Raindrops fell gently, as if someone were dragging delicate white chains down from the somber grey sky. With no sunlight in sight — puddles shimmered faintly in the glow of dim lanterns. Far in the distance, the Seahorse Grand Port slowly stirred back to life, veiled in a haze of murky mist.
A harsh creak of iron pulleys! — Hoisting a massive wooden crate from the dock onto the merchant ship.
“Hurry up! This shipment has to go out before noon!”
A man shouted out orders — soaked to the bone. Dozens of laborers struggled to haul wooden crates aboard, slipping and sliding on the rain-slick dock. The air was thick with the scent of sea brine, damp timber, and rain-washed iron. The workers moved with practiced rhythm, each knowing their role. First came the hardy-skinned fruits and vegetables, followed by cuts of meat packed in thick salt within oak barrels. Finally, the heavy metal ores were loaded — carefully balanced, so the ship would not tilt even a finger’s breadth.
“Hey! Lend a hand here, Thomas!”
Emil called out to his friend, who was checking the cargo list.
Thomas looked up.
“Get this lot loaded first — food crates up top, iron goes in last!”
Then he pointed at the pulley. “Check that, in case it’s jammed.”
Emil gave a quick nod and strode toward the pulley. Rain-slicked iron chains hung low, stained with rust the color of dried blood. He wiped the rain from his eyes with the sleeve of his coat. In his heart, he could only pray — that today, the cargo would depart Syrin without obstacle. Rain drizzled softly, thunder rolling in measured beats. Everyone worked with steady, cautious hands.
They glanced left and right at intervals,
as if sensing something… creeping closer within the veil of the mist.
This fall felt ominous — not leaves falling, but rain pouring without end.
Syrin lay shrouded beneath a curtain of ceaseless rain. People held umbrellas as they crossed the Falling Star Bridge —
It is said that a young couple, torn apart by destiny, once found each other again upon this very hanging bridge, beneath a sky where stars fell like rain.
One tale was all it took…
for a simple bridge to shimmer with magic, drawing crowds from streets drenched in rain and longing.
Some walk across with nothing but footsteps.
Others... carry a lifetime of longing.
Though the sky was far from bright, on this drizzly evening, there were still people and couples strolling, pausing to watch the ebony waters flow slowly toward the sea — Reflections of light danced alongside the view of the opulent city, its brilliance glowing amid the charcoal-hued sky.
Emil wrapped his arms around Caerinne beneath a dark umbrella — sheltering his jet-black suit and her black-and-gold evening gown from the gentle drizzle. They stood with an elegance that drew every eye — from the crowd leisurely gathered on the famed hanging bridge, which stretched from the refined commercial quarter to the realm of nighttime revelry.
The chandelier's light sparkled like stars scattered across the sky, mingling with the soothing melodies that shimmered through the wineglass.
Especially on the majestic Night of Destinia — when the Prince of Myriel and the Princess of Carista were united in marriage for the first time. It was said that no marriage proposal could ever be refused on this night, as if touched by enchantment.
Every place you might consider is already reserved — do not even think of setting foot inside.
Emil took her hand and led her across the street into the long queue of elegantly dressed people — Caelina, the Western realm’s exquisite dining establishment. It is said… this name evokes the blue gaze of someone special. Some say… it is the image of the sea as seen from the heavens — like a dream forever out of reach.
The gentle patter of rain against the entrance roof echoed softly — like a delicate applause welcoming the performers.
Emil wrapped an arm around Caerinne’s waist, walking side by side through the nightfall's breathing — they slipped past the long line of people and descended the marble steps, one by one. She moved slowly — not once glancing at the ground. Emil closed the umbrella, then pushed the door open. At the same moment — a gentleman in a dark suit opened the other door from within.
“Best wishes on the Night of Destinia, Ruth… Long day, my friend?”
He shook hands with the man in the cellar with effortless ease,
slipping him a folded note — and the umbrella — in one seamless gesture.
"What a graceful lady she is… I can be here all day."
Ruth took the umbrella with a faint smile, narrowing his eyes as he watched the pair disappear down the narrow corridor. The dim lantern light revealed walls draped in crimson, stretching long like a field of roses.
“Every time I see you, you’re always right here, Remy… Is this your place?”
Emil passed by a couple, dropping a well-practiced joke.
Laughter followed him like a nightly ritual.
The scent of spices and seasonings mingled with the clatter of cookware,
wafting instantly as they stepped into the bustling kitchen.
