Nothing Of Note

Chapter Four: Unexpected Visit

"The Calamity was a sharp gut punch to humanity's hopes and dreams. Technology was booming, magic was dazzling in every field of work and entertainment, it was a golden age for society. Then all of it was slaughtered in the span of two torturous weeks. Over 90% of the human population was killed in the supposed prodigy's conquest of the world, culminating when the tectonic plates themselves were ripped apart, drastically changing the face of the world. This left the remaining survivors scattered, lost in a world they no longer knew."

Elina took a deep breath as she entered her father's study. Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest when she saw King Armad of Sellheria standing by her father, who was seated nervously at his desk. Why did the king come here?! I thought it was just the Duke of-. Realizing her lack of formalities, Elina knelt on the floor and formally greeted the Second Grand Sellherian King. "Your majesty, it is an honour for you to grace our household with your presence. What pressing matters bring you away from your crucial duties to summon me today?" King Armad looked at Elina's father to respond, who pauses to clear his throat. "Elina, uhh... I have no easy way to say this." He takes a deep breath to calm himself. "The Staff of Dreams is back," Fuck! Elliot, oh god Elliot! "but we don't know who the prodigy is." Trying to hide her relief, Elina responded, "Not to be rude, that's certainly a very pressing matter, but I fail to see why I am being told this information before the general public." Her father looked at the King, then back at his daughter. "It is because, from the information we have been given, the staff has chosen a student your age as its prodigy, more specifically, a student attending Rosewater High School." Oh fuck. "The royal family has informed us that this matter is to remain classified to the public until the prodigy's identity is known; which is where you come in, my dear daughter." Elina's only response was a singular blink of her eyes. "You are the only student at Rosewater that we know cannot be the prodigy. So we are entrusting you with discreetly identifying the prodigy so the authorities can act accordingly." Again, the only response was rapid blinking and still movements. I-I can't... Elliot. Father. What do I do? Her inaction drew a rare statement from King Armad. "Young E-leen-a Rallenyein, you were taught about The Calamity, correct?" It is NOT E-leen-a. You've heard the correct pronunciation, it is El-in-a. Brushing her thoughts aside, the teen hesitantly nodded. "Then you know the true power of the Staff of Dreams, and the panic that would ensue if the prodigy would be left unchecked by authorities." I promised I wouldn't tell anyone. Not even my father. "The fate of our whole kingdom lies with seizing the staff's power. It is vital in finally beating those blasted Gyssian scum." My father is counting on me. The whole country counting on me. "It is a lot to ask for a young lady like yourself, and it is very likely the prodigy may be someone close to you, but the fate of the entire realm is at stake. It is up to you to decide where the scales of destiny tip." Elina paused to take in the King's words, finally giving her answer. "I understand your majesty. I will not fail you, my family or the kingdom. I will identify the prodigy and with their power, we will defeat the Gyssian menace." Uttering these words, she looked towards her father. Father, I'm so sorry.

"Proficiency level 2 reached: Stealth" There has to be a way to disable these. Elliot emerged from the secret forest entrance and was greeted with yet another alert. As she was making her way back towards her house, she couldn't help coming back to Elina's words. You are the prodigy. We need you to be as strong as time allows. As much as she wanted to deny it, those words rang true in her head. She's right. As much as I want to go back, I have to grow stronger. As she was accepting her fate, she spotted a large beetle crawling on the sidewalk in front of her. No better time to start than right now. Elliot tried not to wince as she squished the beetle with her foot. "You have reached power level 3. Spell learned: Shock. Technique learned: Stomp." Was that worth ruining my shoe? Probably. As she headed home, her cell tome got a message from Elina. "screwed beyond belief tell u 2morrow."