Two weeks. That was how long it took for Avonso to wake up from his coma.
He awoke in a giant white room filled with greenery and many medicinal herbs that scented the air with a healing aroma. Confused, he tried to get his tired body up, but it refused to work. It was beaten, torn, and barely healed.
'Damn it…' he thought. 'I can't waste any time. My sister's too sick. She might die without me!'
His concern, first and foremost, was for his sister, who's still comatose at their house. If he wasn't there to heal her broken mana heart, who would?
Even if he did bury his concern, it's not like he'd be able to walk due to sheer will. And his only option was to lie on the bed. For now at least.
Avonso closed his eyes. With nothing to do, he might as well sleep. But unfortunately, sleep never did come. He's just woken up, and the excess energy in his body refused to dissipate. Instead, then, he tried to make up any image in his mind.
It was an old habit of his. Whenever he'd have nothing to do, or make, he'd just close his eyes and draw something. Sometimes, he'd get a eureka moment and stumble upon an idea never tried before, or at least he thought that. Maybe to later be disappointed to read about that same idea in a book his grandfather bought for him.
Nevertheless, he's always been imaginative. Only now, his imagination had a weird, unexplainable red tint. This feeling, whatever it is, already started ever since he acquired that Mana Heart—specifically copied it from Zalanderi.
And it hit him; there was a big fight some time ago. He witnessed his own body being taken over and then his desperation to reclaim it. That pale flame inside his heart certainly did something.
'Maybe I should try and test it again? I've lucked out and got it. I wonder what would happen if I used it more…'
In that moment, he conjured up the image of a pale flame burning brightly in his core. Then, with great will, he moved the flame across his body. The movement pained him. His nerves tingled with a burning sensation, and caused him to stop momentarily. 'I'm not yet accustomed to pain.'
'But since the trick works,' he thought with a smile on his face. 'Could this also apply to POWER?'
POWER. It was the general concept of how humans overcome the biggest hurdles in this world. Back when humanity first walked the planet, most were unable to control those mysterious forces. It was until the Grand Magi of the world were able to create the foundation of using these forces. Hence, they called it POWER. All capital. And its studies has revolutionalized all aspects of life ever since.
Avonso knew some details but was never able to learn more since these concepts and theories are taught only ever in the Qunulle Academy as most books were either outdated, or their methods cause harm to the user. Newer methods did exist, but the gain wasn't worth the pain.
The academy offered a much more affordable solution. Anyone with a big pocket could pay and learn as much during their stay.
'It's a good business move,' Avonso smirked. 'And it shows results. I can't dream of such profits...'
He also knew that, probably because of the empire's history, there was tight control over scrolls and books. The reason mostly stems from the fact that, if its enemies were to get a hold of that knowledge, they would surely win against the mortal feud that fuelled this world.
'Besides, even if someone defected, I heard some spell would activate and they would immediately die for leaking confidential information.'
And there lay the issue for him. Sure, reading books and scrolls did come with the benefit of not dying, but that spell is also dangerous.
'Self-destruction, huh… I can't agree to that.'
If he did decide to stay in Qunulle and read something from the academy, he would be under that spell.
'It's not important right now,' he dismissed the thoughts. 'I need to get up soon. I have something more important than my own gains.'
Through the painful process of transmitting small bits of the pale flame from his Mana Heart to the rest of his body, he had managed to finally unburden his nerves.
'Good… Ugh. That was tiresome. 'What time is it?'
As he got up, slowly due to sluggishness, he noticed there were no windows in the room. And the heat coming from underneath his feet hinted at something.
'Huh? Now that I think about it… Where am I? I know that I'm in the capital; that much is clear since I heard it before passing out. But… 'What was that place they moved me into again?'
He observed around, noticing the intricate and overly beautiful designs of the room. It was vast, too vast even, for someone like him to be there. 'Easily could be 40 or so square metres. Hey, wait! I can't afford this!'
His analytical mind worked its wonder. 'Must've been that guy, Zalanderi. I don't like overly polite people, or even nobles, but he sure is nice.'
He scracthed his chin with a smirk. 'I'd say my thanks next time I meet him. But I shouldn't get my hopes up.'
His thoughts were interrupted as the giant door to the room was opened. He saw a maid wearing a white dress with green stripes. She had a silly-looking green military beret. That made him momentarily question if she was here to help him or recruit him for some shady mercenary group.
