The Tale of Fakery

Amongst the young generations of this world that fell into corruption, there exist children with
powers to alter the world. The ability to make a choice whether to make better or to bring
downfall. A “gift” that will change the fate of everything.

But with such strange powers, people will come to fear it. The society that still refuses change
pushes away the differences of these children with “gifts”. Pushed into isolation, locked away
from the outside world. With no knowledge of reality, surely these children would not be able to
do anything, right?

Chapter 1

A Vision through Time

In the country of Astria, far to the edge of its vast land and across a large body of the sea, there
exists an island with a forest so beautiful, it was an enchanting greenery. At the heart of the
forest, a tall mountain stood proud, its peak never visible no matter how you look.

To most, it was only a beautiful sight, a treasure of the country. But to the reality of the Astrian
royal family, it was a barricade. A prison that cages away their most feared prophecy. The ones
that the royal soothsayer called “gifted” children.

Dreading the change that those children could bring, the Queen sent away a decade’s generation
of children to that island under the pretense of it being a school.

Indeed, there was then an academy created on the island. But it was not for the purpose that it
was meant to be. It was only to find the accursed gift and suppress them for the sake of the royal
family to not lose their reign over the country.

The children then grew as if they went to school as they usually would. Those who were free of
those gifts would then return to their daily life back in the mainland of Astria. But for the rest
who possess such gifts, they would never be able to leave.
Even so, that was the story of twenty years ago. The ruler had changed. They no longer send
away children to that island. And the Astrian royal family still held its sovereignty over the
country.

But the children that never left that island remained forgotten. They grew on their own on that
island, honing their gifts, believing that they were chosen to be there. It was a place where they
belonged, so they stayed.

They stayed in the academy called “Little Garden”, the sanctuary away from reality and society.
A place with hopes that is made of lies. Believing in their gift that was also a curse.

Little Garden was a name given by one of the gifted child in the academy. It was said to have
meant that the beautiful island was like a little garden to the country’s mainland.

The academy itself was lousily built but was said to have been made so that the buildings
incorporates itself with the nature surrounding it.

Tall, hollow trees became lodgings, vines strewn across branches were made into hanging
bridges and the river and natural hot springs became the only bathing provision.

The only brick building that was on the island was the great office. Back then, the staffs of the
academy would stay there. But now it’s only a brittle building waiting to crumble.

Some of the children had enjoyed discovering the flowers and herbs that was in the forest so
there were occasional patches of plants adorning the outside of the lodging areas. The florae gave
a warm, welcoming feeling if one were to walk through the area.

Although seemingly a thick forest, the sunlight could still filter through the leaves of the trees
and brighten up the floor of the woods.

Nearing the area near the foot of the mountains, there were wooden decks, caves and mine
entrances where there used to be mining and excavating activities. The forest thinned out as it
nears the mountain so wooden huts dots the area to provide a form of shelter.
The river that was within the forest flowed from a waterfall high up on the mountain so there was
also a wooden lodging nearby the waterfall area where the children would stay in during the
warmer seasons.

Because the academy is on an island, the only way there was by boat or ship. When the academy
was still running, ships and boats would regularly come by to pick up the teaching staffs. But
after the last few students and teachers left, no one ever came to that island.

After the years that passed, no one seemed to have remembered that there were still people on
the island so there they stayed, slowly being forgotten by the world.

There weren’t that many people left on this island. In fact, there are only three people living on
this island now. And all three of them are living apart. Though the island seemed small compared
to the mainland, it was still big enough for the island’s residents to live far apart.

And in one part of the island, lived one of the solitary residents, Airene. She lived in one of the
lodging trees where it was nearest to the hot spring area that was in abundance near the
mountains.

The area she had chosen had convenient her well as there was facilities nearby but she was still
away from others. It was also one of the areas where there was grass clearings exposed to direct
sunlight. The area was made into a garden of the flowers and herbs that she found on the island.

The way the girl treated her surrounding was as if she owned the area and as such, she often
overreacts when her territory gets breached. Once in a while, someone would come over for her
cultivated products to trade but usually she makes sure that no one enters her area.

Whenever anyone meets her, she would be plainly dressed in monotone coloured blouses with a
wide skirt that stops above her ankle. Her feet are usually covered with a pair of ankle boots with
matching stockings. Occasionally, pastel coloured cardigan would drape over her shoulders.

As a person, she would be described as passive and ignorant. Having lived alone even when the
island was populated, the current state of her surrounding was well suited to her life style.
At the back side of the mountain, the sole male resident of the island, Xenos had set base. A
small port was built for the purpose of experimental ships-crafting and a branching set of tunnels
were dug through the mountain and its undergrounds for convenience’s sake.

Usually dressed in a plain woollen jumper with a pair of plain pants paired with leather boots, he
would equip himself with his self-developed light-weight armour whenever he leaves his lodging.
Along with the armour, he also always bring along Astyr, his trusty sword.

Xenos was known to be a master of blacksmithing, having crafted a sizeable amount of weapons
and tools in the past, he also had his own workshop set up on the island.

Having majored in alchemy even during the school years, his weapon workshop also doubles as
his science lab. But due to the high likeliness of explosive accidents occurring, he had to put
himself quite the distance away from the other residents.

