Two weeks had passed. Gray was gently petting a fluffy white head that shimmered with a silvery sheen. The little fox had just scampered in from the other room and settled, as usual, in his lap. Lately, they had been inseparable—twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
This behavior greatly irritated little Grace. Not only did the fox refuse to play with her no matter how hard she tried to coax her, but worse—this fluffy white animal was now taking up most of her beloved brother's attention. That was something she could not tolerate for long.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed hurriedly outside. A second later, the door flew open, revealing the silhouette of a white-haired girl.
"Brother, why does Alice always run away from me?" she complained right away as she flopped onto the bed.
"Now you understand how I always felt with Lucky. Speaking of which, where is he?"
"How can you even compare them?! Alice is so cute, fluffy, soft—you just want to squish her to death! And Lucky! That rascal ran off to the chicken coop again! I think he enjoys chasing Aunt Morgana's peacock. He's such a little delinquent."
"Don't you think you two are kinda similar?" Gray said with a smirk.
"Umu. You're right—I'm just as adorable as Alice. Even our hair is the same color. Ahh, just like Mom said—opposites really do attract," Grace replied proudly, glancing at her brother's dark hair and her cerberus pup.
Gray was speechless. Did his sister really not get what he meant? He sighed.
"Brother, remember we still haven't done Grandpa Blind's assignment? The lesson is tomorrow," Grace said, stretching tiredly.
"What?! Why didn't you remind me earlier?" Gray jumped up in alarm.
"You're usually the first to rush through homework. I thought you were busy working on your crazy calculating machine theory. Wait—are you still thinking about that?"
"My dear older sister, what's wrong with you?! Our lesson is tomorrow and we've done nothing. Nothing! Do you know how upset the old man will be if we show up empty-handed? Let's go—now. We still have to interview the villagers. And for the record, my idea is not crazy."
"Whatever you say. But you're right—we better hurry."
After convincing Alice to stay in the barn with the other animals, the children ran off to complete their assignment.
Grandpa Blind's lessons had nothing to do with rote memorization or reading. His assignments were always about investigation. He'd give the children a topic and a list of questions—but how and where they found the answers was entirely up to them.
The goal was to instill in them a true appreciation for knowledge. Secretly, Grandpa Blind sent the same list of questions to the village elders every week, instructing them to make it as difficult as possible. Their job was to confuse, distract, or bury the truth behind chores and riddles.
Each time, the quest for answers turned into a full-blown adventure with countless side-quests. And today, the final day, was no different.
Characters: Gray, GraceTime: 09:00Hours until sunset: 8Location: Abandoned Village, Nightingale, Planet EridaniaQuestions completed: 0/9Energy points available: 100/100
"Want to learn about the geography of the continents? Oh Gray, my sweet grandson, that's such a complex topic and I'm so tired... Would you be a dear and massage Grandma's shoulders while Grace brings me some herbal tonic?" asked Grandma Cornelia with a sly smile.
"Of course, Grandma Cornelia. Take your time," they both answered as they sprang into action.
"…And so, the Elven continent is the largest, blessed with the richest flora and fauna. Whew, I've been sitting with you two so long—I still need to weed the garden."
"Oh, don't worry, Grandma, you just keep talking—we'll take care of the garden," said Gray as he darted outside.
Neither child noticed the cunning smile that curled Grandma's lips as she continued sipping her tea.
Time: 10:00Hours until sunset: 7Questions completed: 1/9Energy: 85/100
"Where to next?" asked Grace.
"We need to understand the power structure of the Magic Empire. Mom always said, 'Know your enemy better than your friend.' Best to ask Grandma Albedo."
"Umu, let's go."
They approached the hut that often haunted Grace's nightmares. Even now, the creaky sign swaying in the wind sent a shiver down her spine. But work was work.
"Grandma Albedo, can you tell us about the hierarchy of the Magic Empire?"
"Ohhh, kids, your timing is awful. I'm right in the middle of a delicate magical experiment. How about you help me as assistants while I explain?"
"Okay," they replied in unison.
Time: 12:00Hours until sunset: 6Questions completed: 2/9Energy: 55/100
"Types of demons on the Demon Continent and their strengths," Gray read from the list.
"Aunt Morgana!" Grace chimed instantly.
"Let's go."
"Oh, kids, you don't think I'll just hand over your answers for free, do you? Demons don't work that way. Bring me some forest berries and waterfall water, then we'll talk," Aunt Morgana yawned from the couch.
"Fair enough."
Time: 13:30Hours until sunset: 4.5Questions completed: 3/9Energy: 40/100
"Vampire diet and feeding habits… That's for Constantine and Constance," Gray panted.
"Hurry, we're late! Mom's expecting us for lunch!"
"Oh, that's easy, but I wanted to have a romantic candlelit dinner with my beloved. Could you help me decorate?"
"Sure."
Time until sunset: 3.75 hoursQuestions completed: 4/9Energy: 25/100
Exhausted from all the running, the twins dragged themselves to lunch, barely able to think straight.
"We still need to find out which ores are most valuable in the Industrial Empire. Grandpa Clark's the one to ask—he's a dwarf, he should know this stuff. Ugh, I'm so tired," Gray muttered.
"Let's take a bottle from home before we visit the forge. He loves a drink," Grace suggested, swaying slightly.
"Sounds like a plan."
After lunchTime until sunset: 3.25 hoursQuestions completed: 4/9Energy: 50/100
"Brother, let me do the talking this time—and hide that paper."
"You're up to something again, aren't you?"
"Just trust me. Stand back and watch me work."
Approaching Grandpa Clark's hut, Grace pulled out a bottle.
"Grandpa Clark! Want a little drink? We brought a bottle of 'Cruel Love'—Grandma Cornelia gave it to Mom."
"Sis, we don't have time—"
"Shush and watch," she whispered, elbowing him.
"Ahahaha! You know I never say no to a drink—but what's the catch?"
"Oh, you know me too well, Grandpa. I was hoping to add a wind stone to my chakrams. Think you could help your favorite granddaughter?"
"Of course, that'll take no time at all," he said, taking a swig.
"I knew I could count on you! By the way, Grandpa, what's the metal in my chakrams?"
"Steel mixed with Vermet—light and aerodynamic."
"And what about Gray's dagger?"
"Mithril base, steel, and just a pinch of Vibranium for durability. Since Gray's innate element is darkness, I added Tenebrum too."
"Oh, Grandpa, you're amazing. What metals do they use in the Industrial Empire? I heard they can build whole cities out of steel!"
"Ah, nonsense! To do that you'd need adamantium, vibranium, and—most of all—living metal and hardened mercury…"
He trailed off. His voice cracked.
"Grandpa Clark, I knew you were the wisest."
"Little Grace… you… you clever little girl," he muttered. His voice trembled as if she'd stabbed him in the back. Without another word, he snatched the bottle and disappeared into his hut.
Time until sunset: 3 hoursQuestions completed: 5/9Energy: 70/100
Once the dwarf was out of sight, Grace whispered:
"Did you catch that, little brother?"
"Yeah… Looks like someone's pulling the strings from the shadows," Gray replied, impressed.
"Hehehe, I have one last card to play. Want to hear it?"
"Tell me, dear sister."
"Hehehe, I knew you weren't a coward. Remember, Selene is still here for another week. Do you think she knows about our assignment?"
"You're not thinking..."
"Hehehe," she giggled.
"Hehehe," he echoed.
Achievement unlocked: Trick the TricksterYou've uncovered a hidden truth of the world.New status granted: Enlightened