Emil smiled warmly, greeting the staff with familiar ease.
His hand lightly touched the shoulder of someone he knew well — then he stumbled slightly, caught off guard by a metal table jutting out unexpectedly.
They walked hand in hand into the grand dining hall, weaving through the line of waiting guests. The manager raised a hand in greeting, a welcoming smile on his face.
“Good evening, Emil. How are you doing?”
“I’m good, thank you, Alex. How are you?”
“Good good. Glad to see you both.”
He spoke warmly, smiling as he courteously took Caerinne’s hand.
“Tanner!” Alex called out, then twirled a finger in a small circle.
“If you need anything, just let me know,” he added in a friendly tone.
Then, as if on cue, a well-rounded table — one that had never been there before — appeared deliberately at the center of the dining hall, as if reserved especially for them, accompanied by two luxury leather chairs.
CLICK!
The petite lantern flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the pristine white tablecloth.
Alex led them to the table. Emil shook hands with the two waiters who had prepared it — including Alex — as he handed over some bills, expressing his gratitude.
Caerinne seated herself with graceful poise, while Emil strode off to greet his friends at a nearby table.
Alex picked up a bottle of fine wine and handed it over.
“This is a gift from Mr. Charles. They’re seated just over there.”
He spoke, raising his hand gently toward a nearby table.
"Thank you," Emil said to the couple raising their wine glasses in greeting.
Then he leaned in to whisper softly into Caerinne’s ear.
She tilted her head to listen, before returning his words with a tender smile.
A faint hint of cigar smoke and the rich scent of fine leather lingered in the air, as notes from a grand piano gently unfurled into the atmosphere. The lamplight glinted softly against the wine glass — as though the Night of Destinia were destined to last forever.
Theo led his family out through the doors of Caelina. Jessica held an umbrella over her son as they made their way along the rain-slicked street. The warmth of his birthday night still lingered in the air — with laughter echoing, and celebration shimmering all around.
Until Theo caught sight of a father and son — drenched and shivering — rummaging through a trash bin in a shadowed alley. Casper tightened his grip on his son’s hand, then gently led him away without a word.
Syrin Gazette
“Scandal in Syrin — Who’s Really Pulling the Strings?”
Syrin was building an economy, not a rebellion.
The true disruption came from capital merchants tightening their grip and sabotaging local trade.
The grand door of polished dark wood creaked open ever so slightly.
Soft giggles drifted through the air, mingling with the faint scent of rain beneath a sky brushed in muted blue and grey. Jessica opened the umbrella and took Theo’s hand, guiding him out from the tall residence near the heart of the square. The sun stretched its warmth across the air, bringing a gentle comfort to the cool morning. Mother and son walked past a garden where lush green trees arched overhead, their steps falling upon red-patterned brick paths. All around them, people were emerging from their homes, heading toward the slowly reviving marketplace. The air was laced with the scent of possibility — like a little umbrella unfurled beneath the rain.
“Mother, why is this city called Syrin?”
The boy’s bright and curious voice rang out.
“Your grandmother once told me,” his mother replied with a gentle smile, “that Syrin was the name of a princess of the sea.”
“She walked upon the shore, searching far and wide for her first love who had long since gone.”
“What she didn’t know... was that he, too, was wandering the world — searching for her just the same.”
“Did they ever find each other… Mom?”
“After a lifetime spent searching… they never did. It’s a very sad ending.”
“I feel sorry for them,” the boy whispered softly.
“But I do know the name of her first love,” she said softly.
“What’s his name?” the boy asked eagerly.
“The prince from the skies… Aidengaard.”
They walked hand in hand, exchanging smiles with passersby who greeted them warmly.
Children’s laughter echoed as they splashed through the rain. Merchants pushed their carts along the bustling main street. A gentle sea breeze whispered through, causing the leaves to tremble softly. Delicate white petals drifted lightly, like a fine mist woven into a dream. The scent of rain-soaked skies drifted softly in the air. A rainbow stretched from the distant horizon, embracing the surrounding buildings while wiping away tears from a fallen economy.
“Mother, we’re out of fresh milk at home,”
Theo said, craning his neck toward the old shop that had just reopened. The storefront was clear glass, adorned with pale, clean wood. A wide smile spread across his face as he spotted the familiar shopkeeper standing behind the counter.
“Of course, dear,”
Jessica took her son’s hand and led him into the shop.
