● 23rd day of the Sixth Month, year 666 - Realm of Light: Rulid Village, Norlangarth.
~KLANG!!
Jaden seemed to hear a bell from far away.
Just when he treated it as a sound in his dreams, Jaden's shoulder just felt like it was being nudged by someone, so he nudged his head into the blanket and grumbled. "Uu—another 10 minutes…no, 5…"
"No way. It's already time to wake up." A voice that seemed like it belonged to a young female.
"3 minutes…just 3 minutes will do…"
Just as his shoulders continued to shake, a slight sense of disorientation caused Jaden to
lose his sleepiness. At that moment, the bed loving boy realized that where he is now is neither reality nor a dream— and he poked his face out from the wool blanket. He widened his eyes slightly and exchanged
looks with Renee, who was in a neat nun habit. This apprentice Sister lowered her head and looked at Jaden.
"It's 5.30. The kids have all woken up and washed up. If you don't hurry, you won't be able to make it for Worship."
"…Okay, I'll come over…" Jaden replied.
Jaden left aside the warm bed and the peaceful rest without regrets and sat up. He looked around, and it's just like his memory from the previous night. This is the guest room in the second floor of the Rulid church. In other words, his body went through the virtual world that was created by mysterious advanced technology. Such an amazing experience doesn't look like it'll end anytime soon.
"Eh, what?"
On noticing him slowing down, Renee gave a surprised expression.
On seeing this, Jaden hurriedly shook his head.
"It, it's nothing. I'll get changed and come over. It's the worship hall on the first level, right?"
"Un, even if you're a guest or a lost child of Cedivar, you have to pray to the goddess Shiva as long as you stay in the church. Every single cup of water is a blessing of god's grace, and we have to be grateful to this. That's what Sister told us…"
She'll continue rattling on and on if this keeps up, Jaden thought, and hurriedly got off the bed. He
flipped a shirt, preparing to take off the pajamas he borrowed, and Renee let out a frantic sound.
"It, it'll start in 20 minutes. Don't be late! You must wash your face in the well's water out there!"
~Patapata..
She walked out of the room and quickly closed the door before vanishing from his sight. This reaction is obviously not something an NPC can, Jaden thought as he took off his shirt and brought the «Initial Equipment» lying on the chair, the blue short-sleeved tunic to his head. He brought it up to his nose and sniffed at it, only to find that there's no sweat. As expected, microorganisms and other things like that can't be replicated, he theorized. Maybe defects like stains or holes are controlled by the durability value called «Life Force».
Jaden continued to think as he changed his clothes, and then walked out of the room. He walked down the stairs and out of the back door beside the kitchen. The beautiful sunrise was already his my head.
Renee said that it's still not six yet, Jaden wondered. But, how do the residents in this planetoid tell the time? I can't see anything like a clock, whether it's in the cafeteria or the living room.
He lowered his head and stepped onto the stone path. He soon saw a well chiseled out from stone. The kids seemed to have used it already as the surrounding moss patch was already wet. He opened the lid, threw the wooden basket with the rope attached down, and a nice 'kalakalapon' sound could be heard. He pulled the rope and lifted up a full pail of transparent well water into the tray beside him.
Jaden scooped up the icy cold well water with his hand to wash his face, and also drank a mouthful of it. At that moment, his sleepiness was shaken away completely.
I think I slept before 9 yesterday, and even though I woke up early, I should have slept for 8 hours…on thinking about this, Jaden sank into deep thought again.
A few minutes later, a familiar profile with flax-colored hair appeared from the direction of the disappearing morning glow. Then, the clock tower behind the church chimed a simple yet elegant melody.
"Ahh…I see." Jaden muttered.
On hearing that, Jaden rose his head.
"Morning, Jaden. What do you mean by 'I see'?"
"Morning, Eugene. Well, it's just that…I found that every melody of the bell's different for every hour. In other words, the villagers here uses this to tell the time." he snapped his fingers together.
"Of course, that's how it is. The songs of praise for the «Light of Solus» are divided into 12 rhythms. At every half point, there'll be a chime. Unfortunately, the sound can't reach
Ifrit Cedar, so I can only check the time through the height of Solus."
"I see…so that means there are no clocks in this world." Jaden carelessly let out these words, and Eugene tilted his head slightly.
"Clock…? What's that?"
This is bad. Don't tell me such a term doesn't exist here?, Jaden gave off cold sweat inside his heart and tried to explain.
"Erm, a clock is…a tool that's a round plate with numbers on it and has rotating needles to point the time…"
On hearing that, Eugene chuckled as he looked away. Jaden followed his line of sight and finally saw the clock
tower of the church. In the window that's designed as a coin-shaped chamfer, bells of all sizes were all shining inside. However, even though the bells were ringing, no one could be seen there.
"That bell…how exactly does it ring?" Jaden asked.
"…Really, Jaden, how can you forget about that?" Eugene said with a stunned yet delighted voice, coughed midway through, and continued. "There's no need for anyone to go ring it. This is the only Divine Instrument in the village. Every day, it will regularly ring hymns of praises without missing by a second. Of course, it's not just Rulid village that has this. Other villages and towns all have them…ahh, but, it's not just that it is the only Divine Instrument…"
The energetic Eugene trailed off, which was very rare, and finally lost his voice at the end, which caused Jaden to frown.
However, Eugene didn't look like he wanted to continue discussing about this as he clapped his hands lightly and said "Now, I have something I have to do. What plans do you have today, Jaden?"
"Well…" Jaden stuttered. "…If possible, let me help you out today, Eugene."
Eugene grinned and nodded. "Of course I'll gladly bring you along. I thought you'd say so too. Look, I brought money for buns enough for two." As he said that Jaden and Eugene walked away together.
