Suddenly, the girl's eyes slowly opened. Her small, pale lips trembled as she whispered, "B-Brother…?"
The boy rushed to her side, tears welling up again. He hugged her gently, holding her like she might vanish if he let go. "I'm here… I'm here, sister… you're okay now!" he said, smiling through his tears.
The girl weakly smiled back and placed her small hand on his shoulder. Lucien watched the scene in silence, his arms folded, his face calm and quiet. Then, the boy stood up and looked at Lucien with determined eyes.
"Sir… please let me serve you!" he suddenly said, kneeling. "I will train… I will become strong… and one day, I'll be your knight! I'll protect you for eternity, no matter where you go!"
Lucien looked at the boy for a few seconds before shaking his head. "I don't need anyone to follow me," Lucien said calmly. "I walk the world alone. I'm a wanderer, not a master with knights."
The boy lowered his head, clearly disappointed.
"But…" Lucien added, making the boy lift his head again. "If you truly wish to become a knight, I can help you."
Lucien reached into his coat and pulled out a small token. It was red with gold edges, glowing faintly with enchantment. On it was a name carved in elegant letters—Valtair. He handed it to the boy.
"Take this," Lucien said. "This token bears my family name. If you show this to the right people, doors will open."
The boy took the token with wide eyes, holding it like it was the most precious treasure he'd ever seen.
Lucien continued, "I will send you and your sister to a place. Once you arrive, show them this and say that I sent you."
He paused, then gave a rare, faint smile. "Tell them… I want Kalios to train you. He will understand."
The boy's hands trembled as he clutched the token tightly. "Thank you… thank you, Sir Lucien…"
Lucien said nothing, only turned his gaze to the quiet sky inside the illusion world. 'Even in hidden places like this… the world's cruelty never changes. But perhaps… a single spark was enough to light something new.' Lucien thoughts.
Lucien raised his right hand slowly. His fingers moved gently through the air, drawing a glowing sigil that shimmered with pale blue light.
"Voidwind Passage," he whispered calmly.
A sudden gust of silent wind blew around the two children. The air rippled like fabric, forming a swirling portal of shadow and mist beneath them. The boy looked surprised but didn't resist—he clutched his sister tightly in his arms while still holding the Valtair token close to his chest.
"This portal will bring you to Kalios' training camp," Lucien said, his voice calm. "Just step through. Tell them I sent you."
The boy looked at Lucien one last time, his eyes filled with gratitude. "I will become strong… I promise."
Lucien gave a short nod as the two siblings slowly descended into the void gate. Within seconds, they vanished into the quiet swirl of space.
A sudden gust of warm air hit their faces. When they opened their eyes, they were already standing in a grassy field surrounded by tall stone walls. Knights were sparring in the distance, and a few instructors were barking orders at students in training armor.
The boy looked around nervously, holding his sister close.
"Where… are we?" the girl asked weakly, still leaning on her brother.
Before the boy could respond, a tall man with silver hair and a calm face approached them. His armor bore the crest of a phoenix. His sharp golden eyes stared at the boy's token, then met his gaze.
"You… that token—" the man said, frowning.
The boy quickly stepped forward and bowed. "Sir! Lucien sent me! He said to give you this!"
He offered the token with both hands. Kalios stared at it for a few seconds, then took it gently.
"…So he's still wandering," Kalios muttered, then gave a small smile. "Very well. From this day on, you will train here. I'll personally oversee your progress."
The boy's eyes lit up. "T-Thank you, sir!"
Kalios glanced at the girl. "And your sister?"
"She… she's recovering. But I'll protect her until she's strong again." The boy said.
Kalios nodded. "We have room and healers. You'll both be safe."
As Kalios led them deeper into the camp, the boy looked back at the strange portal that brought them here. It was gone now, like it never existed. 'Lucien Valtair… I'll make you proud.'
Back in the hidden illusion village, Lucien stood quietly. The portal behind him had faded, and the gentle winds returned to silence. He looked around once more.
"This village… it's made by high-level illusion magic," he muttered.
He walked slowly through the quiet streets. The buildings were well-crafted, but it was clear the people here lived in fear. Hidden. Forgotten. It was like a separate world tucked inside reality.
Lucien's gaze wandered toward the false sky, the dark clouds unmoving, like painted glass.
Now back in the real world, Lucien walked the dirt roads toward the 12th district—the lowest-ranked area of the kingdom. As he moved through the crowded streets, the difference was clear.
Shabby buildings. Old, broken roads. People with tired faces sitting on crates or walking with lowered heads. It was a place forgotten by the nobles.
He made no sound as he walked, his white coat drawing a few glances—but no one dared approach him. Soon, he stopped in front of a small wooden building with a faded sign: Mercenary Guild - 12th District Branch
Lucien entered without hesitation. Inside, it was dim and quiet. A few men sat at tables, sipping cheap ale or checking their weapons. Behind a wooden counter, a sleepy man looked up as Lucien approached.
"You look new," the man said, yawning. "You here to register?"
"No," Lucien replied. "Just browsing."
He walked toward the mission board. Most of the quests were low-grade: find missing pets, deliver letters, clear weak beasts.
Lucien's eyes scanned the board until one simple quest caught his eye. "Missing Cat - Black fur, green eyes, name: Moki. Last seen near the old bakery. Reward: 2 silver."
Lucien pulled the quest note from the board and walked back to the counter. "I'll take this," he said.
The man raised an eyebrow. "Huh? You sure, noble boy? That mission's been there a week. Cat's probably eaten by now."
Lucien didn't reply. He simply turned and left. Outside, the 12th district buzzed with activity, but it all seemed distant to Lucien. As he walked toward the old bakery mentioned in the mission, he thought silently: 'A missing cat, huh… even small things hold value to someone.'
He didn't mind doing minor missions. To him, blending in was just as important as training or hiding his true identity. Besides…
He smiled faintly as the breeze passed. 'Even legends can chase cats… sometimes.'