CHAPTER 14: Secret Mission

The Supremo took the paper. There are signs that the paper was soaked with water. The ink ran all over the paper. The Supremo hurriedly opened it. A large part of the paper was illegible.

"What in the heavens!" he cursed. He walked out fuming. Adviser Moraii followed him.

Sol then asked the golden shielder to free Haelas.

"What?" Sol asked Haelas who had been staring at her with his eyes full of questions .

"Are you really the Young Miss?" Haelas asked her.

Sol just smiled at him and helped him walk out from that room. She then brought him to the Healer's center inside the Manse.

Yes, I am the Young Miss. My real name is Caia Custos and my real parents are Augustus Custos and Lalia Custos. Why am I using another name? Well, my father didn't approve when I expressed my desire to join the force. We came to the point that I should change my name if I really wanted to enter. That is to avoid humiliating him, he said. But I know that deep down, he truly cares for me. I've been quite sickly since I was a child. My body is also weak. Even though he doesn't say it, I know that my father fears that I couldn't take the training. Thus, he tried to discourage me from forcing me to change my name. But, I'm stubborn. You could also say that I'm arrogant since one of the driving forces that sent me to the training camp is to make my father proud; and to make that happen is to be a great defender like Captain Karsh.

Behind the walls of the Manse, stood the tall captain of the Bloody Cloaks.

Tobias was gone for a week as he went back to Vicitra, a land far from Largus. He passed a dangerous and secret path in order to get there and ask their Chief Healer if they could provide any concoction that would better the condition of Sol. Luckily, their Chief Healer was able to provide but it isn't a hundred percent sure that it can cure Sol.

As soon as Tobias returned, he heard that the Supremo came to visit the Healers Village with a lot of golden shielders. Nobody knows the reason. He then talked to the current Chief Healer about what happened. The Chief Healer hesitated for a while but he remembered that the late Chief Healer Sapiensa told him that Tobias is a good person and if he needs help in the future, he needs to help him as long as it is right. Thus, he told him that the Supremo asked them about the Luminous.

Tobias wondered why the Supremo aggressively asked about it. Then, the Chief Healer remembered Haelas was mentioned, so he begged the Captain to keep him safe.

He then journeyed to the Capital and decided to drop by the Investigation Bureau. On his way to the bureau, he is passing by the gates of the Manse when he saw Sol. She is trying to enter the Manse with a desperate look.

It is still a weekday, why did she come back home? Did she even get a pass?

Tobias stealthily entered the Manse and followed Sol. There, he witnessed what happened to Haelas.

After secretly witnessing the messy scenario earlier, he decided to leave.

As he geared towards the bureau, he was deeply troubled about how the Supremo is being hostile to the healers because of the Luminous.

Why is uncle seeking the Luminous? Is he trying to concoct it?

XXX

At the Healer's Center, Haelas doesn't really mind the pain in his body and on his face. He was hyped up that he is friends with the Young Miss. He couldn't stop smiling when Sol admitted it.

"Haelas, stop smiling."

"I know, but I can't."

"I really apologize that you got hurt," Sol said, as she held her friend's arm.

"Aren't you tired of apologizing to me? I am. Stop. It's not your fault. But then, on the positive side, I'm still glad that they investigated me. Now, I know who you are."

"Stop talking about my identity as well. It's a secret. You should keep it that way."

"Okay, Okay. I understand. I'm already excited to see Karisha's reaction when she hears about this. By the way, how did you know that I was here at the Manse?"

"It's because I'm smart."

"Really?" he asked, playfully taunting her.

"Of course Karisha informed me. How would I know if no one told me? You should thank her when you get back, if she didn't inform me, you would have been beaten into a pulp."

"Yes, Young Miss. Um, by the way, are you not going back? You would still have 2 hours to sleep before the morning call when you get there."

"I'll go back once I send you back to the Fort Amethyst training Camp."

"Oh. Were you granted a pass to go outside?"

"Mm."

XXX

After being accompanied by Sol, who was not able to meet Karisha as she was rushing, Haelas reported to their Camp Head and then he went to his quarters to continue resting.

