At the top of the arena wall, a young woman with translucent light?blue skin lay flat on her stomach, hiding from the gaze of the two Nephilims fighting on the sandy field. She watched them intently and, more importantly, listened to them ever since they had left their dormitory earlier. She had even followed their little adventure in the cafeteria, and it was thanks to her that Professor Ezekiel had been able to intervene to resolve the problematic situation unfolding there.

  The young woman in question was a sylph named Nalinaya, vice?director of the Academy of Agnos and guardian of the Deity Ogme. From her vantage point, she spied on Elwyn, or rather sought to learn more about him, while lamenting.

  “Why? Why did they have to look so alike? Why did their voices have to be so similar? Oh Tristian, why did you abandon me like this? What do you want me to do now with him? I can’t look him in the eyes… they are too alike. Why, every time I see his face, does my heart break over and over again…?”

  — How long do you intend to keep spying on him like that? asked Professor Ezekiel calmly, who had just joined her.

  Nalinaya did not answer and continued her observation.

  — I know what you’re thinking. It is true that their resemblance is striking, but not their personality or the way they speak. In that respect, Elwyn resembles Akeso more. Tristian and I had so much in common and were, in a way, soulmates… But know that Elwyn is different from him.

  — I know… I’ve heard it…, replied the sylph with difficulty, her throat tight.

  — It’s been eleven years now since they have been gone. You need to start definitively turning the page on him.

  — How? It is thanks to him that I am here… It is also thanks to him that I am free… He saved my life and allowed me to become who I am today…

  — I know, but he is no longer here now. Even if it seems impossible, even absurd to you, these are the facts. Tristian is dead, he concluded in a firm yet calm tone.

  At these words, tears began to well up in the sylph’s eyes before slowly streaming down her gentle face, distorted by grief.

  — I know it’s difficult for you; that is the problem of the immortals endowed with consciousness. Unless you find another being like yourself, it will be hard for you to move forward, but you must do it. You are currently the Guardian of the Deity of Knowledge and Understanding, do not forget that.

  — I know, Nalinaya sobbed.

  — If you know that, then gather your courage and go talk to him. He’s just an ignorant and curious boy. He is as clumsy as an Entity when it comes to feelings, but he will never hurt you intentionally.

  — I… I can’t… I can’t do that… she replied while continuing to cry bitterly.

  — Why?

  — Because… Because I can’t… I can’t tell the difference… I just want… him to come back… to be with me, she replied from the depths of her bleeding, tearful heart.

  This situation left Ezekiel perplexed.

  — Are you telling me that your feelings for Tristian have now shifted to his son?

  Nalinaya nodded very slightly, and tears continued to stream down her cheeks.

  — I know… it’s absurd… He reminds me… so much of Tristian… I can’t… help… feeling something… for him… Even though… we don’t even know each other…

  — I see… It must not be easy for you, and I do not have a miracle solution for that, but I can tell you to take a step back with him. He is still young and too immature when it comes to love. You will get nowhere with him, not to mention that he belongs to the Domain of Life, and they are the ones who understand love the least.

  Meanwhile, Elwyn and Loyd left the arena and headed quietly toward the Great Library, before parting ways at the intersection leading to the dormitory, where Loyd went to his room while Elwyn continued on his way.

  When she finally lost sight of the young Nephilim of Life, Nalinaya turned onto her back and looked at the sky and its clouds with her tear?filled eyes.

  — Take as much time as you need, but do not forget what your duty is here, added Ezekiel, before leaving the sylph alone with herself.

  _________________________

  On the way to the Great Library, Elwyn noticed that there was some agitation on the west side of the academy, where the girls’ dormitory was located.

  “What could they be doing?”

  Indeed, they seemed to be looking for something, or even someone, around the building. They were careful, however, not to attract too much attention by avoiding running around. They grouped together in small clusters and discreetly set out in search of the thing in question, as if nothing were amiss.

