While Espen was drowning in existential questions about the source of his power, a new presence pierced the quiet of the hall. It didn't arrive with noise or commotion, but drifted in like a cold breeze cutting through the heat of the room. A boy stood beside them, exceptionally tall, his back straight with an innate dignity, hands tucked into the pockets of a coat that looked like a masterpiece designed to reflect his calm nature.
The boy was a living embodiment of majestic tranquility, with features that left an immediate impression on Espen:
His messy white hair flowed lightly over his forehead, reflecting the dim light like stray threads of silk. His eyes were oases of stillness; a steady gaze that held not a hint of defiance or fear, but a full, sober awareness of everything around him.
His steps were incredibly light, as if he were moving over a carpet of air, and when he spoke, his voice was low and resonant:
"Espen.. have you chosen a mission yet?"
Espen's internal reaction:
(Finally.. a man!)
Espen's eyes widened with a spark of unbelievable joy, as if rain had finally fallen after a long drought. He cheered enthusiastically, clapping a firm hand on the boy's shoulder:
"Oh! Welcome! Finally, a real male amidst this vast ocean of women! My friend, I'm completely in.. don't worry, I'll be with you on your mission, whatever it is!"
The boy took a small step back, shooting Espen a look of deep bewilderment. He said in his unchanging, calm voice:
"What is wrong with you, Espen? You are acting entirely unlike yourself.. your behavior is highly suspicious."
Rosaline stepped in to calm the boy and clarify the situation, saying in a gentle tone:
"Don't be afraid, Hader. The thing is, Espen isn't the person you used to know. He's completely lost his memory; he doesn't even remember your name right now."
Hader narrowed his eyes, re-evaluating the person standing before him, and muttered in shock:
"Espen lost his memory? Strange...?"
Espen muttered boredly, scratching the back of his head:
"Forget all that for now.. I know my reputation precedes me as a scumbag. But please, let's get moving immediately. This scene has become unnecessarily long, and I feel like the 'audience' is starting to get bored of us just standing here in this spot!"
Hader looked at Espen with zero comprehension, ignoring the weird comment about the "audience," and said with dignity:
"Master Espen, my name is Hader."
Espen let out an appreciative whistle:
"Wow! Your name is light on the heart and very musical, and that resonant voice of yours makes it even better! Anyway, let's head back to the Guild to change our clothes and get ready before we set off."
The three of them—Rosaline, Hader, and Espen—moved together toward the school exit with quick strides. As Espen walked behind them, he couldn't stop his mind from its usual sarcasm:
(My god.. we've turned into a magical version of a Saturday morning cartoon!)
As soon as the three crossed the threshold of the school's outer gate, Espen's feet froze in place. His eyes widened with a shock he couldn't hide. Before him stood his father Atterman and his mother Sofia, locked in a serious discussion with a woman Espen had never seen before; her presence wasn't just a presence, it was total dominance over the space.
The lady stood like a towering mountain, with a sheer bulk that almost rivaled the height and width of his "Founding Titan" father, Atterman. She was the personification of raw power and majestic beauty combined:
Her mighty frame was clad in polished golden armor that gleamed under the sun with a breathtaking luster, as if it had been cast from pure gold extracted from the heart of the sun and frozen onto her silhouette.
Her coal-black hair fell in straight, sharp lines over her broad shoulders, framing a face with alabaster skin that overflowed with dignity. Her gray eyes radiated a strange calm—a silence before the storm that stood in stark contrast to her stern combat armor.
She stood with her arms folded over her broad chest, listening to Espen's parents with a focus that made everything around her seem small.
As soon as she sensed their approach, her stern features suddenly relaxed. A wide smile spread across her lips, shifting her aura from "War Commander" to "Affectionate Relative," and she raised her hand to greet him with unexpected intimacy.
She said in a warm voice with a powerful ring:
"Espen! How are you, boy? It's been an age since I last saw you."
Espen muttered with biting irony, shaking his head helplessly:
(Wow.. another giant! It seems my fate in this world is to live among titans and colossi on repeat.)
Wonder etched itself onto the lady's face, so Atterman quickly stepped in to explain the situation in a calm tone:
"Don't pay it any mind, Valeria.. Espen is going through a strange case of amnesia. He currently doesn't remember even those closest to him, and you are no exception."
Valeria's eyes sparkled with understanding. She looked at Espen with a smile and said:
"Aha.. I see. It seems a lot of water has flowed under the bridge in my absence."
Then, with a graceful movement despite her massive size, she dropped into a crouch to be at eye level with him and said, reintroducing herself:
"Hello, Espen.. since you've forgotten, I'll introduce myself again: I am Valeria.. Linda's mother."
Signs of astonishment appeared on Espen's face, and his words came out with crude spontaneity:
"Aha.. I see! Honestly, you clearly share her features, but you look far more feminine than her, despite your massive and muscular build."
Sofia knit her brows and cut him off with a sternness she tried to wrap in her usual cheerfulness:
"Espen! Mind your manners! Speak to Lady Valeria in a way that befits her station."
Valeria laughed as she stood up and adjusted her golden armor, directing her words to Sofia:
"Don't worry, Sofia. I've been used to Espen's sharp tongue for years. Regardless, I must go now; I have much to accomplish.. I'll see you later, Atterman."
Valeria moved away with long, confident strides that slowly shook the earth. Atterman turned toward his son, a proud, fatherly smile on his face:
"Espen.. I hope your first day at school after your 'rebirth' went beautifully."
Espen stood scrutinizing his parents, balancing in his mind the extreme bulk of his father Atterman against the delicacy of his mother Sofia. He let out a sarcastic sigh and asked with hilarious seriousness:
"Forgive the question.. but you and Dad, how did you conceive a human being? Was it done via 'Bluetooth,' or some kind of remote technology?"
Atterman's booming laugh shook the surroundings. He answered while patting his son's shoulder with force:
"Espen, I don't know what this 'Blue...' you're raving about is, but you must put your joking aside. Remember that 'Lili' is waiting for you in 'Radiantis'—the Kingdom of Light. Don't forget to go and finalize the marriage arrangements with her; the matter can no longer be delayed."
Espen waved his hand in the air with boredom and sarcasm:
"Fine, I'll go to that girl with a motor for a tongue who speaks a million words a second. I'll do it."
His parents exchanged one last look tinged with hope and caution, then left the area with heavy steps, leaving Espen alone with his companions.
Before Espen could take a single step, the air froze in his lungs. The temperature shifted suddenly and violently, as if an invisible sun had melted into a single spot. An aura of invisible searing heat swept the place, making sweat pour from foreheads.
From the midst of the heat's glow, a boy materialized who looked as if he had just stepped out from the pits of hell. He wore a pitch-black suit, meticulously woven and pierced by thin lines of glowing "neon" purple, as if veins of raw energy were flowing through his clothes.
His hair was a striking crimson, sharply shaved on the sides, while his long locks flowed back like a rebellious lion's mane refusing to submit.
His eyes gleamed a sharp amber, reflecting a demonic spark devoid of any hint of mercy or softness.
The most terrifyingly beautiful sight was in his palms; they were encased in a flaming orange blaze that danced violently and wildly. The fires were born from his pores, rising to touch the edges of his jacket without burning it—instead, they only increased its glow and majesty.
The boy advanced with confident steps, every tap on the ground announcing absolute control over the situation. A wicked, mocking smile played on his lips, carrying the delight of enjoying the weakness of others in his presence.
He stopped directly in front of Espen and spoke in a coarse voice, trembling with an echo that sounded like the hiss of a raging fire:
"Hello, you wretched Espen.. I hope your day is as bad as 'Silslen Coal'."