Chapter 20: Clear skies, Eclipse

The hall was filled with life. Initiates looked around the hall curiously, many afforded luxuries which the fifth fold lacked.

The tables were filled, warriors and initiates eating side by side, laughing amongst themselves, while others quietly observed within corners.

It was a tapestry of the brotherhood of the Temple, formed on weak hearts, and desperation.

These were the truest selves of those who roamed its halls.

They lacked the mind to cover their weakness, the heart to forget.

In some ways, they were the strongest the Temple could nurture, in others, they were a weak insignificant bunch.

To Samuel, this meant nothing. It wasn’t long ago he shared their weakness.

He was a prodigy amongst his peers, he was brought here from the outside world, from a small city within the Heram region, a pitiful place lost to fiends.

Samuel never found himself struggling. He took oppurtunies, he used others, he abandoned many things in his pursuit of his goals.

But despite his outward talent, despite his legendary rise to the first fold, he was just another wretch.

An insignificant wretch carrying demons of his past in every, muddled, step.

His eyes traversed over the six men seated before him.

Each a glimpse of the Temples depth.

A subtle telling of it’s tragedy, and the true nature of its graceful hand

The table was silent, Samuels heavy gaze making the warriors cough awkwardly.

“You said the Second Lord was here.” One frowned.

He was seated the closest to Samuel, he had a lanky build, his hair a bit long, it was a chestnut, but alongside his pale red eyes, it creates a striking image.

“He’s is handling an important task. It’s not your station to inquire into our Lord.” Samuel replied harshly, intending to keep the unruly warrior in line.

The man scoffed crossing his arms, “You’re a lacky. Do you think I need to take anything from you?”

Samuel sighed, it was slow and drawn out.

He had played this game before. Many times in fact, many more than he could count.

Samuel slowly stood up, “Do you think you made it here because of your skill? You are worthless.” He took a step toward him.

“Another witless fool crawling the halls of the fifth fold.”

Samuel’s words cut deep, causing the man to slam his fist on the table, “Who the hell do you think you are?”

The other five seemed to have no intention of getting involved.

“You should know your place properly. You serve our Lord through me, do you understand? You lack the qualifications to speak with him.”

The man seemed infuriated bounding from his seat, “You scum… You’re just like us.” He spat.

Samuel shook his head, “No, You’re weak.” He grabbed the man by the throat, “You will behave before Lord Second arrives. Nod if you understand.”

The man seemed to hold little fear, attempting to break Samuels hold.

Then, A woman sat up, “Malachi! Stop already, good lord, you never stop flaunting do you?” She huffed, her hand pressed against the desk.

The man opened his mouth, though his visage was slowly becoming purple, he could feel samuels cold intent, until he nodded, he would not let go.

He shivered slightly, not expecting him to take it this far.

He weakly nodded.

Samuel released his throat, letting him crumple onto the floor pathetically.

He glanced at the woman–only for a moment, before finally sitting back down.

“The Lord said to me before leaving, disrespecting me, is the same as disrespecting him. He told me to handle it in the same manner.”

He calmly explained, his hands gesturing.

“However, I will be lenient, effectively disobeying our Lord.”

He set his hands down, clasping them together,

“Never forget that.”

Malachi sat in his chair, he felt a bit intimidated by his fellow warrior, but he also felt that he was very unreasonable!

He glanced slightly at the woman–Soma.

He didn’t respond, but Samuel could feel his acquiesce.

It was common for those from the fifth and fourth fold to submit when they were beaten.

“Good. With that out of the way, let’s proceed.”

He pushed forward a charter. “Within this hall, currently exists three hundred initiates, and a hundred warriors.”

“The six of you will each command fifty initiates.”

He settled back in his seat, his eyes glazing over each.

“The warriors… That will be up to your own skill.”

The six looked at each other, before a feirce atmosphere slowly unfolded.

They were no longer peers.

They had become competition.

“One hundred warriors? So many?”

A youth asked, he seemed barely fifteen, but he was certainly impressive amongst his age.

“Rowen… He should have been sent to the first fold, but actually willingly chose the fourth fold,”

Samuel had taken the most notice of this one, he had been something of an anomaly, even amongst those pitiful enough to wind up here.

He had a childlike face, though it showed some signs of maturity. he had pale red eyes, but golden blonde hair.

He seemed pure, untouched by the mortal dust.

