Chapter 25

Kazu found Daniel in the library. He didn’t approach yet. First, he observed him. Piles of books laid idle on the table Daniel sat in front of. Some books were thin and some were thick, but all the books had one thing in common; their hard covers were blue. He saw the diligence in Daniel’s eyes as he read the books. Daniel’s expression was much different, more sincere, compared to yesterday’s sleazy attitude. However, there was a hint of desperation in Daniel’s eyes. As to the cause of that desperation, Kazu didn’t want to know, but he would have to know, if only to further his own plans.

Kazu watched the scene, he couldn’t help but let go his ill impression of Daniel. He hated pretty boys that would hit on every girl they saw; however, they were still human. The facade humans donned in no way represented their true selves. The scene in front of him led Kazu to believe that Daniel was a man who would put on such a mask. He couldn’t judge him, not for what he did yesterday. It was one of the reasons why he didn’t hold tightly to first impressions.

Kazu walked over to Daniel with his lips in a twisted frown. He had never intimidated anyone, at least not on purpose. He didn’t remember how he did it yesterday. Regret built up in his mind. Being too nice is a sin, Kazu thought. His kindness, to this day, had only led him down a path, one which didn’t give him skills or resources in the art of being a jerk; a disposition he had found himself hard pressed to emulate.

Daniel lifted his head up, noticing Kazu walking in his direction. His chair stumbled backwards, and his eyes widened as if he had seen a ghost—in this case, a demon. Daniel’s hands trembled as Kazu sat down in front of him, then it stopped after he took a deep breath.

“Is there anything…?” Daniel’s voice shook.

“Nothing at all!” Kazu boasted, “Any reason why you’re here?”

“Can’t you see already?” Daniel answered, turning his eyes away.

“I see books, blue books. I don’t get it. What’s happening here Danny?” Kazu said.

“I’m reading the blue books…” Daniel grumbled.

“Reading. Hmm. Reading is definitely great.” Kazu narrowed his eye. “What else?”

“I’m studying…?” Daniel’s eyes glanced back at the book. He turned the page while mumbling in a low enough voice that Kazu couldn’t hear.

Kazu leaned in closer to pretend to want to hear his mumbles, although he did hear his mumbles, he didn’t pay attention to the insults. The mumbles stopped right before he got too close and Daniel’s hands, again, began to tremble. Right next to Daniel’s ears, Kazu whispered, “Is that a question or are you telling me?”

“I-I-I’m telling y-you.” Daniel screeched his chair back.

“Oh, is that so.” Kazu threw himself back at the chair behind him, causing a loud thud. “At any rate, I need to ask you something.”

“Yes, I’ll answer anything!” Daniel yelled, surprising even Kazu.

“Then, what are you reading?” Kazu asked

“These books are tomes of research done by some of the most…” Daniel stopped and gritted his teeth.

Kazu could tell the man in front of him didn’t want to say the last words. A moment of silence fell between them. Pages of books turned one by one reached Kazu’s ear. He felt the soft air that swirled as students moved through the alleys of book shelves. The library had a solemn silence, yet the man in front of him trembled in fear. Maybe. If so, his plan worked—intimidation is the best form of interrogation, Kazu thought.

“The most what, huuuh?” Kazu grunted.

“The-the-the most powerful water mages of all time!” Daniel squealed.

“Water? Wasn’t your element fire?” Kazu rubbed his chin, “Don’t tell me, you’re learning about water magic to pick up girls?”

“No!” Daniel slammed the table. “It’s not like that… really.”

“Heh, isn’t that what you do all day anyways?” Kazu smirked, “It’s kinda weird seeing you here studying like a good student.”

“Shut up!” Daniel shouted. His face became a hot red, and he clenched his fist as he stared into Kazu’s eyes with unyielding resolve. His mildly long nails dug into his skin, but not enough to cause bleeding.

Kazu knew it was not the kind of redness that came from embarrassment. Instead, it was anger. Of course, he did all this on purpose; otherwise, there would be no point in talking to him. But from Daniel’s reaction, Kazu could tell that he hit the jackpot.

“What would you know?” Daniel let out a faint laugh, “That’s right. You know nothing. You’re just someone who appeared randomly last year, I heard…. sorry about yesterday, alright?”

