Bathroom in Roric's house were slightly damp with steam rising from the hot water in the tub.
Aurelion, eyes closed, had surrendered himself to the hot waters of the tub. Roric's terrifying power at Rank 6 Early... What would the peak of the Ninth Rank look like? What kind of destruction could a being like Varkas Silverfang unleash? How pathetic was his own energy which, when he tried to control it, exhausted him, gave him a headache, and made him nauseous, compared to this immense power? Moreover, Roric had strictly forbidden him to use it.
And the basics... The style he had created for years in the shadows had been dismissed by Roric in one fell swoop as "fancy."
It was humiliating, yes. But Roric was right. His own inadequacy in the face of that display of power... It all pointed to the same truth.
A smirk appeared on his lips. Yes, it was hard. Yes, it was humiliating. But complaining wasn't his style. Difficulties were what gave life its true taste, and he would savor these difficulties. And now, for the first time, he had a clear roadmap ahead of him. Under Roric's iron discipline, those foundations would be laid. The mind would become that empty lake. And then... then it would be the turn of that Core within him.
He opened his eyes. He slowly sat up, and got out of the tub. After quickly drying himself, he put on the clean tunic and trousers waiting for him in his room.
Brynja or Sigrid had apparently left them in the room while he was training. This was a small indication of his new situation. The orphanage rags were left behind.
Though his muscles still ached in protest, the feeling of hunger was more dominant. He slowly descended the stairs.
He stood at the threshold of the kitchen door. It was warm inside, and Brynja was at the stove, stirring a large, steaming pot, while Sigrid was setting the table. At the head of the table sat Roric, looking very different from how Aurelion had last seen him in the training room.
The Captain was no longer in a simple tunic but in heavy plate armor made of matte black steel that fitted him perfectly, its shoulders and chest adorned with thick furs. Every piece of the armor was functional, devoid of unnecessary embellishment, but its quality and the slight shimmer of Runes on it showed it was no ordinary armor.
When Aurelion stepped inside, Sigrid smiled and gestured to Aurelion's chair, immediately placing a steaming bowl filled with the meaty stew in front of him.
"Enjoy your meal, Aurelion," Sigrid said gently. "It seemed you really liked breakfast this morning, so Brynja wanted to put a little more effort into lunch". She winked.
Aurelion looked first at Sigrid, then at the delicious looking food in front of him. This unexpected attention and care... was strange. But his hunger prevailed. When he took the first bite, the taste of the warm, spicy meat and vegetables melted in his mouth.
This was truly good. Roric put his spoon down in his empty bowl and took a deep gulp from his mug.
"Its tasted better after the training, isn't it, brat?" he grumbled.
Aurelion swallowed and nodded. His mouth was full, and he was in no state to answer anyway.
Roric continued "Eat well. This body is still like a sapling. To grow into a strong tree, it needs the right soil, water, and... yes, sometimes harsh pruning"
He placed his mug on the table. "I'm leaving. I have business at the garrison."
He stood up. He turned to Sigrid as he passed her. "You and Brynja will take care of the house. This brat is in your charge," he said, nodding towards Aurelion. "Take him out for a bit. Let him get some air. See this side of the city. Maybe he needs a few things, some missing clothes or such... You can arrange it. But keep an eye on him. And," his voice hardened slightly, "you will absolutely not take him to the places he shouldn't go. Understood?"
"Of course, Captain," Sigrid said immediately.
Roric turned one last time and looked at Aurelion. Then, without another word, he left the kitchen.
Aurelion finished the last bite in his bowl. A city tour... With Sigrid. Roric was gone. This was an unexpected development. To see the city again in light of new information, to observe without Roric's pressure… His analytical engine had started working again.
The garrison... Roric's duties... The city's structure...
Sigrid noticed this sudden change in the child's face as she cleared the empty dishes from the table. She smiled faintly. "Shall we head out if you're ready, Aurelion? You know. We also need to calculate our return time."
Aurelion nodded and slowly got up from his chair. Sigrid approached him and placed a black, woolen cloak on his shoulders.
Together, they stepped out of the heavy oak door of the house.
This area, where Roric's house carved into the mountainside was located, was distinctly different from the rest of the city, which Aurelion had only seen from afar before.
The stone roads were wider and cleaner, the snow on them carefully piled to the sides. The buildings on either side were also stone and sturdy, but with taller, more elegant lines.
There were fewer people around, but those passing by looked more distinguished. Warriors wrapped in thick furs, walking with confident strides, armored guards bearing emblems, wealthy merchants and their protectors...
Clan banners adorned the entrances of some large buildings. Aurelion immediately recognized the claw symbol of the Silverfang clan, but others, for example, one depicting a roaring snow bear and another with two crossed ice axes, were new to him.
"This is Ulfgard's Upper District," Sigrid began to explain, having noticed Aurelion's curious gaze.