The two boys went straight to the devil tree right after they bought them some yesterday buns. On their way, Jaden was deep in thought. Sacred arts—and the Axiom Church; these are most likely fake names for spells and the world's system. If that's the case, how can we explain the «Realm of Darkness» that exist
outside this one? Is it a counter-system…
Later that day, Eugene and Jaden continued to exchange turns swinging the Dragon Bone Axe hard, and unknowingly, the sun called Solus had already risen to its noon position. Jaden continued to move his arms that were feeling as heavy as lead and swung the 500th swing deep into the monstrously large tree.
~KOONG!
The large tree let out sawdust that
scattered like sand, which showed that the extremely large durability value of the tree was slightly worn out.
"Uwahh, can't do it. I can't swing anymore." Jaden cried out and threw the axe into the ground before lying on the mossy patch as if his power short-circuited. He received the water bottle Eugene handed over, and greedily gulped down the sweet liquid called «Siral Water».
— I still have no idea what language
this is, he thought.
Eugene just smiled in a carefree manner as he looked down at him who's like this now before saying with a teacher-like tone "But you really have quite the talent. It's true. You managed to grasp the basics after just two days."
"…But I still can't catch up to you at all, Eugene…" Jaden sighed and adjusted his sitting position, leaning on the Ifrit Cedar with his back. As he had been swinging the heavy axe for the entire morning, he got a rough grasp of his stats in this world.
"…? What's wrong? You have a weird expression on your face, you know?" Eugene tossed him two round buns, which interrupted his train of thought.
"Ah…no…" Jaden muttered.
"Sorry that the bread is the same as yesterday." Eugene said.
"It's nothing, it's nothing." Jaden waved hurriedly.
Both of them continued to spend several minutes to eat the first bun, and as they exchanged looks with each other, the two boys gave each other slight smiles. Eugene drank a gulp of Siral water and looked afar.
"…I really want to let you try out Elaine's pie, Jaden…" he said. "Crispy skin, filled with juicy filling...having it together with freshly squeezed milk, making me feel whether it's a rare delicacy in this world…"
As he said this, Jaden's tongue inexplicably seem to taste the pie as he drooled. He hurriedly took a bite off the second bun and asked without thinking "Then, Eugene. That person…Elaine, she was taught sacred arts in the church, right? To become the successor to Sister Linille."
"Un, that's how it was. She was hailed the first prodigy ever since the village was built, and she could use a large number of arts at the age of ten."
Eugene said with a proud tone.
"Then…the girl learning in the church now called Renee is…" Jaden mumbled.
"Un…Sister Linille was really devastated when Elaine was taken away by the Eternal Knight, and said that she wouldn't take in any more disciples. However, the village chief , Tore managed to convince her, and two years ago, the new apprentice Renee joined the church. She's Elaine's little sister"
"Little sister…huh…" Jaden said.
"…As our age difference is 5 years, I haven't played much with Renee. When I went over to Elaine's house from time to time, she often hid behind her mother or grandmother shyly…her father, everyone, and even Sister Linille all believed that Elaine's
little sister had the talent in sacred arts and were looking forward to it…however…"
"Renee didn't have the talent like her sister's, right?" Jaden replied.
On hearing his direct question, Eugene merely grimaced and nodded.
"We can't really say that though. No matter who that person is, when starting with this Duty, he can't possibly do it well. It's the same for me, and I only managed to wield this large axe properly after more than 3 years. With perseverance, no matter what kind of Duty it is, it can finally be mastered one day. It's just that…for Renee who's just only 12 years old, she's been working a little too hard…"
"Too hard?"
"…At the time Elaine started learning the sacred arts, she didn't stay in the church. She only studied till noon, and then handed the bento over to me before going off to help with housework in the afternoon. But Renee used the reasoning that she didn't have enough time to study and moved out of the house. It just so happened that Jana and Algu moved into the church, and the Sister herself definitely couldn't handle them, so
Renee probably also had such a reason for moving to the church." Eugene explained.
Jaden remember seeing Renee who was seriously taking care of the children.
I can't tell how tough it was, but for a twelve-year-old who has to study and take care of 6 kids, it's probably not easy. "I see…and I, a «Cedivar's lost child» suddenly moved there. At least I shouldn't bring trouble about for her." Jaden said. I definitely have to wake up at 5.30 from tomorrow on...
With such resolve, Jaden continued
the topic just by saying "now that you say so"
"The kids other than Renee living in that church all lost their parents? Their parents are dead? How did six people get this at the same time in such a peaceful village?" Jaden said.
On hearing this question, Eugene looked slightly depressed, and lowered his head to look at the moss-land growing not too far away.
"…It happened 3 years ago. There was an epidemic in the village that was unseen of for almost 100 years, causing 20 people of all ages to die. Sister Linille and the pharmacist Ivenda tried all sorts of means, but couldn't cure those people with fever. The kids in the church lost their parents just like that."
This unexpected answer caused Jaden to go silent.
—A contagion? But this is a virtual world. No bacteria or virus can possibly exist here, he thought. In other words, the people who died because of the virus were causing out of some intention by the people controlling this world or the system. However, why is that so?
Most likely, they want to use some form of calamity on the residents to create some form of burden on them, but why carry out a simulation of such a thing?
In the end, everything points in one direction. That's the reason why this world exists—
"It's not just epidemics though. Recently, there have been a lot of weird things going on. Stray long-clawed bears, black-furred wolves attacking people in packs, the buds of
wheat unable to expand…even the regular horse carriage may not show up for months. The reason was said to be…that Goblin tribes appeared there." Eugene explained.
"Wha, what did you say?" Jaden blinked a few times "Goblins…wait, aren't there knights protecting the boundary of the country?"
"Of course they are. The dark tribes that are near the Mountain range should be instantly wiped up by the Eternal Knights. This is their Duty, because those tribes are guys that are a lot worse than Elaine who didn't even know what did she do wrong."
"Eugene…" Jaden muttered. He felt that Eugene's steady voice suddenly had what can be considered a somber tone, which shocked Jaden. However, that feeling immediately vanished as the boy's lips slowly showed a smile again.