“I’m not here about yesterday,” Kazu said, “I’m here about something else.”

“Then get to the point already.” Daniel grumbled, “I need to study.”

“Fine, I’ll cut to the chase.” Kazu sighed. “What’s your relationship with Riona?”

“No relationship.” Daniel flipped the page. “Now leave me alone.”

A slight gust blew around the table, flipping the pages of the open books, even cluttered Daniel’s hair. Kazu no longer felt the calm air in the library. The smell of rotting books, dust, and perfumes of the women in the library reached his nose once he took control of the wind. The violent gusts replaced the calm winds that followed his every will and gave him all their senses.

“I’ll leave when I want to.” Kazu stated. He saw Daniel’s face with a mouth that seemed to forget it was open.

Kazu held a palm out at Daniel, then formed it into a grip like a hand holding a sword. The wind swirled and formed at his fingertips and the light distorted. Once the shape of a sword formed, Kazu gripped it, a sword made of condensed air. Daniel’s eyes widened as he saw the materialization of air.

“So, what’s your relationship with Riona?” Kazu asked again.

“Kazu, you know how to materialize mana?” Daniel asked.

“What’re you talking about?” Kazu answered, “I’m just making the air solid, y’know?”

“Idiot, that’s what I said,” Daniel mumbled, “Is this real?”

“Of course it is,” Kazu said, “Touch it.”

As Daniel touched the ‘solidified wind’, as Kazu calls it, he felt like he was forgetting something. The mood became somewhat light, opposite to what he wanted, and Daniel’s eyes wide and his fingers observed and touched the sword. Daniel’s expression showed no more hints of fear; curiosity replaced it.

“Oi, oi, oi.” Kazu drew his sword back, but Daniel held on to the sword, pulling him back with him. But as Kazu saw Daniel falling on top him, he flipped over into a roll and reversed the situation.

“Daniel!” A girl called from afar behind the labyrinth of bookshelves.

The situation looked bad. Kazu had the sword a breath away from Daniel’s chest, positioned right over his heart. To a person, who was unaware of the situation, it might look like a demon, Kazu in this case, was attacking Daniel. Before they created a commotion, Kazu stood up and sat back at his seat; Daniel also did the same.

A girl with a diamond shaped badge with one vertical line barged in. She wore her blond hair short with hair clips parting her fringe. Her uniform was unique in the way that she didn’t wear the mandatory skirts for girls. Instead, she wore the dress pants boys wore. Kazu could describe her as the tomboy of the first year.

“Hm? Who’s this?” Cynthia looked at Kazu from bottom to top. “Nice to meet you, the name is Cynthia.”

“Ooh, nice to meet you. Kazu here.”

“Cynthia, what do you want?” Daniel blurted.

“Rude, I was just checking up on you,” Cynthia’s eyes furrowed, “You’re still at it? This is pointless.”

“Shut up,” Daniel said, “Even if it is, I’m still going to look for it.”

“Daniel, you said you were going to answer me earlier right?” Kazu asked, “I’ll change my question. If I’m assuming correctly, what’s this have to do with Riona?”

“Everything,” Cynthia answered. “I’m guessing Lawrie sent you, right Kazu?” she smirked.

“Tch. If you said that earlier, I would’ve been willing to tell you some stuff. Damn Lawrie…” Daniel added.

“Well, I did find it odd why I wasn’t put in the same class as class U,” Cynthia remarked, “Did Lawrie tell you anything?”

“Anything can mean anything. If you know him, you can be more specific than that right?” Kazu said. “Sorry if I’m being cautious, just my own precautions.”

“Lawrie did tell us about you and we know what’s happening around Riona.” Cynthia sat down beside Daniel. “He didn’t tell us that much. He just told us to tell you what we know. But you are really different. To be honest, when I saw you up on that stage a week ago, I thought you were a demon. Hehe, guess not."

“Everyone says that. I’m used to it,” Kazu said “Then first off, did Lawrie tell you that Riona’s being targeted?”

“She’s what?!” Daniel stood up as he shouted.

“Sit back down, Daniel,” Cynthia commanded, “Did Lawrie tell you that?”

