《Paradise Unveiled》


 Chapter 1 : when the bell tolls

    The soft light of dawn crept through the narrow window, casting pale beams across the stone floor. Dust motes drifted lazily in the golden haze, illuminated by the weak warmth of the rising sun. Outside, the faint murmur of the city stirring to life echoed through the quiet, broken only by the distant tolling of the Grand Cathedral¡¯s bells.


    Lior lay beneath the thin woolen blankets, his head sinking into the rough linen pillow. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was steady ¡ª the deep, even rhythm of someone caught in that fragile space between sleep and wakefulness. His limbs felt heavy, his body comfortably warm beneath the covers despite the chill seeping in through the cracks in the stone walls.


    He heard the bells. He knew what they meant. The procession was starting soon.


    But the warmth of the bed was too good to give up just yet.


    A quiet sigh escaped him as he pulled the blanket higher over his head, willing sleep to take him again.


    Then the door crashed open.


    "LIORRRRRRR!"


    The sharp sound of wood striking stone jolted him awake. A sudden weight landed on his chest, knocking the breath from his lungs. He barely had time to open his eyes before an elbow drove into his ribs.


    "Gah!" Lior¡¯s hand shot toward his side. "What the hell?"


    A shadow loomed over him.


    Celis, his childhood friend.


    Her dark braid dangled over her shoulder as she crouched on top of him, her gray acolyte¡¯s cloak already fastened neatly at her throat. Loose strands of hair framed her face, and her amber eyes flashed dangerously as she leaned forward.


    "You¡¯re going to miss the procession," she said.


    Lior groaned and buried his face back into his pillow. "Five more minutes."


    Celis narrowed her eyes. Her hand shot out, yanking the pillow from beneath his head and tossing it onto the floor.


    "You sound way too excited about a bunch of armored men walking in a straight line," Lior muttered, rolling onto his side.


    "It¡¯s not about the Templars," Celis snapped. Her cheeks were slightly flushed from the cold, and the early morning light caught the edge of her sharp features. "The High Cardinal is speaking today."


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    "You don¡¯t even like the High Cardinal," Lior pointed out, his voice muffled by the blanket he was trying to pull back over himself.


    "That¡¯s not the point." Celis¡¯s hand shot forward, grabbing the edge of the blanket and peeling it away. "Get. Up."


    "Or what?"


    Celis smiled faintly, her eyes narrowing. "You really want to find out?"


    Lior¡¯s brows lifted in mock challenge. "You wouldn¡¯t¡ª"


    Celis¡¯s hand shot toward his ribs.


    "Wait¡ª no¡ª!"


    Her fingers dug into his side, mercilessly attacking the sensitive spot just beneath his ribs. Lior thrashed beneath her, squirming and trying to twist away as laughter broke free from his throat.


    "Stop¡ª Celis¡ª!" He wheezed.


    "Then get up!" Celis¡¯s mouth curled into a mischievous smile as she pinned him with her knee.


    "Alright! Alright!" Lior grabbed her wrist, laughing despite himself. "I surrender!"


    Celis leaned back, satisfied, and stood with the same fluid grace she always had. She brushed her braid over her shoulder and straightened her cloak, her expression returning to its usual composed sharpness.


    "You¡¯re evil," Lior muttered as he sat up, raking a hand through his dark hair.


    "I¡¯m efficient," Celis replied coolly. "And we have five minutes before the gates close. Get moving."


    Lior sighed, stretching his legs over the side of the bed. His bare feet touched the cold stone floor, the chill cutting through the last vestiges of sleep.


    "You¡¯re going to get us both killed one day," he said as he reached for his tunic.


    "And yet you¡¯d still follow me," Celis said, her back already turned toward the door.


    Lior¡¯s smile softened. "Yeah, probably."


    Celis paused in the doorway, half turning to look at him. The light from the window framed her silhouette, casting soft shadows across the wall behind her. For a brief moment, Lior thought she might say something more ¡ª but then her expression hardened, and she turned away.


    "Hurry up," she said over her shoulder. "I¡¯m not waiting for you."


    Lior chuckled as he pulled on his boots. His gaze lingered on the empty doorway for a moment longer before he stood and followed her out.


    Outside, the city was already alive.


    The chill of early morning clung to the air as Lior and Celis stepped into the narrow streets. Merchants were setting up their stalls beneath the arched stone bridges, their voices rising in the crisp morning air. The scent of fresh bread and spiced meat lingered on the breeze.


    The Cathedral bells rang out again ¡ª slower now, deeper. A warning that the gates would soon close.


    Lior glanced at Celis. Her eyes were fixed ahead, her expression calm and composed. But he could see the way her hand lingered at the edge of her cloak ¡ª a subtle sign of tension.


    "You know," he said, sliding his hands into his pockets. "You don¡¯t have to care about the High Cardinal¡¯s speech. It¡¯s not like anyone would notice if we just¡­ skipped it."


    Celis¡¯s eyes flashed toward him. "We¡¯re not skipping it."


    "Why not?"


    Her gaze darkened. "Because it matters."


    Lior¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. "To you?"


    Celis didn¡¯t answer. She quickened her pace as they approached the outer gate of the Grand Cathedral. The golden spires of its towers loomed high above the city, gleaming beneath the pale morning light.


    A line of Templars in polished silver armor stood at the gate, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. Their white capes fluttered in the breeze, embroidered with the sigil of Elos.


    Lior hesitated for a moment before following Celis up the stone steps. His gaze flicked toward the sky.


    The bells had stopped ringing.


    And beneath the quiet hum of the waking city, he felt it ¡ª that strange pressure in the air. A heaviness. Like the feeling that a storm was coming.


    Celis¡¯s hand brushed against his.


    Lior blinked.


    Celis¡¯s amber eyes met his ¡ª steady and calm.


    "Come on," she said softly. "We¡¯re already late."


    Lior smiled faintly and followed her through the gate.

 Chapter - 2 :Light Of Elos

    The courtyard outside the dormitory was already crowded when Lior and Celis stepped through the arched doorway. The other acolytes were filing toward the main square in neat rows, their gray cloaks fluttering in the crisp morning breeze. The quiet shuffle of feet against cobblestones mixed with the distant murmur of the waking city.


    Lior ran a hand through his dark hair and sighed. "You¡¯re actually excited about this?"


    Celis shot him a sideways glance as they slipped into line behind a pair of older acolytes. "The procession only happens once a year."


    "And the High Cardinal¡¯s speech only changes once a decade," Lior muttered, adjusting the hem of his tunic.


    "That¡¯s not the point." Celis¡¯s tone was sharp, but her expression remained calm.


    Lior rolled his eyes but didn¡¯t argue. His gaze wandered upward toward the towering spires of the Grand Cathedral, where the pale light of morning brushed the white stone walls with gold. Banners bearing the sigil of Elos  a sunburst surrounded by a silver halo  fluttered along the parapets. The sun¡¯s reflection caught the silver threadwork, making them shimmer faintly against the stone.


    They passed beneath the arch of the outer gate, their footsteps swallowed by the widening noise of the city beyond. The main square was already filling with people  citizens, merchants, and pilgrims alike pressing toward the cathedral steps. Priests in flowing white robes stood at the edges of the crowd, whispering prayers beneath their breath.


    Lior¡¯s gaze lingered on the Knights of the Sun standing in perfect formation along the perimeter of the square. Their heavy greatswords rested against their shoulders, and their mirrored helms reflected the early light. Their golden armor gleamed beneath the sun¡¯s rays, each knight standing so still they could have been statues.


    "Perfect formation, as always," Celis murmured.


    "They¡¯re knights," Lior replied. "Perfect formation is their entire personality."


    Celis shot him a sharp look. "If Sir Malrik heard you say that"


    "Then he¡¯d make me run the battlements again." Lior sighed. "I¡¯m very aware."


    The two of them took their place near the back of the square, where the crowd thinned slightly. Lior crossed his arms, leaning slightly toward Celis. "So what¡¯s so special about today?"


    "The High Cardinal is addressing the people directly," Celis said, her gaze fixed toward the top of the cathedral steps.


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    "He addresses the people every year."


    "But not after the Dawn Bell."


    Lior frowned slightly, but before he could ask what she meant, the Dawn Bell tolled again deep and resonant. A ripple of silence passed through the crowd.


    The Knights of the Sun lowered their swords in unison. The sound of metal striking stone echoed through the square, sharp and absolute.


    A tall figure emerged from the arch of the cathedral his white and gold robes trailing behind him. His steps were slow but deliberate, the hem of his cloak brushing the polished stone. High Cardinal Veyrn ascended the steps with quiet authority, the golden crown resting lightly on his brow. He raised a hand, and the murmurs of the crowd fell into absolute silence.


    "My children," Veyrn¡¯s voice carried easily through the square low, measured, and unwavering. "Today, we gather to honor the light of Elos  the eternal protector of humanity. Through his sacrifice, we are made whole. Through his light, we are given strength."


    Celis bowed her head immediately. Lior hesitated for a moment before following suit. His gaze, however, remained slightly raised.


    The High Cardinal stood beneath the arch of the cathedral, flanked by two senior priests in gold-threaded robes. His expression was calm, his pale gray eyes sharp beneath the weight of the crown. He held a crystal orb in his hands the Sacred Relic of Light  its surface pulsing faintly with soft, golden light.


    "And so," Veyrn continued, his voice smooth as polished glass, "we walk beneath his light, so that we may never again fall into darkness."


    The Templars knelt in unison, the heavy sound of metal striking stone echoing across the square.


    Celis knelt as well, her hands folded neatly over her chest. Lior followed her lead, lowering himself slowly. His gaze remained fixed on the crystal orb in Veyrn¡¯s hands. The soft pulse of light beneath its surface quickened slightly ¡ª steady, but not calm.


    "Rise, my children," Veyrn said. "And let the light of Elos guide you forward."


    The crowd rose. The Knights of the Sun stood with perfect discipline as the Templars began their march down the main street. Their white capes fluttered beneath the early breeze, and the sharp sound of synchronized footsteps followed them.


    Celis smiled faintly as she watched the procession. "See? Not so bad."


    Lior exhaled through his nose. "I guess."


    Celis¡¯s smile widened slightly. "Come on. We have the rest of the day off."


    Lior followed her through the crowd, weaving between the groups of dispersing citizens. His gaze drifted back toward the cathedral steps, where High Cardinal Veyrn was descending slowly beneath the shadow of the arch.


    The light from the Sacred Relic still lingered in his mind ¡ª not soft and steady as it should have been, but restless. For a moment, Lior swore it pulsed in time with the beat of his own heart.


    They crossed the square together, passing beneath the shadow of the outer gate. Lior caught Celis¡¯s hand briefly as the crowd thickened around them. Her fingers curled lightly against his, warm despite the chill.


    "You know," he said, "you still didn¡¯t tell me why this procession matters so much."


    Celis glanced at him. Her amber eyes were steady. "Because it¡¯s tradition."


    Lior frowned. "Tradition isn¡¯t the same as truth."


    "Maybe not," Celis replied quietly. "But it¡¯s all people have."


    Lior hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the Sacred Relic still glowing faintly beneath the shadows of the cathedral.


    "Come on," Celis said, tugging his hand. "We¡¯re going to lose our spot at the bakery if you keep standing there."


    Lior smiled faintly and followed her.


    But beneath the calm hum of the waking city, the sound of the Dawn Bell still echoed in his chest  hollow and cold

 CHAPTER 3 : just another day

    Morning sunlight slanted across the training yard, glinting off polished steel and casting long shadows across the cobblestones. The chill of the early air still clung to Lior¡¯s skin, but the warmth of his own blood rising beneath the surface dulled it.


    A sharp crack rang out as the training sword struck his forearm.


    "Ah damn it!" Lior winced, stepping back and shaking out his arm.


    Across from him, Kyren grinned. "That all you got?"


    Kyren¡¯s dark hair was damp with sweat, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He twirled his training sword lazily between his fingers, the blade catching the sunlight.


    "I¡¯m just warming up," Lior muttered.


    "Then warm up faster."


    Kyren lunged forward. Lior barely had time to raise his sword before the clash of metal vibrated down his arm. He stumbled back, his feet scraping across the cobblestones.


    "Focus, Lior!" Sir Malrik¡¯s voice barked across the yard. The Templar captain stood at the edge of the ring, arms crossed over his chest. His polished armor gleamed like sunlight through glass. "You¡¯ll last about ten seconds in the Trials if you keep leaving your left side open."


    Kyren chuckled. "You hear that? Ten seconds."


    Lior shot him a glare and swung harder. Kyren easily deflected the blow and stepped forward, driving his shoulder into Lior¡¯s chest. Lior hit the ground hard, the breath knocked from his lungs.


    "Enough!" Malrik¡¯s voice cut through the clash of training swords. "Switch partners."


    Lior exhaled sharply and pushed himself upright, rubbing his aching chest. Kyren reached down and offered him a hand.


    "You¡¯re getting better," Kyren said, pulling him to his feet.


    "I still lost."


    "Yeah, but you lasted more than ten seconds this time."


    Lior scowled. "You¡¯re hilarious."


    "I know."


    "Lior!"


    He turned toward the sound of his name. A pair of girls stood near the edge of the ring, their gray cloaks gathered neatly at their shoulders. One of them a blonde girl named Elyse was smiling.


    "You looked good out there," Elyse said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.


    Lior scratched the back of his neck. "Uh¡­ thanks?"


    "Maybe you could help us with sword drills sometime?" Elyse¡¯s smile widened.


    "I¡­ uh¡­"


    "Of course he can," Kyren cut in. "He¡¯s got nothing better to do."


    Lior shot Kyren a betrayed look. Elyse¡¯s friend giggled.


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    "Great!" Elyse¡¯s eyes sparkled as she stepped closer. "We¡¯ll see you after the next session?"


    "Um¡­ sure?"


    Elyse smiled again and walked away with her friend, both of them whispering to each other as they disappeared behind the training ring.


    Kyren clapped Lior on the back. "Look at you attracting admirers now."


    "Shut up."


    "You know you¡¯ll have to teach them now, right?" Kyren said. "They¡¯re not going to let you off that easily."


    "Wonderful," Lior muttered.


    Across the training yard, Celis stood near the weapons rack, fastening her gauntlets. Her braid was slightly looser now, dark strands of hair clinging to her forehead. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Elyse disappear through the gate.


    "Are you going to spar," she said flatly, "or just stand there looking stupid?"


    Lior turned toward her. "I¡¯m resting."


    Celis¡¯s gaze lingered on Elyse¡¯s retreating figure for half a second longer before she picked up a training sword from the rack.


    "You¡¯ll get rusty if you rest too much," she said, flipping the sword with one hand.


    "Then why don¡¯t you spar with me?" Lior asked.


    Celis¡¯s expression sharpened. "Careful what you wish for."


    They stood across from each other beneath the rising sun. Celis rolled her shoulders, spinning her sword once before raising it toward Lior. Her amber eyes flashed beneath the sunlight.


    "Try not to embarrass yourself," she said.


