Chapter-26

We departed a week later, at last we were going to leave this hellish place. This time our pace was much faster.

We travelled for three days straight, resting only when necessary. Eventually, we reached a small settlement situated near a lake.

"We're finally here," Kriesten uttered with an enthusiastic tone as he made his way forward. It felt strange, almost surreal, to see people again after spending so much time in the wilderness.

The streets were lively, bustling with people going about their daily lives, just like a normal countryside town. It didn't seem like a war was going on at all.

"This place is called Roshiere. It's my birthplace," Kristen muttered as he walked through the streets. The locals greeted them warmly, throwing curious glances at us from time to time.

"Oh Kristen, Asher, you are back," a man's voice crept up from behind, turning my head, I saw a man dressed in casual clothes, his emerald eyes gleaming in the sunlight, his tanned skin contrasting with his blonde hair, and a radiant smile on his face.

"Gerald, what are you doing here? I thought you were posted in eastern Eleithiya," Asher replied as the man named Gerald approached us.

"My duty ended last week, so I came to see my sister and spend some time in Roshiere in peace."

"How is the situation in the east?"

"They are still sending spies and soldiers to infiltrate our outposts, though none of the Principalities has made their move yet, the higher-ups think they are planning a major attack in the future." 

"Looks like the situation is going to get worse again". Kristen's face darkened.

"By the way, who are these kids? Gerald said, glancing at us.

"They are survivors of a recent outbreak close to the city we were assigned to, we were too late and unable to save the others. Fortunately, these kids survived but they have suffered gruesome injuries as you can see."

"Aah, what a pity, these poor souls." Gerald looked at us with sympathy.

"So are you going to take them to Eleithiya?"

"They will be staying here with Asher for a while and get used to the town. I have to report to the higher-ups, so I will be heading to Eleithiya tomorrow."

"Oh, that's fantastic, they can visit our home too while they are at it, I am sure Alina would love tha,t" Gerald exclaimed

"That would be a great idea to help them show around the town. Do you have any problems, Asher?" Kirsten muttered.

"I am fine with that."

"Then it's settled, how about you guys come to my house for dinner tonight?"

"We really appreciate your kind gesture, sir Gerald," I said politely "But we've travelled a long way to reach here and could use some rest. Perhaps we can have dinner another time."

"Ahh, that's a shame—but I can understand, given your situation, forgive me if I got too hasty." Gerald replied with a warm chuckle, "It's just that my sister has been solemn recently since she can't go outside much, so I thought having guests over would cheer her up."

"Sorry to disappoint you," I said, bowing slightly.

"No need to apologize," he waved off, still smiling. "Another time, then." 

"Then we will leave for now," Kristen muttered as we left the busy streets behind.

We reached a wooden cottage, the front yard was neatly trimmed, and the inside was clean as we made our way inside.

"I have to leave for Eleithiya tonight, but Asher will be here with you, so take your time and learn what you can."

"We understand," Zei and I answered.

"And be careful around Gerald, he might seem like a nice guy, but he harbours immense hatred for the Aeriths. If he found out you have their blood, it would be troublesome." With those words, Kirsten left the house.

Asher led us to our rooms and then went downstairs. It seems like he had some work to do.

By nightfall, we headed downstairs after washing up and changing into the spare pair of clothes he gave us. He even had spare clothes for women, oddly enough.

"Wow…that looks so delicious," Zei uttered as we made our way towards the dining table with numerous dishes spread all around the table.

"Oh, you are here," a voice erupted from the kitchen as Asher made his way out with plates in his hands, wearing a ....pink apron?

"Sit down, it's better to eat before the food gets cold," he muttered, placing the plates on the table.

"Ah-ah yeah" quickly regaining my composure, I replied, and we sat to have our dinner.

All the dishes looked appetizing, as if prepared by a Michelin-starred chef. The meat was succulent and flavorful, and the side dishes were delectable. After the dinner was completed, we helped Asher clean up the table.

"Let's talk," he said, taking out three cups and pouring ready-made coffee into them.

"Sure, " we've been expecting this after all.

"So," he began, his tone calm but direct."You have decided to join the military."

"That's right," Zei replied. "We want to grow stronger."

A smile appeared on Asher's face.

"That's a good goal to have, in this era, power and strength reign supreme over everything else, and joining the military academy is the most straightforward way towards it. But, there is a problem"

"What kind of problem? "

"You will have to hide your identities as Aeriths from the academy's instructors and officials," Asher muttered, his tone serious, "We can't afford to have any harm done to either of you."

Zei frowned. "Why?"

He paused, choosing his words carefully, "...Once you complete your training at the military academy, we want you to join the Central and join the war against Aeriths."

There it was, they finally showed their true intention.

Asher held up a hand. "Before we proceed any further, I would like to clear a few things."

"We are providing you a chance to heal your injuries and grow stronger beyond your imagination, and in return, you just have to join and serve the Central."

"What if we don't want to be assigned to the Central?"

"As Kristen has mentioned before, you can decline our offer," Asher replied, sipping his coffee. "However, I wouldn't recommend that."

"Why not?"

"As I have told you before, your body can contain both the runic enchantments and the blood of Aerith's, you can use their Aetherial blood arts and Runecraft simultaneously, because of that, your potential is limitless."

"So you intend to make us fight in the war, kill innocent people, and taint our hands with blood," Zei's voice sharpened with anger.

His gaze didn't waver. "It's not that I want you to fight in the war, but rather you will be forced to."

"Once this war begins, it will not stop until one side is completely eradicated, millions will die, perhaps billions even."

"The longer the war is prolonged, the more people will suffer. The only way to end it is through overwhelming force."

"So," He asked, his gaze focused on us, "what will you do?"