  The young boy set off towards them, but stopped abruptly upon noticing a strange silhouette on the dormitory roof. It suddenly disappeared without a trace, just after being spotted.

  “An Entity?”

  To be sure, Elwyn changed his vision and adopted that of the Ethereal Plane, where he again noticed that mysterious silhouette levitating at the roof level. It disappeared again by changing Plan and quickly headed north.

  The creature measured about sixty centimeters in height, sported a pointed cap, and appeared to carry a large canvas bag on its shoulder.

  “He is damn small for a thief…”

  The young boy then activated his dual?plan vision and set off in pursuit.

  “Unless they are an Entity, they won’t achieve anything against him.”

  The mysterious Entity reached the edge of the dormitory roof, jumped into the void and changed Plan once again, where it used control of the ether to form small purple platforms under each of its feet, giving the impression that it was rapidly sliding down a staircase to the ground.

  “Wow, I haven’t yet reached that level of mastery myself… What could he possibly be doing here? Is Deity Ogme aware of his presence here?”

  Once on the ground, the Entity headed at full speed towards the guests’ dormitory, and Elwyn did the same.

  The pursued Entity moved quickly, very quickly for something of its size, while carrying its large bag over its shoulder.

  “How far does he intend to go like that?”

  The chase continued into the guests’ dormitory, where Elwyn changed his vision and adopted that of the Ethereal Plane, so as not to lose sight of the Entity. However, he made sure to pass directly next to the building without entering, remembering Ezekiel’s prohibition regarding intruding into others’ privacy.

  The Entity, for its part, crossed the building in a straight line and headed towards the vegetative labyrinth, which was located just behind. It went deep inside before changing Plan once again and hiding from its pursuer.

  “Ah! So that’s why… Now, it’s going to be a game of hide?and?seek… Great…”

  Finally, Elwyn arrived in front of the entrance of this famous labyrinth, whose existence Loyd had barely mentioned before. The walls, which rose more than two meters high, were formed of dense, verdant bushes, meticulously trimmed and maintained. They created a passage wide enough to allow two people to walk side by side.

  “I really don’t feel like getting lost in there… But well, if that’s what he wants to play…”

  The young Nephilim then restored his dual?plan vision to detect any change of Plan. And, in order to navigate easily through the labyrinth, he resorted to a technique known as “the ethereal eclipse.” This method involves making brief extraplanar journeys to quickly overcome the small obstacles standing in the way.

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  Thus, by moving skillfully through the numerous dead?ends and winding paths of the labyrinth, he avoided getting lost. However, despite his movements, he still did not know the location of the Entity.

  “Where is he? I really don’t feel like spending the rest of the day doing that…”

  After an intense search of about fifteen minutes and yet another ethereal eclipse, Elwyn finally reached the heart of the labyrinth, revealing a small park with a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

  At its center proudly stood an elegant fountain adorned with delicate sculptures, emitting a soft, soothing murmur as the water flowed, creating shimmering reflections under the sun’s rays.

  Surrounded by four finely sculpted stone benches, whose arrangement created a certain harmonious balance, the fountain offered everyone a comfortable place to sit, relax, and savor the tranquility of the surroundings.

  Paved paths surrounded this scene, bordered by brightly colored flowers that added vivid touches to the verdant environment. A sweet, enchanting fragrance emanated from these flowers, inviting all who were there to stroll and contemplate this peaceful landscape.

  “Incredible, a haven of peace in the middle of this place… I hope I can fully enjoy it one day… I wonder if Mother?Ophélia spent a lot of time here…”

  Elwyn then gazed at the place as a whole, walking around to observe it. Suddenly, his gaze was drawn to a fleeting movement beneath one of the stone benches. Without making any sudden gesture and pretending ignorance, the young boy calmly headed towards that specific spot.

  He bent down under the bench in question and finally, he found what he had been looking for all along.

  — Found.

  The young boy then grabbed the arm of the Entity and pulled it out of its hiding place, as it was firmly holding its canvas bag. The little being stirred as Elwyn lifted it to examine it more closely.

