The doors that once opened to let him in was shut behind him in an instant
A soft metallic thud reverberated through the marble hall, followed only by the footsteps of men clad in shining armors.
These are the kingdoms knights… even though I expected them to be corrupt, I didn't think that they would actually be wearing an armor made of gold.
As the men approached, they slowed down before coming to a stop a swords length apart.
Before Luca could utter a word, they bowed their heads slightly in a synchronized way, serving as the finishing touches on a performance of nobility.
This synchronicity was broken by one of the knights correcting their posture as if attempting to stretch to Luca's height before speaking.
"We are the captains of the kingdom's knights, as such we are here to ensure the safety and interest of our people".
The knight paused for a minute, casting an analyzing gaze at Luca before continuing
"We will escort you to the ministers' chamber. While there, you will conduct yourself in accordance with your temporary position as a guest."
Temporary
Luca didn't like how easily the word rolled off his tongue.
Nor the fact that he hadn't even bothered with an introduction.
Distrustful aren't you?
The men only serve their role, as you do yours.
Perhaps they realized that a person like you is not one to shake hands with.
I am going to be honest, you are starting to hurt my feelings a bit.
Just as that though slipped his mind, Luca felt a wet feeling on his fingers.
He looked down and noticed that two of them was cut off at the base.
Blood flowed between the severed remnants, dripping to the floor
Before he could utter a word or respond in any way—they had returned.
All the pain and confusion dissipated in an instant, all replaced by the same terror he had felt earlier.
I told you to not forget did I not?
Luca flexed his hand, spreading his fingers, the phantom ache still burning under the skin.
This caused the knights to share a quick glance before continuing to walk forward diligently.
Please stop doing that, I know that I am healed but it still hurts
Seems like you still don't remember
No, fuck I remember, I remember, please
Perfect, just keep it in mind from now on
They entered a vast auditorium, seats curving around a raised podium set with five grand chairs -one for each minister.
The knights split apart as they entered, forming two silent rows along the crimson carpet.
The ministers were all draped in heavy robes, their faces obscured by light pouring down from above.
It wasn't a divine light.
It was more like a light of inspection.
As Luca stood before them the entire room fell into complete silence.
This silence was broken by a deep voice spoke from the center chair.
"Luca, sinner guilty of attempting ascendence. I hear the light acknowledges your return."
"Return?" Lucas asked, with clear surprise in his voice
"Return from evil of course. But never mind that. Perhaps I should start by introducing myself" He then corrected his posture before continuing
"My name is Calen Thale, you can think of me as the prime minister, although officially no such position exists".
Calen seemed to be in his fifties with pure blue eyes reminiscent of a saint.
His every act seemed filled with compassion
A person sworn to never judge, only forgive
For a moment, Luca was drawn in
His shoulders loosened, seeing his first gentle image since arriving in this world.
This lasted for only a moment.
Deep down he knew what this world really was.
Corrupt.
The power of this one man's smile distorted his view of the men clad in pure gold.
Their existence only a stone's throw away from the broken village of which he had been tossed into at the start of his journey.
It was a smile built on perfecting ignorance
Which gave it its addicting qualities
Luca knew that it was fake, yet wanted to see it again
Just as the thought ran through his mind, the minister obliged and gave him another smile before continuing his monologue.
"We have all come together to meet with you ourselves, as you can see"
His tone was smooth, almost cordial
"You might not be aware, but this is quite a rare occurrence"
He paused, letting the momentum build, ensuring Luca's full attention before continuing
"After all, it isn't every day that humanity's worst sins are repurposed to do the Light's bidding"
Luca blinked, unsure of the words he just heard.
"As such," the minister went on "we chose to meet with each of you individually. But you-" His eyes locked onto Luca as they lost the lighter shade they one had "-you are something different entirely".
"The sin of ascendence is a strong one- to attempt to surpass god - terrifying indeed"-
Ascendence? Surpass god?
Luca's thoughts seemed to spin in loops, which turned to knots, of which there was no untangling.
"You seem to be somewhat confused," the minister noted with a faint trace of amusement. "That is to be expected".
His voice grew quieter, more deliberate.
"After all, those who try to rise above the divine rarely remember the fall"
Luca's stomach turned a cold that spread up his throat and made him believe he was about to throw up.
He was able to compose himself enough to ask a simple question without his voice cracking
"Have we met before?"
Calen narrowed his eyes, staring at the boy from top to bottom, before giving a decisive
"No".
Luca breathed a sigh of relief, before the minister added to his statement
"However," Calen added, his tone softening into something almost kind, "one may never truly know in this world."
"What do you mea-"
"Enough of the pleasantries don't you think"
Calen's interruption was sharp
"We wanted to scope you out and I believe that we have achieved our objective. Now as for yours, are you not here to meet your fellow members"
His tone tightened, serving as a warning that pleasantries really would end if directions were not followed.
Luca straightened, forcing a nod
"Yes, I am"
"Good"
Calen gestured with a subtle wave
"Then Edran Vos will take you to them"
The leading knight, which had spoken to Luca before, suddenly bowed
"Follow me"
The grand doors opened once more.
As Luca stepped through, he was overcome with a certain thought.
Why does it all seem so familiar?