Chapter 72: Merani

Finn lay in his bed, seemingly asleep, but in the ethereal confines of his dreamscape, he delved into the intricate world of rune studies. Various runes materialized before him, and Finn, with a contemplative gaze, scrutinized them. Expressions of hopelessness or silent approval flickered across his face as he immersed himself in the arcane symbols.

The tranquility of his dreamscape was disrupted when an intruder attempted to breach its sanctity. Calmly, Finn allowed the intrusion, his face void of emotions. A familiar figure materialized before him – Doom General Iver. Finn stared at the newcomer with a blank expression before questioning, "What do you want, Doom General Iver?"

Iver, with a half-smile, knelt down on one knee and spoke humbly, "Greetings, my lord. Your humble servant is here to report his findings to your majesty." His face remained directed towards the ground.

Finn chuckled, addressing Iver's supposed humility, "Humble servant in cohorts with the enemy. Frankly, I do not care what you do, Iver, but you know that the punishment for treason is death, right?" He raised a brow at Iver.

Iver, seemingly as humble as ever, kowtowed, placing his head on the ground. "My lord, I can explain the reasoning behind my supposed betrayal of the kingdom. King Dupres was about to send many people to look for you. I quickly intervened and helped divert his attention. But this little project of his won't last for long before he comes back searching for you again," Iver explained.

Finn listened attentively, pondering Iver's words. "I hear you, Iver. So what did you come here to report then?" Finn inquired.

Iver wasted no time in detailing everything he had heard being discussed by the sacred preacher and the oracle. Finn frowned at certain parts, absorbing the information. Iver finished his report and asked, "Why do you let them live, my lord? Despite knowing that they could have betrayed you many years ago? Your subjects think you have abandoned them, and Tumo is feeding them dreams of a new kingdom free from mortal reign. I don't know what he is planning, but Zebha is doomed if Tumo advances with his plans."

Finn remained silent, kneeling down to thank Iver for the information. Iver, attempting to stop him, was too late as the king had already knelt down. "Thank you, Saint Iver, for your services and loyalty to the kingdom," Finn expressed gratitude.

Iver nodded, helping the king up. "My lord, I will be leaving now. Stay safe. Oh, and my lord, those two boys are the key." Without further explanation, Iver's astral form dissipated, leaving Finn alone in his dreamscape.

"I hate destiny..." Finn murmured before resuming his rune studies, the weight of impending choices and revelations settling in the ethereal realm of his dreams.....

....

In Lenard's study, two figures, one woman and one man, stood before him. They bowed respectfully, and the man reported, "Greetings, Lord Publius. We have found children with runic markings on their bodies, four to be exact."

Lenard acknowledged their efficiency with a nod. "You two are very efficient. Now, bring those children here tomorrow morning," he commanded, waving them away.

Seated at his desk, Lenard held a piece of beast's hide in his hand—a small fragment of a vast map with runes inscribed at its center. His gaze was fixed on the piece, as if searching for something. Deciding to channel his breath into it, the map emitted a bright glow, and Lenard's consciousness was drawn into it.

He found himself in a jungle of colossal trees, everything unnaturally oversized, even the pebbles and insects. A giant ant, twice his size, emerged from a nearby bush, charging toward him. Gripped by fear, Lenard took off, screaming profanities at his ill fortune. The world turned dark, and he found himself back in his lab, perspiration covering his body. Lenard swallowed hard, wiping the sweat off his forehead, and smiled wryly.

"I should take that boy there. Yes, most certainly. Haha, he will not see it coming. Oh, and also that idiot Finn. Yes, I will take him too," Lenard laughed menacingly at his conniving thoughts.

"Ah, Lenard, you are a genius... And I have finally found it—the forgotten land of Merani." The revelation lingered in the air, a precursor to the machinations that Lenard had set in motion.