    Lior smirked. "No promises."


    He lunged forward, swinging his sword low. Celis sidestepped with perfect timing, deflecting his strike easily.


    "Too slow."


    Lior adjusted his stance and attacked again. Celis parried the blow and twisted, stepping behind him in one smooth motion. Her elbow knocked into his back. Lior stumbled forward and barely managed to keep his footing.


    "Come on, Lior." Celis¡¯s smile sharpened. "The Trials are in two weeks. You¡¯re not planning to embarrass me in front of the High Cardinal, are you?"


    Lior swung toward her left side. Celis blocked the strike and then hooked her foot behind his ankle.


    Lior hit the ground hard.


    Celis crouched over him, the tip of her sword resting lightly against his chest.


    "You were saying?" she asked.


    Lior groaned. "Okay. You win."


    Celis smiled. "I know."


    She stood and offered her hand. Lior took it, and she pulled him to his feet.


    "You¡¯re getting better," Celis said.


    "I still lost."


    "You¡¯ll figure it out."


    "Before or after the Trials?"


    Celis shrugged. "That¡¯s up to you."


    Later that day, Lior sat beneath the shade of an old willow tree at the edge of the training grounds. Kyren was already asleep in the grass nearby, his arm thrown over his face.


    Lior leaned back against the tree trunk and closed his eyes.


    "You¡¯re quiet."


    Lior opened one eye. Celis stood nearby, holding two small wooden cups. She handed one to Lior before sitting beside him.


    "What is this?" Lior asked, sniffing the contents.


    "Tea," Celis said. "Drink it."


    Lior took a tentative sip. It was bitter. "This is awful."


    "Builds character."


    Lior sighed. "You¡¯re the worst."


    Celis smiled faintly and leaned her shoulder against his. "I know."


    For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The distant hum of the cathedral bells echoed through the air. The sun was warm against Lior¡¯s face.


    Celis glanced at him. "So¡­ Elyse."


    Lior frowned. "What about her?"


    Celis shrugged. "She seems¡­ interested."


    Lior¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Are you implying something?"


    "No." Celis¡¯s tone was too casual.


    "Right."


    "I¡¯m just saying."


    "You¡¯re not jealous, are you?" Lior teased.


    Celis¡¯s eyes flashed. "Of Elyse?"


    "I¡¯m just saying," Lior echoed.


    Celis scoffed. "Please. You¡¯d trip over your own feet trying to impress her."


    "I¡¯d trip over my own feet trying to impress you," Lior said before he could stop himself.


    Celis¡¯s smile froze. Her cheeks flushed a faint pink.


    For a brief moment, the playful expression slipped replaced by something softer beneath her gaze.


    Then she looked away, her lips curling into a scowl. "Drink your tea."


    Lior smiled. "Yes, ma¡¯am."


    Celis¡¯s eyes narrowed. "You¡¯re impossible."


    Lior laughed softly and leaned back against the tree. His gaze wandered toward the white spires of the Grand Cathedral in the distance.


    For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to relax.


    Celis leaned closer, her shoulder brushing his arm. "Just don¡¯t embarrass me at the Trials."


    "I¡¯ll try not to."


    Celis¡¯s eyes softened. "Good."


    For a moment, Lior thought she might say something else but she didn¡¯t. The silence between them stretched, comfortable and warm.


    The sun slipped lower in the sky as the last of the cathedral bells faded into the afternoon haze.

 Chapter - 4 : jealousy

    The night settled over Academy slowly, casting deep shadows upon the training grounds and across the stone paths which connected the academy with dormitories. The lingering warmth of the sun had faded, leaving behind the cool winds and soft touch of evening. The last of the cathedral bell had fell silent a long ago. Only leaving the foot steps across the cobblestone and soft whispers of the wind.


    Loir was still seating beneath the old willow tree where he and Celis shared tea earlier. His back rested against the rough bark the tree. He was thinking about what happened today. Then he saw his best friend, Kyren running towards him. When he was about to reach loir, he stumbled upon a small rock and fell upon Loir''s lap.


    " Finished your fifty laps? " , said Loir while smirking.


    "Y-yeah. I am never going to belive Miss Madelyn.", said Kyren while panting heavily.


    " Well, it''s your fault. Miss Madelyn never told you to truly open your heart. She told you to share your hidden thoughts with your favorite teacher." , said Loir.


    "But she said to share your every thought with your favorite teacher. And I had a crush on her for a long time ." Replied Kyren.


    Loir raised his eyebrows and said - "And you straight up confessed to her in the middle of the assembly."


    " HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT SHE WOULD BLUSH AND FAINT?" Replied Kyren while resting against the bark of the willow tree.


    "Well she is still young and unmarried. Maybe you should try confessing to her again once you will pass your trials." , said Loir.


    "Yeah sounds good. But it was really unnecessary for Sir Marlok to make me run 50 laps for such a small reason", said Kyren furiously.


    Loir was about to say something but then the cafeteria bell rang loudly . The acolytes started to race towards cafeteria to see who will get the chance to get food first. Loir stood up but Kyren''s legs were trembling. He couldn''t stand up. Then Loir sighed and offered his hands to Kyren.


    "Get up, buddy. Or else we will be the last ones to get food."


    Kyren groaned and grabbed his hands. His grip was so tight on Loir''s hand. Loir pulled him upwards, steadying him as Kyren stumbled slightly.


    "You are going to make me owe you for this. Aren''t you? " Said Kyren, his legs are still trembling.


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    Loir smiled and said "obviously".


    "Ahh! , I knew it" Said Kyren.


    "Walk faster or else there will be no seats remaining for us" , replied Loir.


    As the approached the cafeteria, Elyse was waiting for Loir on the entrance


    "Loirrrrrrr!" Said Elyse , her friend was standing behind her.


    Upon hearing this, loir wanted to run as fast as he can. But his growling stomach wouldn''t support his action.


    "Y-yeah? What do you want now? " Asked Loir politely.


    " Thank Elos that I finally found you, I was looking for you this entire time." Said Elyse while giggling.


    "For what reason? ", said Kyren.


    " About those sword drills. I saw you when you were fighting Celis earlier. Your sword stance was really good. And your fighting skills were amazing too.So I thought, can you teach me how to fight like you. Well I would be more happy if you teach me,alone.pretty please? " , said Elyse while smiling.


    The male students started to look at Loir like they are about to devour his soul.


    "Yeah, he can teach yo-", Kyren was punched in the face by Loir before he can finish his words.


    " ABSOLUTELY NO!, I DON''T HAVE TIME TO IMPROVE MYSELF. HOW CAN I HELP SOMEONE ELSE? " said Loir furiously.


    "Please, please, please? I will do anything for you. ANYTHING! " said Elyse with puppy eyes.


    The other acolytes turned back, and specially the boys were glaring at Loir. After all Elyse is the queen bee of the Academy. She is famous among the seniors too.


    Loir sighed and said "ok, I will think about it. For now, please let me eat. I AM STARVING! "


    "Ok ok, no need to yell at me. Let''s go Liana.", said Elyse and then they turned back and started to walk away.


    Then Loir and Kyren picked up their food and on then both of them sat down on a lonely bench. Then Loir heard something.


    " Hello Loir" , a whisper, a soft yet menacing.


    The bread got struck in Kyren''s mouth and he started coughing. When Loir turned, he saw her. Celis. Her braid was slightly undone. She looked like she is going to eat both Loir and Kyren.


    "Wh-what it i-is, Celis? ", said Loir.


    " I have heard that bit-, I mean Elyse has asked you to help her in sword practice. Alone.?" , she said. Jealousy burning in her eyes.