“No, I know from someone much more bothersome than Lawrie.” Kazu sighed. “Sage. She might be watching us right now. Heh.”

“Tch. That goddamn fox. Don’t worry about getting watched. Some guards saw her heading out of the city in a rush.” Cynthia crossed her arms. “Do you have an idea who the people targetting her are?”

“Actually, I do,” Kazu stated, “But Lawrie and Sage don’t know. Back to my question: what’s Daniel’s relationship with Riona?”

“I said I have none!” Daniel yelled.

“Are you stupid or something?” Cynthia turned to Daniel, “Then should I just return all these books back to their shelves?”

“This is research. Leave me alone,” Daniel grumbled, “None of you would understand anyways.”

“You’re really stupid aren’t you.” Cynthia forced a smile. “Stop running away, Daniel!”

“Danny boy. You know, I was like you once. Maybe I still am,” Kazu commented, “Carrying everything on my shoulders, not relying on anyone.”

Kazu remembered his last day in Japan. The classmates, who he had took considerable care to, followed what he said to do; he thought that his words, his actions, would lessen the burden on them. It wasn’t until it was too late, at the very end that he understood the situation he had created was opposite of what he wanted. The tears flowing down the girls’ faces and the reddened eyes of the boys, both told him more than enough: the burden was no longer on him, it was on his classmates.

“This isn’t about you anymore Danny,” Kazu said, “It’s about Riona. I know you trust Lawrie and not me, but believe me. I need to know about you, Riona, and her dad.”

“I…” Daniel turned his head over to Cynthia with trembling eyes.

A warm smile formed on Cynthia’s lips, a contrast to her tomboyish demeanor. “No matter what you say, I’ll be right here with you and Riona.”

“I don’t really get what this has to do with… Fine,” Daniel said, “What do you want to know?”

“First, your relationship with Riona,” Kazu replied.

“Let’s just say we’re close friends, Riona, Cynthia, and I.” Daniel answered, “We’ve known each other even before we entered Roseful Academy. We met Lawrie and Cristen in that academy.”

“So whats your relationship with Riona?” Kazu persisted.

“We…” Daniel paused and looked down on the book. He fiddled with his hands and the pages before continuing. “We like each other. Liked, anyways. Until three years ago.”

“What happened three years ago?” Kazu asked.

“She became the way she is now. I don’t know… ok?” Daniel shook his head.

“Three years ago?” Cynthia looked up as if recalling something. “Wasn’t that when that family, I forgot their name, but they were in conflict with the Rye family over alchemy production. The family suddenly disappeared.”

“You forgot? Do you know anyone that knows of what happened in that conflict?” Kazu asked.

“We could ask Lawrie,” Cynthia suggested.

“Not now. We could always ask later,” Kazu declined, “Oi, Daniel, what about Riona and her father. What do you know about them?”

“As far as I can remember, they’ve never had a good relationship from what I saw. Right Cynthia?” Daniel turned to Cynthia.

“Un. That’s right. Though, he never does anything bad to Riona,” Cynthia added.

“What about her mom?” Kazu continued.

“Her mom…?” Daniel’s eyes glanced at the unopened books. His eyes widened, “I remember! I can’t believe I forgot why I’m researching… sorry Cynthia. It was to help Riona cure her mom. Her mom was cursed three years ago.”

“I see… ” Kazu mumbled. A few thoughts popped up in his head. Developing a way to cure the curse might have gave Riona enough resolve to search for strength. However, Kazu couldn’t connect the few dots between the Ephermal dungeon and Riona.

“Has Riona ever been to the Ephermal dungeon?” Kazu continued.

“No. None of us have ever been there,” Cynthia answered, “That place is too dangerous for anyone who hasn’t graduated yet.”

Kazu scratched his head, “That’s alright… then do any of you about the curse placed on her mom?”

“It’s name is Wraith’s Hand.” Daniel raised his hand, “It’s a curse that seeps away your element out of you. Once your drained, it takes your life and transfers it to the person who cast it. The only way to remove is the Immortal’s Blessing. A god rank water magic spell… but it’s been lost since King Charles died.”

“That’s what you’ve been researching?” Cynthia commented. “How do you know it’s lost?”

