A/n: Hello everyone ! It's been a long while I haven't published anything, and I'm very very sorry about it.

It wasn't easy these last times for me, between that damn virus annoying the world and the hard intern work I had to do, I needed a lot of time to decompress. SORRY ! SORRY ! SORRY !

But now, I finally release the first chapter of the last traveler's arc who's everyone's favorite scholar, and I managed to write the dialogues of a few chapters from the last arc, so I will make sure to get back to my usual writing rhythm.

Also, it's been 2 years since I've started this book, but it's been also 2 years Octopath Traveler has been released ! I can't believe how fast time flies !

And thank you a lot for the 6k views and those who still follow my story !

Anyway, let's get started !

~Cyrus's POV~

"...And so it was that Atlasdam was founded some two centuries ago."

I was giving a history lesson in a good mood.

The story of the foundation of the great city of Atlasdam was for me one of the most exciting subjects. Indeed, it was very instructive and so rich that we could do a whole course for a whole study year.

Furthermore, it was one of my favorite lessons that I liked to give to my students. All that knowledge gathered in such a subject give me such a pleasure to share them any details of the story period which led to the birth of the actual city-state which become today the pride of the country.

It was a lovely late afternoon when I pursued my lesson in the classroom mostly used for private instructions. The room was quite small but majestic, the walls were covered of shelves of books, and a very large green carpet made of an expensive tissue covered the floor.

A warm sunlight passed through the window surrounded by red luxurious curtains and illuminated the classroom as we could hear the birds gracefully singing outside, giving a peaceful ambiance.

To illustrate my lesson, a large map of Orsterra was installed on the classboard.

I continued to narrate my lesson while watching my students.

"Indeed, our fair city-state is among the longest-standing on the continent of Orsterra. But there was another city-state with a history as long and proud as our own that came to a tragic ruin only eight short years ago."

I walked across the stage, still holding my history book, as I asked my students calmly.

"Now, who can tell me its name ? How about you, Therese ?"

"!..."

Therese, one of my students, flinched slightly when I called her name.

She was a blue-eyed girl of around 17 years old with beautifully coiffed long silver hair, wearing a white elegant dress and a blue cape.

She was sitting on an ebony desk on the right side of the room.

"I, um... I think it was..."

She started to search through the pages of her book, but she looked quite nervous while trying to find the answer.

So, I reassured her.

"Now, now. No need to get all flustered.", she stopped when I added calmly. "There's no shame in not knowing an answer, so long as you have a desire to learn. The answer is in your textbook: Go on, now. Look it up."

"Yes, Professor...", answered Therese.

Even though she wasn't very sure of the answer, this girl showed a great interest in her studies. As an experienced teacher, I could know through the eyes of my students how much they were motivated to learn. And this young girl was a good example.

Therese might seem to be often reserved, but I found her to be such a studious and persevering girl in her studies.

"Let's see..."

She started to search calmly, carefully turning the pages of her textbook by staying focused.

"..."

She stopped at a page and read it attentively.

"I believe it was... Hornburg ?"

"That is correct !", I smiled cheerfully to my student before I explained. "Hornburg was ruled over by a royal family said to be descended from priests of an ancient and long-forgotten religion. On the other hand, our fair Atlasdam was founded by one of the original clans that inhabited the Flatlands. Who can tell me how many clans lived in the Flatlands at the time ?..."

I moved again across the stage, watching at my other student.

"...Your Highness ?"

"Yes. The histories have it that eight clans did live in the Flatlands in those days.", she answered proudly.

My second student, who was sitting at the other remaining desk, was a special guest. Indeed, she was no other than the rightful heir of the throne: Princess Mary.

With the same age as Therese, her Highness was a beautiful young woman with golden blond hair, a pair of wonderful green eyes, and she was dressed in a pretty yellow dress as elegant as she was.

She was said to be an even greater beauty than her mother, the queen, and she was also as studious and smart as Therese. She attended very well classes, being often quick to answer to questions and answer them as well.

"Correct you are, your Highness !", I greeted her before I explained it to the whole class. "It was time of great strife here in the Flatlands, as the eight clans waged a long and bitter war.", I gestured with my hand while narrating. "Change would come when the armies of Grandport invaded these lands some two centuries ago. At the time, the rulers of Grandport sought to exert their influence over territories inland. Ironically, this compelled the warring tribes to put aside their differences and unite against their common foe."

While narrating my lesson with pleasure, I noticed her Highness's governess waiting at the door.

She was an elderly woman wearing a brownish dress and well-styled hair, waiting patiently for her Highness while assisting at my class.

If she was there, that would mean it was already the end of the course.

"...Oh, but look at the time ! We'll pick up where we left off next time."

The governess acquiesced with a nod and calmly left the room, while I gave the homework at my students.

"Don't forget to read chapters three and four before our next lecture... and be prepared to answer questions on any of the material within."

"Yes, Professor.", agreed Therese.

Both of them nodded and started to pack up their studies affairs.

I left the stage and passed through the tables when her Highness complimented me cheerfully.

"Thank you for another most stimulating lecture, Professor Albright."

I smiled as an answer while Therese nodded as well.

Both of them looked satisfied with the lesson I gave them. Also, I was especially doing a private class for only these two students at this hour.

I was making sure to make them two well-instructed ladies of the court. Indeed, while Mary was of course part of the royal family of the realm, on the other hand, Therese was also one of her distant relatives. So, they both have been close to each other since their childhood, and they were raised with quite the same education.

These two were liked by everyone from the court and the Academy, all proud of their perseverance in their studies, as well for their gentleness as their beauty. The princess Mary was known as "the Sun of the Flatlands" while Therese was called "the Moon of the Flatlands".

I too, I must admit that I have always been surprised by how much they enjoyed learning my lessons and how motivated they were, but I was very proud of them, as it was already an honor for me to teach my knowledge to such ladies...

So, I greeted them proudly and left the classroom, leaving both of them behind.

I was now done working at the Royal Academy for the day. That place was indeed where I and my colleagues worked the most as besides the class we gave, there were sometimes organized meetings between scholars to share our studies and theories or talk about the future of the Academy.

It was now the weekend, so I don't have class tomorrow and neither the day after. But I have still a lot of work to do: preparing my next lessons, starting to write my thesis on the relationship between the different clans before Atlasdam was founded.

However, that didn't annoy me at all because I really liked my work a lot. Studying was my passion: it was a pleasure to discover more knowledge, to study them, and to share them with others.

And honestly... I would find the time boring if I don't have my nose buried in a book !

While I was about to go, I met one guard who wanted to talk to me.

"Ah, Professor Albright. Mercedes from the Royal Library came by with a message for you. Seems today's your lucky day."

"Hmm ?"

I was pretty curious about that new when the guard smiled at me.

"You've been granted permission to enter the special archives."

"!..."

This is... such an amazing new !

"Splendid ! Finally, I can begin my research.", I declared with a very satisfied smile.

The guard smiled back and left as I felt pretty excited.

It's been years that I waited to get that permission, after so much patience !

