Chapter 28: Conclusion, Revelation and the Forgotten
Year 0003, Month VIII-X: The Imperium
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Day 73.1: The Arcane Inquisitors at a Crossroad
After weeks of meticulous investigation, the Arcane Inquisitors had found no credible traces of the classified metal known as Mytherium. Despite their extensive resources and investigative expertise, no trails could be followed, no connections established—the precious metal had simply vanished without a trace. The time had come to conclude their investigation and withdraw from the region.
Their decision to depart was further reinforced by reports of an impending war between the Kingdom of Ogind—their current host nation where the investigation had taken place—and the Sovereignty of Arwen. The escalating tensions had become the primary topic of conversation in every tavern, marketplace, and noble court throughout the region. Remaining in such a volatile area would serve no purpose and could potentially compromise their mission.
With professional efficiency, they packed their equipment and concluded their official business. The villagers who had perished in the original incident had been properly buried weeks ago, with Count Gremory himself taking time from his busy schedule to attend the funeral rites and offer final prayers for the deceased. Justice had been served in its own way, as the perpetrators had paid the ultimate price for their crimes.
Throughout the broader Empire, intelligence networks had detected no signs of Mytherium being sold or used inappropriately in any markets or trading centers across the known world. The best strategy now was to maintain vigilance and wait for those responsible to make a mistake that would reveal their identities. Unknown to the investigators, the Mytherium had remained within reach throughout the entire investigation, safely concealed within August's magical item pouch where the SYSTEM would eventually incorporate it into his future armor upgrades.
With their official duties completed, Archmage Rook and his Disciple Mage Crook departed the area first, utilizing their own mystical transportation methods. The Rookie Captain from House Croco was required to remain slightly longer, as his extraction would occur via the Great River system rather than overland routes.
The Great Central-Western River system represented one of the most impressive waterways in the known world. At its narrowest points, it measured at least fifty kilometers in width, while certain sections expanded to an impressive three hundred kilometers across—each bearing the geological scars of a continent that had once been whole. The river's depth was equally remarkable, with the shallowest areas measuring two kilometers deep and the deepest trenches plunging twenty kilometers below the surface. This massive waterway was constantly patrolled by Destroyer-class vessels of the Royal Imperial Navy, at least within the Empire's territorial waters, though several allied nations also maintained navigation rights along various sections.
The Great Central-Eastern River presented different but equally impressive dimensions. Its tightest passages measured sixty kilometers in width with depths of five kilometers, while the widest sections could span four hundred kilometers with depths reaching twenty-five kilometers. Like its western counterpart, this river system bore the ancient marks of the three subcontinents' original unity, now serving as both a transportation network and a reminder of the realm's geological history.
A House Croco war vessel awaited the Rookie Captain at the designated extraction point, while the Arcane Inquisitors had already departed using their specialized transportation methods. Their final report to the Empire was brief and disappointing: the investigation had yielded no actionable intelligence regarding the missing Mytherium.
The investigation was now officially concluded, at least for the immediate future.
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Day 73.2: Combat Drills and Rigorous Training
Back at the Fernando estate, August and his expanding household were engaged in intensive preparation for the inevitable conflict that loomed on the horizon. The storehouse had been packed to capacity with provisions and supplies, ensuring they had sufficient meat and other necessities to last for weeks if necessary. They had suspended their usual market activities since Marcus and Andy's last profitable venture selling goods to Count Gremory.
Currently, they are conducting combat drills with August serving as the primary opponent and instructor. Andy the veteran mercenary, Milo the greenhorn, Mee-rka a princess from a warrior tribe, Senna, and Kira her bodyguards formed the main assault team, their greater flexibility and combat experience making them ideal for these intensive training sessions. The remaining household members pursued their own specialized training regimens, while the children received education in proper etiquette, literacy, numeracy, and essential household skills that would serve them well in adulthood. Nina also received defensive training, though her role would primarily be supportive rather than combative, same with Michelle.
The training yard echoed with the rhythmic clashing of wooden practice weapons, punctuated by the sounds of exertion and tactical commands. Sweat flowed freely as participants pushed themselves to their limits, their voices raised in coordination exercises and tactical communications. August moved among them constantly, correcting postures, identifying weaknesses, and suggesting improvements to their techniques.
