Zenoir
Although I didn't mind having a tutor, I was curious why. If I had known what was coming… I would have acted differently.
— What do you mean by tutor? — I asked Old Man Aoji.
— Simply put… she will watch over you, at least for a while.
They continued their conversation, discussing long-term plans without considering my opinion. It was as if it was already decided. I wasn't a child wandering the world; I was old enough and experienced enough to take care of myself. So why go through the entire tower process? Even today, I can't think of an answer.
— I don't need someone watching over me. — I replied, looking him seriously in the eyes.
— The fact is, none of the captains want you in their division. — Old Man Aoji sat comfortably in his brown leather chair. — I spoke with most of the twelve captains, and none want your presence… Though it bothers me, I must respect their decision. That's why I asked Emma to help you, at least for a while. She is the oldest member in the organization, even older than me…
— That's exactly how it sounds, like I'm really "old." — Emma interrupted, arms crossed. — Leave him to me, I'll explain myself.
Emma strode toward me, grabbed my forearm, and pulled me out of the room, leaving Aoji behind. The door closed slowly, and I caught Aoji staring at me with a look I had seen before… the gaze of a predator imagining the most delicious way to devour its prey. How I regretted that day — had I known, I might have acted differently.
/////
Emma continued pulling me toward a fountain a few meters from the headquarters' entrance. I would never forget… her firm, commanding touch; the roughness of her hand, her authority and strength — the woman who once taught me values that would later become invaluable… and a certain warmth that, perhaps too late, would either save me or push me into an abyss I thought I'd never see the light of again.
Emma stopped in front of the fountain. Even with her back to me, she said:
— I think I just saved your life.
She turned to me, smiling.
— You should give me something in return, ahaha.
— I didn't quite understand…?
— That old man has some interest in you. I noticed it during your ceremony. I suggest you stay as far away from him as possible. — She looked toward the tower. — There are things beyond your understanding.
She released my arm, and I sat on the fountain's edge beside her.
— I don't want to wear the uniform… that's all. — I replied, looking at her. Emma glanced around, and I realized the sun was setting.
— Look at everyone here. Most wear their uniforms, not out of obligation, but pride. We've done terrible things, things necessary yet repulsive to our pride. But the uniform… it transforms us. The public sees safety. Tell me, which classes do you see most here? — Emma asked, her voice calm.
I looked around and noticed several organization members: Maestros with fuchsia markings, Cardinals in violet, Hierophants in green. Mostly, I saw Guardians.
— There are many Guardians, Hierophants, and Cardinals…
— Right, but did you see any monks?
Her question unsettled me. Indeed, I hadn't noticed any monks. I scanned carefully… none.
— I really don't see any.
— Exactly. Monks specialize in controlling their mana, whether light or dark. When you see one, know they are always properly uniformed. They don't care about looks or opinions; they take pride in who they are. That's why I say: go get your uniform and meet me at the event center. I must go, I'm late… Hurry!! — Emma ran off without looking back, toward the island's event center. I couldn't help thinking:
"Where the hell is that place?"
////
I returned to the hotel to gather my belongings. I packed my clothes into a backpack and realized I had little gold.
"I'll need to visit the bank."
My uniform remained on the bed: a full black overcoat with a hood, a zipper running from chest to the end of the legs. Not like I'd zip it all the way. I ran my hand over its asymmetric, intricate white markings, made of polyester, cotton, and mana-infused alloys.
*"They said it's waterproof and protects against extreme cold…" I thought as I held it.
I wore it — it fit perfectly. Standing before a large mirror framed in wood, I thought:
"Not bad… even comfortable."
I decided to head out but first stopped by the bank for some gold. I recently learned the currency system: one gold coin equals one hundred silver coins.
"I have at least 300 gold coins… maybe I'm rich?"
Exiting the hotel, the attendants wished me luck and gave me a discount card for next time.
"They welcomed me better leaving than when I arrived… maybe I'm overthinking."
The streets were busy. Zero Island had become a commercial hub, a meeting point for diverse peoples. I continued toward the city bank, recalling Emma's words.
"No need to be self-conscious, just act normally."
The bank's architecture was impressive — less grand than the tower, but built from perfectly shaped stones, crystal Saryta tiles on the roof, interiors elegant, ceilings painted with winged beings riding horses toward the horizon.
"Do these figures have meaning?" I wondered.
Inside, most employees were dwarves and humans, working together unexpectedly. I approached a dwarf behind iron-grilled counters.
— Hello, I'm Kio. How can I help?
— Zenoir. I need 80 gold coins. — I said. He examined me from head to toe, nothing new. — Account: 80.50.20, Password: 50.30.60.
— One moment. — He stepped down from his chair.
Soon, he returned with my gold in a brown cloth bag tied with a cord.
— You must be part of the organization… withdrawing maintenance fees. — He noted on a parchment.
"Not sure what he means, but whatever."
I took my gold and remembered:
"Where is the event center?"
— Mr. Kio, could you tell me where the island's event center is?
— Exit the bank, left, then right, until you see a building with a sign "Event Center." Easy. — He brushed his black beard.
— Thanks. — I placed the bag in my back pocket and headed out.
Night was falling.
"Did I lose track of time?"
Following his directions, the event center was farther than expected, away from the city's core. I walked quickly. A large gate, three meters tall, reinforced with steel, stood open. Outside, Guardians protected another iron-and-glass door. I sensed many presences inside.
A Guardian blocked me.
— Sorry, sir. Access is restricted. — His hand pressed to my chest.
— I'm here to meet someone. Open the door. — I said firmly.
— Orders from the organization. Once doors close, no one enters until the show ends. — He insisted.
I stepped back, circling the building. I found an open service door in an alley and slipped inside. The corridor was filled with pipes and steam. I ran carefully through doors, arriving at a crowded hallway. People stared. Ahead, a woman's singing echoed loudly.
I ran toward the sound, climbing stairs as the voice grew clearer. I entered an auditorium. The singer was Emma, seated with a guitar, singing in a language I didn't know… Her voice sweet, serene, perfectly matching her presence.
"So you sing too…?" I thought, observing her from the back. Thousands attended. For a moment, I worried she had left me behind, but relief and admiration washed over me.
"At least… she's not like the others."
Little did I know that this moment would later spark countless disagreements between us…
To be continued…