—Enzo Atlas's Point of View—
I opened the envelope that had arrived a few hours ago. I hadn't read it yet because I was busy.
But I already had an idea of the letter's contents.
I began to read.
"Home located in Arishtar, a small village up north. Its population is also low compared to other villages of similar size elsewhere."
Maybe because of the proximity to the Caves and other exploration sites around.
Kael Drakewill
Four years old, just turned. Exact date unknown.
Only child.
Bearer of a single space with two elemental affinities, fire and earth (to be confirmed).
Father: Albert Drakewill — twenty-eight years old. Category 2 bearer.
Mother: Elisa Drakewill — twenty-seven years old. Category 2 bearer.
Paternal family: unknown.
Maternal family: from the Metrion family, known for producing bond masters of questionable origin and legality.
Kael does not yet possess a bond.
Albert: fire bear, category 2.
Elisa: frost wolf or a similar species, category unknown (probably 1 or 2).
End of report.
———
That's it, huh...
I expected a little more, honestly.
I heard this kid might be the key to reaching The Gallery, but this only tells me it's just another average family.
Maybe Aleph was wrong? Maybe the ritual wasn't carried out correctly.
Creating a fault in the link and a hallucination caused by the clash of two different minds.
That's the most obvious explanation to me. But for Rowan, it's the opposite: he claims the place where Aleph arrived matches perfectly with his experience in The Gallery.
It's really absurd. Yet somehow it catches my attention.
So what should I do?
Rowan assured me he already has a strategy to gather more information.
In a week, we'll visit Arishtar in a "charity event" or something similar. We want to help children and adults without bonds. Also guide those who already have them.
Obviously, it's a facade: our target is the Drakewill family.
Rowan is the same as always: twisted plans, zero morality, no empathy… all behind that tough-guy mask.
Still, he's an old friend. I'll go along with it.
For now.
The door to the audience chamber opened.
—Good evening, High Master Enzo. I apologize for disturbing you at this hour, but someone requested to see you. He didn't give a reason, but he seemed angry.
—Who is it, Brent?
—It's Maynard Aureus, First Seeker.
That guy, huh?
—Tell him to come in.
Brent left.
Let's see what he wants this time. Has he figured it out? … The answer is obvious since he's here.
I started hearing loud, quick footsteps from outside.
Then, the doors slammed open.
—ENZO!
—Lower your voice, Maynard. This isn't the time for yelling.
—Don't order me around, idiot. You probably already know why I'm here, so I'll save the speech.
—I don't know what you're talking about.
—Don't play dumb. Last time it was Elara, and now you went after Rowan. You know you shouldn't get close to the Seeker faction. Are you looking for more trouble?
—I didn't look for it. Rowan? It's been a long time since I saw him.
About three years, if I'm not mistaken. But that's personal, of course.
—I didn't say it was you, scoundrel. I know you sent someone while he was at Rozium. What a coincidence that a bond master asked about the only Seeker at the academy. And that master is none other than that brat Aleph.
Looks like he did some digging. I should have given Aleph a way to hide his identity. But I'll try to fool him; maybe it's just a guess.
—Maybe you're mistaken. After all, you're a compulsive drinker; you even smell like alcohol now. You might have heard other things and interpreted them wrong.
—Look, Enzo, stay away from my comrades. This is your last warning.
He won't back down. What a waste of time.
—What nonsense.
—What did you say?
—I said that's a bunch of crap. You come at night, insult me, tell lies, and now you falsely blame my students. Do you think you have the right to talk to me like that?
———
—Brent Raykel's Point of View—
Damn! I shouldn't be spying on Master Enzo, but that man looked so upset I feared he'd break down the main door when he arrived.
Besides, what nonsense is he talking about? We all know it's forbidden to socialize or even have any contact with the Seekers. Is he crazy?
Master Enzo is one of the brightest minds in the world. Although he only has one bond space, he masters five elements and is category 5. That drunk must be out of his mind.
—…now you attack my students. Do you think you have the right to talk to me like that?
Master! Your words move me…
—Urgh...
Suddenly, the air became heavy. I...
—Ugh.
I fell to my knees. The pressure Master Enzo radiated was indescribable. I was about to throw up dinner.
What kind of power is this?
I looked up: electric sparks ran across the room; lightning crossed the ceiling. Maynard was surrounded by an armor made of, what looked like wind.
How can wind become solid?...
…I don't know.
I think I'm going to faint.
My eyes slowly closed.
What kind of monsters are these two?
My… head…
———
—Palace Medical Wing—
I woke up in a bed. I recognized the room; I'd passed through here several times when I was still a novice.
—Argh… What happened?
I got up. My vision was a bit blurry.
—Ah, Brent! You're awake.
Ariana smiled and forced me back down, pushing me back into bed.
—You're still not recovered. That fight drained your ethereal energy.
—My energy? But I…
The Master!
I tried to get up again; my legs trembled.
Ariana held me.
—Stay still and lie down, Brent. Everything has calmed down. If you go to the Master like this, you'll end up worse.
—Heh… You're always taking care of me. Thanks, Ariana.
—Well, that's my job, silly. Now sleep. I'll see you later.
I raised my hand to say goodbye.
The door closed. Ariana's footsteps grew distant.
I'm exhausted...
I should do what they tell me.
I closed my eyes.
Maybe the battle left me worse off than I think.