"A riddle?" She began, "That's the price?" Illira blinked in confusion, completely perplexed by the unexpected twist.
Calina raised an eyebrow at this but remained silent, watching the exchange with mild interest.
"Yes, a riddle from a long-dead poet," the man continued, his smile widening. "I shall ask, and you will answer."
He held the pendant up to his eye level, the small object reflecting the sunlight, and their eyes met again.
This time, the intensity in his gaze was almost overwhelming, and Illira quickly darted her gaze away, feeling flustered and out of her depth.
"Well, let's do it your way," Illira said, trying to regain her composure. "And what if I get the answer wrong?" she asked.
The man laughed, a rich, magnetic sound that sent a shiver down her spine.
He shifted slightly, his posture relaxed. "Riddles," he murmured, "how true can an answer be is for you to decide."
"?" Illira responded, more confused than ever.
"Anyway, let's start now," he said, his voice smooth over the whispers.
The man's playful demeanor faded slightly as he focused on the task at hand. "Listen carefully," he began, his tone taking on a more serious edge. "Here is your riddle: I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I died without a body and the bravest thing I uttered is echo?"
Illira furrowed her brow, the riddle running through her mind as she tried to piece together the answer.
It was a classic riddle or so she thought, one she had heard before, but at this moment, her mind was a jumble of thoughts.
The man watched her intently, his expression unreadable, waiting patiently for her to respond.
Illira glanced at the pendant, now resting in the man's hand, and took a deep breath. "Help?" she answered, her voice confident despite the doubt gnawing at her.
The man's smile returned, wider this time, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Yes, help," he said, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. "You've passed"
Illira exhaled in relief. She reached out her hand, expecting the man to give her the pendant.
But instead of handing it over immediately, the man paused, his gaze lingering on her face. "Remember, Princess," he said softly, his tone taking a lower note, "not everything must be faced alone. This pendant may hold more than you bargained for. An echo is better than staying silent"
Illira felt different at his words, but she nodded, not taking his words to her thoughts. "I'll take it," she said.
The man finally placed the pendant in her hand, his fingers brushing against hers for just a moment.
The contact was brief, but it sent a jolt of warmth and electricity through her. As she held the pendant, she could feel a faint pulse, almost like a heartbeat, emanating from the stone.
"Use it wisely," the man added, his voice fading into the background as he pulled his hood back up, shrouding his face in shadow once more.
Illira clutched the pendant tightly, a mixture of embarrassment and apprehension swirling within her.
As Illira and Calina walked away, Illira couldn't help but cast a fleeting glance back at the man cloaked in shadows.
Her heart stirred with an inexplicable emotion as she whispered to herself, "His eyes... they're so beautiful... but why... does he look so sad?"
The sadness in his gaze tugged at something deep within her, but she quickly shook off the feeling, forcing herself to focus on the bustling market around her.
Calina, ever observant, noticed the subtle shift in Illira's demeanor.
With a sigh, Calina thought to herself, 'It is time for her to make decisions on her own. She must learn, even from her mistakes'
Despite her protective instincts, Calina knew Illira needed the freedom to grow, to discover the world and herself. No longer needed to be caged inside the palace like a precious canary.
'A chance to see her true self'
'And with that pair of eyes... ' She hesitated 'She can see more than the other can'
As they continued down the street, Calina allowed herself one last look at the man they had just left behind.
Her sharp eyes took in his still figure, and she reflected, "Boy, you're braver than you realize"
That riddle wasn't just for her to solve—it was for her to find her answer. If only this child understood the depth of it. She shook her head softly, knowing the wisdom that Illira still had to gain.
The two women melted into the crowd, disappearing from the man's sight.
From beneath his hood, he watched them go, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him. "Illira Ignis..." he mused, the name lingering on his tongue like a bitter taste.
"Chosen by them... maybe there's no salvation for you and me. We're all destined for misery, it seems." A wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, but it was devoid of joy.
"But to see you with my own eyes... such hidden kindness and also a lost soul"
"..."
"Perhaps there is salvation for you"
His eyes lowered, burdened by something.
As the crowd flowed around him, the scene slowly began to shift. The perspective zoomed out, capturing the lively market in full swing.
