The Gambit of the Faceless God — Epic Fantasy

The group eventually made their way inside their dorm; a large, expansive house, its interior a mix of medieval and fantastical mystique. The main living room was a vast space that had wooden-made balconies encapsulating the area, its walls embellished with ancient, folk-like carvings. The place was encumbered in a delightful wood mixed with vanilla-esque aroma that brushed against everyone’s faces the moment Vash opened the front door.

A few moments later, the group re-assembled within the living room. Each of them sitting in their place with Vash being the only one standing, his hands placed on his hips as he spoke,

“Have you all managed to take care of your luggage?”

“Seems like it!” Caelum said enthusiastically. “I thought we’d be placed in some massive school-like building alongside the other two groups. This would by far be the better alternative if we ever had a choice.”

“Right,” Vash nodded. “There are three houses in total situated quite far from each other. We are currently occupying the Western house, whilst the others reside within the Northern and Eastern houses. Each house is grand enough for one to consider their quarters to be just like an entire modest house, so appreciate the privilege while you can.”

“Surely, surely!” Declan added. “But, one question… Are we allowed to bring booze in here?”

“As long as you keep it sedated, it is allowed,” Vash confirmed. “We have taverns and vendors in both the threshold and the Inquisition, so everything regarding food or drinks should be reassured. The leader of your group will also be given a weekly allowance that should cover your daily needs.”

“Oh?” Caelum sounded. “Do we have to choose the leader ourselves?”

“Correct. Given we will not be rushing things, you can all take your time discussing who could be the best fit. In short, the leader will be your group’s representative. They are the ones who will be granted any necessary letter or note from us first. Their role also affects the various quests you will all be doing during the Inquisition.”

“Regarding the foods and drinks, the storage rooms have already been filled for this week. Within those rooms are notes consisting of every item that has been ordered at that time. Additionally, every morning from eight to ten, afternoon from twelve to two, and evening from six to eight, you will be visited by chefs who will prepare your nourishment.”

“If you’d like to have something different for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, then make sure to leave a note inside the storage rooms where the food is being kept since that is where they will take all the necessary ingredients from.”

“Quite fancy, I must say,” Lunar responded, his arms crossed. “Are there any specific rules?”

“Well, there aren’t concrete rules besides common sense as well as the oath you will all have to do again during the Initiation Ritual. The ritual will be your first and only main objective of the day, so if you’d like to further explore the Inquisition, you’re free to do so.”

“When does the ritual begin?” Declan asked.

“I will return here at midnight,” Vash began. “The ritual itself will not take long, so you don’t have to worry about sleeping too late. After the ritual, we will start a week’s long training focused on mastering your Grimoires. After the training, the actual Inquisition will begin.”

“Do not fret if this seems like a lot of information. We will be taking the days of the week slowly, as you will learn more about the Inquisition and get a hold of what lies ahead of you.”

He then walked towards the closed front door, where a small, square wooden bucket hung against the wall. Inside, a wooden flute resided. Upon picking it up, he turned back to the others and began speaking once more.

“If anyone has any query or wishes to send a report, you can do so by simply blowing on this flute. This will summon a guiding raven that will lead the way towards the Administrative Establishment, where you will find either me or people who can be of help. Alternatively, you can make the raven send your thoughts, as well.”

“With that said, are there any questions?”

“I think you’ve made things quite clear,” Caelum responded. “So you’ll be here at midnight?”

“Twelve, to be exact. So be sure to occasionally check your clocks.”

“Is there any procedure we will have to do after the ritual?” Lunar asked. “Or will we just return here once we’re done?”

“The procedure will happen the next afternoon,” Vash responded, placing back the flute. “So when you’ve finished the ritual, you ought to return here and rest enough before we start training.”

“Once more, any other questions?”

“I think we’re good, chief,” Declan smiled. “Thank you.”

“Very well… Ah, I almost forgot…” Vash chuckled awkwardly. Fishing out a bush of five keys out of his pocket. “Here are the five master keys for each of you. Take good care of them. There are other miscellaneous keys for rooms like the storage room, or bathrooms, all situated inside the chest you see there,” he said, pointing towards a wooden and gold chest against the wall behind the couch where Caelum and Vaelen sat.