"…That's why I only treat those as rumors. But during the past 2, 3 years, there were a lot of new tombstones. Old lady said that this situation is normal."
"…I say, Eugene. sacred arts…can they revive people?" Jaden asked.
Eugene bit his lips slightly with a serious expression and nodded while looking like he's not really certain either.
"…Almost everyone in the village don't know of this, but amongst the highest levels of sacred arts, there's a spell that can increase lifespan. That's what Elaine said."
"Increase…Life?" Jaden mumbled.
"Un, all people and items' lives…including yours and mine, can't be added on normally, You. For example, the Life of a human continues to increase from a baby to a toddler until the adult stage, and the maximum Life is about 25 years. After that, it will slowly decrease and become 0 at around 70, 80 before being called back to Goddess Etro. You forgot about all these, Jaden?"
"Ah, ahh."
Of course, this is the first time I'm hearing this, Jaden cautiously nodded. What Eugene's saying is probably that the maximum value of Hit Points will increase and decrease with age.
"However, if a person is sick or wounded, their Life will drop greatly. If the injuries are too grave, one may die just like that. However, one can recover Life by using sacred arts and medicine, even though it won't exceed the maximum value. An old person can't regain the Life he had when he's young no matter how much medication he takes, and those with wounds too severe can't recover…" Eugene said.
"But there's a spell to do such things, is that right?" Jaden remained asking.
"Elaine said that she was really shocked when she saw this in the Ancient's books. She asked this question to Sister Linille, and only saw her make a very horrified expression, and told her to forget everything she saw…so I'm not so sure about the specifics." Eugene explained.
"However, it's said that that's a spell that was only used by the Great Cetra of the Soliheim Empire, and isn't a spell used for healing or curing illnesses, but directly affects the life…or something like that. Of course, I've never seen the specific spell at all or something."
"Heh…Great Soliheim?" Jaden stroked his chin. "That means that the monks of the church can use sacred arts?"
"Of course. The source of power behind the sacred arts is the «Life Stream» and by extension, the Astrals scattered throughout the skies and earth. Large spells require a large amount of «Mana Power» . If it's a really powerful spell that can control a human's life, it won't be enough even if all the Mana in this forest is gathered. I suppose not even the 6th Level has a spellcaster that can control such large power."
"And…if Sister Linille could use that kind of spell, she won't see those kids' parents, and those parents' kids die like that."
"I see…"
In other words, even if I die here, I won't return back to the altar in the church, and wake up with a beautiful organ sound, Jaden thought. However, trying death should be the final means to leave this place. The existence of
Lacrima is already a sure thing inside my mind, and even if I know of this, is it really alright for me to leave without knowing my purpose in this world—my soul's giving off such a voice to me from deep inside...
Jaden turned back to look, and saw Eugene pat his pants before standing up.
"Alright, time to get started with our work in the afternoon. I'll start first. Can you hand me the axe?"
"Ahh."
Jaden used his right hand to hold onto the handle of the Dragon Bone Axe beside me and was about to hand it over to Eugene. The brown headed boy grabbed the axe, and started hitting the massive tree. While waiting, Jaden thought about whether if there was a sacred instrument powerful enough to rid this village from this tree.
"Phew— that's 20 hits in a row!" Eugene said.
"Say, Eugene," Jaden said. "Is there any other sacred instruments other than the bells?"
Eugene stared at him for a little while before he said "There might be.."
Jaden noticed him taking quick glances at the axe. "Is it another axe?" Jaden asked.
"I mentioned in front of the church that there's another Divine Instrument, not 'sacred'— beside the «Clock that Tells the Time», do you remember?" he smiled.
"Ah…ahh."
Jaden scratch his hair.
"In fact, it's near this place…and I'm the only one who knows about this. During these ten years, I've been hiding it from everyone…do you want to see it?"
"Of, of course! I want to. Please show it to me!" Jaden insisted with enthusiasm, but Eugene still looked like he was hesitating. He soon nodded though, and handed Jaden the axe.
"Then, please start the afternoon work. It'll take quite some time to take it out."
"Is it far away?" Jaden asked.
"No, it's just inside the storage shed nearby, but…it's unexpectedly heavy."
It's just like what Eugene said as once Jaden finished the 50th swing, he finally returned,
looking rather tired and giving off lots of sweat on his forehead.
"Hey, are you okay?" Jaden said.
On hearing this, Eugene, who had lost his strength to answer, simply nodded and tossed the thing he's been carrying on his shoulder onto the ground.
~DONK!
With a blunt sound, the moss carpet had a large dent on it. He handed over the container with the Siral water over to the panting Eugene and started to stare at the thing on the ground.It was a long and thin leather jacket that was 1.2m long.
"Can I open it?" Jaden asked Eugene.
"Ah…ahh. Be…careful though. If it lands on your leg, you won't be just…hurt there." he replied.
The panting Eugene said. Jaden then nodded at him and carefully reached his hand out. After that, his waist just felt a shock like it's about to be snapped. His waist will really dislocate for real. Seriously, this packaged item is really heavy. He was holding it with both hands, but it just won't budge as it seems to be nailed to the ground, or something like that. Jaden's right hand undid the knot of rope tied around it and moved the leather cover down. Inside it is a long sword that's so beautiful that even he can't help but be amazed by it.
The sword hilt was delicately crafted with silver, and the handle was carefully covered fully with white leather. The Knuckle guard was decorated with foliage, and it's obvious what kind of plant was used. Whether it's the top of the handle or the white leather scabbard, they're all covered with a sparkling rose that's carved out from jade.
It gave off an antique vibe, but didn't have any stains on it at all. It's like it's been.sleeping all this time without being able to meet its owner—this sword gave Jaden such a feeling.
"This is…?"
"«Blue Rose Sword». I don't know its real name, but that's the name that was used in fairy tales."
"Fairy tales…?" Jaden had no idea.