The current hierarchy of combat capability within the group was well-established: August remained the strongest and most well rounded fighter, followed closely by Mee-rka and her loyal bodyguards Senna and Kira. Andy and Milo occupied the next tier of capability, while Marcus and Sibus rounded out the combat-ready members of the group.
This intensive training regimen had continued for several days since the first confirmed reports of approaching war. The primary frustration remained the uncertainty regarding timing—they had no reliable intelligence about when the conflict would actually begin. During their discussions, August and Andy had concluded that they might be forced to abandon their planned return to the forest the following year, since the most likely enemy approach routes would utilize the Imperial roads that served as their primary means of safe travel towards the great forest of Lonelywood.
However, they held hope that the conflict would be resolved quickly. If it proved prolonged, they were prepared to take alternative routes through the interconnected great forest systems themselves. These ancient woodlands stretched across vast territories, each region possessing its own unique flora and fauna, creating a complex but navigable network for those with sufficient knowledge and skill. But they don't have any luxury like that, the great forests are treacherous and full of beasts that lay ancient and deadly.
After more than four hours of intensive sparring and combat drills, they concluded the session to allow their bodies proper rest and recovery. Despite being relatively new to formal combat training, thirteen-year-old Milo had demonstrated remarkable proficiency and consistency. His natural talent for combat reminded August strongly of friends he had left behind in the village of Maya.
"Ah, how nostalgic," August said, his thoughts drifting. "You remind me of the others. I wonder how they're doing now." His words carried a wistful tone that caught Milo's attention.
"Others like me? What do you mean, young master?" Milo asked with genuine curiosity.
August started, realizing he had spoken his private thoughts aloud. "Ah, forgive me. I was suddenly remembering my friends from the village. You share their dedication and persistence. Let me see... you could be similar to Erik or Bren in that regard, perhaps a combination of both their best qualities."
Milo considered this carefully before asking, "So who do you think would be stronger if you compared me to them?"
August found himself uncertain how to respond positively, but fortunately Andy intervened to provide guidance. "Well, lad, I think you're progressing excellently and will certainly catch up to them in time. For now, focus on perfecting your forms and techniques. Those young men have been continuously hunting in the great forest where August and I originated."
This revelation shocked everyone present, including August himself. They had never explicitly revealed their village of origin before this moment.
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Day 73.3: An Unexpected Revelation
Andy realized immediately that he had revealed information they had intended to keep private, for now. Every person present now regarded them with questioning and curious expressions, the air thick with unspoken inquiries.
"Ah, damn it all," Andy muttered. "I wasn't planning to reveal that yet, August. My apologies."
"Did... did you just say you both came from the great forests? A village? Inside there?" Marcus's voice carried disbelief and amazement. "You must be joking. Setting aside the Imperial laws that explicitly forbid anyone from establishing settlements in those territories, how could such a thing be possible? Legends persist to this day about the powerful monsters that inhabit that region. No one could survive there long-term. So how did you manage it?"
Andy found himself pondering the same question. How exactly had August and the previous villagers survived in such a dangerous environment for so many generations? It was something that had puzzled him since learning the true history of the place. "August, lad, I know I've heard some of this from you and the others already, but do you have any additional insights into how that settlement came to exist? It's genuinely puzzling, to be honest. Even now that I think about it more deeply, it doesn't make logical sense."
August could only sigh as he considered how to respond to their questions. "Let's all clean up first and have breakfast. We can discuss this properly over our meal. I'll share what I know based on what my parents told me and what the other villagers shared over the years."
They concluded their morning training session and proceeded to bathe and dress in comfortable clothing before gathering for a hearty breakfast. August then began the process of sharing his village's history with his companions.
He explained how the first generation had arrived at that location seeking escape from an outside world constantly embroiled in warfare and conflict. He described how they had discovered that small plateau of raised land nestled between two towering mountain cliffs—a natural sanctuary that seemed designed by fate itself. He told them how those early settlers had built a life for themselves there, completely free from any governmental oversight or interference, and how they had managed to survive and even thrive for three full generations, with August representing the last of his lineage after the devastating massacre.
However, when it came to explaining exactly how they had survived in such a notoriously dangerous environment for so many years, August found himself unable to provide satisfactory answers. He could only share that the villagers had hunted the same creatures he did, and that previous generations had taught their children the necessary skills and techniques for survival. He mentioned that villagers possessed the remarkable ability to travel throughout the forest without being detected by the more dangerous predators that called it home.