"The centers of the city's oldest and most powerful clans, the residences of important commanders, and some wealthy merchants live here. As you can see, it's more… protected." She waved her hand generally towards the dense Runes on the walls.
Aurelion nodded "Clans... Besides the War Chieftain's clan, which ones are the strongest?" he asked directly.
Sigrid hesitated. "Such matters… are usually discussed among adults, Aurelion. But yes, the Silverfang Clan, being the War Chieftain's own clan, is of course one of the most influential. Also," she pointed to the snow bear symbol, "the Ursine clan, and," pointing to the banner with crossed axes, "the Frost-Axe Clan are ancient, established, and respected families since the city's founding". Her answer was clear but diplomatic, not going too deep.
"And Captain Roric? Which clan is he from?" The fact that Roric was so strong and respected had made him think he might also come from an established family.
Sigrid seemed slightly surprised by this question. She paused for a moment, searching for the right words. "The Captain… He is different," she finally said "He is someone who carved his own path, earned his strength through his own labor. He is known not for his allegiance to a specific clan, but for his abilities and his unwavering loyalty to the War Chieftain. That's why the respect for him is more… special."
This answer changed Aurelion's perspective on Roric a little more. So his strength didn't just come from nobility. Their walk had slowly brought them to a more central part of the city, which still maintained its quality.
The shop signs had become more distinct, the crowd a little larger. The stone buildings were still sturdy and functional, but the shop windows were more elaborate.
One of the signs swaying in the wind bore the inscription "Hilda's Craft Place - Quality Fabrics and Leathers" Sigrid stopped in front of the shop.
"Here we are," she said smiling. "Hilda is one of the best tailors and leather workers in the city." She gently pushed the door open and gestured for Aurelion to enter.
The inside had a warm and inviting atmosphere, along with the expected smell of leather and wool.
The walls were filled with carefully folded bolts of fabric, sturdy capes of various colors hanging, and leather trousers.
On the large counter in the middle of the room lay an open sewing box and cut pieces of fabric. Behind the counter, a sturdily built Northerner woman in her forties was working.
Her braided, brown hair was practically gathered at the nape of her neck, a few strands falling onto her forehead indicating her concentration on her work.
"Sigrid! Welcome," Hilda said, carefully placing her needle on the leather.
Then her eyes fell on the small figure standing silently beside Sigrid. The child's pale skin, black hair, golden eyes, and most importantly, his pointed ears… Hilda's smile froze slightly, a momentary, surprise in her eyes.
"And who is this little guest?" she asked.
Sigrid gently touched Aurelion's shoulder. "Hilda, this is Aurelion. He is under Captain Roric's protection. We came today to look for a few more durable clothes suitable for his training."
Hilda immediately composed herself upon hearing the Captain's name. Her eyes scanned Aurelion again, this time more carefully. "Is that so?". Her eyes lingered on Aurelion for a moment "Of course, I'd be happy to help."
For the next half hour, Hilda, with complete professionalism, set about choosing suitable clothes for Aurelion.
Sigrid clearly stated Roric's expectations. Hilda pulled out tunics made of thick but flexible fabrics in dark tones, leather trousers and a few pairs of thick socks from the shelves.
"This wool," Hilda said, holding a dark gray tunic towards Aurelion. "It keeps warm and dries quickly. It's also flexible enough for movement." Aurelion glanced briefly at the fabric and nodded.
She showed another dark blue tunic as an alternative. "Or this one. The color seems to suit you."
This time, Aurelion nodded more definitively. Dark colors were his preference. The trousers were black, with reinforced knees and seat. Hilda emphasized the quality of the leather and the sturdiness of the stitching.
Aurelion approved the trousers as well without much scrutiny. Throughout the shopping, Aurelion spoke very little. He usually gave short answers to questions
He immediately refused frilly collars, shiny buttons, or unnecessary embellishments when suggested. However, his eyes were constantly darting around.
After Hilda and Sigrid were sure of the chosen items, Hilda carefully folded everything and placed it in a leather bag. "There you go," Hilda said. "These will withstand that tough training quite well. Please give my regards to the Captain."
As Sigrid made the payment, Hilda looked at Aurelion one last time. There was still curiosity in her eyes. "Be careful, little one, Captain Roric is a good instructor but… a bit harsh." She smiled faintly.
Aurelion didn't respond to this personal comment, just nodded slightly. When they stepped outside, the sun had risen a little higher.
Sigrid took a deep breath as she carefully held the shopping bag, her eyes wandering over the lively city streets. "Well," she said to Aurelion with a cheerful voice. "Shopping done. Our wardrobe is renewed. Now, where should I take you? We still have time." She pretended to think, tapping her finger on her chin.
Then she suddenly stopped, her blue eyes sparkling with an idea. "I've got it! I'll take you to Thera's Heart! I mean… to our World Tree."
