1 Chapter 1: Prologue - Resonance of Flames
I'm not usually the type of person to ponder upon trivial matters. But despite that, I still can't help but wonder. What is the meaning of life? Is there really a point in anything at all? The universe houses such a vast landscape, yet we inhabit such a miniscule portion of it—
I shook my unsteady head, I was spacing out again.
⌈4:46 PM; Classroom B6 of Synod Academy⌋
I was never really a fan of Social Studies, lectures in general actually. Although, I find it rude to disregard my professor's efforts, so I tried to listen attentively, to the best of my abilities at least. The professor was busy yapping away, just like every other day. It was mundane, uneventful even. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I liked this kind of life.
"Alright, that marks the end of our discussion. Please prepare yourselves for an evaluation exam for the next meeting, class dismissed."
With one swift motion, my professor for the last period snatched his belongings and exited the lecture hall. My classmates quickly followed suit, slowly leaving as well one by one. I quietly remained seated, counting the heads of those departing.
Suddenly, I heard a rustling noise next to me. I awkwardly shuffled away and peaked towards my left. It was my only friend, Seung-ho.
"Are you leaving yet, Shinyu? Dismissal was not too long ago."
I thinked. Oh yeah, 5 minutes have already passed since then, I must have lost focus. I sloppily grabbed my things and made haste alongside Seung-ho.
Seung-ho was really talkative. He's quite the opposite of me in that regard, actually, I would argue he's the opposite of me in general. He was quite attractive, possessing facial features of aesthetically-pleasing proportions. His brown eyes glimmered as he yapped without end. I liked listening to his thoughts. He always knew how to keep me engaged, got me thinking.
Before I knew it, we had arrived on the main campus of Synod Academy, The grandiose landscape was decorated with sculptures of high stature. Vegetation and greenery flourished among my surroundings as I took in the sights. The air was really refreshing too, the atmosphere here was best described as pristine if anything.
"It looks really nice." I muttered quietly.
"Hm? You were saying?"
"The campus, it's really pretty." I awkwardly managed to mumble out. Seung-ho chuckled warmly and wrapped his arm around my figure, I shuddered at the unexpected physical contact.
"Say, Shinyu, did you sign up for any?"
"Pardon?"
"Y'know, club activities."
"Oh yeah those. I haven't yet actually, I'm not planning to anytime soon."
"Ahhh bummer, welp, I have basketball practice, so I'll catch ya later alright?"
I nodded awkwardly. Seung-ho unwrapped his arm around my shoulders and gave my hand a tight squeeze before leaving. I waved goodbye, and so did he.
I never really understood how people pursued such matters. The idea of extra work always seemed daunting to me, but I digressed.
I looked around once more, the academy was as busy as ever. I noticed that several clubs were already conducting their after-school activities. I could see the track and field team running several rounds at high speeds, the soccer team doing drills in the distance, even a few gardening club members were accompanying some art club members as they entered the greenhouse. I observed in awe, all these people so dedicated to their hobbies, their interests, or whatever force that keeps them going. I didn't possess any of that, so I never really understood them.
But I really wished that I did. I wanted to know what it was like to have a calling in life. I wanted to know how it felt to strive for self improvement on the track, how it felt to score a goal flawlessly, how it felt to master my own craft.
I felt something well up.
But it escaped my grasp ever so slightly.
I snapped out of the daze that I was in, and proceeded to walk towards the main gate. I caught a glimpse of someone scurry about outside as I approached the gate, but I paid it no mind.
I heard my stomach grumble. I was hungry.
I checked the glowing screen of my smartphone as I powered it on.
⌈5:12 PM⌋
It was still quite early, it wouldn't hurt to go grab a bite. I hastily walked towards the nearby subway. I descended the staircase heading below the surface and checked the schedule of the next train.
⌈Time: 5:15 PM | Number: 1864 | Transit: Synod | To: Cor District Station | From: Synod Academy Station⌋
It took a tedious amount of effort to see the details I needed. The winding maps of Eidolo's transit system were quite puzzling; it was truly a testament towards the technological advancements achieved by the Synod. Even my own smartphone was patented and manufactured by one of the many facilities governed by the Synod.