Finally, I will have access to a good number of archives who are kept secret and available to only a few people from the Academy ! For a scholar, it was such a great privilege to have permission to consult the most confidential volumes and parchments. They were only available to the high-ranked member of the Academy, but this permission was really important to get acquainted because we give us a great responsibility to protect their existence while consulting them with care.

Right now, I couldn't stop myself to dream about what kind of unpublished works could be found in the special archives, like some parchments of ancient magical arts, or some forbidden memoirs of the Kingdom's past rulers. However, it's been a while that I was planning to work on another new thesis instead of the one about the clans' relationships, and there was a book that could be really useful for my research. I believe it was called... The Church of the Flame: A Complete Historie.

I was recently interested in all these old mysteries about that famous religion and their practices throughout the years. What was the real origin of the Sacred Flame ? How was built the legendary Cave of Origins ? How the religion had been founded ?

There were still so many questions without any answer... But even though that famous volume wasn't enough to understand the full story of that creed, I believe that it will be very useful for my research and, with further knowledge, help me to shed some light on some of these mysteries.

Anyway, I was already ready to start my research, but I remembered the Royal Library was closing in only an hour.

The library is just outside the palace. I'd best make haste.

~Therese's POV~

"..."

I felt pretty nervous. I was quietly waiting downstairs, hidden while carrying my study books in my arms.

He must be coming here soon...

There were still a few scholars walking through the Academy hallways, but the place started to be less crowded as it was the end of the day, and the ambiance was almost silent.

I already made my decision this morning: even though it's been a long while I was following his course, I never had the opportunity to have a real conversation with him.

But tonight, I think I'm gonna take my chance.

While I was still waiting calmly, feeling a little preoccupied when I heard some steps.

There he is !

I saw the professor Albright going down the stairs, as he seemed pretty cheerful for a reason.

I smiled a little at his sight.

Seriously, this scholar looked so majestuous that wherever he was, it's like the atmosphere around him changed radically, such as his presence would instantly immobilize me.

Though, I knew he was very popular in our city-state, and that I shouldn't be the only one to admire him. But I have the feeling my admiration is much deeper than anyone else, I have no doubt about it.

Go on, Therese... It's now or never !

Finally, I decided to take my courage.

"Profess..."

"Professor Albright !", called suddenly a voice.

"!?"

I flinched at the voice and, by reflex, I immediately hid back.

That was Mary who arrived from the left stairs, as the professor stopped himself while she looked glad to see him.

"Oh, thank heavens you're still here. I thought I had missed you."

She sighed, as the professor didn't look annoyed at all by her presence.

"What can I do for you, your Highness ?", he asked politely.

Mary stayed pensive before she answered him calmly.

"If you can spare the time, I had a question about something we learned today."

The professor smiled proudly.

"But of course, your Highness. It would be my pleasure to answer anything. After all, my role as your tutor is as important to me as any of my research.", he explained before adding. "Unfortunately, I cannot spare much time. Is the question a quick one ?"

She nodded.

"Yes, Professor. It will not take long. I was just wondering about the ancient religion of Hornburg. Pray tell, what did they worship ?"

He looked pretty concerned, as he was thinking for a while a front of the princess whom the eyes were still bubbling over with curiosity.

"A very astute question, your Highness. However, I fear that nearly all the texts detailing the nature of the religion were burned and lost when Hornburg fell.", answered Professor Albright in a calm tone.

The princess sighed.

"I see. A shame, that."

The professor then took a few steps.

"I do, however, have a theory of my own... I believe that the royal family of Hornburg were guardians of an ancient power... Mind you, this is not idle speculation. My theory is based on the fact that..."

He continued to explain his theory to her, as both of them looked amused.

"..."

I didn't even try to go towards them, and I felt really shameful.

They discussed cheerfully for a few minutes, the smile on their lips, as I could see Mary's eyes full of passion for learning, and the professor's eyes full of will to share his knowledge.

Her governess finally arrived and waited Mary in the stairs while she was thanking the professor.

"Let us continue the discussion another time. My apologies for keeping you, Professor."

He smiled and nodded for a no before answering her.

"No need for apologies ! And it would be my pleasure, your Highness. That such questions occur to you is a sign of a sharp and curious mind."

Professor Albright really knows how to deduce well.

"Your lectures on the history of the realm are more fascinating to me. For if I do not learn of our past, how can I hope to lead my people to a bright future ?", she explained calmly.

"A most admirable philosophy, your Highness. The people of this land are truly fortunate to be led by one of such wisdom and kindness... As I am truly fortunate to have the opportunity to serve in some small way."

He did not have any trouble speaking to her like she did not seem to be shy with him.

She enjoyed his compliment.

"You are far too kind, Professor Albright. I am proud to be your student."

Mary looked very grateful to him.

"!... Oh dear, I'm running late.", said Cyrus while reminding something when he advised at the princess. "Pray do not forget your assignment, your Highness."

"Of course, Professor."

She then joined her governess as they both headed upstairs.

I couldn't believe how Mary can talk properly with the Professor without fear of disturbing him. Indeed, she was such a girl open to others with such a great curiosity, and she didn't even hesitate while asking him a question. Honestly, I just feel like it was so much easier, for her, to get along with the professor.

Me too, I liked to learn... Me too, I wanted to ask some questions and to get some well-explained answers... But honestly... that wasn't only because I just wanted to learn...

The problem is that I wasn't as brave as the Princess Mary was: I would always flinch each time the professor questioned me, and each time I tried to ask him about something I haven't clearly understood in class, it's like I was lacking courage !

However, I do want to participate more in class, to be more noticed by the professor. I also heard somewhere that if students often participate in class and ask questions to their teacher, they could get along very well. I would like so much to not be that shy, but that was too hard for me to go towards him.

All I could do is to stay hidden here, like a foolish girl, without any courage.

Why did I never have the courage to talk to him ?...

~Cyrus's POV~

I headed to the exit, feeling pretty impatient to go to the royal library when I saw a familiar girl waiting downstairs.

Therese ?...

I saluted her calmly.

"Oh, hello there, Therese."

"!..."

Strangely, Therese flinched at my sight, as she was just staring at me hesitantly.

Of course, I was wondering why she was still in the Academy, so I asked her.

"Did you have a question for me as well ?"

She stepped back slightly and looked down at her feet, as I waited for her answer, but I also noticed she acted pretty nervously.

"I... I mean, no... Good day, Professor..."

Suddenly, she ran towards the exit, leaving me alone.

"?..."

What's wrong with her ?...

She didn't even let me the opportunity to explain her behavior.

However, that wasn't the first time Therese was behaving like this. Certainly, she was such a brilliant student alongside her highness, with such a will to learn and to study, but she was rarely participating in class. Indeed, she would only speak to me when I questioned her and lastly, I found she was lacking attentiveness towards me, just like she was quite isolated.

The weirdest thing is that according to my colleagues and some people in the court, she wasn't behaving like this and was quite pleasant, even if she was still shy by nature.

As her professor, it was my duty to worry for that young woman, as it's necessary that my students feel well good so they could be more focused on my lessons. Perhaps I should talk with her one day...

But now, I have to go to the Royal Library before it's closed.

So, I went to the exit and find myself outside.

I started to go down the stone stairs of the Academy while admiring the city.

