Chapter 8: Assimilation
Asila (to herself): Hmm... He's so curious. I need to simplify things so he can absorb them.
Alright, first: the High Assembly consists of a vast number of factions—around one to two hundred. These factions are divided into Obsession Factions and Support Factions.
Support Factions represent full loyalty to the Assembly's Chairwoman, aiming to improve the political landscape of the world.
But the Obsession Factions seek to cross into the world of Sera, the realm of Lord Umberial, under the belief that they must confront Karehard suddenly—before his power evolves further.
Arner (to himself): What?! Didn't they discover that Karehard found a way to _inherit_ his power? Inheritance is more effective than the acquisition method Umberial used.
But the method of inheritance is unknown... Through body parts? Do they consume each other or what?
Asila continued:
The Obsession Factions are hidden within the Assembly. They may have pledged loyalty to the Chairwoman and work diligently, but they could have a secret agenda.
The cities' mission is to counter any movement from these factions and maintain the stability of the Baropatris across the world.
Anyone who possesses this power is monitored to ensure it isn't used for violence or domination.
Kard: Please, Lady Asila, could you explain to Arner the nature of the Grantor's Fortress?
Asila resumed:
The Grantor's Fortress is, simply put, a stronghold located in Korhait. It houses Lord Umberial's body and the Crystal Domains.
Its role is to coordinate the cities' operations, and it's where the Nobles convene.
It shares supreme authority with the High Assembly—meaning the two most dominant powers in the world are the Grantor's Fortress and the High Assembly.
Arner: Thank you, I understand now. So the High Assembly isn't evil—it's a necessary political entity.
And the Grantor's Fortress organizes the six cities.
But what about the differences in how each city operates?
Asila (to herself, after exhaling deeply): Ah... I'm truly exhausted. Explaining all this is tiring.
Should I keep going or just send him off with a vague proverb? But he called me "Mom" so sincerely... Has he moved past it? Accepted it?
If so, then I genuinely feel at peace now... I feel relieved.
Alright, each Noble has their own beliefs.
Some are aggressive and impulsive, rushing into combat solutions. Others are wise and strategic, relying on long-term planning.
Take my superior, Noble Frinta—she's intelligent and powerful, but excessively reserved. Her philosophy is: don't respond to harm with harm, but weigh the harm against its source.
Arner (surprised): Huh? What kind of strange... contradictory philosophy is that?
Asila continued:
It may sound contradictory—telling you not to retaliate, then instructing you to do so.
But you won't understand it yet... Anyway, I just wanted to give you examples of the philosophies each Noble follows.
Arner (speaking loudly, smiling for the first time with a calm, reflective face):
Thank you, Mom. These insights have only made me more eager to learn.
Asila (to herself): Oh, the days of longing, when my recklessness led me to bear a child I once called a "document to validate me"...
My son, you've always been my precious one. When you were born, I felt the weight of the entire world on my shoulders.
I wish you a bright and fulfilling future.
Arner: I have to go. I didn't ask about Tiria because Uncle said she's on a mission in Korhait.
So I'll return and meet her. But if she comes back before I arrive, please send her my greetings—filled with longing.
Asila (with a faint smile, eyes closed): Of course. Farewell... until I see you again, once you pass the Baropatris test.
Arner and Kard (placing their hands over their chests): Farewell, Lady Asila.
At the train station, the two companions departed, heading back home having grown, and with the seeds of a friendship that would defy the ordinary and reach the impossible.
Time to train!
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