Nearly as soon as my eyes closed, the dream began.
This time, instead of a cave, I was standing in a field of wheat. The wind blew powerfully over the field, each gust visibly pushing the wheat down like waves in the ocean. A large mountain stood in stark contrast to the smooth fields around it, and a river wound just past it towards the ocean, which could just barely be seen from where I was standing.
At first I thought the sun was setting, but that theory was quickly disproven as my eyes met a large pillar of light, which also seemed to be the source of the wind. It stood unmoving maybe a couple miles to the right of the mountain, and upon closer inspection I realized the rest of the land was blanketed by the darkness of night. The scene was unnerving, but strangely serene. Nothing moved, and other than the wind there was no noise.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvi2RZ9m60
"Isn't it beautiful?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj6cqjLl7z
For some reason, hearing my own voice from directly behind me didn't scare me at all. It felt almost natural.
I turned calmly, and saw myself standing only about a foot away. My hair whipping around in the strong wind, but otherwise standing completely still.
My mouth, like the last dream, moved of it's own accord.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFgzgNaN6N
"Is this enough?"
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The other me smirked.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMwgZsd2Yz
"Not until it's all gone."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06B2CnYPpV
I turned back to the pillar of light which upon closer inspection, was slowly growing larger in diameter.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtai9L6zFUK
"And then?"
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There was no response.
I glanced back and my eyes met nothing but more wheat and darkness.
A few minutes passed of nothing but the wind and a faint humming noise which was slowly growing louder as time went on. The pillar was now almost half the diameter of the mountain.
Suddenly, a low rumbling could be heard, and the ground began to shake. The wheat began to move even more wildly, and despite my earlier calmness, I looked around frantically, looking for the source.
The ground crumbled beneath me, and as I fell into the darkness below a cold laugh escaped my lips.
I woke up drenched in a cold sweat, my heart beating so fast I thought I might have a heart attack.
A gentle knock resounded from the door, and the voice of an old woman called me to breakfast.
I got up and stood in place for a minute, gathering myself.
I need to tell someone about these dreams.
Isabel flashed through my head, and I felt a slight pang of guilt.
Thankfully my room came with it's own bathroom fully equipped with a sizeable tub and showerhead to accompany it.
At this point I wasn't even surprised at how modern everything around me was. Seems like even when people have magic, they understand the power of science. I felt a bit better about my lack of magical abilities. Maybe I could help my classmates some other way.
I quickly washed the sweat off my body and got ready. The clothes they provided were all dresses in different sizes, which was somewhat disappointing, but I didn't want to be ungrateful so I picked the one I liked the most and opened the door to leave.
I recoiled in surprise upon seeing that the lady from earlier hadn't moved an inch from the front of my room. I had spent about 10 minutes getting ready.
She looked to be about 70 years old, and was dressed in a black maid-looking dress.
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"This way, please."
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She gave a short bow and began briskly walking down the hall. She moved surprisingly fast considering her appearance.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWop3IhUXz
"Ah, uh, sorry to make you wait so long…"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4qkdCRrTe
She slowed down slightly.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTttwxbFfxa
"There is no need to worry. However, you may want to hurry so as to not make the rest of the guests wait."
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I picked up the pace slightly to match hers, and after about a minute of walking through the large estate, we made it to a door behind which I could hear my classmates talking loudly. They sounded like they were having fun.
I opened the doors and received stares from about half the students. This must be what it feels like to get to class late.
They were all eating something that looked like duck and eggs. They also had some vegetarian looking dishes, as well as pitchers full of various liquids.
Isabel waved me over with a smile. I still felt bad about last night, so it was nice to see she didn't hold it against me.
