City of Ars

  — Would you like another glass, sir?

  The attendant held a bottle of wine, his expression serene as he observed the man before him. The bar was empty, wrapped in a tranquil and silent atmosphere, with dim lights illuminating the space.

  — Yes, please.

  The squad leader sat at the counter, holding a leaflet and analyzing the news about the great disaster in Systella. He turned the pages calmly, examining each detail.

  — Here is your order, sir...

  The attendant placed the glass gently on the counter before heading down to the basement. The leader glanced at the wine but stopped before drinking.

  — I know you're there. — he said, setting the glass down.

  In the darkest corner of the bar, far from the lights, the hooded man sat, his expression unchanged as he observed him.

  — What did you find useful for me? — the leader asked, getting straight to the point.

  With a smooth motion, the hooded figure retrieved a fragment and tossed it into the leader's hands.

  — I found this during my visit to Systella. Besides that... I gathered information about Louis. He's getting stronger.

  The leader sighed, slowly standing up. He walked over to the hooded man, a crooked smile forming on his face.

  — You know what I love most about you?

  Suddenly, his expression darkened. With a precise strike, he smashed the table where the hooded man sat, destroying it instantly. Still, the other remained unfazed, as if he had already expected that reaction.

  — It’s your incredible ability to screw everything up and act like it’s nothing! Do you have any idea how much work it’s going to take me to fix the mess you made in that place?!

  The hooded man smiled, indifferent.

  — But there is a silver lining to all of this... Louis is undergoing a transformation. Watching those he loves die was the perfect trigger to corrode his soul. Soon, he will become exactly what he hates the most...

  The leader placed a hand on his chin, thoughtful. He sighed and returned to the counter, picking up the glass of wine.

  — I hope you're certain about what you're saying... because if you're not...

  He gripped the glass tightly, shattering it in his hand. The sound echoed through the silent bar.

  — You're dismissed.

  The hooded man smirked and disappeared with the wind. Moments later, the attendant returned, his eyes widening in shock as he saw the destroyed table and shards of glass scattered around.

  — S-Sir...? What happened here??

  — Nothing. Just bring another glass.

  Still shaken, the attendant nodded. The leader observed the fragment for a moment before slipping it into his pocket.

  At the Headquarters of the Paths, Erick was sitting in the garden, enjoying the tranquility of the place, when he spotted Louis approaching.

  — Louis!

  He waved with a smile, but as he got closer, Louis looked away, hesitant.

  — Hey, Nii...

  Erick noticed his downcast expression and the bandages on his hand, remnants of what had happened the day before.

  — What's wrong, Louis? Does your hand still hurt? — he asked, concerned.

  — N-No, not at all! I just...

  Louis sighed and sat down beside his brother, lowering his head.

  — I... wanted to apologize... for making you worry yesterday. And also for the way I acted with you all before...

  He hesitated, clenching his fists before continuing.

  — ...Back then, in Cilvett, I was useless to everyone... I couldn't even help you with anything...

  — Louis, look into my eyes.

  Louis lifted his head, confused, and met Erick’s gaze.

  — I am your brother. And I know you better than anyone. You always do your best, even knowing your limits. All of us, including me, believe in you. We know you would do anything to protect those you love. So don’t think of yourself as useless. Just keep moving forward.

  Erick placed a hand on Louis' shoulder and pulled him into a hug. Louis felt a comforting warmth, a relief he hadn't experienced in a long time.

  — Thank you, Nii... — he murmured, a small smile forming on his lips.

  On the other side of the door, Rose and Lilith watched them.

  — Hmpf. Let's go, Lilithy.

  Rose turned and walked inside, but Lilith lingered for a few more seconds, looking at Louis with a gentle smile before following Rose.

  A few hours later, Louis climbed the stairs toward his room, lost in thought. Ever since he had woken up in Systella, a question had been haunting him. He had asked Lilith what had happened to her arm, but all he received in response was a calm smile and the words: "It’s nothing."

  Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair, restless.

  — "I feel like I did something terrible to her... Ah... If only I could remember..."

  — "Louis..."

  He stopped abruptly upon hearing a voice calling his name.

  — W-Who’s there...?

  — "Louis..."

  His gaze swept the surroundings, but he saw no one. Then, something caught his attention—a faint light emanating from his room. With hesitant steps, he approached the door, gripping the doorknob with some apprehension. As he turned it and pushed the door open, his eyes widened in shock.

  Resting on his bed was the katana he had found.

  He took a step back, his heartbeat quickening.

  — H-How did this get here...?

  The blade pulsed softly, emitting a weak aura, almost as if it were calling to him.

  A shiver ran down Louis’ spine, but as if moved by an invisible force, he began to step forward. His hand trembled slightly as he reached for the katana.

  — "Louis... Louis... Louis... Louis..."

