Reo was sitting in the living room with his family as they alternated between watching television and having small talk.
It was one of those moments where the mood was good and everyone laughed as they talked about things that happened recently.
"So the teacher sent him out?" their mom laughed as she asked Hina.
"Yes!" Hina giggled as she replied.
"Mr Takanawa was furious! The prank even got the attention of the principal!"
The whole family burst into laughter.
"So that's why the principal said there would be an emergency assembly tomorrow morning? I thought it would have something to do with why we closed early days back."
Reo said thoughtfully.
"The boys in my class think a serial killer escaped from prison that's why. They did lock down most of the town for it." Hina added before turning to their mother.
"Mom, do you know anything about what happened that day?"
She remembered coming back home and not meeting their mother at home, maybe she saw something that might give them a clue.
"I don't know also, I was at the supermarket when it happened." Their mother shrugged it off.
"I wonder what happened that day......" Hina sighed thoughtfully.
"Hey! Stop it with that look! You better not go and start investigating something dangerous again!"
Reo seemed to sense something dangerous.
"Wh-who said anything about investigating anything!?" she turned her eyes to the side as she denied his claim.
"I'm serious Hina! The last time you wanted to know whether Feng was involved with the yakuzas or not, me and Natsu had to go pull you and Ren out of trouble."
Reo glowered as he told her off. Their mother just chuckled as she looked from the side.
"It wasn't my fault, I didn't know there would be somebody following us." She pouted with tears nearly pouring out of her eyes.
"You…" Rastel lost his momentum as he saw her feeling bad.
"And you should stop pulling Ren into it, you know how their father is." He added, this time softly.
Hina nodded and wiped her eyes.
"Don't worry. Here, let me tell you about my latest adventures in the game. Something really interesting happened." he suddenly changed the topic.
"Really!? What is it? Tell me!" the topic of AOM seemed to get Hina's attention quite well.
"Well you see, I told you before that I was with this group of settlers, right? Well what happened was that..."
DING! DONG!
Just as he was about to get full flow into the story, they heard their door bell ring.
"I'll go see who it is"
Hina eagerly stood up, she wanted to quickly answer the door and continue hearing the story.
'It is probably a marketer or something' she thought to herself.
The family had very few friends and their only relation was there grandfather but he wasn't in this town. Anyone that would visit was close enough to easily announce their visit before coming over or just straight up walk in out of familiarity.
Because of this, she easily concluded the visitor was someone not related to them and was likely a marketer or someone who was seeking directions or something.
As she opened the door, the unfamiliar face she saw confirmed her theory. But before she could send the person off, the person spoke first.
"You… you are definitely his child. Is your mother in?"
A tall woman with pale white skin and sharp facial features questioned her.
The woman dressed in a simple black skirt and light blue blouse with a large sun hat on her head. She gave off a casual lazy vibe but her small eyes seemed very sharp from under her hat.
"Please lady Yamano, let me handle the talking."
A short man dressed in a fine black suit with gold rimmed glasses that Hina hadn't noticed before spoke up from behind the tall woman.
"Oh let it be Souma-san, this person is someone I am very familiar with."
The tall lady spoke back to him.
"What's going on Hina?" Just at that moment, Reo came to the door to see what the holdup was.
"Ah… You must be Reo. Is your mother in? I wish to speak to her."
Reo narrowed his eyes suspiciously but still let the woman in.
He stood by the door with Hina as the woman and the rather short man walked in.
Their mother who was sitting down leisurely on their couch turned her head casually to look at the visitors.
"Oh…." Her eyes flashed with a little surprise but that was it. She still looked as relaxed as ever.
This was one part of his mother that Reo deeply admired and strived to learn from her. His mother had always been unshakable.
He had never seen her become flustered or overreact at something no matter what.
She was the main factor why he himself despised over emotional acts or situations, trying to deal with them as calmly as he possibly could.
"Aveline" Lady Yamano greeted somewhat coldly.
Reo and Hina decided to move upstairs to give them privacy but were able to hear the woman call their mother by name just before they finished climbing the stairs.
"Long time no see, Kazue" Aveline's hazel flecked eyes stared back calmly as she greeted her guest with a smile.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUMBLE!
The sky grumbled as it bore the weight of heavy clouds that seemed to be filled with endless rain. It was already a full day since the storm started but it didn't seem willing to stop.
If someone could view the continent of Evafall from above, they would see that nearly half of the continent was covered by these storm clouds, an unbelievable scene.
The storm clouds moved from the east and stopped just short of the Epilus canyon that split the continent in two as if afraid of its presence.
