Chapter 265 - Initiation
It was said that each individual was different from others. That was definitely true.
After all, for me, who had learned all these from life directly itself, those types of words were something I came to a conclusion on my own.
"Astron…Come here….."
It was a natural day for me. Hearing my father's words from outside, I slowly made my way out of my room.
TOK! TOK!
"Oh, you are finally awake, you brat."
As I stepped down the stairs, I saw Mother washing the dishes left from yesterday. She threw a small side look at me, her brows furrowed. Well, she was kind of right; I had overslept. But what can I do?
The book was addicting, and I couldn't stop reading it until midnight.
PUFF! PUFF
The cooker was making puffing sounds from the side. I guess we are going to eat something good today.
"Good morning, mother."
I greeted Mother with a smile.
"….Sigh…."
Mother sighed as her brows returned to their normal shape immediately. I knew that whenever she was angry at me if she wasn't that mad, she would just calm down with my smile. I guess she was weak to that, but at the same time, I needed to pay attention so that she wouldn't get too used to my smile too much.
"Just go away; your father is waiting for you outside."
I couldn't help but feel a sense of inward happiness as I observed my mother's sigh turning into a softer expression. It seemed like my smile worked out once again.
"Thanks, Mother. I'll be quick," I said, trying not to push my luck with her mood.
'I wonder what those cities mentioned in the book look like.'
I asked myself. It was a question that I could never answer, but I could also never stop pondering about it.
Something inside me was always asking me that question; it was never satisfied. But I also knew that thinking about these wouldn't bring me any answers at all.
Leaving the house, I stepped into the crisp morning air, feeling a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. As I approached the front yard, I saw my father waiting for me with his usual warm smile. However, the sight of the axe in his hand hinted at the day's task.
'No…..'
I wanted to protest, but I didn't. After all, knowing that she was doing her best, I needed to do my own part, too.
"Morning, Dad," I greeted, trying to match his cheerful demeanor.
"Morning, Astron! Ready for some hard work today?" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
I nodded, knowing that our family's tradition of gathering woods for the upcoming winter was about to begin. It was a task that brought us together and ensured we were well-prepared for the colder months ahead.
"Today, we're going to get some sturdy ones. Winter's coming, and we need to be ready," he explained, his hand gripping the axe firmly.
As we ventured into the nearby woods, the crisp air filled with the scent of pine, I couldn't help but feel a little bit guilty. After all, even though we led a simple yet fulfilling life, I was never satisfied with that.
Throughout the day, I did my best to assist my father in gathering logs for the upcoming winter. The rhythmic sound of the axe echoed through the woods, blending with the natural symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves.
Although the task was physically demanding, I couldn't help but appreciate the bonding time with my father.
However, it became evident that my body was not as robust as my father's.
"Haaaah…..Haaah….."
After a short while, I found myself becoming breathless and fatigued. Despite my efforts to keep up, I struggled to match the stamina required for such labor.
'Again….'
This was a crucial weakness of mine. Something I had hated from the bottom of my heart. Whenever something that required physical movement appeared, I would always struggle with it.
I guess that is why the kids from the village don't want to play with me. I can't blame them, though. Who would want to play with someone who can't even run for 10 seconds?
My father noticed my exhaustion and flashed me a reassuring smile. "Easy there, Astron! Don't worry, we're not in a rush," he said, chuckling a bit. "Take a breather, and we'll continue at your pace."
He always smiled at me in times like these, trying to encourage me. After noticing that I wasn't playing with other kids, he came to me and started bringing me to such tasks. He said it was our family's tradition for the youngsters to learn how old ones lived early.
But, yet, inwardly, I knew. There was no such tradition because such a tradition didn't make sense at all. After all, what kind of child would start these labors at such an age?
Other kids are always playing as well. So, I knew. Father was trying to help me so that I wouldn't feel lonely. Maybe that is why he is smiling like that right now and doesn't like staying with me either. Despite his smiles and encouragement, I sensed that he, too, wished I could be more like the others.
As I caught my breath, my mind wandered.
'If I was a little bit like her….'
Remembering how she effortlessly captivated everyone with her talents, and her radiant smile made her a beloved figure among the villagers. I couldn't help but entertain the thought of how different my life would be if I had her skills.
'No, no, no….'
But then, I immediately regretted my thoughts. What I was thinking incredibly felt disgusting to me. After all, I knew it wasn't easy for her, too, and how many countless sleepless nights she had spent on her own so that she could meet the expectations of others.
My father, noticing something was wrong with me, asked, "Is something wrong, Astron?"
I hesitated, torn between expressing my frustrations and maintaining the façade of contentment. But, knowing that telling would never change anything, I decided to stay silent.
"It's nothing, Dad. Just need a bit more rest," I replied, offering a half-hearted smile.
