As part of his routine check of the Corpse Shields, Commander Remus climbed the Mount of Artemis, a mountain beside Mt. Terus and fronting Mt. Arcanus. Upon arrival, he was greeted by a few of the Fort Amethysts and Bloody Cloaks defenders who were guarding the area. They reported the same findings like what they said last month - the Corpse Shield is getting weaker each day. That is of great concern. Once the Corpse Shield is no longer effective, the forces of the four lands around them might storm right into theirs; and their force of 250,000 is still young and couldn't match the massive enemy forces. Well, their greatest hope would be the strength of the Wishbones.
After staying for a day at that post, Commander Remus decided to go back but he took a dangerous route and he ended up on a cliff, exactly fronting the Mt. Arcanus. He stood atop the rocky edge of the cliff as he glanced at the roaring currents below.
A memory then flashed before his eyes. On that fateful night, when he was younger, he was chasing the Vice Commander of the Golden Shields who was running away with an eight year old boy. They reached that same cliff and after a violent fight, the Vice Commander jumped off that cliff with the young boy. Though they were unable to retrieve the body as the river where they fell into was so vicious, deep and led to a powerful waterfall; they concluded that they were dead.
Commander Remus harshly sighed as he walked towards the two mounds on the lower ground, beside that rocky edge. Artemisian flowers had grown around and over it.
"It's been a while, Supremo, My Lady," he uttered in a low voice.
After making a bow, he walked towards that rocky edge. He then pulled a rusting steel box lodged on that rocky cliff edge. He then opened it and it revealed a blue book. After checking that the book is still in great condition, he returned it back.
XXX
After Haelas, Sol and Karisha enjoyed their vacation to their heart's content. They decided to go back to the training camp. As Haelas and Karisha were not able to make the cut for the Bloody Cloaks Division, they will train under the Fort Amethysts. Meanwhile, Sol was able to enter the training camp of the Bloody Cloaks Division, thus, she was separated from her two friends.
As they arrived at the Capital, Haelas and Karisha asked Sol if she would go home and if they could go with her. Sol apologized but she can't take them yet. However, she promised that she will take them once their three-year training comes to an end.
Thus, they decided to continue their journey. They then went on separate ways as they geared towards the different camps. As soon as her friends entered the camp, Sol turned around and went back to the Capital. She still needs to visit her Father . She still misses him.
After resting for a few days at the Capital, Sol then journeyed towards the training camp where she will train. Along the way, she suddenly remembered the painting from the shop called "Butterfly."
It's been almost two months?! What if it was already bought?
Sol grimaced as she galloped faster towards the shop. Upon arrival, she immediately went to find the owner.
"Uncle, it's me Sol. The one who reserved the painting of Probitas- the one entitled 'Happiness'. I apologize that I came so late," she said.
"Ah. It's alright but I also apologize, someone already bought that."
"Haa? Uncle, even though I came late but I did reserve that. How can you sell it to others?" she asked with a hint of sulking.
"Well, for us common people, when there is money available, we will take it. I sold it in order to feed my family rather than let it sit for days."
Sol would still like to argue but she also understands him.
True, we need money to feed ourselves. He is just finding ways to survive.
"If you want, Probitas has also another painting depicting the kids in his painting 'Happiness'," the owner said.
Sol brightened up.
"Oh, then let me see it," Sol said.
The shop owner then ushered her to one corner where the painting was displayed. The painting showed a young lady (the one who is pouting in the first painting) and the boy who was laughing in the first painting remained as a kid.
She doesn't know but she suddenly felt sad looking at the painting. She then read the title of the painting 'Eternal sorrow'.
"Uncle, why would you recommend this to me? It feels so heartbreaking. I don't like it," she complained, "By the way Uncle, why does the cheerful boy remained a kid here in the painting while the girl has grown up into a fine young lady?"
"Well, the painter said that he remained as a kid since he passed away when he is still young…" the owner explained.
A solemn atmosphere enveloped them.
"Why did he pass away, Uncle?"
"That I don't know."
