Chapter 9 – The World Begins to Reveal Itself
Adrian groaned and placed a hand on his forehead, feeling dizzy and disoriented. The ceiling above him was cracked but still standing — a clear sign that someone had patched the shelter with care.
"Where... am I?" he muttered.
He sat up slowly, his eyes scanning the room. Dust floated in beams of sunlight that passed through gaps in the wooden boards. It looked like an old ruin turned into a home.
Then he saw her.
A girl with short brown hair and piercing green eyes sat calmly against the wall. She didn't look older than twelve.
"Cordelia? You're in my house?" he asked, confused.
"Actually," she said, raising an eyebrow, "you're in mine. Now… can you tell me how you ended up here?"
Adrian blinked, still trying to process everything. His gaze fixed on the girl again.
"Who are you…?"
She stood and walked toward him, her expression calm but firm.
"Cordelia. I'm the one who saved your life."
The memory came rushing back: the blinding flash of white light, the skeletal knights thrown aside like leaves in a storm, and then… darkness.
His eyes widened.
"Then… you're an Heir?"
Cordelia gave a small nod.
"Yes."
Adrian's heart sank.
"So… the inheritance that was here… has already been claimed?" he asked, disbelief in his voice.
Cordelia tilted her head, confused.
"Inheritance? So that's why you came here? You were after the inheritance?"
Adrian hesitated. His mind was racing.
Should I tell her about the journal? About the clues from my parents?
He looked at her again. She had saved him without asking for anything. If she wanted to hurt him, she would've done it already. And above all… if the inheritance she had was the same one his parents wrote about…
He clenched his fists.
"Yes," he said finally. "My parents left behind a journal. It mentioned an inheritance hidden in the ruins. I came here the day after I found it."
Cordelia's eyes widened.
"Wait… so the journal mentioned an inheritance, and you just ran here all alone the next day?! Are you stupid?!"
Her voice echoed sharply through the small shelter.
Adrian looked down, his face shadowed.
"I'm just an orphan," he said, voice firm despite her scolding. "Who was I supposed to ask for help? And even if I could, I wouldn't tell anyone I have a map to an inheritance. That would only put everyone in the orphanage in danger. This power… wouldn't protect them. It would make them targets. I'd rather not have it."
Cordelia looked at him, her expression softening as she saw his determination.
I'll find that inheritance… so you can become stronger. Then maybe… you can play with the other kids again. And Mom will help too…
She turned her face away and murmured softly:
"Idiot…"
"Huh?" Adrian asked, looking at her.
"I didn't say anything," she replied quickly.
A moment of silence passed before she stepped forward.
"How about a deal?" she said, holding out her hand.
"A deal?"
"Yes. I think the inheritance your parents mentioned is something different. I've seen places guarded by soldiers before — similar situations. If the inheritance you're looking for is in a specific place, it should still be there. I'll take you there… if you help me look for my parents. Deal?"
Her small hand remained extended between them.
Adrian looked into her eyes for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"Deal."
They shook hands, sealing the agreement.
Cordelia gave a firm nod.
"Then get some rest. Tomorrow at dawn, we'll start searching for clues about my parents."
Adrian lay back down on the couch, the fabric worn but warm. Cordelia turned and walked to her bed — a pile of blankets arranged in the corner of the room.
As the light dimmed, Adrian stared at the ceiling, his eyes growing heavy.
Dad… Mom… I'm getting closer… closer to your legacy.
He closed his eyes… and soon sleep took him.