Talon arrived in front of Shin's house with uncertain steps. Swallowing hard, he took a deep breath and knocked on the door, nervous.
The door opened. An elderly woman looked at him, and her face lit up.
"Talon... is that really you? I'm so glad you're okay! We heard the news, we were so worried... Come in, please."
Talon hesitated. His feet wouldn't respond, his chest felt heavy. She noticed the tremor in his eyes.
"Please, come in," she insisted gently.
Then he entered.
Inside, in the middle of the living room, an elderly man was sitting on a sofa—Shin's grandfather. His eyes lifted and brightened as soon as he saw Talon.
"Talon... how good it is to see you."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he began to cough.
Talon's heart tightened. "I'm also very glad to see you."
The old man smiled weakly.
"Talon? Would you like something to drink?" the grandmother asked.
"No, don't worry, it's not necessary," he responded, restless.
"Come on, just a cup of tea."
Talon gave in. "Alright."
"Perfect. Have a seat."
Sitting down, he waited as the grandmother returned moments later with a hot cup.
"Thank you," Talon murmured.
She smiled. "Tell us, what brings you here? You know it's always very nice to have you around."
Talon lowered his gaze. "I couldn't help but come see you. You're the people who have treated me best for as long as I can remember."
"Oh, Talon... don't say that, you'll make me cry..."
The grandfather interjected: "How long ago did you wake up? They said they didn't know when you'd be able to."
"Just today," Talon replied. "As soon as I could... I came straight here."
"What? No! Why? What about your family? They must be worried!"
Talon let out an empty laugh. "I doubt it. You know how they are."
"Even so... it's not right, they should know you're better now."
"How I am doesn't matter..." he murmured. "I wanted to know how you were doing. I can't imagine what you must be going through."
The grandmother clasped her hands. "We try not to think too much about it. We've cried enough, and I think all we can do is believe he must be in a better place. Though it's difficult, since everyone's talking about that anomalous rift. You really don't know how glad we are that you're okay, Talon. We wouldn't have been able to bear it if something had happened to you too."
"Look... I don't know how appropriate this is, but I brought you something." Talon pulled the dagger from his jacket with shaking hands. "I thought it would be appropriate for you to keep it."
Placing it on the table carefully, he watched as both were left speechless.
Then the grandfather began to slowly bring his hand closer. Trembling, he took it delicately.
"This dagger..." he murmured, his eyes filling with tears. "You recovered it, Talon?"
"Yes... I knew you needed something of his to remember him by," Talon lowered his gaze. "It was the only thing I could rescue. They don't allow bodies to be removed from rifts. I'm sorry."
The grandmother let the tears fall. The grandfather stared at the dagger with nostalgia, running his fingers over the edge carefully.
"Thank you so much, Talon. Really, there are no words to thank you."
"It's the least I could do. There's nothing to thank me for. I really wish I could have done more..."
"No... no, it's excellent," the grandfather whispered. "This dagger was one of the best connections we had. I forged it myself for him." A sad smile appeared on his face.
"Thank you so much, Talon. Truly, thank you for this gesture," the grandmother wiped away her tears.
Talon began to feel bad. Very guilty. Avoiding saying anything more, he gripped the tea cup between his hands.
"It's a very beautiful dagger," the grandfather continued, examining it. "It's forged with care and delicacy, so it properly fulfills its function. But..." A pause. "It would be a complete waste for this beauty not to be used."
Looking directly at Talon, he continued, "Talon... you... were like a brother to Shin. He was very fond of you. I'm sure this dagger would have much more important value being used by you, than gathering dust with us..." Another pause. "It would be much better if you kept it. I know Shin would have wanted it that way."
Talon didn't even think about it. "I can't. There's no way I can keep it."
"Of course you can. I don't see a reason why you can't keep it."
"No..." Talon shook his head. "I don't deserve to keep it."
"Why do you say that?" the grandfather asked gently. "Don't worry, it's no problem. You really can keep it."
"Don't you like it?" the grandmother added with concern. "I know nowadays there are much more modern and aesthetic daggers, but it's still excellent."