It was such a beautiful city: all the houses which were built here for a few decades were lovely and the vegetation which grew on some corners of the town was really luxuriant, including next to the Academy. A tree planted for 20 years was standing proudly at the bottom, and the sidewalls were decorated by a few climbing plants.

I crossed through the large alley which made the pride of the town with his almost well-cleaned cobblestones, where dozens of people were usually walking each day.

The ambiance was particularly warm as well: there were a lot of bystanders who were happily walking together while discussing or laughing about either their work or their most enjoyable hobbies. Furthermore, there were a lot of families established in Atlasdam for generations, not to mention all these many people who come here to found one. As to say, all of them lived in good harmony.

Like every inhabitant, I was proud to live in such a prosperous city. This is here, where I've started my long studies to become the amazing scholar that I am today. Indeed, it was the main city where I worked, and I knew it so much that I could perfectly remember every place of the capital.

I could see the Royal Palace from far, which was always so prestigious and symbolic, and the city was so beautifully wide that we couldn't see its surroundings from where I stood. But to tell the truth, Atlasdam is a bustling castle city that was protected by an outer wall, with the majority of its inhabitants residing in the southern part of the town.

"Ha ha ha ha !"

While I was still walking through the alley, I reached a square where I spotted a group of children cheerfully playing at a particular game.

There were 3 children, of around 7 or 8 years old, who were playing with wooden weapons: one blond boy was using a wooden sword and continued to hit a few times the wooden shield of his friend, who was pretending to defend himself.

"Take that ! Supersonic sword blow !"

"Ha ha ! Protect me ! Diamond shield !", said the other black-haired boy, quite chubby, while protecting himself with his toys.

The third kid was a blond girl, who looked like the first blond boy, as she must probably be his twin sister. She looked to be quite tomboyish as I noticed she was holding two wooden swords in each hand and pretended to attack both the boys at the same time.

"Special attack of the infernal spinning top !", she exclaimed while spinning around her and eating her the boys' toys who countered the blow and backed up.

The kids giggled while playing and running through the square with their toys.

Of course, they were just pretending and the toys weren't harming, but I was slightly intrigued by the kind of game they were playing.

Effectively, they seemed to play knights, but I noticed each of the kids "fighting moves" were different, alongside what they call their "special attacks". It looked like the game is a concept of...

Role playing game...

I believe they must be imagining they were doing quests like fighting a dragon or a group of brigands.

Suddenly, I saw another kid coming out from under a bench, a red-haired girl of around 8 years old, who jumped in the middle of her 3 friends while exclaiming.

"I summon a spell of fire ! Take that ! Ha !"

She then extended her hands towards the ground and mimicked the sound of a fire, making the other kids running away from her.

"Quick ! She's gonna burn our blades! Ha ha !"

"Wait for me ! HA HA !"

She chased her friends while still extending her hands.

Oh !... Now, they are even imitating sorcerers ?

As I witnessed them leaving, I observed an old woman observing them sighed annoyingly.

"Kids nowadays have such a strange imagination to play games. At times, have to wonder what could influence them.", she then wiped the front of her house with her broom when she noticed me and saluted me cheerfully. "Oh, good afternoon, Professor !"

"Good afternoon, madam. I hope this warm day had kept you well.", I answered her politely.

"Well, thank you. You are too nice...", she then looked around curiously, like she was looking for someone. "I wonder where she might be..."

"Is something wrong, madam ?", I asked her, trying to be helpful to her.

She frowned slightly.

"I'm looking for my cat, Carla... She has been missing since this morning, and that doesn't look like her to be a runaway. So, I'm starting to be worried about her..."

"Oh, my bad. Sadly, I have something already planned for now, but if ever I see her, I will tell you as soon as possible. Is that alright with you ?"

The aged woman chuckled.

"Oh, thank you for your kindness, professor ! Carla's fur is white like snow, so you will quickly recognize at sight !"

"Ah ah ! I certainly will.", I chuckled before I went back to the road.

Anyway, I left the square and continued to head to the Royal Library.

I walked through a street with a few merchants who were discussing with their customers when I heard a female voice shushing to another.

"Hey, isn't that the famous Cyrus Albright ?!..."

Strangely, I observed a group of young women who started to gather at the side.

I then heard them gushing over me.

"Wow... He looks so gorgeous when he's seen up close ! "

"I would like so much to have him as a professor... I could be ready to listen to any lesson from his beautiful voice ! Even if the subject is about hog's lifestyle !"

"Aahhh..."

I have no idea why, but I'm a little confused by their behavior each time they see me. Indeed, it always happens each time I pass a front of some women sometimes. They would fantasm over me each time they watched me wandering in the city.

Sometimes, women can be strange...

However, I feel a little embarrassed to be admired by such a feminine public, but that doesn't stop me to briefly stare at the girls with a smile.

"Good afternoon, my ladies...", I saluted them politely.

I took my road back when I heard the young women screaming louder.

"KYAHHH ! HE TALKED TO ME !"

"KYAAAAAAAAAHHH !!!"

"AAAAAAHHHHHHH !!!"

Indeed, they were screaming... but not because they were scared, I guess...

Am I really too good for them ?...

I must admit that I have some trouble interacting with ladies when it's not related to my work.

Anyway, I keep moving forward in the direction of the Royal library which I started to view not far from here.

While walking, I noticed at the right a guard who was standing against the wall, holding a spear, as he was watching the city patiently. This guard was quite young, as I doubted that he could have reached his 20th anniversary, and he seemed to be quite bored as we could see in his expression.

When he started to yawn, he slightly moved the end of his weapon and put it on a small rock when it slid and

"Woohh !..."

The guard suddenly lost his balance and was about to fall, but he spun his arm the fastest he could by doing his hardest to not fall.

"Ha..."

He sighed calmly when he finally managed to regain his balance, still trying to look serious despite his clumsiness.

By seeing that man, I must deduce it shouldn't be an easy job, for a guard like him, to patrol through Atlasdam for hours.

Strangely, I noticed his pants were stunned with a kind of white liquid...

Isn't that... milk ?

Perhaps he may have stunned them by mistake when he was drinking a glass of milk, or perhaps there was another reason. In any case, I doubt his superiors wouldn't appreciate his lack of care of his panoply.

During my walk, I felt a fresh wind that was nicely blowing me, before I stopped in place and smiled.

Ah ! Here I am !

Finally, I was now standing a front of the Royal Library.

It was such a magnificent building which, alongside with the Royal Palace and the Royal Academy, made the pride of the city itself. The prestigious architecture was similar to the 2 other buildings and was considered by the most beautiful Library of the realm. The large door was made from a bronze material and decorated with a few royal symbols, and above was standing 2 statue of gargoyles surrounding a book with the first ruler of Orsterra who has founded Atlasdam. For me, it was a place full of magic.

There were always a lot of people who come here to read countless ancient tomes from years past and many more, and even the doves enjoyed standing proudly on the roof. I myself would always spend my days in the halls of the great library, devouring tomes to his heart's content, either for the work or for my pure entertainment. Honestly, I loved a lot to wander here until the very first time I entered the building.

