*The Truth..* Marie looked out the window overviewing the landscape— green grasses and a barren forest. The sun's orange light rays seeping through the clouds.
*What could the Monk mean by The Truth? Is there more to North City than its legends?*
Marie tapped Naomi on the shoulder.
"What do you know about the Monk?"
Naomi's eye lost light for a moment.
"Monk Artemis..? I mean, he was always pretty laid back, was only strict when helping us with our abilities." Naomi looked down while smiling. "He always taught us how to be strong, not physically but mentally. Told me this— 'This world will throw you down, to build you back up. It's our job to follow the blueprint. Don't falter— keep steadfast.'"
Marie's eye widened— "He's a wise man… what else can you say about him?"
Naomi thought for a moment.
"I mean.. he's pretty old, I think about a thousand years and like 2 decades. He was a disciple of the First Emperor and watched the entire continent's history go by."
"Why's he so old? And how'd he survive so long..?" Marie asked.
"His Soul Pact— is time. Naturally, it's hard to kill him. I believe he died simply due to his age. And as for the first question.. apparently his wife lengthened his life by 10 life times." Naomi took a sip of water.
"Time…? TIME AS A SOUL PACT?!" Marie was taken aback.
"No— nevermind that. So Artemis was around for pretty much all of the continent's history. So is there more to the story?" Marie spoke to herself.
A man stretched his arms.
"Aaauuugh…" He yawned.
"Falcon…!" Naomi's eyes lit up. She ran up to Falcon, hugging him tightly.
"Jeez… I'm injured, calm down with the hug." He chuckled patting her on the back.
"Sorry.. it's just that everything seems so down."
Falcon's eyebrow raised. "What do you mean, down…?"
Marie sighed— "Sit down… it's gonna be a long one."
Inside of the Royal Headquarters—
*Damn it… so they got away.* Aurelian sat down at a desk overviewing paper reports.
KNOCK KNOCK! Someone banged on Aurelian's door.
"Calm down.. I was gonna answer it if you knocked lightly." He twisted the doorknob.
The door flew open.
"Oh… General Yumin..!" Aurelian stood upright, saluting him.
"Major General Julius is calling you. Go to the meeting room on the 12th floor." Yumin turned around and walked a few steps. "Oh and, wear your uniform."
*Meeting room, 12th floor? That's the big room!*
After sometime— a large door handle was opened. Upon opening it Aurelian seen 7 people sat in their seats.
"The last seat's for you, High Command Major Sergeant, Aurelian." General Remus spoke.
The people present being—
Special Officer Hughman.
Special Officer Cupiditas.
Special Officer Vinast.
Special Officer Adam.
General Remus.
General Romulus.
Major General Julius.
Aurelian stepped into the room— the door closing behind him.
Romulus got out of his seat. He walked to the front of the room, tapping on a map of North City.
"Alright, let's start the overview meeting— shall we?" Romulus spoke.
Adam took quick glances to Remus, Aurelian, Romulus, and Julius.
"I'm fine with it." Adam replied.
"If Adam says so…" Vinast sighed.
Cupiditas' eyes were filled with despair. "Yes… let's start."
Remus nodded.
Hughman looked at his watch— "Sure."
"I suppose we start.." Julius spoke.