"Papa, wake up! Wake upppp!" Serel shook Kieth eagerly, her small hands tugging at him to rouse him from his slumber.
"Just five minutes more," Kieth murmured, his voice groggy as he buried his face deeper into the pillow.
"Nooo, wake uppp now!" she nagged, her persistence unwavering.
Kieth cracked one eye open, squinting at the faint light creeping through the curtains. The sun hadn't even risen properly yet. Way too early, he thought, sighing. Still, he reasoned, she'd gone to bed so early last night, it was only natural she'd wake up full of energy. Five more minutes wouldn't hurt...
Serel pouted, her cheeks puffing slightly in frustration. "Don't wake up then!" she huffed, hopping off the bed and marching towards the door with exaggerated stomps.
Kieth jolted upright, ruffling his messy hair. "Alright, alright, I'm up!" he relented with a yawn, stretching his arms.
Satisfied, Serel grinned victoriously, spinning back around. Kieth took a moment to check his wounds. Though his body still ached, and the bandages clung tightly to his skin, he could tell he'd improved significantly. With a groan, he swung his legs off the bed and ambled towards the small table, where a bowl of fresh fruit awaited.
Grabbing an apple, he sliced it deftly and held a piece out to her. "Here you go," he offered.
Serel eyed him curiously before taking the slice. She watched him bite into his with two quick bites and tried to imitate him, but her little mouth couldn't manage. Kieth chuckled softly. "You don't have to eat it in two bites. Take your time," he said gently.
Before Serel could respond, the door creaked open, and Paulina stepped inside. Her gaze fell on the two of them, and her brows lifted slightly.
"Oh… you're up. That's early."
"Yeah," Kieth replied, gesturing at Serel. "She woke me up."
Paulina's lips curved into a smile. "Well, I came to do just that. Let's get you two ready for the day," she said warmly.
Kieth and Serel parted ways to freshen up, meeting again an hour later. Kieth emerged in the same blue robes as the day before—the only clothing available to him for now. Meanwhile, Serel twirled in her new dress, a charming white garment with subtle yellow accents. It suited her perfectly, and Kieth couldn't help but smile as he knelt down.
"So, do you like it?" he asked.
"Mhm!" Serel nodded enthusiastically.
"Alright," Kieth said, rising to his feet.
Serel turned to Paulina, grabbing her arm eagerly. "Let's play! Let's play!"
Paulina gasped softly, then chuckled. "Of course," she replied, lifting Serel into her arms. As she glanced at Kieth, her smile softened.
"She seems attached to you," Kieth remarked with a small shrug.
Paulina nodded, carrying Serel away while Kieth wandered the manor aimlessly. He admired the intricate architecture and elaborate designs, marveling at the grandeur of it all. Eventually, his steps brought him to the training grounds.
The area was bustling with activity—soldiers sparring, running drills, and practicing formations. Kieth stopped by the edge, his eyes scanning their movements with sharp precision. He could tell each fighter had a distinct style, their strengths and weaknesses laid bare to his trained eye.
He crossed his arms and leaned slightly against a post, letting his thoughts drift. His mind played out vivid, unrealistic scenarios, imagining himself stepping into the sparring ring.
If I faced that spearman, I'd duck low, sweep his legs, then counter before he could recover.
That swordsman? His guard's too high. I'd feint left, then strike from below.
The scenarios shifted and evolved, each more elaborate than the last. Daydreaming was second nature to him, a habit born of his endless strategizing. For now, with nothing pressing to do, he allowed himself the small indulgence of imagining how he'd handle these opponents.
While Kieth was watching the soldiers train, he noticed someone waving at him. Unsure if it was directed at him, he glanced around, but the gesture was clear—it was for him. After a moment's hesitation, he made his way down.
The man extended his hand with a warm smile. "The name's Martinus. We met yesterday, remember?"
Kieth shook his hand firmly. "Of course. How could I forget? You helped me."
Martinus chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. "It's nothing crazy. Just glad to see you're doing better."
Kieth smiled. "Yeah, the pain has lessened a lot. The doctors here are incredible."
"True, true," Martinus laughed. "So, what brings you here this early?"
"Ah, just bored," Kieth replied. "Had nothing better to do."
Martinus grinned, then turned and shouted, "CAPTAIN! I'M TAKING MY BREAK!"
