Subtitle: Devoured by Nothingness
I took a deep breath. This couldn't be real. My sister was there. I started running. I called out to her one last time.
Sister!
My sister slowly turned toward me. I froze in place. There was something wrong when she faced me. "Her face was blurred, strange, and revolting." She parted her lips and in a sharp, high-pitched voice said:
Pandora: I found you.
I took a step back. I gripped my sword tightly and took a defensive stance.
You're not my sister!
Pandora: Now you understand?!
Everything around me began to warp and darken. The flowers were turning one by one into strange, disgusting creatures. Hoping to put an end to it all, I ran toward the woman and aimed my sword at her.
Pandora: It's all because of you.
I collapsed to my knees. My hands were shaking. Yes, that possibility had always been in the back of my mind. Because I was an adventurer, those people came to my home and killed my sister… "I can't hurt her."
As everything around me twisted, the flowers slowly started covering me. I couldn't move. Just before my eyes closed, I saw an hourglass. It was above me, and its sand was flowing backward.
When I opened my eyes, Odasaku stood before me, covered in blood. My hand involuntarily went to my sword.
Odasaku: Finally awake, huh? (In a teasing tone) This is the first time I've seen someone faint from fear the moment they got out of a carriage.
I fainted? So it was all fake?
Odasaku: What was fake? We need to settle your little nightmare business one day.
The sound of the carriage moving along the road stopped.
Odasaku: We've finally arrived.
Odasaku stepped out of the carriage, wearing a real hourglass on his belt. I grabbed it quickly. The moment I held it, a brilliant light spread.
When I finally regained my senses, I found myself stuck to the wall of the mansion garden. Odasaku was walking toward me, laughing. He laughed so hard I feared his jaw might come unhinged.
Edmund ran up to me.
Edmund: What happened here, young master?
Edmund sounded worried. He was probably the only adult who genuinely cared about me here. He shot Odasaku a glare.
Edmund: Sir, could you explain what happened, and please mind your manners!
Edmund's voice was cold and intimidating. Even Odasaku looked somewhat frightened. No, he truly seemed scared, as if bracing himself for something.
Odasaku: That brat touched my "antique."
Edmund: The "infidel's hourglass"?
Odasaku: Yes.
Edmund sighed and lifted me up.
Edmund: Young master, please be more careful next time. If you touch an artifact that has an owner again, things could get worse. There are resources in the library on this subject; please read them. And you, Odasaku, act your age next time.
Odasaku ran into the mansion, and I followed him to the library.
A few minutes later:
I finally managed to find a few books on ancient artifacts. I picked up the one with a gilded cover and began reading.
Ancient artifacts are usually linked to a person. They are believed to be rare, existing in limited numbers worldwide. An artifact can provide support, healing power, magic, sword mastery, or enhance a person's "legacy," elevating their power. Each artifact changes in appearance after being claimed by its user. As of now, officially, two of our knights and one adventurer have used artifacts. The captains of the 1st and 2nd battalions possess the Infidel's Hourglass and Pluvia Aeternum, respectively. Our adventurer has Hunter's Crown. Each artifact has its own unique power and test.
I closed the book.
I want one too. I want a cool artifact with amazing power. One that can create huge explosions, provide powerful support, or even heal the dead.
Odasaku: Unfortunately, the artifact you mentioned was already claimed. By a sister who twisted her head with goodness. I encountered her once while vacationing on the islands… it was an unbearable experience.
You went to the islands?
Odasaku: I've been all over, thanks to my master.
Odasaku sounded irritated as he said this, leaning back and staring at the ceiling. But his expression was calm:
Odasaku: Though back then, it was very enjoyable.
I noticed his eyes glinting. Despite his elderly appearance, some moments made him seem alive. I stood up from the table.
Brother, let's take a walk in the garden together.
Odasaku looked momentarily surprised but slipped his hand into his pocket and walked with me toward the garden.
Why did you come to the library? To bother me?
Odasaku: I don't want to hang out with a snot-nosed kid. I wouldn't have come if Edmund hadn't insisted.
Looks like you're a snot-nosed kid too. Following Edmund's orders, huh?
Odasaku: That man beat me every time I caused trouble. Thinking of those moments still makes me shiver.
Odasaku stopped, his hand on his sword. Had I angered him so much that he might have killed me? Suddenly, the surroundings seemed swallowed by a black hole. Everything was dark.
A man sat like a king, dark blue hair with stars scattered through it, eyes deep as the void, almost black. Millions of daggers hovered around him, all identical. He wore traditional Chinese attire.
Odasaku drew his sword and pointed it at the man.
Odasaku: YOU'RE THE ONE WHO LEAVES STRANGE THINGS IN MY MANSION LIBRARY, HUH, THREE!
Three: I never imagined you could recognize me so quickly.
Odasaku: Be happy! This will be the first "sur" I've ever beaten in my life!
Three: YOU SHOULD BE PROUD! YOU WILL BE THE FIRST OWNER OF AN ANTIQUE I WILL EVER BEAT IN MY LIFE!
End of Chapter
Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Three, zero… could they be the secret numbers in the surs' organization?