Also, behind her was the man in hakama, Dian Li. Avonso didn't get to meet him last time but only heard his voice.
"Good morning, Master Iveres." The young maid bowed her head slightly. "I see you're in good health. Your body must be special, huh? I've never seen someone recover so fast from that kind of injury. You're also back to your normal self."
Avonso raised an eyebrow. He bowed his head slightly then smiled. "Morning? Huh. I must've woken up in the night then. But what's this about normal self? I don't mean to be impolite, but you know my name, and I don't know yours."
The maid chuckled softly. "Of course. Sorry for my behaviour. I'm Indah. I work for Lord Zalanderi. He's ordered care for you, and you're currently under the Ayina of Qunulle. Besides me is the Empire Sword himself, Dian Li."
Dian Li nodded, yawning. "Yeah, yeah. Keeping an eye on your kid isn't my job. I'm just trying to keep that ticking bomb inside you from exploding. Consider this a favour from me to an old friend." He stretched his arms. "You were highly unstable. One moment, you're detached, emotionless, and eerily precise. You even conduct an interrogation with the mage healing you and the doctor who gave you your medicine."
Indah huffed, "You even tried to punch me once! I'd get my pay one day, mister."
'What in the…? This is a grave mischaracterisation of who I am!' Avonso thought. He seemed to be slightly annoyed with these facts. Moreover, his gaze was sharper on the Empire Sword. 'He's keeping a watch around me. I suspect his power keeps him tired all the time. I must keep an eye open for anything when he's near.'
Avonso smiled. "Sorry about that haha." He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I, uh… I wasn't in my correct state of mind, huh? Must've been because of that thing. But I've got complete control over my body now. So, it must be good, right?"
"Not entirely." Indah shook her head and activated her special eyes to examine Avonso further. "Currently. You're a walking mess. Your body sustained so much damage it's a corpse barely stitched together. I'm impressed you're alive. The only positive thing is that your soul seems to be stuck to your body because of the malevolence. If you're healing, then you have a chance of pulling through."
Avonso sighed. 'Makes sense, to be honest. Hm… Can she examine EVERYTHING on my body? And she's not flustered? Boy…'
He smirks internally, and it seemed like she noticed. Averting her eyes with a sigh, she continued. "You might have control over your body, but still, the unstable malevolence inside you is writhing. You won't hold on much longer if you keep tiring yourself."
Dian Li nodded, "I don't need him going insane. Come with us for a short walk, yes?"
The morning sun over the capital shone with a calming golden hue. Avonso felt refreshed as soon as they exited the Ayina. Now examining the streets of Qunulle up close, he noticed how beautiful and elegant everything was.
There were no specks of dirt, nor any stains around. It was clean. The buildings had walls designed with marble and wood, mostly oak. It was a contrast that fit his tastes. The roofs were slightly slanted Mansard roofs, but there were others with slight variations. Pottery and plants hung from the frames of buildings, and their colours were delightful.
Avonso knew some architecture from some books he read a while back, but this was on a different level. Everything felt pleasing. He wondered what kind of magic was used to make these designs possible, and another part of his mind also wondered about the price.
He noticed that they were on a different ground elevation than the rest of the city. The Ayina was inside the peak of a hill which was hollowed out. And the rest of the city just pours out down the hill, with a part connecting to the sea.
—The entire city was inspired by a mix of ancient Greek, Roman, Arabic, and English buildings, if you were to reference reality—
"This place is something else…" Avonso muttered.
"It really is, heh," Dian Li chuckled. "This is a heavenly sight. Just overlooking the capital calms my mind. You don't see any city like it."
Avonso looked at the vast city and then raised an eyebrow at the giant walls surrounding the city in the distance. "What are they for? Don't people with POWER just fly?"
Indah nodded, "Yes, they do. But these walls hold the magic dome that keeps the city safe from outsiders. It's the pride of our capital."
"That's good. That kind of magic intrigues me," Avonso said with a wide grin.
"Really? You should see that market then," Indah chirped. "I've got just the place in mind. It has all the trinkets a man would need. Hehe."
As they walk, Avonso observes and notes everything in his mind. 'Looks like everyone's tense for some reason. The air might be calm, but I don't think anyone is.'
