《Curse from God, Live a Thousand Lives: Second Life》
PROLOGUE
PROLOGUE
In the beginning, before the creation, there was nothing but darkness. And for an eternity it envelops everything.
However, a mysterious event transpired. In the boundless space of the cold and empty void, light particles gathers and swirls within a single point until it forms a mass brighter than any other stars. And for an eternity, this mass had accumulated enough energy which determined its growth. And all this time, the dark void continuously draws in and sucks the light creating a colossal vortex around it, but the light is unyielding. It fought back to keep its form and a tag-of-war happened between these two cosmic force. And then, the moment it reached the peak of its development, the entire dark space of void trembled. The mass of light became unstable which generated a concentration of light that shoots upward and downward direction from the mass. It happens in a few seconds and then it was followed by a great burst of explosion which shook the void.
It was an occurrence that changed everything, the emergence of a Divine Being ¨C the birth of God.
When everything subsided, an entity emerged and took on a mission to spread life in this empty void. First, God created a spherical domain. He then partitioned it into three layers. At its core, is the heaven in which God spent a lifetime creating; then there¡¯s the inner and the outer layer which consists of billions of multiverses and continuously expanding.
However, all of His work that He spent an eternity to create will mean nothing if it will be destroyed by the void. So in order to protect His creations, the outer layer will function as natural barrier from the influence of the dark void and filled it with mysterious energy that constantly repels and keep the void in check.
Then in the next 7 billion years, is the creation of all things according to His will.
***
Monday morning, the streets are bustling with activities like any other ordinary days.
It was a normal day for most people.
However, an unexpected accident occurs.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
A young man suddenly fell in the ground and blood flowed like a river from his head tainting the asphalt red. He was hit by a stray bullet but there was not a single gunshot fired, it just came out of nowhere.
This scene had created a huge commotion from the crowd of people nearby. Moments later, they gathered around him. There are people who help him but the rest of the crowd simply watch as the event unfolds.
He didn¡¯t feel anything like pain and he didn¡¯t feel his body either as he tried to move. He could smell the stench smell of his own blood. As he keeps his consciousness, streams of his life¡¯s memories flooded his mind ¨C a flashback of the good and bad days. The thought of a person that is about to die, but because of this he was able to reminisce and remorse. Then he gave up, he knows this is going to be his end as at this moment, he can hardly keep his consciousness.
A bitter tear fell from his left eye and mixed with blood on the ground.
He can¡¯t accept his fate, is what he feels this moment.
Although, this moment only lasted for a minute, it seems like hours inside his consciousness.
¡°Hmm¡ hmmm¡*Cough**Cough* hmmm¡¡± ¨C He opened his mouth to gasped for more air. His body twitched a few times, until it stopped the moment he runs out of breath.
However, the moment he held his final breath, pulses of luminous light was being emitted by the black ornament he wore on his neck.
It was a necklace he purchased a long time ago from a street vendor that sells unusual stuffs, ie. protective amulets and talismans, strange herbal medicines, love potions, cursed candles, leaflets of Latin prayers, etc.
Out of curiosity he purchased the necklace adorned with a single black stone the shape and size of a flattened pebble. He was told by the vendor that the stone was bewitched which brings luck to its wearer and that the stone was found by the amulet hunter when he ventured in the forest filled with lore¡¯s of mystery.
What they didn¡¯t know is that, the stone is a fragment from space. It was a fragment of origin and it dates back to when God first appeared, and a powerful compressed form of energy but for some reason it became dormant and turned into a single speck of dust in space that found its way to Earth. Angels and demons seek to find this powerful relic, for angels, it is to protect all creations. But for demons, it will be used to dethrone God and plunge everything into darkness. But these entities never found it as it has mysterious power that hides itself, even from God.
And for some reason, it resurfaced and was found by the amulet hunter. Without knowing its real value, he makes a necklace out of it, calling it as amulet then sold it to a vendor until it got into his hand.
The stone responded to his emotions and it awoken from its long inactivity.
A faint luminous light shone within the stone. It disintegrated and reverted back to its true form, a single speck of the purest form of energy which created God, and now it is attracted to matter. It is attracted to him.
Strands of silvery-white light swiftly penetrated his skin. In the next moment, it invaded his whole body. And because of this he regains his consciousness ¨C he¡¯s alive. Yet, his thoughts were muddled that he can¡¯t think of anything. He could only feel the burning sensation in his body.
Strand of light runs back and forth within him as he convulses. Then his dead body stopped moving as though everything did not occur, then his eyes opened. His brown pupil is now devoid of life but is swirling with faint light, until it fades as though it was sucked within the void.
Chapter 1 - Life before reincarnation
CHAPTER 01
(Life before reincarnation)
*CRIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!*
It was the sound coming from the phone, set as alarm clock.
In the bed, a thin 24 years old young man is soundly sleeping with a blanket covering his entire body that was bent sideway. He had an average look with messy medium-length black hair whose height is around 5¡¯10¡±.
He stayed like that for around 15 minutes while his phone kept on ringing.
¡°Hmmm¡¡± ¨C He groaned
Annoyed, he quickly reached his phone and made a single swipe on the screen that stop the phone from ringing. Then, he grabbed the pillow and buried his face in it while facing the wall.
¡°Geez¡ Give me five minutes.¡±
Several minutes later, he opened his eyes and reached for his phone.
7:17 AM.
¡°Fu*k.¡±
He got up from the bed, took a towel and quickly makes his way to the comfort room which also function as the bath room, a few doors away from his room. However, someone is using it so he has to wait for the person to finish.
*Knock**Knock*
¡°What is it?¡±
He recognizes the voice of the person inside.
¡°Drei, are you almost done?¡±
¡°Yes, I still need 5 minutes.¡± ¨C The person inside responded.
¡°Hurry Drei, I have a class at 7:30.¡±
¡°And you¡¯re pretty much late already.¡±
¡°Yes, so hurry up.¡±
¡°Okay. So leave me alone.¡±
He waited outside for 10 minutes until his housemate got out.
¡°It¡¯s your turn.¡±
He took a quick glance at his sculptured body, next to the man¡¯s face and then down. Only the towel covers his manhood. He really envied this man as he has all the manliness of a man which can make girls go crazy.
¡°What took you so long?¡±
¡°Like what most men do. Haha¡¡± ¨C He replied while showing his left hand forming a loose fist and doing an awkward action.
He glared at him and went inside to bath.
He¡¯s been living in this dorm which is near his university for almost two years, that he is now familiar and friendly with the other occupants.
After 10 minutes, he got out and sped into his room.
He stopped in front of Andrei¡¯s room which is right next to his. The door was left ajar and he took a peak on it and then he saw Andrei and a girl making out.
And he regretted it as it made him even more frustrated.
¡°Tsk.¡±
He quickly made his way into his room.
Agghh¡ I hate that guy. He always brings his girlfriend¡¯s every other night. I wish they¡¯ll get pregnant soon. Let see how he finds the money to raise his kids.
He really hates the world whenever he thinks of the scene that unfolds in the other room, he wishes for the world to just split in half.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
He never experience having a girlfriend and he envies his friends for having one and it kills him when they talk about ¡®those¡¯ experiences. And sometimes, he is being tease by his friends for being NGSB (No Girlfriend since Birth), virgin or gay.
Well, he is grateful that he was never alone, as he has other friends who never been in a relationship, and those were ¨C the very fat, the not so cool and the not so handsome like him, the potatoes of the group.
Being 24 years old and still inexperience is frustrating indeed ¨C in social and physiological aspects.
He simply doesn¡¯t have any confidence in women and he has a high standard too. He really wished to have a nice girlfriend, if not gorgeous.
He looked in the mirror.
¡°Hah¡¡± ¨C He let a long sight.
Disappointed he looked away and quickly changed into his school uniform. He combed his messy hair using his fingers.
He is not an outdoor kind of person and his hobbies consist only of reading light novels online, watching TV/movies/porn, masturbate, listening to music, browsing the net, and playing computer games.
He is addicted to online/local games and is one of the best gamer in this area. He spent 3-10 hours a day just playing games, that his body became very thin and ruined his study during his 1st year in college.
People may misunderstand him as NEET, he is not. He is friendly and sociable at times. Thought, he is not into sport, he can also be an outdoor type if by chance people will invite him to have fun in various places.
But, playing computer games is what really defines him ¨C it what makes him a person. He really likes playing games with his friends and when he did, his personalities drastically change. He became a different person, from being a silent type to a loud type.
He engaged in trash talking with his friends, that he wasn¡¯t able to do in normal times. Being able to laugh loud and clasp hands with his friends is fulfilling for him. To enjoy life like this seems wasteful to others, but for him and the others like him, this was fun.
This activity really brings out his other character. It¡¯s like when people finds their real self, they fight for it.
Then something caught his attention just as when he was about to leave the room.
It was a necklace adorned with a small black stone that was hanging in the mirror. He didn¡¯t get to wear it for a long time now, but in a whim, he took it and wore it on his long neck.
He then left the apartment and is currently half-running towards his university.
He made his way through in the sidewalk while dodging the incoming pedestrians to avoid collision. Then he took a detour in one corner of the street, which exits on the national road. He is heading to his university like he usually does.
Suddenly, his body fell lifeless in the ground.
He felt something that was deeply rooted on his head and thick liquid flowing down on his face.
Various images flashed in his consciousness, it was the memory he had with his family and remembering all of this, he can¡¯t help but feel regretful.
He regretted many things in his life, like, how he was so useless, a disappointment to his parents.
If only, he studied a little bit to secure a future for himself and to be able to help his parents.
If only, he expressed himself appropriately to make other¡¯s understand him.
If only, he could have a romance with the opposite sex.
But, it is too late already. He can never change all of it.
Now he knows the feeling of dying, the feeling of dying full of regrets.
I am so sorry ma, pa. If only I could leave you something behind.
A commotion started when people who had seen his convulsing body and a pool of blood which stained the sidewalk.
He already left this world.
However, just as he was about to be taken to the hospital, one of the man notice something out of ordinary, he is emitting light.
Then, the commotion started once again when the dead man shone brightly that blinds the people nearby.
Then the dead body simply disappear.
Seeing these things happened, these people are in awe.
¡°Miracle! It¡¯s a miracle!¡± ¨C An old woman from the scene can¡¯t help herself from exclaiming and made a sign of the cross many times.
¡°Repent! We all must repent! The days are near! We all must repent.¡±
¡°An angel, the boy, he came from heaven!¡±
However, there are some people that has different preconception about the event.
¡°Shut up! Who believe in god nowadays¡ It is an alien.¡±
¡°Yes, we¡¯re not alone.¡±
¡°Are they here for invasion?¡±
¡°But I know this man, he¡¯s from my university. If he¡¯s an alien surely he¡¯s the kind one.¡±
¡°Yes, this man is a good guy. He¡¯s timid and shy.¡±
¡°No. I know him at some point. I always saw him together with his friends in a computer cafe. Surely he¡¯s not that kind of guy.¡± ¨C A young woman in her early 20¡¯s.
¡°Why?¡±
¡°Because, he is a violent person, he spouted nasty words and laugh maniacally. I even heard him threatening his friends about killing them and the Earth. He said ¡®I¡¯ll destroy all of you!¡¯ and ¡®ah¡ I hate this world.¡¯ And besides, he¡¯s very lewd.¡±
¡°Really¡? Then we¡¯re in trouble.¡±
¡°So it¡¯s real that the aliens are tall and skinny, but the Hollywood couldn¡¯t get the face right.¡±
¡°But why he¡¯s here? Surely the most powerful place is the U.S. Oh! Is he not alone? His friends! Capture his friends!¡±
If he ever hears their conversation, surely he will die of shame. However, they are partly correct.
Following that event, the news had widespread all over the world with various stories and interpretations. With videos uploaded in the internet, and the authenticity of some statements it became the major topic all over the world that changed how people see the world. Various otherworldly encounters are selling like hot pancakes in television.
And later on, he became a saint.
The world became peaceful and a massive number of people changed for good.
The US, Russia, China, Japan, EU, Canada, Middle East, India, Australia and other countries, are preparing for the possibilities of alien invasion which they predicted to happen in less than 50-60 years¡¯ time, while, the Vatican hosted a vigilant prayer where a number of crowd gathered around the world, the first time in the history to unify 7 billion people all over the world with one purpose ¨C pray for humanity.
Chapter 2 - The truth and the archangels
CHAPTER 02
(The truth and the archangels)
In an endless dark space with stars that decorates the heaven, a faint pale-blue light is floating like a lone star separated from the rest of the stars in the heaven. It has a vague appearance of a man with only two luminous orbs on his faceless face.
¡°Where am I?¡± ¨C Confused, he asked himself.
And then, a sudden explosion of bright light right in front of him which made him to cover his face with his right arm. The light has a double halo on its head and 2 pairs of massive wings on its back. It wore an over-gown that seems to be made from threads made of light which shines brightly like the sun. It is towering, with the height of 60-70 ft. and its radiance is really blinding.
Then out from nothing, a mass of earth rose up to his feet, to form a platform of a small floating plane mountain. Then, pillars of light sprung like that of the pantheon illuminating the entire space and it seems that he¡¯s been affected by gravity that he was able to stand freely on the ground.
¡°Greetings lost soul.¡± ¨C The sound of someone or something reverberates around the space making his non-existing body to shiver. The light appears to possess intelligent as it greeted him. Its voice is like mechanical and a combination of high and low pitch and it echoed that it seems like it produces so many voices. It is loud but it seems whispering.
¡°W-who are you and w-what is this place?¡± ¨C He asked with a shaking voice.
¡°You are neither in the purgatory nor in the afterlife. This is the boundary, a void, a space neither for the living nor the dead.¡±
He recalls the incident that had happened before he died.
¡°I died?¡±
He contemplated.
¡°Then are you perhaps~ God?¡±
¡°No, I am no God, but a servant of God and one of His many creations.¡±
An angel¡ I see, perhaps he refers to the God of my religion.
¡°Are you going to judge me of my sins? Am I going straight to hell?¡±
Recalling how useless he was all his life, he will confess his sins and ask for forgiveness.
¡°No.¡±
Ahh~ I am thankful, hell is not for me. I¡¯m relieved.
But, the next response made him to sweat cold even though he can¡¯t sweat.
¡°I¡¯m thinking. Yes, I am here to decide whether I should destroy you.¡±
¡°D-D-Destroy m-me?!¡± ¨C Hearing the angel spoke of those words, he panicked.
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°But why, do you destroy the souls of the dead?¡±
¡°No¡ just you.¡±
¡°Did I do something bad down there that I upset God? But, I never did anything so bad. I never killed anyone, let alone harm anyone. Well, I did gamble a lot and curses and have a frequent fight with my parents but, I never done heinous deeds or evil acts. Why would you seek to destroy me? And also, I believe in Him.¡±
¡°It¡¯s not whether you¡¯ve done great things or terrible things or simply by believing in Him that I came here to destroy you. I am deciding whether you will be destroyed or to keep your existence. Yes, it¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡±
¡°What measures do you consider to make your judgement, it is seems like you can¡¯t decide.¡±
¡°The fate of all creations, your existence might be cataclysmic to all of us if we will not deal with you. Someone might use you to start another conflict in the heaven or you yourself will create great chaos. I am here to eliminate those threats.¡±
¡°How? I am but an ordinary soul. I don¡¯t understand.¡±
¡°You are no longer just a soul. Something merged with your soul, a single fragment which makes you closer to heavenly beings, us. But, has the potential to evolve into a higher entity, like God.¡±
¡°Haaa!!!! I don¡¯t get it?¡±
His head is about to explode as he absorb these information.
¡°Then do you know the origin of the universe and the creation of all life.¡±
¡°Yes. Somehow¡¡±
If you¡¯re referring to the Book of Genesis or Scientific theory, I am quite familiar.
¡°And do you know how God exist?¡±
¡°¡¡± ¨C He tries to search his non-existing brain for answer, but none.
¡°God exist far longer than your ¡®big bang¡¯ phenomena and the fragment in your soul is a relic from the origin of the birth of God. And in a few tens of thousands of years, it will get stronger, it will rival God. Just imagine if there sprung a new higher being, a God, everything will be in chaos. The creation of all will cease until new heaven will be established. And it won¡¯t be of any good to other creations as they will suffer total obliteration in the unfolding of this event. Do you by any chance desire for this kind of power? Tell me.¡±Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
¡°No! I don¡¯t wish for anything troublesome let alone have a conflict with God.¡±
¡°Then what will you do? Do you wish to surrender your soul?¡±
¡°And if not, then what will happen to me?¡±
¡°If you act against the Will of God, given your current strength, you will cease to exist. Your soul will never found its way to heaven nor suffer the eternal flames of hell. You will simply disappear. You were never meant to be here in the first place. Your existence is simply anomalous.¡±
¡°¡¡±
¡°But there is a way.¡± ¨C It continued as its eyes glow even brighter.
¡°There is?¡±
¡°Yes, if you¡¯ll let me extract it from your soul. But, it is not a simple task and an arduous labour even for me but your soul will survive, this I guarantee. You¡¯ll only have to do one thing.¡±
¡°I will do whatever it is. Just tell me.¡±
¡°You¡¯ll have to submit your will to me for a moment, then, I will forcefully take it and you will become just a soul. But we have to hurry, there is no time.¡±
¡°Okay, then we¡¯ll do it.¡±
¡°Then first, submit yourself to me ¨C¡±
However, just as the being will about to touch him, a ray of light from above enveloped him. Then, 19 massive lights as bright as the sun flew next to him with an appearance vaguely had similarities to the angel in front of him but even brighter.
¡°Do not touch him, fallen! Be gone in the name of the Father!¡±
The deafening sound reverberates in the entire dark space, that a very strong earthquake can be felt. The platform shakes and a series of cracking can be seen. It is imposing as though, it has absolute authority over all creation.
¡°GRRRRRRRR! You sure are fast and you even brought the highest from the order.¡±
The light that was with him changed its appearance into a menacing one. It was dark-reddish light. It sprouted dark edgy wings on its back and 2 big sharp horns with 10 smaller horns on its head. But, its appearance is indefinite like a shadow. Then it quickly disappeared in front of him, leaving no trace behind.
¡°Is he?¡± ¨C He knew who it was, but he still asked. He really was scared to death.
¡°The one who opposes God¡¡±
One of the being, brighter and different from the other is approaching him. Hearing this, he became stiff as a pole. Although he doesn¡¯t have a physical body, he feels like he¡¯s sweating profusely.
¡°He almost took what he wanted from the beginning. And if he did, it will be the end of everything. Surely, we were never late.¡±
¡°Thank you¡ mmm, what should I call you.¡±
¡°Michael. I am named Michael.¡±
Michael? Is it the first angel to be created? Is this real? I am not dreaming am I? This is crazy.
¡°Angel Michael¡ Then, what will happen after this.¡±
¡°We will take what the devil is after.¡±
¡°Then, I will disappear.¡± ¨C He became worried and deeply saddened.
¡°Yes and no. What he had told you is the truth behind everything, except, he hid his true purpose from you. All he¡¯s after is the fragment and he cannot take it from you, unless, you give it to him. You have the power to drive him away in the first place and then you have the fragment that can destroy any of us. All this time, I have never encountered such incident like this, so I was curious. Knowing the whole truth what will you do? Will you seek to destroy us here and escaped. Create your own heaven and transcend as a god?¡±
¡°D-Destroy an angel. H-heaven. Become a god? B-But, I don¡¯t wish for anything excessive. I ¨C only wish to return home.¡±
It was tempting, but surely, becoming a god will have many downsides for me. I don¡¯t want it, if I¡¯ll get to experience many worldly things I¡¯ll gladly take it. I don¡¯t want to worry about billions or more souls. I just want to return to my world.
¡°The fragment has never revealed itself, so we couldn¡¯t find it. However we have known that it will be within you, from the very beginning as your record in the Book of Life bafflingly discontinued. As we can¡¯t interfere with the worlds, all we can do is to wait for you here.¡±
¡°¡¡±
¡°Then it is agreed.¡±
¡°Agreed on what?¡±
¡°In exchange for the fragment, we shall grant you a new life.¡±
¡°You¡¯ll grant me a new life? Then, I can return to my family?¡±
¡°You will not be resurrected in your old body or you will be revered as someone. You will be reborn in Earth or you can choose another world from different dimensional plane.¡±
¡°But, I have a family.¡±
¡°Apologies¡ but we can¡¯t reverse the time in the physical world. Everything should go according to natural flow of time. Your family will accept your death.¡±
He gave it a thought and found his resolved.
¡°Then, I have no qualms but what will happen to my memory? Will it be wiped out?¡±
¡°Your memory will remain if it is your wish. However, you will forget everything that happens here. Then, would you like to return to Earth?¡±
¡°I can choose a world, right? Then, what are the other worlds?¡±
¡°There are so many worlds that were created. Some has phenomena that you can call as magic. It was in the different dimensional plane and does not influence the other plane.¡±
¡°Magic?! Then, I¡¯ll choose a world where magic exist. I want to experience it, even once in my 2nd lifetime. Okay. Then what cheat will I have?¡±
¡°Cheat? Ah¡ I see¡ none. You only have to remember this: every human had all the gifts that God bestowed upon them, but very few of them realize it to such extent. All you have to do is believe, and you shall have it. Do not worry, considering that you gave up the fragment for the good of all, granting your simple wish is nothing. Therefore, God has granted you to be reincarnated for as many times as you desire. You can say that, it is your cheat.¡±
¡°An ¡®unlimited¡¯ reincarnation?! Then can I go back to Earth if I¡¯m done with my next life?¡±
¡°Yes, time itself never matter to us spirits and time runs different in other dimensions. You seem elated, but let me give you an advice and a warning, my dear friend.¡±
¡°¡¡±
¡°My advice is, have a worthy life. Almost all of the souls think that, their life is short and they regret many things. But, there are some souls who lived a short life, but they never complained of anything as they fulfil their life¡¯s wishes that they were able to enter the heaven. You will be having many lives, living as different people. Less than ten of it is a life you can call worthy and you treasured it. And one of these endless eons, you will simply get tired of everything that you will think that Father had cursed you. And you will meet Father and will know the truth again, and then you will ask for something else.¡±
¡°And what did I asked?¡±
¡°It¡¯s for you to find out sometime later.¡±
¡°Now, for the warning, though the devil can¡¯t get his hands on you, you are still bound to various circumstances that will change you how you see the world. Either you¡¯ll do good things or commit atrocities is up to these circumstances. Father will not meddle with you therefore you have no records in the Book of Life. And if you die you can never return in that world for a time being.¡±
¡°¡¡±
¡°Live a worthy life. This you must remember.¡±
¡°But you said I will forget everything that happened here.¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Then how will I remember what you just said.¡±
¡°Yes you will. Now it¡¯s time for you to go.¡±
The angels gathered around him and then his body glows brightly.
¡°Farewell, my friend.¡±
Then his sight became dim, as though he suddenly became sleepy and then everything went pitch black. After the extraction, his soul became exhausted and was sent outside the space where it travelled for a very long time. Until, it finds its proper designation, in the womb of a woman and the cycle of life begins.
Chapter 3 - A gentle heart of a young girl
CHAPTER 03
(A gentle heart of a young girl)
In an old dusty room, a six years old girl is sitting beside an infant.
This girl is simple and very pretty. She is wearing worn out clothes made of wool fabrics but doesn¡¯t have anything on her feet which is a little dirty and has a lot of abrasions. Her petite body has a lot of bruises and smeared with cinders showing that she is diligently working, and it seems that the work is excessive for a six years old girl.
She held the baby¡¯s hands and played with it, and from time to time, she can¡¯t help herself from not kissing the baby¡¯s cheeks for being so adorable.
The baby is a person that was reincarnated where he retains his memories from his previous life. However, he regained his consciousness just this day and it has been 3 weeks already, since the day he was born in this world. His mother died giving birth to him, it wasn¡¯t known that the cause of her illness was him. His soul was exhausted and needed life energy to survive, so it absorbed her life energy to almost in depletion which made her body weak and prone to sickness. It was a miracle that she was able to hold on given that she is just an ordinary woman. It was her determination to bring him in this world that let him survived and lived. Perhaps, if it were other woman, then the both of them will surely die.
¡°Gugugugugu.¡± ¨C She baby talks.
The baby woke up and opened his eyes. He gave a long soundless yawn and his cute eyes squinted.
¡°You¡¯re so cute¡ let me kiss you.¡±
*Smack**Smack**Smack*
She gave kisses on both sides of his cheeks and lower lips.
He turned red.
¡°Good morning, baby Luke. How are you today?¡±
He isn¡¯t familiar of this world¡¯s language, so he can¡¯t understand her.
And at this moment, his mind is preoccupied with a number of things as he tried to understand the situation he¡¯s in.
Where am I? Who are you?
Wait a minute¡ stone walls, old furniture¡¯s, old looking place¡ and
Oh! I¡¯ve become a baby.
And this is not my world.
I was reincarnated? Really?! Is this for real?! I am not dreaming, am I?
But why would I be reincarnated? Do all people get a second life? If not, then why me? I never did anything good or great to deserve another life.
How did I reincarnate? This is a mysterious occurrence.
Oh! This kind of thing is what I read in light novels. Fu*k! Tell me I¡¯m not dreaming!
Aw! Stop poking me you little witch!
Pain!? S*it! So this s*it is real!
Whahahahahaha!
I really did reincarnate. Then, what should I do?
Oh! What¡¯s this? Why it suddenly turned pale-blue. Are those light particles?
Ah! I get it. I was reincarnated in different world where magic exist.
Whahahahhahaha!
I really am a lucky bastard.
This really looks like those Japanese light novels and this looks good.
Then, I will do what most MC did.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
Make a harem.
Whahahahaha!
This will be my commitment in this new life.
I will make most of this life. Then dying a second death is acceptable. I will make it so, that I¡¯ll never regret anything when I held my last breath again.
And when I grow, I¡¯ll start with this girl. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll grow to my liking.
Hehheh¡
How¡¯s my family? Will they miss me if I¡¯m gone? Are they alright?
I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll be alright, even without me. If only I was able to leave a message before I died, after all, they¡¯ve been very good to me even though I¡¯m useless.
Ahh¡ I will miss them.
