Chapter 4 - Acquaintances

— 

About an hour earlier

'Okay… please go well… and please be like the people I believe you to be.'

With a creak akin to the secrets of ages past, the rotting wooden door relinquished its hold with a gentle push from the young woman's delicate hand. As the dusty remnants and mouldy fragments scattered like memories into the abyss, the room beyond was unveiled, revealing a vision of ethereal allure. Her features, delicate as porcelain, framed by cascades of emerald eyes, held an air of enchantment.

Draped in a gown that seemed to whisper secrets from a different era, the silky fabric embraced her form, while knee-length shorts, swathed in a sturdier material, remained a hidden treasure beneath. Each strand of her shoulder-length hair shimmered in the light, creating a mesmerising aura, a cascade of colour akin to a radiant rainbow.

Within the interior of the ancient church, a dusty chamber of memories etched in weathered wood, a heavy and earthy scent clung to the air, a testament to the passage of countless years. The aged concrete walls, once pristine white, now surrendered to the artistry of nature, displaying shades of grey, black, and splashes of verdant green.

Bathed in the sacred light, her eyes eagerly explored the denizens of this curious room.

Seated by a time-worn stained glass window, a figure of otherworldly grace and demeanour stirred. Her bright yellow eyes, deep and penetrating as the sun's golden embrace, met the cautious leafy green gaze of the newcomer. The pale silvery strands of her hair flowed like molten platinum, elegantly styled in a practical ponytail. Her royal purple and gold robes whispered of opulence, while jewels adorned her like the treasures of empires. Yet, the most arresting aspect of her presence was the potent aura that exuded power, as natural as the course of a river.

'This segnxi… She is so strong… so this is the power of the people of The Umpire… how terrifying… How truly formidable. It seems I am outmatched...' The thought whispered through her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a tremor of inadequacy.

The gaze of the green-haired woman soon journeyed beyond the ethereal figure, revealing the presence of numerous individuals who matched her silver-haired counterpart's overwhelming presence. The room crackled with a lively energy, and the atmosphere became as heavy as the secrets that hung in the air.

Her head swivelled to catch a pair of searing crimson eyes, intense as a raging inferno and filled with a forceful pride. They belonged to a stern and handsome young man, exuding the essence of determination and intractability. His dishevelled onyx locks, punctuated with a lengthy ponytail trailing down to his lower back in traditional fashion, emphasised the fierce intensity of his eyes.

In attire that rivalled the opulence of the silver-haired woman, his dark robes, as black as the deepest abyss, played host to profound shades of crimson and blue, hinting at the latent power coursing through his veins. A katana, as formidable as his resolve, adorned his waist, the blade pulsating with Segnxi energy, while further elevating the ambient temperature.

With arms crossed and a self-importance that demanded attention, he commanded his corner of the nearly vacant room. His gaze, burning with the intensity of a blazing furnace, now fixated on the newly arrived guest, seemingly gauging her capabilities in his own way.

With a careful grace, she entered the room, her every step measured and delicate. Her gaze fell upon a man with ash-grey hair, the tallest among the assembled group, dressed in shades of grey that seemed to blend seamlessly with his surroundings. A hooded, light-grey jacket of a style she has never seen before concealed his sturdy frame, and beneath it, he wore a simple white t-shirt. His intense, silver eyes pierced through the space, contrasting the slight stubble on his face.

Engaged in conversation with the tall man was a smaller figure with dark blonde hair. This individual appeared more approachable at first glance, dressed in unassuming black attire. Yet, a hidden determination glimmered in his eyes, belying the simplicity of his appearance.

As she moved closer, the two men noticed her. The blonde man smiled and waved, exuding a friendly demeanour. However, her gaze locked onto the ash-grey man, whose intensity sent shivers through her body. She quickly averted her eyes, instinctively seeking refuge from his overpowering presence.

The direction she walked in was towards the silver haired girl, this was made by the fact she was the only other female present in the building, but also due to the glass chair that was created across from the girl, she seemingly sensed her distress, this caused a depressed grimace to come across her face.

Seemingly hoping for some type of female comradery or gender resonance. This is most likely often due to shared experiences, interests, and social activities that may be more common within specific gender groups, although given the nature and size of the world it is most likely just a gamble.

"Um… h-hello, I am also here for the Umpire recruitment test like you… this should be nearing the final stage correct?... oh I'm Thalassa by the way. It's nice to meet you." The green haired young woman, Thalassa sheepishly uttered as she took a seat on the cold hard glass chair across from the other young woman.

