Year 521 A.B. (Two Years Ago)8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeQ8eC6JKE 維尼
Knocks on his bedroom door alert Kahnyne who is hanging up his uniform’s blazer. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtywkm3dFD 維尼
“One moment please.” he says, making his way to the door. Upon opening the door however, there is no one in sight.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡgftrtqr0S1 維尼
“Surely, I did not miss any poltergeists when scanning the manor.” Kahnyne ponders. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZEQXMj1RF 維尼
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Taking a step forward, he stops after finally noticing Rai who had been standing there silently clutching a book almost half his size to his chest. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQBftzo9HN 維尼
“Good evening, Kahnyne.” he says looking up at him with a slight smile.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Up4QIYfxJ 維尼
“Good evening, young master. Isn't it a bit late...”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh20NL7jkn 維尼
Kahnyne glances at his pocket watch “What brings you here at this hour?” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPYLhzXGLG 維尼
“I finished the book you gave you me, and I wanted to talk to you about it like we usually do, but you were pretty busy today, so I thought I could come now.” Rai utters with eyes shyly darting around the hallway.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI6cT0thPJ 維尼
Feeling slightly guilty, Kahnyne realizes that means Rai must have been in his room alone and waiting all day. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3tmcBLdaP 維尼
“I suppose I can't say no to that, can I?” He says while smiling and taking the book from Rai’s hands. “But…” Kahnyne raises a finger to his lips. “We'll have to be quiet.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNzz4lqn9W 維尼
Clearly beaming, Rai nods his head, and they begin to make their way down the dimmed candle and moonlit hallway. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjjWAUQq5t 維尼
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For a brief moment, the only thing to add ambiance to their trek is the sound of their muffled footsteps on the carpet, echoing throughout the hallway. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrlVmlFPgk 維尼
“So how was your day, Kahnyne?”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcQXhSQpn6 維尼
“A bit busy as you observed. After preparing your day's meals ahead of time, I was tasked with patrolling the manor for any wandering poltergeists.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vfqI6vUgl 維尼
“That must have taken forever. What about you Kahnyne? Did you ever get to eat or rest?” Rai asks with his voice taking on a sincere tone. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf1NcksmFc 維尼
“Unfortunately not…” Kahnyne pauses to listen for anyone else awake in the manor. “However, I suppose it would be a good idea to stop by the kitchen for something to eat during our book time. Is there anything in particular that you have a taste for?”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQbUtPq8mH 維尼
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Rai thinks for a moment before a light bulb goes off in his head. “A PB & B, please!”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKDoEcT5nd 維尼
Pleasantly surprised, Kahnyne responds.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCywDcGH18 維尼
“You really did finish the book, I see.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl46hvKDce 維尼
Soon they arrive at the kitchen which transitions seamlessly from the hallway after a sharp right. It is decorated like much of the rest of the manor, yet much more warm and less superficial. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZJUOIcDeO 維尼
“You may take a seat for now if you'd like.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡhooniaFMUP 維尼
Kahnyne says while making his way to the line of silver-colored appliances and cabinets commercially arranged along the wall.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡRniVt3hh60 維尼
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Rai glances at the long wooden table surrounded by chairs, atop the carpet in the middle of the kitchen. A mirage-like image of himself sitting at the table with two people he can no longer recognize extracts a lonely expression from his face. He decides to stand by Kahnyne’s side. “No thanks, I'd rather watch you if that's okay.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcjCgoZ6Fx 維尼
“Of course. Let us grab you a chair then.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n55EwDQdl 維尼
Kahnyne pulls a chair from the table and places it in front of Rai who is standing on the tips of his toes in an attempt to make himself taller than the counter. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsheN5g7K5 維尼
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“Thank you!” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDPQ1vkrPT 維尼
Rai climbs the chair and rests his arms against its back.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmwiHtSVUx 維尼
“You're welcome, young master.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPNJb9j4EH 維尼
Kahnyne reaches to open a cabinet, and with his watch in his face, he remembers what time it is, as well as what Rai’s parents would say if they stumbled upon their current situation. “We're on the opposite end of the manor,” he thinks “But just in case…” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2ghZdaOeg 維尼
