Heaven's Shadow

Chapter 9 | I Will Save You

Training with Eugene was gruelling. The senior was agile and cunning, each of his moves was precise and effective, sending Remigius face-first into the ground each session. At this point, Remigius was sick of eating dirt. He sometimes got a few good hits, but Eugene's years of practice ahead of him sent his fists punching the air. He would have asked Malachi for some tips, but Remigius had a feeling that he would gloat too much. 

Eugene's advice and pointers helped Remigius's fighting skills rapidly improve and he began to train almost every other day—without Yun around he had far more free time on his hands. They didn't delve into Remigius's Ivion at first. Eugene insisted they increase his stamina and strength first before any of that. 

Then the tortuous training began. 

Every time Remigius's Ivion activated, Remigius had to fight against it. Eugene used his Ivion to demonstrate the feeling he should emanate to push the threatening darkness wanting to engulf his body, but it was difficult to imitate. There were multiple times Remigius lost it and had to get knocked out by Eugene's Ivion and a fist to the stomach.

Each time, Eugene patted his back with an innocent grin. There seemed to be some improvement to his control—now he managed to get the dark thoughts to slightly subdue, but it was a losing battle. He was left panting, with his body aching and head throbbing. He didn't doubt his Ivion was all over the training grounds, marking its dark, calamitous energy to the other students. 

Eugene had asked him why his Ivion was like that. Remigius ignored him.

Before starting all the training, Remigius believed he was quite strong, but after another bodyslam to the ground, he thought otherwise. It hurt his pride if he were to be honest, and his desire to try and spar with Malachi was quickly dismissed. Eugene laughed in his face when he suggested his idea from a month ago. 

"You would be decimated by Malachi," Eugene chuckled, and he pulled Remigius to his feet for another round. 

After seeing Malachi and Aston Estelle duel, the idea sent chills down Remigius's spine. The static tingle of his lightning Ivion created a thick, cloudy atmosphere, and Remigius knew Malachi wasn't giving it his all during that fight. The mere thought of sparring with Malachi seemed ridiculous in hindsight now. 

However, the most gruelling part of the training was the questions Eugene asked.

It was agreed that if Remigius won a spar, he didn't have to answer Eugene's stupid question. He didn't even ask anything noteworthy or shocking to the masses. He asked about his favourite musician or colour and how many siblings he had, all stuff he didn't know why Eugene would want to know.

One question, in particular, surprised Remigius. Not because of the question itself, but the way Eugene's shifted into a serious tone. His eyes sharpened from a pale jade to a blinding emerald that narrowed toward him, and the mirth from his lips vanished. In a low voice, he asked,

"Who do you think loves you most in this world?"

Remigius's face had scrunched up, mildly disturbed. "What kind of question is that?" 

"Do you not know the answer?"

He paused.

"My brother."

Eugene's face remained serious, but his usual mischievous smile returned.

"I see."

They practiced til sunset. Remigius had to go study. 

With Chosen Week coming up soon, Remigius couldn't help but ask a few questions to Eugene and Malachi who had gone through the trial. Chosen Week was the official test to see whether a Zenith was the Chosen. Strength, intelligence, and resilience all contributed to the mysterious trial that students and staff were forbidden to disclose by oath.