Kanito recovered totally after two hours of medical attention. Aerian's face lit up with a mischievous grin as he said, "My place is just a short walk from here."
Kanito's eyes flickered with hesitation before he returned a tentative smile, "Let's go then."
'I hope I am making the right decision.'
Kanito got off from his bed and Aerian left the room and led the way. Both of them walked past the reception and exited the hospital and stepped outside. Warm, orange sunlight and gentle breeze enveloped them.
With a slow turn, Kanito's vision rose to meet the Colossuem's towering presence, the colossal proportions of the majestic monument stretched towards the sky.
'It looks very similar to the Roman Colossuem, except that it's sides are intact. I don't think Earth's colossuem is this tall. This one is a skyscraper !'
He saw that the Colossuem and the hospital stood as distinct landmarks but were seperated by a serene avenue. The Colossuem dwarfed calm green trees which made this road a relatively cooler place and an ideal place to take a walk and breathe.
"The Colossuem is massive, you really can't judge its height from its interiors." Kanito assumed a wondered face, with the aim of initiating a conversation.
"I know, ancient architecture was far more advanced than the modern one. This Colosseum was originally built by Emperor Ramitz Einzon as a tribute to the soldiers who perished in the Tetro Holy War. Later in 1200 Helm, Emperor Ezahir II destroyed the Colossuem. It was rebuilt under the rein of Ezahir IV." Aerian walked with his hands tucked inside the pockets of his long black tunic.
Aerian stopped in his path suddenly and gazed back at the towering monument, he said in a slow voice, "I find it striking that a venue like this Colossuem, where brutal battles take place is adjacent to a tranquil avenue, what a discordant pair !"
They strolled farther away from the hospital and towards the exit. By the orange glow of the setting sun, the viridian trees casted long shadows across the boulevard, stretching their silhouettes like skeletal fingers.
Aerian's strides slowed, he dragged his feet and turned to Kanito. After gazing back at the imposing monument they left behind, he asked in a low, twisted tone, "Have you heard about the age-old legend circulating around the Colossuem?"
Even though Kanito wanted nothin to linger on his mind other than going back to Ashfelt, a question was asked and hence, being a polite and good-natured young man, as he thought he was, Kanito was bound to think.
He took a deep breath to prepare a befitting answer.
'Stories will always exist about historical sites. People love being narrators. However, if I can gain more wisdom about this world from his talks, then it will not harm much to hear a tale. Besides, it's always better to be a listener in unfamiliar places. Now, what kind of impression shall I present before Aerian — skeptic and wise or intrigued and open-minded?'
"Legends are gullible, however I am listening." His answer, which was generated by multiple thought processes offended but also impressed Aerian.
Aerian replied in a cold tone, "It is said that the ghost of Emperor Ramitz Einzon haunts the Colossuem till this day. The reason why the tenth floor of the Colossuem stays untouched is because people are afraid of facing his malicious, vengeful spirit."
Kanito led out a laugh, "Those are just stories used to scare children."
Aerian slowly smiled and said, "But adults are more scared of the stories than children are.. anyways, look where all these talks have taken us,"
Kanito gazed out at the main street as they exited the avenue's grand gates. This place was no less busy than any mordern metropolitan city, teeming with activity. It looked richer and way more elegant than Bakerheim. Tall buildings with intricate carvings and ornate balconies lined either sides of the road. Trade and commerce was heavy. People wore dark coloured robes and seemed more sophisticated. A tall street sign, by the corner of the street, bore the golden inscription, 'Rose Park Street' in cursive Agloic.
'It's crazy how everyone here looks like a noble. It's a pretty posh neighbourhood apparently.'
"How long will it take to reach your house?" Kanito inquired politely.
"A minute." Aerian answered.
They wandered through the street and came across a diverse range of shops, boutiques, cafeterias, nurseries, auction houses, street performers, art galleries, bookstores. After a minute of walk, Aerian stopped infront of a large building, it was his house. "Come in."
Both of them entered the building, it was dim inside and was less fancy than it appeared from it's exteriors. A narrow staircase curved upward to the second floor, with its wooden banister being scarred from years of use, adjacent to the staircase was a small, unassuming room.
