An older man — in his mid-30s, black hair, with stress marks etched into his ivory skin — sat in the middle of a room, looking to be part of a much larger network of rooms.
"And so, Solan valiantly fought the two effigies of corruption, Ardor and Altum. Although... Solan did not fully destroy them. In fact, it was their fight in the source that seeped mana into our world."
A small crowd of round-eyed children stared at the grizzled face of the veteran, amazement and anticipation flooding their small faces. They huddled ever so close towards their teacher.
"He passed the torch down to us, the future Sigil Knights. To finish what he started and eradicate the forces of Ardor and Altum."
One kid from the small horde blurted out, her cheeks reddening.
"Uncle Alphonse! What was Solan the God of again?… and the source?"
"Forgetful today, are we? Very well. I'll go through it one more time. We follow the God of Order, Solan. We were placed on Gaia to expand his divine sovereignty. That is the least we owe him for granting us our salvation from the forces of chaos. Each one of you in this room will one day stand upon his ranks, be it a knight or commander."
He paused for a short moment and then continued, purposely keeping his next explanation brief.
"As for the source, it is the well of mana. Previously, it was sealed off from Gaia... until those three damaged it greatly enough to create a leak."
At that moment, a young boy — about sixteen — walked into the room, his blood-red skin contrasting strongly against the soft green carpets of the Central Sanctuary and his soft chestnut hair reflecting the wooden interior.
He scoffed.
"Another recycled tale for the kids. Don't you think they ever get old?"
A whole class of kids turned their heads at this remark. Alphonse frowned.
"Kaius... You shouldn't say these things aloud, you know what will happen if Captain Frey hears of this. What you're failing to see is that these aren't mere tales. These stories are what we stand for. Were it not for the policies of Solan's Order Ardor's Abysswalkers would have already unmade the world."
"Solan's salvation is only our salvation. How come Oresfall is still in such a horrible state when Solan is so benevolent?"
Alphonse's frown deepened, but his eyes softened with the disappointment of a father.
"You know Oresfall isn't under Solan's Jurisdiction. Their people refused to take his hand — and paid for it."
Hearing the older man's words didn't convince him to soften his disrespect, but Kaius felt his presence was unwanted, especially in a room of newly brought-in children. Seeing the visible conflict in the room, Kaius walked out and began to explore the intricate system of the Central Sanctuary's tunnels, walking across faintly lit corridors — each bearing a few white lanterns made to imitate Solan's flame — he eventually found himself at a balcony.
Kaius first had to step through a barrier, ensuring his benign intent. A quiet crystalline chime resonated in his ears as he stepped through, allowing him entry to the overlook. A rush of fresh air instantly hit Kaius as he stepped onto the high ledge. Instantly, the foul mood from his disagreement left him. Kaius spent a great deal of time here. Whenever he needed to reflect, he came here, but in truth, Kaius didn't have many things to reflect upon these days. However, one thing always stuck with him. His belief in Solan's Order. Faith wasn't the problem. Virtue was. Kaius had no question of Solan's legitimacy. Only a fool would deny that which was right in front of him.
Kaius took a deep breath and pushed all his feelings to the back of his mind. He needed a moment to take in the scenery. Standing upon a balcony of the carved-out great tree that is the Central Sanctuary, Kaius felt refreshed. It was definitely an experience to be overlooking the world, but Kaius had done it enough times to get over that feeling. Below him stretched the luscious, verdant expanse of the Royal Woods. An unbroken canopy where trees upon trees competed with each other for just a whisper of the sun's delicate warmth. The towering sentinel was in an interesting position, however, where all the other trees expanded for miles and miles on end. The giant had no opposition, instead being placed in the shallow end of a lake to the east of Royal Woods. The Central Sanctuary towered above every plant and animal in all of the forest.
Soon, a woman — about the same age as Kaius — walked in. Her presence announced itself with the sharp chime that orderly barriers created. Her black hair flowed down her shoulders, eventually coming to a standstill by the centre of her back; these locks opposed her porcelain skin, however, it made for an appealing contrast.
Kaius didn't need to look back to know who it was.
"Well, if it isn't Ms Prodigy! Ariel! How've the higher-ups been treating you recently? Certainly not as bad as last season? You ought to let me give them a piece of my mind!"
Ariel let a slight grin find its way on her serene face.
"Believe me, the last thing I'd want is Mr Heretic giving anyone a piece of his mind. I heard you got into another disagreement with Alphonse. What's that about?"
"Sort of. That old man doesn't ever take a second to question the benevolence of who he follows. He's a good man — just... painfully docile. Still, I'll admit there is no better way to teach children than a story. God, maybe I was too harsh?"
"He's not docile. In fact, he is critical. You just haven't taken the time to think of the bigger picture. Even if Solan isn't all good, is he really all bad? Eventually, you will have to accept that even if faith may seem blind, it is what keeps us grounded and willing to keep moving. If faith in Solan ceased, who'd have the gall to face the terrors we push back?"
"That being said... Are you really willing to live your life as a sheep in the ranks of the Sigil?"
Ariel's face carried unwavering resolve.
"No... Living in the ranks won't matter if I herd them."
Ariel began leaning on the railing and exhaled.
"Oh, and by the way, Captain Frey has finally decided to send us on a mission together, accompanied by Valerie and Icarus."