Aurelion's eyebrows rose. "World Tree?" he said, the word sounding foreign. "What's that?"
A mischievous glint appeared in Sigrid's blue eyes. She seemed pleased by the child's obvious ignorance on this matter, a contrast to his knowledgeable demeanor about many other things in this world. "I won't tell," she said sweetly. "Come with me, you'll see. It's like a gift to us from Thera herself."
Though Aurelion frowned curiously, he didn't object. There was something he didn't know, and the answer was right in front of him. He silently followed Sigrid. Leaving Hilda's shop, they moved away from the bustle of the main street and entered a stone path that climbed towards a higher, quieter area of the city.
As the road wound upwards, the buildings around them began to thin out, giving way to a more open, wide area covered with a thin layer of snow on the frozen ground. And then, he saw what stood in the middle of that clearing.
Aurelion slowed his steps, his eyes widening involuntarily. The sight before him was breathtaking.
A massive tree, about forty meters tall, its trunk incredibly wide, stood reaching for the sky like an ancient pillar. Its bark was smooth, a pale white like moonstone, with intricate, intertwined patterns that seemed naturally formed on it.
But the most impressive part of the tree was its leaves; instead of normal leaves, long, thin, white fibers like strings hung gracefully down from its branches.
These fibers were so long that some touched the snowy ground. And from both those intricate patterns in the bark and these string like leaves, a pale, soft, white light vibrated and spread.
The area around the tree had been deliberately left empty. There were no other buildings nearby. A narrow but visibly flowing small pool of water, its surface frozen, encircled the wide base where the tree's roots spread.
There were other people in the area besides Aurelion and Sigrid. Scattered, silent figures… Some were looking at the tree from a distance with respect, some were sitting on stones by the water's edge, lost in thought, and a few had slowly approached the tree, taken one of those glowing white fibers into their palms, closed their eyes, and stood in deep serenity.
Aurelion had paused. This place… was different.
There was a strange peace in the air. But at the same time… he sensed a power emanating from the tree, a power he couldn't yet fully define, different from anything, more... ancient.
"Where… is this?" he asked, his voice a little lower than usual. "This tree... why is it so different? Why are these people looking at it like that?"
Sigrid turned to him with a warm smile on her face. "Thera's Heart," she whispered respectfully. "Or the World Tree. Isn't it beautiful?". Her gaze wandered over the tree's shimmering leaves. "These trees are found in Thera's most ancient cities or in its most sacred places. Ulfgard is among those fortunate places. The World Tree is special because… it is a living thing. Very, very old and wise."
Aurelion looked at the tree again. "A living thing…?" The idea seemed strange to him. "Special, you say? So... is it powerful?".
"More than powerful, It is believed that this tree is directly connected to the ancient being that created Thera, that protects and watches over it, Primordia, the Will of the World."
These were the first times he was hearing these names. Primordia. The Will of the World.
"They say the roots of this tree reach deep into Thera, directly to the essence of Primordia. It watches over all of us, Aurelion. This world, every living being on it… Even if we don't always feel its presence, it is here. It protects us, guides us." There was sincere belief in her voice. "Even during the Great War, in the darkest times, it is said that even the wildest, most uncontrolled beasts united and fought against the invaders. According to them, this was Primordia's silent command, Thera's way of defending itself. If not for their help, perhaps we wouldn't be here today."
Aurelion listened intently. This new piece of information, though not as shocking as Roric's explanation of Evolution or Monster Cores, added a different layer to the workings of the world.
"So this Primordia," Aurelion said thoughtfully, his eyes on the tree's glowing trunk, "...can it think? Does it have a will, a purpose?"
"Absolutely," Sigrid said without hesitation. "It is Thera itself. A mind, a soul… Even if it doesn't think exactly like us, yes, it is believed to have a will and a purpose. To protect life, to maintain balance."
Aurelion's gaze shifted back to the people around the tree. Those touching the leaves, standing motionless with their eyes closed… "And these people?" he asked, frowning. "What are they doing?".
"They are feeling Primordia," Sigrid said softly. "Or trying to feel it. They come here to find peace, perhaps to seek an answer, guidance in difficult times. They say touching the tree helps them establish a connection with Primordia."
Aurelion's lips curled upwards slightly, that sarcastic expression appearing on his face again. "So they worship Primordia?"
Sigrid immediately shook her head. "No, not like worship," she said gently, noticing Aurelion's attitude but not judging him. "It's more like… respecting, trying to connect. Thera is vast and mysterious, and Primordia is its heart. They don't worship it. They just try to understand it, to live in harmony with it. Perhaps they hope it will guide them, help them make the right decisions."
"So they talk to it?" Aurelion was still skeptical.
