Before being completely consumed by rage and anger, Castiel paused as a familiar voice echoed in his mind. The voice that often announced his new skills echoed in his mind.
[Infinite Knowledge System]
[Evolving...]
[Processing...]
[Status: Success]
A few seconds later, the voice spoke again, clearer than before.
[Master]
Castiel's overwhelming emotions subsided for a moment as he recognized the familiar voice. The voice that once merely announced his skills was now speaking directly to him, gradually melting away the sadness and anger.
"Huh? Who are you?"
[I am Einstein]
[Your Infinite Learning Sage]
"E-Einstein?" he stammered, his voice trembling with sorrow and confusion.
[I've been watching over you, aiding your growth and understanding.]
[Though I couldn't speak to you directly before, I've evolved and can now communicate with you.]
Einstein replied calmly.
His mind churned, struggling to grasp the weight of Einstein's words. The initial shock slowly transformed into gratitude and admiration.
The anger that had almost consumed him began to dissipate.
Castiel drew a shaky breath, trying to absorb the weight of Einstein's words.
Einstein's voice was a fragile anchor in the storm of his emotions. Still, it was hard to process the overwhelming series of events.
From the sudden death of his parents to this new revelation, his mind raced as he gazed at his lifeless parents.
Tears began to fall again as he grieved deeply.
"Okay. Thank you, Einstein... I need someone now... My parents are gone," he whispered, his voice thick with sorrow, tears streaming down his face in torrents.
[I'm sorry to hear that, Master.]
[But you're not alone.]
[I'm here to guide you in your life and future adventures.]
Upon hearing this, Castiel felt a slight relief, though the weight of losing his parents still lingered.
"T-thank you..." he replied softly, still crying.
He slowly kneeled between his parents' bodies to hug them, his face wet with tears. He wondered what his life would be like now that he was alone.
Grief clung to his heart like a weight too heavy to lift. The world blurred around him, fading beneath the weight of his loss. He whispered his goodbye, his voice barely audible through the sobs.
While thinking about how to avenge his parents, he didn't know if he could ever forgive Thistlebranch for the horrific act. Only his sniffles and sobs filled the shattered house.
Even the cheerful birds that once filled the air had disappeared, leaving only silence.
As he continued to cry and remember happy memories with his parents, a familiar voice shouting his name interrupted him.
"CASTIEL!!"
It was Thistlebranch, calling out to him with worry and urgency.
Castiel's body shook as he rose, his eyes falling on the blood-stained dagger near his parents.
Without thinking, Castiel charged, the dagger trembling in his grip.
The blade sank into Thistlebranch with a sickening sound. Thistlebranch's eyes widened in shock and pain as he collapsed. He looked up at Castiel, confusion and hurt in his gaze.
"What... have you done?" Thistlebranch's voice was weak, blood trickling from his mouth.
Castiel's face contorted with fury and grief.
"You killed them! You killed my parents, you monster!" He kicked Thistlebranch repeatedly, each strike fueled by anguish.
Thistlebranch winced with each blow, his voice trembling.
"W-why would I... kill them?"
Hearing Castiel's response left him confused.
"Don't lie! I saw you leaving our house! You did this!" Tears streamed down Castiel's face.
"I-I didn't... know..." Thistlebranch's words were cut short by the sound of approaching footsteps, heavy and urgent.
"Castiel, listen," Thistlebranch pleaded, desperation in his voice. "The Sanctia Gratia... they're coming for you. You need to run. Now."
Castiel stood frozen, Thistlebranch's words clashing with his rage and confusion.
His mind raced; he couldn't understand why, after everything, Thistlebranch was advising him to escape.
"There he is! Capture him!" an unknown voice barked urgently.
The group moved swiftly toward Castiel, attempting to seize him.
Through the pain, Thistlebranch forced himself to stand and shoved Castiel away.
"Run!"
Thistlebranch took a deep breath before turning to Castiel again.
"I'll hold them off! Hurry!"
He summoned large roots to create a barrier, blocking their path.
Watching Thistlebranch's efforts only added to Castiel's confusion. He stood there, frozen.
Noticing this, Thistlebranch conjured a strong wind to push him away from the area.
[Master]
[We need to leave now.]
Einstein spoke gently.
Castiel slowly walked backward, watching Thistlebranch defend against the unfamiliar group.
Due to the stab wound, Thistlebranch's movements were slow, making him vulnerable.
The mysterious group broke through the barrier and attacked him simultaneously.
Despite his struggle, Thistlebranch continued to fight but was eventually struck by the enemy's attacks. Castiel watched as Thistlebranch fell, tears streaming down his young face.
He felt a deep pain in his heart, a sense of regret for what he had done.
Seeing Thistlebranch collapse from the overwhelming attacks, Castiel screamed,
"No!!!"
[Master]
[You need to hurry.]
Einstein reminded him again, urgency in his tone.
Castiel closed his eyes, overwhelmed and confused by the whirlwind of emotions, and without realizing it, his body began to move on its own. He ran as fast as he could, tears still streaming.
With no destination in mind, he ran blindly, fear and desperation propelling him forward.
Flashes of joyful memories with his parents and friends filled his mind, amplifying his sorrow. He also recalled happy times with Thistlebranch, Queen Elara, and his druid friends.
The peaceful Eldoria was now engulfed in chaos.
The forces of the Mahargical Kingdom and Sanctia Gratia swarmed Eldoria, their armies converging to capture Castiel. However, the druids fiercely resisted, fighting to protect him.
Queen Elara had instructed Thistlebranch to safeguard Castiel and take him away from Eldoria, but unforeseen events prevented this.
Thistlebranch fell in battle, alongside many druids who fought to protect Castiel. Queen Elara narrowly escaped the war, while Castiel continued to run into the unknown.