It was already evening when he heard some noise. It immediately awoke him. He can see Karisha who is currently pacing back and forth with that worried look on her face.

"Karisha, why are you here?" he asked in his hoarse voice.

"Oh, you're awake?! What happened to you? Why do you have bruises on your face?" she asked continuously.

"That's not important right now. What is important is that…" Haelas paused and urged Karisha to come closer. He whispered, "When I went to the Manse, I found out that Sol is the Young Miss."

Karisha froze.

"So…y-you're s-saying is that our friend...o-our f-friend i-is---"

"Yes."

"Whoah. Haelas, what should I do? I want to scream right now but they might accuse me of being crazy again."

"Just scream."

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" she actually screamed, "Heavens! I couldn't believe it!! How did it happen?!!! That's why she has this certain charisma around her. Whoah! I really want to see her in her ceremonial robes."

Haelas just smiled as he gazed at the excitement painted all over his friend's face.

Thankfully, the topic was shifted to Sol.

XXX

After returning the steed that she rented, Sol geared towards the training camp. It was around lunch time when she arrived near the gate. She then walked slowly towards the training grounds and continued walking towards her quarters to get a change of her robes.

"Did that important matter go well?" Serga asked her.

"Huh?" she asked in total confusion.

"Captain Karsh said that you were abruptly called by your family last night to settle an important matter."

"Oh. Yes, finally it's settled."

"That's good to know," Reicha chimed in.

Sol let out a smile and then she realized what they had said, "What do you mean Captain Karsh? Is he here already?"

"Mmm. He was the one who looked after us in the morning."

"Oh," she said and geared towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Reicha asked.

Sol just smiled and said, "Somewhere."

She then walked towards Captain Karsh's quarters.

"When did you return, Captain?" Sol asked as soon as she saw the Captain's face.

"Early dawn...but, why are you here?" he asked, puzzled.

"Oh. I just wanted to see you, Captain. Now that I saw you, I'll go back to my quarters."

"Hmm."

Then Tobias realized something, "Wait."

He then went to get the concoction that he got from Vicitra.

"Here," Tobias said, handing her a wooden box with intricate design.

"What is that, Captain?"

"A concoction. I heard that it will better your strength and agility."

"Oh. I'm sorry Captain but where did you get that? You see, I've tried a lot of concoctions but nothing really worked for me."

"…But could you try it again? Maybe this time, it will work."

Sol stared at the Captain and then she smiled. She then reached for that wooden box.

"For you Captain, I will try."

"Hmm."

XXX

At The Supremo's Manse...

The Supremo kept pacing back and forth as he waited impatiently for the Golden Shielder whom he sent to fetch Senior Historian Gracias. This historian is also known to have a special talent in deciphering illegible texts. The Supremo wanted the illegible parts on the paper to be recognized as soon as possible.

"Supremo, calm down. Take a seat. They will be here. Those parts will be restored soon as she's the one talented in that area," said Adviser Moraii, trying to pacify him.

"What if she couldn't decipher it?"

"Then, we have no choice but to perform experiments, Supremo."

"That would be a waste of time. Plus, the Blue Moon comes so rarely."

"We don't really have a choice, Supremo, if those illegible parts can't be restored."

Then, the Golden Shielder came and announced the arrival of Senior Historian Gracias.

"What can I do for you, Supremo?" she asked after she bowed.

"Come here," the Supremo said and let her take a seat in front of the table. He then laid the paper he got from Haelas.

Senior Historian Gracias stared at the paper and was shocked as soon as she saw what was written there.

"Luminous…" Senior Historian Gracias started to read.

"As you can see, some parts are illegible. I want you to recognize those letters now. You can only rest after you recognize them and I'll be here, watching you."

"I'll do my best, Supremo," she said as she stared at the paper.

For the next minutes and hours, Senior Historian Gracias stared at the paper intently while scribbling letters and words on another piece of paper. Adviser Moraii, who stayed to accompany the Supremo, has already fallen asleep on his chair.

Just as the sunlight hit the skies, Senior Historian Gracias stood up and brought the paper where she scribbled on.