And now, I was finally about to have a look at the special archives ! My heart was beating of joy as much as I was thinking about all the wonderful and exclusive writings I could spot. I was really as excited as a little dog playing with his toy !

"Heya, Cyrus !", called a voice happily from outside.

I turned and saw one of my colleagues who waved at me while grinning.

His name was Felix Leopold: he was a 27 years old man with hazelnut colored short brown hair and a goatee. He was wearing proudly the famous black coat worn by every scholar and was carrying a brown satchel above his shoulder. He was an ever-smiling and very sympathetic scholar who enjoyed a lot his work, and he was specialized in the study of natural phenomenons that are occurring in our world from time to time. He is used to often travel through the country to study closely these phenomenons, so he would rarely be present at the capital.

Also, he was one of my closest friends among the community and we were sometimes used to work together when he was at the capital.

He approached me with a grin when he extended his hand to shake mine.

"Oh, hello, Felix !", I answered calmly, smiling while shaking his hand before adding "It's been a while we haven't seen you in the capital !"

"He he ! Nice to see you too ! And, like by chance, here I found you at the door of the royal library ! Is that really a coincidence ? Or perhaps it's like a second home to you !" he joked.

I chuckled at his remark.

"You know well how much I enjoy to wander here, my dear friend."

"Ha ha ! Just messing with you, pal ! You too know well that coincidences never exist with me !", we both chuckled, as he replied. "Well... What are you doing here at the library ? Maybe you've already fallen for a new book !"

"Well, I just finished class for today, and I wanted to have a look from one of the tomes kept in the special archives."

We both entered the library when Felix looked amazed.

"Woah... Really ?!"

"Shh !...", shushed someone to Felix while being focused in his lecture.

We were now in the middle of a gigantic room inside the library. It was quite a darkened area with its flooring of around 800 square mater made of dark oak wood, but the light emitted by the candles and the windows permitted to reveal the place in all its glory.

Across the gigantic room, there were around 50 shelves with a height of 2 meters and a length of 6 meters. They were lined up on the sides in two rows, giving us almost the impression to move in a maze, while the center was covered by tables where a few persons were reading and studying books for probably at least one hour. Indeed, the shelves were filled with many volumes which were sorted alphabetically and thematically, all of them being carefully stowed at their place.

However, they weren't the only works in this room: across the room, the gigantic wall was replaced by countless shelves, all filled by tons and tons of books. That was amazing: there were lots and lots of books which were stowed everywhere across the room, and there was even a second floor with even more literature. There were at least 20 meters of height of reading, and all those who entered here were astonished by that wall of books.

Seriously, that place was such a paradise for any book lover, and they were so many books that an entire life wasn't enough to read them all.

As we walked across, passing next to a few readers including one who was reading the content of a book titled Old legends of the Kingdom of Triberia, Felix's voice became low although we could still hear his amazement.

"You're so lucky, by the twelve gods !... Me, it's been also a while I'm working to be recognized enough to be permitted to go to the special archives. The problem is that the Headmaster Yvon always thinks I'm not a serious scholar, and I don't think he's even aware of all the projects which I'm working on. Too bad he's not even interested in my research..."

"You know, Felix. I don't think the importance of someone's work has to be only judged by an immediate superior. Indeed, the passion you have for your research is also a good clue for a work of quality."

"Yeh, I guess you're right. Sometimes, it happens to me to wake up in the middle of the night when I have a good theory in mind.", he told me when he added."By the way, would you like to have a look at my last observations ?"

"Of course ! I'd gladly be interested to see what you saw."

I followed him as he noticed a narrow table which was just left by an elderly woman, and sat on the dusty chair while I stayed stood up and observed him taking off his satchel, as he was impatient to show me.

"You'll see. I just came back from a trip in the Woodlands, and I no longer regrets to have chosen the forest to not have chosen the Highlands's mountains.", he took a large book out of the bag when he added. "Have a look."

He opened it as he showed me a particular sketch that I watched with curiosity.

It looked like a representation drawn with the help of a lead pencil, nicely detailed with care by Felix, as he was also very good at drawing for capturing into pictures everything he has seen in his observations. Indeed, he was very good to represent them in such a realistic way.

In the first place, it looked like to be simply a forested landscape, as we could notice an amazing forest of trees recognizable with their countless leaves formed by a bunch of short straight lines to assemble some detailed trees. However, my attention was more focused by the center of the picture: I observed there were a lot of drawn straight lines with varying thickness, and the nuance of black and light created a kind of representation of a sort of... light beam.

I confirm that. This drawing represented a giant light beam that was manifesting in a vertically upwards movement, from the earth to the sky, through the clouds which were represented as well.

Honestly, I was pretty surprised. Among all the drawings he showed me about previous phenomenons, this one was the most astonishing I've ever seen.

I smiled while contemplating the drawing.

"Hmm... This what I call an incredible discovery... It looks like... a light beam reaching to the sky...", I told him by showing him my interest, as he nodded proudly in answer.

Seriously, that representation showed such an astonishing phenomenon, something which didn't look to have ever been witnessed before, and I couldn't imagine how much more impressing the scene would have been if I saw it through my own eyes...

And that light somehow reminded me of something, strangely...

!...

"Isn't that one of the pillars of light from the famous rumors ?", I asked him frankly.

"Well done ! I've been able to witness one of them !", he told me joyfully when he explained to me. "That's what woke me up 10 days ago when I camping inside the woods, but I clearly remember the scene like it was yesterday. The purple color of this pillar of light was so luminescent that I could see it through the fog at one mile from my campsite. It lasted for a few seconds and the radius of action was within the 10 meters ! Of course, I immediately thought of immortalizing the scene."

"This is astonishing... I wonder the origin of its manifestation."

I admitted I was completely speechless, to tell the truth.

Felix, who stayed confident, seemed to enjoy my reaction before he continued to share with me that discovery.

"In the beginning, I thought the source of the phenomenon was due to the light of the sun which could have been reflected by the fog, and then, I learned that similar events have occurred in 2 other different places. The first one which appeared at Clearbrook about 2 weeks ago, and the third one, in the mountains of Highlands which took place 8 days ago."

But of course ! I remember well when I heard about these famous events which occurred at Clearbrook and in the Highlands.

Still interested by his amazing discovery, I questioned him.

"And if I understand well, you think your theory was disproven by the locations where the two other phenomenons have occurred ?"

"Exactly. According to some quick studies, the spawn points of the two other pillars were located inside caves or mountains, so there was no way the light of either the sun or the moon would have something to do with these !"

"This is true."

"After the light had disappeared, I've decided to go at the spawn point to study it further. Sadly, I haven't found something interesting: the place looked completely normal, there were no harmful consequences on the fauna and the flora and no traces of destruction if we don't count the incident when a beast has destroyed the village of S'warkii of course."

"I see."

Hmm... It is true to say that incident was rather an indirect consequence of the light beam projection, but what could explain that it didn't destroy anything despite its theorized power ? I just doubt if these phenomenons were harmless...

Anyway, I continued to check the drawing patiently when I stated.

"Mmhh... it sounds like the beam of light illuminated the place without wiping out anything in its manifestation. Indeed, I've never studied such a strange phenomenon like this one... but I believe you must have found out a theory to explain that event."

He nodded.

"In my point of view, it seemed the beam of light came through the ground, and there could be one possibility of the source of that beam: it's magic !"

"Magic ?!..."

"Yeah, but it was way too different from everything I knew in magic. I've done some studies about the concentrate of magic inside the pillars after countless calculation... but it was so high that even all the best wizards of all Orsterra could not have been able to summon such a pillar of light if they are reunited."

"..."

To summon...

Felix then continued to tell me his side of things.

"This is how I came to an interesting idea: what if, for centuries since the appearance of the first magic spells of our world, there was so much mass of magic particles which has been released in the nature... that it was now impregnated in the ground ?"

"Well, that sounds like an original theory from you, Felix !"

He smiled at me when he took something else from his bag.

"Look at this map. I reported on this map each of the locations where the phenomenons have occurred.", he took a map when he repeated the locations. "First, the one next to Clearbrook... Then, the second which appeared where I was... And here in the Highlands mountains, the third spawn point of a pillar of light.", he then continued. "I do believe why the spawn points are located especially in these places according to my theory: when the magic has been created at the same time as the land of Orsterra, these places could be where the first men have mastered these mystical arts, and develop them in numerous spells which managed to evolve with the periods. In other terms, all the magic which has been used manage to adapt itself in the ground, and it has been freed in the form of a purple light accumulation."

Very very interesting...

Honestly, I would have never guessed that theoretical story, but that was clearly an incredible theory that deserved to be studied further. Indeed, if these places were truly where the First Men began to create magic and to master its properties, that would mean these areas need to be studied further by the community and, eventually, we would try to figure out the possibility of the pillar of lights manifesting themselves again.

So, I had another question in mind.

"And is there a reason why the pillar of light would have finally appeared at these moments exactly ?"

"Well, I think it's pretty like with a barrel: by continually filling it of water, it ends up overflowing everywhere !", he told me while mimicking a barrel with his hand before adding."That's how I believe how it could work theoretically, but I hope my speculations aren't too crazy for you..."

"Too crazy ?... I wouldn't believe your ideas are how you think they are. Indeed, you have made such wonderful work in your research. It's not common, you know, to see scholars coming back with such pieces of information for their projects like yours."

"He he ! You know me well ! I would always finish a work that I started !", he chuckled proudly before he continued."And also, there is something else which makes me concerned.", he looked slightly more serious when he showed me back the map. "Just look at the locations of the light pillars' spawn points: I don't know how to explain this clearly, but it seems they were geometrically positioned, and not by simple hazard as I believed before."

"... You're right.", I said with concern.

If we check again the first 3 spawn points, we could notice that in addition to being located in varied regions, the 2 distances between Clearbrook and respectively S'warkii and Cobbleston were both equidistant. Indeed, if we imagine that these locations were forming 3 of the vertices of a diamond-shaped area, we could deduce with geometry calculation that the fourth vertex will be located at...

!!!... That's right...

"Do you believe... there will be the fourth pillar of light in that place ? In Atlasdam ?", I asked Felix.

He nodded.

"I just have the feeling that it couldn't be a coincidence at all. But there is something else again. With all the theoretical analysis I've calculated when I saw that purple light in the Woodlands, I managed to find some common points with all the magic I know. As I said before, it could be fed with all the spells created by the first men. However, through my calculations and what I remember when I saw that thing, I was finally able to get some results. Indeed, amongst all the spells gathered inside that pillar of light, there was only ONE form of magic which appeared more than the others... and it was a very particular one."

"!!..."

There was... one dominant form of magic in that beam ?...

"What is this ?...", I asked.

"I... I don't know a lot about that kind of magic... However, it looks likes we couldn't find it any anywhere... except in the fire of the Sacred Flame itself."

"!!!..."

I would have not expected such a link, but I started to doubt his theory was just a coincidence. Furthermore, I remembered when I've been in one of my first travel of research at Flamegraces 10 years ago... I've already seen the Sacred Flame which was burning in all its beauty, like a symbol of a true and warm peace...

I continued to think about it.

"So... Perhaps the magic unleashed by these phenomenons could come from the magic of the Sacred Flame...", I guessed.

"I don't know... We all know that the sacred Flame comes from the magic given by Aelfric to the first men after he has defeated Galdera the Fallen. So, it could be possible... the Sacred Flame wasn't the only one to have been fed by Aelfric's magic, but also the places where have appeared the pillar of lights...", he explained calmly, as he looked very curious. "But what is the true meaning of these phenomenons ? Does it is a sign from the god Aelfric the Flamebearer ? Is it a good one ? Or a bad one ?", he finished in a low tone.

Me too, I had so many questions in mind while thinking about such a theory... There were really so many mysteries and secrets behind these famous events which occurred, like the possible link with the power of the Sacred Flame.

And for me... It's been truly a while I haven't been so curious and pragmatic about a discovery.

Felix finally sighed as he retrieved his positive side.

"Though, I have to make all of this work clear. I think I'll stay at the Library for a while and usually borrow books if I have to ! They could bring me the last pieces of jiggle of my theory.", he said while standing up from his chair, determined to work.

"Well, maybe I should let you focus on your work."

"Oh ! Just don't forget the special archives !"

"Ah, my bad. I almost forgot !", I just reminded when I walked towards the reception desk while encouraging him."Good luck with your research !"

"You too, pal !", he grinned at me.

"Shhh !!...", shushed someone at Felix, annoyed by the noise.

Well, I could say that I had taken my time while discussing with him about his work. However, I enjoyed discussing about these amazing discoveries he made, and I was still thinking about what they could truly mean.

Could these pillar of light be signs from the gods ? Or have they a scientific and logical explanation ?

Perhaps Felix might be able to find some answers as soon as possible. Honestly, I was hoping that he has truly made an incredible discovery that could shed some light on the History of our world.

Anyway, I was walking on a red carpet, heading to the librarian's desk.

The office was occupied by a young woman in her early 20's, whom her light brown hair was worn in a bun. She looked very similar to a true librarian with her black dress adorned by a yellow trim at the end herm with slight sleeves.

Behind her, there was a large auburn door that led to the Special Archives and was double-locked, as only a special key can be able to open it.

I believe I have to ask her to borrow me the keys...

So, I saluted her while she was checking the content of some parchments.

"Good day, Mercedes. Cyrus Albright, here to browse the special archives."

She smiled at me and replied.

"Oh, Professor Albright. You're looking quite eager today."

"When I heard that an original copy of The Church of the Flame: A Complete Historie had been donated to our archives, I simply had to be the first to see it.", I explained her to my satisfaction.

"You're more on top of our collection that I am. Just sign here..."

She showed me a certain parchment and a feather.

"With pleasure !"

I dipped the feather inside the inkpot and signed on the old parchment.

"Heh..."

I heard her chuckling, in my confusion.

"Hm ? Is something amiss ?"

She just denied as she looked amused.

"For someone known as the most brilliant mind in the Royal Academy, when you talk about books, you're as giddy as a schoolboy."

I chuckled quietly.

"Ha ha ! When you put it that way, yes. Much as a child is fascinated by a new toy... I am titillated by the prospect of acquiring new knowledge."

