Despite his hidden allegiance, Orimudi's intellect and mastery of magic allowed him to operate undetected for centuries. Now, his apparent focus on Niu stirred curiosity and unease among the council members.
The chamber doors opened, and a tall young man with dark brown hair and stern face accompanied by a young lady with an adorable button nose with short blond hair entered, their postures stiff with unease. They bowed deeply before the council.
"State your names and roles," Rujik commanded.
"I am Stargen, Lieutenant of the Intelligence Corps."
"And I am Evermon, Senior Operative of the same."
"You were stationed to guard Niu, were you not?" Elder Lirana asked.
"Yes, Elder," Stargen replied.
"Describe your observations," Rujik ordered, leaning forward.
Their accounts bordered on the unbelievable, and both officers hesitated, fearing ridicule. However, the council remained silent, listening intently.
The officers exchanged uncertain glances. Stargen began, "The child... he is unlike anything we've seen. At just nine months old, he projects his thoughts telepathically, speaks fluently in three languages, and reads ancient texts as if they were nursery rhymes."
Evermon added, "He has mastered foundational spirit magic—something that took me years to grasp. His telepathy is strong, and his grasp of the God Tongue, Shambali, and Koronic languages is flawless."
The council listened in silence, their faces unreadable.
"I understand how this sounds," Stargen continued, his voice faltering. "But we are merely reporting what we have witnessed."
"It defies reason," Evermon admitted. "Yet we see it daily. Elder Orimudi trains the child, focusing on foundational magic. If I may boldly say, Elder Orimudi is better equipped to provide actionable report about Niu compared to us."
"Elder Orimudi … discusses his research with the child as if consulting a colleague." Lietaunant Stargen added.
When the officers finished, the silence was palpable. Finally, Elder Kasrel spoke, "Your accounts are... extraordinary. Do you suspect Orimudi has broken sanctuary law?"
The officers shook their heads. "We are not privy to the council's decisions or Orimudi's methods," Evermon replied.
"Lietaunant Stargen, Commander Evermon, you are dismissed," Rujik said, waving them away.
The officers saluted their seniors and quickly exited. As the doors closed behind the officers, the council remained silent for several moments.
Headmistress Kasrel broke the silence. "If even half of their report is true, we are dealing with an unprecedented phenomenon."
"It aligns with Orimudi's recent behavior," Lirana said. "His sudden interest in the child, his refusal to attend this council meetings… he knows something."
"I fear it may be more than that," Rujik said gravely. "The child's abilities surpass anything natural. His mastery of spirit magic at his age is impossible unless…"
"Unless?" Kasrel prompted.
"Unless Orimudi returned his memories," Rujik finished.
A collective gasp filled the chamber. "That is a dangerous accusation," Lirana warned.
"Dangerous, but plausible," Rujik countered. "The child's reincarnation is no secret to us, but to restore his past-life memories? It would explain his rapid development and Orimudi's secrecy."
"What do you propose?" Kasrel asked.
"I will investigate," Rujik declared. "I will observe the child and speak with Orimudi. If he has tampered with the child's soul, it must be addressed immediately. But…"
"But what?" Lirana pressed.
Elder Rujik broke it. "The child possesses the mind and personality of an adult. Even without his memories, he retains the cognitive depth of someone far older."
Rujik hesitated. "I fear the child's potential. Even without his memories, he possesses the mind of an adult. Every soul in this sanctuary was hand picked by a deity. If his personality is unchecked, if he harbors resentment or ambition, he could become a force beyond our control."
The council exchanged glances as Rujik leaned forward. "I suspect Elder Orimudi may have given the child his portion of the sealed memories. I would be surprised if he did not. This possibility requires immediate investigation. I will personally assess the child's character and confirm whether my suspicions hold merit."
The room fell silent as the weight of Rujik's words settled over them.
"Then it is settled," Kasrel said. "You will investigate and report your findings. Until then, we watch and wait."
Headmistress Kasrel nodded, though her expression remained troubled. "And Elder Orimudi?"
Rujik's gaze hardened. "I will handle him personally. His secrecy is a liability we can no longer afford."
As the council adjourned, Kasrel lingered, her mind racing. Kasrel placed a hand on the golden vines that adorned the council chamber's walls. "May the roots of our sanctuary hold fast," she murmured. "And may we have the strength to face what is to come."