《The things that carry over. Over and over》 Prologue: the end and the beginning Cloud of smoke rising high into the air. Fire, crater, small humanoid corpses to great beast corpses scatter everywhere. The mountain and earth split, even the sky look broken. "Please comes back, its over now... so please...." a faint whisper drift within the wind, whisper that full of longing and sorrow comes from A lone man with a black tattered armour. He''s kneelling on top of a mountain. That pose almost look like praying, if you exclude few spear that pierce his body and fix that position still. In front of him stood a blue jewel bigger than a mountain. that blue jewel is an an iceberg so clear and so cold that even make you feel the chill aura from afar and even start to frezee the ground around it. Within it trapped a beauty. More like a goddess. Each part of her is perfect. No word can describe her beauty. Her frozen face gaze upon the lone man, as if she''s console him, and somehow a little guilty feeling feels within that gaze. Near the man. A 6 meter tall body laid. The body is demonic, a long tail, and somehow look distorted even though it stay still. "Hahah, do you see now? A tragic hero, useless, stupid strugle " a rumbling heavy voice heard from an almost severed head, with a broken ram horn protuding from the the side of the head."either way i still destroy this world... *cough. And you... *cough... you won nothing. Does it feels good to kill me? Hahahaha *cough Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. The lone man stay still. As if the demon voice doesnt even sound. He''s just stare at the goddess. Soon the voice fade and never echo again. The day keep passing. The coldness from the iceberg keep spreading till the sky start to froze and snow start to fall. A layer. Two layer The snow keep pilling as if the heaven want the earth to know her sorrow. Soon the terrain start to change into a vast iceland. With only the tip of the iceberg shown and become the mountain peak. As the mountain start to made. Deep within those frozen mountain the goddess eyes lit up. "Sleep well my hero, i''m sorry. hope you''ll find someone better to protect when you wake up." The voice switch to a faint whisper, a magical and powerful yet beautiful and soft. As the voice go on the time too passes by. The mountain grow older, almost ancient. But near the peak the space ripple at fixed place. And within that ripple no trace of time can be found. Second prologue The free white academy of istitar is located at highland near the foot of maria mountain, this academy is stood on a rebuilt ruin. Aloof and mighty. Even though almost all study subject is teach here, mainly this academy is renown for its military graduate that proud with their scholar mindset and their graduate peacefull aproach. Somewhere in a class within istitar academy "Okay, review this semester lesson." says an old woman while she''s start to sit " starting from you" her finger point at the most front student "The great frozen mountain of maria is located strangely for a snowy mountain. It stood mighty in the middle of continent. And few part of this frozen mountain even contrastly bordering with a great dessert. The research on mana trace within the stone formation and from the oracle sight journal that publicized is this was because the cold energy that emmited from moria beacon, but no actual research is ever known because no gear available that allow person to reach the peak." The first student explain "The maria mountain range had 4 peak with the highest called maria beacon. Uh, umm... This peak always shot a blue beam of light toward the sky. There is a lot of thesis on this subject. But the most famous is the beacon theory that state the blue beam is a mark left by an ancient civilization that left this homeworld of them so they can find a way to back someday after they start their exodus 7000 years ago" the next student add. "The maria mountain range split the continent into two uneven part where the north part is being the bigger. Even more bizzare there are three cliff on the continent. Those cliff looks like a scars from a claw mark spread accross the world. even few part of the sea is splitted and resulting in waterfall in the middle of the sea. The people says that this claw is made by great demon that once almost destroy the world. Another theory this mark is result from a great fight 7000 years ago that start the great exodus. Actually there''s still much anomaly and wonders that lies within the world, waiting to be found. but for now not much that we can tell about the rest of the world, expecially that lies beyond the seas." Other student add. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "Ya, the next student please" the old lady says while massaging her own arm. " The majority of this continent population is lives on the southern part of the continent, And the scattered island around. Only few city is stood at few pass that lies scatter accross the mountain and even fewer city lies on the northen part of the continent. The southern part of the continent itself is split into 6 banner. 3 occupy a rather large land, another 2 occupy small land, and another one is occupy the flying island archipelago at the south east part of the continent." "This six power made a power equilibrum since 300 years ago. Only minor skirmish and low impact conflict ever happen between these kingdom. Excluding the racial conflict that still linger till now. The house of ar...." "Stop, just skip those houses part" the old lady grumpily command "The history tell that the ancestor once posses advance civilization that spread far and wide, but oneday all of those perish. Fast enough that the deviation beetween the one relic and other within this continent is almost none. The ruin of this once great civilization is ranging widely, from an archeological site to a great labyrin. and almost all is untouchable because all the ruin had special barrier that protect the ruin." "Okay2 my old bone is tired listening, just write your review and your whatever then submit it to me next week." The old lady start to walk toward the door "oh, and for the trip next month my husband will replace me, dont forget to prepare your gear. I''ll put the list on the notice board." The old lady says while she left the door and close it. Creak* the doors open again "Btw, since my husband is your guide, this class trip this time will be mixed with his class. So behave yourself kids." Chapter 1: woken up The man slowly open his eyes. The spear that once pierce him is gone. Feels of disoriented rush to him. Then a blinding white light flashing for a while. The scenery arround him distort. Within the bright light he feels a sense of longing that grown stronger, a feels of missing something and dont know what is missing. He sigh and took a deep breath. Letting the feeling of weakness take his conciousness away. He dont know how long he pass out. Somehow he''s lying on a bed. For a moment he stare at the ceilling while tryin to get a feels of his body before he sweep his gaze arround. A room made of ice that he never seen before, with a strangely familliar furniture. the dust and chilling air dance within light that shoot from the window, making beautiful pattern. He stood, groggily, his limb feels weak. Each steep he take feels heavy. He stop in front of ice windows, a pair of red eyes stared at him that reflect on the windows, "this is.. me?" the man feels disoriented, a blocked memories clog within his mind. "Who is me?" he says this question with his still weak voice. Then keep staring at his own reflection After a few moments he exit the room, his sight meet with a beautifull courtyard, adorned with tress that bear silver fruit and flower patch that made from ice, he move slowly toward the courtyard center where an fountain with clear water lies. He took a drink from the fountain. Rest awhile then continue his journey toward the end of courtyard. The courtyard end with a broken stair. A gate stood before the stair end. He move nearby. Toward the stone fences. ahead lies a sea of cloud. He took another deep breath "a name..." he mutter slowly. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. after few minute he walk back toward the main building when suddenly his gaze locked into the clear blue ice that crowned the peak that lies just behind the main building. No other thing was seen there, only a saphire like peak with a blue beam that pierce the skies. But somehow he feels that longing sense again, greater than ever. Another sigh left his mouth. He then took a few step forward and start to cleaning the courtyard. Slowly and as attentive as he could. Leaf by leaf, dust by dust. His daily life started with a cleaning duty at early morning. Then till evening he go prepare trap or take care the tree on the courtyard where the silver fruit grow, or search for wood to repair the building and do cooking, or most of the time he practice a movement that somehow appear within his mind. And once in a while he''ll took a delightfull hot water bath in a makeshift tub that he made himself. week by week keep passes. But this peak stood still as if time itself was avoiding it. His body was no longer as weak as before. Within this time too he started to see a vision, illusion that seems ancient project arround him at interval times. Sometimes he saw himself in a battle field hacking trough the hordes, sometimes he saw himself reading. A random subject sprung and each vision feels real. He learn much from these vision. Everytime this vision started to play he''ll stop what he''s doing and just focus on this vision. Hoping that he''ll find something about who he is, Anything that lead to a clues of who he is. This routine keep repeating, the visage comes and goes. till he lost count of times. Chapter 2: the start of the journey A laugh from an old man was heard from a group that currently in the northen gate of istara academy. "So in the end only this much that can join the field trip. Hahahaha". The old man start to laugh bashfully again. "Those stupid musclehead that start it first sir." an a student with a red square emblem said while she point her gaze at an group of an armored teenager. "Just because they the one that get brawling techniue they act like they''re the most best from us." While the istara academy is renown for its scholar and its chivalry, the academy itself is consisted from a lot of departement that focus on its own subject, the departement itself then divided more within its own speciality. But mainly theyre divided into four general study. The first is the knightly order. This order is focus at teaching civalry, the code of ethic from a knight. they teach what will makes a knight differ with a murderer. aside from their weapon handling and fighting technique. Their badge is a blue coloured shield that later have a weapon that each resemble their own choice weapon drawn inside. For example. A knightly order student that specialize using a sword will have blue coloured shield emblem with a sword inside as a badge. The second is magus and artificier order. This second order is focusing on refine and finding a new way on using a special energy that called mana wheter using a device or using their own capabilities that few people blessed with. Their badge is a yellow coloured circle with a pentagram or a crystal inside. The colour of their pentagram or circle is resembling their main element study focus. For example an a mage student that focus on researching and using fire element will have yellow circle badges that have red pentagram inside. The two last is a general society research order and general science research order As like the order name, this both order focus is wide, the first is focusing on society. Like diplomacy, economic, history, and racial relation. While the latter is focus on machinery, weapon manufacturing, and anomaly in a world. Both of this departement have a red square emblem with a pic of a book inside. The only different is one have a pigeon pic atop the book and the other have a sun atop the book. While each departement have independent structure, the still have relation and completing one with each other for they still need the knowledge of the other departement to perfecting their own focus. "Ahahaha, please pardon my student. I bet he''s just wanna show off some muscle to get to know your name. A female is a rare sight on our daily life" the old man says bashfully while he''s wink-ing at his own student. " go apologize or a month of "special" training, choose now." An emphasize on the word "special" was feels strongly on the oldman tone. "I... i... i... i..." a brown haired guys mutter an unclear stutter. With a raising up and down nostril. Seems getting more red as time passes. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "I''m sorry for the behavior of my friend" cut a blond haired guys. "My name is michael, please safe us from the special training. I''ll make my friend says his apology properly later, and youll have a favor from us". He quickly add. "No." The lady speak flat and quick. "Uh come on, resolve this matter, just an apology. Not much loss". The old man add quickly. "But sire..." "What but?" Its easy right just one w..." the oldman suddenly stop while he sees the girl glare angrily while starting to tearing up at the brown haired student. "Okay-okay, anything, no apology is fine, but, but can you at least tell my wife a "good" version of this little accident for me while we back" The old man says while look a little panicked and bashfull "Uh,...." .... .... After sighing the lady says "okay sire, its my own fault too, to get angry over an kid tantrum like this." the lady emphasize the kid word while looking at the brown haired guys. "So please pardon me too, and hope we get along for the rest of the trip". The lady continue while she bow a little. "Thank you miss" a colour start to back at the oldman face. "You hear kids, Dont make more trouble for me kids" angry old gaze was pointed at the armored group "for now lets start the journey. We can get to know later when we reach the goddess statue to camp. You, arnold, take front guard position for your temporary punishment The old man says to the brown haired guys while he walk toward the back of the group. Thus the group jurney is begun. Steady. In their way they passes two monument. Each time they pass the monument the group will stop a while. Which the oldman start to explain and the student will take a note The first is a giant arch, about 6 kilometres from academy, made from a gate that a part of a once mighty wall. The second is row of an ancient looking trees that planted within left and right side of their road that start to change into a stone pavement. The tree have a twisting complicated golden line. seven meter from this row of trees is a dense forest. A dark and a gloomy. Desolate and eerie. The last is a female statue in a middle of clearing. This statue is covered with a moss that strangely cannot be removed. But still aura of ancient and magical was emanated from this statue. "We stop here kids, prepare the camp and share your duty on your own". the oldman says while he move toward the edge of the clearing. "Oh and dont get out to far from the clearing. Remember. No more trouble. I''ll go for half hour". The oldman half yell to make sure the student hear. Chapter 3 reconciliation? The group is dispersing once the old man is gone. Some is preparing the tent, some is preparing the fire. A clumsy but peacefull evening event. A pair of man walkin together collecting firewood. "So, tell me what is happen actually" a blond man says while pickin a dried up branch bellow. "Aw Come on, from all people. You should know better why." A short man answer while he''s jumping try to reach a branch on a dead tree. "Arnold and his tribe custom? So why no did no one stop him?" The blond says while he put his branches down while he took a rope. The short man stop jump a while, panting. "Stupid brances." He then turn to face the blond man "nahh, we try to. But when we rush over they already drawn their weapon, and things start to get out of control. Ahahaha that knock out. Haha, a perfect knocked out. A pity you werent there to see it" the shortie says happily. then turn grumpy as he took a stone and throw it to the branch on a dead tree. The blond man sigh. Then finish tying his branch collection. "Lets get back." Fifteen minute later at the front of a tent. "I''m sorry". Arnold says while he clench his fist. "Okay, lets start this all over again. My name is michael. The brown haires brute over ther is arnold, and the skinny man next to me is andre. And the shorty over there is will, and the twin female over there is arts family sister. Just call them art will do, they like to prank people with their similar appearance." Michael says while he rub arnold back. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. A lady frown a while she look at the brute. "Al-sifair dessert tribe?" Question mark appear on the lady gaze and tone. "Live on the western dessert of sifairi, the custom they mean is part when he yell from afar and start to punch our friend one by one on their right hand when we first meet, apparently thats how the tribe says their greeting" an answer from a man that hold a thick book comes from behind the lady. Sigh* apology accepted, a part of the accident is our share too, now would you please move over so i can start a fire for my camp." The lady says while she make a move over gesture. The knight trainee group then move over a little. Still keep their gaze at the lady while suddenly michael says " let us help you" and motion his friend to join him to help the lady. "Cecilia" the lady says a while later. "Huh" the blond turn to the lady. "My name is cecilia." The lady repeat again. "The one behind me is tiara, the man that hold book over there is rocky, and the group over there that sorting bag, start from the left is stein, drago, and lara." "Uh, yes" michael answer, try to remember as well as he can because the lady speech is to fast. A bell ring heard over. The group then look arround. Chapter 4: met the guardian The old man POV This should be the place. I remember the first time i meet him, about 30 years ago. While i was young,Thirsty for adventure, and rushing thing. Haha So immature. I reach my pocket and took a black clothes wrap. Within it i took a pair of bells then shook it lightly. a faint ring sound softly, echo clearly just like the first time i shook it. Lets wait a while. ... ... Sigh* waiting is my forte, almost. I play the bells on my hand. I almost shook it again when i hear another bells ring. That him, i straighten my posture. For unknown reason he wear a bells arround his leg. i wrap the bells with the same black clothes and put it back in my pocket before i stood. Bow lightly toward the forest at the east part of the clearing. Try to get a clearer glimpse at the dog eared man that seems never aging. But i try not to get my hopes high because the man just come and go like a wind. Hmph, where is the good feels in act mysterious like that. "Avoid the stairs at the north, i''ll let you get inside the cave till the seventh floor, dont go deeper than that" i repeat his sentence at the same time when he spoke. A same word as always. Again and again. But still hold the same weight. ... Hey, this time he''s not left straight away. I''m wonder what he want. Hahah he still wear the same clothing as ever. A black robe with a runed wooden and bone necklace. Maybe at my next visit i should bring him a new garment to wear. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Here boil this herbs at home. Give some to your wife too. Stay healty old man" The dog eared man spoke. Break my though for a moment. Then he fade back into the forest. Who''s old man. Sigh* i take another bow toward the forest then i move toward his location before. I took the herb. Not even wonder what herb it is before i put it on my other pocket. My wife should know better than me. Then i start to walk back to the goddess statue. I wonder how old is he actually is. Did he perhaps a survivor. This is a dark age i live in. The knowledge from the past is lost within whatever calamity our ancestor face. We just scrap and put together the thing that we found. Even our cities is walled high. Compared to the few city ruin that i ever walk to its a pity sight. Most of the city ruin is emphasize on beauty, large and only a few that even erect a wall. While now there are more institute that do research on wellfare, our generation could use whatever past knowlegde that we found. Hmmm, perhaps i should call him again. nope. that wont be that simple. Maybe... no no, argh i''m growing senile. Lets just focus on my task here. I continue my stroll till my eyes caught sight of my student. Hmmm what is this, yah, that''s how they should be. Workin together like how a civilized person should be. Now, how should i start the training. Different class and subject. I cant become two person. Sigh* perfect. what a wonderfull wife. Hahaha. Chapter 5: go or not to go The sun is shining behind the cloud. The sun position look more tilted than it should be because the mountain height. A lone man is at the middle of the courtyard. eyes closed. sitting with cross legged. He''s no longer weak, not like the first time he awake. While he still have no clue who he is or where he is, he get more knowlegde from his vision that temper both his mind, body and experience. A knowledge that make him succesfully hunt a bear that now hung decapitated, at the side of the main building. He''s getting familiar at the new lifestyle he had. Yet at the same time he grow bored. But still an unexplained feeling hold him to stay. He frequently stood next to the cliff. Gaze bellow the clouds. On a few lucky occasion the cloud will disperse. Shown a breathtaking view of the landscape down bellow. Few tiny unclear view of tower or other landmark that show a civilization is appear within that time. Make him want to start a jurney to the place. But somehow he just cant leave. After a few moment the lone man open his eyes. Then stood and walk toward the main building. He enter inside, move past few room, carrefully closed the door again after he move through it. Then he arrive at a big room inside the building. His movement make a subtle sound on the wooden floor. He then stood in front of a shelf, then he take few piece of paper and carry it to a desk where he start to write down. The room where he is now is the only room that have the fewest ventilation. and made from a stone, an unlit fireplace is placed on the west of the room while the other side of the walls is fills with bookfilled shelf make the rooms feels warm. Almost all of the book here is writen by him. Each time he got a vision he always write it down wheter it is a trivial vision, a elixir recipe or forging technique he suddenly remember or knowlege he once had, anything. But now, his unwritten book supplies start to dwindle. Only few rolls of paper left behind. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. After storing what he was written he walk away to the rooms he first awaken. Do a maintence on a few makeshift weapon he made himself. Then he take one dagger and move to the hunged bear on the outside. He then start to skin the bear and cut the meat to make it easier to store. He then lift his hand toward the cutted meat. His eyes lit up a moment and the portion of the meat ahead of him is frozen. Another portion he prepared is then he toss to a furnace that can function to smoke meat to. After the meat smoking process is started he left. he then go to the makeshift tub inside the building. Start heat up the water that he prepare inside and then he slowly get inside the tub. Sigh* "maybe i should really go down and search some settlement. Buy suplies and ask arround, who knows what i will find" the man ponder while he relaxing his shoulder. For a moment he go relaxing enjoy the warm water. after few moment he slowly get up "But i what should i use to trade." He sigh while he put on his clothes. "A game meat?" He though while he look at his meat supplies "not practical, hmm maybe for the first visit i just have to look arround". He thought while he look down bellow. Far far away, beyond the white cloud A big white walled building with four tower look peacefully stood on a green vast land. Announcement My dad get hospitaled because stroke attact I''ll stop update awhile, at least until my dad get stabilized Chapter 6: a day later Uh umm, sorry for the long delay, just adapting to take care of my dad, and class, and chores, and other RL stuff. And... i decide to fasten the pace a bit. Enjoy :D A great roar echo at the forest. the source of the sound is a great bear that dashing toward a group of teenager. A few fresh wound loiter on the skin of the bear. Make it look more savage. The group was ghastly pale, some even trembling. Except for an oldman that had an amusement looks, the oldman just keep some distance while yelling encouragement from his perspective, if you exclude the excessive swearing. "Throw the net" michael yells while frantically dogde the incoming bears. "Change formation, surround the bear, where''s the spear walls, the civil group just go and keep some safe distance we''ll handle the bea.". SWOSH... a bolt just passes michael headside, then lodging at the bear. "You should throw that arrogant mind aside my friend, or do you need my help to shoot it down?" An answers follow behind the bolt from a braided girls. She''s holding a triple crossbow. Another girls cast a smirk when she hear this, Humming sound that followed by a blast of fire erupted from a staff that she hold. "Fire out. Ten mins to charge" cecilia yells while draw her sword and joint the formation "Sorry tiara." Answer michael shortly. "Just to make sure our team survive, dont take offence". Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! The old man amusement face turn into soft smile hearing this, as if recall some happy past or expecting a happy future. For a few moment the battle happens safely for the group. A one sided yet somehow dificult slaughter. net was thrown. A spear trusted. Sword slashed. Not much life left on the bear, When suddenly the bear paw exploded. A red mist spread from the explotion. Knocking the groups that surround the bears. The oldman rushes to the group, helping the staggered kids stands up. Some fainted, some coughing. The old man keep his eye on the bear. Motioning the kids to keep their distance with the bear. But a moment later a red glowing line appear on the bear. Starting from the exploded paw which now regenerating fast. his face turn ashen while a he mutter something which soon turn into a half yell "apocalypse touch... run kids fall back to the academy now" the oldman unseath his sword. And frantically ring the bells that he carry before. The bear now stand. With red line covering the body. A few horn protuding from his body make the savage bears look somehow demonic ROAAAARRRRRR!!! a thundering roar echo. "Stand, run, safe your friend for later, just go to academy and tell them apocalypse touch." Says the oldman while he run forward to the bears while the kids scatters and run. Chapter 7: ankward encounter An unobstructed scenery lies ahead bellow. The man tighten the rope that bind his backpack. Aside from a crude bow that stradle on top of his back and a neat bundle of rope that binded on the side of his backpack no more additional feature looks on his backpack. The man itself use a cloak that somehow look heavy, with a little icy coating that accumulate for the past few hour he climb down the mountain. He now sit leaning on the cliff, amazed and dazzled by the scenery offered by the nature. The fatigue, both physical and mental that accumulate by the countinous effort of climbing and maintain his spells that sustain the temperature and proper air pressure was instantly blown away by the scenery. After a moment of rest and few gulp of fresh water he stood, his steady breath dawning a white fog each time he exhale. The last metres of his climbing is easy. Helped by the staircase that appear on few places, offering him