Revelations and a Return to Normality

Gertrudes took advantage of the time she spent with Tyrin on the ship to clear up some doubts that had been intriguing her. To her, it was strange that a boy from a planet where wolves were the predominant pets had an egg—especially one so peculiar. The only plausible explanation was that, somehow, a gap in the planet's ecosystem had been filled by a random beast. This wasn't exactly common, but it wasn't impossible either—it sat on that threshold between improbable and possible.

However, what truly defied any known logic was the fact that Tyrin possessed such a powerful pet from a planet located at the farthest edge of the universe. And even more surprising: the pet in question was an Ilútar.

— Tyrin, do you know why an Ilútar is so rare? — Gertrudes asked, staring at him seriously.

— Honestly, professor, I have no idea what it even is. I was just told it was a replacement for my wolf — the boy replied, unable to hide his confusion.

— You need to understand the gravity of this situation — Gertrudes insisted. — Ilútars are a species that exists in only one place in the known universe: the planet Gaia.

— Gaia... the planet where pets stay before being summoned? — Tyrin raised an eyebrow.

— Exactly. It's a peculiar world, accessible only through portals or special amulets, making it a safe place to keep pets. Moreover, the uniqueness of this planet allows us to challenge our creatures without posing a real threat to their lives.

— Yes, Cassandra mentioned something about that. She said there's some kind of power in Gaia that makes everything there unique.

— That's right. Gaia is not an ordinary planet — Gertrudes continued. — It exists inside a black hole. Nothing there follows conventional rules. What most people don't know is that the districts were created precisely to protect the animals, as the planet's environment is extremely hostile. For centuries, we struggled to claim territory there.

Tyrin listened intently, trying to absorb so much information at once.

— But what does that have to do with the Ilútars? From what I understand, they're rare and powerful.

— It has everything to do with them — Gertrudes replied immediately. — When the first explorers arrived in Gaia, they realized that the only way to survive in that world was to dominate its strongest creatures. But the Ilútars weren't just strong... they were perfect. They flew like birds, possessed the strength of an Oliphant, and wielded both offensive and defensive magic. They were true war machines.

She paused before continuing, as if weighing the gravity of her next words.

— There was only one chance to tame this species. During a battle between a female and a new dominant male, we managed to steal a few eggs. The price was high—many lives were lost—but thanks to that, we obtained four legendary dragons:

Nozdormu, the Giant.

Exodus, the Indestructible.

Neltharion, the Fire of the Night.

Onyxia, the Silver Wing.

— These four Ilútars were the pillars that allowed us to conquer Gaia's districts. Without them, we would never have been able to establish a presence there. But time passed... Nozdormu died of old age in Vaneheim, where our base is now located. His bones are still there—you must have seen them when you arrived on the planet. As for Exodus, they say he belongs to the Emperor's right hand, but centuries have passed, and no one knows if he's still alive. Neltharion and Onyxia fled to Gaia when their masters died... and with that, the most powerful race in the universe was considered extinct.

Gertrudes looked directly at Tyrin.

— At least... until now.

Tyrin felt a chill down his spine. Dante had told him to keep the egg a secret, but how could he possibly do that now? How could he hide something so monumental? Perhaps neither Dante nor Karin fully understood what they had given him.

— So... he's strong — Tyrin murmured, feeling an unexpected weight settle on his shoulders. — But he's mine. We've already formed a bond.

Gertrudes sighed.

— You don't understand. Now that they know he exists, they may try to capture him and force him to accept a new master before he grows. It's a difficult and risky process, but with an Ilútar... any attempt is worth it. The safest place for him is with the director. You need to get stronger. Your dragon too. Only then will you be able to protect him.

The journey aboard the emergency ship was slow and uncomfortable, but Tyrin used the time to reflect. He needed to understand his pet better… and, most importantly, his new power. He already knew it was something formidable, but if he passed out every time he used it, he'd be in serious trouble. To seek answers, he delved into the history of the first tamers: two men and two women. They were the first Ultras—and their Ilútar were colossal. Nozdormu, for example, rarely engaged in combat because his enormous size made mobility difficult. These dragons could survive in space, their life forms so unique that they defied any scientific explanation. They were, as Gertrudes had said, one of a kind.

Seven days passed before they finally arrived in Vaneheim. The director was already waiting for them, having been informed in advance by Gertrudes. Apparently, the professors had their own exclusive means of communication. The director's own ship had been sent to retrieve them.