He studied me for a moment as if trying to read beyond the surface. "Alright, take your time. We're in no hurry, and I appreciate your help today."
With those words, he resumed his task, allowing me a moment of solitude.
"Haaah…"
I took a deep breath, appreciating the support my father offered, even if he couldn't fully comprehend the internal struggles I faced.
"Come on, Astron."
My lungs hurt a little, and I felt like my arms were already screaming for me to stop. However, one day or another, this task will fall to me. Some of the uncles in the villages are already on their deathbeds, and their children are doing their labor for them. If I can't do it, who will when my father also becomes like them?
'Don't think about such grim things, stupid Astron.'
I scolded myself internally. Instead, I focused on the present moment, on the shared labor that connected me to my family, on the support my father offered, and on the determination to overcome my physical limitations.
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor. With each swing of the axe, I found a sense of purpose and resilience.
My father, sensing my silent struggles, continued to work alongside me, offering both guidance and unspoken support.
As we gathered the last logs and made our way back home, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
******
"Oh....Astron!"
Upon returning home, I met with one of the reasons for my internal struggles as well as the reason why I always tried my best.
She stood there with her white hair cascading towards her waist, her shiny green eyes looking at mine.
Her face held an ethereal beauty that never failed to captivate those around her. High cheekbones accentuated her delicate features, and a pair of eyes, the color of lush forests, reflected wisdom beyond her years.
Despite the challenges she faced as the village's future shaman, her expression remained serene and determined.
She wore her usual shaman outfit, adorned with intricate patterns and symbols representing her connection to the spiritual realm. The vibrant colors seemed to complement the natural beauty that surrounded her.
As the chosen successor to our village's spiritual responsibilities, her attire reflected not only tradition but also a commitment to the role she would one day undertake.
It was evident that she had just returned from her duties. The faint scent of herbs and the markings of ritualistic powders on her hands were telltale signs, as well as her clothes.
My sister had a unique talent for communing with the spirits as well as her magic, a gift that set her apart in our small community.
SWOOSH!
She rushed to me and hugged me instantly, her gentle arms holding strength that I could never fight, nor would I ever try to.
"Welcome back," I also greeted her with a genuine smile, momentarily forgetting the physical strain from the day's labor.
"I missed you, Astron," she whispered, her voice carrying a warmth that melted away any lingering fatigue. Her embrace tightened, and for a moment, it felt like the struggles of the day vanished.
"It's only been three days," I teased, gently teasing her as I pulled back slightly to look into her eyes.
"Three days too long," she pouted, a playful glint in her eyes. "I couldn't help but think about you. Did you miss me?"
Her sulking expression was both adorable and endearing. I chuckled, unable to resist the charm she exuded. "Of course, I missed you. The house feels empty without your presence."
Well, it certainly did. At least, when she was around, I didn't need to feel like I wasn't able to do anything. Just being on her side seemed enough in those times.
Different from others, I never got her from the feeling that she disliked whenever I stammered. If there were one thing I was proud of myself, then it would be my eyes, though they were useless most of the time.
And never once in her presence, I thought I wasn't needed.
Her mood lifted at my response, and she beamed at me. "That's more like it. Now, tell me about your day. I heard from Mother that you went to the woods. Did you manage to impress Dad with your wood-gathering skills? Also, she said you stayed late once again and overslept.
How many times do I need to tell you? If you want to grow strong, you need to sleep early and wake up earlier."
Her playful nagging never failed to bring warmth to my heart. "You know me. Always chasing the moon when everyone else is asleep," I replied with a smile of my own.
"Dad is there too, you know?" came our dad's voice at that moment.
"Ah….." Realizing that she had been ignoring Father all the time, she immediately jolted back. "Dad…"
Father chuckled, patting her head affectionately. "It's alright. You were excited to hear about Astron's day."
"How was your stay at the shaman's home, my princess?" Father asked, his eyes filled with pride and curiosity."
She beamed, her eyes sparkling. "It was amazing, Dad! I've learned to harness the moon's power more effectively. The shaman said I have a unique connection with the celestial energy."
Listening to their conversation, I couldn't help but notice the genuine happiness in Father's eyes as he listened to her accomplishments.
It was different from the encouraging smiles he gave me during our wood gathering. His pride in my sister's magical abilities was evident, and I couldn't deny a pang of disgusting envy.
"Moon….."
As I looked at the moon shining in the dark sky, I couldn't help but think it was a little cruel that the moon left me like this, different from others.
"Come on, let's eat, Astron."
But then again, none of those feelings mattered at all.
Chapter 266 - Initiation (2)
"Mother, why do we never leave our village? I want to see the outside world, to experience the wonders that lie beyond our borders."
"My dear child. Our village holds secrets, secrets that tie us to this land, secrets we must protect. The outside world is not always as welcoming as it may seem."