Ah! Aw! Aggghhhhh! It¡¯s painful! Fu*k! It hurts like hell! Make it stop! Please!
At the moment he awakened his consciousness. His brain can¡¯t handle the massive surge of information it processes, so it has to expand its operation. This situation leads to the development of his brain, an upgrade. Because of this, the black spot or the non-functional part of the brain starts to develop, it was because the brain development of the child was stimulated by these influx. But the pain it will incur is so severe that you will wish to die¡ let alone a child.
¡°What is it? Hushhhhh¡ Don¡¯t cry baby Luke, I am here.¡±
***
An hour later¡ Two plump middle-aged women came from the door. They are wearing dark-blue kirtle over a smock with a pointy linen shoes. Their hair was pulled back in embroidered hennin and covered with a long plain white veil.
¡°What have you done?!¡± ¨C A stern plump woman harshly asked the girl.
¡°I swear mother, I didn¡¯t do anything to him. He just cried and cried. I tried to comfort him, but he didn¡¯t stop. Then he suddenly stopped crying as though he¡¯s¡ d-dead.¡± ¨C The girl was crying that she stutters as she stated the truth to the woman who had just finished healing the child.
¡°You squat by the door until noon and from now on, you will not go near this boy.¡±
¡°No, please madam. Give me another chance. I¡¯ll accept any punishment but that. Please mother let me take care of him. Please¡¡± ¨C The girl pleaded.
The girl was taken into the orphanage a year ago. Her entire family were killed and her younger brother died from illness a month after it was born. Her circumstances made her timid and fretful that it was hard for her to adapt to her current environment. However, when she saw the child and was assigned to take care of him, she became cheerful. He reminds her of her own brother that she once had taken care and she looked after him like her own brother.
¡°Insolence! You dare to disobey. I should beat you with a stick.¡±
¡°Mother, please~¡±
¡°Now, now~ please Sister Brenda. Don¡¯t be like that. All this boy needs is a little rest.¡± ¨C The woman that healed him told to the other woman.
¡°As for you, my dear child, you are not relieved of your duty.¡±
The woman faced the girl as she caress her cheeks, making her to feel bless. And upon hearing these words, she almost jumps in joy.
This woman is the head of the orphanage ¨C the Saint Ellenaire¡¯s Institute.
Her name is Celia and the children refer to her as mother. Of all the staffs of the orphanage, she was the most likable person that the children loved.
¡°But Sister Celia, this child clearly disregards my decision in my presence. Surely if we let this off without giving any corporal punishments, it will become a major problem in her character.¡±
¡°Indeed. However, we should understand that she is still a child. If she done things excessively then, you can punish her. But regarding this matter, we should be ¨C considerate.¡±
She looked at the girl which shows admirations to her words. Then, she looked again to Brenda. Seeing her serious look, Brenda couldn¡¯t help but agree to her words and looked at the girl full of disdain in her eyes. But before she went off, she was called again.
¡°Now, if I could bother you for a little, will you please call a doctor to check this boy¡¯s condition?¡±
¡°Then, I will call Master Merald.¡±
Then Brenda left the room.
¡°Thank you mother, I promise to take care of Luke carefully this time.¡±
¡°Then, I will leave you as is.¡± ¨C She said and left, leaving the girl and the child.
***
A year had passed.
The child is now accustomed to his surroundings where he can now understand the language the people used and learned of his name ¨C Luke.
In the same old room that he¡¯s become familiar to every nooks and turns, a room for only two ¨C him and the young girl.
This petite girl is known as Ella and she is currently spoon feeding him.
After she finished feeding him, she took out a vial of colourless liquid. It is a thick liquid that has a weird smell. She put it in his mouth to make him drink it and gave him a cup of milk afterwards.
He is now accustomed to the aftertaste of it as he¡¯d been drinking it for a year now. Though he can¡¯t stomach the taste, he can¡¯t do anything about it, he can only swallow every drop of it. He knows that it is the only thing that will make him better at days and sleep at nights.
However, there are times that the availability of the medicine becomes a major problem. Then those painful nights seems to last forever, though, the healers of the orphanage applied healing magic to ease the pain but the magic is losing its effectiveness the more it is applied. And during those times, this young girl is always by his side, taking care of him.
She placed her slender hands on his cheeks and then rubs it with her thumb. She gave a faint smile.
¡°This is the last vial. Mother said that the medicine will be available in 3 days.¡±
He can see it in her eyes that she was deeply saddened by the news as she gripped the empty bottle in her small hand.
Sometimes, he wondered how this small child can be this thoughtful and matured.
He gave her a smile. It is all he can do for now.
He wanted to tell her how thankful he is, that she is always by his side to take care of him. He really can¡¯t forget those nights where she places a hot towel on his forehead, wiping his tears and sweats, singing a melody and caressing him that made him somewhat feel better.
Someday, I will return all the favour. Everything you¡¯ve done to me, your kindness, your love, I will return it ten folds, no, a hundred folds.
His true sentiment towards the girl and he¡¯s been determined to do. Then following that night, are long sleepless and painful nights for the both of them.
Chapter 4 - The promise and a story that inspires hope
CHAPTER 04
(The promise and the story that inspires hope)
¡°Be careful! Let me do it now.¡± ¨C Ella
¡°No. Let me.¡±
He placed the small wooden bucket filled with water next to a basin. Then he placed both of his hands on the opposite sides of the bucket to lift it and then poured the water in the basin. Although he is small, he has a lot of power in those little muscles of his. In this world, the average human has 2-4 times the strength than the average humans in Earth. Given that, an ordinary child in this world can¡¯t still lift all that weight, but Luke isn¡¯t ordinary child. He can utilize his strength effectively and by amplifying it he was able to lift the bucket in a short breath.
¡°There.¡± ¨C He sat next to her and grabbed a plate and washed it clean.
Seeing this, Ella is pleased and smiled.
Luke and Ella with the other children are currently washing the dishes. Though this world is medieval, there are some aspects that this world excels than the Earth¡¯s medieval age, like: sanitations, architectures, transportations, bureaucracy, communications, and technology that the medieval Earth lags behind. Like soap for example, it was available and very effective that the soaps in modern times will look like they were joking in the commercials.
He is now 4 years old in this world and has grown into such an adorable young child.
¡°Today you learned about letters, will you teach me after this?¡±
¡°Alright¡ I won¡¯t just teach you letters but numbers and how to count them and I¡¯ll also teach you how to sew if you¡¯d like.¡± ¨C Ella
Ella is a brilliant girl. Among all the other children that were being taught in the orphanage, she excels the most.
¡°Then, teach it to me too.¡±
¡°Oh~ And tonight there will be storytelling.¡± ¨C She happily told him.
¡°Really!¡± ¨C He also showed an excited expression.
¡°Yes. I was told that it was a famous story from the North.¡±
¡°I wonder what kind of story it is this time?¡±
¡°Maybe it is about the valour of a knight that saved and married the princess. It is popular in the North.¡±
It¡¯s some immortalized romance of a knight and a princess. It really makes a young girl yearns to be a princess or a young boy dreams of being a knight and someday they too can marry a handsome prince/beautiful princess.
The only forms of entertainment in this place are singing, dancing and storytelling. And the last one only happens once in a while, so everybody is pretty much excited and is looking forward to it.
Well he¡¯s not. Having accustomed to the form of entertainment back in his previous world, this kind of thing won¡¯t pick his interest.
¡°I¡¯m going to be a knight someday!¡± ¨C He proclaimed in front of her like the rest of the children in the orphanage would do.
He acts and pretends like a child as to not rouse any misgivings.
He learned about some of this world¡¯s magic from the staffs during their conversations. And he¡¯s been practicing his control over this mysterious energy a couple of months ago. He wasn¡¯t able to practice it, the day he discovered this mysterious energy as it incurs more pain in his head.
However, magic is never openly taught to everyone. Only the select few can learn and practice this mysterious power.
But being a knight is anyone job as long as they persevere.
¡°Then you¡¯ll have to train your body to become one.¡±
¡°Yes of course! That is why I am fetching water and washing the dishes with you.¡± ¨C He answered her in a child-like manner.
¡°Fufufu~ Then you¡¯ll become the knight of the dishes.¡± ¨C She teases him.
¡°Yes! Then I¡¯ll become the knight of the dishes.¡± ¨C He proclaimed. Seeing this level of innocent, she burst into laughter.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
He secretly smiled.
¡°Ella, when you¡¯re done, come to the office, Sister Celia is requesting for your presence.¡± ¨C Said by a staff
They looked at each other ¨C confused.
¡°Yes madam.¡± ¨C Ella
***
In the evening, the children of the orphanage gathered in one hall, it was the time for storytelling. And for these children, it is the most anticipated activity held once or twice a year.
The hall was old and big, but to fit a thousand children it is jam-packed. The hall has two open floors above that directs to the center-top corner of the first floor. At the center stage, a high podium that reaches the second floor, it is where the person stands when making speeches for everyone to see. There are high and strong columns that are perfectly lined to hold the weight of the entire building.
There are a few chairs in the room and used only by the staffs so the children are obliged to sit in the hard and cold floor.
Ella and Luke are sitting in the center most of the second floor.
Luke noticed that Ella isn¡¯t part of the cheerful crowd which is out of her character that he knew of.
¡°Is something that matter?¡± ¨C He asked her.
¡°No nothing~¡± ¨C She said in a low and sad tone.
¡°What did you do in mother¡¯ office?¡±
¡°Oh. She just told me some things, some new works. Right, it¡¯s about work in the orphanage.¡±
¡°¡¡± ¨C He just stared at her. But, he already knew the reason and it pained him upon realising it.
Then, a middle-aged woman can be seen atop the podium with an old looking book which has a cover of old leather. As she stands at the podium the murmuring of the children stopped, showing eagerness and enthusiast in the activity.
However, at the end of all of it, Ella isn¡¯t showing her usual behavior.
***
After the event, they return to their respective quarters, divided by gender.
Luke is now in bed with the other male children in the attic and they sleep in their own single bed. When the pain he experience subsided, he was made to sleep in a room together with the rest of the children.
An hour had passed, he still couldn¡¯t fall asleep.
¡°Pssttt¡ Luke, are you awake?¡±
It was a soft voice that he is very familiar with, it was Ella.
¡°Yes¡ What is it?¡± ¨C He whispered as to not wake the other children.
¡°Come.¡±
He readily stood up and walked besides her. They went down the attic and sat at the base of the stairs where the moon shines from the window.
He saw her troubled face being reflected by the light of the moon.
¡°Are you okay?¡± ¨C Ella
He nodded.
¡°Is your head doesn¡¯t hurt anymore?¡±
He nodded again. He¡¯s not talking to her as he is intently observing her.
¡°Are you sure?¡±
¡°Yes~ it doesn¡¯t hurt anymore.¡± ¨C He assured her.
It has been a year since it stopped. However, there are times that he was attacked by mild headaches, especially when he¡¯s practising manipulating mana.
¡°Then, how about your ¨C¡°
¡°Is there something that you want to tell me?¡± ¨C He asked making her stop in the middle of her sentence.
¡°Ah~¡±
Then long silence enveloped them.
¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t speak up. I have known of it already.¡±
¡°You know? How did you know?¡±
¡°Well, it is a fact that everyone knows. And I just happen to learn of it the other day.¡±
¡°Mmm~ I¡¯m sorry Luke.¡±
¡°No, you don¡¯t need to be sorry. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be okay and besides we will see each other again. That¡¯s for sure.¡±
¡°I will be serving a certain household far away. Then, I won¡¯t be able to look for you? And~¡±
¡°And¡?¡±
¡°¡ I am scared of those nobles. I really am.¡±
Her father had a conflict with a noble. Then the noble came to their house, charge them of stealing the horse of that noble. Then, the noble violated his wife and his 3 daughters in front of his eyes. Then the noble killed them, his 2 sons, his wife and his daughters, one by one in front of him, before he was given the permission of death. Only Ella survived as she was hiding in a corner. However, experiencing the brutal scene at such an age had traumatized her. She only overcomes it the day she saw Luke which reminds her of her younger brother. That is why, she is overprotective to him.
¡°I see¡¡±
*Sob**Sob* ¨C She cried for about a minute and he embraced her.
¡°Would you like to hear a story?¡±
It seems to pick her interest as she stops crying for a moment.
¡°You¡¯re kidding me. Do you know a story, which I don¡¯t?¡± ¨C She pouted.
He smiled.
¡°This story is about a young ordinary maiden, about her struggles in the hands of her evil step-mother and step-sisters. How her fairy god-mother helped her to win the heart of a young prince. Which in turn, the prince saved her from the hands of her evil step-mother and step-sisters. This is the story of Cinderella.¡±
Then, she completely stops crying.
I win. ¨C He thought.
Knowing that, this world lacks these kinds of story ¨C a fairy-tale story. The most popular novels or story of this world, depict the story of a brave knight and the most beautiful princess. These stories only caters to those young nobles, while, the commoners can only yearns for such. It is understandable as, only the nobles had the access to all the necessary workings needed for publishing books, so they can commission it and only a handful of commoners know how to read and write.
¡°So would you like to hear the story of Cinderella?¡±
Teary eyed, she nods and wiped her tears away.
She is such a cute girl.
¡°Alright then, promised me you¡¯ll never ever cry again and I¡¯ll tell you the story.¡±
¡°I promise~¡±
¡°Cross your heart?¡± ¨C He showed her a gesture of crossing his heart.
¡°What¡¯s that?¡±
¡°It means that your promises will never be broken, and if you do¡ well, it doesn¡¯t really mean that you¡¯ll die. But, we do this to make our promise, eternal.¡±
¡°Fufu~ Silly! Then, I promise. Cross my heart.¡± ¨C She made the same gesture.
¡°Pinky-swear~¡± ¨C He showed her his little finger and she looked at it, confused.
He grabbed her hands and entwined their pinkies then their thumbs touch.
¡°What is this?¡±
¡°It¡¯s the same as crossing your heart. Then hear it goes¡¡±
He looked at her one last time and he smiled at her.
¡°Once upon a time¡¡±
They stayed the whole night together and they are both very happy.
She really enjoyed the whole story. She pause in the saddest part, she laugh when it¡¯s funny, giggles at romantic part, anticipate when something happens, and most of all yearns for hope. Hope that she too is a Cinderella and her story is in the making. He revised the whole story fitting this world but the whole plot and the essence of the story is there. Though, he added some exciting twist to make the story more exciting and appropriate in this world.
After that, Ella returns to her normal self, a cheerful Ella. Knowing that she returns to herself, he was able to sleep.
Chapter 5 - Broken promise and the twisted truth
CHAPTER 05
(Broken promise and the twisted truth)
3 days after, 5 carriages arrived in the orphanage.
Luke stood in-line with the other children saying their last farewell to a close family and friends.
He watched Ella get in one of the carriage together with other 19 children.
I have a bad feeling but what is it?
He is slightly shaking, anxious. A part of him wants to stop the carriage where Ella was in from leaving the place but he brushes it off.
Maybe, I just don¡¯t want to see her go. Am I that clingy to her? Damn! I feel like a hopeless child.
Ella stuck her head out in the carriage window to see Luke one last time, and then the carriages starts to move. He and the rest of the children follow them behind as the carriages went down the road, until they are at some distance away.
***
Night time, though it wasn¡¯t that late as children are ought to sleep early an hour or two after the sunset.
Luke is in his bed. He is moving side-to-side and then got up. He can¡¯t sleep.
Did I really miss her that much? Am I really that attached to her? Arggg!
It has been 3 weeks since she left. And it has been 3 weeks that he was bothered by it that he can¡¯t fall asleep.
He got out from the bed and went downstairs.
He took a stroll outside.
The moon is so bright that it lights all the surroundings, enough for him to see his way in the courtyard.
The courtyard is around 250 m2, enclosed by a single 3 storey building. The architecture has similarities to renaissance period. In the center of the courtyard is a deep well for drinking.
He seated next to it while leaning his back on the stone wall surrounding the well. He looked at the moon and let his thought to drift.
Ahh¡ do you see the moon as I did? It¡¯s beautiful isn¡¯t it?
¡°We will meet again someday. I will find you.¡±
---
In some place, a girl is sitting in one corner of a room.
Her eyes were bloodshot as she cried a river.
Her body is cold and was covered only by a piece of blanket.
This girl is Ella.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
2 weeks ago, she arrived in a castle with the other young girls. Believing they were here to work as servants. The girls were carefree as they gone to their quarters. They never knew that, the noble that resides in this place has peculiar fetish, he¡¯s into young girls.
And it was Ella¡¯s turn this time.
Upon knowing her circumstances the first time she witness how other girl¡¯s ended up, that she cried for a whole day. Wishing that someone will save her from this dark castle, however, not all things ended up in favourable situation like those she heard in stories, where a prince saved the princess in the nick of time. This makes her even more miserable and desperate. She hopes for a knight to come and save her. A cruel world it is that, knight are servants of this wicked noble. Then who will save her?
No one¡
She thought.
---
In a big dining room, 15 people are seated around the long dining table. The main quarters of the staffs were indulged in luxury, and this room is the most luxurious of all. The food on the table is all delectable garlanded by finely-crafted silverware and glassware.
At the head of the long table sat a 47 years old man of medium build and wears flamboyant dress.
His name is Fergara. His plump face shows self-importance, like a noble when he¡¯s not. On his side is a short staff, however, this staff is no ordinary as there is a feeling of ominous energy gathers around it.
Though he is in his forties, he looked like he¡¯s in his late 20¡¯s. In this world, the lifespan of an average person can reach 120 and aging is a slow process. However, a magician can exceed the average lifespan and age even slowly and extremely powerful magicians can double that.
The man stood on his chair as he held a glass of red wine.
¡°This year will be the most profitable year we have so far. We have all, the finest product that will be sold at the highest price possible. So I called for a celebration, a toast for everyone!¡±
¡°Cheers.¡±
¡°Cheers.¡±
¡°Cheers.¡±
No one knows that the orphanage is engaged in selling children in the last 10 years. When the head of the institution was replaced by Celia 11 years ago and the rest of the workers were kicked out from the institution. Now, only the rotten people manage the orphanage for the last 10 years.
They sold the children to some nobles as playthings, to the brothels around the city and to slave traders.
Business like this is always profitable as abandoned children are found everywhere and no one will come looking for them if they were taken. And besides, an institution that looks after these abandoned children will never receive suspicion from the public.
The orphanage will accept the children, educate them, and make them clean and presentable to make their price higher than regular children being traded around the capital. High price and no tax, plus the money that came from donations and the king¡¯s aid, they sure are overflowing with money.
¡°We shouldn¡¯t have sold that girl, not right now.¡± ¨C Brenda
¡°Why is that?¡± ¨C Fergara
¡°What is it that your worrying Brenda? The girl fetches a high price. Lord Baler will be satisfied of the goods. It is all that matters.¡± ¨C Celia
This is the real Celia, a cunning and merciless woman. Everything she had shown goodness to the children were all just an act, to bring them into a complete obedience under her control.
¡°Ohh~ I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s just that, the boy is probably missing her.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry about the boy. Surely we can find a way to make him comfortable in this place.¡± ¨C Fergara
¡°Yes, he can make friends with everyone. Then he won¡¯t find it hard to be alone. And as the time pass, he will forget about the girl.¡± ¨C Old woman.
¡°Yes. What she said is true Brenda.¡± ¨C Celia
¡°But he is still a boy. It won¡¯t be funny if one day his body will wither longing for that girl. And besides, who will take care of him? We won¡¯t be able to find a girl like her. And if worse comes worse, we won¡¯t be able to complete the end of our bargain. The boy is very important, is what I¡¯m saying.¡± ¨C Brenda
¡°Do not worry, if he shown that he is capable of magic at the age of 10. Then, all we have to do is send him to chief then, our job here is done.¡± ¨C Celia
¡°By the way, how¡¯s the boy?¡± ¨C Fergara
¡°He¡¯s doing well these days. And he is gifted with intelligence.¡± ¨C Celia
¡°Then it won¡¯t be a guess that he can wield magic, afterall he¡¯s a bastard son from the House of Vyrwel¡¯s. Perhaps it is now time to start manipulating him.¡± ¨C Fergara
¡°Then, do as you will. I am sure that the organization will find him useful.¡±
¡°Yes. The organization already has a plan on how to use him. All we have to do is to ensure that he will do our biddings in complete obedience. Now, carry on, carry on¡ the food will get cold. Everyone let us enjoy our feast! We have a lot of things to do tomorrow. We have a lot of fine children to sell. Hahaha!¡±
¡°Then I¡¯ll have my fill. Hahaha¡± ¨C The other women laugh.
The sound of their laughter resounds in the entire room.
Chapter 6 - A scene at the clothing shop
CHAPTER 06
(A scene at the clothing shop)
In a street bustling with activity, a young lad can be seen walking alongside with the other pedestrians. The street is clad with stones and concrete. The buildings are 5 storeys high which serves a purpose for both residential and commercial. The look and feel of the place is that of renaissance France. The city is well developed and proper sanitation is highly regarded. This is the city of Eldryne, capital city of Bruinne and the splendour of the Kingdom.
This young lad is wearing a dark red short over-gown which is worn over a brown doublet with ribbon ties, a slightly loose dark brown hose and a pair of pointy roughly made leather shoes. He has a pretty face but with a touch of manliness from his sharp eyebrows and dark-red eyes, with his hair being dyed black.
This fellow is Luke. Seeing him now will mistake him as a fine noble if only his clothes were finely made.
It has been 4 years, and all this years his growth is unprecedented. His physical appearance becomes even more evident, his intellect surpasses the young generation and his control over magic is unbelievable.
Though he doesn¡¯t know any real spells, as spells needed a proper practice and study, however, he has developed certain skills. He can manipulate mana around him and use it more efficiently, bending it according to his will. He can invoke lightning in his palms, create fire, manipulate water, cast wind, and attract the earth, though these are just basic of this world¡¯s magic.
He learned a lot about magic to some extent.
He learned that mana isn¡¯t created or destroyed or can be stored and it will return to its original state when the spell dispersed, it follows a natural cycle.
He also learned that, a lineage directly affects the person¡¯s affinity to magic it is because, magic is somewhat genetic. It¡¯s more like a mutation in blood. The first people that practices magic has develop a unique affinity to a certain form of element, which are inherited by their descendants. Some people have the affinity to certain element, because their ancestors are masters of that element which let them learn magic that uses that element a lot faster. But that doesn¡¯t mean they can¡¯t learn and master the other elements.
Luke has a strong affinity to lightning, so his control over lightning is stronger than the other.
Another thing he learned is that, there is a limit in power a person can wield. It is more like, ¡®the more the mage aged, the stronger they become¡¯. Though, Luke is powerful than the other kids of his generation, in fact, a lot stronger than all the average kids. He can¡¯t compare and measure his abilities to them.
He also has the Arcane Eyes which allows him to see mana around him when activated. These eyes isn¡¯t unique as there are a lot who possess such eyes, those are the high levelled wizards. Every person who wields magic is gifted with these unique eyes, but failed to awaken it. All high level wizards had obtained these eyes as it is the prerequisite to become one as it helps them in their study of magic and perceive or counter other magic.
He reached his destination ¨C the clothing shop.
The shop is the biggest in the city, and very popular among the nobles. The fashion in this world is very close to renaissance Europe. Where nobles wear embroidered fine-linen fabrics or silk and pointy leather shoes, while, most commoner can only dress in plain clothing.
He stopped in his tracks as he saw that the place is occupied by a number of nobles. This is to be expected as tomorrow is the start of the 3 days of festivities that the kingdom celebrates during the late quarter of the month of Ag-gar.
He can¡¯t proceed inside as it will sullen the mood of the nobles who are having great time in showing their fabulousness, it will not be good if he will provoke them and be humiliated or worse be beaten after.
He waited outside where the luxurious carriages are lined. The street is wide enough to fit 5 carriages side-by-side, and the commoner are disciplined enough to not recklessly walk on the road in the way of the nobles¡¯ carriage.
Then he saw an intriguing sight.
In a newly arrived carriage, a person came out. A person that he¡¯s familiar although it¡¯s the first time he saw him, he simply knew him based on what he had heard. The person has silver hair, dark-red eyes, and very handsome face. However, from his looks, he seems to be unapproachable as his handsome face protrudes the arrogance of the nobles. He dresses and carries himself the high nobles would be, that the other nobles would be very intimidated that they will give him a lot of face. This man is the duke of Drenhar, Duke Gregor Dynar Vyrwel.
He looked like he¡¯s in his early 30¡¯s but he is already 64 years old. He is a very powerful wizard. A master level wizard and was known for his high combat proficiency all over the country and being feared by many. For a wizard, the age of 70 is considered very young for a 1st class master wizard. And the duke is known as the most talented of his generation. Then becoming a very powerful high level wizard is just a matter of time.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
He had known that this man is his grandfather, he learned it from Fergara. However, he isn¡¯t concerned about it as he has his own life that he¡¯s contented with. He has only two goals, first is to learn magic and second is to reunite with Ella.
Along with the duke is a young lad, a couple of years older than him. He has a resemblance to the duke which can be overstated as, the young duke.
He waited outside for about an hour and entered the store just as the other nobles had gone.
He went straight to the counter where a receptionist is on standby.
¡°Excuse me, but I was sent by Mr. Fergara to get his ordered clothes.¡±
¡°Do you have the consent and the receipt?¡± ¨C The female receptionist inquired
He gave the consent letter and the receipt then she went inside a room. And moments later, she came back with a large package wrapped in hemp fabric tied with a hemp rope.
¡°This is Mr. Fergara¡¯s order.¡± ¨C She said
The package was larger than him that he can¡¯t almost see his way forward.
¡°Excuse me.¡± ¨C He said as he moved towards the exit.
But only a few steps away from the door that leads outside, he felt something bumps him. Then a loud small voice can be heard that everybody stops from what they¡¯re doing.
¡°Ouch!¡± ¨C A high-pitch voice came from a small girl.
He lowers the package enough for him to see what¡¯s in the front.
He saw two small girls. In front of him, a girl with dark-reddish long hair dressed in elegant white and black over-gown. And the other one, is golden long haired in dark-blue floral high-waist gown with hanging sleeves. Although they¡¯re still a child, their looks are very attractive that when they grow up, it is of no doubt that they¡¯ll grow even more beautiful, a beauty that can cause the kingdoms downfall.