    "Wh-who to-told you th-that? ", said Loir. His voice trembling.


    " My friends. Got a problem? " Said Celis menacingly.


    "N-no", replied Loir.


    On the other side of the cafeteria, the acolytes are carrying Kyren to Miss Jennifer, she is the royal healer . Plus she teaches in the holy academy too.


    "You know what Loir? , I am quite surprised. That you have so much free time now. But whenever I ask you to teach me , you just ignore my request. Despite the fact that I am your childhood friend. " Said Celis.


    "But you are training to become a healer. And I am training to become a templar. How can I teach you? " Said Loir, he sounds like he is scared.


    "You think healers don''t need to learn self defense?. Just because our role is to heal the men in steel armour? " Said Celis. Her eyes now burning with more jealousy.


    "You know what? You should just go and chase after that bit--"


    Before she could finish her words, Loir placed a hand on her mouth.


    "Everyone is looking at you, you dumbass", said Loir.


    Celis''s cheeks started to turn red when Loir placed a hand on her mouth.


    " Mmmmmmphhh" , said Celis.


    "Also I didn''t agree to tutor her. I said I will think about it. Then I will pass this role to a senior. I don''t want to get involved with Elyse" , said Loir. Then he removed his hand from Celis''s face.


    "H-ho-how DARE YOU SILENCE ME LIKE THAT, IDIOT? ", then she punched Loir in the face. And ran away while hiding her face. Loir''s nose started to bleed. The other acolytes stopped eating and took him to Miss jenifer too.like this this day ended.

 Chapter - 5 : calm before storm

    Loir woke up to the soft light of the morning sun pressing against his eyelids. His head was throbbing. His nose ached. He still felt too much pain in his nose.


    "Ughhh! , where am I? ", said Loir while touching the bandage on his nose.


    " You are finally up, Mr. Loir." , said a voice behind him. When he turned, he saw her. Miss Jennifer, the Royal healer and the person who established "Hands of mercy", an army branch of Paradise that is build upon the gentle hands of the healers of Paradise.


    "Miss Jennifer? What are you doing here? Where am I?", said Loir nervously.


    "it''s obvious that you are in the Infirmary, you fool. Do you expect me to be in your room? ", said Miss Jennifer.


    " U-uhh, no. I mean what am I doing here? " , said Loir. His voice trembling.


    "You got punched in the face by your childhood friend, Celis. She broke your nose with one punch. You are so weak. Getting destroyed by a healer. ", said Miss Jennifer with a huge smirk on her face.


    "Agghhh! , that girl. I don''t even know why she is always obsessed with what I will do." , said Loir.


    "A jealous girl''s heart. You gotta understand it, kiddo", said miss Jennifer.


    " It''s not possible for her to like someone pathetic like me. I mean, I can''t even fight correctly. " , said Loir.


    "It''s because you don''t want to improve. Atleast, improve your habits. Your life will change automatically", replied Miss Jennifer.


    "Damn, never thought you would lecture me about life , mam.", said Loir


    Then another person woke up on the bed next to Loir''s. It was kyren. But his three teeth are missing. Kyren yawned and rubbed his eyes.


    " Ah, you Mr. Kyren. You woke up too? I thought you are going to spend the entire day here sleeping " , said Miss Jennifer.


    " Oh, Loir is that you? Good morning. It''s the first time I got to sleep fir such a long time. "


    Loir couldn''t believe his eyes. "Is this creep is actually Kyren? ", he thought to himself.


    "Well, if you are really Kyren then tell me. How did you lose your three teeth?" , said Loir.


    "Miss Madelyn came here in the morning to share a cup of tea with me. But when she saw this guy her cheeks turned red and she punched him in the face. That''s how he lost his three teeth", said miss Jennifer while sipping a cup of hot tea.


    " Life''s rough, isn''t it buddy? " , said Loir.


    "Yeah. Especially when women is involved in your life. I didn''t even do anything this morning. I was just drinking water when she entered the infirmary. We looked into each other''s eyes and then she begin to blush. After that, she punched me in the face", replied Kyren.


    "Uhh, seems very bad. Btw, miss Jennifer. How long I was out?", said Loir.


    " Oh! , umm for almost 12 hours. Congratulations, you both slept much longer than anyone else in this academy. " , said miss Jennifer.


    "Oh no!", said Loir and Kyren in total sync.


    " Anyway, you both missed prayer and drill classes. Run to sir marlok''s cabin and tell him what happened to both of you. Or else he might make you run 100 laps around the ground.


    Both of them started to run, but Sir Marlok was on the ground. Waiting for both of them.


    "Where are you going guys? ", said Sir Marlok, his voice is menacing and calm at the same time.


    " Uhh. Sir we ummm, we were searching for you sir. " , said Loir. His voice is trembling.


    "Searching for me? Well now that you have found me , tell me what is the reason behind your absence during morning prayer class and training drills.also who is this creep behind you?", said Sir Marlok.


    " It''s me Kyren , sir. " , said Kyren. Showing his smile. Which wasn''t pretty good.


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    "No, I don''t believe it. That idiot will never look like this.", said Sir Marlok.


    " Well Sir , he is indeed Kyren. Well, he got punched in the face by Miss Madelyn." , said Loir.


    "Did you confess to her again? TELL ME. DID YOU CONFESS TO HER AGAIN? HUH?"


    Sir Marlok''s eyes narrowed dangerously.


    Kyren¡¯s smile wavered. "N-no, sir! I didn¡¯t confess! I was just¡­ existing!"


    Sir Marlok''s eyebrow twitched. "Existing?"


    Kyren nodded vigorously. "Yes, sir! Existing!"


    Sir Marlok sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You¡¯re telling me that Miss Madelyn punched you in the face hard enough to knock out three teeth because you were existing?"


    "Technically¡­ yes?" Kyren said weakly.


    Sir Marlok¡¯s eyes flashed. "Did you at least apologize?"


    "For what? Breathing?" Kyren¡¯s expression was dead serious.


    Sir Marlok''s jaw tightened. "And you--" he turned toward Loir. "What''s your excuse?"


    Loir rubbed the back of his head. "I got punched in the face too."


    Sir Marlok''s expression darkened. "By whom?"


    "Celis¡­" Loir muttered.


    Sir Marlok¡¯s mouth twitched upward --barely. "Interesting. You two really have a gift for provoking the women of this academy."


    "It¡¯s not our fault!" Kyren protested. "Women are complicated!"


    Loir shot him a look. Don¡¯t drag me into this.


    Sir Marlok folded his arms across his chest. His armor creaked softly with the motion. "Perhaps if you both spent less time charming women and more time focusing on your training, you wouldn¡¯t be on the receiving end of their fists."


    Kyren raised a hand. "Technically, I wasn¡¯t charming her. I was just breathing."


    Sir Marlok¡¯s gaze sharpened. "Did I give you permission to speak?"


    Kyren¡¯s hand lowered slowly. "No, sir."


    Sir Marlok¡¯s lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Good. Now, since you two are so well-rested from your little naps, you¡¯ll be making up for the missed training session."


    Kyren¡¯s eyes widened. "Sir, no-"


    "Fifty laps. Each."


    Kyren¡¯s mouth dropped open. "But si--"


    "Fifty more if you complain."


    Kyren¡¯s mouth shut.


    "And you." Sir Marlok¡¯s gaze turned toward Loir.


    Loir stood straighter. "Sir?"


    "I expect you to be in top form at the Trials next week. No more distractions. No more¡­ drama."


    Loir swallowed. "Understood, sir."


