"I'm interested in the seven currents, what the currents do, the power of the currents, and the ability to recognize what current another person has," Ilis said to the luminar. It's for personal knowledge, you see," Ilis said to the luminar.
"Oh, I see. Well, then, follow me, and I will show you," the luminar responded.
Ilis followed him towards the bookcase, which was in the corner of the room.
"While walking, the luminar introduced himself. 'My name is Albert,'" he said. "
"Nice to meet you, Albert," Ilis said.
They got to the bookshelf, and Albert pulled out a thick book and opened it gingerly.
He started unfolding the details. "As we know, every current has some negativities associated with it. You have to give some price for everything. Talking about the Ember Current, its powers are associated with flame, strength, and domination. As you progress as a channeler, so does your strength. Coming to its negativities, blood, and domination are associated with it. It is quite difficult to handle, but as one learns to become a channeler, they can easily overcome those negativities. You can easily identify an Ember channeler by their activities. An untrained channeler finds it quite difficult to handle their strength and becomes some kind of demon, but as a trained one, they handle everything quite well."
"As for the Tide Current, its abilities are concerned with water, the manipulation of dreams, and adapting quickly to situations. Like the Ember Current, its abilities are enhanced by the level of the practitioner's abilities and vice versa. Some of its disadvantages are losing identity and having a mind that's too fluid for its own good. You can also detect a Tide practitioner based on their behavior. Those that are untrained experience headaches occasionally and may faint at random instances. Practiced Tide channelers are more stable and powerful in their own ways."
By untrained he means an individual who has not assimilated completely with the contemporary and lacks proper guidance. Trained means an individual who is instructed by a professional or an expert.
This will take a long time to learn. and I don't have that much time. I have to go back home, It is almost dusk. I'm late.
"Now, as for—
Ilis interrupted him before he could go on. "I see. Tell me about the Hollow Current."
Albert paused, looking at him in shock. It took a few moments for him to speak, and he said, "I am sorry, but we do not know very much about the Hollow Current. To be able to find a Hollow channeler is a rare event, and in this present day, there are none in Vaelora."
Hmm… is that so.
"Well then, can I borrow that book? I have to return home, and I want to learn more about currents," Ilis asked.
"Yes, of course. You can take it. We have enough here. One will not make any difference," Albert said.
"I appreciate it," Ilis said. He took the book and left.
He returned home just as the sun was starting to set.
He went to his room. He sat down at the table, which was across from his bed. He set his book down to think.
If my guess is correct, very little is known about the Hollow Current. Even if it has any effect on me, no one would be able to recognize that I am a Hollow channeler if/when I consume it. However, the risk. what if it corrupts me? I would be foolish if I did this rashly. I will just have to wait for the gathering. Bast would be with me, and I must try my hardest to blend in unnoticed.
Just as he fell into thought, his abdomen made a weird sound. He had not munching down anything since he had breakfast. He walked out of his room towards the dining table.
Umm. Where is Father? He hasn't come back yet, has he?
Afrel drew near, and Ilis asked, "Where is Father?"
"He hasn't returned yet," Afrel replied.
That's weird…. Oh, never mind. I am hungry.
His stomach growled for the third time. Afrel picked up on it and smiled. Ilis gave him an faint, self-conscious smile
"Right away," Afrel replied.
Ilis devoured the food. Then, he headed to his room. No sooner did he lock the door and take a step forward than his leg turned to nothing.
His body was engulfed whole, and once again, he was in that eerie, frightening void of nothingness. It frightened him; it scared him badly. As Ilis got his footing on the empty ground beneath him, Ilis began to run. He ran and ran, looking for an escape route, but there was none.
"Hello"
The voice whispered against his ear like cold air.
Ilis winced. A cold shiver crept along his spine as he froze. He spun around, his eyes rapidly scanning the infinite blackness that surrounded him. There was nothing. No ground, no sky, just empty space that grew heavier the more he concentrated upon it.
His heart began beating faster.
Next, the darkness changed. The five behemoth thrones materialized one after another. Their gigantic shapes materialized from the void as if the void itself had recalled their presence. The markings on their surfaces cast a weak glow as if each harbored a different energy that made Ilis's chest constrict.
He noticed a figure emerge between the thrones as he approached.
A man stood calmly in the background, as if he had been standing there all along. White hair flowed back over his shoulders, unruffled by any breeze. His was a sharp and refined face, so perfect it was borderline unnatural, and pale yellow eyes glittered with quiet power. His hands were clasped behind his back.
What Ilis found most unsettling was the smile.
It was not warm, nor was it brutal. It was knowing.
