tia!” His voice echoed with an infectious enthusiasm, each word ringing out like a joyous bell. “It is our highest privilege, our most profound honour, to be summoned to serve the magnificent mainland!”
Aside from wards, the Imperial Republic of Serinn had another designation. Frontier territory refers to land previously not owned by any human nations, nor have humanoid locals. Rumour has it that the true land extent of Serinn includes colonies from a continent far across the ocean, beyond the simple island of Saint Tia.
“... Why is everyone talking so strangely…? Are we the strange one…? No one seems to react to the way we speak, so it’s best I ignore it…” Ellia remarked to herself, her sister gave a light nod of mutual understanding. “My expressions might be too easy to read… I really should work on that”
“I’m Ellie… and this is my sister Ellia.” the little sister gave Arieno a practised curtsy.
The big sister nodded, “When did she learn to do that…” Arieno seemed to be extending a hand, and she was the first to grasp it in a shake, placing her free hand on her chest and slightly bowed, Arieno’s eyes widened briefly but said nothing and did the same.
The younger sister looked around, seeing no one else to ask but Madoff, “Senior… Our mother travelled with us before we headed to the institute, could we wait for her here?”
“Non-cadets may utilise the aforementioned exclusive railways, specifically they are not allowed traversing there on foot like the rest of us.”
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Several minutes had passed when they exited the station, the path was not paved, but the grass beneath was trimmed, or perhaps the specific breed did not allow them to exceed sock heights. One [Song Lantern] was being handled by Ellie, apparently an instrument that makes sound if there are any beings nearby, and it flames, acting like a compass weaver in the direction towards the institute’s entry.
Ellia felt her lungs burn as it absorbed the dust like a sponge in mud water, her nostrils, however, were long gone. She thought the lantern would ease the smog, but it was not such a luxury.
Madoff insisted that they get to the institute as quickly as possible. There were more than four cadets heading to the institutes, of course, but the small groups did not combine into one, and the reason would soon come to light.
“Eeek!” Ellie cried out, the lantern generated a sudden tremor, vibrating her whole body. Its name, seemingly a false advertisement.
“Belligerents!” Arieno exclaimed happily, producing and arming a crossbow. “Rouse thyselves! Our victory is imminent!”
Eyes glowed beyond the veil that was the smog as pairs after pairs prepared to make an appearance of themselves, the low grows, the size, wolves.
“Those are not mere wolves, wait for them to approach. {Atelier}” Madoff said, producing a rapier out of thin air.
Ellia had her shovel, however Ellie’s stick was left inside the carriage, an unfortunate tragedy. While the lantern could be used as a blunt instrument, the risks far outweigh the gains.
The pack hurried forth, and within their fur, a distinct odour of rotting injuries, possibly from within themselves, irrational movements that indicated deterioration of the mind, most certainly rabies.
The first shot fired by Arieno hit its mark, the impact from the crossbow sent shockwaves, obliterating the wolf’s entire head like a crushed grape. Blood and innards scattered as the wolf's body came to a realisation that its head had been removed from existence. The display did not deter the rest from rushing in.
“What the hell was that?!” Ellia thought to herself, but she must focus. She wasn't scared of blood nor corpses, for she had hunted in the past, but to see such an extent of damage done to fellow living things staggered her heart a bit. She noticed the fellow first year reloading whilst ready his off-hand, experience in combat could not be more apparent.
Madoff dodged an incoming charge, countered with a swift stab to the heart. The motion of thrust and pull was fluid, rinse and repeat like a dance, silencing each groan with a single touch of the blade and synchronising well with ranged support. Swordsmanship that the sisters were well acquainted with.
The pair wouldn't be left without duty, one managed to get past Madoff, but Ellia was ready, mouth and fangs met iron, battle between rabies and tetanus.
She gathered her strength culmination experience of being an errand girl had its benefits, being able to contest a wolf’s strength spoke volumes of her own. Ellie threw a rock at it, causing the shovel to dislodge, as the animal turned attention to the little sister, a quick whack on the head rendered it stunned. With a precise, weighted thrust, the shovel sunk deep into the wolf’s neck, remnants of life faded from its eyes.
The big sister’s eyes darted around, all the wolves had been eliminated.
“My allies, do not look so crestfallen!” the first year comforted, “Had yourselves possess suitable weapons-” Arieno stopped abruptly.
“I'm afraid it will be best for us to part ways.” Madoff interrupted, circles of magic formed beneath his feet without incantation, a light show that the pair had never seen before. “The so-called ‘trials’ here increase in difficulty in accordance with the group it faced, and the upcoming are not defeatable without casualty if I am to remain.”
“Wait-” the words did not reach the senior’s ears as teleportation kicked in.
“COULD HE TALK LIKE A NORMAL HUMAN?!” her internal composure couldn't handle it any more, she would love to throw a fit, to rid herself of the welled up emotions, but she was unable to do that, not when more enemies might be incoming.
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Some time passed, the presence of an attacker faded with Madoff's translocation.