"Supremo, I have to apologize. Those illegible parts are badly destroyed. This is the best I can," she said and handed the paper.

The Supremo who's half-asleep has fully woken up upon hearing Senior Historian Gracias. He grabbed and read the paper.

This seems close to what I have in my memory. But still, I couldn't be sure. We still need to make experiments.

"You can go. But before that, you should forget what you did here. You understand?"

"I understand, Supremo. Then, I'll be on my way, Supremo," she said and hurriedly walked away.

The Supremo then stood up and went to the table that Senior Historian Gracias used. He picked the paper that Haelas gave him and burned it. He then wrote a fake recipe for the Luminous. He knew that after questioning and rounding up Haelas, there's someone who's bound to have heard about it and will be after the recipe. As for the original recipe, he kept it safe in his pocket inside his robes.

Just as he was finished writing the fake recipe, a golden shielder came to see him. With him is the astronomer.

"A pleasant dawn, Supremo!" the Astronomer greeted as he beamed with excitement. Adviser Moraii was even awoken with his loud greeting. With the extreme excitement of the Astronomer, he failed to notice the Adviser as his eyes were only focused on the Supremo.

"It's been so long since you have shown yourself here, Astronomer. I hope you bring good news with that excited face."

"Indeed, Supremo. I bring good news!"

"Tell me then."

"The thing that you desired from us Supremo, it will be coming. The Blue moon will come on the night before the new year."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes, Supremo. We've checked it numerous times."

"If the Blue Moon will not appear as you have predicted, you know what will happen to you."

"I am fully aware, Supremo. Set your worries aside, Supremo, the Blue Moon will definitely come."

"I'll take note of that. You may go."

"Yes, Supremo."

As soon as the Astronomer and the Golden Shielder walked away, Adviser Moraii turned to the Supremo.

"I don't see Senior Historian Gracias anymore," he uttered as he noticed that the historian was no longer around.

"Well, she's already done with her work."

"Oh, Is she?"

Supremo then turned towards the table that Senior Historian Gracias used. Adviser Moraii also looked at it and noticed the piece of paper on top of it. He then walked towards it.

"Oh, so, is this the recipe, Supremo?"

"Yes, but it's not entirely correct as those illegible parts were really hard to decipher."

Adviser Moraii noticed the ashes near the lamp. He already inferred that the old copy was burned. He then folded the paper and gave it to the Supremo. The Supremo grabbed it and inserted it in his pocket as well.

"You should get some rest," he said to Adviser Moraii and walked towards his room.

Adviser Moraii then also walked out from the Supremo's study.

XXX

One evening, Captain Karsh had just dismissed Sol from his special training when the secretariat walked hurriedly and cautiously towards the Captain who's already walking towards the Administration Building.

Captain Karsh started walking hurriedly after hearing what the secretariat had to say.

After noticing such a suspicious situation, Sol suddenly became concerned. Instead of going back to her quarters, he decided to follow the Captain.

XXX

As soon as Tobias walked in at the office of the Training Camp Head, he saw Commander Osiros sitting comfortably yet he noticed that the commander looked restless. Standing beside him are four of the Bloody Cloaks defenders. While standing nervously in front of his desk is the Training Camp Head.

"Good evening, Commander," he greeted him, "To what do I owe this visit, Commander?"

Before answering Tobias, the Commander ordered his Bloody Cloaks defenders, the Training Camp head and the secretariat to leave the room as he wants to speak with Tobias privately.

"A team will be sent to Mt. Arcanus soon and you will be one of them."

Tobias froze as chills crept up his spine.

Mt. Arcanus is a mountain in the Southwest. It is the highest and most difficult to climb. It was also treated as a sacred place as it is where a lot of spirits live-spirits that don't want to be disturbed. It is also a feared mountain since everyone who tried to climb it wasn't able to come back.

Moreover, it is where the most important ingredient of the Luminous is located.

"Mt. Arcanus sir?"

Commander Osiros nodded.

"It is a secret mission ordered by the Supremo. By the first day of the upcoming month, you should be at the foot of the mountain by 6 AM."