  The creature, measuring about sixty centimeters, had an appearance vaguely human. Its face displayed features similar to those of a human, but its skin had a dark, misty texture, reminiscent of that of an Entity in its primordial form. It looked like a storm cloud that had taken on a humanoid shape. Moreover, at the creature’s head, there was no pointed cap, but rather a sort of extension of the skull taking that shape.

  Despite the agitated movements of the Entity, Elwyn did not let go, and the little creature eventually dropped its precious bag, which crashed to the ground. The young Nephilim had won; once captured by someone, an Entity could no longer change Plan. This meant that Elwyn could absorb it to strengthen his own energy reserve. That is how the world worked, as well as how Entities operated.

  Without further ceremony, the Entity was sucked into the palm that held it and completely disappeared after a few seconds.

  — He certainly made me run, that one…

  The young boy, having finished with the Entity, picked up its canvas bag from the ground and took it with him onto a bench, for a little break.

  — Well, what on earth could he have stolen from the girls’ dormitory?

  He then opened the bag and checked its contents.

  — Uh… What did he want to do with all that?

  The young boy was astonished when he opened the bag retrieved from the Entity, discovering that it was exclusively filled with women’s underwear.

  A multitude of sizes, colors, and materials was on offer, each piece having its own unique touch. Some underwear was made from simple fabric, ideal for everyday use, while others were adorned with delicate lace, adding a touch of femininity and sophistication.

  Among the items he discovered were bras of various shapes and styles, as well as a variety of panties featuring different cuts and appearances. Simple and functional models coexisted with bold and alluring ones.

  The young boy couldn’t help but admire the attention paid to the details and the finish of each piece.

  — Well, this is really no joy at all. It’s not with this kind of thing that one becomes rich. Well, at least they aren’t precious or valuable items, just clothing… Why steal clothing? It’s absurd…

  Once he had checked the entire contents, Elwyn closed the bag and sat quietly on the bench for a few minutes, to recover a bit after these tumultuous events.

  "An Entity that has taken shape in the Material Plane must have existed for some time… So there’s a chance that this isn’t its first theft… I wonder if this place isn’t a hideout for it..."

  After this reflection, the young boy got up from the bench and carefully examined beneath each of the three other benches, in case he had missed something.

  — I was right, he murmured to himself.

  He then discovered two other bags hidden under two other benches. The first, smaller in size, contained several white chalks and rags. As for the second, it held various weapons and training outfits.

  — This is really not glorious… I hope Deity Ogme can tell me more about this Entity.

  Elwyn then decided to take all the bags with him and leave the labyrinth. However, one of the most annoying thoughts crossed the young boy’s mind.

  “With all this on me, I couldn’t go to the other Plane… I’ll have to travel normally… Which way was the entrance again?”

  For over twenty minutes, Elwyn wandered through this verdant path and, thanks to his good memory, he eventually found clues to the right way, even though he had to face a few dead ends.

  — Next time, I’ll take a spool of wool or some small stones with me.

  Once free, the young boy made his way to the Great Library and stopped in front of the wide?open window of Nalinaya’s office, facing the girls’ dormitory. The latter was also present, sitting on her chair, her head resting against the desk, and her right index finger was making circles above the table, continuously spinning a small wooden top.

  Elwyn then approached the edge of the window gently, and suddenly, the sylph rose up abruptly, as if she had just sensed someone near her, and finally turned towards the young boy.

  Expecting a scene similar to their encounter, Elwyn simply placed the three bags inside the office.

  — These are objects stolen by an Entity. There is a bag containing only girls’ underwear, another with chalk and rags, and the last one contains weapons and training outfits, he reported, before moving away from the window.

  Nalinaya fixed her gaze on the young boy, then his bags, before turning towards him one last time.

  — I’m sorry about you, regarding my father. I hope that things will get better with time and that my mere presence will no longer sadden you, she added before heading towards her dormitory.