The girl facing him is looking scornfully at him.
You dare to bump in me, a mere commoner. Hmmp~
¡°My apologies my lady, please forgive me.¡± ¨C He said as he lowered his head.
She was taken aback by how decent the person in front of her that she almost forgets her purpose.
¡°Are you blind?!¡±
¡°My deepest apologies if ever I offended you, my lady. But I didn¡¯t mean it so please overlook it, just this once.¡± ¨C He sincerely said
¡°Ohh~ He¡¯s very polite isn¡¯t he?¡± ¨C Said the girl next to her.
¡°You dirtied my clothes!¡±
He can¡¯t just go and leave her like that as it will be seen as disrespectful, especially he bump to her and she¡¯s making a fuss about it. If he just walk out and leave her, then he will be seen as disrespectful and irresponsible. Moreover, this is a gathering place for nobles there will be no sentiment for him if he done such a thing, even if he¡¯s just a boy.
¡°And I am reflecting for my grave mistake. It is my mistake that I dirtied your fine dress and I know it is rude of me but I asked you to forgive this servant, my lady.¡±
¡°Should you just forgive him, he¡¯s so sorry you know. Fufufu~!¡±
¡°Forgive him? Hmmp! He dirtied my favoured dress. How can I forgive him?¡±
¡°Please forgive this foolish me, my lady.¡± ¨C He lowered his head even further.
He closed his eyes in disbelief. He thinks he¡¯s very unlucky to bump into her. He really can¡¯t reason out to her or he will incur her wrath even further. So all he can do is to humble himself more. And it seems effective as she didn¡¯t pursue the matter about dress.
¡°Fufufu~ I am so enjoying this.¡± ¨C Said the golden haired girl
¡°Hmmp! You¡¯re a commoner. This is not a place for commoners.¡±
¡°I was in an errand, my lady.¡±
¡°So you¡¯re a slave then?¡±
¡°No, my lady, it is as you say; a commoner of low birth.¡±
¡°You¡¯re still a lowlife afterall. They shouldn¡¯t let a commoner run freely in this place.¡±
No matter how he was insulted by her, he felt nothing. Why would he be bothered from the insult came from a 9 years old girl. He simply wished for her to stop.
A handsome and burly man in his 30¡¯s approached her. He has a slight resemblance to the girl.
¡°Layla, we should go.¡± ¨C Said the man.
¡°But grandfather, he sullied my favourite dress!¡±
¡°Then¡ You! Drag him out and teach him a lesson.¡±
The man called to one of his servants, the servant complied and stands next to him ready to drag him out.
Seeing how things will proceed, he readily accepts his fate.
¡°Heh~ Look at what you¡¯ve done, you silly girl. Poor boy, I pray that his handsome face won¡¯t be severely injured. Fufu~¡± ¨C The golden haired girl
¡°What is it?¡±
A handsome man in his 30¡¯s is walking towards them. The man¡¯s hair is gold in color, similar to the girl by his side.
¡°Grandpa! This boy is being punished.¡± ¨C The blonde girl told to the man.
¡°I see¡ Then, are you at fault boy?¡±
However, just as he¡¯s about to answer the man, he felt something in his head.
¡°I didn¡¯t mean to trouble you, my esteemed lords. But, I swear it is all a misunderstanding.¡± ¨C Luke
¡°Heh~ You have a silver tongue at such a young age. I¡¯ve never seen a boy of low birth so eloquent as you. Tell me, what is your name?¡±
¡°My name is Luke, your grace.¡±
¡°Then¡ Luke is it? You can go now.¡±
Puzzled about what he means by it. Is he free to be drag outside or he can go on his own?
¡°I said you can go now.¡±
¡°Then, forgive my rudeness, my lord, as I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±
He observed his surrounding first whether it is fine to leave. Confirming that there are no objections, he politely bowed then quietly left the scene.
The man was left standing still as he pondered the thing he learned. Then he smiled a little bit, that the other man with dark-red hair had noticed of it.
¡°What¡¯s with that smile? You¡¯re thinking of something are you? Is it about that boy just now?¡±
Hearing this, his eyes twitch and a glance at the man. He recovered his composure and traced his jaw-line with his middle finger.
He dismissed the servants, until the two of them remain. He then walks towards an empty corner.
Seeing him like this, the dark-red haired man followed him behind as he observed the surrounding.
Then they stopped by the window where he can see the subject of their discussion walking in the street.
¡°So what is it?¡±
¡°Hoho~ That boy is interesting.¡± ¨C The golden haired man
¡°I can see it in your eyes.¡± ¨C The dark-red haired man
¡°Hehe~ I can¡¯t completely read his mind.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t play with me. What do you mean?¡±
¡°Oh I¡¯m not kidding. I was repelled, the moment I delve more into his memory.¡±
¡°Is it for real?! But how¡¯s that possible?¡±
¡°First and foremost, his mind is very hard to read, it¡¯s vague. Then, he¡¯s completely aware of my presence inside.¡±
The red-haired man becomes wary of Luke¡¯s existence. He never heard anything like it before.
Then he realized the extent of it.
¡°What a frightful existence! But, how was he able to resist you?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know. All I know, is he¡¯s marvellous. He¡¯s more talented than our younger generation that I have seen. Heck! We¡¯re not even that close. Perhaps, his talent is comparable to the high wizards when they are young.¡±
¡°Then, are you going to take him under your tutelage? You saw him first, you can take him.¡±
¡°Heh~ If only it is simple as that.¡±
The man paused for a bit and observed his surroundings. He then closed his eyes.
¡°He¡¯s Gregor¡¯s grandson, that bastard¡¡±
This revelation left the other man in shock and disbelief that he seems to have left his brain somewhere.
Chapter 7- The ignorance of being indifferent
CHAPTER 07
(The ignorance of being indifferent)
An hour later after that incident, Luke is currently walking until he arrives in front of a manor ¨C a single three storey gothic structure surrounded by 2 meter iron fence. It was the residence of Fergara. Apparently, similar structures are lined in both sides of the street all across the neighbourhood which only shows how prosperous the people living in this city under the rule of their king, such was the rich district in the north section of the city. It has walls that separate it from the commoner¡¯s district in its north and west section and the noble¡¯s district in its south, and in the east is a vast lake ¨C the Lake Eldryne. and covers the eastern most part of the city.
When he approached the front gate, a male servant hurriedly went to open it for him.
¡°How¡¯s your day? You¡¯re just in time Mr. Fergara is looking for you. He¡¯s waiting in his office. Oh¡ I¡¯ll help you with that.¡± ¨C The servant said and took the package from him.
¡°Well thank you Mr. Poncho. Everything is fine on my end, somehow.¡±
He didn¡¯t want to talk what happened earlier, so he headed towards the house.
Wherever he went, he always received a lot of favourable impression from various people for being polite and adorable child, especially with older women. They simply gave him a lot of attention, for whatever things he does even the smallest of things, he gets praise for it. It is not far from being spoiled by those people.
They went to the main door of the house and straight into the office.
He stopped in front of the door and the servant swiftly went in front of him and then knocked three times.
¡°Come in!¡± ¨C Shouted by a man inside the room.
And the servant opened the door, he thanked the servant in return and the servant gently bowed. Although, the servant hand is full as he is holding the package, that it will be seen as somewhat rude of him for letting the servant to open it for the two of them, it is simply the servant¡¯s job albeit having similar status.
There, they found Fergara comfortably sitting in his elegant looking chair.
When Fergara took him under his care, it was made clear among the servants that he will be treated with utmost care and attention like a young master of this house, when he heard it along with the servants, he told Fergara that it should be fine if he will be treated like the rest of them. But Fergara simply taps his shoulder and told him that he¡¯s not ¡®one of them¡¯ but rather an apprentice.
Long after that, the servants took great care of him not because they were ordered but because they had simply grown fond of him and they loved him as he is such an adorable child.
When he was still an infant, it was Fergara who bought him the medicine to cure his sickness. Then, Fergara took him in this city and taught him many things. For this he should be grateful and the people had thought so, for a man who had no apparent heir as he remains single to this day, took pity to an orphan, raise the boy like one of his own. And the child will forever be grateful to his foster parent for giving him/her the shelter, care and love; however, he is no mere child and he is not grateful to him either.
He understands that everything Fergara had shown is just a fa?ade. At first, he was taken by the kindness Fergara had shown him, and he was grateful. However, when it was revealed to him the truth about his parents, he started to doubt this man. A man who knows his parents and took him under his care has positive merits if only his grandfather was not a duke and the man is not some merchant. Of course he shouldn¡¯t judge the man, but if the man starts telling him stories which is unfavourable towards his family, then there¡¯s a reason for his doubt.
He is indebted to him, but he is not grateful and he¡¯ll never be. Although, being indebted doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t leave ¨C he can and he will. Especially, if Fergara will demand something that will inhibit his freedom, thinking of the rights the people in his previous world had, he will leave him without a second thought. And so far, Fergara has been very good towards him.
¡°Ah¡! There you are my boy! I¡¯ve been waiting for you all day. Ah¡ Let me see that, come, come.¡±
The servant brought to him the package and Fergara excitedly opens it. He had known that Fergara is an aficionado of fashion and everything about luxury as he indulges himself in every aspect of extravagance that he spends most of his money in expensive things, especially wines and clothes.
He dresses himself like nobles and always on the lookout for new trend in fashion. And in front of many people he will flaunts his fat belly that the dress will almost rip open and reveal all of his fats that he accumulated over the past years.
¡°Ah¡ There it is. Beautiful, it¡¯s exactly the way I like. What took you so long, my boy?¡± ¨C He said as he carefully check the dress
¡°Ah¡ I got into a little bit of trouble but it is fine.¡±
¡°Hoh¡ What kind of trouble a smart fellow like you will get into?¡±
¡°Mmm¡ I happen to bump into some noble.¡±
¡°You bump into some nobles? Ha! And they make it such a big deal, isn¡¯t it? Those nasty nobles are really heartless and troublesome! If it¡¯s me, I will show them not to mess up with me. You heard that? I am going to show them who¡¯s who and who¡¯s not to be messed with. Hahaha!¡± ¨C He bragged
Luke didn¡¯t feel to respond. He had absolute understanding of Fergara¡¯s personality: ambitious who wants everything for himself, a fraud who¡¯ll cheat even his granny, a covetous when it comes to money, and a coward that he won¡¯t hesitate to abandon his comrade.
¡°Are you hungry? Here¡¡±
Fergara handed him a small elegant looking silver box.
¡°This¡ was imported from the other side of the world, they call it brown sweet. Come, go on and take it.¡±
He accepted it.
¡°Try it. Don¡¯t be shy.¡±
He opened the box and saw the treats inside. He took a small piece and ate it.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
Chocolate¡
¡°Do you like it?¡±
He nodded.
¡°Then have some more, come on. You can take everything.¡±
Without reservations, he took a handful and put it on his small shoulder bag or incites Fergara¡¯s persistent personality which will end having the same conclusion ¨C him taking the chocolate. Seeing him like this, Fergara is all smiles.
¡°Now, head to your room and study these books.¡± ¨C Fergara said as he gently pushed three books stacked together in the table towards Luke.
He looked at the book and read its title ¨C Book in Arithmetic, Philosophical Approach and The Adventure of Almegr.
He was disappointed. Over these years, Fergara is providing him books for him to study, but he didn¡¯t need all of it as the knowledge contain in those books can never be compared to what he learned back in Earth. The only books he would love to spend his time in reading and studying are books relating to magic. Books are expensive, as these books are being manually produced by scholars. It is because there are no means to speed up the production of these books. And magic books are produced in small quantity as it is made by individuals who are known as scribers, a specialize job mainly for creating mystic scrolls and grimoire.
Though, Fergara professed his plan to teach him regarding magic when he reach the age of 9, as it is widely expected that a child¡¯s talent for magic will become apparent when he/she reach the age of 10-12, but of course some had shown to have manifested their ability to wield magic when they reach the age of 9, but these are the young geniuses from a well-known family.
When he¡¯s 5 years old, he already is capable of wielding this mysterious force and now he is looking forward to properly learn real spells; nevertheless, he can¡¯t do anything about it but to simply wait, as he is considered underage.
One time, he considered revealing his talent, if he did then perhaps he will be regarded as someone special, then someone will get him into their entourage and received backing from this person to learn wizardry. However, there is the possibility that he will put his life at risk; such as, being regarded as different, and being different has certain amount of danger it carries. Carelessness will only bring disaster, so he¡¯ll simply wait; afterall, he will only have to wait for another year.
¡°Yes Mr. Fergara and thank you.¡±
Though, he knows his fa?ade, he feign ignorant about it. Afterall, he needs this man to find Ella and learn magic.
Fergara watch him and can¡¯t help but feel satisfied over himself. He spent 4 years in making this child under the influence of his manipulation. He had been very careful not to arouse this child suspicion, he already reach the conclusion that this child is extraordinary even extraordinary than the other geniuses of this generation ¨C a true prot¨¦g¨¦.
This child had shown capable of handling task even adult find it hard ¨C managing documents, auditing and putting it into account.
At first, he simply wants to teach him but when he exposed him to business, he discovered that he¡¯s more than capable than him, that he proposed various new ideas which are helpful in running his company and his profit increased. The other merchants inquired about the secret of his success, in which he is being boastful in his answers saying it is simply his ¡®luck¡¯ and ¡®skills¡¯.
He let him manage a part of his business to Luke and this boy discovered the irregularities regarding his business ¨C he¡¯s engaged in small time smuggling and he¡¯s not properly paying his tax or not paying at all. In which he feign ignorance over this matter and blames his subordinates. After that, he paid his tax appropriately and lessened his black trade, afterall, he is profiting more than ever and benefited a lot in engaging legally, so he¡¯s fairly satisfied.
Nevertheless, he is also risking of being discovered by this boy, for letting him learn many things. At first he thought it was necessary as it will gain the attention of his grandfather. However, as the time pass, he is feeling the pressure. And if the plan fails, then, he will surely meet his doom as the syndicate will have his head served on the plate. He can¡¯t let it happen; he must do something about it. He must send this boy to the chief as soon as possible and be free of burden.
He noticed that Luke took something from his chest. Upon seeing it, his eyebrow twitched but quickly suppressed his irritation.
¡°Is that another letter?¡± ¨C Fergara asked
Luke nodded in response and handed the letter to Fergara.
¡°This should be the last one, you get me?¡± ¨C Fergara said, a hand holding the letter is pointing towards Luke making an emphasis.
He nodded once again like an obedient child he is.
¡°Haiz¡ I will forgive you, but no more letters next time. You already sent five letters this month alone, when you know how much it cost. Look, I want you to stop worrying about that girl. She¡¯s in good condition and is very diligent in her work. How do you expect her to make a reply when she¡¯s working day and night? I know what you feel, I was like you before. However, you must know that she is doing it for you and you must endure it. I had promise to bring you to her, yes? So I want you to wait for that time, when the time¡¯s right. Hm.¡±
There is always a time when Luke is thinking about Ella.
Although he is considered a genius among genius, he is still not capable of knowing everything. He doesn¡¯t have any idea that the orphanage is engage in selling children, that the orphanage is working with the syndicate, that the orphanage sold Ella, and she is suffering for years.
If he learns of this, then probably he¡¯ll be angered and for a person who didn¡¯t feel any strong feeling of emotions, it is a foreign feeling. In these past years, his personality drastically changed, his emotions are suppressed or it is not far from being devoid of emotions.
Four years ago, his brain development threatens his consciousness, his very existence ¨C as a human who came from Earth. It is like, deleting data to make room for new, erasing the current him to create new persona. He noticed that every year that pass, his personality changed.
I seem to have changed. I am not the same person that I used to before. My emotion does not get into me, as though, I am in complete control of everything. Although, I should be glad that I do not have the qualities of a loser anymore, I am afraid of what will become of me ¨C will I become another person? And if I do, I have a feeling that I will become somewhat different. All I have left is my memory from my previous life and I feel that my old self is gradually fading.
Then, he comes into a realization: he may exist or alive again but what will happen if he loses his personality, is he him or just another person that thinks it¡¯s him?
No¡ this can¡¯t be happening. I don¡¯t want to lose myself, and if I did, then I won¡¯t be grateful I was given a second life. Or is this supposed to happen? When I think about it, there are a lot of mysteries of my reincarnation. The question why I was reincarnated is still left unanswered. Or do people reincarnate? But for a people to reincarnate with their old memories will have drastic change to history, it¡¯s like when a reincarnated mechanical engineer builds the first car or if Thomas Edison reincarnated then surely he will establish an electric company.
Then, there is one answer to his question.
Am I really the only reincarnated person in this world?
But losing my self is a bad thing, is it? I must do something about it. But what should I do? Should I just accept as it is? But for a person, emotions are what really make us human. It gives birth to sympathy, desire, hopes, dreams etc. which in turns will make us (human) know who they are ¨C as a person that has its own personality to be recognized. If I lose it, then, who am I? And what is my purpose?
Then another idea pops up ¨C Memory.
Ah! My memories from my previous life, if I can keep it alive should my old self remain? Should all of my worries be solved? They said that memory is a powerful thing.
He then decided to put his hopes on his memories and relived his old self: ambitions, desires and lust. Then his brains¡¯ rapid development slowed that he can keep up with it and managed to keep a very small part of his old self.
But the impact of this change to his personality is that, he became indifferent towards other matter. When he discovered that Fergara is engage in smuggling of goods and evading taxes, he overlooked it. And there was a time when he witnessed a slave being beaten to death in the street, where he felt no sympathetic feeling towards the slave as he simply walks away from the scene. It is understandable because, there is no way he could save the slave but to feel no compassion at all, it is strange ¨C it is inhuman. However, it is different when it comes to Ella where he can be a caring person. He realized this long before and came up with a conclusion that, it is caused by his sentimental feelings he felt before that he was able to retain such feelings for her.
Is it love? No. He wasn¡¯t infatuated to her nor he can feel love. It was one of the emotional states he lost.
Love, greed, pride, envy, etc. he felt little to such things except for one, ambition ¨C his ambition to master magic. Like the feelings he felt towards Ella, his desire to learn magic deeply etched in his heart and mind, like an obsession.
¡°Now, let us have our lunch, my belly¡¯s been grumbling that my pet inside my stomach are trying to eat my intestine. Hahahaha! Come. And I have a party to attend, this evening.¡± ¨C Fergara said as he leads Luke by the shoulder to head outside.
Chapter 8 - Morning disturbance
CHAPTER 8
(Morning disturbance)
After having lunch with Fergara, Luke went in his room by the second floor where he studied for 6 long hours. And when it is time for dinner, he asked the maids to bring him his dinner into his room since Fergara will have his dinner outside. After that, Luke starts working on the documents Fergara had left him, where he finished all of it in an hour or so and produced a detailed documented report.
It was now late in the evening, but Luke isn¡¯t falling to sleep, instead, he tidied his study table, then, reached for a small rectangular wooden box hidden under his bed, he then took out the rolled parchments that were as thick as an arm.
He unrolled these parchments on the table and revealed the drawings and sketches of what looks like an apparatus of complex mechanism. He took one parchment which is unfinished and put aside the other.
With the parchment on the table, he closed his eyes and started visualizing the design drawn in it. In a split second, his eyes opened, a 3D version of it appeared in front of him and starts showing a series of movements. From a single gear followed by the next gear and the next until all the moving parts of the apparatus are all moving, rotating, doing repetitive movements, but then suddenly, it stopped. A problem occurred that stopped all the movements in the apparatus. The 3D was zoomed in which revealed some gears that are grouped was shown red as one of the smaller gears was clogged in between the other two bigger gears halting the actions of the rest.
He reached for his quill which was dipped in an ink bottle and start making a note to correct the design which he concluded during simulation, and later, he will redo the drawing plan. He repeats this step for a hundred times until he felt the urge to sleep.
***
In the next morning, the sound of metal clanking following the rhythm of someone walking and the commotion outside his room had waked him, and then, a loud bang from the door completely woke him that he got up from the bed.
A man in armour entered in his room which made him raise his guard up. This man is wearing fancy shiny armour with the bastard sword ¨C a knight. From the look of things, it seems that this man forcibly made his way in his room.
¡°Are you Luke?¡± ¨C The man casually said forgetting the fact that he just barge in and committed trespassing or perhaps he doesn¡¯t know it. From his voice, Luke assumed that the man is considerably young and a serious type of a person.
¡°Yes I am, and what can I do for you?¡±
¡°Did I scare you? You looked tense.¡± - The man asked as he removed his helmet and tucked it under his arms, revealing his handsome looks.
¡°I am not, but the fact that you simply force your way here, I should be worried, right?¡±
¡°Then let me introduce myself, I am Lorrath Galanver, I serve the duke of Eludun, Duke Augustus Regis-Lenforth. And I am here because I was task to bring you to the duke.¡±
¡°And what is the intention of the duke? I don¡¯t see why the duke required my presence.¡±
Not to mention that you have barge in this house. Is it something that important to act in such manner? ¨C He thought
¡°I don¡¯t know. I was simply ordered, so I must carry his command. It is my partner who knows of this matter, so you should ask him. He is downstairs negotiating with the owner.¡±
¡°And from the looks of things, the owner, Mr. Fergara never agreed to this kind of arrangement.¡± ¨C Luke gaze swept upon the three maids outside the door who are restless.
¡°Whether he approved or not, you are coming with us. I will wait for you outside.¡±
Lorrath left him with no other choice but to comply, he knows that the power of a duke is absolute, second only to that of the king.
15 minutes later, Lorrath and Luke arrived in Fergara¡¯s office and the first thing Luke saw was a man seating on Fergara¡¯s chair. This man is wearing a flat hat with eye-catching snow feather, a velvet short-overgown worn over a blue high-collared doublet, a velvet tight pants and pointy shoes. He has pleasing features, a handsome young man who appears to be in his late 20s. However, having a long glossy-blond hair and beautiful face made him look more feminine.
Luke didn¡¯t know this man, but he certainly remembers him the previous day, back in the clothing shop. He has good memory so he can¡¯t be wrong.
¡°So, you¡¯re the one they called Luke, am I correct? I am Audleigh of Nerbis. I am a baron working for the duke of Eludun, Duke Augustus Regis-Lenforth. And the man beside you is Ser Lorrath Galanver. We served the same lord.¡± ¨C The man spoke by the name of Audleigh.
Luke took a glance in the corner next to Audleigh and saw Fergara whose face were brimming red as though hot water was poured directly on his face, he can clearly see that Fergara was greatly outraged by the man¡¯s act of arrogance and self-importance. Then further, he saw another knight in his fancy looking armour holding the hilt of his bastard sword ready to strike any moment, but Lorrath¡¯s armouring is much unique and beautiful when compared to this knight.
He looked at the man who spoke to him.
¡°Yes I am.¡±¨C He responded to Audleigh¡¯s earlier question.
¡°Very good. I thought¡ you don¡¯t know this¡ boy? Or¡ were you trying to¡ deceive me? ¡± ¨C The voice and the manner he spoke those words was full of contempt as he glanced at Fergara.
¡°This is outrageous! You can¡¯t simply barge in here and do whatever you want.¡± ¨C Fergara¡¯s scornful response to Audleigh as he tossed a piece of paper at him but Audleigh simply sneered at Fergara.
[AN: Try using accents whenever they¡¯re having a conversation (whenever I read light novels (although Japanese) I used English/German/French accents even if I don¡¯t get it right, it¡¯s fun ]Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
¡°You know who the consignee of this letter, yet you dare show disrespect? Good, good. First, you tried to deceive me, knowing that I work under the duke and by deceiving me you are directly deceiving the duke. Have you not consider my master¡¯s words or does it carries no weight at all? Dishonesty and deceitfulness, such acts are punishable by death, without trial. Do you wish to die this instant?¡±
¡°Geh~ I didn¡¯t mean to¡ but, you are being unreasonable. I simply wish to protect my right. As a citizen of this country, I have the right to protect my interest. Therefore, I will not hand the custody of this boy. I wish Duke Lenforth will respect it.¡±
¡°Certainly¡ Ser Lorrath, prepare our departure, ready the horses and the carriage.¡±
Audleigh gave an order to Lorrath and the latter complied. But just as Luke and Lorrath took a few steps towards the door as he was being led by the latter, Fergara once again burst in outrage.
¡°What is the meaning of this?! You cannot take the boy! I never approved of anything.¡±
Luke stop for a moment but Lorrath strongly led him outside.
¡°That is why I am still here to continue our negotiation.¡± ¨C Audleigh
A few minutes later, the man spoke once again.
¡°I heard your business is thriving.¡± ¨C He said as he put his hands together entwining his fingers while resting his back on the backrest of the chair, his legs crossed.
¡°Nonsense! We are not here to talk about my business.¡± ¨C Fergara responded while slapping the table which shook the things on it.
¡°Of course it is. What I am asking you had something to do with your business.¡±
¡°If that is a threat that you¡¯ll do harm to me or my business, I am not worried. Do your thing.¡± ¨C Fergara said with determination to which the man mocked it with a sneer.
¡°That is what I intended to do, in the first place.¡±
¡°Humph! It clearly shows your despicable nature.¡±
¡°Says by who, you? A scum of this society dare to lecture me about values. Hahaha¡ You¡¯re a funny guy, I like you already. By the way I am not talking about your business here in the¡ surface.¡±
When Fergara heard his last sentence, he turned stiff and starts sweating even though it is hot and he feels cold at this moment.
¡°W-what d-do you mean?¡± ¨C Fergara stammers with his question
¡°Oh~¡ Nothing in particular, I simply learned of this from the duke himself. You know, as a duke, he knows a thing or two about these kinds of things, the preposterous activities some men do.¡±
¡°I-I don¡¯t know what you mean.¡±
¡°It means you¡¯re engage in a shady trade and that you¡¯re a part of a syndicate known as the red serpent. I am telling you that you¡¯re a criminal.¡±
¡°Y-you! You¡¯re accusing me of involvement in that criminal group. Where is your proof?!¡±
¡°None.¡±
¡°HA! Despicable! Truly despicable!¡±
¡°For now.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t try to frame me bastard! Guh~¡±
When Audleigh heard what Fergara had just called him. His goofy nature was changed into a very threatening existence. His eyes show an intense killing intent that Fergara was cut-off in the middle of his yammering. And the guard is now standing next to him while firmly gripping the slightly unsheathe sword he held in his waist revealing a slight gleam from the sword.
