The Truth Beneath

“Huh? Fernleigh Grove? Does that mean… this place is… Mistvale Clearing?” Touma froze, his gaze locked on the wooden board. 

Crack! A twig broke in the distance. “Who's there?!” He turned instantly. 

There was something there, a kid shrouded in black mist – a hollowborn. “No way is this happening. Even kids too!”

“Wait, now isn't the time to worry about these things, I need to check other things first. Those bodies, if I remember correctly – they were there.” 

Touma turned to his right, the mist had grown denser, nothing much was visible. With pure instinct, he began walking straight – until he saw them, the trees where the bodies hung.

Touma closed in to have a better look. “This body, it hasn't even started to decompose.” Touma raised his hand to feel the condition of the body.

“Huh? This is… frost?! Why? It's not that cold here. So why?”

“The mist froze them.” An unfamiliar voice came from behind.

“Who's there?!” Touma unsheathed his sword instinctively.

“You need not be alarmed, for I mean no harm.” The voice didn't show any malice, but it wasn't trustworthy after what happened with Malrik earlier.

“That doesn't answer my question.” Touma was suspicious.

“To think you'd become so cold, you've really grown, Touma.”

“How do you know my name?!” 

“No need to shout over something so small, look I'm unarmed. I mean no harm.” The thing had gotten closer without Touma realizing it.

Touma jumped a few steps back, holding onto his sword tightly. 

“You know what, there's no point in holding that sword against me.” The being stopped, “You can't beat me in a fight anyways.” it exclaimed as it flashed before Touma's eyes in an instant.

Touma tumbled backwards, until he fell. The being loomed over him, its face still hidden by the mist. “What do you want?!” Touma exclaimed.

“Nothing. I'm here to talk to you. So stand up please.” It extended its hand towards him.

Touma stood up, not taking a hold of the hand. He tried taking a step backward to gain distance.

“Stop right there, take one step behind and you'll fall to your death. You probably haven't realized, but we're on elevated ground.” The being pulled him by hand. 

Touma was in proximity of the being, its face was visible.

“You're not a hollowborn?!” He spoke in shock.

“Exactly! And there you were, trying to fight me. Follow me if you want any clue of what's happening.” 

“Where to?” 

“You'll see when we reach there.”

“Lead the way.” Touma realized the being wasn't lying.

“Try to not fall behind.” 

The being started running in the mist, Touma followed behind. The being was fast, and ran with precision. It was clear that it was in Mistvale Clearing for a long time now.

A few minutes passed, Touma was still following the being as it ran ahead of him.

“How long do we have to run?” Touma was getting impatient.

“We're here.” The being stopped suddenly.

Touma stopped right behind it. “What is this place?” He asked.

“Wait for a second.”

In the blink of an eye, the mist started to disperse. Everything became clear, the mist was gone. Touma was inside a building, trying to wrap his mind around the situation.

“Welcome to the temple of Lord Celestra, or should I say, the ruins of it.” The being spoke in a calm and serious tone. 

“And who are you?” Touma asked firmly.

“I'm Vorain, the watcher. I've been here for 50 years.” 

“What?! Then how do you look like a man in his twenties?” Touma didn't believe it.

“You won't understand if I told you, so I'll just show it to you.” Vorain removed his robe, revealing his torso.

“That's…” Touma was shocked by the sight he just witnessed.

“Yeah, this thing on my body… that's the reason why I'm like this.” His tone shifted from casual to heavy.

“How did this happen?” Touma asked as he pointed at Vorain’s cracking skin on his torso.

“It's a long story, have a seat.” Vorain pointed at the stairs, indicating Touma to sit there.

Touma sat down. Vorain also sat down on a rock nearby.

“You see, I'm… not a human.” Vorain started talking.

“Huh?” Touma's words were a mix of shock and confusion.

“Yes, this thing on my skin. It appeared on the day Sereneth changed. Everyone started to turn into them – Hollowborns.”

“What exactly is it?” Touma asked hesitantly.

“It's the mark of Hollowborn. When someone turns into them, this appears on their body.”

