The Regressed NoBody

Seo Jiwoo

The light of the artifact cascaded inside the dusty old chamber which had barely went under any maintenance, the dust rose visibly to the eyes, cobwebs and moss stuck to the walls and cracks, as the claustrophobic feel of the chamber made the experience even worse as the rusty smell inside the chamber made it seem similar to a dilapidated dungeon.

But, I guess, beggars can’t be choosers. It was already kind enough for them to provide us with a private quarter and be willing to listen to us.

Honestly, it would be harder to convey and get our opinion through to those thick-brained people and get their conjoined approval to initiate the plan, then to fight an Eldergrove Sentinel, or teach a curly haired baboon how to write.

The orcs were somewhat willing to listen to us, while Serven remained hostile toward us and opposed of us every opportunity he found, while I wasn’t able to fully understand the standing of Serven’s companion—which made me more wary of him than Serven, whether he was willing to support us—, Vaerin, who acted in a peculiar manner and showed subtle mannerism toward us when greeting Aurora which hinted to something.

Unknowingly, my gaze wandered off to Aurora. I think Aurora knew something about that elf, because of the break in her expression in the chamber, which she corrected almost instantly. But I wasn’t going to force her to tell me, but I was already certain of some things about her, from the way she carried herself, her mannerism and other points. But I guess, it was just me thinking too far ahead.

Aside from the orcs and elves, the dwarfs remained neutral, showing they weren’t entirely brainless. But during our conversation, the dwarfs had indeed added remarks worthy of acknowledgement, from their explanation of the mana distortion devices to providing help in correcting several points in our plan, both Durin and Grimnir were assets for this war.

Everyone was selected by their respective race to represent each other, which I could guess that’s because they wanted to keep tight leash around each other’s neck. Despite being allies there was always dispute of opinion, strategy and some hidden motive behind such actions.

If I wanted to make these people consider making humans a part of their alliance, then this was going to be the first step. I needed to show them just how much humans have grown since the cataclysm, and that we could be reliable allies.

In one way or another, I am representing the human race as a whole.

But it was still the easier part, because discussing war and fighting a war were two completely different things—and winning a war was easier said than done. I sighed as I shook my head through my lampooning. I couldn’t remember when things had turn out easy for us, for once, but if they didn’t, I’d be more paranoid. Because, life was also stuck on hard mode for me.

And to add to my worries, the system was currently generating a quest. My anxiousness only grew more as I looked at the interface, still updating itself and the information yet to provide. I hope a fiasco like our fight against the Eldergrove doesn’t happen again.

But aside from that, the system had finally show activity, and generated a countdown sequence for the Returnee's Privilege option. It still didn't show a countdown for the exact amount of time it would actually take, that part was obscured, but this alone was reassuring that I would be getting one of my old skills back.

And hopefully it's a useful one.

I turned my attention back to the chamber and at my companions who had their curious gazes over me, waiting for me to say something.

But somewhere in all of this, I felt nostalgic, but not entirely in a good sense, as if I'd gone back to my past life, time was of essence and we had a war to fight amongst all the desperation and despair which lingered like some plague.

I turned my attention to Mordian, who slowly took off the cloak of nyx, he walked closer and handed it back to me as I stored it inside the inventory without a word.

“So what’s the plan?” Aurora finally asked from the side, her body leaned against the wall, as she hugged her knees and rested her head over them, her hair pulled to one side, revealing her teal eyes which shimmered, looking obviously weary from all our constant fights and adventures.

I looked back, trying to find the right words which would be convincing enough to make them agree to my plan.

“Just like how we discussed in the chamber with the others, both of the missions need to be done simultaneously at the same time, we need to retrieve the compass from Esparossa, while the others take back the fortress of Tseige, giving us some leverage in the war.” I simple said as I straightened my back against the wall and looked at Mordian, whose golden eyes looked at me with a tinge of incredulity, knowing him, he already knew what was going inside my mind and what I wanted to communicate to some extent.

“So, while the soldiers take back the fortress of Tseige and release the prisoners, someone has to go and retrieve the compass from the Esparossa fortress while undetected.” I said after a moment of pondering as Aurora had fully straightened now and was staring at me with a slight frown which communicated disbelief and incredulity.

I leaned in closer on the bed as I shared my thoughts with my companions, who did seem to hide their apprehension to a certain extent.

It was indeed a reckless plan than I'd thought, but if it was done, the orcs would be able to benefit from it dearly.

