Chapter 01 | Freedom [Re-Edited]

When the stars align on the horizon, in the third blink of the solar, a soft and caressing voice whispered to me, “They stole my precious child...” It leaving my heart shattered into ten pieces. The shadow cast, its looming presence covered my entire being, as I cried and crying, my tears falling like as blue drops into the void of nothingness. Even my cure purple moon turned into a deep shade of dark red... So, I granted her one of my children - my beloved tear.

Recorded At Third Blink, Esta.

In the wide, burdened dark land under heavy rain, a young man stood with a dirty shirt and tattered hands and feet.

“Huff, huff… Finally, I’m free. Goodbye damn Prison. I hope to never see it again!” He exclaimed, catching his breath after a long run in the rainstorm.

This continent is filled with fanaticism, ideology, and the church. For eighteen years, I, who have committed no sins, was cursed to live in that dark and oppressive jail. But now, I am free and no one can take me back.

I should find a place to stay for tonight and then plan my journey north. True freedom lies ahead. I just need to hold on a little longer.

My feet are hurting terribly. Should I take the road? No, the jailers would have already noticed my absence. Perhaps they are sending the Church’s judgment after me. He looked back to see if anyone was following him, but there was nobody there.

“Nah… I’m just being paranoid. It’s been an hour and this heavy rain has washed away all traces.”

Unfortunately, the world has treated him poorly.

As he looked back, a figure stood on the hill. Full black rainy-cloaked blended with the dark rain sky. Its eyes shimmered with an eerie blue glow. Gazed at him.

Thunder! Lightning shone the sky. Two shadows collided on the ground.

What on earth! Those eyes were truly frightening. You gonna kill me with that stare, huh? Are you the jailor? Or a judge?

“Who are you?” The Cloak-man asked, sound blurred with rain.

He doesn’t recognize me. He’s not a jailor. “I’m nobody, just lost from the road. Do you know the way out?”

“Lost, here? Again! Who are you?” Cloak-man eyes glowed brighter.

Thunder rumbled, and the sky cried.

The prisoner stayed silent, only the sound of the rain hitting the hill was there.

What is this situation? How can I escape? What should I do? He knocked on his leg, tried to control his fear.

Meanwhile, prisoner lost in his thoughts, the Cloak-man said, “No answer? Fine! I’ll find it myself.” He then pulled out a majestic book from under his cloak. The book was adorned with church symbols and magic crystals.

When the prisoner saw the book, his senses returned.

I knew that book. It was the holy book. This book had the power to directly assess anyone’s karma on this continent. It was connected to the holy tower system, where all rules and laws were judged without the need for testimony. The Cloak-man is a Saint who possesses God’s whisperer.

His eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope. I still have a chance. Out of everyone, I am the luckiest one. This opportunity belongs to me alone. Karma has no control over me. When the Whisperer uses the book, I will create a distraction and run as fast as I can.

the book activated, emitting a soft glow that illuminated everything around. In this moment of clarity, he could see clearly. Within the cloak, there was a captivating woman with flowing hair and piercing eyes adorned with a crusader’s attire.

The Whisperer is a woman. As the book neared the completion of its spell, he raised his arms and pleaded, “Though I may be a prisoner, I am not a sinner. Please, consider setting me free.”

“A prisoner, huh! Finally, you speak. Do you think I’m blind? I noticed your prison attire from the beginning, but now it’s too late. Prepare yourself for punishment,” she retorted. Pointing the book towards him, a bright light shone.

“Evaluate End, No Sin.” Her beauty-eyebrows furrowed.

Thunder! A flash illuminated the dark world.

With lightning speed, Prisoner dashed. But where should I go? The forest on the right, or a vast glassy field on the left. Hah! Into the woods is always the best choice. I can utilize the dark shadows and create false trails.

“Stop!” but she hesitated to pursue. “Why Holy book evaluated ‘no sin‘, everyone in continent should have one guidance at least send the word free, compensate, or death… Besides that.” She swiftly gazed at the tattoo on his wrist. Black angel.

“Cursed...? You are the Cursed child!” Her eyes widened in shock. “You were born in The Prison.” watching him disappear into the woods. She bent her knees, swoosh, dashed off, and sprinted right after.

Swoop! Thud, Thud, Thud. He dashed swiftly through the forest, his head lowered, skillfully evading the protruding tree bark. “Yes, it’s me. My whole life, people have been calling me the ‘Cursed child.’ But I want you to understand that I’m not a monster. I’m simply a little different, nothing more!” His voice echoed through the wood as he sprinted, causing branches to snap create the trail. He then swiftly veering left and then suddenly turning right. Eventually discovered a gap between a fallen tree trunk. He pressed himself as closely as possible against the tree. Turned himself into shadow.

