Count Zacries' ResidenceThursday, August 2nd, 2028
The previous evening, the long conversation at the cafe with Arash had drained much energy, but in Cedric's mind, the new information continued to swirl endlessly. Not just because he was aware of the existence of other Deviants, but because of the implications of all the unexpected facts he had received. Arash, a Deviant capable of seeing Ivy—an ability Cedric had never suspected—as well as the anomaly in Cedric's ability to absorb the affinity of defeated opponents, potentially drawing the attention of larger entities. That information spun ceaselessly in his mind, disturbing his sleep with shadows of danger and new powers he had just realized. He awoke with lingering drowsiness and a slight headache, feeling the weight of the newly unveiled knowledge.
Now, after falling into a deep sleep, he slowly opened his eyes, letting the morning sunlight penetrate the thin curtains of his bedroom window. The light highlighted dust motes dancing in the air, creating a soothing visual spectacle. Fresh air entered as he opened the window, welcoming the aroma of dew and the melodic chirping of birds from afar. The Zacries family residence felt so peaceful, far from the hustle and bustle of the city where he previously lived. This place, with all its luxury and tranquility, was slowly beginning to feel like home, although he was still adapting to his new surroundings.
Downstairs, Chloe was already busy preparing packed lunches for school. The aroma of toast and warm tea mixed with the scent of flowers from the garden, stimulating the appetite. Cedric quickly descended after tidying himself up. His snow-white hair was neatly styled, as usual. Upon arriving in the dining room, Chloe turned and gave a faint smile, a smile that always warmed Cedric's mornings. Her brown eyes radiated a warmth that had become so familiar.
"You woke up earlier, Cedric. Not like usual," Chloe said, pouring tea into a cup. The girl was already neatly dressed in her school uniform, her dark silver hair tied in a high ponytail, revealing her slender neck. She seemed energetic, as usual.
Cedric merely gave a small nod, taking his seat. "Somehow, today feels different," he replied, taking a slice of toast and spreading jam on it. He wasn't lying. Although confusing information still swirled in his mind, the day felt lighter. Perhaps it was the effect of Arash's mysterious presence or the new sensation he felt after absorbing the wind affinity. He could feel the remnants of that new energy subtly pulsing within him, like whispers of power he hadn't fully understood yet.
Their conversation flowed casually, filled with simple jokes about boring school lessons and Chloe's plans for art extracurriculars—Chloe was an active member of the art club, something that contrasted sharply with Cedric's interests in history and martial arts. Chloe often threw light jokes that made Cedric smile, or asked for his opinion on various matters. There was an unspoken comfort between them, a strong foundation of friendship since junior high. Chloe occasionally glanced at Cedric, her gaze lingering a little longer than it should, her eyes holding something more than mere friendship, as if there was something she wanted to say but held back, a small secret she kept hidden.
After breakfast, Chloe and Cedric walked together to school. The streets that morning were busy with cheerful students, laughter and chatter filling the air. The bright sky and gentle breeze accompanied their steps along the sandy path adorned with lush trees. Several classmates greeted them warmly, and Cedric returned their greetings with a slight nod or a faint smile, maintaining the 'ordinary student' persona he had built.
Throughout the journey, Ivy remained hidden in her book form inside Cedric's bag. She stayed silent not without reason. Ivy was still very surprised after Arash stated that he could see her. It was a rare occurrence, even for a Viriant like Ivy, who had witnessed many things. She was still processing it all, perhaps also being a little cautious towards the mysterious Arash. Cedric briefly glanced at his bag, feeling strange about the unusual silence. He knew Ivy must be thinking about something big, much bigger than just a Deviant.
In class, the atmosphere returned to normal. Lessons began without incident, his friends joked and exchanged notes, the teacher explained the material calmly. No Deviants suddenly appeared, no mysterious aura disturbed them. Cedric enjoyed the time quietly, focusing on his lessons without significant distractions. However, beneath that calm, his brain continued to analyze what Arash had said. Anomaly. Target. A more complex world. Those words kept echoing, piquing his deep curiosity. He tried to put together the pieces of information he had. He also briefly thought about his Key, Fluxbringer. The concept of a "Key" was a manifestation of an ability, but its name often had no connection at all to its power, leading Cedric to speculate. He tried to reason. "Flux" as a current or flow, and "Bringer" as a bearer – that was the initial formula he formed in his mind. This was the result of several days of hard thinking and trying to understand his new ability. He began to hypothesize: could this 'Flow Bearer' have something to do with carrying Neva? Neva, the essential energy that filled the world, and flowed through Deviants' bodies. If he was a 'Neva flow bearer', was that why he could possess the abilities of opponents he defeated, as if he absorbed their Neva flow? This hypothesis felt plausible, but there were still many gaps to fill. He touched his chest, trying to feel his Neva core, imagining the flow of energy connecting with that invisible "Fluxbringer." These questions filled his mind, but he kept all these thoughts deep inside, known to no one.
