Edited: Chip

Atlas didn’t want to go first, so he let Cyrus report to their father. It was a long story since he was in the forest for almost two years, so it would be best if Cyrus went first. 

Cyrus began to talk about his experience in the forest. 

“When we first entered the forest, we noticed that there were a lot of B-ranked monsters and beasts. Along the outskirts, the activity was very high, but a lot of the creatures were cautious and rarely engaged in battle.” As he was talking about this, he took out the map that Sir Walter helped him draw. 

“Each section of the Great Dragon Forest has an S-ranked monster or beast that is in charge. They often fight for resources and space and can be replaced by stronger foes.” 

On the map, there were small drawings of the S-ranked monsters that were in charge of each section. The Great Dragon Forest was divided into nine sections. Eight of them were occupied by S-ranked monsters and beasts while the last one was the center of the Great Dragon Forest, where there were no monsters, beasts, or even insects, just plants and trees.

The S-ranks in charge would change eventually, but the lines drawn would more than likely stay the same unless all the S-ranked beasts and monsters were eliminated at the same time. 

“It took a few days, but we were able to make it to the center of the Great Dragon Forest with minimal problems.” 

The explanation of the journey to the center of the forest didn’t take much time because it wasn’t that eventful. No one interrupted or asked Cyrus questions while he was talking, so he just continued.  

“The center of the Great Dragon Forest was serene and full of divine power. Again, there was a giant tree in the middle surrounded by grass. From what I was told, the Dragon God, Sohtris, once made her home there. That is why, there’s still a high concentration of divine energy in that place. That’s also where Atlas made his home with Sir Walter. 

“According to the scriptures, Dragon God Sohtris lived in the Great Dragon Forest before creating the Hirean Empire, and I can confirm that. Her presence is still there and it influences the divine and magical energy of the forest. It’s so rich in magical energy around the center of the forest that we found a lot of rare plants and fruits growing there.”

Cyrus took a deep breath and sipped on some tea because he talked a little too much, but he was almost done with his report. 

“Oh, we took some too, but not a lot since we did not want to disturb the wildlife there. I also made sure to get some samples of the soil in the area. I will have someone record our findings soon. It will be good to know about the environment in the forest. Maybe we can find some good medicine from the things Atlas and I gathered…”     

After listening to Cyrus report on the forest, Everet couldn’t help but sigh with exhaustion. “To be able to finally confirm the scriptures about the Dragon God and her abode before creating the Hirean Empire, and it still has her presence… Truly, a remarkable find.” 

Sirius finished for his father who suddenly started thinking a little too hard. “We are lucky that the monsters and beasts in the forest are too strong so the Dragon’s Temple and the Empire cannot go there. Still, without Sir Walter, who knows if you all would have made it out alive? It is good to see you both alive and well.”

Contrary to his gentle and youthful look, he was much more mature than Atlas thought.  

Sir Walter, who was sitting on Atlas’ lap, gave a small bark. He puffed up his chest to show off his majestic fur. He was quite proud of himself! 

Duchess Reinhart couldn’t help but chuckle at Sir Walter. “Of course, we have to thank Sir Walter for keeping Atlas and Cyrus safe while in the Great Dragon Forest.” She then rubbed his head to give her thanks. 

Duke Alnhart gave a serious face. “We must keep the map of the Great Dragon Forest a secret for now. Cyrus, could you hold on to the map for us?”

“Of course, father,” Cyrus replied, “You all know I have an item box. It will be safe with me.” 

Cyrus was definitely the better option because Atlas would forget it existed and he may lose it if he ever decided to go back into the forest. Well, Sir Walter would be with him so they wouldn’t get lost in the forest anymore. 

After listening to what Cyrus had to say, it was finally Atlas’ turn. They changed their location to the dining room because it was lunchtime. 

To be honest, Atlas wasn’t quite sure what was important and what wasn’t. He knew that he had to keep his conversation with the Gods as well as the divine plane that he and Cyrus used to meet up in a secret. He also had already discussed with Cyrus some information that Cyrus had already told his parents about him, so he chose some stuff that seemed relevant that Cyrus didn’t know about. 

Atlas did his best to recount what Sohtris and Avlios told him, “I was tossed into the Great Dragon Forest by my biological father because I am considered a cursed child. Cursed children are children who can use attribute magic other than light magic. They are left to die in the forest as children because they are less likely to survive, is what I was told. I was the worst of the cursed children though because I had the blessings of the Dragon God since I was born.”

Atlas was saying all of this stuff like he didn't go through it. 

“From what I know, as long as you can use light magic, they will spare your life even if you can use other attributes.” 

“Were you dropped off with other kids?” Duchess Alnhart asked, concerned about the other children too. She could not imagine discarding your children into the forest to die like they were trash. 

Atlas shook his head. “No, I was the only one tossed out of the carriage, so it seems like my father was too embarrassed to have other people know that I’m his biological child… What I do know is that I lived the longest since most children get put into the forest when they turn 5 years old.” 

At 5 years old, children would go to the church to find out what their magic attributes were. This was a turning point for many families in the Holy Kingdom. 

Sirius asked a good question, “Why were you discarded at an older age?” 

