Primordial's Conquest

Chapter 13: Conviction

Yome's eyes widened for a moment at Bastian's sudden question.

Then, Her gaze fell slightly as her bright orange eyes darkened.

An unreadable expression crossed her features.

"...If you don't mind, Sentinel. I'd prefer it if I kept that to myself."

She remained silent for several long moments, then added quietly:

"I don't want to lie to you."

Silence settled in the room as a hint of surprise appeared in Bastain's expression.

After a few moments, a loud laugh escaped his lips.

"Of course, of course, that's completely understandable." he replied, leaning back slightly with a faint smile.

"I'd prefer if you didn't feel the need to lie, as well."

He paused for a second, then added slowly:

"We all have our secrets, after all."

"...Well, whatever it is, I want you to always keep it with you at all times."

"Deep within your heart." He continued, his hand finding its way to his chest.

"That's the secret."

"The secret to ascension. The secret to using the Heart-shard."

"Well, at least in my opinion." He added.

Yome frowned as she pondered his words.

Bridge did the same, despite not having a Heart-shard himself.

Arbus only observed the exchange silently.

Eventually, she turned back to him.

"Forgive me Sentinel... But isn't that only natural?" She asked bluntly.

"Most people don't become a Renegade without a goal of some kind."

"From the looks of it, that doesn't simply help everyone shoot through the Heart shard attunement stages."

Bastian's smile widened slightly as his finger tapped loudly against the opulent dark-wood table.

"Hmm, well, you're somewhat right about that."

"Almost everyone that joins the Renegades does indeed have a goal of some sort that drives them."

"Whether it be to protect your loved ones from harm, a sense of duty, for revenge, due to expectations of others, or simply to acquire ultimate power," he continued.

"Yes, these are all goals."

"...But something most don't realise, is that there's a difference between having a goal and a conviction – at least for Renegades"

His gaze shifted slightly.

"A goal.. a goal is something that you hope to achieve. It's something that you work towards as time goes by and as you live your life. An abstract idea that you aim for." He said slowly.

Then, his eyes met Yome's as he considered his words.

"But a conviction... A conviction Is so much more."

Yome's brows furrowed.

"A conviction is a burning desire that you strive towards with every ounce of your existence." He continued.

"It's a belief, an obsession that consumes your entire being." .

His expression turned somber.

"Everything else becomes secondary."

Arbus turned to Bastain as his brows furrowed.

"That's the difference, Yome Kyun."

"That's what truly determines a Renegades potential. Whether they'll reach the very Pinnicle, or be stuck and unable to move forward."

"You cannot hide your desires from the heart shard. It only mirrors our true selves."

"The Renegades species or heritage is completely irrelevant."

"And that's why I believe you're like me in that aspect. I saw your potential and wanted to test it a bit."

He paused for a moment, then smiled faintly.

"It's also the reason I asked for your Vanguard leader's request to be accepted when you were still a Knight."

Yome's eyes widened in shock, her breath catching for a moment.

"That... that was your doing?" She asked as she stared at him in astonishment.

Bastian chuckled.

"Yes it was. Like I said before, I couldn't let someone as talented as you be suppressed because of unimportant matters like status and protocols."

"And it seems my gamble paid off splendidly."

Arbus stared at Yome in stunned silence as he saw her shocked state.

Her expression seemed to have softened considerably for the first time since he'd met her.

He couldn't help but think of how much she reminded him of Arora.

After a few more moments, Yome's fists clenched tightly at her sides.

Her dark blue hair suddenly swayed through the air as she bowed deeply.

"Thank you for everything Sentinel!" she said, her voice thick with emotion.

"I.. I promise that I'll never forget your kindness. No matter what!"

Bastian let out another breath at her gesture.

"Didn't I tell you what I thought about unnecessary formalities?"

Yome straightened as she shook her head.

"That wasn't because of your position, sir. It was out of gratitude and appreciation for everything you've done for me, even without my knowledge."

Bastian's expression softened as he nodded.

"Alright then, I suppose that's fine."

Bastian glanced towards Arbus.

"I think I've kept our young hero waiting long enough."

"It was nice to meet you in person Yome Kyun."

He glanced at Bridge.

"Same for you, Bridge Ran."

He paused for a moment.

"Your father is Star Ran, correct?"

Bridge's charming features fell slightly at the mention of his father.

"Y-yes Sentinel." he stammered, shifting uncomfortably.

"Then give him my regards. I'd like to meet him one day. Although we might not exactly see eye to eye on certain matters." Bastain mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Bridge smiled awkwardly.

"I'll tell him you say hello the next time I visit.".

"Good, Ophilia will see you both off to your ship now, so you don't run into any trouble.

"And – like I said before – give my regards to the rest of your crew."

He turned to Yome.

"And never give up your conviction."

Yome nodded as she turned to the door.

Her eyes met Arbus's for a brief moment before she walked forward.

Bridge bowed one last time to the Sentinel.

Then he turned to Arbus.

"I hope we meet again in the future, Sentry Arbus."

Arbus remained silent for a long moment.

"...I hope so too, Knight Bridge."

Bridge smiled brightly, then hastened his steps to follow after Yome.

Ophilia finally moved, following them out the door and closing it behind her.

Just like that, Arbus was left alone with the most powerful being in the star system.