NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Mason
Chapter 7: Mason
The steady rumble of carriages filled the narrow streets, weaving past stacks of stone and timber that lined the muddy paths. Workers moved in synchronized silence, carrying beams and setting bricks with measured precision. The entire framework of buildings loomed high, casting long shadows across the grounds where dust swirled in the late afternoon.
"Wrap it up, boys. Just finish what you need to for the day," the foreman's voice cut through the air, low but resolute, his tone leaving no room for delay.
"Aye, sir!" they responded, voices firm as they continued their tasks, each one aware of the weight of the work still ahead.
The construction site buzzed with activity as workers moved around, lifting tools and securing beams. He walked carefully through it all, scanning each part of the renovation, checking their progress. Half the project was nearly complete, and a small, proud smile appeared on the head engineer's face. "We're almost there. If things go well, we'll be done in a year," he said softly. He reached into his bag and pulled out a large piece of paper— it was the blueprint of the land, and laid it out on a nearby table.
Within the map, a patch of trees stood untouched, their dark shapes hinting at mystery. Workers avoided looking at it for too long, sharing uneasy glances. Rumors about ghosts and an old, mysterious massacre spread through the team, making even the bravest shiver. Despite months of searching, the Awakened investigators found nothing—no evidence, no clues. Even Masters known for their powerful divination abilities came back empty, puzzled and wary.
The blueprint fluttered in the breeze as the engineer's eyes narrowed, lines of worry deepening on his face. His fingers tapped against the paper, hesitation weighing heavy on his shoulders. Around him, the hum of work grew fainter as workers glanced toward the shadowed thicket, their conversations fading into whispers.
He knew the numbers wouldn't add up. The unfinished plot stood like a silent threat, and the thought of stalled payments made him shiver within. In a place where wages were thinned by relentless taxes and paychecks barely scraped by, any delay spelled trouble. The tension in the air spoke louder than any words.
A shadow fell across the blueprint, pulling Kolero's attention to his left. Standing there was a man dressed in elegant, Renaissance-era clothing, the deep colors and intricate embroidery making him stand out against the dusty worksite.
"Awakened Kolero, good day. It looks like the construction is keeping you occupied," the man said, his voice smooth and formal.
Kolero straightened, nodding with a polite smile. "Ah, indeed. And you must be the Magistrate sent by the Borough, Awakened Zion, if I'm not mistaken." The sun glinted off Zion's polished shoes as he stepped closer, the air between them heavy with unspoken expectations.
The two men clasped hands in a firm, respectful shake. Zion's eyes sparkled with humor. "I'm honored you remembered my name. others would call me other names that rhymes with it." A polite chuckle passed between them, lightening the tension.
Kolero reached into his satchel, pulling out a folded map and smoothing it over with practiced care. "Let me show you," he said, tracing a finger over the lines. "We began construction here," he tapped the southeast corner, "and expanded north, covering almost half of the land. In three months, we plan to move into the southwest section." His finger glided over the map, pausing at the shaded corner. "But here, at the far northwest, lies the ruins within the forest." His voice grew quieter, the weight of the statement hanging between them as he pointed to the marked area.
Zion's gaze shifted to the marked ruins on the map, his brow furrowed. "So, how do you intend to approach the issue with the ruins?"
Kolero's jaw tightened, the faintest shadow crossing his expression. "Everyone knows it was once a gathering place for a cult—a place where they worshipped an unknown Daemon. Their final sacrifice had dire consequences, taking every member of the cult with it."
Zion exhaled slowly, eyes scanning the dark line of trees in the distance. "Indeed, it's unsettling, isn't it?"
Kolero gave a silent nod, lifting his head to the sky. The sun hovered low, casting warm, orange hues across the site. The end of the day was near. "Is everyone done packing?" he called, his voice carrying across the site.
A chorus of voices rose in response, workers confirming they had packed and cleaned, their tired silhouettes moving purposefully in the fading light. The site, once alive with motion, now settled into an uneasy stillness, the shadow of the ruins stretching ever closer.
Zion's eyes sparkled with a hint of humor as he surveyed the tidy site. "I like what you've done with the place. Neat and clean," he said, raising an eyebrow.
Kolero smirked, a trace of pride flashing in his expression. "I make sure of it. Cleanliness is key during construction. Keeps materials organized and safe."
Zion nodded, a genuine smile on his face. "That's a rare habit, one worth praising."
