《Chronicles Of The Seeker》 The Suicide Mission Ha¡­ ha¡­ ha¡­ ha¡­ The sound of ragged breathing echoed through the hollow, empty courtyard of a small Catholic church nestled in a forgotten district. The slums on the city''s outskirts were rarely patrolled, and at this hour, no one was around. "Damn it¡­ how did it come to this?" A solemn voice¡ªcracked with exhaustion, trembling with anger and grief¡ªescaped from the lips of a young man standing on unsteady legs. Pale-skinned, barely seventeen, his clothes were reduced to tattered rags. And his jet-black hair swayed as he ran, his moonlight-gray eyes, filled with unshed tears, held a haunting glow beneath the dim lamplight. "Catch the heretic! He must know where his people are!" The words cut through the night like a blade, sending a shudder down Aquarius Alucard''s spine. He clenched his fists. His breath hitched. His heart pounded like a war drum. ''Mom¡­ Dad¡­ Please don''t come for me. I don''t know why the church branded us as occultists¡­ why even the police stormed this backwater district. But I know it''s for no good. Take care of sister. Stay safe. Cau¡ª A deep, oppressive voice shattered his thoughts. A massive officer loomed before him¡ªtan-skinned, silver-haired, a scar across his nose. His physique was monstrous, his mere presence suffocating. Aquarius turned toward the cliff behind him. He had joked about jumping as a child, laughing at the absurdity of it. But now, staring down at the churning, stone-ridden waters below¡­ he let out a bitter, hollow chuckle. He turned back toward the officers, inhaling deeply in a futile attempt to calm his nerves. "So¡­ looks like I''m on my last leg, huh?" Among them stood a blonde-haired man with piercing blue eyes, dressed in an immaculate high-collared shirt, iron cuffs, and neatly pressed black trousers. His glasses reflected the torchlight, making his expression unreadable¡­ but Aquarius saw it¡ªthe unmistakable trace of pity. His stomach twisted. "Tch¡­ I can deal with bastards who hunt me down," he muttered, voice laced with venom, "but what I can''t stand are the ones who pretend they aren''t doing anything wrong while looking at me like that. Change your damn expression, bastard." The blonde man, Leon, exhaled softly, adjusting his glasses. His face returned to a cold, neutral mask. Before Aquarius could say more, a new presence stepped forward. A tall, dark-skinned man with an athletic build and noble grace. His navy-blue overcoat draped over a crisp white shirt, his tie loosened as if he hadn''t even bothered to tighten it properly. Four medals gleamed on his right chest. Aquarius felt his stomach sink. His pupils constricted. ''Noah Abraham¡­'' The infamous Captain of the Brass Police Division. A man who, after an "accident," had skyrocketed from a low-ranking cadet to captain in less than a year. His reputation was as unpredictable as the rumors surrounding him. Noah''s piercing gaze settled on Aquarius, studying him like a specimen under glass. Though the stare lasted mere seconds, it stretched into eternity. Finally, the captain spoke. "So, you''re Aquarius Alucard, huh? I expected the notorious heretic to be more¡­ experienced. Instead, I find a pretty-faced child." He glanced sideways. "Oi, Leon. Are you sure this is the kid we''re looking for?" The blonde officer sighed. "Sadly, yes. He is the only son of two immigrants who took refuge near the church. A few days ago, the clergy accused them of occultism. Nothing new there. But for some reason, they called for an operation of this scale¡­ Even with nobles involved, they don''t issue a manhunt like this." Noah turned back to Aquarius, his expression unreadable. "So, kid, what do you want me to do?" Aquarius let out a dry, humorless laugh. "Hah¡­ Why the hell are you asking a question you already know the answer to?" He tilted his head, moonlight eyesburning with defiance. "No matter what I say, it doesn''t matter, does it? At the end of the day, those in power decide what''s right and wrong. So tell me, Officer¡­ how the hell is someone like me supposed to fight back when I was never given a choice to begin with?" For a split second, something flickered across Noah''s face. A shadow of thought. A distant horn echoed through the air. Aquarius smirked. He took two steps closer to the cliff''s edge. The officers stiffened. Hands twitched toward their weapons. ''Finally.'' "Hey, officers¡­" he said lightly, "have you ever watched those escape movies where the protagonist is cornered? And after the movie, you start imagining scenarios where, if you were in their place, you''d figure out the perfect way to escape?" He let out a chuckle, still trying to catch his breath, and then finally shook his head. "I know I sound like a foolish brat rambling, but..but..that''s what I did. Every single time I found myself in a situation, I ran simulations in my head. I planned. I thought of every outcome. Even for the smallest things¡ªgetting scolded, running from a stray dog, wondering what I''d do if I got caught in a fire or a riot¡­" His smirk widened, but there was something tragic in it. "But this damn cliff¡­" He glanced down at the abyss below. "This was always the hardest one to solve." Noah took a step forward, his voice calmer than before. "Hey, kid. Stop whatever you''re doing. I promise I''ll make your case to my superiors. You just need to trust¡ª" "Wrong!" Aquarius''s voice boomed, cutting him off. He let out a laugh. "After thousands of hypotheses and simulations, I realized one simple fact." Noah''s brow furrowed. "And that is?" "It was impossible¡­ for a mundane human like me." Aquarius''s eyes gleamed with mischief. "You think I ran because I was scared? Because I was reckless? No. I planned everything. I knew the bishop would call the police. But instead of hiding with my family, I calculated the response time, the police schedules, even how much you''d procrastinate because this was just an ''odd job.'' I knew exactly when the priest would lose his temper. I made sure you''d be here¡ªtoday. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. "By running like a panicked criminal, I made sure all eyes were on me. And while you were focused on catching a single ''heretic,'' my family had time to escape." A tense silence filled the air. Sweat dripped from the officers'' brows. Noah exhaled, running a hand down his face. He pulled out a cigarette with the other. "So, I was played by a seventeen-year-old kid¡­ Damn. I feel like shit." He sighed, lighting the cigarette. "Alright, Aquarius. You''ve piqued my interest. I can help you. There''s no need for you to go through with this suicide attempt. Just step away from the edge." Aquarius smiled. A bittersweet, tired smile. "Oh, Captain¡­ I thought we understood each other by now." His eyes darkened. "I''d rather die than become someone''s puppet." His voice softened. "If they want me dead, then I''ll rise from the dead." He took a breath. "Thanks for listening to my final ramblings." Noah''s eyes widened. The cigarette slipped from his fingers. "Kid¡ª!" Before he could react, Aquarius spread his arms¡ªwelcoming the abyss¡ªand let himself fall. Noah lunged forward. Too late. The splash echoed in the chasm below. Noah stood frozen, staring at the turbulent waters. After a long moment, he chuckled, shaking his head. "Crazy bastard." The large officer, Ronald, hesitated. "Sir¡­ what if he survives?" Noah clicked his tongue. "When did we become people''s guard dogs but if he survives¡­ then he''s got the devil''s own luck." He turned on his heel. "Let''s go." And as the officers dispersed, Noah stole one last glance at the cliff. "I wish you luck, kid." And with that, he walked away. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Shopping Splash The sound of the ocean swallowing a new soul echoed across the water. The ripples spread outward, growing weaker¡ªthen still. Yet, no figure emerged from the depths. Deep beneath the waves, at the base of a jagged cliff, a barely conscious body struggled against the crushing silence. Trying his best to find something to hold on to, something that can save him Mom¡­ Dad¡­ I never want to be like you guys. Poor without power, I''ll be rich. I''ll take care of you both. Ok" A woman''s hand rested on a young boy''s head. "I know you can do it." ''Why the hell am I remembering that now?'' Panic surged through his chest. ''Damn it. I can''t swim. I actually thought it would be easy¡ªlike in those dramas and anime". He chuckled "seems I''m more of a fool than I thought.'' Darkness encroached, his limbs growing numb. Yet, for some reason, even as his mind unraveled in the abyss, he wasn''t afraid. ''Weird¡­ I should be terrified but¡ª'' His vision blurred. As he was losing consciousness he saw was a shadow plunging into the water. Aquarius finally woke, with ragged breathing trying to make sense of his situation, he was lying on a desolate shore, his clothes heavy with seawater. A hunched figure worked near a fishing boat, dressed in rags, repairing nets with weathered hands. ''I''m alive''. He stared at the man, ''Did he save me'' As he tried to stand, the old man shot him a glance. "Tch. Damn kids these days, throwin'' their lives away like they got spares." He shook his head. "Next time you wanna die, do it far from me. Don''t you fear death?" Aquarius sat up, slowly crossing his legs, resting his arms on his knees. He studied the man for a long moment before sighing. "No, actually¡­ I know fear all too well." His gaze drifted to the ground¡ªants crawling across wet sand, oblivious to the vast world around them. His expression hardened as conviction crept into his voice. "But what I fear most isn''t death. Not even what comes after." He slowly pushed himself to his feet, brushing the sand from his soaked trousers. "What I fear most¡­ is dying without ever being me. Just a puppet in someone else''s show." The both were silent for a long time, feeling tense from the sudden silence, he had always lived in, Aqua stood up to leave. Turning away, he took a step forward. "Oi, brat. Where the hell you goin'', drenched like that?" Aquarius flashed a tired smirk. "Shopping." Before the old man could voice another complaint, Aquarius bent slightly at the waist, his voice softer. "Thanks, old man. I think I might need a vacation." The bustling market district near the seaport hummed with murmured conversations, the air thick with the scent of salt, fish, and exotic spices. Yet, almost as if guided by an unspoken force, the crowd''s eyes flickered toward a lone figure weaving through the masses. His presence was impossible to ignore¡ªpale skin glistening with seawater, damp black hair tied in a loose ponytail, and moonlit-gray eyes gleaming beneath the golden afternoon light. He was hauntingly beautiful, yet out of place against the sun-kissed vibrance of the port. His gaze locked onto the docks. A woman stood at the edge, clad in a navy-blue suit with a high-necked blouse lined with delicate frills. Elegant yet commanding, she held herself like royalty¡ªuntouchable, her mere presence was the definition of Grace and poise. Behind her rested the true ruler of the port. A colossal ship. Its obsidian-metal hull bore ancient carvings, symbols pulsing with faint light. Letters large enough to be read from afar marked its name: ''Azrael''. Its design was unlike any common vessel. A steam engine hummed beneath its surface, modified with bio-nuclear energy, while its shimmering sails, crafted from rare solar-absorbing metal, absorbed the last light of day. Aquarius let out a slow sigh. "People sure are rich. Even if I worked my whole damn life, I doubt I could afford to step foot on that thing." Then, as if the absurdity of his own words amused him, a smirk curled at the edges of his lips. ''But who said anything about using my own money?'' A quiet chuckle escaped him as darker musings unfolded in his mind. ''People think the greatest human need is money, shelter, and some idiots say crap like love . None of them are wrong in a way ¡­ but what humans need most¡ª'' His smirk deepened. ''¡ªare masks.'' ''Masks are human''s shield and protection that without it, you''re just basically naked without a cover, those in power remain there because of masks and the subjects have their heads remain because of their ability to use their masks.'' Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ''And I can I say with authenticity that I have varieties of mask''. He grinned. The soft chime of a bell announced his entrance into a modest boutique on Plaza Street 4A. Behind the counter, a woman in a sharp red blazer lounged with her feet up, scrolling through her phone. She barely acknowledged him¡ªuntil she did. Her sharp gaze flicked up, sweeping over him like a seasoned merchant appraising goods. Aquarius smiled inwardly. The young woman that was at most 26 years, sighed after her inspection, "See, kid, I know your type." She sighed, setting her phone down. "You stroll into a shop like this, thinkin'' you can act like an aristocrat just ''cause you''ve got a pretty face. But let me warn you¡ªI don''t fall for swindlers." Oh? A tough one. He straightened, his posture shifting into something refined. A subtle change in the way he stood, the way he moved¡ªan aura carefully sculpted from years of watching nobles from afar. Then, with effortless charm, he spoke in flawless British articulation. "Oh, I see. I did intend to take some clothes without paying, Lady Katherine. But you see, my dear mother always told me it''s important to support independent and exceptionally beautiful women." A beat of silence. Then¡ªlaughter. Loud, full-bodied, echoing through the shop. "Hah! Kid, did your mother also tell you that you''ve got a silver tongue? Fine, let''s pretend you are some aristocrat. How exactly am I gettin'' my money paid?" His smile sharpened. The moment she questioned him, she had already fallen into the game. With the perfect balance of innocence and arrogance, he admitted, "I am in search of my fianc¨¦e¡ªSiri Azrael." The room stilled. The woman''s smirk faltered. Aquarius exhaled softly, voice smooth as silk. "That''s why I''m wet. I heard from the locals that she was seen near the river slums. You should''ve seen the cops I brought with me." Her sharp eyes flickered with understanding. "Hmmm¡­ You might be right. I did hear rumors. And cops? They don''t come ''round these parts, let alone the slums." She studied him again, her demeanor shifting. "Then what should I call you, noble boy?" He tilted his head slightly, a soft, almost amused smile gracing his lips. His voice, delicate as a prince''s, rang through the boutique. "I am the Lord of Ashen, Aquarius Alucard. But you may call me Aqua." Her expression shifted¡ªfrom suspicion to reverence. She bowed slightly. "Welcome, Lord Aquarius." She took the bait Inside his luxurious suite aboard Azrael, Aquarius sat at the edge of his bed, staring at the wall, a slow grin stretching across his lips. "I still can''t believe I got on an Azraelian ship with my own hands¡ªwell, technically, the