In the end, Alyk chose to become a soldier. He wasn't given time to bring anything with him or say any farewells, his departure was a silent one.
("My mother and I prayed everyday that my father would come back safely, and I would practice my craftsmanship on the side. Two weeks after he left, the robed man visited our house again.") [Askyros]
The next thing Adam knew, he was no longer outside of the house, but inside.
("What next?") [Adam]
He found himself sitting at a desk, immersing himself in the book his mother gave him.
"G… w.. y..!" [Feida]
He heard screaming coming from the front yard and his body automatically veered towards the sound.
"Ma'...m, I… co… s…" [???]
As he drew closer Askyros began to make out the conversation.
"My son?! You already took my husband, what more do you want!" [Feida]
"Mom?" [Askyros]
He stood by the doorway, confusion and worry mixed inside him.
"Askyros? Go back inside!" [Feida]
She waved her arm at him, but he didn't budge. Looking at his mother, and then their visitor, he assessed the situation.
"It's you…" [Askyros]
He glared at their guest. It was a face he did not take kindly to.
"Ah, if it isn't Alyks son! The person I was just looking for!" [White Robed Man]
A moment of surprise crossed his face, but it returned to a glare almost instantly.
"What do you want?" [Askyros]
"Well…" [White Robed Man]
He glanced at Feida and back to Askyros.
"...May I have a word?" [White Robed Man]
"Askyros, don't listen to him!" [Feida]
"Mom, can you go inside the house for a bit?" [Askyros]
"A-Askyros?" [Feida]
"Get. In. The. House." [Askyros]
Feida was stunned, she had never seen her son wear such an expression before.
("This feeling… Hate? Grief? No… It feels like both, but something else at the same time…") [Adam]
"...A-alright..." [Feida]
Though hesitantly, she left the two alone.
"Thank you, now let's get down to business." [White Robed Man]
He reached into his robe and pulled out a familiar scroll.
"Do you remember this?" [White Robed Man]
"That's the design of the holy empire's sword." [Askyros]
"Correct, now what do you suppose I'm bringing this to you for?" [White Robed Man]
"..." [Askyros]
"Not going to humor me? Intriguing… Not many people have nerves like you." [White Robed Man]
Unfazed, Askyros stood still with his arms crossed.
"Just tell me what you want." [Askyros]
"I came to recruit you. Just as I did your father, I want you to help mass produce this sword." [White Robed Man]
("This guy has some guts to say that to Askyros after what he did.") [Adam]
He felt Askyros' emotions surge within him. Anger burned deeply, but Askyros held it in.
"...Why would I do that?" [Askyros]
"For one, I'm an envoy of his holiness, the Sovereign of Faith." [White Robed Man]
"And? What about it?" [Askyros]
"Eh?" [White Robed Man]
("He's so screwed...") [Adam]
The man robed in white was astonished, his head tilted back a few inches with eyes wide open.
"...Nerves of steel indeed." [White Robed Man]
He shook off his amazement and recollected himself.
"Usually an insult towards his holiness would garner punishment, but I'll let it slide today. As for the matter of why you should work for me, I'll let you decide." [White Robed Man]
He fished a hand into his robe and pulled out a second scroll. He unfurled it in front of Askyros and smiled.
"Now what do you suppose this is?" [White Robed Man]
Askyros squinted his eyes and furrowed his brows to read it. It didn't take long for him and Adam to understand what it was.
("This guy...!") [Adam]
"You…! You wouldn't dare…!" [Askyros]
"Oh, I most certainly would!" [White Robed Man]
He dangled the scroll in front of him playfully, taunting Askyros as he pleased.
"I'm sure news of the war has reached your ears by now, what do you think will happen to your father if I sent an order for him to fight on the front lines?" [White Robed Man]
"Grr…!" [Askyros]
As much as he wanted to slam his fist into the robed man's face, he only clenched his fist and remained still.
"...What do you want?" [Askyros]
"As I have said before, I would like your assistance in mass producing this sword." [White Robed Man]
"...You planned this didn't you? Forcing my father to war, it was just a ruse. You intended for me to make that weapon, not my father didn't you?" [Askyros]
A grin stretched across the robed man's face and he clapped his hands in applause.
"Caught red handed! Of course it was just a ploy! I heard of a craftsman with a prodigal son, and I came here not expecting much, but here you are! Exceeded every single one of my expectations." [White Robed Man]
"Hmph. I don't see what has you so excited, there isn't any "prodigal" son anywhere. Only the common folk." [Askyros]
"Hm... If that's what you think, that's fine. But enough about that, will you accept my offer?" [White Robed Man]
He extended a hand, motioning for a handshake.
"...Tsk." [Askyros]
He clicked his tongue and accepted the handshake.
"Ah.. that's a uh… strong grip you have there…" [White Robed Man]
Askyros strengthened his grip as much as he could and replied in a low voice.
"...It's not a pleasure doing business with you." [Askyros]