Of Thousand Lives

Interlude 2.2

  It has been a while since the death of Amily Novartis. Ravenneer Circulus has shown his face in public much less to look after his daughter and to also rethink himself as a whole. To the people of Iazhioria, the disappearance of the man gave many uneasy thoughts of potentially losing their strongest piece of defence. But his close ones knew that he just needed time to get himself together again.

Justice, who is back at the bar in the alley that Vurul showed him, is looking to find some answers for the events that day. He knocks on the metal door 4 times in a 2-2 rhythm, exactly like what Vurul did that day, and then the hole cover slides open to reveal the eyes of a man who's checking the one that knocked. Not saying a word, the gatekeeper lets Justice in then quickly closes the door. It seems the people here have gotten acquainted with the Anomaly. At the counter, sits the familiar young genius, playing rock paper scissors with the bartender. Though, he doesn't seem to be winning, which surprised Justice.

"Hey there, Hurlem.", Justice sits down on the stool next to the child, looking at the game that's going on. Hurlem doesn't seem to notice Justice's presence because he's consumed by the thrill of the game. Sweat runs down the child's face as he stares down his opponent's hand, calculating every possible move and every possibility. His face suddenly lights up, it's like he hit a Eureka and then he looks up at the bartender with a confident smug. "Rock.. Paper.. Scissors!", Hurlem raises his fist then strikes down with his closed fist now wide open, playing the card of 'Paper'..! He lost. With a frustrated sigh, the kid raises his open hand up again then gives the bartender a weak smack on the arm. This was his 5th loss in a row. "I don't like to play with you.", the young genius frowns and then looks away from the bartender with a little huff. Seeing this, Justice can't help but let out a soft chuckle, seeing how adorable the boy was when he's grumpy. Finally, Hurlem notices the person sitting next to him. "Good game.", the Anomaly nods subtly, making fun of the child's game of rock paper scissors. "No, but hello. Fancy seeing you around. Has Raven been doing any better?", the prodigy lets out a sigh. "I'm not sure. I haven't seen Raven around lately but I'm sure he's doing somewhat better. Just give him a bit more time, I guess.", Justice gives him a shrug. The child gives him subtle nods, understanding how difficult it is for the elf. "I just wanted to ask you a few questions, regarding the appearance of the sea monster, since you're the smartest person I know.", the Anomaly continues. Hurlem pauses for a moment and then looks at him, "I'm not sure how to put this, but factually, you are the reason why the monster awakened. The Leviathan should never have woken up again ever since the Great Silence, but miraculously, it did. Luckily, its form was greatly weakened, due to not being able to receive any nutrients in its sleep. Your magic resonated with its soul and woke it up.". The Anomaly sits there for a while, entranced in his thoughts after the child finishes talking. Hurlem suddenly raises his eyebrows, his tone changing completely, seeing Justice's thoughtful face, "Don't think too much about it though. All of this isn't your fault at all. You didn't know.". The silence prolongs its lingering presence for another while, before Hurlem decides to at least try and brighten up the mood. "I'm not sure if you're old enough to drink, but I'll get you a fresh one if you feel like it.", an awkward smile forms on his face. "It's fine. I'm just a little surprised to hear that.. Do you have any idea what my magic is..? Raven still hasn't told me about it yet.", with a little headshake, the boy lets out a forced chuckle, swallowing this truth down into his memory as well as a sense of guilt. "I have no idea either. If you can somehow demonstrate this magic of yours, I will be able to try and categorize it.", the child hums, tapping his temples, and then he pats on the bartender's arm a few times, which is followed by a nod from the man behind the counter, as if he understood what he had to do. Almost instantly, the bartender slides two tall cups filled with cold orange juice and decorated with fresh slices of oranges. The Anomaly, previously occupied by the thoughts in his head, is now broken out of his trance by the cup in front of him. He looks at the bartender and then the child with a surprised look on his face. "For you.", the boy joyfully drinks from the cup with a straw, looking at the Anomaly expectantly. "Thank you.", the boy gratefully drinks as well. A delicious mix between milk and orange juice, which is soft to the touch of the tongue. It can certainly light up one's mood any day. This strangely soothing and nostalgic-tasting concoction eased the Anomaly's mind, at least for now.

"Hey, I have an idea.."