《Ruins Of Destiny》


 The Beginning

    Linus was surrounded by his self-titled righteous enemies, and taking his last breath, while remembering, about the past 80 years of his life, that was crumbling further than it already has, while thinking about his allies who had died and the ones that will die.


    The motive of his enemies was the heaven fragment he had gotten because of them, exiling him into ancient ruins, the irony and the hypocrisy, disgusts him, and more so the expression with which they are seeing him.


    While taking his last breath Linus''s life flashed before his eyes, and the most impression he has was not of his life, but of his father, he died like dog, killed by the new king, as his father Lucas was the closest confidant of the previous king.


    While Linus was having trouble even standing, no one even tried to make a move, as according to them, he is on his last leg, and the one who moves first will definitely suffer a rabid dog''s last ditch effort.


    Though that was in his favor as, the more time they waste while waiting for his breath to end, the more his odds increase for the gamble, "link I can''t delay them anymore, and make sure to gather our allies souls, and protect them at all cost" said Linus inside his mind.


    Link was the first spirit he made using the fragment, though in the beginning of his journey, he couldn''t trust him, not like he can trust anyone other than link and his subordinates, link managed the "inception" for him, the place he had unknowingly became the master of, according to link this might be because of heaven fragment.


    "It''s completed master, using all the reserve energy inside inception to dive into river of time." Just as link completed his sentence, Linus went ahead and burned his source of magic, inside his body.


    Seeing Linus''s actions the angels quickly used their divine and spiritual powers, to stop him, there face full of viciousness, the angels had betrayed their gods, because of the chance to became a god, represented by heaven fragment, but who would have thought Linus will just kill himself.


    If I die who will they receive the fragment from. Linus laughed like a maniac as his voice started to sound fainter by the passing moment. That moment felt like it took forever to pass, clearly this was not the effect of river of time.


    Linus died, at the age of 83, while reaching the milestone of tier 3.


    ****************************


    Linus opened his eyes slowly while looking around vigilantly in a dark room. He was bounded by essence inhibiting chains, even though he was a weak crippled boy of 18 years. The prison room was made for a top criminal or heretic of light church.


    Linus chuckled as he has won against all odds, he has played with river of time and most probably arrived to the day his father was executed, if he had guessed right than his father will live for another 2 hours.


    Linus though unlike last time was in a situation to save his father. Though he don''t know If he wanted to save him. His father was a great general and good hound of emperor, but certainly not a good father. He has seen Linus with hostility all his life. For some reason unknown to him, in his previous life. And if he wanted to find the reason, he will have to save him. Hah what a headache.


    Linus thought about entering inception, but he remembered, he had yet to go in ruins and get the fragment, abruptly Linus felt the sensation of entering inception, he felt like he has entered a whirlpool of elemental essence.


    Linus turned translucent, different from before, where only his spiritual power will arrive in the space.


    *****************************


    Suddenly Linus felt a head splitting headache, as he saw a familiar place while grabbing his head.


    Everything was dark and fogey while the wind told different story as they were complete calm, unlike the sea of blood, which was boiling as a dark spires castle covered in dark void fog, risen from the sea of blood. It started to float in the air, and got transfixed there. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    This was his castle he made in his prime, with link''s help mostly.


    Linus hesitated before calling out "Link ?" as if afraid what will he do if he wasn''t here


    "I am still here master"


    Linus sighed out of relief and smile bloomed on his face. "What are the status of bug race, and about hive-lords " said Linus as he walked on air, and arrived on his throne, suddenly as if the space-time has stopped.


    "the nano race has sacrificed 50% of their member, while all hive-lords are in hibernation due to various degree of wounds" links voice was heard from his head, which he already got used to


    Linus sighed as he lamented, for the loss of nano race, this were his people, the race he created for war purposes but, he never considered them as just slaves, they were his children, yet he had to use their lives to escape from that situation.


    "However space has absorbed the spiritual power of angels and analysed them, and incorporated them into "inception, if you absorb the essence inhibiting chains bounding you, you can easily become a archangel ." Said link as if to console Linus.


    Well at-least we can get our revenge promptly. While sitting on his throne, Linus summoned a glass of wine, and started to think about the heaven fragment, which he didn''t even knew a proper name of, it can be said he has never gotten any answers he has became almost a god, all because of a chance encounter with a fragment of heaven¡ª according to the angels¡ª he feels as if, destiny is pushing him toward his success. Linus chuckled.


    Linus summoned a crystal looking, bug with metallic lustre, this were the bugs he created even before he had created link, though link liked to call them nanobots. Crystal moth, Its only function was to increase the spiritual (spirit) power and essence passively. Though it will only work till he has spirit power and essence of tier 1 priest.


    Linus pinched the crystal moth lightly and placed it, between his eyebrow and the moth turned into crystal micro particles and flowed into his blood stream while trying to absorb as much spirit power and essence it can. his spiritual power was still very powerful¡ªalways has been¡ªbut his body couldn''t handle it that''s the reason, why he was always sick from birth. But now that also got solved. Now he has all faith, spirit power, and essence.


    Linus continued his meditation, for the next 1 hour and stood up to go outside as he felt the essence of tier 1.


    Linus appeared in the same dark cell. He was about to break the chains bound to his feet, but unexpectedly a visitor has come to meet him, the sound of someone approaching came. So he stopped and waited for them to come.


    After a breathe of time passed, the bishop of light "sard" was standing in front of him, his eyes full of pureness, and yet has sharpness of vicissitudes. With no facial hair his jaw appeared more angular, his hair white, his robes full of divine radiance.


    "don''t you think it is unfair, your family served the empire yet ware betrayed as soon as the new king sat on throne." Said sard as soon as he came in front of iron bars. Sard''s face has a grin, which Linus didn''t liked


    "what are you getting at bishop sard, I am not in mood for your nonsense" said Linus, impolitely, he was not in any mood to entertain him.


    Sard appeared a little startle by Linus''s impoliteness, as he was always seen as a soft persimmon, who anyone can destroy with a pinch, though Linus know why sard came here, it is to rub salt,


    and to try to rile him up.


    His father was supporter of dark alliance, and sard belonged to the church of elements, his disciple was killed by Lucas [Linus''s father] , at first he had to gave up on revenge as Lucas''s standing in kingdom was very high so he couldn''t act against him. But not so soon Alfred Herbert [old king] died of sickness and the new king Alger Herbert became the new king.


    "hmm, you have quite a temper child, I am just here to inform you of your father''s execution will be done in half hour" said sard with a satisfying smile


    "oh, I know, so?, anything more? if not than leave, or are you still whimpering for your disciple, let me tell you, he was killed by bishop valentine of your own sect" Linus laughed after saying this, clearly irritated by the sequence of scenes happening, first he died and now this idiot is here to die. "Calm down, master, he might be weak, but is very good at politics, so try to win him over, also try to use your future knowledge" said link as he tried to stop Linus from killing sard.


    Sard''s face fell visibly, his body was trembling from rage, he grabbed the iron bars of the prison cell and said while staring in Linus''s eyes "you think you can drive a wedge between my sworn brother. With your fake story, keep dreaming "


    Linus stood up walked to the iron bars wobbling and looked inside the soul of sard, as he expected his soul which should be full of divine attribute has a dark patch near his heart. Linus quickly stopped using the soul eye.


    "Sard are you really this naive, or just acting, you never doubted why, your disciple was ordered on a mission when he was about to become a rank 4 master. And don''t tell me you didn''t coveted the source bead of tier 2 bishop. Which your disciple had gotten from somewhere. Valentine naturally wanted to use the source bead, and breakthrough to tier 2 bishop, since he knew his potential is not good. " "What are you trying to say, boy" said sard as he looked at Linus, calmly, though Linus knew he was anything but calm


    "I am saying my father is not an idiot who will target your disciple for no reason and will send only a rank 2 novice to kill such an important person, you also know how cautious he is."


    hearing Linus''s word sard fell in deep thought, he naturally had this thoughts before, but he never accepted them as according to him his brother has no reason to covet the source bead, and he still couldn''t believe Linus''s word, his face was painted with disbelief

 Betrayal

    ¡°Sard it might still not be too late, just go and have a spar with valentine, your disciple possessed the source bead all his life, there must be some breath still present on valentine, only if he is an idiot, though¡± mocked Linus, while trying his best to not laugh. As sard¡¯s expression are getting more and more amusing.


    Hearing Linus''s mockery sard¡¯s face showed his anger, sard reined on his anger and tried to say calmly ¡°Why do you want me to turn against valentine, and how do you know about valentine being involved in my disciple¡¯s death, you are bedridden and had no achievement till your 18 years of worthless life, it¡¯s only recently you have recovered and you are saying you are aware of a tier 2 divine bishop¡¯s affair, do you think I am a child or are you just desperately clinging to any hope, to get out of here¡±


    Linus smiled mysteriously and stepped back to the stone bed and lie down ¡°I have nothing more to say, you can leave now sard, I have no reason to lie and I don¡¯t want to show you any evidence do whatever you want¡±


    Sard was bewildered when he heard Linus''s words. He has thought of Linus''s motive in telling him this things was to release him from the prison or to drive a wedge between the two bishops. But now Linus was asking him to leave, what is this boy planning, or am I just being paranoid.  ¡®I have lost my edge, if it was me from before ... Sigh¡¯ sighed sard as he turned to leave but was stopped by Linus''s next words.