Sigrid smiled. "No, not like talking directly, of course. At least, not as far as we know. But some, especially Sages or those with a deep connection to nature, say they can hear its whispers, read its signs. For most of us, it's more of an inner feeling. A calmness, a clarity… Like feeling part of a great power."
Sigrid excitedly took a step towards Aurelion. "Come," she said, gently taking him by the arm and pulling him towards the tree. "Maybe you'll understand better when you try."
Together, they came under the tree, right in front of the curtain formed by those shimmering, string-like leaves.
Sigrid reached out and gently took one of the white fibers into her palm. The faint light of the fiber illuminated her hand, a peaceful expression spreading across her face.
Then she turned to Aurelion. "Come on," she said encouragingly. "Just touch it. There's nothing to be afraid of. See what you feel."
Aurelion looked at the white leaves swaying in front of him, glowing faintly. He could feel the strange, calm energy emanating from the tree more intensely. A small curiosity stirred within him. Touching it… What would happen?
He shook his head and took a step back. "No," he said in a clear voice. "I'm fine like this." His curiosity was there, but he was watching the other people touching the tree's leaves out of the corner of his eye. Figures standing with their eyes closed, a foolish expression of peace on their faces....
Sigrid turned to Aurelion. There was a slight disappointment on her face. "But why, Aurelion? Look," she showed the leaf in her own hand, "as you can see, it's completely harmless. In fact… it feels good. Why don't you want to try?"
Aurelion spoke with a contemptuous expression, his gaze still fixed on the tree. "Why should I try to connect with an ancient, undefined Will like Primordia? Or why would I just want to… feel?"
He said the last word as if it left a bad taste in his mouth. "My purpose is to understand and control. Not to blindly trust feelings."
Sigrid raised her eyebrows in surprise. This child's way of thinking was truly different. "But this isn't a matter of control," she tried to explain gently. "This is a place where people come to… lighten their minds, to forget their worries for a while. They say Primordia's calming presence can untangle the knots in your soul. Think of it as a kind of… purification."
Aurelion said coldly. "Perhaps that's true for those who have worries or knots to untangle" he said "But I neither need to lighten my mind nor relax by connecting with anyone."
His expression hardened, his eyes turning questioningly to Sigrid again. "Besides, if this Primordia and its tree work such wonders, then answer the bigger questions. If Primordia is so protective and guiding, why couldn't it prevent the Great War? Why did it allow those black ships to pollute skies, cities to burn, people to die? Or now, why are there still people starving in the city, begging on street corners, suffering injustice? Why doesn't Primordia protect them? Or does this tree only whisper to a select few?"
Sigrid flinched at these harsh, accusatory questions. She took a deep breath and went on the defensive. "The war… the war came from outside Thera, Aurelion! The invaders didn't belong to this world! Primordia did everything it could to protect us! It unleashed those wild beasts on them, perhaps it fought in other unseen ways! Who knows, maybe we were saved from complete annihilation thanks to its intervention!"
There was both belief and a kind of desperation in her voice. "And as for other sufferings… Perhaps Primordia doesn't directly interfere in every individual's fate. Perhaps it's trying to maintain a greater balance. Perhaps the hardships of life are also part of growth… We cannot fully understand its ways."
Aurelion shook his head "Or perhaps Primordia's only concern isn't to protect us, but just to protect itself, that is, the physical integrity of this planet? Perhaps we small, mortal ants on it are just passing through for it? Perhaps it mobilized the monsters only because its own lands were invaded?"
This thought destroyed the last shred of interest he had in the tree and the feeling people around it.
Touch it?. Never. This was either a waste of time or a dangerous unknown. In his opinion, the people there were either clinging to a foolish hope or surrendering themselves to a power they couldn't control. Both situations were repulsive.
With this mental conclusion, the impatience within him and the fatigue of the day combined into grumpiness. His gaze shifted back to the people touching the tree, this time with open disdain. For them to just stand there, seeking solace from a feeling with no logical basis... It annoyed him.
"Let's go," he said suddenly. He turned to Sigrid. "I've learned what I needed to learn. There's no point in staying here any longer."
Sigrid's disappointment was written on her face. She had hoped the child might react differently in this sacred place. But at the same time, she understood once again how different he was. Any other child would be eager to touch these shimmering, mysterious leaves. Aurelion, however, had suddenly lost all interest.
"Alright," she said with a sigh. "As you wish. Is there anywhere else you'd like to see? Maybe somewhere more lively? The merchant district?"
"No," Aurelion said clearly. "Let's go home. I'm tired". He had no intention of offering further explanation or alleviating Sigrid's disappointment.
The decision was made. And turning his back, he began to walk back the way they came, leaving behind the peaceful but now meaningless atmosphere of the tree.
Sigrid, with the shopping bag in hand, silently followed this small but difficult to manage child.
Roric's warning, "Keep an eye on him," echoing in her mind. This child... was clearly very different.