I noticed as I sat down that a few of my classmates were still giving me some dirty looks.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcTDR3z5sT
"Do you really want to sit with her after yesterday?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV88evxLkmp
The one who spoke was one of the kids who saw how I treated Isabel. I believe his name was Flint Hill. He's a pretty athletic guy with strawberry blonde hair, doesn't stand out much though either than that.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h2kyxYPgu
"Mind your own business."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpRSJGROp9
I couldn't meet his eyes despite my strong words. I was still thinking about how I acted last night and couldn't help but see his point.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrypjGV78L
"Wasn't talking to you." He looked at Isabel, who was fixing him with an annoyed look. "She was being a royal cunt yesterday, that's all I'm saying."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK48xrxgnrT
"I don't recall asking for your input."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUjQsJeXv9
At this point the table was mostly hushed whispers. I felt like I wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.
Flint shrugged and went back to eating, and despite some more looks sent my way everyone went back to what they were doing.
Nathan was looking at flint incredulously, while Hans just kept eating next to him, like nothing happened.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe82wp0Phob
"He does have a point though."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfUltlElmw
I glanced at him as I spoke. He seemed more like he was trying to look out for Isabel than be an asshole.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hJQGX829z
He noticed my look and gave a sarcastic smile.
I take it back. He's just an asshole.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DlINLCW1W
"It's understandable to have been a bit upset after what happened yesterday. I just wish he could be a bit more understanding."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekzBPT8HPo
She shot him another angry look, and handed me one of the pitchers that was sitting in front of her.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXDtbFrIEi
"Try this, it's kinda like orange juice. We just got done with the orientation, it looks like we'll begin learning magic today..."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5OdBadctT
She trailed off near the end and awkwardly shoved some food into her mouth, as if to shut herself up.
I poured some of the "orange juice" into my cup and took a sip. She was right, it was similar, but more sweet. Honestly I didn't really like it, but drank it anyway, not wanting to be rude. I ignored the part about magic, and admired my cup instead.
The yellowish color of the liquid reminded me of the wheat field in my dream.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUXBw6EHJf
"I actually have something to tell you."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY6dfMKTmJ
I quietly told her about both the dreams in detail. She listened pensively, not interrupting and nodding every once in a while to show she was listening despite also shovelling food into her mouth at the same time.
As I described the mountain and river in the second dream, a strange look crossed her face.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4DAsYwsGL
"Wanna go for a walk real quick?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPnRtv0819
She shot out of her chair, drawing a few looks, but everyone quickly lost interest. Apparently we were free to do as we wanted until further notice. Aureo had been in earlier to lay down some ground rules but I missed it.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGZ3uQmNea
"... What?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFdZxJYX7u
Confused, I got up and followed her as she walked out the door I entered from and took a sharp right in the opposite direction of our rooms.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3i112J5VL
"Why the sudden desire to go for a walk?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktsyC1Nlmn
"You'll see."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lKuZtVIzz
She responded shortly and kept walking without looking back.
Eventually we made it to a door which, when opened, revealed a beautiful landscape surrounding the estate. It was too dark to see much of anything when we arrived, but the morning sun now illuminated everything around us.
Lush plains spread as far as the eye could see from the doorway, and I stood there enjoying the view and gentle wind for a moment.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDsJnMvREb
"Over here"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqiap1O1xl
I walked to where she was standing. She grabbed my shoulders and turned me around.
My eyes opened wide in shock and disbelief at what I saw.
A lone mountain stood in the distance, a large river winding past it towards the ocean, which could be seen clearly from where I stood this time.
It was exactly the same as my dream, minus the wheat fields. Just grass and the occasional large tree dotting the land.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUHFSeawSV
"I don't understand."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO0Sxdubrz
My brain felt like it was short circuiting.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfAeRSZA8G
"I thought it sounded familiar. Maybe you can use magic after all?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5eHjTWrFX
I nodded. "But, how? Do you think that machine really was just broken or something? And does that even count as magic?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0b661GtWp
She shrugged.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOjHSLa83B
"I don't know. Anyway, you said there was a second version of you in both dreams? Maybe you can create clones or something?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVY6EFjHA6
If I could create clones wouldn’t they have the same personality as me? Anyway, the “me” in both the dreams was acting completely differently from how I do, so somehow I doubt that hypothesis.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZptOdQTSmb
“Probably not. In fact, it’s probably nothing, we should see what everyone else is up to.”