Kanito entered to see a middle-aged gentleman sitting far away at a desk infront of a window. This was Aerian's father, Cornheil Hoffman, the biggest shareholder of the guild Golden Souls.
"Dad, I brought a friend home." Aerian smiled from the corners of his lips and he went forward towards his father, he turned and signaled Kanito to come along with him.
'He doesn't even know me and I am his friend? It would've been so amazing if I met such people back on Earth.'
Kanito hesitated and slowly moved towards them, he reluctantly flashed a smile and looked at Aerian's father, "H.. Hello sir," he stammered.
Aerian's father let go of the documents arranged discreetly on his desk and looked at Kanito through his steel-rimmed spectacles, he had black fluffy hair and green eyes, he was wearing a black leather robe, "Good evening, young man, my name is Cornheil Hoffman."
Aerian pulled a chair from in front of the desk and sat down motioning for Kanito to join him.
"Have a seat," said Aerian. Kanito sat on a chair beside him with his eyes darting between the father and son as he waited to see how the encounter would unfold.
Cornheil with a displeased look stared at his son, "Huh, you weren't able to defeat Maxim after all."
"Only if I used your connections." Aerian responded defiantly.
Cornheil face-palmed himself and with a sigh, he said, "This is not what I taught you, Aerian. You're embarrassing me infront of your friend."
When the topic showed slight emphasis on Aerian's "friend", Kanito became alarmed and randomly looked at their faces.
"Anyways, you have something to say?" Cornheil again gazed down at his desk and rummaged through the documents and picked a manuscript.
"Well my friend over here, his name is Kanito Aramishi. He is a non-mythologer and he is interested in mythology and I am thinking of getting him baptized so that he can start off."
Cornheil stayed silent for a moment as he read that manuscript in his hand. After a while, he nodded and signed his name on the top of the paper. However, doubt creased his forehead, "Kanito, it is not something you should associate youself with unless dire urgency. You know this well, Aerian. What is the reason for such haste? This is not a decision to be taken lightly."
Aerian's nonchalance was disrupted as he glared at his father with frustration and determinination. "You're very apprehensive, you are exaggerating it, dad."
Till now, the words felt boring and monotonous. Something Kanito was listening to only because he had to find a way to survive and blend in with this new world. So he adopted a curious face to cover up his true feelings.
Cornheil shifted his gaze to meet Kanito's keen expressions, "Have you taken the permission of your parents? Are you past seventeen?"
'What?' the sudden mention of his parents dazed him as he looked at Cornheil with dumfounded eyes.
'Oh yeah.. I didn't think about them lately.' A deep feeling crept into his heart.
Even though he was showing a curious and convivial mood, the more he thought about his situation, the colder he grew inside.
'Permission... If I had the ability to take permission, I would've, but... I don't have the luxury of seeking guidance anymore. I have to decide and act on my own. I have to return to Ashfelt. No matter how unfamiliar Ashfelt may be, it's still slightly less unfamiliar than this new country.'
"Yes I have, Mr. Hoffman. They were hesitant about it first but then they said they are fine with it."
His lips puckered slightly as he cleared his mind of those earthly thoughts, 'Why did Mr. Hoffman say I shouldn't associate myself with mythology?'
"Would you mind if I ask you an impolite question, Mr. Hoffman?" Kanito composed himself and asked in a gentle voice.
"Go ahead." replied Cornheil.
"If mythology is something you should stay away from, why did you let your son practice it? I mean.. he is heavily involved with all this, fighting tournaments, talking to guild members and what not. Once again, pardon the insolent tone."
Maintaining his calm demeanor, Cornheil replied, "Not an impolite question, but a perceptive one." He paused and collected his thoughts.
Opening his spectacles, he rubbed the glasses with the cuffs of his robe as he annotated, "It will be dishonest to say that I never thought of Aerian's safety. However, Aerian is from the Hoffman family, one out of the seven families whose ancestors, in the presence of the gods, signed the Parfisto Pact. So he is bound to be a mythologer. Also, Aerian is very passionate about it."
Gazing at Aerian, Kanito closed his fists and looked down at the wooden floor, calming his ambivalence, 'To survive in an unknown world, I have to practice mythology. It will be like an excuse from my end to let fate overlook my outsider status.'