Emotionally and mentally unstable, he still, however, frequented visiting the island’s other two
residents. The reason for it being his realization over his destructive habits that often times cause
huge damage to the island’s natural environment.

Usually visiting Airene who lives closer by, he would come over to borrow books or trade his
tools for her herbs. The older girl would treat him kindly whenever he comes by but sometimes,
he would come into a bipolar state which would cause some problems.

In those situations, Fidelia would come to help. A little less on the passive side, she would beat
some sense into Xenos’ head or Xen as she calls him, just to make sure that he’s kept in line.

Fidelia lived by the waterfall as she manages the lodging houses for the summer back when the
academy was still running. The area she lived in was also quite nearby to the old staff’s office.

As a person who frequented in battle, Fidelia would often see Xenos to discuss about the
development of new weapons as well as refinement of old ones. Fidelia also provide insights to
Xenos’ prototypes as she was much more capable in weapon wielding than Xenos is.
Aside from weapons, Fidelia also learns ranged magic which she often practices up in the
mountains which would occasionally land dangerously close to the other two residents’ living
area.

Fidelia is often seen dressed in short sleeved shirt with denim cargo pants. With her hair tied into
side pony-tail, a utility belt equipped with her weapons wrapped around her waist and her battle
axe slung on her back, she upheld her status as a warrior guild member.

However, the side of her that is rowdy and disruptive became an annoyance, particularly to
Airene. Especially because of how easy it is to exploit a passive and quiet person, Airene’s
garden became a recurring victim of destruction.

Not only were the plants uprooted and destroyed, even the soils were horribly messed up and
Airene had to fix the loams and dirt mixture together before replanting the herbs and flowers
again.

But despite all differences, the three lived peacefully on the island. It was as if nothing wrong
ever happened. Yet, the reality was that the island was a prison. A cage that is trying to hide
away what society deemed to have been monsters.

And the realization of that reality would then become the trigger that decides the fate of the
country of Astria.

Waking up every day only to realize that it’s just another cycle of the same 24 hours was never
the greatest feeling. It was akin to being trapped within a phase of repetition where all senses
would slowly dull away into nothingness.

That was how Xenos felt about the days he had lived on the nearly desolate island of Little
Garden. It was nothing but boredom. There was nothing new that happened. In the past four
years that the academy had closed, all there is was the time trickling away.

He felt empty to the point where what would have been serenity for another, became chaos to
him. His mind was searching for something. There was a desire deep within him that was
clouded by the indolence of the island.
As Xenos lifted his head from the desk in his workshop, he realized that he had fallen asleep
while waiting for the materials he smelted to cool down. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he
decided that it would be for the better if he took a break from working in the workshop.

After making sure to shut down all his furnaces, he walked out of his workshop and took the
mine cart through the branched tunnels to head towards Airene’s living area.

Xenos remembered well why he didn’t decide to rebel and leave the island when the others could.
But it was still something he always had second thoughts about when his mind is in idle.
Especially because his reasoning to stay behind was only because of Airene.

Airene who also received a letter to stay behind in Little Garden had passively agreed to the
order and seemed to have no objections to the matter. Xenos who thought that she was forced
into it had tried multiple times to persuade her into secretly leaving but was rejected every time.

On the other hand, Fidelia did not reject the order of staying in Little Garden as well but instead
for the reason that is, she had nothing to return to.

The thought of those two who he had considered friends not agreeing with him caused a huge
conflict in his head. Not only because he wanted to leave the island but also because there was a
void within him that he felt, could only be found in the outside world.

Even if it was years ago, everything still felt fresh in his memories. The way he was
discriminated by the community just because of the label put on him. The title that made people
reject him in fear; the element of the prophecy.

He hated everyone who looked down on him as if he was a monster. The way that they made of
him was unbearable. He wished that he could just destroy them all but he could never come up
with the courage to actually do it.

But when he looked at Fidelia who could still mingle with everyone else and Airene who still
treated others with just, he thought that it was worth the chance of trying to change his outlook
towards life for the better.
And yet, fragments of seemingly dormant memories flashed in his dreams. Bloody scenes that
triggered his anger and rage, familiar faces stained in red that made him feel like bursting into
tears.

Shaking the dark thoughts out of his mind, he looked ahead to see that the exit of the tunnel was
nearing. Deftly controlling the mine cart’s brake, it stopped just before getting itself derailed.

Xenos jumped out of the mine cart and walked towards the direction of the clearing where
Airene’s garden is. Generally, the older girl would be in her garden during the day, observing the
growth of her plants and would be in her lodging, studying during the night.

But to the younger boy’s surprise, she was at neither of those places when he arrived. He looked
around the whole perimeter of her garden as well as the tree lodging areas she commonly used
but she was nowhere to be found.

Going into her lounge area where she usually sits to read her books, he noticed that the books
were all scattered on the floor. It seemed like she had been looking for a book but somehow was
not able to find it.

However, one book stood out amongst the rest. The book was placed nicely on a table top and it
looked older but more well cared than the other books.

The book had a leather cover with a string that acts as a sort of lock as well as binding the book
together, as it seems that the papers in the book were not bind together.

