*Thud *Thud *Thud
Their steps echoed through the hallway as Zendrell and Jinn walked out of the main house—heading toward the large courtyard where Jinn had last seen Kain with a woman named Merilyn.
Tall pillars shaped like swords stood across the courtyard, and large buildings nearby gave off soft, glowing light—likely guard or scout posts watching over the area.
As they walked, Jinn looked to the side.
*Tzzz *Hiss!
Several robots moved through the garden, working on the plants and flowers.
Their metal arms clicked and hissed as they moved, cutting leaves, fixing soil, or spraying water.
Each one moved smoothly and calmly, like they had always belonged there.
A slight curl rose on the corner of Jinn's mouth—a small smirk—as the sound of the robots brought back a memory of Amaron.
Their metal limbs hissed and clicked while they worked on the plants, their movements smooth and sharp.
He and Zendrell kept walking without a word.
Jinn glanced around as they passed, catching the steady hum of machines and the soft glow of lights under the night sky.
They continued until they stopped in front of another large building—just as grand as the main house from before. Red pillars lined each side, carved in patterns that looked like flowing wind.
Without a word, Zendrell walked up the short stairs,
*Knock! *Knock! *Knock!
and knocked on the tall, carved door.
His hand hit the frame hard—three times, each knock echoing across the courtyard.
Then, he stepped back as his arms crossed, pacing a few steps as he waited.
No one answered, so Zendrell knocked again—this time, louder.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
They waited… seconds passed, then minutes.
Still no answer.
"Dammit," Zendrell muttered, scratching his head. He pulled out his data pad, checked the time, then looked at Jinn.
"Guess we'll have to wait," he sighed, raising his shoulders in a shrug.
*Thud!
With a loud thud, Zendrell lowered himself onto the steps, his large frame settling onto the stone.
He unequipped the massive sword from his back, placing it carefully across his lap with a practiced motion. His fingers brushed along the blade, admiring it, as if this was something he did without thinking.
Jinn couldn't help but glance at the sword. It was huge—easily larger than himself.
The blade had a brutal simplicity to it, yet there was something undeniably intimidating about its presence.
It looked like it was made for destruction, every curve and edge honed for maximum damage.
If Jinn were to describe it—a thing that would destroy whatever it touched.
Zendrell caught Jinn's glance, a smug grin spreading across his face. He adjusted the sword, raising it slightly, letting the light catch the steel.
"A thing of beauty, isn't it?" Zendrell said, his voice thick with pride.
He turned the sword slowly, admiring it himself for a moment before setting it back down with a resounding thud, his gaze shifting back to Jinn.
"Why don't you sit down, boy?" Zendrell smirked slightly, his arms crossed as he glanced at Jinn.
"Let's get to know each other a little better."
Jinn scoffed, leaning himself off the wall nearby the door, his posture defiant.
"Why would I need to get to know you?" He shrugged sarcastically, his gaze hard. "Last I remembered, I was a slave."
*Haha!
Zendrell laughed, the sound low and sarcastic. He uncrossed his arms and leaned forward slightly.
"Because I will be the one to teach you how to wield a sword."
Jinn's eyes widened in disbelief. "What…?" His mind raced, a storm of conflicting thoughts swirling within him.
A part of him recoiled at the idea, unwilling to associate with the enemy—his captors.
The very people who held him captive, who had stripped him of his freedom—the ones who had killed Nevi.
Yet, deep down, a part of him recognized that this would be a rare chance—one that might never come again, and one that could make him stronger than he had ever imagined.
And that thought—of gaining more power—resonated louder than any other.
"Fine..." Jinn muttered under his breath, his jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing with resolve. "Anything to get stronger."
He knew it wasn't right.
But deep down, he understood that power was the only way to protect those he loved.
So, despite the bitter taste of pride choking him, he swallowed it whole and accepted.
For his own survival.
For the sake of his friends.
"Pfft…" Zendrell chuckled, hearing Jinn's response before clenching his fist and staring off into the distance.
"Without strength, child, you can't afford to protect anything you love—remember my words."
"Don't worry." Jinn replied, his tone steady. "I already know that."
But then, a different voice interrupted the moment.
"Good!" A woman's voice rang through, sharp and clear, making both Zendrell and Jinn turn toward the sound.
"Without strength, and without power," a woman's voice cut in, her hand resting lightly in Kain's.
"Without them, you cannot protect anyone… especially those you love." Her words lingered in the air, heavy with meaning.
"Kain!" Jinn's eyes widened as the realization hit him like a bolt. His pulse quickened.
"J-Jinn!" Kain's voice faltered, before he glanced nervously at the woman beside him.
"Lady Merilyn—this is Jinn, the one I was telling you about."
"So I've heard…" Merilyn's voice was calm before her gaze shifted to Zendrell.
"And you, brother—what brings you here?"
Zendrell rose and stood, sliding his sword back into his back with practiced ease.
"I've been tasked by elder sister to train Jinn in swordsmanship," he said, his tone serious.
"And you, Merilyn, shall teach him how to properly control his eidra."
Zendrell further continued. "If you haven't heard yet, Jinn has the same eidra as—"
"Venedix, yes—Sunder Surge," Merilyn interrupted, her eyes now narrowing on Jinn. "I've been told."
She didn't wait for a response, walking past them with fluid grace.
As she reached the door, she released Kain's hand, stepping forward and using her eidra to power the door open with a gentle hum of energy.
The door responded immediately, as if it recognized her touch.
"Come," she said, looking back at them. "Have any of you had dinner yet?"