Samael and Ajax went to the Watchers Guild as soon as the golden light of dawn loomed at the edge of the horizon.

Samael sat in the far corner of the establishment, patiently waiting for Ajax. His gaze wandered about the building, the silhouettes of the watchers glimmering before his pupils.

It appears that the watchers are highly active, even this early in the morning.

They wore smiles even though they face innumerable dangers every day. Samael can't help but wonder. Why is that?

In the corner of his eyes, a man clad in steel inched closer to him, a brownish piece of paper nestling in his palm.

Setting the paper down, he spoke. "We have work to do."

Samael's brows rose to an arch as he shifted his gaze towards the quest details.

[Notice: Sudden disappearance at Irvel village]

Location: Irvel village

Details: There have been reports of village cattle going missing for weeks now. Recently, a new report came in stating the sudden disappearances of three individuals. A farmer, a kid, and a watcher who came to investigate.

-Quest requirements-

Must have a party of at least two people.

The party leader must be a person in the rank of Emerald or above.

Bring back any evidence or remnants of the missing individuals.

Uncover the reason behind these disappearances.

***

"Tell me, what do you think is our first step?" Ajax asked, breaking Samael from his stupor.

Samael shot a glance at the brownish paper. "We visit Irvel village?" he asked.

"No. That comes later. As a watcher, your best ally is knowledge. The more information you hold about a situation, the more prepared you can be," he explained.

"I understand," Samael replied with a nod.

"I asked the receptionist earlier about further information regarding this quest. Unfortunately, the only thing they know is that the sudden disappearance of the three individuals happened quite recently," Ajax stated.

Ajax rose to his feet, beckoning Samael to follow.

"Irvel village is situated not far from here. If we travel by foot, we should arrive there in a week's time," Ajax said.

"It will take a week? But didn't you say it's close?" Samael asked, his brows furrowed.

"It is close, but on foot? No, not quite." Ajax replied. He marched on, leaving the watchers guild.

"What do you mean by that?" Samael trailed close.

"The road behind these walls is filled with countless dangers. Traveling by foot means the chances of experiencing them are higher than by riding a convoy." Ajax patiently said.

"Answer me, why do you think we're going on foot if there's so much risk involved?" Ajax shot a glance at Samael.

Samael fell deep into thought. "High risk, high rewards... I think that it's a great way for me to gain valuable knowledge. After all, experience is the best teacher." Samael answered.

"Good." Ajax said before storming off again. A resounding sigh escaped Samael's lips as he pushed forward.

"Where are we going?" Samael asked. The direction they took wasn't towards the exit. In fact, they're currently in the plaza.

Samael's gaze wandered about. In the middle of the square stood a towering fountain, its surface glimmering radiantly under the golden glow of the sun.

Eventually, Ajax halted his steps in front of another building. Shifting his gaze ahead, Samael read the letters written up front.

"Reese's Apothecary." Samael's brows rose to an arch. Apothecary? If he remembers correctly, Ajax said that places like these sell potions.

"An apothecary? What are we doing here?" Samael asked his mentor. He doubts that Ajax is out of potions, seeing that yesterday he had a whole batch of them.

"Two birds, one stone," Ajax answered.

Samael's forehead creased. Two birds, one stone...? He wondered.

Ajax entered the establishment,swiftly approaching the receptionist desks.

"Welcome to Reese's Apothecary! How may I help you?— Oh, it's you, sir Ajax!" The receptionist's visage lightened, a wide smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Are you here to take some commissions?" she asked.

"Yes," Ajax briefly answered.

Samael's eyes widened. Now he gets it. So he's taking another quest that's related to his current watcher job. That way, we can gather herbs on the way and finish our investigation at the same time! Samael deduced.

"I see! I knew you would come visit again, so I prepared the list beforehand." The receptionist chuckled as she approached a cabinet by the side of the desk. She delved through and withdrew a piece of parchment paper.

