Chương 87: Guardians

Vale approached Callum slowly. The man was leaning casually against a massive reinforced window that overlooked Chimera's enclosure. Beyond the thick, transparent barrier, the enormous wolf rested within her territory, her colossal form barely contained by the vast space designed to house her. Soft ambient light reflected off her silver fur as she lay still, eyes half-lidded yet alert, ever watchful. As Vale crossed the open floor, he felt it. Eyes. Dozens of them. Some subtle. Some blatant.

Soldiers, instructors, and staff alike glanced in his direction before quickly looking away, only to steal another look moments later. Others didn't bother hiding it at all. Their attention drifted not just to him, but to Callum as well. The Shining Knight. Standing near him only amplified the pressure. Vale felt a flicker of unease stir in his chest. His shoulders tensed instinctively, his steps slowing for half a heartbeat, but he caught himself.

With a quiet breath, he straightened his back, lifted his chin slightly, and continued forward as if he hadn't noticed a thing. Callum noticed anyway. He turned from the window as Vale drew closer, a warm smile already forming on his face.

"Vale," Callum said easily, his voice carrying just enough to reach him without drawing attention.

"It's good to see you." His gaze drifted downward briefly, then softened.

"I see you brought your children with you as well." Vale followed his line of sight. The three ravens perched comfortably on his shoulders had indeed changed. Their bodies were noticeably larger than they had been the day before, their feathers darker, denser, and more defined. They shifted slightly at Callum's words, tilting their heads as if aware they were being discussed. Callum hummed thoughtfully.

"I see even the raven species grows faster under Visora influence," he added.

"Faster than most, actually." Vale tilted his head, curiosity flickering across his expression. He glanced from Callum back to the ravens, studying them more carefully.

"I see," Vale said slowly.

"So… it's normal for them to grow this fast?" Callum closed his eyes briefly and nodded.

"Yes," he replied.

"Visora organs accelerate the maturation of wild creatures. It allows them to reach a level of independence far sooner than nature ordinarily would." He opened his eyes again, his gaze thoughtful rather than clinical.

"It helps them survive. Escape predators. Adapt quickly. Especially once their parents abandon them." Vale stiffened slightly.

"Abandon them?" Callum nodded again, his tone calm but gentle.

"Once a wild creature clears its first Trial, its parents leave. Permanently. The organ compensates for that loss, almost like an apology. It accelerates growth to ensure the offspring isn't left defenseless." Vale's eyes widened just a little.

"…That's incredible," he murmured. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it. Callum stepped away from the window and gestured toward the cafeteria buffet nearby.

"Yeah," he said quietly.

"It really is." He glanced back at Vale with an easy smile.

"Before we go, are you hungry? Or perhaps your companions are?" Vale considered it for a moment. His gaze shifted to Ember, then to the ravens, who were already eyeing the food stations with thinly veiled interest. He nodded.

"Yeah. I could eat. And I think these guys would appreciate it too." Callum's smile widened.

"Perfect. This wing's known for its meat. High-quality cuts." He leaned in conspiratorially.

"They can eat to their hearts' content." Vale's eyes widened slightly as they approached the buffet. The chatter in the cafeteria dipped noticeably as they arrived, soft whispers rippling outward like waves. Vale scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, grabbed a large plate, and crouched slightly so the ravens could see it.

"Alright," he said quietly.

"If there's anything you want, just drop it on here, okay?" The response was immediate. The ravens and Ember took off in different directions, wings fluttering softly as they surveyed the buffet with surprising care. One by one, pieces of food were lifted delicately in talons or claws and deposited onto Vale's plate. Steak. Roasted poultry. Thick cuts of meat. Vale smiled awkwardly each time something landed with a soft thump. Callum watched the scene with clear amusement.

"First time raising them can be difficult," he said gently.

"Don't judge yourself too harshly." Vale glanced up at him, tilting his head.

"You say that like you've done this before." A deep grin spread across Callum's face.

"I have," he admitted.

"More times than I can count." Vale blinked.

"Wait, really?" Then, suddenly"Hey!" Vale said, turning fully toward him.

"I know this is sudden, but… could you help me raise them?" He hesitated, then added honestly, "I don't really know what I'm doing." Callum didn't hesitate.

"Of course," he said.

"But first, let's eat." Vale exhaled in relief.

"Yeah. That sounds good." By the time they finished, Vale's plate was piled higher with food his companions had chosen than with anything he'd selected himself. They sat at a table clearly designed for four people. By now, the cafeteria was packed, nearly every seat occupied. They ate quietly at first. Then came light conversation. Nothing heavy. Just a recap of the previous day. Familiar ground. Vale found himself relaxing. At one point, he glanced to the side and froze.

One of the ravens had grabbed a sealed packet of honey and was greedily drinking from it.

"…Huh," Vale muttered. Callum noticed.

"Something wrong?" Vale shook his head slowly.

"I just didn't expect them to like honey." Callum laughed softly.

"Visora creatures develop unusual habits." Vale nodded slowly, watching the raven with narrowed eyes.

"I see." Callum leaned back slightly.

"You should name them. Makes it easier to tell them apart." Vale studied the three ravens thoughtfully.

"Yeah… I'll think about it." Satisfied, Callum returned his plate. Vale followed. As they exited the cafeteria, the ravens settled comfortably on Vale's shoulders. Ember shifted mid-flight and landed effortlessly on Callum's broader one. They walked in silence for a moment. Then Vale spoke.

"Where are we going?" Callum smiled.

"Somewhere important." He paused, then glanced down at Vale.

"But first, let me ask you something." Vale nodded.

"Sure." Callum cleared his throat.

"Do you want to become a Guardian?" he asked.

"Or, more commonly, a hero." Vale stopped walking. He thought for a moment.

"…Yeah," he said honestly.

"I want to protect people." Callum smiled.

"I thought so." They stopped in front of a massive sealed chamber.

"And that," Callum said softly, his smile fading just slightly, "is exactly why I'm going to show you what that truly means." Vale's eyes widened as he nodded silently, his voice refusing to rise above a whisper, if it would come at all.

'What does he mean by that?' Vale wondered. They stood there for several long moments. Vale studied Callum closely, and as he did, he saw a complex emotion settle over the man's face, something heavy and unresolved. It wasn't fear, nor hesitation alone, but the kind of expression that only formed when memory and regret intertwined. Whatever Callum was about to show him had clearly left a mark. Without another word, Callum finally turned and stepped forward, entering the chamber.

Vale followed immediately, his footsteps measured, instinctively quiet. The chamber swallowed them whole. As they moved deeper inside, Callum raised his wrist and began inputting a sequence into his device. The sound of faint, mechanical confirmations echoed softly through the space. Then, without warning, a surge of light burst forth. It was blinding. Vale barely had time to react before the brilliance washed over him. The ravens cried out sharply, startled by the sudden radiance.

Vale shut his eyes and raised his arms, shielding his face as the light burned white against his vision. Then, just as abruptly as it had appeared, it vanished. The silence that followed felt heavier than the light itself. Vale sensed movement as the ravens lifted from his shoulders, wings beating hurriedly as they took to the air. Slowly, cautiously, Vale lowered his arms and opened his eyes. What stood before him stole the breath from his lungs. He blinked once. Then again. A grim expression overtook his face.