Our carriage came to a halt before the gargantuan gates of Luxora. Two Awakener gatekeepers stopped the vehicle to conduct an inspection. They checked the stacks of bread in the crates one by one, then scrutinized both me and Uncle Jack to ensure we weren't carrying anything suspicious. Once we were cleared, the gates swung wide, welcoming us into the heart of the capital.
"Draven, is there anywhere you want to visit while we're here?" Uncle Jack asked, breaking the silence inside the carriage.
I felt my pocket, tracing the texture of the lavish crucifix I had found. "I might walk around for a bit, Uncle. I want to see that grand cathedral," I replied, gesturing toward the hidden object.
"Alright. We'll head to the inn first to drop off our things. After that, you're free to wander, as I need to deliver this bread order immediately."
We arrived at a modest but clean inn. Jack booked two rooms for two nights. I was slightly surprised; it turned out we would be staying here for two days.
"Use today to see the beauty of Luxora, Draven. Perhaps tomorrow, once my work is done, we can sightsee together," Jack said, patting my shoulder.
After dropping my bags in the room, we met again in the lobby. Uncle Jack was already prepared with his bread carriage.
"Remember, Draven, don't get lost, okay?" he teased with a mocking laugh.
"Hahaha, I'm not a kid anymore, Uncle! I hope your business goes well today!" I retorted with a wave.
"Enjoy your holiday, kid!" he shouted before disappearing around the corner.
I stood in front of the inn. The rain had begun to subside, leaving a thin drizzle that dampened the city's beautiful asphalt. I pulled out the crucifix again. The problem was, I didn't know where this church was located. I decided to ask the receptionist.
"Excuse me. Do you know which church has a crucifix design as lavish as this?" I asked, showing the item.
The receptionist smiled politely. "Ah, that is the symbol of the Great Cathedral. Just head to the city center. You'll find a massive, striking church building there. You won't be able to miss it."
After thanking her, I began to walk through the drizzle. The closer I got to the city center, the faster my heart raced.
And sure enough, standing before me was an extraordinarily magnificent cathedral. I froze for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady my frayed nerves. I've come this far, I thought.
I pushed open the heavy church doors. Upon entering, I was greeted by an unimaginable opulence. "Beautiful..." I whispered unconsciously. I walked in, eyes scanning the area for the figure that haunted my thoughts, before sitting on one of the long wooden pews.
Thirty minutes passed. I began to feel confused. What excuse should I make if I met him? How could I explain that I knew who he was?
"I noticed you've been sitting here for nearly thirty minutes. Is there a problem?"
That voice.
I bolted upright and spun around instantly. In that split second, the world seemed to stop spinning. My eyes widened, and my heart hammered so hard it felt painful.
Standing before me was a fifteen-year-old boy. His blonde hair shimmered under the church's candlelight, and his clear blue eyes pierced through me with a flat, cold gaze.
Nathaniel.
Suddenly, my stomach churned violently. An overwhelming wave of nausea hit me—a lingering trauma from a future destroyed by his hands. I reflexively covered my mouth, stifling the urge to vomit right in front of him.
The boy seemed startled by my reaction. He took a step closer. "He-hey, are you alright?"
I instinctively backed away, my body trembling. My eyes were fixed on the floor, unable to bear the sight of his face, before I slowly forced myself to look at him again.
Nathaniel looked bewildered. His cold face showed a hint of curiosity. "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"
My breath came in ragged gasps. My hand dropped from my mouth, clenched into a tight fist at my side. Attack now? Can I kill him right now? my mind screamed wildly.
However, before I could move, a woman's voice called out from behind Nathaniel.
"Nathaniel? What are you doing over there?"
"Ah, Sister," Nathaniel turned, greeting the nun who approached them.
"I've been looking everywhere for you, Nathaniel," the Sister said softly. She glanced at me for a moment, then looked back at Nathaniel. "Niel, do you know this young man?"
Nathaniel remained silent for a heartbeat, his eyes scanning my face coldly before he finally offered a thin smile. "No, Sister. I only saw him sitting here, lost in thought, for thirty minutes. I was worried he might be ill, so I came over to check on him."
