Subtitle: A Punishment That Never Comes
Naiadler – When did you realize?
— I can't explain it. I just felt it deep inside… You resemble him far too much.
Naiadler – Is that so? Don't you think you're being reckless, standing so unguarded before a Sur?
We were walking in the garden. Nothing seemed unusual. If he tried to attack me, I could easily call for Odasaku. That gave me a false sense of ease.
— Reckless? I'd say you're the one who should be more cautious.
Maybe I was a little too confident, but I had seen it with my own eyes—his heart being torn out in an instant. He must be weak right now.
He suddenly laughed warmly. Too human for a Sur, I thought. Then Naiadler stopped and reached out his hand.
Naiadler – Let's really be friends. I'm the Third Sur, but just call me Naiadler. It's easier that way.
I reached out my hand.
— I'm Apollon. Unfortunately, I'm not as mysterious as you… but there's something I want to know: why would a Sur ever help a human?
His smile vanished. His face became blank, hollow, almost lifeless. Without changing his expression, he answered:
Naiadler – I'm not truly the Third Sur. I'm only his reincarnation. Strangely, I can't recall most of my memories. But I know this: if I help you, I might regain what I've lost. That's why I need you. Don't mistake me for a real friend, human.
— And I have no intention of befriending someone who punishes today's people for crimes committed long ago.
Naiadler realized he was cornered and simply walked away. I lingered in the garden for a few minutes, then returned to my room. The door creaked open into darkness. From afar, it looked like a lifeless, soulless space. Exhausted from the day, I threw myself onto the bed.
When I woke up, I felt more drained than ever. Maybe I had pushed myself too hard yesterday. Still, I refused to give in.
— I'll become the strongest!
I clenched my fist and shouted into the air.
Naiadler – Hahahaha! Strongest? Don't make me laugh. How could such a feeble creature ever stand at the top?
He kicked my door open. My anger boiled over.
— Why the hell did you kick the door?!
Naiadler – Because I felt like it. I'll do whatever I want.
And so, the two of us—me and the infamous Third Sur, feared by all—ended up bickering like children. Our shouting grew so loud that Odasaku appeared instantly.
Odasaku – What's going on? Are you fighting again? Aren't you supposed to be friends now?
His eyes gleamed as he spoke. Did he actually want Naiadler gone that badly?
Naiadler – Of course not. I just got carried away while arguing a point where I was wrong.
I smirked proudly, as if to send him a message. Naiadler, on the other hand, was trembling with rage.
Odasaku – If that's all, then fine.
But the moment Odasaku left, we lunged at each other, pulling hair like children.
Naiadler – Let go of my hair!
— Not until you let go first!
We wrestled until training time. Only then did Odasaku finally drag us apart and send us to the training grounds.
On the way, I snapped.
— Your hair's so long, I couldn't resist pulling it. Anyone seeing you from behind would think you're a girl.
Naiadler – Shut up! I can do whatever I want with my hair!
Odasaku turned back, his patience clearly at its limit.
Odasaku – This is your last warning. You don't want to see me lose my temper.
Terrified of him, we stopped fighting—though we still stuck our tongues out at each other when his back was turned.
Training lasted long into the day. The open ceiling let me gaze at the clouds during breaks. In those quiet moments, I'd always feel a pang of regret for overreacting.
— I MISS MY SISTER!
The cry tore out of me before I could stop it.
By the time training ended, night had fallen. Sweaty and exhausted, I headed to the dining hall. My stomach growled in protest.
The sight that greeted me was revolting.
Naiadler had a massive plate in front of him, piled with raw boar meat he must have hunted in the forest behind the mansion. He was devouring it messily, bits of flesh scattered across the table.
— I think I'm going to puke.
I leaned against the wall, holding my stomach.
Naiadler – Despite my ruthless nature, I can be generous. I'll allow you a taste of my boar. You should admire my kindness.
I couldn't hold it in—I vomited, the sound echoing through the grand hall.
Naiadler – Tch! Go throw up somewhere else. You're ruining my feast!
— You call this a feast?!
Naiadler – Customs differ, brat. Learn to respect them.
— Don't talk down to me like you're some wise elder. You're nothing but a coward hiding behind the title of Third Sur.
That one struck home. He froze, wiped his mouth, and stormed out in silence.
Sifr – At that moment, Naiadler ran from the hall, unable to hold back his tears. Deep inside, he muttered: "This isn't who I want to be… But isn't it you all who forced me into this role?"
Guilt gnawed at me. I cleaned the hall, roasted the leftover boar, and ate alone. Before returning to my room, I carried some of the cooked meat to Naiadler's door.
I knocked gently. From inside came the faint sound of sobbing, like that of a lost child.
— I brought you some food.
He told me to leave it at the door, so I did.
The next day, it was as if nothing had happened. Our daily quarrels continued, filled with shouting and training ground boasts of "I'm stronger than you." Three weeks passed this way, and someone was bound to lose patience.
One morning, after yet another fight, Odasaku finally snapped. He spun on us, eyes blazing.
Before we could react, he grabbed us by the collars and hurled us into the back of a wagon.
Odasaku – Apologize. Now.
Naiadler & Me – We're sorry! It won't happen again!
But Odasaku didn't even flinch. His voice was calm, chillingly calm.
Odasaku – Take them to the Ruins.
Sifr – To the Ruins… where silence itself awaits.
End of Chapter
Author's NoteI hope you enjoyed this chapter. Do you think Odasaku only wanted to discipline them by sending them to the Ruins? Or… did he want Apollon to make another attempt, to test himself once more against the shadows?