Chapter 37 - What are feelings?

(Arthur Leywin)

As I stood in front of the royal castle, my eyes were immediately drawn to the two guards stationed at the entrance.

Their lustrous armor gleamed in the cascading rays of sunlight, casting a brilliant sheen upon the surrounding area, as if the very armor was alive and breathing, reflecting the glory of the elven race.

As I moved closer to the entrance, the sheer size and majesty of the castle that lay behind the guards seemed almost overwhelming.

The elven castle was a true masterpiece of architectural design and engineering, its towering walls and spires reaching high into the sky---a perfect representation of elven culture.

The walls were made of a shimmering white stone that glowed with an ethereal light and were adorned with intricate carvings and murals that told stories of the history and culture of the elven people.

The castle's many towers and turrets were equally impressive, with each one boasting its own unique design and decoration.

Some were adorned with delicate filigree and intricate mosaics, while others were carved with runes and symbols that only the most learned scholars could decipher.

The turrets themselves seemed to stretch endlessly upwards, their tops disappearing into the clouds.

"Identification." One of the guards said, their swords blocking my path.

Imbuing mana into my dimension ring, I took out the compass Virion had given me all those years ago with the crest of Elven Royalty. The guards shared confused glances before returning it to me, "Welcome to His Majesty's humble abode, good sir."

Summoning the compass back into my ring, I crossed them and made my towards the inside of the castle.

As I entered the castle, the nostalgic beauty and opulence of the interior struck me like a bolt from blue. I had seen one of the most beautiful infrastructures on earth, but none of them compared to the elven castle.

The floors were made of a smooth, polished marble that shone like glass in the light, and the walls were hung with tapestries and paintings that depicted scenes of great beauty and majesty. The ceilings were high and vaulted and were adorned with delicate chandeliers that glimmered like stars in the night sky.

The furniture was equally stunning, with chairs and tables crafted from the finest woods and metals, and upholstered with soft, supple fabrics that were a delight to the touch. Every detail of the castle seemed to have been carefully crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, and the effect was truly awe-inspiring.

As I wandered through the castle's many halls and chambers, I felt the sense of wonder and magic that seemed to permeate the very air. It was as if the very stones of the castle were alive, pulsing with the energy and vitality. I felt as though I had stepped into a world of myth and legend, a place where anything was possible, and nothing was beyond reach.

It made me remember the day I arrived here.

8 years, 3 months and 13 days ago, when I arrived here with tattered clothes, a mud-caked face... after losing Sylvia and getting the only thing that was a sane reminder of her—-Sylvie.

Looking around I could feel my younger self being dragged around by Tessia as she prompted me to play with her or the numerous times, I had to defend myself from the devious traps of both Virion and Aya.

In my past life I often used to look back at my childhood, but it was never the way I see it right now.

Is this how it feels like to feel?

The question lingered in my mind as I found myself lost in the memories of my childhood.

I used to look back on those days often, but it was never the way I see it now. The past was a fleeting moment, a distant memory that seemed to slip away with each passing day.

Yet, at this moment, it felt as though time had stopped, and I was transported back to that place where everything was simple and carefree.

As I closed my eyes, I could almost hear the sound of laughter echoing in the distance, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the sweet melody of birds singing. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over everything, and the world seemed to be painted in hues of yellow and gold. It was as if I had stepped into a magical land where nothing could ever go wrong.

The memories came flooding back, one by one, like pages from an old storybook.

Pleasent and distasteful.

And so, I pondered... once again.

Is this how it feels like to feel? To experience life in all its beauty and wonder, to cherish every moment as if it were your last?

To feel the warmth of the sun on your face, the cool breeze in your hair, and the soft grass beneath your feet? To laugh and cry, to love and lose, and to feel alive in every moment?

Perhaps, this was how it felt like to feel. To live life with an open heart and an open mind, to embrace each moment as a gift, and to cherish the memories that make up the fabric of our lives. It was a feeling that was both bittersweet and beautiful, a reminder that life is a precious and fleeting gift that should be cherished every single day.

But.

Was this what I needed?

...

...

...

...

...

Definitely not.

It wasn't the time for reminiscence nor was it a time to think about the feelings---something that ultimately bring you down.

