Chapter XXII   Renata's Caligo Oculus   Something had been bothering me . . . ever since the day I heard Teacher Rory’s story about a mortal who was blessed by the gods. Hours after Teacher Rory left with Heidi and Naya—it was midnight, I felt like I just reminisced a memory that I didn’t even have. As if I was on the spot, watching that mortal’s journey. As soon as I heard Teacher Rory’s story, I wanted to correct her. Although I said I understand nothing, it was because what she told was completely different from what I saw. The main character of the story, Sator, wasn’t a mortal, but an archon and a compelling god. He wandered the celestias or universes he created with his immortal comrades but . . . a tragedy struck in the abode of the deities named Procyron. Sator was part of Procyron’s council, a group of eight gods ruling the abode of deities and celestias. The council

Chapter XXIV   Unvalued Medal     Only then did I realize that time passed rapidly as light. Everything went so fast, and everything went so peculiar for me since the day I bumped into a woman who eventually turned out to be my father’s new lover. Felix and the new girl named Thebe were lovers. Although I doubt it as my father loves Mom so much and I think he can never astray. I just have this intuition that he is just using the woman for his plans. I’m not sure. Who knows what was going on in Felix’s mind? Instead of arguing with him, I faked a warm welcome for his new lover. I acted as if I approve of their relationship. That was because I trust Father with his schemes. This was only part of his step, for sure.

Chapter XXVI Walking Paradox I tightened my grip to the medal as I stepped forward to watch the river.It was past midnight, and I just woke up from having that unexplainable, confusing, and strange dream I had. I didn’t have any good feelings about it. It might be something my creative mind created or it might also be a message from the gods. But as much as I wanted to believe that she’s a god, a part of me said it’s ridiculous. I’m still a kid after all, with a strange mind.I decided to take a walk outside, not minding the possible dangers during night. The gloomy and dark sight of my bedroom was creeping me out somehow, and I wanted some peace of mind as it was giving me constant nightmares and hallucinations. And I knew the beauty of nature will hel

Chapter XXVIIILittle GirlsTeacher Rory nodded as I stared at her without uttering anything. “We came from the same nation, Renata, but the only difference was I grew up here and you grew up on the island.”She sighed. “It’s surprising, I know, but I’m letting you know this because I want you to trust me.”Trust. This woman was basically asking me to trust her just because we share the same history of ancestors, but who knows if her mind was already corrupted?I stayed silent. I shouldn’t let my guard down. I shouldn’t trust her. No matter what, I should stick to my fake identity. I’m not a Cidgian. I’m not from Atolon. I am a Madreese. I was from Delural. That’s what I should be in front of their eyes.“People forgot about us, Revi. It’s upsetting that the government hid a sin and we didn’t even have a chance to punish them. They moved on, continued spreading chaos, and proudly raised their flags in wars as we—or shall I say you and your fellows that are hiding in the island, living

Chapter XXIXIs Everything Really Well?I never looked at her, and instead clenched both my jaw and fists. Tears attempted to escape my eyes, but I tried my best to prevent it. Not now. I can’t cry now.“I saw what happened, Revi.” I could sense she’s upset. And so am I. She’s one of us. Rory’s a Cidgian. She should be angry towards the victors. But look, here she is, taking their side—justifying what they did because it was “eons” ago.As I breathed heavily, she spoke again. “I understand your animosity but—”“No!” I screamed. “You don’t understand my hatred! You never did! Because if you do, you wouldn’t be so upset at me right now.”"I certainly do!" Her tone was solemn. "But those Madreese you were unleashing your rage on aren't to blame for their ancestors' misdeeds!"She exhaled a sigh. "It must have been difficult for you to believe that 'we,' our civilization, were imprisoned in dread as a result of what occurred in the past. You must not, however, generalize or criticize some