"Here, sir Ajax, and as usual, pleasure doing business with you," the receptionist said as she handed the list to Ajax.

Ajax gave a stiff nod as he inspected the list of herbs and materials.

"Let's go," he said.

After leaving the apothecary, Ajax handed Samael the parchment paper.

"What's this for?" Samael asked, a smudge of confusion dancing in his pupils.

"Keep it; I want you to study those herbs and memorize them," Ajax answered before storming off again.

Samael ruffled his hair, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips. Can't this man be more considerate?

Once again, Ajax halted in front of another establishment. Specifically, a post office.

So we're doing deliveries now? Samael thought.

Ajax entered the establishment, followed closely by Samael. They were once again greeted by the receptionist and given a few letters before they left.

"What's with the letters?" Samael inquired.

"These letters are to be sent to Irvel village; three birds, one stone," Ajax answered.

If Samael can describe Ajax, he'll probably say he's the epitome of efficiency.

"Prepare yourself; we'll be leaving soon," Ajax announced.

Samael felt the atmosphere drop, a faint chill emanating in the air. Based on what he's heard so far, each trip the watchers tackle is one filled with danger and death.

My first mission, huh? Samael shifted his gaze ahead, as though peering through the towering silver walls of Erudicio.

Beyond these walls... To Irvel village.

***

Samael and Ajax stood in front of the inn. A map nesting in Ajax's hands.

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"As you can see here, these 7 labeled areas on the map are the 7 human sanctuaries," Ajax said.

"Namely: Erudicio: the city of silver; Servan: the city of warriors; Tera: the city of agriculture; Oros: the city hidden in the mountains; Erdun: the city of arms; Osmo: the vanguard; and Port Parnasus," Ajax narrated.

"Each of these sanctuaries holds its own importance; the fall of one can affect the others greatly," Ajax continued.

"As of right now, we're currently residing in Erudicio, otherwise known as the city of silver. This is one of the largest sanctuary and is located in the frontline. This is also where the Watchers Guild main headquarters reside to supervise the war," Ajax stated.

"War? I don't understand. I don't see any neighboring countries on the map, so who are we fighting?" Samael couldn't help but ask.

"I suppose you don't know," Ajax muttered under his breath.

"What I'm about to tell you is considered taboo here," Ajax said.

"We're not in conflict with humans; we're in war with monsters," Ajax declared.

Samael felt a shiver run down his spine. Monsters? Sanctuaries? Cataclysm? Just what is going on?

"Once, this world was a peaceful place, devoid of conflict and wars. But such peace wasn't bound to last for long. As populations increased, so did the resources they needed. Eventually, some kingdoms were pushed to the brink of destruction, forcing them to take up arms and invade neighboring countries," Ajax narrated.

"This signaled the start of the first great war. This act of domination struck fear in the hearts of many other kingdoms. They got paranoid and took matters into their own hands. After all, there will be no danger if there's no one to threaten you. This also served as the fuel for the great ascension race. Awakeners who lived in an era of war and death were forced to adapt and become stronger as fast as they could. Unfortunately, this competition bought nothing but ruins for all of us."

"Some got too greedy and impatient. They ate more than they could chew. As they all grew stronger, limits were bound to be put in place. For years, awakeners were stuck in their bottlenecks, unable to attain the ultimate power they yearn for..."

"...At least until the discovery of the monoliths."

"It was found by a few individuals, lying in slumber. They should've kept it as such. But humans are curious beings, and so they dabbled with something truly foreign to us."

Samael flinched. He gazed around and saw something his vision had never perceived. Behind the smiles of these mundane folks lies an emotion he cannot discern. One hidden deep in their hearts.

Ajax leaned back as he resumed.

"Those monoliths... No records state their appearances, not even once. This piqued the interest of those that discovered them, urging them to experiment with these pillars... Needless to say, it didn't end well."