“What?!” Touma's eyes widened in horror. “Then, does that mean…” 

“Yeah, I too… started to turn into a hollowborn. But you see, I must've been lucky that day… because this mark never changed after it covered my torso.”

“So… you a partial hollowborn?”

“To be honest, yes. I am a partial hollowborn, the only one in the world. That's the reason why I got increased physical strength and my aging stopped.”

“So what exactly were you doing here for such a long time?”

“I'm here as a keeper of the ruins. The caretaker of this whole place.”

“Makes sense. So you must also know the reason everything changed, right?”

“Yeah, I do. After all, I witnessed it all. I was a priest here back then, for around 50 years. That day… Lord Celestra showed it all to me. Why the world started changing, and how to save it.”

“What?! Then why didn't you do anything up until now?!”

“It's not possible for me. I am just an overseer, nothing more.”

“Wait a second. I know that I was the one who asked it before, but I can't follow up. Please explain everything.” Touma took a deep breath to calm down.

“So listen, and don't interrupt me in between.”

“Okay.”

“Well then. Let's begin…” Vorain started explaining Touma everything from the start, even the part that Rauen had told him.

“So, you know that the world is ending, but nobody in the outside world knows the reason why it happened. They aren't aware of what happened ten years ago, which led to all of these things happening.”

“What was it?” Touma gulped as he spoke.

“The god, Lord Celestra… died.”

“Huh?! B– but how?!” Touma's voice was shaking, his hands trembled. He was shaken to the core.

“Yes, It all started due to the death of Lord Celestra. And with nobody to look after this world, it had no reason to be alive.

Nobody knew that the god died, no one weeped, so the world took up that role.”

“What?!”

“The world mourned at the god's death, and its cries emerged in the form of disasters. Volcanic eruption, drought, floods and even hollowborns. They weep for Lord Celestra’s death.”

“So why do they attack humans?”

“That's because… most hollowborn lose their sanity, their memories and everything they have after they lose their humanity. 

But Veyra was different, her husband died as he tried to protect his family, but failed. Then it was her turn, as she tried protecting her infant, she turned into a hollowborn – one that lost her sanity, but still carried fragments of her memories. Enough to remember the child that she failed to save. And what the world saw… was her carnage.” Vorain's words were heavy.

Touma's eyes widened, his face sweaty from anxiety.

“The most disturbing part about her was the fact that all the Hollowborns she made were hostile. Those hounds that followed her, the villagers that she killed, they were all hostile. That's why when she died… those Hollowborns disappeared.” Vorain added.

“Then does it mean that… the Hollowborns won't attack anymore?”

“Yeah. That's why you weren't attacked on the way here. People avoided coming to this place earlier because the Hollowborns that surrounded this place were the ones she made.”

“So now that they're gone, it's safe here?” Touma made a guess.

“Well, that's not exactly true, because the mist here freezes most people that enter Fernleigh Grove. But in terms of Hollowborn, it's safe here. They just watch you, and nothing more.”

“So that's why people avoided this place. But hey, you said Hollowborns don't attack, so why did Cenoth descend that day to cause harm?”

“Okay so listen now, fully concentrate on what I'm about to say from now on. Because it's the information that will also tell you the way to save this world. Are you ready to listen to it?” Vorain's words were heavy, his grim expression was enough for Touma to guess the urgency of the matter.

“...yes. I am.” Touma was firm, he was ready to accept what approached him. 

“Well then… listen.” Vorain started explaining, and Touma listened intently to every word that left his mouth.

Outside the ruins, the mist had gotten even thicker. Nothing was visible inside it. Only the sound of footsteps echoed in the forest.

It was Malrik, carrying the unconscious Lyra on his shoulder. He was walking straight, his gaze fixed at something in the distance.

“I'll do it this time for sure.” He said as he disappeared in the mist.

An hour passed, Vorain had explained everything to Touma. 

“Do you get it all now, Touma?” He asked 

“I– I don't know… how to react to this.” Touma was uneasy. “It's just that… things are happening so quickly, it all feels unreal. It seems as if this is all staged by something far beyond our understanding.” He added.