Someone like him, it was common to use their looks to survive.

How he ended up here… Even Samuel was a bit curious.

Samuel nodded, “It’s not surprising.” He shrugged, ” The fourth fold is practically a warzone. Who wouldn’t want out, to come and experience the luxury of the first fold?”

Rowen furrowed his brow, but nodded slowly. It made sense… But his eyes flickered to Samuel.

He had undoubtedly unfolded some wretched scheme.

“Let’s split it evenly.” He offered.

Soma scoffed, “And how exactly will we do that? There’s six of us.”

Rowen with a small smile offered once again, “If I take fifteen, this matter can be settled.”

He seemed intent on keeping the peace.

Soma opened her mouth, but another beat her to it.

It was another woman, her name Ananda.

Her black hair rustled before she spoke, “How selfless.” She said plainly, doubt evident in her eyes. “Well, I’ll cut off whatever fantasy you have going on, though I bet you’re used to getting what you want.”

She crosses her arms, “I’ll take as many as I please. It’s that simple.”

Rowen frowned, meanwhile Soma’s expression darkened.

“You’re confident.” She said with a grim light in her big eyes.

She too had dark hair, it was very common within the temple.

Ananda looked at Soma lazily, “Why don’t you go back to writing you dog of the clergy.”

Soma immediately stood up, “You…!” She said engranged, her face flushed.

Ananada finally let a smile crack, “Ah, that’s right, you’re too busy bowing your back to keep a simple oath.”

Soma seemed to want to kill, Rowen was already blabbering trying to keep the peace.

But it was actually Malachi who finally stopped them, “Soma! You can’t tell me off, then do the same. Sit down.”

The two seemed to have a history, Soma only glared at Ananda, finally sitting back down.

But Ananda shrugged, her impassive expression returning.

A wave of silence ensued, and Samuel found this to be less than entertaining.

These were his captains? The ones expected to server Agi?

He had a lot of work ahead of him.

A burly man also sat amongst them, he had been stoically observing but he finally spoke.

He seemed older, likely in his late twenties.

He had rough features, and a head of black hair, “There’s an easy method.”

Rowen regarded Halit with a nod,

“Please, go on.”

The others listened silently, though the final captain, a seemingly unremarkable and average man by the name of Suhail, he wore thick glasses.

“Surely you can’t…” He begun, quite familiar with Halit’s methods.

The older man begun, “We will fight. The strongest amongst us gets more, while the weaker take less.”

The others thought for a bit, but Ananada said, “I won’t settle for less. You may as well hand over every warrior.”

Suhail shook his head, “Your greed is going too far.”

Soma agreed, “He’s right. We aren’t in the fourth fold. We can’t handle things the same way.”

Rowen saw the subtle agreement in everyone’s eyes and finally chirped happily, “Then… I’ll fight too.”

Receiving a nod from Malachi, Halit regarded Ananda, “We’ve come to our conlusion then.”

She stared him down coldly, “Says who?”

Samuel tapped his finger on the table, “Says me. This matter must be solved before our Lord arrives. Any further delay will be met with an iron fist.” His presence was sublte amongst them, but as they recalled his invitation, most shivered.

Ananda seemed slightly embarrassed, coughing into her hand, “Well, In that case…”

The sea of Initiates were difficult to maneuver, but they recognizing Samuel, they moved from their way.

It was not a foreign feeling to the six captains.

They had been hegemons of the fifth fold when they were initiates.

Amongst the vast collection they were amongst the very best the fifth fold had to offer.

It was hard to receive an opportunity to undergo the trial, but due to some strange circumstance within the first fold they didn’t dare ponder into–The trial had produced significantly less warriors than previously.

Thanks to that, they got a chance to go to the fourth fold.

It was like a dream to them, a milestone of their acheivements.

The fourth fold was where warriors reside!

It was not a place of weaklings.

They fought hard in the trial, barely managing to pass and become warriors.

However they had underestimated the fourth fold, believing the cruelty of the fifth to be worse.

It was a terrible mistake.

The fourth fold was even more lawless than the fifth, a constant warzone, the inquisitor didn’t care what they did.

He was always at the same spot, drinking some kind of tea.

It wasn’t uncommon to find the cardinal of the fourth floor joining him.

He rarely intervened, lest the Emperor or the clergy received scorn.