As Xenos undid the bow that the string was tied into, his sight blurred to a blinding white. He
felt as though the light was burning into his iris until suddenly everything faded away, as did his
consciousness.

Waking up in state of blur, Xenos tried to discern his condition only to realize he was stuck on
his knees. Unable to control his body, his head tilted up on its own and he saw a familiar figure
towering over him.
And that person was none other than himself. The only thing is his face was contorted into an
expression of utter cruelty. Noticing the sword above him, it swung right down to his neck with a
clean slicing noise.

Bracing for the pain, he closed his eyes tight only to see another flash of light before waking up
yet again.

This time, he was lying on a luxurious bed in a room that he was unaccustomed with. He stood
up and walked towards a dresser unwillingly as he still couldn’t gain control over his body.

As he looked at the mirror on his dresser, he realized that he wasn’t in his own body but rather
the body of the old king of Astria.

The realization caused a wincing pain within his head, warping his surroundings. Flashes of his
past and lost memories flickered through his vision.

His thoughts became a mess as he heard screams of his own voice blaring in his mind.

“Kill? The king? Me?”

But before he could think any further, his consciousness gave up on him and he blacked out.
Looking Into The Past

Walking along the sandy beach, Airene tread upon the warm sand with her bare feet. With her
boots held in her hand, she let her sore toes relax with the searing warmth that the sun has gifted
upon the sands.

The salty sea breeze blew and sifted through her hair. As the whispery voice of the winds passed
by, her chocolate eyes widened as if in realization. Hurriedly putting on her boots, she ran back
into the forest towards the mountain.

Her wide skirt getting in the way, she lifted it by a bit and continued running towards her
destination. As she ran, the apparent looseness of her boots became much more obvious as it kept
slipping off her feet.

Finally reaching the outskirts of her garden area, she slowed down but kept a brisk pace, keenly
walking towards her lounge area. Her face was still blank but her eyes held an amount of
determination.

Opening the door of her lounge area, she was met with the mess she had left the room in earlier
on. But at the very center, Xenos laid limp on the floor with a mess of papers around him.

“What happened here?” Through Airene’s telepathy, a soft, slightly husky voice rang through
the empty space even though she hadn’t even opened her mouth. As her voice reverberated, the
scattered papers that were around Xenos gathered and bind itself back in its leather cover.

And from that book, it metamorphosed into particles of light and finally, formed a tall, feminine
mystical being. The eyes of said being slowly opened, her lashes fluttering ever so slightly. With
her lips slightly apart, there came a crystal-like voice voicing her reply.

“… I am terribly sorry. I have shown him of the fragments of the history that his heart had
desired for. It seems that his yearning had overpowered my senses and his subconscious took
control of my power.”

Airene took a deep breath as she scratched the back of her head. Glancing towards the
unconscious younger boy, a hint of disgust came through her expressions.
“Sylvette,” Airene looked straight at the mystical female being. “Please carry this person out of
my area and tell him to not come and see me ever again,”

A regretful expression coloured Sylvette’s eyes as she slowly lowered her head in compliance to
Airene’s request. Carrying the younger boy was no hassle for Sylvette as he was way smaller
compared to her. But it was rather awkward as she had no idea how to lift the boy up without
causing him any discomfort.

Annoyed at how long taking out a single person out of her area was taking, Airene snapped with
a repulsed look, “Just carry him on your shoulders. I doubt that he’d be bothered… It’s his fault
for intruding my personal area anyway.”

Slightly astonished by the irritated attitude, it took a moment before she complied, “As you wish.”

After Sylvette left with the boy on her shoulder, Airene started to arrange her books back in
place, trying to soothe the headache she was experiencing from all the disarray that just
happened through her day.

“My goodness, why is today so troublesome? I couldn’t find the book I wanted, wasn’t able to
even have a decent stroll to let my mind off my troubles and then, there’s this idiot breaking into
my house messing with my things.”

Taking another deep breath, Airene continued putting her books on the shelves accordingly. As
she does that, she came across a worn book with “Plant Growth Chart and Observation”
roughly written on its cover.

Seeing the book, she took yet another deep breath. Slamming the book that she had looked for in
a fluster earlier that morning down on her table, she continued arranging her books until
everything was back in place.

Tired out from all the work, she walked towards her kitchen and pulled out a tin of tea leaves and
glass jar of ginger biscuits. Preparing some hot water to make tea, she decided to munch the
biscuits to relieve her hunger.
After the water boiled, she poured it into the teapot with a spoonful of tea leaves. Being the
sweet tooth she is, a generous amount of sugar was put into the mix as well. After letting the tea
leaves flavour infuse and the sugar had dissolved completely, she strained the tea leaves and
threw them away.

Bringing the teapot and biscuit jar back to her lounge area, she placed them on her small table
next to her lazy chair. After pouring herself a cup of tea, she sat herself on the chair and began to
enjoy her delightful evening tea.

As she was eating the biscuits, Sylvette finally came back from her trip to sending away Xenos
back to his place. Just as she started to return to her book form, Airene stopped her and asked,
“What part of the history was it that he wanted to know so much?”

Sylvette sat herself on the couch across Airene. Hesitancy was evident in her expression but she
began anyway.