The sound of human gave back to nature, only a faint heartbeat of a tiny child in the wood. Rain poured down on the damp and puddles, with every drop reflected the lonely soul of his.

Just gotta think, think, think, my self. What that crazy priest babbled on about their saint, their god’s whisperer. First, avoid fighting. Do not retaliate. Your sins will be judged immediately. Second, they have to follow the Holy Words of the whisperer’s book. What was the last one? I can’t remember. The last…

Splash! Splash, thud, thud, crack. The sound of someone approached.

“Reveal yourself. I am aware of your presence.”

Hah. Are you kidding? You a rookie? If you talk like that, nobody’s coming out. I gotta find a way to get her away from here. He carefully picked up a rock, aiming it at a cluster of trees far away. For the good karma of my last life, please get hit. Then he hurled it.

As if the sky answered his thoughts.

Thunder! Cried.

Crack! The stone hit its mark.

A flock of birds cackled and burst out of the forest. During this spectacle, a lightning flash cast the shadow of the birds, moving as if alive.

She stared intensely in that direction and said, “So, you were there.” Without hesitation, she darted towards that path, disappearing deeper into the forest, unaware of the man hiding between the tree.

Gradually, he emerged from his hiding spot and shifted his gaze to the vast, grassy fields. “I can’t stay in the forest any longer. She will search every inch of this dense forest.” So, he made his way to opposite direction.

There was a field of tall grass, even though it was damp and being battered by a rainstorm. It was tall enough to conceal a little man. He crouched down as low as possible and started moving. I hope the grass will hide me as I go.

Time seemed to crawl by, each second feeling like a lifetime. Time ticked by, with seconds evolving into minutes, and minutes stretching into an hour. The rain poured down steadily. Thunder boomed from time to time.

I believe I am safe now. What a scare! My heart feels like it’s about to shatter. Why did she come around here? In such a deserted area. Was she here to complete a quest or to slay monsters? Is she working alone? That’s weird. Maybe her comrade is nearby.

But his train of thought couldn’t last long. His body trembled as he heard a thunderous voice booming from the sky.

“I have found you, cursed child!” The Whisperer shouted. She lowered her hood. With a stern expression and piercing eyes, she stared at him. Rain poured down on her face, and her wet hair stuck to leaves, partially obscured her face. She appeared like a creature from the depths of the forest.

Curse me! She also can fly too, that is not fair, I’m merely a prisoner, never even considering or attempting to reach the sky. Yet, you possess the ability to fly so effortlessly.

“I have done nothing wrong. Please spare me,” he pleaded. But his message couldn’t reach her. In fact, it only provoked more anger within her.

She drew a clean and sturdy sword from its sheath. Cling! cling, cling, Raindrops touched the blade and flowed along it, causing the sword to gleam, eager to slice through its target’s skin.

She tightened her grip on the sword, preparing to strike.

As their eyes locked, Prisoner clenched his teeth and tightened his fists. Fine! Let’s fight. Not only do you possess a skill.

Despite being cursed since birth, I managed to survive by consuming spoiled food, persistently battling in a colorless world where I couldn’t smell or feel pain. But I still have the right to live.

“Eyes of seeking truth, The Verity Eye.” He whispered.

Swoosh! The blade moved swiftly, causing the air to cry out.

In his grayscale world, a faint blue line appeared, the trace of mana. He could see through it. The blade was about to swing towards his head. He quickly ducked.

Swish! The blade gracefully swept past the tip of his hair, leaving half of the grass neatly shaped into a cone.

Her eyes widened in surprise, yet she quickly regained her composure. She deftly turned her hand and slashed the blade in a vertical line.

However, he swiftly pivoted on the tip of his toe, skillfully evading the attack and only sustaining a minor cut on his shirt.

Swoosh! Swink! Her blade continued to slash back and forth, causing the grassy field to become a chaotic mess. Yet, his body only suffered minor injuries. Move evenly to dodge every blade.

“Whisperer, you're breaking the law! You’re not following the holy book, and you’re harming innocent people!”

She took a step back, restraining herself from taking action. “How do you know our law?” She questioned, giving him a cold stare.

Drip! drop, patter, patter, patter, the sound of rain filled the area. Both of their eyes locked onto each other.

Prisoner have no answer.

Patter, patter, rain continued their words.

Alone Whisperer has life.

