This chapter syncs up with the original Ch18. As you can see, we're on Ch29 now. I've expanded and rewritten quite a bit already. Hope you readers are enjoying it so far!
As always, Giliath demands your power stones!
*
I had literal stars in my eyes seeing an Art cast for the first time. It's like watching a Mage cast a Spell, but Father is no Mage. He's just a normal human like the rest of us! How can you not be excited seeing Magic in person like this when you come from a world where Magic didn't exist?
And while we're on that topic, that's totally the question of the day. In my previous life, there was a heavy focus on developing Artificial Intelligence. What if humankind branched off in a similar fashion, and was able to create something like Arts through the power of science?
It's a shame I won't be able to witness to see if that happens or not. But now, I'm in Zemuria! So like I said, how can I not be excited to watch this happen!?
Giliath mused seeing my excited look while he watched his Art shoot down at the practice dummy. A powerful, high-pressurized stream of water formed out of nothing, and blasted it to bits from the top down. You know how a dam would shoot out a gigantic stream of water once it releases it into the river below? Picture that, but on a much, much smaller scale.
And because of that, the pressure was extreme. Trust me, you wouldn't want to get blasted by one of these. It's not powerful enough to tear someone from the inside out, but it'll do a lot of damage and inflict major injuries. This is where the power of B and onward Arts come into play. Early on, they just get their power classified, but later, they'll be assigned ranks, just like Crafts.
Before I realized it, the sands of time began to churn while I enjoyed this showcase. It's not like I was the only one here in Zemuria. It was a wide, wide continent that held several countries inside it.
Unbeknownst to me, another, different scene could be seen taking place around the same time. Perhaps later in the year? It was hard to tell. The sun was hanging high, and there was a little chill in the air, so it was likely spring.
There was a particular free city called Emerose City that was situated between Leman State, Arteria, and the Republic of Calvard. It was one of the few independent cities that wasn't tied to any form of government. Unless one headed toward Crossbell City, Emerose City, or a little piece of land called Jurai that hung northwest near the ocean's borders in Erebonia, you wouldn't be able to find any free cities like this, unless you headed toward the East, beyond the Principality of Elsaim.
Emerose City is located in Midwest Zemuria.
Presently, two girls could be seen walking down a busy street in this lively city. They sported the same hair color, which was bright red. One appeared older than the other, and the older one had their hair tied into a single ponytail. They had a gentle look in their eyes, and carried themselves quite gracefully. She also held a book in her hand. The younger figure, on the other hand, had a much more lazy look in her eyes. She was holding onto a paper bag, likely having completed some grocery shopping for the day.
The older girl appeared to be a nun too. And if one had a close look, it was the same girl who was beside Ein while they wandered into Grancel Castle two years ago, only to meet Naoto and Her Majesty the Queen. This girl is Rufina Argent!
Back then, she was eleven years old. Now, she should be around thirteen. She's currently wearing a simple purple dress, and was a couple feet taller than the younger girl beside her. Apart from having the same hair color, she was much, much younger. Perhaps around five or six years old at most. Despite that, they definitely appeared to be sisters. Not by connection, but by blood.
This second girl goes by the name Ries Argent. She is in fact, Rufina's younger sister! Compared to Rufina, she was wearing an orange-brown dress with a matching blouse. Ries could be seen pouting while she carried the paper bag. She was clearly not happy about something.
Taking a moment, Rufina paused, and looked at Ries.
"Hey, Ries. Come here for a moment.", Rufina said, calling Ries over. "Promise me you won't do that again, alright? The streets here aren't exactly the safest. Seriously, how many times do I have to tell you not to run off like that without me?", Rufina said, obviously angry. Ries just had a dejected look in her eyes.
"I just smelled something really nice from one of the stalls nearby...", Ries said, complaining. Still, she continued along, as she said something that attracted Rufina's attention. "But as I bought some food from the nice lady, I happened to find something weird.", Ries continued.
"Weird, you say?", Rufina asked. Her figure was now turned around. She stared at Ries while still holding her hand. The moment she did that, Rufina saw Ries raise her finger up, only to point toward a nearby back alley that was dimly lit, and barely had any light stretching into it. It was still a little chilly out here despite spring coming, cold breaths escaped from the two girls' mouths while Rufina looked at where Ries was pointing.
