“Woah.” The siblings exclaimed.

  “What?”

  It was still early in the morning, the sun just starting its trek up the horizon when both siblings awakened from their sleep. It took them a minute to get up from their slumber, and the moment they did, they saw Callum’s uncovered head.

  “You took your mask off!” Sabrina pointed at him.

  The gesture almost knocked Nicholas off his bed, taking him out of his momentary stupor at seeing Callum’s face for the first time.

  Though his eyes were still covered by a piece of cloth, Callum’s other features were open for everyone to see. His short white hair, squared jaw adorned with white stubble, and his prominent nose stood out.

  He’d learned that his skin tone wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. He’d seen the Goliaths and their ashen skin, and they weren’t that different from his own. There was no need to fear the people here hunting him down, and that alleviated most of his anxiety.

  Even his white hair could be summed up as some rare genetic mutation, or the cause of having a human and Goliath parent, since from what he’d seen, Goliaths don’t have any hair on their heads at all.

  “I did. Don’t I look handsome?” Callum smirked.

  “You do!” Sabrina declared as she excitedly jumped on the bed.

  “Okay, but why hide your eyes though? I thought you were hiding your face because of some nasty scar, but if that’s not the case, why cover them?” Nicholas questioned while he calmed his rowdy sister from injuring herself by jumping on their bed.

  He was also worried about the bed breaking, and then paying a fine for the damages. They only had a couple more silver to pay for five nights, they couldn’t afford to waste any money on some accident.

  “Um, just a uh…new way to train?” Callum said unsurely.

  Nicholas gave him a questioning brow in turn.

  “Right… Well, whichever the case, it’s good to see your face,” he replied.

  Standing up from his bed, Nicholas went to the room’s only chest. He opened it and fished out his belongings.

  “So, what’s your plan for today?” Callum asked

  “I’m gonna go find a job at the Adventurer’s Guild,”

  “The Adventurer’s Guild, huh?”

  Throughout the night, Callum made some plans. The first thing on his list was to settle himself with this world’s norms. He needs to familiarize himself with how the people here work, the economy, common sense, and the like. And one way to do that was to get a job.

  By getting a job, he tackles the second thing on his list, which is money. He already knows that to get settled, he needs a steady stream of revenue. He could either do this by applying for one or getting a quest at some guild. However, the thought of the Adventurer’s Guild both excites and terrifies him.

  Callum has learned a lot from the siblings. Though the information was slim, he still had some knowledge about the undead. And from the sound of it, the undead was bad news.

  They were a kill-on-sight kind of monster, only truly dying from being decapitated, set aflame, or through holy magic. Their bodies were durable and hard to cut, which would explain why his own physique was so sturdy. And if the Adventurer’s Guild were to know of his nature, then Callum’s life would be forfeit.

  The thought of it sent shivers down his spine. Though he wanted to join the guild to find more information about , the risks it would take were astronomical. One wrong slip-up and he’d be skewered, or worse, experimented on.

  “Are there any other places I can get a job?” Callum asked.

  “Well, there’s some construction work you could probably get employed in, but why? Aren’t you an adventurer too?” Nicholas questioned.

  From the looks of it, Nicholas believes Callum as some powerful individual. I mean, he’d also believe it too if some guy in the middle of nowhere showed up with a presence capable of making people kneel.

  However, he’d only had his first instance of . Not only that, but he has no idea how the magic in this world works. Though the lie had saved him from explaining himself to the siblings, it could only take him so far. And that’s not even taking into account the misunderstandings that would come out of it.

  Callum doesn’t want people to overestimate him and think he’s as strong as Nicholas believed him to be. It would only lead to an early death from a confident adventurer. He doesn’t even know how to fight yet!

  With a deep breath, Callum thought about breaking the news to Nicholas. The news that in fact he wasn’t as strong as they believed him to be.

  “I think you’re misunderstanding something. I’m not an adventurer.”

  “Huh?”

  “And I’ve only had my first instance of just a day ago.”

  “HUH?!”

  At that, Nicholas fully turned his attention to Callum, forgetting that he was about to head outside to find a job at the guild. He stared at him with such intensity Callum was sure it could’ve burned a hole in his face.