Fergara is now feeling the intense killing intent from the two, and any moment now, this two is prepared to kill him. He held his staves firmly in his hand but then he let loose of his grip, making his staves to fall in the floor.
He won¡¯t survive the moment these two make their moves. No. He can¡¯t even make it pass with just the man standing guard; this man is without a doubt could behead him in a split second given that the man is standing close to him; he will be beheaded before he could invoke a spell. This is a confined space; he can¡¯t make a manoeuvre to evade it in time. No. Base from what his instinct tells him, this man is strong and well-experience, his strike is enough to kill him where he stands.
Clearly, he is left without an option.
¡°I will obey! I will obey! Please spare my life. I will do anything, please spare me.¡± ¨C He cried begging for mercy. Audleigh sneered once again and looked at the knight standing beside Fergara whose sword is almost drawn. He waved his hand signalling the man to stand by.
¡°Careful with your words, I don¡¯t have that much patience left.¡±
¡°Yes. Thank you.¡±
¡°Then, about the boy -¡±
¡°Yes, the duke¡ m-may have him.¡± ¨C Fergara closed his eyes in submission
¡°Thank you. And the names¡¡±
¡°N-names?¡±
¡°Yes. Names involves in the syndicate. Tell me everything.¡±
¡°I-I am sorry. I am simply a runner. I don¡¯t know the big names.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know what this syndicate had done to piss the duke to come up with a decision to annihilate them. He even spoke to the other duke and the king of his plan to wipe them out completely from this country. In the past 15 years, he simply imposed constant raids to cripple this group in his dukedom, but now, he will put a stop to them bypassing proper investigations. They will be killed like rats in their holes. I am giving you a chance to live. The duke has offered 10 Bruinne Gold for each name and a hundred to those who are in command. You can use the money to start anew. You can live in the countryside or travel around the great continent of Arkimutt or cross the great Rukbian Ocean towards the continent of Dorgea. It is up to you, you can do anything you want, if you make the right choice that is. However, you must remember, with or without your help, we will get them and I can kill you anytime anywhere and nobody will care.¡±
¡°Guh~¡±
Fergara was left with no other choice but to submit to this man¡¯s wishes. Even though the syndicate ruled the underground world in this country for 50 years now, but when they are face with the wrath from one of the duke, they simply won¡¯t survive. The duke has an army of elite mages and knights, if the duke decides an all-out war against them; it will be very devastating on their side. The syndicate had been very careful not to cross path with any of these dukes as to not incur their wrath.
And now, he simply doesn¡¯t have an idea of what was happening, but he is right to guess that a great storm is coming and it is not safe to stay in the underworld anymore.
He told Audleigh everything he knew not missing a single information. He knows that if he wants to completely get away from the duke and the syndicate, then he must tell everything. He didn¡¯t want to be pursued by the two, especially the syndicate. Sooner or later, the syndicate will found out about his connection towards the upcoming storm.
When Fergara told him the things which concerns the boy, Audleigh couldn¡¯t believe what he¡¯s hearing that he threatened Fergara once more but Fergara¡¯s words are convincing and when it is over, he pondered for a moment trying to connect the dots in the process.
¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡±
¡°I have told you everything. So please spare me.¡±
¡°Surprisingly, you did tell me everything. Now, the problem is, I didn¡¯t prepare that much, I only brought this small amount. I never expected that you¡¯re this helpful and cooperative, which I like. How about this, expect the other half in 3 days¡¯ time and I suggest that you go elsewhere after that.¡±
¡°Certainly¡¡±
---
Inside the carriage, Luke is comfortably sitting on the couch which is facing Lorrath and the direction of the driver. Both of them are quietly sitting inside for almost 30 minutes now when the carriage door opens and Audleigh came in.
¡°Hello. How are you? Sorry about what happened earlier. Are all your stuffs in the carriage?¡±
¡°My stuffs?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t tell me-¡± ¨C Audleigh looked at Lorrath in which the latter simply shrugs his shoulders.
¡°Ah¡ Sorry it¡¯s my bad. Well, I was ordered by Duke Augustus Regis-Lenforth to pick you up. From now on, the duke has the right over your custody, so he will provide you of your needs.¡±
¡°For what reason¡ why the duke is doing this?¡±
¡°I can¡¯t answer that. Anyway, I too was a little bit sceptical regarding this matter.¡±
¡°What about Mr. Fergara?¡±
¡°He already approved it.¡± ¨C Audleigh said whose smile is meaningful in which Lorrath simply brushed the weird feeling he felt when he saw it.
The two had a conversation for about 15 minutes until someone knocks on the carriage door and told them that Luke¡¯s luggage were already loaded in the carriage.
Earlier, Audleigh told one of the servants he brought to inform Fergara in regards to Luke¡¯s belongings, in compliance, Fergara told his servants to prepare the things Luke left in his room.
Following that, the carriage starts to move and then it gained the speed along the way.
Chapter 9 - A display of prowess
CHAPTER 9
(A display of prowess)
The carriage went all the way towards the section of the city where all highly privilege people resides ¨C the Noble¡¯s District.
Luke spread his sight all over the place and saw buildings of great architecture which are 5-6 storeys high lined together across the street. These structures are made of stones and a special type of cement binds them together, with the application of magic, the structure could last forever and could withstand the greatest of the calamity the nature could muster. Through and through, the atmosphere of the environment is like old Europe, with the architecture being similar to 15th century France.
The street has a number of people, there are those who are engage in conversation; there are those who are in a hurry and walks faster, and some are even running; there are also the traffic of carriages owned by nobles along the way, and nobles in their remarkable attire and fancy armoured knights who rides in their beautiful horses.
The street is bustling like any other place in the city, except the people here were few and much more refined that you can¡¯t hear any shouting from these people compared to the streets or the market, only the sound of hooves from these horses and composed sound of walking or the graceful laughter from these people is what filled the place.
Their carriage never shown any sign of stopping, which only means they are still a distance away from their destination. Their travel is smooth, not because the carriage has a good suspension which lessens the unnecessary shaking the carriage make or the even road, but because of the blue banner with the sigil of an overlapping twin sword, a griffin on the side and a golden laurel which envelops the two insignia ¨C this is the symbol of the dukedom of Eludun and the symbol of the duke.
Wherever they go, the people will show their respect and make way for their carriage, which is why they never encountered unnecessary troubles along their way.
In 15 minutes or so, the carriage stopped in front of a huge mansion, 7 storeys high and 230 meters in length ¨C this is the mansion of Duke Augustus Regis-Lenforth.
¡°We¡¯re here.¡± ¨C Audleigh said and the three of them got off the carriage
This time around, Lorrath excuse himself and made his way towards the opposite direction, the two went inside the mansion and were greeted along the way by servants.
They stopped in front of a huge hardwood double-door, where two heavy armoured guards are standing guard on both side.
Audleigh stepped forward and knocked three times on the door, which a man inside responded and told them to enter.
A handsome man who looks to be in his 30¡¯s is sitting in an old luxurious-looking chair behind the table that has papers, scrolls, letters, a bag of silver and gold coins, books, an ink bottle with 2 quills in it, and a balance weight place on it.
The two paid homage by making a slight yet elegant bow, like a true noble.
This man has dark-reddish hair which is cut short and was perfectly combed at the back, and with eyes that match the color of his hair. When he saw this man, Luke was reminded of the girl he met at the clothing shop the last day.
This man is Duke Augustus Regis-Lenforth the reigning duke of Eludun for the last 12 years since his father had step down. He is the grandfather of Layla and many other children, but his favourite of all is Layla. Not only for the fact that she is the daughter of his first born son and the heir to Eludun, but because she is a child brimming with talent not only in magic but also with sword, martial arts, fine arts and other forms of learning. She is not just intelligent and beautiful, but a very strong child. Because of this, the duke highly favours her. But that doesn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t care for the rest of his grandsons and granddaughters, he also favours his grandson which are all talented. But because she is a girl, she received a lot of attention from him like a grandfather doting for his granddaughter.
It must be noted that this world highly sought and favoured the strong. Because, only the strong can defend their family, defeat their enemy, and bring glory to their country. Only the strong can bring about justice and peace, and the select few who ruled the many. For centuries, this is the law (albeit not written) that governs them, it will remain unbroken until the end of time.
The duke, and like the other duke, imposed this unwritten law, to protect their family, status and their interest.
When the two gave their respect, he offered them to sit in front of the table.
¡°Thank you for your service Audleigh.¡± ¨C The duke started
¡°Not at all my liege.¡±
¡°Well, Luke is it? We¡¯ve met again. First, I must apologise for my rude behaviour the last day we met. Can you forgive me?¡±
Luke nods.
¡°You must be confused of why you¡¯re here, am I right?¡±
He nods again.
¡°It is because I know your father, Lord Renan of Drenhar, and your grandfather, Gregor Dynar-Vyrwel, the duke of Drenhar.¡±
Augustus eyes were on them, observing the two, noticing any changes the two would make and discerning what they understand.
¡°I told you this because it is no longer a surprise. See, Audleigh isn¡¯t showing a surprise look, he must have known about it already. Am I correct, Audleigh?¡±
¡°Yes, milord.¡±
¡°As for you, you learned and had kept it for a long time now. Am I right again?¡±
He didn¡¯t respond.
¡°As for me, well, I learned it from someone. How he got hold of that information is not of our concerned. The most important thing is we learned of it and that you are here.¡±
While Augustus explained things, the two remain on the listening side.
¡°As you may know, last night I met your grandfather, Gregor. I and my colleague told him everything we know about you. And here I will be very honest with you, he denounce your existence and we both got criticise for this matter. Well, he is like that long before. He denies you, so it should be proper to raise you as one of my own with my selfish understanding, or so I think. Since I want to be honest with you so I must tell you this, I learned that you are special. It is one of my reasons to keep you. And the other is because I don¡¯t want you end up being uneducated fool, raised by some shady guy. I don¡¯t want that, I don¡¯t want you to raise your blade and point it at someone at some point of time. You know, this old me is being paranoid. Hehe¡¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Actually, when he investigated him and learned that the man who raises him is a man named Fergara, a name registered in his watch list 5 years ago. He informed Duke Rhemus of his findings and later, they informed Duke Gregor. But, when Gregor denies Luke as it will invite unnecessary rumours regarding their family, so he decided to make a move, he will take Luke under his tutelage. It must be known that the Vyrwel¡¯s excels in magic, he believe that keeping the boy under his banner is beneficial to him and his forces.
Augustus ordered Audleigh to get him a cup of wine right at the corner, and he continued speaking while supporting his body by the armrest.
And now comes the conclusion of things he just said.
¡°If you stay here, I will provide you with everything in my capacity.¡± ¨C Augustus ended his explanation and took a sip of the wine he held on his hand.
¡°What about Mr. Fergara, milord? I still have an obligation to him.¡±
Though he felt no loyalty to anyone, however, he thinks that it is improper to simply leave the man who brought him up for 4 years now and had given him a lot of things to learn upon. He can¡¯t simply change side just because the other offered him more as there are still the dignity and decency that matters. He can¡¯t bring to lower himself which the duke felt his sentiment at this moment, and he was pleased by his sense of righteousness.
¡°Well, I won¡¯t take your freedom away. In 8-10 years¡¯ time, you can do whatever you want. I won¡¯t stop you if your desire is to go back to Fergara. But let me ask you a question. Do you really trust that man?¡±
¡°Milord, I am indebted to him, but to trust him still make me a little bit of a hesitant.¡±
When Augustus heard him say these words, he was surprised that his eyes narrowed, and starts re-evaluating the boy in front of him. He was really taken by how this child looks so mature in his answer. It was not what he expected to hear from a child.
¡°So it is debt. Your debt that I had settled, so that only means your debt is transferred to me, that¡¯s the logic. You no longer had the debt and you¡¯re not emotionally tied to him, then I guess you don¡¯t have any problem if you stay here for the time being and if you did find a problem, you can inform Audleigh here or you can seek me.¡±
The duke dissolved his soft nature into that of a sinister which shuts his other feeling of hesitation.
¡°May I interrupt you, milord?¡± ¨C Audleigh had spoken
¡°Yes, what is it?¡±
¡°With regards to the boy, well, we all concluded that he is smart or way smarter the way he handles himself right now, but there¡¯s more to it.¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°I learned from Fergara that he is exceptionally gifted, far from our expectations.¡±
Now, Augustus interest was picked that he was leaning closer to Audleigh and placed the cup on the table.
¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±
¡°My liege, he is doing things the other children of his age isn¡¯t capable of doing and Fergara believed he is hiding his real capabilities well.¡±
¡°What are these ¡®things¡¯ you say of?¡±
¡°For example, managing a business or perform complicated arithmetic, advance that is.¡±
To his surprise, his eyes are now bulging, but thanks to his discipline he managed to stop himself midway from standing and overreact. For a child of less than 9 years old to do those kind accomplishments is indeed impossible.
¡°Is this true?¡± ¨C Now, Augustus directly asked Luke to which the latter simply nods.
If he is to confirm this with a spoken answer, it is not that they would not believe him but it will look like he is being conceited for his answers. So he simply do his usual act ¨C answer like an obedient child would.
¡°Should we test him, let him perform a task-¡±
¡°Or perhaps, you could tell us more of your abilities or expertise.¡± ¨C Augustus inquired eager to learn more of this boy.
¡°Then, can I take a moment please, milord.¡±
He went outside the room and when he got back, he brought with him a small rectangular wooden box. He returns to where he is seated and then he started with a question.
¡°Why is it that books are expensive?¡±
¡°You¡¯re asking me this?¡±
Augustus couldn¡¯t believe that this child had come up with that ¡®silly¡¯ question.
It was Audleigh who answered.
¡°You probably know this but since you are up to something, then fine. Books are written by scholars in the academy and the monastery, they are known as scribers. They have the skills in writing as well as making these books, enchanted scrolls and weapons, and other magical items.¡±
¡°Then, if I have the skill of the inscribers, then I can write a book. Is it?¡±
¡°Certainly, however it¡¯ll take 6-10 years to reach the necessary skill to become an inscriber that makes non-magical books. However, the materials needed for a single book is another thing.¡±
¡°Why?¡±
¡°You know the paper is quite an expensive commodity. It must be known that paper making is quite a process.¡±
¡°Is there no magic that can make the process fast and easy?¡±
¡°What, you want to hire a magician just to make papers? And besides, the only thing they could speed up is the drying process.¡±
¡°But what about tools, a mechanism, a machine mainly for making papers¡±
¡°Ma-sh-in¡? I never heard of it. What about it.¡±
¡°Milord, I have this idea¡ If you could lend an ear on this, I will be delighted.¡±
Augustus looks at him, trying to discern what¡¯s on his mind. He then opened the box and took out the rolled parchments which he handed to the duke and the later accepted it with his eyes still fixed on him.
He then looked at those parchments. It was messy, is what the duke can tell. There are no proper writing tools develop as of yet that his writings is somewhat untidy. What¡¯s more is that these two can¡¯t understand it as there are crisscrossing lines, numbers, circles, zigzagging lines, letters and words. They can¡¯t tell what it is all about that their eyebrows met.
¡°Is this somewhat of a plan? I have seen the likes but I can¡¯t tell what this is. First of all, there are no magical symbols and formations. So, what is this?¡±
¡°It is called¡ I call this one a printing press and this one is a paper mill.¡± ¨C As he pointed on those drawings.
¡°What¡¯s this? This is not a magic formation, is this a drive wheel here? I saw one in the draw bridge, but, it is somewhat different¡±
¡°Yes, these are the drive wheels or simply call it as gears, it was put here to transfer the energy of this thing here and by means of rotation the energy is transferred, it is called mechanical energy.¡±
¡°I am confused. What do you suggest in here?¡±
¡°The whole idea is that, it will make the process of making papers and publishing a book much easier and faster. These are tools¡ tools build for a specific work, a machine. These machines do not rely solely on magic but, the energy of work ¨C the kinetic energy. This is the concept of a machine.¡±
[AN: Did I explain it right?]
For what it should be a short introduction, the whole thing turns out to be a deliberation where Luke points out the benefits of his machine from the two who didn¡¯t have an idea about the concept which is unique to them. Like a salesperson, he effectively promotes his product that the duke had bought.
Though, this world is advance than the medieval time in his world but this concept is quite new to this world and the main reason is magic.
Instead of machines, magic made their life a whole lot easier, like; if they wanted to starts a fire, they can invoke it; if they want to make a brick, they use magic to create a type of brick stronger than normal bricks; if they need water from the deep well, they use magic to take water from the well or simply create water; if they needed to lift something, they use magic to lift heavy objects. In short, magic has wide application especially in the time of war; as technology is best develop whenever there is war. However, not all things are made possible with magic, this is one of the examples and the duke is thoroughly convinced of the new idea and really believes it will revolutionize how books will be made in the future but he certainly didn¡¯t know it will stir the coming of the information age, only Luke did.
¡°Now, it is time for me to show you what I am really capable of.¡±
Just as the two were seemingly happy and satisfied of this new ideas and the potentials it will bring and the money they could amassed, were stopped by those words and came up with the same conclusion: ¡°What¡¯s more there is to this child to surprise us?¡±
Suddenly, he got up from his chair and walks a few feet away from the two.
Now he is standing sideway from them. He raised his left hand in the level of his stomach, showing his empty palm. Then, as though he is gripping something on it but not closing his hand into a fist, still he exert pressure in his little hand, and then, mana starts gathering around it.
¡°Don¡¯t tell me, you¡¯ve manifest-¡±
Just as the duke was about to finish his words, a small bluish ball of lightning that produces low sound of electricity was invoked and is floating on his left hand.
¡°-ed magic already.¡± ¨C Finishing his words albeit losing the volume of his tone.
¡°I-incredible¡¡± ¨C Audleigh
Chapter 10 - A lunch with the Lenforth
CHAPTER 10
(A lunch with the Lenforth)
After that long discussion and deliberation, Luke was brought to his new room in this mansion. It was a bigger room, 4x bigger compared to his room in Fergara¡¯s house. The ambience is brilliant and exquisite, a testament of luxury that the duke has to offer for their guests.
On the ceiling, a massive chandelier with 6 fist-size orbs was hanged, these orbs has enchantment sealed within and when activated it will produce luminous light. Fergara¡¯s house had magic items like this installed in every room, however, most of it only has 1-3 orbs. This kind of magic item is very expensive, enough to feed an average family for 1 year, and this item needs a replacement every 10 years if it is use on the regular basis.
There is a massive and luxurious bed, massive glass windows, dark colored curtains, enormous variety of paintings on the walls, statues and busts of people, swords and halberds. And there is also the extension room that leads to the dressing room and the bathroom.
The walls are painted with purplish-red and the floor is made entirely of marble tiles, at the center of the room is a carpet made from fierce beast.
¡°It is time for your bath, after that, is a lunch with the rest of the family. Let us proceed to the bathroom, shall we?¡± ¨C A young and pretty maid named Narissa politely told him to which he simply nods in response.
When they¡¯d entered the bathroom, the first thing he saw was a fabulous four legged bronze tub big enough to fit two adult, is filled with lukewarm water. He was then gently stripped naked by Narissa, and carefully he got plunged into the water. He didn¡¯t raise a protest as he knows it was her job to take care of a child who¡¯s still in need of assistance whenever they¡¯re bathing. Also, it is a common custom for the nobles to have servants to bathe them. And besides, he is already accustomed to this kind of treatment since Fergara brought him in his house.
Narissa thoroughly washed him, but just as she was about to wash his private part, he stopped her. He could see her face blushed. It must be because it was her first time to see the private part of a man. Although, she already had seen many times the sensitive part of a child and considering his stature, he is, but Luke is circumcised and ¡®his¡¯ had grown a considerable size.
Circumcision has been part of this world¡¯s culture, however in this country, only a minor group practices it. A year ago, he encountered one of these groups and took the initiative to be circumcised. His friends in the orphanage commended him for his bravery that his friends called him ¡®Luke the Bravest in all Ellenaire¡¯s¡¯.
He could tell that the maid was a newly hired, based from the fact that her etiquette as a maid is a bit sloppy and her age isn¡¯t far from that of 15 years old, so he didn¡¯t want to trouble her. However, her eyes seem to tell that she¡¯s a little bit disappointed or maybe it was a misunderstanding on his part as he didn¡¯t consider the matter as something that important.
After that, he was led to the dressing room where he was dressed appropriately in a noble dress by Narissa. Just as he¡¯s about to finish dressing, a servant came and inform them that it is almost time for lunch.
After his preparations, he heads to the dining room.
***
The dining room is big, bright and very luxurious. At the center, a long table with enough seats for 52 person but today there are only 38 seats, the chairs and the long table were made from a type of hardwood which is a little darker than mahogany wood with intricate engravings and designs. Above it, are two massive elegant chandeliers which brightens¡¯ the entire room, even impressive than that he found in his room.
When he arrived in the dining room, he caught the sight of servants who are in the midst of preparation which is being led by the head maid.
He sat by the chair at the side of the entrance. He was a little bit early as it will be very rude of him if he comes late. As a guess of this house, being late is normal, if they would regard him as important as them.
And one after another, the family members of the duke arrived, in respect he gave a slight bow but they paid him no heed, instead they gave him a look of scrutiny. Then, the girl he saw before came, along with her a beautiful woman in her 20¡¯s with lavender hair. He paid respect to the two newly arrived members.
¡°How come grandfather invited a commoner into this house? Does grandfather wants to run his own charity now? This is absurd.¡± ¨C Layla said it in a manner that it would look like she¡¯s talking to the woman, but she intended for him to know that he¡¯s unwelcomed as she said it in an undermining tone enough for him and the few others to hear. Those who heard laugh and the sound of their laughter echoed in the entire room.
Just as everyone enjoys the cheerful atmosphere, Augustus came in and they all find their proper seat, including Luke who was guided by the servant to sit at the far end of the table.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Sitting next to the duke are his 3 wives, then his heir and family, and then there¡¯s his 3 other sons and their family. These are family members who went with the duke in this city to attend the yearly celebration of the kingdom.
The food is now being served by servant¡¯s who came in line as they brought these delicacies in trays and platters, and it was quite a feast.
¡°First of all, let us welcome our young guest, Luke.¡± ¨C Augustus announced to which Luke had shown courtesy.
Luke didn¡¯t have to stand, since all eyes were already on him.
¡°These were my wives; Elizabeth my first wife, Reginna my second wife, and Isabel my third wife. Here is my first son from Elizabeth and the future duke of Eludun, Stefan and his family; Matilda and their two sons Stan and Adrian, and their lovely daughter Layla.¡±
The duke then randomly introduced the rest of his family with a few description and his views he had with them. They can¡¯t believe that the duke is so eager in his introduction to a mere child much less a commoner, as it is not in his personality to do so. The duke didn¡¯t have the light personality to begin with as he is very authoritarian and everyone will agree to this. However, it was different the way he treat the boy in front of them. And they started to hate this commoner, but they can¡¯t voice it, no, at least not in front of the duke.
¡°I have 34 children, 16 sons and 18 beautiful daughters, 5 of my sons died in the last war between our country and the kingdom of Azelmatur, these three here are in service of the kingdom, and 8 of my sons ended up useless. My beautiful daughters are all married to families of elites.¡±
The duke is talking while slicing a bite size of roast meat in his plate and ate it, and from time to time he point his fork in either one of them. The duke talked about his family which makes the other members to feel somewhat disturbed by this matter.
¡°Ehm¡ My love, let us not talk too much about our family alright, perhaps a child can¡¯t relate to such matter.¡± ¨C Elizabeth
¡°Perhaps we could ask something about him, so we could get to know him.¡± ¨C Reginna.
They had told him in such allure and grandiose, that the duke could only agree.
¡°Certainly¡¡±
¡°Luke is it? Who is your parents and what they do? Do they live here in this city or in the countryside?¡± ¨C Elizabeth
¡°I don¡¯t know my parents. The orphanage raised me since I was a baby.¡± ¨C He answered courteously in a loud voice since he is far from her.
After their talks this morning, it was decided that the matter with his family will remain a secret.
¡°So, you¡¯re an abandoned child then?¡± ¨C His second son, Alfred.
¡°Mind your tongue.¡± ¨C The duke quickly retorted back with reprimanding tone.
¡°Apologies father.¡± ¨C The man apologised.
But Luke didn¡¯t mind that slur, afterall, he wasn¡¯t really from this world that he didn¡¯t feel abandoned, and most of all, insult means nothing to him.
¡°Ehm¡ How old are you?¡± ¨C Reginna asked to change the atmosphere.
¡°I am 8 years old and will be turning 9 this year¡¯s early quarter of Umarr.¡±
This world has 372 days a year and is divided into 4 month which corresponds to the ancient gods and goddess: Ag-gar the winter, Elunar of spring, Eragar of summer, and Umarr of the autumn; and are classified into quarters for each phase in the changing of seasons ¨C early quarter, middle quarter, and the late quarter.
¡°And where is this orphanage that you mention?¡± ¨C Dukes third wife, Isabel.
¡°The name of the orphanage is St. Ellenaire¡¯s Institute in Reg-gora city.¡±
¡°In Hismund?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Then how did you end up in this city?¡± ¨C This time it was Elizabeth.
¡°I was adopted by the merchant of this city, Fergara Lancque.¡±
¡°I never heard of him. What is his business?¡±
¡°He brought local goods in this region.¡±
¡°I see. You were raised properly. Is he teaching you?¡±
¡°Yes. He has taught me a lot of things that I need to become a successful merchant in the future.¡±
¡°A wizard.¡± ¨C The duke suddenly interrupted.
¡°What is it my love?¡±
¡°From now on, he will study wizardry and become a wizard.¡± ¨C Augustus.
¡°A w-wizard?!¡±
¡°Yes¡ I will sponsor his study in the academy.¡±
¡°What?!¡±
When they heard the duke say those words, all of them were baffled.
¡°Are you sure about that father?¡±
This time, Stefan can¡¯t contain his urge to speak up regarding this matter.
