-Chapter Seven-

Through the Forest

It was a dawning realisation on the prestige Academy of the Farrien Kingdom, the Sky Academy of Magic when word spread that they lost not only one but both of the Kingdom’s valiant successors.

A few days following the night the Kanarian Prince disappeared into thin air, oddly enough the Aerianne Princess did the exact same.

There was so little information about the disappearances that the most wild unimaginable speculations were being discussed around the campus grounds.

Assassination? Foul play?

Just what was going on, behind the veil?

Truly, so little was known.

—-----------------------

Aria quietly giggled to herself as she disappeared through the grand gates of the Academy, her awakened golden eyes guiding her.

Her parents will be furious, but she could not care one bit.

Her whole being was dedicated to something right now.

She’s abandoning the Academy, what was meant to be the foundation for her future, but she was happy. It was a future only her parents wanted for her and she only agreed because of compromise.

The future that she desired was whisked away from her, and now she is going to grasp it with her own two hands.

Most of all, they would be furious to find out- if they ever find out- that she “wasted” her blessing on such a “terrible” choice.

The God-eyes have one final, unique skill that she’s now used up.

The possessor can, only once in their entire lifetime, use the blessing on one person of their choosing.

The eyes will steal a snippet of their soul for the possessor to see. They will penetrate the very fabric of existence, allowing the possessor to see their target’s locations, parts of their near future and even some of their thoughts from anywhere in the world.

No matter how her parents would criticise her, she firmly knows she made the best decision.

To take the chance the last time she saw Aelius before he disappeared to activate her blessing on him was no doubt something she can say she will be proud of.

There was no going back now.

Like she was in a trance, Aria followed the back of the glowing, golden silhouette before her descending the stairs. Just laying her eyes on the sight filled her with an uncontrollable, strange emotion.

Was it love? She could not tell.

It wasn’t long of being trapped in that trance until she woke herself and looked to the centre of the city with a frown.

An odd ball of yellow lay near the central palace. From it she could feel a sense of familiarity, but she knew it was not Aelius.

A small strand of yellow ran from the ball and off to the horizon, beyond what Aria’s eyes could see.

She knew the thread and wherever it led though would be Aelius.

How mysterious.

Was what she is seeing what they call a ‘bond’?

Aria came to a stop, taking a deep breath in.

She has to consider very hard what her next move should be. One misstep and Aelius’ fuse will blow.

She’s already experienced it first hand. But knowledge of his future will guide him. She will offer him something he cannot refuse.

—-----------------------

The last thing Lia remembered was losing consciousness to the intense pain of her poison acting up again.

It was definitely because she tried to use her sealed power.

For the first time, she felt it in all of its entirety, even if it was only a moment. And as a result, the poison in her core reacted more strongly than it ever has in the past.

This time she thought she was going to die for certain, yet as she gradually awoke and her disorientation faded, she felt a warm back carrying her instead of horrific pain.

It was just like when she was young and her father would carry her whenever she fell asleep.

As her vision came into focus, she blinked in surprise to see a much smaller build, brown hair and the scent of a man.

W-wha-!? Her face quickly heated up as her eyes jumped to the side to see her two uncles and Leo walking alongside them.

“Hmm? Oh,” Aelius felt movement behind him and looked over his shoulder to notice the girl had awoken. A small smile turned up at the corner of his lips as he stopped, leant over and gently rested her up against a tree trunk before kneeling down beside her with his hand outstretched.

“My name is Aelius. May I have the pleasure of knowing yours?” he asked with nothing but kindness in his tone.

She gazed at him apprehensively, feeling her face start to flush.

“It’s Lia,” the black-haired girl shyly answered as she reached up and took his hand. “Mm… thank you for saving us,” she continued to speak quietly before turning away and running to her uncles.

Aelius watched as she turned her back on him and joined her family, smiling to himself before turning his eyes back onto their path.

“Lia! You’re awake,” the spearmaster exclaimed, taking her hands into his. “I-I… does anywhere still hurt? Is your body okay?” he asked.

Lia gave him a small smile and nodded, before turning to Leo, kneeling down and taking the young child into a deep embrace.

“Oh Leo… I’m sorry, you must’ve been scared,” she said with a tear in her eye, but gave him an unwavering smile.

Aelius watched with keen interest as even in the receipt of such strong emotion, the child’s face barely changed. He was almost entirely unresponsive, save for meeting his sister’s eyes intently.

How interesting. Even in that state, he was able to pick up a weapon he only saw once and use it. These two siblings… Aelius inhaled deeply and turned his gaze to the moon overhead. They remind me of someone. I wonder how those twins are doing right now… if I recall the memories from my past life, I don’t think I have the time to dawdle here.