"Any kid from Rulid village…no, even the adults know this—300 years ago, amongst the initial pioneers who found this land, there was a swordsman. There were many legends about his adventures, but the most famous of them is the «The Northern White Dragon»…" Eugene explained. "It said that the White Dragon was turned into a sword. 10 years ago, Elaine and I went to the mountain range at the edge to search for the white dragon, but we didn't find it. What we saw was a hill of bones with a blade slash."
"So, the dragon was dead already..." Jaden muttered.
"Eh…well , no, did someone kill the dragon? Who, exactly…?" Eugene mumbled as he covered his face with his right palm.
Jaden turned his eyes to the hands supporting the sword.
"But…this sword, why is it here?"
"…During summer two years ago, I went to the cave in the north again and took it out. I moved it for several kilometers every day on my rest days and hid it inside the forest…until I moved it into a storage shed. It took me 3 months, and as for why I did
this…to be honest, I don't know either…" he replied.
He probably still can't forget about Elaine? Or maybe he wanted to wield this sword to save her, Jaden thought. I wonder if he would still care this much about her once he regains his memories.
"Alright then—" Jaden cracked a smile. "Eugene, can you check on the Ifrit Cedar?"
Jaden got up to wield the sword as he said this, and Eugene gave him a doubtful look.
"Don't tell me, Jaden…you intend to use this sword to hit the Ifrit Cedar?"
"If you moved it here, is there any other reason why?" he shot back.
"That's true…but…"
"Or does the Azerrak Almanac has a clause that states that you can't use a sword to chop the Ifrit Cedar down?" Jaden asked sarcastically.
"No…about this, it didn't mention at all…" Eugene hesitated.
"Or did the village chief, or the predecessor…Garitta said that you can't use
anything other than the Dragon Bone Axe?"
"No…he didn't mention…I feel…something like this happened before…" Eugene's creamy face flushed.
"Anyway, just watch!" Jaden swung the Blue Rose Sword horizontally, and dashed towards Ifrit Cedar.
~GIIIINNN!
A sharp sound was heard as the birds on the trees all flew off. However, Jaden can't see all this as he couldn't endure the feedback and let go of the sword while his face had an intimate moment with the moss on the ground.
"WAH! Didn't I say this would happen already?"
Eugene ran towards him, and with his help, Jaden managed to sit down and spit out the moss in his mouth. Besides the face that hit the ground first, his wrists, waist and knees are all hurting so much he feel like screaming. The pain would still last for quite a while, but he continued to squeeze out such words. "…This can't do…the status' still red…" he managed to say.
When the two boys looked towards the tree, both of them are stunned. The Sword of Blue Rose, that beautiful sword that was swinging in the air is stabbed into half of the Ifrit Cedar.
"…No way…just one hit can cause…" Eugene was shocked while being speechless for the time being.
But that's if we can use the sword well, Eugene thought. If it hurts just by swinging once, and if we keep
missing the part we're aiming at, it'll be slower than using an axe.
"I can't do it, but what about you, Eugene? You should be a lot stronger. Try swinging it once."
Jaden continued to hassle Eugene, and though he gave a hesitant look, he finally said that he'll try it and faced that tree again.
His hands held onto the Sword of Blue Rose's hilt that was entrenched into the large tree and did a prying action. The blade finally left the bark of the tree, and Eugene's upper body swayed. The tip of the blade landed on the ground, letting out a clear and crisp sound.
"It, it's really heavy. I can't do this, Jaden." he cried.
"If I can do it, you definitely can, Eugene. The basic is about the same as swinging an axe. You need to use more of your weight than when swinging an axe. Don't just use
your wrist's power. Keep your body steady." Jaden explained.
After moving back slowly to lift the sword, he paused for a while, and then took a deep breath before quickly swinging the sword with tremendous speed. The right foot stepped right forward, and this series of weight lifting skills caused me to be flabbergasted. A blue trail was left behind in the air as the tip of the blade charged towards the center of the cut. But at the final moment, the left foot supporting the whole body weight slipped slightly. The sword that was swung, hacked a V sign at the top, and let out a deep sound and stopped. Eugene then fell back in the opposite way, as I did, and hit the back of the thick trunk before groaning.
"Ugh…"
"Oh crap, are you alright?" Jaden hurried to check on him.
Eugene, who raised his right hand to show that he was alright, but was still frowning, used only 30 seconds before the pain on his expression vanished, and he stood up gently again.
"Un, I still can't do it, Jaden. Our lives will decreased by a lot before we actually hit it accurately for once." he let out an exasperated cry.
Both of them stared at the tree again. The blue rose hit the top of the opening at a slight angle, bounced off and stabbed into the ground.
"But I think your footwork isn't bad…" Jaden said.
Eugene exhaled and took up the Dragon Bone Axe beside the Ifrit Cedar before shouting "Uwahh, this axe feels as light as a feather—alright, we dilly-dallied enough just now. Got to work hard for the afternoon."
"Aye—aye, sir!" Jaden said sarcastically.
When the sky was had turned black, Jaden was finally able to rest. The first thing he did once he returned back to the church was taking a warm bath.
"Uahhh…this is absolutely paradise…" he soaked his body inside the warm water and couldn't help but say that out. The bath hall of the Rulid church was built with a large bronze water tank that had burnt tiles under it and had a furnace built outside the wall to add firewood to heat the water.
It really reminded me of the middle ages bathhouses in Europe, he thought. I have no idea whether it's designed as such by the creator of this world or an outcome of a self-evolution through simulation of several hundred years.
Jaden then got dragged by his train of thoughts. Today, after Eugene and I finished working, we walked through the village. I got the chance to speak to some people around. Unfortunately, none of them seemed to know anything about the Keys of Azerrak. I personally believe that I wouldn't find them in this Level entirely, Jaden sank his head in the water for few seconds.
But hey, it wasn't all for nothing! I found Majd, one of my dearest friends right in this village.
Jaden got his head out craving for air. He took couple of deep breaths before delving deeper into his own head.
