After only a little more conversation, Vesa quickly left Lukas to wander around Snakewell on his own. It wasn't a vast place, so he didn't get lost per se. Merely he was alone. Something that he still wasn't used to.
Ever since that fateful night, he had rarely been alone. Bene was always nearby during his training. Shortly after leaving for Mystic Camp, he met Oak. Then he went on a mission with Vesa, before recovering with Oak in Mystic Camp. Then, of course, he and Oak went to Snakewell, meeting Karve and Axel along the way.
He had only been alone, truly alone, for a few brief moments. So every time he was alone, with no one to help him if he needed it, a shiver would go up his spine. The cold breath of subtle fear would creep around his neck.
However, his isolation didn't last long this time. Soon he was greeted by a familiar face. It was that of the master of the special division.
As he approached, he sat on a bench next to Lukas.
"Ah, you are the Weaver of Time correct?"
Lukas turned to face the master, yet it was not the master that looked him in the eyes. No, rather the crow atop his shoulder did.
"Yes..."
"Why must you be so hesitant? Ah, it is a pleasure to meet you nonetheless. Do you know why I came to speak with you?"
"No."
"Well, if I am to be honest, I merely wished to speak with you. I do, however, have some important information regarding your first assignment."
Lukas was intrigued by those words. His first assignment... It could be something bland and simple, but Wels made it seem like a monumental moment.
"I overheard you speaking with Torment earlier, you mentioned your confusion about your title. I could answer that question if you'd like. As I was the one who offered to grant you a title, although it was Winter who chose the name itself."
Lukas nodded but swiftly remembered that the master was blind. As he was about to speak, however, Wels spoke before he could. Acknowledging his affirmation without the need for words.
"You do, well then. The night-"
"Sorry to interrupt you, but how did you see me? I thought you were blind."
Wels laughed for a good while.
"I thought Torment told you, she must have forgotten. I can see through the eyes of my crows. Why, I'm looking at you right now. To continue, the night that Shorstone collapsed, Winter and Gale were on an assignment of their own."
"Gale? Who's Gale?"
The master paused for a brief moment, considering what to say.
"My, I did forget to introduce him to you, I'm surprised Winter never did either. But, Gale is Winter's second in command. His right-hand man, if that helps you understand his position in the Fortissimo."
It was curious that Winter never introduced Gale to Lukas. Nor did Lukas ever see Gale, did he manage Bene's subdivision while he trained Lukas?
Wels continued:
"As they were making their way towards the area around Shorstone and Mystic Camp, in the dead of night, they found you. Winter had Gale take you to a nearby cabin while he went ahead to Mystic Camp and Shorstone. There was nothing left, except for you. The few survivors that did exist bled out before Bene could do anything."
Lukas shivered lightly. If what Wels said was true, then he was the only survivor of Shorstone, a ghost in a sense. Surely he can't be the only one who ran away that night... right?
"When I heard that, you caught my interest. Even if it was by dishonourable or unfavourable means, you survived. People who survive are sadly rare these days, replaced by fools and false hope for a better future. Those who kill without issue are needed, but those who can survive despite the odds are invaluable. At least in my eyes."
"But, that doesn't mean anything. Just because I could run away and evade threats means I'm suddenly one of the most desired people here?"
"Well, there's more. Shortly after you recovered Bene asked me personally if you could join. I, of course, allowed this after hearing his plead. But I didn't expect you to accept and to, so shortly after your training began, unlock your Frequency. The ability to rewind time around yourself no less! Listen, Lukas, you are filled with potential. That is why you were granted a title."
[End of Volume I: Introduction to the Snow]