Nightmare Mythos

Chapter 123: Change Of Plans

"Good, good. Talking with you is really easy," Arnold repeatedly nodded as if knowing Cesar hadn't changed at all throughout the time he was trapped before continuing, "It said that you'll be discharged in a week but if you want, I'll arrange for your return in three days. That is if your condition is good for the venture,"

Arnold paused, "Of course, I'll be with you to escort us to the Academy to avoid some trouble that might befall on our journey."

Cesar didn't hesitate to reply right away, exactly found the exact words coming from Arnold's mouth.

"We'll go with that plan, sir. I don't want to be cooped up in a hospital bed anyway,"

Arnold chuckled at hearing that reply before he stood at his place as if something had just come to his mind before he expressed it to Cesar warmly.

"Oh, just so you know, you'll be undergoing a different curriculum than others. Yes, you're still a student of the academy but a group of professionals will personally train you. Of course, you can also attend normal classes like any other but the special training you'll be receiving will take priority,"

Cesar was flabbergasted at receiving such treatment before a smirk formed on his lips, "Did you already plan this beforehand, or have you just thought of this now?"

Arnold is poised to answer a question contemplated briefly as he caresses his beard that hasn't been trimmed down yet before replying abruptly.

"Nas has given me the verdict to let you decide this for a week but not right now, you see. But I know you aren't the type of person who wants to laze around, am I right?" Arnold chuckled, "As for the private training, it's something I thought up while we were talking just now. I mean, it's the only thing I could do to pay you for what you did to anyone. It must be a horror to be trapped in that place for over a year,"

Cesar let out an awkward laugh.

'Hahaha… you won't believe it if I said that literally, a day passed since I escaped The Void. I guess I returned three days ago but still… it didn't take a year for me to exit out of that purplish emptiness. Man remembering that thing calling out to me still gave me chills…'

Understanding that this would benefit him which he strongly needed, Cesar didn't give time to give his answer and agreed.

"I'll accept it, sir. Thank you,"

Arnold stood up from his position before tapping Cesar's head gently, "What are you thanking for? It's just the responsibility of this old man to give his students the best treatment to everyone. In fact, I should be thanking you instead,"

Arnold then turned around and ordered the guards solemnly, "You don't need him to guard anymore. Just surround his perimeter but don't ever disturb his privacy. If I caught any single one of you peeping, not only you'll face me but Nas as well,"

Arnold shifted his gaze at the wall where one guard was staying put and camouflaged before adding, "That includes you as well,"

Soon, the guards who were motionless for a few seconds started to leave the room. Once all of them exited, Arnold left a message to him, conveying.

"Enjoy your three days here. I'll be back here to fetch you," Arnold paused, "Oh by the way, your artifacts are safely stored. Don't worry, no one is daring enough to look at what they are. It belonged to you, after all,"

Cesar almost forgot about his artifact for a brief moment but he was glad that Arnold fully respected his rights and as a student himself. He didn't doubt his words and stood up to see him off.

But just as he did, he felt something dripping out from his nose that made Arnold open his eyes wide.

"Cesar—"

Cesar immediately stopped Arnold from moving by stretching his hand towards him to assess the situation himself. It all happened so fast that the headmaster of the academy couldn't react quickly as Cesar continuously had his nose bleed.

'What's happening…?'

Cesar felt nothing on his body as the pain he felt when he was entering the penetrated reality to escape seemed to just vanish. Perturbed at how this was turning out and almost reaching out for Arnold to help who seemed to be looking around to see the problem, a voice talked through his head.

"I tried everything I could to keep your physical, mental, and emotional damages in check and they are barely relieving themselves but one thing I couldn't control is your Soul."

Cedeit had finally talked after all those silent treatment he was giving to Cesar when he woke up.

"Hahaha… very funny though. After all the things you've been through, you're going to die in the most painless yet ruthless way possible,"

Cesar covered his nose as he replied outwardly, not minding if Arnold heard it himself.

"W-what do you mean… I'm going to die without me knowing?"

Cedeit further explained, "Look, I'm only doing this because if you die, I die as well. But looking at the situation, it will not be a long time till you drop dead. Good job staying alive until now though,"

Feeling that he was outright being mocked, Cesar tried to control himself, feeling the imaginary concept inside him such as the Soul. It sounded important which is why he was able to know how grave it is if not maintained properly.

Cedeit even had a defeated tone while he explained it.

"I-is there a way to fix this?" Discover more stories at ???

Cesar nervously asked as Arnold remained standing and confused at his situation.

It didn't look like they were being attacked as Cesar himself was talking through someone in the air. As for what it is, Arnold will not open up this conversation unless he states it himself or needs to know if it is already too pressing.

But looking at the weird situation, it was turning into something that he needed to know if he wanted to help him.

But Cesar remained calm amidst the relentless amount of blood gushing out from his holes.

"This will be the last thing I'll be helping you but I want something in return. This information is very crucial for you, after all,"

"Just tell me!"

Not wanting to play around any longer while going for lengthy conversations, Cedeit replied with a bored tone.

"Find a Spirit Scholar in this world. It's not just any type of specialist that you'll see if you will it to, though," Cedeit paused, "If you're thinking it is some human, I'm not talking about that kind of specialist. You're completely delusional if you can find someone that capable."

Cesar contemplated for a few seconds to structure his sentence properly before adding, "The one you'll have to find is a Nightmare. Someone you can make a deal with by forming a contract with each other,"

After hearing that piece of information, Cesar's mind stirred for a quick solution and refreshed his thinking to see if he had heard or read anything about a Nightmare which can be categorized as a Spirit Scholar.

There was nothing.

Realizing that he was completely clueless at what that meant, Cesar shifted his gaze at Arnold and clicked his tongue.

It seemed his three days vacation here... he'll have to do it early on while they were travelling now.

"Sir, changed of plans. I want to leave here now,"