Shadows of Severance

Walking down the stairs, Kai appeared much more polished and tidy than earlier. In the living room, a middle-aged man sat on the sofa, rising with a smile when he saw Kai.

"Good morning, Sir Kai," the man greeted warmly.

"Good morning, Weaver Fren." Kai extended a hand, and they shook before Kai gestured for Fren to sit. "How was the journey?"

"It was safe, thankfully," Fren replied with a chuckle.

Kai's smile faded slightly. "Is it getting worse?"

Fren's laughter stopped, replaced by a somber nod. "Yes. The Rulin are doing their best, but we're losing more every day."

Kai sighed. "Research hasn't been fruitful, either. There's so little to work with, and that damned tribe only makes things harder."

"The Hanyue tribe truly is a thorn in our side," Fren agreed, frowning. "But that's for the Guardians and Sentinels to handle. It's far beyond us."

"True," Kai said, nodding. "Oh, by the way, I heard you were being considered for the Vanguard title. How's that going?"

Fren let out a tired sigh. "It's proving difficult."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Really? If anyone could achieve it, I figured it would be you."

Fren shook his head, his expression weary. "Unfortunately, my Latifa is still in the Tazkira stage. Nearly all the Vanguards have already manifested their Tajalli."

Kai frowned in understanding. "The Latifa truly are mysterious."

"Tell me about it." Fren gave a frustrated laugh before shifting the conversation. "Anyway, where's the Novice?"

"Leon!" Kai called out loudly. Moments later, a rush of footsteps echoed down the stairs.

Leon appeared, his expression calm, though his trembling fingers and slightly flushed face betrayed his nerves. Despite his best effort to appear composed, his gaze darted repeatedly between Kai and the Weaver, clearly unsure where to look.

"Leon, meet Weaver Fren," Kai said, gesturing toward the man. "He's a renowned Weaver, second to none. He's trained countless Novices, Disciples, and even other Weavers."

"You flatter me, Sir Kai," Fren said humbly. He turned to Leon with a kind smile. "You must be the Novice."

"Y-yes, that's me," Leon stammered, stepping forward to shake Fren's hand. His confidence faltered as he realized how clammy his palm was. Why now?! he cursed internally.

Kai shook his head, amused by his brother's obvious awkwardness. Turning back to Fren, he said, "As I mentioned in my letter, Leon cannot attend the Rulin academies for personal reasons. While he has achieved Ammara and officially stepped into the Novice realm, I'd like you to help him awaken his Latifa."

"That's no problem," Fren said with a nod. "And as you noted, I won't inquire about his Nafs—it won't be necessary for Latifa training."

"Thank you for understanding," Kai said with a small smile.

Fren reached into his pocket and pulled out a bronze badge etched with intricate symbols. He handed it to Leon. "As a Novice under me, this badge is yours. Once you awaken your Latifa, I'll have the authority to promote you to Disciple."

Leon accepted the badge, his face lighting up. He turned it over in his hands, marvelling at its craftsmanship.

"Normally, you'd pour your Nafs into the badge to claim it," Fren continued. "But you can do that later with your brother."

Leon nodded, still dazed by the honour.

"Good. I just wanted to introduce myself today," Fren said as he stood. "We'll start training tomorrow. Make sure you get plenty of rest."

"I will, sir!" Leon said enthusiastically, nearly saluting.

"Take care, Sir Kai."

"You as well," Kai replied, shaking Fren's hand one last time before seeing him out the door. Once the Weaver was gone, Kai turned to Leon.

"Pass me the badge," he said.

"Why?" Leon asked, though he handed it over.

Kai pocketed the badge without explanation. "From now until I leave, I'll be overseeing your Nafs training. Fren is a good man, but at the end of the day, he's a Rulin. His priorities will always lie with humanity as a whole."

"You're going to train me?" Leon asked, his voice laced with doubt.

"Yes."

Leon scratched his head, his expression turning sheepish. "Can't someone else do it? It feels weird having you as my teacher."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Why? I told you I've achieved Lawamma."

"It's not that," Leon said with a nervous laugh. "It's just… we're brothers. How can we be serious? I'll probably end up laughing half the time."

