The Lost Orb [PFS #1, The Bearer]

01 "The Truth's Consequences"

SASKIA'S POV
Era 982, Junius

COVERED IN black cloaks, faces unseen, bodies hidden. People usually run for their dearest lives just to take a step away from their looming deaths upon seeing them.

They were named Fallen Souls after their discovery not too long ago. Though their origin remains a mystery, tales circulating around the world of Armistden mark their appearance after the war of two influential territories a decade ago. The Kingdom of Asleria and the Empire of Hadean.

The conflict between these two soon ended, with Hadean Empire crumbling down to their own demise. Once the strongest of all, but now the vastness of their territory has long been embraced by darkness. Rumors says that those creatures are the result of their collapse, symbolizing their fallen people.

"I ask you, do you believe with 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, eyes travelling from the book up to mine. "You should see this book too. You have to continue learning these stuffs as long as you're staying here."

What I find contradictory is nagku-kwento siya ng tungkol sa isang tale, and here she is, reading a whole different concept than what she's spewing out.

But I'll be honest, I've long been fascinated by her broad knowledge to various things. Her name is Allisa Estrella, she's one of the A-Rank scholars. My roommate 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 adjusted the bridge of her glasses by pressing on it, clinging her ebony eyes that exudes a vivid intensity onto mine. Her long, pitch-black hair fell just above her shoulders, framing her fair skin evidently. "Lagpas isang dekada na rin simula no'ng nadiskubre ang mga nilalang na 'yon."

Nanatili lamang ang tingin ko sa kaniya. Bukod sa pagbabasa, marami rin siyang nalalaman na tales na umiikot sa buong Armistden. I can't figure out how she manages to gather that pile of information, it's not present in the books here as well, but I do find it really impressive.

She made my days full of wonder, and not just having a dull moment since I have arrived here, which I'm really thankful for.

"Pero sabi mo dati ay nasa labas lamang sila ng border ng Zavied, hindi ba?" I pondered while scratching my cheeks lightly.

"Indeed, but things happened after they breached the third layer of protection established solely by the Arozel Institution. The third layer was designed to safeguard the holy nation as a whole."