When the break time arrived, Cedric chose to go to the library. The place always gave him peace amidst the school's busyness, a haven for his mind. The tall bookshelves, the soothing smell of old paper, and the soft whispers of readers. A place where he could escape from this crazy new reality. However, in one of the quiet aisles, among shelves of ancient history books, he accidentally met Eryna. The girl with shining brownish-blonde hair, neatly cascading down her back, with soft purple eyes so captivating, seemed to be struggling to reach an old leather-bound book on the top shelf. The light entering from the library window made her hair shimmer beautifully, and her eyes looked like amethyst crystals.
"Need help?" Cedric asked, approaching, his voice soft so as not to disturb the library's quiet. He didn't know Eryna before, but the same uniform indicated she was a student at this school.
Eryna turned with a slightly surprised look, as if just realizing someone else was there. Her movements were gentle and careful. A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on her lips. "Oh, um, yes. I can't reach it," she said nervously, her gaze slightly lowered, her cheeks faintly reddening.
Cedric easily took the book, his long arms having no trouble reaching the top shelf. He handed the book to Eryna. "Here."
"Thank you very much, Cedric..." Eryna replied, her voice soft, almost a whisper, full of sincerity though she seemed shy. Her smile was timid, yet there was a strange glint in her eyes, as if she held a secret. Her slender fingers carefully held the book. They looked at each other for a moment, and for some reason, Cedric felt a strange sensation creep into his chest. Not pain, not dizziness, but something he couldn't explain—warm, yet alien, as if a gentle resonance was happening within him, a subtle pull he didn't understand. This was the same sensation he felt when he first met Eryna, but now it felt stronger, almost like an invisible thread connecting them.
The awkward atmosphere broke as Eryna tried to start a conversation. "This is... one of Astranvale's classic history books. I've wanted to read this for a long time," she said, showing the book, then carefully adjusting how she held it.
"Oh, I'm interested in history too. Especially ancient and mythical ones," Cedric responded, a little surprised by the topic that was also his interest. "But accurate information on ancient books is hard to find."
The conversation flowed warmly, without burden, about old myths, forgotten kingdoms, and mysterious relics. Eryna spoke in a soft voice, occasionally smiling shyly, and Cedric felt a comfort he rarely found in others. There was a tranquility within Eryna that made him comfortable lingering, as if her presence had a calming effect on his inner turmoil.
Ivy, who had been silent all this time, suddenly appeared beside Cedric in her small form, floating in the air like a transparent fairy. Her small eyes stared sharply at Eryna, as if scanning for something invisible. "Who is she?" Ivy whispered, her voice in Cedric's mind full of questions and a little astonishment, unlike usual. There was a faint tense tone in Ivy's voice.
Cedric glanced at Ivy. "She's Eryna," he replied briefly in his mind, trying to act normal in front of Eryna who seemed unaware of Ivy's presence, like most ordinary humans. "Why do you ask?" Cedric added, curious about Ivy's reaction.
"Her aura... is different. There's something vague, yet it feels ancient and familiar," Ivy replied mentally, her eyes narrowed as she continued to observe Eryna. "I've never felt an aura like this from an ordinary human. You need to be careful, Cedric."
Cedric ignored Ivy's warning. To him, Eryna looked like an ordinary girl—sweet and a little shy—though the strange sensation in his chest persisted. However, in the back of his mind, Cedric couldn't deny that there was something different about the way Eryna looked at him, as if there was a hidden understanding behind those purple eyes, as if she could see more than what was visible.
The conversation among the library shelves continued warmly, but soon after, the bell signaling the end of break began to ring softly, breaking the peaceful silence. The atmosphere inside the library slowly emptied, leaving just the two of them in a corner hidden from others' view.
Eryna seemed a little restless, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated, her fingers fiddling with the edge of the book she held. She brushed a strand of her brownish-blonde hair that had fallen across her face. Cedric watched her with slight wonder.
"Cedric..." Eryna called softly, almost a whisper, her eyes looking intently at Cedric, her expression turning slightly melancholic. "I... want to talk about something. In the school garden... just for a moment. Would you like to come?"
Cedric paused for a moment, thinking. It was strange, indeed. There was a mysterious pull to the invitation, as if there was something important he needed to know. However, the tranquility of their conversation sparked his curiosity. He smiled faintly. "Of course, I don't mind," he replied briefly, feeling his heart flutter slightly.
Eryna looked surprised, but a very sweet, small smile formed on her lips. A smile rarely seen, yet so captivating, illuminating her serene face. "Then... let's go."
Both left the library, their steps tracing the school corridor which was beginning to empty, students hurrying back to class. The outside air greeted them as the back door of the school building opened, revealing the school garden hidden behind lush trees. The garden was serene, with several moss-covered park benches, a small pond with lotus flowers, and colorful flower bushes, emitting a sweet, calming aroma. The place was quiet, rarely visited by other students, making it a hidden paradise for Eryna.