Slaughter, torture, all manner of sin corroded the fold.

Finding a meal to eat alone was a symbol of status.

Warriors of the fourth fold rarely received opportunities to leave it.

The Cardinal halted entering and exiting the fourth fold with the exception to certain individuals.

There was a single method, you must hold a gift token.

These gift tokens were formed of the cardinals gift blood, how he was capable of doing such a thing–The warriors did not know.

However these were heavily combated over, and when one appeared it was often used right away.

The warrior would be permitted three days leave, capable of traversing to a lower fold, or even up to the second and third.

Most went lower, experiencing the life of a king within the seventh fold.

It was a much different place from the rest of the temple.

In some ways it was a haven for the human race.

It held a smaller world, a world where everything was under a canopy, safe from the rain.

Many warriors prefered to stay here, for the people, there was constant famines, disease was rampant, and the living condition was very poor.

But for the powerful warriors, they could eat as they pleased, they didn’t have to worry about being killed, it was truly a warriors haven.

Alas, that was a rare privilege to receive.

Within that chaotic fourth fold, it didn’t take long for information to travel.

There was word of an extremely powerful retainer of the second lord traversing the fourth fold.

An oppurtunity!

If they defeat him, they might be able to rise to the first fold, they might be able to become a retainer of the second lord!

Alas, he was a terrifying demon.

He slaughtered mercilessly, and only once you were beaten down would he extend a hand.

Many didn’t know why, it wasn’t uncommon to find retainers of the Second Lord within the fourth fold.

He had came not long ago, and it had created a new culture within the fourth fold.

When the monstrous child came, bow six times.

It was the only method to survive.

They were truly fearful of that monster in human skin.

It didn’t take long for Samuel to round up a vast array of desperate warriors.

But many held their own pride, unwilling to submit, or lacking the desperation he was looking for.

He was quite happy with these six.

Each was unwilling to bow their head, but legends of their misfortune was spread like wildfire within the fourth fold.

They came quite easily when they heard the Second Lords promise of power.

Power within the first fold… it was the same as ascending to heaven in a single bound!

“Here we are.” Samuel said, leading the six captains.

“It’s different than I expected…” Rowen commented, surveying the area.

The halls were nearly empty, and the ones who came by regarded Samuel respectfully.

Even knights would nod at him in acknowledgment.

The other six became slightly intimidated by this, knights in their eyes, existed beyond the hierarchy.

They were monoliths of principal, immortal warlords who fought as the blade of the Emperor.

Samuel glanced toward him, “The Temple is huge. The elites within the first fold are few in number, mainly consisting of the trusted retainers of the Twelve Lords.”

“Twelve?” Halit said with an impassive expression, a bit confused.

“Lady Siv produced another two heirs.” Samuel said with little respect for the woman.

He paused for a short moment recalling their names, “Lord Asketill, and Lord Ari, respectively.”

He explained.

Malachi began to grow curious as well, “How are they?” He asked.

Samuel shook his head, “Children. Nothing of note to speak of. Though…”

He had a slightly strange expression on his face, “I feel a distinct pressure from Lord Asketill. Its… Hard to describe.”

Ananda tilted her head, “Pressure?”

She asked as the six of them vanished in a red blur, arriving within the training hall.

“Yes, It’s not like Lord Seconds instinct, I couldn’t possibly describe it, you’d have to experience it.”

Rowen frowned slightly, as the six of them each walked to the walls, filtering through droves of weapons, “What of his character?”

Samuel stood on the side, “He’s a good natured kid. He’s honest by birth, but I can’t imagine that will last long.”

Rowen didn’t like his response, scoffing in a rude manner, “What would you know about that.” He muttered under his breath, his hands ghosting over a sword.

Samuel eyed him, considering a response… but he inevitably let it go.

Ananda let out a derisive laugh, “Is the little hero’s feelings hurt?”

Soma lifted a light and thin sword, resembling a rapier, “Do you ever shut up?” She barked.

Halit lifted a heavy greatsword, “Everyone, let our fists speak. Any more words are unnecessary.”

Inwardly Samuel nodded, he paid little attention to the older warrior, but he quite liked his disposition.

Suhail had a slightly distant expression hearing Halits words, “If only you knew…”

Rowen turned to Samuel, “Who’s first?”

Samuel thought for a second, he intended to push them to their limits.

He glanced around, the strongest amongst them should be Halit.