"Yeah, I've decided that I will practice mythology."
Aerian crossed his arms and leaned back at his chair, smiling, he said calmly, "Let's shift to the important stuff then. Dad, what lake will be the best suited for him? Since, getting baptized in a lake that doesn't match his lock patterns may leave harmful consequences."
Cornheil didn't seem okay about the Baptism but he paid more attention to this situation and guided them anyway, "Well, that's right. Different people have different types of Zeroth Locks. Taking Baptism in a compatible lake is crucial, or else the Blaze Waters of the incompatible lake may harm the body and spiritual parts instead of breaking the Zeroth Lock. Kanito, are you from this country? If so, then you can get baptized in any lake you want."
Kanito struggled to keep a track of everything Cornheil said in his raspy voice, he only understood that choosing a lake for this thing which they refer to as "Baptism" is an important step.
'Did Aerian say that it will have harmful consequences? What is the extent of that harm? Whatever it may be, life is the limit, even if I die in the process, it won't matter much because I don't want to live a life of a refugee, a life of cowardice.'
"By the way, Kanito, where are you from? I never got the opportunity to ask you." Aerian asked, shifting his eyes towards him.
Cornheil also looked at Kanito with curiosity as his son asked the question.
"Umm.." Even though he anticipated such a question, he became extremely nervous.
He quickly put his right hand inside the pocket of his robe to ensure the presence of the mysterious silver plated candle which mysteriously teleported him to this place from Bakerheim that night.
'I have no idea about the political structures, mindsets, stereotypes and prejudices of this world, putting up a disguise or crafting a lie will not be a good idea, I will fall in trouble if the lies contain holes in them. What do you even except me say right now? I am a refugee from Earth? That's hilarious.'
After thinking for a while, he prepared a response he thought would be the best, "Ehh... I am from Ashfelt, have you heard about that country?"
As he said those words, a defeaning silence descended upon the room. What followed the uneasy peace were only two gazes of astonishment emanating from the father and son.
"Are you being satire?" Cornheil asked.
"It's okay if you hate us, but I am not like the other people of my country." Kanito replied inorder to avoid any potential hostility that may transpire.
"No.." Cornheil's expressions tensed as he now noticed Kanito's attire given to him by Yuriel : a black cloak wrapped around the neck and shoulders, a white robe and shimmering golden pins at the collar.
Cornheil rose from his chair and stepped back. Just as Kanito thought Cornheil was about to take a drastic step, he unexpectedly bowed as low as he can,
"It is an honour to have someone from the Human-Beast World step onto our world. O heavens, what excessive act of charity did we do? O, inhabitant of our origin world, what can I do to please you?"
Kanito was dumbfounded by Cornheil's redundant actions.
'Wait... this place is not a foreign country? What does he mean by "our world" and "origin world"? Is this place a whole different world !?' Kanito pondered, extremely confused.
"Oh sir, you're much older than me, please don't bow." Kanito said as he felt slightly ashamed.
Cornheil raised his head and showed a joyful smile, "Please, you have no need to show us humility. Now I know why you were so worried about being impolite. As expected from the people of the Human-Beast World. They all are well-behaved, sophisticated and noble."
Aerian looked at Kanito with perplexity, "Oh, so you are from Ashfelt... that is an archipelago nation between the Northern and the Southern continent right?"
"Yes." Kanito remembered that people often referred to Ashfelt as an archipelago country.
'So...this is a totally different world, different from the world I was brought to as a refugee. If that is the case, then how can I possibly return back to Ashfelt? Are there supernatural powers within this mythology system, so powerful, that it can perform Interwordly teleportation? I doubt it. And even if there are such powers, I don't think they can be obtained in the beginning phases, that can be obtained only at the grandmaster rank or whatever the novels used to call them.'
"Okay, can we come back to the topic of his Baptism?" Aerian rolled his eyes in jealousy when he saw his father react in such manner.
"Ah, yes, certainly." Cornheil sat back on his revolving chair as his euphoria slowly cooled.
"Since, he is from the Human-Beast World, I think Baptism in St. Promius' Lake would be a good idea, don't you think? That lake is in the name of that all-accepting Akhmis." Aerian turned his chair by slight degrees towards Kanito and said with a casual face.
