Conversus, Chapter 2:
"Not Knowing Oneself"
Cold.
Everything is cold.
Both the blue in the sky, and the ocean, are very cold.
A dark ocean with no visible end, harsh and cold waves. There are no seagulls or fish around.
Water.
The water is very heavy.
As if, as if it's trying to pull everything into itself.
As if...
As if it's trying to kill...
...
Ken wakes up gasping for air, looks around. He was in a covered horse carriage. A moving carriage. He gets up from where he was lying and moves forward to check the driver's seat. He pulls aside the curtain separating the wagon part from the driver's seat. A pure white, sporty-looking long-maned horse; and he sees Lisa.
When Lisa notices Ken, she smiles and says:
"Good morning, sleepyhead. We're almost there."
Ken pulls himself together and sits next to Lisa, looking at the road:
"To the kingdom, right?"
Lisa, wanting to continue the conversation:
"Are the clothes at least comfortable?"
Ken hadn't noticed until Lisa mentioned it. He had swapped his old clothes for a high-quality and flashy suit. Although it was a bit large, it wasn't too uncomfortable. The same went for Lisa. She too was wearing a high-quality and elegant suit, but hers fit perfectly. Seriously, when did they even put these on?
Ken, curious, asked:
"These... They're really amazing but, when did we change our clothes?"
Lisa is surprised. Then, laughing:
"You really do have memory issues. I gave them to you last night before we set off, out of pity. They're actually the innkeeper's suit. Don't you really remember?"
Ken thinks for a moment and shakes his head to indicate he doesn't remember.
Lisa laughs again, looking at the road,
while Ken continues to think about the nightmare he had.
...
Skyrealm.
Hell, Layer 0.
Time: 10:28
A large castle built on a hilltop. Apparently, this is the king's castle. Lisa steps down from the carriage, signaling Ken to come down as well. Together, they approach the castle's outer gates. On both sides of the open gate, there are two armored guards.
The guards bow their heads before Lisa and allow her to pass. They let Ken pass too, but as Ken walks by, they give him a look like he's not supposed to have something he has.
Lisa breathes in the air of the kingdom she missed. Then says:
"Home sweet home."
She turns to Ken and smiles:
"Let's go see the King first. Then we'll handle the rest, as I said."
Ken and Lisa head toward a structure that resembles a small castle, attached to the kingdom's walls, heavily guarded, and adorned with many flags. As they walk, Ken says:
"Lisa, what if no one was here either?"
Lisa:
"What do you mean?"
Ken:
"Like in the town. What if no one was here? What if it was abandoned?"
Lisa squints her eyes and smiles:
"As long as King Venel is king, nothing will happen to this kingdom, believe me."
Her smile was reassuring.
When they reach the small castle, the front door swings open forcefully. Standing there:
Wearing a cloak of light brown leather with wool around the neck, an outfit like armor woven from golden-threaded quality fabric layered over leather, heavy trousers with iron decorations and plates; long, curly light brown hair close to blond, brown eyes, and a brown mustache along with a short beard on his chin. His aesthetic, fit physique was clear from every angle. He looked like a king, even without the crown.
The king rushes toward Lisa with concern and hugs her tightly:
"Lisa! Where have you been! For a moment, I thought I lost you too!"
Letting go quickly, King Venel gently inspects her body for injuries without touching any private parts:
"Are you okay? No one hurt you, right? Where the hell did you disappear to all of a sudden?! A frog even showed up in the city wearing your clothes! I was so scared something happened to you!"
Lisa, overwhelmed by the outburst of concern, replies with a friendly smirk:
"I'm fine, really. Just a bit of witch business, I'm totally fine."
The king steps back, his worried face turning to a happy, relieved one. Then he speaks again:
"Thank the gods, my Lisa returned in one piece..."
Before he can finish his sentence, he locks eyes with Ken, who hadn't understood anything and was staring blankly at the king.
"... But, who's this, Lisa?"
Lisa remembers she forgot to mention the town and quickly speaks:
"Oh! Right, we're coming from the southern town. I've been there for a few weeks, and I met Ken there by chance... But when Ken arrived, he told me there was no one in town. And it was true, everyone had disappeared? I thought you might have knowledge about it, and since neither of us had anywhere else to go, we came to you, Father."
Ken freezes for a moment. "Father"? So that's why she trusted him so much. But she could've said that earlier, right? Ken erases all the imagined relationships he had in his mind a few minutes ago and accepts the father-daughter relationship, looking again at Venel.
Venel's face grows somber. None of his earlier cheer remains. As if they reminded him of something he wanted to forget. He takes a deep breath and begins to speak:
"So, you don't know, huh? Maybe it's for the better that you came straight here. I'm glad you didn't get into trouble. Anyway, come inside and I'll explain it all."
They go inside the castle, to the King's office.
The king's office wasn't quite what Ken expected. In fact, it looked more like an old-fashioned study. A large window, a desk positioned centrally and near the window, and on the desk were all kinds of documents and papers. To the left of the desk stood an angel figurine, and to the right, a half-meter-long stack of files. Apart from the desk, the office was quite tidy and organized. Armchairs on either side, expensive and high-quality paintings on the walls. The light from the window—thanks to the castle's position—lit the room almost the entire day.
Venel pulled out the chair behind the desk and sat down. Lisa and Ken also sat on the other side of the desk, facing the window. Their chairs were simpler than the king's, but still of high quality.
Venel scratched his head and looked out the window, took a deep breath to prepare himself, and began to speak:
"Power. Everything started with 'Power'. The most fundamental building block of the universe, maybe a curse left behind by an ancient god, or maybe just a simple element; but all of us, everything, came into existence through it, and we cannot exist without it.
But power changed, evolved. Or something like that happened, and 'Chaos' was born. I don't have full knowledge. As far as Aeris told me, Chaos came into being through the 'corruption' of Power in some way…
I followed the order from Aeris and evacuated all the nearby towns to protect them from danger, from Chaos. So no one was harmed, just due to the rapid emergency protocols, people were taken to safe zones before they could say anything to anyone.
The reason we did it so quickly is because Chaos could attack at any moment. We didn't want to risk anyone."
Lisa seemed to understand what was happening, but on the contrary, Ken looked as if his brain had melted—clearly he didn't understand a thing.
Venel looked at him with concern:
"Hey, are you—are you okay?"
Ken, slightly embarrassed and helpless, tried to explain his situation:
"Well, to be honest: I can only remember the last few days. I mean, I barely know even the most basic teachings... Could you maybe take it slow for my sake?"
Venel paused for a moment. As if something had clicked in his mind:
"What did you say your name was again?"
Ken:
"Ken, just Ken. I mean, I chose to call myself Ken."
Venel was surprised. In a strange tone:
"Power, your power... Is it something like Fire Manipulation?"
Ken, a bit scared and confused:
"U-um, what do you mean by manipulation? Yes, I have things related to fire, but... I honestly don't know what 'manipulation' even means?"
Venel laughs and looks at Lisa:
"Lisa, would you mind giving us a moment alone? Please?"
Even though Lisa didn't understand what was going on, she nodded and left the office. Before leaving, she glanced back once more and smiled before stepping out.
Ken and Venel stared at each other for a while.
Venel spoke excitedly:
"Don't get me wrong, I don't have any memories or ideas about you. I don't know you. But I have knowledge. Aeris told me two weeks ago that someone like you would come to me and that I would need to guide him. He said I need to take you to him. Isn't that strange?"
Ken was still in shock. Who was Aeris? Did he know Ken?
Venel leaned back into his chair like he was about to tell a story, and began:
"Let's start from the beginning. You don't know where you are right now, do you?"
Ken uncertainly:
"In your castle?"
Venel smiled and shook his head side to side:
"Not quite, you're in 'Gökdiyar' right now. This is the name given to the two great islands above the world by kilometers, encompassing all of Heaven and Hell.
You are currently in Hell. Layer 0, the surface.
Let me tell you about humans: Humanity split into three centuries ago. Based on their control over the power that forms everything in the universe, and due to historical issues.
Humans, Angels, and Azukas.