an easy footing Time passes, when at least he appear on a stone paved yard, at the middle of the yard a lone beauty statue stood, covered with moss on most part. His mind wander arround with the scenery. What was happen here, what makes this place deserted, what kind of people lives here. An uncertain though passes his mind. He walk slowly toward the statue, then stopped, stand at the front of it when suddenly he open his mouth "Come out" he says slowly while keep his gaze at the statue. "This is rather ankward situation for my first contact with another living being" he thought. Few moment passes with nothing happen, when suddenly a shadow appear from the tress at his side. Accompanied by a soft bells ringing. "Is this a newest trend on people. Or he''s just a little strange. the man though again." the man bow a little toward the statue then turn to face the shadow. "I mean no harm" he says toward the shadow. Which replied by a surprised looks on the shadow feature This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. The shadow almost answer when suddenly a roar sound from the forest at the background. While both of them still stay still The man look uncaring but the shadow somehow feel tense, the shadow just can find out the man strength, the man uncaring act just added a doubt to the shadow. The shadow flicker, leaving a metal object that move fast toward the man, the man sidestep a little then turn his gaze at the shadow direction. The man stay still awhile, but his hand reach his pocket, fidgeting, try to find something. Seeing this the shadow lunge toward the man, A dagger held in his right arm. When the shadow reach the man he stab trough the man head which turn out only an afterimage. The man itself already move few step behind, his hand still fidgeting on his pocket. The shadow flicker again, this time move toward the man faster. A series of fast dagger slash aimed toward the man which dodged effortlessly by the man. The man hand stop fidgeting. he pull his hand out of his pocket now which only make the shadow tenser. "You want a jerky" ask the man. "...." the shadow stop flickering, reveling an dog eared man that look shocked. The shadow then retreat few step. Seathing his dagger back into the scabbard. Eyes still fixed into the man. The shadow reach his hand to the jerky, this time the tense was erased from his face. when suddenly another roar heard from the background which followed by a series of bells ring. The shadow flicker again. This time retreating toward the center of the sound source. "He dont want a jerky" the man says slowly. Which then started running toward the sound too. Chapter 8: escalate Sun is almost set. Leaving few last ray that passes through the leaves. Two person flashing trough the forest. A serius expresion drawn on their faces. "So you dont want jerky?" Ask the hooded man toward the dog eared man. After a moment of silent the dog eared man turn his head to the man. "Keep it for me later" "Yay, jerky is good" the man says while he bite the jerky he hold. "Iff fine, i stiww haf mowwe" he added while he munch the jerky Both of them continue their journey faster. The scenery arround them is growing dim together with the setting sun. The forest is silent. A contrast after the roar that echo before. Few moment later both man stopped. Ahead of them a person look moving stagered carrying one more person on her shoulder. Their clothing is dirty tattered and bloody. But the dog eared man just put a little glance at them before run ahead again, toward the sound of bells last heard. The hooded man gaze switch beetwen the dog eared man and the pair. He then took a hesitate step toward the pair. Seeing a stranger hooded man that still bite a kind of meat move forward. the pair grow frighten. The girl then point a staff toward the man. A blast of fire move forward the man. The hooded man then stop, just move his clock forward, covering his body. The fire just brushes the cloak, leaving spark everywhere. He then stood slowly. Hold both of his hand up, a gesture that he means no harm. He then took a sigh "Jerky?" Says the man again, this time waving his jerky. "Who are you? Please, if you means no harm, help our friends" plead the girl with a staff, but still maintain her vigilant posture. The man just tilt his head. "Your pair need help too, let me take a look at his wound first" he took a step forward again, this time removing the hood that cover his head. His face show a serious expression. The girl hesitate awhile before put his friend down, and herself too sink into the ground slowly. The man then take a look at the unconcious man. "Bruish, burn mark. Vital sign is fine. Bleeding. Hmm this will do" the man then rummage his backpack. "While i''m at it tell me what happen." The man added. The girl teary eyes then turn to the man. "A bear paw exploded, then a red mist spread, then then the bear turn into a monster. Uh, my master still fight behind. and my other friend still left there. Unconcious. And and. My master say something about apocalypse touch. I should warn the other. Please help my friend." A fast and panicked speech comes out from the girl. The man just silent a while, keeping to dress the boy serious injuries. "Its done" the man stood up hesitating open his mouth "you should come with me its not fine here, come i''ll carry the boy. i think the doggy is take care of your other companion. He''s tough enough. Let get you to the safety before your friend die" Then the man reach the boy, but suddenly his hand move toward the boy sword. Unseath it. "What are you doing!!!"yell the lady, "Shh, stay behind me" answer the man Then from the forest comes four bear, corrupted with the red crystal and horn that grown at their body. Low growl heard from their mouth. The man just stay calm. Then took few step forward. The bear then charging with a loud roar toward the group. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Seeing this the man then stop. Holding the sword toward the group of bear. When the bear get into range then he move the sword. Not fast, not slow. Not intricated. Just a normal slash that look flow natural. The first bear was cut half. He then take another step and another slash and keep repeating it till the last bear cut down. "Hope the doggy is fine" he sigh. "Now come" he turn toward the girl and then pick up the boy that unconcious. "Uh, do you know a safe place?" Ask the boy "Take me to academy" answer the girl, look still dazed by the easy slaughter. "Okay" the man answer while he walk away while carrying the boy "This way, not there" the girl answer while pointing another direction. "Uh, you lead the way" answer the man This group then march slowly toward the white academy of istara. ---------- Meanwhile the dog eared man is reaching the oldman. Up ahead him the oldman is lie on the ground. His sword lodge at the tree not far from him. The bear itself is busy bite and chew a body from the student, one of the twin girl. The shortie too is lie near the bear. With the stomach half eaten. Seeing this the dog eared man eyes grow cold. He dash toward the bear. Few dagger fly ahead of him toward the bear. He then flicker. Then reappear above the bear. Repeatly stab the bear head. Rage, almost mad. The bear to is beserk, swing his claw atop of his head. But the dog eared man pay no heed. The first to fall is the bear. While the dog eared man is lie next to the bear. But stubbornly stay awake after losing so much blood. A white owl fly above the forest. chirping few times while it fly circling before fly away to the south. Few moment later the oldman awake. His eyes trail toward the site. He just stood there awhile before start to move. "Nonono, this cant be real." He then move to the dog eared man "you too." "Fuck," the oldman keep swearing while he drag the body of his student to one place. Then he proceed to burry the dead student. Which take few moment After he finish his task he return to the student. Sit leaning on a tress. The dog eared man is awake by now. "Bring them back, and seal your gate wall." The dog eared man spoke "and burn the bitten student with me" cough "i''ve complete my vow" The oldman just open his mouth when the same white owl as before fly above him. Dropping an scroll and a vial that filled with pills. Which he catch before it dropped to the ground. He then open the vial and eat it, then he feed all the student with the vial one by one. After that he turn toward the dogman. Throw the rest of the vial toward him. "I''m seeing to much dying people. You lock yourself up. I''ll try to find another solution. I still owe you alot." The man then turn his attention back to his student. He flip open the scroll. Which emmite a blue glow. Then he spoke fast but with clear tone to the scroll. "5hour walk north from the north gate." He pause a while before continue "Apocalypse touch." "Dont, the infection" a short threatening word comes from the dog eared man. "No no i cant, i''m sure there will be a solution." the oldman answer while stuttering. By now the student start to awake one by one. Their eyes filled with fear and confusion. Chapter 9: almost At the top of a tower within a white istara academy. stood an oldman. He gaze at the mountain north. A gaze that filled with anxiety, feeling uneasy. The top floor is consist only from a balcony, circled with a mighty pillar supporting the dome above. This oldman is the leader of the