So, first, I found Aya. Just like I was, she was living anew as a different person, completely oblivious of her true memories. We also share the fact that even if we got our memories back, we can't recall anything about our involvement in this crazy experiment. But soon after, it turns out Majd is here as well. That means, and I could be taking it too far, but there's a good chance that the rest of my classmates are here in Lacrima, too! They're scattered in every planetoid. And it's up to ME to save them. But if this theory is proved to be right, why would it be specifically me? Is it because I'm chosen to do it, or did I choose to do it? Isn't there anybody else who could, or even want to?!
Jaden subconsciously waved his right hand to break the water surface, and the water that flew hit the wall in front of him and let out a slight sound.
At the same time, a sound could be heard from the door leading to the changing room, causing Jaden to recover. "Arre, is anyone inside?"
Jaden realized that it's Renee, and hurriedly stood up.
"Ah, well, it's me—Jaden. Sorry, I'll get out immediately."
"U…un. Take your time. Remember to remove the stopper of the tank when you go out and turn off the lamp. Good bye then…I'll be going back to my room, so good night."
Realizing that Renee was about to leave, Jaden suddenly called her to stop her from behind the door.
"Ah…Renee. I have something to ask you. Are you free tonight?"
Renee suddenly stopped and remained silent for a while in a seemingly hesitant manner, but finally said in a barely audible voice "…A little can do. The kids in my room should be sleeping, so I'll wait in your room."
She walked over in small steps without waiting for his answer. Jaden hurriedly got out from the tank, removed the stopper at the bottom of the tank, turned off the lamp and walked towards the changing room. Even if he didn't wipe himself with a towel, the water droplets would dry off quickly. He put on some home clothes and returned to the peaceful corridor before climbing up the stairs.
Jaden opened the door to the guest room, and Renee, who was moving her legs as she sat on the side of the bed, lifted her head. Unlike last night, she was wearing a cotton nightgown, and her brown hair was tied in three tails. Renee didn't show any change in expression as she took up the last glass placed on the table beside her and handed it over to him.
"Oh, thanks."
Jaden received the drink and sat beside her before drinking up the icy cold well water. "Uu—nectar, nectar!"
"Nectar? What's that?" Renee tilted her head while looking like she didn't understand.
Damn it, this term doesn't exist in this world!, Jaden panicked when he realized this.
"Errm…it's something that can be said to be tasty, a water that feels like it heals once someone drinks from it…or something like that."
"Fmm…like an elixir?" she asked.
"Wha, what's that?" Jaden tilted his head this time.
"The priest' holy water of blessing. You may not have seen it before, but just a small bottle of that thing can immediately recover any life that's reduced by injuries or illnesses." Renee explained.
"Eh…"
Since there's such a thing, why did the virus cause so many deaths?, he thought about this, but realized that it's better not to ask this and remained silent. At least this world ruled by this amazingly-named Axiom government isn't a paradise like I thought, and that's how it is...
Renee received the glass of water Jaden returned and said with a very fast speed "If you have anything to ask me, please hurry. It's forbidden for me to enter a boy's room after bathing, but the guest room doesn't count.However, Sister Linille will
scold me if she knows about it."
"Well…I'm really sorry. I'll just ask then. Actually…I want to hear about your sister."
Jaden said in a very serious tone.
Suddenly, the slender shoulders under the white nightgown trembled slightly.
"…I don't have any.."
"As in right now? I heard about it from Eugene, about your sister, Elaine—" Before he could even finish speaking, Renee lifted her head, which surprised him slightly.
"From Eugene? He told you about Elaine? Until where?"
"Ah…un, well…she studied sacred arts in this church…and ten years ago, she was taken to the capital by the Eternal Knight…" Jaden spoke fast.
"…I see…"
Renee sighed slightly and lowered her head, whispering as she continued.
"…Eugene, he still hasn't forgotten…about her…"
"Hmm…?"
"Everyone in the village…whether it's father, mother, Sister, all of them wouldn't say anything about her. Her room was tidied up several years ago…as if her room never existed…that's why, I thought everyone forgot about Elaine…so Eugene…"
"What do you mean he forgot? Eugene really missed her. Because of that…if he didn't have his Duty, he may have rushed to the capital." Jaden said.
On hearing these words, Renee remained silent for a while, and then whispered "Is that so…then, the reason Eugene never smiles anymore was because what happened to my sister."
"Eugene…never smiles?"
"Ehh. When she was in that village, he was always smiling. It was really rare to not see him smile. I was very young back then, but I still remember clearly…however, after Elaine went, I almost never see Eugene's smiling face. Also…on his rest days, if he wasn't cooped up at home, he would head to the forest, being alone all the time…"
Mado couldn't just imagine this. Majd was his happiest friend ever.
He continued to listen as he thought inside his heart. It's true that Eugene's someone who does things in a calm manner, but he doesn't give off an introverted feeling. He was smiling quite a bit when he was talking to me when we went to the forest, were returning back to the village, and even during rest time. The reason why he couldn't show his smile to Renee and the villagers is most likely—guilt. Elaine, who was beloved and given lofty expectations towards, was taken away, and perhaps he had such guilt of being unable to do anything…? He wouldn't blame himself in front of me, an outsider when I don't know anything, so maybe that's why.
During the past ten years, he's been
gravely hurt by the troubles bothering him. I have to recover his memories. Majd has to get out of this spiral of endless survival's guilt.
"…Hey, what are you thinking about?" Renee's words dragged Jaden back from his thoughts. He lifted his face and said to her "Nothing…just thinking about something. Like you said, Eugene really treated your sister dearly." Just when Jaden said those words in his heart, Renee's face seemed to tremble. The beautiful eyebrows and large eyes showed a lonely expression.
"I…see. Just as I expected."
As she dropped her shoulders and whispered such words, even a blockhead like Mado realized it.
"Renee…do you like Eugene?" he asked.