"It's not about that," Talon murmured, clenching his fists.
"I know it might look a bit worn," the grandfather continued, examining the dagger. "But it's a very good dagger, I promise. I forged it with the best material I had."
"We know it might not have the best reputation because of what happened with Shin, but we know perfectly well that at least it was of great help to him as much as possible."
"Really, Talon, you don't have to feel uncomfortable," the grandmother insisted gently. "It would make us happy for you to have it."
The words kept coming. Talon brought his hands to his head, grabbing his hair tightly.
"It's not about that... Really it's not," he murmured.
"Talon... are you alright? You're very pale..." the grandmother was alarmed seeing his state.
"It's my fault..." The words came out like an explosion. "It's because of me that all this ended up this way."
Both looked at him without understanding.
"I caused it! It was me!" Talon stood up abruptly. "Shin asked me to help him. He begged me. But I... I ran toward the golem's core. I wanted the points. I only wanted the points." Tears began to fall. "And that's why... that's why the golem crushed him. I saw him die. I saw how his body was destroyed. And all because I was selfish. A coward."
Throwing himself to the floor in front of them, he knelt.
"I'M SORRY! PLEASE, FORGIVE ME!"
His forehead touched the floor.
"I know I don't deserve it. I'm trash. The worst person in the world. But it's the only thing I can say. I don't know what else to do. I've already committed many sins. Too many. I'm guilty of many things and I don't know how to keep living anymore." Sobbing uncontrollably, he continued, "So it's normal for you to hate me. It's normal for you to hate me to death from now on."
The grandmother slowly stood up. Approaching him, she tried to lift him by taking his shoulders.
"Talon... please, stand up. Look at my face."
"No!" Talon refused. "I can't. It's the only way to show that I'm truly sorry."
"Talon..." she insisted with a soft voice. "You don't have to be like this. What happened wasn't your fault. Just breathe and calm down."
Talon lifted his head abruptly, his eyes red from crying. "What are you saying? Didn't you hear anything I said?! Of course it is! I took Shin's life away! It's because of me that you'll never be able to see him or hug him again! ME! His supposed best friend!" His voice broke between screams and sobs. "You should insult me or hate me! But not say that...!"
Both laughed softly.
"What...?" Talon looked at them without understanding.
"What would be the point of doing that?" the grandmother asked. "Would it bring our Shin back to life?" She shook her head. "No..."
"But then what?!" Talon shouted. "You'll just let it go and that's it?! You have the idiot who caused your grandson's death and you won't say anything to him...?!"
"You didn't cause anything," the grandmother said firmly. "Our Shin's death was something that had a possibility of happening. And it was quite high. He knew it himself."
"He would have been fine if I hadn't shown up at the exam!"
"You can't know that."
Talon was confused hearing that.
"Shin... wasn't exactly the strongest and you know it, but he had an ambitious heart," the grandmother continued. "When he managed to connect with his ring he was very happy. He trained daily despite only having one spell. And it was obvious why. He was the first in the family to be able to do it."
"Yes..." the grandfather joined in. "I had made him a training field myself so he could practice. At first he only used his hands to manipulate his spells, but he injured himself quite a bit. That's how I forged that dagger for him, so he could use it." Looking at the weapon in his hands, he added, "I wanted to protect him. Give him something that would keep him safe."
"Shin knew the risks," the grandmother added. "He knew that entering a rift could kill him. But he still decided to do it. Because he wanted to help." She wiped away her tears. "What happened is the result of this dangerous world we live in. Nothing more than that."
"It wasn't your fault, Talon," the grandfather said. "It was a decision Shin made. And even though it ended this way... I know he wouldn't regret it."
'Why...? Why do they just react like that and that's it? It's not supposed to be like this. They should hate me. They should want to kill me. Why do they forgive me?'
The grandmother moved closer and gently touched his head. "So you shouldn't feel bad, Talon. Shin wouldn't have wanted that."
Talon trembled.
"If you want, you can come visit him whenever you like," she continued. "We created, despite everything, a headstone for him at the cemetery. I know Shin would be happy if you could come see him from time to time."