“I’ve read many books, especially on the topic of water sorcery.” Daniel sighed. “My relationship with Riona took a turn for the worse when her obsession for strength grew, and I’ve had no luck this past three years on my research. That didn’t seem to help our relationship.”

“I get it. I don’t blame you Danny.” Kazu smiled. “Despite all that, I don’t see any reason why Lawrie says I have to reconcile Riona and her father.”

“Knowing that girl’s stubbornness, maybe she’s preparing for the worst incase she doesn’t reach her goal in time,” Cynthia remarked, “You know, to support her father if her mother ever dies.”

Although he got closer, it still didn’t answer the connections Kazu was searching for. A slight itch from his back rose up through his spine. He looked into Cynthia and Daniel’s eyes, and saw they didn’t have a reason to lie.

Kazu scratched his head again, “Do any of you know why Riona would get targetted?”

“Hahaha, that one is easy,” Cynthia laughed. “She’s rough around the edges and stubborn to a fault. Wouldn’t that be telling people to not like her as a person?”

“You’re certainly right about that.” Kazu sighed. “But that leaves me with one last question. What does that have to do with reconciliation?”

For a brief moment, silence fell on the table. All three of them looked in different directions to try and think of connections. Reconciliation with her father made no sense in a fight, Kazu thought. Yet he had a feeling that he was missing something.

“Wouldn’t it be better to ask Riona herself? Or maybe even her father,” Daniel suggested.

“Right. We’ll go ask her father first,” Kazu said, “Both of you are coming with me.”

“Daniel, be a good boy and clean up these books first.” Cynthia snickered.

Daniel took as many of the books as he could carry. He stumbled along the way as he headed to place them back on their original shelves. Kazu saw Cynthia’s half closed gaze as she stared at Daniel. Somehow, he understood the deep regret in her eyes, something his father portrayed with his every visit to the hospital, yet different.

“You like him don’t you?” Kazu commented.

“Yea…” Cynthia mumbed. “You probably think its pretty cliche. Well, that’s just how it is. I just hope Daniel and Riona start to get along again.”

“Maybe when this is all over, he can be honest with her,” Kazu said. It was something he did way too late, and he almost paid the price.

***

Light snow fell from the sky. The cold seeped into Kazu’s skin and a slight shiver ran down his spine. Daniel and Cynthia replaced the spot Mel took by his side, yet the casual conversations kept the warmth of walking side by side with someone.

The three arrived at the gate in hopes to pass through without difficulty. However, a woman in a plain red gown, a man in lion-esque armour, and a man wearing blue robes stood in the way. Sage held a staff made of wood twisting from top to bottom with a black pearl on top. Philip, on the other hand, had his sword ready and the jewels embedded in his armour glowed according to their colour. The unknown man held a staff made of blue wood with an azurite rock embedded on its top. Both the man and woman in front of Kazu’s party wore a complicated expressions while the man’s eyes looked impatient, but Kazu knew they were ready to fight.

“Kazu Tomoe, follow me.” Sage treaded past Kazu. “Leave what you are about to do for later.”

“What’s happening, Sage?” Kazu asked as he followed her with quick steps. Daniel and Cynthia followed suit as well.

“I was wrong.” Sage answered, “We need to go to Riona right now. She’s in danger!”

“Irim-, Sage. Yuli isn’t back yet,” Philip said, “Are you sure we can hold off without him?”

“Fool!” Sage shouted, “It doesn’t matter! Hurry. We need to hurry!”

As they arrive at the westbound path to the PA facilities, Kazu felt a familiar feeling. A dark mist filled the path. Cynthia and Daniel’s expressions grew complicated. Kazu knew they were not used to the feeling of something seeping away at their sanity. Then, they met a being that should have stayed in the darkest parts of that dungeon.

A ghoul stood in front of them. Bloodstains scattered the ground and the marred snow hinted at a struggle, yet there was no body. When the ghoul noticed the approaching party, countless more appeared.

“Philip, dispose of them.” Sage commanded.

“Already done.” Philip walked ahead and met the ghouls. They swung their tendrils at him, yet none hit him. Instead, when a tendril whipped at him, it fell to the ground in pieces as a result.

Philip pierced the ground with two hands on his hilt. Then, numerous pillars of fire erupted upwards below each ghoul.

