V. A past and a destination

The place where we are headed is the capital of this nation, Ethyria Atlan. We were greeted by the sight of a few small houses along the way, some which appeared worn-down and covered in vegetation. 

As we continued our journey and made a few turns. The scenery suddenly transformed into a more sophisticated and civilized form. 

The streets were bustling with people from various social classes, all mingling together on the sidewalks. There were also peculiar creatures being ridden by individuals on the main road.

Vendors passionately advertised their products to passersby while children gleefully played in the narrow streets, and wagons moved on each side of the road. The city was filled with vibrant energy. 

As we meticulously observed our surroundings, a sudden turn of events caught my attention. A man running frantically beside our wagon, clutching a bag tightly on his arms, was being pursued by another individual who screamed that he was being robbed. We should help him right?

I gazed towards Celesty, She had dozed off, her head comfortably leaning on Kev's shoulder. She drools all over kev's shoulder. I couldn't help but notice a few strands of her hair that had inadvertently tangled themselves around her mouth too.

"Best to not wake her up, trust me" Kev said.

"She mentioned that lost souls like you haven't passed to the after life yet for a reason, why'd you think you haven't." I asked Kev.

"I was betrayed… and I attempted to murder, yet the life I claimed was mine in the end." Kev said.

So dark—

---

A fiery eyes and blood-stained cheeks, he tightly grips a knife with a sharp blade on the brink of piercing his brother's neck. Despite the imminent danger, his brother maintains a calm demeanor, even mustering a taunting smile, asking "Coward".

The setting adds to the despair, as the two find themselves on a desolate street covered in mud, with the rain about to pour down relentlessly. Burdened by insurmountable debt, his brother sold his family for his own life.

Kev pursued his brother, driven by a thirst of retribution, ultimately culminating in this climatic encounter. However just as fate would have it, a stroke of bad luck befalls the him, causing him to slip from his position and inadvertently impale himself with the very knife he intended to use as a tool of revenge.

---

We reach our destination after a few hours on the road. My eyes were immediately greeted by an enchanting garden filled with a myriad of colorful flowers – vibrant whites, lively reds, sunny yellows and delicate pinks. The flower beds showcased a stunning array of varied use.

My attention was then captured by the sight of a majestic mansion standing before us. With its imposing presence, it appeared to have at least five floors, if not more, along with several towers adorning its sides. 

The grandeur mansion was further accentuated by a colossal door, eagerly waiting to be opened at its entrance. The entire roof of the mansion was filled with green tiles, harmonizing perfectly with its surroundings while the mosaic windows shimmered and reflected the sunlight in a captivating display. 

Just as the sound of our wagon rolling and the horses hooves ceased, we were warmly greeted by a group of attentive maids and butlers, poised and ready to cater to our every need.

I couldn't help but notice that one of the maids donned a pair of peculiarly adorable cat ears. This surreal world I had entered truly captivated me, and I eagerly embrace the experience. 

"Is that what you like? Cat girls?" Celesty suddenly spoke. 

Ah!

"Oh, a man of my culture, would you like me to indulge you more onto my collection?" Kev said.

"Collection!?"

After that memorable day, I had the opportunity to become well acquainted with both Kev and Celesty. Kev suggested that I take magic lessons from Celesty while I stayed there.

Unfortunately, Celesty's lack of communication skills made it difficult for her to effectively teach me. Additionally, I struggled to understand most of what she said. As a solution to this hurdle, I decided to spend my afternoons at the library. Surprisingly, magic wasn't as complicated as I initially thought. 

With the help of a few basic books, I was able to learn materialization magic within just a three days. This motivated me to explore other types of magic, such as defensive arts and philosophical topics. 

Every day, I discovered something new and valuable from the vast collection of knowledge available at the library, In fact. Kev even proposed that I become his apprentice during my stay, allowing me to learn the art of combat as well. Moreover, I gained insight into Celesty's family's remarkable contributions to the kingdom.

With their extraordinary skills and telents, the members of their family were given the important responsibility of being specialized protectors for the kingdom. In fact,  a few of them were even knighted by the king himself, recognizing their exceptional abilites.

One such individual was Celesty, who received comprehensive training and was extended an invitation to become a knight.

However, despite the seemingly perfect fit, Celesty's interests did not alight with her family's expectations. It appears that she had a bit of a rebellious streak, deviating from the path set out for her.

*cough* Celesty stopped sipping her morning tea.