    Sir Marlok stepped forward until he was inches from Loir¡¯s face. "And if I heard that you are out there flirting with women again instead of practicing, then I would feed you to my pet lion. ", said Sir Marlok, menacingly.


    Loir stiffened. "I wouldn¡¯t¡ª"


    "You wouldn¡¯t what?" Sir Marlok¡¯s gaze bored into him.


    "I wouldn¡¯t¡­ disrespect Celis like that."


    Sir Marlok¡¯s expression remained cold. "Good."


    He stepped back and turned toward Kyren. "Get moving. Your fifty laps aren¡¯t going to run themselves."


    Kyren groaned. "Sir, my legs are still sore from yesterd--"


    "Sixty laps." , said Sir Marlok, interrupting Kyren.


    Kyren paled. "Wh-what?"


    "You heard me."


    Loir sighed. "Come on, Kyren." He grabbed Kyren¡¯s arm and started dragging him toward the track.


    Kyren stumbled after him, muttering under his breath. "This academy is going to kill me one day."


    "I think that¡¯s the goal," Loir said dryly.


    They reached the track. Loir stretched his arms over his head. "Well. Shall we?"


    Kyren¡¯s eyes narrowed. "You seem awfully calm about this."


    "I¡¯m used to pain."


    "Must be nice."


    Loir smirked. "Let¡¯s see if you can keep up."


    Kyren groaned. "I¡¯m going to die out here."


    Loir took off at a steady pace. Kyren forced himself to follow. His breath was already ragged by the time they finished the first lap.


    "Loir¡ª" Kyren gasped. "Slow down."


    "You¡¯re the one who got punched for existing, remember?" Loir called over his shoulder.


    Kyren¡¯s eyes narrowed. "You¡¯re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?"


    "Absolutely."


    They rounded the second lap. Kyren¡¯s legs were trembling. Loir was still running with maddening ease.


    "Why are you so calm?" Kyren panted.


    Loir¡¯s gaze softened slightly. "Because I¡¯ve already survived the worst."


    Kyren frowned. "Celis?"


    Loir didn¡¯t answer.


    Ahead of them, Celis stood at the edge of the track, arms crossed over her chest. Her braid was slightly loose, and she was wearing her training gear. Her eyes were sharp as they followed Loir¡¯s form.


    Kyren noticed her first. "Uh, Loir?"


    Loir glanced up. His pace faltered slightly.


    Celis stepped onto the track. "Loir."


    Loir slowed to a stop. Kyren collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath.


    "Celis?" Loir wiped sweat from his brow.


    "Training session."


    "Right now?" Loir¡¯s brows furrowed. "I¡¯m kind of in the middle of something."


    "Not anymore." Celis tossed him a wooden training sword. "Unless you¡¯d rather keep running laps."


    Loir sighed. "I really don¡¯t have a choice, do I?"


    "Nope." Celis smiled faintly. "Get ready."


    Loir took a deep breath and raised his sword. Celis did the same.


    Kyren groaned from the ground. "Don¡¯t die."


    "I¡¯ll try."


    Celis lunged forward. Their swords clashed in a flurry of quick strikes. Loir held his ground, but Celis¡¯s footwork was faster ¡ª more precise.


    "You¡¯ve improved," Celis said as her sword swept toward his side.


    "Thanks," Loir said, blocking the strike.


    Celis¡¯s gaze sharpened. She feinted to the left, then swept her leg behind Loir¡¯s knee. He stumbled.


    She pounced.


    Loir¡¯s eyes widened as Celis¡¯s thighs locked around his neck, pulling him off balance. He hit the ground hard, with Celis perched dangerously on top of him. Her face was flushed, her breath sharp.


    Loir froze. His face was pressed against the bare skin of her inner thigh.


    Celis¡¯s eyes widened.


    "Oh! "


    Her hands flew to her mouth.


    Loir¡¯s eyes widened. "Uhhhh, please stand up! "


    Celis¡¯s entire face turned crimson. "I-- this--"


    Loir tried to move. "Celis, you¡¯re --"


    "I know!"


    Her legs tightened around his neck in reflex.


    Loir choked. "Celis, just stand up. I am getting choked by your thicc thig--, I mean legs.


    "Ahh!" Celis¡¯s body tensed. "I I didn¡¯t mean to


    Kyren¡¯s muffled laughter sounded from the sidelines.


    Celis¡¯s eyes darted toward Kyren then back to Loir. Her mouth opened and closed.


    Then she fainted.


    Loir¡¯s head hit the ground. "Ow."


    Kyren rolled onto his side, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.


    Loir lay flat on the ground, Celis¡¯s unconscious body still sprawled over him. His face burned.


    "Loir," Kyren gasped between laughs. "I think you¡¯re in trouble."


    Loir groaned. "Yeah. I know".

 Chapter - 6: unluck

    *Crowd gathered around the fainted Celis and Loir who is entrapped between her thicc thig---, ahem I mean her legs.*


    *Upon seeing that there''s crowd around them Loir''s eyes widened. He was practically trembling at that point*


    Loir:- "Uhhhh.... Guys..... Can you please help this unlucky guy in front of you? It''s hard for me to breath here."


    A male acolyte:- "Unlucky? Most of us would sell our souls to get sophisticated by Celis''s thick Thig---",


    *he got punched in the face by Kyren*


    Kyren:- "shut it. If Celis hears you then she will make a pot of meat stew, Out of you body"


    Another male acolyte:- "it would worth the price"


    *then Celis Slowly Stirred up. Her eyes slowly opened. But there was a hint of Tiredness in her eyes. She felt something between her legs and looked down and saw Loir. She thought it''s all just a dream. Then she decided to make out with Loir before the dream ends*


    "Morning dear.", said Celis with a bright smile on her face.


    *Loir''s face started to get more hotter and red because of the sheer amount of Embracement.*


    "You are so warm right now. How long have you been there?" , said Celis. Her face now looks so cute.


    *Loir''s entire body tensed. He opened his mouth to say something but Celis placed her finger on his mouth. Shutting him up*


    Celis: (whispering) "shh!, it''s fine dear. You are the only one who get to do something like this to me. Stay there as long as you want. But first , give me my morning kiss, hubby"


    *As Celis pressed her lips against Loir''s lips, Loir''s soul Ascended from his body. He almost fainted*


    "You look so cute when you are cute, dear", said Celis with a lovely smile on her face.


    Kyren: (whispering) "Oh God, she¡¯s making it worse¡­"


    Celis¡¯s eyes softened. Her smile turned more tender.


    Celis: (whispering) "Tell me you love me¡­"


    Loir: (struggling) "I-I don¡¯t"


    Then Celis noticed the crowd the wide-eyed students, the slack-jawed male acolytes, and the girls who were already covering their mouths to keep from laughing.


    Celis blinked.


    Celis: (thoughtfully) "Huh¡­ this is kind of weird¡­"


    Her gaze drifted back down to Loir¡¯s flustered face. Then a slow, mischievous smile crept across her lips.


    Celis: (thinking) If this is a dream¡­ it wouldn¡¯t hurt to have a little fun, right?


    She leaned closer, her nose almost touching his.


    Celis: (whispering) "If this is a dream¡­ I should make the most of it."


    Loir¡¯s breath hitched.


    Loir: (desperately) "C-Celis¡­?"


    Celis: (smirking) "Haven''t you wanted this too?"


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    Loir¡¯s face burned hotter than the sun. His hands instinctively pressed against her thighs to push himself away but Celis¡¯s legs tightened around him.


    Celis: (whispering into his ear) "Stay."


    Loir: (barely breathing) "C-Celis¡­! There are people watching!"