“Have you gone insane?” She said, her words having a solemn edge as her delicate brows knitted, furrow lines visible over her brows as she sneered.

“But I haven’t said anything...yet,” I said in reply as I looked at Aurora’s slightly furious response and serious expression.

“I can already place a finger on what you’re thinking.” She paused, her eyes went to Mordian, as my bond stood still as he didn’t say anything back.

Mordian was more or less aware of what I was trying to do.

“You want to go to Esparossa all on your own and try to retrieve the compass and come back as quietly as possible. Like a stealth mission, where you can sneak into their home unannounced and walk right out of their doors without causing a commotion or getting caught? Do you honestly believe it would be as easy as you think?”

I felt at a loss for words as Aurora had pointed out the entirety of my plan for retrieving the compass, and from the looks of it, convincing them both would be harder than convincing the council of the elders.

I cut between the lines and took this moment to speak. “Just listen to me. It might sound absurd, even suicidal to some extent, but just listen to what I have to say, then you can say and oppose to whatever you want.” I pleaded as Aurora’s frown widened as she tsked and leaned against the wall as the dark circles under her eyes made her look even more ferocious.

I gazed back at Mordian, but he silently stood by the edge of the bed, his figure standing right under the artifact spewing light from the ceiling as his golden hair caught the light and was illuminated under the brightness.

I took a breath as I stirred and my feet landed on the cobblestone floor of the room as I clasped my hands and placed my elbows on my knees.

“The plan is simple. While the mission of taking back the Tseige fortress will be underway, the demons would believe that we are trying to release our imprisoned allies and grow our forces to retaliate, but that’s where the main focus from our side goes to, I would sneak into the Esparossa fortress with a small battlegroup who will focus on diverting the attention of the demons from me, thinking that they are here to retrieve the compass; much less, they would already be expecting us.” I said as I exchanged a few glances with them both.

Aurora was about to express her disapproval of my plan, but I cut her off and continued. “Then it would work better in our advantage, because the demons still wouldn’t be sure of my presence—what race I belong to, which gives me an edge over the situation—, and using that I will sneak into the fortress while wearing the cloak of nyx to perfectly conceal my presence, so even if they have any artifacts set up to sense mana, I can easily bypass it, because the cloak will conceal my mana and presence entirely, making me undetected if not done so directly.”

“Then shouldn’t Mordian be a better candidate for this plan? Being a dragon and all and having lived for a long time, equating for his mastery over mana and strength? Wouldn’t he be better suited for this plan if things were to go south?” Aurora asked, slightly puzzled and trying to piece together my plan, and why was I trying to go instead of Mordian, as she turned to gaze at him, who stood with no change on his expressionless face.

If I wanted to tell Aurora the reason why, then I had to disclose Mordian’s condition to her and how the curse weakened and affected his body.

I looked at Mordian, his face remained impassive as we shared a few words with each other as the room turned quiet.

“Can you guys stop talking in your mind for a second and let me be a part of this conversation?” Aurora blurted out suddenly as she exchanged glances with both of us.

I looked back at her with an awkward expression, feeling a pang of guilt, as if I’d shown it outwardly as silence had descended, knowing that she knew that Mordian and I were bonded together so we could communicate telepathically.

‘Go ahead. You can tell her.’ My bond sent, deadpan. I knew this conversation was going to take a while, so I waved my hand and stimulated and moulded the earth mana which clung tightly to the floor as a big high-back throne, still rough on the edges from my lack of mastery over the element, conjured behind my bond, seeing my intentions, Mordian didn’t say a word and took a seat as he corrected his robes and spread his arms over the armrests on the throne.

“Aurora, what I’m about to tell is something that shouldn’t leave this room; something that would remain only between the three of us.” Aurora looked nervous as her eyes looked slightly dumbstruck and afraid of what might come out of my mouth.

My gaze swept across the chamber as I nudged Mind’s Eye and the ambient mana bore visible to my eyes, taking in every detail as I slowly raised my hand. The mana in the atmosphere responded to my touch, rippling like a stone tossed into a still pond. With a wave, I reached out to the shimmering wind particles dancing around us. Gently, I coaxed them into motion as they converged around us, feeling their subtle vibrations as they responded to my will. Gradually, they began to coalesce, forming an invisible barrier that encased us, sealing our conversation within its bounds and ensuring not a whisper would escape beyond.

