“Andalia…”
Saya mumbled, her arm raised, pointing at the boy. Unfortunately for her, the Shrine Priestess did not possess the ability to see the thread of souls, but could somehow make out the disturbance surrounding them.
Guessing that the root cause was the despair of the survivors, Andalia didn’t think much of it at first, this not being the first time she had experienced great amounts of animosity and despair in densely packed places.
But if Saya, who claimed to have an ability that, to her knowledge, nobody else in the world possessed, was reacting this way, then it was something worth investigating. Plus, with the mage before her having snapped out of her clearly rage-drunken trance, in a way, she felt owed to whatever was concerning Saya.
Getting up from the ground, she walked over to the boy, hovering over him as she watched his chest calmly rise and fall. The magical energy within her circulated rapidly, but no matter how hard she tried to identify the “darkness,” there were little to no results.
Saya, on the other hand, saw it as clear as day. Ever since first activating her Soul Sight, the rules had always stayed the same. As long as it was a living creature, it would possess a soul, which in turn would have a thread sticking out of it.
This didn’t even remotely resemble a thread, more like a thick cord meant for constraint rather than something melancholic.
“I don’t understand, does this kid not have a soul?” Saya asked, still distraught.
“To be honest, I’m unable to see what you’re seeing… though was it always like this?” Andalia replied with another question.
Shaking her head, Saya answered, “Whenever we were in the barrier, I mean, it was a bit hard to see, but I definitely would have noticed all this darkness surrounding him when I went near him.”
“If anything, this darkness reminds me of the…”
Andalia finished her sentence, “the monster’s aura. I did sense something similar. However, I couldn’t quite discern it with certainty.”
“Then are they linked?” Saya mumbled to herself as she raised her left hand to her chin.
Andalia’s ears tingled as she focused, trying to grasp the situation. Furrowing her brows, she said, “If the barrier hasn’t deactivated, then it may not be unreasonable to consider that this boy is, in fact, a central piece of this puzzle.”
“Now that I reflect on it, it does seem rather fitting that the child was the sole survivor, even when the animals were not.”
“I can’t say I fully understand how they’re connected. However, if the monster is the source of the barrier, and this child is sustaining it, then he may very well be the curse anchor we were searching for during the battle.”
It made complete sense to Saya. Back in Atrila, she had been faced off against the Cradle King, who dangled at the top of the dome with such confidence that it would be near impossible to miss. This entire time, Saya had just assumed that this particular barrier somehow defied the rules of reality.
But the answer was much simpler, and more obvious than she expected. If she hadn’t activated her Soul Symphony, both her and Andalia would have completely missed noticing this miasma of pure darkness.
Besides, unlike the Cradle King, the boy, being human, was completely capable of producing his own magical energy, removing the need to drain it from the city. How or where he got the sufficient energy to be able to sustain the barrier was a complete mystery, but where they stood now, there was little to no time to speculate on the finer details of its mechanics.
Saya’s hand naturally hovered near the floating thread, her skin inching slightly closer and closer with each passing second. On one hand, she wanted to touch the darkness, to see if it still functioned the same as a regular soul.
If what they were faced against was merely cosmetic, then there would be nothing to worry about. But on the other hand, if the darkness did affect her in a drastic way, there would be a possibility she would collapse onto the ground again, or at the very least, feel the same intense pain that she did while in Yucu Saa.
Shutting one eye, she slowly made contact with the thread, but it simply phased through as if it was an illusion created by the air.
The very lack of reaction shocked Saya, as she would always feel something when grazing a thread, which was one of the primary reasons why she always hated using her ability. To see someone’s soul and threaten their life was something that brought bile up to her mouth.
“I can’t see his life. More importantly, I can’t see where his soul is.”
Backing off from the boy slightly, Andalia asked, “Where might it usually be found?”
“It varies from person to person, but their magical gears and Birthmarks are always linked with one another.”
“Naturally,” Andalia affirmed.
Saya went on, “But all the light inside him is being constantly drained by the black hole where his heart would be.”
“It could be that it's draining magical energy to maintain the barrier, but I’m genuinely not sure where he’s getting the overwhelming amount of magical supply from.”
The two mages stood still in the room, deep in thought, while the survivors had tuned them out long ago, lying on the ground or curling up into a fetal position to wallow in their despair. From their perspectives, the two individuals were simply speaking to speak, with no weight or significance to their words.
