He dived into the hole despite the unknown threats hidden in its depts because it's the most likely solution. The airborne reconnaissance amounting to a thousands, each possessing keen eyesight. Will analyze every nock and canny of the forest. He cannot secrete himself in the tree's embrace. Cause he'll be found by the Gricks or feral monstrosities either way. Furthermore, he lacks time, the airborne warriors will arrive in mere minutes, digging a hole to hide under earth and wiping traces took too long. Hence, he chose an already existing one, covered in hard rubble that can't bear his tracks. Finding other hiding spots in the small mountain range wasn't an option either, for there are no obscuring trees to conceal his figure from the watchful eyes in the sky closing on him.
However, as soon as he landed in its depts. What met him was something his wildest dreams never could come up off.
Below him, wasn't a natural cave ground as he expected. Instead, synthetic stone bricks littered the ground, forming an ancient flooring. Brick walls can also be seen standing around, and a ceiling on top. However, the structures condition had already deteriorated to ruins. Slithering clevises covered its once smooth bricks that now became cracked and uneven. Fragmented chunks of the ancient structure lay everywhere. The ceiling had collapsed, giving way where Zyro had fallen from. However, it wasn't the man-made ruins down here that astonished him in a dreadful way. It was the old man silently staring at him from a distance!
Sitting on the ancient floor with crossed legs with his head hunched forward. Countless webs of wrinkles covered his pale face. His disarrayed hair was white as snow. He wore a black pointy hat, while his frail and skinny body was draped in a ragged robe. Zyro didn't even know someone could age this long.
On the cracked floor before the old man, a small luminous circle lay, shimmering golden light that luster on Zyro's helmets red visor.
His shocked eyes behind his helmet locked at the ancient man... Also wide, pale purple eyes. Evident surprised confusion written all over the man's old face. It was as though, his so shock to the point his rendered speechless. Heck, the ancient man seemed more bewildered than Zyro is, somehow.
Recovering his composure, Zyro took a deep breath. And slowly step back, wary of the mysterious old man's presence. Never did he think he'll be meeting an old man here of all places underground. Forget about the historical ruins around him, theirs a living fusil right In front of him who lasted for god knows how many years in this he'll hole.
Eventually, Zyro's back hit the wall. Waking the old man from his daze. Even then, the old man blinked and squinted his eyes with his fingers to analyze Zyro figures for some time as of confirming he wasn't mistaken. Before curving his dried lips in a wide smile of amusement.
"I'm not losing my mind, right? Speak knight. You see me didn't you?"
His voice sounded hoarsely joyful.
Even though the questioner spoke the language of humans and North which his best at speaking. The knight keeps his mouth shut, not knowing what to say. Of course he sees him, anyone can if they have eyes.
Taking Zyro's long silence as a yes.
The man laughed loudly. Then said.
"Ah, how long has it been since I've talked to anyone? At last, I don't know how you manage to interact with me despite the spell veiling. Nevertheless, I'm thankful you did. You have no idea how much time I've spent in isolation in these dull ruins until meeting you!..."
Zyro watched the old man silently as he kept blabbering on how boring it had been for him. Eventually, Zyro slowly raises a hand and asks in a robotic stern voice, modified by his mask.
"...Who are you?"
The old man paused. And smile as if remembering something really pleasant.
"Who am I? Indeed, who am I..." He took a deep breath and shook his head, chuckling.
"Not much, really. Just a maidservant of the Goddess. You can also address me with the name Depter, if you want."
The term "not much" wasn't convincing at all considering Depter - the old man's assumed name. Age and mysterious reason for being here for so long despite the need for food and water. Furthermore, what did he mean a maidservant? Zyro almost pukes at the image of the old hag wearing a cute maid uniform. However, his interest was suddenly piqued by the mention of the Goddess.
One of the general knowledge is ancient history. Little is known about it due to Zyro's limited sources of knowledge, but if anything common is known. That'll be chaos. The world back then can only be described in one word - Chaotic. Due to the dispute between humans and beasts. One tried to live in harmony and peace, while the other preyed on them. Hence, destruction, death and war were everywhere.