Looking away from the familiar surroundings, I walked away and continued my stride towards the open lawn. The picturesque scene of the vibrant lawn rolled before me. The vibrant flowers and lush trees created a breathtaking backdrop for the epic battle that was about to unfold.

Virion and Tessia stood at opposite ends of the lawn; their eyes locked in a fierce stare as they prepared to engage in battle.

Virion wielded his sword with precision, his grip from and his every move calculated and intentional.

He was a master of wind magic, and it showed in the way he moved. His body flowed with the wind, his every motion graceful and fluid. He was like a dancer, his sword an extension of his body as he weaved in and out of Tessia's attacks.

Tessia was no slouch either. Her plant magic allowed her to manipulate the very earth beneath her feet, and she used it to her advantage. Vines and roots sprouted from the ground around her, coiling around her opponents' feet and tripping them up. Her attacks were swift and deadly, her every move accompanied by the rustling of leaves and the sound of plants growing.

The two combatants circled each other warily, their swords at the ready.

****whoosh****

Virion struck first, his blade slicing through the air.

Tessia blocked his attack with ease, her sword clashing against his with a loud clang. She countered with a quick jab, but Virion was already moving, his body blurring as he dodged her attack.

The two battled back and forth, their swords clashing with a metallic ring that echoed across the lawn. Every strike was calculated, every move planned out in advance.

Virion used his wind magic to his advantage, sending gusts of wind towards Tessia to throw her off balance.

But Tessia countered, using her plant magic to create a shield of thorns around herself, protecting her from Virion's attacks.

The battle raged on for what felt like hours, the combatants locked in a deadly dance that neither seemed willing to give up. But eventually, Virion began to gain the upper hand. His wind magic allowed him to move faster than Tessia, and his sword strikes were more precise. Tessia's attacks became more frantic, her movements less calculated as she tried to keep up with Virion's lightning-fast flurry of strikes.

"There it is." I muttered to myself.

Virion saw his opening.

Tessia had left herself open for just a moment, and he seized the opportunity. His sword struck true, slicing through Tessia's guard and sending her reeling backwards. For a moment, it looked like she might fall, but then her plant magic kicked in. Vines sprouted from the ground, wrapping around her ankles and steadying her.

Virion advanced, his sword at the ready. But Tessia wasn't ready to give up just yet. With a fierce cry, she unleashed a torrent of plant magic, sending a wave of vines and thorns towards Virion. But he was ready for her this time.

With a flick of his wrist, he sent blades of wind towards the oncoming attack, severing the vines and thorns.

The two combatants stood there for a moment, Virion catching his breath while Tessia was heavily panting, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead.

It was clear that the battle was over, that Virion had emerged victorious. But there was a sense of foreboding, as Tessia bit her lower lip and Virion lowered, "You were strong enough to push me to almost use my beast will. Just at the age of 13. You will be much stronger in the future. One of the strongest!" Virion consoled her over her loss as she jerked her head.

"Still not as strong as him." She muttered.

"Brat boy?" Virion said as his eyes finally landed on me.

"Hmm." I nodded in reply as I walked over to them. "Good afternoon." I greeted.

"Good afternoon. When did you arrive? I couldn't even sense you." Virion asked.

"Just arrived." I replied as Virion pulled me into a tight hug, "I missed you brat," he said still caught up in the warmth of his hug.

Virion released me with a smirk, his mischievous nature showing through as he spoke. "I missed you brat," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "And so did someone else, BAHAHAHA." His eyes shifted towards Tessia, who stood up with a blush creeping up her long ears. She grabbed hold of Virion's beard, pulling him in close as she exclaimed, "Grandpa!"

Virion laughed, his deep voice rumbling through the air. "HAHA, it was a joke, little one, a joke. Haha, anyways, you two catch up while I get fresh. Meet me in the meeting room, brat. You know the way already." With that, Virion left me and Tessia alone in the charred lawn, a reminder of the intense battle they had fought.

As I turned towards Tessia, I couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy and escitedness creeping in from her.

I knew that I would have to leave soon, and she would know it too, but telling her exact things will just worsen it.

Looking at Tessia, I noticed how much she had grown up.

Her once-round face had slimmed down, her cheeks now marked by the faintest hint of a dimple. Her eyes, too, seemed to have deepened in color, their soft green hue now flecked with traces of gold.