But he wasn’t completely confident. It was common for those within the fourth fold to hide their strength.

In fact, Halit wasn’t well known.

He sought Samuel of his own accord and challenged him.

The right hand of the Second Lord continued to purvey, “Rowen… He’s something of a wild card.”

Rowen was the only one he hadn’t actually fought.

However he held a very high reputation. Within the fourth fold, even amongst his six peers, he was the only one who could be considered a true hegemon.

He led eigth other warriors, and the eight of them were considered elites amongst warriors.

Samuel was confident that Rowen couldn’t match up to him, but he was certainly strong.

Strangely, he had still decided to abandon his companions and come to the first fold, Samuel was still confused about this.

He shook his head, Rowen had to fight Halit.

“Suhail should be the weakest…”

“Suhail, Soma, you two go up.”

Suhail sighed, it seemed he expected as much.

Soma seemed impassive, her gaze lingering on Ananda it seemed she wanted a rematch.

Soma brandished her rapier, appearing dignified.

“No weapon?”

She asked.

Suhail shook his head, “A weakness.”

She scoffed, “Do you think the strongest in the world fight with their bare hands? What a joke.”

He shrugged, “I am not the strongest, how would I know?”

Her eyes narrowed slightly, “Are you mocking me?”

He opened his mouth but then thought for a second, “Yep!”

She flinched, “A bunch of scoundrels…” She muttered.

She immediately stepped forward, stabbing multiple times.

The man with thick glasses nodded appraisingly, dodging repeatedly.

“I really want those warriors, so unfortunately, I can’t lose here.”

Soma ignores him, her blade scratching the edges of his clothes as she advances steadily.

Suhail dodges a strike to his shoulder, tilting his body he leans in, grabbing her wrist.

She immediately is caught off guard, trying to pull back, but Suhail’s grip is monstrous,

He pulls her in, slamming his head into hers, his glasses shatter and little pieces stab into her face.

She cries out, as her head is throne back, but Suhail doesn’t let go, His knee billowing into her stomach making her lurch.

She manages to elbow him, but he doesn’t even move.

A small grin on his face as a light trickle of blood trails down his nose.

“Damn… Guess I can’t keep up the act.” He says slamming his head into hers again, sending her into the ground.

The ringing plays a horrific symphony within her skull, her conscience wavering.

She tries to stand, only to fall over again.

Samuel sighs, before Suhail attempts to stomp his foot down ruthlessly.

He foot only meeting the top of Samuel’s

“Enough, You win.”

Suhail has feral light in his eyes, it seems he hasn’t had enough.

Halit walks over, his expression stoic as he sets a hand on his shoulder, “Suhail, the fight is over.”

The once inteligent looking man now looks a bit wild and untamed, “Ah, I forgot myself.” He comments removing his foot and taking a step back.

Samuel looks down at soma, who is groaning while slowly healing.

“I drastically underestimated Suhail…”

He felt a small headache while dealing with this group, “Soma, you’ll be in the losers bracket. Go sit down on the side.”

She nods, a little dazed from being crushed so easily.

Samuel looks toward the far side, “Malachi, Ananda, Come up.”

Ananda gives Samuel a long stare, “Do you think I’m weak?”

He sits back against the wall, “You’re all weak.”

She scoffs, turning away from him and stepping onto the woven floor.

She carried a very typical broadsword, a commonly used weapon amongst the warriors.

Malachi too carried a broadsword.

The two took up the same stance, Central Imperial style.

The most commonly practiced style within the main Temple.

The two wasted no time, Malchi walked slowly, he was a good bit taller than her, boasting considerably more range.

And when he finally reached it, he immediately thrust out!

Shaww!

The metal swords collided with a thick clang!

Ananda’s sword rode up the length of Malachi’s own, Attempting a strange angle, she thrust down.

Malachi twisted his wrist, pushing away her sword and opting for a more broad slash.

Ananda took a step back, and when the sword finally came, she pressed it’s edge against her own, pushing lighty she crouched subtly, stepping in and thrusting at his abdomen.

He clenched his teeth, twisting his body only slightly, allowing it to barely graze his flesh.

A small laceration appeared.

The larger man pivoted, catching his awkward angle to strike from the side, however Ananda only spun back, slamming her sword into his heavily.

Samuel watched from the sidelines, “Central Imperial style… What a brutish method.”

