—-

Danyul approached the room Apollo used to stay in because of an uneasy feeling. In truth, now that his presence appeared on the family training ground, Danyul expected him to visit. Although he wouldn’t receive the cultivation resources because of Grand Elder Kayn’s orders, with the spirit he showed, Danyul believed he’d still want to train.

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Hence, when he failed to show for the entirety of the day, Danyul became slightly worried that the boy’s spirit was crushed after just finding his strength. He truly hoped this wasn’t the case; he had just given him a thumbs up for a commendable heart.

After all, it took more courage than one usually wanted to admit in order to go against both written and unspoken rules in the face of a stronger power. Apollo did just that, even though the Grand Elder’s words were the supreme edict of the family; he didn’t submit. Why would he? He possessed the means to climb on his own.

“Apollo,” Danyul uttered as he knocked on the door. However, there was no response, just an eerie silence. At first, he frowned because he first thought he was being ignored until his senses didn’t pick up the sounds of any breath nor the presence of a person. 

“He’s not here and I didn’t see him in the training ground… so where did he go? Is it possible that he went there?” Danyul murmured while shifting the direction of his walk. Instead of returning to the family library, which in truth was more like a small pavilion, he made a detour.

After some thought, Danyul approached the only other place he could think of Apollo heading, Aaron’s house, ‘It’s quite possible that he is there. It goes without saying, those two are the only ones who treat him with a semblance of care. In the future, those two… never mind,’ Danyul thought as he shook his head. It would be a shame if his thoughts came to fruition.

Soon enough, Danyul arrived and knocked on Cynthia’s door waiting for an answer.

“Who is it?” Cynthia responded after a short pause.

“Danyul, Sister Cynthia.”

“Oh Danyul, what brings you here? Aaron’s asleep. He’s been pushing himself beyond his limits these days. I feel like…I feel my little boy is changing,” Cynthia sighed with a slightly worried expression. The entire day, Aaron had spoken less than 10 words. It was unlike his usual affable self.

“Yes, he was silent today during our daily training session. Actually, if I’m being honest, I don’t remember him uttering one word. I’m worried the boys have lost their resolve due to this situation. I don’t feel it was handled very well. Is Apollo here?” Danyul sighed ruefully, shaking his head.

“Apollo? Oh, I guess you didn’t know. Perhaps he didn’t reach out to you. Well, I’ll tell you now Apollo’s not here,” Cynthia responded as she shook her head.

“He’s not here? Then where is he?”

For a moment, Cynthia sulked but then shook her head with worry, “I’m not sure Danyul, but he left. He said goodbye to Aaron and left with a bag on his shoulders. I’m not sure where he went. I just hope he remains safe.” The look she saw in his eyes, she knew not to stop him as it was something he must do. However, she couldn’t stop herself from worrying.

“He left?! He’s 10 years old…and his body is weak. What is that boy thinking?!” Danyul exclaimed as his eyes widened. He was exasperated by Apollo’s choice, he was unable to understand how he would survive with his frail body.

“You know how the family treated him. What difference is there than being in the wild when this compared to this place? I understand why he doesn’t view this place as a home. I don’t blame him; it should be the only place he felt safe. Yet, no one held out a hand to support him.

“It doesn’t matter if he was infected in his mother’s womb causing his body to weaken. Not just my brothers died, many others died protecting this family all those years ago. To make matters worse, his mother passed while giving birth to him after being fatally injured by a Terror. Before he was born, he became an orphan in his own family!”  Cynthia seethed. The more she talked, the more emotional she became as an infuriated look passed through her eyes.

“Tell me, Danyul. Why was it that Apollo was ostracized to such an extent? You, of all people, who looked up to his father as an idol should’ve protected him better.”

“I-I did…” Danyul muttered with a defeated look. Cynthia’s vivid reminder caused a slew of memories to run rampant in his mind. Most of which belonged to his adolescent days. He remembered the images of that one who possessed both talent and diligence. However, Cynthia’s seething voice brought him back to reality.

“Oh? Did you?! Do you really believe you did? Then why was it that I had to always fetch Apollo when he was unconscious due to the beating of other kids? Why did I have to overlook his meal while Aaron ate? You providing him Healing Ointment in the shadows isn’t helping. That’s simply you pitying him.”

“U-uhm, I…”  Danyul murmured but was unable to find the words. His defeated expression deepened as he failed to meet her gaze. A feeling of shame welled inside himself, however, it wasn’t for the reason one would think.

“You see, you didn’t truly watch over that child nor protect him. However, I am ashamed of myself as well. Although I cared for him with Aaron like my own. I didn’t go against the other Elders, I’m not strong enough to combat the Grand Elder or the others for that matter. But that is beside the point, he should have never received that kind of treatment.”

“You’re right. I’m ashamed of myself. He should have been treated like a normal boy from the prestige of his father alone,” Danyul conceded.

Cynthia leaned against the door and crossed his arms,  “Don’t worry, deep in my heart, I know that boy is strong. Not only will his name resound, but it will also do so with vigor! If you were really paying attention, you should have noticed, he is changing. His body doesn’t emit the aura of the Terrors anymore.” 

“Now that you mention it, you’re right. If it did… he wouldn’t be able to take the Talent Assessment. Wait…does that mean?” Danyul gasped as he came to a realization.

“Correct, I believe that will happen in the future. And should that ever happen, depending on his affection towards this family, you all may come to regret your decisions. If it was up to me, you should repair your relationship. After all, he should be aware of who it was that bestowed him that ointment,” Cynthia replied as she turned towards the distance gazing into it with a meaningful look.

‘Make them proud,’ Cynthia thought. Meanwhile, a pair of incensed eyes opened as they peered at the ceiling. A set of ears had received a message that once again shifted their outlook.