Chapter 7: State of Affairs (3)
The grand-scale war that ravaged the country destroyed countless kingdoms, erasing history and culture from memory.
It was not just a struggle for survival but a quest to truly live, where the spirit and innate capabilities of humanity were forged into resilient steel.
The Quincentenary, a 500-year-old war, claimed the lives of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, in the battle against the lurking monsters that thrived in the shadows of the night and darkness of the light.
"With their power, wit, and countless sacrifices, the Old Mages and Sovereigns managed to push back the monsters into the Everthorn Woods," said a voice that resounded with strength and power, captivating its listeners.
Uncle Robert's voice echoed with clarity and accuracy as he began his lecture on history. Observing him closely, I noticed a different vibe from his past actions. My uncle was quite eccentric. It was hard to comprehend how he could shift from being kind and gentle to cold and despondent and then seamlessly transition into a calm and collected teacher.
A sudden worry struck me: my parents were fighting, possibly risking their lives so that others could live and enjoy the present. The thought pained me, imagining what might be happening on the battlefield. I needed to strengthen my resolve to meet them and experience more than what was necessary for me.
"The compromised areas are scattered throughout Everthorn. These grounds are guarded by Sentinels, tasked with protecting and maintaining the funneled entrances, or 'Oscillations.' The monsters follow an oscillating pattern, entering through designated areas each season," he explained.
Robert walked to another table filled with unfamiliar items that piqued my interest. After selecting an object, he placed it on the teacher's table and looked at me with serious eyes, ready to speak.
"This is a simple pendulum. It provides the easiest way to understand oscillation. But before that, let's define what oscillation means: the repetitive movement or transition between two positions or states. It can be a periodic motion that repeats in a regular cycle. Now, let's begin the demonstration," he said, diverting his gaze to the pendulum in front of him.
Taking the hanging ball to the side, he released it, setting the object in motion—a back-and-forth movement that repeated in a cycle.
Uncle Robert explained that this is how monster attacks are predicted and can be minimized through preparations and precautions, including proper manpower management, cadet and soldier training, and other factors that fortify each kingdom's defenses.
Although our kingdom, Vocisklesma, had the option to request emergency reinforcements for Shattershire, it was not yet time for our Oscillation event.
I felt relieved to know that we were not currently under attack, a warmth spreading across my face as I imagined the people in Shattershire being able to rest and enjoy life. Excitement filled me at the thought of their well-being.
But then, a question arose: if they were free to rest, why hadn't they come to see me? Did they not desire my presence, or was I merely a burden to them?
I felt a tinge of sadness but quickly dismissed it, understanding that strict protocols and meticulousness were necessary for such an environment. Yet, I couldn't help but wonder about the possible misery endured by some in Shattershire.
Feeling a similar sorrow, I realized that while it wasn't our turn to defend against the attack, another kingdom must be fighting at this very moment. Did they experience the same emotions, or was it just my parents who left me? The incessant thoughts of anxiety and fear weighed heavily on my mind, making it difficult to focus on my surroundings.
"There are four kingdoms overseeing the Oscillations: Drakoria, Arcanis, Vocisklesma, and Arindale. Our kingdom, Vocisklesma, known as the Kingdom of Voice and Sound, has the Stele family as its assigned Sentinels, tasked with guarding against the monsters of Everthorn. Each kingdom has its own unique defense systems and styles," he continued.
The kingdoms employed varying methods and styles to efficiently protect their homes. Drakoria utilized wyverns and dragons in their endeavors against the Everthornians, while Arcanis possessed a unique magic system surpassing that of other kingdoms. Arindale relied on traditional weapons like spears, swords, bows, and arrows, employing their conservative approach to successfully repel Oscillations.
"The kingdoms are positioned into a vertical line, kind of like a shield wall, to protect the citizens that they have. Of course, they are placed far away from the battlefield, but the Sentinels are there to set up and prepare whenever the oscillations come. The Oscillating pattern goes from up to down, and down to up." He stated.
"To make it much more elaborate, imagine Four candles in a vertical line that lights up every time it is their time to attack. If your specified candle would ignite it means that you must prepare for the worst. This ignition would go from top to bottom and vice versa. To verify this event, we have multiple history records that spoke of this event. Back and forth, all throughout time. It has been observed as the natural order of things for centuries" He continued, immersed in teaching.
The afternoon continued with a mix of knowledge and headaches. Learning new things wasn't necessarily bad, but understanding them proved challenging.
With that, the day came to an end, and I drifted off to sleep.
The next day started with the same routine, but this time I managed to dodge a tackle somehow.
Aion and Ron went around the back to try and flank while Uncle would try to distract me from the front. I peered my eyes and kept their location on the track. I carefully assessed the situation whether it would be possible to move to the right or left, or maybe I should hope that they both would collide when they pounce on me.
A fireball flew toward my face again, but this time, I waited, knowing I had the speed to dodge it. The controlled fireball approached, and I swiftly ducked, leaning forward to approach Uncle Robert. However, my attempt quickly turned into a desperate struggle.
The hounds noticed that I went under the magic spell and began to sprint their way behind. Trying hard to shake them off with a zigzag pattern that I thought would be effective, but it not only slowed me down, but it also allowed a fireball to strike near my face.
The fireballs that were thrown out weren't the ones that would burn or hurt your face; they were controlled by my uncle and ensured that no proper physical damage would be that harmful. But the fireballs, when they made contact, still hurt. They could push and throw you off the way and possibly to some distance.
I swiftly moved to the left, angling my face down while recovering from the sudden magic attack. However, this gave Ron time to pounce on my back and push me to the ground. I tried to stand up; however, it seemed that it became heavier due to Aion currently sitting on my back. This rendered my efforts futile, and I did not have enough strength to properly fight back.
"Stop, stop. I give up." Conceding to them would be a much better choice than continuing to fight with two heavy dogs on my back.
Aion and Ron quickly got off my back and went to sit down beside their Sovereign. Definitely better than yesterday, however, it wasn't good enough. I needed to be more agile, strong, and resilient.
"Ten laps, thirty push-ups for five reps, and the same with squats," Uncle Robert commanded in a dark, monotone voice.
I tried to comprehend his instructions, but it struck me that he was asking me to run and perform exercises that seemed extreme for my age.
"Enzo, I suggest you begin now," he continued forcefully.
I started with a jog and gradually picked up speed, sprinting laps around the ranch. By the first round, I was already catching my breath. I stopped for a moment to let my body rest and recover, but then I heard barks and growls behind me. I turned around quickly, only to see Aion and Ron closing in on me, chasing me as if I were their prey.
I resumed my run, motivated by the fear of being caught by the hounds. I ran faster than before, pushing my limits to escape their reach. My legs burned, and my lungs gasped for air, but I pushed on. I couldn't let them catch me. I had to prove that I was capable.
As I completed my tenth lap, I collapsed onto the ground, my body trembling from exhaustion. Sweat dripped down my face, and I struggled to catch my breath. Uncle Robert approached, a look of satisfaction on his face.
"You've done well, Enzo. This is just the beginning. You have the potential to become stronger, faster, and more resilient. It won't be easy, but with dedication and hard work, you can surpass your limits and protect those you care about," he said, his voice filled with a mix of pride and encouragement.
His words resonated with me, igniting a fire within. I would train harder, push myself further, and become the best version of myself. I would make my parents answer my questions, and find out the world around me, how it relates to me, and the mysteries surrounding me.
I would face the challenges that lay ahead but for now, I need to learn.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone