08:50
The sound of a horse-drawn carriage echoed in front of his house, while the heavy rain of earlier had now subsided, the bird was now showing their voice.
That morning, Fort had been summoned to the Cathedral to give his testimony about the incident involving Mr. Aries. He had been relieved of his responsibilities to practice at 9 o'clock.
He had just finished showering and was preparing to leave when a knock came at his door.
Fort narrowed his eyes and placed his palm on the revolver tucked into the pocket of his new clothes.
He walked slowly, taking each step with caution, and then prepared to open the door.
Crack! The door swung open.
Seeing who stood before him, Fort's expression softened, and a friendly smile spread across his face.
It was a newspaper delivery boy.
Fort raised his eyebrows and clicked his tongue. "Thank you, but I don't recall subscribing to a newspaper," he said.
The boy nodded, his smile unwavering. "No problem, sir. We distribute newspapers for free every Fridays," he replied.
Fort nodded, admiring both the newspaper's effort and the child's dedication.
He took the newspaper and thanked the boy. However, as he turned to go back inside, the child didn't leave. It was as if he was waiting for something.
The boy lowered his gaze and said, "Is there no tip?"
Fort chuckled and reached into his pocket, handing the child five silver coins. Despite having been short on money, recently due to his work with the pioneers and the events he'd experienced, Fort had earned more than enough to get by.
The boy smiled and said "thank you sir!" before finally walking towards his bicycle and pedaling away.
Looking at the child who was working hard, Fort remembered that he would do anything to get food.
he smiled slightly before going back inside the house.
...
Fort then sat down and took the time to read the newspaper, While enjoying his bread that he buy yesterday.
looking at the paper on the first page of Fort, the news presented was news about the body of Mr Aries, a museum guard who was strangely killed.
" his internal organs were completely burned, there was almost nothing left at all! " headline from this newspaper.
Fort giggle, knowing that the killer Is ignis, but actually he can't be called as killer as Mr Aries was already dead when we fight him.
Fort turned the newspaper over with growing curiosity. On the reverse side, a headline caught his eye: "Mysterious Discovery on Mount Aparus." Fort's gaze sharpened as he delved into the article.
"High levels of salt minerals have been detected at the summit of the mountain," the article read. "Researchers speculate that the world once experienced a cataclysmic flood, evidenced by the presence of these minerals."
The article continued: "Mount Aparus, towering at 8,849 meters, is covered in rocks that resemble those found only on the ocean floor. According to researcher Voss, these findings suggest that the mountain was once submerged under the sea."
Fort's eyes narrowed as he read the name of the city
"Voss." He muttered it softly, feeling a shiver of recognition. The name seemed to resonate with a faint echo from his past, hinting at deeper connections he couldn't yet fully grasp.
The article continues and described the recent discovery of an ancient temple, estimated to be around a hundred years old. The temple's stone wall featured an intriguing carving: eight figures, shrouded in clouds, gazed down with inscrutable expressions. Above them, a single figure with a tranquil, enigmatic smile surveyed the scene below.
Fort closed the newspaper abruptly, a sharp pain suddenly seizing his head. His vision grew hazy as his eyes filled with tears, and a constricting pressure tightened around his chest.
He gasped for breath, his chest feeling as though it was being squeezed by an unseen force. Frantically, he patted his chest, trying to relieve the crushing sensation. The pain became unbearable, forcing him to collapse onto his knees before he finally fell to the floor.
For what felt like an eternity, Fort lay there, the pain slowly diminishing. His blurred vision began to clear, and as the pressure in his chest eased, he managed to push himself up with trembling hands. Leaning heavily on the table, he steadied himself, the unsettling image from the newspaper lingering in his mind as he tried to regain his composure.
Fort rushed to the bathroom, his movements hurried and jittery. He splashed cold water on his face, the icy sensation making an inexplicable chill creep down his neck. Startled, he scanned the room, but it was empty, the only sound the gentle drip of the faucet.
Trying to shake off the unsettling feeling, Fort left the bathroom and put on the dark suit he had meticulously chosen for his testimony at the cathedral. The suit, carefully pressed and fitting well, did little to calm his nerves as he prepared to face the daunting day ahead.