Once the two got close enough, they saw a lonely green-white haired boy, currently seated against the wall. His head was crouched over, resting over his knees. This boy is clearly malnourished. Who knows how long the boy has been out here in the cold? Rufina's mouth opened wide with shock, creating a big 'O' on her lips. The boy was also pretty beaten up.
"Oh goodness...", Rufina said. Her earlier anger at Ries completely subsided. She was now worried about seeing this lifeless boy on the cold street.
"Do you think he's dead?", Ries asked. "Or maybe he indulged himself in stuffing his face with food?"
"I'm pretty certain it's not the latter, Ries...", Rufina said, sighing. "I swear, what are they teaching you kids in Sunday School these days?", Rufina retorted, only to quickly shake that thought away. "Never mind, I suppose that could wait...", Rufina continued. She disregarded any complaints she had for now, and urged Ries to follow her.
The two walked into the back alley, heading to where the boy was. He seemed to be around eight years old at most. Now blocking the fading sunlight, Rufina bent over. This caused her golden circular locket around her neck to pop out. Parting her hair to the side, she revealed her purple eyes. As for Ries, she just stared at the boy, wondering if he was still hungry despite Rufina saying otherwise.
"Hey there.", Rufina said, proceeding to bend her body downward. Now on her knees, she questioned the boy. "Can you hear us?"
"...", The boy tried to respond, lifting his head up a bit. This allowed the girls to get a good look at him. His eyes appeared lifeless and faded. But not all was lost, there was a tiny sliver he clung on to. It was what prompted him to lift his head while hearing that. It was subtle, but Rufina was sharp to notice it.
"Thank goodness...You're still conscious, at least.", Rufina said, sighing in relief. "What's the matter? I can't see this being a very comfortable place to sit."
"...", Again the boy didn't utter a single word.
"Umm...", Rufina tried to ask, not garnering any response from him still.
"Do you think he's hungry after all?", Ries asked. "You know, when you're really hungry, sometimes you don't even have the energy to talk."
"You might actually have a point there, Ries. And you'd know that better than anyone.", Rufina said, letting out a laugh. "Well then! I think I've got just the thing for that.", Rufina continued to say. She took out a rather high quality chocolate bar, which was wrapped in a golden wrapper. Opening it up, she tore a piece of the chocolate off with her hand.
"I was saving this for you Ries, but this calls for dire measures.", Rufina said, looking at her younger sister.
"Where did you get this!?", Ries exclaimed in shock. "This came straight from Quincy Bell."
"Hehe, I've my ways. It's a shame. I really wanted to give this to you. Do you mind if he has it instead?", Rufina asked Ries.
"Y-Yeah...", Ries responded, accepting Rufina's suggestion.
"Heehee, good girl. I'll try to treat you to something else when we have the chance, alright?", Rufina responded, only to turn her head back to the boy. "Come, why don't you try some? I think you'll like it. Especially if you like sweet things.", Rufina continued to say, urging the boy to take the chocolate that was in her hands. She offered it, completely free. Quincy Bell chocolate was by no means your average chocolate bar. This was high-end goods here.
"...", The boy didn't say anything for a third time. He just looked at Rufina.
"Quincy chocolate is the best there is.", Ries said, complementing the brand. "There might be better-tasting brands out there that taste better, but this one has the best balance between its cost and taste.", Ries happily continued to say. Rufina giggled seeing her sister start to describe the chocolate before her.
"See? That's a glowing review coming from none other than my darling little sister. The taste should help you warm up a bit, too. Go on! See what you think.", Rufina said to the boy.
"...Get...st...", The boy uttered, trying to speak some words at the two for the first time. Or at least he tried to. Trying to ask, Rufina saw the boy lift his head up again. His eyes lifeless and faded, just like before. He didn't have a care in the world to see that snow was beginning to fall on his face. Over here in Emerose City, it still snowed.
"Oh...!", Rufina replied, shocked to see the boy try to speak back at her. Ries's body also shook, not expecting to see his lifeless eyes.
"...I said...get lost!", The boy finally said, retorting back in anger. It was clear he wanted the two to leave him be. "Please...", The boy begged.
"What should we do?", Ries questioned, looking back up at Rufina. Rufina crossed her arms, and pondered after hearing that.
"So you're not going to take me up on my offer, huh? I guess I'm left with no choice then.", Rufina suddenly said. Taking the chocolate currently in her hand, she placed it in her mouth, and began to chew on it. Approaching the boy, his eyes turned wide the moment he felt her lips plant onto his. In the next moment, the boy suddenly felt the chewed up chocolate begin to slide down his throat.
