Next chapter is the ending of Arc 1. Thanks for reading!
“There’s no one here.” Celestia and the other five members of the squad suspiciously looked at Detective Vans. He led them to an empty field West of the Sunken Metropolis, claiming that he had received reports mentioning Jonathan’s presence here. However, even after searching for half an hour, they found nothing of import. No one lived here, and the lack of any vegetation made it difficult to hide in here. “I’m starting to think this was all a trick.” Stated James as he glared at Vans Valort. “...” “You’re not denying it…” The six surrounded the man, and though they didn’t use any violence, their piercing gazes were threatening enough. “You realized that this is a waste of all of our time, right? Jonathan could be in Kethra’s Arms, about to kill another innocent person.” Truthfully speaking, Vans was having slight regrets, but even as he was pressured, he refused to spill the beans and blame Zeke. He wasn’t forced to do any of this and, deep in his heart, hoped that Zeke succee
Arc 2: the unfilial sons.The sixth day after leaving Erys, Zeke returned with Azmer and Julia. Even waking up, the two were awfully silent, especially the latter. Her habit of inquiring about every little thing was absent, her eyes lowered as she pondered about something.Azmer, on the other hand, was expressionless and though he walked a little at the back, he also seemed to be in a daze. Either they were traumatized by facing that strange meteor, or there was something Zeke was unaware of.‘It’s natural for them to have suspicions. They couldn’t have noticed that the meteor was aimed straight at me as if controlled by something, but its abrupt arrival can’t be ignored. Why would the Dean send them there? Also, how did he knows where I was? No no… maybe he told them about that strange portal. It’s odd and uncanny, so much so that I find it difficult to trust the Dean.’Zeke caressed the Rune of Line out of habit, a sigh escaping his lips. He succeeded in acquiring the Crown and savi
21st January, I still can’t believe what happened. I saw a falling red star when I was going back from work, but when I told my roommate, they mocked me. 22nd January, I saw it again! I’m sure of it! I have this inexplicable urge to see it again. It must be a sign from the Gods! It must be! 26th January, I stayed all night and was able to see it again, but it came straight at me! When I woke up, I felt a bit different. I heard sinister murmurs in my head, is the devil whispering in my ear? I must go to the church to pray. 12th February, I actually got powers from the so-called Paths of Extinctions System! I was so busy fleeing to the border and couldn’t complete the mission it ‘entrusted’ me. Still, I got a lot of available paths… I wonder what they are? They have seemingly normal names like ‘Soldier’ and ‘Judge’. Admittedly, some are more enticing than others. 14th February, I used all my available PE in the ‘soldier main path’, which subsequently strengthened my body and granted
‘Hmm… who could they be? Each has a distinct and majestic appearance as well as a terrifying aura. It’s as if they’re alive.’The puzzled Zeke spotted exactly four statues, but only one was made of the Crown’s black and crystalline material. The first, entirely jet black, was that of a domineering middle-aged man with greasy long hair, blurred eyes, and a commanding jawline. He was standing straight and holding onto an equally large greatsword embedded into the ground. Under his feet, golden letters were engraved on the ground, but the language used wasn’t so easily read.‘It’s Hanish? I recognize the characters but I can’t read them. They only teach it in History classes of Public Schools.’Hanish wasn’t a language derived from Earth, it was directly related to the shrouded and forgotten history of the Aether Planet. Although most of its characters were undeciphered, learning it was still an arduous and long process. Only the most dedicated of Scholars and Historians would spend so m
The rest of the talk with Counselor Mary was mostly about trivial stuff. She would ask questions about himself and Erys and he would give a simple answer. Eventually, she scheduled the next session for the upcoming Saturday and bid him rest well.However, a short while after Zeke left, Mary drank one more cup of her special tea and was about to go and talk with Principal Solas only for him to come on his own.He knocked once then stepped inside the strangely-decorated counseling room.“Principal Solas.”She clasped her hands and respectfully bowed, though her expression was slightly pale as if something was affecting her.“You face could frighten a ghost, Mary.”In response to his unnecessary remark, the young woman wryly smiled and sat down again, her hands still clasped near her chest.The bearded elderly sat on the rocking chair in front of her and looked at the several faced-up cards on the table.“The divination failed? As expected.”“It’s like you told me. That System interfere
Due to the System’s notifications, which woke him up, Zeke’s mind was too preoccupied with what was happening to continue his rest. It definitely had something to do with the thug, but other than that, he could only speculate.‘The System wouldn’t randomly do this. There must’ve been a catalyst… an unknown condition that was, most likely, accidentally triggered… ah! It’s those crystals! The ones from the tribulation!’The only link and suspicious thing were the shards. Although Zeke was curious about what exactly happened, he didn’t rush to Sulong’s office. He was forced to join the Special Investigation Squad, and though he didn’t sense anything, he was almost certain that there were some people keeping a close eye on him.The next day (Friday), early morning.As always, Zeke attended the first two lessons and when it was time for the lunch break, he asked for Samuel’s help to locate Bella Bross, the girl he wanted to challenge.As a female student from Class D, Bella was part of Fra
“Ah… okay!”Maxine put down her phone and turned to the rest of the Special Investigation Squad. They were all out to clear their minds and to stop thinking about Jonathan’s case. “I need to make a brief stop. It won’t take long.”“Hm? Alright! We’ll go with you.”-V“N-no it’s okay..”Maxine was hesitant as she averted her eyes, but Celestia noticed that and frowned.“It was Edward, wasn’t it? We’re going with you.”Edward was three years older than Maxine, V, James, Vanessa, and John. However, he was only one year older than Celestia and the two shared a complicated relationship before he graduated.Soon, the group of six arrived at a cozy restaurant that had no one but two people inside. It was obvious that Edward Orland reserved the whole place just to have a private talk with his younger sister.Maxine was quite close with her brother, but as soon as she saw his solemn expression, she held herself back from giving him a hug and merely sat across from him.Her colleagues sat at a
Maxine ran to an artificial fountain at the center of Kethra’s Arms and sat on the edge, her head buried in her knees as she ignored everyone else. Vanessa and John chased after her but stood close by, but they didn’t say anything as it was clear that she needed some time alone.The hooded John, whose face was always hidden, turned towards Vanessa and asked,“Any idea what they were talking about? What happened eleven years ago?”The ashen-haired girl shook her head. She had been friends with Maxine for almost two years, but she rarely asked personal questions due to her naturally silent attitude.“I can’t recall any major accident that happened to the Orland family at that time. Maybe V knows something? He’s known Max for a long time, after all.”“It’s better if we ignore whatever we heard, John.”“I guess you’re right.” He nonchalantly replied, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.…Evening of Friday, after battling Bella Bross, Zeke recuperated for a bit left the campus. However, as soo