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Kahnyne cracks a window, and opens the vent next to the stove's smoke detector.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrg2bH2a6s 維尼
“Alright, let's begin.” He announces, grabbing peanut butter, bread and an assortment of seasonings from the cabinet.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjtJAB0Mto 維尼
“I'll help.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡilfroIBb08 維尼
Rai climbs down from the chair and returns with all of the ingredients that he could reach from the refrigerator in his embrace: a small package of ground beef, bacon, and eggs.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lbctkuWqa 維尼
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“Great job!” Kahnyne places the ingredients on the counter. “That should be all if my memory serves me correctly.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtbw5OAjIq 維尼
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Kahnyne turns on the stove, and begins to prepare all of the ingredients in separate cast-iron pans. The smell of well-seared beef, bacon, and eggs fill the kitchen air, forming an aroma like that of a hearty brunch as each piece cooks to perfection. Captivated by the thought of what these blends of flavors may produce, they put the sandwiches together without delay, place them in an elegant domed container, and exit the kitchen. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyjQxxHMcI 維尼
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“Let's go to our usual spot! We've never been there at night.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpegVARLb8O 維尼
Rai happily whispers, while unknowingly quickening his pace down the hallway. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRZsbkykmL 維尼
Kahnyne looks on, ready to ask for him to slow down, considering the fact that he is carrying the book and container, but yields, as the back he’s watching becomes someone else’s. A mixture of warmth, nostalgia and melancholy overtake him.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡBffKqb3IbO 維尼
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Rai stops in front of a large set of wooden doors decorated with glass.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOxuqTtQ5i 維尼
“We're here, Kahnyne!” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfkyblY55j 維尼
Finally catching up, Kahnyne hands Rai the container of food, and opens the door using a golden key pulled from his pocket.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOoABn8f8F 維尼
The door leads to a large terrace with a clear view of the moon.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡBswGL6pVvn 維尼
The two are awestruck, and thinking the same thing: the transition from the hallway's dark wood floors to the terrace’s light, marbled stone had always seemed odd and out-of-place to them during the day, but right now the night's moonlight is dancing on the glasslike marbling of their safe haven like the sun shining on crystal-clear water. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡph7J0hSiIK 維尼
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After taking enough time to appreciate their surroundings, they sit on a metal bench adjacent to the terrace's railing, and place all that they are carrying on top of the table in front of them. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHEpGqm7Xr 維尼
“Alright, let us get on to what we've been waiting for, shall we?” Kahnyne says, lifting the container's lid, and revealing the sandwiches underneath. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWJPntaVlZ 維尼
With the same eagerness from earlier, Rai grabs one of the sandwiches, then looks to Kahnyne waiting for him to do the same.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hclupUlWR 維尼
Finally, they take their first bites.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DTNpBc0mt 維尼
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“Savory with just the right amount of sweetness, and much better than I could have imagined...” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg2n6c9aRA 維尼
Kahnyne turns to Rai.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzxLUWTCcs 維尼
“How is it young mast-”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZemSTEaA5 維尼
He pauses, greeted with the sight of Rai’s mouth being so full that he can't speak; instead, he rapidly nods his head, sending some of the crumbs lining his mouth flying through the air.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcUeqxM3dU 維尼
A slight chuckle escapes Kahnyne's mouth.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv40QSBEh9 維尼
“No need to ask, I see.” Kahnyne takes his pen to a small notebook stored in his shirt's breast pocket.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFgtqQ348N 維尼
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“Ready!” Rai exclaims, with his hands resting on his lap.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRAzywN91J 維尼
“Already? I knew it was a good idea to bring these along,” Kahnyne says, pocketing his notebook and pen. “So, what did you think about the book?”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡc57stRVY3u 維尼