“It was the day of the prophecy. The one where the late King of Astria had his dream of where
the current ruling royal family will have its downfall against children possessing powers of the
four elements.

It seemed that he also saw his past that was erased from his memories. His whole family was
massacred as they had strongly fought against him being taken away. It was a very bloody
memory that… even I was given quite the fright.

And then, there were also fragments of the future, ones where you would leave this island, ones
where Miss Fidelia would go through much suffering and ones where almost all of us would die
a horrible and tragic death.

I think that not only was he yearning for lost memories, his mind is rather broken and seemingly
desire much revenge even at the cost of another’s life. Even though you and him were frie–”
“You can stop there. I’ve heard enough. I don’t think that such a future would ever occur. Why
would I ever leave this island anyway? He can leave for all I care if he so desires. Fidelia could
suffer if that is what’s meant to happen,” Airene coldly interrupted.

Before Sylvette could say anything back, she continued, “One might say that nothing is ever set
in stone but I have no desire for the outside world. As such, here is where I’ll stay… and here is
where I remain. That is the future I wish for. It’s as simple as that.”

Stunned at the firm statement, Sylvette could only reply with a simple, “Indeed.” Passing a piece
of biscuit and a cup of tea, Airene silent invitation to join her for tea was accepted just as silently.

After the both of them finished their drink and snack, Airene stood up and tidied the cutlery
away. After putting the biscuit jar away, she immediately started to wash the cups and saucer as
well as the teapot.

Sylvette, still sat in the couch, fiddled with her fingers, trying to think of a way to make her
friend think else way.

She and Airene had met when the latter girl had been very young. Being a spirit, she was then,
already beyond the thousand year age. Thinking that the girl would be scared, she hid away from
her only to be chased after by the little girl.

“Why are you chasing after me? Do you not fear me, little girl?” she asked as she had finally tire
out from running away. Despite being a spiritual being, she still had a limit to her energy and
constantly flying away from a pursuing healthy young girl was not ideal to maintain energy.

“For what reason should I be afraid of you? Rather, I am quite curious of what you are,” was the
reply. The little girl looked up at her as she was sat high up on a tree branch.

“Well I never. Should I not be even more so curious to have found such a strange little girl?”
Sylvette thought as she smiled to herself, looking at the girl who’s looking up with her wide
eccentric eyes.

As she carefully examined those eyes however, she noticed that her eyes were mismatched as the
left one was a hazelnut brown while the right was onyx black. Feeling assured the girl was not
going to call someone to catch her or do anything to harm her, Sylvette brought herself down to
the ground. “I’m Sylvette Amaryllis. What’s your name?” she asked with a gentle voice.

“I’m Airene,” she answered curtly. Slightly confused with her answer, Sylvette asked another
question, “What’s your family name?”

“I don’t like my family name. I don’t need it. It’s horrible,” the girl answered monotonously.
Thinking that the girl was just being a rebellious child, she tried looking into her eyes only to see
that it was blank. An empty but genuine look that made the thousand year old spirit instinctively
back away.

Putting her thoughts together again, she queried a different question. “What about your own
name? Wasn’t it given by the same people who gave you your family name?”

“I was abandoned. I was adopted. I gave myself this name. I don’t like the family I belong to.”

A bit stunned, Sylvette was, however a bit sceptic at the girl’s story. It seemed so surreal and
almost like a lie. But then, she said it so plainly with that empty gaze, it was difficult to tell
whether she just made up that story or she was telling the truth.

Going a few years after their meeting, Sylvette had decided to be Airene’s companion and has
stayed with her, silently observing the girl from afar. In that small amount of years, it became
apparent that what the girl had told about her family was not just mere fabrication.

It really was true that there was a distance between Airene and her adoptive family. Even as she
stayed at home, her parents would leave for business trips and parties. As such, she was often
alone in the big mansion that she lived in.

Her family was considerably wealthy yet the girl didn’t seem to particularly live her life well.
Even as she attended school, she would keep to herself unless there’s something that interests her.
And even that was rather rare, as the things that she likes are often obscure.

However, she’s not completely cold and ignorant towards everyone. It’s just that she doesn’t like
attention. And so, even if she does interact with others, she would do so quietly and discreetly, as
if she doesn’t want anyone to know she existed.
This made Sylvette thought that she was a shy person. But then after further observation, that
was actually not the case. Airene actually had quite a few close friends which she would meet
occasionally. And she was rather talkative and open when she talks with them.

After some time and more observations, Sylvette came to the conclusion that the girl is just a
very calculative girl. Human bonds were akin to mere science formula. Every give and take
carefully balanced so she wouldn’t be retributed.

And if it isn’t with her friends, she would try to make sure that she owes them nothing. It also
became apparent that she’s quite the paranoid person and can’t seem to trust other people.

This personality of hers was constant up until she left for Little Garden. Although the change
was not obvious, Sylvette noticed that Airene slowly became more and more hostile towards the
society.

And so, instead of her usual cold replies that she gives, now people would just get a death stare
from her whenever they try talking to the girl. And to some extent, she would completely avoid
meeting people.

It wasn’t so bad since she’s still willing to cooperate for compulsory activities but her attitude
just continues to worsen more and more. At that point, Sylvette decided to try and help Airene to
get up from her slump.

