Chapter 5: Ellios Waikatsu
The students shuffled into their classrooms, the day nearing its end. Ray picked up his backpack, clenching and unclenching his right hand absentmindedly. The bell rang, signaling dismissal. As the students poured out of the classroom, Ray was about to leave when Aeon rushed in, nearly bumping into him.
"Ahhh—thanks for saving me today,"
Aeon blurted, grinning.
Ray didn't reply, only giving a small nod before gesturing if he could leave. Aeon understood and stepped aside, allowing him to pass. As Ray walked away, Aeon's gaze drifted to his right arm, a knowing smile forming on his lips.
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Location: University North-east park
Ray found himself in one of university's park, where a large map of the kingdom stood prominently. He approached it. However, as soon as the map displayed its details, it abruptly turned black.
"...?"
Ray Dumbfound, frowning at the screen. He tapped once, but nothing happened.
Suddenly, someone beside him double-tapped the screen, and the map reappeared.
"It's a touchscreen. You know, technology stuff,"
a voice said.
Ray turned his head and saw a tall man with long golden-wheat hair that nearly reached his waist. His striking eyes were a mix of green and sky-blue, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. He wore a flowing black and green hanfu adorned with delicate light-blue floral and dragon embroidery. Something about him felt familiar.
The man smiled.
"You must be Quazar Ray, right?"
The air suddenly grew heavy. A suffocating pressure surrounded the man as if something invisible was constricting his throat. He coughed, struggling to breathe.
"You wouldn't want to disappoint Empress Evyon, would you?"
The man's voice was calm but laced with unmistakable menace.
The pressure instantly lifted, and the man exhaled in relief, rubbing his neck.
"I'm Ellios Waikatsu, a candidate for Crown Valoria,"
he introduced himself, regaining composure.
Ray's eyes narrowed.
"How do you know me?"
Ellios chuckled.
"I used to be in the same class as your sister."
Ray's tension eased slightly.
"Yana?"
"Yeah. Red hair, blue eyes, a beautiful smile, charming lips, a foodie, strict, and gets pissed off way too easily,"
Ellios listed with rolling his eyes.
Ray sighed.
"That... does sound like my sister."
"Anyway, don't worry. I'm not your enemy. Not like I could be, even if I wanted to."
Ray rolled his eyes.
"What do you want?"
"Oh, right. Your sister asked me to give you a little introduction to the kingdom,"
Ellios said, turning back to the digital map. He double-tapped the screen again.
"Humans, to be precise, have developed better technology than most other races. This—"
he gestured to the map,
"—is one of our inventions. A digital map."
Ray crossed his arms.
"What's the difference from a regular map?"
Ellios grinned.
"Well, unlike traditional maps, this one uses satellite imaging and magic, allowing you to see even the smallest details. Here, watch."
He placed his hand on the screen and zoomed in. The map displayed their exact location, down to their silhouettes.
Ray raised an eyebrow.
"It's okey."
"You'll figure out how to use it on your own,"
Ellios assured him before pointing at key locations on the map.
"Bakery, subway, bus stops, cars, waystones, restaurants, the shopping district—basically, everything you'll need."
"... .... .... ... .. . . "
Ray stared at the screen, then glanced around.
"It's peaceful here."
Ellios paused for a moment, then let out a sigh.
"Yeah... Compared to what you've seen, this place must feel like a dream."
Ray looked at him suspiciously.
"You seem to know a lot about me."
Ellios chuckled.
"Your sister trusts me the most. But what she truly trusts is your future—a bright one. Not just her, but everyone from Shinwa, Evyon, and the entire Central Aethyra."
Ray didn't respond. He simply stared at the map, lost in thought.
Ellios patted his shoulder.
"I look forward to teaching you, Ray."
"Eh?"
"I'm a professor here, Green Hair."
Ellios laughed as Ray shook his head and walked away.