"What secrets, Mother? Why must we keep them hidden?"
"My child…. We are happy as we are right now….. We only need each other to live… You will understand everything when the time comes…"
The words mother had spoken to me came into my mind.
'Why am I remembering about these again? It had already been a long time….'
I asked myself. Sitting in front of my window and looking at the stars and the moon had already become a hobby for me.
The night sky, adorned with countless stars, always sparked my curiosity.
"What secrets lie beyond our village? What do the stars know that we don't?" I wondered aloud, my gaze fixated on the celestial canvas.
The allure of the unknown beyond our village boundaries tugged at my heart. I had never set foot outside our close-knit community, and my curiosity about the world beyond intensified with each passing day.
The stories in the books I read fueled my imagination, painting vivid pictures of distant lands, bustling cities, and unexplored territories.
I longed to witness the wonders that lay beyond our borders, to experience a world different from the one I knew.
"What are you doing now?"
At that moment, a voice came from the side.
"Ah….."
It seemed I had already gotten caught. Standing before the door, a small silhouette stood there. Even though the room was dark, her presence alone radiated enough light for me to notice.
"Estelle," I said, addressing my sister by her name. She stepped into the room, her white hair catching a hint of moonlight streaming through the window.
"I thought I'd find you here, lost in your thoughts again," Estelle remarked with a playful smile. Her green eyes gleamed, reflecting a mix of curiosity and affection. "What wonders are you pondering this time?"
I chuckled, realizing that my contemplation hadn't gone unnoticed. "Just dreaming of what lies beyond our village, the stories in the books always make me wonder."
Estelle joined me by the window, her eyes also drawn to the night sky. "The outside world does seem fascinating, doesn't it? Sometimes, I also wish we could explore beyond our borders and see the places we've only heard about in tales."
"However….."
Estelle's voice trailed off, and I turned to look at her. She leaned her head on my shoulder, pushing all her weight onto my body. It was a familiar gesture, one that conveyed both comfort and weariness.
I could tell she was tired from the constant training she underwent to harness the moon's power as her muscles seemed relaxed.
These useless eyes of mine made me proud in times like these.
"Sometimes," she continued, her voice soft and thoughtful, "what I wish for the most isn't to explore everything out there. It's not about seeing distant lands or unraveling mysteries. What I truly wish for is to stay beside you."
Wasn't exploring new things the innate desire for us humans? I always ask this question to myself. Do these questions that always plague my mind are something that is only special to me? Am I the one that can never fit in?
But, in times like this, hearing her voice calms me down. I know for a fact that, in this world, no matter how hard for me to fit in, there is always a place that I could stay.
Smiling slightly, I felt like my worries slowly disappeared as the innate desire to explore the unknown was chained once again.
"If that is what you wish...then I will gladly put every other thing aside."
Unbeknownst to me, I mumbled, it seemed, my words reached Estelle's ears. Her expression shifted, and a hint of anger flashed in her eyes.
She looked at me sternly and spoke with a determined tone, "No! That is wrong. Astron, you shouldn't live your life solely for others. Your dreams, your desires, they matter too. Don't chain yourself to my wishes or anyone else's."
Her words lingered in the air, and for a moment, the room felt heavy with unspoken sentiments. Her concern for me was evident, but I got angry at her words.
While I was here, was she not working for the sake of other people? Mastering the powers of the moon while continuously training with the village's shaman. Wasn't this also selflessness?
How dare she tell me to stop dreaming while she was doing the same for our sake?
Annoyed by her words, I couldn't help but retort, "And what about you, Estelle? Aren't you sacrificing yourself for others too? How is that any different?"
Estelle's response was unexpected. Instead of matching my frustration, she smiled warmly and turned her gaze toward the moon. "You see, Astron, it has always been my dream to help people in need. I've read stories about Saintesses who aided others with smiles on their faces, and I wanted to be like them.
The powers I'm mastering, the training I undergo, it's not just for the village; it's for the joy of helping and making a difference."
Her words carried a sincerity that disarmed my anger.
Estelle's dream wasn't just about selflessness; it was about finding fulfillment in making a positive impact.
'Fulfillment….'
The word that I could never grasp.
Her gaze lingered on the moon as if drawing strength and inspiration from its serene glow.
Estelle's eyes shone with determination as she continued, "That's why, Astron, I don't want anyone to give up on their dreams, including you. Everyone deserves to pursue what makes them happy to explore their own desires. What dreams do you have, Astron?"
Her question hung in the air, and for a moment, I felt a stirring in my chest.
I couldn't help but wonder if I truly had dreams of my own.
Aside from learning new things and seeing new places, what other dreams could I have? In this place, we didn't even know anything.
'But, if I were to choose one thing…..'
"Maybe being a hero would be cool..."
********
"Astron... T-they are... They are gone?" Estelle's voice trembled with sorrow as she clung to me. Her tears dampened my shoulder, and my heart ached at the loss we both shared.