"I don't want that, Uncle. I don't want people to remember that the boy passed away. I want them to know that even if he is gone; still in his sister's eyes, he also grew up to be a fine young man. Can I make that request to the painter, Uncle?"
"Oh. A commissioned work. That would cost a little bit more."
"It's okay, Uncle."
"Okay then, I will relay that to our painter."
"When will it be done, Uncle?"
"You can visit us after a month…but you should make a deposit first."
"Okay."
Sol paid the deposit and then she continued her journey towards the camp.
XXX
Tobias has finally arrived near the Bloody Cloaks Training Camp. He gazed at the gates of the training camp. He harshly sighed. He doesn't want to be there. He wants to continue being under the Division's Investigation Bureau. If he hadn't been so passionate with the investigation, Commander Osiros might not have taken interest in him.
It's because as soon as he entered the Investigation Bureau, he dug up all the old cases and stumbled upon three old cases that were suspiciously dropped by the Commander when he was still a Captain. He re-investigated them but they couldn't get much. Tobias concluded that the victims wouldn't speak up because of fear or it's because someone is covering it up. They are left with the investigator of the case- Commander Osiros. When Tobias confronted him, he was indifferent. He also grew more suspicious of the commander as he was able to rise up quickly to where he is right now after dropping those three old cases.
From there, he also investigated all the people that had been in contact with the Commander, especially the two prominent Ministers-the Minister of Justice and Minister of Land Distribution.
The Minister of Justice was the one who slayed and beheaded his Father. However, upon his investigation, he found no fault in this man. He is upright with a huge sense of justice. That's why at times, he is confused if his father really deserved his sentence.
As for the Minister of Land Distribution, the lands were legally distributed and were awarded by the current Supremo for their meritorious work. Though the catch is that there are no recorded details to which the meritorious work refers to. They tried to find any ledgers or any documents to prove their case but they couldn't find any.
While he's still on that matter, Commander Osiros called him to the office and threw him at the Bloody Cloaks Training camp.
So here he is.
XXX
When an aspirant ascends to the next part of his or her training, he or she will decide on what division he or she will enter after the training ends and train under their training camps.
Any aspirant can enter the training camp for the Fort Amethyst Division. As for the training camp for the Bloody Cloaks, you really need strength and skills to join this. Usually, Wishbones enter this without a problem. Pure-blooded Aspirants could also enter this, but very rarely. As for the training camp for the Golden Shields division; one should have trained under the Bloody Cloaks training camp before attending the special training provided by the Golden Shields Division. Aspirants who top their training will be given merits and will be useful to their future training and to their entry towards the division that they want.
At the Bloody Cloaks' Training Camp, Sol finally arrived. She went to her quarters after checking in with the Officer in Charge. The quarters have two double decker beds. The upper decks were already filled with bags, only the lower decks were empty. She then dropped her bag on the empty bed. While looking around, she saw a paper pasted at the back of the door. She got up and walked towards it.
Aspirants Orientation/ Training grounds/ strictly 18:00
Sol walked towards the window and looked at the sky. The sun is still up. Thus, she decided to take a quick nap as she's tired from the journey.
She's currently having a peaceful nap when someone kept nudging her, trying to wake her up.
"Hey, hey, you need to wake up brother. We're late for the Orientation!"
The voice became clearer and clearer to Sol' consciousness and it made her suddenly wake up, which shocked her fellow aspirants. She saw two Mixed Aspirants- Half Largusan and Half Stroman. They are twin sisters but have different features. One of them is called Serga, the older twin. She has cosmos white tresses and dark eyes. The younger twin named Reicha has azure tresses and silver eyes.
"Come on brother, let's go," Reicha said, pulling her from her bed. Serga is standing behind her.
She shakily stood up and glanced at the window. It was already dark outside. She hastily wore her boots and tied her tresses in a ponytail.
"Let's go."
XXX
At the well-lit training grounds, there are about more or less 100 seated aspirants. In front of them are three people in uniform. It must be the Training Officers.
Sol and her companions then rushed to find a place for them to sit. As Sol walked hastily towards her fellow aspirants, she met the training officer's eyes when she glanced in their direction.
Captain Tobias Karsh!