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“It was harder to read than some of the other books you gave me, but I really liked the story, so I couldn't stop reading it...” Rai glances over at the crumbs of the decimated sandwich “...Plus, I really wanted to try the PB & B.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡv125ehUD8p 維尼
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Kahnyne chuckles once again. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoTQGjOSAk 維尼
“I see that! Still, to finish a book of that caliber in record time at your age is Impressive. I'd expect no less from you, young master.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0VdioRbJI 維尼
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“Thank you...” Rai looks down at his feet. “It's probably because of all the other books you've given me. Even when I didn't understand something, you'd explain it to me until I knew it like my own name.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡmakOY7r8Ta 維尼
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Kahnyne senses a shift in Rai's mood made even clearer by his slouching shoulders and swinging legs.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOl0J4EQ29 維尼
“Is everything alright?” he asks.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHzBD4ZXQL 維尼
“This is fun, Kahnyne. Making sandwiches, eating together, the books we read, talking. It's all so fun. I just wonder if this is what family should feel like. I read about it in our books, but mother and father…” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh7286bLkI 維尼
The air grows denser by the second, and Kahnyne attempts to console Rai.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy7KrLbUjX 維尼
“People and, by extension, families are complicated, and everyone's circumstances are different. However,…” Kahnyne pauses, and thinks to himself. “However what? Why do they treat him like such a stranger? In fact, I haven't even been informed about how they plan to satisfy their end of our deal.” Kahnyne resumes his answer to Rai's statement.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF0eqqrwzD 維尼
“... I have many questions myself, young master.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PTAWs6rGp 維尼
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Seconds of awkward silence pass over the span of what feels like minutes.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VX2Z3Redg 維尼
“For now, let's not trouble ourselves with this. As long as I am here, you will not be alone.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBveuHdimV 維尼
Kahnyne sighs to himself as the only answer that he can think of seems to be enough to satisfy Rai for now.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU6tsuj2v4 維尼
“Thanks, Kahnyne!” he exclaims as his eyes refill with light.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWXYYRRiwx 維尼
“Of course! Although we didn’t really talk as much as usual, perhaps we should check in for tonight though. Aside from meal prepping, I have no duties to attend to tomorrow.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eLRTzJjH6 維尼
“So we can start reading early?” Rai beams.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhhMtt4DkP 維尼
“Exactly.” Kahnyne says while giving a thumbs up, a somewhat out of place expression coming from him.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpKsAeIOao 維尼
Rai, who was originally fighting back the allure of returning to his room to sleep, immediately rises to his feet with eagerness, haste, and a smile on his face.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa3mQW8sA2 維尼
“Deal!” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3G8wRHCz5 維尼
Kahnyne packs up their things and rises after him.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nOcAvF41M 維尼
“Deal.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIjH7n6c69 維尼
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Together, the two of them reenter the manor and after a series of twists and turns through its lonely hallways, they arrive at the all too familiar and dreaded sight of the door to Rai’s room. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rYg9to4V8 維尼
“Here we are, young master. Do you need anything else before I head back?”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡubb3AVKKed 維尼
Kahnyne opens the door and turns to look at Rai, expecting to see him staring solemnly at his door as usual, but instead meets his gaze.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2fZ72mIta 維尼
“I'm fine! Thanks, Kahnyne! Goodnight.” Rai waves as he enters the room.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrH15nwnXw 維尼
“Goodnight.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3D45LDEXb 維尼
Kahnyne closes the door behind him and almost immediately hears a plop on Rai's bed instead of the usual drag of feet; this brings a smile to Kahnyne’s face as he turns to return to his own quarters.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4MtClzlq9 維尼
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Not long after returning to his room and preparing for bed, Kahnyne hears more knocking on his door. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPpRKUoPKT 維尼
“One moment.” Kahnyne rises from bed and opens the door while looking down, only to be met with the sight of suede red slippers instead of Rai looking back up at him. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM68VogeI8 維尼
“Expecting someone else?” the woman says, snapping Kahnyne's gaze forward revealing Rai's mother standing there in a crimson red nightgown, her signature color.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0u8ShGutq 維尼
