"...It carries no meaning," came the response, yet, void of any sentiment—
"...Though emanating ever so faintly, I sense it...your sorrow. Be gone from here... as long as you can smile innocently, you may yet escape." he continued, his tone apathetic—
He seemed to take a turn, causing Noah to blink his eyes. Noah could see his bloody right eye narrowing slightly as darkness elegantly enveloped around him; its intensity enough to plunge one into the depths of sheer terror.
With the swift rift of energy enshrouding him, Noah strained his eyes, trying to make out the stranger's identity. In a fleeting moment, as the rapidly moving shadows relented, he caught a glimpse of a countenance as pallid as snow with delicate features, that caused Noah to quiver slightly.
Noah's eyes widened as he gazed at him in awe. "..."
But before he could utter a word, the ferocious darkness surrounding Noah began to dissipate, swallowing him up and erasing all traces of his presence.
"Disappear."
__
Ameren, busy arranging, medicines in her shop, let out a sigh of exhaution. "I am so occupied today. I shouldn't have taken a day off in the first place," she muttered, feeling drained.
"Jeez...I have to go home to check on Noah too...But the customers and orders! (Sigh)" Ameren sighed once more, hopeless.
As she worked, she noticed someone's figure near the counter and looked up to greet him. "Greetings," she said.
Raphael, a respectful presence, lowered his head in a bow and replied, "Greetings, ma'am. I was told to deliver a message to you." he informed.
Ameren took a moment to recognise him, instantly asking, "Sir Raphael?"
Raphael nodded, offering a warm smile. "Yes, that's correct. May I proceed with the message?" he asked politely. "Sure go ahead." Ameren gave her concent, attentively.
Raphael proceeded to inform Ameren about Enya's duty and schedule. Ameren absorbed the information and nodded, expressing her gratitude for his effort to approach.
"Thank you sir, and sorry for the inconvenience," Ameren expressed, bowing in appreciation.
Raphael observed her for a moment and couldn't help but think, "She's really nice... I hope Lord Abel understands her..."
With a smile of assurance, he added, "No need for apologies, ma'am. Allow me to take my leave. If, by any chance, you need assistance, you may reach out to me." He handed her a token before leaving. Ameren blinked and examined the token, replying with a smile, "Oh, thank you."
...
Knights Training Base
Enya swung her sword right to left. Taking a sidestep, she performed a rapid series of attacks, consisting of cuts, thrusts, stabs, and swings.
"Huff, huff," beads of sweat trickled down her forehead as she paused her training, wiping them away with the back of her hand.
Furrowing her brows, she clutched her sword and leaped slashing a rising uppercut that left a blazing trail in its wake. Moving forward, she flipped over and performed a downward slash, her blade enveloped in shimmering frozen crystals.
At once, Enya stepped forward to repeat the strike but unexpectedly tumbled to the ground, "Ack!"
As she collapsed onto her knees, her grip on the sword loosened. Panting heavily, she muttered to herself, "Heh...still not enough. Combining two elements really drains my energy. Huff."
Enya rose to her feet while gripping her sword, dissapointed yet determined, "No. I can't let it become my weakness." She held pushing her hair back and resuming her practice.
"Foolish,"
General Void approached, his expression marked by a heavy sigh.
Enya halting her strike, turned around to face him. General Void sighed once more, his tone stern. "It's reckless for you to train like this. Recognizing your weaknesses is a strength in itself. Isn't it a good thing that you possess that ability?"
Enya glanced below, "What's so good in that? Anyone can easily determine that. Nothing special," she continued, "What brings you here, by the way, General Void?"
General Void grimly, retorted, "Why am I here? To get rid of you, of course. Go on now, do your night duty. It's about time, this spot of mine is not for sale."
Enya pouted, muttering, "Rude,"
General Void crossed his arms, "Now, don't you realise how rude you were?" he asked.
Enya furrowed her brow, running her fingers through her hair. "Um...okay. I'm sorry," she apologized.
General Void exhaled, his demeanor softening into a smile.
Following General Void's directives, Enya soon, proceeded to her night duty.
Patrolling around her spot, she covered her mouth as she yawned and accidently stumbled, "Ugh." Enya winced in pain realising her foot struck a nearby tree. She settled down to the ground, feeling drowsy and worn out. "I'm awfully tired...I haven't slept for two days," she mumbled, rubbing her fatigued eyes.
Her thoughts began to drift, and she whispered to herself, "It's strange...Two night duties in a row? I am not even a regular cavalier then why so?"
Sighing with no clue, Enya continued, "Father...what happened to you...? Why can't anyone exactly tell the truth? (Sigh) I miss Noah...so much. I couldn't even go to meet him. I hope he's doing well." She shook her head to clear her mind and sat up straight.
Enya placed her sword aside and released energy from her hands. A blue, icy element shimmered as she swirled her hand, creating crystals.
"Miss Mary does have a pretty niece...putting her personality aside, her looks are undeniably charming...(sigh) Why am I even thinking about that?" Enya wondered, shaking her head to dispel the thoughts.
"Tomorrow, I should meet the twelfth squad leader because he was on duty today. Leader Deion complained that he's lazy, but it's rather amusing," she chuckled, her smile widening.
"And as for you, Lord Draven... Rest assured, my sweet and innocent Lady Raven is a gem. If you dare to look at another girl, you are surely a goner." Turning her thoughts to Draven, a hint of displeasure lingered in her voice as she indirectly warned.
Enya's expression softened as she contemplated, "I should also find a friend for Ameren. Have I lost my mind somewhere? I haven't been giving her any time, and she's not wrong to be upset with me." She sighed and pursed her lips, reflecting on her actions.
"Even so...I wish, Everyone stays happy..." Enya whispered, her voice laced with hope.
A resplendent, golden energy sparkled with unparalleled brilliance, swirling gracefully through the tranquil night air. Its descent was a mesmerizing dance, a symphony of light and beauty that left Enya utterly entranced.
With each graceful twirl and graceful descent, the radiant energy painted a celestial tapestry in the night sky. Enya followed its intricate path with her gaze, her eyes reflecting the awe and wonder she felt deep within.
As she stepped forward, her footsteps were hushed, and she hid behind a majestic tree. From this vantage point, she could observe the figures of Abel and Raphael, bathed in the ethereal glow of the enchanting energy, nestled within the serene and secluded corner of the courtyard.
"Gorgeous..." Enya whispered to herself.
Her gaze fell upon Abel, who stood amid this mystical display. He had conjured a pillar of radiant, ethereal golden light, its brilliance lightening the pitch black sky itself. The luminous glow enveloped him, casting a resplendent aura that bathed the surroundings in a dazzling and enchanting radiance.
"Say Raphael," Abel began, breaking the silence. "It's magnificent, isn't it?"
Raphael beside him, offered a low bow, "Yes, indeed, My Lord. It appears that the artifact this time has enhanced your overall spiritual energy."
Abel couldn't resist a grin. "Of course, after all, it's me," he added, with a hint of pride in his voice.
With a graceful twirl of his hand, Abel conjured a burst of golden light, which fragmented into a shower of sparkling stars. "That brat Arawn seems to be keeping busy these past few days," he scoffed.
Raphael nodded in agreement. "The Second Prince seems to be overseeing the outskirts, likely at the Emperor's command."
Abel's smirk deepened. "He isn't such a saint to blindly follow father's orders. He may have other motives, I believe."
Raphael considering, nodded, "It's possible. But I find it hard to believe the Emperor would overlook any ulterior motives, don't you think?"
Abel conceded, "True, it's unlikely. Although I still have doubts... Well, put that aside. Draven left too and now that I am free, we shall focus on our own mission now."
Raphael handed him a scroll with caution, "Of course, My Lord. However, this time, I advise you to read this scroll before absorbing the sacred amulet of strength."
Abel nodded firmly. "Indeed. My aim is to attain peak strength in all aspects, and I shall not fail. Let us proceed, Raphael."
With that, the two of them moved forward to their respective tasks, leaving a trail of gleaming golden light in their wake. Enya blinked as she observed their departure.
"He truly hungers for strength." she thought exhaling, audibly. "But as the young crown prince, it's only natural for him to aspire to greatness."
She turned to continue her own path, a small grin forming on her lips. "His energy, however, radiates with an extraordinary brilliance. I may have underestimated him. I hope for a duel someday..." she held, interested.
With determination, Enya tightly clutched her sword and whispered into the night, "In a world where darkness may lurk unnoticed, I shall unveal it..."
...
The world darkened around Noah as the sky turned to obsidian, with only the faint glint of stars above.
In the narrow, secluded corner of the lane where Noah lived, darkness emerged like an ethereal wisp taking place. Startled, Noah instinctively closed his eyes, and clasped his arms around himself, trembling. A chill swept through the air, the eerie silence broken by his quivering breaths.
When Noah dared to open his emerald eyes, he glimpsed at his surrounds to find himself on the edge of the cobblestone street. His eyes widened in confusion and disbelief all at once, uttering a breathless gasp, "...What? I'm alive...?"
Turning to look around, a hint relief shone in his eyes as he stepped away, still in shock yet wonder,
"He sent me back? Even though he was so dangerous?" Noah questioned himself, his nervousness evident. Taking deep breaths to calm himself, Noah gazed below and continued, "Ouch...I feel so weak. Bad dreams really do seem to be bad omens, huh...? I was lost in such a scary place...I was lucky that I even got back. I should probably not tell anyone about this mistake and never step out again."
"But- I can breathe well for now though..." he uttered, with uncertainity.
"...I still don't get why I collided with that person and I don't know who he was and why he sent me here...but still he looked odd."
Noah blinked, his gaze shifting to the starry sky above. "Dark red eyes and very long black hairs...? Scary..." he wondered aloud, with his small hands clasped together, "But, I won't forget it."
Taking a sudden deep breath, Noah's eyebrows downturned, yearning for answers "...And he knew about my sorrow? I wonder how...?"
Noah looked ahead, tilting his head to the side. His gaze scrutinized sudden silver petals floating in the air, concealing a faded black smoke. The little bird flapped its wings sitting on Noah's head, intrigued.
With his heart filled with curiosity and intrigue, Noah's face lit up with innocence as he beamed, "Heh... Makes me want to learn more about him now." his whisper echoed through the quiet night as he discreetly turned, with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Ah, aren't you Noah? The brother of the young troublemaker and cunning girl?" An old man approached Noah, calling out his name. Noah turned to face him, "Huh?"
"Ho Ho, you really are him, little one. What are you doing out here at this time of night? It's unsafe." the old man told, his voice friendly. Noah, cautious of the stranger, stepped away slightly, but he couldn't help but smile. "I... am going back," he replied.
The old man nodded kindly. "Oh, I see. Be careful, okay?" he advised. Noah nodded in acknowledgment, then continued on his way home, "I should make it quick, before Sister Ameren comes back." he held.