The next day, Amarok stayed in the soothing garden, training to vent his frustration. His sword kept slashing out, up and down.
He was observing how the waves crashed on the rocks and trying to mimic it. His sword strikes were hurried and uncontrolled.
He pierced his sword down, sweat trickling down his face. Neo, observing his behavior, forced him out of the soothing garden. He wanted Amarok to go and spend time with people of his age.
Amarok strolled the streets of Alden. Wisdom, covered in a cloak, followed behind. After all, it was a moon cheetah, although still small, it would attract too much attention. He quickly noticed that certain floating objects looking like fluorescent lamps floated all over most of the buildings.
Some people wore robes with a tinge of golden and red. The city was very lively. Children ran after the lamps, trying to catch them. Some decorations could be seen even on the tallest building of Alden at the horizon—the Grand Archia.
As he walked he could hear people of his age commenting. "It's tonight I can't stand still " one said. " it's such a pity am not student of Alden " the other lamented. "Don't worry I will recount everything to you" The other smiled. " shut recount what? " he asked punching his friend in frustration.
Amarok was curious about what was happening today. Two figures quickly passed by, colliding with him.
The two figures fell to the ground. "I am sorry, elder," Amarok quickly said with a guilty smile. "We are the ones sorry. Young sir, we should be more careful when walking," the old man said. He looked rugged and a little unkempt. The other person was an old lady. She looked similar to him, with ragged dress and rough skin. Both looked in their forties.
Wisdom stepped in front of Amarok, as if trying to protect him. Amarok was startled before picking him up.
Amarok then bowed, about to leave when the old lady stopped him. "Sir, could you be from Alden Academy?" she asked with a low voice.
"Yes, any problem?" he acknowledged. "Our son, he is in Alden Academy," the old man said. "Could you bring us to him? Please, I beg of you," the lady continued.
Amarok was startled; he felt embarrassed to see the elderly couple begging him in the middle of the street. "Fine, but you can't enter. What is your son's name?" he asked, taking the couple away from the stairs of the crowd.
"It's Kleid. We first thought he was dead. We were devastated until recently we found out a young man named Kleid studied at Alden Academy," the old man said. Amarok's steps halted for a second. Did he hear correctly? The world was vast, but it's almost impossible to find people with the same name even for twins.
"Do you know him?" the old lady asked, her eyes opening. "I...we are just fellow mates at Alden. I don't know him personally," he said. How was he supposed to tell them? Kleid had already tried to kill him in Wandleaf. Amarok couldn't even remember the reason, but he was certain Kleid would rather see him dead.
But he was conflicted. If these elders were right and really Kleid's parents, a question popped in his mind: why were they on the street? It didn't make sense. Alden Academy students were not rich but not poor either. They could earn crystals doing some missions outside of town.
What should he do now? Bring them to the academy? Or leave them be? In Kleid's place, he would love to have his parents back. He barely had any memory of his family.
He knew it wasn't his rational side speaking, but he simply couldn't say no.
Amarok brought the couple to the gates of Alden Academy. It was lively like every part of the town.
A lot of students were leaving the academy, causing him to be even more confused. "Hey punching bag, where have you been?" Mist waved at him as she approached.
"Seriously, are you obliged to call me that in front of so many people?" he said, a little embarrassed. "I can call you how I want, when I want, understood?" she said, standing before him, her beautiful face blocking his vision. Amarok was dumbfounded; his opinion had been cast aside so effortlessly.
"Wait... who are these people?" she suddenly noticed the elders and quickly stepped back in embarrassment.
The elderly couple smiled. "We are looking for our son, Kleid. Have you seen him?" the lady asked.
"Kleid?? You mean of the Silver clan. Impossible," Mist shook her head. "What do you mean?" Amarok was clueless.
"The Silver clan is one of the noble clans in Alden city. It's their leader I spoke to you about on our way here. Kleid is his son," Mist continued.
Amarok's head was aching; what the hell was happening? The Silver clan, so their leader was already a Rank Four Rune Sorcerer—a smith, same as the city Lord of Alden. Neo had said a city could have only one Lord. He finally understood what he had meant. The balance of Alden city would be shaken soon.
"I am sorry, elder. I guess you have made an error," Amarok apologized. The couple refused to back down. "It's our son. Why would we lie about such a thing?" the old lady said. "Bring him here, and you will see for yourself," the man added.
Soon, their conversation attracted some lingering ears; the people stared at the couple with interest. Were they not afraid to claim the jewel of the Silver clan was their son?
Soon enough, the commotion reached the ears of the person concerned. The academy gates were already crowded with people. Those who had been leaving were curious.
Kleid arrived at the academy gates, surrounded by a few people. He walked in the middle and chatted nonchalantly. The senior who had been with him at Wandleaf was also there, walking behind him.
Soon enough, he noticed Amarok. He sneered; the little bastard finally dared to move out. A frightening smile appeared on his face. What's more, the crazy woman was with him. Good, good, she too would have to answer for what she did. He couldn't let it go. What would others think of him otherwise? He walked towards Amarok when his gaze darted towards the elderly figure by his side. He froze.