The people who go by doing whatever their business is had struggling faces on. They seemed worried and almost frightened by something Avosno couldn't put into words.
'I'll have to look into it later.'
There was a separation between residential areas and the markets. Avonso instantly recognised that design. Most of the time, in Qundunu, there was a general rule in city planning. Just separate everything. While it might be inconvenient to some, it offered wider safety measures in case of any dangers or attacks. With most of the soldiers huddled over the market area and a small force in the residential area.
Though his town was rather big for its size and housed a generous amount of people, they didn't have soldiers stationed at every corner. He felt a bit suffocated with every passing moment. The guards were plenty with an excess.
'They need a lot of security…' he guessed. 'It's the capital after all.'
But something just nagged in the logical part of his brain. He had to ask. He turned to Dian Li beside him, "Is there a military parade or something?"
Dian Li huffed in amusement, "No, no. Nothing of that sort. It's just that our emperor's getting troops ready just in case. I'm not sure what'll happen though. Just try to keep out of suspicion, okay?"
Avonso nodded. He turned his head elsewhere. He noted how quickly they had arrived in the wide market area. His eyes widened. "Woah… How big is this?!"
Indah chuckled. "Qunulle's full of surprises, isn't it? The markets are a city in and of itself. You find everything you need here, cheap and pricy."
He explored all kinds of stores. Some had open-building styles, some were booths extending from a small store, and others were more like stalls at a festivity. 'The usual meat and vegetables, but they're exquisitely preserved.'
He felt an ache in his stomach. "Ah… I'm famished."
The two chuckled behind him. Dian Li extended his hand and bought three giant meat kebabs. "Don't worry about it. On me."
Avonso took the giant kebab and took a small bite. He savoured the taste as much as possible, only to notice that Indah's own kebab was nowhere to be found, nor Dian Li's. "What the? How fast did you two devour that!"
"Hunger", they both uttered. And continued eating more food. So, he decided to let them be for a minute or two while eating his own food.
"Sir!" a little girl sobbed before Avonso. Avonso raised an eyebrow at her. He examined how, despite how clean and pristine everything was, she really stood out. Not that she had tattered clothes, but it was the dirt all over her and the signs of a beating that gave it away. "Can I have that?"
She specifically pointed to his giant kebab. Now that he saw her closely, she did seem hungry. "Sure…" he said with a smile and handed her his food.
Suddenly, she tensed. Her pupils dilated, as if seeing something on the edge of her eyes, and she went on running quickly towards a random direction.
Avonso glared towards a corner street, eyeing every detail. He sensed something. Maybe due to his heightened senses or maybe just a feeling in his mana heart. But 'something' was indeed there.
He takes a mental note of her appearance, 'Red hair, red eyes, black dress, and…' He grimaced slightly, 'Something about her just reminds me of myself?'
He was confused the more he thought about it. But a voice stopped his musings, "What was that?"
Dian Li, holding what looks like a bigger kebab, said. Avonso hummed and put a hand on his chin. "I don't know. A little girl just ran by, and I gave her food. She looked poor."
"Poor?" Dian Li questioned. "It's odd. I don't ever recall seeing anyone poor in Qunulle. Even in the underground. The emperor himself makes sure no one goes starving."
"She must be abused then," Indah commented, suddenly joining with an even bigger kebab than Dian Li's. "Abused girls are a dime a dozen around. It's unfortunate, but nothing could be done about it with no legal recourse."
"That's terrible." Avonso shook his head.
"It is."
They continue walking. Avonso seemed to be the more concerned party, while the other two were more focused on eating. He was bothered by it. 'They don't care?' And it hit him a bit harder than usual.
There were many starving people back home, far too many in the last years. When the economy got hit and the empire almost imploded, Kettlesville was no exception. Thankfully, it had been resolved in record-breaking time.
But he wanted to know how. How could tragedies still strike a glorious empire like this one? How could it be when magic is second nature to some?
This was something he wanted to know badly, only because it contradicted his own image of a perfect magic system. The limits of magic…
The limits he oh-so-wanted to explore. Could the limits be closer than he expected?
Well, before he had any answers to his philosophical and social analyses of magic, he found himself standing before a small shop. It was more like a storage building with only three booths extending from a wall.
Indah and Dian Li were already at one of the booths, chatting with a young lady who had brown eyes, silver hair, and a beautiful blue dress that complemented the style of the building.
