Seating himself on one of the small couches, the old Illois begin to talk, with a strong feeling of nostalgia in his tone. But to everyone surprise, he started with a question...

“Kids, do you know how many races there are currently?” (Illois)

I think we had that not too long ago in class, telling about the different Categories, their races and sub-races.

“I believe there are the Spirit-races, the Evil-Races, the Human-races, The beast-races and the Legendary-Races if I am not wrong, plus the demi-humans and halflings. And in the end, there are the more intelligent Monsters who can, with a certain level of self, be counted as the monster-races, right?” (Arin)

Asking in a probing manner, Illois only nods his head calmly, before continuing to speak.

“That is indeed true, but when we High-Humans first arrived in this world through a dimensional accident, that wasn't the case yet. By the time my forefathers from many generations ago arrived, there were only the fairy's, Spirits, animals and a few legendary races such as the Kitsune, Fenrir, Salim, dragons and a few more. Even monsters were rather rare, and more treated like stronger animals.” (Illois)

Hearing him speak, one could nearly think that he was guilty of something, acting like he was at fault of the other races existence...

But, I never heard of the Fenrir or Salim, what kind of Legendary-Races were they?

Asking that question, Illois begins to patiently explain the races which counted as extinct even before what they call the great collapse.

“The Legendary-Races are mostly gone, with only the Kitsune, or Fox-Kin as you know it, and the dragons remaining. The Fenrir were Wolf like beings, while the Salim were Cat-kin. There were also the Kyro and Umara, who are the bear-kin and Lizard-kin respectively, but that is another matter.

You could say that today's Beast-people are the descendants of them, but there is more to it.” (Illois)

With those words, I begin thinking about the effects he mentioned. If it is true that there were other legendary races such as dragon and Fox-kin, why are they dead, even if their descendants survived?

While having question float through my mind, Illois already continues to tell us the history we didn't know.

“You know... more than 124'000 years ago, the world was completely different. Technology and magic were mixed, resulting in what you see here in this place until the great collapse, but let's begin at the very start of my ancestors appearance... the first humans who accidentally landed on Treia, or the world it was before...” (Illois)

And with those words, Illois begun telling his tale from the very beginning of the World before the collapse. And I am sure the two origins, the fox-queen and divine dragon, have something to do with it, but I am not too sure...

“When my forefathers first appeared, the origins didn't destroy or kill them, as they saw them as weak yet interesting. So, at first, the races who were native on Treia begun trading and helping the humans, helping them in their growth, as they appeared so fragile and weak. But it didn't stay like that.

Over time the humans gained awareness of the power they possessed, the so called Magic-Power within their bodies. With it's discovery, many more technologies and items could be made, easing the living of the humans, and the races supporting them.

But with this power came greed, and some Humans tried attacking other Races, heavily injuring them. But because the majority respected them, a small war between the two factions arose. Those that were against the non-human races were named the Xenophobic-faction, which was later banished. But during those battles, new laws and a solid government were made, as well as the evolution of most legendary-races to evolve and use a humanoid form.

Then the great age of peace arrived, with many legendary-races intermingling with the Humans, causing... new kinds of races to be born.” (Illois)

Suddenly arriving at that point, Anna intervenes and asks a question.

“Sir Illois, what happened to the fairy's and spirits, did they remain untouched or how did it go...?” (Anna)

Hearing this question, Illois sighs a bit before answering her question.

“Back then, even before the humans arrived due to the dimensional rift, the fairy's and Spirits lived in a secluded forest with thick mana, allowing no High-Human to enter it without losing the benefit of Magic-Power, which keeps them from aging fast while not requiring food and water.” (Illois)

“So Humans never entered the Fairy forest?” (Anna)

Nearly leaning over the table while speaking, Anna's eyes are glittering with anticipation. Honestly, I am also interested in how this goes, but I don't understand everything they say... maybe I will later.

Still, this weird painful feeling in my head got worse recently... I wonder what Is going on?

“No, some humans entered without caring about that. Maybe because they wished for a peaceful short live, or they were in love with a fairy or such. And, unexpectedly, something was born from this, the elf-race. Half-Fairy, half Human, a race born in the Fairy forest and one of the few who practically never leave, which makes sense as they consider it a holy ground. Though, there were also the dwarfs and merman, which are the mix of humans and spirits.” (Illois)

This piece of news surprises me, as I believed the Elf's and Dwarfs to be natives, but it does appear that there is more to it.

“With the races intermingling like they did, there were many half-human races being born, today mostly known as the demi-humans, or beast-people. They lived in a peaceful society, also known as the golden age, where technology thrived and the people easily surpassed their own limits. As you can see, the place we are now was made in the last stages of said age, considering how modern the technology is in this place in comparison to the time I was born. But that aside, most races adapted to the changes, leaving it with many high-tech countries all over the world. Flying vehicles were standard, while we even started to explore means for space-travel, going beyond the planets restrictions.” (Illois)

Hearing about there being high-tech mixed with magic, I take a close look around, watching the different devices, of which not even half seem to be working.