He then opened the door, stepping outside before looking at the others over his shoulder.

“Have a good rest of your days. See you all tonight.”

As he handed his prompt goodbyes, the group was now left within the aesthetically pleasing house. Declan, seated on a singular chair, leaned backwards, his hands behind his head.

“Damn… Look at us now, huh?”

“Took us a few years before we could finally fight to become Awakeners,” Lunar chuckled. “But our time is now.”

“Really good-looking place, as well…” Caelum murmured, sightseeing the place. “Don’t you think, Vae?”

“Don’t let it distract you from your true purpose here, Caelum,” Vaelen responded, closing his eyes whilst folding his arms. Caelum smiled as he frowned his eyebrows, responding to him,

“Of course, but there’s no harm in having some fun every now and then, right?”

“Eeeeexactly!” Declan shouted, jumping from his chair. “Which is why I think it’d be a great idea to buy ourselves some booze before the shops close!”

“I would advise against that,” Geneve chimed in, also crossing her arms. “At least stuff yourself after the ritual.”

“Indeed,” Lunar agreed. “We don’t want to have your stench distracting us when we’ll be trying to focus.”

“Valid excuse,” Declan nodded. You may be afraid to get a little loose, but I will never know for sure, I guess.”

“I think I’ll head outside, and explore the place a little,” Caelum said, standing up. “Anyone tagging along?”

“Well, someone has to make sure you don’t get lost,” Vaelen responded as he stood up. “Let’s go.”

“I think I’ll close my eyes for a little. You guys have fun,” Geneve added, closing her eyes in a sigh as Declan stood up, wrapping his left arm around Caelum.

“I’ll come along. What about you, Lunar?”

“I’ll stay behind here, as well,” Lunar said, standing up. “Just be sure to return before six, got it?”

“Yes, sir!”

***

Left alone with Geneve, Lunar walked around the living room, gliding his hand over the furnishments as he spoke with a gentle tone, looking at Geneve, who was still seated comfortably in her chair over his shoulders.

“Seems like I wasn’t the only one in need of some rest.”

“I just had to deal with my sister before heading out,” she sighed. “She really has a knack for making you feel worried whether or not she will be fine without you.”

“Is she getting better?”

“…Kind of,” she responded, gazing at the high ceiling. “I gave her instructions for her daily dose of meds. Something tells me she won’t be able to follow it.”

“We can always head to the main city at any given time,” Lunar reassured. “She’ll be fine.”

“Anyway,” Geneve yawned. “What do you think about the other groups? I could tell you were feeling a little apprehensive when we stepped into that building.”

“I mean, it’s a new avenue we have been thrown into. I will naturally feel a little tingly when I find myself in a curious space.”

He then smiled as he walked towards her, his hands crossed behind his back.

“We always dreamed of becoming Awakeners, didn’t we?”

Geneve chuckled. “I’m looking forward to what our Grimoires will look like. Perhaps a sword or some magical sledgehammer would fit me well.”

“I wouldn’t set your aspirations in stone,” Lunar responded. “It is said that one’s Grimoire is a perfect representation of one’s soul. We are most likely going to be thrown off guard.”

“We’ll see,” she groaned as she stood up, walking towards the large staircase. “Mind waking me up before dinner?”

“Of course. I’ll see you soon.”

As Geneve wandered to her chambers, Lunar plunged himself on the couch, resting his head on its cushion support, contemplatively gazing at the ceiling as he murmured,

“…A Sequencer, huh…”

-Helvega-

Soon after departing from the Gaian temple, I hurriedly drove past the picturesque mountainous freeways, and the narrow, busy medieval-like streets, with a handful of presumably young teenage students casting glances towards me in awe. Some of them waved at me, some of them smiled at me, while some simply stared at my passing car. Considering what their thoughts may be as soon as they saw me was not my priority for my own thoughts were filled on their own.

