Asa couldn't help but crack a small smile at the boy's genuine awe.
Slowly, she sheathed her sword, the tension in her shoulders easing like a gentle release of pent-up breath. "Thanks, little one," she said, her voice softening into a tender whisper.
"Go back to your house," Asa continued, her hand gently patting the boy's head in a reassuring manner.
His parents must have been frantic, witnessing their little boy approach a blood-stained woman who had just displayed her impressive combat skills before them all. "Your parents must be worried sick," she added.
Instead of receiving the small nod and a swift retreat back to safety that Asa had initially anticipated, the little boy surprised her.
He put his hands together as a cross over his chest, lowering his gaze respectfully. "Praise Main Pillar, Theodore. In your compassion, we found endless awe."
Asa followed the direction of the boy's gaze and found herself facing a man of striking appearance.
Theodore Dillon stood before her, dressed immaculately in white with golden linings.
His presence exuded an air of elegance and authority that commanded respect not only from the immediate crowd but seemingly from the entire nation of Antara.
"Praise Main Pillar, Theodore. In your compassion, we found endless awe," the crowd echoed in unison, their voices harmonizing like a sacred chant.
Late by a few seconds, Asa processed the unfolding situation. She put her hands together in front of her chest and lowered her gaze respectfully to greet Theodore. "Praise Main Pillar, Theodo-"
"It's alright, you don't have to say those words," Theodore cut her hail midway.
Theodore eyes widened in astonishment as he saw the long sword Asa carried on her back. "That sword is yours?"
"Yes, it's been my companion through many battles," she replied, her voice steady, carrying the weight of her experiences.
Theodore studied her for a moment, his eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and intrigue. "You possess impressive skill, Miss…?"
"Asa. Asa Amerta of the upper-north region,"
Theodore realized that Asa's mention of her origin was a deliberate attempt to remind him of the abandoned upper-north region. He even assumed that the woman in front of him had her words laced with disdain, but he chose to ignore that and cut straight to the central point of his visit in her presence.
"I came here after hearing a Crys appearance report but it seems like you have taken care of everything super well. The Main Pillar is always in need of individuals of your caliber. Your bravery today has not gone unnoticed. We could use someone like you," he said, his voice carrying an unmistakable blend of admiration and conviction.
The murmurs among the citizens intensified, filled with speculation and excitement.
Asa felt the weight of Theodore's words settle around her, the offer to join the prestigious pillar system under the watch of the Main Pillar hanging in the air.
In hushed whispers, the citizens explained the new pillar system, the honor it bestowed upon the chosen members, and the immense responsibilities they shouldered for Antara.
For the past seven years, Asa had lived in silence, relying solely on hunting near the Enchanted Mead Woods. This lifestyle had honed her senses to an exceptional degree, extending her hearing beyond the normal human range of ability.
Amidst the excited murmurs, she picked up the hushed conversations of the citizens who had long ventured out from their shelters to greet Theodore.
Their words reached her keen ears, painting a vivid picture of the anticipation that gripped the entire town.
Apparently, the Main Pillar had been scouting for talents all around the town to create new and more specified sub-pillars.
"It seems like they are looking for brains and muscles," said one of the hushed voices.
"Living as a pillar underling would guarantee safety and riches. What a dream life," murmured another onlooker.
"How I wish I was smart or strong enough to be one of the new sub-pillars," added others in wistful tones. Their words hung in the air, echoing the collective longing of the townsfolk for a life of security and prosperity directly under the Main Pillar's wing.
Asa found herself in a dilemma. Originally indifferent about the Main Pillar system and uninterested in government affairs, she had only ever cared about the people she loved. But now, having lost those dear to her, she moved through life without purpose, living day by day with a hollow emptiness.
The only thing that kept her going was the hope that one day Dan would return or that she would find him in her pathetic attempt to look for him on every corner of Antara.
Asa hesitated for a moment, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and contemplation.
Should she complicate her life by accepting the offer, or should she decline and return home, continuing to wait for Dan?
But how long could she keep waiting and look for him with no result at all?
The idea of entering the Pillar system tugged at her thoughts.
Perhaps within the Pillar system, she could find a clue about Dan's whereabouts.
"I am deeply honored by your offer, Dillon," Asa finally said, her voice clear and resolute. "But before I make my decision, I need to know more. I need to understand the role I would play, the battles I would fight, and the control I would have."
Asa hates being controlled by others, who knows how things would go south if Asa handover the control to someone else?
It happened once when she gave the control to Daniel, trusting him to fully guard over their house.
Aside of that, now that she wanted to find Daniel, she can't possibly do it if she is under the control of authorities.
Theodore let out a soft chuckle. The lady in front of him seemed adept at being straightforward in the most polite way. He wondered for a moment if she always spoke so bluntly. Did she not grasp the concept of white lies?
However, such honesty was exactly what the Pillar system needed.
A person of integrity could be molded into unwavering loyalty, and in Theodore's eyes, Asa Amerta had the potential to become a valuable asset in his pursuit of personal mission.
"So, you want to be in control?" Theodore asked, his gaze steady.
Asa met his eyes with unwavering determination. "Yes," she answered firmly.
Theodore nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I am indeed in need of a leader for the new sub-pillar that is working on military services: the Black Pillar. Seeing your strength, you certainly fit the position. Do you want to be the leader of the Black Pillar, Amerta?" His words hung in the air, the weight of responsibility and opportunity sitting squarely on Asa Amerta's shoulders.