The air felt heavier, and a pervasive sense of grief hung over our small village. The shadows of a relentless disease claimed our parents, leaving a void that echoed through our home.
"..."
No words left my mouth. What words could I even say in this situation? I asked this question again and again, but none of them was answered.
Estelle's sobs reverberated through the stillness, each cry a poignant reminder of the gaping void our parents' absence left behind. Her anguish was palpable, her questions echoing the unanswerable mysteries of life and loss.
"What... what are we going to do now, Astron?" Estelle's voice quivered with uncertainty, the weight of responsibility bearing down on her fragile shoulders. "Why did this happen? I'm not ready..."
Her words pierced the silence, carrying the weight of our shared grief and confusion. Yet, despite the turmoil raging within me, no words found their way past my lips.
What could I possibly say to ease her pain, to make sense of the senseless?
Instead, I held her close, enveloping her in a silent embrace.
My arms provided comfort, a stable anchor amidst the storm of emotions threatening to consume us. At that moment, words felt insufficient to express the depth of our loss or the uncertainty that lay ahead.
'I….I….'
I refused to succumb to tears, knowing that they could never mend the shattered pieces of our shattered lives.
Instead, I drew strength from the quiet resolve that bound us together, a silent promise to weather the storm as one.
"Astron…." Estelle's voice broke the silence, and she raised her tear-streaked face to meet my gaze. Her eyes, red from crying, searched mine with a mixture of vulnerability and desperation.
At that moment, her lips quivering, she asked the question that hung heavy in the air, "You're never going to leave me, right?"
Without hesitation, I affirmed, "No matter what happens, Estelle, I promise I'll never leave you. Even if the world breaks down, as long as I am still breathing, I will always stay with you."
"Really?" Estelle asked, her voice a fragile whisper as a small tear continued its solitary journey down her face.
I gently caressed her cheeks, showing a slight smile. "Really."
"It is a promise."
"A promise."
"If you ever break it down, I will haunt you to death."
"If I ever do such a thing, I will gladly accept your grace."
"..."
In the tender silence that followed, Estelle buried her face into my chest, taking in the familiar scent. Softly, she whispered, "Thank you. Thank you for being here."
Considering all the help she gave me, what I was doing here meant nothing at all...
Yet I couldn't hold this promise at all.
******
The days slipped away, each one blending seamlessly into the next as sunlight painted the surroundings with a vivid glow.
I found myself gazing out of the window. "Sister, when are you coming?" I murmured, my attention momentarily diverted from the greenery outside as I began cleaning the house.
Alone within the confines of our home, I was left to manage the household while my sister fulfilled her duties. "She is always pushing herself," I observed, my eyes landing on a small picture of us smiling together.
A deep sense of responsibility urged me to complete my tasks diligently, hoping to provide a haven for my sister upon her return.
After the completion of my daily chores, I noticed the clouds in the sky and mumbled, "Ah, I need to stock firewood. Winter is coming." With that thought lingering, I left the house, embarking on a journey towards the forest.
The village, nestled close to the mountain range, allowed me a quick arrival at the forest, where I sought out suitable trees, mindful not to waste time and energy on the young and weak ones.
In the midst of my work, however, a sense of urgency disrupted my routine. "Huff... Huff..." My breath became ragged, signs of fatigue evident.
I leaned against a sturdy tree, catching my breath as beads of sweat formed on my forehead.
At that moment, a plume of smoke caught my attention, rising above the treetops and signaling danger in the direction of the village.
'What is this?'
Something ominous was happening.
Fear and worry crept into my consciousness, urging me to sprint back to the village, leaving my gathered wood behind.
With each step, my heart pounded, and as the village came into view, an unsettling feeling gripped me. Something was amiss.
'Don't tell me?'
Despite my physical weakness and lack of magical abilities, my senses screamed at me to hide.
'…..This stench….'
A horrifying presence descended upon the village, accompanied by an otherworldly aura and a stench of burning and iron. The stench was familiar to me.
'Where is she?'
Ignoring the pressure, I pushed forward, only to witness a nightmarish scene.
'Where is she?'
Black, twisted creatures, malevolent and monstrous, swarmed the village.
In the chaos, I desperately searched for my sister and finally spotted her, standing tall and determined, defending our home with powerful magic.
My heart sank as I realized the overwhelming odds against us. Still, instinctively, I moved towards the village, driven by a desperate need to protect my sister. But my actions did not go unnoticed.
'What?'
The magical restraints and bright white light binding my limbs halted my progress, pushing me back into the forest.
Confused and frustrated, I met my sister's eyes, realizing the reason behind my immobilization.
"NO!"
Tears streamed down my face as I struggled against the magical restraints, witnessing the horrifying onslaught of our village. She mouthed words I couldn't hear, her gaze filled with love and sorrow.
Helpless, I watched her turn back to face the demonic horde, her magic blazing brighter than ever. Yet, those vile creatures overwhelmed her, and my heart shattered as her light succumbed to their relentless assault.
Blood poured down my eyelids as I fought against the magical restraints, unable to close my eyes or divert my gaze from the gruesome scene.
"I'll kill you! I'll kill you all!"
From then on, my world lost its light.
Chapter 267 - Initiation (3)
"Pah!"
Irina's senses were in disarray as she found herself suspended in an ethereal void.
The absence of any solid ground or reference points left her feeling weightless, adrift in an infinite expanse of nothingness. It was as if she had been cast into the void between dreams.
As she tried to make sense of her surroundings, she noticed faint glimmers of light, distant and sporadic, flickering like distant stars.
The emptiness around her seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, creating an eerie ambiance that sent shivers down her spine.
She attempted to move her arms, but they seemed to move through the empty space without any resistance. Panic threatened to creep in, but she fought to maintain focus.
And following that, she slowly recalled her recent memories. Irina recalled Sylvie's words and realized that this surreal experience was the result of her attempt to enter Astron's dream.
'Was it a dream?'
She couldn't understand.
The spell she used to enter his consciousness wasn't supposed to work like this.
[Phantasmic Transfer] – the spell that spell that Irina had cast was designed to create a psychic link between the caster and the target, allowing the caster to enter the dream realm of the individual by connecting their souls.
However, the disconcerting emptiness and the ethereal void that surrounded her were far from the expected outcome.
Irina focused her thoughts on unraveling the mystery of this unexpected turn. The spell, as she understood it, should have provided her with a dreamscape that mirrored Astron's subconscious, where the dream would play on.
She would enter his dream as a person of her own and move inside, wandering around the dream. The dream would be temporarily become the caster's new real world. That was how it was supposed to be.
Yet, this desolate expanse seemed devoid of the usual dream-like elements.
THUD!
Yet, just at this moment, something suddenly happened. The emptiness around Irina quivered, and the subtle hum of otherworldly energy intensified.
The air seemed to vibrate with an unseen force, and in an instant, the desolate expanse transformed.
Everywhere around her, an incredibly complex structure materialized, unfolding like intricate origami. It was as if the fabric of the void had been woven into a mesmerizing tapestry of interlocking patterns and ethereal scenes.
The transition was abrupt, catching Irina off guard.
"What is this?"
Her head, if it even existed, was overwhelmed with the information. Her consciousness threatened to slip away as she felt dizzy from everything happening.
The once-empty space now pulsed with life, and she found herself at the heart of this enigmatic construct.
The structure seemed to defy the laws of reality, constantly shifting and reshaping itself in a dance of relativistic-magicalism.
"Just what?"
She couldn't understand.
At this point, what she was seeing wasn't something that she could describe in words.
"This is…."
In front of her stood a small frame…She could see from the window where two little babies had just left their mother's womb.
"Uwaaaaaaa!"
A loud crying voice entered Irina's ears as she concentrated on the scene. As if now she was part of the frame, she could hear and see everything clearly from an outsider's perspective. This wasn't how the spell was supposed to work, but Irina deemed it fine.
"Ah…..You have two beautiful twins….." Irina, now immersed in the moment, felt the essence of life emanating from the scene.
The midwife, aware of the profound responsibility bestowed upon her, turned to the exhausted but elated parents. "Ah... You have two beautiful twins," she remarked, her voice filled with a sense of joy and reverence.
The mother, her eyes brimming with tears of happiness, gazed lovingly at the newborns. The man, the father, overwhelmed with emotion, held his wife's hand.
The midwife, respecting the sacredness of the moment, gently inquired, "What will be the names of these precious children?"
The man, looking at the two tiny faces wrapped in swaddling blankets, smiled with a warmth that could only come from a father's heart. "Under the full moon, we shall name them Astron and Estelle," he declared, his voice carrying a sense of destiny and connection to the celestial bodies.
The midwife nodded approvingly, acknowledging the significance of the names. "Astron and Estelle," she repeated as if sealing their fate with those words. The room, filled with the tender cries of the newborns, became a sacred space where the bonds of family and destiny intertwined.
'So, this is how he was born….'
Irina couldn't help but mumble to herself. Now, the scene she saw suddenly made sense, as if it had shown her the point of Astron's starting life.
Yet, a question remained.
'Who is Estelle?'
Just as she was thinking about those, suddenly, a second later, she found herself in the same empty space she was in.
A nagging question surfaced, "Who is Estelle?" The assumption that Estelle was Astron's twin sister seemed natural, born at the same time under the same celestial event.
Yet, as Irina delved deeper into her thoughts, a disturbing realization crept in.
"Wait, there isn't someone like Estelle in Astron's life. He's an orphan with no family members," she pondered, her mind racing to make sense of the incongruity. Doubt lingered as she questioned the nature of the connection between Astron and Estelle.
"Did something happen to him?" Irina wondered aloud, her concern for Astron growing. The mystery deepened, and a sense of urgency gripped her.
Determined to uncover the truth, Irina focused her magical senses on different time frames, searching for clues that would shed light on Astron's enigmatic past.
As she navigated through the currents of time, glimpses of Astron's life unfolded before her. Scenes of his childhood, moments of laughter and struggle, all wove a tapestry of his journey. Yet, the absence of Estelle in these moments puzzled Irina even more.
She entered another timeframe as she looked into the scene.
As Irina observed this particular timeframe from her vantage point within Astron's memories, she found herself immersed in a humble yet heartwarming scene.
As Astron descended the stairs, Mother, in the midst of washing dishes, threw a small side look at him, her brows furrowed. "Oh, you are finally awake, you brat," she teased, a playful tone underlying her scolding.
"Good morning, Mother," Astron greeted with a smile, his eyes sparkling with innocence.
Mother sighed, her initial frustration melting at the sight of Astron's smile. "Just go away; your father is waiting for you outside," she chuckled, swayed by her son's infectious cheer.
'So, he can smile like that.'
Now that she had seen it, she realized one very important thing about him. From the moment they met, from the moment Irina first saw him, she had never seen him smile.
Not even once.
His face took different emotions, sometimes annoyance, sometimes anger, sometimes slightly melancholy…..
But never once had he smiled before…..
-WARP!
Following that, she was once again expelled from the frame and returned to the same space as she was.
'I need to see more….'
There were just too many questions, and she needed to find the answers right now if she wanted to operate in this place.
Was this really a dream?
Was she really seeing the memories of Astron right now? If so, why was she not seeing everything directly from Astron's eyes? After all, a person experiencing things can not do it from a person's perspective, which she had been witnessing.
That wouldn't make sense at all.
All those types of questions needed to be answered, and there was far too much missing information right now.
And, even though she didn't even want to admit with her thoughts, she wanted to see more of his childhood. What kind of a person he was, what happened to him, why was he like this?
The existence of Astron Natusalune still held many mysteries.
Thus, she slowly moved forward while looking around the space.
As Irina delved deeper into Astron's memories, she traversed through various timeframes, each revealing a different facet of his life.
In one particular scene, Irina finds herself in Astron's home during the night. Astron and his sister engaged in a heartfelt conversation by the fireplace. The dim light cast flickering shadows on the walls, creating an intimate ambiance.
The room, illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight, became the backdrop for Astron's contemplation. Seated by the window, his eyes fixed on the stars and the moon, he wrestled with memories that resurfaced against his will.
"Why am I remembering about these again? It had already been a long time…." he mused, his gaze drawn to the celestial canvas that adorned the night sky. The vastness of the universe sparked his curiosity, and he couldn't help but wonder about the mysteries beyond the confines of their village.
As his thoughts unfolded, a voice interrupted his solitary reflection. "What are you doing now?" came the voice, and Astron turned to find his sister, Estelle, standing at the doorway. Despite the darkness, her presence radiated a gentle luminosity.
"Estelle," Astron acknowledged, and she entered the room, her white hair catching a glimmer of the moonlight. There was a familiarity in their interaction, a silent understanding that transcended spoken words.
"I thought I'd find you here, lost in your thoughts again," Estelle remarked with a playful smile, her green eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and affection.
The siblings shared a moment by the window, their eyes drawn to the night sky. Astron confessed his longing to explore the world beyond their village, fueled by the stories he devoured in books. Estelle, too, expressed a similar yearning at times but added a thoughtful layer to her aspirations.
"The outside world does seem fascinating, doesn't it? Sometimes, I also wish we could explore beyond our borders and see the places we've only heard about in tales," Estelle shared, her voice carrying a gentle melody.
Yet, amidst Astron's dreams of exploration, Estelle leaned her head on his shoulder, a gesture laden with comfort and weariness.
"Sometimes, what I wish for the most isn't to explore everything out there. It's not about seeing distant lands or unraveling mysteries. What I truly wish for is to stay beside you," Estelle confessed, her words resonating with a sense of vulnerability.
Astron, feeling the weight of his sister's weariness, responded with a promise, "If that is what you wish… then I will gladly put every other thing aside."
Hearing all those things, Irina couldn't even believe her ears. Was that cold Astron such a considerate person? Certainly unbelievable.
Whenever she talked with him, they always quarreled, and it didn't make sense at all. After that, she had watched him spending days and nights in their village.
His initially weak body constitution continued to prove to be a challenge for him, but he also continued to live his life despite his challenges.