Atlas nonchalantly responded, “The Pope of the Holy Kingdom and their Archbishops were trying to use me as a way to replenish the kingdom’s energy crisis. I was locked up and had my mana drained from me, though from what I heard, they couldn’t get a lot.” 

Everyone knew that the Holy Kingdom was having an energy crisis because of the lack of magic users. Everything in this world was powered by magic. There were replenishable magic stones that they used for a lot of things like powering the lights in the streets or the airship system that they got from the Hirean Empire. These magic stones need to be recharged by attribute users depending on what it's used for, but many attribute users were killed as children, leaving only the few who also had Light attributes. 

“To do something so cruel…” Duchess Alhart felt the anger rising in her chest. 

There wasn’t a lot of information coming from the Holy Kingdom, but who knew their situation was so dire? 

Everyone looked over at Atlas to see if he was upset talking about something so serious, but he still had a derpy, happy smile on his face. Little did they know, it was because he couldn’t remember anything from his time in the Holy Kingdom. Those memories were blocked. 

Well, Cyrus knew a little bit about it, but he didn’t understand the extent of the trauma that Atlas went through in this new world. 

“Is there anything else?” Duke Alnhart calmly asked, hoping not to ruin Atlas’ mood. 

“Nope, I think that’s it. I was locked up since I was born. I didn’t know the language for a long time, so there was a lot I couldn’t understand.”

Hearing him talk about traumatic memories with no hint of sadness made everyone unsettled, but Atlas didn’t see that. 

Once everyone finished eating, Cyrus took Atlas and Sir Walter to tour their home while everyone else had work to attend to.  

The Alnhart Estate was quite large. There was the main building and the west and east wings. The Alnhart family lived in the east wing while the servants and knights lived in the west wing. All the buildings look the same with white marble floors, gold trimmings along the walls, and decorations that cover parts of the walls. They used light purple curtains for each window. 

Atlas didn’t go into the West building, but he heard it looked similar to the rest of the estate. It was the place where servants shared their rooms, but it was spacious. They had everything they needed and even had days off so no one could complain. Plus, their salary was on the higher side compared to what other noble families were paying, so many people refused to leave. 

After looking around each building, Cyrus led Aster and Sir Walter through the large back garden. There was even a lake with a gazebo next to it. 

Cyrus had Aster and Sir Walter sit down in the gazebo while asking a servant to get them some drinks. Once all the drinks and small snacks were in front of them, Cyrus finally asked the question that was on his mind. 

“Why aren’t you upset with how the Holy Kingdom treated you?” 

“Oh… I forgot to tell you but Mama Sohtris and Papa Avlios sealed my memories from when I was in the Holy Kingdom. They said it was very traumatic and I will remember it when you rescue me and I am safe with you.” 

“So you will remember it when you go to sleep later?” 

“Well, I was told I could activate the memories when I am ready, but the requirements for activating them will be when I am rescued and safe.” 

“I see… Do you want me to be with you when you remember?” 

Cyrus was a bit worried about these memories. If they were so intense that they needed to be sealed and have perquisites for when they can be remembered, then obviously, there was something very wrong about these memories. He wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving Atlas alone to remember them.

Actually, he would prefer it if Atlas didn’t remember them at all.

“Of course… I’m a little scared to remember them. I know I can just never remember them, but at the same time, I feel like I might be able to get something important that can help you with your mission.” 

“That’s alright. I won’t blame you if you don’t want to remember, but if you do, you have to let me know. I will stay by your side.” 

Atlas felt a bit better knowing that Cyrus and Sir Walter would be with him when remembering those traumatic memories. 

Still, he was scared. He didn’t like to be in pain and he knew these would be painful memories.

The two hugged, well, more like Atlas bringing Cyrus into a hug and Cyrus reciprocating. This was their usual interaction and it didn’t seem off. Actually, Cyrus was happy that someone was willing to hug him, something he never got in his past life. 

While the two were having a heart-to-heart and hugging, the Duke and Duchess saw them from a nearby window. 

*****

Duchess Mirabelle Alnhart and Duke Everet Alnhart were casually talking through the halls when Mirabelle stopped at the window and saw Atlas and Cyrus in the gazebo together.

“They are really close.” She gave a soft smile. “After that fever, Cyrus became completely expressionless, so it is good that Atlas is here… Cyrus is showing his emotions again. Today is the most I have seen him express himself in years.” 

 “You are right.” Duke Everet put his hand on her waist and stood next to her at the window. He looked over at the kids who were getting along well and felt a bit relieved to see his son becoming more like his younger self. “It is a good thing that Atlas is here.” 

“I think so too. Hopefully, we can protect them until they are able to protect themselves…” 

She knew that it would be hard to live with blessings from the Gods. The world they lived in was very pious toward the Gods who had once walked this earth with their ancestors. 

Once the Holy Kingdom and the Hirean Empire find out about this, the Holy Kingdom may kidnap them and the Hirean Empire will try to tie them, especially Atlas, to the Imperial family. 

The Alnhart family was a Ducal family, but they could only protect Cyrus and Atlas for so long. Even so, they vowed they would do everything they could to make sure they grew up in a happy and loving family. They wanted to make sure that they would always know that the Alnhart family would always have their back and be a safe haven they could always return to. 

Even if they were worried, all they could do was be the ones to catch Cyrus and Atlas when they fell.