    ¡°To tell you the truth I don¡¯t need your help in leaving from here, the church is going to exile me in the ancient ruin, right?¡±


    In truth Linus indeed wanted to make sard into his spy, in his previous life he despised using this underhanded method. He only believed in his strength, that doesn¡¯t mean he was a simpleton, anyone who has lived for 80 years will gain some wisdom, and if he really wanted to leave from here not even angels can stop him, which fortunately are not present.


    Sard raised his eyebrow in disbelief, he was surprised as to how Linus knew about this info when he hasn¡¯t yet declared the order of higher ups


    ¡°Hmm, surprised as to how I know? well you keep wondering, now leave¡± Linus closed his eyes as if he will not listen to anymore from sard


    Sard decided to leave and think about the nonsense this boy spouted, and just as he reached the iron door, he heard Linus say ¡°work for me sard, you have both ambition and potential¡±


    Sard walked back to the iron bar and chuckled ¡°where did you get the idea that I will betray the church, and more so for you, you want me to betray the church for you, don¡¯t make me laugh kid, what can you even offer me.¡± sard was naturally not an idiot, he has spent 50 years of his life midst politics of all sorts, but he was acting weird in front of this kid,


    This boy¡¯s earlier words has stung him where it hurts the most, and he couldn¡¯t grow out of that seed of doubt, he had his own suspicion on valentine, as valentine¡¯s motives there is nothing to think more about, what can be a better reason than greed for more power, however that was not the only reason he decided to stop and listen to this boy¡¯s rambling, his intuition as a divine mage is heavily ringing saying to listen to him, and the last time it happened he escaped a calamity. Although if this boy talked a little better he would have helped him, as he has nothing to do against him, but he also had his pride which this boy tried to target time and time again.


    ¡°I can provide the evidence of valentine¡¯s involvement for your loyalty, sard¡± proposed Linus, seeing him fall in deep thought, Linus knew he had still underestimated his disciple¡¯s worth in sard¡¯s eyesStolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Sard¡¯s eyes narrowed hearing this ¡°my disciple is already dead, why do you think I will accept to work for you for a evidence¡±


    ¡°oh you will after all, your deacon who you serve now was the main perpetrator, and maybe the reason behind the calamity in Hinasila county.¡±


    Sard¡¯s mind had gone blank, than came a torrent of primal rage, he had never wanted to kill someone so much In his entire life, his body trembling, and hands clenched, sard looked at linus, who still looked calmly at sard¡¯s rage filled eyes.


    Sard stared at Linus to determine if he is telling the truth, than he took a deep breathe, calmed himself a little and decided to trust his intuition. As  a tier 2  divine bishop his intuition was naturally very powerful which further increased due to him being from divine mage path. This might be one of the most idiotic decision he is going to make, but the devil¡¯s singing lullaby are more enchanting than he thought, he had enough guessing about the perpetrator, now either this boy shows him the main culprit or he dies by his very hands, he was divine mage but that doesn¡¯t mean a devil can surpass him. And more so the one who is known as the devil of light


    ¡°okay, I agree I will serve you, if you can prove the involvement of deacon¡±


    Sard knew if a deacon has moved against him than there is no more reason to serve the church, as most deacon are constantly observed by the pope and since pope didn¡¯t interfere it only meant one thing, the pope has given his approval.


    Linus couldn¡¯t believe he has persuaded sard so soon, looks like his disciple was more important to him than I thought, or that¡¯s what Linus thought, also what was that boy¡¯s name... Forget it


    Linus unhurriedly bit down on his finger and tried to summon the communication bug from the ¡°inception¡° he wouldn¡¯t have to use blood as a medium if he wasn¡¯t bounded by this essence restricting chain which is restricting the flow of spiritual energy.


    Linus used a little more blood and converted the bug into more human form. The bug has a green skin with black dots present on his entire body except the face which was more of a purplish hue with two large antennas arising from the cranum with two wings closed on the back. It radiated with a thin ethereal layer which was the characteristic of a rank 4 master. Linus ordered it to revert into the small bug form and kept in his palm, he just called it ¡±nanobot¡± or ¡°nano AI¡± like link like to call it, he said he gained this vocabulary a long time ago, long enough that he forgot, but liked it enough to remember.


    Seeing Linus summon a bug with iron essence on wasn¡¯t something sard expected to see. As this thing can even restrict a tier 1 priest, and yet this boy is a cripple. Sard¡¯s eye got big and he thought to himself, wasn¡¯t this boy a crippple, than how can he use essence.