...
In the horse-drawn carriage, Fort's mind was preoccupied with the unsettling image he had seen in the newspaper that morning. The more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable he felt.
"What exactly…?" he muttered to himself, massaging his temples as a lingering dizziness gnawed at him. His thoughts swirled with possibilities: It could be tied to what brought me to this world. One of those eight figures, or perhaps all of them, must be behind my arrival.
Absorbed in his theories, Fort was suddenly jolted forward as the carriage came to an abrupt stop. He let out a pained "Ouch," gripping his throbbing head and trying to steady himself against the sudden movement.
Peering anxiously out the window, he tried to make sense of the disruption. The carriage was now stationary in the middle of an unfamiliar, shadowed street, its surroundings obscured. The only sounds were the distant murmur of the city and the occasional clatter of hooves on cobblestone, leaving Fort to wonder what had caused the unexpected halt.
Looking ahead, Fort saw the driver had struck someone. It was the boy who had been delivering newspapers earlier. The child lay motionless on the pavement, his newspaper scattered around him. Fort hurried out of his carriage and approached them with a sense of urgency.
Seeing that the boy was unconscious, Fort made a quick decision. He told the driver, "Take him to the nearest doctor."
The driver, visibly shaken and stammering, replied, "W-what about you, sir?"
Fort gave the driver a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "I'll walk from here."
The driver, overwhelmed with guilt and gratitude, thanked Fort profusely before carefully lifting the injured boy into his carriage and driving away.
After they left Fort was in panic, realizing he was unfamiliar with the streets of this city, Fort decided to stop another horse-drawn carriage. He needed to find his way quickly.
...
09:34
Fort's new carriage arrived precisely on time. He paid the fare with a quick motion and leaped out, his concern for the boy still weighing heavily on his mind. As the carriage rolled away, Fort started walking briskly towards his destination.
Inside the cathedral,
the atmosphere was heavy with reverence and the echo of distant murmurs. Alaric, waiting by the grand wooden doors, gestured curtly for Fort to follow. His manner was brusque as he led Fort down a dimly lit corridor, the light from stained-glass windows casting colorful patterns on the stone floor.
At the end of the corridor, they entered a modest room, its austere decor contrasting with the cathedral's grandeur. The room was sparsely furnished, with a large, high-backed chair at the far end, behind a polished oak table.
Seated in the chair was an elderly man with a long, white beard and a piercing gaze. His presence was commanding, his robe of deep, somber hues adding to his imposing demeanor. He studied Fort with a critical eye before finally speaking in a measured tone, "Please, take a seat."
The air was thick with anticipation as Fort settled into the chair opposite the man, the silence around them accentuating the weight of the forthcoming conversation.
"Were you and Mr. Ignis involved in the disturbance in the alley near the museum?"
The old man's voice was steady, but his eyes were sharp as he turned his full attention to Fort. He leaned forward slightly, his fingers drumming impatiently on the wooden table between them.
"Yes," Fort said, his voice steady despite the pressure.
A frown creased the old man's face as he moved on to his next question.
"Who from the 'Pioneers' was involved?"
"Me and Ignis," Fort answered honestly, trying to maintain his composure under the old man's intense gaze.
The old man sighed and rubbed his temples as if trying to ward off a headache. He then asked, "Are there any irregularities apart from Mr. Aries?"
Fort's eyes widened in alarm. He froze, his heart racing as he tried to process the unexpected question. (How??) ,his voice tinged with disbelief as sweat began to bead on his forehead.
Fort was acutely aware that revealing anything about the Café could undermine his position. He was also well aware of the Pioneers' capability to handle significant threats, particularly after witnessing the formidable Matra Ignis wielded.
His hesitation grew longer as he contemplated his response, drawing a silent but palpable tension in the room. The old man's gaze remained unwavering, his silence pressing.
"Is there a problem, Mr. Fortis?" The old man's voice cut through the silence, laced with a note of impatience.
Fort was jolted from his thoughts. He quickly composed himself and replied, "No, sir..."