A short period of time had elapsed, and now it was now 5:15 PM, I boarded the train that had arrived at the station. It was a well developed bullet train designed to utmost perfection, it was aerodynamic and extremely fast. I boarded the train alongside many other students of the academy. I then plopped down on a seat and wore my earphones.
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0:24 ─●──────── -2:56
The 4th Dimension - cosmIX
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺
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I really liked listening to music. It always felt quite entrancing, I always feel elated whenever I listen to the organized sounds harmonizing together to make music. It was quite interesting to think about, the constitution of the music I loved listening to, they were merely aimless sounds generated without purpose. It just so happened that these sounds reverberated with one another, they found one another so to speak. And by accompanying each other, only then did they weave with one another to sing one singular song. I feel attuned to it somehow, I understood their feeling of aimlessness. But I envied the reason they had found for themselves, their purpose. I suppose that's the best way to describe it.
⌈5:25 PM⌋
Before I knew it, the train had reached its destination, as all things do. I quickly exited the train that had come to a halt and scaled the stairs towards the surface of the world above.
The light was blinding. My gaze was met with the illumination of flashing lights of various sources. I rubbed my irritated eyes and was greeted by a landscape of wonder.
I was now in the capital of the continent of Eidolo.
The Cor District.
It was a magnificent spectacle, it was comparable to that of a highly modernized Tokyo. I still wasn't accustomed to the bustling crowds and neon lights flickering in a harsh manner, but I had already grown quite familiar with this environment. I wasted no time in making my way towards a humble looking establishment not too far from where I stood earlier. I stared at the neon sign.
⌈ ジャパン屋 (Ja-pan Ya) ⌋
It was my favorite bakery owned by my uncle. A wind chime twinkled as I opened the front door of the bread house. The wafting aroma of baked pastries entered my nostrils as soon as I entered, the scent of melon buns and cream buns overpowered my senses. The pleasant stimuli towards my ears and nose definitely imposed a wave of tranquility over me upon my entrance. I was immediately greeted by a man of hulking physique wearing a pastel uniform draped with an apron, it was Uncle Daichi.
"Ah you made it just in time! I've already prepared your order in advance." Uncle Daichi smirked as I lowered my head to take a bow.
"Thank you very much, Uncle Daichi, I really appreciate your kind gesture, I'm really grateful!" I exclaimed while nearly stuttering, unable to fathom the kindness bestowed upon me as comforting as the baker's grin. I've always believed Uncle Daichi was born to be a baker, his disposition was simply as warm as the pastries he poured his soul into baking.
"Of course! It is my pleasure. After all, you're one of my few loyal customers without question haha." He chuckled in a jolly tone, retrieving my go-to order whilst doing so.
It pains me to see that he doesn't really get the attention he deserves.
I waited at the counter as Daichi placed a paper bag labeled with his bakery's logo on it right before me. I immediately opened it, and was greeted with the aroma of a chocolate cornet. It smelled absolutely divine, breath-taking even. I bit into the choco cornet with a loud 'nom' sound. I chewed it thoroughly and was amazed by the creamy flavor and soft texture.
"Uncle Daichi, why do you barely get any customers around here? Your pastries never disappoint."
"I'm not entirely sure, Shinyu. Tough competition most likely."
"So what keeps you going?"
"Haha well that's a funny story, wait hold on for a moment."
Daichi gestured his hand towards me, telling me to hand over the chocolate cornet I held. I reluctantly complied as a response. Daichi hastily turned his back towards me and was seemingly fiddling around with something, and just as quickly returned my chocolate cornet.
It felt perfectly warm, much warmer than before.
"The Cor District is home to many cultures. Eidolo is incredibly diverse nowadays, with all sorts of people of varying backgrounds and ethnicities inhabiting this country. Because of this however, there's been an uncanny form of uneasiness among its residents, harmful stigmas and stereotypes then began to arise from this."
Daichi had already made his way outside of the counter and towards the seat next to me. We were both now sitting next to each other as Daichi continued on.
"When people think of Japanese food, they usually think about sushi, ramen, onigiri and all that. But some take it to the extreme and think that's all we know how to make and eat."
Sparks were seemingly enveloping his eyes as he spoke.