"Wha…what are you saying?" Her eyebrows curled up to show a protesting look, but the face facing Jaden was already so red it reached the neck. He thought she would lower her head, but she said while looking slightly tense.
"…It's just that, I can't take it...whether it was father or mother, even when they never said so, they kept sighing when they compared me to her when she's not around, and the other adults are the same. That's why I left home and moved to the church. Even when I came here…it's the same with Sister Linille. I just feel when she's teaching me sacred arts that she would say that Elaine just needed one time before being able to learn it—but Eugene's not like that…but he continued to avoid me. Perhaps he would think of her when he sees me. All of this…it's not my fault! I can't even remember
her face…!"
The petite profile under the thin nightgown jerked, and Jaden's heart was greatly touched. This may be because up till now, in a corner of his mind, he always thought that this world was going through some simulation, and even though Renee and the rest may not have User Names, they were all temporary existences. Jaden looked at this 15-year-old girl that continued to cry, and didn't know what to do as his body stiffened.
Renee used her right hand to wipe the tears off her eyes.
"…Sorry. I got too agitated."
she said.
"No…it's fine. Well, if you feel like crying, I guess it's best to just cry it out." he replied.
Why am I saying such things? Even though I felt this way, this line that seemed to be from some popular Korean drama in the 21st century caused Renee to smile as she nodded honestly.
"…Un, yeah. I am feeling somewhat happy. It's been awhile since I cried in front of others."
"Heh. You're rather amazing, Renee. I never cried in front of others at your age, you know." Jaden smiled. "I never could, although I wanted to."
Renee widened her eyes and looked at Jaden. "Well…Jaden, have you regained your memories?"
"Ah…no, no, of course not…I just have this kind of feeling…an, anyway, I'm me, and not someone else…that's why I feel that you just need to do what you can do, Renee." he replied reluctantly.
This is yet another cliché line, he thought.
Renee pondered for a while, and then nodded her head. "…Yeah. I…might be unable to face the fact that I have a sister straight in the eye…"
As Jaden watched her say such words with a determined attitude, he really felt guilty since he will take Eugene away from her. Just when he was thinking hard, the bell tower above them rang out a melody.
"Ah…it's 9 now. I should go back to my room. Oh yes…is that all you want to hear, Jaden?" Renee tilted her head as she asked this, and he answered with
"No, that's enough."
"Is that so. I'll go back then." Renee got up from the bed and headed to the door, but after several steps, she stopped and turned,
"I say…Jaden. Do you also know why my sister was taken away by the Eternal Knight?" she asked.
"Eh…ahh. What about it?" Jaden wondered.
"I don't know at all. Father wouldn't say anything…I once asked Eugene a long time ago, but he wouldn't tell me. Then, what's the reason?" she said in a very concerned tone.
Jaden hesitated for a slight moment, but once he remembered that reason, he just can't help but say it.
"Well…I think it's that, they went into a certain cave at the top of the river and passed through the Mountain range at the Edge, something they didn't remember occured in the darkness, so that's what I heard…"
"…I see…she went through the Mountain range at the Edge…"
Renee seemed to be pondering about something, but she soon nodded and continued. "It's a rest day tomorrow, but prayer time is the same as usual. Remember to wake up. I don't want to wake you up." said Renee as she left the room.
"I, I'll try." Jaden replied.
He heard her footsteps move further away before lying down on the bed.
I really want to get some information on this mysterious girl called Elaine, but Renee, who was only 5-6 back then, really didn't have any memories, as expected. What I know is that Eugene's feelings for Elaine are really great, he thought.
Jaden closed his eyes and tried to recall the profile of that girl he glimpsed deep in the forest the first time he arrived here. But no matter how hard he tried, the thought couldn't seem to generate in his mind.
But beside all of that, Jaden made up his mind. Tomorrow is the day I retrieve Majd's memories...
~Klang!
The 5:30 bell rang, and Jaden opened his eyes at that moment, thinking that he should do what he could do at this moment as he got off the neat bed.
Jaden opened the window to the north, stretched his back, and took a deep breath full of cold air dyed with the color of dawn. He took a few deep breaths, and the sleepiness remaining within the back of his head disappeared completely. He quickly changed his clothes so that he get the chance to wash himself up at the well.
As he took few scoops of water from the pail and poured it into the tray as he bent down to wash his face, someone quickly approached him from behind.
It's most likely Renee, he thought as Jaden lifted himself up, wiping off the water on his hands as he turned around.
"Ahh...morning, Sister."
he muttered.
Standing over there was Sister Linille, who was in a habit, which didn't show any sign of sloppiness. Jaden hurriedly lowered his head, and she nodded and answered "Morning.."
Jaden's heart was really shocked to see her stern lips curled up more than usual. The Sister blinked hesitantly and simply said "—Renee is missing."
"Huh?!..."
"Jaden, do you know anything? She seemed to be very close to you..." she said.
"Well... no, I've never heard anything... it's a rest day today, right? Did she go home?" Jaden racked his still-sleepy brain as he said this, but the Sister immediately shook her head.
"Renee has never gone home ever since she came to this church two years ago. Even if she did, she would have told me so without hiding anything. She went off without even attending worship this morning." she explained.
"Then... did she go off to buy something?" said Jaden.
"Then, we'll wait 'till noon. If she still hasn't come back, I'll look for the people at the village council to discuss this. Sorry for bothering you. I still have to prepare for
worship, so I'll take my leave then."
Sister Linille turned around to leave as she said that.
"Well... I'll go around nearby to look." Jaden replied.
Minutes later, Jaden was running through the village, looking for Renee. C'mon Renee!, he thought. Where in the virtual hell have you gone to?! I was supposed to meet with Eugene and restore Majd's true self..
Jaden kept searching all over market-road. He looked nearby Renee's house, but there were nobody in sight. As he was about to return to the church, he met Eugene on his way.
"Ya, Jaden. Good morning."
Eugene waved.
