In King Ben's castle, Eli stood before the door leading directly to the chamber of Kim, better known as the Child of the Stars.
"The process was long and painful, but it was worth it."
Out of fear that Kim might fall victim to an assassination attempt or kidnapping, King Ben had reinforced the castle's security like never before.
The security protocols had become extremely strict. Every person, even the highest-ranking nobles, had to undergo numerous checks before entering. Eli was no exception to the rule.
Knock knock
"Come in."
At that response, Eli gently lowered the handle and pushed the door open. Upon entering, she was greeted by an unusual scene.
Before a large sunlit window stood a young boy. A bird, perched in the hollow of his hand, chirped softly, its plumage shimmering with natural energy.
Eli was immediately struck by the sight.
"This is incredible!" she thought, astonished. "I've never seen a being with such an affinity for nature, except for the queen."
The elves, who had lived in harmony with nature for generations, possessed a unique bond with flora and fauna. But this bond was not innate; one had to show true kindness toward nature and be in perfect harmony with it to enjoy its blessings.
In return, nature offered them a healthy environment and essential nutrients to prolong their lifespan. Even the queen of the elves, renowned for her great communion with nature, had to work hard to reach her current level.
But this child, who seemed barely ten years old, already far surpassed the high elves in this bond. His mere presence caused the plants around him to bloom, and the bird rubbed affectionately against his fingers as if Kim were a protective mother.
"Do you plan to keep staring at me?" said Kim in an indifferent tone, without turning around.
Eli realized she had remained silent too long, captivated by the scene. Blushing with embarrassment, she quickly bowed.
"Forgive me, I did not mean to offend you."
Kim slightly turned his head toward her, gave her a brief glance, then immediately returned his attention to the bird that continued to sing.
That gesture—or rather, that lack of interest—wounded Eli. Since childhood, she had always been praised for her beauty, even among other races. Elves were known for their grace, yet Kim treated her like a simple stranger met in the street.
"I expected this kind of reaction."
Before coming, she had been warned that Kim kept his distance from others because of the abandonment by his stellar family.
"My name is Eli," she began softly, "I come fro—"
"Please just tell me the reason for your visit."
Eli fell silent for a moment. Kim had not even bothered to listen.
"…"
"Don't be surprised by my behavior," added Kim, his eyes still fixed on the bird. "You are here for your own interests. You are neither the first nor the last to come see me in order to obtain something."
"You're wrong," Eli replied, trying to remain calm. "I came to tell you some important news."
Kim finally made the effort to fully turn toward her, looking slightly intrigued.
"I'm listening. At least that's a change from the boring speeches of those who came before you."
"I didn't expect him to be so distant," thought Eli. "But that no longer matters now."
Taking a deep breath, she spoke the information that would change everything.
"I know the exact location of two of your brothers."
Kim's eyes, once so cold and detached, widened in shock. For the first time since her arrival, Eli saw true emotion on the young boy's face: an expression mixing childlike hope and surprise.
"What did you just say?!"
* * *
William's Point of View
— You're awake?
— Aghhh!!!
My eyes snap open in shock. The first face I see is that of an old man, far too close to mine.
My heart skips a beat. Panicked, I spring back—only to slam headfirst into the low ceiling. Pain explodes as I crash to the ground with a dull thud.
— Don't be afraid, my child.
Child? … Ah, right. I'm still stuck in this body of a kid.
But his gentle, almost caressing voice doesn't reassure me. On the contrary, it makes the air heavier, more suffocating.
— Don't worry, I won't hurt you.
Do you think I'll believe that? Since I arrived in this world, I've done nothing but brush against death. A few words won't fool me.
— You must be hungry.
He claps his hands. Immediately, two masked figures enter. Their movements are mechanical, almost inhuman. Each places a tray in front of me.
The smell of grilled meat fills the room. My stomach growls in spite of myself.
— Grilled beef. Take as much as you want.
I avert my eyes, but my memories betray me. At the orphanage, the director forbade us from wasting even the smallest morsel. My body trembles. Before I even realize it, my legs carry me to the table.
I should be cautious. After all I've endured, lowering my guard is madness. But the hunger… the hunger has gnawed at me for too long. The second trial left me with scars. An obsession.
I bite into a piece.
— Well? What do you think?
— … I feel nothing.
My own verdict chills me. Nothing. Not even a spark of flavor. As if my mouth were dead.
The old man doesn't flinch. He signals his servants to bring more dishes.
Again and again, I taste. Again and again… nothing.
He leans toward me. His eyes gleam with a strange light.
— Let me examine your mouth.
A part of me screams to refuse. But his words, his tone… impossible to detect the slightest hostility. So I obey.
— Just as I thought… Tell me, have you recently eaten mushrooms?
I nod nervously. Yes. In the sanctuary. It was that or starve.
— Those mushrooms slowly destroy the taste buds. The only way to recover your sense of taste is to eat dishes of exceptional quality.
My hands clench. I don't know if I should feel relieved or terrified.
Then he adds, in a calm, almost proud tone:
— I can prepare a remedy.
— R-really?
— I guarantee it. After all, I'm the only one in the world capable of creating such a thing.
His smile unsettles me. Too confident. Too sure of himself. Like a serpent just waiting for its prey to say "yes."
He extends his hand. My fingers tremble, but I clasp it despite myself.
With my stomach finally full, my mind regains some clarity. I activate my skill, fixing my gaze on the man before me.
A name appears.
And my blood freezes. My breath catches. My muscles refuse to move.
— Pleased to meet you, I am Doctor Nidiyawane.
— D-doctor… N-Nidiyawane?
— Exactly! I'm even surprised you pronounced my name correctly on the first try, hahaha!
His laugh echoes like a cold blade in my chest.
No… He's not just some old man. No matter how kind he appears, it's nothing but a mask.
He is Doctor Nidiyawane. The third member of the Antagonist's group. The one fearfully known as the Doctor of a Thousand Faces.
A heavy silence falls. Then his smile fades.
— Now that you've eaten well…
The atmosphere shifts. The air grows suffocating. His voice, deeper now, carries a veiled threat.
— Tell me how you ended up here. I might be able to find your parents.