Past III

Ash Grey: Resonance

Chapter 3: Past III

HUFF, HUFF, HUFF.....

Azil standing, gasping for breath after the battle with the devil. Sweat dripped down his face as he wiped it away, still struggling to calm his racing heart. The college around him was in ruins—shattered ground, wrecked corridors, a devastated park. He turned his gaze to the smoldering ashes of the devil, the only remnants of the fight.

His troubled expression spoke volumes. His eyes anxiously fixed on the ashes, heart pounding, searching for breathe.

" Hoh ? It's over ? "

Startled by the sound, Azil whirled around, tense and ready to strike, only to see another spiritual sage standing before him, catching him off guard.

"Johan?" he called out, his smile sly yet inviting. It was one of those ambiguous smiles that could mean a greeting or something more mischievous.

He started walking towards Azil, but instead of stopping, he continued past him and stood near the ashes of the devil.

He looked at the ashes and said, "Hmmm? You purged it? With the limiter intact?" He scratched his chin, pondering the situation.

He squatted down, picked up a pinch of ashes with his finger, and scrutinized it closely.

" Yep, it's a pseudo-menace... Still going good!! Am I right ?... Azil. "

Azil shot him a glare, but he returned it with that same sly expression.

"What's happening?" Azil asked, his voice laced with worry and suspicion. Johan, however, simply stood there with a smirk on his face.

"It's nothing... just a minor hiccup," Johan said with that sly smirk on his face.

"Minor hiccup?", Azil scoffed. "Don't you fucking mess with me! You're a goddamn overseer. What the hell business does an overseer have here?" Azil shouted, his voice dripping with rage.

Johan offered no reply, only a persistent smile fixed on his face, undisturbed by Azil's growing anger and worry.

Azil questioned Johan with a furious expression, demanding answers: "How can humans here see the devil? How the fuck did they feel it's presence?"

Johan brushed the ashes from his hands and asked, "Have you heard of the Cat and Mouse game?"

"Huh?" Azil said, bewildered by Johan's remark.

"For years, we were the cat chasing the mouse, the devils. We tried everything to subdue them, purge them, and torture them, but they were relentless. Due to our inability and weakness, we have to pay the price now." Johan said.

Azil listening to all of this, still not understanding what was happening, but from the way Johan was speaking, he knew something was wrong.

"And now, in the present time... it's their turn to be the cats, and we are the mice." Johan said, Azil listening and listening.

"But here's the twist... Unlike us, they won't just be idling. When the moment is right... BAM! They'll snap our necks," Johan declared, fixing Azil with a piercing stare. " Unlike them, we're just mere humans ". He laughed.

"I-I don't understand," Azil said to Johan.

Johan sighed and smiled. "It's no use explaining it to you; you won't understand anyway."

He began walking towards Azil, who was still catching his breath. Azil wanted answers but stayed silent, confused. Johan walked past him, then suddenly stopped. "Your reply was good," he said.

"..?".

"The letter". Johan said.

[ About 4 hours ago ][ At an unknown place]

"Sir! Sir!" The door swung wide in a room with a distinctive semi-circular shape. Gasping for breath, the person had clearly run a long way to deliver urgent news.

A figure stood by the solitary window, gazing out into the world beyond. With a quick turn, he glanced back.

He was wearing the same white uniform Michael wore when he met Azil. However, he also had something distinct from that white uniform.

"The letter.... It's here". That person said.

He handed the letter to the man he addressed as 'sir'. "What are your thoughts? A positive response?" With a smile, he opened the letter. "I certainly hope so," the man replied.

He unfolded the letter and scanned its words. Anticipation etched his face as he awaited a response. "What's in it?" he inquired eagerly.

He sighed, hands on his head in disappointment but with a smile, then passed the letter to the man, saying, "Read it yourself."

The man took the letter, with wide eyes he read it.

[Dear Spiritual Sage Community of Azara.

"Fuck off".

Yours Respectfully

Azil Dulqif

Former sage]

"Huh?", That person said in disbelief.

[At Present]

"Hahaha!" Johan burst into laughter. Azil glared at him. "You've offended many sages with that letter, but I found it hilarious!"

He glanced at Azil. " Don't worry, if I were you, I would have done the same. "

Azil stood there silently, glaring.

"I'm not one to give advice... but I think you should come back," Johan said, turning to face Azil.

"Just think... Would Azara call you back for no reason?" Johan said. Azil's expression remained serious and focused.

"When bad times come, everyone's view changes. A prideful society like Azara called you back. Think... why?"

Azil's serious expression shifted to a questioning one. Johan's words began to weigh on him.

"Many sages have been banished, yet they called only for you. Why?" Johan bombarded him with questions.

Johan suddenly pulled something from his pocket and tossed it to Azil. Azil caught it, revealing a silver bracelet with a unique symbol. The bracelet glowed with a soft aura. Azil looked at Johan, clearly puzzled.

"Exactly at night 11.59, I will be waiting for you, near the portal. This bracelet will help you find me and portal".

"What made you think I will come?"

Azil glared at him with that question. Johan just smiled.

"I'm not counting on your presence. It's up to you. But if you choose not to come today, the bond between a sage and you will be broken forever. You'll never see me or the Azara Region again."

Azil gritted his teeth in baffled frustration. "Tsk."

"It's up to you, Azil Dulqif," Johan declared with a snap of his fingers. The chaotic college swiftly started returning to its pristine state.

Azil glanced around; the college had reverted to its original state, as if nothing had happened.

"After I leave," Johan said, "everyone here will forget what happened. Except you, of course."

"Think carefully, Azil. The choice is yours. See you later," Johan said with a smile, snapping his fingers again.

SWOOOOSH!! In an instant, he disappeared, leaving nothing but smoke in his wake.

Azil suddenly collapsed and sat onto the curb, gasping for breath. His eyes widened in alarm as he stared at his trembling right hand.

He glanced around, noticing everyone's concern growing as they struggled to recall what had just transpired.

"Yoo? What just happened?"

"Earthquake without any notice? The government is fucked up dude".

Azil breathed a sigh of relief; the college and students had forgotten everything. His secret identity was still safe. Yet, a nagging question lingered in his mind: should he say yes or no?

[ Night 8.03 P.M. ]

INHAAAAAALE....EXHAAAAAALE

Five minutes past eight. Azil sat on the edge of his bed, hands clasped tightly. Sweat trickled down his temples, his breath coming in short, uneven gasps. The weight of his decision pressed heavily on him, making it difficult to breathe.

His mind was a whirlwind of memories and questions. He craved the truth, desperate to understand what was happening. Yet, the thought of returning was unbearable. Johan's words echoed relentlessly in his mind.

He clenched his teeth in frustration and confusion. Unable to decide, his anger only grew.

He calmed down, took a deep breathe. He had to take a decision either way. A yes or a no? It's a simple one word decision, yet it was hard.