I called Mom first thing in the morning. It was night in India but morning here. She scolded me, but I managed to calm her down. After that, I talked to my stupid brother. He didn't miss a chance to roast me on the call. I said a few things back, and Mom snatched the phone, scolding him and saying, "Even after being apart, you both fight like animals." I told her about my classes here, not about the ghouls and guardians, of course. I promised to call her regularly from time to time. After ending the call, I just stared at the ceiling.
"Can I come in?" a voice called from outside my room. I asked who it was. Then she came in—it was Lysandra.
"Lysandra, what brings you here?" I asked.
"I just dropped by to see if you are doing fine and discuss strategy for that man, remember?"
I had forgotten about that and the fact that Yumiko told me not to. I explained to her what Yumiko said, and it was clear she wasn't happy about it either.
"Isn't it unfair?" she said.
"Maybe, but what is fair now? We are given powers when we should be enjoying our youth," I replied.
"You now sound like an old man," she laughed.
I laughed with her. "But seriously, if we were to engage in battle with him, we would lose with our current selves. So, what should we do? We have two choices here. The first one is to wait like Yumiko said, and train ourselves to be prepared. This one is logical."
"What's the second one?" she asked.
"The second one is like trespassing. There are chances we wouldn't get any evidence against him. I mean, he's not a fool to leave anything behind. So, we should train and then be ready to fight him without telling others. So, what do you say?"
"Let's go with the first one," she said. "We are already in trouble with your secret, and this one would be more."
I agreed with her.
I agreed with her, and we both sat in silence for a moment, the weight of our responsibilities hanging in the air. Lysandra's expression softened as she looked at me, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and something else—something warmer.
"You know," she said, breaking the silence, "despite everything, I'm glad we're in this together."
I smiled, feeling a strange warmth spread through me. "Yeah, me too. I don't know what I'd do without you."
She laughed softly, a sound that seemed to lighten the room. "You'd probably be lost in your thoughts, staring at the ceiling all day."
I chuckled. "You might be right about that."
There was a pause, and then she reached out, placing her hand gently on mine. Her touch sent a spark through me, and I looked into her eyes, seeing a depth of emotion that I hadn't noticed before. "Rudra, I… I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Just know that I'm here for you. Always."
I squeezed her hand, feeling a connection that went beyond our shared mission. "Thank you, Lysandra. That means a lot."
She smiled, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. "Rudra, there's something I need to tell you."
My heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"
She hesitated, biting her lip. "I… I've been feeling something for a while now. Something more than just friendship."
I felt a rush of emotions—surprise, hope, and a bit of fear. "Lysandra, I…"
Before I could finish, she pulled her hand away, standing up abruptly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. This is too complicated."
I stood up too, reaching out to her. "No, Lysandra, wait. It's not complicated. I feel it too."
She turned to face me, her eyes searching mine. "Really?"
"Yes," I said, my voice firm. "But we need to be careful. Our mission comes first."
She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I know. But it's good to know I'm not alone in this."
As I stood there with Lysandra, feeling the weight of our newfound understanding, a familiar presence filled the room. Fulminor's voice echoed in my mind, calm and steady.
Rudra, I sense a shift in your emotions. This connection with Lysandra is significant, but you must tread carefully.
I nodded, acknowledging Fulminor's wisdom. "I know, Fulminor. Our mission comes first, but I can't ignore what I feel." Fulminor's tone softened a hint of warmth in his words.
Emotions are powerful, Rudra. They can strengthen you, but they can also be a distraction. Balance is key. Do not let your feelings for Lysandra cloud your judgment or compromise your duty.
"I understand," I replied, feeling the weight of his words. "But isn't it possible that our bond could make us stronger? More united in our fight?"
Indeed, a strong bond can be a source of great strength. If nurtured with care and respect, it can enhance your resolve and fortify your spirit. Just remember, the path you walk is fraught with danger. Stay vigilant and true to your purpose.
I felt a sense of reassurance from Fulminor's guidance. "Thank you, Fulminor. I will keep your words in mind."
Remember, Rudra, love and duty are not mutually exclusive. They can coexist, but it requires wisdom and balance. Trust in yourself and in those who stand by your side.
After saying that, his voice became tense. I could sense he was about to say something important. " What happened, it seems like you want to tell something."
Rudra, there is much you need to understand about the man you seek and the wraith within him. This individual is not merely a wealthy man with dark secrets; he is a vessel for a powerful wraith, one that has been growing in strength and influence.
" Yes, you told me about it but what it does mean now?"
The wraith inside him is ancient and cunning," Fulminor continued. "It feeds on fear and despair, manipulating those around it to further its ends. This wraith has been using the man's resources and connections to spread its influence, creating chaos and suffering.
I clenched my fists, anger rising within me. "So, he's not just a threat to us, but to everyone around him."
Indeed, This wraith is unlike any you have faced before. It is deeply entrenched within its host, making it difficult to separate the two. Confronting them directly without proper preparation would be perilous.
"Then what should we do?" I asked.
You must continue to train and strengthen your abilities, But more importantly, you need to gather information. Learn about the man's past, his connections, and any weaknesses the wraith might have. Knowledge will be your greatest weapon.
I nodded, determination hardening my resolve. "We'll be ready, Fulminor. We'll find a way to defeat him and the wraith."