They look like ripples.
The way ripples appear on the surface of water, forming rings that expand endlessly until they vanish. But, this ti, it’s the opposite—the rings contract, endlessly appearing from an invisible and vast exterior and vanishing once they contract to the center.
These ripples exist everywhere I look.
The doctor has ripples... and so do the nurses and everyone else around . Not just them, but even the ground, the table, the chair, the bed, and so on.
Everything that exists... has these ripples.
I can only clearly see four of these rings in the ripples, and they glimr with radiant colors.
The central ripple appears bright yellow, and it vanishes after a second, only for another one to appear and also vanish after another second.
After is the orange one, which lasts a minute, before vanishing after the minute.
The third appears bright red.
It hasn’t vanished, but it slowly moves towards the center with the passage of ti.
I reckon it will be gone by the hour.
The final one that I see looks golden, and it has barely budged since I woke up. It looks like it could last the whole day before finally condensing into the center, only to be replaced by another.
These four ripples... they appear to be layers.
Layers of Existence!
I vaguely sense the others from which the four ripples are derived, but I can only clearly see these four—Second, Minute, Hour, and Day.
They exist everywhere.
Even around , I see them, like ripples spread across my existence.
They aren’t flat, as one would see on the surface of water, but have three dinsions, pervading the existence of everything else in sight.
However, this is only a fraction of what it is that I see.
The doctor... everyone and everything around ... has this vague and nearly transparent presence. I can see through them, almost like they were translucent glass. It’s almost like their existence isn’t very well defined, and the world around also operates in the sa vein.
I look around and spot a few things that seem to be a little more condensed.
Potions and Armants.
They look a little less vague than everything else in front of .
The Potions lined up on the high shelves look more real, and I can easily spot the few Armants that exist in the room, though it appears they are auxiliary types ant to maintain the sterilized and sanctified state of the dical ward.
’They must have disinfecting effects...’ I tell myself.
I witness the world in a daze as the doctor explains the situation to , talking about how the Duke sent forces to retrieve his daughter and army after realizing what his daughter and son did without his knowledge. It turns out I was the only survivor, so they gave urgent dical attention before bringing back.
That’s how I survived...
As I listen to the doctor, watching his concerned but near-transparent face, I notice sothing else. Sothing... even more astounding.
—Threads.
They’re everywhere, these colorful threads.
They glisten with all kinds of colors, extending from everyone and everything around , connecting everyone and everything in an endless dance of uncanny wonder.
There are six colors of threads around , and they also have different shapes and sizes.
Almost imdiately, I grasp the aning.
The six colors should represent the Leviathan Pathways, and their shapes and sizes should have to do with the Conceptions that exist within each one.
I see three colors especially bright in my line of sight, swirling invitingly to welco .
They have sparks that make them alluring and pleasing to the eyes.
The colors are Green, Purple, and Blue.
The green threads that call for all look like springs, twisted and turning like endless spirals.
As for the purple, they are all wobbly and distorted, having thin lines that extend in multiple directions. As for the blue threads, they are lush and beautiful, appearing delicate, but free-flowing like water.
Everything in the world around is attached to these threads, and they all intertwine to form multicolored threads that extend towards .
The combined threads fuse with my body as though I am the grand tether that connects them all.
Like webs of all kinds of variation, they intricately ld with the ripples around, forming a complex relationship that I cannot unravel with my current understanding.
As for the threads of other colors—crimson, orange, and a rainbow-like kind—as well as their shaped variations, they aren’t attached to so seamlessly. Despite being colorful, they have a dull lustre about them, and they feel sowhat out of reach.
I try to reach out to them, but they shrink back as if my presence repels them. Even though I feel like I can forcibly connect with them, sothing tells it’s a bad idea. As for the other threads, they enticingly invite to pull them, and the sparks only get brighter once I close in on them.
Right now, I’m alone with the doctor.
He doesn’t notice the threads, the ripples, or the transparent-like world that I see.
"This is all... so strange..." I mutter quietly, my voice calm. "But I think I understand it."
These threads... they must be the Aego that Lady Anastasia ntioned. The ripples and rings that form from them must be the Layers of Existence.
Regarding the transparency of people, that must be their existence, signified by their connection to the Aego. I have long noticed how much clearer I appear in my vision compared to everyone, and that must simply be because of my deep connection to the Aego.
As a Leviathan, my existence is simply more defined.
’The only thing I am not fully sure of is what these threads do...’ I sigh, looking at the three kinds of threads that I have access to.
They must involve my three Fragnted Conceptions.
’Tracing, Frontflow, and Clairvoyance, huh? Which is which?’ I wonder quietly, also drawing all the aning from Lady Anastasia’s words. ’Tracing belongs to the Leaper Pathway. Frontflow belongs to the Exemplar Pathway, and Clairvoyance belongs to the Seeker Pathway.’
Honestly, who is that woman?
This is the first ti I’m actually thinking about her in the real world, but now I rember our two encounters, including those horrifying beasts beyond the Observatory.
"Guh!" The mont I think of their grotesque appearance, a terrible headache assails .
I quickly caution myself.
It’s just as Lady Anastasia said—there are things one cannot even dream of comprehending, and seeing those things will be sure to bring only madness.
I have to be careful with my thoughts from this point forward, else it could be dangerous.
’Is this what happened to Zarius? Did he see what he wasn’t ant to?’
This can only remain a thought buried deep within .
At least... for now.
"You will need to answer so questions once you make a substantial recovery. I hope you can understand, Sir Javier." The doctor’s thoughts break from my reverie, and I find myself nodding without thinking.
But, now that I think of it—the whole situation—I feel awful.
A sick sensation assails .
’So many people actually died...’ I sigh, staring emptily at the world with a solemn expression on my rigid face.
I only have Uncle Damon as the last family mber I am close to.
As for friends, only the ones I made at the Academy remain, though, with how much I ignored them during my mont of grief, I can only imagine how many of them still consider as one.
Then, there’s Leon... my aide.
With how the Royal Family revoked the Aditi Household of its title, I can reckon that most of my connections have beco useless.
I can always make new ones, so that doesn’t bother too much.
But—
’What will the Royal Family do to now? I disobeyed orders and entered the restricted zone, so there should be consequences, right? And what exactly do I tell Duke Ravenwood regarding what happened to his daughter and son?’
How do I explain such an unbelievable occurrence to everyone?
As a Leviathan, perhaps I can simply show them my power and let them witness it with their own two eyes.
But... even I do not know the true nature of my Fragnted Conceptions.
How do they operate? What are their limitations? I still hold no clue regarding any of them.
’Plus, publicly revealing myself as a Leviathan will be dangerous if it exposes to fellow Leviathans who either see as a threat or wish to collaborate with ...’
Based on my experience, most Leviathans don’t seem to be good people. Of course, Lady Anastasia is an exception to this, but even now, I still don’t know anything about her and what her intentions are when it cos to helping .
Zarius was an evil being, and the Leviathan he encountered was just as deplorable.
If I use those two as a tric, it’s clear I should avoid any encounter with Leviathans, at least until I figure out more about my abilities and the true state of the world.
I’m only a Witness Harbinger—at the bottom of the food chain in the world of Leviathans.
If I encounter a Disciple, or soone of a higher Rank, I’d be nothing but a worm in front of them, helpless the sa way Zarius was to that Rank 2 Leaper he encountered. To keep myself safe, as well as protect the few people left that I care about, it’s better to keep my identity secret.
As for how to explain the situation... I’ll figure sothing out.
"Thank you, doctor," I speak calmly to the elderly man before . "Is there anything else—?"
"Where is that bastard?! Is this where he is hiding?!"
Before I finish speaking, I hear a loud noise from outside my dical ward.
The expression on the doctor turns pale, and even I feel my chest tighten the mont I recognize the voice. At that point, it’s too late, though, as a young man charges into the room with an ugly expression on his arrogant face.
It’s none other than Julian Ravenwood—Serena’s husband, Dahlia’s younger brother, and most importantly... Duke Marcus Ravenwood’s son.
"You bastard!"
He charges at with a deep glare as his bloodshot eyes bulge with unquestionable passion.
The doctor rushes to stop him, but he shoves the elderly man aside and approaches with what I can only describe as murderous intent.
"Because of you, my sister and brother are dead. Father experienced a stroke when he heard the news and hasn’t recovered since. You wrench... It’s been a whole week, and you just finally decided to wake up, huh?!"
A week...
So this is January, in a brand new year.
’Looks like I lived to see the new year...’ A warm smile forms on my face.
"You bastard!" Julian yells out with pure anger. "How dare you smile? You’re dead!"
I sigh.
It’s all a misunderstanding.
But, to be honest, I am in no mood to explain anything to this man.
When the authorities show up, I will cooperate with them. But, afterwards, I do hope that I will be given the consideration to properly grieve my family and friends, giving them a proper funeral befitting their status in my heart.