Malachi thrusted his foot out, pushing her back a short distance, though she took little damage.

The two eyed each other cautiously, stalking in a circle.

The rushed forth, Malachi coming from an overhead slash, while Ananda swung from the ground.

She barely held his sword from connecting with her shoulder, sliding down his blade the sword thrust deep into his shoulder.

He grunted, taking a hand off his sword he threw a punch at her face, forcing her to take a step back.

The wound began to slowly close.

But his sword swept out again, he began to slash toward her, attacking aggresively.

Each time he found his sword rebounded, his own momentum used against him.

Finally samuel called out, “I’ve seen enough, Ananda wins this round.”

Malachi glared at Samuel, “Nothing has been settled.”

He shook his head, “She is slightly more skilled. We must finish this before the return of Agi, you’re fight would last far too long.”

He finally shook his head, going and standing near soma, while Ananda was slightly shaken, he eyes lingering on Malachi, then to Suhail.

She was not anywhere near the strongest amongst them… that thought made her upset.

The two final contestants stepped onto the floor.

Halit and….

Rowen.

Halit held his greatsword on his shoulder.

While Rowen held a traditional Longsword.

It was slightly unconventional to use, at least as a warrior.

It was heavier than a broadsword, though that wasn’t an issue, it carried the problem of needing both hands.

In a place like the Temple, it could be too dangerous to use.

But almost every knight used a long sword.

The others nodded to themselves, using a long sword, not bad.

But Halit was an even greater outlier carrying a greatsword.

Alas, they all could tell that Halit was a skilled man.

He had years to experience his weapons.

But Rowen was an odd pick they all thought.

In fact they mainly felt Suhail was a better fit against the burly man.

Especially Soma.

However when the two began to fight the others quickly changed their minds.

CLANG!

The sound rang out like an earthquake.

It boomed thorugh the room as the two clashed, the longswords seeming even more agline that a shortsword within the hands of Rowen.

His mastery over the weapon was evident.

The greatsword was like an extention of Halit.

It had exceptional range, but surprisngly, Halit couldn’t do much, always out of range, only clashing on Rowens terms.

Halit frowned a little before rushing in with abandon.

It took Rowen off guard, who tried to kite him, only to find him still approaching rapidly.

With a determined look Rowen held his wrist above his head, tilting the blade down.

Once Halit finally reached him he set forth a powerful thrust, only for Rowen to catch it’s edge, turning the blade with a jetted twirl he puts Halit off balance.

Finally he sets his wrist straight, immediately setting motion a downward slash!

Halit is slightly caught off guard…

But he actually falls to a knee, spinning his sword he flings Rowens own high up!

“Hmph.”

The smaller man huffs, sending his foot right into Halits face.

Halit falls back, but manages to find a semblance of balance.

Rowen rushes over, his speed increasing moment after moment.

Samuel narrows his eyes sightly, “I’ve never seen this method.”

He begans to become barely a blur to the burly Halit.

But suddenly, he stopped! Appearing right behind him he spun his sword, slashing at him in a wide arc.

Halit grit his teeth, barely blocking, but stumbled back.

Rowen took another few steps, vanishing from sight he struck from above Halit, spinning in the air!

Halit thrust up with a shout!

But Rowen twisted in the air, setting a hand on his head he bounced off him, landing a few feet away.

Halit felt completely humiliated, he breathed heavily staring at Rowen with bloodshot eyes.

His lips were completely tilted and the other four had unsightly expressions on.

Halit growled, “Where did you learn this style?”

Rowen looked on calmly, but began slightly chuckle, “It comes from my home town.”

Halit paused, “What kind of place could possibly develop something like this?”

Rowen pointed his sword forward, holding a mid stance.

“The Reverse City.”

Samuel trembled.

The reverse city….

The Tenth fold…

Halit began to step forward, but Samuel stopped him, “Enough, if he comes from the reverse city, then consider yourself lucky. He is not the same kind as you.”

The others looked toward Samuel in confusion, “Not the same kind?” Rowen had a wry smile on.

“You are not weak.”

Rowen laughed, “I see, but I disagree. The lot of us, everyone last one of us within this crooked place are just a bunch of wretches. A miserable bunch of weak wretches.”

Samuel didn’t respond, he had no intention of battling ideology.

“Then that settles it.” He said pushing off the wall.