After that, they often have small talks with each other, keeping Airene’s thoughts rational and
collected. Slowly, Sylvette realized that the girl was actually very mature for her age and thinks
in a very logical way.

But it became too logical it makes her seem to not have any feelings and instead runs
mechanically like a machine. It was not entirely true because she does have emotions and she
still has the desire to have a real connection to another. It’s only that her paranoia keeps all her
feelings hidden away.

After some time, Sylvette thought that Airene would’ve become better. But an unprecedented
incident happened that caused the girl to return to her dark side; a tragic event that killed her trust
for humankind.
Airene’s main study at Little Garden was scriptures and language. Learning magic chants and
reading ancient hieroglyphics of the world’s dark history was her forte. It was an ability that she
mastered almost flawlessly.

To the point of where she was deemed dangerous by the Astrian royal family. And so by the
order of the king, an assassin was sent into the school under the disguise of Little Garden’s staff.
But as all chants are meant to be vocally executed, she was only rid of her voice and not her life.

Even so, that night was painful to remember. Her vision completely blinded, her body turned
numb only to suddenly feel a sharp blade slicing into the skin of her neck. And without a
moment to discern the situation, she felt something being ripped out of her throat.

Slowly after, the numbness disappeared and the wincing pain came in like a blasting gust. It hurt
so much yet she couldn’t make a sound. At that point, she realized it had been her vocal cord that
was ripped out of her throat.

For the longest time, Airene laid on the cold uneven floor that she didn’t even know where it was.
Eventually, someone found her, already unconscious, but still able to be recovered. Because of
that incident however, she was sent back to her home to recuperate.

When she reached home however, the mansion was empty and it was then she was told that her
parents had moved away. Although the house was not sold, most of the things that used to
decorate the interior were gone.

Save for the old couches and the bed in the guest room, the place had become empty. And so did
Airene’s heart. For not only did she lose a place to belong to, she also lost her trust in humanity.

“That’s a rare sight…” Airene’s telepathic voice brought Sylvette back from the spaced out state
she was in. A bit startled, Sylvette shook her head off her memories of the past before replying,
“My apologies. As we had been on the topic, I also started to ponder on it quite a bit.”
“If it’s anything to do with wanting me to leave this island, I believe you know full well that is a
decision that I made quite some time ago,” Airene replied despite nothing of the matter being
mentioned.

Sylvette’s gaze became down casted as she melancholically smiled at the statement. Knowing
her these past years, she knows perfectly fine of the fact that the girl doesn’t want to have
anything to do with the outside world anymore.

Even so, Sylvette genuinely wishes that there would be something that could help her believe,
even a little bit, that the world is still a beautiful place to live in. But seeing how firmly the girl is
making her statements, Sylvette decided to keep to herself for the moment.

“If I may, I shall take my leave. Good day to you, Airene,” Sylvette bid her farewell greetings as
she bubbles back into her book form. Landing on top of the small table that was in the lounge
area, Airene tenderly gazed at it before complying, “Good day to you as well, Sylvette.”
The Girl with a Heart of Ice

Waking up again in his workshop, the feeling of déjà vu became evident as Xenos felt sure that
he had already waked up some hours ago. It didn’t feel like he slept long enough for it to already
be the next day either.

He then realized that he wasn’t on his desk but instead sitting against the wall near the entrance
of his workshop. Rather confused that he had slept somewhere unlike him, he tried to stand up
only to have rapid bursts of memories flash through his mind. It blinded his vision that he fell
back into the sitting position he was in earlier.

Slowly remembering what he did and connecting the clear parts of the memory burst he had, he
tried pinching his cheek and felt the usual pain that he’d normally feel when he isn’t dreaming.
Now knowing that he is in actual reality, the realization made him panic.

Frozen in place, his eyes darted everywhere trying to find something to reassure himself. As his
gaze passed over his pin board, he noticed a note that hadn’t been there before. In a simple neat
handwriting, “Please do not meet Airene under any circumstances” was written on the paper.

Processing what it meant, it worsened his anxiety once he fully understood. For quite some time,
he sat there trying to think of what he should do. But all of a sudden, he just stood up and started
to continue his blacksmithing work.

His expression was still of one in deep thought but his hands started to work on his weapons. It
wasn’t that strange but Xenos had a habit of ignoring his problems even when he’s put face to
face with it.

However, things didn’t go so well as he kept taking the wrong tools and burning his fingers with
the molten materials. As hard as he tried to take his mind of it, things like murder and death was
too difficult for him to just feign ignorance over.

Ripping the fresh note of warning from his pin board, he crumpled it and threw it away before
running straight back to Airene’s area of residence. Not finding his mine cart, he decided to just
run all the way through the tunnel.
It was quite the large distance to simply run which was why he had installed a rail and cart
system through the tunnel. But having no other choice, he tried to endure the exhaustion that was
slowing him down and continued running.

Because the tunnel wasn’t properly lit, he tripped a few times, hurting the palm of his hands
when he tried to stop his fall. After what seemed like the tenth time tripping, he had to stop and
take a breath.

Coincidentally, he was at the fork junction where one tunnel led to Airene’s area while the other
would roughly be around Fidelia’s place. And as he was trying to catch his breath, a bright light
blinded his vision.

