Chapter 13. Triste Caelum

I wake up in the middle of the kingdom, surrounded by rocks and rubble. The once vibrant place is now dreary, as rain showers from the sky like tears of the day.

Buildings lie in ruins, smoke rising into the air. Injured people gather around, their weary faces reflecting the intensity of the battle against the shadows. A medic approaches, but shoves one of us aside, their urgency clear.

"Get out of our way!" The professors order the students to keep watch and call for reinforcements to secure the city, searching for survivors, resources, and anything of value. The kingdom is losing its life force, stolen by an elusive thief. Nia, Charlotte, and Camilla offer aid to the distressed, using their healing magic. Glancing at the holographic map, I see that every district has been affected by the shadow storm. Smoke billows from all directions. Nia and Charlotte, despite their exhaustion and dirt-streaked faces, selflessly cook meals for everyone. Their acts of kindness inspire me to lend a hand. Meanwhile, Camilla sharpens the soldiers' swords, recognizing the need for stronger weapons against the shadows.

"Meals are ready! Here!" Nia and Charlotte distribute the food, and the hungry crowd eagerly digs in, devouring the grilled salmon and rice with their bare hands.

"This tastes amazing!" I exclaim, jotting down notes about the shadow attack. Camilla notices my constant writing and questions my approach.

"You know, you could just remember it through experience," she suggests.

I respond with a grin, acknowledging her point. As the plates empty, Nia and Charlotte grab their own servings, satisfied that their culinary efforts were well-received.

"I am so stuffed." Jude arrives, bewildered by the scene before him.

"What happened here?" he asks, his voice filled with concern. Memories from the previous night flood my mind, but I can't recall seeing Jude during the chaos. I close my eyes, trying to recollect.

Looking at Jude, I notice his continuous gaze, his eyes devoid of color. His behavior feels unfamiliar, nothing like when we first met.

"Are you okay?" I curiously inquire, my concern growing.

"Yes, I'm alright..." Jude answers with a smile, but it sends shivers down my spine.

"I'll take a walk around," I inform Jude, expressing my intention to explore the kingdom and assess the state of each district. I hurriedly leave the area, feeling an urgency to escape the fear that engulfs me. I sigh repeatedly, determined to distance myself from the haunting image of Jude's smiling face and his strange demeanor. Exhausted, I find a moment's respite beneath a tree, closing my eyes in an attempt to forget the horrors I've witnessed. Regret floods over me as I realize I should have used my sword skills and stood guard. I try to clear my mind, focusing on the serenity of nature. Birds chirp, creating a peaceful atmosphere. But soon, the tranquility is interrupted by the sound of footsteps drawing near. I jump to my feet, sword at the ready.

"HAAAAAA!" I swiftly turn around the tree, prepared to strike at whatever may approach. Suddenly, Callie appears right in front of me.

"Oh hey!" I greet her, though my tiredness taints my tone. She startles me for a moment, as I had expected someone else.

"I've been looking for you. I know where these shadows are coming from," Callie informs me, instantly relieving my worries.

My anxiety eases as Callie suggests heading to the mystic tree.

"Want to ride on my back again?" I turn to her, offering a smile as I make the playful suggestion.

"Sure! Oh wait, I have something to make it even easier," Callie replies, presenting me with a backsling. I put it on.

"Ohhh... Fancy..." I remark, and Callie hops onto my back, ensuring I'm comfortable.

"Are you okay back there?" Callie asks, displaying her concern.

"Of course! Let's go!"

Finally free from carrying Callie on my back, we venture into the forest, discussing the events unfolding around us.

"I should have remembered my sword skills back there!" I express my regret, feeling apologetic and clasping my hands together.

"I couldn't remember because it felt like a dream," I explain how swallowing my shadows at Misty Park seemed to erase my previous knowledge.

"That's alright! At least you remembered them now!" Callie reassures me, relieved that I can wield my skills again. As we walk and talk, I confide in Callie about feeling lost.

"Yeah, it seems we're both alone," I confess, empathizing with her solitude. Despite making friends with some hybrids, I still feel like an outsider among them.

"We share similar experiences," she says, joining me by my side. We engage in a heartfelt conversation, sharing our stories. Callie reveals that she lost her parents and has been alone since then. I sympathize with her, expressing gratitude for her companionship.

"Thank you too!" Callie replies with a smile and closes her eyes. As I prepare to stand up, she reveals some shadow fragments and demonstrates how to locate them. She possesses a map that can pinpoint their whereabouts, extracting and enhancing the fragments to mark the map. The map glows with a purple aura, revealing the main location of the shadow creatures.

"It seems they're here!" Callie informs me, pointing to an old castle.

"Then we better head there now!"

Equipped for the journey, Callie and I gear up and make our way to the port, where we'll find a boat to reach our destination.

"Are you ready?" I ask Callie, my excitement mingled with determination.

"I am!" Callie responds confidently.

"Let's go. There's no turning back now!" With everything we need, we set off, ready to unravel the mystery of the shadows.