_ My Goddesses... I'll never read anything in somorium again... _ Amadeo throws himself on the cushion_ Ughhhhh...!!
He rubs his face on the pillow while stretching his arms. Suddenly, he hears footsteps in the outside vegetation. Moments later, Fumio's voice echoes:
_ Excuse me?
_ Hey! Fumio! Come in. _ Amadeo says, sitting on the bed.
The boy appears at the door and, smiling, enters. He runs his hands through his black hair and finally says:
_ I was told that you translated all the inscriptions!
_ Yeah... yes... It was waaay harder than I imagined. And that lady... _ He lowers his voice _ She's so annoying! But I guess most of it worked just fine. They'll organize the text afterwards.
_ That's great. We're very grateful for your aid. All I did today was study stones and help with the purification ritual on the ruins. But I didn't really come here because of that... _ He pauses _ You know that Veneficus are full of "intuitions", right?
_ Yep! My tutor keeps talking about how he "feels" that something is going to happen or whatever.
_ Heh! Exactly. I, as a Veneficus, retain the right to say the same. _ He looks deeply into Amadeo's eyes _ I have a strange feeling since I met you. I'll state clear that it isn't the good type. _ His expression becomes more serious _ It's like a "premonition". It got really strong when you spoke about the Body Aberration yesterday. I was intrigued... I can't understand exactly why, but I want to make one thing clear: No matter what happens, I am your ally. And I'm an ally of your allies too. All right?
Amadeo keeps his eyes wide-open, surprised. That was so sudden, irrational and... scary. He doesn't fully understand what Fumio means. However, somehow, the boy's words penetrated his mind, like an unbreakable promise.
_ Okay, Fumio. Thanks for telling me. _ Amadeo leans forward _ I'm glad I can count on you!
They exchange looks that mix serenity and fear. Finally, to break the silence, Amadeo says:
_ Ah, just something I'm curious about... Why don't you say my name?
_ Oh... Wow... You noticed... Heh... _ Fumio blushes and looks away _ I'm terrible with names and I can't remember your last name... _ He opens a yellow smile.
_ WHAT?! Call me Amadeo!! I don't remember your last name too! Tobio? Toshio? I forgot. But you said yourself, "We're almost the same age! Let's save the formalities for the older ones", right?
_ Hehe... You're right. It's just the habit,... Amadeo.
The blonde smiles and Fumio reciprocates. He parted his lips to start a new speech, but was interrupted by a huge bang. Both run outside. Several other people are coming out of their tents, with the same expression of despair. The air is covered with a thick layer of dust that reflects the waning light of twilight.
_ Came from the ruins... Did it collapse? _ Fumio says and, instantly, Amadeo runs.
Without thinking twice, he enters the curtain of dust, covering his face. He screams:
_ Is anyone there?!
He continues to advance to the entrance of the ruins when he steps on something slimy. Amadeo stops. The air freezes around him in a shiver. He feels a warm drop fall on his cheek and slowly trickle down his face. He looks up... The sight before him is a grotesque worm, just under a meter. Blood and poison seep from its oval leech mouth. Amadeo wipes his face and thinks: "A Tsuchinoko*... It was one of these that caused the accident of the person I'm replacing, huh. But this guy wouldn't be able to make that noise... ". He murmurs:
CITEȘTI
Three Spheres
FantezieAmadeo is 20 years old young man, with a sword attached to his waist and an insatiable desire for freedom... The burden of his title, and the weight of his cape don't let him forget such destiny that he never chose. However, what he doesn't know is...
