"Mist came to Alden when she was just a little girl. She was five at that time, slightly younger than me. That day I was playing, working at the city entrance, and we met."
"That day she stood head up against the city Lord who was returning from his expedition. Do you believe she actually asked him to not bother them?"
Amarok stared speechless, but it seemed like her. She must have given Master Calder a headache, he thought.
"I couldn't take my eyes off her. She was so impressive, so courageous. I proposed to help them settle in town, maybe naively thinking staying around her might make me courageous too," Joan said with a bitter smile.
"From there on, we became best friends and would often play and train together. Arcana Elder Calder at that time had not yet joined Alden Academy and would even sometimes teach me."
"Unfortunately, everything changed when I turned 19 last year and said those words," Joan held his head down.
"Satisfied now? You can laugh at how pathetic I am," he said with moist eyes.
"I don't think you're pathetic. I just think you gave up too easily," Amarok leaned backward, staring at the sky.
"You have always asked me why I kept going to the library despite not finding anything. It's simple; I have a goal. I need to find a cure. I don't know whether it exists nor whether I might even be able to find it. Despite that, I decided to believe. I will turn this world upside-down if necessary, but I will find it," he said exhaling, a smile blooming on his face. He had wanted to tell Joan the truth for a long time.
Joan stared at the profile view of Amarok with mixed emotions. "Good day, Amarok," he said, standing up and dusting his dress.
"Bye, Joan, let's meet this evening, and don't ask me why," he said waving. Joan was speechless. Was Amarok already influenced by Mist? He shook his head and left the soothing garden.
The day flew by, and the night cast its light. The city had calmed down after all the recent news. It was said that in a few days, something big would happen. Many people were curious and eager to know.
Later that evening, Amarok arrived near the seashore. Not far ahead, a series of people impatient.
Including Silvia, Kinty, Lyra, Joan, and Mist. "Great, we are all here," he said with a smile.
"What's the meaning of all this punching bag?" Mist glared. It was cold outside, and the bastard had invited them all here.
"Nothing much, I just thought after all the heat from the fire mountain, some water wouldn't kill us," he continued.
"Have you lost your mind or something?" Kinty was speechless.
"I need to study," Silvia added.
"It's a little late for swimming, don't you think?" Joan added.
"It's perfect; we have all agreed. The last one in the water pays for the meal. I'm brook, so I'll be going first," Amarok rushed through them towards the water.
"Hope you don't mind being second," Kinty flashed before him with a smirk. Amarok blinked, going even faster.
Just like that, before anyone could notice how or why, they were all in the water. It was cold; Amarok trembled. The breeze caressed his head. Despite that, he felt at ease. "It's not funny swimming with dress," he suddenly said, pulling off his shirt and trousers.
"Punching, I get it now, so that was your plan," Mist was baffled.
"Why do you always think so far? We are just enjoying ourselves. We have gone through a lot," he said with a sigh, letting his body float on the water.
The atmosphere seemed to chill as they all looked at the figure. Suddenly, Lyra took off her robe, leaving only her underwear.
The chain reaction followed. "Just a ball lacking," Amarok said to Silvia with a grin. She sighed, drawing a rune above them. A round water ball ballooned from the sea. The group swam and played with the water, splashing it several meters in the air. The rule was simple: do not let the water bubble touch you.
Suddenly, Amarok pulled Lyra's arm and swam ahead. They all noticed their departure, but no one could care less, unless they wanted the water bubble in the face.
"Where are you bringing me?" she suddenly asked.
"Take a look," he said, pointing ahead.
Lyra glanced and was baffled. "Wow, so beautiful."
Ahead of them was a Saint Dolph. It looked like a dolphin but with faint lines of golden coating its body. It had no eyes, just a circular symbol at its front. It was a unique aquatic monster that was rarely seen by people. It was very timid and would disappear as soon as it was seen.
It was said to be a fortune-teller. Whoever looked into its cosmos eyes could see its future. Amarok had seen it many times looking from the soothing garden.
He knew it because he had learned quite a lot visiting the library of Alden. Although he didn't find what he was looking for, he did learn a few things.
"Do you believe it can tell fortune? My uncle believes it's a scam," she asked softly.
"I have no idea, and frankly, I don't want to know," he said with a smile.
"There is nothing to be proud of," she splashed water on his face.
"Isn't that what makes it... magical? We never know whether it's real or not," he continued.
A mesmerizing smile bloomed on Lyra's face, staring at Amarok. "You're really something," she chuckled.
"I wish this day never ends," she said with a soft voice. "The night is still young," Amarok said, diving into the water. Lyra followed in.
The Saint Dolph whistled and jumped off before plunging back into the depths of the water, the golden traces on his body shifting.
Their laughter echoed in the night, a strange sense of tranquility waving through, probably announcing the calm before the storm.