Kai considered this and sighed. "Fair point. It's hard to imagine either of us keeping a straight face." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "But no one else in the family has even reached Ammara, let alone Lawamma. I don't have a choice."

"Then just give me some tips," Leon suggested. "I made it to Ammara on my own—I can handle the rest if you guide me a bit."

Kai nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But I'll need to be nearby when you practice."

Leon groaned. "That's going to make it even harder."

"Too bad," Kai said firmly. "It's important I monitor you in case something goes wrong."

Leon sighed in defeat. "Fine."

Kai smiled. "Good. I'll give the badge back to you tonight."

"Why are you even keeping it?"

"I don't want your Nafs accidentally activating it," Kai explained. "I don't know what to expect, so it's safer this way."

Leon frowned. "I still don't get why my Nafs is such a big deal. I'm not going to misuse it or anything."

Kai shook his head. "You don't understand. People in power don't care about individuals—they only care about the greater picture. If someone like Fren finds out about your Nafs, it could bring you trouble."

"Then explain it to me better!" Leon snapped.

"I've already told you everything you need to know," Kai said, brushing past his brother and giving him a gentle nudge. "I won't risk your life because of ignorance."

"Whatever." Leon scoffed. "By the way, I'm heading out with some friends. Let Mom know if she asks."

Kai nodded and made his way upstairs.

Entering his room, Kai placed the badge on the table before changing into more formal clothes. Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted his collar and smirked slightly. "At least I'm not ugly," he muttered under his breath.

"You going out?"

The voice made him turn. His father stood at the doorway, arms crossed.

"Yeah, I was thinking of visiting Nahlia," Kai replied, keeping his tone neutral. He avoided elaborating—conversations like this always felt awkward with his more traditional father.

His father gave a small nod. "I see." He paused before stepping further into the room. "I wanted to ask about Leon."

Kai's posture stiffened slightly. "About what I mentioned the other day?"

"Yes." His father nodded again, his expression somber. "I'm worried about him. He's young, Kai. Inexperienced. That kind of combination can lead to… mistakes."

"Don't worry," Kai said, his voice steady. "I've got it under control."

His father sighed, his gaze fixed on the floor. "I'm his father. I should know what's going on."

Kai hesitated, then gave a careful response. "It's nothing drastic. His Nafs is… unique. It's stronger than normal, but harder to manage. If he doesn't learn proper control, he could hurt himself." He kept his explanation brief, omitting any unnecessary details.

His father's brows furrowed deeply, and he shook his head. "That's worrisome."

"I'll handle it," Kai said firmly.

"That's not the point," his father replied, stepping into the room and sitting on the bed. "Becoming a Rulin is dangerous, Kai. I've told him countless times to choose a different path, but he won't listen."

Kai stayed silent, watching his father's weary expression.

"He's still just a boy," his father said softly, as though talking to himself. "My little boy. If something happens to him… I don't know what I'd do."

"Nothing will happen," Kai said, his voice calm but resolute. "Unless he becomes a Weaver, he won't even face Zhulls."

"Zhulls aren't the only threat in this world, Kai," his father said sharply, meeting his son's eyes. "I may not be as educated as you, but I've lived long enough to know the dangers out there."

"I understand," Kai said, his tone clipped.

His father sighed again, standing up slowly. "You don't, not yet. One day, when you have children of your own, you'll understand how I feel."

Kai said nothing, watching as his father moved toward the door.

As his father reached the threshold, he paused and turned back. "Make sure you watch over him, Kai. I'm not young anymore, and I'm counting on you to protect your siblings."

"I will," Kai said simply.

His father lingered a moment longer, his hand resting on the doorframe. "One more thing. Spend more time with your mother. She misses you when you're away."

Kai's lips pressed into a thin line. "I will."

"She's thrilled about your engagement, you know. Probably more than you realize. She worries about you being in the city, especially now."

"I know," Kai replied, sighing softly.

His father nodded, finally stepping out of the room. "That's all I had to say."

Kai watched him go, the familiar weight of his father's words settling on his shoulders. Once alone, he exhaled sharply and returned to buttoning his shirt.