"But I want to show the people of Eidolo other aspects of our culture, I wanted people to know that I also knew how to make pastries. Delicious, delicious pastries. We weren't just some caricatures conjured up by toxic generalizations with the dimensions of a cardboard cut-out. We were our own people with our own heritage and history. I wanted people to know that I wasn't just the owner of some generic Japanese food establishment. I wanted to show them I had what it takes to bake amazing pastries so delicious one's taste buds would collapse due to its overpowering flavor."
The sparks in his eyes had finally burst into flames. Those of unbridled passion and ambition.
I felt a chord within me strike harmoniously.
"And, well, the rest is history" Daichi chuckled as the firm resolve he conveyed had quickly been melted away by his own warm disposition.
And he was right, we were here right now.
All because he didn't give up.
"You, are so cool."
"Ahaha well say what you want, but at the end of a day—
—I'm just a mere baker."
━─━────༺༻────━─━
⌈6:42 PM⌋
After a lengthy chant with Uncle Daichi, I had noticed the time and decided it was time for me to depart. He gave me one last big hug and a chocolate cornet for the road, it was on the house. I exited the bakery while waving goodbye, Uncle Daichi waved back enthusiastically.
"Please be careful, Shinyu."
"Don't worry I'll stay safe, I promise."
I lived in an apartment complex not too far from here. It was already quite late so I had to make haste. I made my way towards my area of residence.
I took a corner.
Afterwards however, I could somewhat hear the cheering of a crowd along with loud, booming music. Curiosity got the best of me as I decided to investigate the source of the ruckus.
I made my way through an alleyway and saw it. It was a crowd of people seemingly gathered around two people. The lively atmosphere was illuminated by the few neon signs surrounding the crowd. I carefully made my way though the rowdiness of the crowd with a few 'excuse me's and 'pardon me's. And there I caught sight of someone quite familiar.
It was the guy I saw for merely a moment back at the academy's gate.
He was twisting his body in an unorthodox manner that I found quite unfamiliar, but amusing nonetheless. His intricate movement emanated a form of swag somehow as he demolished the floor with floorwork and footwork, his opponent seemingly struggling to keep up.
"What are they doing?"
"What bro?? Never hearda-breakdancing before bruv?" A random spectator retorted at my utterance that seems to have escaped my mouth. I ignored his remark and affixed my glance towards the events unfolding before my eyes.
Breakdancing. Dancing in general.
I've never seen someone move in such a way. His magnificent figure complimented by his movement glistened under the neon lights.
And I didn't think I would be this captivated.
I was intrigued by how the choreography made the dancer's body seemingly resonate with the music. It's almost as if the soul was using the body as an extension of itself to harmonize with the music reverberating throughout this small corner of the district.
I observed the man with his hair burning bright red closely, sweat trickling down his bright and fair skin. His groove and style was seemingly emphasized by the music blasting in the background as he pulled off trick after trick, causing me to gasp in awe every single time. Seemingly aimless movements connected with one another to assemble a routine embodying musicality and technical expertise.
I never knew it was possible to resonate with music itself.
Could it be possible that I too, an aimless one, can find my purpose through this form of resonance?
Even though this was a different genre of music from what I'm used to, its base composition is still the same.
It's still music.
It's still a harmony with reason, purpose, and ambition.
To sing one, singular song.
My heart skipped a beat as the loud music came to an end as soon as the dancer contorted in a manner to 'freeze'.
"Now that's how it's done! Come on y'all give it up for the one and only RoxRite!!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, I followed along as I was also carried away in the moment transpiring before me. The man who was called RoxRite flashed a pose, teeth grinning and arms extended. A woman in the distance swooned and collapsed in that very moment.
"Now that we've seen our competitors b-b-b-break it down, it's time for y'all to decide who is the champion of tonight's B-Breakdance Competition!!" The voice amplified by the host's microphone loudly reverberated alongside the erupting crowds.
"In the left corner, E-Swift!" A blonde girl kitted in revealing streetwear stood proudly. A decent portion of the crowd cheered and swooned.
"And in the right corner, RoxRite!!" The guy who performed just now, standing firmly in his baggy pants and oversized shirt and jacket, stuck his tongue out. Almost the entire crowd roared out in unity, clearly overshadowing his competitor.
"It seems that we have our winner!! And now—!"
Boom!
Without warning, someone, or something, busted through a dark corner of the alleyway. The roaring crowd fell silent. The foreboding and ominous presence of something horrific engulfed the atmosphere. It was showered in darkness, or he? She? It was hard to tell if what I was seeing was even human.