Yet, as people passed by, the man's stall started to fade, like a mirage dissolving into thin air.
Within moments, the stall had completely vanished, as if it had never existed at all—leaving no trace behind, no evidence that anything had ever been there.
The only thing that remained was the memory of a brief encounter, already fading into the haze of the day.
---
---
The Elysian Citadel, the most prestigious academy in the Ignaria Empire, stood proudly in the heart of the capital city, Ignis Lux.
The academy, a massive structure enclosed by a towering, dark wall of unknown material, loomed over the city like a guardian.
The wall, which seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it, created an imposing barrier, its surface adorned with vivid intricate designs.
The gate alone was a marvel, rising half the height of the wall, with breathtaking murals etched into its surface, capturing the attention of all who laid eyes on it.
The murals of the old tales. Angels that came down from the sky, the tree of hope, and even the blasphemy of the human race. The sins that were given upon the first two divines of the original race upon this world.
In the old tales, the human race was the overlord of the myriad of worlds. Guided by the two divines of the original race, the human race embarked upon the path that transcends. And the record ends there with no further conclusion.
One name was left behind for all the races to remember, Anasthasia, the mother of knowledge, the beholder of time of the original chords.
---
Today, the city buzzed with excitement as the academy opened its gates for the once-in-a-decade student recruitment.
Unlike many other academies in the human realms, Elysian Citadel welcomed commoners, allowing anyone with the potential to test their fate within its walls.
The academy, capable of housing hundreds of thousands of students, was a place where only the strongest would rise.
"So this is the place," Illira whispered to herself, her voice barely audible as she took in the grandeur of the Elysian Citadel's entrance.
Her fiery red dress flowed gracefully behind, complementing the cascade of red hair that framed her figure.
Around her neck, an emerald collar glistened, contrasting against her fiery attire.
"You look beautiful today, Child," Calina commented, her ever-present smile faltering for a moment as bittersweet memories flooded her thoughts. "If only your mother were here to see it herself."
"Don't mention it, Grandma," Illira replied, her voice firm as she took a step forward, her gaze fixed on the imposing gate before them.
Even under her royal upbringing, the sight of the Citadel left her in awe.
"Rumor has it that this academy was built by the ancient ancestors of the Ignis family, to honor the father of the blessed one, well... it was just the rumors. Even the nobles and royalties cannot defy its rules" Calina explained, walking steadily beside as they made their way through the crowd. "Though it only applies to some" She whispered.
"Yeah, 10 years of waiting... Now I can finally enter this place" Illira said with a smile, the hem of her dress trailing behind her as she strode forward with purpose. Completely ignoring the last sentence that was muttered by Calina.
"Once you are inside, I won't be able to accompany you anymore. But don't worry..." Calina began, her voice softening.
"You are trying to say that she's there, right? She's always there anyway, no need to say it" Illira interrupted, her eyes distant as she looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath.
Sensing the shift in Illira's demeanor, Calina smiled wryly. "She is... But it can't be helped, child. The responsibility she bears is beyond what Sirius and I combined could shoulder. There's a reason for her absence. It is for the sake-"
"No matter..." Illira hummed, her voice interjected Calina's voice, her words tinged with a mixture of resignation. "I don't care anyway."
As Illira continued to walk, her figure gradually disappeared into the distance.
Calina could only sigh, her wry smile slowly giving way to a look of sadness. "Alas, she won't understand. No one can... Even the King himself had failed to do so"
Upon entering the gates of the Elysian Citadel, the vast expanse of white stone flooring stretched out before them, a space as large as hundreds of small villages combined.
Despite the millions pouring into the field, there was more than enough room for everyone to wander about, the sheer scale of the place leaving many in awe.
Groups began to form, with chatter and murmurs filling the air as people naturally gravitated towards one another.
Those of a quieter, more reserved nature remained true to themselves, standing silent as trees amidst the bustling crowd.
Illira's entrance, however, did not go unnoticed. Her presence was like a beacon, drawing the eyes of many towards her.
Even the sons and daughters of nobles, dukes, and marquises couldn't help but admire her. They all knew who she was—the only daughter of that person.