Straightening his collar, he gave himself one last glance in the mirror before heading out.

Near his home was the bustling market, lined with various shops and stalls. Kai weaved through the crowd, quickly entering a large shop with a bright sign. The jingle of the bell echoed as he stepped inside.

The shop was spacious and well-lit, with shelves lined with an assortment of sweets and other goods. A few customers browsed leisurely, and a single worker stood near the counter.

"Hello! Can I help you find anything?" she asked, her tone polite and cheerful.

Kai nodded. "Yes, can you show me the large chocolates you have?"

"Of course, follow me," she replied, leading him to a table piled high with chocolates of various shapes and sizes. "Are you looking for anything specific?"

"What's popular?" Kai asked, glancing over the options. Though he'd claimed to like chocolate, he rarely ate it, finding it too sweet for his taste.

The worker thought for a moment before picking up two options. "These two are our best sellers."

"I'll take a few of each," he said, pointing to the selections. His gaze shifted to a display of small, foil-wrapped chocolates. "And toss in some of those as well."

"Got it," she said, gathering the items. As they headed to the counter, she paused. "Would you like us to put it together in a gift basket? We can decorate it for you."

Kai hesitated, then nodded. "Sure. Also, could you add that teddy bear over there?" He gestured to a pink bear sitting on a nearby shelf. Is this too much? he wondered briefly but dismissed the thought.

The worker smiled. "Of course! It'll take a few minutes to arrange. Feel free to look around in the meantime."

Kai nodded and wandered through the store, examining the various sweets and trinkets. As he browsed, the bell jingled again, signaling a new customer.

Glancing over, he froze when he saw a familiar face.

"Maribel?" he said, raising an eyebrow.

His sister, accompanied by a group of friends, looked just as surprised. "Kai? What are you doing here?"

Maribel left her friends and approached him, her expression suspicious. It wasn't every day she saw her brother in a candy shop, given his distaste for sweets.

"Nothing," Kai said quickly, his tone awkward. It was his first time buying something for anyone outside of his siblings, and being caught only made it more uncomfortable.

Maribel's eyes narrowed. "You're getting something for Nahlia, aren't you?"

"Umm…" Kai stammered, his lack of response giving him away.

"What are you buying her? I hope it's not something weird," she said, crossing her arms.

"It's just some chocolates… and a teddy bear," Kai mumbled.

Maribel's eyes widened, and then she nearly shouted, "A teddy bear?! Are you serious?"

"What's wrong with that?" Kai asked, genuinely confused.

"What's wrong?" Maribel smacked her forehead, her voice dripping with exasperation. "Kai, you've been on one date! And that was only because she came over herself! You barely know her."

"But we're engaged. Isn't it fine?" he asked, frowning slightly.

Maribel let out a sharp laugh. "Engaged or not, you're still practically strangers! You're going to scare her off like this."

"Really?" Kai asked, his confusion deepening.

"Yes! Forget scaring her off—you'll look like a total loser," she said, shaking her head. "If some guy I barely knew gave me a teddy bear, I'd run for the hills."

Kai frowned, deep in thought. He couldn't understand what was wrong with his plan. "But she said she likes me…"

Maribel rolled her eyes. "And? Sure, she might like you, but that doesn't mean you start giving her overly intimate gifts right away."

"Then what should I give her?" he asked, sounding genuinely lost. "She said she likes chocolate, so I got her a basket of it."

Maribel groaned loudly, pressing her hand to her forehead. "Oh my lord!" She pushed past him and marched to the counter. Turning to the worker, she gave an apologetic smile. "Hi, can you cancel the teddy bear, please? And just pack the chocolates without the basket."

The worker glanced between the two siblings but nodded. "Of course. That'll just be twenty copper coins, then."

Maribel turned to Kai, who sighed and fished the coins out of his pocket, handing it over.

With the chocolates now in hand, Maribel handed the bag to Kai. "Since you're so clueless, let me help you."

Kai nodded silently, following her lead.

Maribel turned to her friends and waved. "You guys go ahead. I'll catch up later." Her friends nodded and left the store as she led Kai outside.