The Custody Agency was my current objective. It was there where my mother was currently residing for her daily physiotherapy. She was sadly not able to see the two boys off due to this, and my arrival would most likely let questions regarding them ascend her mind’s sea of ponders. However, I was certain that Phineas’ reveal would throw her off guard, and push her worries aside.

Caelum and Vaelen were both eagerly awaiting their eighteenth birthday in order to become Awakeners. It reminded me much of how avidly I was looking forward to my Inquisition. Having known them both for their entire lives, I was determined to ensure that their experience wouldn’t be as mine, may it be using my influence as the Caretaker of Ventoria’s library, or measures falling outside that bubble, such as my previous association with Luria.

Yet, seeing that man’s pitiful face both disgusted and stunned me. My thought process had just now gradually faded back into my mind like a series of rain falling back onto the earth.

And the first thing that came to mind was to visit her.

Call it a child’s instincts to retreat back to their parent if you will, but despite holding a large hold of influence within not only Ventoria but a major part of Deneve due to my association with the Monlay Assembly, I felt like my mother would know the best way to deal with that one individual…

I knew Phineas was now the most powerful man in at least the entirety of Ventoria. Seeing someone like him serving an Inquisition was simply confusing. It was like seeing the son of Urdall himself attend the library to congratulate the newly appointed Caretaker. Of course, the library, being a Monlay acolyte, has strong ties with the church of Urdall, but it would still feel extremely strange for such an esteemed figure to visit the institution.

That was how I felt when I saw him. He was not supposed to be there. He knew that the Inquisition was not a place that required his presence, let alone requiring the owner of Luria himself to become a Head Master of a religious tradition. It was clear to me that something was at bay within the Gaian Administrative Office. Anyone above the age of twenty-five would recognize that face, not only because he currently owns Luria, but also because of his position within Terra Firma.

Regardless, I would never, ever, let anyone dare to hurt my siblings, no matter how ‘important’ or ‘powerful’ they may seem.

And thus, I knew my mother would have the right solution. All I needed to do was simply let her know about what happened.

***

The Custody Agency consisted of various departments. Their most well-known department was the one concerning immigrants and the impoverished. Fortunately, that was not my place to go to. Their elderly department was situated quite close to the Luria Assembly, somewhat eastern from the Cyclone Cellar. It was a large, white-walled building with a large entrance in the middle. After parking my car, I went inside and stood before the main reception counter, holding both my hands in the pockets of my black coat, as I spoke to the lady dressed in a white, doctor-like dress.

“Excuse me, but could you lead me to Aurora Jinton’s room?”

“Ah, yes,” she said, her pupils suddenly lighting up. “You must be Helvega Jinton, correct?”

“Indeed I am.”

“Very well. If you follow the main hallway and take a turn to the left, there is a staircase leading towards the upper level. Aurora’s room is situated at the very end of the hallway on the second level. Room thirty to be exact.”

“Thank you very much,” I responded, making my way towards the upper level.

As soon as I got there, another lady, dressed in a black suit that matched her dark brown hair, stood right next to the door leading to my mother’s room, carrying a plate filled with toasted breads and fruits. That was Ylena, mother’s personal assistant. She immediately recognized me as I approached her.

“Oh, good afternoon, Helvega. You came at the right time. Your mother just finished with her physiotherapy.”

“Perfect. Is she in there right now?”

“She is. I was just about to bring her lunch…” she said, her tone evidently lowered. “…She hasn’t been eating quite well lately, Helvega…”

“It’s fine, I can bring her the food,” I responded, taking the plate from the confused lady. “Take some additional break time.”

“Ah… well, okay!” she exclaimed, stepping away. “Please let her know I will be waiting downstairs!”

“Will do.”

With a sigh, I gave the door a few knocks and announced myself before stepping inside the simple room.

She was sitting on the side of her dark brown bed, dressed in a loose, white patient-like dress. She slowly raised her eyes and smiled as they were met with my figure. I put the plate of food on a nearby counter and took my stance next to her.

“What are you doing here?” she asked. “Did you see Ylene in the hallway?”

“I did. She’s waiting downstairs to bring you back home. How did your therapy go?”