hands of a probably-dead princess. But who cares?" Remembering Katherine words made him chuckle: "I hope you like my goods I will be there anytime you need me" He glanced at the wardrobe and his reflection through it he was dressed in nude turtle neck, white plain trousers and a coat at hand , he smiled with satisfaction. His smile faltered for just a moment, a fleeting thought crossing his mind. ''¡­How is everyone back home doing?'' ''Tch.'' His mood soured instantly, his mind unwillingly recalling a particular figure draped in clergy robes. ''Just remembering that damn priest spoils my mood.'' He sighed, forcing himself back into rational thought. ''Alright. Let''s settle everything one by one.'' ''First, my parents¡ªlabeled occultists and heretics for an unknown reason. Why the hell would they join a coven with no money? At least pick a cult with riches, damn it.'' He paused, tapping his fingers against his knee. ''Then there''s the clergy. Why were they so insistent on getting my family executed? Could we be from a special bloodline with superpowers and untapped wealth?'' His expression shifted from realization to disbelief. ''No way. If we were actually rich¡­ I''d probably sell one of my parents for making me suffer'' A distant boom rumbled through the ship. Aquarius stiffened knowing that it spelled trouble. A crash. Then another. His body moved before his mind could catch up. He rushed to the deck to see what was happening. The sight before him stole the breath from his lungs. The sky was black, tinged with deep crimson and a crack in space directly in front of them. The sea churned violently, waves rising like walls. And amidst the chaos, standing in the fog¡ª A colossal figure. Towering over 100 meters. Its six grotesque, tentacle-like arms stretched toward the heavens. A being beyond comprehension. Silence choked the ship. At last, Aquarius muttered one word. "Damnation." Wail Of Agony "Damnation" Aquarius stared at the silhouette looming over the ship¡ªa colossal figure hidden within the dense fog. His breath came in ragged gasps, his lungs burning as if struggling against an unseen force. A sharp, searing pain snapped him back to his senses. He looked down, his vision swimming, and saw droplets of blood splattering the deck. Instinctively, he touched his face. A shriek tore from his throat. His nostrils were bleeding. So were his eyes. His stomach twisted violently, his skull felt like it was on the verge of exploding. A wave of nausea overtook him as blood surged from his mouth. He staggered, attempting to stand straight, but the weight of a thousand invisible hands crushed him to the ground. His left eye was sealed shut, burned by an unbearable sensation. Blood seeped from the corner, warm and unrelenting. He could barely keep himself conscious. Pain and blood loss dragged him toward oblivion, and for a moment, he considered surrendering. " Why am I even fighting? ", He muttered, '' What was the point of resisting an inhuman force? '' His mind drifted to the countless stories he had read¡ªnovels, webtoons, heroic tales where the protagonist faced impossible odds and somehow surpassed their limits. But those stories never captured the horror of real, absolute power. No amount of trickery or perseverance could overcome something like this. Through blurred vision, Aquarius saw the bodies. Corpses of those who had succumbed to this monstrous presence lay strewn across the deck, their lifeless forms twisted in agony. The thing in the fog was still meters away¡ªtoo far for him to see its true shape. And yet, he knew its size, as if its very existence was pressing into his mind. Then, a new sensation crept over him. A heat¡ªnot from pain, not from his own suffering¡ªbut something else. He felt a little surge of energy growing within him. He shifted slightly, struggling to lift his head. Though his vision was limited, lying face-down on the deck, he saw shimmers of color emanating from different parts of the ship. The realization struck him like a hammer. '' Only a handful of people can probably survive this, if those light represents this feeling in my body ''. Less than a dozen at most. But then, his gaze locked onto three figures standing at the ship''s prow. They stood tall despite the suffocating pressure, backs straight. Their bodies were tense, brimming with a mix of confidence and fear. But what truly unsettled Aquarius wasn''t their presence¡ªit was the fact that they were still standing. '' How? ''His thoughts spiraled. ''How the hell are they able to move when the rest of us can barely breathe? '' A terrible thought gripped his mind. ''If I were a monstrous entity¡ªan ancient being displaying my dominance over fragile mortals¡ªhow would I react if some of them refused to kneel? '' His blood ran cold. "Damn it, you fools¡­ Get down before that thing notices you''re still¡ª" Before he could finish his thoughts a blinding spark ignited near one of the three figures. A woman with long black hair tied in a ponytail stood in the center. She wore a black oversized sweater tucked into dark jeans, her athletic form reminiscent of a commercial fitness model. Sparks coalesced in her hands, forging a black tachi blade that pulsed with an eerie purple glow. Before Aquarius could process what was happening, she moved. She lunged into the air at terrifying speed, her sword carving through space itself. A slash formed midair, as if reality itself had been torn apart. The force of her attack unleashed a shockwave that rattled the ship. Aquarius had no doubt¡ªif that slash had landed on the deck, it would have destroyed the entire vessel. The other two men remained still. One wore a tailored black suit, a pocket watch dangling from his hand. His dark hair and composed demeanor gave him an air of nobility. The second man stood beside him, dressed in a vintage robe with a wizard-like hat, looking half-awake as if he had been forced from slumber. In his hands, sparks of light weaved into a long, slightly worn wooden staff. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. The moment the woman landed, the monstrous presence in the fog let out a blood-curdling wail. The sound shattered the air. Aquarius screamed as his eardrums ruptured, his already unbearable pain surging to new heights. His body convulsed, barely able to withstand the sheer force of the creature''s cry. The man in the robe stepped forward, his red hair whipping wildly in the wind. Sparks of flame gathered at the tip of his staff, and in an instant, three massive fireballs, each as radiant as the sun, formed above the ship. Even from a distance, their heat was unbearable. The ship''s metal apex melted. Then, with a flick of his staff, the fireballs launched toward the fog-shrouded monstrosity. For a moment, it seemed to recoil. Then it surged forward. And for the first time, Aquarius saw it clearly. His mind broke. A monstrous entity¡ªtowering at 110 meters¡ªstood before them. Six grotesque arms, each resembling gnarled testicles, twitched as it moved. Hollow black eyes¡ªsix in total¡ªstared soullessly ahead. Six curved horns jutted from its head, and its body was covered in jagged, rough spikes. A sickly, abyssal blackness coated its form, an aura of pure death radiating from it. And despite the earlier attacks¡ªdespite the raw destructive force unleashed¡ªthere wasn''t a single wound on its body. ''Not a scratch. '' Aquarius felt his stomach drop. "Shit¡­ None of that worked." The creature turned its hollow gaze toward the three figures, something akin to mockery gleaming in its empty eyes. The suited man sighed, clicking his pocket watch shut. Then, with a dark grin, he spoke. "How did a big guy like you get here? No Chronicles have broken on Earth in the past few years¡­ unless you slipped through when a new one opened?" The woman with the tachi frowned. "Arden, I think this thing is¡ª" Arden cut her off. His voice was grim. "Yeah. I know. It''s an Ancient Fiend." The robed man¡ªLuma¡ªvisibly paled. "Arden, Morgan¡­ This is out of our league. Even if we use your Order, Arden, maybe we can escape, but we aren''t even Masters yet. You''re only a Third Sequence Expert, and Morgan is Fifth Sequence. Do you really think we can fight an Ancient Fiend with such pitiful strength?" Morgan sighed, turning to Arden. "For once, I agree with Luma. This is suicide." Arden remained silent, lost in thought. Then, after a long pause, he spoke. "We can''t outrun it now." Another pause. Then his voice steadied. "But if we can injure it¡ªjust enough¡ªwe might buy ourselves enough time to escape." Morgan and Luma exchanged wary glances before nodding. In a flash, colors of deep red and dark purple erupted across the sky. Arden stood alone on the deck, his pocket watch glinting in the dim light. He glanced up, calculating something in his mind. Then, with a calm but firm voice, he spoke. "Now." Two figures landed beside him. As the Morgan, said in a loud but gentle tune. "If you''re still alive, raise your hand!" The command cut through the chaos. Aquarius struggled. ''Raise¡­ damn it¡­ raise¡­ '' His body refused to move. The woman with the tachi glanced at him, then approached. His heart pounded at the sight of her¡ªthe dangerous entity, capable of killing him in an instant. She knelt beside him, examining his face. "Huh. Kid, I can''t believe you''re still conscious." Aquarius''s mind raced. ''Wait¡­ she sounds shocked that I am conscious. But didn''t she ask if we were still alive earlier? '' A dark realization crept into his thoughts. ''Did they actually intend to leave us behind? '' As if reading his mind, the woman smirked. "And no, we weren''t going to abandon you. Now, go to sleep, you have done well staying awake so far. We''ll handle the rest." Aquarius wanted to protest. He didn''t trust them. He didn''t trust anyone. But his body was in an even worse condition. Before he knew it his body gave in. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was the suited man''s pocket watch, glowing faintly¡ªblack and white energy warping the air around it. Then, there was nothing. Luthadel City As a sharp ray of golden light pierced through the stained-glass border of a towering window, fragments of color scattered across the polished mahogany floor. The morning sun, indifferent to comfort, intruded upon the deep embrace of slumber, coaxing movement from the figure sprawled across an unkempt bed of deep blue silk. A groggy sigh escaped him as he stirred, reluctantly drawn from the depths of sleep. His slightly pale skin glowed faintly beneath the fractured light, black hair cascading in loose waves over his forehead. Dressed in a nude turtleneck, he blinked against the morning haze, his moonlight-hued eyes tracing the mesmerizing dance of red, violet, and sapphire hues flickering across the dark floral wallpaper. The room itself was a paradox of time¡ªa fusion of antiquity and progress. Ornate wooden paneling lined the walls, whispering of an era long past, while a grand bookshelf loomed on one side, its contents a labyrinth of knowledge. A brass phonograph rested atop his desk, an elegant relic housing a hidden Bluetooth interface, awaiting a simple command and gaslamp-style fixtures adorned the walls, their amber glow stubbornly persisting despite the march of modernity. Beside him, a mahogany nightstand held a smartphone encased in black leather and a receipt of payment for an inn, the screen of the phone displaying the time in an elegant, calligraphic font: 7:42 AM. Next to it lay a pocket watch¡ªan anomaly in itself, for its hands moved without the aid of visible gears. The air was rich with the scent of old parchment, polished wood, and the crisp freshness of morning. This figure was none other than Aquarius Alucard. As his vision adjusted, a sudden shriek tore from his lips, his hand flying to his temple as a sharp pain lanced through his skull. "Ouch, ouch¡ªdamn it, that hurts!" He gritted his teeth, rubbing his temples as a dull ache throbbed behind his eyes. "Why the hell does my head feel like it''s been split open?" Muttering under his breath, he fought through the fog in his mind, trying to make sense of his current situation. Then, as if a dam had cracked, a fragmented realization struck him. ''Yes¡­ I remember now. I was on the Azraelian ship when it was attacked by¡­'' His thoughts came to an abrupt halt. A wave of unease crawled up his spine as his expression twisted in horror. He clenched his jaw, grasping at scattered memories like sand slipping through his fingers. Try as he might, he couldn''t conjure a clear image of what had transpired. He wasn''t even certain how he had ended up on that ship in the first place. Slowly, he sank back against the headboard, pressing his fingers against his jaw in contemplation. An eerie detachment settled over him, a gnawing instinct warning him that something was wrong¡ªas though his very sense of self was unraveling. ''Was it all just a hallucination? A delusion I created to deceive myself?'' With a sudden burst of determination, he slapped his own cheek, the sharp sting grounding him in reality. "No. I am Aquarius Alucard." A dark chuckle escaped him¡ªlow, humorless, and tinged with unease. Something was amiss. But there would be no answers in a room that wasn''t even his. Sitting idly would solve nothing. ''I need to get out of here. If the ship was real, if the attack was real, then I should be able to find proof. I need to see if anyone else survived.'' Running a hand over his chest, he tried to recall the sensation he had felt on that ship¡ªsomething visceral, something undeniable. Letting out a deep breath, Aquarius rose from the bed, making his way toward the bathroom. Luthadel City, 7:45 AM The bathroom was a masterpiece of Victorian elegance enhanced by unseen technology. A clawfoot bathtub gleamed beneath the morning light, its brass fixtures adorned with a discreet temperature-control panel. The marble sink, inlaid with gold filigree, housed a sleek smart mirror, its surface flickering with data as he approached. As he splashed cold water on his face, words materialized across the mirror''s surface: Luthadel City, 7:45 AM Weather: Clear skies, 19¡ãC News: Accident on Arcane Waters. Number of Survivors: 0. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Trade routes unstable due to sudden shifts in sea level and climate. Aquarius froze. His breath hitched as his fingers tightened against the sink''s edge. "¡­It was real." A hollow laugh escaped him¡ªpart relief, part dread. "Ha! I knew I wasn''t hallucinating." But his mirth was short-lived. His gaze flickered back to the words. ''No survivors¡­?'' His blood ran cold. "What the¡ªwhat do they mean, no survivors?!"