Chapter 4: Downfall

Six months before the 'Great Chaos,' Runo's home.

It began as a typical morning for Runo, where he tried to seize a few more moments of sleep before his alarm rudely jolted him awake. He doused his head with water, shaking it off like a dog under a towel, and went through the routine of brushing his pearly white teeth.

Afterward, Runo selected his attire for the day and descended the stairs, enticed by the aroma of his mother's cooking. Instead of the usual English breakfast, he found a stack of fluffy pancakes drenched in maple syrup. However, something was off; his father, who typically sat at the table, was conspicuously absent.

"Where's Dad? I thought he'd be down here eating," Runo inquired of his mother.

"I was wondering the same thing. When I woke up, he was already gone. Maybe he had to head to work early," Runo's mother conjectured.

"Guess I'll be walking to college then," Runo said.

"Why don't you walk with your friend to college? Doesn't he live nearby?" His mother suggested.

"Good idea, thanks, Mum!" Runo replied as he donned his shoes and made his exit.

Penrith College.

For the past six months, Runo and Arturo had been diligently attending Penrith College, absorbing new knowledge each day. They had become proficient in coding in C#, comprehended the enigmatic behavior of dark matter, and could eloquently draft essays about the major war between the nations of Iskar and Opheros on the lower continent. This devastating war, involving Soralia's neighboring countries, ended inconclusively, halted by the intervention of the five churches and their Tournament of Succession regime.

Runo and Arturo, in addition to their growing knowledge, had inadvertently garnered a fan base at the college. It wasn't surprising, given their striking looks and their expertise in some of the most challenging subjects taught at the school. However, the two friends remained blissfully unaware of their burgeoning popularity.

They navigated through the school day as usual, and it was time to head home. They walked together until the point where their paths diverged, each heading toward their respective homes.

Runo's home.

Runo's house was an average two-story dwelling with pebbledash walls. However, something immediately caught Runo's attention: the front door was slightly ajar. A surge of worry propelled him inside to investigate. The curtains were drawn shut, allowing only faint glimpses of light to pierce the gloom. The air inside was chilly, sending a shiver down Runo's spine, and in the distance, the faint sound of sobs reached his ears. There, on the floor, was his mother, collapsed and crying.

Sniff...sniff

"Mother... what happened? What's wrong?" Runo asked, his face etched with concern.

"M-my husband... Your father..." Runo's mother sobbed.

Runo's father was missing, and his wife had been trying to reach him all day, but received no response. She had called his workplace, questioned people on the street, but all in vain. Eventually, she had to file a missing person report with the local authorities. Upon hearing the news, Runo hurried to his father's office. As he entered, a note on his father's dark wooden desk immediately caught his eye. It bore just two words.

"I'm sorry."