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBkFgTw7wX
There was nothing that could be done about it right now, I'd rather just wait and ask Aureo or someone about it later.
I looked to the door to go back inside, and saw Nathan just make it to the door. He must have followed us out of the dining room.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSDmnqyE5P
“Ah, go ahead. I’d like to talk to Isabel.”
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq3aIZ6iky
He moved to let me pass. I looked back at Isabel who stood still, looking curiously at Nathan.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDMFjxfIOh
"I'm fine, head on in and I'll see you in a bit."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXqVn2JOv6
“Well, see ya then.”
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL4MUBdZxJ
I went inside past Nathan who watched me as I left, and made my way back to the dining room, only to find it completely empty save for a few maids toting dirty dishes, and an unfamiliar woman. She gave me a small smile to which I responded in kind and made for the door.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wq6bGkoP7
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to have a chat.”
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I hesitated for a moment before reluctantly turning back to the woman whose smile widened as I walked towards her and took a seat.
She was beautiful. Her dress was clearly fit for royalty, and her eyes seemed kind but somewhat vacant.
She sipped some fragrant liquid from a cup and seemed to admire the taste.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksUYYVZXIg
“Did you need something?”
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I tried to say it politely but it still came out a bit strained.
She laughed softly and leaned forward slightly while placing her cup on the table. I heard the door close right as she did.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VPkOYGDxR
“Don’t believe everything Aureo says.”
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm2cZjrCJt
Her gaze sharpened, no sign of the previous vacancy left.
I looked around nervously, only to find that all the maids, having finished their work, were gone.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4bsmQpKkm
“What do you mean?”
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJksoAoFEkq
“He isn’t going to send you back.”
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXRqDH0Og7
She gave me an analyzing look and picked up her drink, taking another sip.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNVE0l2O9p
"Who are you?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI8EOC0phc
"That's not important at the moment. I'd like to ask a favor of you."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HgZfkUSUW
I laughed incredulously.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVzBSrkdZs
"How am I supposed to trust someone who won't even tell me their name?"
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She may be rich or whatever, but I wasn't about to just do whatever she wanted.
Her eyes narrowed for a moment, as if she was peering into my mind. It was a bit unnerving. Seeming to make up her mind, she sighed and took another sip of her drink.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcHKHvwNFm
"My name is Decipitur. I was once the crown princess of Terram until Aureo killed my family. I'm taking a great risk doing this. This is one of the only times I've managed to have a conversation with no supervision so if you're quite finished doubting me I'd like to discuss some things before anyone interrupts us."
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I sat, speechless.
Seeming to take my silence as an invitation to continue, she did just that.
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"Aureo is using the artifacts your people will retrieve to further his military might so he can conquer the rest of the continent. Once you've fulfilled your usefulness, he'll 'dispose' of you."
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I could hardly keep up with what she was saying. This was all completely out of the blue, and I wasn't sure how to respond.
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"You're saying he'll just kill us? At that point he might as well just let us go back home, why would he kill us?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zG7AGFHCE
"Because he's a psychopath, please don't interrupt there isn't much time."
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She continued.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKn0zyCl9U
"The truth is, he already has a functioning teleporter which could likely send you back home. But he won't use it for that purpose. He's deemed you a non-threat, that's why you will have the freedom to steal the machine and get you and your friends home. The idiot is keeping it in this very mansion. He must be having a power trip or something."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdmyw7RUtY
"A non-threat… because I can't use magic? And you say he has a functioning teleporter?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaNXksnqpn
She gave me a slightly pitying look. She put her drink on the table and grabbed something from an undisclosed area on her person.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCGFiUTarL
"Yes, he does."
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"And why should I trust you?"
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I couldn't help but feel that the man I saw earlier wouldn't be capable of such evil. Not a single thing he did or said was indicative of that, while this woman whom I've never met was setting off all my red flag alerts.
