Azil and Johan strolled through the interlocked streets of Azara. Azil glanced at the grand structures with their intricate carvings, domes, and minarets, his gaze lingering briefly on the vibrant buildings. The houses, mostly with terracotta roofs and mosaic designs, passed by unnoticed as he walked on, lost in his own thoughts.
Azil glanced at Johan, wondering where they were headed. He had an idea but waited... Waited for Johan to speak first.
They walked through the bustling market, filled with chatter and activity. And People recognized Johan immediately when they saw him strolling with Azil.
"Isn't that Johan Ellian?" someone whispered. "SIR JOHAN!" they shouted.
"WHOA... It's SIR JOHAN!" others echoed.
"Sir Johan! Sir Johan!".
Everyone kept shouting, screaming, and laughing, waving at him. Johan smiled and waved back.
"Looks like your fanclub is still intact huh?", Azil glanced at the crowd and said.
Johan smirked and said, "I guess some things never change".
Azil didn't reply. He wondered why they were strolling, instead Johan could have reached any destination in a whim. He had the powers, but he withstood from using it. Azil knew Johan wanted him to see Azara, since it's been a long time. He wanted Azil to experience Azara after a long break.
"Where are we going?", Azil asked, even though he waited for a long time.
"The Zenith Hall", Johan mentioned.
"Figured", Azil said.
"First, we need to see the General. I've already let him know you're on your way." Johan said.
"Who all will be present in the Zenith Hall?", Azil asked.
"Well uhmm....At the moment, there are probably just one or two overseers around. The others are likely attending to their duties in their regions." Johan explained.
"...", Azil remained silent.
"Why? What happened? You don't wanna face them?", Johan asked, curious.
Azil chuckled...."No...I have class tommorow, I wanna go back as soon as possible". He said.
"O-ohh...Yeah, sure". Johan replied.
Ash Grey: Resonance
Chapter 5: Convergence II
[After 5 minutes]
Finally, they arrived at the Zenith Hall, an ancient structure that rose like a cathedral into the sky. The tower's weathered stone walls, etched with the passage of time, bore the marks of centuries of decay. It stood tall, a relic from a forgotten era, its once grand architecture now corroded and worn by the relentless march of time.
It was bustling with people, but still people without the appropriate rank and consent could not enter the hall, as it's an apex hall where decisions were made.
Azil and Johan entered the tower and stepped into an elevator-like structure inside. It carried them all the way to the top floor.
The 10th Floor, board says.
It was the floor of the 'General'. The apex of all spiritual sages. The one who takes the decisions and maybe even the most powerfull of the sages. Chosen by the council with rigorous discussions and the peoples poll. The rank 'General' was given to people only with high intellect to actually lead sages to victory, not only by sheer strength.
The hallway stretched out in both directions, with doors at each end leading to different towers. But at the center, there was a single large door, firmly closed, standing out against the simpler passages.
Johan approached the door, casting a glance at Azil, who stared intently from behind. With a steady hand, Johan rested his left palm on the door and he glanced back at Azil, one more time.
"All your doubts will be cleared after I push this door. Ask... Ask till your mind is cleared. Then take a decision". Johan knocked twice with his right hand, then pushed the door open with his left hand.
The figure stood by the open glass window, gazing at the world beyond, lost in thought. When he finally turned around, his eyes fell on Azil. His expression shifted, as if confronted by a ghost from the past, his gaze widening in disbelief. A storm of emotions flickered across his face, and he found himself unable to hold Azil's gaze, his eyes faltering as if weighed down by unseen burdens.
Johan bowed respectfully. The man before him, hands clasped behind his back, smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. Unlike Johan, his uniform attire was distinct: a black combat jacket over a white compression shirt, paired with parachute pants. Draped over it all was a black, Chinese-collared haori-style robe adorned with gold accents along the collar and edges.
Unlike Johan, who had black combat jacket instead of white and white haori robe which was half sleeve instead, same as Michael.
"General Anwyll, it's been a while... hasn't it?" Azil remarked, his voice dripping with mockery.
Anwyll, however, frowned, a heavy burden settling on him. But he managed a forced smile.
"Azil... I—" Anwyll began, but Azil cut him off, raising a hand to silence him. "Don't... bring up the past. It's done."
"Yes, it's been three years and you haven't done a thing to bring me back. But don't worry, I didn't expect anything from you anyway," Azil said.
"Like", Azil chuckled. "Why would the head of Spiritual Sages bother with a low-level orphan like me, isn't it?".
Anwyll stood silent, unable to respond. Johan merely glared, knowing there was nothing to be done.
Azil stood in silence, his thoughts churning. Why did he bother speaking those words? They meant nothing. Words won't change the inevitable.
Anwyll smiled, "You can say anything as much as you want. What you said is all right and I accept it". He said calmly.
"And what I did as General wasn't nearly enough—I'm aware of that. It's a disgrace, and I offer my deepest apologies. I don't know how I'll make amends, but I'll do everything I can to set things right," Anwyll said.
Azil narrowed his eyes at Anwyll, who fumbled through his apologies. The display only deepened Azil's sense of unease. "You know what? Forget it," he said, his voice flat and dismissive. "I didn't come here for this."
"What made you call me back", Azil asked, cutting through the silence. "That's why I am here, not to dwell on the past".
Anwyll locked eyes with Azil for a moment. "I feel the same," he replied calmly, a slight smile on his lips. "I didn't come to rehash old memories, but to give you the answers you seek. Whatever doubts you have, I'll clear them."
"So why waste time?" Azil said, his tone impatient. "I've got plans tomorrow. Let's get this over with, quickly."
"Yes, let's discuss this over some tea," Anwyll said, settling into his chair.
"I'll take my leave then, you two can talk," Johan replied, bowing slightly.
"No no, you're not going anywhere. Pull up a chair and join us," Anwyll said with a casual wave, his eyes locking onto Johan's.
"Oh, uh, okay then," Johan replied, caught off guard. He moved closer to join them.