Whatever it was, it didn’t seem like it would be stopping anytime soon. And it was headed
directly for him so if it didn’t stop, it’ll hit him head on. Contemplating in his mind of what he
should do, his instinct ended up making him scream.

“You sound like a girl. You do know that right? Xen?” A clear feminine voice echoed in the
tunnel. The owner of said voice jumped out of the mine cart which was what the mysterious light
was attached to and she walked over to the trembling boy right in front of it.

“Xen, I’m pretty sure you’ve already passed your puberty so mind explaining why you still have
such a shrill voice?”

Xenos, who finally realized that whatever it was that nearly crashed into him managed to break
in time, looked up and noticed that Fidelia was squatting right in front of him.

Slightly annoyed, Xenos silently stood up, dusting of the dirt that got onto his clothes. Looking
Fidelia in the eye, he begrudgingly answered, “I don’t know, okay? My voice is just like that so
deal with it.”

“Just grow up already. I mean, you’re not stunted or anything right?” she retorted rather bluntly.
Quite hurt by the statement, Xenos decided to continue running to his destination. A bit confused
that the owner of the rail and cart system is going by foot, Fidelia called after him, slowly
moving behind him in her mine cart.

“Would you like to hitch a ride? I don’t know why you’re not using your carts but I think it’s
safe for me to believe that you’re not just being stupid.”

Glancing at the straightforward female in the mine cart, he accepted her offer with a sigh. And so,
the two of them silently headed for Airene’s place.

Sylvette’s book form was only a physical form for Airene to easily communicate with her. As
such, Sylvette’s consciousness is being astral projected so she could travel around and when she
noticed that Xenos was nearing the vicinity of Airene’s area, she immediately made haste to
warn the boy.

Blocking the opening of the mine cart tunnel, Sylvette waited for Xenos to appear only to be
surprised by Fidelia who was sitting at the front. Although her reaction wasn’t obvious, both the
females noticed the evident startle in each other’s eyes.

Fidelia, not recognizing the woman, was quick to her feet and immediately jumped out of the
cart into a defensive pose. Xenos on the other hand completely blanked out. No longer affected,
Sylvette kept her composure and explained her presence.

“Good day, Miss Fidelia… Xenos… I am Sylvette Amaryllis, Miss Airene’s spirit companion. I
am here for the purpose of stopping Xenos from meeting Miss Airene. I believe I have left a
notice stating that you are not to meet her under any circumstances, yes?”

With a scrutinizing stare, Fidelia inquired, “You’re Sylvie? The one that ‘Rene says was her best
friend?” Sylvette was slightly surprised at the nicknames but answers.

“I have never been addressed as her best friend; however, I believe that your assumption is
correct. I do believe that Miss Airene has nothing against you visiting her, as such, I shall not
obstruct your intentions.”
Initially doubting the mysterious women, it took a few blinks of her eyes before Fidelia decided
to just accept it, saying, “Well, okay then. Too bad, Xen. ‘Rene hates you. Bye.”

As Fidelia walks past Sylvette, Xenos finally snapped out of his stupor and called out. “Wait!
What?! Fi’, you’re not gonna help me out?!” His usual squeaky voice sounded. Both Fidelia and
Sylvette cringed slightly at his voice but said nothing.

Fidelia turned her head back and paused. Soon her reply came, breaking all hope for Xenos.
“Nope, I’m not gonna. If she doesn’t want to see you, it’s none of my problem. Besides, Sylvie’s
just a woman. Are you scared you can’t get through her?” she answered, flashing a taunting grin.

Unknowingly, Fidelia had triggered something bad with that action. For a moment, Xenos was
quiet, his head hung low, hidden in the mine cart he still hadn’t left. But in a split second, a
barrage of earth spikes threateningly approached Sylvette and Fidelia.

Sylvette being an astral projection simply phased through the attack. However, Fidelia was in a
susceptible position. Not expecting an attack from someone she knew, her mind blanked out and
her element power’s instinct took over.

All of Xenos’ attack was futilely cut down by Fidelia’s wind slicer. Not wanting to give up,
Xenos created an earth golem and it bounded towards Fidelia. But it didn’t stand a chance as a
telekinetic barrier formed protectively around Fidelia.

With all the chaos that was occurring, Sylvette unintentionally froze time from the panic that the
disorder was giving her. But because it was something her subconscious caused, it only froze
time in a small range.

Airene who noticed the disturbance, went outside only to see an anxious Sylvette, an enraged
Xenos and an unconscious Fidelia. Having had such a bad day, her patience just snapped and she
threw some darts to the latter two as she walked towards her frightened companion.

“I’m sorry…” Sylvette mumbled, her astral projection wavering as she visibly trembled in fear.
Airene sat in front of her, face leaning on her knees. Coming up with words, she sends her
telepathic message.
“It’s okay. I’ve given the two some sedatives. Just calm down and release the two from your
magic. Take a few deep breaths… Maybe think some happy thoughts?”

As Sylvette hears Airene’s soothing non-existent voice, she eventually calmed down and her
magic that was holding Xenos and Fidelia frozen disappeared, letting them drop to the ground.