Having lost everything, all they cared about now was their own survival.
If I can’t even touch the thread, that means I can’t pull it. Not that I want to kill a child, but, what other choice do we have?
On one hand, we could just leave the city as is. I mean, it’s basically dead anyway. Andalia said so herself, there are no survivors.
“I would strongly advise you not to pursue that.” As if reading her mind, Andalia stared daggers at Saya.
“But if there’s no way to break the barrier, what other choice do we have?” Saya asked, unmoved from her glare. She had grown so used to Veronica’s cruelty that the demi-human’s attempts at threatening her felt like child’s play.
“I’m not entirely certain, but I cannot allow that monster to run rampant in Aimafina.”
Being so focused on the barrier, Saya had completely forgotten the fact that they hadn’t even killed the monster. True, if it ever managed to leave the barrier, then not only would Aimafina be threatened, but possibly the world as well.
On the off chance that the monster might go to Atrila next, it would mean that Albo would be placed in great danger.
It’s a selfish reason, but I can’t afford to let that thing go.
Deep down, before she came to that realization, a part of her wanted to simply shout out that this was no longer her problem. And if she had been the same person from two weeks ago, there’s no doubt she actually would have. But as things were now, just the thought of the people of Hunfor, Atrila, or even just Redus troubled her.
True, the people from the village held no relevance in her heart, but the risk of someone else getting hurt was too great to ignore.
“So what do we do then?” Saya questioned. “If the thread only materializes when we’re in the barrier, that means we have to take him back and pull his thread.”
The Priestess raised her palm, signaling for Saya to pause. “What do you suppose happens when one pulls at a thread?”
“...”
“They die.”
Pausing, and with a sigh, Andalia responded, “I suppose… we have little choice in the matter then.”
“I’m surprised you were that fast to accept it,” Saya fired back.
With how much of a mother-like vibe Saya was getting from her, she expected the Priestess to be completely against the idea of killing him.
“A few minutes ago, you looked like you were ready to rip my head apart for even thinking that.”
Andalia didn’t seem rattled one bit by Saya’s comment, instead replying with a calm demeanor, “Indeed. However, bearing the loss of a single child would weigh far less on me than placing hundreds, perhaps thousands, at risk.”
“What sort of priestess would I be, if I were to place one life above so many? Regardless of how I may appear, I intend to act in accordance with what is best for Aimafina.”
Her patriotism took Saya aback. She had seen it plenty within Hana and Viera, but they would often try their absolute best to make things work out for every party involved. Andalia, on the other hand, didn’t seem to mind taking a faster route in exchange for maximum efficiency.
“For someone who handles souls, you sure seem like you lack one yourself,” Saya stated. Inside, she kept scolding herself for being so hostile towards Andalia. She didn’t know why. Perhaps it was remnants of her rage still itching for a fight, but the insults left her mouth so naturally.
The last time she acted in this way was in the presence of Veronica. But unlike her, Andalia had treated her with nothing but absolute respect, which made her behavior feel all too weird, even for herself.
“Your assessment may not be entirely mistaken. However, it is not by my own will that I handle souls, but by the choosing of the Tree of Life.”
“You? Or your family?” Saya asked.
Closing her eyes in disbelief, Andalia took a step back, leaning against the cabin’s wooden wall. She raised her right leg, bending it so that the sole of her foot also touched the wall. Crossing her arms, she replied.
“My family name may have borne the Tree’s will for generations. Even so, were we to prove lacking as individuals, I have no doubt the Tree would have chosen another in our place.”
“It seems your hostility stems from an objection to harming the boy. Should you have an alternative, however, I would be more than willing to hear it.”
Saya was shocked. After all the insults and animosity she had shown towards Andalia, she not only managed to maintain her composure, but also point out a resistance within Saya that she herself hadn’t even realized.
“True, I don’t like the idea of having to kill a kid. But it’s not like I don’t understand the risks of not pulling his thread either.”
With that, Andalia had gotten a visual on the fish she was hunting. Having Saya show vulnerability was her first step in securing her aid. While she carried the composure and mannerisms of someone sweet, she had no problem twisting narratives to end up benefitting her in the long run.
Rummaging through her memories, she finally tossed the rod, its hook pierced with top-grade bait.
“If you would assist me in restoring the city of Yucu Saa, I shall devote all that I can to helping you find the one you seek, so that your friend may yet be saved.”