The captain, the same man who had been suspicious of Kieth the day before, simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Kieth raised a brow. "Is that the same guy from yesterday?"
Martinus nodded. "Oh yeah, that's him—the one who thought you were a spy. He's grumpy, sure, and not the most likable guy, but he's got a good heart. I've known him a while, so I don't mind him. Anyway, just call me Mart. 'Martinus' is too long."
Kieth chuckled. "Alright, Mart."
Mart clapped his hands together. "Great! So, how about a trip to the city?"
"Is that alright?" Kieth asked, uncertain.
"Of course! You're a guest, aren't you? You'll need a guard, but hey, I'm right here." Mart smirked, setting down his sword casually.
He was about Kieth's age, maybe younger, with brown hair and a face that radiated positivity. His energy was contagious.
"Alright then," Kieth said with a nod.
The two headed to Paulina to inform her of the plan. When they arrived, Paulina was seated with several maids, all doting on Serel, who was laughing and chatting happily. Kieth knocked on the doorframe and entered once invited.
"Hey," he said, addressing Paulina. "I'm visiting the city. Is that alright?"
Paulina raised a brow. "You'll need a guard. Can you—"
"No need," Kieth interrupted. "Martinus is coming with me."
She thought for a moment before nodding. "Alright."
Serel jumped up suddenly, running to Kieth with wide, eager eyes. "Me too! Me too! I wanna go too!"
Kieth crouched slightly to meet her gaze. "But aren't you playing?"
Paulina stood and waved off the idea. "We were just about to wrap up anyway. Besides, she might enjoy seeing the city. You can take her."
Kieth smiled at Serel's excited expression and nodded. "Alright, let's go."
Mart gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "Perfect! Let's make this a fun day out."
As the carriage rolled along, the soft creaking of the wooden wheels filled the air. Kieth, Serel, and Mart sat comfortably inside. Mart leaned back and marveled at the craftsmanship.
"Woah, cool. Never been in a carriage like this before," Mart said, looking around with fascination.
Kieth smirked. "Same... well, except for yesterday."
The carriage jolted slightly as it started moving, and Kieth absentmindedly played with Serel's tiny fingers to keep her entertained. Mart, curious, tilted his head.
"Hey, come to think of it, how'd you end up in such bad shape yesterday?"
Kieth paused for a moment before replying casually, "Wild animals. Lots of them."
Mart's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow! You must be really lucky—or really strong—to survive something like that."
Kieth chuckled, downplaying it. "Just lucky," he replied, though the truth behind his injuries remained a secret. As long as Mart bought the story, there was no harm in the white lie.
The three of them peered out the carriage window, taking in the bustling streets as the city gradually came into view. Kieth's gaze stopped on a massive structure with a prominent dome at its center.
"What's that?" Kieth asked, pointing.
Mart followed his gaze and grinned. "Oh, that's the Grand Library. It's a public library—or at least, that's what most people think. But it actually goes 20 floors underground. Those lower levels are for magic research and rituals."
Kieth raised an eyebrow. "How do you know that?"
"My brother works there. He's taken me down a few times. It's an incredible place, but most of the floors are restricted. Only the highest-ranking researchers can access the deeper levels," Mart explained, his enthusiasm evident.
Kieth leaned forward, intrigued. "I see. Well, can we go?"
Mart let out a hearty laugh. "Why not? I've been meaning to visit my brother anyway. And since you're my friend, obviously I'll introduce you to him."
The word "friend" caught Kieth off guard, but it warmed him. It was a far cry from the wary glances and suspicion he'd faced in the village.
"Thanks, Mart," Kieth said, smiling.
"Don't thank me—it's nothing," Mart replied with a wave of his hand.
Serel, noticing Kieth expressing gratitude, imitated him with a bright smile. "Tanks!"
Mart chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Close, little lady, but it's 'thanks,' not 'tanks.' 'Tanks' isn't a word."
Kieth stifled a laugh, thinking to himself, Of course, they don't have tanks here. Imagine their faces if they did—armored giants rolling into battle, blasting everything in sight.
The carriage finally came to a halt. The driver, an older man with a kind smile, opened the door for them. Kieth and Mart stepped out, both simultaneously turning to thank him.
"Thank you for the ride," Kieth said.
