King / Wisdom

Parsifal had managed to escape. He was in a place with a very dense fog. He started to communicate with someone by telepathy.

“Leader... Kyler was killed.” said Parsifal.

“Did you manage to at least wreak havoc on the village?” asked the “Leader”.

“I think the person who attacked us couldn't stop my meteor spell. He must have died along with the village residents.”

“Okay. Return to your post. I will speak with Thalia and Tadashi to look into the situation.”

“Understood, Leader.”

…

A few days passed and Minori's group had already traveled back to the capital. They were arriving at their destination.

…

“Minori, let's make sure that this time you have official approval to be a Knight of Redon.” said the Captain.

We walked to the capital's castle, but I was finding something strange. Why were we going to the castle and not the knights' headquarters? Isn't that supposed to be where I'd get official approval to be a Knight of Redon and where we'd report on events in Grimgar?

We entered through the castle gates. A huge red carpet led to a large chair. I began to wonder if it was the throne of the King of Redon. The entire castle inside was full of color. The ceiling had a huge painting with a woman who looked more like a goddess.

A man came to us and said:

“Captain Michio, King Victor will welcome you soon.”

“Thanks.” said the Captain.

We stood with our eyes on the throne, waiting for the King of Redon. I had heard a little about him in the village, but I never thought I would see him in person. I started to get a little nervous, after all he would have to be an extremely strong person to be considered king of a kingdom as big as Redon.

“Minori, you don't need to be so nervous.” said Yumi.

“Yes, the king is a relaxed person, calm.” said Kin.

The Captain just laughed.

…

After waiting for some time, the king had finally entered the room. He was a little shorter than the Captain and looked to be about forty years old. His clothes were the same colors as the castle. His robe still had the image of the woman who looked like a goddess that was present on the castle ceiling painted on it. He went to his throne. Everyone put one knee on the floor and bowed their heads in respect. I just imitated them.

“Welcome back!” said King Victor.

“Thanks!” said the Captain.

“Michio, things aren't easy, are they?” asked King Victor.

“King, I regret to inform you, but Grimgar has had great difficulties. The city was practically completely destroyed, several people died, including all the knights present there, except me, Nobu and my three students.”

“I see... And what were the people who caused all this destruction?”

“Unfortunately, I haven't had contact with either of them. Only Nobu and Minori had contact with them.”

“I assume Minori is this boy I've never seen, right?”

“Yes.”

“Minori, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Victor Malone and as you can see I am the King of Redon.”

I thanked King Victor for his courtesy and introduced myself duly.

“Can you explain to me detail by detail what happened?” asked King Victor.

I explained everything that had happened before I lost consciousness and the Captain concluded with the information given by Nobu.

“I see, I see...” said King Victor.

“I came to report the situation to you, but I also came to ask for your approval to make Minori an irregular knight.” said the Captain.

“Okay. Let's see what he is capable of.” said King Victor with a small smile.

King Victor rose from his throne and extended his hand. A magic circle appeared in his hand. I didn't understand what his goal was.

“Hmmm... It seems to me that you've found a good student, Michio. Very well, as of today you're a Knight of Redon, Minori. I hope to count on you to help with whatever it takes.” said King Victor.

I was a little lost. I was waiting for a test or something and in the end King Victor just used a magic circle, looked at me and accepted me as an official knight.

“Kin, Yumi. I would like the two of you to stay around the capital and do a special training.” said King Victor.

Everyone was a little confused.

“King, can you explain the reason for this decision?” asked the Captain.

“Minori, Kin and Yumi. Can you give me a moment alone with your Captain?”

We answered “yes” and left the castle. We were waiting for the Captain.

...

“Michio, the reason I want those two to stay in the capital and do special training is because I want them to get stronger and because I want you to give this new student of yours special attention for a while.” said King Victor.

“A special attention?” asked the Captain.

“Yes. He's already a level above Kin and Yumi, but there's something about him that I find disturbing. I feel that he has potential, but that potential cannot fall into the wrong hands.”

The Captain explained all the details of what happened with Minori and even about Nobu's sudden absence.

“As I thought. We really had better pay special attention to this boy. Michio, you're the best person for this task.”

“Okay, I'll do my best, King.”

“I count on you and anything that is necessary, tell me. I want to be on top of everything.”

“Rest assured, with your permission.” said the Captain a little troubled.

…

The Captain left the castle a short time later and explained how things were going to go from there. It seems that Kin and Yumi were going to stay in the capital doing a special training, while the Captain and I would go to the person who knew about souls and then we would go on a little journey. We say goodbye there.

The Captain and I made our way to the establishment of the person he knew. When we were arriving at the establishment, a woman of similar age to the Captain was at the door smoking a cigarette.

“It's been a long time, Sonia!” said the Captain.

The woman looked at the Captain and said:

“Michio, have you finally come to pay what you owe me?”

*Guffaws*

The Captain began to laugh and explained that he had not come with the intention of paying what he owed.

“You should know by now that I know what you come here to do.” said Sonia.

*Guffaws*

“It's true.” said the Captain, laughing.

I wasn't understanding the conversation very well until the Captain explained to me:

“Minori, this is the person who perceives souls that I told you about. She is Sonia Fiorentini, we are childhood friends.”

I introduced myself to Sonia.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, although I already knew you.” said Sonia.

I wondered how she knew me and the Captain answered my question right away.

“Minori, don't pay any attention to the things she says. She basically can see the near future of the people she has contact with, meaning she saw that I would come here with you.” said the Captain.

I was quite intrigued.

“Well, let's go to the point?” asked Sonia.

Sonia finished her cigarette and we entered her establishment. Her establishment inside was very dark and sinister, more like a witch's house.

“Minori, sit here.” said Sonia.

I sat in the chair that Sonia gave me and waited.

“Minori, it may not seem like it, but Sonia is a very wise person. Many say it is a veritable encyclopedia of wisdom.” said the Captain.

“Can you give it less grease?” said Sonia.

“But that's what they say.” said the Captain.

*Sigh*

“Minori, I'm going to start watching your soul, are you ready?” asked Sonia.

I replied “yes”. Sonia faced me and made a sort of sign with her right hand. We were all silent until Sonia spoke:

“Let's see...”

Sonia closed her eyes, but quickly got scared by something and fell to the ground.

“Sonia, what happened?” asked the Captain.

“Minori, who are you?” asked Sonia, scared.

What did Sonia see to be so suddenly terrified?