Subtitle: Three Minus Three
Strangely enough, after all that shouting, I thought the two of them would clash. Instead, an overwhelming silence filled the air. I looked at Odasaku. There wasn't the slightest trace of fear in his eyes—if anything, they seemed to burn brighter.
I grabbed his arm. No matter how hard I tried to look fearless, my legs were trembling. The one standing before us was a Sur—someone who had suffered from humans for a long time. And I, too, was human.
Three – "I don't really want to fight you. Sounds too troublesome."
Odasaku – "Unfortunately, I feel the same."
It was as if I had lived through this moment a million times before.
Three – "Feels like I know someone here…"
A violent gust of wind suddenly blew. I squeezed my eyes shut. When I opened them again, "Zero" was standing before us.
Odasaku quickly stepped in front of me to shield me. His hand reached for the hourglass at his waist. Zero simply gestured "shh." He approached Three calmly—almost unnervingly calm.
Zero – "You said things you shouldn't have."
Three's rage erupted the instant he saw Zero. Every dagger around him pointed straight at Zero, but Zero did nothing but smile.
Three – "IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!"
Even if I had blinked for just a fraction of a second, I would've missed the sight before me.
Zero's hand pierced right through Three's chest, straight into his heart. Blood trickled down his clothes—so bright it stood out even in the dark. He pulled his hand back swiftly. Zero looked at us with a sadistic grin. His cruelty and raw malice were impossible to mistake.
Zero – "Just one mistake. A single mistake can cost you everything. Heavy… so heavy."
As he said this, he was staring straight at Odasaku. I shut my eyes tightly and clung to Odasaku's jacket as if I could tear it apart. I was helpless. There was nothing I could do against him. He began walking toward us. I shut my eyes again. When I opened them—I was in the garden.
The fountain in the center, the potted flowers… everything looked so ordinary. Too ordinary, as if nothing had happened at all.
Odasaku seemed utterly stunned. He covered his mouth with his hand, then slowly turned to me with horror in his eyes. I didn't understand what was happening, but I was too afraid to ask.
Finally, he adjusted his expression and raised his hand—gesturing for me to leave.
Odasaku – "Go to your room."
His voice wasn't angry. If anything, it was too calm—but the fear in it was undeniable. Was he afraid of me?
I didn't resist. I simply went to my room. The corridor felt endlessly long. When I finally reached my room, my legs gave out and I collapsed to the floor. Was it fear? Or something else? Normally, I would've forced myself back up instantly, but right now… I wasn't alone. Or was I? I turned around quickly.
And there he was—Zero.
I desperately crawled to the far corner of my room. I couldn't even shout for someone to help me. The only thing I could do was pathetically try to escape.
Zero seemed to enjoy this, smirking as he slowly walked toward me. His calmness carried an edge of madness. I couldn't take my eyes off him. He held up the heart he had just ripped out.
Zero – "Unfortunately, I need this. To bring him back, I'll either need the heretic's hourglass or a sea anemone… but the easiest option right now is something else. Can you get it for me?"
– "How could I? If I touch it…"
Zero turned his back and, as he walked away, muttered:
Zero – "I don't need you. I'll use my own methods."
After those words, his figure blurred and finally vanished. Yet I could still hear his heartbeat echoing. I stayed frozen where I was, realizing just how pitiful I was. I had to grow stronger—for my sister, for what I'd forgotten, for what I'd yet to forget, and for the friends I would one day meet.
Struggling to my feet, I swore I would become the strongest. Even if my heritage was useless, even if I had no real talent—I would make it happen. It was already late. I lay down, staring at the ceiling, and swore countless oaths.
Zero—hands bloodied—smiled faintly from behind the door. He had heard every word. For some reason, a strangely human emotion stirred within him. Pride. It was the second time he had felt it… the first being when he escaped the laboratory.
Morning
Around 6 a.m., I woke up and grabbed my sword, heading to the training grounds. I swung it with reckless abandon. I heard someone laugh. It had to be Odasaku. I turned around angrily.
– "If it's so funny, then help me!"
Someone – "Sure, but I don't use a sword. I fight with daggers. My style is different. Our inheritances are different, too… but I can still help you get stronger."
His voice was calm but carried great depth. He descended the stairs and walked toward me. He looked about my age. His hair was dark blue—like the depth of the sea. His eyes were as still and clear as water. He wore traditional Chinese clothing, and bandages wrapped around his wrists. He extended his hand to me.
Naiadler – "Nice to meet you. My name is Naiadler. What's yours?"
– "Apollon is fine. Nice to meet you too."
Odasaku rushed down the stairs and glared at Naiadler.
Naiadler – "As I said at the door—I'm this person's friend."
Odasaku – "Oh, come on. You don't even know his name…"
Naiadler – "His name is Apollon. He's my friend, isn't he, Apollon?"
I was caught off guard. Naiadler's curious gaze was fixed on me. I opened my mouth and said:
– "Yes. Naiadler is my closest friend."
Naiadler stepped behind me. Odasaku gave me a sharp, suspicious look.
Odasaku – "A ten-year-old boy, your closest friend?"
Naiadler – "You know as well as I do—the flow of time in that city is slower. In truth, we're the same age."
Odasaku sighed in resignation. He came closer, glanced at Naiadler, then gestured as if to say "I'm watching you." For the next few hours, Odasaku trained me. Finally, he told us we should rest.
Night fell, yet Naiadler never left my side. We ate together. He insisted on taking a room in the same corridor. He was clearly trying hard to convince Odasaku he was truly my friend. I took a deep breath, steadied myself, and finally spoke the words.
– "Naiadler… you're Three, aren't you?"
Naiadler looked surprised, but then accepted it with a strange smile.
Naiadler – "When did you realize?"
Zero – "That moment marked the start of either a deep-rooted friendship… or the birth of the worst enemy you could ever gain."
End of Chapter
Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Do you also feel like Naiadler is more than just "Three"?