She sighed and held out her hand as if to hand me the thing she had pulled out earlier.
I hesitantly reached out and she grabbed my hand with the other hand, while placing a still-warm metallic object into it with the other.
She closed my fingers around it and pushed my hand back to me.
It was a small brass key. I could feel the teeth and the round head of the key in my hand without needing to look.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6U7WvLDRdb
"The basement, third door on the left. The guards switch out when the crystal turns green. Wait until you see the guard leave the basement, you'll know who it is when you see them. At that point, sneak in and grab the machine. It's much smaller than the one that was used to transport you, they believe it was the final model. You'll recognize it when you see it, it's the only thing in the room aside from a table and some chairs."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8OmftPTkb
She pointed to a crystal on the wall as she spoke. It was currently somewhere between a shade of purple and red.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir4ECyeuaA
"Once you have it, the other guard will likely be on his way to the basement, so you need to try and sneak past him. How you do that is up to you."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtG5HdUUHA
She seemed a bit nervous about this part of the plan and frankly, so did I.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenF5HaLl8L
"I don't ask you to believe me right away, but just keep in mind that simply having this key will mean death for you and anyone who knows of it."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2toj1Bphz
I swallowed nervously and placed the key in my pocket. I had half a mind to just throw it away once I left the room, but if she was telling the truth this could literally be the key home.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOID81oeOb0
"Why are you so interested in us getting home?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YOyZf09an
The sharp look in her eyes softened somewhat.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LnBGHOowi
"You didn't ask to be caught up in our country's problems." A devilish smile appeared on her lips "And any chance I can get to hurt Aureo, I'll take. Oh, and one last thing."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHKwhRivZ7
With incredible speed, she placed the tip of her finger on my forehead, and I felt my mind begin to go fuzzy. I tried to recoil, but my body wouldn't respond to my commands.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T1u6FRVcZ
"You are not permitted to talk to anyone about the key or any other detail of what happened here. If anyone asks, we simply discussed the weather. As for where you got this key and the information, if you are caught and questioned, it was all provided to you by Capir Emissarius." Her face contorted in anger. "That little rat is a real thorn in my side."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVoAbyOynw
She removed her finger, and I could suddenly move again.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Zb0hgXmAW
"You-"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HmuJX7W9y
"Where did you get that key?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ozoa7cKqr
She pointed to my pocket.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPb6fcQCIQ
"What- y-"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SC14iIOws
As I went to say that she did, my mouth suddenly stopped and my mind went fuzzy again.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcCO2iWYyS
"I got it from Capir Emissarius."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM1xprgeKu
The words came out but I didn't think them. I was starting to get really tired of being unable to use my own voice, now not only in dreams but reality too.
She nodded and waved me out of the room.
I understood she was done talking so I stood up shakily and left, my mind burdened by the new information it had received.
She must have put a curse on me or something.
I opened the door in a haze, and exited the room.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQrLUIJEy6
"What were you guys talking about?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡily22J16ZT
I jumped at the sound of Hans's voice right next to my ear.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBM5gZg5xu
"Jesus, where did you come from."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtncCYukys1
He shrugged.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6EpaQvBzi
"I heard some of it. Mostly intense whispering."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4IycEwQqV
My blood ran cold.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LdX8MwZhc
"How much?"
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He shrugged again, he didn't seem to have heard much because he was taking it very lightly.
I relaxed a bit and sighed.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5kQCxT9hd
"Don't worry about it." As I relaxed, a bit of anger trickled into my heart. "You know, it's rude to eavesdrop. What are you even doing here?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hOU7rqtfU
He chuckled and put his hands in his pockets.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMMk6W2qVj
"I wanted to try and see what the girl in there is doing tonight."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZTp8xOJ9T
I stared at him incredulously.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZIbNcDbAI
"My god you're serious right now, aren't you. She's out of your league."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoRxRBC0Nb
He shrugged again.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9hd0GjAUK
"And stop shrugging, it's a very noncommittal gesture."