¡°Forgive me father but, how is he going to become a wizard? He is nothing but a mere commoner, even if you spend a fortune just to get him learn wizardry, it won¡¯t get him anywhere to the level of a master wizard. His talent for magic is ordinary compared to the sons and daughters of other nobles.¡±
¡°I agree with Stefan. To send him in the academy, just to nurture a mere adept is nothing but a waste of money. My love, if you still insist on making him able to wield magic, we don¡¯t need to send him to the academy. We had mages and wizards to teach him. If we send him in the academy, what the other family would think of us? It will ruin our prestige. Please my love, reconsider this.¡±
¡°Yes father, if you want to help this child, the kingdom is in need of mages. In 3 years, why not send him in the military for him to be able to learn combat spells.¡± ¨C This time his third son, Norlan had spoken.
¡°Nonsense! All of you shouldn¡¯t concern yourself in this matter. It is my decision and it is final.¡±
¡°Then perhaps, let us consider what he thinks of this. It would be rude to simply decide for his life, that isn¡¯t ours to make.¡± ¨C Elizabeth
Elizabeth then looked at Luke with eyes that say ¡®reject him or else¡¯.
¡°Do you want to be a mage?¡±
¡°Of course, he will become a wizard.¡±
But contrary to her anticipation, it was duke who gave the answer.
¡°From now on, he¡¯ll be part of this family. So treat him well.¡± ¨C Augustus continued.
When they heard of his announcement, surprise look were seen on their faces.
¡°Father!¡± ¨C Stefan
¡°Stop! I don¡¯t want to hear your opinion in this matter. Now, let us all finish our food, shall we.¡±
On the side, Layla¡¯s crimson eyes were on Luke. Today, she had witness her father was reprimanded by his grandfather, although it wasn¡¯t the first time but for her father to be reprimanded and the cause of it is this boy, a commoner. She has been quiet all along, it was because, it is not proper for a child like her to join the conversation of adults, especially regarding this heated conversation, only if she was asked that she was allowed to speak.
I don¡¯t know why suddenly, grandfather wants to keep this lowlife. Hmp! I will make sure that you¡¯ll learn your place and I will make grandfather realise that father is right all along.
¡°This afternoon, we¡¯ll pay a visit to a friend, Rhemus.¡±
And the two continued their conversation to which the other members were skeptic of this.
Chapter 11 - Deemed dangerous
CHAPTER 11
(Deemed dangerous)
In the afternoon, a carriage drawn by four stallions with an escort of 6 gallant knights in their mount is waiting outside the mansion to which Luke, Layla and the duke had boarded. Luke is sitting close to the driver seat which is facing the duke and Layla.
Two of the escorts are leading the way while the other 4 are guarding their rear. This kind of travel arrangement is typical for those who hold greater status, even in a short distance. It is not that the city lacks security but because of the prestige and power that they impart on the citizen.
It is only a short distance of half a kilometer to reach the residence of the duke of Aran, Duke Rhemus Veren-Belner.
On their way, Augustus had told him many things about the duke of Aran and its territory. The territory of Aran is rather small, second to the smallest territory in the kingdom however, it is the richest of the dukedoms. It is in the very strategic location for trade which connects all the commercial roads that leads to the northern and southern territories, and because of this, it has absolute controls of the country¡¯s trade. It also has an access to the sea trade, so it became the depot of goods and gold of the kingdom. Aside from that, its soil is one of the most fertile lands in the kingdom and is the leading exporter of the finest wines and fruits.
But Luke already knew this.
¡°But it is just one of the many advantages it holds.¡± ¨C Luke
¡°Yes, yes. And do you know what makes Aran so formidable that it holds the fate of the kingdom?¡±
¡°Information.¡±
For someone who came from a world where the advancement is through the flow of information/data, he certainly knows that information plays a key role in every civilization. He had read a lot of books and novels, and watch a lot of movies which guaranteed this conclusion, and he is certainly is right about this matter.
¡°As expected of you. Hehe¡¡±
Augustus is really fond of having a conversation with him as he shows broader knowledge when compared to some half-baked nobles he¡¯s acquainted to.
¡°Excuse me grandfather, but how is information capable of holding the fate of the kingdom, I mean, we all know how rich Aran is but to think it holds the fate of the kingdom because of information. I find it hard to believe.¡± ¨C This time Layla who was just observing in their talk, raised her hand and asked her grandfather.
¡°My dear, information is the key to success in every kingdom.¡±
¡°But how?¡±
¡°You see my dear, if someone holds the right amount of information he could control the flow of things. He could make use of the information for his own benefit and advantage. Information is used in every aspect which is used to triumph in every campaign; it minimizes the risk to avoid failure. That is why information is effectively useful in politics and warfare, especially in this time of peace. In short, information is power. He, who controls information, holds the power to dominate everything. Only few people knew this, and they compete to gain every bit of the advantage.¡±
¡°But why a small territory can hold so much power?¡±
¡°It is because of the trade my dear and Aran is the center of it in our kingdom.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t get it.¡±
¡°You see the trade carry information from all over the place. For instance a trader of a faraway place is carrying information about that place, news of what is happening there.¡±
¡°Then grandfather, why can¡¯t we hold that much of power?¡±
¡°It is because Aran was a very good strategic location and also because their leader is very capable with these matters. Well, anyway it is not yet in your capabilities to concern you with these kinds of things.¡±
Not to mention the number of very capable spies it had at its disposal ¨C Is what Luke thinks.
She looked at Luke who was looking outside. She wondered how this commoner knew so much things compared to her who was regarded as one of the few gifted children of high nobility. She who was taught by a prominent scholar compared to him who was probably taught by a third rate scholar but how could he learn such things that she didn¡¯t have an idea.
And they arrived at their destination. In front of them is a mansion even more impressive than Duke Augustus mansion.
¡°This is the residence of Duke Rhemus.¡±
Being impressed by the grand scale and the artistic aspect of the structure, Luke can¡¯t help it but feel astounded. He never saw such structure back in his previous world, as he never got a chance to travel abroad, he could only experience it in books and magazine. Sure he saw buildings of great size and impressiveness back in his old world, and this world¡¯s architecture will dwarf in comparison, but, this structure has unique charm that had him captivated. [AN: The charm of every fantasy world that had captivated every protagonist.]
The carriage went inside the iron gate and stopped right at the receiving entrance of the mansion where a well groomed man with golden hair and a young beautiful girl with similar golden hair is waiting to receive them, this man is of course the duke of Aran, duke Rhemus and his granddaughter Amalie.
When they got off the carriage, duke Rhemus and his granddaughter approached them. He greeted Layla and Luke in a conventional way of greetings, then, he and Augustus exchanged a much formal greeting by clasping each other¡¯s right arms, a form of handshaking in this country. His granddaughter Amalie made a formal and elegant bow to duke Augustus; she then approached Layla in a friendly manner.
After their exchange of greetings, duke Rhemus invited them inside his house and they all fallowed him.
¡°Layla, stay with Amalie for a while.¡± ¨C Duke AugustusFind this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
¡°Yes grandfather.¡± ¨C Layla responded while eyeing Luke.
Then Luke and the two dukes proceed to the visitors lounge.
The lounge is big and very luxurious with three massive glass windows and wide dark colored curtain which overlook the outside scenery of buildings and the busy street under the blue sky. At the center of it are long luxurious Victorian-like sofa¡¯s and chair¡¯s arranged around an oval table with a chandelier on the ceiling and elegant burgundy carpet on the floor. This seating arrangement could fit 24 people with enough space for them to move around.
The two dukes sat on individual chairs while Luke was offered to sit on the sofa.
¡°So, how are you?¡± ¨C Duke Rhemus started their conversation with a question for Luke
¡°I am fine, milord and thank you for your concern.¡±
¡°The last day we met, I saw you being troubled by my friend here. How ironic that he is now here in support of you. Hehe.¡±
¡°Ehm¡¡± ¨C Duke Augustus gave a small cough indicating his presence.
¡°I thank you for lending me a hand that time, milord. But what happened that day is a misunderstanding and I have not taken any offence.¡±
¡°Oh~ Even if that was a close call to get you beaten?¡± ¨C Duke Rhemus asked while raising his left eyebrows and snickered.
¡°But I was not, so I will leave it as is.¡± ¨C Luke
¡°Haha! Boy, you really are wise. You heard that Augustus? Haha!¡±
¡°Rhemus! Don¡¯t make me look like I¡¯m a bad guy here. Anyway, I am here to tell you that, this boy is already capable of learning magic. It is only appropriate that you learn of this matter.¡±
¡°Of course since I was the one who informed you. Hehe¡ But, it is not surprising.¡± ¨C Duke Rhemus told him.
The duke then took two wine glasses from the tray in the side table and placed it on the oval table. He then took the wine, opened the cap and the exquisite aroma escaped from it. He poured each glass and offered one to Augustus and took a sip from his glass. He then let out a satisfying sigh while looking at the glass in his hand.
¡°Show me boy.¡± ¨C Duke Rhemus had ordered.
As to demonstrate his ability, he stands several feet away in front of the two and invoked lightning on his palm.
¡°How is that possible? His control over mana is really astonishing; it is in the level of the highest adept. Unbelievable!¡± ¨C Duke Rhemus
¡°I know how you feel by now. Hehe... He really is promising.¡± ¨C Duke Augustus
¡°Can you invoke another element aside from lightning?¡±
¡°Yes.¡± ¨C Luke answered
¡°What element.¡±
¡°All.¡±
¡°All!¡± ¨C The two dukes exclaimed in unison and they spilled a few drops of red wine in the carpet.
¡°Yes.¡±
The two pondered for a moment.
For a beginner, to invoke the 5 element is non-existent; but now, this child had just claimed that he could. Somehow they easily accepted it and contained their surprise look. From his control over mana, they concluded that he might really be capable of such a feat.
¡°Show us!¡± ¨C This time it was Augustus who asked him, he too is eager to see it with his own eyes that he failed to see the first time Luke demonstrated his abilities to him.
And without further ado, one by one he invoked the other element.
First he invoked fire and a fist size flame was dancing in his palm. And to show his absolute control over this element, he splits the flame into two. Then he extended his free hand and the flame jumped in it, he then played with it. It was then that the flames were transformed into a birdlike form that the two dukes looked at each other. What he just did is an application of transformation, one of the integration of transfiguration, an amalgamation of spells.
He just demonstrated a skill that was learnable by the fourth year students of the academy. Not just that, this flames were lifelike which hovers above him. Then, they flew around the room while letting a cry of freedom. These two fiery birds were like phoenix flying in the opposite direction of each other and they never crash nor put a dent on the walls or at the chandelier. It flew for a few minutes until it flew back in his hands to which he disperse them and they let out a cry as they disappears.
He then manipulated water he took from a vase. Like fire, it dances in his palm and changed to different shapes and forms. But, when he dispersed the water into molecular droplets that aren¡¯t visible to the naked eyes and then it gathered again to reappear in his palm like he had created water out of nothing; the two dukes almost jump in surprise. This was of course another application of transformation, but he performed it in yet another level. Again, he dispersed the water and this time, he dispersed it for good.
Then, a sudden gust of wind was felt in the room. Then looking at his palm, wind gathers in it that it forms a small tornado then disappeared. Luke then placed both of his hands in front of him as though he is grasping something as seen with the pressure in his muscles until a small black sphere the size of a baseball was visible. He continued applying pressure on his hands that the sphere is showing signs of electricity are being produced within. It was then that the two duke leaned closer to see what is this sphere, they clearly see that he didn¡¯t apply any amalgamation in it yet there is lightning element present when it is obvious that he is using the element of wind; but what they understand clearly is that, this sphere if let loose will blow everything away, shutter the glass windows and ruin the entire room; but neither duke Augustus nor duke Rhemus is showing a concerned look as they¡¯re eagerly observing this thing. Luke then loosened his grip over this sphere and carefully dispersed it. He successfully dispersed it, however, a gust of wind blew their hair and clothing, and the chandelier shakes a bit.
¡°As for the element of earth, I don¡¯t think it is suitable to show it in this place.¡±
¡°Ehm¡ certainly. That is enough.¡± ¨C Duke Rhemus as he placed the wine glass on top of the oval table and went closer to Luke which duke Augustus had followed suit.
¡°Are you really 8 years old? Who taught you this?¡± ¨C Duke Augustus
¡°No one milord.¡±
¡°To be able to learn it yourself is quite unbelievable. Is it possible that, you already possess the Arcane Eyes? Can you see the mana all around us?¡± ¨C Duke Rhemus
¡°I don¡¯t know what this Arcane Eyes, but indeed, I could perceive mana around us.¡±
¡°Oh~¡ Only the people who already awakened Arcane Eyes are able to see mana. This is marvellous! Augustus, this child here is¡ truly marvellous!¡±
¡°Indeed.¡±
¡°If Gregor will know of this, then certainly he would want to get hold of this child.¡±
¡°Ha! Let¡¯s leave him out of this, after everything he had said to us. I don¡¯t want to speak with him again, not in 10 years.¡±
¡°Haizzz¡ but he ought to know.¡±
¡°Certainly, he will know about him, but I am not going to tell him nor should you.¡±
¡°Then let¡¯s asked him.¡± ¨C Rhemus is pointing at Luke.
¡°Umu¡¡±
¡°Boy, do you wished to be reunited with your family?¡±
But just as duke Augustus could raise a protest, duke Rhemus had already asked Luke.
¡°Rhemus!¡±
¡°Do you?¡± ¨C Instead of minding Augustus, Rhemus had asked the boy once again.
¡°For all I know, I only had one family.¡±
Not to mention, he doesn¡¯t have favourable impression with this family, so he think that it is better not to join them.
¡°So you don¡¯t wish to see your ¡®real¡¯ family.¡±
¡°Yes milord. I already am satisfied with what I have. However, I thank you for your kindness.¡±
¡°But your family will help you towards greatness.¡±
¡°I believe I could achieve it in my own hands.¡±
¡°Certainly you will.¡±
¡°Hear me boy. I, Augustus Regis Lenforth, will guide you towards greatness, to become the greatest wizard this world has ever seen.¡± ¨C Duke Augustus
Suddenly the adjacent door which connects this room to the office swung open and a man is seen walking out from it. This man is very attractive with an air of high nobles the way he handles himself, however he is dressed in a casual dress of a noble. He has a pair of dark blue eyes with a shiny silky dark blond hair. When Augustus saw him, he was surprised but he contained his surprised looked as he was able to show propriety in the form of lowering his head.
Seeing duke Augustus respectful endeavour towards the man, Luke had guessed that this man is probably of higher class, but what is higher than the duke but the king alone as grand duke was never present in this kingdom. And he was right in his guess as this man is none other than the king himself ¨C King Richard Harwell Waltham. A man revered by all as the most effective king this kingdom has ever had, who is responsible for making the kingdom as one of the most richest and powerful country in the continent. And he too bowed in respect.
¡°Or¡ the most powerful dark wizard in the history of mankind?¡± ¨C King Richard spoke while making his way towards them.
¡°I beg your pardon, your majesty.¡± ¨C Augustus as he politely bowed.
¡°That is what I think¡ a threat to humanity.¡±
Chapter 12 - The men that suffered
CHAPTER 12
(The men that suffered)
The king, who was hiding in the other room (in Rhemus office) and is observing everything in the opposite room using a form of observation spell, can¡¯t hold himself from barging out when he witness the demonstration of the boy¡¯s magic.
He was called through a letter by one of his trusted aid and long-time friend, Rhemus to introduce someone to him. He was informed that this boy is one of a kind ¨C adorable, respectful and with good upbringing. If taking it into account, he had known a lot of children with these kinds of traits. But what made him decide to leave the palace and meet this boy is because of what his friend indicated in his letter ¨C ¡°This boy, will surprise you of his potentials¡±.
He had known Rhemus since they were just a child; they were playmates in their young¡¯s, rivals in their schooldays, and comrades in times of war. For him, he is his true friend, who will even mourn with him in times of his loss.
That is why Rhemus is one of his trusted allies. And he trusts that Rhemus is not a fool to disturb his work just because he had met some adorable boy in the street. It is also the first time he was invited by his friend in his residence, excluding official visits and when he was still not the king. So he hurriedly wore his disguised to visit his friend only to be told to wait in his office and observe.
But he can no longer hold himself so he confronted them.
Seeing the king in front of them, Augustus cast a glance at Rhemus who looked away when their eyes met. He really didn¡¯t have an idea that one of his friends, Richard would be here.
This rascal! He invited Richard without telling me. What does he think of me, a simpleton? I¡¯ll get you after this.
¡°Or¡ the most powerful dark wizard in the history of mankind?¡± ¨C King Richard spoke while making his way towards them without taking his eyes away from the boy.
The king stopped in between the two dukes who were standing close to Luke.
¡°I beg your pardon, your majesty.¡± ¨C Augustus as he politely bowed.
¡°That is what I think¡ a threat to humanity.¡± ¨C He plainly answered.
¡°H-how did you come up with such a conclusion, your majesty?¡±
Richard looked at his friend and slowly walked in-circle to the boy with eyes that seep deep into the body, as though he sees his very soul.
¡°Simple. Judging from his personality, I deemed him dangerous. Although the color of his eyes was like scorching fire of dragon¡¯s breath; it is cold as winter nights, as though death has conquered him once. I had seen those kinds of eyes, eyes that are accustomed to death, eyes of a murderer¡ yes¡ I had seen them, too many times that I forgotten already, but not those eyes. Those I condemned to suffer and die in front of the public, those criminals who committed atrocities in my kingdom. I didn¡¯t fail to judge these criminals guilty of their crimes; in fact I never failed, not once. Now, tell me Augustus, do you see a child in front of you? I see not a boy but a future dark wizard who will lay ruin to our city, kill our people and burn our families as they scream in agony; I see endless despair in him. You can¡¯t see it? Or perhaps, you have grown too old and became senile. Augustus, we have been friends since we were just a mere boy¡ like him; and all the way to power, like what we have today. But this is the first time that you¡¯re decisiveness had failed us. I know that amongst all of us here, you always believed that acting decisively will bring us¡ peace¡ or so that¡¯s what we call it. And I know that I am not alone in my assumption, and I believed that is the reason I am here.¡± ¨C He then looked at Rhemus which is staring back at him.
¡°And what do you plan on doing, your majesty?¡±
¡°End him.¡± ¨C A straight flat answer from the king.
¡°Your majesty, must you soil your hands with the blood of the innocent child?¡±
¡°Haha! Our hands were already stained with the blood of innocent children, so what¡¯s the matter? I am not fond of killing children, however, for the sake of the future generations, we must eliminate this threat.¡±
¡°But your majesty, if you¡¯ll hear me out on this, please¡ lend me an ear. This boy is truly brilliant, nothing the world has ever seen. I am very sure that this child will make a contribution to magic, to further its advancement. He will become the kingdoms glorious wizard, hailed throughout the continent. He¡¯ll bring glory to our kingdom.¡±
¡°Augustus, how many years thus this child had deceive everyone? A month? Two months? Three? A year? Maybe two, give and take let us agree it is two years. See, he had deceived many for hiding his power to everyone and it is that long; that nobody had taken noticed, until now. Yes¡ I can see his potentials; he is born with the gift of mind and magic. Only if not for the fact that he had deceived many at such a very young age, all I can say is¡ it terrifies me. Cold, ambitious, deceitful and talented in every way; these are the common traits shared by all dark wizards in the history of this world.¡±
¡°However, he is still a child¡ R-richard! He is Gregor¡¯s grandson! Rhemus! Don¡¯t just stand there!¡± ¨C He calls for Rhemus as to help him convince King Richard.
¡°And the more we have to dispose of him. We can¡¯t allow him grow. No matter what, we have to kill him! We have to. I can¡¯t compare his potential than the safety of our kingdom and the future of our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No, I cannot. The risk is too great that it outweighs these potentials that you spoke of¡ even if he is the son or grandson of one of my dear friend.¡± ¨C King Richard reasoned
Then suddenly, Luke collapsed on the floor while struggling to keep his consciousness. He is experiencing excruciating pain throughout his body. It is so severe that despite his high tolerance in pain he can¡¯t keep himself from shrieking in agony that his body became cold.
¡°This boy must die!¡±
However, a mysterious force enveloped him and dispelled the negative energy that had tormented him for almost 15 seconds. It was Rhemus who dispelled this magic that he was now able to get up on his feet albeit a bit shaking.
¡°Your majesty, perhaps we should give this boy a chance to live. Possibly, in one of these days you will find him different from what you initially had thought of him.¡± ¨C Rhemus who was staring blankly on Luke finally made his decision.
¡°Possibly¡ and you gave me an unsure future. Maybe this is our only chance¡ to kill this boy.¡± ¨C The king responded emphasizing the word ¡®maybe¡¯ to refute him.
The king then looked at the shaking boy who is struggling to keep his balance. Earlier, he had sent his magic to attack this boy, although it wasn¡¯t strong, it is enough to inflict sufferings to most mage that could kill him in mere seconds; he didn¡¯t believe this boy would survive the mental attack just now.
Terrifying! ¨C The king had thought.
¡°Are you not scared¡ boy?¡± ¨C The king asked Luke.
¡°No.¡±
¡°Oh~ you didn¡¯t die after that and you¡¯re not scared either¡ just what are you?¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
It wasn¡¯t a question, it was just his own monologue and he didn¡¯t expect him to answer.
¡°Tell me, how do you feel?¡±
¡°A bit hazy.¡±
His answer made the king laugh for a moment, that laugh is not because he found it funny but because he is mocking himself.
¡°Are you not afraid of¡ death?¡± ¨C As he cupped the boy¡¯s chin using his right hand.
¡°I was not afraid of death. Since I was five, I do not feel any strong emotions, so I do not feel fear.¡±
¡°Fascinating¡¡± ¨C King Richard.
The king had infiltrated his mind but he never got anything from him as his mental perception was very strong and it is blocking him, however, he is certain that he is telling the truth.
¡°Forgive me¡ However, this time of trouble will nurture you to become a dark wizard that will bring chaos in this world. I won¡¯t allow it to happen. I have seen children, with similar eyes as yours, who ended up corrupted by revenge. But yours is truly terrifying. So determined and full of ambition. I see no potential in you; all I can see is despair. If you are not afraid of death, then accept your death.¡±
He pointed his left index finger, he concentrated and mana gathered in his ring that it glowed. The two just watched him makes his move. They know that if he is serious, they can¡¯t stop him.
¡°I will show you mercy by giving you painless death.¡±
Luke had closed his eyes. He is ready to accept his fate.
King Richard then looked at his friends whose gazes were on the boy, he then looked at the boy. In a few breaths, his stern face slowly relaxes. Slowly, he lowered his left hand.
¡°Fine, I¡¯ll spare him. However, if the need calls for it¡ you two will kill him.¡±
¡°Certainly¡¡± ¨C The two agreed.
¡°As for you boy, I will allow you to live but I will be watching your growth. And you must know that you will answer for your king¡ your loyalty will be to me.¡±
Richard told Luke to which the later simply nods in approval.
¡°Good.¡±
¡°Are we going to inform Gregor?¡± ¨C Rhemus asked the king.
¡°No. They have grown too strong already that I can no longer keep it in check. Although I am not worried about Gregor but some of his family members needs to be watch. They¡¯ve become blinded with power and status. It¡¯s time to strip them some of it. I am sure Gregor wouldn¡¯t mind.¡±
¡°Yes, he is too focused to raise his level, he won¡¯t mind as long as you won¡¯t strip them that much.¡± ¨C Rhemus
¡°Well, he had the most potential among all of us.¡± ¨C Richard.
¡°Hehe¡ And we thought he was the most promising genius back in the day, but look at the boy right here. That bastard talent cannot be compared with his grandson. Hahah!¡± ¨C Augustus while looking at Luke and the rest followed suit.
¡°We all sure that there is no other one like him, there is no doubt he will become the greatest wizard of all time.¡± - Rhemus
¡°I have to disprove that Rhemus as there is always the risk of him being corrupted by power.¡± ¨C Richard
¡°Then, all we have to do is look after him. We also cannot miss this chance to see another great wizard.¡± ¨C Rhemus
¡°Hmm¡ He really is Gregor¡¯s grandson.¡±
Suddenly, with a thud Luke collapsed in the floor and the three mighty nobles had panicked.
¡°Luke!¡± ¨C Rhemus and Augustus hurriedly run towards the unconscious boy.
Rhemus lifted him and laid him in the couch then he applied magic to heal his mind which gravely suffered from mental strain.
¡°Look at what you have done Richard! To suddenly attack this child mind, despicable! What if he¡¯ll become cracked or mute when he wakes up? Where is your heart Richard?¡± ¨C Augustus
¡°Fine, fine. Just treat the child alright. Bullying me won¡¯t get this child anywhere better Augustus, now hurry up and call a doctor or we won¡¯t see this great wizard you¡¯re flaunting earlier.¡±
¡°It won¡¯t help this child, but it will help improve your character. Try hurting this child one more time and I¡¯ll punch you in the face right in the eye.¡±
¡°Shut up, I am still your king. I demand respect from you or I¡¯ll hang your head at the city¡¯s gate.¡±
¡°Then I¡¯ll make sure to part you with two dark spot in your eyes before you do that.¡±
¡°Hmpp! That is the only thing your good at, muscle brain.¡±
¡°What did you call me?! Do you want to return to your palace with black spot in one of your eyes?¡±
¡°Pea brain!¡±
¡°Blockhead!¡±
¡°Bird brain!¡±
The two insult each other with their eyes fixed in the unconscious boy.
¡°Shut up! The two of you shut up or leave this instance!¡± ¨C Rhemus shouted.
Sure enough, the two took a step back whose faces were filled with anxiety.
¡°You two are being immature! If you value your status as nobles and rulers of this country, then better stop those childish acts.¡± ¨C He finished healing the boy and was relieved that he is far from danger.
Rhemus scolded the two, but deep inside his heart, happiness is what filled it. He recalls the time when he and his friends were together; teasing each other and fighting over the smallest of things. He remembers all his friends, each one of them has certain unique qualities.
Augustus is the hot headed and physically the strongest in the group and he often got in trouble because of his recklessness. He always got into a fight with his friends especially with Richard for a good reason.
Richard is the friendliest and known as the hero type who always saves the day. However, little did they know is, he is the most mischievous among them who always had this ¡®creative¡¯ thinking that troubles other people. But who would have thought that he had become the king honoured as the people¡¯s champion.
Then there is Gregor, the silent and serious type among his friends. He valued his studies among other things, but he was dragged by Richard in his circle just because he thought that Gregor is cool and adding him up will make them famous albeit they¡¯re already famous. Unexpectedly, he became good friends with Augustus and avoided the company of Richard, which made the later rather sad.
He had many friends not just these three and he recalled each one of them. It was in the good old days, but now, everything had changed and war changed everything. They joined the war to protect their homeland and their love ones and for ten years they had fought, in defeat and victory, they were there.
War made them strong, stronger than the rest of their peers.
They had taste the bitterness of losing some of their brothers and cousins. Some even lost their father but they all remain strong, in fact because of this, their already strong camaraderie became even stronger that nothing seems to defeat it. But one day, everyone even Richard who was a prince had gone on a mission and everything was going according to plan, in fact it is too easy and they had gone deep, deeper into the heart of the enemy; only to realise that it was a trap laid by the enemy. It was as though, they¡¯re expecting them. It was Gregor who discovered it, but it was too late to call for a retreat ¨C they¡¯ve been surrounded.
They had fought bravely and they had fought well, but the enemy is swarming at them. And one by one, they became exhausted; still, they continued fighting and one by one, they fell on the ground and all of them died a miserable death.
They were pushed back.
As though all the hope had gone, Gregor suddenly came forth, raised his staff higher, and then, a powerful spell disseminated in front of everyone present and annihilated his enemies in front.
¡°Noooo!!!!¡± ¨C Yelled Augustus as he tried to run towards at the pile of corpses but he was stopped by the Richard and Rhemus.
Augustus saw three of his friends were sacrificed in that spell and died along with the enemy. He has strong sense of bond he shared with his friends, even though he frequently had a fight with them, but those are normal.
He looked at Gregor whose face isn¡¯t showing regret or guilt, after all of that. He just killed his friends like it was nothing.
¡°Greeegggooorrrrr!!!!¡±
But he was dragged away by the two. Rhemus then collapsed the building using his magic. And they managed to escape that placed; but still, they were hunted for 3 days by their enemies.
But they succeeded in accomplishing their mission, to retrieve the lost item of their kingdom. They became heroes at such a young age, but at the cost of their friendship.
They learned that there was a traitor.
Two princes conspired to kill their brother Richard by selling him to the enemy. And when Richard became the king, he executed them in public and peeled their faces, a practice to dishonour and disgrace the dead.
But their friendship will remain broken to this day.
Rhemus closed his eyes, tears fell from his eyes.
¡°What happened?¡± ¨C Augustus asked.
¡°Nothing¡ I just remember something¡ I remembered how we used to be.¡±
¡°Rhemus¡ I am sorry.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t have to be sorry Richard. You were never been at fault.¡± ¨C Rhemus.
¡°Still I am sorry¡¡±
¡°We had avenged them already. They are now resting in peace.¡± ¨C Augustus said as he placed his left arm on his shoulder.
¡°We were all na?ve at that time. Our thirst to prove our worth had brought this to ourselves.¡± ¨C Richard
¡°But we won¡ it is all that matter. We were able to protect our country.¡±
¡°And we lost our good men.¡±
¡°This is war Richard.¡± ¨C Augustus.
¡°Hmm¡ Then have you forgiven him.¡± ¨C Richard sincerely looked at Augustus.
¡°No.¡±
¡°Stop this pride of yours and reconcile with him.¡±
¡°Tell him that.¡±
¡°Augustus!¡±
¡°Let him Richard. I am sure he plans to get into Gregor by using this boy.¡± ¨C Rhemus
¡°I am not!¡±
¡°Yes you are. Then why is it that you were so concerned in this boy? When you learned that he was being kept by hooligans, you¡¯ve gone wild.¡±
¡°Ugh¡ T-that is¡ t-that is because, I don¡¯t want those fools to ruin his future.¡±
¡°And what did you just said earlier, ¡®he is Gregor¡¯s grandson¡¯¡± ¨C Richard as he imitate Augustus voice and act.
¡°Stop or I¡¯ll smack you the way I did before.¡±
¡°And you think you could scare me?¡±
¡°Hahaha! Come, let us find our granddaughters.¡± ¨C Rhemus laughs
¡°Then let¡¯s go. I simply hope that Augustus daughter won¡¯t hurt my daughter again.¡±
¡°And my Amalie¡¡±
¡°That is because your two daughters were mischievous. They always tease my Layla.¡±
¡°Because you granddaughter is a muscle head like you.¡± ¨C Richard
¡°Why is it that you think of me as muscle head, when we¡¯re equal in talent?¡±
¡°After all those years you still don¡¯t get it? You really are a muscle head.¡± ¨C This time Rhemus joined in their little game of insult.
¡°Shut up you two!¡±
¡°Hahaha! Muscle head!¡± ¨C The two said in unison.
And they left.
Chapter 13 - The kings worries
CHAPTER 13
(The king¡¯s worries)
After that, Rhemus made sure that Luke was given the necessary care, so he was brought in the guest room and assigned two servants that have expertise in caring a sickly child, and Richard had bought expensive medicine for him which made his condition a lot better. However, he remains unconscious as he needed time to recover, so it was decided that he¡¯ll spend a night in the mansion.
They all felt relieved that the boy¡¯s condition was far from having serious complication. However, Augustus is still admonishing over the fact that Richard had used strong mental spell that could have killed the boy; and even if he survived, it might leave him in a coma for the rest of his days or it will make him either cracked, mute, or a stupid person.
The use of magic which harms or influence a person is a crime and depending on the kind of spell used, the heavier the punishment. He kept on yammering Richard over this matter which the latter almost lost his composure that he threatens (in a friendly way) to punch his friend Augustus. Indeed, the king can get away with a crime.
They are currently in the courtyard having a drink and a nice conversation as they watch how their grandchildren are doing, like old friends reunited with each other after so many years they had gone apart. But then, Richard is somehow thinking other things and is quite perturb over that matter.
¡°Things are getting out of hand in Arkimutt.¡± He started. ¡°Several dark organizations are rebuilding their severed alliances and are growing even more powerful each day. If this continues, it will have the power to dominate a country or shake the balance of power in the continent.¡± ¨C His voice is low and deep which indicate how serious he is when he meant those words.
¡°Hmm¡ I believe the Council of Nezragul will remain unyielding when challenged by these dark forces; however, it may have a chance to break apart the council if things were not taken properly.¡± ¨C Rhemus concluded as he then took a sip of his wine.
The council of Nezragul is an organization which governs the rule of magic throughout the two continents, mainly for the purpose of stopping black wizards in their wake and prevents the rise of these powerful dark entities. It is ruled by the council of 100, which is an assembly of high wizards of the highest order and in some ways it has the jurisdiction over mandates of laws and regulations of sorcery and wizardry in every countries as per the agreement of these countries. They are the dominant force and no one can make a dispute of this; however, it has no power to impose their own policies in a sovereign country or to meddle in worldly conflict between nations. It is because the council was diverse in culture where the members were once prominent figures of their motherland; they left their worldly belongings (such as status) behind in the service and protection of all mankind.
It was founded in the darkest time in the history of mankind more than 2000 years ago which was regarded as the era of the black wizard Belgeohr. The rise in power of Belgeohr was considered as the dark days which lead to the founding of the Great Council of Egarval who put an end to Belgeohr¡¯s dark reign. The world then recognized that such an organization is needed to oversee the laws regarding the use of magic and for centuries the council was performing its duties quite effectively which maintained the balance of power. And they grew more powerful. However, like many other major power (organization), it slowly deteriorated and crumbled on its own. The council then, had undergone various changes and reformation, but it was short lived. And now, the council was re-established of what was now known as the Council of Nezragul. Reflecting to the mistake of the council of the old, the new council is showing a promising future.
¡°The council had already taken measures regarding the matter of several wizards joining these evil organizations. They have taken this matter quite seriously, as expected of the council. But, I highly doubt they can stop them from recruiting several of our mages and wizards.¡±
¡°The incident of a single night raid in the Republic city of Manoria which massacred people by the thousands and had killed a high wizard with a little loss on their side had instilled fear and despair to us all. If the council¡¯s response is delayed or worse they cannot stop this ever growing madness, it will ruin the council¡¯s prestige. They do not want to lose our veneration afterall.¡± ¨C Rhemus
High wizards are individuals with promising talents whose entire life were devoted to the study of magic and would require enough time and resources to nurture one. Their numbers were very few; hence, they were regarded as national treasure and the symbol of the nation¡¯s power. Therefore, if a single one of them is to die in the hands of these evil organizations, it will create confusion in the ranks of their mages which would then impacted the stability of their national power.
¡°So, how many Nezragalian elites will the council mobilized to counter these criminals bold move?¡± ¨C Augustus
These elites Augustus mentioned were warlocks. The warlocks are master wizards whose proficiency in combat were tested and recognized by the council. These wizards had a fair share of ordeal in war. And with enough number of 10 they could overpower the late black wizard Belgeohr or so they claimed. However, one thing is for sure, when these warlocks were to take their mandates, they will bathe in the blood of their enemies, it wasn¡¯t a ruse as they have done so in the past. Who would face an army of warlock? When compared to an army of adept mages which is the main force that comprises the division of magic unit in all the countries, these warlocks will outmatch them in every possible situation even when outnumbered by 3 to 1. When these warlocks were to enter the battlefield, it will shake the spirit of a veteran warrior.
¡°Every nation must participate. This move is not just the council alone to take. A letter from the council had just arrived yesterday. The council will respond to their provocation¡ it will be an all-out war. Therefore, all wars must stop.¡±
When the council implore the unification of every country to form a single coalition force which intends to stop a greater threat to humanity, then these countries are obliges to show their complete support by ceasing their war efforts and comply with the council¡¯s wishes according to the code of conduct which was signed and agreed by the council and kings.
¡°Hmm¡ It was unexpected for the council to make such abrupt decision. Although, it is good, I find that there is more to it than meets the eye. They cannot call for all the countries to unite without bypassing the procedures. It only means that there is a greater threat that the council is trying to hide from us.¡± ¨C Rhemus deduced.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
¡°It was included in the letter a report of major disturbance in the northern continent. The wild folks were advancing south. The council didn¡¯t want to invite panic from the public so it is confidential. It is appreciable that they are thinking for the welfare of our people.¡± ¨C Richard said and the two nods in appreciation.
¡°For 500 years, they remained in the wild. Base from their current behaviour, it seems that there¡¯s some external force which influenced these brutes from advancing. Then¡¡± ¨C Rhemus shot a look at Richard.
¡°Yes, it has to be these organizations that stir these troubles all along. The council was never been keen on explaining things on their own accord, so this is simply our own speculations.¡±
¡°It is too much of a coincidence is it? These savages are once again invading!¡± ¨C Augustus eyes flared.
¡°But it makes sense.¡± Rhemus paused and thought of something. ¡°For the council to be this extreme on passing this sole decree, then presently we¡¯re in an ominous situation. This is no joke.¡±
¡°Well, that single night raid had instilled fear not just in the Republic but to every country in the continent. It clearly demonstrated how dangerous these ever growing criminal organizations. They must be destroyed as soon as possible or we are bound to repeat history.¡± Augustus paused and took a gulp on his wine. ¡°We cannot allow such thing to happen.¡± He then looked at the children happily playing. ¡°We have to ensure a bright future for our young generations for as long as possible. I am happy to die in the place of my grandchildren. I am not afraid to die, I never was.¡± ¨C He said in dignified manner.
¡°We all know that fact Augustus.¡± Richard sincerely said to his friend. ¡°That you¡¯re a martyr. Hehe¡¡± ¨C And he chuckled.
¡°Damn you Richard! You started this serious talk and now you ruin it!¡±
¡°Haha! But you have to admit Augustus¡ that was a spot on.¡± ¨C Rhemus joined and the two laugh altogether and the sound of their laughter echoed throughout the courtyard.
¡°Kidding aside, I am going to raise our national security to level 4. Also, since we are in a crisis we need to further strengthen our military forces and proceed with other preparation essential to our survival, so an increase in tax is necessary.¡± ¨C Richard
¡°Mm¡ we can all agree to your arrangement. The other nations will be doing the same. After this war, we are to prepare another war in the next ten years or so, but this time it will be nation against nation. Is there no end to this?¡± ¨C Augustus
When there is an advent of crisis which calls for the unification of every country and that there will be no war to occur in a span of time between these countries, with the unrestricted increase in military forces these countries amassed, then after the primary crisis were resolved, these once united countries are bound to point their blades on each other¡¯s neck; and when it happens, the council will leave this matter in their capable hands. They have to solve it using their own diplomacy or fight their own war.
¡°It is just the way it is Augustus. This world will never be at peace. Peace is just a concept for people who had grown tired of war; the younger generations do not know this notion. After we die, our descendants are to decide what will happen next.¡± ¨C Richard momentarily cut his monologue and took a small sip on his wine, and then he emptied his cup in a single gulp. ¡°It is easy for other nobles to simply ask for war for all they know they are not risking their life in the frontline.¡±
¡°Absolutely! But still, we are sending our youngster for them to experience what we have experience ¨C the taste of winning and defeat, and or death. For them to learn the value of life, to cherish it, to love it; and that, they will mature to hate what we hate ¨C endless fighting, needless bloodshed.¡± ¨C Rhemus commented
¡°Must we go to this cycle? I am sick of it!¡± ¨C Augustus
¡°Perhaps, that is what our late ancestors had felt when they left us to join the council.¡±
¡°Hehe¡ I never considered my late father a coward, because he joined the council to become a prosecutor and away from the conflict.¡± ¨C Augustus
¡°Ah¡ I too wish that I could just become a prosecutor like your father. Just sitting and watching things in the tower, it sure is boring but at least it isn¡¯t stressful and depressing than the king¡¯s role.¡±
¡°Haha! I think you¡¯ve got the wrong idea Richard. My father has a lot of worries before his death.¡±
¡°But observing a specific event wasn¡¯t so bad, I mean, there is no other work involve aside from just sitting there, stare at the mirror and scry, then make a definitive report. It was an easy job. There wasn¡¯t so much work involve too, since black wizards activities are isolated and infrequent. Well, maybe this time it is different.¡±
¡°Hm¡ well you can always join the order when the time comes, after you¡¯ve done your service in the country.¡± ¨C Rhemus
¡°But that¡¯s 100 years more, and I would rather choose to retire and spent the rest of my life in a villa, planting vegetables and trees. You know what bothers me the most Rhemus?¡± He paused. ¡°It is when the time comes that I will lose all of those who are loyal to me, take Gregor for instance.¡±
It is not that the king was in a state of emotional breakdown or distrust to the people around him but because of the pressure he¡¯s having. It must be known that the world is filled with dangers in every corner, with every beast of a man would try to take his kingdom. He understand that showing weakness in this time of trouble will invite unnecessary circumstances, but he understand more that keeping his people loyal to him by his side will guarantee his rule. It was not due to fear of losing his crown or throne but the fear losing his head and the head of his entire family. There is no man who wants to see his family beheaded and a father who wants to learn that their daughter or granddaughter ravage, is some of the worst case that would happen to the royals.
¡°Gregor has set his goal to join the council, we have known it long before. Nevertheless, I suggest that you refrain from having such thought, your majesty. There are so many things for us to do here and neither has it occurred to me nor Augustus to simply leave you here alone.¡± ¨C Rhemus
¡°If the three¡ If, the two of you were to leave, I do not know what to do. After my family, the three of you were the only person whom I could completely trust.¡±
The royal family surely is the most powerful family in the kingdom, however, that doesn¡¯t mean they have the power to control the court (but influence) with the exception of the king; they hold no real power over the court since they are not bestowed any position within the court. That means the succession of power is, after the king are the dukes, and then the respected nobles of each territories. So it is understandable that, if the king will lose his influence over the majority of the nobles, then chances are high that these high nobles will revolt. And also, most of his relatives were ambitious. So his worries are not without basis.
¡°That will never happen. Right, Augustus?¡± he looked at Augustus to which reply was utter silent. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I am very sure Augustus just doesn¡¯t want to admit it. Hehe¡¡±
Then came a knight in magnificent golden armor which exude glorious aura unique only to the select few, a great warrior and acclaimed heroes of war. He stood in front of the high nobles and pays his respect to the two esteemed lords of their land and to his superior ¨C his majesty the king.
¡°Ah¡ forgive me ser Arthur for I lost track of time.¡± Richard then looked at the two dukes with a downed look on his face for which the two had understood and they got up from their chairs.
¡°It is an honor to have his majesty visits my abode.¡± ¨C Rhemus address in a formal manner of speaking to which the nobles approach the other nobles of equal or higher status.
¡°Very well, we are still in the second day of the kingdoms celebration and I must prepare.¡± ¨C Richard
¡°It must be very tiring. I suggest his majesty to take it easy.¡± ¨C Augustus
¡°Haha¡ there is no helping it Lord Augustus, but thank you for your concern. Either way I must make haste now.¡± He then looked at the knight. ¡°Well take our leave ser Arthur.¡±
Chapter 14 - Young girls talk
CHAPTER 14
(Young girls talk)
While the king and the two dukes had a talk, their granddaughters had their own time together in one corner of the courtyard ¨C Amalie, Layla and another girl which is at the same age as the two and as pretty as them with wavy blonde hair, her name is Vanessa.
¡°So he¡¯s going to stay in your house and live with you?¡± ¨C Amalie asked Layla with somewhat teasing tone.
The main topic of their talk is Luke and they have been talking about him since the time they had arrived. Layla and Amalie had shared stories of their encounter about this ¡®rude¡¯ boy they had met one day at the clothing shop to the princess, but what Layla had shared was an exaggerating story of how ¡®extremely rude¡¯ this boy had been to her that he has no regard to that place or how ignorant he is for not knowing that it is a place for nobles and that the commoners are forbidden to enter. She even compared Luke to other noble children of how polished they were like a gem, praising those sons of nobles albeit his exceptional character.
¡®A mere stone can¡¯t be compared to a gem, no matter if it was a polish and smooth like a marble, stone is just a stone, it won¡¯t have any value¡¯ she said.
She even told the two that she saw him days ago in the street begging for alms. However, she wasn¡¯t able to convince the two, especially Amalie as she throws her questions and teasing which exposes her lies.
¡°Hey! Watch that tone of yours?¡± ¨C She asked back slightly raising her small voice.
¡°Well, you said that you are living together.¡± ¨C Amalie teased her more.
¡°My grandfather took pity on him and adopted him, that¡¯s why!¡± ¨C She became agitated of Amalie¡¯s teasing.
¡°Is there a chance that you too would get along? Ooh¡ I am somewhat curious of what¡¯s going to happen between you too.¡± ¨C Princess Vanessa teased her also. She had just fanned the flame.
The topic of romantic affairs is not reserved only to young adults of this society and children may develop such idea, especially young girls like these three as girls yearns the most for such things while boys will start to form similar idea during puberty.
One thing about these nobles is that they enjoyed living in lavish lifestyle ¨C gold¡¯s and jewelries, entertainment, and gossips. And for the women of the society, it is always associated to romance as women get to receive expensive gifts from their suitors and entertainment such as theatrical performances are mainly about romances, while gossips are talks which concerns everyday life of other nobles such as, the love affairs, the bachelors in town, etc. And these women are striving to become the first in the hearts of their man, since their man can have many wives the competition is sometimes harsh and they might succumb to one of these gossips which often leads to unpredictable outcome.
For the majority of people such as the poor, they can¡¯t afford to spend their time in this way of living as they live a life following their hunger and what it may bring them to. So the young girls which were influenced by their rich family are pretty much interested in romance while the poorer young girls were less interested and will find it only a necessity in the future.
¡°How¡ how can you think that way? Wait¡ you two¡ you two are making fun of me all along. How can I be this so na?ve when I know that you two always make fun of me? Now look, I am crying! I shouldn¡¯t have told you that. I hate you!¡± ¨C Layla starts to shed small tears on her eyes that she excessively wiping it using the back of her hands and her face were now very red.
She really doesn¡¯t like to be teased by the two especially now that they find it more interesting to tease her with that boy.
¡°But, he is cute. Even I find him to be handsomely cute.¡±
¡°Is he that cute? But Layla said he is plain and ordinary.¡± ¨C The princess asked Amalie.
¡°He isn¡¯t ordinary as he is very smart and I once heard my grandfather complementing that boy.¡±
¡°Really?! Tell me what great-uncle had said.¡±
¡°My grandfather said that he is very smart and talented. Oh! If you could only see his eyes, it is dazzling. And the way he speaks, it was very much refined.¡±
¡°Tell me more!¡±
¡°Well, he has black hair and his nose has perfect line...¡± ¨C Amalie narrated it with actions and the princess seems to understand it that way.
The princess is pretty much excited right now and seeing her and Amalie, Layla felt that she was completely ignored by the two that she started sobbing.
***
In the carriage, Duke Augustus and Layla are now on their way to their mansion.
¡°Grandfather, where is the boy?¡±
¡°You mean Luke?¡± ¨C Augustus corrected to which she gave a stubborn sigh.
¡°Where is Luke?¡± ¨C She sounded mad.
¡°We left him there I suppose.¡±
¡°Grandpa!¡±
¡°Hehehe¡¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
¡°So, he will stay there forever?¡±
¡°Did you miss him? Too soon!¡±
¡°Grandpa!¡±
¡°Hehehe¡ Circumstances happen that he has to spend a night there. But why do you asked.¡±
¡°Hmp!¡±
¡°Hehehe¡ Silly girl¡ are you perhaps infatuated to him already? Well, that was very fast.¡±
¡°Grandpa! You too!¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°You all teased me the same!¡± ¨C And she started to sob.
¡°Teased you of what?¡±
¡°Amelia and Vanessa had been teasing me all day with that¡ that b-boy.¡± ¨C she stammered.
¡°Oh~ it never crossed my mind. Hehehe¡ He isn¡¯t that bad, perhaps you two can get married someday¡ I¡¯ll probably make it happen. Not bad, not bad. Hoho¡¡± ¨C The duke makes a jolly laugh.
¡°Grandpa! I hate that boy! I really hate him! Don¡¯t adopt him for me please¡ just leave him on the street and let him beg for someone¡¯s pity.¡±
¡°Layla! That, I can¡¯t do.¡±
The duke was somewhat perturbed when his granddaughter said those things that he raised his voice a little bit.
How can she say those things? This is disturbing. If she grows with that kind of thinking, I¡¯m afraid of what she¡¯ll become. Did I spoil her too much? I must correct her mindset from now on.
¡°Why?! I though you love me so much.¡±
¡°Of course, you are my granddaughter.¡±
¡°Then why you can¡¯t abandon him?¡±
¡°Is abandoning a child a noblest thing to do? Layla, listen. There are things that we as nobles must do, it was our responsibility. And things we do for the sake of someone or perhaps for the sake of change in one¡¯s personality. Either way, if it is for the good, a noble cause as that; we are obliged to do such thing. You will understand what I mean in the future, when you are wise enough.¡±
Layla felt she was defeated twice today. First, her friends completely ignored her feelings then her grandfather lectured her and all of it is because of a young boy.
***
Luke felt something touching his nose and cheeks, as though someone is caressing it. He opened his eyes and the first thing he saw is a beautiful young girl with golden hair, it was Amalie and she¡¯s smiling bashfully at him.
Without bothering asking question like where he was or what happened, he got up from the bed and as he did he almost lost his balance. He felt a slight pain on his head which has affected his balance. Thankfully, the girl caught his arms that he was able to maintain his stance.
Their gazes met and he saw the girl¡¯s red cheek.
He then sat in the bed and the young girl did the same.
¡°You¡¯re rude, you know that.¡± ¨C She said while sounding mad.
¡°Forgive me, my young lady.¡±
¡°Hmp! I¡¯ve been here for half an hour and the first thing I heard from you is your ¡®boring¡¯ apology. Tell me if that is not rude.¡±
¡°I sincerely apologize for my rudeness may you-.¡±
¡°You¡¯ve done it again.¡± She cut his speech. ¡°Surely, your mother had taught you well enough when it comes to showing sincerity whenever you¡¯re apologizing. But, did she not teach you what morning manners are and say ¡®good morning¡¯ whenever you wake up first thing in the morning?¡±
He scanned the surrounding.
¡°Hey! Don¡¯t just ignore me. I asked you alright.¡±
¡°Mm¡ I don¡¯t have a mother.¡±
¡°What do you mean you don¡¯t have a mother? We all have a mother alright.¡±
¡°My mother passed away the day I was born.¡±
She became silent.
¡°I am sorry.¡± ¨C Her voice sounds small.
¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±
¡°But still, I¡¯m sorry.¡±
¡°To which I dearly accept, my young lady.¡± He looked away from her and into the door. ¡°Where is your grandfather? I need to thank him for letting me stay.¡±
When he¡¯s about to stand, his hand was grabbed which made him sit back in the bed. He looked at the young girl. Her pretty face was covered by her long hair and she was somewhat bashful but then she looked at him with a bright smile.
¡°Say ¡®good morning¡¯ first.¡± Seeing that the young man was somewhat puzzled, she repeat her request but this time she emphasized each words while pressing his nose with her small index finger for each pause. ¡°Say¡ good¡ mor¡ning¡¡±
¡°Good morning, my young lady.¡±
When she heard this, she stands up. Her face was red as tomatoes and she¡¯s giggling.
¡°Boy you¡¯re a fast learner and you didn¡¯t forget to put honorifics. That is fine. But you can call me Amalie alright. My young lady is fine but Amalie is better.¡±
But seeing him didn¡¯t respond she gave up.
¡°Fine. Just wait here. I¡¯ll call my grandfather.¡± ¨C And she hurriedly went outside the room.
Sometime later, Amalie is back and behind her is her grandfather the duke.
¡°How do you feel?¡± ¨C Rhemus asked.
¡°I am somewhat dizzy.¡±
¡°Oh~ Are you not in pain?¡±
¡°There is that sensation.¡±
¡°Hmm¡ It must be because you¡¯ve suffered intense pain during those times that you¡¯ve develop resistance in pain which is extremely high than most people.¡±
The duke had dig into his background a little bit and learned so many things about him which include how his mother had suffered during her carriage and delivery. And when he learned that he had suffered from severe pain during his early years prior to his birth that his heart breaks. He got this information from Fergara, so he wasn¡¯t troubled investigating his origin since this information was readily given to him and he only needs to verify the information.