A bit surprised on the inside, Kahnyne replies plainly.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXJM40kV3V 維尼
“Not at all, ma'am. I was actually just wanting to speak with you and the sir.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMQkZeJxsu 維尼
“I'm glad that we are already on the same page. Come along then,” she motions. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaRugvrUoe 維尼
The two of them walk in an eerie silence until they arrive at a door that's suffocating in its presence. It looks just like Rai's: wooden and somewhat dungeon-like in its design.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvKcebId2W 維尼
The woman opens the door and motions for Kahnyne to enter. The smell of burning wood fills the air, and the first thing Kahnyne notices other than the decorative connection to this room and Rai's is Rai's father waiting for the two of them to enter. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVozkTgcq1 維尼
“Good evening, Kahnyne,” he nods his head to greet him. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNMwu5GzGM 維尼
“Good evening, sir.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6qJNVzm8W 維尼
“Time flies, does it not? It's been two years already...” He says standing up and brushing off his clothes. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡezHAiz9Uuo 維尼
“How are you adjusting to life here?”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PkbBVOXRR 維尼
“Quite well. Every once in a while an unexpected tier 3 or 4 makes an appearance, but it is nothing I have not handled before.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7SRtxx8vm 維尼
“I'm surprised you didn't mention the ‘young master’. You two seem to get along quite well.” the woman mocks, while circling around Kahnyne to stand next to the man. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡChAolna8OV 維尼
Something about hearing her mention him in such a fashion makes his heart anxiously skip a beat. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0megd3gFKi 維尼
“Of course. However, not mentioning him in my first statement was unintentional,” he fires back somewhat passive-defensively. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMZ16IHOvv 維尼
“No need to be on-guard, Kahnyne…” The man pauses. “However, it may not be a good idea to get too attached.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYf22Y7owx 維尼
“What do you mean, sir?” Kahnyne's expression turns into one of alarmed curiosity.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRbOXYS1sY 維尼
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“I am certain that you have been wondering about the specific contents of our deal. It has been two years after all. Well, they are directly tied to the boy.” The man says while leveling his hand to about Rai's height.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAfYTUI2bo 維尼
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“What are you getting at?” Kahnyne says as his expression sharpens.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLiY4c9UBr 維尼
“The boy's violet-colored eyes, the high level of astral activity around the manor, the intense signature coming from him himself…”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDCfpO0lqa 維尼
The man sits on the arm of the loveseat. “I think you have an idea as to where this is going. I mean, how couldn’t you?” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02fIIbqShE 維尼
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“Blessed or cursed as they may be, the boy is one of those children. He is 8 years old now. Once past 8, those children are safe from the threat of self-destruction…” the woman flashes an enigmatic smile at Kahnyne, “Well, usually.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18AC47zA4b 維尼
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Kahnyne’s low-hung eyes fly open with a murderous intent as he holds his open palm up in front of him. He wants to tell her that her mockery of him is tolerable, but bringing up his son up in such a manner is a deathwish. To tell her that she’ll regret it… but he shouldn’t. Or is it that he can’t? The fire leaves him as quick as it is ignited. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡPixlqvWHsF 維尼
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“Stand down, Kahnyne. We both know that you can't afford to do that. And, Airis, that comment was a bit much, even from you,” the man says, sounding bothered. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBtu0TWcb5 維尼
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“I was only curious, Sirian. I've heard so much about ‘The Scholar’, but he seems so dull now.” Airis says in a tone that shows she is not taking the situation seriously. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9iSjL65W0 維尼
“Maybe you would take him more seriously if you had actually seen him at work.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡzclEww4fJm 維尼
Airis slightly shrugs her shoulders, causing Sirian to massage his brow in frustration.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKLVr5Wadd 維尼
“Anyhow, let us continue. Any more distractions and we'll awake the boy.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJxK7Vbg3f 維尼