“It went fine, but I’ve been feeling quite lightheaded ever since the early mornings…”

“You’re probably not eating enough,” I responded, putting the plate next to her on the mattress. “Have some of this. Ylene had taken care of providing you with your lunch.”

She let out a deep sigh and didn’t respond to my words, which prompted me to continue, muttering,

“You look like you lost some weight as well… Is Ylene doing her job right?”

“She is, don’t worry… I’ve… just been a little contemplative lately.”

“What is it?” I said, taking a seat next to her on the mattress. As I looked at her, she aimlessly held her gaze forward. Her face suddenly turned depressing, as if an old but hurtful memory suddenly flashed through her mind.

“…Nothing. Just your usual daunting period. You should be no stranger to it, I assume.”

“Sadly not, no… Today has been quite thoughtful for me, as well.”

“Ah, how did the ceremony go?” she asked with an uplifting tone, turning towards me. “Did the boys arrive there safely?”

“…They did, but… something happened.”

“What happened?”

I mustered the courage and composure to clearly answer her query.

“After arriving at the temple and having the boys reunite with their friends… you’re not going to believe this, but, it seems that Phineas Leander is mastering this year’s Inquisition.”

“…What?”

Her mien turned befuddled. Her eyebrows narrowed, mouth left ajar, staring at me in silence, non-verbally telling me to continue.

“I know, it sounds awful, yet, it was really him. I saw him during the ceremony. He serves as the Head Master of the phenomenon…”

I then hung my head, as I continued whilst staring into the distance.

“I was filled with questions the moment my eyes met his figure. An individual serving as Head Master for any temple requires years of study, teaching, and indoctrination into a Creed. In other words, that position is reserved for those who are committing their entire lives to the orthodoxy of their respective temple.”

As I said this, I slowly raised my head to meet my mother’s eyes of distress.

“We both know that Phineas could never have the time to possibly commit to both Luria and Terra Firma, and be able to spend years in the Gaian temple.”

“…Are you serious that it was him?” she asked, as though desperately hoping all of this was a lie or a joke. “You could have mistak-”

“There was no mistaking it, mother…” I interjected. “I instantly recognized that voice, not to mention his eerily distinctive face.”

“Did he see you?”

“We shared eye contact once,” I sighed. “He was smiling at me as if he knew I was going to be there.”

“Something is going on, mother… He couldn’t have possibly become the Head Master of an Inquisition without having thrown a large bargain on the table. He must have used his large network to come into contact with the Creed and solve things out.”

She took a few moments to marinate her mind in the newfound knowledge. Sitting with her head lowered silently until she finally opened her mouth once more.

“Is he… really doing this?”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“…I was always sceptical of him, even during the times when Emon was still around. But, my suspicions of him were set in stone as soon as I found out about Dark’s death…”

***

-The Cyclone Cellar: Seventeen Years Ago-

Dressed in my then-usual long white coat over my black shirt, I stood before Zaccheus, who was dressed in a grey sweatshirt that blended well with his long, weathered, dark grey hair, and contrasted sharply against his dark brown pants.

We were standing in Zaccheus’ office room; a large, yet simple iron-walled space comprising a large table and dozens of chairs scattered across the place. A large window behind the table allowed for a gentle sun ray to bathe the room in a delicate atmosphere. We were in the middle of discussing our concerns regarding the recent occurrences of that time, more specifically Emon’s disappearance.

Zaccheus, seated on the edge of his table, continued his anecdote as I stood before him with crossed arms.

“Even though his claims seem albeit structured, it still, somehow, seems flawed to me. It’s as if he knows there are hidden flaws, and is taunting me about it. He knows things we don’t know… but, let me set his claims on the table.”

He then stood up, both his hands in his pockets, head lowered as I held my gaze at the faraway view of Ventoria on the window.

“Emon’s house was entirely robbed, or, better said emptied after his disappearance and the death of his late wife. Phineas would have technically been the second last person to have seen him alive, based on his story. It still baffles me that the Zephyr Assembly never brought Phineas to further questioning, perhaps a trial based on the suspicion that he may be linked to Emon’s sudden disappearance. It is a shame to them, because the truth is literally in front of our eyes…”

“He was brought for questioning once, and that was it,” I responded. “They just scrapped the case and gave up as if they weren’t dealing with Luria’s First Administrator. It is like when the Head of the Luminary Bureau suddenly went missing and the Zephyrs didn’t bother to pursue this obvious important case.”

“But, what can we do about it?” I continued. “Phineas is the face of Terra Firma, the largest shareholder and producer of materials both the Luria and Zephyr Assemblies heavily depend on. It wouldn’t be as easy as taking care of a regular citizen, right?”

“Not only that,” Zaccheus began. “But he still holds an esteemed position within the Luminary Bureau. That alone could have been enough for him to get away with actual murder or assassination. That night when Emon was investigating in Eastern Ventoria, I saw Phineas leave the Cellar alongside an unidentifiable figure, clad in a long, black coat with a black hat.”

He already told this to me. An individual exited the Cellar alongside him on that fateful night. Despite having spent days of frustration and brainstorming on how this could have possibly been tied to his disappearance, at that moment, I felt incensed, and couldn’t help but voice out the annoyance I felt.

“It doesn’t make sense to me, Zaccheus! We held a talk with one of the generals of the Zephyr Assembly, and had you retell exactly that particular part a month ago. Your details could not have possibly just gone over their heads!”

“…Be cautious, Aurora,” he said calmly. “If Phineas actually manages to claim the throne of Luria, he will arguably be one of the most powerful people in the world. And that is putting it lightly.”

“He will have control over both Luria and Terra Firma, not only that but given his close relationship with the elites of the Luminary Bureau, it wouldn’t be too bold to assume he may end up holding a prominent share in influence within that institution, as well.”

“Apart from Dark, only you and I know the truth. But, I plead to you, Aurora, to not display resentment against him publicly. Because right now, he is more powerful than all of us combined.”

“Then, what do you want us to do?” I asked aggressively, turning towards him. “Do we just watch in silence as the world collapses?”

“…He will not let this world collapse. He once told me that it would only be a matter of time before Ventoria would be changed into a Utopia. Personally, I believe he will seek to not only make Ventoria, but also our country, the greatest land to have ever existed. However…

…Anyone who opposes his ideologies will be destroyed because he is the most practical individual I have ever encountered.”

***

Foreign to Aurora and Zaccheus’ knowledge, a third individual behind the closed door was listening to their conversation.

That person was Dark.

After hearing Zaccheus’ final words, he bawled his hands into a fist, gulped in fright, and walked off into the hallway. His intentions and thought process were unknown, as that moment would be the very last depicting him as a living man.

***

-Helvega: Present Time-

“Mother, what will our plan be? I feel worried about the two boys… Phineas knows they are both Emon’s biological sons. That alone should be enough to assume he has something in mind in regards to them.”

“Be patient, Helvega. We will wait until the boys return home.”

…I failed to understand her sudden change in demeanour. She was now calm, and levelheaded. I leaned towards her, as I spoke,

“But, why? How can we be so sure nothing happens to them?”

She then stood up and stepped towards the adjacent counter. After pulling its drawer open, she fished out an empty envelope from within and turned towards me.

“We will send them a letter in three days. Assuming the procedures have remained the same, it will only be one week until the actual Inquisition begins for the students. Phineas knows this. He is a calculating, cautious man. He knows you decided to come here and initiate this conversation with me. Do you really think he will act on his will and bring the boys to danger this hastily?”

I remained silent in response, acknowledging her verdict.

“Of course not,” she continued. “However, that does not mean we should remain still until things happen. Visit Zaccheus and tell him about your encounter, as well as our plan regarding the letter. He will definitely be of help to us. I think he should be at the Cellar right now.”

“…Fine,” I said, standing up. “What are you going to do?”

“Rest, and think. I’ll be heading home now, so I won’t be here by the time you’re done with Zaccheus.”

With a heavy sigh, I responded, “Okay, I’ll see you soon,” and opened the adjacent door. She bore a bittersweet smile as she handed her goodbyes.