As soon as they disembarked, the woman greeted them with a serious yet welcoming expression.

— Gertrudes. Student Tyrin. — Her voice was firm, but not harsh. — We need to have a very serious conversation about several matters. But before that, I suggest you change and rest. The journey was long, and the last thing I want is to wear you out even more with my voice.

Tyrin simply nodded. He knew that conversation could change everything.

— Thank you, Director. We'll return as soon as possible — said Gertrudes before leaving with Tyrin.

Tyrin entered his dormitory and, as soon as he threw himself onto the bed, exhaustion overtook him. His throat still hurt a little, but not enough to stop him from getting a good night's sleep.

The darkness of the night still lingered over Vaneheim when he was awakened by Gertrudes.

— Tyrin, wake up. We've been invited to dinner with the director. We need to go.

He stretched and rubbed his eyes before responding:

— I'm coming, professor. Just need to change.

He took a quick shower, changing into simpler, lighter clothes. The exhaustion still weighed on his body, but the anticipation of what the director had to say kept him alert.

They walked together toward the main dormitory, a modest house in the middle of the campus. Its garden was beautiful and well-maintained, filled with fruit trees. If students didn't know the director lived there, some would probably try to steal fruit from the yard. However, any thought of the garden vanished when a tall man, almost as tall as Gertrudes, opened the door.

— Caronte… It's been a while! — Gertrudes greeted him with a rare smile.

— Gertrudes… — he replied with a slight nod before turning to Tyrin. — And you must be the boy who has been giving us so many surprises.

His tone wasn't accusatory, but there was a clear curiosity in his voice.

— Come in, please. The director is waiting for you in the dining room.

Tyrin followed inside and immediately noticed something peculiar. The architecture was old and rustic, very reminiscent of the buildings on his own planet. However, unlike there—where this style was a necessity due to limited resources—here, it seemed like an aesthetic choice. It was as if time had stood still inside that house. But this impression quickly faded when they reached the dining room.

The setting was sophisticated yet cozy, with a long, ornate table filled with dishes that gave off an irresistible aroma. To Tyrin, it was a true feast.

— Finally! I thought you two would never get here — said the director, smiling casually. — Enjoy, because I rarely invite anyone to my home. And just so you know, I personally prepared some of these dishes, so help yourselves.

Tyrin and Gertrudes needed no further encouragement. They sat down and started eating as if they hadn't had a decent meal in years. The food was delicious, and Tyrin got lost in the variety, trying to decide whether to get more of the roasted duck or try the tomato and basil rondelli.

That was when a voice interrupted his indecision:

— Tyrin, you're a boy who has always caught my attention. Did you know that?

He choked slightly before replying:

— Sorry, Director… but I have no idea what you're talking about.

She smiled, as if she had expected that response.

— The only student who wasn't directly affected by gravity in combat. The highest score in piloting class. One of the few praised in escort training. Even the dissection professor had good things to say about you. Not to mention Gertrudes.

At the mention of her name, Gertrudes choked badly on a piece of meat.

— He's my student… Of course, I have to praise him! — she protested, still trying to recover.

The director raised an eyebrow but kept her tone casual.

— Look at my situation. I have in front of me a boy from a forgotten planet, yet with high-ranking talent. And to top off the surprise, this same boy appears carrying a baby Ilútar. Do you have any idea how strange this is for me, Tyrin? I need to understand exactly who I'm dealing with. So tell me… who are you?

Tyrin hesitated for a moment before answering:

— I'm… me. I have no secrets, Director. I know all of this seems confusing, but I just did what I was told. I have a knack for memorizing what I read, and honestly, I don't want to die. So… I guess I've been lucky. Put all that together, and you get me.

The director studied him for a few seconds, assessing his response.

— I'd say your luck is beyond ordinary, to say the least. But the question now isn't just who you are—it's what we're going to do from here.

She then turned to Gertrudes.

— Do you have any suggestions?

Gertrudes sighed, crossing her arms.

— The problem is, we've already been seen. There's no way to erase what happened. So, honestly, I don't know what to do.

The director nodded, thoughtful, before announcing her decision:

— We'll have to make an agreement. None of you can speak about what happened. No one must know about Tyrin's Ilútar. And one more thing… from now on, Tyrin will train directly with me. He'll be my personal student in his free time.

Tyrin's eyes widened.