This tradition continued for a long while... Until she came. The Goddess. The most beautiful and benevolent being to walk this land. Her grace brings an end to all the madness, and makes the impossible possible. She united savage beast who only knows hunger, and spiteful people of this world. Leading them to coexist in harmony. It is said Kings and Devine beasts such as Grick, Argon, Helio and Aster worshiped her. However, the peace she built didn't last forever, due to the North betrayal that ended the goddess life along the peace she brought. Waking the war of madness of two continents - The Southern Beast Continent and Swords of North that claimed the lives of Grick and the three other creators of divine races. So as the North strongest swords.
This is the reason why the Beast Continent where Zyro is, despises the Swords so much.
Although past historical events were considered useless. Zyro's interest was piqued by the said Goddess. Even the mother of Gricks who is described as a living catastrophe itself that conquers the entirety of Foggy Ring and made it a nest was tamed by her. Added the other Devine beast and powerful individuals belonging to the North that battled them to death in the war. All of this mighty existence heed the being known as the Goddess and everyone took pride in it without a single hint of shame.
Just how powerful is she?
He trembled at the measure of her power. But what's the point of fearing the dead. None.
Still, If what Depter claims as the maidservant of the goddess is true. He must be hundreds of years old, his ancient looks said so too. But how?
Then, Zyro palpitating heart hasten.
Ascended, also known as Marked beings have greater bodies than mundane beings. The difference only grew the higher their Mark are in the aspect of strength, racial talents and intelligence. Including life span.
Although, Depter didn't show the level of his Mark. Zyro felt it.
He didn't before due to remnant adrenaline and shock at the eerie situation. But now that he regained composure, he was able to notice a tingling sensation crawling inside him. The feeling of being in the presence of a greater life form.
It was even superior to those he encountered before. Meaning, the old man in front of him was more powerful than the prideful prince and... Who's that again? Zyro knew there was a certain someone who left an unforgettable impression on him. But can't seem to recall it. Zyro shrugged it off, and put his focus on the main task at hand. How will he deal with the mighty old man? Not like he needed too. Apparently, Depter doesn't pose hostility towards him, in contrast, he emits a friendly vibe.
Zyro cleared his throat.
Either there's a loss screw in his head, or due to the excessive anime series he watched. Zyro asked.
"So... Ah, are you the old man that gave powers and stuff to unduck my life?"
That absurd question was fueled by his wild imagination. Perhaps, he finally got a fortuitous encounter that'll send his power sky high! Of course, reality was cruel as always.
Silence hung in the chamber for a few seconds, before being broken by the Depter raspy laughter.
"Hahahahaha! My apologies knight, but as you can see. I don't have any powerful belongings to give you. And considering you're an Argon, my spells teaching won't do either."
Honestly, The question Zyro threw was partially a joke. Never did he expect for Depter to actually reply sincerely. Although, it might be a lie, Zyro received a significant piece of information in his words - the old man, Depter was a Mage. Else he won't mention teaching spells.
"No, the apologies are mine. And correction, I'm not an Argon. By any chance, Mister Depter, do you really know magic?"
Depter proudly smiled.
"Of course, I'm a mage after all! Ah, I still remember my glory in the past. How they feared me, how they adore me. Sigh, but all of those are gone now..." he shook his head.
With his suspension confirmed, Zyro excitement got the best of him.
"Say, can you teach me magic?"
The fact that Depter was a mage didn't surprise Zyro. Vampires were here, as well. So other fantastical existences were already expected. But most importantly, Depter is a mage! And seem to be a great and knowledgeable one at that. With his help, Zyro could finally get his hand on this word mystical sorcery.
Although utilizing sorcery was far from easy. It required potent talent in the aspect of memory and penmanship. That's why practitioners of this art were seldom.
Zyro grinned. Not to brag, not only does he possess perfect memory thanks to Aizra infecting his brain, an AI who flawlessly records everything he sees in complete detail coupled with his relatively high brain performance. Zyro also had peerless talent on his handling guns and swords. Although, he wasn't able to attend school due to his poor state in his younger days, so he didn't hold pens for writing. The only school, if you considered brutal training camps that put life on the line for every tests a school. The school he attended wasn't pleasant to say the least, in there, Zyro was taught to hold weapons, and did so exceptionally. He'll die after all if he didn't.
The point is, Zyro is good at using his hands. But never held a pen... He did once, but used it to stab an enemy to death. Instead of writing. Still, it's undeniable how much talent that hand of his possessed. How hard could writing the language of Gods be?
Nevertheless, Zyro's going to be a great sage!
He stared at the old man with eyes was full of anticipation and hope.