Chapter 51

"I'm sorry my friend, you want to know what?" Kharkov blinked his eyes quicker than usual.

"I wanted to learn about Thundalya. Can you tell me what you know about her."

"Thundalya?!?" Kharkov looked at Red who was busy at the stove.

He was stirring the morning porridge that was set earlier than usual, Red focused on the food rather than the two. The day had not started yet the Courtyard was already attended by the usual lot. Akari rarely visits the Courtyard, Maya thought that it could be the best place to confront Kharkov her intentions.

"Did you talk about Thundalya Red?" Kharkov turned to his fellow Searcher. "You know what the Host has said about Alesia."

"I never even mentioned her name, she found out herself." Red did not answer back Kharkov's gaze.

"Please Kharkov, I want to learn about her." Maya said.

"This is something we need to think about Maya." Kharkov turned to Maya. "I understand your position but seeing the Host's opinion, we have to think about it."

"Come on Kharkov, I just want to know. There's no harm in knowing more. Like, what is wrong for me to learn about Alesia?"

"I too want you to learn but I don't know why you can't learn about it my friend. There is a limit to what a Searcher can do."

"I'll take full responsibility."

"Then what is your intention then? Why do you want to learn about Alesia."

"I fought her myself with my friends. Now, I just realised how much that I don't know about her. I'm just curious as to why I can't know about her."

"Maya, I understand your sentiment. Perhaps there's a good reason why the Host doesn't want you to learn about Alesia."

"I've learned about Nyriad then I surely can learn about Alesia."

Kharkov was quiet for a moment. The reasoning was somewhat familiar, as if Kharkov had said it before. Nevertheless, he looked to the side and tapped his finger at the table.

Kharkov was scolded, downright warned by Akari to not discuss Alesia. Was it personal or was it wisdom? He was not so sure. Leaning more to personal if one asked Kharkov. But the reminder was clear as day, that Searchers were nothing compared to Siren. There were limitations on what Searcher can meddle in. Overriding the Host was not a good start after being warned by the Host herself.

Kharkov looked to Red, the man had finished cooking the porridge and was serving breakfast to their respective bowls.

"Red."

"Yup."

"From now, you will stop telling Maya about Alesia any more."

Searcher Red looked at Searcher Kharkov and made a decision based on Kharkov's serious expression. "Roger that." He nodded once.

"But Kharkov!" Maya touched his forearm. "I think I need to learn about Thundalya. If I were to be a leader, then I must learn-"

"Learning one Siren less won't be a big problem. Yes, I understand that you want to learn and I see no problem. But The Host intentions are clear."

"Then why can't I learn about her? By the way, I want to learn about Thundalya. Not Alesia, Searcher Kharkov."

"They're both the same person Maya." He said with a heavier tone.

Maya closed her mouth shut. The weight that Kharkov said the words made Maya erased all her thoughts and intentions to persuade. Maya looked down to the table as if Kharkov was her father.

Thankfully the tension was not long as Red arrived at the table and put their food in front of them. The sound of bowls being put at the table filled in the vacuum of seriousness. Red then sat beside Maya and watched the conversation unfold.

"But." Kharkov raised his finger. "I will not stop you from learning."

Life entered Maya's body and a hopeful smile appeared as she looked back to Kharkov.

"I'm saying this very carefully Maya, I will not stop you from learning about Thundalya." Kharkov glanced at Red. "Perhaps there are some notes that are around the Academia… isn't that right Red?"

Red curled his lower lip and pupils looked up. "Some but the Host would prefer it to be gone."

"Then I think you should take your time and focus on other important things. You will do it eventually." Kharkov ordered.

"Yeah, eventually."

Kharkov turned to Maya and gave an uncertain expression that neither encouraged nor prevented her. Being neutral and a Searcher made it more complicated for the older Searcher. Yet Maya gave a convincing nod to both Kharkov and Red. It was her choice and she was willing to go to the extra steps.

Searcher Red held his spoon and ate his food. He then encouraged the others to eat too. Maya ate her porridge but for Kharkov, he warned Maya whilst pointing his wooden spoon to him.

"But try your best to not get caught, because if you do…" Kharkov stirred his porridge. "Both Red and I can't help you."

Kharkov took a spoon of his porridge. "Good luck Maya." Kharkov started to eat his breakfast.