After a deep breath, Kahnyne lowers his hand; the tension in the room is lifted… barely. “At this point we can be fairly sure that he will not self-destruct. Which means that he is finally ready to start walking the path to becoming an exorcist so outstanding that our family can reclaim our place as high nobles. And the first step… is calibrations.” Sirian makes a sweeping gesture, suggesting that this is what the room is for.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjSbBIdEuV 維尼
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“Calibrations? That is on the borderline of committing taboo. Besides, putting him through that kind of trauma could affect the weight of his soul so much that you could be getting the opposite of what you want.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRiQlRZM3B 維尼
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“A fair assessment; however, he will be erasing the worst of criminals, ‘the lost and damned’. Besides...” Sirian points at Kahnyne who feels as if a spear is about to pierce his soul. “That's part of the reason why we chose you. It would be an understatement to say that you know how to craft an exorcist. I hear that one of your former pupils, an underdog with the capacity of an Altersci, just became one of the youngest division captains in the history of the New World. And like him, you are to make the boy strong, educate him...” Airis raises her hand signaling her rejoining the conversation.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNfVhHFEMF 維尼
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“And as for the weight of his soul: carry on as you have, if you wish, but don’t get too close. He obviously finds solace in you, but we can't have him getting too soft. The perfect way to start seeing him for what he is would be dropping the honorifics when addressing him.” For this statement she leaves no room for her usual sarcasm. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkWc0tM2G2 維尼
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“So, Kahnyne? You have been silent for a while now. Now that you know the terms of our deal, what will you do?” Sirian says shifting his curious gaze from Airis to Kahnyne.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wA4kXYYVE 維尼
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This is the conversation that he had always dreaded. The one that he knew he would have someday, but chose to push into the ignorant part of his conscious. He fights within himself to come up with another answer, another response. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOWGb2nPTJ 維尼
But as the weight over him becomes more and more crushing, Kahnyne feels his face, body, and soul go numb. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47PTPnGiDY 維尼
“I have no other choice,” he says with a voice not revealing exactly what he is feeling.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNKYvJTzBk 維尼
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Sirian and Airis glance at each other.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTxF1oGgSO 維尼
“Hmm. Very well then. Return to your quarters, and bring the boy here in the morning. We start tomorrow.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsiO9GJeV7 維尼
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“Understood. Goodnight, Sir, Ma'am.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY8MLxV3M3 維尼
Kahnyne returns to his room where he sits on the edge of his bed. All of his senses escape him as silent, faceless memories, play back to him like distorted films and fever dreams. A young woman in a white dress holding a bouquet of flowers. A pale, petite hand extended from a hospital bed clutching his with all its might. His arms cradling a baby wrapped in a tear-soaked blanket. A tombstone. A young boy extending a book to him. A crater with nothing in its center but shreds of clothing. A young boy clutching a book to his chest.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNAnU2ivsV 維尼
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Morning arrives, sunlight and grey warmth pierce through Kahnyne’s window. The chirping of birds echo dully in his head as he sits grey and contrasted against the sunlight. He rises from where he was sitting and exits his room.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdva8G2n2m 維尼
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“Wake up, young master.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNWdT7uiDq 維尼
Rai rises out of bed rubbing his eyes. A bit shocked. He usually knocks first.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNNBxsfnHv 維尼
“Good morning, Kahnyne. Is it breakfast time already?” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yjJcQOIGj 維尼
“Your mother and father would like to see you.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHqdJBDpQX 維尼
The shock instantly jolts Rai awake. His heart races, pounding like it will leave his chest. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfJJRtN45m 維尼
“Oh…” his eyes dart around the room.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡNipEhW47t7 維尼
“Is there time for breakfast first?” he says meekly after a pause.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eXXSqN3qK 維尼
“Unfortunately not.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJFAM3lUTt 維尼
“O-okay.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjOmuwkbv9 維尼
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What feels like an eternity to Rai passes as he walks in silence looking at the side of Kahnyne’s face. Ten paces. Twenty paces. One hundred paces. Rai gains the courage to speak.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaG88tyWGu 維尼