But upon closer inspection, it had no face. No eyes, no nose, no ears.
Just a big set of sharp, unruly teeth ready to gnaw at anything that comes its way.
It definitely wasn't human. This couldn't have been real, just a moment ago I was just—
I tried to move my legs, but I couldn't. It's as if they have grown numb. No matter how hard I tried, I just wouldn't budge.
I was terrified.
"What is going on!?"
"Why are people just, dying?!"
Panicked screams soon enveloped the atmosphere that used to be so lively. The creature began to tear apart at unsuspecting individuals with its long, slender limbs. The guts and innards of many splattered and were strewn about everywhere, blood scattering senselessly as the disheveled figure slaughtered endlessly. Those who were too close or were already beneath its feet, were shown no mercy.
I stuttered.
"What is that over there? Why is it here?" I stared extensively at the carnage transpiring before me.
"What are you talking about bro? There's nothing there–"
Splat!
The guy who was next to me was crushed under the weight of a dismembered corpse thrown by the creature in the distance.
Crimson blood was spilt as blood-curdling screams resounded throughout the dark and tight corners of the alleyway. The figure shrouded in darkness screeched at an ear-splitting frequency, its back seemingly spiking up in the process. Everyone had begun to flee, except the self-proclaimed RoxRite. Instead, he grounded himself and took his stand, seemingly readying himself for combat. I too was grounded nearby, but not of resolve, but of terror. The creature locked its gaze with mine, my eyes widened. It swiftly dashed towards me within the blink of an eye.
I closed my own eyes, fearful of what was to come.
Crack!
A loud, fleshy noise pierced through the air, its source was right in front of my feet. A man's bright red hair was accompanied by the blazing heat of spiraling flames. The heat of the flames right below my nose caused me to sweat profusely, I couldn't tell if it was really due to the increase in temperature or my own fear. However, in almost no time at all, the instigator of the blazing flames had maneuvered in a manner that left the creature vulnerable. RoxRite had weaved around the creature in one smooth twisting motion using his legs and apprehended it on the ground. The ghoul-like figure with no face struggled furiously beneath the man's grasp. RoxRite tried to resist but was overpowered. In the next moment, the foul creature had swatted away RoxRite like a fly. He coughed up a concerning amount of blood as he was sent flying at a high velocity. Before he could crash into the brick wall behind him, RoxRite regained his composure mid-air and flipped backwards, landing on the wall feet-first.
An inferno of flames bursted from beneath his sneakers as he propelled himself forward. He twisted his figure forward towards his opponent, creating a fierce wheel of flames.
"By the Name of the Adamari, may the ardent flames of ambition consume your own, you accursed Phantom. "
[Flame Manipulation, Twisting Spirals of Conflagration!]
With one swift set of quick kicks, the Phantom had yelled out in pain. As it struggled to block RoxRite's attacks, the Phantom had soon wavered and was hit with a fatal blow towards its cranium. RoxRite lit his flames ablaze once more and took the window of opportunity to overwhelm the Phantom with a barrage of twisting and spiraling kicks.
This continued on for who knows how long...
...until the Phantom was scorched to ash.
RoxRite stood attentively, closely observing the dark figure. A moment later, it had collapsed onto its knees, and onto the ground.
I was astonished.
I gasped for air as I let go of a breath I didn't know I was holding in. At this point, I had also collapsed onto my knees, legs too weak as a result of the ensuing chaos. I was still feeling the aftertaste of my near-death experience. It all happened so quickly, yet it felt like what had transpired took an entire hour. I slowly took in my surroundings.
The alleyway's odor was that of scorched flesh and dusty debris. The few neon signs had fallen from where they hung and were shattered on the ashen ground beneath. The only thing illuminating the darkness were the powerful flames that lingered as a result from the battle. I stared at the two figures not too far from me. The dark figure that RoxRite referred to as a 'Phantom' was lying on the ground motionless. And then there was RoxRite himself, disposition as ardent as the flames enveloping the livid scenery.
That guy just now, he was using some form of magical abilities right? I'm not mistaken right? I prayed that the chocolate cornet I had just now didn't muddy my sanity and mental wellbeing.
How did he just conjur flames like that? Was he even human?