The party didn’t have to stop walking. It was over before they arrived at where Philip stood to fight the ghouls. Each turn, there would be more ghouls and Philip would clear them.

As they got closer to the PA facility, the mist gradually became a thick miasma. A white light formed around Sage, purifying the air around the party.

“Sage!” Kazu grunted. “It would be nice if we could know what’s happening.”

“I said I was wrong!” Sage hissed with a frown, “I overlooked the possibility of you being disobedient. They got to her first.”

“Do you even know who they are?” Kazu asked.

“No.” Sage gritted her teeth.

They arrived at the PA facility. Sage put her hands together as she looked up at the sky above the dome. She glowed with white light and a giant circle of light with complex inscriptions formed above the dome. “Philip, Kazu, Frederick, hurry. I won’t be able to fight with you. I can only block him from escaping!”

“Got it.” Philip nodded.

“You two, stay here.” Sage pointed at Cynthia and Daniel.

“But Kazu is going. How can we stand by and watch?!” Daniel shouted.

“Hmph. Don’t blame me for your deaths.” Sage declared.

When Kazu entered the facility, he saw Riona encased in a dark translucent substance. Next to her, another familiar figure stood. The figure’s face was wrapped with dirty cloth and only one eye peeked out from it. It wore black torn robes that fluttered as if it were under water. It was the lesser lich Kazu encountered as he ran to escape the dungeon.

“What do you think that is?” asked Kazu.

“Doesn’t matter. As long as we secure her, we win.” Philip ran in without hesitation. But when his blade was about to hit, it was met with a metallic clang. Earth protruded upwards right in between the blade and the lich.

Another spike protruded upwards with lethal speed straight towards Philip, missing by a hair’s breadth. Philip managed to evade backwards and saw two figures right behind the lich.

“If it isn’t the Igg family head, Harek, and his shitty little son, Gorn.” Philip smirked. “You best explain your actions right now or you will be charged with treason!”

“Heh, did you know your justice is hypocrisy, Philip?” said Harek, “Oh what a wonderful day with the snow falling. Its the best kind of day to have a fight with the personification of hypocrisy—Philip Nemean.”

“Hypocrisy?” Philip blurted out, “When have I ever withheld my own set of rules or guidance to make you call me a hypocrite, Harek Igg!?”

Before continuing the fight, Philip leaped back to Frederick and Kazu. “I’ll distract Harek. Kazu, you try to deal with the lich. It’s not that strong, Harek is more of a problem. Frederick, stay back and help Kazu anyway you can. Run back to Sage if you think you’re in danger.” Philip whispered.

“Ok” Kazu thumbed up.

“I’ll try…” Frederick mumbled.

Philip lashed back out into the battle field, Kazu also stepped in. Wind gathered at his fingertips and formed the solidified air.

Kazu pounced at the lich, but was met with a dark orb and a clash of metal echoed in the air from the impact. His eyes widened at the surprise.

Another orb formed above Kazu, dropping down on him. Kazu dodged to the side and swung a counter at the lich. Despite the speed of his attack, the orb that blocked his sword before moved at an alarming speed to once again block the trajectory of his swing. This time, it was different. The orb turned dark red, then, it exploded in front of him. The explosion hurled Kazu several meters away and his body rolled and ragdolled over the rough ground. The lich smiled and the cloth on its face tore apart to show the shark like teeth.

“You piece of…” Kazu lifted himself up with one hand. His face and body were both covered in wounds. Sharp rocks embedded themselves into his chest as he ragdolled across the ground. They pierced through his ribs, crushing most into fragmented bone, taking hold just barely above his lungs. He felt each one pulse in agony and eat away at his breath. It was painful, but nothing that he’d not fought through before. Despite that, it was unnerving to fight without Mel by his side. He never realized until now, just how much he relied on her voice to guide him through battle. Now, he began to recall the feeling he’d experienced last year, during his fight to the death. He was irritated, it was a mistake to let himself get hit.

“Heh, you must be pretty old, right? Goddamned lich.” Kazu said.

Once again, he pounced at the lich. When he hit the orb, the sword made of air shattered. He spontaneously called up more swords, swinging away at the lich while ignoring the screaming pain of his body. Each sword he conjured shattered like brittle rocks with each impact.