Airene also collapsed to the ground, lying on her side. Worried for a moment, Sylvette soon
noticed that the younger girl was only tired out. Being unused to eventful situations, even the
slight hectic-ness will cause her severe migraine.

Wishing to be of help, Sylvette decides to move Xenos and Fidelia into a better position, lying
them down on a softer, grassy area. Neither of them were heavily injured as the two had been
using range magic and terribly missed each other so she simply gave them both some antidote.

Despite Airene saying they were sedatives, they were actually poison that has other effects than
simple tranquilization. Having known her for so long, it became ordinary for her to read into the
lines whenever she says something.

Looking at the three children of prophecy lying down in nature so serenely, flashes of the future
came through Sylvette’s mind; ones of where the three of them had bright futures and ones
where they brought their selves into despair.

She knew the past of each one of them. Even if she never wished to peer into their lives, it was a
power that she can’t help but possess. However, truly from her heart, she wished that the three of
them could bring justice to the country of Astria.

“I heard that…” Airene’s telepathic voice said. “You were thinking of us banding together to
bring just to the country… Fixing this rotten world has no meaning. Even if Astria was saved,
what about the rest of the world? Is it even worth saving when… this world is already on the
brink of ending?”

“I don’t want to say this but I really have to tell you. Airene… You have the most beautiful
dreams and the gentlest heart. I know you hate it when I talk about your past but earnestly, I wish
you could live again, like the dreamer you used to be.”
From Sylvette’s words, Airene made a regretful grimace; one that she makes only when her mind
goes back in time, remembering her ambitious past self, her dream of being one of Astria’s Great
Library’s resident. To read the thousands of books and scrolls collected by scholars upon the
years, to help transcript ancient scriptures and learn of the world’s true past.

Despite being lonely, that dream lived in her since she was a child. A desire that was struck when
she first visited the Great Library as the small toddler she was then.

Airene’s perspective on knowledge has differed from most. To her, knowledge was art. An
elegant piece of work that was meant to be weaved together to create more beautiful pieces.
Knowledge was as if sparkles of the stars in the sky, forming links of ethereal constellations.

But that dream dulled away as did her heart. Her faith faded into nothing and she fell into her
repetitive days of falseness.

Waking up to the fresh air of Little Garden, the birds cheerfully chirp sweet songs. Taking
morning dips in the hot springs, Airene lets herself immerse into the beautiful view of Little
Garden’s prided mountain.

Tending to her garden of herbs, routinely charting their growths, taking walks around the
undisturbed nature of the island, collecting books that people had left all over the residence area,
arranging them into her own library assemblage, those were how she spent her day.

And as the night falls and the twilight has passed, she would gaze at the stars. Painting sessions
were the norm. Hundreds of canvases cluttered the attic of her lodging, each day having at least
one piece of work, magnificently done.

Reading, writing, sketching, things that jogged her mind, yet left her in static remains. She lived
a fulfilling but empty life. Like the planet orbiting the sun, Airene went around only to come
back to where she began.

And in that very sort of life, she found solace and peace. Even though she still had blank spaces
in her heart, her work kept her busy. Well acquainted to plants and herbs more than she was to
humans, greeting animals friendlier than she ever did another person.
“I’m already melded into this life. This island is my home. Who would ever want me anyway?
I’m cold to even these two who were the closest to me. Will there ever be a person who’d love me
like this?” Empty mutters ran through her mind, heard through her telepathic waves.

Hearing this, Sylvette responded simply, “In this world, there would be someone who you could
complete their life. And when you meet that person, you’ll find that person completing your life
as well. Then surely, you’ll be enlightened with true happiness.”

With her sentence ended, a long silence followed. And suddenly, it started to snow; elegant
hexagonal crystalline falling from the sky, lining the ever-trifling island of Little Garden with
pure white.

Without realizing, her dormant weather transmuting powers was awakened by her state of mind.
As the icy flakes touched the pallid skin of Airene’s face, it melted into tears, flowing down her
face, forming lines of frost against her cheeks.

Gazing at the gentle snowfall, Sylvette laid herself down onto the blanket of snow that has
formed on the ground, letting herself sink into the soft chills of Airene’s emotions.

With a sullen smile, Sylvette fleetingly thought, “Your frozen heart will surely find warmth; a
kindle of fire that’ll melt the ice encasing yourself. A blooming memory called true love.”
Chapter 2
Search for the True History

I opened my eyes to see soft white snow drizzling down from the sky. The husky whispers of
memories flowed through telepathic waves. I could feel her deepest thought as like they were the
drifting snowflakes in the sky.

It scared me. I didn’t want to hear it. Yet it blared in my ears ever so involuntarily. I don’t want
to know her true feelings of me. It’ll break my heart if I was put to front with it. Had I come to
face that she has hated me this whole time, all my reasoning for behaving would dissolve.

Just like the way the tender snow melt away from the heat I was emitting, the excuses I put up
would disappear. I wouldn’t be able to reason with myself anymore.

“–n! Xen! Wake up!”

I felt my shoulders being shook vigorously with a firm strength I was familiar with. It’s
definitely Fi’. She’s the only female I know who was capable of exerting such a force despite her
feminine figure.

But even though I could see and feel what was happening around me, I couldn’t move. I’ve
completely lost control of my body. It sent a jolt of panic as it reminded me of the flashes of my
past memories.

