I stepped out onto the balcony to see the place from the outside, for I had remained confined to this room for a long time. I tried to assess the situation and begin to learn more about this world.
The first thing I saw was a massive training ground, a vast area to the point that I thought this place was a kingdom in itself. This squad truly seems to possess remarkable authenticity and strength.
Statues carved with indescribable precision, flooring made of solid stone that appeared enchantingly beautiful, white and black marble in perfect harmony, its lines embodying the balance of this place in all its splendor.
This is only the training field, as far as I believe, yet it is divided into several slightly smaller sections. There were archers, swordsmen, and shield-bearers with massive shields repelling magical attacks created by tattooed mages.
What amazed me most was that I saw all of this from the window of the medical room alone.
Well…
I began stretching my body and moving my arms, then placed my hands behind my head and lifted my face toward a golden sun rising from distant horizons, its immaterial light filtering through gentle currents of wind.
That wind made the curtains of the room dance as blades of swords dance with the clashing of weapons below.
For the first time, I felt something I could not describe… happiness.
A smile formed on my exceedingly pale face, a smile born of contentment and reconciliation with myself. That calmness led me to look at the tattoo…
That hourglass which represents shattered time, or perhaps my broken self.
But I am certain that if I break all my buried emotions, I will be reborn in this world as a new person—one who understands himself before understanding the world.
I stepped out of the room, closing the door behind me on the place where I wrote the opening lines of my tale, as a narrator writes his story.
I wandered through the place, observing numerous artworks and intricate engravings resembling blue ocean waves.
Despite my ignorance of this world, for some reason I felt as though I knew it… I ignored that feeling.
In the midst of being lost in my thoughts and admiring those artistic masterpieces, I heard a loud voice, yet gentle at its core:
"Wait, young man!"
I turned to see a nurse panting heavily from exhaustion.
Calmly, I said, "Hello. Is there something wrong? Did I do something inappropriate?"
She replied while catching her breath, "I was looking for you. You disappeared from your room without prior notice, and that is concerning. So I ran to find you until I saw you here."
I smiled apologetically. "I truly apologize for worrying you, but I grew tired of staying in the room without doing anything."
"It's alright. Thank goodness you're safe. Let me introduce myself. I am Emily, one of the healers in the Storm Squad, and currently responsible for monitoring you and ensuring your health."
I extended my hand in greeting. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Emily. I am Zack."
The doctor was extremely cheerful, with dark hair and chestnut eyes. Beautiful and gentle, yet she appeared firm and disciplined at the same time, evident in her neatly arranged white attire and her calm movements.
She interrupted my thoughts, saying, "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Zack. But could we go to your room to change your clothes or prepare you before touring the guild?"
"Of course. It would be my honor to accompany you, and I apologize if I caused you any inconvenience."
She smiled. "Do not worry. Nothing happened."
We walked again through the corridor, and Emily noticed my fascination with the abundance of artwork.
"Do you like art, Mr. Zack?"
"Just call me Zack, Emily. Well, perhaps a little, though I am not particularly interested in it. But the abundance of beautiful details in this corridor drew me toward this remarkable art."
She smiled. "The Commander has always been obsessed with art and literature, so he placed many works here. He believes that true strength stems from the mind, which is why he worked on educating the guild members. He always says the mind is an extension of the body, and that the mind is not a weapon, but the foundation."
"Mr. Grace is a man of refined taste… and it seems he cares about you in particular, Mr. Zack."
"I truly agree with you; he is an incredible person," I said with a smile spreading across my face. "But why do you say he cares about me in particular, Miss Emily?"
"First, call me Emily. Second, because new members are usually welcomed with a collective ceremony, but he requested to postpone the celebration for your sake, saying he is preparing something special for you. He also personally assigned me to accompany you, and I am one of the most important members of the healing team."
I noticed pride in her expression, but what astonished me more were her words.
Inside, I felt immense gratitude without limit. I truly thank him… from the depths of my heart.
"We've arrived."
Her voice cut through my thoughts, and I hadn't even realized we had walked that far.
"This place is designated for newcomers, but you were given a private room. You may explore whenever you wish, just inform me if you want to go out."
"Thank you very much. I appreciate everything you are doing for me."
"Go in and take your time. You can send a message through the device inside if you need anything. There is also a guide for all the equipment inside."
"Alright. Thank you, Emily… and I apologize if I talk too much."
"Do not worry. See you later."
She waved and left.
I entered the room.
It was spacious and truly enchanting. In front of me was a bookshelf containing a suitable number of books, and a wooden table surrounded by elegant chairs. The walls were painted gray and white, and from the ceiling hung a chandelier-like lamp emitting a comfortable white light.
I saw a letter on the desk.
I opened it.
"Hello Zack,
I hope you like the room; it was designed for comfort and tranquility. Inside, you will find a large box containing something special for you.
— Commander Grace"
Something special?
Is this what Emily meant?
I searched until I found the box. It appeared valuable and large.
I opened it.
As I did, it revealed something shining inside.
I took it out, only to be met with a sight that stunned me.
A sword?
The moment I grasped it, I felt a powerful energy emanating from it. It was long, with a brilliantly gleaming blade, a gray hilt engraved with strange letters along its blade. Beneath the hilt was a solid, glowing gem.
But suddenly…
The sword began to change.
Its shape transformed.
Then it started merging into my hand.
I screamed at the top of my lungs from the intensity of the pain.
I felt the blade piercing my arm without cutting it, as if it were melting inside.
The last thing I saw…
My arm and the sword merging together… as though it had vanished from the existence of this world.
Then darkness.