Looking toward Soma and malachi he began, “Unless the two of you would like to challenge Halit?”

They shook their heads, it was a pointless endeavor.

“Good. Then amongst the six of you, four will receive seventeen, while Malachi and Soma will receive sixteen each.”

They all seemed satisfied, but Halit only stared at Rowen with bloodshot eyes.

“Damn this place… I’m supposed to be the strongest.”

Halit’s inner conflict evaded the others, the pecking order had been somewhat established.

The strongest three, Suhail, Halit, and… Rowen. They left a strong impression on Samuel.

He was satisfied, though he felt Soma was a bit too weak.

Alas, they will fulfill their role.

It was around the same time when they arrived at the the training hall that Agi stood up.

“Ramana, you’re sure these are effective?”

The young Agi frowned looking at the heavy bags of traps, commonly used by hunters.

The two attendants already felt their backs hurting.

Ramana nodded, “They are designed to hold down monsters, a single human is not an issue.”

Agi nodded slowly, it made sense.

“The two of you can return. When you arrive present both bags to Samuel, tell him that if anyone attempts to open them, they are to be immediately executed.”

“And ensure he sends one hundred initiates to receive the import. Tell him to be discreet.”

The two initiates shiver, “Understood, Lord Second!”

They say with a curt nod, making haste in their exit.

Agi’s presence seemed slightly different.

His eyes were constantly surveying his surroundings, and his arrogance had been culled.

He no longer seemed like a child throwing a tantrum, he appeared a little… dignified?

Ramana chuckled at the thought.

Agi titled his head, “What?” He said in response to the laugh.

The older man shook his head, “Nothing, Just, aren’t you going to escort them?”

He thought for a moment, eyeing Ramana cautiously.

“I… Can’t tell you.”

He trusted Ramana, but some things were better left unsaid.

Ramana frowned, “Didn’t we talk about this before?”

Agi looked toward the door, “Elder brother,” He looked toward Ramana, the look in his eye changing, a wild light shining in it, he bared his teeth slightly, “Even you, brother, would not just walk away after learning.”

Ramana was inwardly shocked, his heart jumping slightly, Agi held such a closely guarded secret?

He found it only minorly amusing Agi didn’t subvert him with a distraction, but in some ways this was worse.

There was something so close to Agi, that he would even dare to threaten Ramana.

He sighed, “Alright, I get it.”

Agi nodded, “I’m sorry. This is too important.”

He almost walked off but stopped, “Do you have a sword? A wooden one will do, light, easy to wield.”

Ramana furrowed his brows, “We already determined you’re more fit for a spear, why do you want a sword?”

Agi shook his head, “Do you have one?”

Ramana shrugged, “I do.”

He then shook his head while walking, “My little brother is growing up, aquiring cannons, mass amounts of swords and spears, you are really something little brother. At your age I was well… Oh, I suppose I was being paraded around by Father.”

Agi tilted an eyebrow, “Paraded around?”

Ramana nodded, “That’s right, Father got a bit irritated so he killed my mother, and he was forced to raise me himself.”

Agi felt like there was more to the story, but seeing Ramana hum to himself seemingly having moved on he didn’t push.

Nonetheless Agi followed him, and when he acquired the sword, he nodded happily and scampered off.

The child walked whilst hiding his presence.

It wouldn’t take him long to arrive before a problematic area, the residence of his mother.

He let out a breath, connecting to the willow and vanishing.

When he appeared he ensured his mother wasn’t around before traversing the halls of the massive estate like subspace.

He stood before an intimidating door, stepping in undetected.

Before him stood a child, the boy even younger than himself,

perhaps two or three, sat playing with not toys, but a small pair of knives.

He was twirling them, flinging them, he had a happy expression while giggling to himself.

The room was massive, a small bed settled within one corner, while the rest was made of a woven floor, much like the training hall.

“Still playing with knives?”

Agi huffed, walking over.

Asketill stopped, sitting rigidly, “O-Oh… Hehe… Hello brother…” He said cheekily trying to make himself smaller.

“I wasn’t playing with knives…” He begun making excuses, “I was… Yes… I was just moving them!”

He quickly got up, scampering around and picking up the scattered knives, setting them aside, he wiped his forehead like he had been working.

“It’s dangerous to leave knives around.” He said with a nod, glancing at Agi expectantly.

