Rise of The Holy-Realm Rebel

"I might not look it but I'm actually related to Hill-Stage knight of Yukov," she started, and straight away I felt my mind shudder. My expression showed a bit of this truth and she continued.

"I know right? You wonder how I even got here."

"Well, for one, I have always preferred living a simple life while traveling around with my brother."

"The hill-stage knight is my sister. She's the eldest and has taken care of us since our parents died on a certain expedition."

"They had been knights too. According to what I know, both were mountain-stage rebels," she revealed another significant detail and I could only completely invest my attention.

"The kingdom of Yukov took us under its protection and we lived fully funded by them. My sister ended up possessing enough talent to become a knight granting us even more privileges. Which is why I can read write and know all about interacting with nobles." She paused to see if I was listening. How could I not?

"Back to how I got here," she continued. "I and my brother had decided to settle in a town a few regions from here. I don't know if you know it, but it's called Orsus."

I shook my head.

"Thought so…" She murmured, even if she resumed.

"Well, the news of the war got to us whilst still there, and we could not leave the town. By now my sister had sent a message to us that she'd come to get us safely. Then, the central city had not been breached… I don't know about now."

"Unfortunately Orsus was attacked, and many of them were taken as slaves. I and my brother included."

"They separated us though, but I was treated differently thanks to the seal of the Yukov knight that I possess," she narrated even if I had no idea what that looked like. I got the idea nonetheless.

Even In my time, it was normal for high-ranking individuals to grant messengers objects that acted as evidence that they were indeed related to them.

Even In my time, we had knights. They were special individuals who stood out among normal soldiers. The knights had to be really talented. And if the standards had not reduced then this sister of hers had to have some incredible skills.

"Still…" her words pulled me out of my thoughts. I thought she was done. "Every day I believe my sister would seek me out and free me," she announced with stern determination. I did not have the guts to bring forth my pessimistic and paranoid considerations, so I simply nodded.

"You don't think so too," she shook her head. Her tone and words revealed she had gotten the same responses from others.

I could only smile in helplessness. I was the last person she could speak with about hope. I had lost all of mine. At least she had a sister who could possibly free her. I had nothing and could trust nothing.

"I don't expect you to. Many days I cried in fear of her never actually coming. But she has always been dependable. I doubt she'd leave me here," she heaved a sigh even more convinced than before.

That sight made me tremble inwardly, causing me to reveal a soft smile that surprised her.

"What?" She asked.

"Nothing…" My tone was softer than I intended. "Thank you."

"For?"

"Hope," I stated, raising my gaze, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, washing away the hopelessness that filled my chest with doom. Yes, she had that much impact on me.

Besides, I already was on the search for anything that would prove my situation not impossible. I had simply found none. From then on, I decided I'd continue my search for possible ways of escaping.

'I might have lost the might enlightenment brought me… but I've not lost my spirit as a 'rebel'… a Sky-realm expert at that,' I stared at the sky, determination shining in my eyes.

"I ACCEPT YOUR CHALLENGE," I muttered even if the severity of that declaration made my head ring.

The 'Fire-queen' stared at me in curiosity. She had heard my words and wondered whose challenge I accepted.

I knew this because it was written all over her pretty face.

"Does General Ivon know of your sister?" I asked, trying to connect the dots concerning how she had access to the castle.

She nodded and I had all the answers I needed. Like her, I was the most privileged individual in the camp.

This fact remained unchanging because in the past several weeks no other person had discovered anything. The pit only continued to grow deeper and harder to man.

"I hear many think I sleep with the man," she heaved a sigh opening her palm.

"The man has an interest in me… but for a different reason…"

"And even if his reasons were sexual… I'd burn him first before he has any chance," her tone carried coldness and I had to look at her to know if she meant what she said.

She did.

A chuckle slipped out of my throat at that point. I doubted she was unaware of the Hill-Stage guard the man carried around. So seeing her determination even at that impossible threat further left a good impression of her.

"What? You don't think I'd do it?" She asked in a challenging tone.

"No-no!" I raised my hands in surrender. "Contrary actually, I think you'll do it even if it might get you killed." I further chuckled.

She harrumphed even if she started to chuckle too. Soon our chuckle turned to laughter. We were loud enough to awaken the men who guarded my hall. They hushed us in annoyance before returning to sleep. Lazy workers! They were meant to stay awake ensuring no one tried to escape.

Those men did not see me as a threat tho, and could not force her to do anything.

"How did you get here too?" She inquired at some point and I began to narrate my story.

Unfortunately due to the uniqueness of my situation, I had to make up portions of my narrative, while I took portions from the time before that predicament to add to my story. Fleshing it out.

Of course, everything made sense to her. And I also obviously left out my real identity as a former Sky-Realm expert who had been on the verge of ascending into the Heavenly-Realm.

Even if I told her she would not believe me.

We ended up enjoying each other's company for a bit more time until she decided it was time to get some rest. She also told me that her name was Nura. A lovely name for a lady as pretty as she was.

"Can I know your name?" She asked right before we parted ways. "I usually refer to you as the red-haired man. It's... inconvenient," she blushed.

I hesitated, even if my lips moved to speak. I reckoned it was safe to tell her.

"I am Caeles of the house of Ohr… but you don't have to bother about that. Just Call me Caeles."

"Are you a noble?!" She asked, eyes shining.

"No, I just like how it sounds," I replied, chuckling

A smile bloomed on Nura's features at that point, and I felt a certain emotion swell in my chest. I chose not to address it, however.

"Well, I had a great time with you Caeles Ohr… good night now," she declared with delight, leaving before I could address her calling my last name.

I sighed helplessly even if a smile remained on my features. It had been a while since I felt as light as I did.

I gazed at the starry sky for a bit msore before returning to the slave quarters to sleep.