"Whoaaa...", Ries uttered in surprise. She didn't expect her older sister to do this. The boy shared like-minded thoughts. At the same time, his throat tasted sweet. Before long, Rufina parted ways, and placed her hands over her knees. The boy couldn't move. He was shocked to his core.
"Phew.", Rufina said. "That should be enough."
Still in shock, the boy's body took a moment to recover. He coughed a couple times, only for anger to return in his eyes. At least now, they weren't as lifeless as before.
"W-W-What the hell was that for!? Are you crazy!?", The boy exclaimed. Despite that, the signs were clear, and some vigor returned. He had a little energy to spare now.
"Haha! It really does look like that did the trick.", Rufina responded, smiling. "See? I told you that sweet things are great for perking you up."
"That wasn't the chocolate! That was YOU being a maniac! What kinda girl does that to a kid they just found on the street!? A-Are you a pervert or something?", The boy retorted, still angry. He even cursed at Rufina.
"I swear. What in Aidios's name are they teaching kids these days in Sunday School...", Rufina questioned, recalling what she had said earlier. "But where else could you and Ries pick up such fancy words, I wonder?", Rufina continued, asking the boy.
"I don't think that's really the problem...", Ries said.
"Y-Yeah, what she said!", The boy responded, agreeing with Ries. As he did that, he suddenly got a good look at the two girls before him. His eyes landed on Rufina's figure in particular. "Wait a sec. Your clothes do look kind of familiar...", The boy said, wondering exactly where these two were from.
"Heehee.", Rufina giggled in response. "Oh come to think of it, I haven't exactly introduced myself, have I?", Rufina questioned the boy.
Saying that, Rufina stood back up, and padded the dust off her knees. Ries arrived beside her. Due to it still being cold out, Ries was currently wearing a blue scarf. The snow was beginning to fall more and more now. It was then the two girls introduced themselves to the boy.
"Well, my name is Rufina. Rufina Argent.", Rufina said, introducing herself.
"And I'm Ries. Ries Argent. Rufina here is my big sister.", Ries said, also introducing herself. After the two gave their introduction, Rufina spoke out to the boy again.
"How about you? What is your name?", Rufina questioned with a smile on her face.
Not immediately answering, the boy remained quiet. He then glanced beyond them, looking back onto the street where other travelers were out and about. Within their close proximity, however, it was completely deserted, causing the ground around them to have a thin layer of snow on the ground. The boy then glanced back up at the two, and to their surprise, he answered.
"Kevin. My name is Kevin Graham.", The boy said, introducing himself as Kevin.
"So it's Kevin, is it? You know, the chocolate will only keep you warm for so long. Why don't you come with us?", Rufina suggested.
"I told you two to get lost, didn't I? Leave me alone.", Kevin retorted, immediately denying her. He pulled his knees closer to his chest.
"Big sister can be quite persistent, you know. And you don't seem to be doing so well right now either. If you don't have a home to return to, Rufina can take you to the orphanage she looks after. Lots of us eat delicious food there.", Ries said, beaming with a smile. Hearing that earned another giggle from Rufina.
"All you can think of is food, Ries. But then again, that is you.", Rufina responded, giggling.
"...Orphanage?", Kevin asked, raising his head at the two.
Hearing that, Rufina placed her hand on her cheek, and tilted her head a bit.
"Oh my...Did we perhaps guess wrong after all, Ries? I mean, you do not have anywhere to go, right, Kevin?", Rufina questioned.
"You don't know anything...", Kevin immediately retorted.
"Well you are right. But there are plenty of kids on the street, just like you. Why don't you come with us and see it with your own eyes to see if the Aster House is a fit for you? In fact, it's not too far away.", Rufina said, suggesting the same thing again.
"Aster House...That name is familiar too...", Kevin uttered. He then saw Rufina bend downward, and extended out her hand, acting as if it was an invitation. Rufina offered her hand, allowing Kevin to decide his next path to take.
It was at that moment the boy called Kevin Graham took up on Rufina's offer, and stood up for the first time in who knows how long. He wanted to escape the hell he had just experienced. At that moment, he thought Rufina's offer came from the Goddess Aidios herself, a godsend if you will.
Before long, making a decision right then and there, Kevin soon joined up with Rufina and Ries, only to vanish onto one of the main streets. The snow now began to pile up where Kevin once resided...