August also noted that the villagers and the village would frequently encounter and had unexpected visitors of lost and weary travelers, whom they would safely guide back to the main Imperial road without incident. These rescue missions never took long to complete, and the villagers always returned safely to their settlement.
As August finished his account, Andy began to piece together the inconsistencies in the story. Their own journey through the forest had been relatively manageable thanks to August's prowess, though they had certainly encountered numerous powerful creatures. But if a massacre had occurred in the village, and if the villagers were skilled enough to hunt the forest's most dangerous beasts, how had they been overwhelmed? People with combat skills sufficient to face legendary monsters should not have been easily defeated by human raiders.
Andy was not the only one to notice these logical inconsistencies. Marcus voiced the question that was troubling several of them: "That would suggest that whoever attacked and raided your village possessed extraordinary strength, wouldn't it? From your description, those villagers—may their souls rest in peace—were truly formidable fighters. If you possess such skill, then presumably they did as well. Without that level of opposition, it doesn't make sense how the village could have been nearly wiped out."
Marcus continued his analysis: "And another consideration: if your villagers could traverse both the village and the forest without concern, then perhaps you may not be the sole survivor after all. Didn't you mention that three families chose to escape to their respective clans? The term 'Clans' is significant here—people who belong to clans are typically renowned but often maintain secretive existences within the Empire. I don't know much about them personally, but the fact that I've heard of clan-affiliated individuals suggests they do possess considerable influence in the wider world."
August realized he had never considered this perspective before. He found himself pondering what had truly transpired during that terrible night of the raid. "You're absolutely right uncle Marcus, and it sounds even more mysterious to me now. Actually, I don't really understand what happened that night. And yes, Uncle Marcus, the chances of those three families surviving and thriving wherever they are now are quite high. I haven't given that possibility much consideration recently. I hope they're doing well, wherever they might be."
With that sobering thought, their discussion reached a natural conclusion, leaving everyone with even more questions than they had started with—questions that seemed to have no readily available answers.
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Day 73.4: Andy's Nearly Forgotten Promise
As their conversation wound down, August suddenly remembered something important that Andy had mentioned wanting to do when they first left the forest. "By the way, Uncle Andy, didn't you mention wanting to find Baron Kirka? Aren't we currently in Gremory, the capital city where you said he first established himself?"
As if struck by sudden realization, Andy rose abruptly from his seat, his face showing embarrassment at his oversight. "Oh, good heavens! How could I have completely forgotten about that? Thank you for reminding me, August. I absolutely must find my former lord and thank him personally for everything he did for me."
Marcus, overhearing their conversation, offered his assistance. "You know the kind-hearted Baron Kirka Senior, Andy? I've heard he's been keeping to his mansion lately, extremely busy with his various business enterprises. He returned here several years ago, leaving the frontier village to be managed by his son."
"Yes, exactly," Andy confirmed. "Before Baron Kirka achieved his noble title, when he was still simply a merchant, he took me under his wing and taught me the art of commerce and trade. Unfortunately, circumstances didn't favor me in the end. The merchant group I joined for a trading expedition to the southern provinces was ambushed by bandits, and I was subsequently sold into the slave trade. That's how I became familiar with the Corvus Syndicate that we mentioned earlier."
August added his own context to the explanation: "Yes, Uncle Marcus. Uncle Andy and several other villagers that we left behind in Maya are all former slaves who managed to escape their captivity. The person currently serving as the village administrator in Kirka is actually a branch manager for the Corvus Syndicate—the very reason Baron Kirka was forced to flee that place. Most tragically, this administrator was supposedly the son of the Baron's wife. It's truly unfortunate that the woman he married harbored such evil intentions. That betrayal must be why he chose to return here instead of remaining on the frontier."
Marcus now had a much clearer picture of how August and Andy had acquired their extensive knowledge about the Corvus Syndicate and its operations.
"Ah, very well then," Marcus said with genuine warmth. "I'd be honored to accompany you when you visit Baron Kirka Senior, Andy." The older man nodded gratefully at the offer of assistance.
As the day drew to a close, everyone reflected on the revelations that had emerged during their conversations. The disclosure of August and Andy's true origins had been eye-opening for all of their companions, providing new context for understanding their backgrounds and the experiences that had shaped them. With so much information revealed, it seemed certain that new developments would soon emerge from these newfound understandings.
The household settled into their evening routines, but the air remained charged with the weight of revelation and the anticipation of whatever consequences might follow from the truths that had finally been shared.