The gentle jingle of the doorbell chimed a warm welcome.
“Good morning! Fresh milk just in today,”
the middle-aged vendor greeted warmly with a smile.
“How much for these two bottles?”
“Three Renn, please, ma’am.”
He carefully placed the two bottles into a paper bag and handed it to Theo.
“Hold it carefully, dear.”
The boy nodded, receiving the bag with both hands. The soft clink of silver coins echoed in Jessica’s palm. She handed them to the vendor, then took her son’s hand and left the shop.
Amidst the bustling marketplace, just awakening from the nightmare of yesterday.
When I was a child, I used to believe the world was still full of hope.
But as I grew older… I came to realize how dark everything truly is.
I truly admire this casino. It cleanses dirty money as thoroughly as holy water.
Casper and I grew up on this very street. We each had our own strengths — he was skilled at managing things, while I excelled at trading… I’m sure you can guess just how far the two of us could go in this city.
When we were children, we believed the casino was a dream.
But in truth, it was a blood washer — still warm to the touch…
“Good evening, Emil. What would you like to drink?”
“The usual, Katie.”
Katie’s sweet voice, dressed in delicate lace — the sound I long to hear... every night, blending softly with the gentle harp’s melody.
I probably should have talked to her before getting involved with Caerinne…
This sprawling bar has private corners, perfect for business talks. But why hasn’t my friend shown up yet?
Katie poured the deep amber whiskey over a large ice sphere in a short glass. The scent of oak wafted gently from the rim. She never forgot that my friend preferred it just the same.
I pulled my watch from my vest, checking the time, hoping there was still enough—
“Have you been waiting long, Emil? Sorry about that. Feels like The Rumble God’s against me every hand.”
I let out a soft sigh, shaking my head gently.
"You know the dealer always shuffles the deck every time the shift changes."
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Anthony has been a childhood friend of mine and Casper’s. Now, he oversees the largest steel mill in the city. We’ve been doing business together for a very long time…
He’s sharp with numbers, yet hopelessly bad at cards. If he had invested the money he gambled in the stock tower for real, he’d have retired long ago — before a single gray hair appeared.
Because Anthony possesses deep knowledge of the resources flowing and exchanging throughout the kingdom, he is nothing short of a true wizard.
"Do you think Casper meant for it to turn out this way?"
See? I told you — he has magic.
“No, someone else... is one step ahead of Casper.”
I hate to admit it, but there’s no denying the truth.
“You’ve practically monopolized the whole city now, Emil.”
Anthony’s smile was like that of a child seeing the circus in Birmont for the very first time...
Only this child happened to be quite the heavy drinker.
“That’s true, but... I don’t think Casper intended for it to turn out this way. You know how it is… the richer this city grows, the wealthier he still becomes.” That’s the harsh truth. Every policy he proposes, every move that fattens the city’s coffers, Casper always gains something in return — from everyone who benefits.
“But now the stock market is in utter turmoil. Have you been up to the stock tower to check the prices? This city can hardly move anymore — not long ago, it was truly on the rise.”
He wore an unreadable expression. I never quite knew how to read him at all.
“It’s slowly getting better. Goods are being transported, and supplies only just reached Kyros recently. I haven’t even had the chance to cash in the Renn yet.”
I spoke the truth, for the moment the Renn flows back into circulation, this place will flourish once more.
Anthony smiled with that boyish grin as he placed something on the table.
To be honest, I never did like that smile.
Then, he slowly slid it across the table — placing it just beside my half-finished drink.
A sleek, obsidian velvet box that caught the low light like a secret waiting to be told.
"Congratulations, Emil. This is for the next time you set sail."
He propped up his chin with both hands, feigning the wide-eyed innocence of a child — though we both knew better.
I eased the lid open — Inside sat a striking white gold ring, crowned with a diamond far too large to ignore. No less than four carats, easily.
The kind of ring fit for a Duke’s proposal.
He must’ve known… that I’d just proposed to Caerinne. I was starting to think he should quit playing Rumble altogether — Gistol might suit him better — a card game all about decisions and positioning.
“My stuff’s going on your ship first, isn’t it?”
Anthony’s voice drifted through the veil of smoke.
The shimmer of that diamond ring — and Caerinne’s smile — drew me into a reverie…
“You’ll be the first, Anthony. Always.”
