“Will you grab that black soil pouch right now!!!” Gad screamed while preparing the requirements for the spell. Arthur returned almost immediately, handing his father the small black bag containing something he truly knew nothing about. For the first time in Arthur's entire life as an eighteen-year-old boy, he was witnessing his father panic. He could not tell what exactly was wrong, neither could he tell why his father’s hands trembled that much. Arthur watched as Gad immediately loosened the drawstring of the pouch and formed a familiar circle on the ground. Arthur knew that circular shape well, especially when it had three interwoven triangles within it. At that moment, he truly understood that something was terribly wrong. “Father, look... what's wrong?” Arthur asked, but Gad never responded, but busy preparing the spell. “Gad?” “Will you shut it, Arthur!” Gad yelled. That was when Arthur noticed it. As Gad scrambled across the floor arranging herbs and objects for the sp

The old man, who later introduced himself as Devic, took Arthur to his home that same night. Arthur could still remember the total dread plastered across the old man’s face after witnessing the strange incident at the shore.The man had been so shocked and thrilled that Arthur believed one more miracle would have made him collapse dead instantly. The funniest part was how quickly Devic transformed into a deeply religious man overnight. Whenever Arthur remembered it, he almost laughed to himself.Sysia itself was more than just a city. It felt like a living haven.The people called it Sysia, a place where life never truly rested. Activities stretched from morning till deep into the night. There was hardly ever silence. Gad had once told Arthur stories about this place and how many days one needed to feed a camel before traveling there from Atteus Kingdom.Now Arthur finally understood why.There were crystal-clear rivers flowing through certain areas of the city, enough for travelers

Arthur wasted no time stealing away with the two baskets of fish. The fish were huge, fresh, and carried a strong salty scent that proved they had only recently been caught. Perhaps the night simply had not favored Devic and him earlier.With careful stealth along the edges of the market, Arthur moved cautiously through the pathways so he would not have to answer difficult questions if he got caught committing this illegal act.After all, every land considered stealing a punishable crime. But desperation could easily push ordinary citizens into committing terrible things.When Arthur finally arrived back at Madam Genevieve’s store, she was still sitting beneath the warm glow of the lamps inside the bakery. Aria and the other maid were nowhere in sight now. Perhaps they had already gone into the inner sections of the building.Arthur slowly lowered the baskets onto the floor. The moment Genevieve saw them, her eyes widened in visible shock. It was almost as if she could not believe

Devic staggered backward in fear. “What happened to you?” he asked with widened eyes. Arthur continued the act. He moved sluggishly while forcing his breathing to become uneven. “I'm a little unwell. I just need some rest,” he said weakly. “A little unwell? Are you sure you only need rest?” a terrified Devic asked while staring at Arthur with horrified eyes. “Yes. If I rest today, I should be strong enough to return to work tomorrow,” Arthur replied. Devic recoiled slightly. “Today of all days, you decide to be unwell. You better still be unwell before I return or I will simply kill you. Nobody will question me for it. And if you are too sick to work but fail to arrange this scattered home before I return, I will kill you myself.” He pointed a finger at Arthur before angrily storming out. Arthur released a sigh of relief after the old man left. Sometimes, he wondered if deceiving Devic would eventually cost him dearly. Tricks could make Devic lose it. The man was old, and he

Arthur maintained close eye contact with this buff guy. He looked like the sort every young woman would want. That sharp jawline, slick dark long hair that fell behind him, towering height, and eyes that could assure anyone protection.Although Arthur couldn't bet his own protection on this guy even if he were his brother, he was simply observing him.Aria looked at Arthur and then back at the guy she had been sharing a romantic moment with. She looked at Arthur again as her eyes narrowed before she hissed.“Look at me, Elvic. That weakling is very easy to ignore,” Aria mocked, cupping the guy's face back toward her.Elvic seemed to hearken to Aria's words as they continued in low gentle smooches. Arthur stood there, the salty metallic smell of fish filling his nose. His hands had gone drenched and numb. Arthur was certain he had come here to purchase something, but he couldn't tell what exactly was going on now. It seemed Aria had just made him look like something that didn't exist.