"How are you, Tessia?" I asked.

Her response was hesitant at first, her words stumbling over each other as she tried to articulate her thoughts. But then Tessia smiled up at me, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. "I'm doing well, thank you," she replied. "I've been training hard while you were away. And I have almost integrated with the will too. Even grandpa was surprised how I integrated with it so soon."

I nodded, content with her dedication and perseverance. "That's great to hear, Tessia. I know that you have the potential to become one of the best mages in Dicathen."

Tessia blushed at my words, her eyes shining with determination. "I'll do my best," she said, her voice filled with conviction.

She looked at me again, a certain worry in them, "What happened, Arthur?"

"Hmm? Nothing."

"No, there is something wrong. You know you can't pretend well, right?"

"..."

I stayed silent before taking in a deep breath as the sun began to set and the shadows lengthened, "I'll be away for some time, and I need you to continue training while I'm gone."

Tessia's expression shifted, her eyes clouding with concern. "How long will you be gone?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"I'm not sure," I replied honestly. "But it could be a while."

Tessia nodded, her ears drooping slightly. "I understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll continue to train and work hard while you're gone."

We stood there for a moment, the weight of my impending departure hanging heavily in the air.

But despite the sadness that loomed over her, there was a sense of hope as well. I knew that Tessia would continue to grow and learn, even in my absence. And when I returned, I would be able to see just how far she had come.

She had to be strong. For her own and my benefit.

"Good." I replied and turned back, starting to walk towards the meeting room.

"Arthur... will you..." Tessia's voice stopped me in my tracks as I looked back, "Will you ever come back?"

"Depends on if you are able to become a lance."

My words left Tessia stunned, her eyes glistening with tears as the sun set on the horizon.

My statement seemed to carry a weight that was within the confines of her comprehension, and she stood there petrified, trying to grasp the full extent of what I meant.

My choice of words was deliberate, and tone was both assertive and cryptic. It was exactly what it was---challenging her to step up and become something more significant than her current self, something powerful and influential that could make a real difference in the incoming war.

The idea seemed daunting, but seeing my unwavering confidence in her abilities gave her a glimmer of hope that she might be up to the challenge.

Now... all that is left is to let the pieces fall in place and the chain of events in the first phase of war would finally begin.

It all begins tonight.

The war... the first step by Alacrya... everything.

>> Time skip to dusk (time of sunset) <<

(3rd person POV)

A carriage stopped abruptly, a few minutes' walk away from the Xyrus academy.

From the carriage emerged a lithe maiden, a gust of wind welcoming her, tugging at her dress and causing her hair to billow around her head like a halo of silver. Her slender frame was emphasized by the way she moved, every step fluid and graceful, as though she were a creature of the wind herself.

Her hair, the color of polished steel---gunmetal, was an unruly mane that refused to be tamed, each strand seeming to have a life of its own. It cascaded down her back like a waterfall, catching the light in a shimmering display of metallic tones.

The girl's eyes, a bright and piercing emerald, surveyed her surroundings with a keen intelligence, taking in every detail with a quick and precise gaze.

As she moved further away from the carriage, her hair continued to dance to the cadence of the breeze.

"Welcome back, princess. Now come with me or I will have to use force." A boy said, his voice distorted as the mana inside his core became more and more erratic.

"Princess?" The girl asked, tilting her head to the side.

The boy smirked and a huge fireball conjured in the near instant in the epicenter of his palm. With a flick of his wrist, the ball of fire came hurtling towards the girl before she whisked her hand to the right, cancelling the spell amidst a gust of wind as simply as swatting a fly.

"You're a wykes, aren't you, you really don-"

Her words got caught in her throat as she felt herself stagger, strength leaving her body in a near instant. Feeling a slight sting, she looked at her shoulder where she spotted a slight stinger.

"When did he...?" Were her last words as she fell to the ground with a thud, her tresses spreading all over the muddy ground.

(*****)

Author's Note

Day 2 of daily uploads.

I had fun writing this one since it actually starts building up and revealing all of the hidden facts that I had concealed from the start. Like layers of onion, I will slowly tell the reasons behind everything he was doing and keeping secret. See ya all tomorrow.

And thanks for the 94 votes on previous chapter. In less than 24 hours that's good.

Sayonara