[Chp 18] New Beginning

Wind. Gentle and cool. It brushed over Zero’s face like the whisper of a world reborn. His fingers twitched against soft earth. Something tickled his cheek — grass? With effort, he opened his eyes. A brilliant sky stretched above him — pale blue and endless, painted with drifting white clouds. Golden plains swayed around him, their tall grass glimmering in the sunlight like waves across a silent sea. For a long moment, he didn’t move. Not out of fear — but wonder. There was no fire. No screams. No blood. No void. Just peace. He sat up slowly, blinking against the sunlight. His heart should’ve been racing, but it wasn’t. His body should’ve been heavy with pain, but it wasn’t. “What… is this?” The last thing he remembered — Sarkon. That terrible grin. Those cold eyes. The snap. And then... nothing. No memory of Malik. No memory of Kaku. Just that instant — and then silence. And now, this. A place untouched by war. Unfamiliar, yet… not threatening. The wind carried no scent of ash. The earth bore no scars. Slowly, Zero rose to his feet, his blue eyes scanning the horizon. Fields stretched endlessly around him, broken only by faraway hills and the shimmer of a stream. The world felt... untouched. Pristine. Almost sacred. Was this a dream? A trap? Another illusion? He couldn’t be sure. But deep in his chest, something stirred — not fear… but hope. A new beginning. He took a single step forward. Then another. Toward whatever this world was. Toward whatever came next. And behind him, the tall grass slowly closed — as if the past itself had let go. A child came running down the hillside, laughter in her voice. “Look, Mommy! Look—!” she shouted—but then crashed straight into someone. She stumbled back, blinking up at the tall figure she’d bumped into. Her cheeks flushed red, and her eyes welled with tears. She clutched her forehead, sniffling as the sting set in. Zero looked down at her, surprised. His gaze softened. “Hey there, little one,” he said gently, dropping to one knee. “You're okay, I promise.” He placed a hand gently on her head. A soft green glow shimmered from his palm, soothing and warm. The bruise faded in seconds, disappearing as if it had never been there. The child blinked, eyes wide. She reached up, touching her forehead in wonder. Zero smiled. “See? All better.” The young, slender woman approached him, gently taking the child's hand. “Thank you so much,” she said with a grateful smile. “I’m so sorry — she wasn’t watching where she was going.” Zero shook his head, still kneeling. “No, it’s okay. It happens.” He stood slowly, eyes scanning the horizon. Then he asked, almost absently, “Say… what year is it?” The woman blinked. “It’s the year XX66.” Zero’s eyes widened. “Wha—What!?” He stared past her, stunned. “Last I checked… it was the year XX54…” he murmured. “Has it really been twelve years since then?” The woman tilted her head slightly. “Oh… you mean the Collapse of the Ninth Realm?” Zero’s heart skipped. “Wait—it collapsed?!” She nodded. “Yeah, everyone’s heard about it. All eight realms felt the aftershock. It happened twelve years ago.” Her expression turned cautious. “Sir… are you okay?” she asked, “Yeah I’m ok” Zero took a deep breath, steadying himself. “Twelve years...” he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. “So much time has passed while I was... gone.” He glanced down at his hands, still feeling the faint warmth of his fading flames. “Do you... know what caused the Collapse?” Zero asked, his eyes searching hers for answers. The woman hesitated, then shook her head gently. “No one really knows for sure. Some say it was a cosmic event beyond anyone’s control. Others think it was the result of a great war... But the details are lost to time, buried beneath all the chaos that followed.” Zero’s eyes searched the woman’s face, hoping for some clue, some truth to hold onto. “Is there any way to find out what really happened?” he asked quietly. She shook her head gently. “No one knows for sure. Everyone’s just learned to live with the unknown.” Before Zero could respond, the little girl tugged at his sleeve, her eyes wide with excitement. “Will you play with me?” she asked eagerly. Zero smiled softly but shook his head with gentle kindness. “Not right now, little one. Maybe another time.” The girl’s face fell slightly, but she nodded and skipped back toward her mother. Zero turned back to the woman. “Can you tell me how to get to the capital?” “Of course,” she replied, pointing toward a distant cluster of tall buildings that shimmered under the bright sun. “That’s where the heart of our world is. You’ll find answers there...” She answered, “Thank you” Zero said, without another word, he leapt into the air. “Flame wings...” he muttered under his breath. In an instant, blue fire spiraled from his back, shaping themselves into wings—demonic in form, but made entirely of blazing flame. With a powerful flap, he ascended, soaring toward the towering silhouette of the capital in the distance. “I should enter this capital the legal way…” He mumbled, His wings shimmered and dispersed into nothing. He dropped from the sky, landing gracefully a mile outside the city walls. As he began walking toward the gates, his eyes widened—his clothes were still tattered, remnants from the battle twelve years ago. “Great... where am I gonna get clothes?” Zero exhaled, continuing down the dirt path. He glanced ahead, then muttered, “Might as well act injured... even though I’m fine... I think... I hope.” As Zero approached the outskirts of the capital, the dirt path transitioned into cobbled