The man's gaze followed Ilis with open satisfaction, as if he were watching the result of a long-awaited experiment.
Ilis slowed his pace and swallowed. "Who are you?" he queried.
The man slightly tilted his head. "You may address me as 'The.' I am somebody you will need in the future."
The answer did not help Ilis calm down. His fingers curled involuntarily, his mind racing.
"I know this must be confusing," The continued, his voice soft. "You were taken from your world, forced into a new one, forced to deal with secrets that are not your own. And now, there is me. But trust me, Ilis. In time, it will all become clear."
Ilis frowned. "You're very confident-sounding."
"Do you know anything about…" the chuckled softly. "The transcendent?"
"Transcendent?" Ilis repeated. The word awakened a distant connection in his mind. "It sounds familiar… but I cannot remember where," he said.
"Mhm." The nodded in quiet approval. "As expected."
He turned and walked towards one of the thrones, his movements languid. He seated himself on the gigantic chair carved with the symbol of a burning sun, settling comfortably as if it was made for him.
Ilis paused before speaking further. "How did I end up here?"
"That," said The, "is a question of great value."
Ilis leaned forward slightly, his focus keener.
"But you will not find its answer in this place," The continued. "You must uncover it yourself. Still, there are other matters I can help you with."
"So he understands, Ilis thought resentfully. "And he is deliberately not telling me. Useless."
The smirked. "I can read your mind, by the way."
Ilis's eyes went wide. "You can read my mind?"
"Of course," said The. "You are standing in my domain."
The air pressure continued to build.
"Now listen carefully," The said, his voice dipping lower. "You want answers. You want to be in control. Well, let's make a deal. You do something for me, and I will do something for you. Because equality, at its most basic level."
Ilis's eyes wandered through the emptiness, a sense of discomfort gnawing at his stomach. Scowling, he sneered. "Do you think me a fool? Why would I believe a man such as yourself?
The smiled, unruffled. "An expected response."
He settled back on the throne. "Well, in that case, let me tell you something that will actually help you. And you're right about the Hollow Current. If you drink it, you will be undetectable by anyone who knows that you're a Hollow Channeler. You could mingle with politicians, even in parliament, with impunity."
Ilis shook his head. "There's no way that I could possibly believe you. What could you possibly have to gain from helping me, and what are the chances that what you'll say is the truth, rather than another lie to get what you want?" Ilis accused, his eyes blazing as he mimicked the villainous characters he remembered from the films.
The laughed quietly. "Believe me or not, Ilis. That decision is yours alone."
He stood up from his throne and clicked his fingers.
"For now, that is all. Until we meet again, think carefully."
The void collapsed under Ilis.
Ilis woke in one sharp gasp, his skin glistening with cold sweat. Light was seeping through the window, but only faintly, as if the dawn was reluctant to break. Slowly, he sat up, holding one hand to his chest.
What that being may want, I will not be led by.
He rubbed his face and stood up to go to the washroom in order to wash away any remaining discomfort. He decided to prepare a light meal in the form of bread, a glass of water, and two half-fried eggs.
Later, he lay down on the sofa near the fireplace where charcoal was burning.
"Winter is coming," he muttered. "I wonder if it's going to snow there?"
A servant soon appeared with a tray containing teapot, biscuits, and a folded newspaper.
"Thank you," Ilis said.
There's the warmth of the tea, and there's the quiet pain in his chest. Late nights on Earth, the familiarity of the routine. The burden of this world suddenly felt heavier than ever.
He picked up the newspaper. He unfolded the newspaper.
"Rebels. Worshippers of the Tide Mother are spreading rapidly through the northern province. Vevran Town and nearby villages around Casmate Castle have fallen under their control. Citizens demand immediate action. The Emperor has deployed an army of two thousand soldiers and approximately one hundred Channelers under Commander Ervan. We hope for minimal casualties."
A rebellion, huh. Ilis's eyes gleamed faintly. I want to see how Channelers fight.
He turned the page.
"The Noble Gathering of the Varen Empire approaches. Influential figures continue to arrive at the capital. With the Grand Minister election nearing, this gathering may alter the course of the Empire. The Emperor has yet to make a statement."
Ilis placed the newspaper aside and leaned back. "Newspapers are boring without pictures."
Silence prevailed.
Shortly after, Afrel came up and stood alongside the couch.
"Where were you, Afrel?" Ilis asked.
"I went to town to get groceries, The town is quite lovely today." Afrel replied.
Lovely… the gathering is today, its giving me a bad feeling.
"I see."
A servant appeared and handed a sealed letter to Afrel.
Afrel took one look at it and said, "It is from Lord Julius."