  “Wait. You’re telling me that you only had your yesterday?” Nicholas asked.

  He had walked towards Callum after his outburst, his face wearing a confused frown.

  “Yep. That’s why I asked about class selections,” Callum replied.

  “But…You forgot your memories, right?” Nicholas asked.

  “Yeah, about that…”

  Callum then proceeded to explain that his amnesia was a lie too. Though he didn’t share his secrets, he opened up to the siblings that he was just lost. Though the siblings asked some questions here and there, Callum only explained his situation for the past few days and nothing more, only wishing for the siblings to respect his privacy, to which both of them readily agreed.

  He’d already thought that the lie of having lost his memories would be more of a hassle than anything else. Though it’s true he’d been thrown into this world without any knowledge at all, it would only make him more suspicious if he were to start talking about his background on Earth.

  He wants to get a job, and talking about his skills as a freelancing blue-collar worker was one of his strong suits. He wouldn’t be able to do that if he made out to be an ignorant peasant with no learnings about the world. Which he is, but nobody has to know that.

  “We know the code of anonymity among the guilds. There’s no need for you to worry about us prying or sharing your secrets,” Nicholas assured.

  “Thank you,” Callum sighed in relief.

  A weight has been lifted off his shoulders and his worries have lessened. He had been thinking a lot about whether to share some of his secrets, and it looked like it had been the right call, since both the siblings took his words in good faith.

  After that, Nicholas asked about their first encounter and the power Callum exhibited. Callum gave his honest answer: He has no idea. It only happened in the heat of the moment, and Callum hadn’t been able to tap into that power.

  Hearing this, Nicholas explained more about and how it works.

  “Though I’ve only heard this from our father, there is something he said about aura being attainable at later stages of ,” Nicholas said.

  “Mother also said something about it too. She said that it’s hard to get one,” Sabrina chimed in.

  Both of the siblings now sat on the bed, explaining the instances of and how it relates to aura.

  “From what I know, aura is something you only get by cultivating it for years. Fighters usually use it to strengthen themselves, but it could also be used to intimidate someone. But there are ways to get one with a class selection,” Nicholas pointed out.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “I thought an doesn’t give you an instant boost to your abilities?”

  “That's right. Though, that’s true in the early stages. I’m not that well informed about what happens when you’ve gone beyond your third instance of . But, from what I know, the culmination of your efforts would help you crystalize your aura once you get your next . Like a small push to give you your realization,”

  “I guess it has something to do with training your mind and body,” Callum muttered, to which Nicholas confirmed with a nod of his head.

  Now that he explained it, Callum grew more confident that what he did before was a use of his aura. He had been dead for 98 years, and during that time, he had trained his mind and imagination. Even his perpetual decomposition and regeneration might have strengthened his body, which would lead to some kind of cultivation. And with that cultivation came his aura.

  With that realization, something finally clicked inside Callum. He could feel a kind of heat rumble within his chest, spreading outwards until it covered his whole body. Callum could feel it so intimately that he forgot he was in the middle of a conversation.

  The feeling was akin to submerging himself in a hot bath of water, so soothing that it almost made him moan in satisfaction. Not only that, but Callum intuitively knew that he could extend this heat outside his body, something he’d done a few days prior.

  “I think I finally got it,” Callum said to the siblings.

  “Finally got what?” Sabrina asked.

  “Wanna see your brother kneel before me?” Callum asked with a smirk.

  Hearing that, Sabrina readily said a resounding yes, head nodding so furiously Callum thought her neck might snap from the excitement. On the other hand, the brother in question showed a grimace, a stark contrast to the joyful Sabrina next to him.

  “I don’t think that would be necessary,” he said while waving his hands.

  “C’mon. You’re the only one left standing when I did it, and you’ll be prepared this time,”

  “Yeah!”

  Both Callum and Sabrina looked at Nicholas with mischievous grins on their faces, however, it didn’t look like Nicholas was inclined to join them.

  “I think I’ll pass,” he smiled back.

  He stood up, ready to leave the room and start his day. However, before he could leave, Callum taunted him.

