The Land of Phaleno: The Princess's Rebirth (Book I)

Chapter Fourteen: "The Scar of Forgotten Memories"

Shortly after the workers departed from the hidden chamber, the iron door creaked open again as Jun and Leonardo entered. Jun scanned the room with a sharp gaze, while Leonardo, armed with a metal hammer and black gloves, followed close behind. Once the door was secured, Leonardo placed his tools on the side table. Satisfied with the state of the crate, Jun turned. They exchanged a brief, knowing glance.

Jun rolled up his shirt sleeve. He pulled the hem of his shirt upwards, positioning it above his elbow, and began to fold it. Each fold revealed the well-defined muscles of his arm beneath the fabric. The shirt, which had previously covered his wrist, was now pulled back, exposing the scars on his wrist.

Donning a pair of black gloves, Jun picked up a crowbar from beside the crate. With dexterity, he inserted the tip of the crowbar into the gap between the lid and the wall of the crate, and pried it open. The screech of metal against wood broke the silence, a testament to his exertion.

With each thrust, the veins in Jun's arms bulged as his skin stretched taut. With intensity, he forced the crowbar until the crate creaked open. Leonardo took the crowbar from Jun and placed it beside the crate. Jun then carefully lifted the lid of the crate, revealing layers of protective cloth and plastic.

Jun gently began to peel back the layers of thick cloth, revealing a golden glow from beneath. He delicately pulled away the protective fabric, unveiling the exquisite beauty of the antique vase nestled within. Every line and carving on the vase's surface exuded an aura of elegance and luxury, as if telling a tale of a hidden past.

However, to Jun, it was merely an object devoid of true significance. The vase was nothing more than an ordinary vessel, no more valuable than any other piece of crockery. Despite its stunning appearance, its beauty could not change the fact that it was merely a means to an end.

Leonardo handed Jun the hammer, who grasped it with a firm hand, feeling its weight and balance. Jun raised the hammer, preparing himself for the first strike. With a steady stance, he swung the hammer with full force, striking the hard ceramic vase.

A loud crash and a series of cracks echoed through the room. Shards of ceramic flew in every direction, clattering onto the floor. Pieces of the shattered vase piled around Jun's feet, revealing its hidden contents. Amidst the shards of ceramic, a teak wooden box emerged, concealed beneath the debris.

Jun handed the hammer to Leonardo and began to clear away the shattered pieces surrounding the wooden box. He slowly opened the lid of the box, and as it opened, a dazzling light emanated from within. Diamonds gleamed within the box, creating a breathtaking sight. Their brilliance seemed to shine even brighter in the dim light of the room.

Jun carefully closed the diamond-filled box, ensuring the lid was securely fastened. He then placed the box into a large bag and zipped it shut.

"Leonardo, inform Sarah and Ralph to prepare themselves. I shall retire to my chamber to change my attire," Jun stated.

Leonardo nodded and promptly made his way to Sarah and Ralph's quarters. Meanwhile, Jun hurried to his study to change his sodden garments.

As the night deepened, the storm raged outside, its intensity unrelenting. The dark sky was shrouded in thick, tumultuous clouds, each flash of lightning a menacing threat. The rain poured down, relentlessly lashing against the ground, creating a ceaseless roar.

The wind howled, driving the rain in every direction, adding to the tumult on the roof. Trees trembled violently, their leaves whipping wildly, and branches seemed poised to snap under the strain. The sky was rent by thunder, its deafening claps shaking the very foundations of the building and startling the woman from her sleep.