Laudis felt the coldness of the sword. He grasped for air. Frighthened, he decided to look at his neck. The youth was shocked. The blade was inside him, yet no blood was shed. Now, he turned away and looked at the man. He was about his height. He had a black beard and curly hair. He wore a deep purple carolan robe, leather sandals, a golden necklace with an X, and a cloth tied around his eyes. His clothes were covered in sand, almost like he was teleported from a desert. A scent of dust and smoked bones filled the space.
'Could it be him? Will didn't mention that the Marked Ones can manifest themselves, but he cut off his deal with me. I don't know why, yet I think he tries to... avoid me? I've known from the start to keep distance from him,' thought Laudis, dressing up.
"Yes, we can manifest," said a deep voice, with a north-west accent.
"Where are you?" he replied, grabbing his sword.
"I'm right in front of you, I am Aamir. Only you can see me and hear my voice. You cannot make me disappear, even if you tried. I will be next to you as long as I want to," the man responded, taking his curved sword away.
"I see. Then, what do you need from me?"
"Nothing in particular, I just wanted to see for myself— Ha! I meant to feel the current Mundusia."
"Right..."
The kid stepped out of the tent, and the male followed him. Everyone was still asleep; the morning breeze made the boy put on his coat. The sun reflected on the ice structure, almost like it was a lamp. The cold woke him up even further. The youth stretched out so he wouldn't be stiff. It was simple sword swings, fast movements, and rock throwing, preparing himself for the bomb usage.
"What's that?" wondered Aamir, pointing at the bridge.
"Ice."
"What's ice? I've never heard of such a thing; it has to be another synthesized element, right? Just like magma or wood," he continued, trying to grasp the idea behind the cold and slippery surface.
"Not exactly. It's a semi-element. If you cool down water below a certain temperature, you can create it..
"Oh, I see. What if it's exposed to heat? Does it come back to the original liquid state?" the male added, fascinated by the newly discovered thing.
"You're right."
"Okay. In Carola, we didn't have any knowledge about anything like that. I wonder if now they know it..."
"Do you mind answering my question?"
"No, I don't."
"Great. How can you speak in a language comprehensible to me? It's hard for me to tell what the age gap is between our times, yet it's at least over four hundred years. You were supposed to use more archaisms and such. From my point of view, you might be just impersonating," concluded Laudis, recalling his semi-modern wording.
"Do thy plump for me to use the elder loquence?" he responded, with a pronunciation strange to the boy.
"What?" he murmured, watching a subtle smirk appear on his face.
"I can speak both ways. Will allowed me to speak in this way."
"Will. Do you trust him?"
"I do not want to answer this question yet. Maybe in the future, that's it for today, I guess. I heard a movement. Farewell."
"Bye."
"Who were you talking to?" asked Dantenium, appearing behind a tent.
'Oh shit, he was awake? How didn't I notice his presence? I need to make something up quickly. Think, think, think!' he thought, thinking about excuses.
"I... I was talking to myself."
"Explaining what ice is?" the man added, raising suspicion.
"You got me. I was talking to a wandering spirit, they've wondered about the structure. After all, it wasn't there. They were coming from Carola, so they didn't know anything about ice. Do you understand now?"
"Kind of. Still, you aren't someone who would help anyone. I will let it slide this time, but be careful, I'm observing you. Mark every single step you take."
"Thanks. Am I free to leave?"
"No. Show me your hand," he stated, grabbing it. His face turned serious, and he was reaching for something in his pocket.
Shivers went through the youth's body. He didn't know whether the Mark of Knowledge was viewed positively or negatively. Either way, it was too soon, way too soon to reveal it. He needed to find a solution, a solution to run away.
'To hell, what is he? How does he point out the thing I want to hide? The bastard of a devil, how the hell does he do it? Almost like he knows everything. Quick. Think, think, think. Running? No, he would catch me. Fighting? No, he's too strong. Blood contract? No, I couldn't hit him. Fuck! I have no options left. For the first time, I need to... surrender? No! I reject such weakness! I will lie. After all, I'm a liar, just like the others,' the boy thought, searching for the right response.
