ACT V
THE GLORY WARS
"Let's review the whole mess," Hans thought hard, trying to put together all the information he had. "Xandor is after mana gems, and there's no doubt he'll locate them since they are not unique. But why? That's obvious, if for some reason he has the god metal that great grandfather was talking about then it's almost certain he'll forge the Ring of Chaos." Hans shivered imagining his thoughts coming to light, "Most powerful thing to man, in the hands of a lunatic dead set on destroying in the name of revenge, thanks a lot, Samson."
He sighed, "That's one thing, but why is the heck he wants Rebellion, a sword that he can't use or Is Samson, alive and well with them, I got no clue about this. But Since I need to change my death, I have to be strong, stronger than the version of what he saw, I need the second book for that."
Struggling what to do without anyone guiding him was turning into a headache, and when he asked Dietrich for help, all he got in response was - "It's your journey, you ought to finish it by yourself." Hans said out loud, imitating Dietrich's relaxed tone. "And lastly, my family will die, triggering all the events of me fighting Ancients, I can't think of any other reason why I'll pick a fight with them. Deli might die too since Sam made sure to force me to protect her..."
Ugh, this is giving me a headache. Nothing around me is normal. I'm just twelve, and they're throwing all this at me," he grumbled, glancing at his notes again.
He realized how much anxiety knowing the possible future could cause. The weight of this little bit of information was so heavy. He wondered how stressed his father must have been, living life knowing what was going to happen. "He should have done everything to prevent these things. I can't handle this alone. Damn it," he cursed. "That old fox shouldn't have told me... but no, it's good that I know. Somehow, I'll prevent it from happening and to do that I need strong people on my side for it. Maybe I could use Xandor... I'm not that of a grand planner, but let's focus on what I do the best, leaving it for my future self to deal with the consequences and focus on getting stronger.”
“Hans,” Sierra finally spoke, her voice a little shaky, “don’t worry, you won’t suffer anything as long as I can —”
“No, grandma. It's my journey, I ought to finish it by myself," he quoted Dietrich and denied firmly, "Don’t get involved. I’ll take care of everything so just stay there and watch over me, will you?” he said smiling, but his moistened eyes betrayed him.
Recalling the past, Rudolf felt a deja vu, this too happened in the past when their son said those exact words to them. Hesitating, he gave the same advice he gave to Samson at that time “Kid, I don’t know what you are trying to achieve, but a single egg can't break a rock, it is said for a reason.” He added, looking down, regretting, "Your father failed for the exact reasons."
“I know that’s why I need her." Hans said, hinting about Delimira, "She might not have the overwhelming talent, but she has enormous potential. When it blossoms, even if I have to be on my knees. I’ll apologise to her, and I'm confident she will forgive me.” Hans said smiling, “She is my friend after all.”
“If you delay further, you might lose her for good.” Sierra added but Hans, showing brimming confidence, responded “I’ll make it happen.”
“But –” Sierra was going to continue but Rudolf stopped her, Tapping her shoulder he said, “Go what you wanna do, squeaky but know that you have a place to come back to.”
Rudolf understood since this was the talk after which Samson changed for good, maturing all of a sudden, and took the responsibility of a falling nation, rebuilding it back to its former glory, but Hans was too young to do events of that calibre so he wanted to rectify his long term regret, “Go for it kiddo, spread your wing and fly, I’ll be there to catch you if you fall.”
When Hans left, Sierra couldn’t help feeling down. She asked Rudolf in tears, “It felt like a farewell.”
“No it's not dear,” Rudolf responded, caressing her hair and wiping the tears from her cheeks, “He just grew up a little.”
“Then my poor disciple. She will be heartbroken.” Sierra stated, “She might not know herself, but Hans’s acknowledgement was the sheer force propelling her.”
“Who knows, this might encourage her further, after all, her competitiveness is no joke either, dear,” Rudolf commented, embracing his wife.
Walter informed him about the verdict on his punishment. He was to face a two-month suspension, with no access to classes or facilities, except for the central library for self-study. Many professors expressed opposition, deeming this punishment too lenient. So, another thing was added to his annual schedule, he had to earn 2000 credits by completing the tasks for Concordia. These tasks were a means for students who couldn't afford tuition to earn gold, and they were only available to third-year students and above. First-year tuition was free, and the second-year fee was minimal, which they could pay off later once they gained access to the task hall.
Reading the official notice, Hans let out a sigh. "It says this will start from tomorrow. I've got one more day," he murmured, wearing his white robe adorned with two clips on the shoulders that indicated his year. He headed for the common room designated for second-year students. There was another homeroom session scheduled for today, during which his punishment would be made public as a warning to others against repeating his actions.
