The Sin of Humanity

The crowds dispersed, and Amis and Ramber were returning to their headquarters, speaking in low voices.

Ramber said in an irritated tone:

— "You shouldn't have killed them, you fool."

Amis replied without looking at him:

— "If we hadn't, more fights would've broken out in the city streets."

Ramber shook his head and said:

— "And if we're going to kill everyone who causes trouble, then why do prisons even exist?"

Amis responded coldly:

— "I don't care about that. I have my own way. Whoever breaks the law must be struck down harshly. No one is above the law."

And as they walked through one of the narrow alleys, a strange voice came to them:

— "Reaper of souls… you truly live up to that title."

They suddenly stopped and turned toward the voice.

There was a man sitting in front of an old house's door, with long gray hair, wearing a headband, and dressed in purple clothes.

He was sipping his drink from a small jar that gave off an extremely pleasant aroma.

It was none other than Lilar.

Both Amis and Ramber were surprised, as neither of them had sensed his presence until he spoke.

Silence fell, then Ramber said: — "And who are you?"

Lilar ignored him and directed his gaze to Amis: — "What do you think about joining my league?"

Amis did not answer, but Ramber said skeptically: — "And what league are you talking about?"

Lilar spoke grimly as he looked at Ramber: — "How annoying... why are you talking when I'm speaking to him?"

Ramber replied mockingly: — "What are you saying, you senile old man?"

Lilar didn't care, and continued his speech, addressing Amis: — "Your scythe is splendid. Why don't you join this weakling? Our league is full of weaklings.

Your light will shine among us."

Amis replied in a decisive tone: — "I will disappoint you, old man. I have chosen my path since my birth... I will not change it. I will live by it... and die by it."

Lilar smiled and laughed: — "You rascals, you are rude! You call me old? Don't you see that I am still young?"

Ramber said mockingly: — "You are even older than my father! How can you be young?"

Lilar laughed while sipping from his jar, but he understood well. Amis was serious in his decision, so he did not prolong the talk despite having come to the kingdom of Randor especially for him.

He said as he stood up: — "We would have been on good terms if you joined us... for your nature resembles mine," he said while looking at the scythe behind Amis's back. Then he continued, "I will watch the path you take, and I hope your choice is right."

Then he turned to leave, and before he went away, he looked back saying: — "Beware... someone has come to this kingdom because of you."

Ramber said loudly: — "Old man! You didn't tell us your name... nor the name of your league!"

He answered without turning: — "I am Lilar... and as for my league, it's none of your business."

Then he disappeared as if he had never been there, leaving behind only a faint water spot.

Ramber frowned and said: — "This old man is arrogant... what do you think of him?"

Amis said, staring into the distance: — "I don't know... but he is strong, very strong. Stronger than anything I have seen so far."

Ramber asked him after a moment of silence: — "And what do you think about what he said? That someone has come for you? We should inform the commander."

Amis answered confidently: — "No need... no one can change my path."

Ramber said: — "So... you will stay with us in the kingdom, and in the future as well, won't you?"

Amis smiled, but did not answer; he continued on his way in silence.

The next morning, the city began to fill with more visitors, and the invited guests gathered from all directions to participate in the festival. There was much uproar throughout the place, and many skirmishes occurred like yesterday but ended quickly, especially after people heard the news of what happened yesterday, which made everyone cautious.

Meanwhile, Mihon and Youray left the lodging house they had rented yesterday, after a night of rest, and resumed wandering the city streets. They were in a large street, crowded with people, among vendors, jesters, and magicians.

In a parallel street, there was a group of soldiers patrolling and watching everything... they were none other than Blouran, Reno, and their soldiers, the first whom Mihon and Youray had met at sea.

Blue run said, looking around: — "It seems that scoundrel has left this place."

Reno replied: — "You're right. It's as if that scoundrel senses danger."

Blue run said, his face grim and his voice cold: — "That devil... if I catch him, I won't care about his reward. I will kill him immediately."

Reno asked him: — "Where do you think he went?"

Blue run answered slowly: — "How would I know? The world is vast. If he left this continent, we may not see him for years... or perhaps never, if he is still alive."

At the city's main gate, Felix stood greeting a woman who appeared to be twenty-five years old, stunningly beautiful, with red hair streaked with black, bright green eyes, and arched eyebrows. She was wearing loose, shiny green clothes.

Felix said, bowing: — "Welcome, Lady Dorana."

She smiled and replied: — "Hello, Sir Felix."

He said with a smile: — "You grow more beautiful day by day, my lady. We are honored by your presence from a distant place. I hope your journey was safe."

She responded with a smile: — "I appreciate your compliment. I too am honored to attend this important occasion in the kingdom of Randor... I have always wanted to visit this continent."

Then Felix led her, followed by seven of her companions: five men and two girls, all wearing gray warrior outfits.

The city grew more crowded day by day. As the festival approached, Mihon and Youray wandered quietly, observing everything happening around them.

In a small room containing two beds and a wooden table, the two sat face to face.

Mihon said in a deep voice: — "Tomorrow... the night we have waited for all these years. Tomorrow... everything will begin."

Youray smiled and said: — "I feel excited... it's an unparalleled feeling."

Mihon nodded: — "I think there will be many obstacles standing before us tomorrow... but, everything will go as planned."

Then he took out a small flower that was in his pocket; it was nothing but a sunflower.

Youray said with a slight smile: — "Will you call him now?"

Mihon replied: — "Yes..."

The flower began to emit a soft sound: tin... tin... tin... tin...

Then the other side of the line picked up...

— Bruuum...

Mihon said, with a mysterious smile:

— "Hello, scoundrel... we haven't seen you in a long time."