“Spearuncle, Sworduncle, you’re both injured,” Lia said with concern when she noticed their untreated wounds. “We have to find somewhere to rest and have you treated!”

“I’m afraid we don’t have the time for that, Lia. Do you recall that your poison activated again earlier?” the spearmaster asked.

“Mmm… yes I do,” Lia admitted with pursed lips.

“We’re on our way to have it cured!” her uncle answered with glee in his voice. “Let’s not delay and-”

“No!” Lia yelled back. “At least have your wounds treated. You don’t need to push yourselves like this just for me! Grandmother’s already… ah, grandma! Where is she?” Lia asked with tears in her eyes.

“She’s been buried, with the help of Young Master Aelius,” the swordmaster grunted, crossing his arms sternly. “More importantly, Lia. What you did earlier was foolish! You should’ve taken your brother to run immediately, but instead you even tried to offer yourself up to those heinous beasts. Never do anything of the sort again. I’m… so disappointed,” he said through his teeth and turned away. “Now, hurry onward, child. We do not have the time to rest,” the swordmaster took Leo’s hand and sternly continued to lead the boy down the path.

“Uncle…” Lia bit her lip, her eyes wavering at his harsh words.

I obviously knew what they would’ve done to me. I made my decision regardless, fully aware of the consequences… her gaze dropped to the ground dejectedly.

“Now, now, I know you’re worried for us, but we don’t have the time to rest. More pursuers could be on the way. Sword and I will rest for an eon when we get to our destination, how about that?” The spearmaster wryly chuckled and ruffled her hair before continuing after the other two, leaving Lia standing behind watching their backs.

Aelius took a deep breath and, with light steps, came up behind her.

“He’s just concerned for you,” Aelius assured her. “Are you able to walk, or should I continue carrying you?” he asked.

“Ah, I think I can walk. Thank you…” she softly spoke and began to follow along.

Aelius continued alongside her, occasionally stealing a glance.

“Even I felt anger when I saw what was going on, and we were strangers. Imagine how your family would have felt in such a moment,” he softly said offhandedly.

“I know but…! I was just trying to save them!” Lia reached up and wiped her eyes.

“Of course,” Aelius gave her a firm headpat. “It took courage to make such a noble sacrifice. But we can’t have you sacrificing yourself, Lia. It would ruin the work your family has put in for years.”

“I don’t care. As long as Leo lives on, it’s more than enough for me,” Lia answered.

“Mmm. Well, now that I’m here, you won’t ever have to make such a difficult choice again. I’ll protect both you and Leo, so you can trust in me,” he smiled at her warmly.

Lia blinked, taken aback at his words.

“Why? Just why? Who even are you? Everyone I’ve met ignored me and my family…” Lia clenched her hands as her gaze dropped. “Even when I begged desperately, they never helped. But you’re going so far to help us before I’ve even had the chance to ask. Just why?” she asked and Aelius sighed.

“You’ve developed a quite accurate understanding of the people of this world,” he remarked as he looked up to the sky. “Well, because let’s just say our meeting was fate,” he turned and gave her a beaming smile. “Since our paths crossed, let’s walk it together. That’s all there is to it. As for who I am, you’ll find out eventually, I guess.”

—-----------------------

They made good distance toward Dawnbreak when the swordmaster slowed his pace to join Aelius, the rough and ragged man wheezing with every breath and step he took.

“We’re entering Dawnbreak, correct?” the man asked Aelius after he caught his breath.

“Yes, that’s right we are,” the young boy answered while Lia curiously watched them converse.

“If we’re being pursued by the Forbidden Order, would that not put the city in danger?” the swordmaster asked.

Aelius gave a deep sigh at the concerning question.

“You know of them?” the young boy firstly asked.

“I operated in the vigilance department of Black Ghost, so fortunately I came across various details,” the older man answered.

“Well, I doubt they’ll be brazen enough to act in the open. I just hope they don’t have more High-tier mages at their disposal like the two Seventh tiers from earlier. The city may be in danger, but I’m sure you understand that this girl’s existence is worth far more. When it comes to a time where we have no choice but to pick one out of the two, our hand will be forced and I know which one I’m choosing.”

“That city is of far more value to its residents than my niece is to them. They would make a very different choice if it was in their power. I think it’s unfair to drag them into this mess.”

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“Oh, swordmaster,” Aelius sighed. “I’m sorry but I can’t accept your thinking,” he shrugged and gave the man a helpless look. “Such vain ideology has no place in this world.”

The swordmaster raised an eyebrow.

“Vain ideology? I merely spoke my virtue. What warrants you to criticise it so?” the man asked with subtle offence.