"Right. The expression on your face says it all."

She was right on this point ! Of course, I didn't know how I had that gift, but I really loved to learn all kinds of knowledge since I was born. I was very precocious when I was a child, and I had the talent to acquire knowledge almost instantly. I could also forget all the times I surprised some of my entourage with my learning skills !

Anyway, the young woman checked back in her papers inked with a few other names for a little while, before telling me.

"Anyway, everything seems to be in order. Enjoy your quest for knowledge, Professor."

I nodded as she gave me the keys.

"Many thanks, my dear ! I most certainly will."

After she let me pass, I entered the key inside the keyhole, turned it twice before I managed to slowly open the door.

It led to an underground room similar to a cave, which was too dark to see the inside.

As I was bubbling over with curiosity, I started to calmly go down the stairs and arrived inside a room that I have never seen before.

The special archives' room was quite small, and the sunlight was barely penetrating inside, making the place very dark. I observed there were only a few shelves disposed on the walls, much less than in the main room. However, there were still a lot of books that were gathering dust in their places, and some of them looked to not have been touched for at least 10 years.

Right now, I was very fascinated by all these writings I haven't seen before, with many of them looking unfamiliar to me. However, I have already heard about some of them alongside some of my colleagues, but they were only available to a few people before I got the authorization today. Indeed, some of them drew my attention for a while, like Story of Forbidden Arcanes or Lost testaments of all Orsterra dynasts, known to contain so many dark secrets that it would be too dangerous to let them one ending up in the wrong hands...

By the way, that was why was decided to only authorize the access to the special archives to only a few trustable scholars who are well aware of their true value and ready to protect their secrets.

After contemplating the collection briefly, I reminded the reason for my arrival and tried to look alphabetically for the title The Church of the Flame: A Complete Historie on one of the ancient books stowed in these large dark dusty shelves...

But there was no trace of it.

Did someone return it to the wrong shelf ? Hmm, not here either...

I keep looking for the missing book, making sure to check any spots despite the darkness of the room by looking for any titles starting by "The Church" to make my research easier...

However, The Church of the Flame: A Complete Historie wasn't anywhere.

Curious...

I doubted that the previous borrower has forgotten to return the book, as someone told me that it's been months no one has borrowed that one...

I examined the whole room while thinking attentively.

These archives are strictly guarded and curated. Wherever could it have gone ?...

"Professor Albright, the Headmaster would see you at once.", told me a voice.

It was Mercedes, the librarian, who joined me in the room.

Honestly, I felt quite annoyed to be disturbed in my research, but I cannot dismiss the Headmaster's order.

"Of all the times to... Oh well. Might I ask you a favor ?"

"What might that be ?"

"The tome I mentioned before seems to have gone missing. Could you locate it for me ?"

"Missing ? Huh. I'll begin looking at once, Professor."

"Many thanks, my dear."

She nodded calmly as she started to check the shelves, looking for the missing book, as I left the room.

I was thankful to her because she would save me some time to search for the book while the special archives will close soon.

~Later, at the Royal Academy~

I wonder for what purpose the Headmaster Yvon convoked me...

I knocked at the large door of the headmaster's office and spoke.

"Cyrus Albright, by your request, sir."

"Do enter.", called the headmaster's voice.

I opened quietly the door, without forgetting to close it behind me, and stood in the middle of the room.

Two persons were standing behind the desk: the Headmaster Yvon, and his assistant, Lucia.

The headmaster was turning away from me when he spoke with a dry tone.

"My apologies for summoning you on such short notice."

I walked a few steps and asked him curiously.

"How might I be of assistance, Headmaster ?"

I noticed that the Headmaster was rather serious when he replied.

"That treatise on arcane studies you published... What in the gods' names were you thinking ?"

Have I done something wrong in the writing of my treatise ?

As the reason for my mistake wasn't completely clear for me, I tried to speak to him.

"Sir ? I do believe I made my hypothesis perfectly clear..."

"I'm not talking about your 'hypothesis' !", he shouted while pointing the finger towards me, as he looked pretty upset when he replied. "You went out of your way to cite one of the texts in our special archives. The knowledge housed in those tomes is the Royal Academy's greatest treasure. It is not to be divulged to the public at your whim. Laying it bare in one of your silly papers is out of question !"

I approached the desk when I explained calmly.

"I am fully aware of the value of those tomes, Headmaster. It is for that very reason I would share the knowledge with my peers..."

"YOU ARE TO SHARE NOTHING !", he exclaimed suddenly. "THAT WISDOM IS FOR THE ACADEMY, AND THE ACADEMY ALONE !"

Surprised by his furious behavior, I tried to convince him.

"But that goes against everything..."

"ENOUGH CYRUS !"

BANG !

He hit his fist on his desk, the noise interrupting me brutally.

I sighed annoyingly.

Even my best argument is sure to fall on deaf ears. The headmaster sees knowledge as a medal or precious stone. Something to be appreciated by its rightful owner alone. Knowledge is power, and power is to be hoarded. An unfortunate attitude, indeed...

I better needed to not insist anymore, knowing him.

"My sincere apologies, Headmaster. It won't happen again. Is there anything else you need of me ?"

"That is all. You may go.", he answered me with a calmer tone, but before I was able to move, he spoke again. "...Wait. There was one last thing."

"Sir ?"

"I heard the special archives will be closing early today. If you have research to do there, I would do so quickly."

The Headmaster was turning away from me, but I could still see him smile.

Good gods. It's as if he enjoys watching me suffer.

"Thank you for your concern, Headmaster. In that case, I'll be on my way."

"You should... And remember...", he added while he stowing some parchments inside one of his desk's drawer. "To avoid it fall into the wrong hands, every precious good must be well stowed out of reach from anyone."

He then closed it firmly.

I observed there was also another drawer which seemed to have been closed for at least a good month due to all the amount of dust present. But I already noticed that he was keeping with the greatest safety some keys from private areas, including the one leading to the access of the special archives.

I could imagine that if ever someone attempted to steal something from inside that drawer, the lack of dust would point out a theft.

The headmaster Yvon was a man who, just like me, had a similar obsession with seeking knowledge. He was the one who led almost every meeting between scholars about our work and all the research we made. But even though he was a brilliant scholar known to have accomplished a lot of research during his entire career, this man never believed in sharing knowledge. He judged that some of the scholar's research was so precious that he wouldn't want these to be shared with people he believed "unworthy".

But if I tried to oppose myself to his beliefs, I would risk losing my functions in this town and worse, to be excluded from the council. And I guessed it seems to amuse him to abuse his position to exploit his view of things and indoctrinate it to the new scholar apprentices. Just thinking about it made me quite disturbed...

Anyway, I finally left the Academy and headed back to the Royal Library, taking the same path as before while the sun started to go down.

I think a good research about the Church of the Flame could cheer me up in such a moment.

I wonder if Mercedes have managed to find the book...

"Aaaahhh !..."

" ?!..."

I stopped in place.

It looks like someone just screamed !... It came from the Library !

I immediately started to rush to the Library in a hurry when I observed many worried people gathered inside the place.

"What is going on ?!..."

I entered inside and saw everyone in the Library, all watching in shock at something they didn't want to approach.