This has been a very dark period in my life, but how can I not smile? The world, despite its ugliness and evil, remains beautiful in my functional right eye.
Even as a Leviathan, that hasn’t changed.
Why...?
Why do I still smile despite how cruel life has been to , and how devastated my world has beco after all the tragedies that have befallen ?
Well... it is because life has also provided with sothing of comfort.
A thought—a re possibility.
’The Leviathans control the world through ti. My regression was likely caused by a Leviathan, and I have now beco one myself. If I persevere, just as Lady Anastasia told , and advance in this world, uncovering its mysteries hidden within it... is it not possible to find a way to return to the past once more and save my family?’
Nothing is impossible to a man who has chosen to bear hope in his heart.
I have regressed once.
Doing it again is certainly sothing that can happen.
’Seeing as the chance exists, I will pursue it.’
A way to undo my mistakes, saving my family and all of those who perished because of my hubris—that is the path I have chosen to walk from this mont forth.
As a Leviathan—as Javier Aditi.
***************
[A Few Months Later...]
It’s Late March, and the students of the Royal Academy laugh and talk among themselves as they enter the Orientation Hall for their first-ever lecture in the prestigious institute that they all gained admission into.
The fresh breeze of Spring fills the air, and the atmosphere radiates vibrancy.
Naturally, as a result of their noble statuses and unique backgrounds, special groups have already ford. mbers of respective cliques stay within the confines of their caucus and engage in discussions, but if one looks closely, it isn’t difficult to find a few loners who are on their own.
Hundreds of these students file into the vast auditorium.
"Did you hear? A new Professor will be taking this Orientation." One of the students says, initiating a series of discourse that spans multiple groups.
Before long, many of these new students join in, their youthful chatter filling the vast hall.
"How fitting, since we’re also First Years."
"But shouldn’t a more experienced person handle this? That has been the tradition for as long as I can rember..."
"Hehe! But I hear this Professor broke traditions during his ti in the Royal Academy."
"Yeah! Despite being from a Knight Household, he was actually awarded three Royal Seals of Excellence and graduated as Valedictorian of his set."
"Pfft! What kind of classmates did he have? They actually let soone like that exceed them?"
"Maybe their set was filled with dullards."
"Right? Why is such a man given such a position in this prestigious institute?"
"Regardless, he broke the record of this Academy, established a Club that is still in existence to date, and graduated as a First Rate Scholar. He deserves our respect."
"But why was he appointed as a Senior Professor? He doesn’t even have a University Degree as an Erudite Scholar, and he has no experience in the Education field!"
"Don’t forget he was also recognized as the Hero of our Randalorion Kingdom. He overca a Cadre 5 Magivore, and just a few months ago, he survived that horrid Deep Winter Massacre. His accomplishnts are imnse!"
"How does that translate to being a practicing Scholar?"
"Why not wait and see?"
"I guess...."
Among the smiles and frowns, there are so among the students who sing his praises, while others have skeptical looks.
There are those who already despise this man, while others look up to him.
Irrespective of their opinions, one thing remains evident—they all look forward to his arrival.
Then...
A soft clacking sound echoes in the theater, and all the students fall silent per the Randalorion Code of Nobility.
They all stare at the one who enters the hall with dignified grace.
His long, raven black hair sways gently, and his light olive skin glistens with prestige. His face has an eyepatch strapped on it, which covers his left eye. His exposed right eye is deep gray, and it calmly depicts the vicissitudes of life
He wears a deep purple scholarly robe, with gold embroidered designs giving it an air of magnificence. Beneath is a fine waistcoat of a slightly lighter color, accompanied by a clean white shirt and a black tie. His trousers match the waistcoat, and the color of his polished shoes bears a stark resemblance to the tie.
Everything about his apparel is regal, strikingly majestic.
Yet, there is a humility in it.
No flashiness or excess can be felt from his appearance, and his gentle deanor as he enters the hall radiates with such warmth that it reaches everyone present.
This Senior Professor walks to the podium and stands behind his lectern.
He casts his gaze on the world before him.
Then, he parts his lips and gives everyone a warm introduction with a complex smile etched on his handso face.
"My na is Javier Aditi, Senior Professor here at the Royal Academy of Randalorion..."
It was a bright smile.
A gentle smile, borne from a heart filled with much hope.
"... Let us begin."
[End of Volu 1: In The Pursuit Of Freedom]
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