Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 108: Awakened Sage

I'm now nervous. Now that I've finished the [Hidden Quest], I can rest easy. But on the other hand, I haven't seen Yur1 or Wind anywhere here. They know about my brother, but they haven't said anything about him. Still, I can't be impatient after I finished my [Sign Creation Ceremony]. So all I can do is follow the sages to see their leader: The [Awakened Sage]. Man, I wonder what they look like. I'm excited just knowing another part of this world's lore just by finishing a [Hidden Quest]! That and an awesome [Mastery] that's only available to me (and hopefully, Yur1 soon).

[You've been quiet lately, Kazu,] Sentio says to me. [You don't have to keep it all to yourself. You have questions about us and the [Sign Creation] in general, right?]

Huh? How did she know about what I'm trying to ask later?

"Uh... Yeah. Is it rude for me to ask about them right now?" I ask.

[If we do, we would have to punish you for that question. Not to worry, young [Insignis]. We are a curious kind after we were granted the right to live in this world we now called home. So feel free to ask whatever is on your mind.]

Is that so? Well, if she says so. Besides, I can't keep it in for much longer!

"Okay. You know about someone named <Origia>, right?"

[Why yes. We know who she is. How do you know about the <Progenitor of Signs>?]

I sheepishly chuckle. "I don't know if it's part of the ceremony. But I saw a memory of her from the [Rune Tablets] when she made the first [Signs]."

Before I can finish, Sentio suddenly grabs my shoulders and says, [Wait... Her memories?! You saw the Progenitor's memories through the [Rune Tablets]?!]

"U-Uh... Yeah?" I stammer. "That's not part of the ceremony at all, is it?"

[That series of memories were never shown in the ceremonies, especially during private ones. It's Origia and the first generation of sages' request to keep it private for reasons we cannot divulge right now. However, she told our forefathers that if her memories were revealed to any one of the participants, that means she has personally delivered to whoever she saw as a turning point in this world.]

Huh? So that girl from before... Was that really Origia in person?!

"I met her between her memories and after!" I say. "Are you telling me that she chose me as that person who will change the world?!"

[I'm sure she would. She has an excellent judge of character and regardless of their talents, she knows who has the power to destroy the world or change it for the better. And it's up to you whether to take the chance or stay in your normal life. We can't force anyone unless...]

"I'll do it."

As soon as I say this, everyone including Sentio stops walking and turns to stare at me with their eyes widened. Okay, maybe I'm a bit hasty in my reply.

[I appreciate your quick response, young Kazu. But you must know that following your destiny is no mere task than what you usually do before the ceremony,] Sentio said. [Not everyone who will see your wonders has good intentions for <Volo>. Some may try to sabotage your work out of envy and some may try to use you and even steal your work to make a name for themselves instead. Greed, pride, and envy do not discriminate against any race and you may lose your life if you dare to go against the highest powers in your current state.]

She's right. Hayate said the same thing after he saved me from my bullies the second time. I tried to find the reason why they bullied me in the first place. I thought I might have made them angry by accident and I planned to apologize afterward. But when I told him about it, Hayate said this: