Eternal Elysium

The next day.

The central base of Kalista remained as bustling as always. But somewhere along the way, a hint of unease had caught up to everyone.

The tall walls, dark and torn from time, stood strongly. They were one of the hopes keeping the human domains safe. However, fear—a deadly force—would always find a way to creep inside the human heart.

Maybe it was the only thing that kept humans alive.

Bob moved his gaze around and looked tense as he walked through the stairs. Soon he reached the top of the walls and changed directions, walking straight toward me.

I was sitting on the floor, hidden behind a large pillar that supported one of the watchtowers.

This was one of the many places that could be considered a blind spot.

It wasn't perfect and would be noticed by soldiers who regularly patrolled around the areas with various weapons in hand.

I wasn't trying to hide in the first place.

I was only resting here because it was peaceful and a little isolated.

"Did you bring the list?"

I asked and looked at Bob.

He stood still and then nodded before handing me several papers.

"Thanks."

I said and took the two papers Bob handed me.

The last few days I have read a lot of lists and papers regarding many things. One such was given to me by Enzo and Chris, which contained information regarding the expedition team.

But this one was different.

It contained names and small details regarding captains and commanders of all three bases.

The Commander one was interesting without a doubt.

I looked up at Bob once and smirked before saying.

"Hey, what would you do if all I said till now was a complete lie? Handing me this can be considered a type of betrayal."

Bob flinched.

He then frowned before saying with a smirk in return.

"Sir, are you sure you want to do that? I mean, many awakeneds live here along with thousands of awakeners. Your life will surely be hell even if we don't count the commander himself coming after you."

I sighed and shook my head in disappointment.

"Can't even take a joke."

I grumbled and turned my head back to look at the paper in hand.

Bob chuckled and didn't interrupt me.

The most interesting person here in this list was none other than another commander of the east base.

His name was Clonas, but among soldiers and many others, he was known as the blade of the east due to his untouchable swordsmanship. He was famous and even loved by his people.

The amount of details written here was astonishing.

From his first mission to how long Clonas was in Kalista.

'But he is also the captain of the first division? No, wait, he is part of the Temple as well.'

This guy… Is he a workaholic?

I frowned.

And turned my head toward Bob, who stared at me with a proud look.

"Bob, are you a fan of Commander Clonas?"

"Wh- What?"

Bob stuttered.

"Hmm, was I wrong?"

Bob pursed his lips and cleared his throat before speaking again.

"I just admire him; everyone does. Really, I am not lying."

"I see."

I nodded slowly.

"Is that the reason there is almost no information regarding the commander of West Base beside her name?"

Forget about her; even information regarding Commander Alos was very limited.

Bon sighed and said with a disappointed voice.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

"Commander Alos is the head for all the bases. So he rarely acts or goes on missions unless needed. Whereas Commander Syl likes to act alone, so not much information is present about her."

"Instead, Commander Clonas is the one who is the most active around the region."

My eyebrows raised in doubt as I heard Bob's words.

"So, there is no information regarding Commander Syl?"

Bon shook his head.

"There is none I can provide you with."

I raised my hand to run it over my head before a heavy sigh left my mouth.

So much was happening and so fast that I couldn't understand what I should do now.

I have a single clue.

One clue that could change everything.

But one wrong move will cost us our lives.

It was so stressful that I felt I could pluck my hair out in frustration.

Bob threw curious glances at my face, much to my ire.

"What?"

"Hmm, is there something troubling you?"

I stood up and scratched the back of my head.

"Nothing."

I shook my head before leaving Bob behind.

There was not much he could do.

Involving him any further would only get more dangerous.

***

I had been aimlessly roaming around.

Then I started to walk through the hallways. Some hours had already passed.

I needed to meet Commander Alos.

Maybe then I could finally get some things in motion.

Honestly, the thought of traveling alone, even inside the base by myself, was starting to get dreadful.

But I still had no choice in this.

Others were busy.

Chris and Liber had been given patrol duties. WhereasAnny had decided to help in the medical wing. Enzo was probably trying to gather information but Summer… What was she doing again?

'She must be in her room then.'

I will give her some work after I am done here.

Just as I walked through one part of the hallway, I noticed a man walking towards me. His gaze was cold and unwavering, his hair held a light shade of black, but I could see some strands of white hair around the corner.

From his uniform I could tell he was a captain.

Then his gaze met with mine. We both stopped as he opened his mouth to speak.

"Are you Captain Asher?"

I nodded.

"And you must be Captain Lenz, right? From 2nd division?"

I asked just to confirm; I had a vague idea now that I heard his voice.

Bob has described him the second most after Commander Clonas.