He read the sign, 'Gareth & Co. Magical Artefacts'. The building had a nice blue and white theme that really stood out. It seemed like all the other attendants had the same style. 'Nice…' He thought, with nothing more. It seemed he was still hung up on some things.
"What's this?" he approached the pair and asked. Indah looked happier talking to the lady. The lady, in turn, responded. "Oh? Is this the young man you've been talking about? Welcome. You'd find all necessary artefacts and equipment needed for your adventures! My name is Layla; is there anything you'd like?"
"Like I said, is there anything that can stabilise his internal state?" Dian Li said. "You understand his condition is very critical at the moment."
"Is this about my Mana heart?" Asked Avonso.
"Yup," Indah nodded. She looked at her friend. "I'd like that favour you owe me, Layla…"
Layla chuckled. "Fine, fine. I think I have something. It's a ring. Simple and effective. Though I still have my doubts about it, limiting one's Mana Heart can lead to unforeseen circumstances."
"Will it help?" Avonso asked. "I have a weak Mana Heart."
Dian Li nodded. "It should pose no problem for you, kid. Unless you use second-hand artefacts, that is." He gave Layla a side eye, which made her chuckle. "You embarrass me, Empire Sword. Do you doubt our creations?"
He gave a small breathy laugh. "Of course not."
Layla rummaged through a small bag the size of her palm. Avonso quirked his eyebrow. The bag was small, yet she continued to search as if there were many things in it. He found it comical.
"There!" She pulled out a glowing ring. "A Jade Ring! This should do the trick! Come on, try it."
Avonso caught the ring she threw at him and wore it. His ring finger tingled, and he felt as if his body was getting slightly relaxed when he wore it. He gave a lazy smile. "Ah. I feel so much better! This thing's wonderful."
Lalya smiled. "I'm delighted. You should practise more with it. Not only will it store any excess POWER, but it will also boost your body's healing. Nice, eh?"
Indah chirped and clapped her hands. "Layla always finds the best fit for anyone. Makes you wonder how she knows so much, huh?"
"Well…" Layla scratched the back of her head. "I have a good eye, don't I?"
"Thank you." Avonso bowed his head slightly. Then, as if pulled by something, he looked behind the booth at some charms and trinkets, particularly at a strange-looking paper talisman nestled amongst others. He pointed at it and said, "What's that? It looks oddly familiar."
The others looked where he pointed. "Oh, that. That's something a monk found some time ago. We receive a shipment of paper talismans every now and then. Most of them are useless, except for the few that help with relaxation and meditation. Would you like one?"
"Sure. I'd like anything that helps with that. I'm kind of restless." Avonso said. His heel fidgeted. Only then did they notice his tick.
"I see," Indah chuckled. "We all are, aren't we? Sometimes I see Empire Sword playing with his sword when he's idle."
"It's called a katana, and it's not true," Dian Li said with his hand on the hilt of said katana. "Layla, just give him that one so that we can go on our way back."
She nodded. She plucked that odd talisman and placed it on Avonso's head over the counter. "There. Do you like it, hehe?"
"W-uh… Ehem. I do…" Avonso felt oozy. His head throbbed with an unknown kind of pain that tugged on his soul. He felt as if every part of his spiritual self was dissolving at a rapid pace.
His eyes widened. His breath came shallow. He couldn't even stand anymore.
"W-what? Hey, kid!"
"Wait! Don't pass out now!"
Pain was all he felt. The voices of the three were cut out suddenly.
Nothingness.
That was how his soul felt now.
His mind. His consciousness. Was merely awake inside this endless void.
He groaned. 'Thankfully, I had the pale flame to help me.' The pale flame he had used last night helped stabilise his soul. 'What kind of talisman was that? A killing one? Damn…'
This hopelessness weighed heavily on him. And he wondered if anyone in existence had more time in their own unconscious space than him.
But this also proved useful for him. 'I'll just use my time and do the same as I did with the pale flame.'
He wasn't sure what to call this method. Imaginative meditation, maybe? Dreamy? Whatever he may call it in the future, it was a method he could get used to.
In the empty void, he imagines not the pale flame but the POWER coursing through himself. 'Mana from the outside converts to Qi on the inside.' As those were the basics. Simply put, mana gets converted to qi inside the body, and excess is also stored in a mana heart. This balance is what keeps bodies functioning.