The fear reflected clearly saw in his eyes, as I observed the small frame in front of me. He looked so lonely, as if he had no hope or future. Where is he come form and what condition he was in? My blade on hand trembled in confusion. I pray for the river mother, I really want to know this.

“Who are you?” she said with a clear voice, hoping for answers that could dispel her doubts.

However, before receiving a response, he ran away, again. “I already told you. I’m just someone who has lost the way. Just let me go!”

“You’re, running, again?” She slashed the tall grass to regain composure. I need to control myself, Took a deep breath, signed, she then ran after him.

He ran swiftly ahead, his small body struggling to climb the large rock. His tiny fingers grasped at the rocks, causing blood to seep from his wounds.

“Please, let me go,” he pleaded with a trembling voice.

If you said that no one will let’s you go. They will only pursue you further, trying to uncover what you’re hiding under your tattered dress and the dark blue eyes hidden in your messy black hair.

She gently touched the rock with her hand and jumped, following him. “How do you know about our laws, about the saint’s law? Tell me.”

“I don’t know! I just want to go home.”

“You were born in jail… that is your home,” she said, her grip on the sword loosening. She bit her lip, regretting her words. What have I just said? I’m such a fool.

He groaned in pain as his foot stepped on a sharp rock. The red blood on his black nails blended into his trail, turning the dark brown into a black crimson. Even on this rainy day, I could clearly see it. Furthermore, his breath grew shallower and slower. The air in his lungs was waning.Not long.

“You have to stop—” she said.

“No! I don’t want to go back,” he refused, continuing to run for his life without even glancing back at me. Sorry to him, He wasn’t aware that I already remembered his scent. Blood and fear.

As he ran, his left leg started to lose balance, causing his body to tilt. Bruises covered him, the red of his blood lost its vibrant color. Now it’s even clearer than a raindrop. The cold temperature bit at him within, exuding a scent of fear and approaching death, as if it comes from the final days of people’s lives.

Not long… he will stop soon…

Both of them sprinted and chased each other through the grassy field, their movements twisting and turning aimlessly.

In the dark night, the only sounds audible were the rumbling clouds, the patter of rain, and the footsteps of the two souls. The one soul that shining bright like a star and the other, death welcoming with open arms.

Saint had no words, only running in pursuit fear.

No star tonight, also no guidance on the sky. Only rain poured down non stop like it laughed at his struggling life.

But In his little dark blue eyes and small child brain. Still watching and holding onto hope in the distance.

How far does she want to follow me? My lungs and feet were reaching their limits. Just a little longer, my body, hold on… The grass field ended ahead. Maybe I could find something useful.

But as he reached the endpoint, frustration washed over him. Damn! Again and again, why do these things always happen to me?

Ahead of him, a cliff loomed with no escape. He stepped towards the edge, peered down, and gnashed his teeth. It’s just death. Only a path to the hell that awaits me in that dark eerie pit.

He turned his head back to the grass field and saw Whisperer walking slowly, like death approaching him. Her hand tightly gripped a sword.

Ta-thump! Ta-thump! His heart raced, but his body grew colder.

Is this my end line? Should I jump or fight until the end? I am so miserable. Either way, death awaits. Curse me!

“A cliff, huh?… no more running?” she said with clear voice.

Her tone now different… It’s genuinely concerned. What had happened? Why she sudden shift?

“You shouldn’t run anymore. You’re only making things more difficult for yourself… It starts calling you.”

Ah… She pities me. He gazed at her intently, as if attempting to capture every detail, realizing that she might be the last person he encountered in this miserable life.

At least, I want to see you for the last time.

Then, he softly uttered, “Eyes of Verity,” noticing the glowing mana emanating from her.

As she walked towards him in the monochrome world, traces of mana connected and formed letters, flowing out one by one to weave together above her head.

The words Vow of Temperance. shone brightly over her head.

Suddenly, triggered a rush of information in his brain. A picture of a blurred priest appeared, saying, ‘The Last, they believed in The Vow, never breaking it, even if their lives were on the line, because they were the spoken of Holy Tower.’

Vow! Vow! I remember now, his inner insight rang.

He glared at her in his tranquil state.

She approached and stopped five steps away before saying, “Let’s talk—“

His eyes glowed, his body stopped trembling. He sat with one knee up and both hands resting on it. “I, Rain, the cursed child, will make a vow!” His voice echoed into the sky.

Her eyes widen in shocked as she was taken aback.

Instantaneously, the rain stopped as if responding to its own name, ‘Rain,’ as if a master had called it back.