"Are you serious?" Talon looked up, his emotions at their peak. His voice barely came out.
"Of course..." she smiled through tears. "After all, to us you were always part of the family."
Talon clung to her leg and began thanking her inconsolably. Crying without being able to stop, all the weight, all the guilt, all the pain were appreciated in their maximum splendor at that instant.
"Thank you... thank you... thank you..." he repeated over and over between sobs.
Later, as evening fell, Talon was leaving the house. The grandmother accompanied him to the door.
"We really enjoyed being able to see you, Talon," she said with a warm smile. "You should come by more often. You know you're always welcome. We're your second family."
"Thank you... for everything," Talon managed to say. "Really. I promise. I'll come by more often."
"Wait!"
The grandfather's voice came from inside. The grandmother turned. "But what are you doing? Why did you get up?"
The grandfather was slowly walking toward the door, holding the dagger.
"You forgot something, Talon."
Extending the weapon, he insisted, "Take it. I won't accept no for an answer."
"I can't..." Talon shook his head.
"Take it," the grandfather repeated firmly.
Talon took it with shaking hands, holding it as if it were an invaluable treasure.
"Take good care of yourself, Talon," the grandfather said with a smile. "You're a great kid. Never forget that."
"You too..." Talon responded. "You're incredible people. Thank you for everything."
Saying goodbye one last time, he slowly walked away down the street. Night had fallen completely.
"I don't know if I can forgive myself... I've made so many mistakes," Talon said as he looked up at the stars. "But for Shin... I have to change. I'll become someone better."
✦ ✦ ✦
The Sentinel Academy stood imposingly. It was the day of the ceremony.
Camera flashes exploded everywhere, and the Thornveil family had arrived.
"Over here! Look this way!"
"A photo of the whole family!"
"Cedric, Cedric! A statement for the Eldralid Herald!"
Talon walked between his father and Roxanne, his mother behind. The paparazzi tried to cross the established boundary line with their cameras in hand.
"So many eyes..." Talon murmured. "It makes me nervous."
"Well, you shouldn't have come," Roxanne responded without looking at him.
"As if I had a choice."
"Then shut up."
"Roxanne Thornveil!" A reporter pointed a camera at her. "You're the first person in history to enter the Sentinel Academy at just 14 years old! Do you have anything to say about it?"
Roxanne completely ignored him.
"Talon!" Another reporter appeared out of nowhere, his camera almost hitting Talon's face. "Do you consider yourself ready to carry on your father's entire legacy on your shoulders?" Without waiting longer, he asked another question. "And tell us, how did you manage to survive the Anomalous Rift! Everyone else died but you came out unharmed! What's your secret?"
"Uhh..." Talon froze, not knowing what to answer. "I..."
One look from his father was enough.
"Just walk," Cedric ordered in a low voice.
Talon obeyed.
Finally they crossed the main entrance. The academy was divided into two hallways: one marked "GUESTS" and another "INCOMING STUDENTS".
"We'll meet up when the ceremony is over," their mother told them both.
Cedric just watched them in silence.
Talon and Roxanne headed toward their hallway. Then he felt it.
DING. DING.
A sound echoed inside his head. Pain exploded behind his eyes.
"Ahh!" Talon stumbled, leaning against the wall. Closing his eyes tightly, he tried to steady himself.
"But what's wrong with you now?" Roxanne turned with annoyance.
"I-it was just a headache. It's nothing."
"If you felt bad you should have stayed home. I don't want you to embarrass me."
"It won't happen. Don't worry."
Talon slowly opened his eyes and froze.
Floating in front of him, as if it were real, was a window. Red.
[Welcome to your first quest!]
'But what is this I'm seeing? Is it an illusion or something…?'Then the moment when I was devoured by that strange monster came back to my mind… 'No… I remember seeing something similar back then…'
"Hey..." Talon pointed straight ahead. "You can see it too, right? What's in front of me?"
Roxanne looked at him as if he'd gone crazy.
"What are you talking about? Is this some kind of joke?"
"I'm not lying... in front of me... there's something."