“Kahnyne? I’m sorry. Did I do something wrong?” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBC9ltLirP 維尼
“No, young master.” Kahnyne says with his eyes fixed forward like a statue.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81h1fIz7ct 維尼
He knows that he will not have the strength to carry on if he looks at Rai’s sad eyes. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dt89Ka0Ui 維尼
“Strength?” He doesn’t even know if he can call it that.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFPF4fUQgA 維尼
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Moments later they arrive at the door to the training room. Rai looks at its doors wide-eyed before gaining the courage to speak again.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡCppthVb10q 維尼
“Hey, Kahnyne? Are we still going to have our book time later?”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡueXIHkqjOo 維尼
Kahnyne reaches for the doorknob.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ABeJBgopR 維尼
“Sorry, perhaps some other time.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDKWv9hAr6 維尼
Kahnyne bites his lip from the inside of his mouth until the taste of iron fills his mouth.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡp92ubj7BBL 維尼
“We may not for a long time…”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVuH04oz6U 維尼
Before Rai can respond, Kahnyne opens the door and ushers him in. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0QGCWZpVO 維尼
His parents stand in the center of the room next to an altar covered in miscellaneous objects, candles, and chalk, and a summoning circle already drawn.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmhKIc6Mi9 維尼
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“Good morning, you two.” Sirian says with a bit more enthusiasm in his voice than usual.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqCqEi5QvK 維尼
Kahnyne simply bows in response.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbgZNj0OD3 維尼
Rai is as stiff as a board.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHCGKjgPoU 維尼
“Good morning... Why did you need me today?”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5TePJFXr5 維尼
Sirian kneels to Rai’s level.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfa3cKKtoF 維尼
“To discuss your future…” he says while opening his arms in an inviting gesture. “Now, come, boy.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMjs7jZqpP 維尼
Rai glances back at Kahnyne who is still looking at nothing, yet looking at something, and hesitantly walks in front of his father.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAzGz7kBsT 維尼
“Say, what do you want to be when you grow up; a surgeon? A CEO? An engineer of something groundbreaking?”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZVcE8oo3J 維尼
Sirian says while resting a hand on Rai’s head.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsKxMw7ZFh 維尼
His touch sends waves of anxiety and uncertainty through his body.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaWzREDWH3 維尼
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“I don't know. Maybe…” He responds after once again glancing back at Kahnyne. “A butler?”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVv1CJVJtU 維尼
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Airis, who has been quiet this entire time, howls with laughter. Sirian, removes his hand from Rai's head and uses it to retrieve a small mirror from his pocket. He aggressively pulls Rai to him, lining them up side by side in the view of the mirror extended from his hand. Rai is forced to look himself in the eyes next to Sirian’s reflections.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡayWH30VITN 維尼
“Do you know why all of the medical practitioners who come here look at you the way that they do? With fear and angst? It’s because you are different Rai. With power that could bring this family back to the forefront of our country and continent should you dedicate yourself to it. You feel it.” Sirian proclaims, darkly writing Rai’s fate for him.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDtV4xaums 維尼
Rai looks away from the mirror.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoiM4cqi2m 維尼
“Why can't things just be like they were before... we were happy.”8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSylth0QaW 維尼
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His plea falls on adamant ears.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡT352Uzcbkg 維尼
“You have no idea how ‘things’ were before, boy. I am done speaking to you like a child. You are far too smart for that…” Sirian rises to his feet, preparing a blast to activate the summoning circle. “You have power and an obligation to use it. At this very moment, you begin your training to become an exorcist.” 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6TEqGwrKP 維尼
Rai looks on in horror and falls backwards as the flames violently rise in front of him. 8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3d43WGFeul 維尼
“Kahnyne?” He cries, looking behind him in search of comfort in the only one he can think of reaching for…8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJW7zc72HG 維尼
But all he sees is Kahnyne's back as he exits the room.8964 copyright protection172ＰＥＮＡＮＡxawPdmy38z 維尼
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