I turned my head back to Aurora and spoke.“The reason why Mordian can’t be the one to go to Esparossa is because of a curse placed over him which weakens and hampers his strength significantly. He is someone who has already reached integration a long time ago, but this curse has made his strength plummet, leaving him only stronger than an enlightenment stage on the verge of breaking through.” I used the terms I’d learned from Mordian back in the cavern to better address my words and make it easier for Aurora to understand.

“Similarly, that’s also the reason why he lacked the proper strength to fight the Eldergrove, despite being on the integration stage.” I said as Aurora’s brows knitted in surprise and puzzlement, her expression shifted to disbelief and doubt as she immediately looked at my bond with astound eyes.

“Is this all true?” She asked Mordian, and my bond simply nodded his head succinctly with a deadpan attitude.

Knowing Aurora, I knew she wouldn’t be satisfied only by being told this piece of information, so I delved deeper and told her everything Mordian had told me about, everything that had happened to the dragons, their animosity with the demons, how they had been ambushed by the demons unexpectedly, and everything leading to their genocide.

Aurora’s expression turned more widened in surprise, flabbergasted, as it almost looked flummoxed as she corrected her facial features and tried to appear more elegant.

“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t aware of any of this.” She said with a thick sombreness laced in her words, as my dragon bond nodded indifferently, he had also listened with a calm and rational expression, showing outwardly that he wasn’t effected by the mention of his race’s demise.

But I knew that he still felt remorse, sorrow and anger, all of these emotions burned within him like a inextinguishable fire which raged on without a stop in sight. Like an inferno, which could engulf anything and everything in its path, but on the surface, Mordian appeared as cool-headed as he always showed himself to be, his thick facade not willing to crack, not showing a single shred of emotion over his face.

“There is no reason for you to apologize. It all happened a very long time ago, and no amount grieving or remorse can bring my people back. It’s just the truth; a truth I’ve come to accept already. It doesn’t change the fact that I’m the last of my kind.” Mordian said, his voice sounded deadpan as his eyes looked serene, the golden in them bright, as his voice held so little, yet so much emotion which filled the air with the room with a heavy atmosphere.

Despite not being together for a long time, I had promised myself to help Mordian in his revenge, any way I possibly could.

“But none of the minor races seem to know about the dragons’ genocide,” Mordian mused aloud, taking the conversation in a new direction as his words pushed the sombreness away. “I can think of a reason why the news never reached them, despite the passage of time.”

“Maybe it was a political move against the other ash’ari done by the demons, or...” I started, but Mordian read my thoughts and finished the sentence for me.

“Or maybe the ash’ari purposefully obscured the information to avoid discord—and to hide the truth about the dragons’ demise. From how I remember them, the ash’ari would do something like this to maintain the facade of peace despite the risk.”

“It could be plausible, both could be.” I mused with a calm expression.

“Then, does the curse influences and affects your overall strength?” Aurora posed a question, not afraid that her voice would leak out thanks to the barrier, and Mordian simply answered, not trying to conceal any information.

But, it’s best if we conceal this fact from the elders. Because, I wouldn’t want to make them nervous or lose confidence in us because of Mordian’s condition, or to let any spies who might have infiltrated this places to leak this crucial detail to the demons, which might make us lose our edge in this war.

“Yes, but I can only suppress the curse for a predetermined period of time, allowing me to reach my former glory. But if done so for a long time, the curse can may as well bring my demise.” My bond said as Aurora’s wore a frown after knowing this detail.

Reading the flow of the conversation, I took this moment and spoke up. “So getting back to the point, I will use the cloak of nyx and secretly and quietly infiltrate the fortress of Esparossa, while a battlegroup of the soldiers will keep the demons occupied in the meantime and work as a distraction—knowing the risk, we have to be careful during the distraction part of the plan.” I thought for a second as I brought my hand over my chin.

“But after we discuss this matter with the elders, can we hope to bring it to it’s initial phase.” Both of them nodded to my words as I swiftly turned my head toward the door as I heard a series of knocks reverberate from the outside.

I activated Mind’s Eye and realized that it was the hunched elder of the orcs, Zalar, the orc which had given us support and presented a favourable attitude during our argument with the elf Serven.

I dismissed the barrier and reached for the doors realizing that Huŕum stood beside him outside, I placed my hands on the metallic handles and pushed the door open as the hunched orc stood with a friendly smile, his back bent forward as he asked for permission before entering our room.