“Ugh,” Aelius groaned. “Listen, I am taking Lia under my wing, and as such you are now also under my wing, so-”

“So you want us to listen to your orders without questioning you?” The swordmaster asked curtly.

“No, Mr virtue. Since you’re all about virtue, you must know patience is one? So why not let me finish? I don’t give you orders. An order is something you cannot resist. For all I care, you’re free to fuck off right now. You won’t be taking Lia with you though,” Aelius spoke darkly. “I was originally going to say,” he continued before he could be interrupted again, “since you’re under my wing now, you can’t walk around with such an ideology anymore. It’s going to lead to your demise. Surely you should know better than me that this world is filled with evil men and the only way to resist such evil is strength. Better yet, this world is a place where survival is decided by the strongest. Better yet, what is considered righteous and villainous bends depending on who is strong and who is weak.” Aelius gave the uncle a dead stare. “Weakness is the greatest sin, after all. Don’t you know?”

“So what? You mean to say, I should not care about them because I am stronger than them?” the uncle growled lowly.

“No. Sort of? Maybe. I mean to say, if the city is too weak to resist the Forbidden Order, then to succumb to the Forbidden Order is its fate. And even if the Forbidden Order does not destroy the city because of our drastic measures that will result in our foolish sacrifice, then something else will come along and destroy the city anyways. Earlier, you condemned Lia for her foolish sacrifice, so why are you trying to do the same now? You can consider it a karmic force. Fate, if you want. When I say weakness is a sin, I don’t mean you are right because you are strong. I mean the city is doomed either way,” Aelius spoke lowly. “You’re free to question me but my patience does have a limit. I hate to say, but I’m not a man of virtue. It’s how I’ve survived this long.” Aelius eyed the frustrated expression on the man’s face.

“Surely there must be some compromise?” the man asked.

“Now that’s a bit of a better direction to think in,” Aelius gave a small smile and a gentle pat on the man’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’m grateful you’re showing concern to my city, but you don’t need to concern yourself with the fate of it. Because the Forbidden Order can no longer track us. The distinct feature of a Prophet is that they must mark their target, and out of this group, only one person was marked. You can guess who it was, I bet,” Aelius explained.

“…My aunt,” the swordmaster answered straightly.

“Correct, ‘cause she was the strongest. In their minds, there would be no point marking anyone else. If she dies, so should have the rest of you…” Aelius’ words faded away into a frown.

But why the hell would they kill the Heavenly Heir? Her existence is of great value. Only if she is a hindrance to them in some way would they want to remove her… Aelius clenched his fists. What could their aim be? What are they planning?

Aelius’ thoughts were interrupted while the man gave a sigh.

“Ah, I see, so it’s not of any matter in the end. Still…” the man looked to Aelius with curious eyes for a moment. “What did a young teenager like you go through to develop such a pessimistic understanding of life and the world?”

“Ah…” Aelius sighed. “Well,” he smiled softly up at the night sky overhead. “The end of the world, I guess.”

“The end of the world?” the uncle asked in wonder.

“It’s not important for now. I have something I want to ask as well. The boy, Leo. What’s up with him? Is it some sort of illness?” Aelius asked.

“Ah… Leo. Well, we don’t know for sure but we believe it’s some form of psychological trauma. He witnessed his parents’ death at a young age, after all. Now, he’s in this odd state where nothing seems to faze him.” Aelius narrowed his eyes at the child, watching him from the back with curiosity.

That sounds very similar to a rare constitution I came across in my past life. It’s a condition very similar to Alter. No doubt, it’s the source of the child’s combat prowess if that’s the case. But for it to be organically induced after birth? How interesting…

“One other thing concerns me,” the swordmaster spoke up with subtle nervousness, scratching the back of his head as he averted his eyes away.

“How are we going to enter Dawnbreak? We intended to teleport in. I heard they have guards at the City Wall.”

“Oh… no need to worry,” Aelius waved his hand with a chuckle. “I’ll get us in one way or another. The most important thing is for you to not hesitate. If I say run, then run at full speed, the faster the better. Of course, that’s only if it comes to it,” Aelius smiled confidently to the man.

“I don’t feel very assured by that…” the uncle grumbled.

They walked in silence for a while longer before the uncle cleared his throat again and spoke.

“I saw your techniques earlier, and the odd weapons. I know it might be rude of me but, just what in the world are you? The average fifteen year old is still wetting their bed and crying in their parents arms in this day-and-age. I never would’ve expected to meet a hardened warrior so young. And you’re only at the Second ring. How in the world did you fend off two Seventh Tiers and heal your wounds?”