A gentle breeze blew, swaying the leaves with a soothing rhythm, creating a peaceful melody of nature. Eryna led Cedric to a wooden bench under the shade of a large, leafy tree, an old oak tree whose roots protruded from the ground, her favorite spot.
"I often come here during break time," Eryna said softly, her voice carried slightly by the wind, breaking the comfortable silence. "This place... feels peaceful. I can think more clearly here. And sometimes... I feel like I'm not alone." She ended her last sentence almost inaudible.
Cedric nodded slowly. He sat beside Eryna, sensing a different kind of quiet than usual, a calming tranquility. Eryna's purple eyes stared straight ahead, gazing blankly at the swaying flowers, as if looking at something he couldn't see, or perhaps, gazing at a hidden past. There was a faint sadness in her eyes.
"Have you ever dreamed of something real... but it felt out of reach?" Eryna suddenly asked, breaking the silence once more. Her tone this time was more serious, as if she was truly seeking an answer.
Cedric turned, a little confused by the question. "Do you mean... dreams that feel like reality?"
Eryna nodded. "Yes, like that. A blurred memory, or a place you've never been, but it feels very familiar. Like there's a missing fragment from your soul."
For a moment, Cedric recalled the strange dreams that sometimes came to him in his sleep. Unfamiliar images he didn't understand, places he had never seen, and vague figures. An old ruined church with strange carvings on its walls, a dark forest that felt threatening yet beckoning, and the shadow of a girl who always disappeared when he tried to approach, her face never clear. One scene in his dreams often showed a faint ancient symbol, as if he had seen it somewhere, but couldn't remember. "Sometimes..." he answered honestly, more to himself, recalling that mysterious symbol.
Eryna gave a small smile, a sad smile that vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Me too..." she whispered softly. "Dreaming of something that shouldn't exist... but feels real. As if there's a part of me separated somewhere, or a secret locked inside me." She looked at Cedric with a deep gaze, as if seeking understanding.
Cedric wanted to ask more about those dreams, feeling a strange correlation with the sensation he felt. Was Eryna also a Deviant? Or perhaps there was another explanation? However, Eryna suddenly stood up and looked at him with a faint smile, as if she knew her time was limited and didn't want to delve deeper for now. "We'll be late if we don't go back now."
Cedric also stood up, but before they left, Eryna looked at him with a serious, hopeful, and slightly fragile gaze. "Cedric..."
"Yes?"
"Would you like to meet me here again... tomorrow?" she asked softly, her face slightly reddening, her voice almost a whisper, her eyes glistening like amethyst.
Cedric paused for a moment, processing the request. There was something about Eryna's gaze that made him unable to refuse. The warm sensation in his chest returned, a mysterious pull he couldn't shake. He nodded with a faint smile. "Of course. I'll come."
A bright, uninhibited smile graced Eryna's face. She looked very relieved to hear his answer, as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
"We'll meet here again, Cedric..." she whispered softly before turning to leave the small garden, her steps appearing lighter and more cheerful.
Cedric watched Eryna's retreating back, feeling something different within himself. That strange sensation appeared again, warm yet difficult to explain, like a melody he had heard for the first time but already felt familiar. But he chose to ignore it and walked back to class with a lighter feeling than usual. Thoughts of Eryna and her strange dreams now dominated his mind, igniting an unquenchable curiosity.
Upon arriving in class, the atmosphere returned to normal. Cedric sat at his desk, his thoughts drifting. The conversation with Eryna earlier kept replaying in his head—about dreams, about unexplainable oddities. He also reconsidered his hypothesis about Fluxbringer and Neva. Was Eryna part of this puzzle?
Ivy appeared in her small form on the desk. "You look strange. Why?"
Cedric merely shook his head slowly. "Nothing..."
Ivy looked at him suspiciously, but didn't press her questions. Perhaps this time, Cedric genuinely wanted to feel a little peace, or was simply too preoccupied with his own feelings.
As class neared its end, Ivy reappeared with a serious expression. "Cedric, I feel that girl's aura is unusual... you must be careful. I don't know why, but she's different from everyone I've ever seen."
Cedric smiled faintly. "You're always suspicious of new people."
"But this time it's different," Ivy insisted. "There's something hidden behind her smile. Something old... and powerful. I feel a strange resonance, like a long history locked inside her."
Cedric walked home under the tranquil dusk sky. The sky was golden-orange, streaks of light reflecting on the quiet streets. His steps felt light, as if the burden that had weighed on him was slowly disappearing, replaced by curiosity and anticipation.
In the back of his mind, he remembered Eryna's smile and her mysterious gaze. Cedric wasn't sure, but he felt... that meeting would change many things. A new chapter in his life seemed to have just begun, and he couldn't wait to turn the page.
The dusk sky vanished with his footsteps, closing that peaceful day with a faint hope, and new mysteries beginning to unfold, drawing him deeper into a world he didn't know.