Countless powerful beings around the continent had already recognized the anomaly and had cast their gazes at the eastern mountain range where an earth shaking battle was currently taking place.
This battle that could shake half of the Evafall continent, what would be the result?
Although it was mostly none of these being's business, they were still curious as the presence of such a power was a concern to them all.
But most people had no idea what was going on. And as for the select few who could barely tell that something was wrong, they were still left in the dark about the bigger picture and were mostly powerless to do anything about it.
But that didn't mean these people were in any way, weak. For these people were the leading heroes and prominent figures of the current generation.
People whose mere names and status could generate massive influence and move powers.
One of such people was currently braving the violent storm as he cut through the air on the back of a massive and powerful looking eagle. He quickly approached the town of Eadon.
The wind and rain seemed to avoid the two figures as a barrier of some sort seemed to be moving with them effectively blocking the rain.
Wearing a long yellow cloak with the hood down and sitting comfortably on the back of the large eagle, the facial features of a middle aged man with soft brown hair and a mustache was seen.
The man had an amiable face and was even smiling lightly as he flew. His brown eyes seemed to see past the storm at his destination.
"We are nearly at Eadon, your speed is as astounding as ever old friend" the man laughed lightly.
Anyone who saw him would think he was mad, laughing by himself in the middle of a storm.
"KRIEEEK! You were doubting me? This bird lords over any sky he flaps his wings in!"
And if that same person was there to hear the reply, they would have been shocked to see it came from the large bird the man was riding.
"Hahaha! Of course not!" the man laughed again.
"It is just that it has been so long since we went on a journey so your speed has amazed me once more. You are definitely the best!"
"Mhmm.... Kriek! Kriek! Kriek! As long as you remember!" the eagle seemed pleased with the flattery.
They continued their flying in relative peace.
Just when they were about to reach Eadon's gate, the bird sighted a shadow gliding towards the town in the air.
"KRIEEK!!! Who are you!? Show yourself this instant!"
As the bird screeched, massive fluctuations appeared in the air. The rainstorm seemed to be affected for a second as the falling rain suddenly twisted and attacked the shadow.
"Please stay your hand! I mean no harm!"
"A vampire trying to sneak into human territory? Your claim is hard to believe."
The cloaked man responded as he eyed the shadow.
A large shadow with glowing red eyes emerged from the storm and stood floating in from of the duo.
"Please forgive me if I seemed suspicious but I truly meant no harm. I am known as Edgar, an ancient vampire under the yellow sovereign."
A black ring with a large yellow gem set in it appeared in front of the shadow and flew towards the man.
Inspecting the ring, the man nodded.
"Edgar the undying. I have heard of your name numerous times."
The man said approvingly as he threw the ring back to the shadow which seemed to absorb it in.
"So have I yours, arch-mage Sacha of the 27 mage towers."
The low voice echoed out from the shadow.
"I am flattered you know of me Lord Edgar. I apologize for the previous attack, it was improper."
Sacha smiled as he gave an apology.
"It is no issue. I was taking care of a problem of a berserk beast herd nearby. A whole herd of bulees, it was a shame."
The shadow said sadly.
"Eadon must be in your debt for your service then, Lord Edgar"
Although Sacha was alarmed at the mention of a berserk beast herd. He wasn't particularly worried.
"You flatter me arch-mage Sacha, I am merely following the will of the yellow sovereign."
The black shadow responded.
"But if you don't mind arch-mage, I have a request?" the shadow added.
"If it isn't too troublesome, I wouldn't deny you" Sacha responded.
"Thank you, I am currently tracking down a vile necromancer who goes by the name Deqi. Have you come across such a person?" the shadow's low voice cooed out.
Sacha shook his head.
"I have not, sorry. As you know any necromancer not registered with the 27 mage towers is to be considered a threat. I will be duty bound to take out such a target should I meet him."
"Then it is well. I apologize for taking your time, safe landing to you arch-mage Sacha."
The soft voice faded out as the shadow flew towards Eadon, he quickly reached the walls which he quietly went over without the knowledge of the diligently patrolling guards.
"Krieek! I don't care if he is under the yellow sovereign or whatnot, never trust a vampire!"
The eagle cried out indignantly.
"Calm yourself old friend" Sacha chuckled as he patted the eagle's head.
"Even if they are not to be trusted, the yellow sovereign has proven himself to be non-hostile numerous times already, and he keeps a tight leash on all his subordinates. Edgar himself is well known so it should be fine."
Sacha explained calmly.
"It doesn't matter. Kriek! I hope you are right!"
The eagle was still dissatisfied.
"I am sure I am" Sacha laughed loudly.
And with that, the duo flew towards Eadon's large gates.