Utopian System

"Of course, of course," Elio raised his hands in surrender. "I was just rambling. Must be the confinement affecting me."

Ivan grunted, clearly unconvinced. "If you want to survive this, I suggest you keep your mouth shut and your mind empty. Understood?"

Elio nodded vigorously. "Yes, sir. Completely understood."

Elio approached the bars again. "But, I was wondering... Have you ever heard of the Goddess?"

Ivan's body visibly tensed. "What nonsense are you saying, boy? I told you to shut up."

"Oh, nothing, nothing," Elio quickly backed off. "It's just that... Well, I was thinking about the stories they tell us as children. You know, about the Creator and all that."

Elio couldn't contain the questions bubbling inside him. The book's revelations were too big, too important to keep silent.

"Boy," Ivan began, his voice surprisingly soft. "I've served these families for more years than you've been alive. I've seen things that would freeze your blood. And I'll tell you something: sometimes, it's better not to ask questions."

Elio felt his heart sink. Was there no hope that someone would listen to the truth?

"But," Ivan continued, glancing nervously down the hallway, "that doesn't mean I haven't doubted. That I haven't... questioned certain things."

Those words ignited a spark of hope in Elio. He moved even closer to the bars, his voice barely audible.

"What if I told you there is a Goddess? A Goddess in conflict with the Creator. And that the monsters... are her creations."

The guard turned to return to his post but stopped halfway. Without turning, he spoke in a low voice: "And if I were you, I'd be careful with what I read. Some books can be... dangerous."

Elio felt his heart racing. Did the guard know about the Book of Genesis?

Elio looked meaningfully at the Book of Genesis lying on the floor of his cell. "I've read it, Ivan. All of it. And there's so much they've hidden from us."

Ivan followed his gaze, his eyes fixing on the black book. For a moment, it seemed he was going to say something, but he held back.

"Boy," he finally said, his voice laden with warning. "Some truths are more dangerous than any monster. Some knowledge can destroy you."

♢♢♢♢

Before Elio could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the hallway. Both tensed, Ivan quickly returning to his guard posture.

Elio backed away, his heart pounding. Had they been discovered? Were they coming to punish him for reading the book?

But when the figure appeared in the hallway, Elio felt his heart leap for a completely different reason.

Lucien's figure appeared at the entrance, his breathing heavy and a look of determination in his eyes. He carried a sword and a level 5 lance in his hands.

"Elio," Lucien said, his eyes moving quickly between the young man and the guard. "Are you alright?"

Elio nodded slowly, aware of Ivan's penetrating gaze.

"Mr. Lucien," said Ivan, his voice grave and laden with years of service. His eyes, still sharp despite his age, studied the Summoner cautiously. "I can't let you pass."

"Ivan," Lucien addressed the guard. "I need you to let me through. The situation is more complicated than you think."

"I have orders, sir," Ivan replied, his voice tense. "I can't disobey..."

"Ivan," Lucien interrupted, his gaze fixed on the old soldier. "I know you're loyal. I know you've served this city with honor for decades. But the elders... they don't deserve your loyalty."

Elio watched the exchange with his heart in his throat. He could see the conflict on Ivan's face, the struggle between his duty and doubt.

The old soldier looked between Lucien and Elio, the conflict evident in his eyes. "How can I be sure this isn't treason?"

"Because I'm risking everything for this," Lucien replied. "My position, my life. You've known me since I was little. Do you think I would do that without good reason? I don't want to fight you, please let me through"

Ivan remained silent for a long moment, his gaze moving between Lucien, Elio, and the book on the cell floor. Finally, with a sigh that seemed to come from the depths of his being, he lowered his lance.

"May the Creator forgive us if we're wrong," he muttered, stepping aside.

Lucien nodded gratefully and hurried to open the cell. "Elio," he said, handing him the lance. "Take this. You might need it."

As Elio took the weapon, he looked at the Book of Genesis on the floor, aware that this knowledge could change the fate of the entire city.

"What do we do with the book of Genesis?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Lucien looked at the black tome Mordred seemed to have mentioned with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "Take it with you. We might need it."

Elio nodded, picking up the book.

Lucien looked at the old soldier. "We're going to change things, Ivan. For the good of everyone."

Lucien extended a hand to Ivan. "Come with us."

♢♢♢♢

As Elio took the book, Lucien gave them a quick summary of the situation. With each word, Elio's eyes hardened with determination.

"Ready?" asked Ivan, his voice tense as he looked nervously down the hallway.

Lucien nodded, and together, the three moved quickly through the complex's corridors, aware that every second counted.

"Where are we going?" Elio asked as they ran.

"To the wall," Lucien replied. "We have allies there. The soldiers respect us. It will be easier to defend ourselves if we're surrounded by them."

As they approached the complex's exit, they heard the echo of the battle still continuing in the main hall. Lucien paused, his face a mask of concern.

Elio, noticing his hesitation. "Shouldn't we help them?"

Lucien shook his head. "Selene and Raelar can take care of themselves. Mordred won't want to reduce our numbers. Our priority now is to get you to safety and alert the wall soldiers. If we don't get their support, everything will have been in vain."

With one last glance towards the sound of battle, the three left the complex and entered the city streets.