He went out, cut wood, helped his mother and father, and sometimes even trained secretly. Though his training would never be long, thanks to his body, even seeing his spirit, Irina couldn't help but remark.
'Even from before, he was a training maniac, huh?'
Just like that, she continued to watch. But as she watched, she found herself in another poignant moment.
The weight of grief hung heavy in the air as Astron and Estelle grappled with the loss of their parents. Sorrow etched into Estelle's voice as she clung to her brother for solace.
"You're never going to leave me, right?"
"No matter what happens, Estelle, I promise I'll never leave you. Even if the world breaks down, as long as I am still breathing, I will always stay with you."
In the midst of their shared pain, Astron, though silent, provided a comforting presence. The unspoken promise of never leaving Estelle's side echoed in the stillness.
'So, he lost his father and mother early….'
Irina observed the siblings' solemn pact, a moment laden with the fragility of life and the strength found in their bond.
'But what happened to his sister?'
Just as she thought about it, suddenly, she was sucked into a different time frame without her control.
–WRRR!
'What?' She was caught off guard, but as she looked at the scene right before her eyes, she gasped.
"Huh?"
As if to show the answer to her question, in front of her eyes stood the girl whose destiny she was looking for.
With her chest pierced by the claws of a demon.
Chapter 268- Initiation (4)
Irina, locked within the confines of Astron's memories, observed the harrowing events unfold. The days slipped away, marked by Astron's diligent efforts to maintain their home.
As he gathered firewood, a sense of urgency disrupted his routine, and Irina could sense the impending danger.
With trepidation, Astron rushed back to the village, guided by an unsettling feeling. The stench of burning and iron permeated the air, foretelling a nightmare about to unfold. As he reached the village, twisted creatures swarmed, and Irina felt his desperate search for his sister.
The nightmarish scene unfolded as Astron, restrained by magical forces, witnessed his sister standing tall against the demonic horde. Irina shared his helplessness as he struggled against the magical restraints, tears streaming down his face.
The village succumbed to the onslaught, and Astron's world plunged into darkness as he watched his sister's valiant but futile fight.
In front of her, a demon's claws pierced through the chest of the girl – Estelle.
The air became heavy with despair, and Irina could sense Astron's world collapsing around him. The vivid scene revealed the heart-wrenching moment when Astron witnessed his sister's life extinguished by the malevolent force.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!"
Astron's screams filled the air, echoing the anguish of losing a loved one. The sound reverberated through the caverns of his memories, leaving Irina shaken by the intensity of his pain. The agony etched on Astron's face as he tried desperately to reach Estelle conveyed the helplessness of the situation.
"NOOOO!"
As Irina processed the scene, she began to understand the reasons behind Astron's cold demeanor and solitary disposition.
'This is why…..'
The trauma of losing his parents early on and then witnessing the brutal death of his sister left scars that shaped his character.
The sense of betrayal and vulnerability mingled with grief, forging a protective shell around Astron's heart. The experience of loss fueled his determination to stand alone to avoid forming emotional connections that could lead to further heartbreak.
She knew all of this quite well. After all, she herself went through an experience that was close to this.
How would it make the person close up to the outer world, build walls around themselves, and always be reluctant to open others?
How would the scars of the past have become the armor that shielded from the pain of attachment….
She knew everything well.
"I AM GOING TO KILL YOU! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!"
The scene continued to play out, and Astron, consumed by rage and sorrow, vowed to avenge his sister.
The intensity of his emotions and the trauma etched into his soul all painted a vivid picture of the complex and tormented individual that Astron had become.
As Irina navigated through the layers of Astron's memories, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of empathy and sorrow for the man whose journey she was witnessing.
She may not have wanted to admit it, but inwardly, she knew. For the first time in a long while, she was feeling close to someone else in such a way.
Not in a way that made her heart flutter but in a way that awoke the feeling of camaraderie inside her.
The fact that she was able to understand even the slightest bit of how he became offered some relief, and at the same time, she felt like she slowly understood why, for all this time, she was comfortable when around him.
'I unknowingly felt this camaraderie, didn't I?'
After all, her act of arrogance was also her way of protesting the world. She may be irritating to others, but she actually knew it was better for good.
The more irritating she became, the easier she could woo away the shallow people approaching her with superficial intentions.
–WRRRR!
At that moment, she was once again forcefully expelled from the time frame.
'But, now is not the time to be lost in such thoughts.'
She thought while wandering off into the empty space around her.
Knowing that she had a goal for being here, she decided to discard all those thoughts and start focusing on her goal once again.
Irina refocused on her mission within Astron's past and continued to witness the unfolding chapters of his life. The scene shifted, and she found herself in the aftermath of the tragic events in the village.
As Astron's world crumbled around him, a figure emerged from the shadows – an investigator named Hunter Garrett. The investigator took Astron under his wing, rescuing him from the ruins of his past.