"But why is it me, Commander? I think there are experienced seniors suitable for such a mission."

Is this a hoax mission to send me to death? Has he already labeled me as a threat to him?

"The Supremo personally picked you," he said, "or do you fear climbing that mountain?"

"No, Sir."

"Then go. We may have differences but I won't let anything happen to you so rest assured," he said and walked towards the door and added, "This is a chance that it's hard to come by, you can grab it now or regret it later."

The Commander opened the door and walked out of the room, leaving Tobias who's still speechless and frozen.

Supremo…Uncle… should I be happy that you personally picked me because you believe in my skills or should I be sad that you sent me there because I am expendable?

And…are you really planning to concoct Luminous? For what purpose?

XX

At the adjacent room that contains the library, Sol, who listened to the conversation all throughout, slid down from her standing nosy position and sat on the ground. She then leaned on the wall. She is really worried and concerned.

Why is my Father sending a team on a secret mission to the Mt. Arcanus? To that scary mountain? It's like a suicide mission! And why would my Father personally pick him when he doesn't like him? Or is he sending him to die there? Has my father become a vicious man?

Sol squeezed her head and pressed her temples.

Why is it so complicated? More importantly, how do I get out of here unnoticed?

As she stood up, she reached for the nearby table to gain support. Unfortunately, her hand managed to nudge the wooden flower vase seated on top of it. It fell and it sure made a sound. Sol panicked and ran around in between the shelves trying hard to find a place where she could hide better. There's really no place where she can hide well. She decided to put off the light on each lamp and then she went to hide at the last aisle behind the bookshelf.

XXX

Tobias just left the Training Camp Head's Office when he heard a sound from the room beside the office. He felt suspicious and went to open the door. The light was out inside. Thus, he reached for the lamp that was hanging outside and took it as he entered the room. He saw rows of bookshelves. He started walking in between it until he found what could have caused the noise. He saw the fallen vase and the scattered dried flowers.

Someone was definitely there.

XXX

Sol' heartbeat went faster when the library door suddenly opened. She couldn't even breathe as the person who opened the door started walking around. Sol already surrendered to the thought that she's going to get caught when the footsteps came closer and closer to her hiding place. However, the footsteps suddenly stopped and turned around, leaving the room. Afterwards, she heard the door closing. Sol breathes a sigh of relief. After waiting for about 30 minutes, Sol decided to go out.

She slowly and cautiously groped for her way out since she already put the light out from the lamps. Finally, she reached the door. Slowly, she opened it and peeked to check if somebody was outside. Seeing that there's no one. She opened the door wider and stepped outside. She then slowly closed the door. As she was about to walk away, somebody grabbed her arm firmly, slamming her against the wall. That person then pinned her with a choke hold. The person is also in close proximity with her so that aside from his arm, she can feel his body pinning her. It's like making her realize that there's no way out.

As fast and painful as when she was pinned down, she still tried to look up at her attacker. When she met the eyes of her attacker, the once ferocious eyes suddenly warmed.

"Aspirant Moraii?!" the attacker exclaimed and released her immediately.

"Ca-Captain Karsh?"

"What are you doing inside the library?"

"Um…uh. I came to return some books, Captain. A defender sent me."

"How did you return the books when it's dark?"

"Huh?"

"I heard a sound from that room, when I went inside, it was completely dark. Then about 30 minutes later, you came out. What were you doing in that dark room for more than 30 minutes?"

"Uhm. The light was on when I returned the books. Then, I saw an interesting book and tried to read it. But I fell asleep, when I woke up the light was off. So I tried to find my way out then I touched the vase, making it fall. Then, the door suddenly opened. I panicked that someone will find me and will punish me for being here when I should have been at my quarters. That's why, I hid and waited for several minutes before I went out."

May the heavens forgive this sinful soul! How can I be so good at making up stories?

Tobias looked at her intently as if trying to decipher if she's telling the truth or not. Sol tried to stare back with her trembling eyes.

"Mm. Then, go back to your quarters now," he finally said after several minutes, letting her go.

"Yes, Captain."