"Thanks for getting us here," Mart added with a nod.
The driver tipped his hat humbly. "My pleasure, young ones. Enjoy your day."
The trio walked across the bustling streets, with Kieth holding a badge in his hand.
"Well, isn't this a bit too much?" he asked, examining it closely.
Mart grinned. "Keep it. It's a dream for most people to even have one of those. Besides, we can enjoy the place, right?"
As Kieth passed by a stall, he noticed the same apples he had eaten earlier that morning. Approaching the shopkeeper, he held up the badge. "Can I get some apples?"
The vendor, startled by the badge, hesitated before replying, "I'm sorry, but we don't have apples."
Kieth blinked in confusion, glancing at the apples on display in front of him. Is he trying to fool me? Shaking his head, he turned to Mart and asked, "What are those called?"
Mart looked at the stall and chuckled. "Oh, those are elpas. They're pretty common around here. C'mon, I'll handle it."
He stepped forward and addressed the vendor. "Hey, can we get some elpas?"
The vendor's demeanor shifted immediately. Smiling, he said, "Of course! I'll pack some for you."
He quickly filled a basket with elpas and handed it to Mart, who flashed the badge as payment before giving the basket to Kieth.
Kieth, still puzzled, muttered to himself, "Elpa? What the hell? Is it just 'apple' reversed?"
Shaking off his thoughts, he bit into one of the fruits as they continued walking. Meanwhile, Mart peeled another elpa, cutting it into small slices and handing them to Serel, who happily trotted along beside the two.
The trio bought various fruits and treats from other stalls before arriving at the grand library. The massive dome towered above them, its intricate design gleaming in the sunlight. Mart approached a guard stationed at the entrance and showed his personal badge signifying he served the queen's army.
"I'm here to visit my brother," he said.
The guard examined the badge and nodded. "Wait here for a moment. I'll get in contact with him."
After about five minutes, a man emerged from the grand doors of the library. His outfit exuded sophistication—black pants paired with a dark red coat that gave him an air of nobility. His face lit up when he saw Mart, and he pulled him into a tight hug.
"Martinus!" the man exclaimed warmly.
Mart laughed, hugging him back just as tightly. "Guys," he said, turning to Kieth and Serel, "this is my big brother, Arcellus."
Arcellus stepped forward with a warm smile, extending his hand toward Kieth. "Nice to meet you."
Kieth shook his hand firmly. "The name is kieth, Nice to meet you."
Arcellus crouched slightly, his eyes meeting Serel's. "And who's this little one?"
Serel grinned and raised her hand proudly. "Serel!"
He chuckled at her gesture and said warmly, "Nice to meet you, Serel."
After a brief moment, Arcellus straightened up and turned to Kieth. "Why don't we head inside to my office?"
"Alright." Kieth responded politely.
Arcellus guided them through the grand library. Kieth noticed many people immersed in their books—most of them seemed to be from the general public. However, as they progressed further, Arcellus led them to a secluded area. Security personnel stationed there immediately recognized him and allowed them through without question, not even stopping Kieth, Serel, or Mart.
As they entered the restricted section, Kieth's eyes widened. Before him was a vast pit, its edges unguarded by any railings. He could barely see the bottom of the dark abyss.
Arcellus stepped forward and tapped the ground thirteen times with his foot. Without hesitation, he leapt into the pit.
"WOAH, WHAT?!" Kieth exclaimed, rushing to the edge. He leaned over, but Arcellus had disappeared into the darkness.
Mart chuckled at his reaction. "Yeah, it's magic. C'mon!" he said, holding Serel close before jumping in after his brother.
Kieth was left alone at the edge, staring down into the void. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, before leaping in.
The sensation of falling hit him immediately, the cool breeze rushing past his face. As he descended, he noticed numerous floors passing by in a blur. Just as panic started to creep in, his descent slowed, and he felt himself gently levitating. Looking down, he realized he was hovering above the seemingly endless pit. Slowly, his feet touched solid ground.
Still bewildered, Kieth stood up and looked around. Ahead, he spotted Arcellus and Mart, with Serel perched comfortably Mart's arms. They stood opposite him, waiting.
Kieth walked over, his steps hesitant as he tried to process what had just happened.
Arcellus smiled and spread his arms wide. "Welcome to The Third Circle."
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