“I apologize for inconveniencing you at a time like this when you all are resting.” He said, his words gently cascading through the room as his gaze went to Mordian, who had stood up and Aurora who kept siting on the bed of weeds and hay.

“Do you have something to tell us?” I asked as Huŕum entered after the elder, he held a wooden tray in his hands which had three wooden ale mugs and a big jug over it, the jug had some lavender liquid inside which had flower like pedals floating within the eye-catching beverage.

“Well, yes. I was hoping to meet in private after our conversation." Zalar said, as I saw Huŕum place the tray down and close the door behind us.

As I reached for my pervious spot and sat down, Zalar sat opposite me, as I saw Aurora nimbly reach the jug and keenly look at the contents within, as she poured herself the lavender coloured liquid, cautiously, she brought the mug close to her mouth and took a sip as her ears seemed to move in an adorable way, which showed her delight palpably over her face.

Zalar bent his head forward a little and spoke as sincerely as possible. “No matter how much I were to thank you, it wouldn’t be enough for what you and companions have done and are willing to do for my people. As their elder, I can only express my heartfelt gratitude for you.”

Beside him, Huŕum stood silently, his eyes fixed on Zalar as he seemed to pity the elder. The war had taken quite the toll on both of them, and I can only guess just how much desperation Zalar faced until now.

Huŕum didn’t look at his elder with a gaze of disgust, rather he understood his pain and suffering, his gaze was meant to convey his emotions he couldn’t express to anyone.

“I know that some might treat you as an outsider, show you disrespect and hostility, but I want you continue being our support. I know I’m being selfish for asking your help, Jiwoo, but your and Lord Astrionyx’s presence brings us a beacon of hope. Only a few hours ago, I was unsure of what to do next, what more could we do now in this disadvantageous standing, but you and your companions’ appearance in our world is nothing short of a miracle.” He bent deeper as he slowly unbent and looked at me with his serene and gentle eyes which held the tactical perfection of a strategist.

He moved his eyes around the room and said with an apologetic tone. “I hope you don’t mind the untidiness, this was the only unoccupied quarter in the fortress left, and it was not cared for, for a very long time.”

“No, it’s fine, you were kind enough to give us accommodation and provide us with enough support to have our opinions heard. Thank you, Zalar.” I said back as I saw Mordian standing near Aurora, as she continued drinking her second mug, while Mordian also enjoyed the beverage.

I thought for a moment, as I finally decided to tell Zalar about our plan, how I would go to Esparossa alone with a single battlegroup and try to infiltrate and retrieve the compass, and knowing that, I told Zalar and Huŕum about the artifact I had in my possession which could perfectly conceal my presence from being detected.

Zalar should skepticism in my plan as Mordian and Aurora observed from the side-lines, not uttering a single word as they waited for the orcen elder’s reply, Huŕum looked confused and perplexed by the dangerous plan I had just suggested, but ultimately, I would be the one taking on most of the risk and danger by myself.

And for the soldiers that would be accompanying me, if I remembered correctly, there was a big ruin and a magical forest a few kilometres away from Esparossa which could be easily reached on foot—the surrounding of Esparossa has a lot of greenery and trees which could work as a good camouflage—and if they were to be pursued by the demons, they would only take a few casualties at minimum if things were to go south in the worse case scenario, so for them, we can have contingencies placed proactively for their safety—that once the prisoners are released we can have a majority of them sent over, while keeping reinforcements on the lookout, because even before the magical forest started, there were strong mana beast which had habitants, so the demons wouldn't be reckless.

Huŕum was just about to express his dissatisfaction with the plan I’d just told, but with a glance from Zalar he maintained his silence and waited for the elder to speak.

After a few more seconds of deep pondering, Zalar raised his head, his eyes looked serious in thought as his voice filled the room.

“This plan is indeed reckless and could very well be our final chance at taking back what is ours.” His furrow lines looked more prominent as he spoke, each word holding a deep solemnity. “But are you really willing to take such a risk for us, I did mention that this plan was more reckless than our first one of liberating Tseige,” Zalar paused, a thin smile growing on his face as he looked back at me with a thankful expression. “But if it succeeds, the pay back will be massive. We can push the demons into a corner once again."

“But you aren’t left with any more options, and taking a risk is better than to let precious time waste.” I mused with an understanding expression.