He moved the POWER across his body and felt a surge of energy. It worked.
Smiling, he moved even more. His Mana Heart, as it seems, could handle a certain output, and it made him excited.
Suddenly, his eyes whitened, and rays of pure white shot from them, illuminating the endless void. Then, the rays calmed down.
When he opened his eyes, his mouth went agape. The scenery before him was of a never-ending plain, filled with grass, flowers, and trees.
'What is this…? Is this inside my heart…?'
He laughed, filled with glee at the fact that such uncorrupted imagery was at his core. For the remainder of his coma, he'd continue practicing.
Another two weeks passed, and he awoke from that coma.
He arose quickly, only to see something he couldn't even begin to fathom. The room had an extra bed, and the one that lay in it was none other than…
"Sis!" he shouted. Ignoring the pain that still ebbed in his core, he stood on his two feet and ran to the bed near him.
His hands laid on her heart, and with a shaky smile, he let out a small thankful chuckle. 'Zalanderi… He must've known. Where do I begin to thank him? He must've got her here to earn my trust, and damn, he did.'
A single damp spot formed on her hand, and he moved to wipe it, only for more spots to form. He found the cause. 'I'm… I'm crying…?' but he didn't feel sad. For now, at least, he could feel relief and joy. Maybe she can get the help she needs.
The Mana Heart at his core surged with energy, and that energy transferred to his sister's heart. Using the same imaginary method he conjured, he moved a part of the pale flame towards her.
She shook.
Almost every nerve in her shot up with electricity, and Avonso felt it too. Yet, he didn't yield. He'd do anything to wake her, his well-being be damned.
Sparks flew out, and the flame finally transferred. Now, it was safely nestled in her own broken mana heart.
The relief, the joy, and the unbelievable emotions he felt were indescribable.
He didn't even notice the eyes that observed him from the doorway. Three figures, Empire Sword, Indah, and Zalanderi, looked at the scene of Avonso hunched over his sister's comatose body, and sobbing. They nodded towards each other and decided to give him some space.
And when they were far enough from that room, Dian Li chuckled lazily, "I must say, these kinds of moments do warm my heart."
"Agreed," Zalanderi nodded with a soft smile. "Do you understand what I've seen in him? I told you, he's got potential."
"Yes, I do." Dian Li yawned but was satisfied despite his outward urge to sleep forever. "He has a good heart, at least. It's rare nowadays."
Indah, meanwhile, had a pensive look on her face, but she didn't let it show for long. "I'll continue monitoring the two," she said, leaving the two men to talk.
Zalanderi then averted his gaze elsewhere and spoke somberly. "I almost did it again, Li. I've almost…" he shook his head. "I can't just go and… destroy something again."
Dian Li sighed. "You keep beating yourself up over it. I understand guilt can be hard on some, but you're taking it to the extreme. It's unhealthy. You obsess over small things and end up being hurt. It annoys me, really."
Zalanderi huffed a small tired laugh. "I'm still grieving. This is my way of going about it. I need some time too. I just hope you… Forgive me for what happened."
Dian Li's eyes tensed, but despite it, he spoke softly. "I'm not angry. I'm worried." He popped his sore shoulder. "I don't need more drama to deal with, but at the same time, you're a friend. And I'm not the best at dealing with issues; you know it too well."
He yawned again, "You have a reason to stay in Qunulle, or do you still want to go back to Kettlesville?"
Zalanderi leaned against a wall and shrugged. "I have yet to decide. But if I had to, I would go back. Qunulle is not my peaceful rest at night anymore."
Dian Li put his hand on Zalanderi's shoulder and nodded. "I'm sorry for treating you like garbage when we met again. Just, if you need my help, call for me. I'll be there." He smiled, his tired eyes getting closer and closer to shutting entirely. "I'll be on my way then. I have more things to deal with."
He moved towards the main hall but stopped as he remembered something. "By the way, do you know something about a poor girl running around Qunulle? I know you're recently back, but does that ring any bells?"
Zalanderi raised an eyebrow. "Little girl? No. I don't remember anything like that. Why are you asking? Isn't that a solved issue nowadays?"
"Nothing in particular, just a hunch," Dian Li responded. He walked, and it itched the back of his mind. 'Poor girl, huh…? Something's amiss.'