As he walked, he noticed others giving him disdainful glances. “Ha these fools, she never even looked at you directly but now, all of a sudden you are feeling bad for her like you are close to her or something." Shaking his head, he entered the common room, and the entire class fell silent. Delimira, still bearing bandages, was seated at the front, a change from her usual spot at the back. Their eyes met briefly, but, Hans’s former self had returned, he was not questioning his choice since he brainwashed himself that whatever steps he took or was about to take, was and would be the right choice.
He walked past her without uttering a word, but Chris intercepted him, His rage from before had settled down quite a bit, and he genuinely wanted to go back to being friends like before. He said in a deep voice, almost sounding pleading, "Hans, do you really not want to reconcile with her? This could lead to a permanent fallout, buddy."
However, Hans had anticipated Chris's reaction, given his nature. Therefore, he had prepared a fitting response. In a serious tone, he replied, “Chris, when Eclipse attacked Clandor, I bet you were scared shitless and hid along with your family while your father took the heat. You would have wanted to fight beside your father, but he would have forced you to step back. Do you know why?” Hans stressed, “Because you were so weak that even your father couldn’t trust his back on you.”
Chris's grasp on his words weakened at those remarks, and Hans pressed on, "Brother, it's only you who can protect your family, not me, not her, and certainly not the elves you have faith in. When push comes to shove, they will discard you to fend for yourselves, after all, you are not one of them.”Pausing, Hans locked eyes with Chris and concluded, “So instead of trying to be an advocate, train like a madman because unlike us, you do not have the privilege to fool around.”
Chris remained motionless, his gaze fixed on Hans as he ascended to the back seat. However, his legs betrayed him, causing him to collapse onto the seat next to Delimira. The weight of those cutting words had left him disheartened, and he was not alone in sharing that feeling. Delimira who was waiting for Hans to turn back to his usual self understood that there was no going back to the times they shared in Edenberg Manor. He was acting, no, he was different from his childish self.
Her emotions that should have been hatred turned into disappointment in herself. They both being in deep thought didn’t realise when the time passed, and Walter's announcement of Hans's punishment for severely injuring Delimra took them by surprise. One credit in Concordia was equivalent to 100 gold coins in reality, so Hans had his work cut out for him. “A fine of 200,000 Gold, this must be the work of Professor Winter, fine I’ll play your game professor.”
As the announcement echoed throughout the room, the class was dismissed for their designated studies. Hans departed in the same manner he arrived and located Vanir. Following their usual routine, they engaged in a sparring session, which ended as it usually did – with Vanir being defeated. Panting heavily on all fours, he stared at the floor, realising that Hans had held back, never revealing the full extent of the ManaStorm he had used against Delimira.
Taking a long breath Vanir sat, cross-legged, “I've got a long way to go before witnessing your masterpiece, senior, right?” he asked Hans, prying into his skills and then Hans asked in return, “You mean ManaStorm?” Vanir nodded to his questions so Hans added, “It sure has some ridiculous power, but that's not my masterpiece.”
“What?” Vanir asked in surprise, “Then what it is?”
“Isn’t it better if you force me to use that? This will be a fine milestone in your progress.”
“Yeah, but I’m curious.”
Observing the glint in Vanir's eyes, Hans recalled Dietrich's recent advice. The chairman had paid him a visit the previous night, engaging in a meaningful conversation. Dietrich had posed a question about what Hans desired with Vanir: whether he aimed to have another friend or a subordinate. In response, Hans had sought clarification on the distinction.
Dietrich had simplistically explained that friends share equal status, while subordinates are marked by loyalty and unwavering faith in their superiors. Hans vividly remembered Dietrich's words: "Your father had many friends but no subordinates." This made it clear what he wanted, "I need someone who does what I say, not use his head for thinking." So Dietrich gave him advice, “A secret shared will deepen the trust.” Hans had doubted that sharing something would lead to betrayal. So Dietrich gave him a poetic piece of advice that was still echoing in his ears.
Two shadows lurk, betrayal's guise they wear,
One, starved and burdened, crumbles in despair,
The other, insatiable, hungers ceaselessly,
In them, our choices echo, in truth we see.
The first, a hunger unmet, a call ignored,
Fault lies within, needs left unexplored,
The second, a misjudgment in disguise.
Our fault again, trust wrapped in lies."
Not grasping the meaning completely Hans had asked for an explanation, “There exist exactly two kinds who will betray you. One who is too hungry and can’t handle the hardships, while the other, who is never satisfied no matter how much they get. The betrayal from the first is your fault for neglecting their needs, and the second’s betrayal is also your fault for misjudging them.”
So Hans asked him how he could be sure, and then Dietrich said, “Ask his story, show your empathy and share his woes. That way his sense of loyalty will become a roadblock, stopping him from going awry.
Announcement
NEXT : MENTORSHIP (2)
I don't know where I've heard those words - the explanation of Dietrich, they are not my words. but I've penned a poetic form by myself, I hope you guys like it.
ACT V
THE GLORY WARS
"Let's review the whole mess," Hans thought hard, trying to put together all the information he had. "Xandor is after mana gems, and there's no doubt he'll locate them since they are not unique. But why? That's obvious, if for some reason he has the god metal that great grandfather was talking about then it's almost certain he'll forge the Ring of Chaos." Hans shivered imagining his thoughts coming to light, "Most powerful thing to man, in the hands of a lunatic dead set on destroying in the name of revenge, thanks a lot, Samson."
He sighed, "That's one thing, but why is the heck he wants Rebellion, a sword that he can't use or Is Samson, alive and well with them, I got no clue about this. But Since I need to change my death, I have to be strong, stronger than the version of what he saw, I need the second book for that."
Struggling what to do without anyone guiding him was turning into a headache, and when he asked Dietrich for help, all he got in response was - "It's your journey, you ought to finish it by yourself." Hans said out loud, imitating Dietrich's relaxed tone. "And lastly, my family will die, triggering all the events of me fighting Ancients, I can't think of any other reason why I'll pick a fight with them. Deli might die too since Sam made sure to force me to protect her..."
Ugh, this is giving me a headache. Nothing around me is normal. I'm just twelve, and they're throwing all this at me," he grumbled, glancing at his notes again.
He realized how much anxiety knowing the possible future could cause. The weight of this little bit of information was so heavy. He wondered how stressed his father must have been, living life knowing what was going to happen. "He should have done everything to prevent these things. I can't handle this alone. Damn it," he cursed. "That old fox shouldn't have told me... but no, it's good that I know. Somehow, I'll prevent it from happening and to do that I need strong people on my side for it. Maybe I could use Xandor... I'm not that of a grand planner, but let's focus on what I do the best, leaving it for my future self to deal with the consequences and focus on getting stronger.”
“Hans,” Sierra finally spoke, her voice a little shaky, “don’t worry, you won’t suffer anything as long as I can —”
“No, grandma. It's my journey, I ought to finish it by myself," he quoted Dietrich and denied firmly, "Don’t get involved. I’ll take care of everything so just stay there and watch over me, will you?” he said smiling, but his moistened eyes betrayed him.
Recalling the past, Rudolf felt a deja vu, this too happened in the past when their son said those exact words to them. Hesitating, he gave the same advice he gave to Samson at that time “Kid, I don’t know what you are trying to achieve, but a single egg can't break a rock, it is said for a reason.” He added, looking down, regretting, "Your father failed for the exact reasons."
“I know that’s why I need her." Hans said, hinting about Delimira, "She might not have the overwhelming talent, but she has enormous potential. When it blossoms, even if I have to be on my knees. I’ll apologise to her, and I'm confident she will forgive me.” Hans said smiling, “She is my friend after all.”
“If you delay further, you might lose her for good.” Sierra added but Hans, showing brimming confidence, responded “I’ll make it happen.”
“But –” Sierra was going to continue but Rudolf stopped her, Tapping her shoulder he said, “Go what you wanna do, squeaky but know that you have a place to come back to.”
Rudolf understood since this was the talk after which Samson changed for good, maturing all of a sudden, and took the responsibility of a falling nation, rebuilding it back to its former glory, but Hans was too young to do events of that calibre so he wanted to rectify his long term regret, “Go for it kiddo, spread your wing and fly, I’ll be there to catch you if you fall.”
When Hans left, Sierra couldn’t help feeling down. She asked Rudolf in tears, “It felt like a farewell.”
“No it's not dear,” Rudolf responded, caressing her hair and wiping the tears from her cheeks, “He just grew up a little.”
“Then my poor disciple. She will be heartbroken.” Sierra stated, “She might not know herself, but Hans’s acknowledgement was the sheer force propelling her.”
“Who knows, this might encourage her further, after all, her competitiveness is no joke either, dear,” Rudolf commented, embracing his wife.
Walter informed him about the verdict on his punishment. He was to face a two-month suspension, with no access to classes or facilities, except for the central library for self-study. Many professors expressed opposition, deeming this punishment too lenient. So, another thing was added to his annual schedule, he had to earn 2000 credits by completing the tasks for Concordia. These tasks were a means for students who couldn't afford tuition to earn gold, and they were only available to third-year students and above. First-year tuition was free, and the second-year fee was minimal, which they could pay off later once they gained access to the task hall.
Reading the official notice, Hans let out a sigh. "It says this will start from tomorrow. I've got one more day," he murmured, wearing his white robe adorned with two clips on the shoulders that indicated his year. He headed for the common room designated for second-year students. There was another homeroom session scheduled for today, during which his punishment would be made public as a warning to others against repeating his actions.