"This is so bad !"

"Get away from him !"

"The 12 gods are against us !"

I watched at Mercedes, her hands covering her mouth in shock, as I passed through the crowd and

"!... Oh my... !"

My eyes widened in shock at the sight of what I was just witnessing.

"What's... happening... to me ?!..."

Felix !

He was currently curled up in fear against the table leg, trembling in fear with a pale face, but most importantly...

"He's a sapphire-eyed man !", yelled someone from the crowd.

No way ! Felix's eyes just turned in a gloomy blue color, with his irises being missing, and he was completely stressed and frightened of what he was suffering like he wasn't himself anymore. He has caught the Aisemna plague !

Everyone was frightened, and I couldn't support to watch him like this.

"Sorry !"

I went towards him while shocking some of the witnesses.

"What are you doing ?!"

"Don't let him touch you, professor ! Else, you will become just like him !"

"Felix ! Can you hear me ?! It's me, Cyrus ! Can you hear me ?!", I tried to speak to him, my hands over his shoulders, and to figure out his actual state.

He didn't answer me immediately.

"What's wrong.... with me ?..."

I could see through the manifestation of blue color in his eyes that he was suffering from hallucinations, and that he couldn't manage to make any moves.

Right now, I was very worried for my fellow: has he been contaminated by a certain object, or by a narrow person carrying the Aisema Plague ?!

While Mercedes started to run at the exit to tell the authorities, I noticed that his hand was holding a map.

!!!... Wouldn't that be...

Yes. It was the one he showed me about the pillar of lights locations, and there were also a few notes about his research written on it...

Since that map was still in his hand, I deduce he was still pursuing his research when the plague's symptoms occurred...

But... What really happened to him when I wasn't there ?

~30 minutes later~

Everyone present inside the Royal Library were all evacuated outside by the guards, which caused the institution's direct closing. They were also investigating inside the place where the incident has occurred to look for any clues which may have caused the plague's infection to Professor Leopold.

While all the witnesses were still traumatized by their events, the guards were questioning them about what really happened to the victim.

"I can't believe what I saw..."

"Everything happened so fast..."

I managed to hear that according to a few witnesses, his eyes started to become blue while he was still studying calmly at the table where he settled.

"Your eyes, please, professor.", told me a guard.

I opened my eyes wide and let him check my eyes to make sure there weren't any traces of the Aisenma disease, and I could see another guard doing the same to Mercedes' eyes.

They were doing that to everyone: since the first cases have occurred, there was an important security measure which has been taken in our world. According to the law, they have to check if any other individuals could have potentially caught the disease, as we still don't know if it was contagious or not.

It was a measure which was sometimes stressful and underwhelming for people, especially when we know how much the population feared to be infected by the disease. But it was a necessary one, in case we manage to find another infected person to make sure it doesn't contaminate more people.

The guards then finished to check our eyes as one of them spoke to his superior.

"Negative for these two, captain ! We're done checking the eyes of all those who were present at the royal library when it has occured !"

"Good ! Just keep checking all those who present suspect symptoms !"

"At your service, captain !"

They let us go as I watched at Mercedes, who was still shocked by the situation.

"I can't believe such a thing has happened here, in that cultural place..."

"Excuse me if I remind you of some bad memories, but haven't you seen the professor Felix having contact with something particular or someone who seemed sick ?"

"No, I don't think so... Each time I had an eye on him, he was just doing his work on his desk, nothing else... And he hasn't talked to anyone else but you.", she answered me with guilt when she put her hands on her chest. "Poor Professor Felix... He was such a wonderful and motivated scholar who loved his work... He was always happy and cheerful with everyone... Why does he deserve such a thing ?"

"I don't know... how to explain this...", I answered with a frown.

I somehow feel bad about her. It must be really sordid to witness someone showing Aisenma symptoms at her workplace in front of her eyes.

"We're soon ready to go !", called the coachman.

I noticed a white covered-wagon parked next to the Library, which was about to leave the city alongside a few soldiers who were on a horse, ready to escort the carriage.

So, I went to check behind the vehicle where I saw him.

"Felix... How are you feeling ?...", I asked calmly in a sad tone, trying to reassure him.

"..."

He was lying down inside, covered by a wooly blanket, as most of his clothes including his fetish coat were dispersed on the side.

He wasn't as positive as he was usually, completely traumatized of what happened to him. At the moment, his symptoms weren't occurring back, but he was mentally devastated, just like the disease itself was haunting his mind. It hurts me a lot to see him in that state.

He sobbed without staring at me, full of shame.

"It seems like... I won't have to do my work for a while...", he answered me in a desperate tone, before he added. "But I think it's the best solution for everyone... I shouldn't be here, I have to go..."

"YAHH !"

NEEEEIGHH !!!!

The horses started to pull the carriage, which rolled through the streets, followed closely by the escorts.

The more I see the vehicle moving away from me, the more I started to have a weird feeling, just like the professor Felix's hope to be recognized thanks to his recent discovery started to fade away...

I hope for you, my friend, that your state will be better once you arrive there...

"Where are they taking him, already ?...", asked me Mercedes who observed sadly the carriage leaving as well.

"At Stonegard. There is a specialized medical institute that is taking charge of those who have caught the disease. However, ever since the first case of Aisenma has appeared in our kingdom... no one has been cured yet..."

Since the first appearance of that plague, there were more than 1000 known cases of infected individuals and has slowly but progressively affected any unfortunate patients: men, women, children... I've even heard there were sometimes entire families who have caught Aisenma.

This is also why we have often to check the state of all people who were at the surrounding of an infected person. It was common nowadays to find several cases at the same place at the same time, so we needed to anticipate any infection as much as possible.

That's why the community decided to create an institute at Stonegard led by some local scholars who are tasked to gather all those who were infected, so they could study them and try to create a potential cure. But despite their effort, they haven't still found any useful information about the disease.

While the librarian was still feeling bad about all these ill persons, I thought for a moment about the situation and Stonegard's institute place in all this.

"Though, we rarely receive any news from that famous institute, and honestly, I find that quite suspicious... It's not like they didn't have any progress about the..."

"PROFESSOR ! ARE YOU ALRIGHT ?!", called worryingly a voice.

"Therese ?..."

I just saw her running towards me in a hurry, ignoring the guards telling her to not approach the place, before she stopped to catch her breath.

"What are you doing here alone, my lady ?", asked her Mercedes.

"I heard about the news... that a scholar has been found with the blue-eyed disease at the library... I really thought it was you, professor Cyrus !..."

She looked very worried for me, as I noticed tears which started to leave her eyes. Honestly, I was slightly surprised by how much she was concerned for me, but I understood her feelings very well.

So, I put my hands on her shoulders and reassured her.

"It's alright, Therese. I'm fine...", she started to calm down when I asked her. "How about you ? And Princess Mary ?"

"We're both fine as well... I was just afraid for you..."

"I understand, young girl... Me too I would be very worried if one of my students was found sick.", I told her frankly before I continued. "But you don't have to worry about me, for the moment... Just go back to your apartments, continue your studies, and most importantly, be careful to you. Understand ?"