Sol felt herself rooted to the ground. The corners of her mouth begin to widen.
"What are you smiling about, Aspirant? Go on, and take a seat," the captain said, straight-faced.
"Yes, Captain," Sol said and went to sit with her companions.
"Now that the 100 aspirants under the Bloody Cloaks Division are already here, let's start with the orientation. I am Captain Tobias Karsh of the Bloody Cloaks Division and I will be your Training Officer. Level 2 training will be harsher and tougher. As you have probably heard, I am strict and show no mercy. This evening, the orientation was set to 18:00 but we have to wait for 30 minutes for all of you to be here. I've let you off the hook today, but tomorrow I won't. If you are even one minute late, you will be punished. If you want to survive this training, train hard, be disciplined and abide by the rules."
The Head of the training camp stepped forward.
"Insubordination means suspension. Violence and fighting inside the training camp which isn't part of the training will get you severe punishment and suspension. Being violent to civilians and instigating a fight outside the training grounds will get you expelled. Getting drunk inside the training camp (except during the festivities) will get you severely punished…"
He continued discussing the rules and punishments within the training camps. Afterwards, a Spiritual Leader came and performed a ritual to bless them during their training. Then, a feast was served.
While Sol started filling her plate, she bumped into the person before her . The person turned to her, clearly annoyed.
Aries!
He was also able to enter the training camp.
"Oh. Look who is here, Sol Moraii. Are you instigating a fight right now? The Captain in charge said that you'll get a severe punishment and suspension."
Sol harshly sighed and left the queue, completely ignoring Aries. She looked around and it was swarming with Aspirants - strangers. Thus, Sol decided to go back to her quarters and eat there.
As she was about to start eating, she heard a knock from the door. She then stood up and opened the door, revealing Captain Karsh.
"Good evening, captain," Sol greeted him.
"Good evening."
"Um, what brought you here, Captain?"
"I came to remind you how strict I am. And that I won't tolerate your nonsense anymore."
Sol let out a smile.
"Yes, Captain."
"Here, I heard that this one tastes good," he said, showing a plate of a sticky rice cake made from coconut milk, brown sugar, ground glutinous rice and latik toppings.
"Thank you, Captain."
"Mm," he just said and hastily left the place.
XXX
Early in the morning, as soon as the sun's rays hit the training camp, all of the aspirants gathered at the training grounds for a jog. Captain Karsh stayed true with his warnings and punished those who came in late. For the training, he will have aspirants jog early in the morning. After breakfast he would employ exercises to continually build their strength. In the afternoon, he started teaching a dangerous fighting style that aims for the critical points in the human body.
"The first thing that we will learn is stance. Point your soles forward. One foot in front of the other. When you advance, use the front foot and drag your other foot. Do not let your feet be aligned or else you will lose your balance."
"Now let's go with palm striking! Raise your hands up with open palms! Punch! Cross Punch! Make your shoulders move!"
"Now, let's do some drills! Those who belong to the Odd columns, Turn towards your right, he or she will be your partner!"
Sol turned towards her right, and saw Aries. Sol let out a harsh sigh.
"Don't sigh at me like that. It's like I have a choice," Aries protested.
Sol just glared at him.
"Stance! Raise your palms! Strike your partner! The partner should do the same! Meet your partner's strikes!" Tobias ordered.
"Blow out air when you strike to deflate your lungs!"
"Don't throw just your arm, throw your body!"
"Move around! Try to block your partner's strikes!"
Tobias then gave the aspirants a break when the Training Camp secretariat came to give a letter to him.
"At ease! You are given an hour of rest before we continue!" he said and walked away from the aspirants before opening the letter.
My dear, do you want to go South? Our friend went there. I think he is so ill that he even seeks out our Chief Healer. –your Dearest
That was the letter from Ka-el. It means that Commander Osiros visited Chief Healer Sapiensa.
What for? Is it related to my visit there? Did he go there to investigate?
