"It's baffling; I can't discern who attacked you. It feels like there's an unseen force preventing me from getting a clear view," Aria uttered as she held Xylon's head.
With closed eyes, she strained to delve into his thoughts; however, it seemed she had ventured too deep, now immersed in his past memories. Quickly opening her eyes, she stepped back, putting some distance between herself and Xylon.
"Aria, what happened?" Xenon's concern resonated in his voice.
"I-I can't do this... I'm sorry," she stammered, then hastily ran away, leaving an air of unease behind.
"What happened to her?" Blake questioned.
"I believe she glimpsed once more in Xylon's memories the events of seven years ago," Kan explained, his tone tinged with empathy.
Xylon clenched his fists, a storm of emotions brewing within him.
He rose abruptly, the intensity of his emotions palpable, and left the office without uttering a word.
"Damn it, why do they always walk out?" Heberlin grumbled.
Maddison glanced at Arden, who's standing in the corner.
"Arden, did you find any belongings of the creature that attacked the prince, like strands of hair?" Maddison asked.
However, Arden, without showing any expression, only shook his head, adding to the air of mystery surrounding the situation.
.
....
Xylon's scream resonated through the forest as the environment swiftly transformed, shrouded in dense mist, and towering trees were replaced by buildings.
"Aaahhhhhh!!!" Xylon's agonizing cry echoed.
His claws extended gradually, his eyes turned red, and long fangs emerged. He swiftly destroyed the buildings that surrounded him.
"Grrr..."
Amidst the darkness, Xylon's anger dissipated when he spotted a young girl running. Anxiety filled him as he chased after her, glancing around to locate her.
From a distance, he saw her... but she wasn't alone. Another creature stood before her, drooling and ravenously hungry. Xylon abruptly halted, torn by conflicting emotions.
"N-No... no. I know what will happen next!" Xylon exclaimed, clutching his head.
He saw a young man approaching them.
Desperation filled Xylon's voice, "N-No! Stop! Please! DON'T KILL HIM!" He pleaded, closing his eyes.
"I don't want to see this! Enough!" Xylon exclaimed, the weight of his past haunting him. "I don't want to relive the past!!!!" he shouted. "ENOUGH!!!"
The surroundings shifted again, spinning in dizzying circles. Countless scenarios unfolded, overwhelming and disorienting. In an unexpected turn, Xylon sank into the depths of his own shadow.
"Tsk. You'll die in your own illusion," Kan said.
Luckily, he arrived just in time and saw what was happening to Xylon. Reacting swiftly, he skillfully interjected his own shadow into Xylon's illusion and pulled him out. As Xylon lay unconscious, Kan hoisted him onto his shoulders, concern etched on his face. Kan then submerged into his own shadow while carrying him.
.
....
Outside the academy, there is a small town where the residents value and lead a simple way of life. In the heart of the town, a small bakery stands as a local gem. Despite its size, it's famous for its delicious breads and pastries.
"Hey Cedrick, cut the yawning, it's embarrassing. You're creating uncomfortable atmosphere for our customers!" Aunt Bebang scolded one of her workers.
"Oops! Sorry, madam," Cedrick replied, making a peace sign.
Aunt Bebang, the owner of the bakery, only shook her head and went inside.
Cedrick was an orphan who worked as a baker, his days consumed by the rhythm of kneading and baking.
"It's a boring and tiring day, isn't it, Stephen?" Cedrick said, but there was no response. He turned to the counter and saw Stephen counting money and listing items.
Cedrick sighed. "You're always serious with your work. Don't you ever feel tired?" he asked.
"No," Stephen responded shortly.
Cedrick and Stephen had been friends for two years. Cedrick found Stephen one stormy day, lying on the street, drenched in rain. Learning that Stephen was an orphan like him, Cedrick decided to take him in and asked Aunt Bebang to give him a job.
"Well, you're always the diligent one," Cedrick said as he took a piece of bread to satiate his hunger.
As he bit into it, Stephen's deadpan comment followed, "I'll be deducting that from your salary."
Cedrick was surprised. "What? Dude, it's only one piece of bread."
But Stephen ignored him and continued to count the money.
Cedrick scowled. "How stingy," he murmured.