He unwrapped his bandages. There it was, the white mark. The crimson-haired man looked at it for a while. They were standing in silence. Suddenly, he decided to speak up.
"Were you drunk?" the elder Crusader asked.
"Excuse me?"
"It's a tattoo, isn't it?"
"Yeah? Though I wasn't drunk. I just thought it looked cool," he replied, trying to act chill.
"Then why do you hide it?"
"They are viewed negatively in Carola."
"Okay, but why did you wrap it when we were still in Luxaris?" he continued, trying to fulfill his inquisitiveness.
"I was checking how long the wrapping lasts," the boy clarified, coming up with an excuse.
"It's quite strange... Ok, I will let it slide, this time. Just don't forget, I'm watching you," he declared, pointing at his own and then at his eyes.
Dantenium went back to his tent and started to pack up his things. Laudis followed him and decided to do it too.
'I thought the captain was a freak, but that bastard. Man, why the hell did he ask me about these things? He isn't a normal human; he can't be. He was standing about five meters in front of me, but I didn't sense him at all. I was right, that I've packed those cigarettes— Wait, I don't have fire. To hell with these idiots, they want to kill me,' he thought, packing his belongings.
After a while, everyone was ready for further travel. Gladius again anointed them with the white substance and blessed them. As they were getting closer to the Carola, the temperature was changing, as well as the animals. Eagles were flying, trying to catch themselves a fish. The sea creatures weren't around; perhaps it was due to the unnatural structure. They didn't share a conversation, almost like there was something off. Laudis didn't pay any attention to it. He was focusing on the men, precisely the threats. First one, somewhat predictable, but smarter than him. Second one, unpredictable, acting like an idiot, but he was clever too. He was between the devils and the deep blue sea, literally. The Crusaders have been running for seven more hours. They finally reached the riverbank. The sand there was white because of the constant water contact and high temperature. Such a combination made the water evaporate, leaving the salt on it.
"We have to get changed now," stated Gladius, handing them Carolan robes.
"Yeah, I agree. The sun is closer here, or what?" mumbled Solisia, taking her shoes off.
"Not exactly, the climate is different due to the magic. The high concentration of Fire element users makes it this way," the captain clarified.
"Yeah, yeah. But where are we supposed to change? The old man is going to stare at me— no, at her. He's kind of off, just look at him," the girl added, watching Dantenium.
"Hey! Do you think I would do such a thing?!"
"Yes," she replied, with disappointment.
"You're absolutely right, but I won't turn away. Either you change or sweat in your clothes."
"Yes?!" she hissed, reaching for her flail.
"Stop it," stated Laudis.
"Who told you to intervine, huh?"
He looked at her with disregard, almost like she was nobody. His sight pierced her.
"If you are so worried about him, then what about I help?"
"How?"
"Like that, just watch. Can you hold my hand, Dante?"
"I can, then what?"
"Just wait."
"Mark of Knowledge, trade my mana for his sight," he whispered. A subtle light came behind his bandages.
"What? Why can't I see anything? What have you done to me?"
"Just a spell, you will get your vision back in five minutes. Change while he can't see."
"Thank you," said Udania, with a smile.
The women changed into white robes and the men into light blue ones.
"We're going to set up a camp here. The camels will arrive in the morning," the captain stated, unpacking.
"Okaay," replied Solisia, sitting down in relief.
"Meet me after you are done," whispered Dantenium, with a voice deeper than usual.
"What if I don't want to?" responded Laudis, filled with perseverance.
"Then you shall not see tomorrow morning. That tattoo isn't normal. It's the Mark of Knowledge, isn't it?" he murmured, covering his mouth.
The youth stood frozen. His expression was worth more than a thousand words. The crimson-haired man didn't need to receive an answer, because it was right in front of him. The time went by, and the Crusaders set up a camp. It was a sunset, and the boy went to his tent.
"What do you want?" he asked, trying to act cool.
"Are you one of them?"
"One of whom?"
"One of the Apostles."
"Huh?" the kid replied, with a surprised face. It wasn't a false reaction; he truly didn't hear anything about these people.
