Oscar was currently in his assigned room with Zeia laying down on a crafted material that was meant for pets to sleep on. The poor wolf had also been through a lot from trying to survive to losing her loved one to fighting for her life, then gaining a bond with a peculiar creature. Her intelligence and skills had grown since then, learning and improving as the days go by.
After everything Oscar had gone through in the forest, he knew there was a lot of things he needed to do. Some things that needed to be explained, also a decision he had to make. The Duke did not summon him once he came back, he let Oscar rest and Oscar assumed that Myra had something to do with it. He was tired but also restless which made falling asleep a hard task in itself.
Nevertheless, he tried his best to clear his thoughts, as from tomorrow a lot of things are going to be revealed, he didn't know how they were going to take the news but he would make sure to clarify the severity of the matter.
A figure was also trying their best to sleep but at intervals of one or two minutes they fidget and shift, sometimes a giggle would sound out denoting the happiness in their expression, at other times it would be groans as if this person was feeling shame for some particular actions or emotions they had portrayed.
This figure was a brunette with eyes as dark as night, few years away from being deemed as an adult but already possessing the foresight and intelligence most adults have. This person was none other than Myra Iyun, first child and heir to the Iyun Dukedom. Her present condition was that of restlessness.
She never planned to confess in such a way or make him aware so early on. But his actions gave her no choice. Myra thought she would slowly integrate herself into his life, from being rivals or better still, acquaintances to becoming friends and with a little effort from her end, by the time they became adults he would have noticed or even developed some feelings for her. This five year goal she had mapped out had crumbled when she realized that she could lose him before that time.
However, she didn't envision the possibility of him receiving her confession so casually, even speeding up the level of their relationship by himself, now they were no longer acquaintances, he called her his friend. Recalling this brought a glow to her face.
She also discovered that Oscar did not just survive in the Dunkel forest, his strength had considerably improved. When she remembered how he cornered her and held her arms with her back against the wall, her face flushed in embarrassment. She didn't know he had a wild side to him.
How strong did he get? She had no idea but she would know more about it tomorrow. Though, with all that had transpired in the past few hours, she found herself unable to sleep, she was restless.
***
The next day at the dining hall, Oscar and few members of the Iyun family had breakfast together with the inclusion of a familiar guest.
A dark skinned man with hair greying at his temples and eyes which harboured the vicissitudes of life, on the surface he seemed to have a calm temperament but to the people that were familiar with his name and title, they knew the power and strength he possessed. A strength that could rival even the emperor of their kingdom.
This man was none other than the former Duke. Duke Emeritus, Ayomide Iyun.
Initially, Oscar thought he would have to talk about the encounters he had and the accidental findings he had made while talking to Myra's parents. But now that Myra's grandfather was here, it was plausible that he would have to undergo thorough questioning and if he told them about the scavengers, it could likely become an interrogation. Not that it mattered though because thus information needed to be known for the safety of the kingdom.
He had talked to his parents earlier on in the morning, explaining his disappearance simply giving an excuse of going to search for something and getting lost along the way, as for the greater details of his adventure, he omitted them leaving it as something to be discussed in person.
His parents knew that while he was still fourteen years old, he was not someone who would intentionally jump into danger. He was smart and strong enough to survive or escape any difficulties he encountered. This was why the news of their son missing, triggered some signs of worry for them, they felt assured that he would come back unharmed.
Now, sitting with one of the most powerful entities in the Soraxia. He had to explain and inform them about what went on and why he was gone for so long.
The first one to pop the question was Myra's father Duke Gerard with two simple words.
"What happened?"
Oscar sighed inwardly, setting his utensils down he proceeded to recount the events that happened from him losing his way, to the point of getting kidnapped twice, he removed any redundant parts and parts that he felt were supposed to be privy to himself like his increase in strength. There were no holes in his narration or inconsistencies as everything he spoke was true.
They did not interrupt him as he spoke rathe they let him continue observing and trying to understand what went on. The Duke Emeritus had been calm but when the word scavengers were mentioned his aura unnoticeably flared only those with high mana perception like the Duke and his wife could notice. Even Oscar was completely oblivious to the the former Duke's aura, the man clenched his fist, his gaze revealed an iota of the rage boiling from within.
After Oscar was done recounting the events, the mood of the room had changed. It was justified, such an act that was already abolished with the offenders executed to the roots, had once again grown. This time they were even meticulous enough to carry out and establish their operations in secret under the noses of the high nobles and the king.
The Duke Emeritus stared at Oscar.
"So you say non mages are also involved in this."
"Yes your Grace, they are involved because they were promised the ability to harness magic." Oscar humbly replied.
"Hmm, for them to go unnoticed all this while..." Emeritus Ayomide wanted to complete his statement but his expression became one of understanding and coldness.
From Oscar's explanation he had already put two and two together and realized the main reason why they had been inconspicuous.
Someone within the kingdom was backing them, possibly a high noble.
He regained his calm expression before speaking further.
"I must say, though it was unfortunate that you went missing all this while, you were able to uncover such a deep and dark operation that could potentially destroy humankind from within. Thank you."
"I am grateful for the kind words your Grace." Oscar lowered his head slightly as he replied.
"As for this information, treat it with the utmost degree of secrecy. If it is leaked then we would have a harder time tracking them and their base." Ayomide stated in a serious tone.
He went on to assure Oscar that he would take care of it. Which Oscar agreed to, after all he had a hard time dealing with their foot soldiers. He stood no chance against the higher ups.
At the table apart from Oscar and Myra, only Myra's parents and her grandfather were present.
Leaving the dining hall with Myra, Oscar heaved a sigh of relief. The man he just had a conversation with though calm gave him a pressure he could not fathom. He thought to himself.
'Will I ever be that strong? Strong enough to exude an overbearing aura without even trying. I can only work towards my path and see what the future holds for me.'
"I'm sorry you had to go through that?" Myra tapped him on the shoulder shaking him out his thoughts with her statement.
"It's alright, I at least made some gains during my time in the forest."
"One of which is your increase in strength. Tell me, how did you grow stronger in that short amount of time?" Myra asked him knowing that he did not say anything pertaining his improvement or opportunities he had come across.
"It's easy."
"Uh-huh?" Myra urged him to continue.
"You know I was unable to cast spells or harness mana before."
"Yeah I know, so that means now you---"
"No I still can't do it."
"Huh?" Myra was confused.
"But I can harness mana though, that's one thing that changed."
"Could you stop going around in circles and go straight to the point."
"I destroyed it."
"Destroyed what?"
"My core."
"What the hell did you just say?!!"