How much suffering did he endure all those years? His mother¡¯s long gone and he suffered from intense pain during infancy. It is immeasurable! But to think that he survived is simply a miracle! What strength does this child possesses in order to survive those nights of endless agony.
Hm. I guess I¡¯ll have to support Augustus. However, I must make sure that he¡¯ll grow into a civilized person or else he¡¯ll deviate from the right path. I too don¡¯t want it to happen, for such a talent was non-existent until now. Hehe. He will surely become such a great existence. I only pray that he¡¯ll become an existence that will benefit mankind.
We must make sure that he won¡¯t suffer from now on.
About that girl, we must secure her and ensure she¡¯s safe. He didn¡¯t experience motherly love, he only have this one girl. We must find her¡ for him.
¡°Ah¡ this is the final day of the celebration. How about accompany us in this morning. There will be a grand spectacle in the central district.¡±
¡°Grandfather is right. It will be fun so you must join us.¡±
¡°Then I must bother you milord.¡±
¡°Good! And after that, you will be initiated to become an official mage in the rank of novice.¡±
¡°Grandpa, isn¡¯t he not ready yet for the magic initiation?¡±
¡°No dear, he is ready alright, but you must keep this a secret. Hehe.¡± He then looked at Luke. ¡°Isn¡¯t it fine Luke?¡±
¡°Then, I will look forward to it milord.¡±
Chapter 15 - Magic initiation
CHAPTER 15
(Magic initiation)
In the grand pavilion in the central district, Luke and Amalie is looking at the marching band, and juggling jesters that entertained the crowd. The entire place is filled with green and orange banners and flaglets, the color of spring.
The parade is filled with fun and happiness that the entire populaces were part of the grand parade. It was overwhelming.
The celebration for the final day of Ag-gar is a lavish festivity which every citizen ¨C the rich and poor celebrates with sumptuous feast. The poor families may have little food on their table which is mainly consists of staple foods; however, for them this can be considered an extravagant feast. It is because not every day they can have many kinds of food in their table, that it is only at this day they can experience excessive feast.
It is quite intriguing how these people have so much food on this very day, especially now that the winter had just passed that the food are limited or there is none at all, which was spent during winter. This is not a problem for the rich families but to most of the poor families. For these families, they have to live even more prudently, that they consume less food during winter and some may even starve for three days just for this particular day of national festivity.
It is because of the people¡¯s beliefs that after the cold night of starvation are days of plenty and feasts. It only shows the way of life of the people in this country ¨C to live with the hardship and endure it; thus, the people are striving hard to survive this winter and make the necessary preparations in advance.
It also means hope, which is why the people of this world are strong-willed and doesn¡¯t have much of an issue of their hardships, but always keep their positive outlook in life.
However, no matter how much these people strive, if their homes are not safe from beasts and monsters and men of malicious intent, then their labors would be in vain. Fortunately, their land is peaceful and safe; hence, the need for the sumptuous celebration is necessary; a thanksgiving to their gods for the peaceful days and for the last year¡¯s abundant harvest.
¡°Look! Look! Those are beautiful!¡±
Amalie were hugging the railings of the pavilion as she points something in the crowd.
What happened is, Amalie is dragging Luke all over the place showing him things and introduces the ways of the nobles to Luke. She¡¯s full of enthusiast as she hops while dragging him around the place; her hands were tightly locked to Luke¡¯s hands.
One time, they saw Layla and some of the noble¡¯s sons and daughters. And when Layla saw how the two were having so much fun as they moved around, she confronted the two and asked Amalie why she¡¯s with him, to which Amalie responded that Luke is her new friend and then drags him again. But Layla seems not convince by it that she followed the two and became a tag along. She tried to disturb the two as she opens up topic to start a conversation with Amalie, but it didn¡¯t last long as it eventually died out. She also tried to cut off Luke whenever he had a conversation with Amalie, but then she learned that it was a futile effort because of Amalie.
And then she got tired of following the two here and there, and being ignored that she abandoned her previous notion and decided that it¡¯s better to join the other noble children of her age. It is much fun because she will be in a group of children and the center of their attention; she can go and play with her many friends while Amalie has only Luke, or so she thought.
From time to time, she took glimpses on the two.
Why are they having so much fun when it is only the two of them? I don¡¯t understand? There¡¯s only the two of them while I have many friends beside me, yet they still have so much fun than me.
Hump! If only Vanessa was here and not these losers, I may as well can have a good company and enjoy this day.
But then she stopped her thinking when she realized that the princess may as well be joining the two since she have almost the same personality as Amalie. However, she denied this notion and stick to her previous idea.
It was now in the afternoon and Luke is now preparing for his magic initiation. He is meditating cross-legged in his room, getting familiar with the energy.
A knock was heard from the door and a man with fabulous hat came in. This man was Audleigh [see Chapter 8].
¡°It¡¯s time.¡± He said.
Seeing Audleigh came in his room means that Duke Augustus is downstairs and is one of the initiator of the magic ritual. He didn¡¯t felt surprised as he anticipated that Augustus is one of the initiators.
Luke got up from the floor and went towards the door.
¡°Thank you, ser Audleigh.¡±
¡°You¡¯re welcome. Come, they¡¯re waiting downstairs.¡±
And the two headed to the lower basement of the mansion, where the initiation will take place.
The thick walls and circular columns with splendid arcs that support the floors above were made of stones hardened by magic. In the walls were torches which lights up the dark place, and swords and shields as decorations.
They stopped in front of the heavy wooden door which is old and has metallic embellishments that looks like vines that added to the mysterious atmosphere of the place. Then, Audleigh opened the door and gestured to Luke to proceed inside. There, he saw 3 figures ¨C the two dukes and an old, thin white-bearded man, wearing big light-blue conical hat and white linen robe with intricate embroidery ¨C a typical outfit of a great wizard.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
¡°I will wait outside.¡± Audleigh said then closed the door.
He walks towards the three who was looking at him, especially the old man with discerning eyes. Eyes that almost faded its color and can be seen as blind, however, these eyes were testaments of great wisdom and superb skills in magic.
¡°Master Lomar, this is Luke. The boy we were talking about.¡± Rhemus introduces Luke to the old man. ¡°Luke, this is master Lomar, head master of Bruinne¡¯s Magic Academy and our mentor.¡± He then gestured towards Augustus.
¡°Good afternoon sire, my name is Luke and I came from St. Ellenaire¡¯s institute in Reg-gora city. I am very pleased to meet you great sire.¡±
¡°I too am pleased to meet you, young nobleman.¡± Master Lomar expresses his enthusiast to see Luke, his voice was that of an old ¨C soft and scuffled, but listening to him shows insurmountable wisdom behind his words.
¡°The pleasure is mine.¡± He responded to master Lomar¡¯s kind demeanor towards him that made the old man let out a small laughter. He truly is delighted to meet this boy.
¡°What a splendid boy. Hoho¡¡±
¡°Would you like to see first his ability before we proceed with the initiation?¡± Augustus interrupted.
¡°There is no need. We can proceed right away.¡± Master Lomar told Augustus.
Master Lomar can almost see the extent of Luke¡¯s ability just by looking at him. With his Arcane Eyes, he could see particles of bluish light that surrounds Luke as though he is being favored by the spirits. His intuition tells him that this boy will do many great things. He has a good impression of Luke and doesn¡¯t see the boy as a threat, but a potential great wizard that could change the world. Thus, he has great expectation towards Luke.
¡°Then Luke, hold this¡± Rhemus gave Luke a crystal ball ¡°and stand at the center of the magic circle. We will activate the magic circle shortly and when it does, wait for our instruction. And when your initiation is finished, we will educate you about magic and basic of spells.¡±
Luke followed Rhemus and went towards the center of the circle as he holds the crystal ball with both hands as to not accidentally drop it. The three wizards surround Luke in triangular formation.
¡°Are you ready Luke?¡± Augustus asked.
¡°Yes, milord duke.¡±
¡°We will now begin the incantation.¡±
And the three wizards chanted. ¡°Vi na kurtur elargh nosri ko vi na bathal tum na hurgura kishmarti pertur vi navur-to ninum, kresh oprel na buil to arnulgar. Natum na bathal tum na ivrish to navur-to gurgan hesh kittar ol na parti to arnulgar, kut selmar na tuod simlun to arnulgar.¡±
When the incantation was finished, the magic circle brightens as it is emitting bluish light. Then, master Lomar approached and stopped in front of Luke.
¡°It¡¯s time for you to take an oath.¡± Master Lomar is looking at Luke as though he is confirming something. ¡°The knowledge of magic is shared to those who pursue the path of magic, towards the greatest magic of all and discover the origin of magic. Our ancestors, the Nurukians, had devout their life in pursuit of greater knowledge, it is one of their many great teachings ¨C to pursue greatness. We, the wizards of this world, adhere to the teachings of our ancestors. For us, the knowledge we seek helps us in understanding the unknown.¡± He paused. ¡°Do you pledge yourself in the study and understanding of magic, to pursue the greatest magic? If so, pledge to the god that governs magic and to our ancestors that had guided us.¡±
¡°In the name of our god and our ancestors, I pledge that I will pursue greater knowledge, uncover the mystery and the origin of magic.¡±
The oath taking is just for formalities. It won¡¯t kill the person if he/she breaks this oath; in fact 97% of wizards broke their oath, these are wizards that had indulge themselves of material things and now accustomed to comfortable life. After all, the path towards greatness is very far and narrow that the more they take this road, the more they become anxious. So why not take a break once in a while?
However, those who would adhere to their oath are sure to become great wizards. It is not because of the oath itself but the motivations and the drive had made them capable of reaching the great realm of magic.
Master Lomar touched the magic crystal and the crystal emitted luminous pale-blue light. After that, Master Lomar backs away and returned to his place. Luke then felt something from his head and it stimulates his brain¡¯s development.
¡°What¡¯s happening right now is you are absorbing the Arcanic runes and ciphers embedded in the magic crystal. It will be forcefully encrypted in your head. These Arcanic runes and ciphers is what aid us wizards to perform magic in its complexity.¡± Master Lomar explained.
¡°Thus, thoroughly absorb it. This magic formation is the medium that connects you to the magic sanctum and establish synchronization. The time it will take us to complete this initiation is proportional to the level of your comprehension. Therefore, the higher your comprehension, the faster we will finish.¡± He added.
5 minutes later, the crystal ball stopped emitting light.
¡°The light from the crystal vanished.¡± Rhemus spoke in a low voice.
¡°What happened? Did it fail?¡±
¡°It is done. And it is a very surprising success.¡± Master Lomar informed the two. He spoke slowly in low voice as he was astounded by the result.
Supposedly, magic initiation consumes a lot of time which last for 6-7 hours for children with less affinity or comprehension to magic. And for children born from a noble family with high magic affinity, it is around 3 hours at most; however, it is different for the geniuses of noble families.
As for the case of Luke, they expected it to be very promising, so they thought that the time it will take him wouldn¡¯t empty the sand in an hourglass, some may call it overestimation of someone¡¯s ability but this is what they really believed.
However, it wasn¡¯t very long since the time they¡¯d started; thus, this matter is a big call of surprise. Nevertheless, they easily accepted this notion, that the boy is extraordinary beyond extraordinary.
The three then approach Luke to praise him and to get a glimpse of his extraordinariness.
¡°Now, I must give you pointers that you must understand and remember about the magic we use. But first we must give you some basic items which are necessary for beginner wizard such as yourself.¡± Master Lomar told him.
¡°This is our congratulatory gifts to you.¡± Augustus then handed over a small wooden staves and a magic ring.
¡°Thank you, milord.¡±
¡°Now put on the ring, see if it suit you.¡±
Luke then wore the ring on his left index finger.
¡°Ah just about the size.¡± Augustus gratefully told him.
¡°Now, if I may ask our lords to lend us this room.¡± Master Lomar told the two dukes, indicating that they should leave.
¡°Certainly, master.¡± Rhemus responded. ¡°Augustus would you like to have a round. I¡¯ve got few wines left and you know I hate wasting good wines, however, today is an exception. Hehe.¡±
¡°Hump! What do you think of me, a lowlife that¡¯s not acceptable to drink your wines? I have tasted all kinds of wines from this continent that I have proven that there are much good wines than yours.¡±
¡°Haha! Well, I learned that most of your wine collections were mine.¡±
¡°Nonesense! Your wine is nothing but a joke!¡±
¡°Now you¡¯ve offended me.¡±
The two converses as they left.
Chapter 16 - Learning spells
CHAPTER 16
(Learning spells)
¡°Now let us begin.¡± He waved his hands and the magic circle vanished. ¡°Do you know what is magic?¡±
Magic is a phenomenon that bends reality or illusions that tricks ones perception of reality. Is what comes to Luke¡¯s mind; however, in a world were magic is part of reality; thus, this answer may not be the correct answer to master Lomar¡¯s question.
¡°Magic comes from understanding the mystical force of the world and by understanding, we are tapping into these secrets which we then harnessed; therefore, we are able to wield its power.¡±
Luke answered which greatly surprised master Lomar. In master Lomar¡¯s 90 years of experience teaching in the academy, no one had given him the close answer to this particular question.
¡°Mm¡ you are absolutely correct. Magic is indeed the use of numinous force of this world and the universe that we know as mana. We manipulate this world¡¯s mana, assimilating our will, therefore, creating great wonder. Everyone can use magic, not even us people but beast of all size which roams the land or live in the waters and Great Oceans or those that could fly. However, we as humans are capable of wielding all forms of magic because we are much more intelligent than beasts, it is our inherent ability. Nevertheless, only the select few can wield great magic (power), a privilege for some.¡±
¡°Where does magic originated?¡± Luke curiously asked.
¡°Hoho. Noother youngsters, exceptyou had asked that question, during their rite. Not one. I could tell that you are very interested in magic. Excellent! I will tell you the brief history of magic, but you can learn more of it when you enter the 3rd year in the academy¡± He paused. ¡°According to the scriptures, ancient people are known to have practiced early forms of magic; however, many scholars had concluded that magic can be traced back in prehistoric times, some 20 thousand years ago. This prehistoric people used primitive tools made of stones, however, there are evidence that suggest that these people are known to have harnessed mana in the most basic of ways. Not until the emergence of civilizations in 4,000 N.E. (Nurukian Era tantamount to B.C.) that people developed certain concepts in magic. One of these civilizations was the Nuruk, which are known to be the true wielder of magic. The Nurukians discovered a method to which they could tamper the energy of this world in a much more effective and efficient ways, known as Nurukian¡¯s Magic System which involves various tools and approaches.¡±
¡°Who are these Nurukians and where are they now?¡±
¡°The Nurukians, because of their magic had dominated the entire continent for 4,000 years. However in 500 N.E., powerful dragons descended from the great mountains and ravaged the land, destroying cities after cities, which greatly weakens the empire that when the black wizard Belgeohr¡¯s had risen, it ended the civilization of the Nuruk in 1 N.E.¡±
¡°Still, there legacy remained with us, right? What are those?¡±
¡°Indeed, and the greatest legacy they left to us is their magic system. But there are Nurukians that survived during those dark times. And today, their descendants became the great wizarding families, which had founded many great kingdoms in today¡¯s age, and we (also refers to Luke) are descendants of these families.¡±
¡°¡¡±
¡°Now, let us leave history behind for now, we are here so that you could learn magic.¡±
¡°Certainly.¡±
¡°Mm¡ There are 4 different methods for channelling magic. First is the rune or runic magic, is a method which involves the use of carefully crafted runes, this art were the earliest approach of the primitive people which the Nurukian¡¯s had absorbed in their culture and greatly developed the art as their own. But over the course of time, this art were now dissolved which was replaced by newly founded and highly effective methodologies ¨C the chant and formation magic. An individual that practices this old art is known as runesmith or rune master¡ The second is the rite or traditional magic. It is an old practice which makes use of strong devotion that may involve a group of people praying or singing songs and dancing, and sometimes with sacrifices. And like the runic approach, it dwindled over the course of time. Nowadays, performing rituals was closely being watched and monitored by the magic council. It is because the ritual magic was very powerful and often very dangerous and dark; therefore, it was banned or forbidden throughout the continent. However, there are still minority groups that are allowed to perform ritual magic that do not involve human sacrifice and do no great harm. The early practitioners of ritual magic are known as druids, Celt, cult, etc¡ The third is the chant or voice magic is a method that uses ancient language to create an outstanding effect, this is known as spells. It works by giving words or phrases magical meaning that when combined it creates various effects and results.¡±
When Luke heard this idea, he concluded that it works similar to computer programming language like Java, Python, etc. That these ancient words may actually be variables and the magic formulations was the pragmatics of the program, which was uploaded in the minds of the wizards via initiation and by chanting, it actually creates an executable command.
¡°Chanting is the conventional method as it was very convenient and efficient unlike the previous methods¡ And the fourth and the last is formation magic. It is a method that uses circles and lines and other forms, establishing magical array which would then create the spell. It was discovered and developed in later centuries after the chant magic and has the same foundation as the chant; however, instead of words it uses sophisticated lines and circles drawn using mana threads. It was derived from runic approach and is considered as the modern day rune magic.¡±
¡°Master Lomar, what modern methods do mage and wizards used?¡±
¡°We used both of these modern methods, conveniently switching between these methods is the most efficient way to achieve best result. Though, chant and formation magic had similar principles, the only difference is the manner of invocation. Take [Fireball] as example, [Fireball] is a spell for both method having similar power and mana consumption. It is because the process behind every spell is basically the same. The best way to elaborate this is through combat scenario. In a duel, chant magic has the advantage as it is faster and easier to cast. It is also very easy to learn chants than formation magic. However, while chant magic is the conventional way of fighting a duel, formation magic dominates the battle field. When I cast [Fireball] using chant, I am producing one fireball as for each complete chant has only one effect. However, if I used formation magic, I can simultaneously produce a number of [Fireballs] as many as I want, the only setback is the delay of the spell and the amount of mental strain it incurs to the casters. It is because, formation magic has lasting effect compared to chant magic; because of this, we can create an effect known as loop. Loop means repeating actions or actions that returns to the first step after its successful execution and then repeats the process, again and again.¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
¡°I see. Then master, is it possible to use spell using chant magic but omitting its chants?¡±
¡°Yes. It is not necessarily to use chants every time you cast a spell when you are using this approach. However, only the very skilled wizards were the only ones able to do it as it takes experience and complete mastery of one particular spell to omit its chant. This is called [Silent Casting] or [Voiceless Effect]. Also, the used of these methods were merely to assist the wizards in performing spells and certain understanding is needed to successfully perform each spells, especially the ones that are advance.¡±
¡°I see, thank you master.¡±
¡°Hoho¡ Your eagerness to learn from me is what makes it interesting. If you have some more questions, don¡¯t hesitate to ask. As long as it is in my capability, then I am obliged to answer all your questions. Hoho¡¡±
¡°Thank you master, I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±
¡°Now, before you start learning some proper spells, I must first teach you the laws of magic in its natural order and the amalgamation of spells which is fundamental in learning and understanding magic in its entirety.¡±
¡°Then I¡¯ll listen for now.¡±
¡°Mm¡ The first law is the law of inviolability. It states that, magic cannot influence the soul, but a soul can influence magic. It means that magic can neither creates nor meld souls, or do any harm to it. And a stronger soul affects individual¡¯s magic¡ The second law is the law of resolve. It states that, magic reflects ones will. Thus, if one wants to do harm, it will do harm; if it is to protect, then it will. The stronger ones will, the stronger the magic. It is the heart of all magic. Therefore, magic is neither good nor bad; it depends upon the person¡¯s purpose¡ The third law is the law of permanence. It states that, magic cannot create something out of nothing or change the property of anything. It tells us that, magic can¡¯t simply create things without anything that will help to produce it, example you cannot magically create a house as it will require a lot of stuffs needed to build or a brick out of nothing without clay. And magic cannot change the property of anything, example, you can¡¯t change ordinary metal into gold or a rock into diamond¡ The fourth law is the law of conservation. It states that, mana cannot be created nor be destroyed. That means, when magic is done, the mana that was used will return to its original state as the use of magic is only through influencing the mana, and not changing its property, destroying it in the process¡ Then the fifth and the last is the law of contagion. It states that magic is transmissible. Therefore, through magic, a person can transfer its will to an object of importance or has deep connection to something, so a nail is no use, whereas a locket with sentimental value is ideal.¡±
In actuality, Luke shouldn¡¯t be taught of these laws that govern the magic of this world and master Lomar should¡¯ve went directly in explaining the amalgamation of magic spells, as the magical laws were only being taught in the later years in the academy. However, master Lomar feels the need to explain these laws as Luke is showing understanding beyond compare than the rest of the students in the academy. For master Lomar, an 8 years old boy capable of wielding magic with great control and has the highest intelligent than any other kids is truly in one-in-a-million, it is definitely a miracle.
Thus, master Lomar certainly has to teach this boy the laws of magic as early as possible, to etch these laws in-order to mold his personality and morality as a wizard and not deviate from the right path.
¡°Now, among these laws, the first law plays the crucial part as other laws coalesce with it. There are wizards out there who steps beyond these boundaries creating anomalies and great discoveries; however, it is still tolerable as long as they don¡¯t violate the first law. What do you think will happen if a wizard breaks the first law?¡±
¡°Well, it will demand something in return or some being might be upset to disturb this balance.¡±
¡°Correct! As souls are sacred that we cannot defile, else, face the divine retribution or karma. Do you understand?¡±
¡°Yes master. I completely understand.¡±
¡°Mm¡ Now let¡¯s get on to the amalgamation of magic spells. First we have is Divination and is the focal point of it which branches the Manipulation which then branches the Conjuration, Transfiguration, Enchantment, and Abjuration. Divination is where all magic starts ¨C in our thought as we imposed our will for it to happen, for it to occur. After that, is manipulation where we gather the mana in our hands or in one place then we invoke the spell. To invoke the spell, we have to cast the mana we had previously gathered, thus, the third branch comes into effect. Conjuration is the physical manifestation of the element which are fire, wind, lightning, water and earth; making it to appear or disappear in one place. Transfiguration is the change of physical aspects of things, like molding clay into a pottery. Enchantment is influencing the mind through the use of illusions and other variances which affects ones perceptions, bewitching the target in the process. And lastly, we have abjuration. It is the use of defensive barriers or warding¡¯s. Do you have questions?¡±
¡°None so far.¡±
¡°Now, by combining each of these we can create the spell. Say if I want to make a [Fireball], first it must come to my will which is the basic divination technique; then I must gather an amount of mana in my hand, therefore, I am manipulating it; then I conjure the element of fire; and the final step is morph it into that of a ball, this is transfiguration.¡± Master Lomar explained while demonstrating the entire process and a [Fireball] is dancing in his left hand. ¡°This is child¡¯s play and I know you are capable of doing it. I heard that you have a small grasp of it. Tell me, to what point does you know about these amalgamations?¡±
¡°I only have this basic idea of what magic is about and as far as I could understand it, my knowledge is very limited up to conjuration and transfiguration. As for the other two, it was pure theory but I don¡¯t think it will be in the scope to your level as I wasn¡¯t been able to confirm it before.¡±
¡°Very well. Let us proceed by learning few spells. First of all, spells are categorized into two ¨C the standard and advance spells. Standard spells are spells that are taught in public, while advance spells are very difficult to learn and ordinary mage isn¡¯t capable of learning it. Now, hold on to your staff.¡±
Luke did what he was told and placed the staff in front of him.
¡°It doesn¡¯t matter where you gather the mana, whether in front of you or at the tip of your staff or in your hands. However, I want you to gather the mana in front of you, but don¡¯t manipulate it using your power. Let the staff do the work. The staff is a tool used to assist an individual in controlling the mana which greatly lessens the burden of having mental strain and spell backslashes. Now, do as I told you.¡±
He observed Luke as a small amount of man starts to form a vortex in front of him.
¡°Mm¡ Excelent! Now, invoke the spell E Veie Nar, Vor and give it a strong feeling to activate the spell.¡±
¡°E Veie Nar, Vor!¡± And a [Fireball] 15 inches in diameter was invoked in front of him.
¡°Ho ho¡ Marvelous, marvelous! Now release it.¡±
Boooomm!!!
¡°Oh¡ The casting time and power is highly commendable! Excellent! [Fireball] is a standard spell; however, properly controlling it is a challenge for the students in the academy. And it took me 8 tries to successfully cast it during my days at the academy. Hoho¡¡±
¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you, master.¡±
¡°Hoho¡ Don¡¯t give me credit for it, it was nothing. It is because you¡¯re extraordinary.¡±
¡°No, master, I should be grateful to you after all, the headmaster of the academy has come to personally teach me. It¡¯s a great honor. Master, please accept my respect.¡±
¡°Ehm¡ Ohoho¡ Indeed, indeed. Hoho.¡± Master Lomar¡¯s cheek reddened. ¡°Right, that spell is to get you familiarize with the system. Now, let have some more standard spell that has the application of Enchantment and Abjuration.¡±
Chapter 17 - To Eludun
CHAPTER 17
(To Eludun)
A day had passed. Luke was awake much earlier this morning and is sitting cross-legged on the floor of his room, studying formation magic.
In front of him is a black magic board about the size of a standard chessboard that has magic circle drawn in it which is made of pure gold. He¡¯s been tracing this magic circle with his mana formed into threads. And he¡¯s been doing it for 3 hours now, but still, he wasn¡¯t able to recreate the magic circle completely and so far he can only achieve a 70% completion, thus, it cannot produce a complete output. Nevertheless, this kind of progress is considered an extraordinary achievement, considering the fact that the practice of formation magic is extremely difficult to grasp for beginners; therefore, it is deliberately being introduced progressively to the students in the academy in later years, but this development will take these students 4-6 years to complete the course.
He finished tracing the magic circle in the board with mana and will now attempt to recreate it without the use of the guiding lines from the board.
He placed his left hand in front of him with the back of the hand facing him while his right hand is holding his left wrist. And then slowly, the lines made of mana threads are appearing right in front of him. First, a circle was drawn around 24 inches in diameter and then followed by a series of interconnecting lines inside this circle. He is trying to invoke wind, thus the magic circle is almost invisible to the naked eye; nevertheless, these lines were pale blue.