The transition to the orphanage marked a new chapter in Astron's life. Irina observed the isolation and alienation he experienced among the other children, the scars of his past still haunting him.
The weak constitution and the loss of his inner light made him an outcast, subjected to the cruelty of bullying.
The sense of loneliness became a constant companion, shaping Astron's demeanor as he navigated the challenges of orphanage life.
Yet, Hunter Garrett, the investigator who had taken him in, observed Astron's potential. Maybe he could see the mana surrounding him, or maybe it was just an intuition; he decided to take Astron to a test center.
It was then that the revelation came – Astron was an Awakened, possessing latent abilities that set him apart from the other children.
The discovery transformed his narrative, as Hunter Garrett recognized the potential within the troubled young boy.
After that, Astron continued to train, giving his everything for the sake of improving himself. Irina could see the reason for his ambition and what he wanted to achieve.
Deep down, an immense amount of hatred always remained in his eyes no matter what.
One day, a letter arrived – an invitation to the prestigious Arcadia Hunter Academy, the very institution Irina herself attended. Astron, now equipped with newfound abilities, embarked on a journey to the academy that would shape his destiny.
Upon entering the academy, however, Astron faced immediate challenges. The other students, unaware of his past and the transformation he had undergone, mocked him. Placed at the lowest rank, 2450th out of 2450 students, Astron became the target of ridicule and scorn.
'Ah….I remember this….'
She remembered those words. Even though she hated to admit it, the fact that she also laughed behind him made her feel an immense amount of shame and remorse for her actions.
'What was I doing?'
She realized it was quite easy to judge people without knowing anything about them. From the moment she heard about his rank and saw his attitude, in her eyes, he immediately became someone who didn't deserve her attention.
'...'
No words could express the shame and guilt she was feeling now.
Irina witnessed the isolation and bullying that Astron endured.
Four individuals, fueled by arrogance and prejudice, targeted him relentlessly.
'Dylan Miller? Where did I hear his name?'
Irina looked at the past and remembered the certain students that had attended the academy in the first month and then suddenly disappeared mysteriously.
They were the ones who always laughed at the back of the classroom and acted arrogantly. She never liked such people either, as it reminded her of the ugly façade of the high-ranking society she belonged to.
The atmosphere around Astron turned hostile as he navigated through the trials and tribulations of academy life.
The academy, a place meant for growth and camaraderie, became a battlefield for Astron. Irina could sense the resilience within him as he faced the harsh reality of being the lowest-ranked student, enduring the taunts and physical aggression from his tormentors.
'Wait?'
However, as the one-month period passed, Irina suddenly let out an exclamation of surprise.
Dylan Miller and his group, individuals who were supposed to have disappeared mysteriously, were still present, continuing their relentless bullying of Astron.
'They are still here?'
Something was different from her memories. But that wasn't the only strange thing.
'She is not in my team.'
Irina still remembered the first time she had encountered Astron. They were in the same group. At that time, she was angry at the fact that she was going to babysit a defective product, so she acted in the most embarrassing way she could, and she hated it right now.
But what she was seeing now was a lot different. She hadn't encountered Astron as she entered the dungeon, nor had the events that happened in her memories happened.
It was like the life she was watching now was a lot different than what she experienced.
The events surrounding the academy diverged significantly from her memories, and the presence of Dylan Miller and his group, along with the absence of her interactions with Astron during dungeon expeditions, puzzled her.
As Astron navigated through the challenges of academy life, a pivotal moment unfolded.
"Aren't you tired of everything and all that ridicule? Take this if you want strength."
Another student approached him, handing him a mysterious card while questioning if he wasn't tired of something. Irina watched as Astron, seeking a way to escape his struggles, accepted the card, setting in motion a fateful turn in his destiny.
It was at that moment that everything changed for him since Irina knew the place he went to was entangled with demonic humans, and when Astron left, he became one of them as well.
However, there a question arose.
'He hates demons. Why did he become a demonic human? What happened there? Was he brainwashed?'
She needed to know. Now, everything was different from what she had experienced; she needed to know more.
However, when Irina tried to delve deeper into the scene where Astron interacted with the demonic human, the details became blurry and foggy. She strained to hear the conversation, but only one phrase pierced through the haze:
❰ 'The enemy was never what you knew.' ❱
SHIVER!
The moment she heard this sentence and the voice, she felt shivers down her spine.
It was as if the voice alone was able to affect her from where she was, and that was the scary part.
'Just what is this?'
But she had yet to find answers.
'Is this the Astron I know?'
It was impossible to understand.
'I need to know more? I don't think this place shows the memories of Astron.'
Just as she had come to the realization of this, suddenly, she felt a force of suction from somewhere.
–WRRR!
With the voice, her world became blurry as she instantly found herself in a time frame.
A timeframe she had never expected to see.