The old man raised an eyebrow, signaling that he awaited Fort's final answer with a mix of curiosity and scrutiny.
Fort took a deep breath, weighing his words carefully. Finally, he answered, "No."
The old man's expression softened slightly, a nod indicating that he accepted Fort's response as truthful.
With the questioning concluded, Fort exhaled deeply, feeling a wave of relief as he prepared to stand up from the chair that had seemed to imprison him during the testimony.
....
Outside the cathedral, Fort stretched his body, which had stiffened from sitting too long in the hard wooden pew. The cool breeze of early morning brushed against his face, refreshing him as he took in the bustling cityscape.
Looking at the road in front of him, he observed a diverse array of people moving about: hurried businessmen in crisp suits, mothers guiding their children by the hand, and young boys racing each other on the sidewalk.
Deciding to make the most of the day, Fort began to wander through the city, eager to take in the sights. The buildings around him, constructed of aged brick and weathered wood, whispered tales of a bygone era.
With no requests for training from Mr. Alaric or Ignis, Fort found himself with a rare day of freedom. He ventured onto the busy sidewalk, where horse-drawn carriages rumbled past with a rhythmic clatter, and newspaper delivery men sped by on bicycles, their papers fluttering in the wind.
His thoughts drifted back to the ancient painting he had glimpsed that morning. The portrait, with its enigmatic gaze and muted colors, had left a lingering impression that made his head buzz with fascination.
Despite the bustle of the city, Fort's curiosity remained undiminished. The intricate layers of history woven into this world had ensnared his interest, driving him to explore further and uncover the secrets hidden in plain sight.
With a surge of curiosity, Fort made his way to the carriage stop, where he waited patiently for several minutes. The morning sun cast long shadows across the cobblestones, and the crisp air carried the distant murmur of city life, heightening his anticipation.
At last, a horse-drawn carriage appeared, its wooden wheels creaking as it rolled down the street. The driver, a stout man with a weathered face, guided the horses to a stop in front of Fort.
Fort approached and, with a polite nod, requested a ride to the city library. The driver gave him a curious glance but nodded in acknowledgment. As Fort climbed into the carriage, he felt a thrill of excitement. The library, with its promise of knowledge and hidden histories, was his next destination in the quest to unravel the mysteries that had captured his imagination. The carriage jolted forward, its rhythmic clatter blending with the city's ambient sounds, and Fort settled into his seat, ready for the journey ahead.
...
Library of Misthaven (11:35)
When Fort arrived at the library, he was met with a profound silence that seemed to envelop the streets around it. The grandeur of the building, with its tall, arched windows and intricate stone carvings, set the stage for a sense of solemnity and reverence.
Disembarking from the horse-drawn carriage, Fort paid the driver with a few silver coins, his gaze lingering momentarily on the majestic facade of the library. As he walked up the steps and through the heavy oak doors, he was enveloped by the cool, musty air of the interior.
Inside, Fort was immediately struck by the sight of a vast hall, its high ceilings adorned with ornate moldings and its walls lined with towering bookshelves. The shelves, filled to the brim with neatly arranged volumes, seemed to stretch endlessly, creating a labyrinth of knowledge. The only sounds were the soft rustle of pages and the occasional creak of floorboards as patrons moved quietly between the stacks.
Fort, who had spent much of his youth in solitude but refined his social skills through his work as a detective, moved with a purposeful calm. The library's quiet, scholarly atmosphere was a welcome contrast to the bustle of the city outside.
As he made his way through the maze of shelves, he approached the reception desk. There, a woman with a striking gothic appearance greeted him. Her long, dark hair was neatly tied back, and her attire was formal yet understated, adding to her air of professionalism.
"Good afternoon, sir. How can I assist you?" she asked, her voice smooth and measured, reflecting the serene environment of the library. Her demeanor suggested a familiarity with the library's vast resources and a readiness to help those in search of knowledge.
"Um, could you show me where the history section is?" Fort asked.
The receptionist nodded and stepped out from behind the desk. "Certainly, sir. Please follow me."
