-The Beginning
In the living room, painted in brown, with a floor that shares the wall's color and adds a touch of authenticity and modernity, "Arner" sits with his uncle "Datian".
"Arner": The Patris exam... does he intend to become a Baropatris?
"Datian": You know about the death of my wife "Yaska"... right?
"Arner": Yes... I think she died during a mission against one of the High Conclave's parties... isn't that right?
"Datian" (with a sad expression): Yes, but... not finding her body gave "Kard"... the idea that she might still be alive... maybe she survived... that's why he's trying to become a Baropatris.
"Arner" speaks to himself (confused): My uncle, he's the one who advised my father to have me as solid proof... but he's still my goofy, silly uncle, with relatively long black hair, cheerful with open features. "Kard" is similar in personality and mood, but his appearance resembles aunt "Yaska"—attractive features and relatively smart.
The uncle picks up the phone saying: Let's call "Kard" so you can meet him. It's been a long time since you two met, hasn't it... ah, phones really... phones have existed for centuries, but they haven't evolved at all. Technology truly stopped progressing after the rise of the Grantor "Omberial" and his power.
In one of the gyms in the city of "Korhait",
"Kard's" phone rings—ring ring ring—the sound floats through a wide hall filled with training equipment and bulk. Its glass walls are veiled with geometric patterns that intertwine, matching the ceiling that carries an image of progress and success.
"Kard": Hey! Dad, how are you? I'll come soon and tell you about a funny incident hahaha that happened to my friend hahaha this morning hahaha
"Datian" (on the phone): You idiot, hurry up, we have a guest. And I'll punish you, you rascal, for ruining the joy of my favorite movie.
"Kard" (with energetic voice): Sorry Dad! I didn't think saying the ending was tragic would ruin the fun.
But who's the guest?
"Datian": You'll see when you arrive.
"Kard" says to himself after "Datian" hangs up:
A guest? My dad is busy working in the city as a Baropatris, so it's not for him. And I didn't have many friends... hmm...
You, "Kard"... or should I say "Kaharad" hahaha
"Kard" turns quickly with a serious expression saying: What is it, classmate?
Classmate: I was training and saw someone with the name of the most hated person in the world hahaha isn't that right, guys?
"Kard" (to himself): These are the most provoking people to me. Every time they see me, they mock me because of my name—because it resembles the disgraceful enemy "Kaharad". I need to leave quietly, without trouble, like last time.
You filthy orphan, you stupid idiot, you...
A strong punch, fueled by anger and haste, heads toward "Kard's" classmate, but the gym coach stops it with one of his energy-filled hands.
"Kard"! Go home now. Get out of my sight and leave the gym immediately.
---
In the evening -------
"Datian": He finally arrived. "Arner"! Open the door, it must be "Kard" knocking.
"Arner": Alright, uncle.
"Arner" walks toward the door, opens it—the thick wooden door, engraved with patterns that suggest the freedom of the craftsman and the depth of heritage. But after opening it, he finds "Kard" with an angry face, expressions that almost serve as a weapon of intimidation. He looks down, but... his features change after seeing "Arner", showing surprise, then moves his lips saying: Who are you?
"Arner": What! "Kard" doesn't recognize me? Anyway, even though he's a year older than me... why is he the same height? Shouldn't he be taller? But his features are scary!
"Datian": "Arner"! Is the one knocking "Kard"?
"Kard" (with a wide cheerful smile): You're "Arner Vayern", son of my cousin "Train"! How are you... I haven't seen you in a while. You've grown! Do you remember me? I'm "Kard Vayern", your handsome, smart, famous cousin... hey, why do you look surprised?
"Arner" (to himself): What?! His scary face changed to this normal one in less than two seconds?
Then he says: Yes... it's me. How are you?
"Kard": Wow! You've become social. As a kid, we thought you were autistic, because you always sat alone.
"Datian": Pfffff hahahahaha I don't want to punish you anymore, "Kard". That's the best joke I've heard today hahahaha.
"Arner" (to himself): For a moment, I felt sorry for you. But now you're just annoying.
"Kard" (to himself): Ah, a friend my age... that's nice. And new.
"Datian": Come on, hurry up... I've prepared a delicious dish! You'll eat it and your fingers with it!
"Kard" (in a low voice): Hey "Arner", have you ever eaten something that made you hate food for life?
"Arner" (surprised): What? What do you mean?
"Kard": Umm, nothing. Just... enjoy your meal.
At the table, in a room opposite a modern white-painted kitchen that shows its spaciousness, with a smooth floor like a mirror reflecting the bright ceiling, the food looks delicious.
"Datian": "Arner", before we begin—I told you earlier about "Kard's" goal, right? And I also know your goal, as your father told me: to understand the Evolution Map left to us by the Grantor "Omberial Kremer".
But... you must understand that knowledge requires strength more than intelligence.
Your father abandoned it, though I don't know why.
But you must understand its origin first, then its impact.
Thousands of scientists and geniuses—if not millions—have failed to decipher it.
The only thing understood so far is:
"Intelligence is a tree watered by knowledge and understanding... If intelligence grows, strength grows alongside it."
And:
" _Ivera_, wife of _Omberial_, used to message him from the world of _Sera_, and she told him that _Kaharad_ was imitating them, and discovered a way to pass his power to others through his body parts. That means there is a lineage of _Kaharad_."
That's all we know so far.
"Arner": Who is "Omberial", "Kaharad", and "Ivera"? I've heard of them, but I know so little. I've been disconnected from the outside world for a long time...
And even though I've heard of "Baropatris" and "Patris", I still don't understand them?
"Kard": My suspicion that you're autistic just hit 100%.
"Arner" (to himself): Shut up, idiot.
"Datian": What? You don't know the story of the Grantor "Omberial", who came to this land seven centuries ago from another world with supernatural power? And you live in the noble city "Frinta"? You must be joking!
"Arner": I really don't know. I sleep the same hours as a koala.
°•°
Copyright © Anouar Amroud. All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.