stone. Faint murmurs of city life echoed in the distance—bustling markets, clanging metal, voices raised in haggling and gossip. The towering walls of the capital loomed ahead, guarded by two armored sentries stationed at the main gate. One of the guards narrowed his eyes as Zero neared, his gaze flicking over the torn, soot-stained fabric and bare feet. “Halt. State your name and business,” the man barked, gripping the hilt of his spear. Zero winced slightly and dragged one leg behind him, putting on the best limp he could manage. “N-name’s Zero,” he said, his voice hoarse for effect. “I was… attacked on the road. Bandits. I barely made it out alive.” The other guard, younger and less suspicious, frowned. “You came from the east? That's a dangerous path. Most avoid it since the fires…” Zero nodded weakly. “Didn’t have a choice.” The older guard studied him for another moment, then sighed. “Fine. We’ll escort you to the infirmary. After that, you’ll need to check in with the City Registry.” “Of course,” Zero replied, bowing his head slightly to sell the act. Internally, he exhaled with relief. So far, so good. As they opened the gate, the city unfolded before him—tall stone buildings, winding streets, and towers that touched the sky. The scent of baked bread and smoke lingered in the air. But Zero wasn’t admiring the view—his mind was already racing. "I need clothes... a plan... and to find out what’s changed in twelve years." The guards pushed open the door to the healer’s small refuge, guiding Zero inside. The woman tending the herbs looked up sharply. “He’s hurt?” she asked, eyes flicking to Zero. “One of our men found him near the eastern road,” the guard replied. “Looks like he’s been through something.” She stepped closer, studying Zero’s torn clothes and dusty skin. Then her brow furrowed. “Strange... I don’t see any wounds. No fresh cuts, no broken bones. How did you get here like this?” she asked, voice low and curious. Zero shifted uneasily but stayed silent. The healer sighed softly. “Usually, people showing up like this are badly injured or sick. You don’t fit that.” She moved to a chest and pulled out a set of clean clothes, folding them neatly. “Here,” she said, tossing them onto the cot. “Change quickly before the guards return. You’ll want to look the part.” Zero caught the clothes but made no move to speak. She glanced at him again, tilting her head. “You’re not going to tell me your name?” He shook his head slightly, eyes down. She nodded slowly. “Alright. Just... be careful out there. Not everyone will be as kind.” With that, she turned back to her herbs, leaving the silence hanging between them. Zero adjusted the sleeves of his clean clothes and stepped deeper into the capital’s bustling streets. Market stalls overflowed with fresh fruits, spices, and colorful fabrics, while townsfolk bartered loudly, their faces bright with the rhythms of daily life. Children darted between legs, laughter ringing through the air. Blacksmiths hammered rhythmically, sending sparks flying. The scent of fresh bread mingled with wood smoke and the faint tang of the nearby river. Despite the city’s liveliness, Zero felt a quiet distance from it all—like a shadow moving through a world that no longer quite belonged to him. He paused to watch a street performer twirl fire, the flames reflecting in his calm, unreadable eyes. Around him, life thrived—simple, relentless, ordinary. For a moment, Zero let himself simply observe, blending into the crowd like any other passerby. Zero’s eyes widened as his Instinct Veil flared suddenly. He darted his gaze around, scanning his surroundings. Then it pulsed again—this time from a shadowed alley nearby. A faint, desperate cry for help slipped out, lost beneath the city’s noise and the bustling crowd. No one else seemed to hear it. Without hesitation, Zero pushed forward, instincts guiding his steps as he moved toward the shadowed alley. The city’s lively hum became a blur around him—faces, carts, and chatter rushing past in a chaotic swirl. “Excuse me!” he called softly but firmly as he brushed past a merchant. “Sorry!” he muttered, ducking under a cart’s handle. “Pardon me,” he said quickly, bumping into a woman carrying a basket. His voice was calm, but urgent. The crowd parted unwillingly, unaware of the urgency driving him. Zero’s heart hammered in his chest as the alley drew closer, the faint cry still hanging in the air. Zero’s Hollow mask snapped into place with a sharp crack, a surge of raw power coursing through him. The Shinku blade appeared at his side, cold and deadly. In the dim alley, a small boy clung to an older girl, both frozen with fear as a rough man loomed over them, his eyes dark and cruel. Zero’s body moved before thought—he lunged forward, crashing into the attacker with bone-shattering force, sending him crashing to the hard stone floor. The man groaned, struggling to rise, but Zero was already pulling the Shinku blade free. The black steel hissed as it slid from its sheath, the tip pressed dangerously close to the man’s throat. “Go. Now,” Zero’s voice was a low growl, sharp and commanding. The girl’s eyes widened, and without hesitation, she grabbed the boy’s hand, pulling him back into the shadows as they sprinted away. The alley grew deathly silent—only the man’s ragged breaths filled the space beneath the blade’s cold edge. Before Zero could say another word, hurried footsteps echoed from the street. A guard rounded the corner, eyes sharp and alert, hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “Is everything alright here?” the guard demanded, taking in the