Questions swirled through my mind one after the other, but one stood out from the rest.
Just who is this guy?
I steeled myself as RoxRite slowly made his way towards me
"Yo lil' dude, you good? I know a lot has happened but do-not-worry I can explain!" RoxRite hastily exclaimed almost in a silly yet sincere tone considering what I had just witnessed.
"Wh-what happened just now? Just who are you? And what is that—!?"
"Look kid, I'm not really sure about that last question. Let's just take it slow, and I'll do my best to answer the questions I can help with, aight?"
I nodded in approval, I'm the one who was begging for answers here so it was only fair that I be patient in waiting for the said answers to my questions.
"Before anything though, we should probably dispose of... that thing over there." He gestured towards the scorched corpse lying there. I held my vomit as I stared at the gruesome sight before me. To think that if it hadn't been for RoxRite stepping in—
"Now this guy may look sickly but he packed quite the punch, so I'll hoist him up by the head and you–will hoist him up by his grubby little feet." He snickered slightly.
I wanted to complain, but I wasn't really ecstatic about holding it by the head as much as its legs, so I chose my poison accordingly.
RoxRite lifted the torso of the Phantom, while I lifted its legs—
"YO HOLD ON WHAT THE FUCK!–" RoxRite cursed out as the Phantom was quickly sucked into my palms. He too wasn't the only one panicking.
"WAIT HUH?!?" I yelled out in panic as I had realized what was happening. The phantom became fluid-like as my palm forcefully absorbed its entire figure.
RoxRite could only watch in shock as the entirety of the Phantom's body had been devoured by my bare palms.
"So uhh– you were that hungry huh? Ahaha–" RoxRite chuckled softly while scratching the back of his messy, red-haired head. I stared back without responding, sending confused and slightly horrified looks his way.
"I assume you know how and why that happened just now?" I quickly prompted the question in a panic-stricken tone at the puzzled RoxRite.
"Y'know, I really do not know." RoxRite remarked goofily without hesitation. My jaw was agape as I was genuinely taken aback by his nonchalant behavior considering current circumstances. At this point, I had begun to freak out. What was going on? How did I just do that? What was going to happen to me now? Was I going to die? I noticed my shallow breathing and tried to calm myself, but to no avail.
RoxRite had noticed and immediately crouched down and put both of his hands on my shoulders.
"Don't panic kiddo and look me in the eyes. Breathe"
Right, breathe. I took deep breaths in tandem with RoxRite, and soon enough, I had calmed down.
"See? You're okay, you'll be okay. You aren't going to die okay? I've seen crazier shit than this before but I assure you everything is going to be fine."
I took his words to heart and nodded. Now wasn't the time to be losing my cool.
"I don't know what your deal is but by the looks of it, I'm sure you're just as clueless as I am. So I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now, but that doesn't mean I'm no longer suspicious of you, got that?"
"I understand." I opened my phone to check the time.
⌈7:31 PM⌋
It indeed had gotten quite late, and I was already feeling really exhausted from what had just happened. But I still had questions, and I needed answers.
I looked towards RoxRite with confused eyes.
"Uh, Mr. RoxRite sir, just how were you able to pull off all that just now?"
"Ah right, you're probably not aware of people like me, the Synod really don't like us loitering around y'know? Oh and by the way–please–call me Rox."
The Synod? Of course they had something to do with this.
"I'll keep this brief."
I listened closely.
"I am a Savant, one who has understood the very structure and functioning of the universe itself. I tread the path of the Adamari, and I shall tread this path 'til the universe ceases to dream."
"What?- What does any of that even mean?–"
"It's difficult to explain, all you need to know is that us Savants are in pursuit of the [Ultimate Endeavor], and that's what grants us our powers." Rox gestured with his fingers and minute flames were conjured within his fingertips.
"Mhm that totally makes sense." I remarked sarcastically.
"Understandable, I'd think I were crazy too haha." Rox chuckled awkwardly as a response.
"Alright listen, we don't have much time left until they arrive, so I'll meet you at the main plaza of the Tenebra District tomorrow, 6 PM. I'll delve into the details in a more, appropriate setting keke."
This was ridiculous, was he really just going to leave me even more questions than before? This was unacceptable. Before I could properly object, sirens could be heard from a distance. It seems the authorities of the Cor District were fast approaching, and soon, they would arrive at this scorched scene.