** His grip on the sink tightened. "I''m standing right here!" The report had labeled it a storm, not an attack. There was no mention of a monster. No mention of what he had seen. ''Do they know? Are they covering it up? What if it happens again¡ªwhat if it already has?'' A surge of frustration boiled over, and before he realized it, his fist struck the mirror. The glass trembled beneath the impact, fine cracks webbing across its surface. He stood there, panting. Then, as if doused with cold water, clarity slammed into him. ''What the hell am I doing?'' Aquarius was not an impulsive man. He was not reckless, nor prone to fits of emotion. He did not forget crucial details. He did not lose control. And yet, here he was. Something was shifting inside him¡ªsomething foreign, something corrosive. He needed to confirm the truth. Immediately. *********************************** Aquarius stepped onto the bustling streets, his attire a seamless blend of sophistication and enigma: A high-collared black waistcoat, tailored to perfection. A dark blue tailcoat, its inner lining subtly woven with intricate patterns. Slim-fit black trousers, polished leather boots. Gloves laced with conductive fibers, allowing effortless interaction with mechanisms. A silver brooch, shaped like an eclipse, fastened at his chest. He clasped his pocket watch, inhaling the crisp morning air. Luthadel City was a lively place . The cobblestone streets gleamed beneath the rising sun, reinforced with hidden layers to soften the impact of footfalls and vehicles. Tram rails snaked through the city, their brass fixtures glinting as steam-powered transports glided past, their exposed gears turning with mechanical precision. Gaslamp-style streetlights flickered warmly, powered by solar energy concealed beneath their antique fa?ade. Bridges arched over winding canals, ivy cascading over wrought-iron railings. The city thrived in a delicate balance of past and future: Commoners, dressed in layered Victorian fashion, carried pocket watches that doubled as data interfaces. Merchants & Artisans wares displayed beneath glass domes, offered alchemical elixirs and mechanical trinkets humming with unknown energy. Nobility, draped in opulent embroidery, moved with an air of effortless supremacy. Among them, automatons patrolled in silent efficiency¡ªbrass and steel constructs with glowing blue eyes, serving as guards, couriers, and public attendants. Aquarius exhaled, scanning the skyline as an airship drifted lazily above, its silver hull reflecting the sunlight. Yet, despite its familiar splendor, something about the city felt¡­ off. ''It felt orchestrated¡ªperfect, and controlled.'' Pushing aside the creeping unease, he focused on his objective. A brass vehicle with Ornate engravings on it''s body, lantern-style headlights on the side directly above each side window with modern LED cores at the front and back, Gothic-style windows and stained glass elements and Leather-strapped luggage racks and exposed rivets. The wheels spoked with reinforced rubber instead of plain alloys. The cab pulled up, its polished body reflecting the morning glow. The driver, a dark skinned young man in a crisp suit and conductor''s hat, offered him a cordial smile. "You''re the one who called, sir?" Aquarius nodded, returning a faint smile. "Good. I ain''t the fastest, but I''ll get you there in one piece." He stepped into the vehicle. The interior was made out of rich mahogany and ebony dashboards with brass inlays, leather seats with ''Chesterfield style'' buttoned upholstery and analog-style gauges with modern digital displays inside and intricate gear-shift levers resembling mechanical clockwork. Before he knew it the cab set off¡ªdestination: Street 4, Eastern Luthadel. Street 4 Aqua stepped out of the cab with quiet grace, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling streets. He turned to the driver, curiosity evident in his expression. "Um¡­ Mr. Driver?" The young man met his gaze, his face tensed with apprehension. "Was the ride uncomfortable in any way, sir?" Aquarius, realizing the man was afraid of receiving a bad review, quickly corrected the misunderstanding. "No, not at all," he reassured. "I just wanted to ask¡ªwhat exactly is today?" He paused, giving the driver a moment to register his words before gesturing towards the lively streets. "It''s just that I see children everywhere, playing, and every district seems to have a toy store..." Before he could finish, the driver burst into laughter. Aquarius frowned, feeling that the reaction was unreasonably rude. He was about to respond when the man, still struggling to suppress his laughter, finally spoke. "I''m sorry, it''s just¡ª" he chuckled again, shaking his head. "I didn''t think I''d ever meet someone who didn''t know what Children''s Day was." Aquarius blinked, taking in the information. ''That''s right. Today is February 13th¡­ so it''s Children''s Day.'' His gaze darkened slightly as a realization struck him. ''But I boarded the ship on January 17th. Did I¡­ sleep for nearly a month?'' He quickly turned back to the driver. "Are you absolutely sure about the date?" The driver gave him an odd look before replying, "No offense, kid, but do you live under a rock? Every news channel and social media platform has been talking about it¡ªespecially after Mikey, one of the most beloved pop star group leaders and actor, announced he might take a long break for¡­ unknown reasons." Aquarius processed the information before offering a short nod. "I see. Thanks." Without another word, he waved the driver off and stepped into Street 4. As he moved through the district, Aqua noted the similarities and contrasts between this area and the city center. The buildings here were smaller, tightly packed with various shops, plazas, and malls. The streets were nearly overflowing with people, the air thick with the sounds of chatter, laughter, and carnival music. Determined to reach the docking area where the ship had been stationed, he slipped into an alleyway, navigating the narrow passage with ease¡ªuntil he came to an abrupt stop. To his left, a group of tall students, likely high schoolers, loomed over a smaller boy. Their expressions carried the unmistakable air of bullies reveling in their own cruelty. Aqua sighed, rubbing his temple. "Why the hell do delinquents always have to be so idiotic¡ªespecially on a day like this?" Without hesitation, he approached. "Hey, you brats. Cut it out." The group turned to him, unimpressed. "Do you want me to call your¡ª" Aqua paused mid-sentence as a thought struck him. Wait. Why do I keep calling them ''kids'' when they''re probably my age¡­ Now, standing directly in front of them, he suddenly felt very and insignificantly small in comparison. ''Damn. I hate kids who grow taller than their age. Why can''t you just be the same size as your peers?'' Clearing his throat, he straightened his posture and tried to maintain his composure. "I don''t know what you guys are trying to prove here, but whatever it is, stop." Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. The leader of the group, a broad-shouldered teen, looked at Aqua with disdain before breaking into laughter. His two lackeys quickly followed suit. "Listen, dude," the leader sneered. "I''ll give you three seconds to scram, or I''ll smash that pretty face of yours." ''That¡­ felt oddly rude,'' Aqua thought. '' Alright. Time to act as tough as possible. '' A slow, mischievous smile spread across his lips. "Alright, fool number to three." His expression shifted, his gaze sharpening, voice dropping to a chilling tone. "Scram." The three high schoolers stiffened. They have always lived by the law of the jungle, and in that moment, they felt it¡ªthe presence of someone far beyond them. To Aqua, he was simply trying to sound intimidating, but to them, he was felt like something else entirely. A snake. No¡ªa dragon. The leader glanced at his left-hand man, who was already trembling. He leaned closer, whispering, "What the hell is wrong with this guy?" Without another word, the bullies turned on their heels and ran, not daring to look back. Aqua exhaled in relief. ''Phew. I actually thought they might decide to beat me to death.'' His attention returned to the bullied boy, who was staring at him with wide eyes. Aqua crouched down, carefully picking up the kid''s scattered belongings before handing them over. He offered a faint smile. "You okay, little one?" The boy nodded, his voice slightly shaky. "Yes, I''m fine¡­ thanks to you." ''Oh. A polite kid,'' Aqua mused. But before he could respond, the boy continued. "But technically, we''re the same age. You''re not that much taller than me. And judging by your build, your weight isn''t much different either. So calling me ''little one'' is really quite irrational and slightly stupid, don''t you think?" Aqua''s smile twitched. His eyes half-lidded as he sighed. "Even so, I did save you. Calling you ''little'' doesn''t seem wrong." The boy, unfazed, countered, "That''s like saying if a policeman saves an elderly man, he then gets to call him ''little one.'' Doesn''t that sound like an adynaton?" ''Wait. What the hell is an adynaton?'' The boy continued murmuring, lost in his own world of logic. ''Ah. I see now. So he''s that type. No wonder he was bullied.'' Before Aqua could say anything, a gentle yet firm voice called out. "Lucas!" Aqua turned his head and found himself momentarily stunned. A young woman, likely his age or perhaps a year older, approached them. Her golden eyes shimmered under the streetlights, framed by long lashes that matched her flowing blonde hair. She was dressed simply¡ªa plain white shirt neatly tucked into black trousers, paired with silk gloves¡ªyet her presence alone was enough to captivate. But it wasn''t just her appearance. There was something about her¡ªsomething ethereal. For the first time in a while, Aquarius found himself blurting out his thoughts. "Pretty." The young woman blinked, visibly taken aback by his blunt remark. Then, unexpectedly, she giggled. "You''re really weird, you know that?" Aquarius quickly snapped back to reality, clearing his throat. But just as he was about to respond, something shifted between them¡ªa recognition neither of them had anticipated. Their gazes locked. Both their expressions changed. They said simultaneously. "You too." The Strange Meeting The two stared at each other, caught between relief and unease. "Do you know him, Sis?" Lucas''s voice broke the silence, snapping them both back to reality. The young woman hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "No... actually, I don''t think I do," she said, her voice carefully measured, trying to dispel her brother''s suspicions and ease the tension hanging in the air. Aquarius, who had been lost in thought, flinched at the question. "No, never met her before, I think" he responded quickly, inwardly berating himself. '' And I was most definitely not staring at her face ''. '' The aren''t even sure ''. Lucas thought. The young woman suddenly clapped her hands together and beamed at them both. "Someone told me you were being bullied, so I ran over here," she said warmly before pulling Lucas into a gentle embrace. "I''m really glad you''re okay." Lucas, caught off guard, flushed in embarrassment and wriggled slightly. "Alright, I got it, so can you let me go now?" "Just one more minute," she teased. Aquarius, still overwhelmed by the sudden shift in emotion, cleared his throat loudly enough for the siblings to hear. The young woman finally let go of her brother and straightened her posture, acknowledging Aquarius for the first time. "So, you''re the one who saved my brother," she said, bowing slightly. "I sincerely thank you for that." "I don''t think there''s any need to thank me," Aquarius replied "I did it because I hate bullies. But if you really want to repay me, how about treating me to lunch? I do enjoy keeping up with recent events." '' Oh, he''s telling me we should find somewhere private to talk about the incident '', she thought, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. She smiled gently trying to hide the dread she still felt then nodded. Lucas, still watching them with suspicion, crossed his arms. "Wait... are you asking my sister out right now?" Both Aquarius and the young woman turned to him and laughed. "Little one, you wouldn''t understand grown-up conversations," Aquarius said, ruffling Lucas''s hair with an amused smirk. The boy scowled, swatting his hand away. ******************* Cling. The soft chime of a brass bell signaled the arrival of a young man as he stepped into an upscale caf¨¦. Dressed in a pleated-front shirt with a stiff, upright collar and tailored trousers, he exuded effortless elegance. His lilac-colored hair and dark, contemplative eyes gave him an almost otherworldly presence. Inside, the caf¨¦ was a world of refined luxury. The polished mahogany counter stretched along one side, where baristas fitted in waistcoats and lace-trimmed dresses operated grand, steam-powered espresso machines. Velvet-lined armchairs and crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over mahogany tables. The scent of rich coffee, spiced tea, and freshly baked pastries filled the air, mingling with the faint trace of polished brass and aged wood. The young man scanned the caf¨¦ until he spotted a familiar figure. A young woman waved him over, signaling her location. Seated at the table with other two striking individuals. One was a young man with pale skin and jet-black hair tied into a small ponytail, his moonlit eyes carrying an inscrutable depth. He was dressed in an intricate high-collared waistcoat beneath a dark blue tailcoat, his slim-fit black trousers and polished leather boots completing an air of nobility and quiet dominance. Beside him sat a young woman with golden eyes and lashes matching her blonde hair, her plain white shirt tucked into well-fitted black trousers, a simple yet a striking contrast to her naturally elegant beauty. The three of them, seated side by side, were a sight to behold. "So, who''s the new guy? One of us?" Aquarius finally broke the silence with a carefree remark. The young woman smirked. "Did you want it to be just the two of us? What exactly were you planning to do to me?" she teased in a mock-scared tone. The lilac-haired young man chuckled, his voice warm and inviting¡ªone that could effortlessly draw people in. Unlike Aquarius, whose voice carried the sharp undertone of a seasoned trickster, this young man had a voice that exuded the presence of a protagonist. Aquarius, however, was fixated on something else entirely. '' He looks familiar¡­ but why? ''. The young man blinked in confusion. "What? You keep staring at me. Is there something on my face?" Aquarius didn''t flinch. "No¡­ It''s just¡­ you seem strangely familiar." Both the young woman and the newcomer exchanged a glance. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. '' Did I say something wrong? '' Aquarius thought. Before he could clarify, the young woman spoke. "What do you mean by ''strangely familiar''? This is Mikey, the famous actor and idol, '' Mikey ''. Aquarius frowned still in deep thought. "Wait... Mikey" Mikey flashed a charming smile and waved casually. " Who exactly is that " The both looked at him at with both doubt and astonishment. " What do you mean who is that, he is like in almost every social media and the hot top of the week, like Mikey from the famous movie about Dracula''s son '' Alucard '' ". Aquarius took a slow sip of his steaming coffee. "Oh. My sister mentioned a Mikey guy once¡­ and the taxi driver too¡­ I guess that''s you." He set his cup down. "Well, nice to know. Maybe I should get your autograph to take back¡ª" His expression shifted slightly, and he immediately corrected himself. "Or¡­ never mind." The other two stared at him intensely. "What?" Aquarius muttered. The young woman shook her head, amused. "It''s just¡­ I never thought someone our age wouldn''t know anything about the entertainment industry. Don''t your classmates talk about it?" Aquarius gave her a look of sheer disbelief. "Classmates? I''ve never been to school before." A synchronized "What?!" erupted from both of them. Mikey leaned forward, intrigued. "Wait¡ªthen how do you know how to speak, walk, and write?" Aquarius furrowed his brows. "Wait¡­ you mean normal kids don''t know how to speak or walk until they go to school? If that''s the case, normal kids really are stupid. Looks like my dad was right." "That''s not the point!" Mikey huffed. "And what do you mean by ''normal kids''? Are you saying you''re abnormal?" "Obviously. I''m a genius." Mikey snorted. "I never knew someone could declare themselves a genius." "Well, now you do. And I can vouch for my intelligent, even without school." Mikey raised an eyebrow. "So¡­ does that mean you have no friends?" Aquarius shrugged. "Nope. No friends. I have a phone but only my parents'' number are on it. But who needs friends anyways." Mikey''s expression softened slightly. "That''s¡­ kinda sad. I thought all good-looking guys had tons of friends." Aquarius clicked his tongue. "Tch. I don''t think people are that necessary." Then, narrowing his eyes, he added, "Also, dude, calling another guy pretty is weird." Mikey tilted his head. "Is it?" Before Aquarius could respond, a soft voice interrupted them. "Wow¡­" Both young men turned to see the blonde woman watching them with an excited expression. "I''ve never seen you talk this much at once before, Mikey." Mikey faltered, as if realizing something. ''Damn. She''s right. I got too caught up talking to a normal guy my age that I completely forgot my reason for coming here ''. Aqua thought recalling his initial purpose Aquarius calmly lifted his teacup, took a slow sip, and then set it back down on its saucer. His moonlit eyes flickered with quiet calculation as he finally addressed them both. "I have a question before we begin. Do you two know anything about Chronicles?" Aqua wasn''t exactly sure what they were either. They only words he could vividly remember from the ship were Chronicles, Rifters and something about sequence and expert but something in him knew from their calm behavior they knew more than he did. '' It''s better to use this to first test the waters and make them say as much information as possible, than acting confused and getting played ''. This has been how aqua thought since he knew himself and what had kept him alive. Both Mikey and the young woman immediately nodded. Aquarius hid his smirk. Perfect. Leaning back slightly, he spoke with an effortless air of confidence, his mind already moving several steps ahead. "That makes things easier. I really hate giving out information without something in return¡­ but since we all have knowledge of it, what do you think we should do next?" ''Number one rule of fraud never directly bring up the main point give a backwater idea and let the people create the idea, even though it''s something you want, letting the people think that it was theirs gives them a sense of freedom of choice ''. The young woman exchanged a glance with Mikey before finally speaking. "Let''s compare what we know first. But before that, how about a proper introduction?" She smiled. "I know Mikey''s name, but I don''t know yours. I think that''s a good place to start." Aquarius raised an eyebrow. "Fair enough." Mikey nodded. "Alright, let''s do that." Sudden Realization The three youngsters exchanged glances, each waiting for the other to break the silence. With a hesitant voice, Mikey finally spoke up. "Umm¡­ guys? Why the sudden silence? It feels like we''re in some kind of intense chess game." The young lady turned to Aquarius, her expression poised and dignified as she addressed him. "I thought it was common courtesy for boys to introduce themselves to a lady first." ''Boys? Lady? Who the hell even made that rule?'' Aquarius mused, intertwining his fingers and resting his chin on them. He took a long pause, his moonlight-colored eyes shifting between the two sitting beside him, before finally speaking. "Alright, you guys win. Since you came up with the plan, and since you''re both my ''seniors and older than me'', I''ll go first." The young lady''s eye twitched, her lips curling slightly in irritation. ''Why did he emphasize ''older''? I''m not that old¡­ maybe one or two years older than him at most''. She let out a sigh. Aquarius smirked, satisfied with the reaction his words had provoked. Leaning forward, his hands still clasped together, he said, "I have no grand titles or status to my name, so just call me Aqua." The two exchanged glances, slightly taken aback. "Aqua?" Mikey asked, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Like from aquarium, aquamarine, or just plain Aqua?" "No," Aquarius replied. "It''s from Aquarius." "Oh! Like the constellation? That''s kinda cool," the young lady remarked. "Does that mean we share the same zodiac sign?" "No, actually. I''m a Leo, not an Aquarius." She raised an eyebrow. "Then why did your parents name you Aquarius?" "I still don''t know the answer to that." "Huh, your family sure are weird first no school then now weird names. Alright then, I guess it''s my turn." The young lady smiled, her face almost picture-perfect. "My name is Seo Ina, but you can just call me Ina and no formal tune please." Aquarius''s eyes widened slightly at the name. ''Seo Ina? First Mikey, now Seo Ina? '' Even someone as unfamiliar with the world as Aquarius, knew about the Seo family¡ªone of the top ten aristocratic houses, unrivaled in commerce and trade. And Seo Ina¡­ the so-called Goddess of Commerce. He gulped. ''If only I''d known, I could''ve squeezed more out of her brother ''. As if sensing his thoughts, Ina smirked. "Impressed?" "Honestly? Yes." She giggled, resting her face in her palms. Mikey cleared his throat, his voice smooth and practiced, as if he were on stage. "Alright, I guess it''s my turn now." "I thought your name was Mikey?" Aquarius asked, confused. "It is, but that''s not my real name. More like a stage name." Aquarius stared at him, dumbfounded. "Why the hell would you do something like that?" Ina chuckled. "Many artists do that." She paused before grinning. "Oh, I forgot¡ª''younger ones'' wouldn''t know that much." "Do you want to pick a fight?" Aquarius shot back in a teasing yet sharp tone, enough to make Mikey flinch. "Guys, I don''t think there''s any need to fight." Both Ina and Aquarius turned to him before bursting into laughter. "I don''t know much about the entertainment industry," Aquarius admitted, "but I do know that kind and naive people don''t last long." Ina straightened her posture. "That''s actually what we were getting into. Some of the information I have is from my side, and the rest comes from Mikey''s manager." She paused, her tone growing more serious. "As you already know, we''ve been infected by Variability. Or, more accurately, we were already infected, but the incident on the Azraelian ship triggered the symptoms." ''Variability? '' The word sent alarm bells ringing in Aquarius''s head. ''What even is that? An illness? Am I going to die? '' He forced himself to keep a straight face, unwilling to let them notice his ignorance. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Ina, mistaking his silence for understanding, continued. "As Variables, we''re in a somehow of a unique position. Chronicles are still a bit far for us, but they''re also closer than they seem. I don''t know everything, but I do know that Chronicles are gateways to other worlds, invisible to the naked eye¡ªsome inhabited or have normal civilization, some overrun with Drifters which as you know are the monsters we saw that day." Aquarius struggled to keep his expression neutral. ''Chronicles? Gateways to other worlds? ''. This was too much to process. Everything he had learned in the church¡ªabout heaven, hell, and the afterlife¡ªsuddenly felt like a fragile illusion. Even questioning the nature of God was considered blasphemous¡­ but now, we''re talking about multiple worlds? Noticing their expectant gazes, he forced himself to speak. "That¡­ adds to what I know. But I didn''t realize Chronicles were invisible to the naked eye." Ina smiled. "I thought you''d say that. If you hadn''t, I''d have assumed you were either playing us or were from an opposing faction¡­ or worse, one of the Pentagon aristocratic families." A chill ran down Aquarius''s spine. ''That was close¡­ she almost found out I have no idea what''s going on ''. But then, her words sank in. ''Factions? Aristocratic families? And why am I not supposed to know about this? '' A realization crept in, cold and unsettling. ''Does that mean nobles already know about this? And instead of working together to fight these monsters, they''re divided into factions? Sending spies? Manipulating the world? '' His mind reeled. How many of the headlines, "accidents," and unexplained events I''ve seen in my life connected to these hidden forces? How much of what I know is real¡­ and how much is just a sugar-coated lie? '' A sharp pain pulsed through his skull. He clenched his fists under the table, trying not to draw attention. His brain felt like it was being fried, his skull ready to shatter. His stomach twisted in agony, his heart pounding. He knew this sensation too well. It was the same suffocating pain he felt every time he tried to recall that day¡ªthe incident on the boat, the people he had met, or even his own missing memories. Even a normal person would recognize it for what it was: his mind breaking apart from processing forbidden knowledge. ''This isn''t information I was meant to know. Not something humans should be thinking about ''. But instead of fear, a different emotion took root. ''But I strangely want to know more. I want to see more ''. Others might call it insanity. But he didn''t care. If someone was orchestrating all of this¡­ he wasn''t going to let them control his life any longer. His gaze met Ina''s, who had finished explaining. She nodded. Mikey was about to start speaking. "Guys," Mikey said, his tone suddenly serious, "I think it''s better if we hear my side of the story from my manager herself." ''Yes ''. Aquarius thought, barely containing his anticipation. ''That''s perfect ''. Ina nodded in agreement. "Alright. Should we leave now, or after Aqua''s done talking?" Without hesitation, Aquarius replied, his voice brimming with confidence¡ªand an excitement fueled by sheer curiosity. "It''s better to hear everything from a pro instead of dancing around the truth." Ina hesitated, about to protest, but Mikey stopped her. "Aqua''s right. Getting infected isn''t exactly a good thing, and if we don''t proceed with the ritual soon, a Chronicle will come looking for us. And let''s be honest¡ªour brains can''t handle the madness effect yet." At that, Ina calmed down. She still didn''t fully trust Aquarius, but she had no choice. "Alright. Let''s go meet Madam Katherine." Aquarius''s expression barely changed, but his stomach twisted. ''Shit ''. He knew that name all too well. Back To The Start Aqua gritted his teeth, trying his best not to show his frustration. Finally, he looked at the two getting ready to stand up. ''Damn, I don''t have much of a choice right now, do I? '' With a sigh, he stood and followed Ina and Mikey out of the caf¨¦. As they walked down the streets, the lanterns flickered brightly, struggling against the encroaching darkness. Though the streets were less crowded than before, they still bustled with life. Trailing behind the two, Aqua''s gaze drifted toward the side streets lined with small stalls, where vendors called out to passersby, selling all kinds of food and trinkets. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meat, baked bread, and exotic spices, but to Aqua, it all blurred into a haze. The heat from the crowd and the sheer density of people overwhelmed him, despite the night''s mild¡ªalmost chilly¡ªtemperature. ''How do people even survive in a place like this? I''d much rather stay inside all day ''. He let out a long sigh, unintentionally drawing Ina''s attention. She glanced at him before offering a small, knowing smile. "I know, right? I feel it every time I walk through the streets." ''What the hell is she even talking about? '' "The world is oblivious to the things lurking beneath its surface," she continued. "Leaving the Chronicles aside, many monuments, ancient ruins, and even what people call UFOs are far more connected than they seem. But human minds aren''t built to comprehend those outer-worldly forces. Our brains naturally shove such thoughts aside, labeling them as irrelevant." She paused, her crimson eyes glinting under the lantern light. "Humans are foolish. But that''s why Seekers exist. You know what our role is, right?" Aqua pondered for a moment. He had picked up bits and pieces from their conversations, but it would be a stretch to say he truly understood. One thing he had learned, however, was that common sense rarely applied in the world of Seekers. ''Well, what do I have to lose by saying whatever comes to mind? '' Straightening his posture, he looked up at the full moon, his voice measured. "Seekers¡­" He started, his tone tense before shifting into his usual casual voice. "We are protectors and hunters. Who chase the truth, dancing with madness, in an endless struggle for dominance in a world that refuses to be understood." Ina smiled inwardly. "That''s a unique way to put it." Aqua couldn''t decipher her expression, but he felt his pulse quicken. ''Did I say something wrong? '' Before he could dwell on it, they arrived at their destination¡ªa boutique in Street 4A. Staring at the elegant wooden door, Aqua hesitated. ''Is this really worth it? What if she calls the cops? Or worse¡­ what if she''s as ridiculously strong as they say and turns me into a punching bag? '' But he had already come this far. Resigning himself to whatever awaited him, he stepped forward. The soft chime of a bell echoed through the boutique as they entered. To Aqua''s surprise, even though he had been here before, the store''s elegance struck him anew. Rich wood paneling and embossed wallpaper adorned the walls, while crystal chandeliers cast a soft, golden glow over the boutique. The polished wooden floor reflected the light beautifully. Hidden LED lighting subtly illuminated the clothing displays without disrupting the vintage aesthetic. A digital catalog station was seamlessly integrated into a classic wooden desk, allowing customers to browse collections on a sleek screen. A modernized tailor''s station sat in one corner, blending old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology¡ªfabric scanners and automated measurements working in harmony. The air was filled with a faint yet distinct aroma of lavender, vanilla, and aged leather. Aqua couldn''t help but feel out of place. This place was far too luxurious for someone like him. Near the counter, a young woman with red hair tied into a bun and glasses¡ªfar too large for her face¡ªsat reading a book. Or rather, staring at it blankly. Her crimson eyes flickered toward them, sharp and unreadable. There was something eerie about them, as if they had been coated in blood. ''Why does she look younger than before? No¡­ that must just be my imagination right ''. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Breaking the silence, she spoke. "Oh, it''s you, Mikey. And I see you brought two guests. What a coincidence, that I know them both" she said, her voice carrying a lazy amusement. Both Ina and Mikey turned their gazes toward Aqua. ''Damn this woman. Why can''t she just conveniently forget about that incident like everyone else? '' "But anyway," Katherine continued, adjusting her glasses. "What brings you infected kids to my store?" Aqua narrowed his eyes. ''She didn''t even hesitate to call us ''infected.'' His mind clicked into gear. ''She must be a high-ranking Seeker if she can sense it so easily ''. But then another thought struck him. That day¡­ something did feel off. He was good at manipulating people and trickery was second nature to him. And yet, she had fallen for his scheme far too easily. ''Did she know I was infected from the start? Was she just humoring me? Or¡­ was that dress she gave me meant to be my funeral attire? '' As if sensing the shift in his expression, Katherine smiled. "I didn''t expect some of you to survive." She leaned forward slightly. "Right, Lord of Ashen¡­ Aquarius?" Aqua''s blood ran cold, and he stiffened suddenly feeling an urge to run through the door. ''Damn it. This sly fox knew all along ''. Mikey, oblivious to the tension, whispered in his usual melodic voice. "Aqua, what is she talking about?" "Nothing," Aqua replied hastily. "It''s just that¡ª" Ina cut him off. "Aqua, don''t tell me¡­ you tried to scam Katherine?" ''Why is she so damn sharp at times like this? '' Aqua shot her a glare. "No way, right?" she teased, barely suppressing a laugh. Irritated, Aqua turned to Mikey, who was slightly taller than him¡ªthough the difference was barely noticeable. Mikey gave him a small nod before speaking. "Katherine, as you probably already know, we''re not just infected¡ªwe survived the Azrael incident." His tone grew serious. "But we barely know anything about Seekers. We don''t even understand how to properly perform the ritual. So we really need your help." The three of them bowed slightly. Katherine exhaled, crossing her arms. "It''s not that big of a deal." Mikey brightened. "Really?!" "But," Katherine interjected, "on one condition." Mikey stiffened. "What?" "You''ll need to join us." Aqua slightly flinched. ''What does she mean by join us, is she or are all seekers trying to control new seeds. Like the pentagon or the other aristocrats that Ina mentioned before'' As if to answer his thoughts, Ina reacted immediately. "What do you mean, ''join us''? It''s way too soon for us to choose a Domain. We haven''t even passed the ritual yet!" Katherine gave her a flat stare. "So you plan to die in the ritual?" Ina flinched but quickly recovered. "I never said that." Aqua, however, was caught on something else. ''So Domains are what she meant by '' join us''. That''s a rather interesting concept, though I''m not planning on letting my life be controlled by others'' Mikey then asked bluntly with his face hinting at his confusion"What exactly is a Domain?" Katherine and Ina both looked at him. Then, slowly, they turned to Aqua. "Mikey¡­ don''t tell me you don''t even know what a Domain is," Ina said, her tone flat. Mikey tilted his head. "Am I supposed to?" Ina palmed her forehead. "Do you even know what Kami is?" Mikey blinked. "Am I meant to know that?" Ina sighed heavily. ''Don''t tell me this sly fox didn''t teach him anything ''. Katherine simply smiled. "I knew Mikey would bring more people along, so I waited." "You knew?!" "Of course. My Order is Esoterism," she said smugly. Then, turning towards them, she stretched. "Alright. I''ll explain just enough that your puny brains won''t fry. Now, where should I start?" She gestured for them to follow her. "Let''s head somewhere more private." As they descended into the basement, the world around them seemed to darken¡­then shift¡­ then twist. And then, before Aqua even realized it¡ª He stood in front of a massive door. Something beyond it was waiting for him. Something that would change his life forever. He whispered under his breath. "Finally." The Ritual As they stood in front of the massive stone door, Aqua couldn''t help but feel a mix of fear, awe, and a strange sense of disconnection from the world itself. This door¡ªentering it meant never returning as himself again. Yet, oddly enough, he felt no discomfort. Slowly, he stepped forward toward Katherine. "So, are we entering now, or do we need sorcery for that to happen?" he asked. Katherine didn''t answer. Instead, her eyes glowed a bright red as she stood still for a while, unmoving. Then, just as suddenly, her eyes returned to normal. ''What the hell was that? '' Katherine sighed, turning her gaze toward the stunned, handsome man standing beside her¡ªhis pale skin illuminated by the eerie light. "That''s my trait. It allows me to catch glimpses of the future, the past, or replay events," she explained. "That''s a very useful trait." Aqua pondered for a moment before continuing. "Is that what you meant by Esoterism?" He didn''t care if he exposed his ignorance. He just really wanted to know, no matter how much pain the knowledge might cause him. "Not exactly. But you do know that telling someone about other Orders before they discover them on their own triggers the madness effect, right?" ''Madness effect? '' Aqua didn''t know much about Seekers or their strange terminologies, but he had a guess at what she meant. "You mean... the constant headaches and loss of memories?" Katherine smiled. "Yes, though I wouldn''t even consider that the true madness effect yet." As if trying to avoid further questions, she immediately pushed open the massive stone door. A gust of eerie wind rushed past them. The door itself was ancient, carved from some unknown stone with strange engravings, its weight evident at a glance. There was no keyhole, but the moment Katherine touched it, a loud click echoed down the hollow stairway. "Okay, kids. Get in." The inner sanctuary was a vast, circular chamber that seemed to have no walls¡ªonly an endless void, floating in the abyss of space. At the center stood a ritual altar, crafted from ancient metal, wood, and crystalline veins of an unknown energy. It hovered over a bottomless chasm. Whispers echoed throughout the chamber¡ªsome almost human. Aqua knew that these were most likely the voices of either the infected Variables who had perished here... or worse, remnants of those who had been used as ingredients for the ritual. Katherine''s voice turned cold, her eyes vacant and hollow. "I want to make one thing clear before we start," she said. "Your lives are in your hands¡ªnot mine, not anyone else''s. If you decide to turn tail and run, no one, absolutely no one, will stop you." None of them moved. Their eyes burned with conviction. "Alright then. No one should blame me for their misfortune." She exhaled, scanning the empty space around them. "There are five things required to become a true Seeker. "First is the status of a Variable. "Second is your compatibility with Kami and natural forces. "Third is a test of sanity¡ªsince madness is the greatest threat Seekers face. "Fourth is the trial of your true self. "And finally, the last step is your resonance with an Order." The information was overwhelming but understandable. Aqua quickly analyzed the steps. The first test likely involved sensing Kami energy, a trait exclusive to Variables. The second probably related to gathering the necessary ritual materials. The third was exactly as Katherine described. The fourth... he wasn''t sure. And the final test involved selecting an Order and acquiring a Trait. "The rest, you''ll figure out on your own," Katherine continued. "There are eight Orders of Kami, each with unique aspects and madness mechanisms. As you saw, the Esoterism Order deals with knowledge, secrets, and forbidden truths. Seekers of this path gain abilities related to understanding, unraveling, and manipulating hidden cosmic principles. My trait, is one example. But I won''t lie to you¡ªthe madness evolution for my Order is... a bit much." She stopped speaking abruptly. The young Variables had begun shrieking in pain. "I think that explains Orders well enough. As for ranks, the only ones you need to know for now are Apprentice, Expert, and Master¡ªeach with nine sequences of power, getting stronger from 9th-1st" She sighed, rubbing her face. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. "We''re wasting too much time on this unnecessary talk." "So... are we going to start the ritual now?" Mikey asked hoarsely. "What other choice do you have? Sooner or later, a Chronicle will call for you¡ªeven if you''re just taking a bath. Entering one without a ritual is instant death. No ifs, no buts. And you three are at your last rope. Very soon, you''ll forget who you truly are and become nothing more than hollow, mad shells." She gestured toward the altar, signaling them to sit. Aquarius had nothing more to say¡ªthe situation was unfolding faster than expected. The three of them sat at the altar, forming a circle. The next moment, a table appeared before Katherine, filled with ingredients and liquids in conical flasks and strange containers that Aqua couldn''t even name. She traced a vaporous mixture around them, then placed five substances, each representing a different natural force, like pillars around them. Almost instantly, the strange circle began drawing the voices together. A heavy fog descended. Aqua felt a strange feeling of incredible fear from the fog. A feeling of lose, death and madness. Through the mist, Aqua heard Katherine''s voice. "Slice your palms and spill your blood." A dagger was placed in his hand at the beginning of the ritual. He did as instructed, as did the others. The moment his blood hit the altar, a burning sensation engulfed his entire body¡ªfamiliar yet far more intense than anything he had ever experienced. His eyes clenched shut as he tried to perceive his surroundings. When he opened them again, he found himself in a vast, silent void filled with twinkling stars¡ªstars that felt like they were watching him. A strange sense of reverence crept over him. He wanted to worship them. ''What the hell am I thinking? '' Shaking off the trance, Aqua surveyed the astral-like world. ''Orders... Seekers... Outer Beings... '' He didn''t fully understand any of it, but he knew one thing¡ªhe wanted power. ''Power to never be controlled. Power to never have to rely on tricks just to survive ''. Aqua sat cross-legged in the air, closing his eyes, searching for the burning sensation and resonance. After what felt like an eternity, he finally sensed something faint. He focused on it. A sudden rush of unknown energy filled his body, enveloping him in deep purple light. His senses sharpened. He could feel everything in this world. Above him, one of the stars burned with murderous intent. The moment he acknowledged it, he looked at it with the same intent and fury not knowing what does stars truly were, the star immediately recoiled. Relaxing his body, Aqua noticed sparks of light forming in front of him. ''Oh... I can do what those other guys did now. '' The sparks twisted together, forming a large book resembling a grimoire, it was an ancient-looking book covered in the same strange script as the stone door. Yet, somehow, he understood the words. CHRONICLE JOURNAL Opening it, he found the first page blank. He flipped to the next. Which was written in the same strange language. Name: Aquarius Alucard Rank: Apprentice Seeker (Black Core ¨C 3rd Sequence) Soul Name: SpellBound Order: Error Sanity: Stable (...For now) CORE TRAITS: [MIRACLE: You can make the impossible possible] ABILITIES: [Spectral Veil] ¨C Can blur his existence, avoiding detection and peering into others'' existence for a short time. [Kami Assimilation] ¨C Can consume remnants of fallen beings to strengthen his core. [Creation] ¨C Can control all core energy. ''What the hell do these half-assed abilities even mean?, And the trait ''Miracle '' it doesn''t even make sense'' He sighed and flipped to the next page, hoping for something more useful. Instead, an image appeared¡ªthe same horror he had seen on the ship. Name: Slumbering Fog Rank: Fiend (3 Cores) Chronicle Type: Ancient Soul Type: Ancient Fiend Sanity: Drifter CORE ABILITIES: [SHRIEK] ¨C Causes pain and fear to anyone who hears its voice. [IMPENETRABLE SKIN] ¨C Thickened flesh that borders on invulnerability. [UNKNOWN] ¨C Yet to be recorded. Aqua was dumbfounded. ''This is a fucking wiki book...'' Flipping through, he saw the names and faces of those he had encountered who had connections to Kami. Then, one name stood out¡ªa name that shouldn''t have been there. Noah Abraham. The Unnatural Awakening "Noah Abraham." Aquarius had suspected it since he first learned of the world of Seekers¡ªthe simple-looking officer was far more than he appeared. But before he could fully process his thoughts, the Astral Realm shuddered. Something was happening¡ªsomething that wasn''t meant to. He lifted his gaze to the stars, their light standing firm in the vast void. An irrational urge clawed at him¡ªto drag them down, to crush them beneath his will. But he knew better, there where far more pressing matters. He forced his body to stand upright, but no matter how he struggled, his limbs refused to budge, The harder he fought, the greater the pressure became. His heart pounded like a war drum. His muscles strained. His breath came in short, shallow gasps. The ritual wasn''t complete. He was sure of it. Even if every condition had been met, he hadn''t revealed anything about his true self. In truth, he wasn''t even sure who he truly was after his unexpected fallout with the Ancient Fiend. Though a small part of him had hoped his awakening would clear the fog clouding his memories, it did not. No¡ªit was doing something else. It was planting something. Something foreign. ''Damn it. Damn it all. Why can''t things just go my way for once? '' A crack formed deep inside him¡ªlike a dam on the verge of breaking. The world around him twisted, his senses distorting as the Astral Realm crumbled. Revealing an endless sea. And a sky¡ªfilled with deep purple clouds¡ªlooming above. Aquarius looked at the ocean stretching beneath him. This was no illusion. This wasn''t the projection of the Astral Realm. This was inside him. Every ripple. Every shift. He felt it all. If that was true, then this wasn''t just something alien. It had to be something that already existed in him finally breaking free. His own ''Madness'' Dread settled over him like an unbearable weight. Aquarius staggered, his breath shallow, fingers twitching as the inhuman creature nested inside him. A sensation slithered through his veins¡ªcoiling, writhing, burrowing deep. His knees buckled. He clenched his fists so hard his nails bit into his palms. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. But no matter how tightly he held on¡ª His body was no longer his to control. His muscles spasmed violently. His ribs felt as though invisible hands were prying them apart, making room for something else. His stomach churned, agony rolling through his gut. A shuddering, broken breath slipped through his lips. "Keep it together. God damn it." The pain didn''t listen. He didn''t want to die. He wanted to live. There were too many things he needed to know, too many questions left unanswered. Most of all, he refused to die under someone else''s will. His flesh rippled, swarming as though alive¡ªtwisting, warping, contorting into something grotesque before snapping back into place. His bones groaned under the pressure, like rusted metal being forced into an unnatural shape. Before he knew it, he was on his side, panting violently. His vision darkened, black spots dancing before his eyes. But there was no time for weakness. No time for fear. He had to live. His heartbeat thundered in his ears¡ªa frantic rhythm that no longer felt human. And in that moment, he knew¡ª This wasn''t just pain. This was a warning. The madness lying dormant inside him was on the verge of breaking. A sudden splitting sensation tore through his skull, as if his head were being cracked open. His flesh resisted. His mind did not. A wave of nausea struck as he glimpsed something within himself¡ªan unnatural shape that pulsed, layered over his very existence, like a parasite feeding on his soul. His thoughts fractured¡ª Scattered. Fragmented. Distant memories blurred. Unrealized futures bled into his consciousness. ''Was he still Aquarius Alucard?'' Or had he become something else? Doubt gnawed at him. Was that even his true name? Or just another fabricated memory¡ªone of many, stitched together by his fractured mind? He pushed himself onto his knees, vision distorting at the edges. Reality itself stretched, melting like wax beneath an unseen sun. A muffled scream left his lips. But the silence swallowed it whole. Beyond the veil of human perception¡ª Something watched. Something smiled. Aquarius knew this feeling. It wasn''t just the stars. Not just the universe. The gods. They were mocking him. Another lamb. Another fool. Another toy tossed into their great design. And he instinctively knew why. Why his ritual felt wrong. ''It''s that damn ''miracle ability,'' isn''t it? '' It was more than what the explanation said. Even he wouldn''t want to see someone who was a literal impossibility specialist appear in a world ruled by gods. Yet, he wasn''t ready to succumb to their ploy. He didn''t know why they hadn''t killed him outright. But he didn''t want to find out. ¡ªNot now, at least. Clutching his chest, Aquarius forced himself to focus. He didn''t have time to dwell on pain. There was something far worse at hand. "If I''m really going to perish here¡­ why don''t I go out with a bang?" A weak chuckle slipped from his lips. Then, he forced his legs into a cross-legged position and sat still. He concentrated. Focused. He reached for it¡ªthat same warmth he had felt back on the ship, the fleeting sensation from the moment he awakened. Each time he grasped at it, the unbearable pain of his body mutating dragged him back. But he didn''t stop. Even when he was on the verge of collapse, he kept going. Even when he couldn''t breathe, when it felt like his head was splitting apart, he continued searching. Sweat ran down his spine. His breathing was ragged. His limbs trembled¡ª But then¡ª A spark ignited. A crooked smile spread across his lips. "Finally." At once, his body was overwhelmed by a sudden surge of energy. And he felt it¡ª His body was returning to normal. Slowly, he opened his eyes. He wasn''t in the Astral Realm. He wasn''t in the endless sea. He was back¡ªsitting alone on the altar. But something was wrong. Yes, he was supposed to feel stronger from his transformation. Yes, his mind was supposed to be somewhat clearer. But it was neither of those things. A chill crept up his spine. His lips parted as the realization struck. "I¡­ I can''t see colors anymore." Fragmented Memories Aquarius sat on the empty altar, his body still, his mind a drift. A figure approached¡ªhandsome, young, with lilac hair that shimmered in the dim ritual chamber. "Katherine, Ina¡ªAqua is back," Mikey announced as he stepped into the ritual ground. Behind him, two beautiful female figures stood. He tilted his head at Aquarius, frowning. "Was it too much for you? You''re not even moving." Aquarius remained silent before finally muttering, "No¡­ I just feel unwell for some odd reason." "Don''t worry, kids. We''ll talk about this later," Katherine said, her voice steady. She paused, glancing at them with an unreadable expression. "For now, just know this¡ªyou''ve officially become Seekers." Mikey''s face lit up with excitement. "So why don''t we do something else? Maybe karaoke? We can talk about our abilities, the trial¡­ and, uh, that book." Ina sighed, shaking her head. "You shouldn''t talk about it like that¡­ right, Aqua?" She turned to him, but something was wrong. Aquarius looked fragile¡ªhis usual strength absent. More than that, tears were running down his cheeks. "Aqua¡­ you''re crying? That''s¡­ tears of joy, right?" Ina''s smile faltered as concern crept into her voice. Aquarius trudged forward, his eyes vacant, his skin paler than usual. He moved like a marionette with its strings pulled taut. "Aqua, what''s wrong with you?" Mikey murmured, his tone tense. "Stand back, you two," Katherine warned. "He might have become something else." "Aquarius!" Ina called, but her voice felt distant to him, swallowed by the haze clouding his mind. Without a word, Aquarius bolted, dashing out of the underground chamber and into the boutique above. "Damn it!" Katherine cursed. --- The boutique smelled of old parchment and warm fabric¡ªa rare comfort in a world filled with uncertainty. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow over polished wooden floors. But none of it mattered. Aquarius barely noticed as he pushed open the front door and kept running. As he ran, he saw many people, some laughing, some crying and others going about their day. All they were doing, ''Creating Memories'', trying to leave behind something that will remain even after their death. The early stages of madness from being a Variable took hold of him a long time ago. Madness wasn''t just hallucinations or insanity. It was loss. His past¡ªthe most painful part of his existence¡ªhad been sealed away when his soul awakened to Kami. But now, as his core stabilized post-ritual, the dam had shattered. The block on his memories had cracked violently, and in an instant, everything came flooding back. Unlike a gradual recollection, it was overwhelming, unstoppable¡ªevery moment of his past crashing into him all at once. His body, mind, and heart couldn''t process it. He felt it. He understood it. The weight that had always been in his chest. The distant ringing in his ears. The suffocating pressure in his throat. Then, like a cruel god prying open a locked door, it hit him. Memories. The creaking floorboards of his childhood home. His mother''s voice humming a song he had long forgotten. His father''s hand ruffling his hair. His sister''s warm smile. The taste of a cheap birthday cake. And then¡ªthe night it all burned to ash. The screams. The blood. The cold emptiness that followed. He didn''t know where he was going, only that he had to move. He desperately wanted to forget. He wanted to ignore the pain. But his legs carried him blindly through the streets¡ªpast bustling merchants, past shouting vendors, past blurred faces that meant nothing. People turned to watch as he stumbled, falling hard onto the cobbled street. His pale skin scraped against the rough stone, but he barely felt it. Pain flared in his palms, but it was nothing compared to the agony in his chest. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. He gasped for breath, his lungs burning. His muscles screamed for relief, but he didn''t stop. By the time he reached the slums, he was shaking. His knees buckled, and he collapsed before a small, weathered church. At that moment, Aquarius didn''t know what was real and what was illusion. But he knew one thing¡ªthis feeling, this ache, this agony¡­ it couldn''t be replicated. Memories flashed through his mind faster than he could comprehend. It hurt. But he didn''t care. He looked around the empty courtyard, his gaze landing on three stone piles nestled side by side. His body trembled as he rose, walking toward them. He fell to his knees. The graves were small. Forgotten. Overgrown with weeds. Just like the people buried there. His fingers shook as he reached out, brushing dirt from the gravestones. His vision swam, his breath hitched. The names were faded, but he knew them. Mother. Father. Baby Sis. A broken laugh tore from his lips. At first soft¡ªthen darker. Then silence. The gentle breeze felt like it would rip his skin off. His throat was dry. His body was covered in bruises. And then, a sob escaped him. He hadn''t cried in years. Hadn''t allowed himself to. But now, the dam had broken completely. The grief. The rage. The sheer unfairness of it all¡ªit spilled out in violent, wracking sobs. He pressed his forehead against the cold stone, his body shaking. His fingers clenched the earth, nails digging into the dirt as if he could somehow reach them¡ªsomehow pull them back. "I didn''t forget, right?" he whispered, voice raw. "I promised¡­ I promised I''d never forget." But he had. The madness had stolen it. The gods had stolen it. Tears fell without stopping. "You guys¡­ you promised. We promised we''d be together forever¡­" At that moment, his world became as dark as a starless night. And like the cruelest joke of all¡ªhe remembered. His name was only Alucard, not Aquarius. And now, he finally remembered why he had chosen to become Aquarius instead. It wasn''t because he was born with the name. It wasn''t because it had some powerful meaning. It was because his entire life had crumbled in that month. Because every time someone called his name, he swore he would remember. Because he refused to let the gods take even that away from him. And for the first time in a long time¡ªhe cursed them. Not with words. Not with hatred. But with his grief. With his tears. "Damn it¡­ why the hell did you have to die and leave me alone?" His voice cracked as he held the sand tightly. "In this cruel and disgusting world¡ªthis world filled with violence, injustice, and betrayal? Why? Didn''t we promise to build the perfect home together?" He tried to use his sleeve to wipe his eyes, his nose, but the tears didn''t stop. This was the weight of a child who had been forced to become a man too soon. And in that moment, as he knelt before the graves of the people who had given him life¡ªAquarius was no longer just a name. It was a promise. A vow. A curse. "Whoever they are¡­ whatever this fucking system is¡­ I''m going to break it. I''m going to shatter it all." He forced out a trembling smile. "And then¡ªI''ll create the perfect home we all dreamed of." Mikey and Ina rushed into the courtyard, their eyes widening as they saw their friend¡ªbroken. Without a word, they knelt beside him, embracing him tightly. Deep in their eyes burned an unyielding conviction. It was dim¡ªbut it burned bright. The Legacy Coven A golden light pierced through the old wooden shutters, washing over Aquarius'' pale face. He stirred, lashes fluttering as he slowly rubbed his moonlight-colored eyes. The ceiling above felt oddly familiar¡ªworn wooden beams stretched overhead, the same as the inn where he had woken up after the Azraelian ship incident. The air carried the scent of aged wood, mixed with faint traces of medicinal herbs. Beside his bed, two figures sat slumped over, their heads resting on their arms. ''Why the hell did these fools sleep like that?'' Aquarius blinked as his vision adjusted. Their rhythmic breathing was soft, almost peaceful, but their disheveled appearances told the truth¡ªthey had been here all night, watching over him. A warmth spread through his chest. Even though he had lost everything, he had found something precious: people who refused to leave his side. But as he sat up, the weight of reality settled upon him. He still couldn''t see any colour. His heart pounded as he reached for his face, as if to confirm his own identity. Before, the world had felt dull, lifeless¡ªas the symptoms of madness crept into him. But now, instead of the vibrant hues returning, he saw only black and white. ''Why?'' ''Was it a side effect of the ritual?'' ''Or are the gods punishing me for my defiance?'' A shaky breath left him as he gripped his head, trying to process the loss. "Damn it, why am I always so unlucky?" He forced himself to calm down, shutting his eyes and letting his thoughts drift. No matter how much he pondered, he wouldn''t find answers now. Then, it hit him. The ritual. The memories. The past. A broken laugh escaped his lips, tinged with bitterness. He remembered. Almost everything. But his conviction¡ªhis goals¡ªwere also clear. Letting out a long sigh, he waved his hand, attempting to summon the book he had seen in the astral realm. His fingers twitched, and with a mere thought, a grimoire of dark leather and silver etchings materialised before him. Chronicle Journal was boldly inscribed in a strange language across its cover. The book pulsed with life, its surface shifting as if woven from flowing ink. He had sensed it before, but now, with his mind clearer, he could finally grasp its significance. It was a paradox¡ªa relic of knowledge and madness, of fear and reverence. And yet, as he traced its cover, it gave him an odd sense of peace. He smiled. This book, acquired through his life-and-death struggle against fate itself, was proof of his survival. Flipping through its pages, his gaze darkened as he paused midway¡ªon the name Noah Abraham. A chill ran down his spine. The Church knew. They had known about Seekers. About the power that came with Ascension. And, more importantly... they had known about him. That was the only explanation for their attack. It hadn''t been a random act of cruelty. It was a preemptive strike. They had sensed that he was infected and had tried to eliminate him