scene—the man pinned beneath Zero’s blade and the two frightened children standing close by. The girl stepped forward, her voice trembling but steady. “This man was trying to hurt us. He attacked us in the alley.” The guard’s gaze shifted to the attacker, then back to Zero, who still held the blade firmly at the man’s throat. “You did well to intervene,” the guard said, voice firm. “We’ll take it from here.” Zero withdrew the blade slowly, his eyes never leaving the man’s. The attacker coughed, eyes wild with fear and pain. The guard signaled to nearby watchmen, who appeared moments later to take the man into custody. The girl glanced up at Zero, gratitude and relief flickering in her eyes. The guard gave the attacker a final stern look before turning back to Zero. “You handled that well,” he said, his tone shifting to something more thoughtful. “There’s a guild in this city—Moon Lence. They take in skilled fighters who want to protect others.” He paused, studying Zero’s calm but powerful presence. “If you’re looking for purpose… someone like you might fit well there.” The girl beside Zero glanced up, curiosity mingling with hope in her eyes. Zero met the guard’s gaze, the offer hanging in the air like a challenge—and maybe, an opportunity. Zero’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. He sheathed the Shinku blade with a smooth motion and took a slow breath. “Moon Lence...” he repeated softly, as if tasting the name. “I’m not here to cause trouble,” Zero said quietly, voice steady but calm. “But if they stand for protecting others... maybe it’s worth looking into.” He glanced toward the girl and the guard, then back down the bustling street. “Thanks for the tip,” he added, voice low but sincere. The heavy wooden doors creaked open, and Zero stepped inside Moon Lence’s guildhall. The clamor of voices and the clang of swords abruptly hushed; all eyes turned toward the newcomer. A tall man with a stern face and piercing eyes approached, his hand resting on the hilt of a finely crafted sword—the guildmaster. His gaze was sharp, instantly sizing Zero up. “State your name and purpose,” the guildmaster demanded, his voice steady and authoritative. Zero met his gaze without flinching. “Zero. I’m here to see if Moon Lence might have a place for me.” A murmur rippled through the gathered crowd. The guildmaster’s eyes narrowed. “You show confidence. But who vouches for you? What skills do you bring? This isn’t a refuge for wanderers.” Zero’s voice lowered, calm but edged with quiet power. “I don’t have a name to vouch for me. I’m no noble or hero. But I’m not here to cause trouble. If it means protecting others, I’m willing to fight.” The guildmaster’s gaze flicked to the onlookers, then back to Zero. “Many come with promises like that,” he said slowly. “Few prove them. What makes you different?” Zero’s hollow mask shimmered faintly at the edges of his vision, but he kept it hidden. “Because I don’t fight for glory or coin. I fight because I have to. Because I know what it’s like to lose everything.” Silence fell again. The guildmaster’s lips curved into a slight, almost imperceptible nod. “Very well, Zero. We will test you. Prove your worth in the days to come. For now, you are welcome to stay.” A few members stepped forward—some curious, others wary—but none openly hostile. Zero gave a small nod of thanks, scanning the room, feeling the weight of many eyes on him. The guildmaster’s gaze bore into Zero’s, unblinking and sharp as a blade. The room held its breath. “You say you fight because you have to,” the guildmaster said low and firm. “What did you lose?” Zero’s jaw tightened, but his voice stayed steady. “Everything I cared about. My home. My family. My past.” He paused, letting the silence stretch before adding, “That’s why I’m here now.” A younger guild member stepped forward, arms crossed. “Sounds like a sob story. What if you’re just another drifter with a chip on his shoulder?” Zero’s eyes flicked to the youth, sharp as a hawk’s. “Maybe. But I’m no coward. I don’t run from what I’m afraid of.” The guildmaster gave a small, approving nod. “Good. We need warriors who face fear, not hide from it. But talk is cheap.” He turned to a burly man beside him. “Seren, what say you? Should we give this one a chance?” Seren, a veteran guild member, eyed Zero carefully before speaking. “The way he moved back there… he’s no stranger to battle. Could be an asset. But if he’s lying—” The guildmaster raised a hand. “Then he’ll learn quickly the price of deceit.” Zero met their gazes steadily. “I’m not here to prove anything to you—or anyone. But if you want to test me, I won’t back down.” A murmur of approval rippled through the room. The guildmaster gave a final look, voice steady. “Then prepare yourself. Tomorrow, you begin.” Zero nodded, the faintest shadow of a smile touching his lips. “I’ll be ready.” Zero stepped outside the guildhall, the evening air cool against his skin. The city lights flickered like distant stars, but beneath their glow lay shadows that stretched long and dark. He tightened his grip on the worn cloak he’d been given, feeling its weight—a small reminder of a life left behind, and a future yet to be earned. The promise of tomorrow hung heavy in his mind. A test. A chance to prove himself. But more than that—a path to something greater. As he walked away from the guildhall, the city around him buzzed with life and secrets. Somewhere deep in the labyrinth of streets, dangers stirred—unseen, waiting. Zero’s eyes narrowed beneath the hood. Whatever came next, he wouldn’t run. Not again. This is a new beginning...