[Hmm. The fragmented memories you experienced are likely tied to the Sacred Ember Flame,] the System explained.
"…Huh? What?" He blinked, confused. "Explain."
[In simple terms, energy can carry memories,] the System continued. [The Sacred Ember Flame holds remnants of such memories. When you tried to awaken your Prana Energy, it triggered these fragments, making you experience them.]
He paused, his lips slightly parted as the information sank in. "So… I wasn't just imagining it?"
[No,] the System confirmed. [What you saw was real, though distorted.]
Suddenly a figure caught his attention from the corner of his eye. The man had striking golden hair and sharp, defined features—not bad-looking, though certainly not on his level. What stood out more was the man's attire: elegant, meticulously tailored, and unmistakably noble.
The figure stopped directly in front of him, his piercing gaze scanning him from head to toe.
"You," he said, his tone flat but inquisitive.
He raised an eyebrow. "Do I know you?"
The man scoffed, smirking. "Do you not recognize the Duke?"
His mind raced. Duke? Adrian Kaelhardt? Then... Renaia in disguise?
'System, can you see through her disguise?' he asked mentally.
[…No.]
The so-called "Duke" frowned. "Do you not have manners? Is this how you behave in the presence of nobility?"
He sighed inwardly but kept his expression neutral. If she wanted to play games, he'd play along for now. "What orders do you have for me, my lord Duke?" he asked, his tone respectful but flat.
The 'Duke' studied him for a moment before speaking. "Elder Veran told you?" she asked.
He smiled and nodded.
She shook her head in mock disappointment. "I was hoping for some fun, but it's no fun if you already know."
"Well, the reason I'm here is because we'll soon be going on a mission. Be ready for it—your ability to sense danger will be useful," she said seriously.
"Mission? What mission? Can you explain?" he asked, curiosity edging his voice.
Instead of answering verbally, she tossed a scroll at him. He caught it easily, unfurled it, and quickly scanned its contents, his frown deepening as he read.
———————
By Order of the Empress of Valtoria,
To Duke Adrian Kaelhardt,
Reports have emerged of a Sentinel sighting near the southern borders, specifically near Blackwood Province. immediate action is required.
You are hereby ordered to lead a team of ten knights from the Iron Vanguard to the site and eliminate the Sentinel by any means necessary. The presence of this creature poses a risk to the Empire's security, and it must be dealt with immediately.
Your mission is as follows:
- Locate the Sentinel and engage it.
- Eliminate the threat without delay.
- Report back to the Imperial Court once the task is completed.
You are granted full command of the knights for this mission. Any damage caused during the operation is secondary to the primary goal: the destruction of the Sentinel.
By the Authority of the Empress.
———————
"…"
"Can I ask, what are Sentinels?" he asked, glancing at her expectantly.
"…"
The 'Duke' didn't answer. Instead, she pulled a book from her ring and tossed it at him.
"Here. Read this. You'll understand," she said flatly. "We leave tomorrow."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing in silence.
Back in his room, he dropped onto the bed and stared at the ceiling, the book still in his hands.
After a few moments of contemplation, he sighed and spoke to the System. "System, read this and explain what a Sentinel is."
[Absorbing Information]
[Done.]
[Sentinels are small, miniature beings formed when the aura and emotions of living creatures gather in one place.]
[They are feared for their ability to merge with their surroundings, growing stronger as the activity around them increases.]
[The larger the area a Sentinel merges with, the stronger it becomes.]
[Average Sentinels stand around three feet tall, with the strongest reaching the height of a human. There are no records of any growing beyond that size.]
(┬┬﹏┬┬)
[Why are you crying?]
'…'
"Never mind," he muttered, irritation creeping into his voice. "The main objective is to grow stronger." He sat up. "I'll test the Mist of Depravity.
Let's see if it can rot a Sentinel away."
He leaned back, the tension easing from his shoulders as his thoughts shifted.
"What about my Prana? Did it awaken? That old man didn't say a word about it."
[Not fully awakened.]
[You'll need to work harder to complete the process. But it will be easier for you.]
"Hm," he mused, fingers tapping idly on his arm. "Guess I'll have to push myself more."
…
The next morning, he peered through the window of his room. The courtyard, usually calm and serene, now buzzed with activity. Knights clad in heavy silver armor moved with purpose, swords and spears in hand. Horses pawed the ground, steam rising from their flared nostrils in the crisp air.
He exhaled, the sound sharp in the quiet of the room.
"Here we go," he muttered to himself, almost as if trying to steel himself for what was to come.
The door creaked open, and he turned to see her standing there.
The "Duke."
"Are you ready?" she asked.
He nodded, adjusting his coat. His gaze lingered on her for a moment—her disguise was flawless, every detail of a nobleman's attire perfectly in place.
even the voice... sounded like a man's, deep and steady, a strange contrast to the woman he knew beneath it.
A woman unlike any other, rare in a way that made his thoughts briefly falter.
She watched him, her eyes sharp as she closed the distance between them.
Only a few feet separated them now. Then, without warning, her hand pressed against his chest.
"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
"A seal," she replied matter-of-factly, her tone almost cold. "It will conceal the aura of the Sacred Ember Flame. People with sharp perception might be around. We can't take risks."
As she stepped back, she added, "Your role in this mission is simple. You'll act as my servant. Keep a low profile for this Sentinel Purge Expedition."
His brows furrowed, but he didn't protest. For now, it was best to follow her lead. "Is Elder Veran coming?" he asked.
"No," she answered. "He'll stay behind to keep things stable here. It's just a small task. No need to bring him."
He nooded, adjusting his coat again.
"I'm curious. What exactly does a Sentinel look like?"
She raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Don't get too excited. You might not like what you see."