Chapter 111: Memories (1/2)
Images kept flooding Aiden's mind, filling his consciousness. He saw all the important moments of his life, starting all the way from the moment his newborn hazy eyes first met with the light of the outside world.
The look on his mother and father as they greeted their newborn child.
”Welcome to the world, Igor.” Were the father's first words to his son.
Then, their happy, tear-stained faces as they watched him take his first uncertain steps.
The images kept flashing, as one moment played out, it was quickly replaced by another, playing the next. He saw his first spar with his father as he trained him with the ways of the sword. His first test showed he has no affinity towards any element. The sad look on his parents' faces, as they tried to console him.
Aiden felt the man's determination at that point. That moment was the first of many that shaped his life and ultimately led him to his demise as a guard captain working for a shady underground organization, beating, torturing, and selling slaves.
The videos kept playing in Aiden's mind, soon the small boy was in his late teens, happy and proud. He was marching towards the City Guard Barracks. After years of training with his father who held the rank of Sergeant, he was sure he would be able to pass the test and join up.
Ever since he failed the magic affinity test, he was pushing extra hard to be an exceptional swordsman. He hated the sad look on his parents' faces, he was determined to never experience it again.
Opening the door into the building, he was stopped by the entrance when a familiar, and very much hated voice came from behind.
”Where do you think you're going, Igor? This is no place for talentless weaklings like yourself!”
His hand still on the handle, Igor turned his head sideways to catch a glimpse of the red-haired, freckled young boy behind him. He was wearing the city guard's uniform, reflecting the fact that he already passed the test that Igor was just attempting for the first time.
Snorting in contempt, he pushed on the lever and slowly opened the barrack's door. Just before he took a step inside, he contemptuously snorted at the boy.
”It has nothing to do with you, Ginger. Fuck off.”
Leaving the boy fuming in anger, he entered the building. However, before he could take another step, he was stopped once again by a booming voice coming from his left.
”Stop! Who are you and what business do you have here?! This area is off-limits to civilians!”
Turning to the left, Igor faced the owner of the voice, a large man wearing a set of hardened leather armor over his chest and legs. He had leather gloves on his hands and a matching leather head cap at the top of his head.
His weapon, a pike, was resting beside him leaning against the wall.
Igor respectfully bowed his head, as he spoke.
”Sir, I'm here to take on the test and join the ranks. I wish to be just like my father, a City Guard!”
Looking at the boy, the man hummed as he grabbed his chin, contemplating over something. After several seconds, he snorted and posed another question against the boy.
”Who is your father, boy?”
Igor audibly gulped to swallow his fears, and respectfully answered.
”It's Sergeant Rex Collins, from the 5th Group, Sir!”
”Hmmm… So, you are Collins' brat… A'ight, then!” He said, then he hit Igor's back causing the boy to almost fall on his face by the sudden force. He took several steps forward to resist the power behind the casual hit.
Seeing this, the man roared heartily, enjoying the boy's misery.
”Ahahahaha, oh boy… Listen, boy! Go to the right and walk straight all the way to the end of the hallway. Knock on Captain Hills' door, and state your business, he will sort you out!” He said.
Igor nodded. He could still hear the guard's hearty laughter echoing through the corridor, accompanied by the last words he threw towards him. ”I hope we will meet again over lunch someday!”