“Will esteemed senior be okay…?” Arieno said, glancing towards the [Song Lantern]
Ellia shrugged, “I doubt you need to worry about that.”
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“What kind of place is Saint Tia?” asked the big sister, the three felt like they had traversed quite a considerable distance. Surrounded on all sides by smog, there was no means to ascertain if they were actually going towards their destination, fully trusting the lantern and the senior’s words.
Arieno perked up at the question, as he ceased his step, prompting the two to do the same. “Our lovely island houses various monastic orders! Despite changes in the regime, they upheld honourable imperial traditions of faith subsidiaries! What hast the outside made of our humble abode?”
Saint Tia was an island named after the worst monarch in Serinnian history, Titus il Asdept abbreviated to Tia, ‘Saint’ being a mockery before he was ousted and executed by the Imperial Council of old. It was rumoured that his blood was the first man-made fertiliser on the island.
“No one ever talked about it… But we know the geography from our father’s work.” answered Ellie, her face already pale, seemed even more sickly from the smog. “Hang on tight…” Ellia comforted, unaware whether the encounter would cause permanent damage.
“Where do my most honourable allies hail from?”
“Mm… We’re from East Tapol, ever heard of that… my ally?” considering whether she should follow Arieno’s fluctuating manner of speech, she settled on adopting that word alone.
The boy unfortunately shook his head, his blonde hair swirled around as if he were a living advertisement for hair ointment, “No…” ‘Crestfallen’, was his expression. “But I’m sure it must be the most noble homeland indeed!”
“Sure… Oh, look at that.” in a distance, the semblance of a wall can be seen. Its impossible expanse goes beyond the group’s line of vision, granted the smog clouded its true height. The lantern vibrated once more, its flames still pointed towards what was assumed to be an entrance.
Familiar eyes emerged, specifically merely three pairs. Colour drained from the trio, while numerically inferior to their last encounter, their sizes are not to be mocked in comparison, ‘Great wolves’ may just be a fitting moniker.
A bolt was fired from Arieno, cleaving through the air seamlessly, maintaining its trajectory as if it were a bullet, the shadows of the wolves dodge, entirely undamaged. He was swift to rearm, “Curses! Esteemed senior not present! We may be defeated yet…”
The wolves revealed themselves, sentience without interruption in their sharp gazes, unaffected by mind corroding viral disease. Ellie looked confused but accepted the shovel that her big sister handed over.
The culmination of what her mind could muster flashed through Ellia’s mind, the directive clear, a gambit. “{Atelier}!”
Light lit up in her hands, she felt the cold sensation of a wooden grip in her free hand, with initiation rites performed, she attempted to imitate what Madoff had done earlier. She could not have known what to do to mentally nor if it even was needed, but she hoped, with all her might, to create a weapon capable of defeating the wolves.
The weapon that ended up materialising was not a noble rapier, but rather, yet another shovel, tip silvery, more sturdy-looking than the one now held by the little sister. Ellia’s irritation grown, but the instrument of garden would have to do.
One wolf made its charge, the two circled, be it to observe, wait for opportunity or prevent to escape, the fact remained that their movements had been greatly restricted. Another bolt missed by Arieno, whilst Ellie kept maintaining vision on the circling wolves, Ellia took the role of receiving the pounce…
The wolf could not have been less than 70 kilograms in weight, any of the trio would be finished after a singular tackle, had they all charged at once the victory would be pronounced instantly.
“Thus… could they be controlled? If animals are deliberately being manipulated to ‘test’ us, our lives would not be forfeit even if we lost? No, there is no evidence to believe that either…”
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One, attack evaded,
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Two, rotate your body with a rapid motion,
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Three, failed strike exposes weakness, pounce!
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The wolf’s jaw narrowly glided through Ellia’s hand as she evaded a critical crunch, drops of Ellia’s blood quenched the soil’s sanguine desire. Putting her entire weight behind a single thrust, the steel of the conjured shovel, but the wolf’s reflect did not fail its master, avoiding the incoming-
Arieno's bolt made its mark, tore the wolf's side into nothingness. Despite exposed ribs and spilling organs, the rest of the body maintained a hell-bent desire on attacking.
“There must be a trick to this…” she kept on dodging the wolf’s lunges, the pattern extremely static, confirming her theory at least partially. “Rest for four seconds, leap, dodge, repeat… Was it ordered to do so? Or could it be that someone is actively observing us and adjusting the situation accordingly…?”
The moment came when another bolt missed, the wolf, while learning to be conscious of projectiles, forgot the third actor on the scene. Ellie’s shovel sunk interrupted its fluid motion, enabling Ellia to attempt a deathblow.
“DIE!” from the side of the cheeks came pure steel, sunk deep, twist and twist. There should have been more resistance, but be it rage or certain effect from the conjuring weapon, the motion concluded the fight.
“Argh….” she unconsciously let out groans, before Ellia herself could realise that fact, her heart ached like never before, the shovel in hand dissipated as she fell on her knees, eyesight started to fail her, for the last thing she saw at that moment would be Arieno, her sister and the circling wolves.