Gods, how I hated the rain. It didn't just turn the ground to slush — it made loading cargo onto the ship a damn chore. Today, the fog lay too thick — it would’ve been far worse without the streetlamps. Even in daylight, darkness clung tight. I couldn’t tell if someone was trailing me. But then again... in this city, no one dares lay a finger on me.
I really like this neighborhood, though it’s a bit far from my workplace.
Tall, imposing buildings — private and lavishly decorated — stand proud in the city’s finest location. I knocked just a few times, and the door began to slowly swing open.
“Uncle Emil, is it?”
Theo, huh… Long time no see. Still the same little guy.
“Yes, today… I have a meeting with your father.”
I smiled gently at the little boy.
“Then come inside quickly, Uncle. You’ll catch a cold standing in the rain.”
Theo was always such a good boy… I couldn’t help but feel a warm fondness for him.
Little Theo led me to wait in the downstairs sitting room. The room didn’t feel very formal. The crackling warmth from the fireplace filled the air. A long, comfortable chair awaited by the sitting room’s small glasshouse balcony, where droplets clung to the panes. Outside, lush greenery and vibrant flowers thrived. A small book lay atop a dark carved wooden table — its legs twisting in delicate spirals. Black wooden bookshelves hugged the walls, bathed in the soft glow of a lamp. A faint scent of fragrant wood mingled gently with the aroma of fresh flowers.
“How have you been? Are you well?”
A deep, gentle voice rose softly, accompanied by the sound of footsteps descending the dark coffee-colored wooden stairs.
“Everything is smooth sailing, I think… it’s better if we talk in your office.”
Because... I’ve something to give you — gold bars.
I can’t wait for Caerinne to wake up and see this ring — her smile will be worth everything. Tomorrow morning, I’ll reach for the curtains, ready to let in the golden sunlight — but no doubt, the rain will have other plans. Rain? In the morning?
The streets were slick with rain.
The moon looked like a swollen wound — about to burst.
And then came the thunder, chasing close behind.
The late-night shops had all gone dark — as if the city knew something I didn’t.
Was the wind whispering my name?
That creaking sound…?
Old wooden shutters, swaying in a dark alley…
A shadow —
No… not a person… what the hell was that?
Move, damn it—run!
Shit… the water’s splashed up to my pants.
Where the hell am I now?
The fog is too thick —
I can’t see a damn thing.
The way home… it’s turned into a maze.
Moonlight... blood-red — fresh, pulsing blood.
A chill — crawling down my spine.
The wind fell silent...
No — it stopped, listening!?
Goosebumps crawling to my scalp.
My legs won’t stop shaking —
Damn it! Just stop!
Strange footsteps...
Echoed softly from behind…
Uneven —
sometimes soft,
sometimes drawn out…
The scent... of iron?
Blood…!?
Mysterious sound... screech... screech... scraping against the ground?!
I slowly turned around…
A LIGHTNING FLASH! — A fleeting shadow flickers…
A MAN? A FIEND?!
CLAWS? Or A SWORD?
And then the shadow... vanished.
“WH-WHA... WHAT THE HELLl WAS THAAAAT!!!???”
“W-W-WHA… WHA… WHAT DO YOU WAAAANT!!!???”
The scent of rain and blood filled the air.
My hands clenched so tight, my nails dug into my palms.
I could feel something… creeping closer, slowly.
Creeeak… CREeeak… CREEEEAK…
Soaked… warm…?
I couldn’t hold it in anymore!
That sound… grew louder…
The thing crept closer… CLOSER —
Or… is it so close that I can’t hear it?
I… just dropped right there!
Couldn’t even scream?!
My heart pounded fiercely against my chest —
stronger — and STRONGER —
as if it…
SCCCCRRRRREEEEECH…
From one ear… slice through to the other!?
If I'm gone… who will be there when Caerinne wakes up?
"Will she still smile…
in her dreams…?
Indeed, Emil… it was just a dream.
Rain poured down in torrents — the sky bereft of both moonlight and sun. A dense curtain of fog devoured everything in sight. Only the dim glow of a lantern lit the path for but a few steps ahead. To brave the storm and reach the harbor... seemed all but impossible. Goods, drenched and dripping. Workers, scattered in chaos. Wood groaned and cracked under pressure. The sea raged in madness.
Casper pushed on, the rain beating against his face, the fog blinding his path — but he didn’t care. Truth be told… he didn’t care about anything at all.
With a violent jerk, Casper seized Thomas by the collar and threw him against the rain-slick wooden wall.
“WHERE’S EMIL!?”