“Hmm…” Aelius pondered his response to the questions.

“Of course, you’re free to remain silent. I’m simply asking out of curiosity.”

“I can answer your question, but whether you can understand or not will be up to you, I guess. And you might find it a bit discouraging too,” Aelius shrugged, looking to the man who gave him a small nod.

“I will try.”

“Well, simply put, the world you know is not the real world. There are far more, horrific nightmares out there. The Tenth ring which no human has ever attained, for example. Sounds legendary, right? Mythical. But it’s not the pinnacle of existence. No, it’s far below it. Our race doesn’t even touch the heels of what’s possible in this world. Everything you think you know is nothing but a mirage, and someday a reckoning will catch up to you. Of course, Lia will no doubt be at the centre of all of these things,” Aelius explained. “What would happen if you met a creature that was above the Tenth Ring, that had no concept of mercy or compassion? What if there were hundreds of these creatures, and they were let out into the world? Could any of us resist them?”

The man beside him wore a deep frown at his words.

“I don’t know what reckoning or horrors you have witnessed, but how can you be so sure our Lia will be at the centre of such things?” the uncle raised his eyebrow.

“Well,” Aelius gave the man a grin. “Because she’ll be with me, of course.”

—-----------------------

Slowly but surely, the small convoy of five crossed the Great Southern Forest, and soon by the time the sun was rising, they came in view of the city walls and drew closer.

Just as they reached the treeline, before stepping into the open, Aelius called them all to stop for a moment.

The other four turned to him and blinked, wondering what he had to say.

“Is there a spare cloak I can borrow?” Aelius asked. “I can’t let my face be seen.” The swordmaster sighed and took off his outerwear before handing it to the young boy.

“Why, are you a fugitive on the run as well?” he asked as he handed it over, and Aelius chuckled as he put it on.

“Heh, yeah you could say that. Pursued by the City Lord himself, in fact.” The young boy pulled the cloak over his head, hiding away his face and hair before he stepped past them.

“Make sure to remain behind me at all times until we’re in the city,” he spoke over his shoulder and brazenly stepped forward.

“Wait… how are we going to get in if you’re a fugitive…” the spearmaster frowned.

At the gates a small queue had formed with people attempting to enter, the likes of farmers or traders.

Without paying any attention to them, Aelius stepped past and closed in on the large gate. A few watched him step past, and the man at the front gave him a frown before turning to the guard who was checking him.

“Is that allowed?” he asked and the guard shook his head, turning to his comrades and gesturing at them.

A few uniformed knights quickly jumped in front of Aelius’ path with outstretched hands.

“Halt! The rules state all people entering the city shall do so in order! Return to the back of the line in this instant!” the knight’s voice boomed, a young man in his mid-twenties.

“Captain Calipeo,” Aelius began to say and the knight frowned.

“What of him?”

“He should be in the office,” Aelius eyed the window close by. “Go tell him…” Aelius leaned close in. “Pass on to him that I want to speak with him, and my father not to blame him.”

“The captain is not someone who heeds the beckon of any odd person!” the knight shouted back and Aelius noticed the young man gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.

Behind Aelius, his group of companions were starting to look nervous, wondering what stunt he was trying to pull.

“Ahh… a knight’s pride. How about a deal?” Aelius smugly smiled. “Pass my message on to the captain. If he ignores, you can draw your blade on me. But if he lets me pass, let’s just pretend we never met today, how about that?” Aelius asked.

“No, you will not have your way. I refuse to waste the captain’s time,” the knight staunchly answered and Aelius’ calm smile dropped away.

If his old comrades were here, they’d be holding him back at this moment, for they knew better than anyone as soon as Aelius’ forced smile fades, havoc ensues.

“Where in the knight’s book does it say you cannot pass along messages to your captain from a civilian?” Aelius pressed, taking a menacing step forward. “I already said you can do as you like if I’m proven to be in the wrong, so why not just go along with it? Do you have to be needlessly stubborn? It’ll cost you your life someday, you know,” Aelius gave a smile again, but it was a different one this time. Not forced in politeness, but one that bore all his fangs.

“Tch, very well. You’ve angered me. I’ll take it that you’ll uphold your end of the deal when my captain tells you to begone,” the knight turned away with a glare and disappeared through the office door.

“Is this going to work?” Lia quietly asked.

“It is,” Aelius simply answered with tranquillity when the knight returned, wearing an expression of fury on his face, before stepping aside to reveal the captain quickly rushing out the office.

“Young Lord! You’ve returned!” The captain exclaimed as came to a stop before him.

“We meet again, captain,” Aelius nodded with a small smile. “But I’d love a bit of… discretion,” the young boy gestured to all the prying eyes around them.