Those who couldn't see, feel, or use Power—creatures incapable of it—were called Humans and were imprisoned on the Earth's surface to live there.
Angels and Azukas are actually the same. At some unknown time, those who loved a particular human called themselves 'Angels', while those who didn't called themselves 'Azukas'. Over time, they stopped being a group and became races. At least that's how I know it."
Ken, with curious eyes:
"So what does that make you?"
Venel laughs:
"Angels live in Heaven and Azukas live in Hell. So I'm an Azuka. Obviously."
Ken continues to ask questions:
"So what do you want with me? Or what does this 'Aeris' guy want with me?"
Venel turns his back to Ken and looks out the window:
"You, I, and many other beings use Power to gain various superhuman-like abilities. Everyone uses power differently. You, for instance, turn power into fire. But this power we use has now evolved into something different—Chaos. I don't know much more. All I know is that they're a deadly threat. My soldiers aren't strong, Ken. And according to what Aeris told me, you have the power I need. You must help me. Of course, nothing is free—I'll take you to Aeris, to the answers you seek, if you help me rid my kingdom of Chaos."
Ken pauses for a moment, then asks the thing that's been bothering him:
"This Aeris guy—what does he have to do with me?
Why does he seem so eager to reach me?"
Venel laughs again:
"I swear, if I knew, I'd tell you. I don't know Aeris well either, but he's a strange man. When you opened your eyes, you had a cheap map with you, didn't you? A map with a road leading to a castle."
Ken, surprised:
"You—how?"
Venel leans back again:
"Not me, Ken—Aeris. He's truly a strange guy. Whatever answers you're looking for—or will want to look for—they're all with him. I'm sure of that.
He already asked me to bring you to him, and I just want to get my share out of the deal."
Ken, completely bewildered, looks at Venel:
"Wh- everything is so messed up—confusing and meaningless..."
Venel:
"Forget everything for now, Ken. In exchange for doing a simple task for me, I'll take you to the answers you're looking for. Aeris will explain things more clearly. Everything you need to know."
Ken, a bit uneasy:
"So... I guess I don't have any other choice. It's like I have to accept, right?"
Venel smiles:
"Exactly."
Venel opens a drawer on his right and pulls out a brooch. After polishing it with his hand, he hands it to Ken:
"Be here at 8 PM. We're going on a hunt."
Ken takes the brooch from Venel and examines it.
There's a motif of a festival flame on it. It's also decorated with various symbols around the golden brooch, but Ken didn't know what they meant. He didn't care much and slipped the brooch into the inner pocket of his suit.
Venel speaks again:
"Your outfit looks good, but you can't go hunting in those. Before evening, stop by the tailor. If you show the brooch, he'll help you. He's got some strange habits, but he's a good one."
Ken nods and leaves through the door. Lisa was waiting right outside.
Lisa is just about to ask what they talked about when Venel cuts in:
"Lisa, could you come with me for a minute?"
And once again, they're separated before they could talk. Ken, with nothing else to do, decides to go to the tailor Venel mentioned.
A wide—no, massive—shop. Above it was a crest: a needle and thread stylized like swords and shields. The door was thick wood reinforced with iron. It was clearly a high-quality place.
Ken hesitated at first but then cracked the door open and stepped inside.
All around him were lifeless mannequins, expensive clothes and fabrics, many design drafts, and all sorts of tools and instruments.
Directly across from the door, seated in a chair, was a living female model. She was clearly posing.
As Ken got closer, he saw the man painting her.
He had a strange, flamboyant hairstyle resembling a parrot. One could easily mistake it for a wave or a parrot's tail. His hair was filled with colors—Ken didn't even know the names of half of them.
His face was long and sharp. He wasn't exactly handsome, but he wasn't ugly either. He had large, peculiar earrings. His shirt was colorful, patterned with palm trees, and completely unbuttoned. His chest was covered with tattoos—mostly monsters—and on the right side of his chest, stretching down to his hip, was the face of a woman. It was beautifully illustrated, but later someone had tattooed a skull over it without ruining the original artwork. The different shading made it stand out—it was obvious.