    Celis: (softly) "Let them watch."


    The crowd gasped.


    Male Student: (outraged) "THIS IS NOT FAIR!"


    Another Male Student: (desperate) "WHY IS IT ALWAYS LOIR?! WHY NOT ME?!"


    Celis¡¯s friends were howling at this point.


    Female Acolyte #1: (mock crying) "Celis, how could you?! You¡¯re leaving the rest of us behind!"


    Female Acolyte #2: (laughing) "She¡¯s already locked down a man! We¡¯re so proud!"


    Female Acolyte #3: (grinning) "So, Celis¡­ Top or bottom?"


    Celis: (teasing) "Both, of course."


    Loir: (dying inside) "STOP!"


    Loir tried to slip free, but Celis¡¯s legs tightened again. His face was pressed even closer against her thigh.


    Celis: (whispering) "You can¡¯t run from me, dear¡­"


    Loir: (desperate) "I¡¯M GOING TO DIE."


    Celis smiled sweetly.


    Celis: (softly) "Shhh¡­ just relax."


    And then ---


    Her lips brushed against his neck.


    Loir¡¯s entire body locked up.


    Loir: (panicking) "C-Celis?! W-What are you¡ª"


    Celis: (whispering) "It¡¯s just a dream, remember? So it¡¯s fine if I¡­ leave a little mark."


    Loir: (wide-eyed) "NOOOOOOOO!"


    Her teeth sank gently into his neck.


    Loir''s eyes rolled back. His mouth opened in a soundless scream as Celis¡¯s mouth lingered for a few agonizing seconds. When she finally pulled away, Loir¡¯s body slumped weakly against her.


    Loir: (whimpering) "I¡­ I think I¡¯m gonna die¡­"


    Celis stared at the fresh red mark on his neck. A slow, satisfied smile curled her lips.


    Celis: (murmuring) "Now everyone will know you¡¯re mine."


    Loir: (horrified) "WHAT?!"


    Kyren: (deadpan) "Oh yeah, he''s done for."


    Male Student: (screaming) "YOU LUCKY BASTARD!"


    Another Male Student: (wheezing) "SHE¡¯S GONE FULL POSSESSIVE. DAMN YOU LOIR."


    Celis¡¯s friends were losing it.


    Female Acolyte #1: (mock horrified) "Celis, you just marked him! How are the rest of us supposed to compete?!"


    Female Acolyte #2: (laughing) "It¡¯s over. We¡¯ve lost."


    Female Acolyte #3: (dead serious) "Celis, you realize you just signed a marriage contract in some cultures, right?"


    Celis: (smirking) "I don¡¯t see the problem."


    Loir: (desperate) "I DO!"


    Celis: (Still smirking) "oh? You are going to reject your beautiful wife''s advances? Well I must say that you were..... Quite rough yesterday"


    *Loir''s eyes widened and he choose to keep his mouth closed.*


    *then Kyren came running with a glass of water and splashed water with it into Celis''s face*


    *Suddenly, Celis¡¯s dreamy haze cracked. The memory of biting Loir¡¯s neck and the crowd¡¯s reaction sank in at the same time.*


    Celis: (horrified) "W-WAIT-"


    *Her face exploded into crimson.*


    Celis: (screaming) "PE-PE-PE-PERVERT!"


    *Her fist shot out before Loir could even react. A loud crack echoed across the training ground as Loir¡¯s head whipped to the side. His body collapsed to the ground like a sack of potatoes.*


    Kyren: (wincing) "Ooooh¡­ That¡¯s gonna leave a mark."


    Male Student: (dead serious) "Still worth it."


    Another Male Student: (outraged) "It should have been me, not him. It''s not FAIRRRRRR!"


    *Celis¡¯s friends were crying from laughter.*


    *Suddenly, the sound of sharp footsteps echoed through the training ground. The crowd immediately fell silent as Mrs. Madelyn , one of the magic instructors on the holy academy strode toward the chaos.*


    *as she went deeper, she saw them. The fainted Loir, Celis with a gigantic smile and a face that is as red a tomato, then........ She saw Kyren*


    *Her face got red just like Celis''s face.*


    *Then Kyren looks deep into her eyes , she also looks deep into his eyes*


    Mrs. Madelyn:(internally) "NO! Not againnnnn!"


    Kyren with a huge smile on his face: "thanks Lord Elos for sending a responsible adult he--"


    *Mrs Madelyn punches him in his stomach. Sending him flying across the training grounds*


    Kyren: (sliding down the wall) "¡­Worth it¡­"


    Male Student: (Sobbing right now) "Still not fair."


    Celis: (covering her face) "Please kill me¡­"


    Mrs. Madelyn: (breathing hard) "I panicked."


    Kyren: (weakly) "Y-you didn''t have to hit me that hard¡­"


    Mrs. Madelyn: (deadpan) "It¡¯s the only language you understand."


    Kyren: (grinning) "Still¡­ worth it."


    Mrs. Madelyn¡¯s eye twitched.


    Mrs. Madelyn: (internally) I need therapy


    The sound of heavy boots echoed through the training ground. Sir Marlok appeared, his cloak billowing behind him as his gaze fell upon the carnage.


    Sir Marlok: (flat) "¡­What. Happened."


    No one spoke.


    Sir Marlok: (slowly) "Miss Celis."


    Celis: (flinching) "Sir?"


    Sir Marlok: (calmly) "If you wish to choke your partner unconscious, do it in the training hall. Not in the middle of the academy grounds."


    Celis: (miserable) "It¡¯s not like that!"


    Sir Marlok: (deadpan) "No?"


    Sir Marlok: (to Kyren) "You smiled at Mrs. Madelyn again?"


    Kyren: (confused) "¡­Yes?"


    Sir Marlok: (nodding) "Then you deserved it. You fool."


    *then the acolytes carried Loir and Kyren to the Infirmary. Loir''s rib cage is broken, and Kyren lost three teeths*

 Chapter - 7 : The darkness inside the Light

    The morning sun was beginning to rise, soft golden rays of light spread across the holy academy. The air was cool and silent.


    Loir was sitting quietly on a old wooden bench near the edge of the training ground. His back rested against the wooden bench. His face was half bandaged and his left cheek was still swollen from what happened yesterday.


    Kyren was sitting on the other side of the bench,hunched with his elbows resting on his knees. His face was covered in bandages and plasters.


    Kyren:- "Mmmhp mmhpp mmmphhh"


    Loir:- "Yeah yeah, I know. But unfortunately Miss Jennifer got food poisoning. Someone fed her rotten eggs. We can do nothing, she is the only healer in this academy for now. Others are on missions"


    Kyren:- "mmmphh, mph mph mpppphhhhh!"


    Loir:- "stop screaming buddy. It ain''t gonna help you. The morning prayer is gonna start, just pray that we don''t get tangled up with any women anymore"


    Kyren sighed and then both of them started to walk towards the Grand cathedral. Foot steps echoed across the stone path as many acolytes walked towards the massive iron gates of the Grand cathedral. Even this early in the morning, the crowd was quite large Filling the courtyard with quite chatter.


    The grand cathedral stood at the center of Paradise, next to the Holy academy of Paradise. Towering over the city like a mountain of white marble and gold, its tall spires reached the sky and he massive stained glass windows reflected the morning sunlight. The building was large enough for the entire capital to pray inside it.


    The deep and loud bell rang from the tallest tower, it''s low and heavy sound carrying through the city. The crowd began to quite as the gates slowly opened. White robed priests led the way inside, their golden staff clicking against the marble floor.