It took him 16 seconds to complete the magic circle, but it is unstable; that within a few breaths the magic circle vanished into thin air.
It failed again. The difficulty of this training is higher than chant magic. My control with mana is perfect but I still can¡¯t achieve perfection in formation magic. I probably should not force myself in learning magic as master Lomar had warned me of possible backlash. I should take it easy and stop being reckless and impulsive of things I want to learn.
Right now, Luke had learned 20 chant spells mainly of standard magic, if someone will know that an 8 years old child had learned 20 spells in just one day, it will create uproar in the entire continent. Therefore, keeping a low profile is a must; they do not want to attract the noses of various factions sniffing on them, especially the magic council.
A knock from the door was heard and a maid came in, it was Narissa, the maid in-charge of taking care of him.
¡°The lord duke wishes to inform you that the preparation is almost ready. Please be ready by then.¡± She said.
The yearly celebration had ended; therefore, it is now time for the influential families to return to their respective territories. Thus, the duke and his family are returning to their dukedom, in the province of Eludun; and they are bringing Luke with them.
¡°I will be ready by then, thank you Ms. Narissa.¡± He responded to her, she then curtsied and left.
An hour later, Luke proceeded outside after he finished his preparations. His things are already brought outside and loaded in the carriage for him.
He encountered Layla along the way towards the entrance door of the mansion. He politely bowed at her without giving proper greetings as he knows she extremely dislikes it, he may just greet the wall instead of her. And it seems that, her contempt towards him grows each day that passed. And as usual, she is wearing that scornful face of her which she only showcases whenever he¡¯s around. However, no matter how much she treated him badly, he still has to show proper courtesy towards her; after all, she¡¯s the granddaughter of his benefactor and has a high status than him.
He waited for her to make it outside of the house before he followed. One of her hated things is when she has to share the same path with Luke that she has to walk alongside him. And he is well aware that she hated the fact that they are living under the same roof and her grandfather greatly valued him. On the other hand, he simply can¡¯t do anything about it.
Outside, 18 luxurious carriages, 7 of it being fully loaded with large baggage¡¯s are lined in the curved pathway just within the entrance door of the mansion and 50 knights in their magnificent mounts to ensure their safe travel.
He was then told to board in the 3rd to the last of the convoy where Lorrath and Audleigh are waiting already on board. But just as he was about to board, he momentarily caught Layla¡¯s eyes, but then she abruptly closed the curtain of her carriage window just as their carriage moved out.
The inside is comfy and luxurious; it has enough space for six people ¨C three on the back couch and three on the front which is facing each other.
¡°Good morning, ser Lorrath¡ ser Audleigh.¡± He greeted them and then he sat in front of the two which shares the backseat but is sitting on the opposite ends.
Lorrath response was a slight nod.
¡°Ah. Good morning. And how was your morning?¡± Audleigh asked.
¡°It¡¯s fine. It was quite normal as always.¡± He responded and Audleigh smirked to his amusement.
¡°Is our young lady¡¯s treatment is getting you uncomfortable each day in your stay?¡±
¡°No, not at all¡¡±
Why would he be bothered with the 9 years old cold treatment, he was after all over 30 years old now if he include his previous age. And besides, it is just a small matter of a small girl¡¯s selfishness.
¡°I know you are very accustomed to nobles by now; however, if you can no longer able to stand it, you can tell me about it and we will make certain adjustments.¡±
¡°Thank you, ser Audleigh. But, there is really no need for it.¡±
¡°Are you sure?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°However, if there is then ¨C¡±
¡°Audleigh, he said there is no need for it, why must you insist?¡± Lorrath interjected.
¡°It is because things may be very difficult for him. After all, he¡¯s a child.¡±
¡°But he didn¡¯t need your help, you heard him alright.¡±
¡°Yes I did, but I was tasked to make sure he¡¯s comfortable.¡±
¡°Of course, but certainly you understand that we have our own principles. And besides, Luke is different from other children as he is well composed and very smart. It certainly won¡¯t affect him, he knows better of himself than we do.¡±
¡°Fine, I won¡¯t pursue this matter anymore.¡±
¡°I am honored to be valued highly by ser Lorrath. And still, I thank you ser Audleigh for your concern. I will definitely inform you and the duke if there are things that will bother me in the future.¡±
¡°You should or else I¡¯ll be upset. Then Luke, you never been in Eludun, right? Mm¡ I know many beautiful places in Eludun. If you¡¯re wondering how much I know about our province, believe me¡ I know a lot.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t get caught by his words. He¡¯s a bad influence.¡±
¡°Hey! Don¡¯t be like that! I am just making sure that Luke will get to learn more about our territory of all the beautiful places and have fun.¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
¡°Yeah right¡ And what do you plan to show him, the best women in Eludun? It¡¯s not that I completely disagree with your plan, it¡¯s just that your idea of fun will corrode his mentality.¡±
¡°Oh no¡ Believe me, that is not what¡¯s on my mind¡ Ah no, I simply want to bring him to the best place in Eludun.¡±
¡°Just plan of teaching him inappropriate things Audleigh and I will beat the crap out of you.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t be like that. Perhaps in the future, Luke may want to visit those places.¡±
¡°Stop that nonsense! He is still a child, so don¡¯t teach him those kinds of things.¡±
¡°Oh come on¡ You underestimate Luke. His understanding of things is beyond ordinary. Right, Luke¡ um¡ what do you think about our talk?¡±
¡°Well¡ prostitution is part of a society.¡±
¡°See Lorrath, he has broader mind. He already had an idea about our talk without us telling him first and he answer like a true philosopher¡ And Lorrath, it is not that you didn¡¯t have fun the first time I brought you to a brothel. It¡¯s you¡¯re ¡®first time¡¯ after all¡¡±
¡°N-no I did not.¡± Lorrath turned red being embarrassed.
¡°Yes you did. And besides, those women really missed you, so you should pay them a visit some time later. You really are popular amongst them you know. They say¡ yours is so big that they crave to eat it once more. It was the talk of the town you know.¡±
¡°Stop it Audleigh.¡±
¡°Why? Is it because of principles? Let it go Lorrath as it binds you.¡±
¡°No, it¡¯s about honor¡ the knight¡¯s code!¡±
¡°It¡¯s the same. Well, I won¡¯t refute you on that. What I¡¯m only saying is you should allow yourself to have fun, not regularly but sometimes.¡±
¡°Umu.¡± Lorrath expression was that of the defeated.
And their conversation continued as they make their way in the east direction of Eldryne, going to the main port of the kingdom ¨C the port of Velaris.
By land, it will take 2 days to reach Eludun from Gran Almeris by horse and 5 days by carriage; by sea, it will take 2 days and 1 night.
Around 3 hours, they reached Velaris. It was a busy port with a prosperous town right at the stone sea wall. Then there is an extended stone ramp by the sea which protects it from preposterous waves and invasions. And then there are 7 long stone bridges that connect the ships to the shore and then there are 9 large galleon ships on these bridges, more than 30 small ships, and several small fishing boats.
They boarded in one of these large ships. From its design and the type of wood that it was made, one can come up with a notion that it is a very strong ship which could withstand the violent waves and the unpredictable strong winds of the sea. It is around 400 ft. long, 45 ft. wide and 75 ft. high from the keel to the top deck (5 times bigger than the galleons of Spanish era). Its keel is made from a single piece of giant iron wood which guarantees the structural strength of the ship.
There are a number of nobles on board, flaunting their magnanimity and prestige amongst themselves. One of the nobles is a fat man with beautiful wife is laughing heartily as he converses with other nobles, but his wife is somewhat gloomy as she watches them.
¡°The ship is very extravagant and never came short to amaze us. I really love travelling at sea than land, especially if it is in a ship like this! The cost of 56 Bruinne Gold is a small change to be in this prestigious floor with all my wives. Hahaha!¡± The fat noble exclaimed.
¡°Yes, yes¡ The cost is cheap for a prestige like this! Hahaha!¡± The other noble responded.
¡°However, what disappoints me is what beneath us¡ the commoners that had boarded this ship! I get a little nausea whenever I¡¯m near them. Where is the justice in that?¡±
¡°Hahaha! Indeed, my friend¡ these commoners shouldn¡¯t be allowed to board with us nobles. They think too highly of themselves just because they are above the slaves.¡±
And then the duke came and everyone silenced, the men bowed while the women curtsied. A man came to greet the duke. He is wearing navy blue coat and black big hat folded in 3 sides with large and soft blue feather ¨C a continental hat.
¡°Welcome aboard milord.¡±
¡°Ah yes Captain Belarus. How¡¯s the weather?¡±
¡°The weather is great milord, a good day to journey at sea.¡±
¡°Mm¡ Well then, I¡¯ll leave everything in your capable hands captain.¡±
¡°You can rest assured milord. I shall keep you and your family safe in my ship.¡±
¡°Alright¡ I will now head to my cabin. Can someone show us the way?¡±
¡°Then allow me show you the way.¡±
¡°No, no¡ I don¡¯t want to interrupt you. I know you are busy. Just let one of your people to show us the way.¡±
¡°Then, I¡¯ll let my assistant.¡± He then signaled his assistant to come. ¡°Kindly show the lord duke and his family their cabin.¡±
¡°Yes captain.¡± His assistant replied. ¡°This way milord¡¡±
¡°Mm¡ Alright¡¡±
Shortly afterwards, they reached the cabin. Lorrath, Audleigh and Luke then proceed to their own cabin which is a few feet away from the duke and his family. The size of the cabin is big enough for 4 people with 2 bunk beds.
¡°I¡¯ll take this side over here.¡± Audleigh said to the two and then comfortably slept on it.
Luke then sat on a chair along with Lorrath.
15 minutes later, they heard a small knocking on the door and Luke got up to check it as he is the youngest.
¡°Luke!¡± A small girl an inch taller than him with golden hair exclaimed, it was Amalie and behind her is Layla, her eyebrows knitted together and her expression is sour.
Duke Rhemus and his family had just arrived a moment ago. And knowing that Luke was on the same ship, Amalie excitedly asked her grandfather if she could play with Luke which he agreed. She then dragged Layla along with her and headed to Luke¡¯s cabin.
¡°Who is it Luke?¡± Audleigh asked. ¡°Well, looked at what we have here¡ Luke has two lovely visitors. Hehe¡¡±
Luke ignored him.
¡°What is it Amalie?¡±
¡°Let us play. Come with us!¡±
She then grabbed his left hand and was about to lead him outside with Layla, but he stopped her.
¡°Forgive me¡ but I don¡¯t think I could play with you anymore.¡± He then looked at Layla and with a ¡®hump¡¯ she retracted her eyes away from him.
¡°Why? My grandfather had allowed it¡ even Layla¡¯s grandfather had given his consent to us.¡±
¡°Yeah Luke, you should go.¡± Audleigh said while grinning.
¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± She once again grabbed him.
¡°No Amalie¡ A commoner like me is not allowed to play with nobles and besides this is not a place where we could play.¡±
¡°But my grandfather had allowed it. So what is wrong?¡±
¡°What about your family or the other nobles?¡±
¡°They¡ they don¡¯t like it¡ but my grandfather had said so¡ they can¡¯t say no to it. And I don¡¯t care about other nobles¡ my grandfather is more powerful than them. My grandfather can shut them up if he wanted to.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t understand, these nobles would think of a story that will be detrimental to you in the future.¡±
¡°What kind of story?¡±
¡°It is not yet time for you to know.¡± He looked at Audleigh with eyes that say ¡®help me here¡¯.
¡°Young lady Amalie, what Luke is saying is¡ commoners aren¡¯t supposed to play with noble children, it is the norm and if he did, the other nobles will badly discriminate him for it. And besides, he is a boy and boys don¡¯t usually play with girls. Furthermore, when you play with him, it will invite rumors regarding you and him which will be harmful to the both of you, especially to you as a young lady. I hope you understand. However, you two can play together in some other times.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s leave him at that. Why do you insist on playing with him? We can play together alright¡ so let¡¯s go now.¡± Layla interjected.
¡°Fine! Let¡¯s go now! Hump!¡± Amalie stormed out.
He angered her, but he simply brushed it off and returned to his seat.
¡°Is it alright to leave her like that?¡± Audleigh asked.
¡°It will pass¡¡±
¡°You¡¯re overthinking.¡±
¡°I¡¯m overthinking? Of what?¡±
¡°About Layla¡¯s feelings¡¡±
¡°Should I make her to hate me more? And perhaps it is as you said, boys don¡¯t play with girls.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t jest me¡ I know that you don¡¯t play that much. Your actions are that of an adult already.¡± He then smirked. ¡°I think that girl is infatuated with you?¡±
¡°She was just fond of me¡ time will come and she will forget about it.¡±
¡°You are underestimating that girls feeling. Are you being full of yourself?¡±
¡°No, it¡¯s simply what I thought. She should marry someone of her status.¡± He said which made Audleigh become serious.
¡°You¡¯re still a child, yet you are already an asshole. And you¡¯re good at it. But, you are right¡ she should marry someone who is not an asshole.¡±
Audleigh then left the room.
¡°Luke.¡± Lorrath started. ¡°The way you handled things is very cold and disagreeable. It is the actions of degraded individuals who think only for themselves. And it wouldn¡¯t be long before the dukes realize this. You are getting yourself killed.¡±
¡°I apologize about that ser Lorrath.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t you feel infatuated about that girl?¡±
¡°I do not feel¡ love.¡± He then climbed in the bunk bed and covered his face.
¡°Just what are you Luke?¡± Lorrath sighted. ¡°You are bound to fall in darkness.¡±
Luke heard him and then the opening and closing of the door, Lorrath left.
¡ I do not feel hate either¡ I have little emotions left. What remains of my humanity are my desires and ambitions.
Chapter 18 - The coming of information age
CHAPTER 18
(The coming of information age)
It has been 3 days since he arrived in this city and is now living on his own. He has a small apartment given to him by the duke, several blocks away from the duke¡¯s residence. It has a narrow structure and big enough for a small family to live on which has 4 floors with a functional medieval kitchen, comfort room and 6 smaller rooms, a typical type of housing in medieval times.
It is around 8 in the morning, is what Luke determined judging from the direction of his shadow. He is currently riding a beautiful stallion and enjoying the relaxing scenery of the city.
Behind him are Audleigh and two burly men in a suit of light armor equipped with short sword and long spear. Audleigh was given the task to guide him around the city while the two men were their guards.
Today, their plan is to find artisans that will help him to build a prototype of his device that is being funded by Duke Augustus.
¡°So you need a blacksmith and several builders. Alright, follow me.¡± Audleigh said.
The four went on their way; their pacing is not fast as they thoroughly enjoy the beautiful scenery. The people seeing him bowed in courtesy as they think that he is of noble birth, a common practice that is supported by the law. They are not wrong though; however, his family did not acknowledge him; therefore, he was not really a noble but a quasi, as he has no rights of claim.
¡°Ser Audleigh, about what happened 4 days ago. I only got this chance to say this to you, so I would like to apologize for my behavior that day. I know that I am wrong.¡±
¡°Ah¡ about that¡ well¡ it is not me you should give your apology, you know. I was never taken any offence to it, but to that girl. She definitely was hurt and confused right now. Well, save your apologies, as you will not see her for the time being. Luke, somehow¡ somehow, I understand you alright.¡±
Being able to endure the pain and survive all by yourself when you are still an infant is a miracle, Luke. And to grow without a family must be really hard for you, but don¡¯t worry, you have a new family here. Audleigh thought.
Luke knew that Audleigh and the others misunderstood him, that they form their own speculation about his current situation in the basis of his predicament. However, this circumstance is better than forming conclusion about his strange existence that he conforms to it.
¡°Well¡ thank you¡¡±
¡°But Luke, I want you to change how you treat others alright. It will be bad if you keep on rejecting others whose there to help you, just because you see them to be unworthy of your time. Yes, I noticed it Luke, even if you treated them better, but you looked at them indifferently. We have our own goals, yes¡ and you have set your own goal at an early age, I know that. However, must you deny others just because they have different goals than you or they are simply inferior to you? It is not how you should see things, Luke. You are not alone in this world, so you should never feel alone.¡±
¡°I-I understand.¡±
¡°It is good that you understand, but be sure to make a difference from now on.¡± He then looked further ahead. ¡°So Luke, what can you say about our city? Isn¡¯t this a sight to behold?¡±
Luke spread his sight around, to see the medieval scenery of buildings and people.
¡°Yes¡ it is a beautiful city. Everyone must be charmed by it.¡± He answered.
¡°Mm¡ The City of Rumina is one of the biggest cities in the kingdom. It is certainly not as big as Eldryne; however, in terms of splendor, this city never falls behind.¡±
Several minutes later, they stopped as they have arrived in their first destination.
¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Audleigh informed them as he dismounted.
Luke looked forward and found a signboard hanged above them that say¡¯s [Black Hammer ¨C Belfur]. The two guards dismounted in their horses and then one of them assisted him as he dismount, after all, he is still too short to ride a horse.
¡°He¡¯s the best metal craftsman in the city. Anything from farming tools, kitchen knives, silver wares to swords and weapons, he can do a great job¡ better than anyone.¡± Audleigh said.
¡°How can I help you¡ sire?¡± A sweaty shirtless young looking handsome man with broad-shoulders approached them and asked.
¡°Call Belfur¡¡±
¡°Pardon me sire, but my father is quite busy. He has a deadline to meet.¡± The young man replied.
Audleigh handed him a letter sealed with red wax.
¡°Excuse me¡¡±
The young man received the letter and silently read it. It is important for their business to have someone literate as most of their works came from orders by letters from nobles and military commanders that they took into account.
¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, I will quickly inform my father.¡±
A minute later, the young man came back. Along with him is a white bearded dark skinned muscular middle age looking man. He is Belfur, a well-known blacksmith throughout the city, an 87 years old man.
¡°What is your request, ser Audleigh?¡±
¡°Ah¡ I have something for you. I want you to make this.¡± Audleigh said as he handed 14 pieces of paper.
The blacksmith received and examined it. He took his time until he got the idea.
¡°Is this¡¡± Surprise was written all over his old face, as he cannot believe of what he is seeing.
¡°Are you familiar with it?¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
¡°Is this perhaps a part of revolving mechanism?¡±
¡°Yes it is.¡±
¡°But this is¡ how should I say this...¡±
¡°Very unconventional and innovative¡?¡±
¡°Yes, yes, I never have seen this kind of design in my entire life. It was very elaborate and sophisticated! Who came up with this?¡±
¡°It doesn¡¯t concern you¡ well, for now. All that matter is this.¡± He points at the papers. ¡°Build it according to the specification of the design. We want it light yet guarantees strength. As for the initial payment, here is 760 Brunn. Is this sufficient?¡±
To enable rich trading all over the kingdom, a monetary system was established with the starting value of 1 ox is equal to 1 Brunn that is a small gold coin, 1 Brunn is equal to 100 Brunnar that is silver and 1 Brunnar is equal to 100 Brunnies that is a combination of different metals.
¡°Yes, it is very sufficient enough.¡±
¡°How long do you think it will be done? We still need to check it, if it properly fit on the apparatus.¡±
¡°Give me 80¡ no¡ 60 days to finish everything.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t want to put you in a tight spot. We can wait until the end of middle quarter.¡±
¡°No. I do not mean to brag, but I can really finish it in 60 days. I was taken by it that I am itching to start right away!¡± His eyes filled with enthusiasm and determination.
¡°But I¡¯ve heard you have a deadline to meet.¡±
¡°Hump¡ those were just farming tools and weapons. I am tired of doing repetitive hammering. Right now, I want to try something new¡ something that will stimulate me¡ something that will make me remember my purpose¡ of why I became a blacksmith! And this is what I have been looking!¡±
¡°Alright then, we will leave it to you. By the way, do you have a method to make these?¡±
¡°Mm¡ this is indeed very tricky. I am ashamed to admit that I do not have a single idea. This is indeed very unconventional. I could try something¡¡±
¡°The maker of this suggested the method of casting.¡±
¡°You mean the method of making bells? Can it really be used to forge all of this?¡± Then he pondered for a moment. ¡°Ooh!¡± He said in eureka.
¡°You seem to get it.¡±
¡°Yes. Nevertheless, I still need to think it over. To think that we could actually cast anything like we do in bells¡ Ooh! This is amazing! I am invigorated! With this method, I could finish everything in less than 15 days.¡±
¡°Great. And one more thing, be careful not to damage those paper, we only have one copy of it.¡±
¡°Of course, this is a work of art. I won¡¯t even let a spec of dirt to ruin it.¡±
¡°Very well, we¡¯ll get going.¡±
¡°Thank you and please take care.¡±
---
¡°Well, that was quick.¡± Luke said.
They are back on their tracks, a few meters away from the blacksmith shop and currently on their way towards the city¡¯s main gate to meet the builders.
¡°I have known him for quite some time now and believe me he is crazy when it comes to metal works. If he finds new things that picked his interest, he will immediately work on it without asking more questions.¡±
¡°I see¡¡±
¡°By the way, how can you come up with that? That technology is revolutionary; it will change everything you know.¡±
¡°Ah, that¡ well, let us just say, I am quite fascinated with those things when I first saw a draw bridge being raise when I was 6.¡± He lied.
¡°6 years old?¡±
¡°Yes¡ and from then on¡ I thought ¡®what if I could make it more complex?¡¯¡±
¡°And how did you come up with an apparatus that make books?¡±
¡°Well, I have a big sister¡ and her name is Ella and she likes stories. Then, it came to me, if I could create a machine that makes books faster and cheaper then she could read all kinds of stories¡ no matter where she was.¡±
¡°Ella¡ tsk¡¡± Audleigh muttered and clicked his tongue.
What this grim news would turn you into, if you learn that she suffered and is currently missing. She might have been dead all these years. This news is what we fear. If you learn of this, you might become unstable and be consume by hate! Then I am afraid there will be no hope in you¡ we would then be left with no other choice but¡ to kill you. We cannot allow you to rise as one of the dark force that haunts this world. Such talent is astounding yet it certainly carries an amount of danger. What a waste of talent it would be, if the entire humanity could not benefit from it.
However, right now, we are trying our best to save her and we hope that it is never too late to save her.
***
The Early Quarter of Eragar had passed and it is now the Middle Quarter of the month. (AN: That is 4 months.)
Duke Augustus, Audleigh, Stefan, and Luke had gathered to talk about some matters. From the 3rd floor of the establishment, they are seated near the window with an overlooking view of a small shop and its long line of people stretching in the sidewalk. This shop never had this number of people waiting in line and these people are here to buy books. (AN: Stefan is the first-born son of Duke Augustus and the father of Layla. Chapter 10: A lunch with the Lenforth)
They watched at the scene outside.
¡°Fall in line! Fall in line.¡± The shop employee exclaimed. ¡°There are enough books for all of you today. So wait patiently and fall in line¡ thank you!¡±
¡°How many books are you selling?!¡± A male customer had asked.
¡°Ah yes¡ we have a stock of 3,000 books of 3 different titles. I heard from the Golden Ink Publication House that there are 30,000 books to be sold on this day.¡±
¡°30,000!¡± They all exclaimed.
¡°You heard me right. There are 30,000 books!¡±
¡°To have so many books to be sold in one day is a marvelous feat!¡± A person from the crowd exclaimed.
¡°You are correct mister. I have heard that all of these books were made in one place¡ in this very city! Moreover, the Golden Ink Publication House could actually make 1000 books a day! What¡¯s truly amazing is the quality of their books, its writings are all in uniform! Therefore, you will all get the same book! Furthermore, its price¡ is only 50 Brunnar! You heard me folks! The price for one book is only 50 Brunnar! Isn¡¯t it amazing?!¡±
¡°WhOoAhHhHh!¡±
¡°That¡¯s right! 50 Brunnar, it is 10 times cheaper than your conventional books sold in our market today! What¡¯s more, the Golden Ink Publication House had further plans to lower the price of their books! What does it mean? It means they are giving all of these books to everyone! It is almost free!¡±
¡°I want one! Give me one of your books!¡± A man exclaimed.
¡°I want one too!¡±
¡°Give me all 3 titles!¡±
¡°I want 5 copies for each title!¡±
Then the entire crowd was in uproar. They all want to buy a book. Some of them did not even know how to read or write, but still bought a book. It is because, books can be a testament of one¡¯s status since books are expensive and only the nobles were the ones who can afford it. Thus, if they bought one of these books, they are actually elevating their status, even just a little.
¡°Look at this number of people. They¡¯re all here to buy your books.¡± Audleigh said to Luke.
¡°Nn¡¡±
¡°I am truly bewildered right now. I never would¡¯ve thought that a mere child would be able to make all these things possible, to think that we could actually mass-produce books. I apologize for looking down on you Luke.¡± Stefan said. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be long for the entire continent of Arkimutt to acknowledge our small dukedom to be the publishing capital of the world.¡± He added.
¡°Yes. However, I had a talk with the king and duke Rhemus, and we came into accord that we are not going to monopolize these technologies.¡± The duke replied.
¡°Isn¡¯t it a violation of the treaty, father? They¡¯ve literally told us what to do. As a consignee of the said treaty, we are free to do what we like as long as we do not compromise the national security. Therefore, they are not allowed to dictate us. We have come up with this technology, it is only appropriate that we monopolize it. It is in our interest to do so.¡±
¡°Either way, I have to agree to it.¡±
¡°But why, father?¡±
¡°Let us just say, it is for the benefit of everyone. Besides, it won¡¯t matter if this kind of technology proliferates in the entire continent. It all comes down to how we will handle our business. We already created a name to the hearts of these people and they¡¯ll be the foundation for our business. Is it right, Luke?¡±
¡°Yes milord. Furthermore, monopolizing it will make us the target of other factions. There is really no loss for us, as we already had the advantage. It will take them about 10 years to match our current progress; however, at that time we will be miles away that they can¡¯t catch us.¡±
¡°You heard him right. We will follow his instruction and stay on track with our plans.¡± He then asked Audleigh. ¡°We are to proceed with establishing a news publication¡ so how¡¯s everything?¡±
¡°Yes, the facility will be ready in just a few weeks and we already managed to create the fundamental system of our publication. We only need a sufficient number of writers and everything is complete.¡± Audleigh answered.
¡°Mm¡ then I should meet with the king right away and discuss the underlying rules of the news publication of this nation.¡±