"Morning."
"Well, since you're here, how about I show you around market-road?" Eugene smiled. "There's a good place that serves good milked tea in a can!"
"That's good, but before that, I need your help." Jaden stopped him. "Renee has gone missing since morning... I want to go around to look... "
"Ehh?"
Eugene widened his green eyes, and then frowned worriedly. "She left the church without telling Sister Linille anything?"
"Seemed so. The Sister even said that this is the first time such a thing happened. Eugene, do you know where Renee may have gone?"
"Where she could be, huh? Even if you ask me..." Eugene said. "I really haven't talked to her lately..."
"...."
At this moment, he finally realized, at a moment so late it amazed him, the truth behind the anxiety inside his heart.
"I told some things about Elaine to Renee last night, so I want to see if there is any place she might have memories with Elaine..." he muttered.
"That's it?" Eugene asked.
Jaden groaned softly. "I told her last night about Elaine and that she went to a cave in the—" Jaden said. "... Renee must have gone to the Mountain range at the Edge."
"EEHH!!"
Eugene's face immediately turned pale. "That's very bad. We have to get her back before the villagers find out and chase after her... when did she leave?"
"I don't know. She was gone when I woke up at 5:30..." Jaden said.
"Then we better hurry!" Eugene said as both boys took off immediately.
Unlike the wheat fields that stretched down the horizon in the south, the north of the village had a thick forest. A river circled around the hill that formed Rulid village and headed through the forests, extending out of both the north and south of the village.
There was a small path with thin grass growing on the river bank.
Eugene kept his eyes on the path that shifted to the riverside, walked for another 10 steps and stopped. He used his left hand to stop Jaden and kneeled down, using his right hand to touch some slightly tall grass.
"It's here...there are some signs that this place has been stepped on." Eugene said. "A kid definitely came by here before. Let's hurry."
"Ah...ahh." Jaden nodded and followed Eugene, who was becoming faster.
Just like that, the two boys kept running for 2 hours at a suitable speed, but there was still no sign
of the girl in front of them. Renee may have already reached the cave. The restlessness and anxiety spread through Jaden's mouth with a slightly metallic smell.
They both continued dashing down the remaining few hundred meters left and stopped at the grassy patch that became gravel. Jaden panted in a slightly heavy manner and looked up at the scene in front of him in a dumbstruck manner. It was not the virtual world— the change in area was really too clear-cut, causing Mado to think of saying such a thing. The amazing thing was that if he raised his hand, the places he could touch were covered with thin snow. Jaden didn't know how tall it was, but there was pure white light flashing nearby.
The snowy mountains extended out to both left and right sides of where Jaden stood, until he could no longer see them.
"Is this...the Mountain range at the Edge?" Jaden whispered with disbelief.
Eugene nodded. "I was shocked when I came here for the first time. This Mountain range at the Edge..."
"...Is so close to us now."
Jaden sighed as he continued and subconsciously tilted his head. It was a road that had no obstacles, no split paths and a distance that could be covered in 2.5 hours just by walking faster. It was like— like it was luring them, luring the residents over to the Taboo area. Or it may be the other way around, inviting people from the Realm of darkness to invade...
Eugene turned to him, who was relaxed, and said anxiously.
"Then, let's hurry. There's most likely still a 30 minutes distance between us and Renee. Once we find her and pull her back, we might be able to go back to the village while it's still bright."
"Ah, ahh... you're right." replied Jaden as he looked over at where he was pointing at, and he could see that the river they walked down was being sucked in —or rather, flowing out— from a protruding hole in the wall.
"Is that it..."
They jogged in. The height and width of the wall wasn't small, and on the left side of the trail of water that was flowing, there was a stone path wide enough for two people to walk side by side. The hole was completely covered in darkness, and there would occasionally be a cold wind blowing.
"Uh, Eugene...how do we light this place?" Jaden asked.
Eugene nodded with an expression indicating to leave it to him, and raised a piece of grass that even Jaden didn't know when he had picked up. What are you going to do with a bristlegrass?!, Jaden thought. Just when he looked forward in a dumbstruck manner, Eugene said with a serious expression.
"System ・Call! Generate・Luminus・Element."
«System Call»?!, just when Jaden was startled—
"Adhere!" Eugene finished.
The tip of the grass Eugene grabbed onto let out a bluish-white light with a swoosh,
and the brightness was enough to illuminate several meters of darkness. Eugene raised it and stepped into the cave.
Jaden's surprise didn't fade at all as he hurriedly followed him and walked beside him, asking "Eu-Eugene... just now, that was?"
Eugene frowned sternly, but obviously showed a delighted expression as he answered,
"This is a sacred art, but it's just very simple. I learned this by practising hard in order to get the «Sword of Blue Rose» last year."
"Sacred art... you know... stuff like SYSTEM... or something like that, or their meaning?!" Jaden stuttered.
"Meaning... not at all. It's a formulaic line. It's a sentence used to call god and pray for a miracle." replied Eugene.
So, he thinks it's a spell, Jaden thought. Even, that demi-litch in the Tomb of Horror iterated it.
The moist grey stone path was meandering forward. Icy cold wind that could cut the skin blew over from the front. Jaden had an ally with him, but he didn't even have a wooden stick, let alone a sword, which really worried Jaden.
"Did Renee really come into such a place...?" he couldn't help himself from muttering. Eugene silently used the glowing bristlegrass to light the ground.
"Ah..."
The bluish-white ball of light showed a shallow frozen puddle. The center of the puddle was trampled upon, creating cracks all round.
Jaden tried to step on it, and the ice let out a cracking sound as the cracks became bigger. In other words, there was someone lighter than me who had just walked on the ice not too long ago.
"I see... Guess we're right then. Really... I don't know whether she's just reckless or doesn't know fear..." Jaden muttered.
On hearing that, Eugene tilted his head in a puzzled manner. "Actually, there's nothing much to be scared about. There's no white dragon inside this cave, not even a rat or a bat here."