council that lead istara white academy. The oldman then raise his left hand. At the same time, an owl descent from the cloud. the owl was pure white, almost glowing. After the owl Rested at his hand, then both of them look each other. A serious atmosphere fill this simple action. "Thank you" the oldman says after the long exchange The oldman then turn back. Walk toward the only door on the room. Behind this door is a series of countless spiral stair that lead to the building on the ground. The owl then fly again outside. This time just gliding down slowly at the same pace with the oldman that take the stair. "Summon the council" the oldman spoke each words is full of power. "I hope i''m not to late". A whisper that faint linger behind at this tower. ----------------- Bellow the tower is the ground from the academy. Bustling with academy, some student sparing, few tinkering with strange object, few other read books. "Open the gate" yell the watchman above the gate. Then a group of armored cavalery that guard few cart enter the academy. The cart is carrying a group of student that look wounded. After they stop an oldman step down from the cart and stroll toward one of the building on the academy. While the rest of the student that wounded was lead to the other building. A curious gaze from other student on the ground turn to this commotion. ------------------------------ Few moment later the headmaster arrived at the central building of the white academy. The oldman walk past big double door that creaking open. Reavealing a round table with a five chair that circling arround it. Four chair was already occupied. Leaving only a chair that heavily ornamented. The old man walk slowly toward the only unoccupied chair on the table. Each time left an echo. Behind him an owl glide slowly before rest at the back of the only empty chair "Headmaster". Says the people that already there while the stood. "Please" the oldman says when he already arrived at the chair while gesturing the peoples arround to sit. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. "There''s an urgent report from teacher gerard" an about fourty years old man that wear a blue cuirass spoke, opening the council. The pause going awhile before he continue "about apocalyse touch" says the man again. This man is the chief from the knightly order. A gasp escape from the people arround. Which follow by murmur from the people arround. "Masters please" the headmaster cut their murmur "Oh, my. Master wulfgang, Is this news is reliable" ask a beautiful lady that about 30 years old toward the man. She''s wearing a red dress with silver lining. At her neck hung a medalion with the social society emblem. "Lady kirana, real or not this is still a matter that need our attention, you know the implication" says a bearded man that wear a green cloak with red pattern. He is the chief of the general science faculty. "Two missing student, two dead student. The rest of the student that back from the accident all says about the red mist and the transformation after. I suppose the sign is right" answer master wulfgang. "What do you think lady agnis" ask lady kirana toward the old lady that sit accross her. The lady is wearing black hood with a yellow lining, at her hand lies a golden ornamentet staff with intricated design that glow lightly. "The star of hope is left its position while the red star of destruction is shone brighter. Still The headmaster decide" the old lady spoke. Her eyes flare a moment after she spoke. "Oh, And masters, there is issue of infection from the student that wounded. How should we deal with it, remembering there''s few VIP among the group" added master wulfgang. "If the council is approve, i can prepare special facility to acomodate them. But still, i think it''s better to sent them to be guarded by the order of magus" says the bearded man. "It''s okay master august, i can spare three disciple to guard them" says lady agnis toward the bearded man. "Now, what step should we take headmaster?" Ask lady kirana. "Yes, the reason i summon the council is regarding the apocalypse touch. But first bring this news to the kingdom, give them time to prepare". Then the discussion begun. Few hour later five crow flew from the istara white academy. At each crow leg attached a tube. Each marked with a sigil from the istara white academy. Chapter 10: the whereabout Uh help, my amateur plotless timelineless attempt to write isnt getting better Hahahaha -_- Anyway i''ll keep going. And expect a change at the story if the idea that comes up doesnt relevant with the past event. __________________ The magus and artificier faculty is centered on a right section tower that the second tallest on this whole academy. A high skybridge connect the tower at main building where headmaster lives and top section from this tower. A group of people walk at this bridge. With an heavily armed knight and mages guarding this group. Lady agnis strode fast ahead leading this group. The wind blow at her cape make it slowly flutter. A sturdy double door lies at the end of this bridge. Glistening with defensive enchantment. But just a casual wave from lady agnis make this door open. "Come inside," lady agnis speak to this group. Inside this door lies a livingquarter. Complete with its kichen, bath and few room to sleep. "Kids, i''ll say sorry ahead for your upcoming days. As all of you know, the creature that you face the other day had been touched by apocalypse. A contangius curse. We the council decide that you shall be quarantine a while to keep the other safe. You all required to stay here for three years, or at least till we sure you arent contracted with the curse." Lady agnis paused a while before continue, she''s look hesitated while saying the last part of her speech. "Please bear with this, be assured because we will do whatever we can to find a possible solution." This time an clear uncertainty feels stronger at her speech. "This section of my tower shall be for your use. Three floor in total. You may not leave this area. A four disciple will be on standby, you can ask anything and we shall provide it if we can. And here a spirit summon to carry a letter for your use." Lady agnis snap his finger and a bluish squirel appear with a puff. "Please consider each letter you send, you know the implication with the apocalypse touch." "Lady agnis" teacher gerrard cut lady agnis speech. "Two of the kids still missing, i''m pretty sure they are unharmed. If you c..." "Yes yes, the missing kids. A seeker shall be dispached. Now Teacher gerrard, please watch over the kids. i should leave, please make yourself more comfortable." Lady agnis already stroll outside while she said this word. Leaving only a blueis glowing squirell that chirping happily. ________________ Meanwhile at a forest near the academy walk another group. Smaller and less armed. The hooded man had been walk together with tiara while carrying her friend for almost 4 hour. Within this four hour they had been attacked by a mutated forest animal few times, each time was repelled easily by the man. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Compared with the teacher gerrard and the rest of the student that was picked up by a cart and a knight of course theyre slower. Following their journey and closer they are to the academy. tiara was getting more relaxed. "So what is your name?" Ask tiara, this common question is always the most ankward question to ask, at least for her. "A name huh?" This time the man answer with the same ankward manner as tiara question. He''s been alone all he can remember. A name was something strange and somehow feels new for him. "Why? is there a problem with your name?" She ask again, feels agitated this time. Tiara is rarely asking a name. Except someone that she deems important to remember. "No, uh i mean yes there is. Btw do you really dont want a jerky?" "Stop says jerky, its getting annoying. Dont be a jerk. Now back to name. What problem?" Tiara have an outburst this time, she''s having a truly bad day before which make her a little sensitif. "Sorry. I was joking. And uh, how do i say it, i dont have a name really." The man is feels bad about his bad joke, it''s just his habbit to make a joke wherever he feels underpressure, such as meet with new people. And now he''s feels confuse with explaining about how come he had no name which make it habbit more easy to comeout. "Do you want to continue your silly game?" Tiara raise one of her eyebrow while stoping this time. "ah whatever, just thank you for your help back then" she''s getting embarased for so persistent about asking his name, a personal information, not her business. Still, her anger from a consequetif bad jokes does not dissipate. "Uh," his word stop, hanging. He was considering to tell her his story, he already worry about the first impression. now he had worried too about being branded as a liar if he decide to tell her his life story. He''s sure he isnt living a normal life, comparing his life and his knowledge from his vision. The man shake his thought off. Later he think, it will solved later. He then continue walking, following tiara closely. "Give me some of that jerky" tiara stopped this time, asking him straight. She''s felling bad for his action. Cut another person word. Says bad think about another person that he just meet. Expecially that person just happen to safe her before. Hearing this the man