“I think I should let you know this, Jiwoo. The underground dungeon of Esparossa, is where Huŕum’s father and the chieftain is locked away with the remaining elders for the last few months. And Huŕum is the son of the chieftain's younger brother.” I turned to look at Huŕum as my brow rose a fraction of an inch, learning the sudden detail.

“And the ones using Esparossa as their base of operation are a battlegroup of demons sent by a Seraphim personally.” Mordian and Aurora turned their attention completely to the next words of the elder.

“They are a battlegroup consisting of five demons, all of them strong enough to give a single enlightenment stage a run for their money. They are strong individually, yes, but when working as a team, they are force to reckon with, their strength terrifyingly in sync with one another and teamwork an intricate pattern which brings the destruction and death of their enemies.” Zalar’s expression turned twisted with rage as he told us important information regarding the enemy. “And their leader is a demon who is a descendent of the Noros clan amongst the exciduim race, whose strength has reached equal to a mystic stage.”

So their leader’s strength is equal to a rank. Now that’s troublesome. I already had in mind, that it wouldn’t be as easy to retrieve the compass from right under their noses. I knew that there would be strong powerhouses guarding the fortress.

But if their leader alone was equal to a mystic stage, then it might pose me some trouble, and I would have to rethink several parts of the plan.

Because, the gap between an rank and a rank was the same as the difference in rank between an rank and an rank, the difference in strength and capabilities was too big. A gap which most people could never hope to cover in their life.

But I might be able to bridge that gap with my skills and other items which I’d gained since entering the trials. One such was the relic armour, which didn’t receive a single dent or scratch when fighting the Eldergrove. It was one the strongest equipments I possessed.

But even then, I clearly remembered the female remnant’s words. Even Indra told me that I lacked perspective.

But it's the pursuit of knowledge, not the amount, that matters. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to understanding and the truth. I repeated the female’s remnant’s words in my mind.

“The Noros clan...” Mordian mused aloud, his brows slightly creased, showing that he knew something. “The Noros clan is acknowledged as the strongest clan amongst the demons, only the Nezera clan is said to be its equal, because they have a Seraphim backing them. And that Seraphim is their leader, Ashmedai—that seems to be the case even after a millennium—, who has been the patron of the Noros for as long as he’s been a Seraphim.” My bond said as the frown over his face widened into an expression of hatred, but after a moment, he composed himself naturally.

Ashmedai, the demon who had placed the curse over Mordian, and killed his kind. The leader of the Seraphims and the strongest demon just below Agares.

I clenched my hand into a firm fist as I thought about the future. If I was going to fight monsters like them, I needed to grow stronger—make leaps—, and I could already feel my strength reaching close to the borderline of the enlightenment stage. Soon, I’ll be able to tap into the realm of a rank.

“Lord Astrionyx is correct.” Zalar said in acknowledgement. “And Seraphim Ashmedai was the one to dispatch that battlegroup to keep things organized in the orcen world after the war ended.”

“It is a well known fact, even amongst us. Ashmedai is the right-hand and the battle strategist of the demon king. From what I’ve read about the Seraphim, he is said to be ruthless, going to any lengths necessary to do what he thinks is right.” The hatred in Zalar’s voice rose with each word, his voice laced in venom. “And after the battlegroup left us in disarray, we were like helpless calfs, waiting to be hunted.”

“But as an elder, the blame entirely falls over me for not being able to unite my people in our time of need.” Zalar sneered in self-deprecation as he looked down at his toes

“No, that is not true, Elder.” Huŕum who had been quiet the entire time spoke, his words made Zalar feel guilt as he turned to face the young orcen leader.

“No, child. I know I can’t fully comprehend the pain and loss which you do on daily basis as the leader of our kind. It’s much easier to spout order while being protected in this tightly guarded fortress and sanctuary, than actually being on the battlefield, witnessing all the blood and death which still continues to ensue. Being responsible to witness the demise of your brethren in front of your eyes. Compared to you, Huŕum, I’m a shallow man.”

His head bent slightly, his wrinkled and aged face growing heavy with furrow lines, as Huŕum tried to say something, but Zalar spoke over him. “You were forced to take command—regardless of your own will and choice—because of my own lack in judgement back then, I was desperate to find a solution to our tearing unity, when the chieftain was captured and taken to the fortress of Esparossa, with his brother as prisoners of war."

I listened quietly, my gaze wandered between the elder and Huŕum. The guilt and despair over his aged face still looked so fresh.

“If I could’ve done better, perhaps things wouldn’t have become as hopeless as they are now.” He snickered.