“That’s right. I am old. I’m immortal.” The lich replied, his voice a rough groan of crumbling rock.

“Tell me one thing: what’s your deal with Riona?” Kazu chuckled, but even that stung his lungs, before tearing a violent cough from his throat. “Ack… don’t tell me, you’re after her because she’s pretty and a virgin?”

“Boy. You, who is not even human, why do you fight for them?” The lich commented. “Why do you meddle in our affairs?”

“Huh? I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Kazu coughed. “Answer my question dammit!”

Kazu decided to change his tactics. He threw several dozens of forward gale. It wrecked the small rings. However, without the sharpness of Mel’s blade, none of the wind’s blades pierced through the orbs.

“Your question poses no significance.” The lich grumbled in a low tone. “For he is the only one who knows... Now die.” The lich grinned.

Multiple dark orbs formed around the lich. Then, raising up his one hand, all the orbs hurled themselves at Kazu.

Kazu leaped to the side and saw the place he was at disappear in a bigger explosion than the last. With his condition, he knew he would die if even one hit him.

“Kazu!” Philip shouted as he fought with Harek and Gorn. “Where’s your sword!?”

“I don’t know!” Kazu dodged another set of orbs. At this point, he noticed Riona’s eyes open. She squirmed inside the vessel, but there was no hint of it breaking.

“Riona!” Frederick shouted from the entrance.

An envelope fell from Riona’s pocket as she fought the substance encasing her. Frederick saw this, and the cloud in his eyes disappeared. He ran at Riona with the staff beside him.

“Frederick, stop! It’s a trap!” Philip shouted.

Suddenly, Leonard appeared from the ground. A spike propelled Leonard towards Frederick. The dagger in his hand penetrated the armorless man, biting deep into his gut. It stopped Frederick mid sprint and his gaze turned down, taking in the sight of Leonard who held still the dagger in his body. Leonard twisted the dagger to deal the final blow. His face twisted into disgust as he heard Frederick’s vitals rupture.

“You’re… Analee’s boy.” Frederick coughed blood. “So you were alive. Haah…”

“This is revenge, old man.” Leonard whispered. “An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth. A life for a life.” Leonard pulled back the dagger.

Frederick fell on the floor. A pool of blood formed around his body. The muffled sobs of Riona could be heard through her prison. Tears tumbled down her cheeks and her face distorted in despair. The grief in her eyes was evident.

Kazu witnessed all of it. All his thoughts flew from his mind. An innocent person died in front of him, a father to someone he knew.

The scene provoked a similar despair in Kazu. What if his family died in front of him? He imagined the body of Sene without her warmth, a home without Ene who always selflessly gave everyone a bright smile, and a life without Brett, his father who had opened a true home to Kazu. His blood froze as he thought of Lene. She aged and matured drastically, but she was as close to him as any of them. What if they died? Kazu imagined it and for a brief moment, the air became still.

“Mel!” It came out as a hoarse whisper at first, but as the air seemed to thaw from its frozen state, his voiced gained momentum. “Mel!” Kazu shouted at the top of his lungs. “Mel!! Come to me!”

The air swirled with the violence of a raging typhoon. A tear fell from Kazu’s upturned face.

A bright light shone through the fabric of reality as space itself tore. Then, a loud bang shook the whole area.

“Kazu!” Mel shouted.

Her eyes scrambled all over Kazu. One of his eyes was lacerated by flying debris, and the pieces of rocks lodged in Kazu’s chest let blood flow unstaunched. Her eyes turned blank, turning its gaze to the lich. The resentment in her eyes was apparent, but Kazu could only feel relief when he saw her.

“Mel.” Kazu coughed. He reached out to Mel, pulling her into his embrace. “Lend me your strength.”

Light swirled around her, a haze of both gold and purple. It engulfed her body until those who watched could no longer see a single glimpse of her. The light shattered into countless fading diamonds. A sword emerged, one that Philip, Riona, and the lich all recognized—Melcross.

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Thanks for reading. Comments, feedback, criticisms are all welcomed!

Thanks SilentComfort for editing this chapter that needed it [b]bad[b]…>.>!