"Hmm, that's correct. It's nice to finally meet you. How are you dealing with the trouble makers?"

'Troublemakers?'

I frowned, unsure what he was speaking about.

"Do you mean Enzo and the others?"

Lenz smiled and nodded.

"They troubled me a lot."

I blinked twice, left baffled by his choice of words.

"You were troubled?"

"Yes… Those three, especially Summer, did throw a tantrum on the first day they came here."

In the hallways, only we two were present. The cold and empty place now looked too small to even hide.

Somehow I was embarrassed. It was like the feeling of a parent who was now receiving complaints from the teacher of their kids.

"I see. I am grateful for your patience with my team. I will talk with them… about their exploits and troubles they gave you."

Keeping a calm expression, I quickly said, looking straight at him.

"No. No, you get it wrong." Captain Lenz let out a small laugh and shook his head.

"I am not complaining. Rather, they have done an excellent job, not counting the destruction of several places we have marked in the past. But that's just how life is on the battlefield."

"I see. I will make sure they hear this perfectly and keep themselves in control."

Lenz nodded, his gaze still stern and cold.

"It looks like they are in good hands. I should take my leave then; I am sure you are busy as well, Captain Asher. It was a nice conversation."

Without giving me any chance to speak, Lenz took a step forward and walked past me.

I turned my head swiftly and stared at his back as he kept walking ahead.

For a moment I knew that papers and details regarding a person could never be accurate.

Captain Lenz gave me an eerie feeling, not of the dangerous kind but rather of being out of control.

I inhaled deeply and again started to move through the rooms and hallways before taking the stairs to the upper floor. The place again opened up as I saw many people working around; with small steps, I moved past them until they all were not in sight anymore.

In front of me stood a door. As I opened it, the smell of cigarettes filled the air, making me frown.

"Captain Asher… It's rare to see you these days."

A tired voice came from the smoke filling the room.

I squinted my eyes and walked toward the source of the sound.

The sight that greeted me was shocking. My mouth opened in shock as I saw a tired look on Captain Alos, sitting near the window with a cigarette held between his fingers. It looked as if he hadn't fallen asleep in days and had aged quite a lot in the past week.

"Sir… Are you alright? You don't look very well."

Alos let out a hollow laugh, then took a puff, filling the room with even more smoke than before.

"I am fine as much as I could be…"

He paused.

"It just feels like my mind is getting more and more heavy as days pass."

Commander Alos sighed, his eyes narrowing as he looked at me.

I had seen him fight an avenger-rank creature just two days ago; he looked fine till then, but now he was a mess.

Was my idea to be here wrong?

"Anyways, what brings you here, Captain Asher?"

I pursed my lips, debating whether to tell this to him or not.

But then decided against it.

Temple did not want to make their direct involvement known.

First, let's confirm something.

"I did have a reason for coming, but I can leave if you are feeling unwell, sir… Did you get injured?"

I asked cautiously, only for Alos to shake his head.

"No, I am fine; I bear no such injuries… It's just simple headaches."

'His will is fighting the calamity; is that the reason for his strain?'

He should have a will.

I was almost sure of it by now.

"I see… Commander I plan on going to the East Base and then to the west."

Alos frowned deeply as he asked.

"Why? You have been taking missions without any breaks. You can take your time."

I smiled.

"I am going to do what I have come to do."

"So, Commander, would you not like to witness it yourself? What I am planning to do?"

Commander Alos's eyes widen for a split second before returning to normal.

"Can't you see my condition? Are you going to make this old man work?"

He smiled, asking.

"You should just rest then. Leave something for me to deal with."

Alos scoffed, not believing me.

"But seriously, if I want you to see it, how will I call you there?"

Alos didn't answer at once; he stayed silent for a few seconds before raising his arm and summoning something from his storage.

It looked similar to that of a bird's feathers. Alos glanced at it before lifting it in the air alongside the wind, and then it landed softly in my hand.

"Say 'Wind' under 100 kilometers radius, and I will try to be there in under 5 or 6 minutes approx." He said it in ruinic.

'Thats too fast!'

This… This was far better than what I could have expected.

I quickly stored the charm away and looked at Commander Alos before nodding.

"Thank you. I should take my leave then; rest well, Commander, you have a great job to do."

As Asher left the room, Alos was left baffled by his words. Before long another laugh escaped his lips as he stroked his beard.

Alos sat down on his chair and leaned back, resting his head and cutting the cigarette away with a stroke of wind.

"I should rest…"

He said before closing his eyes, his will crumbling softly under the heavy pressure as his mind was finally filled with a blank fog of eraser.