“We can only regret after we make an action, regardless of what that action leads to, but even then, we must learn to embrace it.” I said firmly, as I seem to recall all the mistakes I’d made myself and could only make amends for now. As if the words were meant for me.

Zalar raised his head slowly, his serene eyes looked moist.

“True. But I’m willing to do anything to prevent the demise of our race. And with your help, it might be possible.”

Afterwards, we made some additions to the plans and discussed what we would need to do in order to get the other elders to approve of our plan.

Zalar slowly stood, as we walked over to the doors.

“I forgot to mention. “ He suddenly said. “If there is anything you need, you can either come to me or go to Huŕum. I’m in the main chamber at most of the time of the day with the others, while Huŕum frequently stays in the sanctuary’s town. You can just ask for him and a guard will guide you.”

I thought about it and asked straightforwardly. “Then, are there any chambers here which I can use as a training room?”

Zalar thought for a quick second, his hand to his chin as he looked at Huŕum and with a nod from him, he spoke. “Yes, there a few available in the inner depth of the fortress. You can use them if you like. I can guide you now if you wish. And in the meantime, Huŕum can help your companions get used to the ins and outs of the fortress and the sanctuary.”

I turned to look at Aurora and Mordian, and Aurora simply nodded as Mordian gave his approval through our connection.

“Yes, that would be much appreciated.” I said back in gratitude as we soon moved out of the quarter and went our separate ways.

Aurora and Mordian followed Huŕum as he guided them and showed them around, and through Mordian I could somewhat get an idea of the layout and structure of the plan without having to go.

I followed beside Zalar, our stride slow and comfortable as he suddenly asked some questions about the human race. They were just simple questions, not something to pry about; like what we ate, how we lived, how the mana beast in our world were like and what our technology and people were like.

I didn’t act cautiously as I answered all of his questions with ease, his voice sounded aesthetic, as if we was truly immersed in the topic of learning about my race.

***

Laurena Lianard

My eyes fixated on the black void that encased me like a lurking predator, ready to consume me at any moment. Dim light, so faint around me that it resembled glowing stardust which gave a certain beauty, yet held an ethereal quality which I couldn’t perfectly describe, woven around the darkness, each speck which was the size of a grain of sand connected to the next, forming an intricate web. Swirling lines, barely visible like a thin, ethereal fog—resembling a thin and delicate thread which could easily break if I were to touch it, or I thought—, bridged the distance between them.

I knew this place well, knew it so very well. I had been here countless times, witnessing this haunting spectacle over and over again which only made me feel awe every time I witnessed it again.

I felt like my body was afloat, the weight of all of my responsibilities vanished along with the burdens I carried in here, as if this place brought a soothing and comfortable feeling to my soul, but I felt my mind stir in that exact moment, I finally realized what was happening around me.

Suddenly, the stardust around me hummed and rippled, generating a blinding and egnamtic light as the ethereal fog swirled around me, like a storm had brewed without any prior notice.

My eyes shut closed, I pressed them tightly, as I felt my weightless body being ushered somewhere forcefully against my will. I tried to resist to the best of my efforts, but it remained futile against the power which held me firmly.

Suddenly, the resistance stopped and the power which held a firm hold over me let go all of a sudden. I felt relief, but a sense of trepidation rose from the bottom of my soul.

I was afraid of what I was going to witness next in this nexus.

I slowly opened my eyes, and to my surprise, I found myself standing in the middle of a lush and beautiful landscape which stretched on for miles ahead, the gale of wind felt so blissful over my skin, as the pungent smell of flowers entered my nose. The warmth of the sunlight kissed my skin as I felt comforted and soothed.

I slowly turned, the crunching sound of the blades of grass being trampled beneath my feet resounded in my ears as I witnessed a gigantic fortress standing firmly and imposing in the distance, the black stone carved into its outer layer made it look intimidating and haunting, as if it was the den of some ferocious beast.

There was a moat around the gigantic fortress, a giant bridge stood before the gates which connected the fortress to the outside, as I saw a cobblestone path which was dilapidated, trees of varying sizes encompassed around the fortress, making it look like the resting place of some mysterious and egnamtic figure.

I took a step forward, the fortress stood silently, not one sound or presence in the distance. I walked for a few minutes, until I came close to the fortress and there was only half a mile's distance between us

But the world around me shook, the colours ran dry and wildly like some rampant beast, as I felt my mind go numb and a migraine taking a hold.