"These monoliths didn't react to creatures below the rank of Larvae. But the moment an awakener of the said rank made contact with these pillars, a dimension or false reality would crash with ours, forming what we call a rift. However, those rifts are still dormant. They're merely gashes in space; nothing comes out nor comes in... except the person who activates the trial."

"Information regarding the rifts was scarce; all that they knew was that those that come in never come out. In the process of doing so, these rifts bloom, opening a portal for beings of unknown origins to pass through."

"And that sparked the beginning of the Great Cataclysm," Ajax said.

Samael fell deep into contemplation. Thoughts causing havoc in his mind. He has so many questions. So many inquiries.

"Can you tell me more regarding the rifts?" he asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

Ajax shot a glance at him. "Overtime, more awakeners challenged these monoliths only to fail. Until a few hundred years ago, the first person to conquer the rifts emerged. The very first hatchling ranked awakener."

"He gave everything he knew about these rifts; this increased the chances of humanity's survival against these savage beasts."

"So what did he experience...?" Samael asked. If he's bound to undergo such harrowing trials one day, he wishes to be as prepared as he can.

"As I stated, these rifts create a false dimension, a reality wherein time flows differently. A place where normal logic doesn't apply. For that man, he experienced decades of loneliness, but for us merely a year have passed. He also mentioned that these monsters we're currently facing originate from the realities beyond these mysterious gates, and only by conquering the Ascension can you fully close such openings." Ajax narrated.

I see, so these rifts are like jail cells that, once the warden or the awakeners fail, those that reside within are free to escape to our world. Samael concluded.

Codex, regarding these monoliths... Is it a predetermined requirement to undergo one? Samael asked.

Yes, in order for you to overcome your limitations, you must undergo a grueling trial that will force you to adapt and thus increase your limitations.

Samael stared at the luminescent screen of the codex. Thoughts lingering in his mind.

"These smiles... They're not real, aren't they?" He asked, his tone leaving hushed echoes in the air.

Ajax basked in silence, the air stale, bearing a weight invisible to the naked eye.

"Yes. They're merely facades these folks put up. Knowing that your life could end in a blink... they wish to spend it smiling so that they can lie to themselves that they died happy and free," Ajax answered.

"But we all know the truth buried deep in our hearts: that as long as this war doesn't end, we're never truly free."

A veil of silence shrouded the inn, an indescribable weight lingering in the air.

***

As the sun reached its peak, Samael and Ajax's time of departure had come.

Samael made his way to the gate, where Ajax stood in waiting. His steel armor shimmered under the radiant rays of the sun.

Noticing Samael's presence, Ajax's gaze shifted forward. "Let us move," he said.

Samael gave a stiff nod, closely trailing Ajax towards the silver gates of Erudicio.

The guards standing watch shot a glance at them, their gaze landing on Ajax. "May your travels be bountiful," they said in unison as they withdrew their spears, forming a path for them to use.

Samael watched as the silver gates of Erudicio slowly unfolded before his eyes. The soft glow of the afternoon heat passing through the small opening.

Taking a mouthful of air, he strode forward into the unknown.

Beyond the towering walls lay a vast expanse of trees and fields, stretching as far as the eye can see.

The soft rustling of the leaves brought a sense of nostalgia to Samael. It reminds him of the hardships he's had to face in the crimson forest, and how far he's gone.

"According to my map, Irvel village is located close to the edge of the Erudicio sanctuary. This could be the potential reason for the sudden disappearances," Ajax said, his index finger hovering inches above the map.

"While the village isn't too far from the sanctuary itself, it is close to the Kakia mountain ranges," Ajax explained.

"Is there something wrong with the Kakia mountain ranges?" Samael asked.

Ajax took a pen from his pouch and drew a circle surrounding the Kakia mountain ranges.

"This area I encased in the circle is a kill zone. It's filled to the brim with abominations of all kinds. Ancient records state that this mountain range never really existed before. We suspect that it's caused by the Great Cataclysm hundreds of years ago." Ajax patiently narrated.

"I see, then what's this piece of land labeled the dead zone?" Samael asked, his index finger pointing at the far corner of the map.