As Fort followed her, he observed the library's vast and tranquil expanse. The air was cool and tinged with the faint scent of old books and polished wood. The high ceilings were supported by elegant columns, and soft light streamed in through the tall, arched windows, casting intricate shadows on the polished marble floor.
The receptionist led him through a series of aisles, passing rows of towering bookshelves that seemed to reach for the heavens. Fort glanced around, noting the serene concentration of the library's patrons. At one table, a young student, clad in a school uniform, was deeply engrossed in a stack of textbooks, his small hands flipping pages with focused determination. At another table, a young woman sat hunched over a novel titled *What is Love?*; her shoulders shook slightly with silent sobs, the emotional weight of her reading evident in her tear-streaked face.
Fort's gaze moved from one curious scene to another, his mind processing the quiet drama unfolding around him. Finally, they reached a section of the library where the history books were shelved. The receptionist gestured to a small table nestled between two large bookshelves, where a woman in her twenties was seated. Her gothic attire—black lace, dark velvet, and intricate jewelry—contrasted sharply with the worn, leather-bound volumes she perused.
The woman's long, dark hair fell in loose waves down her back, and her brown eyes, sharp and observant, briefly met Fort's before she returned to her reading. Her demeanor was composed, but there was an intensity to her focus that suggested she was deeply absorbed in the ancient texts spread before her.
As Fort took in the scene, a wave of recognition hit him. The woman was none other than Stella Solis, Ignis' colleague and senior. Her distinctive appearance and the manner in which she studied the old books made it unmistakable.
Stella Solis was strikingly beautiful, with features that commanded attention. Her long, dark hair cascaded in smooth waves down to her waist, and her brown eyes, both sharp and soulful, were focused intently on the ancient volumes before her. Her skin was pale, which made her deep, expressive eyes stand out even more, giving her a timeless and otherworldly appearance.
Even Fort was amazed when seeing her for a second time since in the Caligo Village.
After that, the receptionist left Fort and Stela alone in the quiet, dimly lit library. The room was filled with the scent of aged paper and leather bindings, and the soft rustling of pages created a tranquil atmosphere.
Fort wandered between the towering bookshelves, his fingers brushing against the spines of the old tomes as he searched. His gaze fell upon a particular volume that seemed to radiate an almost magnetic allure.
The book was titled "The Old World" by Magnus Princeps, embossed in gold on a weathered, dark green cover. Intrigued by its appearance, Fort carefully pulled it from the shelf and took a seat at a nearby table, directly across from Stela. She sat absorbed in her own reading, the dim light casting a soft glow on her focused face.
Fort observed her for a moment, noting her absorbed silence. "Still so arrogant," he thought with a hint of irritation, as he flipped open the cover of the book.
The first page greeted him with a provocative question: "What exactly is the world?" Below it, intricate illustrations depicted scenes of ancient battles and bizarre, fantastical creatures—each image more cryptic than the last.
"This doesn't seem like what I was hoping for," Fort murmured under his breath, disappointment coloring his voice.
He stood up, the creaking of his chair echoing slightly in the quiet room, and began browsing the shelves once more. His eyes scanned the spines until he found what he was looking for.
Returning to his seat with a new book, Fort noted the title: "The Great Flood." The cover was decorated with a dramatic depiction of a vast, turbulent sea crashing over a land engulfed in water.
As Fort delved into the book, he found it described a world filled with myths, anomalies, and forgotten eras. The text mentioned the "Age of the Celestials"—an epoch long before the advent of iron or written history.
The narrative detailed a catastrophic flood that had reshaped the world, obliterating much of the flora and fauna and bringing devastation to early civilizations, including the skilled hunters of the time.
Fort's heart raced as he closed the book abruptly, his mind swirling with the implications. It was clear that this volume might contain significant secrets from an ancient past.
His discomfort from earlier that morning, compounded by the eerie feeling of being watched, made him wary. He decided to postpone further reading until he could shake off the unsettling sensation.
He rubbed his temples, trying to dispel his confusion, when a familiar voice broke the silence.
"Floods?"
Fort looked up to see Stela gazing at him with a mix of curiosity and concern. Her eyes, usually so intent on her own reading, now locked onto him with unexpected interest.