Agi only crossed his arms, “Did you think that would work?”

Asketill pouted, “Well, Mom said I could play with them all I want!”

Agi scoffed, “Mother doesn’t care. Why would she?”

Asketill just muttered, “You always say that…”

Agi ignored his muttering, “Here, I have a gift.”

The young Asketill perked up, rushing over, his speed impressive for his age.

He grabbed the sword with delight.

“You’re the best!” He shouted, attempting to hug Agi who only planted a palm on his face to stop him.

“Swing it.”

The excited boy nodded, looking forward to it.

He swung, then frowned.

“Not like knives,” He muttered under his breath.

But Agi noticed something strange.

Asketill swung again, this time, it was as if he got corrected by a master.

Agi tilted his head, was it a fluke?

Asketill frowned again, “Not right…” He said under his breath, his eyes dazed.

He swung again, the air swished.

Agi opened his eyes a bit wider, but decided to keep observing.

He went and sat on the side, watching his little brother swing the sword with abandon.

The Second Lord had a rare smile on his face.

“He’s talented.”

He was shocked with glee.

“Unfathomably talented. He is approaching the Novice level of mastery, he has barely been training for enough time to let two incense sticks burn.”

Agi was shocked, but also thrilled.

The more talented Asketill was, the greater his chance at survival.

But Agi also felt a bit awkward.

Wasn’t this a bit too fast?

Agi walked over, “You seem stuck.” He said seeing Asketills frown.

“Somethings wrong.”

Agi raised an eyebrow, “What is it?”

Asketill shook his head, “I don’t know, it’s just wrong.”

Agi walked in front of him, “Maybe a bit of actual combat will help you.”

Asketill nodded slowly, “Alright…”

He ran at Agi awkwardly thrusting at him.

It was clumsy, rudimentary.

Agi slapped the blade, slipping to the floor he spun, kicking Asketills legs from under him.

He fell right on his face, and slowly crawled up.

He held onto the sword tightly, staring at the ground.

Agi frowned, feeling like something was wrong.

“Asketill?”

He asked hesitantly.

The boy sniffled slightly, “Hm?” He said, his voice meek.

Agi crouched down, “Why aren’t you looking at me?”

Asketill looked up slowly, big crocodile tears in his eyes, and a scruntched up nose barely holding back tears.

“I’m not doing that!”

He said defensively, wiping his eyes aggressively.

Agi opened his mouth, but couldn’t find words.

“Are you crying?”

Asketill shook his head, turnign away, “I’m not crying!” He said, his sobs barely restrained.

Agi put his hand out but pulled it back slowly.

“You only fell!”

He said incredulously, why was he crying?!

“Shuddup! Agi is a bully!” He cried dropping the sword and covering his eyes with both arms.

Agi clenched his fists at his side, “The Temple won’t tolerate weakness, if this is enough to make you cry, you’ll never survive!”

Asketill just sat down curling up, “I don’t care! It hurt!”

Agi grit his teeth—

“Get up and fight.”

To Agi, this was a tremendous problem, Asketill could not be so weak.

he had to cull this weakness right now.

“I don’t want to!”

Agi growled, “You have to.”

Asketill shook his head repeatedly, “I don’t want to! I hate you, big brother!”

Agi’s eyes trembled, “You… What?”

Agis hand twitched, an instincual reaction to the word.

His eyes grew cold as he stared at Asketill.

The world around became unfocused, only his pupils forming into the shape of slits stared darkly at his little brother.

A faint speckle of scales crawl up at the corner of his eyes.

Agi’s cold voice sounds out over the sobs of the boy—

“To hate is to kill.”

Asketill looks up at him, tears staining his cheek.

The world shifted, a subtle contorting in the air as the world was rend under its pressure.

Gargantuan claws tore forth from the unkown and the long body of a vile serpent crawled forth with erratic movements.

A wicked cackle beside the sound of clacking teeth filled the room.

It’s body was covered in green reflective scales, its face—blurred and hidden.

Its furred tail thrashed about.

“Are you capable?”

He asked with disdain.

“Get up and fight.”

Asketill stumbled back, wanting to flee, to hide away.

But strangely, the longer he stared the more mesmerized he became.

His heart thrummed not with fear… but a strange sense of excitement.

He picked up the sword, pointing it shakedly toward his elder brother who stood almost two heads taller.