  “I see. Looks like the brother is making a run for it,”

  He knows men are always up for a challenge, even if it’s stupid ones. He had been subjected to one before, and the resulting mess of a spilled drink on his shirt was a fond memory of his. And to prove this point, Nicholas turned his head and gave Callum a determined stare.

  “If I remain standing, you’ll have to show me your eyes,” he said, turning his whole body towards his challenger.

  The challenge was clear to Callum’s ears. If he lost, Nicholas would know of his true nature, however, a challenge is a challenge, and Callum hasn’t stirred away from one. The risks may be great, but the rewards are greater.

  “Okay, but if I win, you’ll have to do everything I say for the next twenty-four hours,” Callum replied.

  A look of apprehension momentarily flashed across Nicholas’ face, but it was gone the next second.

  With a nod, both contenders went to their respective positions. Callum stood in front of Nicholas, hands clenched into a fist as he waited for Sabrina’s signal.

  “Ready…”

  He felt his aura condense in his body, reaching a point inside his chest. He let his senses permeate the room, his focus razor-sharp and the world an afterthought.

  “Set…”

  He imagines a funnel encapsulating Nicholas, a wall of force that would stop his aura from leaking toward Sabrina. His concentration was reaching its peak and the only thing he could see was Nicholas inside his own imagined bubble.

  “Go!”

  With Sabrina’s signal, Callum uncapped his metaphorical jar, and a wave of dread flowed out of him. It swallowed the funnel he’d imagined, an intangible force that instilled fear to those he deemed his enemies.

  If not for their explanation, Callum wouldn’t have come to this realization. He’d have to thank them for this someday, however, he couldn’t afford to lose his focus daydreaming of tomorrow. His aura needs to be controlled, lest it seeps out towards Sabrina.

  It bombarded the brother, his hands tightly clenched to his sides. Yet, his eyes were glazed over, filled with horror as he felt Callum’s weight on his soul.

  Nicholas, in all his life, had never stared death in the face. Though his village had been burnt to the ground, and had his fair share of close encounters, he had never been so close to death than ever before. Yet, what he saw in Callum was different.

  It was true death, the aging carcass of time long forgotten amid dark waters. A crumbling civilization of the ageless that had washed away like ashes in an ever-burning fire. What he saw was Eternity.

  It didn’t even take a moment for Nicholas to kneel on the ground. Goosebumps raced across his body as his eyes rolled back, consciousness fading until the only thought left in his mind was dread.

  With that thought, Nicholas’ face hit the wooden floor with a resounding thud, the pressure boring into him quickly fading.

  Callum, seeing Nicholas collapse from the pressure, retracted his aura back inside his body. It felt like trying to stuff water back into a small container, but with his immense focus trained from decades of isolation, Callum was able to completely contain his presence.

  Done with his control, Callum went to check on the unconscious Nicholas.

  “That may have been too much,” Callum said as he lifted Nichola’s eyelids to get a better look at him.

  Though he didn’t show any signs of trauma, Callum wouldn’t be so sure that the man was okay. It only took a second for Nick to topple over, and that was him trying to control his aura as much as he could.

  “Is he okay?” Sabrina asked as she too moved closer to his passed-out brother.

  Her brows were creased with worry, her small hands caressing her brother’s hair.

  “He’ll be alright. Look, he’s already waking up,”

  With a groan, Nicholas slowly opened his eyes. His vision was unfocused for a short while, but the moment he saw Callum and Sabrina looking over him, he quickly sat up, hitting Callum in the process.

  “My nose!” Callum said, hand rubbing the point of impact.

  Though he couldn’t feel pain the same way, he could still feel the shock of his noggin being rattled. The surprise earned him a stifled laugh from Sabrina.

  “That’s what you get for challenging me,” Nicholas replied while he rubbed his forehead.

  “Though, that aura ability is something nasty. I can’t even remember most of it. One moment I’m still standing, the next my face was on the floor,” he added, his glimpse to eternity forgotten like the dead language of old.

  Callum offered a hand for Nick, which he took with a firm grasp. He stood up, saying his thanks before looking Callum directly in the eye.

  “Keep that ability hidden at all costs,” he said.

  “Why? Is it that bad?” Callum asked.