  The whisper echoed in his mind, repetitive, insistent.

  In a sudden reflex, he grabbed the katana and, without hesitation, threw it out the window.

  Panting, he placed a hand over his chest, feeling his heart pounding.

  — What... was that...?

  Louis hurried to the door, ready to leave. However, as he opened it, he was startled by the sight of the katana resting against the wall.

  — "Louis... Louis..."

  His heart pounded. Without thinking twice, he grabbed the katana and rushed back into his room. He flung open the closet and, without hesitation, tossed the weapon inside, slamming the door shut. The sudden silence brought a fleeting relief, but the unease remained. Not wanting to stay there any longer, he quickly left the room.

  A short while later, Erick stood beside him, eyeing the closet with a puzzled expression.

  — So... You're telling me there's a haunted katana in there? — he asked, raising an eyebrow.

  — Yes! Please, believe me! — Louis gestured frantically.

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  Erick sighed, running a hand through his hair.

  — Alright... Let's see what we've got here.

  He slowly opened the closet, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Louis watched, frozen in place. As the door swung open completely, there it was—the katana, resting serenely, showing no signs of unusual activity.

  Erick carefully wrapped it in a cloth and, without wasting time, dashed out of the room. Minutes later, he returned, breathless.

  — Done. I left it far away from here. It won’t bother you anymore.

  A sudden noise behind them sent a chill down their spines. Swallowing hard, they slowly turned around.

  Shock was written all over their faces as they saw the katana lying right in front of them.

  — Okay... This is starting to freak me out... — Erick muttered, staring at the blade in disbelief.

  In the meeting room, Cosmo analyzed the katana on the table, scrutinizing every detail with a hand resting on his chin.

  — My guess was right. — He smiled, standing up. — "It really is an artifact."

  Louis, still unsettled, hesitated before asking:

  — But, Captain... Why is it only reacting strangely to me?

  Cosmo held the katana for a brief moment, lifting it. Nothing happened.

  — See? It seems normal... Hm?

  His expression changed. He felt something slowly draining his energy. His eyes fixed on the blade.

  — "It’s..."

  — What is it, Captain? — Erick asked.

  Cosmo smirked slightly and placed the katana back on the table.

  — That doesn't matter right now. I'll continue analyzing this artifact. You're free to go.

  Louis and Erick nodded and headed for the door. Before they left, Cosmo cast a brief, enigmatic glance at Louis.

  — Ah... You don’t need to hide anymore. Something that speaks shouldn't remain silent.

  — "How did you know...?"

  The katana pulsed faintly, a dim aura glowing around it.Cosmo intertwined his fingers over the table, smiling.

  — Actually, I didn’t. I just took a guess.

  — "So you tricked me... Clever..."

  — Now tell me... What do you want with my student? — he asked, narrowing his eyes.

  The voice that emerged from the katana sounded ominous.

  — "I have slept for centuries... But when your blood stained my blade, a bond was formed. That awakened me..."

  There was a pause before it continued, its tone darker.

  — "He possesses something that interests me... Something dark and terrible. The manifestation of all hatred and guilt in a single existence. When I consume and absorb it completely, I will finally be free... and I will devour everything and everyone."

  Cosmo remained silent for a moment. Then, gently, he wrapped the katana in a cloth, a subtle smile on his face.

  — Erick and Louis are getting stronger. You should be careful with your words... They might turn against you.

  He walked toward the door, casting one last glance at the blade.

  — Good night.

  And he left, closing the door behind him.

  The next morning, Louis walked through the hallways alongside Erick, Mei, and Lilith when sounds from the training room caught their attention. Curious, they approached and opened the door.

  Two unfamiliar faces were there. One was seated while the other wielded a blade relentlessly.

  — Who are they? — Lilith asked, intrigued.

  — Ike and Takamiya, your seniors. They were on a mission in another continent for a long time.

  Suddenly, a blade fell near Lilith's feet, making her step back in fright. Takamiya walked up to her, picking up the katana without hurry.

  — Pay more attention.

  — B-but... — Lilith hesitated.

  Takamiya started to walk away, but Louis grabbed his arm—hesitant, yet firm.

  — A-apologize to her...

  Takamiya stopped, staring at Louis. A heavy silence settled in.

  — Take your hand off.

  With a precise movement, he freed himself from Louis' grip effortlessly. He analyzed him for a moment, furrowing his brows.

  — Strange... I don't feel mana or energy in you. Are you sure you belong here? Or did the captain make a mistake in choosing you?

  Louis lowered his head, visibly shaken. Takamiya was already walking away when Erick intervened.

  — Hey, that wasn't cool. Apologize now.

  Takamiya stopped and smiled.

  — Or what?

  The two stood face to face, their auras clashing. Sparks appeared in Erick's hand, while Takamiya gripped the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it.

