The trio continued their walk towards the center of the academy. For a moment, there was a lull in the conversation.
One was lost in the endless possibilities of this world, the other was dazed by the story and the exciting scene that must've captured the attention of many. The last one was too embarrassed to speak.
Daniel observed everything with careful attention. He witnessed the beauty of the academy and its silent stillness. He heard the chirping of insects, the songs of birds, and their footsteps which produced satisfying clicking sounds as they walked.
Daniel was the first to speak.
"Do you guys ever get lost in the moment? Where the little details you would normally miss become the most captivating notions?"
Adora thought about it, as did Anise.
"That sort of state of mind is very difficult to enter. It's the closest state of mind to Enlightenment, and because of that many people will never experience that sort of feeling." Anise answered. She gazed at the boy whose impression continued to improve as their interactions ensued.
"She's right, no one in my village or surrounding villages has ever had that sort of state of mind. Sure some of us contemplate life, but to the degree, you are talking about." Adora smiled at the thought of home, this conversation reminded him of the place that used to fill his heart with warmth. The type of warmth that would cause even the chill of winter to bow its head.
"Have you guys ever wondered why?" Daniel couldn't understand their lack of curiosity. It was as if their minds were covered by veils, and they seemed to have no intention of removing them.
""No. I was taught that in life there are things you will understand, and things that will forever be unanswered."" Anise spoke firmly. Her grandfather had warned her about the dangers of a curious mind.
Adora remained silent as he agreed with Anise and felt no need to add more.
"I feel differently about that. I am not willing to mindlessly accept reality for what it is. I want to pick it apart, I want to find the reason for my existence, my purpose., I want to find the reasons I am able to perceive emotions and why I am self-aware. I want to understand why humans exist here in this world. I want to understand this world and all of its secrets." Daniel spoke passionately, he gazed at the sky which was slowly veiled in light purple.
"For me, there will be no greater accomplishment than to lift this world's skirt, and gaze upon all of her secrets."
Anise and Adora were at loss for words. For them, Daniel's way of thinking was incredibly foreign.
Before Adora could speak up about the blasphemous ideas behind Daniel's statements, Anise continued explaining the academy and its facilities.
"Oh, I almost forgot that I am acting as a tour guide for you." Anise cleared her throat in an effort to change the conversation topic.
"The nearest building to us, that would be the giant rectangular one, is called The Hall of Torchlight. The reason behind such a name is because that is where most lessons take place. The passing of knowledge could be likened to the passing of a torch between patrolmen, or Dungeon Divers. Its name is highly symbolical and is regarded in a sacred manner." Anise gazed upon the unassuming building with great admiration.
'Ah, it's similar to the school buildings of Earth.' Daniel realized that the academy followed the typical high school campus.
"Actually Daniel, most people don't have your way of thinking, as it's too abstract. But it does remind me of a certain group of people who are known as the Bane of Secrets." Anise brought the conversation back to its original topic because she didn't want Daniel to feel like an outsider.
"What group?" Daniel inquired. His interest was peaked, with such a title these people must be incredibly intelligent, no?
"Architects, they are the most revered people of all the Lands. Even in ancient times, they stood above all."
"That sounds super interesting, you think I could become one?" Daniel asked again. His face was full of curiosity.
"There is only one person who could decide that for you here at the Academy: The Myriad Specter's Father. Unfortunately, he's a bit of a recluse." Anise explained. She smiled at the thought of that old man, as one of the Academy's Head Chair, she had the privilege of speaking with the founder of this school.
"I mean, can't Mr. Myriad Specter put in a word for him?" Adora asked in an attempt to join the conversation.
"Yeah, he can. I almost forgot, Mr. Enfred made you his personal disciple. With that being said, he will pour his everything into you, Daniel. Please, do your best to exceed his expectations." Anise bowed as she finished talking. With this action, Daniel realized just how important the Myriad Specter was, at least for this girl.
Daniel didn't know what to do, the girl was basically pleading for him, and although he's tried to live within the customs of this world, sometimes adjusting caused his being to stutter.
"I will, I don't know why he's believed in me to this extent. But I will try." Daniel continued walking as he stared at the road ahead. Homesickness strikes!
Adora and Anise gave each other a glance before following after him, they could almost feel how quickly his mood changed.
Anise slowed down a bit and whispered. "What do you know about Daniel? Is there a reason he's gloomy all of a sudden?"
Adora looked at Daniel's back as he walked. "I'm not too sure, there are very few people who have interacted with him actually, and not once has he truly revealed who he is, or about his background."
Anise stayed quiet. She was naturally curious about the boy's past now that it seemed to be much deeper than before. After snapping out of her thoughts, she caught up to Daniel and introduced the next point of interest.
"This next building is called The Hall Of Hearth Fire. This building is of great significance because this is what earned Mr. Myriad Specter's Father his Title."
""What's his title?"
Anise smirked as she stretched out the suspense.
"The Architect Of The Hearth Fire"