  “Yes. Only people who've gone through multiple instances of could produce an aura that strong. If people knew you had a power like that, the code of anonymity the guild has built up might not protect you,”

  The warning in Nick’s tone didn’t go unnoticed. Callum already had an inkling that this new power he had was something unique. Even his sensing ability seems rare if he goes by the knowledge he’d gathered from the siblings.

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” he replied with a nod.

  “Good,”

  “Then I guess brother has to do everything brother Callum has to say from now on, right?”

  Sabrina’s comment took both of their attention. Callum had already forgotten their little challenge, only taunting Nick to get him to agree. But now that it’s over, he couldn’t help but grow a smirk on his face.

  “He does,” he said so smugly that it earned him an irritated glare from Nicholas.

  With a grumble, the brother asked for Callum’s first order. Though they know they didn’t have to follow through with their promises, their pride as men overshadowed any shame they might have felt if they were to lose. Even Callum would find it hard to refuse to show his eyes if he had lost, and Nick thought the same.

  “I guess my first request would be a tour around this town,” he replied with his hand on his chin.

  The brother agreed, once again slinging their bag over his shoulder and beckoning both Sabrina and Callum to come with him. They walked through the inn and out of its door. While it’s still early in the morning, the town is filled with life.

  Kids ran to complete the errands given to them by their mothers, shouts of vendors could be heard in the distance trying to compete with their neighbors, and housewives filled the market haggling for their purchases. Callum could even see some rugged men talking amongst themselves as they headed to the center of town.

  The gang continued their journey, with Nicholas explaining the layout of the town while they looked for a place to eat. The smells of meat and fish filled Callum’s nostrils, and he couldn’t help but feel his growing hunger in the pit of his stomach.

  He had familiarized himself with his hunger. Its pangs of pain that sent him to insanity have become manageable throughout his travels with Nick and Sabrina. Though, that doesn’t mean he couldn’t ignore it forever. So, with vigor, Callum used his new senses to find a vendor selling food.

  “This way,” he said.

  The siblings followed after him, noses sniffing the air as the scent of grilled meat made their mouths water. They maneuvered between running children and arguing couples, dodging carts and carriages, until they found their destination.

  A line had already formed at the vendor’s spot, the scent of something succulent luring in the empty stomach of the populace. Seeing this, the group quickly got into the line, their appetite groaning in anticipation as the line kept getting shorter and shorter.

  When they finally got to the front of the line, Callum was surprised to see a ball of dough sizzling on top of a flat piece of iron. He eyed some type of rune etched at its borders, glowing with an ethereal red light that produced the heat to grill the dough. It intrigued him, however, this isn’t the time to look deeper into this world’s magic. His stomach has to be satiated.

  “Come and get some of my freshly grilled meat buns! Just one Pen each to start your day!” the vendor yelled to the crowd, hands busy as they filled the flat grill with more balls of dough.

  “We’ll have three, please,” Nicholas said to the shouting vendor, handing the man three copper coins.

  The vendor moved quickly, his hands deft in the art of grilling. He finished flipping every piece of bread on his heated grill while simultaneously handing them three buns on a piece of what Callum could only describe as parchment.

  They thanked the vendor and continued their journey. Yet, before they could leave the premises, Callum asked for his share of the food.

  With a gesture, Nick handed Callum his meal, having to quickly let go of the hot buns before it could burn his hands. However, when Callum held it in his palm, Nick’s brows rose on his head as he watched Callum unfazed by the heat of the bread.

  They watched Callum in awe as he devoured his food, not even flinching from the still-steaming filling of the buns being loaded into his mouth. On the other hand, Callum moaned with every bite.

  He tasted the herbs and spices used to marinate the meat. It tasted like barbeque with a hint of lemon's sour tang. He couldn’t help but quickly fill his tongue with its delicious juices, held by the crispy bread dough that completed the harmony in his mouth.

  Even the bystanders, looking at Callum merrily eating his meal, couldn’t help themselves but salivate. They watched him say his compliments to the vendor with each bite, which in turn, made them more curious about its flavor.

  Unbeknownst to Callum, he had just performed free advertising, since now, the vendor they had just bought from was filled with people lining up at his small stall.

  Once he had finished his meal, the group continued walking down the road, their stomachs full and satisfied as they finally started their day.