The Lost Orb [PFS #1, The Bearer]

01 "The Truth's Consequences"

SASKIA'S POV
Era 982, Junius

COVERED IN black cloaks, unseen faces, hidden bodies. People usually run for their dearest lives upon seeing them, every step taken just to escape their looming deaths. That's how dangerous they were to humans.

They were named Fallen Souls not too long ago. Their appearance might remain a mystery even now, but tales circulating around the world of Armistden trace their first arrival after the war of two influential territories a decade ago. The Kingdom of Asleria and the Empire of Hadean.

The fall of the Hadean Empire declared the end of conflict between these two dominions. Once, the strongest of all, but now, the vast land of those sinners has long been embraced by darkness. Rumors say that those undead creatures are the result of their collapse, bearing the last will of their fallen people.

"I ask you, do you believe that tale?"

My brows furrowed as I cupped my chin down. "Perhaps? After all, the connection makes sense."

"I see, you have a good way of thinking," the pages rustled as she snapped the book shut she's holding, which was about the different types of artistry. "You should see this book too. You have to continue learning these stuffs as long as you're staying here." Her eyes traveled from the book up to mine.

What I find contradictory is she's telling a tale to me, and here she is, reading a whole different topic than what she's spewing out.

But I'll be honest, I've long been fascinated by her broad knowledge of various things. Her name is Allisa Estrella, she's one of the A-Rank scholars. My dorm mate and the closest friend I have in this institution.

She's a bookworm, I can say I'm already used to her hobbies. If not in the library, she would have locked herself inside the dorm just to have her own world.

She pressed her index finger to adjust the bridge of her glasses. Typical bookworms who wear specs.

Her ebony eyes clinged to mine, exuding a vivid intensity. "Lagpas isang dekada na rin simula noong nadiskubre ang Fallen Souls."

Her long and pitch-black hair spilled just above her shoulders, she has a curtain fringe na bumagay sa nakaipit niyang buhok. Kapansin-pansin din ang maputing kutis nito na katulad sa 'kin.

Nanatili lamang ang tingin ko sa kaniya. Bukod sa pagbabasa, marami rin siyang nalalaman na tales na umiikot sa buong mundo ng Armistden.

I can't figure out how she manages to gather that pile of information, it's not present in the books here. But I do find it impressive.

"Sabi mo dati ay nasa labas lamang sila ng border ng Zavied, hindi ba?" I pondered while scratching my cheeks lightly. Nakahilig ang ulo ko sa aking braso.