“Ah forgive me. It truly is you. I shall notify the Lord straight away-”

“Tsk tsk, no no no. What did I just say? A bit of discretion, you didn’t hear?”

“Ah. But the Lord’s orders…” Captain Calipeo’s voice dejectedly dropped away.

“Let’s have a talk, shall we? Got a bit of time?” Aelius gestured to his companions to follow and stepped past the captain, leading the way into the office.

After they entered, Calipeo took a spot beside his desk, standing at attention in the presence of the Young Lord as he took a quick seat.

“You wish to enter the city, Young Lord?” the captain asked while the teenager opposite him crossed his legs and leaned backward in a relaxed manner.

“Mmhmm, I need a small favour from you,” Aelius narrowed his eyes. “Just don’t fuck it up, okay? This is all for the greater good. If you alert my father about all of this, who knows what havoc might ensue.”

“I will aid the Young Lord however I can,” the man answered with a nod, fully grasping the younger boy’s meaning.

“Good. I know what my father’s orders are, but I really just don’t need him knowing about the fact that I’m here,” Aelius explained and Calipeo gave him an unsure look.

“I understand what it is you want, but… why are you going through all these lengths to rebel against him, if I may ask?” Calipeo.

Aelius raised a brow.

“I’m not rebelling, captain. It’s the opposite, actually. I can’t really share the details with you, sorry,” Aelius shrugged. “But if you trust in Kael Kanaria, then trust in me as well. I just don’t want everyone in the Archduchy to be involved or burdened.”

At his words, the captain frowned before he finally nodded.

“He desires nothing more than to simply speak to you right now though, Young Lord.”

“Well, I don’t want to speak to him,” Aelius raised his shoulders in a casual shrug. “So that’s all there is to it. Now onto my favour, it’s nothing difficult, okay? I need to get to the Capital.” Aelius rose to his feet and stepped up to the captain, putting a hand on the bulky man’s shoulder.

“So if you escort us without anyone finding out our identities, no one will know my whereabouts.” At Aelius’ words, the captain was hesitantly looking downward and Aelius felt a tinge of frustration.

“Captain Calipeo,” his voice fell low and the captain looked up, meeting Aelius’ eyes. “It’s not about me and my family. No one can know about my whereabouts. I purposefully left my last sighted position in the Great Southern Forest. I need to sneak back up North. Do you understand? There are things at stake here.”

Finally, the captain seemed to understand the gravity of the Young Lord was hinting at.

“I hope that someday, you can open up your troubles to the rest of your family, Young Lord. As the Heir to the Archduchy, all me and my men under me exist to serve you,” he firmly spoke and Aelius gave him a small smile.

“Good. I definitely will in the future. Now’s just not the time.”

—-----------------------

“Young Master Aelius, it turns out your the City Lord’s son?” Aelius heard the spearmaster ask him from behind as Calipeo personally guided them through the city.

“Yes,” Aelius answered.

“Why is he pursuing you?” the uncle questioned further.

“Well, to put it simply, I ran away from home,” Aelius gave a chuckle.

“Well… that makes sense. In a peaceful city like this, it’s not the suitable environment to nurture someone of your capability,” the swordmaster reasoned.

Aelius noticed Calipeo nervously eyeing up his companions as he led them.

“What did this gentleman mean by that, Young Lord?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Calipeo,” Aelius put a hand on the captain’s shoulder again. “I know you’ll do anything for the South, and for my father. You’re a good man to have around, and I’m happy you’re here.” He gave him a pat. “I need you to tell my father something.”

Calipeo’s eyes lit up and he straightened his back to attention, putting a hand on his chest.

“Whatever the message is, I will deliver it with my life on the line,” he firmly vowed and Aelius returned a grim nod before leaning in.

“Pass this on. I don’t care if my father never believes in me ever again, as long as he believes me just this once.” Aelius’ voice dropped to a whisper. “A world war has already started beneath our noses. Even the King of Farrien is in on it. The South is in danger.”

All the colour drained from Calipeo’s face at the words and he fell silent, processing the words, as they made their way gradually to the warp gate.

They continued walking for some time when Aelius felt a tug on his sleeve and turned his head to see Lia shyly latching on to him.

“Hmm?” he raised an eyebrow before looking around them. On the street, many were looking their way at the dirty, rag-tag group of injured mismatches.

“Oh, don’t worry,” Aelius put his arm around her shoulder and gave her another head pat. “Just focus on making distance.”

She quietly nodded, her gaze remaining on the ground with her cheeks slightly flushed.

Slowly but surely, they drew closer to the centre of the city.