— Seriously? Of course, I accept, Director! I mean… who wouldn't want to take lessons from you?

She gave a slight smile.

— You say that now… but I want your full commitment. You can't quit halfway through.

Tyrin clenched his fists, determined.

— I promise, Director. I want to become strong enough to protect those I love. If you can help me with that, there's no reason for me to refuse.

— Perfect. One less problem — she said, satisfied. — Now… about what happened in Klandato. I need a full report from both of you. As detailed as possible.

Gertrudes frowned, concerned.

— Ma'am, I'm not sure we can disclose all the information. The mission was classified… directly by the Emperor.

The director set her utensils down on the table and looked at her seriously.

— Gertrudes… I think, since you were in space, you may not have received the news yet. The Emperor has made the information public.

Silence filled the room.

Tyrin swallowed hard.

If the truth about Klandato had been revealed… then chaos was only just beginning.

— This doesn't make sense… — Gertrudes murmured, still trying to process the information. — Why would he do that?

Suddenly, the room seemed colder and quieter. Tyrin felt a chill run down his spine when he noticed Caronte and the director exchanging glances before responding.

— On the day you left Klandato, something unexplainable happened — the director said, her voice heavier. — In a single night, everyone on the planet was killed.

The news hit Tyrin and Gertrudes like a punch to the gut. The air felt heavy, and for a moment, neither of them could speak.

— That... that's impossible! — Gertrudes finally managed to say, her voice trembling. — What do you mean, everyone? The planet was stable when we left. Was it an attack?

Caronte was the one to answer, his expression serious.

— We don't have the full information yet. That's why I'm asking for a detailed report. I believe something happened before you left, something that might be connected to this massacre.

Gertrudes and Tyrin recounted everything that had occurred in Klandato. In the end, they had spent less than a day on the planet, so there weren't many notable events beyond the battle against the Gatekeeper. However, when Tyrin mentioned this detail, the director seemed more attentive.

— You said you injured the Gatekeeper, Tyrin? — she asked, narrowing her eyes.

— Yes, I'm sure of it. He cut off his own arm and fled back into the hole he came from.

Caronte crossed his arms, deep in thought.

— If the Gatekeeper was wounded, something even stronger may have emerged afterward. To wipe out an entire planet's population in a single night… there would have to be multiple Gatekeepers, or something even more powerful.

The director nodded.

— I agree. Whatever happened, someone made sure there were no survivors. The only silver lining—if you can even call it that—is that your secret is safe with us, Tyrin.

He simply nodded, still in shock. His mind raced with questions, but one in particular wouldn't leave him alone:

— But... no one survived? Not even Orion? — Gertrudes asked, her voice wavering.

The director slowly shook her head.

— Unfortunately, no. As far as we know, everyone on the planet perished. Only a small squadron survived… and that's because they never actually landed on Klandato.

— Who was leading that squadron? — Gertrudes asked, clinging to any hope.

The director looked at Caronte, who answered without hesitation:

— Solaria.

The name hung in the air like a ghost.

Tyrin felt a shiver run down his spine. His stomach churned.

Solaria…

He knew that woman wasn't what everyone thought she was. But how could he explain that to the director and Gertrudes without sounding insane? If he stayed silent, more people could die. He had to be honest.

He took a deep breath and decided to speak.

— Director, Gertrudes… I need to tell you something.

Gertrudes turned to him, confused.

— Of course, Tyrin. What is it?

He hesitated for a second before saying, as seriously as possible:

— I don't think Solaria can be trusted.

Gertrudes frowned.

— Tyrin, what are you talking about? She's one of the Five! How can she not be trustworthy?

But before he could answer, the director raised a hand, stopping Gertrudes. Her gaze was sharp, as if she already knew exactly what Tyrin was trying to say.

— I understand. Don't worry, Tyrin. I don't know how you figured it out… but at this point, I'm not surprised that you did.

Gertrudes blinked, bewildered.

— What? I don't understand! What are you two trying to tell me?

The director took a deep breath before responding.

— Gertrudes… we know that Solaria is not human. And the real one has probably been dead for a long time.

A heavy silence filled the room.

Tyrin held his breath.

Gertrudes paled.

— What do you mean? — she asked, her voice low, almost a whisper.

The director leaned back in her chair, interlacing her fingers over the table.

— I mean that Solaria is not who she claims to be. And if it's what I think it is… then we're dealing with a problem far greater than just giant insects.