"Ah shit, the Synod's underlings arrived sooner than expected. It appears we'll have to cut this conversation short–"
"W-Wait!"
Before Rox could flee from the scene, I swiftly grabbed his attention, hoping to share a few of my parting words.
"I know this may seem a bit sudden but I just wanted to say, I–I really liked your dancing back there. You really knew how to resonate with your soul's own desires, inward and outward, and I admire that. You knew exactly how to harmonize your various aimless aspects into one cohesive existence fueled with purpose and ambition, while I don't. And I want to fix that, I want to be like you."
The sparks flying across the wind heavily accentuated the blazing, bright red hair and light brown skin of RoxRite as similar sparks glimmered in his amber eyes. He grinned at me as we both locked our gazes with one another's.
"The ardent flames of the Adamari–"
My wide-eyed gaze focused on his own
"I sense them within you."
Suddenly, a burst of flames enveloped RoxRite's figure, leaving nothing but residual sparks behind, as well as the discolored alleyway where everything had transpired.
I inhaled.
Then I exhaled.
I came to a realization. Rox had left me alone, at the scene of what definitely seemed to be a crime.
"Oh for crying out loud that jerk!–"
On second thought, maybe I didn't really want to be just like him.
The blaring sirens grew ever so closely. There was not a single living soul to be found within the nearby vicinity. I figured I would be in deep trouble if I were to loiter any longer, so I quickly sprinted towards a nearby fence gate and hopped over it.
I took two steps forward, then gradually, I came to a halt.
[Kinematic Manipulation, Actuator of Movement!]
I felt an overwhelming presence. I do not know what of, but all I knew is that the current situation was not to be taken lightly
"Coast clear. All units, enter site."
A few robotic voices of androids echoed throughout the corners of the dark alleyway. But then, two human voices amongst the robotic ones could easily be distinguished.
"Traces of the Phantom have been uncovered. Energy signatures pertaining to its Limbo Tether however seem to have been severed." A woman of tall stature and well-defined bodily features with dark black hair with earthy green highlights. Her attire was quite simplistic aside from having an adjusted lab coat of some sort over her pencil skirt dress encapsulating her rich brown skin tone. She was investigating the surrounding area using some sort of an advanced detector with a holographic UI and screen display whilst grasping onto her prescription glasses..
"How could that thing just be 'severed'? Is there really a Savant who could manifest abilities capable of fully ridding one's subconscious connection to the mirror world?" A man of slightly shorter stature with a lean physique, fair skin, and was possessing dark brown hair. He tidied his brown-orange steampunk-esque attire whilst conversing with the tall woman next to her.
I recognized these figures. In fact, they were members of Eidolo's notorious governing body.
The Synod.
"Either way, we must continue to investigate. The phantom's carcass might just be hidden nearby."
┍━☽[❖]☾━┑
The Herald of Organa, Avani.
┕━☽[❖]☾━┙
"Mhm, I already used my [Kinematic Manipulation] to hinder the movement of any potential vagrants nearby."
┍━☽[❖]☾━┑
The Herald of Kinemata, Fenrir.
┕━☽[❖]☾━┙
Avani perked up suddenly.
"I sense the heat signature of someone nearby."
"Is it the Phantom?"
"I cannot confirm. There are minor traces, but nothing worth noting"
I gulped.
The Herald of Kinemata, Fenrir, noticed the extremely slight movement that I had made and continued.
"We should still take that person in for questioning, he might know something."
"Why would he? Do you not recall that regular citizens are incapable of perceiving Phantoms?"
"Still worth a shot, we're not the [Emanator of Nature] themself y'know."
"Fair enough. I second the notion." The Herald of Organa, Avani, pointed her device towards the darkness enshrouded behind the fence gate I had climbed over earlier. They had found me.
"He's over there, Fenrir."
"Understood."
[Kinematic Manipulation, Actuator of Movement!]
I forcibly shot backwards through the fence gate and tumbled onto the ground. I rubbed my aching head and glanced upwards. I was then greeted by the suspicious stares of the two Heralds that had discovered me.
"Fenrir, it appears this wasn't a false lead after all."
"What makes you think so?"
"The flames of the Adamari–
–had already ignited within this boy."