Cornheil looked disappointed in his son again, he face-palmed himself, "Aerian, how many times do I have to tell you? Do not take the Lord's name in vain. Say Dazzling God of Sun, Akhmis."
Smirking playfully, Aerian turned his chair back to it's position, "Yeah whatever."
"He is disrespectful but right. Lord Akhmis is a holder of the Gospel of Sun. With it, he embodies light, purity and kingship over heavens. Toesh Era poets used to say that whenever he walked on Earth, it felt like as if the Pirme Sun itself has descended upon the world." Cornheil said.
Kanito became familiar with these terms after hearing them for quite a long time, he mustered up some courage and said, "So if I have to break my Zeroth Lock, a Baptism in St. Promius' Lake will be a safe choice right?"
"Yes, that's right, and since you are from Human-Beast World, the chances of it being a safe Baptism increases."
Kanito was about to ask "How so?" but he controlled himself as he thought he had to act natural.
"So.. shall I arrange for a Light Baptist?" Cornheil asked.
"You will? That would be great then." Aerian's placid expressions lit up from his father's words.
Kanito not knowing what else he should say, abruptly remarked, "Thank You."
Cornheil got off from his desk and went towards the door, he left the house inorder to arrange for a Light Baptist.
"You know that I know nothing about mythology right? What will happen if I undergo this Baptism?" Kanito eagerly inquired.
"Baptism is basically done as a prerequisite to practicing mythology. Immersing your body in a Baptism Lake will break the Zeroth Lock from your Light Space. After that, you will be able to attract an Enchanted Candle of any Domain from the Candle World. That candle will be accompanied by a Specter who will give you tasks. Upon the completion of each task, the respective spiritual lock of a certain Tier will break which will grant you extraordinary powers available in that Domain."
Kanito grasped the concepts to an extent and asked, "So what Domain do you practice, what Tier are you on?"
Aerian crossed his arms again and flashed a proud smile, "Archangel of Trident." he said in a loud tone.
As he said that, a white dazzling light emerged from Aerian's pocket, that light took the shape of a short man wearing a brown armour and a black horned-helmet, a black cloak waved behind him.
"Why are you out again?" Aerian looked at the figure and said irritably with a displeased face.
The levitating man held his waist and sighed, "You are lying again, you Acolyte-tier buffoon !"
A similar scene crossed Kanito's mind. He saw this same supernatural phenomena take place back in that hospital, the last time he was scared but now, he became habituated, "Aerian, who is this... entity?"
Aerian's gaze lingered on the being for a moment before he turned to Kanito, "He is the Specter of Trident Domain and my perpetual fact checker, Ryun."
"I swear Aerian, I have guided thousands of Trident mythologers in my lifetime, but never seen someone as reckless as you. Bring it on, I'll be more than pleased to fact-check you." Ryun's voice became more natural as he spoke. The ethereal essence it held back in the hospital was absent.
"Also, call me when you get ready to ascend to a Monk. I hope you remember the task."
Aerian raised an eyebrow and gave a skeptical glance to Ryun, "Yeah, I remember : 'Forge Apex Reaper', as if I could ever forget the absurdity of the task," he drawled and leaned forward in his chair, steepling his fingers, "But I am having dreams about that sword, Ryun. Dreams where I am standing at the edge of a cliff on the coasts of Luge, the wind whipping my hair into a frenzy as I aim the Apex Reaper towards Saulgor, towards the Sea Dragon. It's a siren's call – a challenge I can't resist."
"The blinded hero, Aerian." Ryun again turned into a silvery light and went inside Aerian's pocket. Aerian put his hand inside his pocket and pulled out the tapering, slender, white candle.
"You're so annoying." Aerian said with a wry smile as he polished the candle with his cuffs.
Kanito saw Cornheil standing at the door with a carriage beside him, he interrupted, "Aerian.. Mr. Hoffman is calling us."
"Looks like dad arranged for your Baptism, let's go." Aerian scurried towards the door and signaled Kanito with a swing of his hand.
'Hhh.. too much to know and comprehend and I hate to memorize.'
Kanito trailed behind Aerian as they stepped outside the house.