His voice, rough and cracking, trembled with barely restrained madness.
"I swear—I haven’t seen him in days!"
Thomas’s voice shook, teeth clacking like hail.
"THEN WHERE THE HELL IS HE?!"
Casper roared,
and hurled him against the wall again — harder than before.
Rain streamed down his body, drenching him completely.
And under the dim glow of the ship’s lantern —
it shimmered… like blood.
“WHO THE HELL'S GONNA DEAL WITH THE MONEY?!”
“GOT THE GUTS FOR IT?!”
"Casper..."
The worker yanked him away,
hands clamping down on his shoulders — fingers curled in a hard, desperate grip.
"I went to find Caerinne!"
He panted, face pale.
"So?"
Casper spoke in a low voice, his eyes fixed intently.
He swallowed hard.
"She... said she doesn’t know Emil."
Lightning cracked! —
revealing Casper’s eyes, pitch-black and filled with despair.
“She can’t remember him... at all.”
They looked at each other, speechless.
The harbor... fell into silence.
Shadows and darkness... crept forward.
They slowly devoured the city…
alive — cold-blooded cruelty.
The drizzle…
washed everything beneath the gray sky. The harbor slowly fell silent — like never before.
Only the distant cry of seagulls remained, while the waves lay unnaturally still…
Not a single ship. None... anymore.
After Emil disappeared…
not long after, the workers began to vanish, one by one,
one by one —
until finally —
no one... was left at all.
The crowbar slammed against the wooden door with a THUNDEROUS CRASH!
The wooden floor sighed under weary footsteps.
In the faded office…
the dark wooden desk stood motionless. The shelves of papers lay silent.
A leather chair faced away — the shadow of someone?
The lamp cast a dim, wavering glow…
Placed near — a window once clear, now clouded.
A feather quill slipped slowly from its grip…
Thunder roared!
Casper tore through everything — scattered. The papers in his hand were crumpled. He read Emil’s notes, over and over again. His eyes blurred, his heart hollow.
No exchange records.
No bodies.
No names.
No dates.
No... explanations.
The western side of Syrin lay cloaked in gloom. People crossed the shadowed stone bridge, heedless of the black lake trembling in the wind. Raindrops rippled in tiny circles upon the water’s surface. Faded crimson leaves… drifted down slowly, falling onto the gray, weathered bricks of an empty street.
Deeper into the residential district, the towering buildings loomed—dense, shadowed, and cramped. The warm amber glow of lanterns pierced the darkness. Looking back... one might glimpse the pale white clock tower, its spire sharp against the sky, and the heart of the city’s commerce — far beyond, at the edge of sight, shrouded in a faint mist. They murmured outside the lodging house, the spark of a lighter cracked sharply — snap!
Theo sat by the window at the upstairs table, a little lamp casting a gentle warmth. The wooden chair creaked softly, surrounded by a scatter of toys.
Every night, the little boy loved to stack wooden blocks, building a city born of dreams — then naming it with care.
“What shall I call it this time...?”
“Mom... when will Dad come home?”
CRASH!
Casper swept all the papers onto the floor.
Breathing hard, his knees buckled, hands trembling.
Everything... wiped clean.
Emil’s papers... the workers…
everyone tied to Kyros — vanished.
No one remembered them.
As if...
they… had never existed at all.
Until then...
Irregular footsteps...
The scent of rust... the scent of blood...
The sharp, shattering scrape of glass...
Blended with the falling rain,
something drew nearer... closer...
Squeak... crack...
He spun around—
A flash of lightning!
The door…
swung in — then out.
No strength left to rise.
His heart pounded... pounding like it might burst.
CRASH!
A glass bottle shattered against the faded buildings near the city’s wall.
Flames erupted!
Black smoke soared into the sky,
pierced by SCREAMS!
Splinters and sparks scattered in the wind.
Chaos erupted endlessly…
Children wept,
people fled in terror —
no one... could save them.
Theo gazed at the distant flames. They roared — as if devouring the entire city.
He placed the final block — his dream city... on the verge of completion.
Jessica hurriedly drew the curtain, shielding herself. She clung tightly to her son, her body stiff with fear, trembling all over.
The final block...
slipped from his grasp,
falling to the ground —
yet no one...
heard its sound.
But when even one reader truly feels something from these words, this story becomes more than just my world alone.
I’ll keep telling it, slowly shaping the tale, and plan to release a new chapter every two weeks.