"You know. The people who sacrificed their families for power. Some were given the same mark as you. But, judging from your response, you aren't one of them. So another question comes up. How did you obtain it?"
"If I could, I would tell you, but I can't. I'm not bound by a contract. Still, the one who anointed me with it will know when I reveal his identity. Firstly, I didn't want it. Secondly, I don't fully understand it. Thirdly, I hate it."
"You don't seem to be lying. Okay, you can go. I clear your name for now. But remember, I will be watching you," he declared, pointing at his eyes.
"Bye," the youth said, raising his hand and leaving the tent as fast as possible.
Laudis sat down next to his tent on a material. The women were sitting next to each other, about six meters from him. They were talking about prosaic stuff, that is, clothes and jewelry. Thus, he didn't care much for their conversation. Unlike the ice, the sand was pretty warm, but it wasn't stable at all. The sun was still shining, though it was almost hidden beneath the horizon.
"Do you want to spar?" asked Gladius, touching his shoulder.
"I don't know— wait, actually, why not?" the boy replied, taking his sword.
Both of them warmed up, and the night came around. Dantenium put up four torches in a square and lit them. The area was marked by them, making it a pretty small arena. The fire was still, lighting the surroundings. After around five minutes, both of them were ready. The kid looked at him; he was trying to suppress his anger, but he still gave it away. It was quite strange for the new Crusader, because he couldn't think of a reason why he would be angry at him. The paladin rushed forward and aimed for his left arm. Tsss! — the boy blocked the strike, yet he loosened his grip. Thuck! — the knight followed with a low kick, weakening his stance. Laudis jumped backwards, trying to get a grip, but the knight did not want to give him any time.
"Wait a minute! I have to prepare myself before another attack, or I will be cut for real!" the youth stated, blocking another strike.
"I will not wait! Just like vampires, I have to show you no mercy!" he shouted, with eyes filled with rage.
Thuck! — the sword went into the kid's left shoulder. He quickly made distance, and he finally lost his temper. The youth slicked back his hair and wiped off the blood.
"If you want to fight for real, then let's go!" the boy declared, sticking his sword in the sand. He unwrapped his hand, showing his mark to him.
"You—You are one of them?!"
"Yes, I am!"
"Longus," the man whispered lightly.
Tshuu! — the blade lengthened, cutting his right forearm.
The women were surprised by the familiar, long-lasting sound. The Sword of Humility was very rarely extended, especially to that extent. They looked at themselves, worried a bit.
"What are they doing?" wondered Solisia.
"Where is Dante? He was supposed to watch them over," stated Udania, looking around.
"He's asleep. Better if we check this out."
"Yeah."
The boy had had enough of this; he was cut twice while he didn't even hit him once. He followed with quick jumps here and there in a small area.
"Sword Technique No.0: Heart's Arson," said Laudis, filled with disregard for his opponent.
He rushed forward with full speed. Tss — his attack was spared without a problem, but it wasn't his intent. He drew a knife from his pocket. Thuck! — the short blade went into the man's left leg. The females were shocked at the view. Both men were covered in blood just from the sparring alone.
"Now, you've crossed a line you shouldn't have to!" the male declared.
"Longu—"
"Ice Prison invocare! Earth Cage invocare!" the women shouted at the same time.
Laudis was trapped in an ice structure, while Gladius was in an earth one. Both looked at them and started complaining.
"Why did you stop us?" the captain argued.
"Exactly! I was so close to winning over this idiot!" the youth added, irritated by the intrusion.
"Are you sane? Look at you, covered in blood, fighting for real. It was supposed to be a sparring. What the hell happened?!" replied Solisia, disappointed by their action.
"Oh, merciful Poseidon! Grant me the power to heal the wounds!" proclaimed Udania, healing their cuts.
"I won't elaborate, but if you want to know, then there it is!" he responded, showing them his Mark of Knowledge.
The women gasped in horror. They took a step back and drew their weapons.
"Maybe he wasn't wrong about killing you," said the girl, swinging her flail.
"Great..." the boy whispered, watching the dispute grow even more.