The workers lined up, weary but orderly, as Kolero checked off their names one by one. The setting sun cast long shadows over the site, and the last few stragglers hurried out, their footsteps stirring up dust. Kolero's gaze sharpened as he made sure everyone who worked was accounted for, fairness driving him to keep wages aligned with attendance.
"You'd make a fine financial advisor at the borough," Zion teased, watching the last worker disappear beyond the gate.
Kolero chuckled, a warm sound that softened the tension in his posture. "Construction is where my heart lies. But I appreciate the compliment."
With the workers gone, they moved toward the edge of the forest. The air changed, a cool, unsettling breeze rustling through the leaves. Shadows stretched across the uneven ground, and a foreboding silence settled around them. A dozen yards ahead, the ruins came into view, a grim structure marked by the cult's symbol—a grotesque depiction of a high-ranking Nightmare Creature's head, carved deep into the stone.
Kolero's eyes flickered with worry. "We might need an Ascended with us to make it out safely."
Zion's hand rested confidently on his side. "No need for concern. I brought a Transcendent Echo—it should handle whatever lies within the ruins."
Kolero's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "How did you manage that?"
"The Borough provides such things," Zion said with a wink. "Perks of holding power in the government."
Just then, ahead of them. The entrance of the ruins opened. The two Awakened tensed, Kolero summoned a long sword along with an armor memory.
Zion summoned his Transcendent Echo, both of them were on fighting stance.
The entrance completely opened, two boys in dark hoods appeared.
..
The boy with circular glasses glanced around, wide-eyed, as towering, dark trees loomed over them. He swallowed hard and shifted uneasily, brushing a damp strand of hair from his temple. "Where… where are we?" His voice trembled, breaking the silence.
The other boy, eyes sharp and guarded, stepped forward, boots crunching on the brittle forest floor. "The Forbidden Forest, Mason. We just came out of the ruins," he said, eyes flicking over Mason's uncertain face. "Don't you remember? We used to gather here."
Mason's brows furrowed, a flicker of confusion clouding his eyes. His mouth opened, closed, then opened again. "I… I kind of forgot everything," he admitted, forcing a nervous laugh. His tense shoulders and the sweat trickling down his temples betrayed his fear.
The silence pressed in on them, heavy and watchful. Mason's gaze darted to the dark outlines of trees, questions racing through his mind without answers. What were they even doing here? Was a Nightmare Creature waiting to pounce? Or was it something worse? Did they need to save Markarth from some unseen threat? Wait—was Markarth even in danger?
'I don't think there's something wrong with Markarth…. Man, I wish Will was here to help me formulate a plan. This is going to take a while.' Lee slumped his against his hands. There was so much things he needed to do.
And the work, he was not cut out for it!
"Mason, what do you mean? Have you lost your memories?" The boy panicked angrily.
"Yeah?" He shrugged as he answered in a clueless and uncertain tone.
The boy's eyes twitched, he slumped his body against a tree in frustration, "this is my fault. We shouldn't have joined the cult in the first place."
"Uhmmm…. How about we get out of here first then we could talk about it with tea?"
"I'm not feeling well, Mason. After getting out of this place, we will both go our separate ways. I need to process how I'm feeling right now." The boy's body slid down against the tree as he slumped down into the ground.
Lee felt awkward in that situation, he didn't know what to say in this sort of situation. So he decided to be blunt, "hey, can you tell me your name? It's at least I could do."
"It's at least you could do?" The boy gritted his teeth, annoyed by the other boy's response to him.
"My name is Niro, A scholar in the field of Weaving. And you-" he pointed at Mason, "you are Mason, A scholar of Weaving, a one of a kind prodigy master Artisan." The boy sighed in frustration, "but, it's all my fault, I put you up on this mess."
"Look, I may have lost my memories, but I can still be considered a prodigy." Lee paused then continued, "Give me 2, no 1 month to prepare."
"What nonsense are you spouting Mason? Do you have any idea what you are saying? You sound like a madman!"
Niro's voice cut through the air, sharp with frustration as he berated Mason. Before Mason could voice out a reply, two figures emerged from the dense shadows of the trees. They moved with an elegance that set them apart— with radiant armor and their expressions composed.
Niro's words died in his throat, and Mason's breath was caught under his tongue. There was no time for questions, no chance to react. The world spun, darkening at the edges, and a heavy silence swallowed them whole. The last thing they saw were the unreadable gazes of the men before everything slipped into black.
Something must have hit them.
'Shit! This is not the isekai trip I was expecting.'