The Sister turned to me with a concerned look. "Are you feeling unwell, Sir? Is there anything we can do to help?"
I jolted from my daze, trying to regain my composure. I forced a clumsy smile and pulled the lavish crucifix from my pocket. "Ah, forgive me for causing concern. I just felt a bit lightheaded after praying. My name is Draven; I'm a visitor from out of town. I found this crucifix lying on the ground back in my village, so I intended to return it because..."
Before I could finish my sentence, I felt the atmosphere around me shift. Nathaniel's gaze suddenly sharpened, as if he intended to peel back the secrets inside my skull. His eyes were locked onto the crucifix in my hand. I continued to speak, even as cold sweat began to dampen my forehead.
"...because the design is so magnificent, I suspected it belonged to the Great Cathedral of the Capital."
"Oh, is that so?" the Sister replied. She turned to Nathaniel. "Niel, didn't you lose your crucifix recently as well?"
My heart skipped a beat. Nathaniel remained silent at first, then replied softly, "Ah, yes, Sister." He looked at me again, this time with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "May I see it?"
I handed it over, my hand trembling slightly. Nathaniel turned the crucifix over, examining it meticulously before handing it back to me. "No, this isn't mine. I know my own very well. Perhaps this belongs to someone else."
"In that case... may I keep this?" I asked, emboldened.
The Sister smiled kindly. "Of course you may. Consider it a blessing for you."
A brief silence enveloped us before Nathaniel broke it. "Sister, why were you looking for me?"
"Ah, right! Come, we must prepare immediately. Sir, please excuse us," the Sister said, bidding farewell.
I stood frozen, watching their retreating backs. Once they disappeared behind the doors, I exhaled a long, heavy breath. Damn it. That bastard's look just now... his smile was friendly, but his eyes radiated pure killing intent.
I stepped out of the church. The drizzle had been replaced by the crisp lingering air. I stared at the Luxora sky, which was beginning to clear, trying to piece together a plan. Tomorrow is the last day. I have to finish him tomorrow before we leave. I need a weapon.
A sword is too conspicuous. I need a knife that can be hidden beneath a cloak. The problem is, I have no money. Uncle Jack, I thought. I would borrow money from him tomorrow, using the excuse of wanting to buy something.
By the time I returned to the inn, the sun had begun to set. Uncle Jack was already waiting for me with a cheerful face.
"HEY, DRAVEN! Looks like you really enjoyed your adventure, eh?" he shouted with a laugh.
"Yeah, something like that, Uncle."
"Come on! I'm treating you to the best fried chicken in Luxora. A friend of mine told me the taste can make you feel like you're flying!"
We walked through the streets of Luxora, now illuminated by the city lights. The night view here was truly mesmerizing, a world away from my dilapidated shack in the village. Under the warm yellow glow of the lamps, we waited in a long line before finally getting a table in the crowded shop.
Uncle Jack was truly going all out. He ordered piles of chicken, side dishes, and several mugs of beer. We ate ravenously, sharing stories about our day.
"So, did you make it to that church?" Jack asked while chewing.
"I did, Uncle. The place... was extraordinary."
Jack chuckled, his eyes looking at me with genuine sincerity. "Draven, one day when you've become a great Awakener, you'll see places far more beautiful than this. The world of Aeterna is vast. Don't ever give up on your dream, understand?"
My heart trembled. His words made my eyes sting with heat. "Thank you, Uncle," I whispered truthfully.
"Hahaha! And don't worry, business was booming today! We have enough money to enjoy ourselves until the day after tomorrow!" Jack raised his beer mug high. "Come, a toast!"
Under the festive lights of the shop, amidst the laughter and the tempting aroma of food, I felt a profound warmth.
The Great Cathedral of the Capital
In a silent room, a boy stood before an open window. He stared at the shimmering lights of Luxora with a cold, flat gaze. The night wind played with his blonde hair.
His lips moved slowly, whispering a name in a tone that was hard to decipher.
"...Draven."