    The crowd poured into the vast hall, where towering pillars lined the sides and a vaulted ceiling stretched so high it seemed to disappear into shadow. Thousands of acolytes filled the rows of long, wooden pews. The sound of soft murmurs and shifting robes echoed through the sacred space.


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    At the far end of the hall, a raised platform stood beneath a massive golden mural of Elos , the Sacred Light. His outstretched arms shone with soft light, and his face was calm and peaceful.


    Loir sat down in one of the pews near the back, his eyes trailing toward the front of the hall as a tall figure in silver and white robes stepped onto the platform.


    Bishop Aeron stood beneath the golden mural. His long white hair looked magnificent , and his white robe shimmered faintly in the dim light. His piercing blue eyes swept over the crowd as he raised a crystal sphere, the relic of sacred light between his hands.


    The sphere glowed softly, the light pulsing like a heartbeat.


    Aeron lowered his head. The hall fell into complete silence.


    Aeron: "Let us show our gratitude to him, who died for our Sins. Let us pray and remember his name and deeds forever in our minds."


    The acolytes crossed their hands over their chests, fingers forming the shape of a cross. Loir did the same, bowing his head as Aeron¡¯s deep voice filled the hall.


    Aeron: "Sacred Light, guide us through the dark. Grant us strength in weakness, peace in fear, and hope in despair. May your light shield us and keep us whole."


    The crowd repeated his words in unison.


    Crowd: "Sacred Light, guide us through the dark¡­"


    Loir¡¯s eyes remained closed as the prayer continued. The crystal sphere in Aeron¡¯s hands began to glow brighter, the soft pulse quickening.


    Suddenly, something sharp jabbed Loir¡¯s arm.


    Loir¡¯s eyes snapped open. He glanced down to see a small bee perched on his sleeve. It stung him.


    Loir gritted his teeth, holding back a cry of pain. His hand twitched, but he forced himself to stay still.


    Then he noticed the light.


    The crystal sphere was glowing brighter too bright. It was nearly blinding now, like looking into the sun. Loir¡¯s breath quickened as his gaze fixed on the light.


    A shape appeared inside the sphere.


    A dark shadow.


    Loir¡¯s eyes widened. His mouth opened to scream but no sound came out. His chest locked up as the shadow¡¯s eyes met his. Cold and piercing.


    The shadow opened its mouth. Slowly. Its black form shifted and stretched toward him.


    Loir¡¯s breath stopped. His muscles locked. His vision blurred as the shadow seemed to pull toward him, stretching through the light--


    Darkness swallowed him whole.


    Loir collapsed.


    Gasps filled the hall as the acolytes turned toward him. Blood trickled from his left eye. His head lolled to the side as his body hit the cold marble floor.


    Kyren: "mph"


    Aeron¡¯s eyes widened slightly as the light of the crystal sphere dimmed. He lowered it carefully, his gaze steady as the crowd erupted into panicked whispers.


    Aeron: what happened to him?


    Kyren dropped to his knees beside Loir, shaking his shoulders.


    Kyren: " mmmphh! Mmmphh? "


    Loir¡¯s body remained still. His hand twitched slightly as the last echo of the crystal¡¯s light faded from the hall.


    Aeron slowly lowered the crystal ball and put it into his bag.then he moved towards Loir.


    Aeron:- "What are you doing? Take him to infirmary, Immediately."


    Kyren and some other acolytes picked him up and started to run towards the infirmary.

 Chapter-8: when the gate opens

    The evening sun was already sinking beneath the horizon when Loir¡¯s eyes snapped open.


    His head throbbed. His body ached. His mouth tasted like metal. Slowly, he sat up, blinking at the dim light coming through the small window. The walls of the infirmary were cold and bare, the silence heavy.


    Loir: "Aughhh¡­ Where am I?"


    Loir rubbed his face. His fingers brushed over the dried crust beneath his left eye. His breath quickened as something stirred deep in his mind , an uneasy feeling, like a whisper at the edge of his thoughts.


    But no memory surfaced.


    Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. Evening prayer was already over. He had missed an entire day.


    Loir: (softly) "Whoever treated my wounds is long gone¡­ But why is no one guarding the infirmary?"


    Loir sat there for a moment, his hands trembling against his knees. He needed to know what had happened.


    He slipped out of the infirmary quietly. His steps were light as he crossed the stone path toward the Grand Cathedral.


    The courtyard was empty. The white marble towers of the cathedral stretched into the dark sky, their edges glowing faintly beneath the moonlight. The heavy iron gates were closed, and the silhouettes of armored figures stood before them.


    Templars.


    They stood perfectly still, their long white cloaks shifting gently with the breeze. Helmets covered their faces, and the moonlight reflected off the polished steel of their armor. These warriors did not sleep. They would not hesitate to cut down anyone who crossed the threshold without permission.


    Loir¡¯s eyes narrowed. He couldn¡¯t get through the front or the back.


    But there was another way.


    He moved toward the side of the cathedral, keeping low and slipping through the narrow shadow of the wall. There was a side entrance a smaller service door that the priests used. Loir had seen it opened before during evening cleanup. He pressed his hand to the edge of the door.


    It was unlocked.


    Loir slipped through. The hinges creaked softly as the door shut behind him.


    The cathedral was dark. Tall pillars lined the hall, their shadows stretching across the cold floor. The vaulted ceiling loomed above, disappearing into the dark.


    The only light came from the flickering prayer candles along the pews. The scent of incense lingered faintly in the air.


    Loir¡¯s gaze drifted toward the altar. The crystal ball was gone.


    He moved down the center aisle, his hand brushing the smooth wood of the pews. His eyes lifted toward the golden mural of Elos, the Sacred Light. His outstretched arms shone faintly in the dim candlelight. His face was calm and peaceful.


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    Too calm.


    A sound broke the silence stone scraping against stone.


    Loir¡¯s breath hitched. He spun toward the altar.


    Behind the altar, a section of the marble floor was sliding open. A hidden panel.


    Loir ducked behind a pillar, his heart racing.


    A long stairway stretched into the dark beneath the floor. Cold air drifted up from the opening, carrying the faint scent of ash and steel.


    Loir¡¯s eyes widened. He knew what this was.


    Sir Marlok used to tell them stories about it , a gateway to heaven beneath Paradise. A sacred passage that only opened once every thousand years, when the Sacred Light called for it.


    But that was just a story.


    So why was it opening now?


    Soft footsteps echoed from the stairway.


    And then he appeared.


    A figure stepped into the cathedral.


    Tall. Too tall. His head nearly brushed the high ceiling. His armor was black, so dark it seemed to bend the light around it. Silver edges lined the plates, shaped like the wings of a predator.


    Two massive wings stretched from his back , dark feathers laced with faint crimson light. The tips flicked softly as he moved.


    His face was hidden beneath a dark helm. Thin silver etchings ran down its sides like veins. His breath echoed faintly beneath the metal.


    He carried a long naginata in his hand. The curved blade gleamed in the low light, a faint red shimmer dancing along the steel.


    Loir¡¯s breath stopped. His body locked up as the figure¡¯s gaze swept the hall beneath the dark visor.


    Loir couldn¡¯t see his eyes, but he felt them. Cold and piercing.


    For a moment, the figure stood still beneath the golden light of Elos. His head tilted slightly as though listening to something unseen.


    Then, without a word, he turned toward the open gate.


    His steps were slow. Controlled. Each one sent a faint echo through the hall.


    Loir pressed himself against the pillar, barely breathing as the figure strode toward the open gate.


    The floor slid shut behind him. The sound of stone grinding against stone echoed through the cathedral.


    Loir remained frozen, his heart hammering in his chest.


    What¡­ was that?