  At these words, Nalinaya caught sight of her reflection through one of the open windows and noticed her own saddened face, her eyes wet.

  Yet, at the end of her little escapade atop the arena, she had taken the time to calm down and regain her usual appearance before returning to her office. She had even made the journey normally, greeting the students along the way and listening to the recent theft problem, without her face showing any issues.

  “Why? Why do I inflict this on him? He is not at fault... I’m sorry... Elwyn… I too am sorry for what I put you through...”

  The sylph lamented once more, her head resting on her desk, silently cursing her behavior, her eyes still wet.

  _________________________

  Comfortably seated at his desk, Deity Ogme was attentively reading a scientific note written by a renowned ornithologist, based on an island located to the west of the central continent.

  This note referred to the discovery of a new bird species named “Stormstrike.” This bird would be capable of stunning small prey such as rats or mice with its powerful cry. It would be small in size and sport a plumage of intense black, with violet reflections on its wings, as well as a short but robust beak. This species would be observed in heavily wooded areas and would be very territorial. The bird would attack any intruder in its territory using its shrill cry, creating just a slight disorientation in an individual in good physical condition, even causing vomiting if the attack is repeated.

  — That’s one species I do not want to see around here…, he murmured.

  Suddenly, the office door opened softly and Nalinaya, her face still slightly puffy, entered and walked towards the Deity.

  — What can I do for you? simply asked Ogme, while continuing to read through the note.

  — Elwyn just passed by and gave me bags containing the objects stolen by the Goblin.

  — I see. He wastes no time, and that will save us a hell of a problem with the girls.

  — Indeed…, replied the sylph softly.

  The Deity raised his gaze towards his Guardian, whose mind seemed to be wandering somewhere else.

  — He apologized… to me… because of his resemblance to Tristian…, she added.

  — Elwyn does not know sentimental pain; he is an Entity at that level. However, his Domain makes him empathetic to the pain of living beings, even if it comes from a source he does not understand and may never understand. Apologizing is only a remedy for a problem he cannot solve with his power. He has also understood well that politeness and apologies are easy and effective ways to create the beginning of a bond with people.

  — I know… That’s how you operate too.

  — I feel much better behind my desk, surrounded by my papers and my books, rather than outside, with all these people with their myriad sensitivities and fragilities. It would only take one misplaced word for me to destroy everything.

  — That’s why I am here, with you, replied Nalinaya, whose mood seemed to be improving a bit.

  — Indeed, you and your “Heart” are there to represent me to the Ilnolians. You, who understand their feelings better than I do, bridge the gap between our two species.

  The Deity suddenly took a blank sheet placed on the corner of his desk and began to write a message with a swift gesture of his quill.

  — And now, what do you intend to do with him? I suspect that this story greatly troubles you. He is an almost perfect clone of the man you loved, but he is still a child. Therefore, things must not get out of hand between you because of your feelings, at least not until he is an adult. After that, it will be solely your problem,

  asked Ogme, while continuing to write.

  The sylph then took a few seconds to reflect, before responding as honestly as possible.

  — I will… do my duty and… act with reason, even if… it will not be easy for me. I cannot keep fleeing from him for four years, replied Nalinaya, with a hint of apprehension.

  — Very well. I hope you succeed. I do not want him to depend too much on me here; that would be too suspicious in the eyes of the other students.

  The Deity eventually set his quill down next to his inkwell and froze the still?wet ink on the paper using his power. He then folded the message in four and finally placed a finger on it. A purple mist began to completely envelop the paper, before taking the form of a small bird, which flew out of the room after changing Plan.

  — By the way, how are the preparations for tonight going? I didn’t inquire after returning to my office.

  — From what the wind has brought me, everything is already ready.

  — Perfect. I hope there will be no incident like at noon.

  — Given that you will be there, along with Ezekiel, nothing should happen, replied the sylph confidently.

  The starry gaze of the Deity then lost itself in the distance as it fixed on the ceiling of the room.

  — Let’s hope so.