"I don't have time for this stupidity. Goodbye." And she walked away toward where the ceremony would take place.
Talon blinked several times to see if the window would disappear. But it was still there. Extending his hand cautiously, his fingers touched... something. It wasn't solid, but it wasn't air either.
And then more details unfolded.
✺ Hello slave! The time has come to carry out your first mission! Your lord Mor'khad is very hungry, and his favorite dish is blood, so you better hurry up
◆ Slave's Blood Quota — 0/4000ml
◆ Time Remaining: 30:00
[WARNING]
If the required quota is not met, automatic consumption protocol will activate. The System is hungry. To feed itself, it will devour any random part of the body.
'What is this supposed to be?' Talon shook his head. 'I don't understand anything. Could it be that I've completely lost my mind? Did they give me something weird when I was in that hospital?'
"Attention all incoming students," the loudspeaker voice echoed through the hallways. "The ceremony is about to begin. Please proceed to the main auditorium."
Talon decided to ignore the window. 'Maybe I'm just stressed... Yeah, that must be it.'
Entering the auditorium, he found a seat among the crowd of students. The lights dimmed.
An older man went up on stage. Tall, in an impeccable suit with an authoritative presence—Reginald Pierce, the governor of Eldralid.
"Good evening everyone," his voice resonated clear and powerful. "It is an honor for me to be here, witnessing the birth of a new generation of sentinels." Pausing, he looked at all the students. "You, young people sitting here, have achieved something that few do. Demonstrating that you are capable of being a defensive wall between humanity and darkness. Between our families and the monsters that stalk us day and night."
His voice rose with passion.
"The path that awaits you will not be easy. Some of you will fall. But those who persevere will become something greater than yourselves. You will be Eldralid's hope."
Applause filled the auditorium.
"And now," Reginald continued, "I would like to give the floor to someone who represents the best of our generation. A man who has dedicated his life to protecting us. The strongest sentinel of our era. Cedric Thornveil."
More applause was heard.
Cedric went up on stage with firm steps. His presence dominated the entire room.
"I won't be long," he began. "I'll just say this: strength is not enough. Talent is not enough. What will define you is not how much power you have, but what you do with that power." Looking directly at the students, he continued, "I expect great things from this generation. Don't disappoint me."
A pause.
"And especially..." His eyes found Talon among the crowd. "I expect great things from my son, Talon Thornveil. The survivor of the Anomalous Rift incident."
Murmurs filled the auditorium. All eyes turned toward Talon.
"Talon, why don't you come up and say a few words?"
'Why me...?'
But everyone was waiting. There was no escape.
Talon stood up with shaking legs and walked toward the stage. Each step felt like walking toward an execution. Reaching the microphone, hundreds of eyes watched him.
"I... uhh..." His voice came out weak. "Thank you for... for being here. I just..."
DING. DING.
The sound returned. Louder this time. And then he felt it—his fingers burned as if they had been submerged in boiling oil.
Looking down, he saw how his skin was reddening and swelling.
"Talon?" His father murmured from the side. "What are you doing? Continue."
But the pain was unbearable.
"I'm sorry." Talon stepped away from the microphone and ran.
Leaving the auditorium as murmurs exploded behind him, he ran through the hallways until he found a bathroom. Turning on the faucet, he put his hands under the cold water.
But it didn't help at all. The burning didn't stop. It spread—now toward his toenails.
'What's happening to me? WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME?'
And then it appeared. The red window. Floating in front of him.
◆ Time Remaining: 00:00
[You have not completed the established blood quota...]
[APPLYING AUTOMATIC CONSUMPTION PROTOCOL]
"What...?"
CRACK.
The sound was horrible. Like something being ripped out by the root. And then came the pain.
His fingernails came off. All of them. All at once. As if invisible hands had violently torn them out.
"AHHHHHHHH!"
The scream tore through his throat. Blood exploded from his fingers—red, bright, staining the white sink.
But it didn't end there. His toes also hurt, and he felt something wet dripping.
"What just happened?" he whispered, looking at his destroyed hands. "My nails... where are my nails?"
The blood kept falling. And the window kept floating in front of him.