“O-Ok…” He said with a lack of confidence.

The manifestation disipated as Agi took a step toward him.

Asketill in a panic swung his sword, but it completely missed Agi, only for a firm fist to slam into his sternum.

He lurched forward, his vision turning blurry with tears as he coughed out.

Agi took a step back, bouncing on his toes for a moment before he spun, his heel slamming into his face.

Asketill was sent rolling to the side, crying out.

The boy weilding a sword before a monster could only cry, he could only swing his sword through his blurred vision.

Desperately he swung, the taste of iron staining his tongue and the world become secondary before the pain stretching his form.

He heaved a breath, it was hard.

Breathing was hard.

But his heart was pounding, getting hurt was scary but… Losing was worse!

He came face to face with an idea that deeply upset him—

Agi was his better.

He was his better in every way.

He swung his sword with a roar, he had broken through to the stage of novice.

The sword was straight, it’s angle was perfect.

Asketill smugly grinned watching with glee as the blade connected to Agi’s side.

However… Agi grabbed it.

He grabbed his sword.

“You– You can’t do that!”

He shouted in outcry.

Agi slammed his fist into his nose, sending him rolling back.

A bead of blood fell down, trailing into his mouth.

Iron… Salt…

It was a wicked flavor.

Agi walked slowly toward him, “The taste of blood in your mouth… It’s the most wretched flavor you’ll get used to.”

Asketill was laid out, his arms spread in different angles as he stared at the ceiling.

There were no tears.

Only clarity in his sky blue eyes.

Agi looked down at his little brother, inwardly he was worried, his heart was growing colder, but he didn’t want to implicate Asketill.

It was simply that some lessons must be taught.

“Get up. We’re going.”

Agi spoke menacingly, and Asketill only looked over with a faint confusion.

“This place will do you no good. You need to experience the Temple.”

Asketill didn’t really seem willing, laying on his back for a while before saying, “Brother… Are there a lot of people as strong as you…?”

Agi scoffed, “I’m just another wretch feeding on the underbelly. We haven’t even begun to climb the back of the monster we ride.”

Asketill stared at Agi for a long time slowly registering his words, though he found his analogy hard to understand he faintly understood, “So there’s a lot of stronger people…” he mumbled, outwardly he appeared calm, but the slowly curling smile of excitement, and the thrumming of his heart told another story.

For the first time in his life, Asketill was truly thrilled.

A faint snicker was heard from the side.

Agi shot his eyes over, seeing Siv leaning against the wall leisurely.

“Does it bring you pleasure, beating up your weak little brother, beast?”

Agi grit his teeth, “What do you want, wretched woman.”

She scoffed, “I’m your mother, boy.”

Agi stared at her with his snake like visage, “Shut up.”

She took a step closer, “You know, I’m in a very good mood right now.”

She said slowly, she felt a slight tremble in her heart, witnessing Agi’s state.

But that twisted part of her was elated. Elated that he was just like her.

Her eyes contorted into the visage of a serpent.

A faint speckle of scales crawling up the corner of her eyes, “You’re just like me, just another monster.”

Agi stared coldly, but he found her words lacking the weight within his mind as they once had.

She took another step closer,

Shaw!

her arm struck out, the force shaking Agi’s body only to be blocked by his calm palm.

sparks flew at the clash of scales.

“You inherited my disposition.” She said with certainty, “You’ve fully inherited the loathsome curse of our detestable Chetzkel family.”

Agi didn’t respond, only staring coldly.

She chuckled, “Take your brother.”

Agi finally narrowed his eyes, He was becoming furious, he had intended to take him from the beginning, now she’s trying to come in and act like he needs permission?

She chuckled shaking her head, “You’re still young. Don’t irritate me too much Agi.”

He saw the feral glint in her eye, and a small part of him shivered.

Agi practically growled like a rabid beast, but held back.

“Asketill, get up, we’re going.”

The boy jumped up, he ignored Siv entirely, his eyes focused on the new horizon he had discovered.

Siv watched their trailing figures, slowly her expression softened, her eyes turning slightly wistful as she stared at Agi,

“Get strong, Agi… my boy, become strong…”

Asketill took in the unfamiliar sights of the Temple as Agi led him, occasionally the Second Lord had to set his little brother straight, ensuring he didn’t wander off.

It wouldn’t take long before the two arrived before the red willow of the living hall.