“Don't bother looking around, those devices at most can help create small things, or scan material to help me, but this isn't the point here, so let me continue. But first, my glass is empty. Oi, old lizard, can you go fetch something to drink? The glasses of the small ones are already empty as well.” (Illois)

Being suddenly spoken to, Uncle Black shoots up from his chair in which he seemed to fallen asleep on, acting a little grumpy at the request made by Illois. But still, I haven't even realized that I already emptied my cup, as I was still holding it with both my hands, probably because I was being too focused on listening to the story. But seriously, don't they have handier cups? They may be usual size, but I still have to use both hands just to hold it. Also, would I use one hand, my grip strength to hold it would probably break or damage it.

Anyway, once Uncle Black vanished behind the counter and a small door leading out of the room, Illois continues to tell us about the history of Treia.

“But, with every good thing, even that era came to an end. It was the rise of the xenophobic-faction, causing armies of different countries to 'purge' their lands and killing or imprisoning most of the demi-humans and legendary-races, using them to experiment on their own longevity and strength.

Most countries kept away from that, and begun defending their own non-humans, causing a war to occur between the nations. But like a horrible decease, many human nations suddenly adopted the change, causing them to also initiate the 'purge' in their own countries.” (Illois)

“Was there a reason for that?” (Alice)

This time it was Alice asking the question, surprising us as she, until know, silently listened to the story without talking.

“Yes, somehow the boon to reach true Immortality went through everywhere, causing many underground organizations to use the non-human races to experiment on their own immortality. They knew that the origins are Immortal, and knowing that the legendary races had a chance to become like this, they experimented on them.” (Illois)

Hearing this, Alice only nods, seemingly thinking about something silently.

“But that wasn't the end of it. Many of the survivors fled, directly into the three holy lands as they were called back then. Two being the territories under the direct protection of the Origins, while the third one was the Fairy-forest. Humans quickly realized that and tried to stop it, but certain organizations who were still on their side supported the non-humans, creating hiding places all around Treia, trying to safe as many as possible.

And that was 'us', an organization called Eden, under the banner of the two origins.” (Illois)

Stopping there and taking a breather, Illois leans back into his chair, appearing like he just remembered good, as well as bad times.

But before we could further ask our burning questions, Uncle Black showed up again, this time with filled glass-jugs in his hands. And after a short grunt as he tries to close the door with his tail, he then placed the jugs on the table, before refilling our cups, allowing us to drink.

But as though taking the sound of us placing the cups down as a signal, Illois once more sits up and continue to speak before we can ask further.

“By the time all this occurred, aside from the kitsune and the dragons, all legendary-races were already gone. And with their fall, came the age of darkness. With many of the refugees hiding within the 'holy-lands', the humans continued living as a human-only society, not knowing that their very government was using Non-humans in disgusting experiments. Just remembering those times, and the reports our spies back then sent to us, I feel the creeps.” (Illois)

Slightly shivering at the thought, Illois keeps talking to us, not giving us the chance to ask questions, even though there are many on my mind...

“In the end, we managed to deliver most of our gathered non-humans into the holy-lands, allowing the origins to protect them. In exchange, the origins allowed us to construct two centers in both their territories, practically permitting 'Eden' to operate from there. But even then, when we finally had the root-cause for all this nearly in our hands, suddenly humanity made it's worst and last mistake.

They, in hope to gain power from it, started to dig into the worlds-core, trying to extract it's ability to manifest magic-power. But unlike their expectations, the core isn't the part that is responsible for it, and the moment they cracked it, the core fell apart. It cracked open, and with it, the world.” (Illois)

Showing a very heavy smile towards the end, he strengthens his grip on his cup, nearly breaking it in the process. Uncle Black on the side only nods towards him, trying to tell him that it is alright.

I don't know what Illois had to go through exactly, but seeing him with this pained expression, I also feel hurt... He must have had to go through a lot for this to happen, but just as he calms down and wants to continue telling us about the past by making a small gesture, signaling for us to stay silent, a strong headache rushes through my head.

[No... I can't contain it any longer...ARIN!!!] (Lumi?)

“““Arin?!?””” (?-?-?)

Suddenly everything feels so distant, with even the sounds ceasing to be. And with every moment, my surroundings seem to fall apart, with my vision darkening more and more. And the last thing I can hear is the voice of mother, and the concerned screams of my friends... where am I going...?

Before I can make any sense of my situation, I feel a heavy impact, causing my consciousness and thoughts to cease...

…

…

…

---POV-Change: Aaron Geyser---

Just as my old friend tried to continue his tale, Arin's tails shot up strait, before limply falling down, just as his eyes lose focus and seem to change. I tried to reach him by yelling, but before I could arrive at his side, his eyes showed a inkling of a dark red color, like dried blood, before he fell and lost consciousness.