Cedrick and Stephen were admired by the women in town because they were handsome, but Stephen's fairness stood out more. Cedrick sometimes wondered if Stephen came from a wealthy family due to his very fair complexion. Stephen rarely went out when the sun was still up; he claimed to have inherited an illness from his parents. If his skin was exposed to sunlight, it would quickly turn red and burn.
At first, Cedrick didn't believe him. But one day, when he accidentally pushed Stephen out of the bakery, Stephen screamed in pain. Cedrick even saw smoke coming from Stephen's skin. Since then, Cedrick has always made sure to cover Stephen when they go out.
They go to work before sunrise, and they close the store late at night.
"Excuse me, mister. I wanna buy three Spanish bread," a young boy said.
Cedrick attended to the child. "Here you go," he said and handed the bread to the child.
"Thank you!" the child took it and happily left.
Cedrick went outside and breathed in the fresh air. He looked towards the mountain, where Serolf Academy could be seen.
"How lucky those who are studying in that academy," he mused.
"They're not lucky," Stephen interjected abruptly, his words laden with an unspoken weight.
Cedrick turned to his friend, questioning. "How do you know? Have you been there?"
"Nope," Stephen replied.
"Then why did you say that if you also haven't been there?" Cedrick went back inside. Then, he arranged the placement of the bread.
.
....
At Serolf Academy, Jade was sitting in the field when suddenly, a hand covered her eyes.
"Huh? Who is this?" she asked.
Phoenix appeared in front of her with a smile.
"Don't you have classes?" Jade asked.
"We do, but I skipped. I find the teacher's lecture boring," Phoenix replied. He sat beside her and took her hand. "Your hand is so soft," Phoenix remarked, playing with her fingers.
Jade smiled. "Just well taken care of with lotion."
But she was taken aback when Phoenix suddenly kissed her hand.
"I want to be with you, Jade... for the rest of my life," Phoenix confessed.
Jade found herself speechless; Phoenix seemed different now.
"Can you wait for me?" Phoenix asked.
"Wh-What?" Jade stammered.
"Someday, you'll understand everything. But for now, what I want is to make sure you'll be mine. Jade, promise me you'll wait for me. We'll leave this place together," Phoenix urged.
Although confused, Jade nodded. She could sense sincerity in his eyes.
Phoenix hugged her tightly.
.
.
Xylon woke up in his room.
"I'm glad you're finally awake," a voice remarked.
Turning towards the window, he saw Kan standing there, peering outside.
"What happened?" Xylon inquired.
Kan faced him. "You lost control of your powers again."
He sighed. "I'm sorry," he apologized, a hint of frustration in his voice.
"You're lucky I saw you. Be careful next time," Kan said.
Xylon nodded.
"Take some rest. I'm leaving now; I have to monitor the academy today," Kan said and left his room.
When finally alone, Xylon stood up and approached the window. In the field, he witnessed Phoenix and Jade embracing each other.
He clenched his fists, an indescribable turmoil swirling within. He couldn't explain why, but seeing the two embracing stirred discomfort and made him feel angry. Returning to the bed, he lay down, closed his eyes, and let the conflicting feelings linger.
.
.
"Hey Jade, I saw you and Phoenix earlier. Ayieehhh," Rain teased Jade.
"Wh-What? What do you mean?" Jade replied.
"Oh please, don't deny it. We saw you with our own eyes. You two look good together," Winter said.
Jade scratched her head.
"We're rooting for Phoenix. It's better if you end up with him than anyone else," Snow added.
Jade was confused; before, they used to dislike Phoenix, but it seems like their thoughts about him have changed, and they've begun to like him.
"Yeah, right. Phoenix is better than the other male students here," Rain agreed.
Jade just smiled, still unsure of what's going on between her and Phoenix. What was really their relationship now?
.
.
Phoenix entered the mansion with a smile.
"Well, well, well, look what we have here. Look at that sweet smile. Did something good happen to you today?" Blake inquired when he noticed him.
"Nothing happened. Why, am I not allowed to smile?" Phoenix responded.
"Oh please, your smile is different today. I can sense love in your eyes. Just spill the beans, dude," Blake teased.
"You're so nosy, Blake," Genevieve said.
"No, I'm not." Blake grinned and grabbed his flute.
Blake played a melodious tune, instantly lifting everyone's spirits. It was so beautiful.
He continued playing, the music reaching Xylon's room, but he had no intention of coming out. Blake's music couldn't lighten his current mood.