    His breath was shaky as he stepped away from the pillar. His mind was still reeling when---


    CRACK!


    Pain exploded at the back of his skull.


    Loir¡¯s vision blurred. His knees buckled. The last thing he saw was the golden mural of Elos above him, shimmering faintly in the dark.


    Darkness swallowed him whole.


    Loir¡¯s eyes fluttered open.


    Soft light pressed against his eyelids. His head throbbed. Slowly, his gaze sharpened on the smooth ceiling above him.


    He was back in the infirmary.


    A faint scent of incense clung to the air.


    Loir sat up, rubbing the back of his head. His fingers brushed over a fresh bandage. His arms were weak, trembling.


    The door creaked open. Bishop Aeron stepped inside, his expression calm yet unreadable.


    Bishop Aeron: "You¡¯re awake."


    Loir swallowed. His throat was dry.


    Loir: (hoarse) "What¡­ happened?"


    Aeron studied him for a moment before setting a small glass of water on the bedside table.


    Bishop Aeron: "I found you unconscious near the western wing of the cathedral this morning."


    Loir blinked. Morning?


    Loir: (slowly) "I¡­ don¡¯t remember anything."


    Aeron¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver.


    Bishop Aeron: "You were injured. But no one saw what happened to you. I had you brought back here to recover."


    Something cold curled in Loir¡¯s chest. His fingers dug into the sheets.


    He couldn¡¯t remember.


    Nothing.


    Only the feeling of something pressing against his mind, just out of reach.


    Aeron placed a hand on his shoulder.


    Bishop Aeron: (quietly) "Rest now, Loir. The Light will guide you."


    The bishop turned and left the room, the door clicking softly behind him.


    Loir sat in silence.


    His head still ached. But it wasn¡¯t just the pain. It was the emptiness.


    Something had happened last night.


    Something he wasn¡¯t supposed to remember.


    And someone¡­ had made sure of it.

 Chapter 9: the dream.

    Loir sat there for a long time. The infirmary was quiet, save for the distant echo of footsteps beyond the heavy doors. His fingers curled against the sheets, his mind still foggy, still grasping at the edges of something that wasn¡¯t there.


    He had been in the cathedral last night. He knew that much. He had seen something. A figure draped in black armor, wings stretching into the dim candlelight. A hidden passage. A feeling, cold and sharp, pressing into his chest.


    But the memory¡­ it wasn¡¯t there. Just the hollow sensation of knowing it should be.


    His gaze drifted to the bedside table. The water Bishop Aeron had left for him was still untouched. He reached for it slowly, his fingers brushing against the cool glass. He took a sip, the liquid easing the dryness in his throat.


    The door creaked open again. This time, it wasn¡¯t Aeron.


    A young woman stepped inside, carrying a tray of herbs and linen. She was dressed in the modest robes of a healer, her dark hair tied back neatly. She glanced up and startled slightly when she saw him awake.


    Healer: "Oh! You¡¯re up. That¡¯s good."


    Loir blinked at her.


    Loir: "You sound surprised."


    She hesitated before setting the tray down beside him.


    Healer: "You were out for a whole day. Bishop Aeron said you¡¯d wake soon, but¡­ you looked pale this morning. Thought it might take longer."


    Loir hummed in response, rubbing his temple. A whole day¡­


    The healer unwrapped a small bundle of herbs, her movements efficient, practiced.


    Healer: "You should eat soon. Your body needs strength to recover."


    Loir: "Right¡­"


    She glanced at him, as if studying him for a moment. Then, softly--


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Healer: "Do you remember what happened?"


    Loir¡¯s fingers twitched against his knee. His gaze flicked to her, sharp and searching, but she wasn¡¯t prying. Just¡­ curious.


    He exhaled slowly.


    Loir: "No."


    The word sat heavy in the air.


    He could feel the weight of a missing piece inside his mind, like an itch he couldn¡¯t scratch. It wasn¡¯t just forgetting it was something ripped away.


    The healer didn¡¯t press. She just nodded, gathering a small cup of crushed herbs and mixing them into a warm tonic.


    Healer: "Drink this. It¡¯ll help with the headache."


    Loir took it without a word, the bitter taste settling on his tongue.


    His eyes drifted toward the window, where the evening sun was beginning to set again. Another night.


    And the unease sitting in his chest told him that whatever had happened beneath the cathedral¡­ wasn¡¯t finished.


    The warmth of the tonic did little to chase away the cold settling in Loir¡¯s chest. As the healer gathered her things, he leaned back against the pillows, his mind restless.


    A full day had passed. A full day, and all he had was an empty space where a memory should be.


    Loir: "Has anyone else come looking for me?"


    The healer paused, hands stilling over the tray. She hesitated, then shook her head.


    Healer: "No. Just Bishop Aeron."


    That¡­ wasn¡¯t normal.


    Kyren should have barged in by now, lecturing him about skipping training. Maybe even bringing a plate of food to shove in his face while scowling. But there had been no sign of him. No sign of anyone from the training grounds.


    Loir set the empty cup aside and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. His body still ached, but the dizziness had dulled. He could move. That was enough.


    The healer frowned.


    Healer: "You shouldn¡¯t push yourself--"


    Loir: "I¡¯m fine."


    She didn¡¯t argue, but he could feel her eyes on him as he stood. His balance wavered for half a second before he steadied himself.


    Too much time had been wasted already.


    He didn¡¯t bother changing out of the simple tunic and trousers the infirmary had given him. His usual clothes , his gear , were nowhere in sight. Another bad sign.


    Loir: "I need to go."


    The healer sighed, but there was no real fight in her voice.


    Healer: "At least take some bread before you pass out again."


    Loir smirked faintly.


    Loir: "I¡¯ll survive."


    He stepped past her, out into the hall. The air was cooler outside the infirmary, the stone corridors dimly lit by the golden glow of lanterns. It was quiet. Too quiet.


    The usual murmur of passing templars, the distant clash of training swords , none of it was there.


    His unease sharpened.


    Something was wrong.


    Loir moved through the halls with careful steps, keeping to the edges where the torchlight didn¡¯t quite reach. He didn¡¯t know why he was being cautious, only that his instincts screamed at him to be.


    As he rounded the corner near the western wing, familiar voices reached his ears.


    Kyren: "I don¡¯t care what the Bishop said! Loir should¡¯ve woken up by now--"


    ???: "Lower your voice. If you cause trouble, it¡¯ll only draw more attention."


    Loir¡¯s steps slowed.


    Kyren stood near the archway leading to the training courtyard, his arms crossed, tension clear in his stance. Across from him, another templar older, more composed , spoke in hushed tones.


    Loir exhaled.


    Loir: "You sound worried about me, Kyren. Didn¡¯t know you had it in you."


    Kyren turned so fast he nearly knocked over the other knight. His eyes widened for half a second before he scowled.


    Kyren: "Loir, you-- ,where have you been?"


    He stopped, looking him over, then scoffed.


    Kyren: "You look like shit."


    Loir smirked.


    Loir: "Good to see you too."


    The older templar studied him carefully, but Loir ignored the scrutiny. His focus was on Kyren.


    Loir: "How bad is it?"


    Kyren¡¯s jaw clenched.


    Kyren: "You were missing for an entire night, Loir. No one saw you leave, no one saw you return. And now the cathedral is crawling with Templars. You tell me how bad it is."


    Loir exhaled sharply.


    So he had been missing. Not just unconscious gone.


    That explained the ache in his bones, the exhaustion lingering beneath his skin.


    It also meant whatever had happened beneath the cathedral¡­ someone knew.


    And they didn¡¯t want him remembering.