"Along my journey to get here and its subsequent hidden tests I have never received information on how many tests there are in total so I am unsure of when this final stage will occur. Historically those of the Umpire do enjoy making things as difficult as possible for people. However, if you were to ask one person about the recruitment process i believe that you should know that we were to meet an overseer."

The young woman said this casually, her voice as ethereal as her looks as smooth as the winds on a beautiful day, whilst pointing a delicate finger at a slightly upward angle. However the overbearing contents somewhat left thalassa baffled until her words clicked and she followed her finger only to have chill run through her entire being and turn stiff as if she was dropped in a blizzard.

This due to the glowing emerald eyes that contained interchanging pink and yellow patterns of the azure haired man —so striking and unforgettable—stood on the upper back deck of the building that she was apparently too nervous to notice, however what really set her internal alarm bells off was the man's complete lack of presence that juxtaposed this completely outstanding appearance, that and the knowing and cheeky smile he gave.

At that moment it felt like all her being, secrets and experiences were seen through like a story book by his mere gaze, and that sent a dark jolt of terror through her mind.

'No way… already, don't tell me-'

"You introduced yourself so it's only right I do, my name is Hisataria and I bear the second name Tsukihikari, of the main branch, you might know it is quite renowned as one of the Sovereign Lineages that made a pact with celestials countless years ago. Although, please don't be mistaken the latter half of my name has nothing to do with what I consider who i am as an individual"

…

!!!

"W-W-WHAT!! THE SOVEREIGN LINIAGUES!!"

The shrill screech echoed throughout the small building, causing no small case of embarrassment for Thalassa, quickly apologising to which she received a wave of the hand.

'Oh my… no wonder she seems so… she is part of the main branch of a sovereign lineage, famous would be like calling a king poor, a royal family of a kingdom would be as special as a grain of sand in the desert compared to one of those families… according to what i've read on human history they are quite notable… so why are they in this absolutely random… oh i guess it's some political move for the Umpire'

"Your thoughts would be mostly correct" reading her thoughts Hisataria confirms her monologue like she could read her mind.

"Although I am not the only one, the one in the black also is, though of a differing family. Joining the Umpire and becoming a conqueror obviously comes with its perks that balance out its challenges, I'm sure you and all who took this test are aware of this."

Amidst this tapestry of intertwined destinies, Hisataria alluded to another enigmatic figure, shrouded in black, who, while of a different lineage, shared their common journey towards the Umpire. It was a path laden with both challenges and rewards, a delicate equilibrium, well-recognized by Thalassa and the others.

"Yes I'm… here b-because I want to protect the people i care about!" Thalassa said with almost too much enthusiasm. Her heartfelt declaration caught Hisataria off guard, who raised a perplexed eyebrow and then rested her chin on her smooth palm. She contemplated the depths of Thalassa's fervour and the intrinsic paradox of seeking power to safeguard loved ones. "a lot of people if not most choose to pursue power to protect, which then perpetuates the cycle, as to protect you need to fight another, be that attacker or fellow protector."

 After a thoughtful pause, Thalassa added, "... Yes. You are exactly right L-Lady Hisataria". Her voice carried a note of deference as she averted her gaze. Hisataria offered a wry smile, acknowledging her humility and assured her, "you made it this far don't sell yourself short, and just Hisataria is fine, i think me and you could be friends, your personality is peaceful and your character seems fair." seemingly done with her observations she nodded to herself.

An extremely despondent and depressive look over came thalassa which made Hisataria raise an eyebrow before being replaced by the girl putting on a wry smile, "if… you are fine with someone like me… you are the first person to say you want to be friends… and i only just met you" she ended in a self-deprecating manner.

Hisataria lapsed into a brief contemplative silence, her mind navigating the labyrinth of conversation. Meanwhile, the echoes of chatter from the two men still chatting provided a harmonious backdrop to their interaction. However a thought quickly came as she saw 

the enigmatic overseer, reclining with an air of expectancy on the bannister rail, caught Hisataria's attention. She gently turned her gaze towards him, then, seeking to learn more, addressed the azure-haired figure, Myron, who had aided Karma on his journey to the town, as if he felt her gaze he waved.

Hisataria got Thalassa's attention and asked the azure haired man, "Myron correct?, the one who is the one to oversee this test like the previous clue said, do you mind if we ask some questions?"