  — That's enough, you two. — Mei stepped between them.

  Takamiya stepped back and pointed at Louis.

  — If you're truly strong, I challenge you to a fight in seven hours.

  Erick looked at Louis, concerned. But Louis, with a determined look, stepped forward.

  — I accept.

  Takamiya smirked and left the room. Silence fell before Erick turned to Louis.

  — But Louis... He's our senior! Are you sure?

  Louis clenched his fists, then looked at his brother and smiled.

  — Don't worry about me, Nii... I'll be fine.

  And he left.

  Alone in his room, Louis paced back and forth, panicking.

  — "I'm not going to be fine at all! Why did I accept this challenge?! What was I thinking?!"

  He sighed and threw himself onto the bed, deep in thought.

  — "Calm down... I don’t need to worry... After all, he's my senior... He wouldn't go too hard on me... Right...?"

  Seven hours later, in the training room, Louis stood face to face with Takamiya. Cosmo and the Paths were seated, observing the scene, while Erick and Lilith wore worried expressions.

  The tension between the two was almost palpable. Then Takamiya drew his sword and pointed it directly at Louis, whose eyes widened, surprised and alarmed.

  — W-what?! Why are you using a real blade...? — Louis questioned incredulously, stepping back.

  — I was the one who asked the captain. You don't mind, right?

  Cosmo nodded with a calm smile. Erick, however, turned to him, incredulous.

  — But captain! — he exclaimed, suddenly standing up.

  — Why are you so worried? Louis has a weapon too... It's up to him to decide whether to use it or not.

  He turned back to continue watching, showing no concern. Erick stood still for a moment before clenching his fists and sitting back down.

  Takamiya stretched his arms, relaxed.

  — The captain told me you have a fine katana. Where is it?

  Louis frowned.

  — Uh... well, it's not exactly m—

  Before he could even finish the sentence, a slash passed inches from his face. The impact was so fast that it lifted dust from the ground. Louis dodged by pure reflex, stepping back in fear. Takamiya smirked briefly, pointing his blade at him.

  — You have good reflexes, but you lack practice.

  — Y-you could have killed me!!

  Louis spoke shakily, adrenaline coursing through his body. Takamiya, on the other hand, assumed his attack stance again, planting his feet firmly on the ground and taking a deep breath.

  In an instant, he advanced with impressive speed, pressuring Louis with a relentless series of slashes. The boy tried to dodge but was brutally thrown back by a precise kick.

  On the ground, panting, Louis struggled to get up. Takamiya approached slowly.

  — You also need more endurance... This is pathetic.

  Raising his sword, Takamiya prepared to strike again.

  — Brace yourself.

  Then, he charged, unleashing fluid and precise strikes. Louis moved to escape, but each attack cornered him more and more. Until—

  Takamiya’s blade grazed Louis’ face, leaving a small cut.

  Lilith, distressed, threw herself into Rose’s arms and shut her eyes. Rose, on the other hand, furrowed her brows as she stroked Lilith’s hair, watching the fight with concern.

  — This is going too far...!

  Erick stood up, his gaze serious.

  — Where are you going? — Cosmo asked, arms crossed.

  — This fight is unfair! I can’t just sit here and watch!

  He was ready to intervene, but then—

  — Hmm... So you don’t trust your brother?

  Erick's eyes widened, turning to Cosmo, who smirked. He looked around and saw the Paths watching in silence, not interfering. His expression grew tense, but eventually, he sat down again, uneasy.

  Takamiya stopped, slightly lowering his sword.

  — Already given up?

  Louis, still breathing heavily, clenched his fists on the ground, his expression hardening.

  — "He’s too strong... But even so... I can't give up. Everyone is watching. I can't let them down..."

  With effort, he stood up.

  — I don’t get it... You haven't used your blade this whole time, nor can you wield your own weapon to defend yourself. Are you going to keep waiting for your brother to save you like before? How pathetic.

  Takamiya’s words echoed in the air. Louis lowered his face slightly, his expression darkening.

  Suddenly, Takamiya felt a chill run down his spine. A bright aura emanated from Louis, making him instinctively take a step back.

  — "What... What is this strange aura...?"

  Louis raised his gaze. His expression was serious, determined.

  — Say whatever you want about me... But don’t you dare speak about my brother.

  In the meeting room, Louis' katana began vibrating irregularly. Then, in an instant, it was teleported directly to the training field, appearing right beside him.

  Everyone was surprised by the blade’s sudden appearance. The moment Louis grabbed it, a dark mark formed on his hand.

  Takamiya narrowed his eyes, raising his sword.

  The air between them grew thick. Silence filled the room.

  They stared at each other, serious.

  Takamiya took a deep breath, fixing his gaze on Louis. He knew that...

  The fight would never be the same.