before he could rise. A bitter taste filled his mouth. He had survived. But at what cost? ''Just how much is the Church hiding?'' The thought of an invisible force controlling countless lives made him shiver. How many more times was he going to be targeted? How many of his dear ones would be sacrificed? How was his miserly life supposed to continue¡ªfacing not just enemies, but abominations lurking in the shadows, gods pulling the strings, and whatever else lay in wait? He didn''t know. But one thing was certain: his life was in his hands¡ªno one else''s. The sound of rustling blankets pulled him from his thoughts. Mikey groaned, shifting in his chair. "Damn, sleeping like that was hell." Ina stirred as well, her blonde hair a tangled mess as she stretched. When her gaze met Aquarius'', her expression softened. "You''re finally up." Aquarius forced a smile. "Yeah¡­ thanks to you two." Mikey''s voice was still hoarse from sleep. "Are you sure you''re alright?" "Yeah, I said I''m fine." He tried to keep his worries hidden. But he knew that for now he was safe, since the pursuers never came looking for him. '' I can think of their plans and find counter measures when I know more. For now I can only face the present '' Mikey stared at him for a moment before shrugging. "If you say so." " But, why did you guys pick this particular inn". Ina eyes widened at his strange remark." Isn''t it obvious. It is the closest to our district and Katherine''s store". "Oh" After freshening up, the trio sat together, the conversation shifting to more pressing matters. "We need to start preparing for our first Chronicle," Ina said. "But before that, we should talk about our experiences with the ritual." Mikey''s face lit up. "Or¡ªkaraoke?" Aquarius raised an eyebrow. "Karaoke?" Ina chuckled. "It''s a good place to talk without being overheard. Besides¡­ it''ll be fun." The suggestion was odd, but at the same time, normalcy was something they needed. Street 7 ¨C Reinhart District The heart of entertainment in the city. Gas lamps lined the streets beside neon signs, casting an anachronistic glow. Gilded shop windows stood alongside theaters and game halls, while mechanical carriages hummed past bustling crowds. Among the establishments was a karaoke center¡ªhoused in a grand building with high ceilings, chandeliers, and velvet curtains. They entered a room called 45f on the 3rd floor. Ina turned to Aquarius. "Can you turn it on, please?" "Turn what on?" he muttered. "The karaoke machine." Aquarius stared at the glowing interface. Mikey smirked. "Aqua, don''t tell me you can''t even turn this thing on?" "It''s not my fault this world has technology straight out of different eras." Ina chuckled. "You really are hopeless." The night was filled with music, laughter, and sometimes teasing. But soon, the real discussion began. Seated in the dimly lit room, their voices hushed, they were ready to share their experiences with the ritual. Mikey exhaled loudly, straightening. "Okay, I''ll start first." "We just need the minimum details," Ina reminded him. "Yeah, I know." Aquarius hesitated before speaking. "¡­I just wanted to say that, I didn''t know anything about Kami or Seekers before all this." There was a brief silence¡ªbefore Ina and Mikey burst into laughter. Aquarius frowned. "What''s so funny?" Mikey grinned. "Aqua, that''s not a big deal." Ina''s expression softened. "We survived the ship incident together so you do know something about it". Her face darkened. "And plus we all have our personal reasons why we want to break the system. Trust me." If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Aquarius felt a weight lift from his chest. So maybe he had been overthinking things. *********************** Ina cleared her voice. "Now, about our first Chronicle¡ª" "Isn''t it obvious?" Aquarius interrupted. "The one that started all this." Mikey nodded. "Yeah. We can''t leave debts unsettled." Ina placed her hands on the table. "I get that, but if we want to survive as Seekers, we need more than just strength. We need people we can trust¡ªa true bond, even through this madness." She met their gazes. "Am not trying to recruit you guys or anything, but covens are pretty helpful " Silence filled the room. "A Coven?" Aquarius murmured. Ina nodded. "A group of Seekers who trust each other more than family. Who share knowledge and strength to Ascend together." " And I thought it through, since luck somehow brought us together, and we even know our individual abilities". She paused." Can''t we also form a group that stands as equals, protecting each other''s back" Mikey smirked. "That doesn''t sound bad." Aquarius hesitated. But as he looked at them¡ªthe people who had stood by him in his darkest moment. His heart wanted to trust them, even though his mind said otherwise. But he had already made his decision. A slow smile formed on his lips. "Alright," he said. "Let''s do it." Ina''s face brighten." So as an official coven we can share information related to seekers and Chronicles. We can also clear Chronicles together and in case one of our members has an issue with his sanity the rest will always be there to help". Aquarius was slightly taken aback by her tone" Why does it sound like there will be more people" " Of course there will be more people. Covens usually have at least five individuals thou it isn''t a standard". Aquarius expression darkened it was already taking all he had to not distrust both Ina and Mikey but adding more to the equation was going to be a little too much. But it was still too soon to tell. Ina smirked. " To tell the truth I always had a name for when I made a coven. She paused to let the suspense fill the air. " What do you guys think of the Legacy Coven". Mikey let out a laugh. " Sorry, I wasn''t expecting a normal sounding name". " Wait, I''m not done yet. She paused. " Since Aquarius named himself after a constellation why don''t we each pick a name from the 12 constellation signs of zodiac". " Like how mine is Aquarius, you want to answer something like Leo or Aries". " Yeah, just like that" " I think I like the idea, even more than the name of the coven". Mikey paused. " Then anytime we are doing things related to seekers I will be called Sagittarius, since it has a lot to do with my trait". Mikey then looked at Ina with expectation. " Umm.. then I will be Leo". " You were waiting for Mikey to ask weren''t you". Ina just giggled at his remark " So now what next". Ina pondered for a moment before answering." I think Katherine will know more than I do". The both nodded in agreement. ¡ª A sigh echoed through the empty halls of an ancient castle. Debris of the stone wall scattered around the pristine floors of the ancient forgotten city. A lone figure sat on a throne made of ancient stone. Beside him, stood a young woman with sky blue hair dressed in a bronze armour joined by a black silk material "You seem troubled." The man exhaled. "I sensed it." "Sensed what?" "The birth of a new Error Order." The woman chuckled. "Isn''t that a good thing? Another junior in your order". The man shook his head. His voice turned grave. "Error is a path of either submission or death. You know too well that the outers doesn''t allow its existence." He paused and shifted his gaze to the entrance. "You can sense that thing can''t you". The young woman smiled." You mean the mythic fiend lurking outside" He sighed forming a spear of fractured space in his grasp. "We need to finish our task and return." Before them, a monstrous, alien entity loomed, shifting with colours beyond mortal perception and six talon like arms. "I haven''t seen you before big guy" The woman grinned. "At least we''ll get some entertainment first." " Don''t joke like that Melisa". The man in a jet black armour and red cape spoke with a commanding tune. " This mission determines Vale''s sanity so be serious, we can''t lose another member" " I know, so stop bugging me" Melisa stepped forward staring directly at the mythic fiend in front of her, the fiend''s power through her eyes was large enough to be equated as two universes combined. Yet the young woman remained unfazed. A large sword appeared in her hands as she dodged the stingers that flew at her, immediately lunging into the air leaving the floor beneath her shattered by the force of her launch and then proceeded to slice the fiend''s arm off with an arc of her two edged sword. The fiend screamed in rage as it''s arms swung towards the direction of the young lady to tear her to shreds but she instantly twisted her body in the opposite direction while throwing the sword in the air. The fiend''s arms smashed a large cathedral by it''s side into nothingness. But still it didn''t give her the opportunity to attack again, it shot out spikes from it''s body while trying to squeeze her using it''s forearm. But in the next moment she gripped her sword with her left hand, slicing it through the other arm, a sharp surge of fire energy engulfed the arm vibrating the air with heat and the smell of burnt flesh and engulfing the surrounding area with red flames. The split millisecond was all she needed to attack. She gracefully jumped off her sword that was still tightly inserted in the fiends''s burnt arm forming another blade of pure flame energy mid-flight. She rocketed down towards the body of the abomination, burning all the trees and weeds around and incinerating all the buildings surrounding her. The sword was getting larger each passing moment. The fiend looked at the tiny woman and her towering sword approaching it and let out poisonous fog. But it was far too late. The giantific sword pierced the it''s skull erasing the upper body out of existence, blood splattered round the pristine floor of the throne room leaving behind two enormous feet. " So how''s that, Jacob". " I''m not in the mood for your jokes, let''s just move on". The young giggled." Ok boss". Jacob turned back looking at the remaining feet of the mythic fiend and sighed. " I just hope that kid doesn''t suffer too much". " What did you say boss". He looked at the young woman covered in blood." Clean yourself before calling me your boss" Miracles Toll The door of the private room creaked open as Ina stepped back inside, her phone still clutched in one hand, the screen''s light casting faint shadows across her face. Her gaze flickered briefly to the two people waiting¡ªAquarius and Mikey¡ªbefore drifting away, unfocused, as if she was still half-absorbed in the call. "So, what did Katherine say?" Aquarius blurted out, snapping Ina back to reality. Ina lingered for a moment before speaking. "She just said she was mad that we ran out like that. No matter how urgent the situation was, we should have at least called." Mikey gasped, fixing his gaze on the two beside him. "That''s right¡ªI totally forgot about Kath." "But I don''t think we need that much after our ritual," Aquarius cut in. "Yeah, I thought so too." Ina paused as she sat back on the cushion. "But apparently, we need many other things before we are ready for our first chronicle." Aquarius placed his left hand on his chin, zoning out of the conversation. ''I guess you can''t send untrained soldiers to fight, no matter how strong they may be.'' Aquarius wasn''t concerned about how long it would take. His true desire lay in unraveling the mysteries of this strange, enthralling world¡ªuncovering truths he had never even imagined. Mikey dropped his teacup back on the table and raised his gaze to Ina. "So, when are we going to meet her?" Ina let out a loud sigh, freeing her posture. "Well, that''s the problem." She took a sip of green tea, the cup clenched tightly in her delicate palms. "She''s mad that we didn''t contact her and said we should take some time off since we left already." "So we wait till she calms down." "Apparently, that''s the only option," Ina turned to Aquarius, a fleeting frown crossed his face as his jaw tightened, betraying his inner tension. "We aren''t in any hurry, and it''s a plus since all our thoughts are a mess right now." Aquarius did agree with her, but he was feeling a bit impatient for an unknown reason. ''Well, the patient dog always eats the biggest bone¡ªor however the saying went.'' "So, I think we should all go our separate ways for now and meet up when we are done with our individual affairs," Ina suggested, her face darkening slightly. Mikey let out his usual smile. "I think Katherine is trying to do this for our own good, so..." He paused. "Let''s just finish our normal affairs, because I''m not even sure if we will have any ''normal'' after this." Mikey straightened his posture. "So let''s just share our contact info for now and meet up later like Ina said." Ina nodded in agreement and turned to Aquarius. "Why are you staring at me?" "No, it''s just¡ªaren''t you going to share your contact info?" Aquarius tilted his head slightly. "But why do we need to share our contact info? We can just pick a date." Mikey''s gaze lingered on Aquarius before he shook his head. "Why do you think communication was invented? It''s so that we can communicate." Aquarius''s expression changed slightly before returning to normal. "You know what you said makes no sense." "It doesn''t," Mikey cleared his throat. "Well, what I''m trying to say is, we need to share our contact info in case something occurs." Aquarius couldn''t argue with that and honestly wanted to have actual numbers in his smartphone, but he had other reasons for his objection. Ina, who was in deep thought, turned to face Aquarius, a grin slowly appearing on her beautiful face. "Don''t tell me, you don''t even know your contact info." Aquarius stared at her with his usual calm expression, but his mind was a real wreck. ''Damn it, why does she get so intuitive at times like this?'' "How pathetic do you think I am? Of course I know my contact info." Ina''s grin slowly disappeared. "So why object then?" Aquarius had already thought of his next words. "Well, I don''t mind sharing my info with Mikey, but with you¡ªthat isn''t just a girl but also a..." He paused and stole a glance at her face. "Just never mind the second part, you get the point, right?" Ina smiled, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean, ''never mind''?" "It''s not that important," Aquarius realized the faint trace of irritation a little too late, but Mikey intervened before anything happened. "Guys, I think we''re going a little off point." Ina let out a sigh as she picked up her phone from the table. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. (Aquarius''s POV) Phew. I finally escaped that hellhole. It seems the saying that beautiful people are the most dangerous really is true. I put my top hat on as I left the Street 7 district. The street in the next district wasn''t that populated, so I had room to both breathe and think. I''ve been trying to postpone the issue of Kami, seekers, my loss of color, and my strange ability¡ªwhich I knew nothing about. I was actually pretty excited that I survived the ritual process, but having an ability that I know nothing about was honestly frustrating. Even Ina and Mikey didn''t know how to use their abilities either, but they did say that their main traits were active. I honestly had a lot to process, just like Ina said, but my present issue was far worse¡ªI didn''t have any place to sleep and had no money to pay for an inn. "I should have asked Mikey for some coins." But I knew why I didn''t¡ªit wasn''t because I forgot but because my pride wouldn''t take it and also the fact that I hate being indebted to someone for no reason. I finally reached my destination a lifeless alley in between Street 6 and 5. This particular alleyway was known by all slum kids as ''hell paradise '', to us at the slums this was the very Lowest of society in Luthadel as far as we knew, but here I was standing in front of that very alleyway. I let out a sigh as I entered, they air around this part of Luthadel was unlike the freshness of Katherine''s store or the karaoke private room I just left. A suffocating stench of rot and decay clung to the air, sinking into my lungs with every breath. The ground was slick with filth, the walls damp with something that felt alive in the darkness The alley was a forgotten corner of the city, tucked away from the cleaner streets where the rich strolled. It was a heavy and nauseating reminder that this was the city''s underbelly. Narrow and cramped, the passageway was barely wide enough for two people to walk side by side, lined with crumbling buildings leaning in on each other as if trying to escape their own collapse. Windows were boarded up, broken, or caked in grime, and the ground was littered with refuse¡ªrags, discarded food, and the occasional rat scurrying in search of scraps. As I walked through this desolate alley I saw people who looked more like corpses than the living, hunched in the shadows with hollow eyes and skin stretched too thin. Prostitutes sat on the damp cobblestones, their faces tired, worn, and hollow, the remnants of their former selves barely clinging to the grime-covered walls around them. Their bodies were mere shells, devoid of life, as they waited for their next fleeting moment of business. '' Can you really call this leaving '', I clicked my tongue in irritation. But a thought continued ringing in my head. ''If chronicles are really other worlds and seekers conquer them why can''t they just move some humans over to that side, why must they let them suffer''. Those where thoughts I didn''t have answers to, but couldn''t help thinking of. The lantern-style streetlight flickered above, barely casting a pale glow onto the street, its dim light sputtering as if it too was giving up. It hadn''t been properly maintained in ages, its glass caked in soot, and the dim light seemed like a cruel reminder of the abandonment this place had suffered. The air was damp, and a sickly greenish liquid pooled between the cobblestones. This was where the city''s scorned found shelter¡ªno warmth, no light, no hope. I wanted to sympathize with these people, but I wasn''t in a better situation myself. Yes, I might have become an official seeker, but it wasn''t like money would fall from the sky the moment I did. As I studied the surrounding of this alley looking for which corner I will tucked myself into for the night thou to the inhabitants of this forgotten corner I felt out of place. A man who had a huge build but now just hunched over appeared in front of me. " Didn''t you learn your lessons last time you shitty missionaries, we don''t want to hear your preaching while you look healthy and we suffer from hunger". All the people in the alley turned to me with disgust bodily written on their faces, but they were the least of my problem, I wasn''t a saint so I had no reason to let talk them or did I have the justification to do so, and I still had more things on my mind, not even talking about the fact that I was going to sleep in the same alleyway, but what really took my attention was how the alley was built, the buildings surrounding it and the small gaps that was made, felt as if they were constructed with the intention of making this a facility for the lowest of the low to live. A child tugged at my clothes snapping me back to reality. Even though she was tattered and skinny, she was still a very cute child. Her voice was like that of an angel, and her eyes still shone brightly in this land of death. "Mister, do you have any candy?" I smiled at the girl as I knelt down, holding her by the shoulder. "What''s your name, young one?" I asked, my tone both calm and compassionate. "My name is Olivia. You can call me Oly," she said, smiling widely. "My mom said before she went to heaven that beautiful people are always kind. So are you kind, mister?" For a moment, I saw a flicker of someone else in her eyes¡ªsomeone lost to me long ago. It was a wound I had tried to bury deep, but the weight of her innocence threatened to unearth it." I rubbed her head and said." Of course am nice, I can even do magic tricks". At this point not even I knew what I was saying anymore but I just wanted to keep this little child''s smile." Really let me see". I stretched out my left hand grabbing a rock in it, I remembered that I always kept a single strin coin in my back pocket, using my right hand I stretched out to my back pocket while placing the rock behind her right ear, but i soon realised that for the first time the coin wasn''t in my pants. '' I left it ''. But I couldn''t tell Oly that the magic trick was over, she was just like me, maybe that''s why I felt a little attached but in that situation I was helpless but something within me had a feeling something that I had never felt before that if I just opened my palms in front of her everything will change. I took the gamble slowly releasing my first and in it wasn''t the rock that I picked up or even the one strin coin. It was a lollipop, something that wasn''t in my possession appeared but it was impossible. A trick of the light? A cruel joke played by the world? But no¡ªthe weight of the lollipop in my palm was real. As was the searing agony twisting through my veins, as if the universe itself demanded payment for this so-called ''miracle Oly''s face eluminated with joy but instead of just smiling she began to cry, to her a lollipop was a foreign entity that she could just dream of, but now it was in front of her. '' A Miracle '' My gentle facade broke as a grin appeared on my face. '' Yes no matter the pain it brought, it was still a freaking money making Miracle''. STANS Airship Aquarius had been contemplating for a long time what his unusual Core trait actually did. Meeting a little girl finally provided him with answers. Discovering how his Miracle ability functioned was not the only surprise; the effects of the ability were astonishing. It could bend the laws of nature to give its user a significant advantage. Aquarius clicked his tongue. ''But my rotten luck just had to add a cherry on top.'' He felt genuinely happy about his ability¡ªnot just because it granted him an unpredictable trait, but also because it provided considerable advantages in terms of luck and various non-seeker activities. ''At least I didn''t end up with something like ridiculously big muscles.'' Slowly, Aquarius stood up from his squatting position and turned to face the hunched man. He spoke in a somewhat excited tone, a grin still visible on his face. "Old man," he began, pausing to gauge the man''s reaction. Just as he expected, the man looked dumbfounded. "Do you know of any big gambling dens around that pay well?" The man stared at him and replied, seemingly without hesitation, "Um... there was one, I think." He pointed toward an airship. "It operated on the STAN airship." Aquarius smirked. "Then why don''t we go gambling?" The man appeared stunned. "The entrance price is hefty." Aquarius was already aware of this; he wasn''t ignorant, but he felt a growing urge to break free from the constraints of his current situation. "Don''t worry about anything," he reassured the man. "Go freshen up, put Oly in her best dress, and follow me. We''re going to make some money." The hunched man nodded and carried Oly, sprinting off. Aquarius didn''t dare look around, fearing that doing so would cause the entire alleyway to come to a standstill. Aquarius now stood in front of the boarding station for the luxurious airship. ''Honestly, since I got infected, I''ve been moving from one luxurious place to another; it kind of feels like I''m just going with the current.'' He sighed and turned to the people standing behind him, their small figures barely distinguishable from the background. "You know we''re entering as guests, not as slaves, right?" Aquarius said. "No, big bro, it''s just that both Mr. Jay and I aren''t used to this," Oly replied. ''You think I''m used to it? I was born in the slums too,'' he thought. "And why are you calling me ''big bro'' all of a sudden?" Oly smiled widely. "Because I always wanted a brother." ''Damn it, I can''t say no to that,'' he sighed as his gaze fixed on the airship that had landed just a few meters away. Aquarius walked up to the entrance of the vessel, close but not too close to be noticed. He sat on one of the chairs placed near the ship''s dock. ''I know what I''m about to do isn''t right, but it isn''t like I''m going to kill anyone,'' he thought, smiling as he observed the people boarding the airship. Most were young masters of noble families; some were unknown aristocrats, while others were merchants. Once he was done observing, he leaned back, resting his elbows on his lap while crossing his fingers. He had long sent both Oly and Mr. Jay away. He regulated his breathing, focusing on the pain he had been suppressing. A shallow shriek escaped as he felt the deep purple energy that once emanated from him resurfacing; he could both feel and see it, even through his distorted vision. In the next moment, the world felt like it was enveloped in purple waves of light as Aquarius tried to maintain a straight and composed face despite the pain that plagued him. His mind began to fracture as he glimpsed dark entities hovering above his knowledge sea; it didn''t feel peaceful like before; it felt chaotic. The sky trembled as the deep purple cloud darkened, and the seas that once supported him began to ripple violently. But as soon as he relinquished the indifferent pain that stung him, the sea became still once more. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Aquarius exhaled, his ragged breathing returning to normal. Through the pain he just endured, he came to understand something he hadn''t known before. "Knowledge plays a big role in ascension," he murmured. He relaxed in the chair, looking around as if trying to find something he''d left behind. A smirk appeared on his tired face as he muttered, "Checkmate." As Aquarius watched the airship passengers boarding, Oly and Mr. Jay returned. "So, should we be leaving now, sir?" Mr. Jay asked. Aquarius turned to face him. "You''re just in time." Oly stared at Aquarius with concern in her eyes. "Are you okay, big bro?" she asked in a worried tone. Aquarius, still sweating, replied with a somewhat hoarse voice, "Yeah, don''t worry about me; it''s just a weird cardio exercise I did to pass the time." The little girl didn''t believe him but knew he wouldn''t say any more. After taking a deep breath, Aquarius stood up from his seat. "Let''s go." He now stood in front of the massive ship. A tall, broad-shouldered figure stood confidently at the entrance of the airship, illuminated by the warm glow of the overhead lamps. He wore a sharp, double-breasted navy coat adorned with gleaming brass buttons and intricate gold embroidery, projecting an air of authority and presence. His immaculate trousers were neatly tucked into knee-high leather boots that strikingly caught the light. Perched atop his head was a sleek bicorne hat, tilted slightly and embellished with an ornate gold band, which contributed to his dignified appearance. The hat provided a striking contrast to the airship''s architecture, further enhancing his noble demeanor. His gloved hands rested purposefully on the hilt of a polished rapier, embodying his confidence and readiness. With keen eyes scanning the crowd, his posture conveyed a blend of discipline and experience. When he spoke, his voice was both commanding and respectful, inviting attention and engagement from those around him. "Excuse me," he directed to the woman standing in front of Aquarius. "Miss Elendor, can you show me your ticket?" Elendor looked up at the towering figure and replied, "Of course." She inserted her hands into the small silver-colored bag that hung over her shoulder. But then she froze, looking up to gesture to her friend at the entrance of the airship, "Reina, I can''t find my ticket anymore." Aquarius'' face paled as he watched the two women scramble in search of the ticket. "Are you looking for your ticket?" he asked while drawing closer to them. Elendor nodded, tears rolling down her face. "Do you perhaps know where I dropped it?" Aquarius shook his head. "No, in fact, I can''t find mine either." The guard, wanting to voice his opinion, was interrupted by the loud complaints of people in line. They all echoed the same worry: they were missing their tickets. The guard was perplexed; he was unable to say or do anything. This wasn''t just an isolated incident anymore; it now involved people from multiple aristocratic families that he couldn''t afford to handle carelessly. But Aquarius was the only one who truly understood what was happening. ''Kami isn''t an overpowered or godly force; it is a system of give and take. You trade your sanity for power, sometimes even your very essence,'' he thought. Aquarius had pondered long and hard about what his trait would demand from him. ''Isn''t it obvious what an ability that grants luck and miracles will cost in return?'' He began to shiver as he stared at the guard, who was still searching for the right words to say. Gathering his breath, he addressed the panicking crowd, "Everyone will be allowed to board the ship, and we will get to the bottom of this incident." The people''s faces brightened with joy. Following their lead, Aquarius added, "Thank goodness. I thought my trip was going to be wasted." He then turned to the guard, "But Mr. Guard, I hope my money won''t get stolen on my way back home." The guard''s expression grew strained. "I can promise you that we will get to the bottom of this and catch the thief." Aquarius smiled. "That''s more like it. This country is really turning into something else," he muttered, turning his gaze back to the woman in front of him. He stretched out his hand, bowing slightly. "So, shall we, my lady?" Elendor, flustered, turned to glance at her friends, whose faces were beet red as they admired Aquarius, oblivious to the fact that his demeanor didn''t match his role at all. The lady quickly locked her hands around his as they walked in, with both Oly and Mr. Jay by his side. ''Why don''t I go make some money''. He thought to himself.