Under the Lords' Gaze

It was not as dark as he thought it would be. The moonlight in that world shone as strongly as the Earth’s sun, no, even stronger and brighter. A glow that blended silver and green beautifully.

According to Lyr, after being unconscious for two whole days, Yuushin should be well enough to depart in the morning. He would be able to get more treatment in the city, as well. Yet, though his body felt exhausted, Yuushin couldn’t fall asleep. Perhaps his mind was tired of sleeping, or maybe there were just too many things to think about.

Stranded in a different world… A world with goblins, dragons, and animal people. A place he had almost lost his life more than three times, in less than a day. A world that had mana, Soma, Soulchant…

...it was probably those two times, right…?

If the flame and its warmth were the aura—or actually, the Soma—then that electric energy was the Soulchant. The first time he used it was not too bad, when he shouted at the dragon so they, no, so Kez would focus on him. And the second time…

Well, he really outdid himself with that second try.

You barely made it into Day 1, and you already screwed up your body in a way that got the locals consoling you. Way to go, Yuushin.

Well, what mattered most was how he survived, and that in the end—

“Thank you…so, so much…”

…he was able to help.

*creeeak*

The door opened with a faint sound. Yuushin had his back toward the room’s entrance, and as the steps got closer, he did consider turning and revealing the fact he was not asleep...

“Let me see your wounds.”

If not for the voice that reached him—a voice that was almost too soft and warm.

“I’ve told you a million times already, wolf-boy. His Soulchant really messed up with my head the first time—destabilized not only the Plight’s energy but my own. But now, I’m fine. Not even a single trace.”

“One can never underestimate the Plight, as you’re aware.” There was a pause, Lyr’s voice softening even more. “Please.”

“…tsk.”

There were a few rustles before the silence crept in again. A silence only threatened by Yuushin’s own breathing and the sound of water dripping.

“It’s no wonder the Soulchant burst his channels…he really did it. His desire must have been really strong…There’s not even a single trace on you.” Lyr spoke with awe, almost admiration.

“I told you there was no need for concern, didn’t I?” Yuushin could almost hear the mocking smile in Kez’s voice. But when she spoke again, there was no mockery or amusement. Instead, her words were cold. “Do your superiors know what you did?”

The priest's voice got quieter, yet never lost its tenderness. “…even if I’m a Stellar Priest, there is no need for me to report every single thing I do.”

“But if those Veritux champs realize what you’ve done, they will punish you.”

There was a harshness in her voice, one enhanced not by anger but concern. Yet as Lyr replied, his words were calm and soothing. Almost too warm.

“There is nothing wrong with helping those in need.”

Kez laughed, yet the sound lacked the joyful burst Yuushin had heard before. Instead, it felt distant and sarcastic.

“There is, if it’s someone like me.”

Lyr didn’t respond. Not for a long time, before the door creaked open again. And when he finally spoke, his voice was just as soft and just as warm.

Even if the spoken words were no more than whispers.

“I see nothing wrong in helping someone like you, either. Now please, rest. And feel free to call, in case you need me.”

As the door closed, Yuushin could not get rid of the feeling he had done something wrong—as if he had eavesdropped on a personal conversation. Just like that, with his mind working overtime, Yuushin kept pretending to be asleep until he actually did.

And when he woke up the next morning, the bed beside his was empty.

Kez was gone.

                                                                           ▬▬ι═══════ﺤ

“Oof, I think this should be everything.”

As Lyr finished loading all his belongings, he helped Yuushin climb the wagon—one the priest made with magic. The man could hear all his joints popping as he moved, his muscles crying. He hadn’t felt this bad ever since Yuushin competed in the national tournament.

“How long until we get there?”

Lyr replied in a heartbeat. “We should arrive before noon.”

Before Yuushin could ask how they would get back when there was nothing pulling the wagon, Lyr raised his hands and recited an incantation—his eyes glowing white as wind spiraled around him. Then, as the air bent, two translucent creatures appeared in front of the wagon.

“These are air Elementals. I wouldn’t dare to bother them for such a menial task, yet seeing as we are in a hurry…”

Soon enough, he understood why Lyr summoned the elementals.

They were fast.

After some time, Yuushin glanced at the priest with curious eyes. Normally, he wouldn’t pry, yet he should try to get as much information about that world as he could.

“Why did Kez leave? Shouldn’t she get more treatment in the city?”

The priest started fixing his clothes without turning to Yuushin. “Kez'vethra belongs to one of the dragon clans. It’s not good for her to stay away for too long—they are not much fond of their kind mixing with other species.”

Even though Lyr’s eyes were not looking at him, Yuushin could see some kind of affliction in his gaze.

I should probably change the subject.

“You mentioned clans—are you part of any?”

Lyr chuckled at the question, the sound gentle and pure.

“Oh, no, ‘clans’ do not apply to my kin. We live in close-knit communities, you see—small villages, spread throughout the continents. Our elders are fond of upholding and preserving our traditions the best way they can, with all the outside influence we receive. Yet most of the younger generations prefer to leave the villages and explore the great cities, like myself, even when many elders oppose to our ‘rebellious endeavors’.”

“I…can relate to that.” A little too much, actually.

And that was something Yuushin was not expecting to feel. Not when that world was so vastly different from what he was used to.

Those blue eyes looked at Yuushin with tenderness, the same warmth being carried over to the priest’s voice.

“As I said before, there are many programs and incentives provided by the Church to provide you with your best life here. Once we get to the city, I shall be at your service in helping you getting acquainted with them all, and which ones to choose.”

Yuushin smiled. “I appreciate it, Lyr.”

As time passed, Lyr continued to talk more about his village and his life at the Church. And before long, Yuushin could spot the tall buildings on the horizon, before a great gate came into view. As the sight made his heart skip a beat, he turned to the priest, ready to ask a few questions more.

Yet Lyr’s expression was everything but jolly, his face paling more by the second.

“This…doesn’t make sense. He shouldn’t be here.” Lyr’s voice echoed the concern and restlessness of his gaze, trembling slightly.

Which in turn made Yuushin just as uneased.

“What’s wrong? Who’s here?”

Though they were still meters away from the front gate, unable to see any faces, Yuushin could see the tall poles holding banners and flags—dancing against the wind as if they were part of a parade. And while the man couldn’t tell what those banners and flags meant, and why he should be on his guard…

Lyr’s reaction told him more than enough.

“The Arch Bishop.”

At that moment, without knowing a single thing about who the Arch Bishop was or what they looked like, Yuushin had a feeling—

This guy will probably be bad news for me…

And as the wagon reached the city’s gate, all Yuushin could do was hope to be wrong.