Suddenly, I felt a sharp slice against my arm. I used all the willpower I had to glance my eyes to
the side. From what I could make of my vision, Sylvette, as I heard her name earlier, sat by me
holding a small blade and a bottle of salve. Not being able to do or even say a thing, I could only
watched from my peripheral vision as she let in the ointment into me through the cut she made.

As I felt the cold liquid seeped into my body, I slowly began to be able to move, albeit an
apparent soreness that also started to spread through my nerves. Relaxed that I wasn’t being
harmed, I let out a breath that I had unnoticeably held.
I flopped my head to the side as soon as I could move it. As I was trying to face away from
Sylvette, I was met instead with Fi’. She was sitting cross legged, watching over me with a
curious expression.

I looked up at her and tried to speak. With a hoarse voice, I sullenly told her, “Fi’, I’m so sorry…”
I don’t know what I was expecting from her but unsurprisingly, her hand slapped me right in the
face.

She looked at me with an annoyed expression and said, “Your apology fix nothing. ‘Rene
wouldn’t talk to me or even Sylvie. What did you even do to make her like this?”

Brimming with regret, I muttered out my thoughts, “I wanted to ask for her help; to seek for my
lost memories, to show me around the outside world that she knows better than I ever did.”

“Even though you knew there's nothing she hates more than going back to the outside world?”
Sylvette coldly asked me. The chill in her voice feels like sharp ice shards piercing into my heart.
“There used to be a time when she couldn't even stand the sight of humans. Just seeing them
would cause her emotion to take over her magic—”

“Wait. ‘Rene has that weather controlling power right? Does that mean all those strange climates
a few years ago were because of ‘Rene's magic?” Fi' cut in.

“For the most part, yes. There were some caused by a different source but a large number of the
occurrence were because of Miss Airene's unstable powers. However, as her powers were
discovered early, she managed to learn to control them better,” Sylvette answered.

As my mind lingered on her words, a question came to mind. “Does that mean that for me and Fi'
who didn't train with our element powers like Airene, we wouldn't be able to control our powers?”

A puzzled expression flashed for a moment on Sylvette's face before she answered, “The
elements of prophecy are powers beyond normal human control. Even if you trained every single
day using them, there would be time when it would overwhelm you, regardless of your strength.
It's inevitable that it would try to consume you. It's a gift foreseen to have been based on the
seven deadly sins. You could definitely see Miss Airene's character encompasses the sloth and
gluttony sins, being lethargic all the time yet having quite the big appetite for a girl her size.

This prophecy came about due to an unknown occurrence originating from the World’s Dark
History. Originally, these element powers were regarded as demons rather than saviors.

That’s why the royal Astrian family searched and confined any likely prophecy child, for it was
feared that they would actually bring the country’s destruction. Of course, that was only a mere
prediction.”

“Even so, with the royal family’s power, they executed the “Little Garden” project. They didn’t
want a group of unknowns taking over their reign, right?” I queried.

Sylvette gave a nod and continued, “The elements were, and still are one of the most arbitrary
powers that exist in this world. Even the oldest of scholars know not of the true nature of the
elements. That is why rather than giving the three of you a chance, they have locked you away
from the outside world.”

Before I could say anything, Fi’ asked, “But aren’t there more than just earth and air? What
about the water element and fire element? Maybe even lightning?”

To that, Sylvette calmly replied, “As I said earlier, the elements is a very wide subject. There
could be as many as hundreds of them, or maybe just the three of you. For that reason, the
Astrian Queen had decided to gather all the children of that time, to search for the possible
candidates.”

With Sylvette’s explanation ended, a tense silence followed. It was just awkward in the
beginning but it soon changed to a painfully deafening one. Just as I was about to say something,
I felt something cold drop on my face.

I looked up into the sky to see dark clouds covering what used to be the frosty white sky. With
heavy rain, came thunder and lightning, accompanied by strong gusts of wind that whistled
through the thicket of leaves that roofed the Little Garden’s forest.
“Is it Airene?” I softly asked to myself. Just as it was with the snow, I could feel emotions and
thoughts within the thousand droplets of rain that descended to the earth. Bursts of lightning ever
so momentarily flashed the dark sky with brightness as the thunder boomed its rage.

It felt just like her. Darkness blanketing over the true light she was; and the burst of emotions she
could never properly contain. It was a very Airene weather.

“I shall search for Airene. You two should take shelter nearby.” Sylvette disappeared as soon as I
heard her voice. I’ve never seen a spirit in such close proximity before and seeing one phase
away right in front of my eyes was so mesmerizing, I couldn’t remember what I was told to do.

But before I could completely space out, Fi’ shouldered me up and brought me to my legs. My
brain then immediately remembered that I needed to walk to find shelter from the storm.

With Fi’ supporting me, I trudged along to a nearby tree lodging. As I neared it, I saw the layer
of snow that had accumulated on the branches of the tree being washed away by the heavy
downpour.

The pure white melted away and revealed the old bark of the lodging that was slowly rotting
away. It was akin to the numbing anesthetic that was on my arm suddenly disappearing, letting
the stinging pain spread all over from the small cut that was on it.