Then it was over as quickly as it had come.

Suddenly, my eyes focused on to a boy, no older than twenty years of age—I could tell because I had seen him before—, his features were obscured by the ethereal fog, but I could barely make out of them. His face so sharp and hardened from the passage of time and hardships, as if carved from stone itself, his eyes a burning cascade of malevolence and evil as the lavender in them made me quiver by only witnessing him, a twisted grin encompassed his lips, as he stood outside the fortress, and the once imposing structure held in its glory, succumbed under the onslaught of fire.

I could tell with a single glace that it was no ordinary fire. It was the embodiment of evil and destruction itself. Something that shouldn’t have been released into the world, the essence which could destroy anything.

The once beautiful landscape, the moat around the castle, the walls, the trees, the water, everything had caught ablaze by those iridescent flames which ravaged the land, and that boy stood in the middle of it all, in the centre of all that harrowing spectacle of destruction, as if those flames rose from the depths of his being.

I felt terrified the longer I looked at him, his eyes made me bend my head in fear, I felt the most primal emotion of death loom around my neck, like a sharp blade pressed against my skin, ready to slit my throat at any moment.

I looked up, my neck stiff, as if stuck to it place as I forcefully moved it, and I witnessed the boy now standing right in front of me. I gasped in horror and fear, his features so clear like the day, as I didn’t even have the time to protect myself.

His blazing, bloodied and mutilated arm reached out and grabbed a hold of my mouth, I tried to resist but all was futile, the flames burned with a twisted craziness as if they didn’t seem to discern anything, they only wanted to consume whatever was in their path.

I felt the flames envelope me as I felt their onslaught over my skin, it was unlike anything, no amount of words could describe such an agony. I felt in that moment that death would be better. I tried to scream, but the flame engulfed hand didn't let my pleas to ring out.

‘These flames...’ I thought in that split second, as the intensified and animalistic amethyst reflected in my eyes, it was so twisted, so baleful that I felt my will to resist completely disperse.

‘What have you done?’ I thought under the unimaginable and searing pain which made my mind go blank. There was nothing I could do. I felt tears stream down my face, the pain was unimaginable indeed, but I felt sadness and empathy rise. I reached my hand out which had caught the colorful flames as my body slowly vanished from existence, as if I was getting destroyed on a fundamental scale. Nothing could save me now.

But the moment my hand could touch his cheek which was smudged with blood and cuts and burn marks, my arms completely vanished, and soon my body, as only my face remained which was firmly held in his grasp.

‘What has happened to you, Jiwoo?’ I was barely able to mutter those matters in my mind, as my entire figure vanished as the last thing I heard was a deafening roar reverberating around the landscape, which shook the very ground and caused the air to ripple.

My breath was caught in my throat as my eyes fluttered open, I quickly brought my hands up and touched my face, as I realized that tears were welling down my cheeks.

I continued to take heavy breaths, my body shuddered uncontrollably like it was winter, as I saw my bronze skin turn a shade of pale in the dim lighting of the room.

I kept seated on my bed as I tried to relax myself. After a few minutes, I leaned back into the soft pillows as I tried to understand my vision.

Why now? Why now of all times? I had never witnessed Jiwoo’s future, not even once, I could his past and present to some extent, but never his future, it was always obscured and veiled by a thick fog, always unpredictable, never certain, forever changing.

But what does this vision mean? Jiwoo, who was engulfed by those malevolent flames, the destroyed landscape and that roar at the every end, what did this vision mean in its entirety? What did it signify?

I raced my mind, as I tried to discern the meaning within the vision. It was so sudden, so much at once.

I slowly reached out of the bed as I corrected my nightgown, and walked to the long windows as I pressed a button on the side and the curtains fluttered to the sides, revealing the light of the moon which filled my apartment, below the many building and shops had their lights turned off, making the town look haunting and abandoned.

I touched the thick and reinforced glass, as the cool touch made me relax.

Fate truly is cruel. I can only witness what would and could be, not change or interfere with the ultimate result it brought. This is my curse and blessing. I can only guide others through certain means, but I can never go against the bounds of time itself. I can’t repeat the same mistakes I made.

Just why was fate so cruel to that boy? Just what did he deserve to go through all that pain and agony? The haunting figure of Jiwoo in my vision, wounded and covered in blood, resurfaced in my mind as I shuddered once again.

“Be careful, child.” I prayed with a desperate and anxious voice.