Mars removed his spectacles, exhaustion on his face, it was 10 p.m., and Mars couldn't help but stare at his computer. "Who even write these articles?" He sighed and rubbed his face roughly, causing his face to turn crimson from the friction.
Mars has been searching for monthsâor should I say yearsâto uncover even one hint about enormous cliff that stood between the Northern and the West castles.
Amarias was a relatively tiny town that was divided into four sections by a river. North, West, East, and South Castles were created after the four towns chose their rulers. However, Amarias has been reunified, with four sections connected by tunnels and bridges now.
"What happened after that?" Mars murmured gently as he browsed the articles about the North castle but found no information. He was growing impatient. "I probably should get some sleep." Looking at the alarm clock on his table, he murmured. "But perhaps I can look around a little more."
He continued to read, losing track of time as he read article after article.
Having Sunday off allowed him to sleep as much as he wanted before his joining began, so luck was on his side. It was weird when his dean called him a week ago night and asked him to take a couple of literary classes as the designated instructor was ill.
Mars instantly nodded, which seemed odd considering that much of his past work entailed him sitting and doing study.
"It'll be wonderful to have you back, Mars. Thank you." Dean had responded.
Mars was scheduled to teach the final semester students at West College of Arts and Music, where he also received his degree. "It could be a good start," he thought. "I might use the library or ask any student to work for me." Mars laughed softly.
Once more, the alarm startled him, and he found his glasses on the table. He had dozed off at his desk again, groaning in discomfort from his stiff back, but he nevertheless stretched and got up.
Mars thought Sunday mornings, afternoons, and evenings were dull. He continued to watch movies in his enormous home theater while lounging on his couch. His home was constructed in an authentic, antique style that exuded wealth from top to bottom.
He was a lone resident, and several portraits were hanging on the stairwell side wall. Except for one, every image was connected to his early life and formative years. In the image, a woman was shown solely from behind and was donning an old-fashioned robe.
It almost appeared to be a painting because of the lousy picture quality. She was in the vicinity of the sunflower garden and had long, wavy locks.
Mars often found himself lost in thought, pondering the identity of the woman captured in the painting. He wondered if she had any connection to the rich tapestry of Amarias's history.
Despite delving into countless historical books, he came up empty-handed. His dedication to his work never faltered, yet his quest remained unfulfilled.
Since his college days, history has held a special place in his heart. His friends teasingly labeled him a "history buff" for his knack for being drawn to anything ancient or mysterious.
Completing his PhD not long ago, only three years had passed, and Mars still felt the youthful vigor pulsating within him. The thought of revisiting his alma mater filled him with a mixture of nostalgia and excitement.
Though uncertain about what lay ahead, he eagerly anticipated the journey back to the place where his academic pursuits first took flight.
He spent the majority of his Sunday lounging around by himself in his enormous home, returning to his regular desk at night. "Let's do it once more." He gave a big huff and put on his glasses.