He had a muscular, fit body. His pants were loose, with many pockets and hanging chains. At the ends of the chains were pouches, strange materials, and odd things Ken didn't know—and didn't want to know.
Despite all the bizarre stuff, the shop smelled wonderful. Ken just noticed—ever since he opened the door, a floral scent had been hitting his face. The shop was also quite dark. It looked more like a warehouse than a store. The only light source was above the live model.
Also, Ken hadn't realized, but the model wasn't wearing any clothes. The pose was even stranger—one hand covering her face, the other holding a colorful cloth that was the only thing covering her.
What art, huh?
The artist paused when he noticed Ken but continued working without saying anything. He didn't react until Ken got really close.
Then he finally stopped drawing and turned to him. Surprisingly, he spoke with a clean, clear voice, like someone who had taken speech training:
"What do you want, man wearing stolen clothes?"
Ken was stunned again. How did he know the outfit wasn't his?
"What—?"
The artist continued, making it clear he had an ego the size of the moon:
"I made that suit you're wearing. I told that innkeeper a thousand times it was too plain, but he didn't understand. People seriously don't get art!"
Ken, realizing he was misunderstood, tried to explain anxiously:
"No no! I'm not a thief, it's a misunderstanding—"
The artist sharply gestured for him to get out:
"Before I call the guards, scram, filthy bandit."
Then Ken remembered the brooch Venel had given him. He pulled it out of his pocket and showed it to the artist.
There was a brief silence.
Then the artist stood up and gestured for Ken to follow him. While doing so, he turned to the woman:
"Be here same time tomorrow. We're not finished."
The woman didn't say anything. She picked up her clothes from a small drawer that had gone unnoticed in the darkness and left. That's when Ken realized she wasn't actually naked—she had just stripped to her underwear for the pose.
After following the artist for a while, Ken realized the shop was far larger than he thought.
They reached a room. Inside were five mannequins and a stool. The room was well lit, but it looked quite empty. The artist sat on the stool and pointed to the mannequins.
Each mannequin wore a different suit of armor. The artist didn't wait long before speaking:
"I'm Joan. Joan Kuzo. The king's personal artist, tailor, architect, and handler of all other creative matters.
Unless you're blind, you can see these five are new designs. Pick one—I'll tailor it to your measurements by evening, and that's what you'll wear. Don't ask for extras or modifications—I'm refusing in advance."
Ken approached the armor displays and examined them without overthinking.
One looked like a classic medieval knight's armor.
Another gave off the vibe of a "King's Personal Agent." The iron breastplate was adorned with fur around the neck, and the rest was decorated with fur-leather mix—it looked great.
A third armor had a "ninja" aesthetic.
The fourth looked more like a sports outfit. As Ken looked closer, he noticed light armor underneath. It seemed to prioritize mobility: gray pants that weren't too loose, a black shirt, and a thick leather jacket on top.
The last one resembled something a gladiator would wear. Covered in gold embroidery and bright tones, it was clearly more for show than for protection.
After some thought, Ken chose the fourth one. A good choice.
Joan quickly measured Ken and took notes. As he examined the armor, he said:
"Come back sometime. A few days later or so. I've got a material that would fit you perfectly."
But Ken knew he'd likely be gone by tomorrow:
"Yeah, I probably won't be here in a few days. Sorry."
Joan paused for a moment, then left the room with the armor and the measurements:
"I can't stand when things meant for each other are kept apart. I'll make sure it reaches you."
Ken didn't really understand, but didn't complain either. Who says no to free clothes?
After finishing up, Ken slowly exited the shop and shut the door behind him. When he looked back, he was sure the inside had been bigger. Definitely something odd was going on. But he didn't care. After all, Venel knew about it. Nothing could go wrong, right?
Skyrealm. Hell, Layer 0.
Monzart Kingdom.
Time: 18:20
Almost two hours left. Ken had already gotten his armor. The nice part was that Joan, while tailoring it, somehow fused the inner armor layer into the clothing. It was now much lighter.
Ken decided to wait somewhere until 8 PM and chose the inn right across from the small castle to rest.
