9 Lucille's Light

On the distant horizon, there is finally a welcome sight. After two years of travel, two years of studious learning. There is finally light, in this what seemed eternal darkness. An unfamiliar dark reddish light resembling that of the setting sun. With actually no sun in the air, rather the red light simply forms without anything as a catalyst. The red light apparently never truly goes away, dimming itself during what they conceive as night but never truly gone. In that distant light, there lies a city, "Lucille's Light." A city filled with devils, demons, and the sort but nonetheless a true city.

The reincarnated's heart starts to beat wildly, a mixture of excitement and nervousness as he swallows audibly. His fingers trace his palms as he forms them like fists. The warnings of Cornelius are heavily embedded in his head. Still, it was this place or gradual insanity, a rather easy choice in hindsight.

"I can't follow you in the city, my dear boy." Cornelius says in a nearly gloomy tone, a heavy sigh escaping the spirit's lips as he already stands behind his shade demon pupil. Ready to disappear without anyone knowing any better.

"I figured as much." The reply of the reincarnate followed quickly. It was pretty evident that the 2 years were for more than just idle learning. They were used to teach how to survive, to survive on your own. Why otherwise would anyone teach someone such things? Unless they knew that someday their student had to stand alone.

A feeling he hadn't felt to such an extent for a long time returned, that same feeling he felt when he first arrived in this realm. The feeling he felt to an extent when refused Cornelius refused to speak for a day. The dread of solitude, to be all alone again. Even though he knew, even though he accepted it. It still felt overwhelming, the reincarnation having to hold him back from creating a ruckus as if a spoiled child.

"Now, now I will still be able to show up after a while. However, I can't risk powerful demons seeing me at this very moment. They appear to be a rowdy bunch." The spirit says surprisingly unconvinced for someone who never had any doubt before. The unknown sight adds more anticipation and stress in the heart of the reincarnate.

"It's fine, I might even get to rest my ears for a little now." The pupil replies, with a soft smile. A smile he put on purpose to reassure Cornelius. Something he felt like he had to do for the man that taught him everything. The man who pulled him out of the dark, the man who saved him from insanity.

he knows he's unaware of who Cornelius is. The spirit whilst eager to talk and teach refuses to speak about anything related to himself. Never did he use himself as an example and little Ed doubts he ever would. Even during those two years, he did not know the real Cornelius. In the end, it doesn't change anything. He saved him and if it's for some personal goal then so be it.

"You sly brat!" Cornelius yells, clearly amused by the provocation as he answers with a voice laced with emotion. The student turns around to see no one standing there anymore. As if the entire persona was a hallucination he made up in his madness…. Perhaps it was.

"On my own, huh." He mutters under his breath as he makes his way toward the city, toward the front gate. Feeling alive, feeling resilient, finally able to defy the unfair fate brought upon him. The sadness he felt by Cornelius's disappearance is quickly put behind him as focus takes over.