Leveling up the World

Chapter 729: Palag's Story - Visit

MEMORY FRAGMENT

Order of the Seven Stars 121st Monastery, 16 years ago

There was no doubt that something major was going on. Palag had instantly been taken to the bishops building, where hed been made to wait outside the chambers, all the time under the escort of two clerics. None of them said a word, and seeing their stern expressions, the fury decided to do the same. However, thanks to his natural skills, he was able to hear part of the conversation taking place in the neighboring room.

Youre sure hes not faking it? the bishop asked.

I checked twice, a woman replied. It was the same that had taken Palag into the monastery to begin with, although he still couldnt remember her name. Theres no mistaking it. Hes awakened alright, and with magic.

Awakening that late is he an otherworlder?

No, the woman said with absolute certainty. Hes not. Just fortunate.

That could be argued. A fury war orphan that awakened in a monastery of the Order. All the great powers will get involved in this one.

There was a moment of silence. Palag resisted the urge to move forward. He couldnt understand why they were keeping him so close to the discussion. No doubt they knew what furies were capable of; he wasnt the only one here, after all. Did they want him to hear? Or maybe they just didnt care?

We can keep him hidden, the initiate said.

Too late for that, the bishop sighed. The archbishop already knows. That means that by now, so does everyone else in the grand citadel. I wouldnt be surprised if the Academy is planning to pay us a visit. They always sniff out their own.

We can deny it, or move him to another

The Moon has made a choice. We cant go against that.

You cant be certain.

There were several more moments of silence.

Weve known each other for a long time, but dont be overconfident in your abilities. The Moons wouldnt have granted him the gift unless they had plans. Potentially, he could become a major player. You and I are destined to remain pawns.

Very well, the woman said reluctantly. Then how do we proceed?

Ill have a talk with him, then see where the dice fall.

The door to the bishops chambers opened. Instantly, the clerics stood to attention.

Palag, come here, the woman said, her usual warm smile shining on her face. We need to have a word with you.

The boy had barely made a step forward when the woman darted a warning glance at each of the clerics near him.

Alone. Her intonation changed slightly, making it clear that it wasnt a request.

Uncertain of what was expecting him, the fury slowly made his way into the neighboring room. Once he stepped in, the door closed behind him. The suddenness sent a shiver throughout his body.

Its alright, the woman said, placing her hand on Palags head. Youre safe here.

Palag wanted to nod, but he found he couldnt. Too many conflicting emotions were stirring within him. Ever since joining the monastery, Palag had been toldverbally and non-verballythat the bishop was the one closest to the Moons. Being in his presence felt him with a sensation of awe-filled wonder. The conversation hed heard, though, made him feel afraidboth eager to see what lied beyond the monastery and scared that hed be taken away from it. If this was what it was like being awakened, he was no longer certain hed made the right choice.

Palag, the bishop said to him. His voice was calm, soft and pleasant even if he wasnt smiling. I heard youve awakened.

The boy nodded.

Thats good. The man went behind the large ornate desk and sat down. Similar to the rest of the room, it was grand and richly decorated, very much in contrast to the rest of the monastery. It was said that the bishop himself had crafted his chamber and everything in itan impressive feat even for an awakened. You also say that you spoke to a Moon when you did? he went on.

Y-yes.

Thats rather rare. Thousands have awakened, yet only a hand few mention catching a glimpse of a Moon while that happened.

Really? Argus arched a brow. Are you sure?

Yes!

Alright. The mage stood up, his feet remaining a full inch above the ground. Lets test that. He made his way to the boy and reached out. Give me your hand.

Why?

Im not going to drag you out of here. I just need to dispel some of the lies youve been told so far.

Palag looked at the mans hand. It was flawlessly smooth, with polished nails. The man must have never done a days work in his life. Looking at it was almost like looking at a snake: shiny and lethal.

Scared of this? The mage sighed. If you are, life will be one long nightmare.

The comment was meant as a mockery, but it had its effect. Despite his reluctance, Palag grabbed the mages hand. The moment he did, reality changed.

PERSONAL AWAKENING

The cloud room appeared, along with the glowing blue rectangle within. This time, though, the mage was also present.

A cloud chamber, the man said, nodding as he did. Impressive. Ive never seen one, myself.

Why are you here? The fury recoiled several steps back. Only I can be here.

Havent they told you anything? You can bring people into your realm. Dont worry, youre too low a level to be invaded.

Invaded?

Never mind. It isnt important. The mage turned towards the door. Lets go.

Where?

As far as Palag knew, there was nothing in the corridor. Hed been there several times, but failed to find anything of interest. The first few he hoped hed be able to reclaim the bucker and short sword, but the items stubbornly refused to reappear.

To show you what has been kept hidden.

Curiosity triumphed, urging the fury to follow the man outside the room. A part of him was hoping that something different would happen. Unfortunately, that wasnt the case. The same walled corridor continued on into the distance and there was no indication that any of the items had reemerged.

Told you. The boy mumbled beneath his breath.

Look closer. The mage took a step forward, then without reservation, grabbed a part of the wall and pulled it off.

Palag stared in horror as a new room was revealed before him. Had it always been there? He would have noticed if that were the case. He should have noticed.

Come along. The mage stepped in. The fury rushed behind him, but upon reaching the threshold a feeling of dread swept over him. A voice in his mind whispered that he wasnt supposed to be there, that the room was special and entering risked destroying the entire realm. I said, come along.

The mage turned around and grabbed him by the shoulder. One quick pull, and the boy was inside. Strangely enough, the moment he did, the sensation of fear faded away into nothingness, leaving Palag confused as to why he had been scared to begin with.

See him? Argus pointed at a plump man sitting behind a large desk with documents. It wasnt someone who Palag had seen before, although he did seem familiar somehow. The most distinct of the man was the tunic with the symbol of the Order he was wearing.

Upon hearing the question, the man behind the desk stood up. Scrolls and pieces of paper rose up into the air, but before they could do anything, a zap of purple lightning shot out from the mages hand, causing the other to poof in a cloud of dust.

That, the mage said, as the pieces of paper floated back down, was a limiting echo.

Limiting echo?

Something that keeps you from making your own choices. Echoes could be used for a lot of things, but your Order decided they wanted to use them to put their thoughts in your head. Tell me, have you ever found that thereve been things youve done in the past, but forgotten about?

Palag nodded.

Now you know why. The echo fills your head with the things it wants while gently removing everything else. Itll take you a while, but not that its gone, you'll remember everything that happened since you arrived here. The man turned around, facing the boy. Now, do you still want to remain here? Or are you ready to come with me to the Academy?