smile a little, he then rumage his backpack a while, then toss a jerky toward tiara. "Thank you" she said. Still stoping "Youre welcome" the man said then walk. "Thank you" this time tiara said the word slowly, while watching the man back this time. Then she walk forward and take over the man "This way, we re close". Chapter 10: rolling Note: God. drafting an arc isnt as simple as i think. Even now i''m still cant decide the end of this arc. Ps I think this chapter still need an editing. Anyway enjoy. _________________________________ This was the first time the hooded man seen so many people. He grew somewhat nervous. Pondering did he act normal or no. Its still dawn when he arrived here. a commotion broke. Seeing unharmed tiara and badly hurt man being carried by him the guard grow tense. A moment later he was brought by the guard meet few strange people while tiara was lead to a different building, then a series of question was asked by a beautiful lady wearing red robe, and seeing no harm in telling the truth he then told them what happen at the forest before. Just at his identity he only said that he was a hunter. After that an old lady flash her scepter and said that he was clear. He dont know what she mean by clear at this point. But it should means good. The masters group then tell him that he''s free to go but not outside the walls because there is still an important question that still left. And now here he is. Stood all alone at the inner park of the academy. A soft morning winds gently caress his face while trace of morning sun light up the scenery, While unclear feeling clouded inside him. At front of him lot of people passes. Only separated by a stone fences. He sees different faces, accept different gaze, and feels different purpose from them. He still stood there, imagine himself being the other people then he sigh again. Lately he sigh alot. And that became a habbit. Because he was acustomed to being alone without nobody to share his story. This train of thought then lead to another sigh. After a series of sigh within interval he turn his head. His eyes then meet an oldman which look at him with a curious gaze. The oldman then move and stop next to him before leaning at the stone fences. While stealing few curious gaze again. The old man then lit up a pipe and sighing a cloud of smoke. "want some young man? Your sigh will feels better with this." The oldman offer his pipe. The man then take it and end up choked, coughing up burst of smoke "Hahah, amateur young man. Tell me what troubled you" the oldman spoke while take his pipe back. "I''m.. okay sir" the young man answer hesitantly. "I''m no sir young man, i''m just an old man." Another puff of smoke acompany his grumpy tone. "tell me. what do you think of this place." "In...teresting." The man answer slowly, not really sure with his pick of word. "Hahah, youre the one that interesting. I like people like you. Say, wanna join this academy" the oldman search his pocket. "Here, take this to register. Ahh, a perfectly timing, tiara right. Help this young man to register." The oldman spoke when he sees tiara comes at from the building "upss my break is over. I''m going back first" the oldman then stroll back to the main tower. Leaving the pair stunned This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it."Intereting oldman" the man mutter with a holded chuckled. Then he face tiara and seems something glommy cast from her "umm, why? What happen." "It''s fine," tiara answer, but still dont cast her sadness away "oh yes the registration. Comes i''ll show you the rope arround here" ____________________________________ At another place near the border of the gray forest that lead to istara academy. A hammer was swung down by a bearded blond man with a ripe muscle, his age is about 40. A book that have a metal cover chained on his side. His face is glowing with white light, Seems holy. His name is comander Marcus the holy. He was raised as an orphan by the church. Since he was small he live and follow path of devotion toward Arcanus, mighty god of light and creation. Thus in the end he raised in rank and became a paladin. Last night he receive a summon from the high priest. A letter was sent from istara white academy. It told about the corruption that had been linger for ages. Marked by a red menacing crystal that grow at area of corruption. For twenty years since he became a paladin he was tasked to cleanse the land from that blight. Ussually the corruption that happen only taint the land. Paint the land black, render it waste and sprouting the red apocalypse crystal. But the letter that came told about animal investation. A bear was seen sprout with a red crystal. By the report it seems to became more savage and stronger than the ussual bear. And the letter prove real. He''s about three days away from the academy when he saw the first corrupted animal. A tiger, the animal that before was mighty and seems majestic was look grim now. Adorned with the menacing crystal ambushing his convoy. He sigh, although not much was known about the crystal, he was sure that nothing good can come from such an unholy presence. This crystal itself is already mention at each of the recorded age. The age of corruption and the second age especially Where land was destructed by a mighty force. Where humanity, no. Where living was almost erased from the face of the land. This time told about a red crystal and warn the upcoming age for their presence. After a few times battling with the tiger. Killed two knight trainee in the process the tiger was down. Immobilized, Low roar still emited from the beast. Paladin marcus then open his book. Then read it aloud, A mighty phrase from the holy book shake the land along with his each word. "May the of light from the mighty shone upon your soul". And a beam comes from the sky. Cleans the corruption. The crystal seems srieking then break and turn clear. "Lord marcus" a trainee cast a questioning gaze toward paladin marcus. But seems cant find the proper word. "Speak later. Comes brother we need to move faster. May Arcanus light our way." Paladin marcus said while fastening the holy book at the place. Their convoy then move again toward istara academy. Chapter 11: jerky? Okay. The draft and the story that cross my mind while writing this is off. Hah who need the stupid time-taxing draft anyway. Let put the draft somewhere safe for backup first and enjoy this chapter then. An: I still think this chapter can have a better polish but i''m to sleepy to doit now _______________________________________ The sun is still low on the east. Casting an orange tint to the white towers on the campus. Tiara move ahead of me. Her eyes wander from building to building while her mouth narating a story from each building that can be seen. I''m not really sure what happen, but from her silloute i can see sadness. Thats why i''m just obidiently follow behind her and listen to her story. Anyway she seems to be a good and kind girl. I dont know why i do this for her, i''m just a stranger. But i dont feels so good seeing a girls sad. It reminds me of something that familiar. An unwanted memories which i seek. Perhaps, no, hopefully with her guiding me arround the campus she''ll get distracted. "So thats conclude my tour, have you decide which dept to join?" Tiara asked to me after she lead my trough the complex. "Uh no i havent." i said to her, set aside that i dont really get what she''s explaining before, i really dont know what to do with the old man invitation. "Tiara, who is the strange old man from before?" I ask to her "Oh, the one with smoky pipe? He''s the head master. An ecentric one. You should feels gratefull to met him outside and unformally. He''s so strict when conducting class." Tiara paused a while before continue. "But still, he''s doing a perfect job i think. why?" "He''s certainly interesting oldman." I mutter slowly while remembering the oldman bearing. It should do fine to join this academy. "Uh, Say tiara, what dept do you think i should join?" I ask another question while staring at my feet. I cant look at her again. I''m tired with interacting. It feels so strange to do so much human interaction after being alone for so long. "Ehh, why you ask me? Just go straight to the knight dept. With skill like you i think you''ll make a perfect knight." Her voice seems a little startled with my question. I can feels her gaze comes to me while waiting i''m speak. "Hey you still didnt tell me your name." She ask again. Err. I keep silent while pondering a lot of name to pick. This is a hard question. I really never consider a name is important. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. "Should i call you jerky boy?" This time a smile dawn at her face, accompany her voice. "Nope. please dont." I ask sincerely to her. "You ask for it" this times she''s turn her gaze ahead on the road. "tiara. I dont have a name to tell." "Jerky" "I''m not lying" i answer her after i finished sighing. Uh, i take it back. She''s definitely not a good and kind girl "Upss we have arrive." Tiara said as she stop in front of a building. While she''s point to a door ahead. My eyes follow her hand. The door ahead of me apparently is leading to the registration office. A sentence was written on it using old faiyi rune. Tracing along the curve of the door. if i''m not wrong it should be read as faith without knowledge is blind as if knowledge without faith. I then push the door open. Inside i see desk with a set of chair was present. Two middleaged man look playing chess inside. "May i help you?" One of the oldman throw a questioning gaze at us "Maester" tiara did a curtesy gesture "i bring a new applicant to register here maester" she add shortly after the formality done. "Oh come on in then. Sit here young man. And you can wait outside miss." "Yes maester" tiara bow then close the door from outside. I go forward and toward the chair that had been prepare while the creaking sound of the closed door follow behind me. "Alright, fill this form first. Leave the unknown blank is okay." One of the middleaged man says to me. " while youre at it. Do you already decide which dept to join? And do you have a reveral?. If you do then give it to me." "Yes maester" i copy tiara replying tone while i handed the owl reliefed token which had been given to me by the strange-oldman before. "Impressive. The headmaster token. Then while we do honour the freedom of your choice we still have to do a little test to determine your potency. That hopefully can help you to reconsider your choice wisely and help you to pick a proper dept." The middleaged man stand up. Then unlocking the door that lead deeper inside the building. "If youre done with the form then come with me". He spoke the last sentence and stand there while his face still have that somehow odd-smile. Chapter 12: a bonus from test? Yay. Another one finish. But guys wont you please leave any comment or something. Did i write it right? Did the story interesting enough. Anyway enjoy :D _______________________________________ I follow behind the middleaged man closely. Wondering what kind of test lies ahead. The middleagedman flipped trough the paper form which i filled before. "You know kid. There was a time when man can build a tower that reach the skies, a golden time where everyone prosper. Even the mightiest beast submit themself before human." The oldman flipped the paper. "Do you know what it is that make human can achieve that?". The middleaged man stop and look at me. "Its wisdom. Not arms and sword." he wait me to answer while keep staring at me. ... "Yes maester" i answer him to dispel the silence that lurking arround. Another times passes inside silence. ... "Is there something wrong maester?" I ask to him. "No, nothing. Your form is filled perfectly. Except you fail to write your names here." The middleaged man point the forms at his hand. Then continue to take the set of keys from his belt. "Anyway. You should remember too. Wisdom without act is a dream. And dream doesnt lies in reality. You need arms and power to manifest your wisdom." At this point the middleagedman already open another door. "Go inside. The first test is to test your physical ability, i''ll wait at the end of the path." I then walked inside. Ahead of me is a large hall. About 20 meters in wide and 40 long. Accross of me a door that supposed to lead to the next test lies. Before that rows of human sized doll stood there, blocking the way. Each one wielding a different wooden weapon snd each row have different colour of dolls. At my side a half broken rack filled with different types of weapon lean on the wall. The first row of dolls eye lit up. And start to move to me. Weapon held up. Sigh. I took one of the weapon that closest to me. Without even look at what i hold. I block the dolls strike and counter it. making the first doll stumble backward then dashing toward the second row. This time the dolls speed was faster than before. i just dodge it then dashing again. The same as before with a little variation according to the condition. i keep rushing forward before suddenly the light turn off. Sigh. I consider to use luminate magic to light up the place but then stop chanting halfway. I decide to play along with the test. A weapon brush past my side. While another blocked by my weapon. I close my eyes, took some space from the source of the noise while heighten my sense and took a stance. Weapon on my waist. Hopefully the thing that i hold as weapon can endure this. I do a slash while move forward to the doors. Just pure power and speed. I can feels the dolls construct scatter and break upon contact with the weapon. Uh, i hope they dont ask me to pay for the destruction. The moment i touch the door the light turn on again. I just proceed forward without see the destruction behind. For fear about how much i should pay for it. I then open the door. "Impressive kid. very-very impresive" the middleaged man says to me the very first time i open the door while scrabble something on my paper form. His face look shocked. "With this test alone i can assure you that youll enter the elite class of the knight." He said while keep scrable on the paper. then he stood up. "Now let me prepare the magical aptitude tools. Wait here.. and interesting choice of weapon you can left it there" the middleaged man point at the rack next from the door before vanish into the room. Ups. I put back the now-dented-metal-rack-leg that i use as the weapon on the rack. Sigh. A few metal clashing noise sounded before he call me in. Inside a big round white sphere float at the middle of the room. "Put you hand here, relax and dont resist whatever happen. Its perfectly safe. The more area that change colour the bigger your magical aptitude" And suddenly the whole sphere turn black. Err should i say ups or do usual sigh. I look at the middleagedman that now have slack jaw. "Maester. Is it done?". "By arcanus. You are a future genius kid. Your magical aptitude is the best i have ever seen." He then start to scribble again on my paper form. "Wait at the room next door. I''ll call lady agnis to do your last test." He then walk toward the doors. But suddenly, he stop next to me. His face look like contemplating wheter to continue talk or not. But in the end the middleaged man decide to talk. "Young man. Remember the wisdom thing i spoke before?. The wisdom without act is a dream. It wont become a reality unless you have power to realize it. But power without control is disaster. You should think about it. Go. Wait at the room next door." Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. I then move toward the spoken room. This room isnt spacious but neatly decorated. A rug with exotic pattern lies beneath the table. I sigh. Try to remembering and process the middleaged man confusing word from before. It almost an hour before the door get open and an oldwoman walk inside before sitting at the chair accross of me. Her eyes open look at my direction. But it focuses on something else. whatever it is i dont know. In the end i to turn my head to look behind me, and i see nothing. "Umm maester." I cant help to ask. ... "Maester." I repeat. "Uhm, yes youngman. Pardon this oldlady. Now where do we." She said while flipping my paper form. "I''m called lady agnis. What is your name youngman." She ask while reading my form slowly. I flinch. Somehow after few days get asked for name and cant answer it i feels burdened. It feels not good. "i.. i have no name maester agnis" i answer her truthfully. "Nay. name is not important young man. Now let me begin the last test. Test of soul. Just relax and follow my word. Hopefully you can gain something important from this test." She then took an chained pendulum from her pocket. Then look at me before saying "may i?" I took a sigh. "Yes maester" "Now close your eyes and begin to relax." Lady agnis said. I managed to see the pendulum begin to swinging right and left. Before i close my eyes. "imagine a briliant white light surround you. Now follow my count and take a deep breath. Slowly. Within each breath youll get more relaxed. (An: whoops. Dream theater. Regression. Metropolis 2: scene from a memory. ) One... .. Two... Her sound faded away as my surrounding get warped away into calm whiteness. Nothing else was here except myself. I drifting away. Float inside this calm feeling. Inside the peacefull i can smell the scent from a winter frost waft on my nose. And faint sound drifting from away. A familiar sound. "Go.. find a happiness my hero. I bless your path. As always". An image of a female face start to get clear. Almost visible. I can see her lips turn into a beautiful smile. Then, suddenly the whiteness distorted again. Send me back to reality. the sound still linger at my head. A familiar sound from my memories. Accross of me lady agnis still hold her pendulum which now turn red from a heat. She look at me. This time her eyes focus on me. Then she spoke "who are you?". "Who is she?" I ask back. A feels of impatient rushing over me. "Bring me back there" i almost yelled this times. "Calm down young man." A powerfull pressure apply on me. "Now answer me, who-are-you?" She speak slowly while the pressure getting stronger I clench my teeth hard. Strugling to breath. I''m to agitated to focus and counter the pressure. Then i decide to stop strugling "I dont know maester. Can you tell me" my voice turn to plea. Lady agnis gaze turn softer. And the pressure is fading "Its all in yourself young man. Go asked yourself. Search your memory. For i have no power over your vision." "Bring me back then, let me find out. Please." I asked her. pleading. "No. Nomatter how much i do this the vision wont change" her eyes cast a pity. "Go rest for today. Tomorrow come back here to complete the registration. Thats if you still wish to enroll at this academy. If no, then youre free to go." I slump back on my chair. Its frustating. To have something given halfway without seeing the end. I then look at lady agnis "maester. Is there a way to get the vision clearer if i became a mage like you. If there is let me be your disciple. I''ll work hard." "No, dont let anything cloud your judgement. being a mage or being a knight or even being a comonner is all the same. To understand yourself better you just have to continue your path and do it your best. For now just go rest. Return tomorrow". Lady agnis then stood and hand a paper. "Give it to the boys dormitory keeper. He will show you your temporary room. Lady agnis then walk out of the room. Her eyes return to the same state like when she first arrive. Leave me here alone with a paper and a lot of thing to ponder over my head Chapter 13: aftertest Hmm i''m not really sure about this chapter. Still it can be change one day if needed. Anyway enjoy :S Whoops wrong face Enjoy :D _______________________________________________ A young lady sit next to the window. She''s cecilia. Her eyes wander trough the windows, Look over all istara academy building complex while A sad frown cover her face. This is the second day since she''s been locked here at the tower. Few of her friend died while her best friend, tiara. had been gone missing after the incident. Cecilia stood up, carefully watch over all her companion that look gloom. While the rest of the people there look gloom. The most devastated by the dead of their friend is the blond boy that sit at the far corner of the room. Cecilia remember him. Michael, The knight trainee third grade, An exceptional one too she think. She sigh, then she walk toward the old teacher that stood before a bookshelf. "Maester. How long do you think we would be locked here?". Tiara said. Her emerald eyes hold sadness and hope while waiting for the knight instructur answer. "I dont know miss." The old teacher answer. The words hanging awhile before he continue. "Tell me. What do you know about apocalypse touch." "A blight maester. Not much reading material offered about that topic. Except from the people story i dont know much" tiara answer. The oldman pick a book from the shelf. then he move toward a stove fill it with water then strugling to light up a fire. His wound hinder his movement. "Allow me maester." Tiara move up to help the oldman. "Thank you younglady" the oldman sigh a tired breath. "Me too have not much knowledge about the apocalypse touch miss. But the headmaster and his team do. about a twenty years research about it. Thats what my wife told me." The oldman then sit on one of the coach there. Then flip open the book. "From talandris. They spoke a word about a menacing red crystal. Beating with a powerful curse of power...." the old man continue to read the book loud enough for the people in the room to hear. Tiara continue to listen the oldman and prepare the water. Fill it with tea leaves before present it to the old man "Thank you my child." The old man took the glass from cecilia. "You know young miss? what room we currently at?" The oldman voice still at the same volume as before. "No maester." Cecilia answer and proceed to look arround. The room is comfortably decorated. A fire place and lot of shelf filled with book. Even the stove set from before have a complete set of exotic leaves. "This is lady agnis personal library. Perhaps. One of the book inside have a clue about apocalypse touch. Anyway reading is much better than sulking away and waiting for another to present the answer." The oldman then took a sip from the tea and continue to read. This time he read it without the loud volume. ______________________________________________ Change to pov from you-guess-who :D I walk slowly out from the test building. Contemplating a lot of thing. The voice and the vision still repeatly playing on my head. "Hey jerky. How is it?" I look toward the voice and see tiara right there. Look smirking. "Eh, dont tell me you fail" tiara then move closer. "No, it''s something else." I sigh. "Why are you so sad then?" She tilt her head in a questioning gaze. I look back at her. Wondering what to tell to her. Its just somehow stuck in my throat. The topic is to strange to tell to others. And my state of mind too doesnt even help. "Come, i''m sure you still doesnt have your breakfast." I can see her make a small step forward while look at me. "Follow me. This way." She''s moving on a stone road that lead to the small town outside the academy walls. I put a smile on my face for her. Then follow her walking between the building. It feels strange to be console by the person that seems as sad as you are. Neverthless a small warm feeling lit up on my chest. I watch her. Just like this morning, she''s start to narating the stories about the small town outside the walls. For a moment the sadness that present last morning go away from her while she occasionally smile and greet few people that passes by. Tiara says that the town isnt actually fit to be called town. Its just a crowded village. Most of the people here isnt even the local. A lot of them is a researcher which visiting the great library on the campus and traveler that try to move trough the eastern maria mountain pass. Still the town bustling with activity. A lot of eatery and lodging open in the vicinity. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. After few brick building passed tiara stop at a cornermost building. Next to the town park. A wooden sign with a picture of a crossing fork and knife hanging on top of the wall. "Its my treat okay, but i''m the one that pick the menu. No bargaining." Tiara said to me while open the doors. "Aunty" tiara said beamingly to the lady which steering a big pot. Then she look at me "Find a seat first. i''ll join shortly." I move along then. toward the seat next to the windows. My eyes wander the park outside. A kid have a beaming face walking hand to hand with his parent. A student with white uniform crouch on the side of the street sketching the town afternoon situation. It looks peacefull. I sigh, a question about my origin pop up again on my head, along with the faint sound from the vision this morning. I shook my head and switch gaze toward tiara. She''s looking at her pouch which look so flat. Then count a coin before present it to the aunty from before then walk to the seat that i choose. I sigh again. waiting shes take her seat. "Tiara. You dont have to treat me." I said to her with a soft tone. "Although i have no money i have something to barter." "No, its fine" her cheek turn red somehow "consider its for you saving my life and my friend" when the word friend left her mouth a flash of sadness crosses her eyes. I look at her. Then said "Now youre sad." "Nope, we both sad. Hahaha" tiara chuckle. Then we both turn our eyes toward the park. While waiting for the food to delivered. Thus the day continue peacefully. A while later the food comes. The aunty tease tiara about boyfriend something. While they both busy teasing and denying each other i look at the food. It was a full plate of leaves. But tiara and the aunty correct me by saying that it was a salad. And sure enough it delicious. After eating we both then back to the academy. Which lead to a visitation to the forging laborarory, alchemy laboratory, And few dozen other laboratory after tiara knows that i still havent decide which dept to chose. It was a fashinating visit. Each laboratory i visit with her is a place where an simple ingot or wood or leaves turn into an intricate instrument or other usefull things. Human wisdom huh. i remember the middleagedman from the test fasility said. In the end, even after the boy dormitory keeper left the room which i stay right now i still cant decide which dept to take. Then i lay on the bed and decide to call it a day. ________________________________________ Meanwhile at the central tower and oldman stood on the balcony. A smoke puff from the pipe on his hand. While a white owl stood on his head. "Is there anything i can help lady agnis?" The oldman says while took another smoke. The owl on his head turn it head toward the newcoming person. It head turn slowly following her movement "You should stop smoking headmaster." Says the oldlady on the white coat with a yellow lining. She''s walk slowly while her staff make a beautifull beat on the marble floor. "Hahah. It have been 40 years. And you keep spewing that nonsense eachtime we met" the oldman says while take another smoke. "Uh stop with headmaster thing. Use it when i''m on duty." The lady stop next to the oldman before speak "you know why i''m here magnus." "Oh the boy. Interesting right?" The oldman lean on the balcony. Before coughing a white smoke. "No more to add aside from interesting?" The oldlady then take the oldman pipe and throw it away toward the night. "Interesting from me is a lot you know" the oldman take a sigh before hold his tobaco pouch tighter. "Very well. Just make sure to keep your eyes on him too" the oldlady took a deep breath before gave a book to the oldman and move back toward the inner hall "dont over do it." She said before her figure vanish from sight. "More work huh" The oldman then take another spare pipe from his pocket. Then tracing the book he hold. A hard leather cover a strange rune writen using a golden ink adorn the book. The night then grew deeper and darker.