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With that final comment I turned and headed back toward my room.
I wasn't paying much attention as I walked. I wanted to talk to someone about what I'd learned, but that was impossible now. All I could do was go and see the truth for myself and hope Decipitur wasn't lying. Or maybe it'd be better if she was.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePknVLuNGJ
"Excuse me."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy95BcTlm2n
I looked up to see Aureo walking in the direction I had just come from.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50EpJWY10L
"Sabi, I believe?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnJSal4JmI
I nodded, but said nothing. I wasn't sure how to talk to him at this point. It was already a bit odd before, but now I could feel acute anxiety as I tried to think of what to say.
He stopped and seemed to desire a conversation. I could hardly just keep walking while he was so clearly inviting me to talk, so I bit the bullet.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpLp8jI1o4
"Uh, what's up?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3Y19tCmcO
He gave me a wry smile.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDV0KNMArV
"Did you talk to my lovely wife?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiOcpvWxG4
I was still having a hard time seeing exactly where the evil part of this man was.343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOo7oQfLtg
That aside, did he mean Decipitur? No way. She clearly hated him, and she never mentioned being married to him?
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lklTsl3Cw
"By any chance, do you mean Decipitur?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEknRXuOSP
"Ah, so you have met her then."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eV4dClxco
Sir, I believe your wife hates you.
His expression remained friendly, but suddenly I began to pick up on a different emotion, just under the surface. I wanted to peer into his head and see what he was thinking.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOCNI5JlMN
"She was very kind. You're truly a lucky man."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHl3jrZiKR
The emotion from earlier vanished, or perhaps was pushed deeper into himself.
He laughed a booming laugh which echoed throughout the halls.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZdAytqyiZ
"Yes, indeed. Well, I hope you're finding your stay comfortable. You're free to do as you wish while your friends are studying with their coaches."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt21JLOb3D
"Coaches?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW78byH6CIS
This was the first I had heard of it.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXolzQMv2TG
"Nobody told you? Considering how the maids gossip I would have expected the whole of Terram to know by now."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlFZWGaDop
He took a moment to chuckle at his own joke before proceeding.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O5Ea3eNKZ
"Those with magical aptitude who wish to explore the ruins need training in order to use their abilities. You may go see their training if you wish. They should have started just a little bit ago. I can have a servant show you the way if you like."
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"Oh, no thanks. I'll just be heading back to my room. Ill go see how they're doing in a bit."
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"Well, let me know if you have any questions. I'll be in the study adjacent to the dining room." He came a bit closer after looking around to make sure nobody was there. "Don't tell anybody, but I like to sneak to the kitchen occasionally while I work"
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His smile widened into a grin and he continued on his way after bidding me farewell.
I waved and got back to my room with no other major issues.
The "time crystal" as it was called, was somewhere between a shade of yellow and green now. It was almost time.
I left my room quietly and made my way down the hall. A stone bust of Aureo stood about halfway down the hall from the room which led to the basement. I hid behind it and waited. The hall was nearly completely silent save for my breathing.
Right on time, a man left the room and thankfully turned the opposite direction from which I was hiding.
As soon as he was out of sight I went to the door and slipped through.
The stairwell and hallway which connected to it were much darker and more dingy than the rest of the estate. It had a somewhat off-putting vibe.
Per Decipitur's instructions, I inserted the key into the lock on the third door to the left, and began to open it. It creaked loudly, and I felt my anxiety spike. I looked around again to make sure nobody was there and opened it all the way.
A faint purple glow emanated from a suit which was hung on the wall. The one from my first dream.
I walked up to in and the closer I got the more sure I was that it was the same one.
Even the mask was sitting on a table next to it.
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"Hello there. Care to explain what you're doing here?"
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I spun around to see Aureo closing the door behind him, locking us in the room together, a sinister look, much different from the usual expression on his face.
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