Saya’s eyes widened. “What?!”
Hook, line, and sinker. No matter what Saya would say from here on out, Andalia would easily be able to loop the conversation back around to Albo. With enough persuasion, it was only a matter of time before Saya would submit to her mind games.
Andalia would be lying if she claimed she felt good about tricking such a young mage, especially someone who seemed to have the official backing of the Butterfly Mage. While her manipulation directed towards older, greedier, and more bastardly nobles was completely satisfying, she felt slimy having to do the same to someone so seemingly innocent.
If she helps me, then I’ll have the backing of both Fridan and Aimafina.
Deactivating her Soul Sight, her eyes glanced over to the unconscious boy, his sleeping face shrouding her heart in doubt. If they were to re-enter the barrier, then it would mean that she wouldn’t be able to take her time like she usually would.
Yanking a thread not only gave her immense mental pain, but would also leave the victim in an unrecognizable state, as nothing but clumps of blood and meat.
She recalled what happened to Professor Hector in that moment. Was this truly the path to take in order to save someone?
“If I do this, I’d be no better than Rias.”
From Saya’s perspective, they both were committing gory crimes against humanity for the sake of fulfilling their own personal goals. Of course, objectively, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While yes, they were both pursuing a goal, Rias Sol reveled in the act of consuming people’s flesh, feeding upon their looks of despair.
There were no similarities whatsoever, and the fact that Saya even doubted her actions already set her far apart from the likes of the mud-man. But being so consumed in self-doubt, the traumatized mage couldn’t come to that realization herself.
Even so…
One life, no matter how young, is worth the trade for thousands.
Maybe I’m kidding myself with that line of thinking, but if that’s what it takes to get me to do what I have to do, then I’ll do it.
I just… can’t ever let Albo know I did this for him. He’d be devastated.
Her heart pounded relentlessly, each beat slamming against her chest like it was trying to escape, her breaths turning shallow and uneven as a tight knot twisted in her stomach. A cold prickle crept along her skin, her thoughts racing faster than she could grasp, leaving her caught between panic and hesitation.
Swallowing hard, she finally brought forth every inch of determination within her to muster a single word. If she were to say it, there would be no going back on her choice, finalizing whatever action she would take from here on out.
Hitching her breath, she finally stated…
“Fine.”
There was no satisfaction within Andalia, just acceptance of her duties. Her shoulders lowered, the tension leaving her body with a loud, audible exhale. Uncrossing her arms, she finally stood back up straight, walking back towards the unconscious boy.
With the new added silence between both her and Saya, every bit of the cabin’s details was amplified. From the clicking of her platform shoes tapping against the rough wooden floor, to the soft chimes of the bells adorning her uniform resonating across the room, bouncing from wall to wall. Even the faint creak of the wooden walls settling and the soft rustle of fabric brushing against itself seemed to echo louder than they should, filling the quiet space.
Alternatively, Saya continued to stare at Uru, lamenting even the thought of having to go through this entire process. Her heart had grown heavy, almost weighing her body down to the point where even a single motion in her arm felt impossible.
Finally breaking the awkward void between them, Andalia spoke in a clear tone, “If it can be helped, we should avoid direct conflict. As you are the only one capable of dismantling his soul, I will take it upon myself to divert the beast.”
“But you already know how that turned out last time.”
Saya quietly nodded, her head hanging slightly low as her eyes refused to let go of Uru’s face. She clenched her lower jaw in an attempt to stop herself from crying. Not out of shame, but for the sake of her own sanity.
She was already confronted with the revelation of not being able to cure Albo through medicine, and if she were to break down now, there was no telling if she would be able to get back up.
“If only you could be the one to do the deed…” Saya spoke under her breath. But with Andalia’s uniquely sharp animal ears, she heard every single word. Still, she bore no resentment, and did not deny the fact that she wouldn’t have committed, had she been given the opportunity.
Walking past Saya, she replied, “Even so, his soul would remain in this world. Perhaps this is precisely the role you were meant to fulfill. To offer salvation to those fated to perish.”
“With a soul so deeply darkened, there’s no way of knowing whether, beneath the appearance of peaceful slumber, he endures something far worse than death.”
“Please don’t trouble yourself too deeply. It may be kinder to think of it as saving his life.”
Tapping her right shoulder, Andalia made her way toward the still open door, stepping past it before gently closing it behind her.