"I-Is that so..." Jaden mumbled.
The two young men continued to walk deeper into the depths of the cave. Jaden had a thought that was bothering him. He eventually mentioned it to Eugene, so it might calm him down. "So�� Eugene.." he muttered.
"What is it?"
"This is just for precaution's sake...but if Renee ended up violating the Azerrak Almanac, will she be taken immediately by the Eternal Knight?" he asked
At this moment, Eugene looked like he was searching through his memory, and immediately denied it. "No...I guess the Knight will most probably fly over to the village tomorrow morning. It was the same ten years ago." Eugene explained.
"I see... then, even if it is the worst case scenario, there's still a chance to save Renee." Jaden said.
"...What are you thinking about, Jaden?"
"Simple. Today, if we bring Renee away from the village, we might be able to hide from the Eternal Knight's pursuit."
"..."
Eugene turned his face forward, remained silent, and whispered,
"How is that... possible. What about the Duty...?"
"I never said that you have to come along, Eugene." Jaden deliberately said with a taunting tone. "I'll take her away. It was my fault for talking too much, so I'll bear responsibility for this."
"...Jaden..."
"KYAAAAAAHHH...!!!!"
There was a strange sound that came with the wind coming from the darkness.
"Hey... What was that just now?!" Eugene cried.
"What is this... " Jaden stepped back. The long dragged out voice was undoubtedly the scream of a girl.
Both boys looked at each other as anxiety and fear pushed them forward.
"NOT GOOD!"
"RENEE...!"
Eugene and Jaden shouted at the same time as they dashed down the slippery stone path that had frozen on top. Jaden was released into the biggest sense of danger —so huge that he couldn't recall any other situation where he had had a stronger feeling– as it struck his body like ice, numbing his limbs.
As they continued to move forward, the smell of burning wood and the wild stench increased and became
thicker.
I don't know what kind of people are waiting at the end, Jaden thought. But I could
easily imagine that they weren't some friendly guys. Since I don't even have a knife on my waist at all, I should plan some strategy before heading forward cautiously..., Jaden whispered to himself.
Eugene's face was even grimmer than his as he quickly dashed forward with tremendous speed.
Suddenly, there was an orange light swaying on the wall in front of them. From the reflection, it seemed that it was a rather large dome inside. Jaden's skin felt a clear prickling sensation at the enemies' presence, there were many of them— a whole lot. Jaden prayed that Renee was fine as he stepped into the dome space with Eugene.
I have to look around and take the most suitable option— as fast as possible, Jaden thought.
The round dome was about 50m in diameter. The ground was covered by a thick layer of ice, but there was a large crack that opened in the middle, showing the bluish-black surface of water.
The orange light came from two clusters of bonfires. In black metal cages,
~*pacha*
~*pacha*,
the firewood was burning away.
Also, right around the two clusters of bonfires, there was a group of things that looked humanoid but were obviously neither humans nor wild beasts, and there were more than
30 of them.
Each of them, or it should be said that every single one of them,weren't big. The head of the thing standing was only at Jaden's height, but their bodies with slightly slouched backs were rather ripped, especially the arms that looked weird and the hands that had
sharp claws on the ends that looked like they could rip anything apart. They had bright leather armor on, and their waist had all sorts of fur, bones and little bags jingling there.
Also— even though they were crude, Jaden could feel power from their crafting machetes.
Their skins were dark grayish-green, and they had some light bristles growing on them. All of them were fully bald, without exception, and they were growing furs only on the side of the sharp and pointy ears, like wires. They had no eyebrows, and below the protruding forehead, that were eyes that were so big that they didn't match their body at all, all giving off a corroded yellow.
They look extremely abnormal— and also things that I had been used to seeing, Jaden thought to himself. "Uhh, these are...goblins!" Jaden whispered as he pulled Eugene, and hid behind a large icey shard.
"So, all the rumors were true!" Eugene replied.
The following moment, both Eugene and Jaden locked their eyes on a wooden carriage at the farthest corner of the dome. It was standing behind the group of the dark-green goblins.
"Wait, look!" Jaden pointed. "It's Renee! She's tied up!"
Eugene noticed as Renee was wrapped in a tight rope. She laying unconscious on the wooden carriage.
"Huh?!!—" Eugene stood up and yelled. "RENEE!!"
The goblins immediately turned their heads, and looked at Eugene.
Holly shit!, Jaden thought.
"Oi, look up! Another 2 Light Ium brats came running here!"
At the same time, there were cackles.
~*gigi*,
~*gigi*
They were coming from all over the dome. From the nearest one, the goblins all raised their machetes and stood up, giving off
hungry looks.
"WHAT DO WE DO~? DO WE TAKE THEM AWAY AS WELL!?"
A goblin shouted initially. At this moment, the roar could be heard from behind, and all the goblins stopped laughing. From amidst the monsters, there was a goblin that was
twice as large as the other goblins, looking like an officer-class. This guy was equipped with scale mail, and the forehead had a decorative feather that was of primary colors. The eyes that had a tinge of red below the feather let out an overwhelming evil and icy cold-like intellect that could cause anyone to faint.
The goblin leader smirked and bared its yellow untidy teeth before saying in a hoarse voice "We won't earn much from taking male Ium. Too much of a hassle. Let's just kill them all and turn them into meat."
Jaden, who still was taking cover behind that shard, tried to reach out to Eugene who was standing still. "Eugene, get down here!" he whispered. "We can't just charge out like that!"
Eugene's body remained frozen in place as he was standing, looking at the goblins. He looked to Jaden as though his limbs were trembling vigrously.
"Eugene! Eugene!"
Jaden tried to snap his friend out of the shock-like state he was in.
"Eugene!"
"Eugene!"
The goblins rose up their weapons, and started to get closer.
"Eugene!!" Jaden kept on yelling.
"Eugene!!"
"Eugene!!"
"EUGENE!!"