"But Grandma, why are you so determined to go after Saturn?" Fenric asked, his young voice filled with curiosity and concern. His grandmother's intense focus on the mission puzzled him, and he longed to understand the depth of her motives.
"It's a long story, Fenric," she began, her eyes reflecting a lifetime of secrets. "But promise me you won't freak out."
"I won't freak out," Fenric assured her, though his heart pounded with anticipation. She gestured for him to sit down on the soft, grassy floor, and he complied, mirroring her as she settled beside him.
"I was once a god, Fenric," she revealed, her voice steady yet tinged with the weight of ancient memories. "Elina, the Goddess of the Plutomainians. When the Saltins attacked, I fought to save my people. Many Saltins perished at my hands, and the conflict became legendary."
Fenric's expression shifted from curiosity to confusion, prompting his grandmother to pause and gauge his reaction. Instead of shock, she saw only puzzlement in his eyes.
"Then Saturn heard of the slaughter of his people," she continued, her voice low and grave. "He sought revenge, determined to end me. We were evenly matched, but in our final confrontation, I knew he would kill me. With my last shred of magic, I transferred my soul into the body of your grandmother. She was a peaceful woman, opposed to war, but she was dying from grievous injuries. In saving my soul, I also saved her body."
As she recounted her tale, Fenric's face finally showed signs of understanding. His surprise was evident, a mix of awe and disbelief.
"Why the sudden change in expression?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"At first, it all sounded like nonsense," Fenric admitted, "but now it makes sense. It's like the pieces of a puzzle finally fitting together." He smiled, ready to flee if she raised her hand in a playful gesture. When she did, he bolted, both of them dissolving into laughter.
"So, you want me to seek vengeance on your behalf?" Fenric asked, his tone more serious now that their laughter had subsided.
"Exactly, moonpie," she replied with a fond smile. "Remember the promise you made. There will be opposition, but pay no heed to their words. This is for a love lost, a cause worth fighting for."
Her words were laced with both warning and encouragement. "Remember, five strikes with the sword I gave you, infused with the power of the three crystals, will be enough to end Saturn."
"Where will I find the crystals?" Fenric inquired, his determination growing.
"The Federation Headquarters holds one," she explained. "The Jupitians have another. The last one is somewhere on Earth, though I know not its exact location."
A sudden metallic clang echoed through the air, drawing Fenric's attention. He glanced at his grandmother, who remained still, her gaze fixed on the sky as if she hadn't heard the noise.
"Grandma, did you hear that sound?" he asked, perplexed by her calm demeanor.
"I don't hear anything," she replied softly, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. "It must be time for you to return home."
Her cryptic words lingered in the air as Fenric's surroundings began to blur. He jolted awake, the dream fading as reality took hold. Standing before him was Commander Ashcroft, who had been making noise to rouse him without physical contact.
"It was just a dream," Fenric muttered, relief and disappointment mingling in his voice.
"What did you say, Fenric?" Commander Ashcroft inquired, his brow furrowed.
"Good morning, sir," Fenric replied, stifling a yawn as he swung his legs over the side of the bunk he shared with his cellmate, Gaden.
"I was considering letting you out today," Ashcroft said, studying Fenric's reaction. "It's been a week already."
Fenric shook his head, declining the offer. He couldn't bring himself to return to the outside world, where insults and derision awaited him. The cell, though confining, had become a refuge, and Gaden had become a steadfast friend.
"I'll stay here," Fenric said firmly. The thought of facing the judgmental eyes of others filled him with dread. Here, in the quiet of the cell, he could hold onto the memory of his grandmother, the one person who had believed in him.
"I'll make sure to fulfill her plans for lost love," Fenric whispered to himself, a solemn vow etched in his heart.
"Why don't you want to leave?" Ashcroft pressed, his concern evident.
Fenric offered no answer, his silence speaking volumes. Ashcroft sighed, recognizing the futility of pushing further. Defeated, he turned and left Fenric to his thoughts.
Yawning again, Fenric glanced at Gaden, who was still lost in slumber, snoring softly. In the quiet of the cell, the weight of his grandmother's story settled over him. He knew his path was set, and the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges. But for the sake of lost love and a promise made, he would see it through.
****
After finishing his second day of workouts, Jack wiped the sweat off his face with a towel. He was exhausted but felt a small sense of accomplishment.
**Ding.**
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**
A smile crept onto Jack's face as he read the notification. It wasn't much, but progress was progress. His stomach growled loudly, reminding him of the sparse meals he'd been forced to endure since joining the faction. He hadn't eaten much today, with his meals rationed based on his performance.
As Jack headed out of the gym, his steps echoed down the dimly lit corridor. The scent of dinner wafted from the cafeteria, and his stomach tumbled again, urging him forward.
"Hey, Jack, heading to the cafeteria?" a familiar voice called out. He turned to see Elisa jogging up to him.
Jack greeted her with his usual smile, the one he believed made him look approachable. Elisa, however, burst into laughter. "Stop that smile. You look like a dog," she teased, her laughter infectious.
Jack's face turned red, and he quickly dropped the smile, feeling a bit embarrassed. "How are you doing today?" she asked, her tone softening.
Jack shook his head slightly. "Not great."
Elisa sighed, already knowing the answer. Jack's rank was low, his level even lower, and his workouts barely made a dent. "Don't worry, it's all part of the process. But listen, here's a bit of advice—never reveal your motivation to the board. They'll use it against you. If you don't complete your workout, they'll do more than just cut your food rations. They might kick you out altogether."
Jack nodded, though his attention was already diverted by a crowd forming down the hall. Curious, he started walking toward the commotion, Elisa following close behind.
"Bullies still find their way here," Elisa muttered, her voice laced with disgust. "And with the system, they're even stronger."
As they pushed through the crowd, Jack spotted Ryan on the ground, blood trickling from his nose. A tall, slim boy with a smug expression stood over him, taunting.
"Hey, kid! You had the guts to talk back to me? A Level One system wielder? Who do you think you are?" The bully sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
Ryan tried to crawl away, but the bully stepped closer, raising his fist for another punch. Before he could land the blow, Jack's voice cut through the crowd.
"Hey! That's enough! Leave him alone!" Jack shouted, stepping forward.
The bully turned, his eyes narrowing as he looked Jack up and down. "What did you say?" he challenged, dropping Ryan onto the floor.
Jack ignored the bully and rushed to Ryan's side, helping him sit up. "What are you doing, man?" Ryan groaned, seemingly embarrassed by the help.
"I'm trying to help you, dumbass," Jack muttered, inspecting Ryan's injuries.
Ryan shook his head weakly. "That's Henry... you don't know what you're getting into."
"Who's Henry?" Jack asked, glancing back at the bully.
"He's the strongest kid in the faction. His level outshines all of us—he's Level 13," Ryan explained, wincing as he spoke.
Jack's heart sank. He looked up at Henry, realizing the gravity of the situation. But instead of backing down, he steeled himself.
"A Level One dared to challenge me?" Henry shouted, his voice filled with mockery. The crowd erupted into laughter, their jeers echoing through the hall.
Jack stood up, his eyes never leaving Henry. A calm smile spread across his face, masking the nervousness building in his chest. He wasn't about to back down—not when his friend needed him.
Henry took a step forward, his smug expression hardening. "You really think you can take me on?"
Jack's fists clenched at his sides, his resolve unwavering. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect my friend."
The crowd fell silent, the air thick with tension. All eyes were on Jack and Henry, waiting to see how this standoff would unfold.