The man, the one who assisted Karma on his journey to the town, Myron, with his eyes now closed responded with a casual tone, "Hmm... yeah, though it depends on what you ask. I'll answer questions. Though I'm sure you are all curious about how long you have to wait until we proceed." His utterances drew the collective gaze of the room towards him.

Seizing the moment, the young man in the black robes, Zhanli, interjected with a tinge of impatience, "Indeed. I, Zhanli of the Zhìxiān, fully comprehend the value of time, as I am sure the Umpire does. So given the standards of every test we took, why are we waiting for people who are late? Those who are too weak to pass the test shouldn't be in any position to protect other weaklings. To be a conqueror and prevail, strength is needed above all, correct?"

With a nonchalant yawn, Myron, his eyes still closed, responded, "Correct, possibly. Though all who are to proceed have arrived in the city, there was a slight change made in the test, so I told a participant to look into it. He will be arriving shortly." Zhanli's eyebrow twitched slightly in response.

The man with dark blonde hair, leaning into the conversation, inquired, "So, we will move on in about an hour?" Myron, unperturbed, calmly replied, "If he arrives within that amount of time, then yes, but I feel it shouldn't be that long."

Hisataria, ever perceptive, sought further elucidation about the nature of the change, recognizing the rarity of such occurrences in the Umpire's recruitment processes. She inquired, "You said there was a slight change. Can you elaborate? I assume this will not directly affect the progression of any of us here." She is aware of previous tests that happen in umpire recruitment. They are quite the event after all, they are not the only group of recruits that probably happen everyday, changes are things that rarely occur.

To this Myron opened an eye that flicked in the light that came from outside, "The change won't affect your progression, but it will affect you individually... well, probably. I found another who met the requirements to become a conqueror, so I led him here, though it seems he doesn't know about the test... or anything at all, to be honest." He concluded with an amused smile that stirred various reactions among those present.

One among them expressed disbelief, asserting, "Preposterous! You mean you're allowing one who didn't complete the required test or even knows about the Umpire as a whole to become a conqueror? 'That is supposed to be of adequate ability'. Not only is this ridiculous, but it spits on the work we have all done to get here!" He exclaimed, glaring and pointing an accusatory finger at Myron, who just stuck his finger in his ear. 

Retorting, "Just like you are well aware of, being in a high position allows me to make decisions like these. And, like I said, he is what I deem qualified to become a conqueror... As for his awareness of the Umpire... or anything else, that depends on his situation. Enough about that; when he arrives, you guys will have your questions answered, I'm sure."

Picking up the line of questioning, the grey haired man asked "so the segnxi infused artefacts and treasures we had to find and stuff, do we need it cuz the next challenge is gonna need some muscle to crack it. Is it some fight to the death battle royale!" he said, arms behind his head leaning back on a wall.

"As exciting as that sounds, no. It would be pointless making you guys do all those tests just for only one person to eventually join. Though the reasoning behind the self-excavating of segnxi infused treasures was not only to test the necessary qualities needed to achieve such a task but to also help you guys out in a pinch, death is always visiting people everyday it might try to break in without telling you, always good to have something to help chase it off."

In a carefree tone he stated "as you may know Segnxi artefacts and weapons are more than just tools; they are the embodiment of ancient wisdom and supernatural power. They can transform the course of a dire situation, offering protection, healing, escape, and guidance. When wielded with skill and wisdom, these mystical relics can indeed save one's life in the most challenging of circumstances."

Although what he stated was to them, mere commonsense, all present still listened attentively as the one who stated them although strange, obviously out-classes them as interns of experience.

Feeling like she needed to contribute the the conversation, otherwise she may be seen as baggage Thalassa spoke up, "um… hello mr. Myron… what are we going to do after we finish here… not the contents of the test itself but… you know…" her talking turned to mumbling as she saw the cheeky grin on his face that set her nerves alight.

"Yes, well… we will be moving for a little while towards a Umpire settlement to make your recruitment certified after the test there, it's a town under Umpire rule so its closer to the direction of where segnxi practitioners and conquerors play, if you get what i mean" as he finished his eyes sparkled.

In an instant he appeared on a chair in the centre of the room, not a sound was made startling all present. However, before they could utter a question in confusion, they were made aware of the situation.

It seems the last recruits are here, even if one is unaware of it.

As he said this with a strange smile the door slowly opened with an eerie creak. All eyes honing in on the two arrivals as all of their independent thoughts raced around their heads, most of intrigue, one of anticipation and another of indignation.