In Panic, I jump right to his side, knocking over the glasses that were placed down on the table. But I didn't care. Whatever happened, his body and mind couldn't take it, causing it to collapse. And so, feeling the pulse on the boy, I sigh lightly in relief. But before I could say anything, Illois shot up from his seat, worriedly looking towards the boy.

“Old Lizard, take the boy and come with me, this is an emergency!” (Illois)

Shutting my mouth immediately due to the mental pressure Illois leaked, I took the boy into my arms and ran after Illois who hurried into one of the rooms next to this one.

Entering there, I could see a pure white room with a bed in the middle, surrounded by several devices I never saw before, but before I could question anything, I lay Arin down on the bed under the instructions coming from Illois.

And just as I want to remove his upper clothes to check his body, Illois shoves me aside, activating one of the devices around the bed.

In the next moment, and after a short series of blinking lights and weird beeping noises, the devices started to show what appears to be a simple beep every moment, accelerating slowly over time, synchronized with the increased breathing coming from Arin. If I am not wrong, then this device signals his heartbeat, meaning, judging by the speed, it is under a certain rush, even though the body is unconscious...

As I see the boy, covered in sweat as he lays on the bed, panic comes over me. I know I shouldn't worry, but my heart wouldn't be able to deal with this, I don't want to lose my family again.

But just as I want to ask Illois what is happening, he shushes me with a simple gesture before setting up a weird screen, showing lines of various colors streaming through what appears to be Arins body. Deducing from the pale silver color of those lines coming from his chest-region, I guess it would be his mana-flow. But within the head, a red energy seems to gather, attacking the boy's mana, while the external bluish colored Energy seems to try and invade the head in order to contain the red energy.

But seeing all those colors, clusters and lines, I am reminded of a battlefield. But as I have no idea what is happening, I keep worriedly looking at Illois, hoping to get an explanation of what is happening.

But just as I see the boy convulsion under the pressure, I hear Illois mumble in a dark tone. He asked only one question, but one I couldn't lie about.

“Aaron, did this boy... already enter blood-rage once?” (Illois)

Hearing his question, I am taken aback. But as I don't want to risk anything, so I simply tell the truth...

“Yes, a rather strong one, but we managed to get him out of it...” (Aaron)

“No you didn't! Whatever this entity is living within the boys mind... it suppressed the blood-rage, causing it to materialize within the boys body. And due to it being fed negative emotions over time, it now retaliates, freeing it's shackles from the suppression by the other entity!” (Illois)

He never got rid of the blood-rage?!? Another Entity? Wait... doesn't that mean that... Lumi was protecting him the whole time, using her strength to suppress the echoes?!?

While still being flabbergasted and confused, Illois begun speaking again, this time slightly stressed.

“Whatever it is, it is now trying to suppress it again using raw power. But that will only speed up the damage. If we want to save him, we will have to return his will and let him deal with it himself. Because, unlike before, the Echoes materialized themselves, forming a weird bead like object. If I am not wrong, then this bead emits chaos energy, causing the balance within his body to trip!” (Illois)

Speaking in a flustered voice, speaking like he never encountered this problem before... could it be we can't save him and only hope for him to manage it himself...?!?

“Illois! There has to be a way! Please, Save him!” (Aaron)

Please, I can't even think strait anymore. I don't want to lose him... can't we just use a healing elixir?!?

While still slowly falling prey to my own panic, the door swing open and the three girls whom we left behind enter the room. Their faces are concerned, but upon seeing mine, they show signs of fear, nearly stumbling towards Arin to see if he is alright.

“Arin!” (Anna, Alice & Sumi)

Screaming from the top of their lungs, the girls run towards the already pale boy on the bed. But before they could reach, a small light barrier blocks them off behind Illois, keeping them from interfering from him trying to operate.

So the girls, together with me, just silently stand at the side, all of us expressing worry towards Arin, as he unmovingly lays on the bed. Next to me, I can even hear Sumi silently chanting for Arin to be alright while crying, meanwhile Anna and Alice had tears in their eyes as they unblinkingly stare at him.

But to everyone's dismay, the device showing his pulse slowly recedes in speed, nearly beeping only once every second.

And just as even Illois is about to lose hope, Arin's left arm starts to glow in a faint golden color, while a small tattoo similar to the one Luna has appeared on the back of his hand.

And just as we try to ask what it is, I can feel Sumi react weirdly, nearly despereatly trying to break the barrier...

“What are you doing!” (Illois)

Screaming at her, as he tries to keep Sumi from doing something reckless, she only whispers with tears in her eyes...

“Chaos, I have a chaos constitution, I believe I can help him!” (Sumi)

Nearly screaming this from the top of her lungs towards the end, Sumi attentively watches Illois for a reaction.

And to everyone's surprise, Illois lifts the barrier...

“I don't see any hope... you may as well try.” (Illois)

With those words, the barrier faded, with Sumi quickly stumbling forward toward Arin, grasping his right arm while beginning to channel her mana...