XXX
In that hidden basement of the Herb Storage Area in the humble abode of the Chief Healer, four distinguished individuals dressed in dark robes gathered around on that wooden table. At the side facing the bookshelves, sat Chief Healer Sapiensa and beside her is a man in his early forties, he is of great and solid body. On the other hand, facing the door, sat a woman in her forties and still beautiful as she ages. Beside her is a man with long tresses and a beard turning gray.
"I gathered you here today to tell you about something that you need to know. As you know, the Supremo recently visited here. It is because of his concern for the life of the Corpse Shield, which is now ending."
The other woman gasped as soon as she heard it.
"That is of absolute concern, why didn't the Supremo inform us so that we could prepare?" the younger man said.
"It's because he has a card to use. That is the Luminous. That is a concoction that made the Wishbones and now he is aggressively asking me to concoct it again. But I declined."
"Why would you decline, Chief Healer? That would greatly improve our force and maybe make us the greatest of all the races," the older man commented.
"If I do that, there would be an unending thirst for Luminous and would cause chaos. Violence and wars will break out. That's why I wanted to end it all while a few people knew about it."
"Well, you have a point, Chief Healer."
"Thus, I need you all to stop the Supremo from ever concocting that Luminous. The clue that reveals his desire to concoct it is when he tries to enter Mt. Arcanus as the most important ingredient is found there."
"Understood, Chief Healer," the younger man said.
"As you work at the Manse, you should take note of his actions," Chief Healer said to the other woman and then turned towards the older man, "and you are in-charge when the Supremo is outside the Manse."
The other woman and the older man nodded in agreement.
"One more thing," Chief Healer started after hesitating for a while and glanced at the two men beside and in front of her, "In order to solve your cases, I think you must find out first what really happened with the previous Supremo."
"So, Chief Healer, you also believe that something is wrong with what happened with the previous Supremo?" the younger man asked.
"Yes. When I checked on him, I found out that he was poisoned with the Kiss of the Moon and was given an abnormal dosage of the Luminous."
"Chief Healer…" the other woman started, her voice intriguing, "Why didn't you tell us about this before? Why now?"
"Because before… it really didn't matter. We don't have anything that could strike the enemy. You've lost the True Accounts of the late Senior Historian Lukas and regarding Commander Remus, we don't have any concrete evidence."
The younger man revealed it earlier in their meeting that his seniors finally revealed to him that Commander Remus is skilled in making people disappear or die. At first they stated as a joke to him, to not be on Commander Remus' bad side or he will make him breathe his last. But yes, they revealed that he is responsible for the suspicious deaths of several people more than a decade ago. They just revealed it when he proved that he is on Supremo's side.
"Chief Healer, we will soon find something," the younger man said as he glanced at the older man and the other woman. He has asked them to surveillance the Commander and to interrogate the people who work at the Manse.
"So, now you are saying that we have something? Is that why you revealed what you know, Chief Healer?"
"Mm."
"Then, what is it?"
"Captain Tobias Karsh. You all knew him, right?"
"Who doesn't? He is a gorgeous young man who has a rough personality but with great skills. Isn't he the one who set a new record for championing the Grand Duel even though he's a part-Wishbone?" the older man said.
"But he's soon disliked by the Supremo because he is the nephew of the labeled traitor Vice Commander Assos Karsh," the other woman continued.
"What is it about him that would help our cause, Chief Healer?" the younger man asked.
"I believe his goals are the same as our cause."
"Wait…thinking back, he has been reinvestigating the cases that I dropped and he also passively investigated the ministers that were tied to me. I fear that he might be in danger because of what he is doing. That's why I sent him to our Training Camp," the Younger man said, "so, is he trying to find out if his uncle is really a Traitor?"
"Chief Healer, I still don't see how he would be helpful to us," the older man commented.
"Just wait. He will be a key that could open a lot of doors. So, I want you all to look after him. Help him if he needs it. But, only if he deserves it."
"Chief healer…I don't like how you are saying all of these. It seems like you're listing your wills. It's like you're saying goodbye," the other woman said, pouting.
"This woman, it seems like you are ending my life now,"
"No. No. No. I wouldn't want that. It's just that…"
After settling all the agenda, the chief healer ended the meeting and they all quickly went on their different paths.
XXX