Sitting at a table near the far-left counter of the massive inn, he was lost in thought, going over what Venel had told him. Who was Aeris? Why did he want Ken? Who was Ken?
While drowning in thought, a familiar voice approached him.
It was Joan. But... he looked very different.
His hair was cleaned and tied back. He had replaced his large earrings with smaller, simpler ones. His outfit was simpler too, decorated with forest-themed patterns. His pants hadn't changed much, but overall, he looked more "normal."
Joan sat at Ken's table with a full mug of beer in hand:
"Great place to unwind in the evenings, huh?"
Ken took a sip of his drink:
"So this is how you normally dress?"
Joan laughed:
"I was here to unwind with a couple of girls tonight. Already got invites from three or four tables. But seeing you here all gloomy—I couldn't resist joining you."
Ken smiled:
"Thanks, I'm not really thinking anything. Just... weird day."
As Ken finished his sentence, a glass shattered. At the counter stood a man easily two to two and a half meters tall, arguing with the bartender.
He had long white hair—most of it braided, the rest messy. He wore a shirt that was clearly once white but had turned gray with age. His pants were military style—brown with many pockets, some holding knives visible from the outside.
Joan pointed at him:
"Venel didn't tell you about them, did he?"
Ken, nervously curious:
"About who?"
Joan leaned back and took a big gulp of beer:
"The Seven Deadly Sins. The seven most powerful Azukas."
Ken listened on.
Joan, as if he'd been waiting to share this for ages, continued:
"They have extraordinary and utterly unique powers. You won't find anyone like them across all Gökdiyar. Their names: the Seven Deadly Sins. They're dangerous, and they've got weird habits.
That huge white-haired guy at the counter, fighting the bartender? His name's Hecha. He's 'Wrath'—one of the Seven. I don't know his exact powers, but there are legends about him."
Ken looked at Hecha:
"The Seven Deadly Sins, huh?
Why aren't they dealing with the Chaos problem?"
Joan sipped his beer again:
"Probably because they don't see it as a worthy challenge. Who's gonna tell them otherwise? They're like gods, almost."
Ken paused:
"You don't see a god arguing with a bartender in a pub."
Joan laughed:
"That's why I said 'almost'."
Ken asked without hesitation:
"What about Aeris? Who's he?"
Joan took another sip:
"Aeris, huh? The king mentioned him before. I think... he's the leader of the Azukas. Like the 'King of Hell' or something."
Ken:
"Is he stronger than the Seven, you think?"
Joan thought for a while:
"In the last few centuries, power isn't just about strength. Political clout has overtaken brute force. You can order around people stronger than you just because of who backs you."
Ken fell silent for a moment, then asked another question:
"What about Venel? What do you think of him?"
Joan smiled:
"You ask too many questions. Venel's someone who deserves his place. With few exceptions, he's the strongest too."
Just as Ken was about to ask another, Joan suddenly stood up and started walking toward a table of girls across the tavern:
"I'll answer more questions later. I couldn't resist these girls any longer..."
From his voice and expression, he was clearly drunk.
Ken, left alone again, thought about everything they had discussed.
In this tangled story where everyone was connected, where exactly did Ken belong?
He sat alone in the tavern until 8 PM. Joan had already gone out with the girls. That guy named "Hecha" had started a fight and dragged a couple of people outside. Some said a few of them were injured beyond healing.
Ken slowly walked to the small castle's front gate. Venel and a group of soldiers were preparing as if for battle. When Ken arrived, Venel waved him over.
Lisa was there too. And apparently, Venel would be joining them.
As Venel mounted his horse, he planted a kiss on Lisa's forehead.
Then he turned to Ken:
"You'd better get ready quickly. These guys aren't the waiting type."
He smiled.
As Venel moved aside, Ken and Lisa made eye contact. Maybe it was too late, but clearly, Lisa had grown fond of Ken.
Lisa, in her soft, gentle, and quiet voice, said:
"Come back safe, okay?"
Ken just responded with a smile. Then, mounting the black horse left for him, he followed after Venel.
The Hunt had begun.