Aston was looking at Z, full of disbelief as would anybody who was posed the same situation. However, Z's eyes had a sense of truth and certainty to them that Aston could not ignore. The more he looked at Z, the more he felt something that assured him that what he was saying was true.
"Do not worry. I have nothing but great intentions for you. I will have you acquire power that you can use to power you in whatever path you wish to take," Z added. Once again, Aston saw nothing but sincerity from Z.
'Why do I believe what he is saying? I have grown in this fortress where everyone wants to take advantage of another. This place where the weak have no place to grow, and instead are only exploited, is where I grew and learned never to trust anyone. How can I believe what he is saying? Could he be using some power to manipulate me?' Aston thought as he looked at Z in wonder.
Seeing the look on his face, it was as if Z had already read his mind, so he waved his hand, revealing a majestic Rune that was the purest Aston had seen. It seemed free from impurity and contained nothing but the truth.
'What is this feeling?' Aston thought. He did not know it, but what he was feeling was the Laws of the World emitted by the Rune Z showed.
"This is called a Grand Rune, specifically, the Grand Rune of Truth. I am sure you can feel the purity within this. The Grand Rune of Truth only comes to those that do not lie, to those whose words are pure. What you are feeling is the passive effect of Truth Law that gives assurance to those that hear my words," Z explained.
Aston could not understand the depths of what Z was talking about, but the sincerity he felt was something he could not ignore. 'What could I possibly lose? I already live a life that is not worth living. I might as well gamble to this sincerity,' he thought before saying, "Master!" and kowtowing to Z.
"Call me Scion," Z said before pulling the black feather from his suit.
(Umbra, it is on you.)
(I hate you!)
"Take this feather. Listen to what she says as her every word is akin to mine. She will provide you with everything you need and take you to the places you need to be, trust her," Z said.
"Yes, Scion!" Aston obediently replied as he succumbed to the influence of Truth Law.
(Will you be fine without me?) Umbra sincerely asked.
(I am going to miss you.)
(Be nice to Lumen.) Umbra said before disappearing into the feather.
Just like that, Z had his first disciple. Aston was staring at Z's silhouette while holding the black feather he gave him. His previously lifeless eyes had a sense of hope and trust as he gripped the feather tightly.
The morning swiftly came in the fortress, waking everyone up. The Violet Class students were right on time as they gathered at the basement of the inn to meet up with Noel.
"Where did you go?" Lea asked after seeing Z.
"I ventured the fortress," he conservatively said.
"Something is missing in you," Ashe said while staring at him.
"Really?" Lea piled.
Z stared in shock at Ashe for a moment as he marveled over her observational prowess. "I gave something away."
"I did not find you as the type to do something that would create you a loss," Henry commented.
"Well, it was an investment. I am sure Lea would understand."
"I do hope you reap a ton of benefits from it," Lea said.
The lot stopped chatting after Noel arrived. "Let us go to the battlefield."
After traveling for a while, they came before a giant wall created from the effects of the Runes engraved on the ground.
"This is known as The Wall of Purity. It was built by people from the Zen Continent to repel the Abyssals from crossing. However, as they are insane, Abyssals still cross the barrier which causes them to be significantly weaker than when they are inside. The best benefit of it, though, was the fact that it deters powerful Abyssals from crossing as they have the instinct to avoid The Wall of Purity. Occasionally, though, anomalies happen and some large ones come across. Let this serve as a reminder to you that the Abyssals inside this wall are nothing compared to those that manage to pass through," Noel briefed.
The lot crossed the barrier and immediately noticed the irregularities within the Laws. 'It is similar to when Ashe activated her powers, how curious,' Lea thought.
"Prepare for combat!" Noel said as a group of Abyssals immediately surrounded them. They finally believed what he said before as they immediately noticed how powerful they are in comparison to the thousand Noel killed in the past. The students went alert, sensing danger nearby. They did not pull any stops, immediately assimilating their Celestials.
"Can they fall under illusions?" Lea asked Noel after seeing that Z was not pulling his weapon.
"It is complex. They can, but it would be difficult to control and manipulate them since they are unpredictable. Also, it would be difficult to lock an Abyssal into an illusion array since they are only minimally affected by it," Noel answered, causing Lea to worriedly look at Z.
"Do not worry, I can manage," Z assured as he pulled a white feather from his suit. "Come, Lumen!"
A portal formed from which a gentle dove the size of Umbra came out. She had long strands of feathers on her head, similar to that of a phoenix, and golden eyes that paired well with its soft white feathers. Lumen was exuding an extraordinary sense of purity and peace, creating a zone around her that nullified the irregularities of Laws within the surrounding.
'His previous summon was already monstrous, but to think he has another one!' Lea exclaimed in her thoughts while looking at Z like he was a monster. 'I just cannot with these talents.'