Name: Rebellious Son of Thunder, Astratis(???)
Level: 0
‘Level zero… Is this even possible?’
To Izroth’s knowledge, the lowest level in RML was one. This was the level all players started their journey.
Even the weakest of villagers were, at the very minimum, level 1. So, then, how could it be that this person before Izroth was at level 0?
‘Something’s off. The system is clearly displaying his level as zero, but the aura he’s giving off is telling a completely different story. Is he using some kind of treasure to hide his true level?’
Izroth knew that there were plenty of treasures in RML that could hide a person’s system information; however, those treasures all had some kind of energy signature when in use. Yet, Izroth did not sense a single drop of mana or any type of energy coming from Astratis. It was unnatural—just like everything else in this Secret Realm.
‘Perhaps I’ll have better luck with that.’
Izroth used Deep Insight to peer into Astratis.
〈System Alert: [1] Flaw has been discovered in «Rebellious Son of Thunder, Astratis»!〉
〈System Alert: Flaw [1]: This person is suffering from a severe internal wound, causing a noticeable decrease in their general strength and lifeforce.〉
‘I see… It’s no wonder he is on such high alert. Still, it’s somewhat strange. Even if he is weakened, his level should not have fallen to zero. Seeing as how he could detect my presence and unleash an aura this heavy in spite of his injury, it’s possible he is someone that has already stepped into the legendary realm.’
While Izroth could not place his exact strength, he was certain Astratis was no weaker than someone like Smiling Demon. To be able to maintain that level of strength while in a severely weakened state was a clear testament to Astratis’ true abilities.
Izroth stepped out as he walked towards Astratis. And, in less than half a breath, he halted his steps exactly five meters away from Astratis.
When Izroth approached him, a small frown found its way onto Astratis’ face.
“A mortal? How did he survive this long in the Ancient Wilderness?” Astratis said to himself as he furrowed his brows.
‘Mortal?’
Of course, the current Izroth was a mortal. After all, in RML, only those who ascended into the Divine Realm could be regarded as higher beings.
‘Could this person be someone from the Divine Realm? …No, with the state of the Divinity Line and the natural laws of this world, something like that should not be possible. Then, does it have something to do with the lifestyle of the residents in this Secret Realm?’
For all Izroth knew, those with any kind of power inside this Secret Realm could be seen as godlike beings.
More importantly, Izroth had to learn the answer to one question—was this person an ally or foe?
Astratis studied Izroth with a piercing gaze. Then, as if confirming his initial doubts, Astratis retracted his aura.
“Mortal, I do not know how you wandered this deep into the Ancient Wilderness, but you should return from whence you came,” Astratis stated.
“…It looks like that matter will have to wait. Though I can’t say my luck was good this time around. For now…” Astratis muttered to himself as a hint of disappointment emerged on his face.
He then released a heavy sigh and said, “The Ancient Wilderness is filled with countless dangers. Losing one’s life here is not uncommon. You are fortunate to have survived this long. But, even great fortune has its limits. In the end, mortals like you lack the Ethos to face the Blighted. Where is your village? I shall accompany you there.”
‘Oh?’
Given his rough greeting, Izroth figured that Astratis was the strong-headed type who would attack first and ask questions later. He never expected Astratis to be so thoughtful as to be willing to escort someone, who was a powerless stranger in his eyes, to safety.
Of course, Izroth had no such village to return to considering he entered this Secret Realm from a portal in the Mortal Realm. In addition, Izroth did not fear any potential dangers and was more than capable of taking care of himself. But, there were some words in particular spoken by Astratis that caught Izroth’s attention.
‘Ethos? The Blighted? Neither one sounds familiar. Based on the context, Ethos must refer to a type of power. As for the Blighted, they could be monsters or just a group of hostile individuals. I need more information. For the time being, it’s probably best that I do not mention the Mortal Realm.’
“I am from Opal Town. But, I’m afraid I have no idea how to get there from here.” Izroth said calmly as he shook his head.
When Izroth first started playing RML, he was spawned in one of the beginner zones called Opal Town. And, indeed, he currently had no clue on how to get there from the Ancient Wilderness. Therefore, it could not be said that he was speaking falsehoods.
“Opal Town… Opal Town… I fear this name escapes me.” Astratis stated with a thoughtful expression.
He then continued, “There is a small village by the foot of the mountains near the outskirts of the Ancient Wilderness. It may not be your home, but you will be safe there. I am sure the villagers will be more than welcoming. They may even know of this place you call Opal Town.”
‘This is a good opportunity. If I can interact with the villagers, I may be able to acquire a deeper insight into this world.’
“Then, I will have to trouble you for a while,” Izroth stated.
“Nonsense. It is my duty to help those in need, especially mortals like yourself. I am a little late with introductions. I am the Son of Thunder, Astratis.”
“I am called Izroth.”
“Izroth? An unusual name. Follow me. Be sure not to stray too far away.”
Astratis started to walk west of the stream—the same direction the water was flowing. Izroth followed a few steps behind him.
“You said the name of your village was Opal Town, right? Which of the four pillars does it reside under? Knowing this much will help you get a headstart on returning there someday.” Astratis questioned.
Pillars? Izroth was unaware of what Astratis was talking about. But, from the sound of things, it was possible that the four pillars were equivalent to the seven kingdoms of the Mortal Realm. If that was the case, it would be somewhat suspicious if he did not know what was considered as common knowledge in this Secret Realm.
Nevertheless, while Izroth may have been willing to stretch the truth, he could not tell an outright lie.
Izroth shook his head and replied, “I’m afraid I am unclear on this matter. I remember being plunged into an endless darkness and regaining myself inside a temple in ruins. Besides that, my memories of this place are all nonexistent, excluding a few important details.”
Izroth only knew what Zouren and the others in the group he came with discussed about the Secret Realm beforehand.
Izroth’s response caused Astratis to visibly frown.
“Hm… If all you can remember is a few select pieces of information such as your name and the town you are from, it is possible that something has caused your memory to fade. But, fear not. Perhaps in time, your memories will naturally return to you.” Astratis said in an encouraging tone.
“However, to think you would even forget the four pillars—the memory loss must be quite extensive.”
Izroth remained silent and chose not to correct Astratis’ assumptions since it worked well to his advantage.
“But, perhaps this is secretly a blessing in disguise…” Astratis muttered to himself.
He then raised his voice and said, “Alright, listen up. I won’t go too far into the details, but it may be a bit troublesome if you go around speaking nonsense about the four pillars out of ignorance. As a mortal, it is not a consequence you can bear.”
“There are four pillars in this world which are said to hold the heavens and earth apart. The Pillar of the North, Myania. The Pillar of the South, Schimatia. The Pillar of the East, Yia. And, the Pillar of the West, Ourami. Each pillar rules over a separate part of this world and is worshipped by thousands.” Astratis explained.
“Which pillar do you worship?” Izroth inquired.
Astratis abruptly halted his steps as his expression darkened and the aura around him became heavy.
‘Hm? Did I touch upon a sensitive topic?’
“…Considering your circumstances, I can forgive your offense this once. However, you must never ask this question again. Those pillars—they are the monstrosities of this world.” Astratis stated.
A few seconds later, the intense aura around Astratis vanished as he continued the journey. However, there was now a lingering silence in the air.
But, surprisingly, Astratis was the first to break the silence.
“The words I have spoken—you should keep them close to your heart but never repeat them to others. Least you wish to bring a disaster upon yourself and those around you. Hearing one truth is the same as hearing nothing. Even if your memory should one day return, I hope that you do not forget this, Izroth.” Astratis said solemnly.