As he walked, he noticed others giving him disdainful glances. “Ha these fools, she never even looked at you directly but now, all of a sudden you are feeling bad for her like you are close to her or something." Shaking his head, he entered the common room, and the entire class fell silent. Delimira, still bearing bandages, was seated at the front, a change from her usual spot at the back. Their eyes met briefly, but, Hans’s former self had returned, he was not questioning his choice since he brainwashed himself that whatever steps he took or was about to take, was and would be the right choice.
He walked past her without uttering a word, but Chris intercepted him, His rage from before had settled down quite a bit, and he genuinely wanted to go back to being friends like before. He said in a deep voice, almost sounding pleading, "Hans, do you really not want to reconcile with her? This could lead to a permanent fallout, buddy."
However, Hans had anticipated Chris's reaction, given his nature. Therefore, he had prepared a fitting response. In a serious tone, he replied, “Chris, when Eclipse attacked Clandor, I bet you were scared shitless and hid along with your family while your father took the heat. You would have wanted to fight beside your father, but he would have forced you to step back. Do you know why?” Hans stressed, “Because you were so weak that even your father couldn’t trust his back on you.”
Chris's grasp on his words weakened at those remarks, and Hans pressed on, "Brother, it's only you who can protect your family, not me, not her, and certainly not the elves you have faith in. When push comes to shove, they will discard you to fend for yourselves, after all, you are not one of them.”Pausing, Hans locked eyes with Chris and concluded, “So instead of trying to be an advocate, train like a madman because unlike us, you do not have the privilege to fool around.”
Chris remained motionless, his gaze fixed on Hans as he ascended to the back seat. However, his legs betrayed him, causing him to collapse onto the seat next to Delimira. The weight of those cutting words had left him disheartened, and he was not alone in sharing that feeling. Delimira who was waiting for Hans to turn back to his usual self understood that there was no going back to the times they shared in Edenberg Manor. He was acting, no, he was different from his childish self.
Her emotions that should have been hatred turned into disappointment in herself. They both being in deep thought didn’t realise when the time passed, and Walter's announcement of Hans's punishment for severely injuring Delimra took them by surprise. One credit in Concordia was equivalent to 100 gold coins in reality, so Hans had his work cut out for him. “A fine of 200,000 Gold, this must be the work of Professor Winter, fine I’ll play your game professor.”
As the announcement echoed throughout the room, the class was dismissed for their designated studies. Hans departed in the same manner he arrived and located Vanir. Following their usual routine, they engaged in a sparring session, which ended as it usually did – with Vanir being defeated. Panting heavily on all fours, he stared at the floor, realising that Hans had held back, never revealing the full extent of the ManaStorm he had used against Delimira.
Taking a long breath Vanir sat, cross-legged, “I've got a long way to go before witnessing your masterpiece, senior, right?” he asked Hans, prying into his skills and then Hans asked in return, “You mean ManaStorm?” Vanir nodded to his questions so Hans added, “It sure has some ridiculous power, but that's not my masterpiece.”
“What?” Vanir asked in surprise, “Then what it is?”
“Isn’t it better if you force me to use that? This will be a fine milestone in your progress.”
“Yeah, but I’m curious.”
Observing the glint in Vanir's eyes, Hans recalled Dietrich's recent advice. The chairman had paid him a visit the previous night, engaging in a meaningful conversation. Dietrich had posed a question about what Hans desired with Vanir: whether he aimed to have another friend or a subordinate. In response, Hans had sought clarification on the distinction.
Dietrich had simplistically explained that friends share equal status, while subordinates are marked by loyalty and unwavering faith in their superiors. Hans vividly remembered Dietrich's words: "Your father had many friends but no subordinates." This made it clear what he wanted, "I need someone who does what I say, not use his head for thinking." So Dietrich gave him advice, “A secret shared will deepen the trust.” Hans had doubted that sharing something would lead to betrayal. So Dietrich gave him a poetic piece of advice that was still echoing in his ears.
Two shadows lurk, betrayal's guise they wear,
One, starved and burdened, crumbles in despair,
The other, insatiable, hungers ceaselessly,
In them, our choices echo, in truth we see.
The first, a hunger unmet, a call ignored,
Fault lies within, needs left unexplored,
The second, a misjudgment in disguise.
Our fault again, trust wrapped in lies."
Not grasping the meaning completely Hans had asked for an explanation, “There exist exactly two kinds who will betray you. One who is too hungry and can’t handle the hardships, while the other, who is never satisfied no matter how much they get. The betrayal from the first is your fault for neglecting their needs, and the second’s betrayal is also your fault for misjudging them.”
So Hans asked him how he could be sure, and then Dietrich said, “Ask his story, show your empathy and share his woes. That way his sense of loyalty will become a roadblock, stopping him from going awry.
Announcement
NEXT : MENTORSHIP (2)
I don't know where I've heard those words - the explanation of Dietrich, they are not my words. but I've penned a poetic form by myself, I hope you guys like it.