“I get what you mean, that's how I feel too.” Vorain agreed. “So, do you think you can do it?” He asked with doubtfulness.

“...” Touma was silent for a moment, deep in thought. “Yes. I will do it. I'm not backing out at this point.” He said after a pause.

A smile appeared on Vorain's face. “Thank you. This world… will never forget you.” He felt grateful.

“Don't mention it.” Touma got up, steeling himself for what was about to come his way.

Crumble! Debris fell from the ceiling of the ruins, the floor trembled at their feet.

“Something's happening outside! Someone is out there!” Vorain was alarmed.

“It must be him. Malrik, he's finally here.”

“He must be at the Altar, we must head there right now.” Vorain got up.

“Lead the way.” Touma said firmly.

“Follow me!” Vorain ran outside. Touma followed

Vorain slipped through the tiny spaces between trees, cutting bushes that came in his way. Touma followed behind him. In a minute, they reached the Altar.

A silhouette was visible in the mist, someone was standing there. Creepy, unhuman chants echoed in the forest, this voice was familiar to Touma.

“Malrik!!” He shouted as he dashed towards him.

Suddenly a strong force pulled him back. It was Vorain, he pulled him back.

“Don't be stupid, he's set up traps near the altar. Take one wrong step and you're done.” Vorain was cautious. “Look at this.” He added as he threw a rock near the Altar.

Crackle! Lightning bolts started falling near the altar, blowing away the mist in the whole area. Everything was clear now.

“This… isn't in the forest?!” Touma was surprised.

“Yeah. The Altar wasn't built in the forest. See that volcano?” Vorain pointed at a mountain about ten kilometres away. “The altar is built between it and the temple, slightly towards the temple.” He added.

“Do you think getting another ally is enough to beat me? Hmm, Touma?” Malrik stepped down from the Altar.

“You piece of shit!” Touma was annoyed.

“Well, call me whatever you want. After all, I did say that the next time we meet would be the day you die.” Malrik spoke with a huge grin on his face.

“You sure know how to annoy everyone.” Touma gritted his teeth.

“Gritting your teeth now, huh? It seems that is all you can do.” 

“Calm down Touma. He's trying to make you lose your composure.” Vorain stepped in. 

“Your composure won't help you now, partial hollowborn.” Malrik's words hinted at his arrogance.

“What do you mean by that?!” Vorain glared at him.

“This whole place will soon turn to dust – the ritual is nearly complete. All I need to do is sacrifice the girl.” Malrik's grin widened.

Touma's gaze fell on Lyra, the sacrifice – lying unconscious in the altar.

“No!!” He shouted.

“I knew I made the right choice to take Veyra's heart. It sure sped up everything.”

Touma's eyes widened. “What are you talking about?!”

“You see, the ritual required the sacrifice of the hollow flame that resides in the girl, and another strong being.

First, I had planned to sacrifice myself for the ritual. But that won't be needed anymore since I've got Veyra's heart, which also has a fragment of the hollow flame in it.

To think I'd get lucky to get my hands on both the fragments, I'm lucky for sure.” Malrik broke into laughter, sharp and spine-chilling.

“You ain't finishing this ritual anymore Malrik. I'll stop you for sure this time!” Touma shouted at him.

“Try me!” Malrik replied in a similar manner. “Let's see if you manage to move the girl from the altar in my presence!” He jumped at Touma.

“Bring it on!!” Touma unsheathed his sword and swung it at Malrik.

Malrik blocked with a dagger. “You think I'll be unarmed?” He kicked Touma in the stomach, launching him in the air.

“Hell no!” Touma replied. He was unarmed.

“Huh? Where is your sword? Lost it in fear?!” Malrik taunted.

“Look at your feet.” Touma spoke with a grin.

Malrik faced downward – nothing. “So you were just blu—” Thwack!! A kick on his head cut Malrik mid-sentence.

“So you think I take actions without thinking huh?!” Touma punched Malrik's face with all his might, launching him backwards. “I just sheathed the sword faster than you can see.” 

Malrik managed to land on his feet, right next to the altar. “To hell with you all! I'll finish the sacrifice right here, right now!” Malrik raised his hand towards the altar.

Crackle! A lightning bolt was arriving. “Noo!!!!” Touma shouted.

Bam!!! A lightning bolt hit the altar, smashing it in one go. “See you in the next life, Touma!! The ritual is complete!! It's time for Cenoth’s arrival!!” Malrik was overjoyed.

“No!! I… failed!” Touma's knees sank into the dirt. Hopelessness crashed over him – he had lost.

Malrik was laughing at his achievement, but that laughter faded soon when nothing happened. “Huh? Why isn't it happening?” He was confused.

“Whew! Barely managed to save her. But wasn't that cool, Sir Alaric?” Dain had arrived on the scene, carrying Lyra in his hands, he saved her.

“Not going to lie about it. But it was cool! And you there, how long are you going to keep sitting there Touma?” Alaric pulled Touma's collar from behind.

“Huh? You guys?” Touma's eyes lit with hope. 

“Yeah, it's us! Saving the day like we're supposed to. Anyways, stand up now. It will be night time in an hour, we have to take care of this before that.” Alaric's words were reassuring.

“When did you–” Vorain's punch sent Malrik flying, cutting him mid-sentence. “Things will not be going your way anymore, Malrik.” He said.

Alaric jumped at him too, “What are you waiting for, Touma? You were the one who wanted to save her, right?” 

“Yeah!” Touma got up, and dashed straight at Malrik, slashing at him with all his might. Alaric pierced him simultaneously, both hits landed perfectly. 

Malrik fell on the ground – bleeding, gasping for air. Dain took Lyra back, “She's under a spell, she won't wake up in less than a day!” He shouted from behind.

“Leave her there and help us here.” Touma shouted at him.

“Finally ready to kick things up a notch huh?” Dain joined the action with a smile.

Crackle! “Everyone, watch out!!!” Touma shouted as he jumped back. Several bolts of lightning struck the ground in a split second, missing everyone by an inch.

“That was a close call.” Alaric said with a relieved sigh. 

“Yeah.” Dain agreed.

“How isn't he dead yet?” Vorain asked.

“Who are you?” Dain's question was directed at Vorain.

“He's an ally.” Touma replied. 

“Got it!” 

“The dust is clearing up.” Alaric pointed at the place where lightning struck.

“Enough… of… your… chit-chat!” The dust clouds had settled, and standing there on the ground was, Malrik.

“You're still alive, huh? What are you, a cockroach?” Touma spoke in a low voice.

“YOU PESKY LITTLE BUGS!! HOW DARE YOU INTERRUPT MY RITUAL!!” He cracked. “Fine then!! I'll do it then. I'll complete the ritual by any means possible!”

“What are you talking about? It's already over for you.” Alaric’s words hung in the air. There was no reply.

Suddenly, Malrik started lifting his hand, he was carrying something.

“It's Veyra's heart!” Vorain shouted.

“Stop him!!” Touma was about to charge at him.

Squelch!! Malrik crushed the heart. Blood splattered on the ground, clouds rumbled in the sky. Crackle! The ground sparked, only to be struck by lightning in the next second, right where Malrik was standing.

The smell of burning flesh lingered in the air. “The ritual is… c–complete–” Malrik spoke as his body burst apart, leaving sickening splatters of blood on the ground.

“What just happened?” Dain asked in confusion.

“He just… completed the ritual.” Vorain replied.

The sky started rumbling, black clouds had covered the sky. Boom!! A shockwave blew all the mist and clouds away. 

“What was that?!” Alaric shouted. 

“T–There!” Vorain pointed in a direction.

“What the hell is that?!” Dain freaked out as he saw in the direction Vorain was pointing.

The sky was burning. Lava flowed like a torrent, covering the mountain within seconds. Ashes swarmed in the sky, thunder roaring inside it. The Volcano had erupted.