"Yes, Professor.", she nodded, before she calmly went back to the Royal Palace, escorted by a guard.

She might be a shy person, but Therese was such a kindhearted girl who cared about her close relatives. Indeed, seeing her come running to see if I was fine was a proof of her selfless attitude.

What a faithful girl...

She was scared that I was the one who caught the disease instead of my friend. To tell the truth, if ever I, unfortunately, get infected by Aisenma, I would be of course unhappy. I wouldn't be healthy enough to study, to pursue my research, to write my treatise, and many more.

However, I would also feel bad to imagine how others could react: Therese, Princess Mary... It would be very hard for them to see me in that state, and they wouldn't have a class with me for an unlimited period...

That's right: that kind of disease doesn't only harm those who are infected, it also hurts all their closest ones, who ends up being separated from their loved ones, without spending time with them anymore...

"And here we have another one... It's the seventh one this year in Atlasdam.", said coldly a voice.

I saw someone observing the road where the carriage left, whom I recognized.

"Headmaster Yvon ?"

He looked rather serious and calm.

"Professor Felix might not have made the most interesting research in his career, but he was still one of us.", he said in a low tone before he continued. "I have no clear idea if his knowledge would be more or less useful in our community, but if ever it was one of the smartest of our fellows instead of him, it would be a great loss for the Academy...", he then started to leave when he told me. "General meeting in the conference room right now. We will take stock of the actual situation, do not be late."

"Very well, Headmaster."

He must have prepared it at the last minute due to the situation...

I shouldn't dally here any longer...

~Later, at the Conference room~

All the scholars present at the capital were gathered here, around a long and large rectangular table which was often used for the meetings. But now, the recent incident forced us to do an emergency one.

There were 3 persons installed at each side of the table, with me sitting on the right side alongside Lucia with was at my right, and the Headmaster Yvon was taking place at the head of the table, ready to lead the meeting. We were actually 7 in total.

There was a hubbub of discussions and quick exchanges in this room before the Headmaster raised his voice.

"Silence, please !", we all stopped to speak when he spoke again in a quite serious tone. "I suppose all of you must know why I brought you all at such a time."

"This can't go on ! If the institute of Stonegard takes too much time to find a cure, we need to find it by ourselves !", insisted a middle-aged scholar sat at my left.

"I'm sorry, but it looks clearly unfeasible to me. We don't really know what we're facing and it would be unwise to study one patient's eyes.", answered an older member sat a front of him.

"So, you think the best decision to take is to wait ?! It's already been years since we're waiting for some news from the institute although all the time we asked them to provide us some ! But WHAT HAVE THEY DONE ?! NOTHING !"

A silence occurred in the room for a small while.

"Hmm... Does anyone want to submit an objection ?", finally asked the Headmaster when I finally raised my hand. "Professor Albright ?"

"Honestly, I don't think we should consider that the institute of Stonegard haven't tried anything to help the progression of Aisenma's cure.", I said to my colleague to the left and continued to explain. "What the scholars from there are studying is already such a delicate work: they need to analyze the plague at the best, to try each way to attempt finding a possible cure or to limit its symptoms, and of course, to find the origins of the disease. The problem is that they have to make sure all the potential information inquired about Aisenma is credible enough to consider it as true, so they could sometimes need to reconsider their analyses to avoid some risks.", everyone listened carefully to my argument, as they seemed to somehow agree with my point of view before I became suspicious. "Though, I could admit that, for once, there is a certain lack of the institute's collaboration with the other erudite communities, we included. Such a long delay without any official feedback seems clearly suspect."

Everyone was exchanging looks of suspicion when Lucia spoke calmly.

"Perhaps... The scholars from Stonegard indeed must not make public everything related to the famous plague."

"Hmpf !... No matter how much information they provide us ! We all know the symptoms of the disease, that it's difficult to identify a sapphire eyed person because they aren't always occurring !", argued a voice.

"What do you mean, Russel ?...", asked the old scholar.

BANG !

Russel hit the table with his fist when he announced frankly.

"For an exceptional situation, exceptional measures must be taken. We should close the city's borders and confine the population !"

"Wait ! There's no way we could take such a decision now ! We have still no idea if this disease is contagious or not !", protested a female scholar sitting next to him.

Russel still looked serious despite her protest.

"You mean that we have to continue taking risks just because of a lack of certitude ?! Do you know how many people are living here ?! The flame takes me if, in less than a week, we won't have half of the city only lived by people with blue demonic eyes !", he argued angrily before he continued. "And if that wasn't enough, maybe as we speak there is someone in that room who has caught that disease as well ! Maybe it could be you, Cyrus ! After all, you were the only one who approached..."

"THAT'S ENOUGH !", interrupted the Headmaster brutally.

We all looked at each other, aware of our mixed opinions as Russel still looked mad about how he wanted to take the situation.

Yvon waited that everyone was calm before he spoke again.

"There is no way we could ignore the actual threat which is menacing Atlasdam and its people... Though it feels like we are disarmed towards it without any useful help from Stonegard, and the royal family's fate and all their subjects are at stake. However, there is one possibility of where the disease could come from..."

"May we know what possibility do you have in mind, Headmaster ?", I asked him calmly.

Everyone was looking at the Headmaster who sighed and thought for a while, before answering.

"I believe instead of asking ourselves "What has brought the plague here ?", we should ask instead "Who has brought the plague here ?""

"!!!..."

Everyone in the room become shocked by his theory, except for his assistant Lucia.

Does he really suggest... there must be someone who would directly contaminate them ?!

"Are you sure, Headmaster ?!!", exclaimed the female scholar.

"This theory is totally proofless ! What kind of criminal would be crazy enough to transmit us the plague inside the city-state ?! And on what purpose ?!", pursued nervously the middle-aged scholar.

Lucia sighed and finally answered him instead of the Headmaster.

"Are you sure we should really care about that "purpose" ? Nowadays, there are still a lot of criminals who only think by instinct, and for nothing else but to take care of only themselves and their own goal. But if there is really a person who has found a way to infect people with the plague in this world, we should clearly..."

"Headmaster !"

Suddenly, a warned guard broke into the conference room.

"CRIVENS ! HAVEN'T YOUR MOTHER TAUGHT YOU TO KNOCK FIRST ?!", angered the Headmaster.

"My apologies !..."

"What's wrong ?!", I asked the guard.

He was catching his breath before he all watched at us as he looked really shocked.

"At the Royal Palace... the sacred flame which was supposed to be extinguished for several centuries... IT HAS JUST FLARE-UPED AGAIN !!"

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY ?!!"

~

A/N: I have to be honest: I pursued the redaction if my book throughout the 2 years, including the story with that fictional Aisenma disease, and it's crazy that there is today a damn virus still spread across the word while you read that chapter.

I'm sorry if that chapter reminded you of that virus and that you preferred to read it just to forget about it. And I can't tell you which one between the Covid-19 and Aisenma is the worst disease, because I don't want to spoil you the story. Orsterra is also a fictional world with a different way to handle the problems even though Aisenma isn't as present as the coronavirus is present in our world.

Anyway, be careful with yourselves about the real virus.

Wears a mask.

Stay healthy.

And see you soon for the next chapter !