The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 8: Setting a Trap

That owl?

The one from the wizard legend?

Thoughts flashed through Lumian's mind like lightning, and he felt as if all the blood in his body had instantly frozen.

At that moment, he was more terrified than when he saw that three-faced monster. After all, this was reality, not a dream. Even if he were to die in the dream, his death in reality would follow, but there was still a psychological distance.

"What should I do?

"Will this implicate Aurore?

"..."

As Lumian struggled to think of a solution, the owl made no further moves, simply watching him quietly, as if it were assessing something.

After a few seconds, the owl spread its wings and flew away, heading towards the distant forest.

On its way, it glided downwards and disappeared somewhere in Cordu Village.

Only when the owl was completely out of sight did Lumian manage to regain his composure.

He slumped into a chair, raising his hand to his forehead.

It was drenched with sweat.

"Is that really the owl from the wizard legend?

"Has it really lived for so many years?

"In any case, it's definitely different from other owls. Its eyes aren't dull, more like a human's...

"If it's truly that owl, why did it fly outside my window? Just because I wanted to investigate that wizard legend? But we've already given up on that...

"It only looked at me for a few moments before leaving...

"I wonder if it will come back, or if it will affect Aurore..."

Since nothing had happened yet, Lumian initially thought of observing for a few more days. However, considering that it might implicate Aurore, he decided he couldn't keep it from his sister.

Leaving his room, Lumian saw that Aurore hadn't gotten up yet. He went downstairs and started preparing breakfast, focusing on his sister's favorite foods:

Soft-boiled eggs, sugared pancakes, and plain toast with jam...

I'll have to make noodles soon, this time with meat sauce... Lumian noticed that the compartment for noodles was empty and decided to refill it within the next couple of days.

It was Aurore's favorite staple food.

When Aurore, dressed in a nightgown and rubbing her tousled blonde hair, came downstairs, the kitchen table was already set with food.

"Morning." She covered her mouth as she yawned.

Lumian smiled and said, "It's not morning anymore.

"Didn't you always say that a day's plan should start in the morning?"

"Yes, and my plan was to sleep." Aurore sat down and began her breakfast with some milk.

Lumian sat across from her at the six-person table, biting into a pancake, and casually said, "I've been investigating those village legends for the past few days."

"Why?" Aurore asked.

Lumian was very straightforward, "You refused to help me acquire supernatural powers, so I thought I'd try to do it on my own. Those legends might contain some clues."

"Highly unlikely," Aurore commented casually. "Most of those legends have been altered over generations to the point of being unrecognizable, or they're based on hallucinations people had, making them meaningless. Then again, some might have been completely fabricated by someone who needed an excuse—oh, and thanks to people like you who enjoy making mischief."