Curiosity and Instincts

As I gently guided my mother in her seat and ensured she was comfortable, a soft voice echoed in my mind—Enuma’s calm, measured tone. "We both know you heard what she said, boy."

My brow furrowed slightly, my gaze lingering on my mother’s trembling figure.

You’re curious, and you’re worried. That’s natural. Enuma continued. Your mother isn’t someone who offers words so desperate unless something truly weighs heavily on her heart. Whatever she was trying to say—whatever she’s feeling—must be something big. Something that threatens her deeply.

I took a deep breath, the weight of Enuma’s words settling in. My instincts told me there was more beneath her drunken sincerity—perhaps fears or hopes she couldn’t quite voice straight.

I looked back at her, still softly speaking to herself, then nodded slowly. “Yeah,” I whispered to myself, “there’s more to this. I need to find out what’s really going on.”

Enuma’s voice was gentle but firm. "Trust your instincts. Sometimes, even the most desperate words hide the truth of what’s really at stake." 

I straightened and hardened the resolve within me. Whatever it was, I knew I have to investigate it sooner or later. And Enuma nodded, "Continue". 

I thought again, "It is exactly what mom want, to start me on this path to be curious and investigate her words. It is something she cannot straight up tell me. She wants me to learn it for myself and come to my own conclusion."  

Enuma felt vindicated, "Yes, now you are using that brain of yours. We can start by looking up where she was dispatched and check out what the rumormongers are gossiping. It is probably the clue that we need and might be connection Gehanna and Raifanto." 

I replied, "Osu, we will get it done."

I took a steadying breath, contemplating the clues my mother’s words had left behind. Deep down, I understood that Akari’s frantic, drunken ramblings might have been her way of hinting at something important—something she couldn’t or wouldn’t say outright.

Following Enuma’s advice, I resolved to investigate further. Next day came, I began my work based on worrisome words alone. First, I discreetly inquired about her recent dispatches—what missions she had taken, where she had gone, and what her latest reports might reveal. 

As days pass bye, I still busy with the royal wedding plans. Still find time to sifted through the records and messengers’ reports, I noticed her recent assignments were focused on border patrols and diplomatic envoy work in regions bordering unsettled territories.

Next, I turned to the rumor mill—whispers and gossip spreading among the courtiers, traders, and the local populace in the Imperial City. Rumors of strange disturbances, mysterious figures seen lurking near the outskirts of the realm, and whispers of unrest in the demon territories. The rumors were vague, but enough to raise concern. The details weren’t concrete, and most believed the situation wasn’t urgent—yet.

I considered that they wouldn’t be able to act immediately—these rumors, my mother’s dispatches, and the political sensitivities meant plans had to be carefully crafted. I thought about utilizing the Hunter’s Guild, knowing their expertise in tracking and dealing with dangerous creatures and unseen threats. They could serve as reliable adventurers and scouts, gathering intelligence and perhaps even uncovering what was really happening in the shadowed corners of the realm.

I made a mental note to speak with the Guild’s leaders, to see if they could be mobilized without raising alarm. Their help might be crucial in uncovering what my mother was worried about—and in taking action before whatever threat grew beyond control.

As I finished my investigation, I felt a mixture of determination and caution. The pieces were starting to come together. My mother’s worries, the rumors swirling in the shadows, and the potential threat lurking beyond the borders all pointed to something bigger than they had yet realized.

I looked up at the night sky through the window, steeling myself for the challenges ahead. Enuma smirked and flashed a big smile. "Boy, you really have grown immensely. I think you might have made a good and necessary subordinate in my Demon Empire at any time." 

I replied, "Is that your way of explaining that I need more than just combat ability to be a strong warrior?" and Enuma relished the question, "Spot on, you are the son of the hero. Yet, finally come to see that you don't need to chase your father to be strong. You are capable being way stronger, that maybe a team of half of dozen will have to cheat and work together to take you down." 3

I beamed at the idea, "I did not know that I needed to hear that. The talk of being son of the hero never stopped. Yet the idea of surpassing the hero focus I always needed. The world will remember me for more than just a son of a hero." 

"There he is," Enuma chuckled, "That's the disciple I remember. Still worried about what others think about his status." I get flustered, "Sorry, I try my best to move on from it." 

Which Enuma shook his head to decline. "No, boy. Don't stop being who you are. Just remember to use it for your benefit. I stood alone against six strong heroes. My allies never would want to stick their neck out for me back when I was alive. Enuma looked up at the moon, letting out his anxiety, "I see in your future several people that would definitely fight to the death to protect you. Your parents, your women, and your rival friends. You will not be tasked to suffer alone." 

I replied, "I am glad, you are not alone. You are with me, master. We are in this together forever... What did you me my women?" Chuckling, Enuma said, "There is at least three that you tamed. Maybe more...The princess, the maid sister, shadow girl." and I replied, "Tamed? Really...you chose that word?" 
Enuma turn to looked at me. Shrugged, "You are no saint, and no demon. I guarantee the demon soldiers have done far worse than tamed..." as Enuma left the topic there open in the air like that.

After the long, contemplative conversation with Enuma, a sense of calm settled over me. I felt a quiet reassurance that, despite all the chaos, I was still himself—no longer driven solely by the desire to live up to my father’s legacy as the Son of the Hero. Instead, I was forging my own path, committed to surpassing my parents’ achievements and becoming truly strong not just for the sake of heroism, but to protect what mattered most.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his resolve. "I want to move beyond just chasing legends," he murmured to himself. "I need to become something greater—something I can be proud of."

Enuma’s voice echoed softly in my mind, calm and precise. The Demon King named the destination Kingdom of Uragile — a place shrouded in mystery and long forgotten by many.

I spent the next few hours meticulously planning my next move. I knew understanding the significance of the Kingdom of Uragile, was crucial. I approached Sadie in the quiet of the evening, finding her in a corner of the palace gardens, lost in thought. Her sharp eyes lifted when she saw him, instantly sensing the determination behind his expression.

“I have a plan,” Terran began, voice steady. “Enuma told me about Uragile—the Kingdom of Uragile. It’s supposed to be a place long hidden, with secrets buried deep in its history. That’s where my mother might have led me, and I need to go there.”

Sadie listened carefully, crossing her arms. “Uragile, huh? That’s not a place most people know much about. It’s supposed to be isolated, almost forgotten by the outside world. The capital city, also called Uragile, is said to be a fortress of ancient magic and lost knowledge. If your mother was there or involved with it, there’s probably a reason.”

Terran nodded. “Exactly. I want to gather a team—trusted allies, maybe some hunters, or even scholars who understand ancient magic. We need to go to Uragile, investigate what’s there, and find out if any the horrific rumors are true.”  

I nodded, already beginning to formulate a plan. I would need to assemble a team of skilled, reliable individuals—perhaps members of the Hunter’s Guild, trusted friends, or even some of my own trusted soldiers. They would check the rumors, investigate the shadows, and uncover these bizarre rumors.

First, I would need to confirm the location Enuma named, then swiftly put together a team capable of navigating the dangers waiting there. The truth was out there, hidden in the shadows, and I was determined to find it—no matter what darkness may await.

With renewed purpose, I began making preparations, knowing that this journey could be the turning point in this quest—not just for strength, but for understanding the greater threats looming on the horizon.