"That's ground zero. Unfortunately, we know next to nothing regarding that place. Exploration teams never even make it pass the foot of the Kakia mountain ranges. All we have are theories stating that the dead zone is the origin, where the first rift that caused all of this originated," Ajax stated.

Samael replied with a nod. So many questions, yet barely any answers.

"Let's not waste time. Come." Ajax went towards the forest entrance, each step firm and resolute.

"Have you had any experience with jungles or forests?" Ajax asked.

"Yes," Samael answered briefly.

"Good," Ajax praised.

"I'm a scout and tracker, and due to that, I spend most of my time traversing the woods and exposed to danger," Ajax explained.

"Lesson number three: Learn to adapt. I'm guessing that the guild master probably saw your potential as a scout and tracker, and as such, you'll experience rugged and ever-changing terrains. Learn to get used to them; it's your hunting ground now," Ajax said.

"Understood," Samael replied, a fiery flame burning under his gaze.

Ajax and Samael treaded the forest with ease. They would occasionally halt their advance to preserve energy in case they wound up encountering an enemy.

Ajax approached a tree, his fingers brushing against its bark. "Samael," he said, luring the boy's attention.

"See this?" Ajax rubbed his fingers together, a yellowish moss-like substance scraping off his metal gauntlets.

"This is Uru moss; it grows in tree barks, specifically ones that are close to bodies of water," he said.

Samael shot a glance at the yellow moss growing on the bark of the trees. It was practically everywhere.

"Uru moss is a primary ingredient for regeneration potions, but remember, Uru moss is smooth to touch. Never forget this, because another type of moss greatly resembles this one except it is coarse and grows close to monster-infested areas," Ajax reminded Samael.

Samael swiftly peeled off the Uru moss latching on the tree barks, containing them within his dragon hoard remnant. He took out his list and blurred out one of the requirements.

As they marched onward, they eventually stumbled upon the water source Ajax mentioned. It was a shimmering blue pond surrounded by flowers of different varieties. Some held a soft, tantalizing glow that exuded a faint hint of mysticism, while others took root deep below the water's surface.

They took a short stop to refill their water cans. Fortunately, with the help of his purification remnant, they weren't stalled for too long. However, Ajax did introduce him to some of the plants in the pond. Sadly, none of them were included in the list of herbs they need to gather.

As the two delved deeper into the forest, Samael's view of this world widened. Things some people might encounter in their daily lives could have useful effects once processed correctly. It just proves that the value of something can never be truly defined by their appearance.

Eventually, the warm embrace of the sun is overshadowed by the icy cold of the night. The ethereal glow of the moon bathed Samael and Ajax in its embrace.

Two silhouettes lay flat on the ground, their figures submerged in darkness. Ajax strictly forbids the use of campfires, as they can lure monsters towards their location.

Samael had no qualms with this, as his affinity greatly leans towards darkness. Even in its midst, he finds solace and peace.

"Say Ajax, what's your affinity...?" Samael asked, his gaze fixated at the stars decorating the night sky.

For a moment, there was only the distant chattering of the insects. "My affinity is shadow," a monotonous voice replied.

"Shadow, huh? Does that mean you can also see clear as day in the night?" Samael inquired.

"Yes, it appears you're also not restricted by the dark," Ajax pointed out.

Samael fell silent; his eyes lost deep in thoughts.

A resounding sigh escaped his lips. "Ajax, can you promise to keep my affinity hidden?" he hesitantly asked.

"..."

That silence was all Samael needed.

"My affinity is the Void. I don't hold much information regarding it, so I'm still at a loss," he confessed.

Samael might've only met Ajax a day ago, but he's seen enough to know that Ajax won't betray his companions.

"Unfortunately, I also have never heard of such an element before. But, we've all been there. Only time will tell," Ajax said, his voice leaving a trail of echo in the vast expanse of the night.

"Only time will tell," Samael muttered.