(*Back to the present*).
Sylus's POV.....
The cold wind blew up the curtains of my room just as I entered, today was weird and I don't even know why, I spent the afternoon in the garden maybe I would see that fox ghost again but to my disappointment she didn't show up.
The boys and I went swimming in the river Akai, it's on the other side of the island. We had a fun time, just Dia being a pain and Idris trying to not start a fight.
I can tell it's almost time to meet our new students, honestly I'm excited, I just hope there won't be anyone with Diablo's personality, we already don't know how to deal with him sometimes.
"hey, Asta..... the other sins, mind telling me what they could be like" I called him .
(why are you asking) he appeared in my mind.
" just wanted to know " I replied.
(well..... they are just like the rest of us, they take a smaller form to cope with their masters )
" I already know that, tell me something I don't know," I said.
(Seriously dude, we have been down this path countless times, talked about this topic from the day I trusted you with my power, how many times are you planning on asking me this )he sighed dramatically.
" There gotta be something I don't know. Something like who is the leader among the seven of you or who is more powerful"
(there's no leader among the seven of us and our strength depends on how our masters use it, how many times do you want me to say it )
"okay but still, there gotta be something you're not letting out of the bag , ..... how about what created you and who did you take commands from before you were tamed "
(Gosh Sylus, you are so annoying, nothing created us, we were born from the raw chaotic power that use to flow freely long ago, and we take our command from the pillar of Balance)
" keep talking, tell me more about this Pillar of Balance things you say".
He rolled his eyes ( you know the four pillars that surround this world, two of them are in link with Asha, she is known as the Balancer to all forces, before we were tamed we move with the pillar of Balance, that's why Asha have us at her disposal, she is the embodiment of the pillar itself)
" first of all it's Lady Asha, and second, how come you've never told me about any of this, you seem to know more about the pillars then I do," I said
( I don't know anything about anything, it's just common sense, two of the pillars are linked with Asha and the other two is for a guy I don't know , all natural forces know this)
" Again it's Lady Asha, she is your captain and leader, show some respect. If that's just common sense why don't I know, I'm pretty sure the boys don't know too and which other guy are you talking about, does Lady Asha know him"
(whatever man, you seem stupid enough not to know and it's not something that's announced everyday, if your done can I go now.)
" you speak a lot of bullshit for a cat who lives in my head, I'm your master "
" can I go now your majesty" he emphasized on the 'majesty' " and I'm not a cat".
" yeah, the last time I checked I didn't care " .
The servant walked in." master Sylus, Lady Asha says it's time for the introduction meeting ".
I stood up and waved my hand to dismiss her,
' wish me luck Asta ' he rolled his eyes and disappeared. I wonder what he does when he disappears like that.
The conference chamber was already prepared when I arrived.
the sunset light from the eastern cliffs filtered through panes of stained glass, falling across the marble floor in long, colored bands that reminded me more of a cathedral than a training hall.
The sea lay somewhere beyond those walls, present in the distant, steady roar against the rocks below. Everything about the island was designed to impress upon its occupants a sense of removal, from the mainland, from distraction, from mercy.
Asta appeared in my mind but didn't say anything, just watched as I got closer to the tall gates of the hall,
I entered.
Ten students were already seated.
They rose as one.
I acknowledged them with a slight inclination of my head, more courtesy than they would receive later. my gaze swept up on the student taking their physical image in, with what I was seeing they are quite good and fit for this,
Then I saw her.
She sat among them as though she had always belonged there.
white garments, wolf mask, that katana, and a posture of complete composure.
If I had not seen her that morning, I might have overlooked her entirely. That, I suspected, was intentional.
I took my place without pause.
I kept my expression neutral and took my seat, Idris was on my left while Diablo was on my right,
great, now I'm the center of attraction
The doors opened again before I could answer further.
The Captain entered.
Authority moved with her,..... not loudly, but with the quiet certainty of someone long obeyed. At her side walked Gen, carrying a lacquered case containing documents and seals. Gen's gaze swept the room once, cataloguing every detail, before he took his place slightly behind the Captain's chair.
I thought he was new
the student stood again not us though,
"Be seated," the Captain said.
they obeyed.
"These ten," she began, turning slightly toward us, "represent the finest of my command's students. You will take them for the duration of their training cycle. Whatever they become afterward will reflect upon all of us."
Her eyes moved across the room, pausing just long enough on each student to remind them of the weight they carried.
"To the students: these are your masters during your time on this island. You will learn their methods. You will adapt to their expectations. You will not attempt to test their patience."
A brief silence followed.
she looked to us,
I rose.
" you shall address me as Sylus, I am the sin of Greed, King Sylus of Greed" I said. "What you have achieved to arrive here is irrelevant. This island is not a reward. It is a refinement."
I let my gaze pass over them, assessing.
When I reached her, she did not lower her eyes.
Interesting.
"You will not be taught how to succeed," I continued. "You will be taught how not to fail when success is no longer possible.. everyone here has it in them to succeed, but when success is no more, that's where the line between life and death lies"
I resumed my seat.
Idris gave his introduction next, voice calm, analytical, already speaking to them as though they were problems to be solved. Diablo followed with far fewer words, yet somehow leaving the stronger impression.
Through it all, I was aware
Of her stillness.
Of the way she listened.
Of the unmistakable certainty that she was neither surprised to see me… nor concerned by it.
(Don't look at her too much Sylus) Asta asked lightly inside my mind.
' said the guy scanning faces ' I answered
(I'm looking for faces the others described to me)
I did not respond at first
' wait what'
Asta's satisfaction was immediate.
Gen placed the necessary documents before her with silent efficiency.
"This concludes formal introduction," she said. "Training begins at fist bell of the date in this papers,"
just a snap of her finger a copy appeared before everyone
"Until then, you will familiarize yourselves with the grounds and the expectations placed upon you."
Chairs shifted softly as the students prepared to stand.
I grabbed the paper and read it,
again isn't Gen supposed to be new, when did he get the position to deal with such papers,
The young woman rose with them.
For the briefest moment, her gaze met mine directly.
Then she looked away as though nothing at all had passed between us.
If I had not held the ribbon in my pocket, I might have questioned the encounter entirely.
But I had not imagined it.
And now she was here.
On this island.
Under my supervision.
(stop staring, please, Asha noticed) Asta said.
I stood.
"the only reason you were not caught for what you did was because no one saw you " I answered silently.
the meeting is dismissed , we may as well leave ,