Sinking to the floor, Saya’s mind plunged into a deep descent of self-hatred. The world around her drained of its color, fading into black and gray, while the sounds around her dulled, leaving only the slow thud of her heartbeat and her labored breaths.
To do all this for the sake of one boy. She told herself it was for the sake of saving lives, but deep down, the truth was far more simple. She simply wished for nothing but Albo’s safety, and bringing him back to the world of the living.
Was it so bad that she was acting in her own self-interest? There was no doubt that Albo would despise her if he were to ever find out about the decision that she made on this night. The mere thought of having to keep a secret this big felt like an iron hand was squeezing her heart dry.
Can I bring myself to keep a secret this big from him? Do I have it in me to tell him the truth?
What if he hates me. What if he never talks to me again.
But… I’m doing it for him.
He’d be grateful, at least, right?
Right?
No, she knew him too well to even try to fool herself.
Even if he hates me. Even if he never wants to talk to me ever again.
At least, he’ll be alive to do so.
As long as he can be happy one day, that’s more than enough for me.
“▅▂▃▃▄▄▅▅ ! ! !”
A loud, guttural roar vibrated from the distance, shaking the very foundation of the cabin itself. Like bracing for an earthquake, the survivors all embraced each other. Some took cover under the beds, while others tried to make their way towards the door in fear of falling debris.
In that exact moment, a burst of magical energy exploded from within the room, sending Saya and the rest of the survivors flying across the room. Her body thudded against the impact, sharply awakening her muscles and magical gears back into full defensive mode, as the arcane energy within her started to fluctuate unpredictably.
Barely managing to hang on to her consciousness, she reactivated her Soul Sight, the world sinking into a deep state of blue. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw endless streams of dark energy firing out from the boy’s soul. Like a violent current, it lashed outward, tearing into everything around him, rotting the wood and eroding the metal.
Gritting her teeth, Saya tried to get back up, but was immediately pushed back down. The energy being sprayed out far surpassed her own blue lightning, as the hair on her body rose in utter anxiety. Her bladder couldn’t help but loosen in fear of the energy running through every crevice of her body.
“▅▂▃▃▄▄▅▅ ! ! !”
Another roar. This time, Andalia burst the door open to her left, rushing inside the cabin. Snapping her head toward her, Saya exclaimed, her voice strained and urgent as she tried to steady herself against the pressure.
“The soul! It got darker! There are threads everywhere!”
What Saya saw was something undeniably fantastic, but also equally horrifying. The thread attached to the boy’s soul had grown longer, phasing through solid objects and spreading outward like a spiderweb, stretching across every inch of the cabin in thick lines of dark energy.
“▅▂▄▄▃▄▄▅▅ ! ! !”
“▂▂▃▃▄▄▄▄▅▅▅▅!! ! ! !”
“▅▂▃▃▄▄▅▅ ! ! !”
With each roar, the energy in the room grew stronger. The survivors had all fallen onto the ground, foam bubbling from their mouths as their eyes rolled to the back of their heads, showing nothing but a chilling white.
A vortex of wind spiraled from within the cabin, tearing the roof apart. Grabbing the robe wrapped around her neck, Andalia pulled Saya out of the cabin as quickly as she could, tossing her toward a nearby tree.
Nature did not take well to the eerie, monstrous roars from the distance, as trees threatened to fall over and the ground was on the verge of rising. Leaves trembled violently along their branches, some tearing free and scattering through the air, while the soil quivered in uneven ripples beneath their feet, as if something below was trying to break through.
From Saya’s deduction, there was still quite a bit of distance between where they were and where the roar was originating from. But having witnessed the monster’s speed, it would only be a matter of time before they were discovered, especially if this boy truly was the anchor for not only the barrier, but the monster’s existence.
Fighting against the resistance of the magic pulling reality inward, Andalia barely managed to get by Saya’s side. Both their arms were raised instinctively to protect their eyes from damage, as they could do nothing but watch the cabin be shredded into nothing but pieces of splintered wood.
Then, a loud sonic boom cracked through the air. In the next moment, the same gray monster that they had been avoiding landed in front of them, kicking up a dust storm. The impact sent a violent shockwave across the ground, rattling their bones as loose dirt and pebbles scattered in every direction, the air thickening with grit that stung against their skin.
When their vision cleared, they were met with the monster, now standing tall before them, cradling the boy in its arms.