    Linus ordered the bug to follow bishop¡¯s order and handed it to bishop.  Than walked toward sard and said to him ¡°go and interrogate simone he was the person who killed your disciple, plant this bug on him after this bug subdues him ask whatever you want he will answer truthfully.¡±


    Sard just nodded and left from the dark prison chamber.


    Sard walked out from the basement of radiance church which was located in siona, the capital of duke wilhelm''s fiefdom. This church was one of the oldest branches ranking just after the headquarter of church¡ª radiance sanctuary of luminara.


    He walked to the praying room, and kneels in front of the statue of Light god ¡°Aurelius¡¯ the statue was made of gold the purest metal according to the divine tome. The statue was placed in the center. Standing and looking down with gentle smile on the orb present on his hand, this orb symbolized the world.


    Sard with his mind all over the place prayed to the divine lord of light and stayed in same position for an unknown amount of time. Then he stood up and entered his personal study room and asked one of caretaker to summon priest Simone. Simone was valentines subordinate, so he was well acquainted with Simone. He even treated him as his own subordinate, but now he had to plant a unknown bug to him, given from a boy he know he shouldn¡¯t, just based on his intuition. it''s a necessary sacrifice, sard consoled himself.


    After waiting some time priest Simone appeared on the door and knocked on the door


    Sard immediately burned the sleeping charm and castes holy protection on himself and invited Simone inside.

 Sards Decision

    "May I know why you summoned me my lord" asked Simone as he stepped inside in the study room


    "Simone, come sit it''s nothing serious I just wanted to know about valentine. It has been some time since last he contacted me. And I had something to ask him."


    "I see, lord valentine has certainly been busy because of current state of kingdom. He is following the deacon around to help stabilize the kin¡­ do ¡­" Simone abrupttly fell head first on the marble table.


    Sard quickly retrieved the bug from his pocket and stopped for a moment before he took a long breath and placed the bug on Simone''s forehead. The bug quickly got absorbed in skin without any scars. Sard waited and waited for an eternity. Every second, to him seemed like forever


    After some time passed sard saw Simone standing up like a puppet he saw in luminara, a sorcerer that was caught alive had hidden it in his home, however unlike that puppet Simone stood up and bowed to sard becoming more human like with each passing second.


    ***********************


    Meanwhile inside the prison room linus turned translucent and arrived on his throne, "link rename all the old nanobots with ''ol'' series in front " "command executed successfully ""show the nanobot 1"


    A translucent window appeared in front of him, which turned to solid slowly


    "link bring some popcorn as well"


    "master, we don''t have them as of now our treasury is completely empty"


    "No popcorn? How am I supposed to watch the chaos without my favorite snack?" "master you should grow up, how inhumane of you, a person is trying to ¡­" "okay enough let me watch this show."


    **********************


    Although he had converted Simone into a puppet using some unknown bug, he still couldn''t believe whatever he says and if Simone is being controlled by that boy, that boy seem to have very comprehensive detail about deacon and valentine.


    "who are you?" asked sard while his expression turned solemn


    "I am priest Simone of Siona''s radiance church"


    "who is valentine to you"


    "I am lord valentine''s subordinate"


    Sard had decided to ask some personal questions such as


    "what do I call valentine in private, when we were still junior ranks"


    "old miser"


    Sard sighed to make his mind to ask the main question. As not even the deacon knows about this.


    "were you the one who killed wade, or his death has anything to do with"


    "yes, he died by master valentine''s hand"


    Sard''s body went limp from the nonchalant admission of Simone, he had thought how he was going to kill Linus,


    Sard asked, despite fully knowing the answer in his heart "why, why did they wanted to kill wade."


    "After you took Wade as your disciple, Master Valentine met him during wade''s mission, at that time both master valentine and wade were rank 5 experts, and lord valentine had no hope while wade could easily advance with some accumulation. And after some month, they met once more when you introduced lord valentine as your brother to wade, I was also there at that time. It was after several months later that lord valentine must have known about source bead and he contacted deacon. Deacon Samuel ordered me to follow lord valentine and kill wade at that time I was only tier 1 priest but killing wade required our combined effort, in the end we killed wade and retrieved the source bead of tier 2 divine bishop, although I wanted the source bead, deacon gave it to lord valentine as his potential was really bad, since he was your brother, it''s easy for him to spy on you."


    Sard was stumped and stood there as if this betrayal has killed his heard, his sworn brother has betrayed him for a tier 2 priest''s source bead.


    Hearing Simone''s words sard was trembling form rage his head was filled with thought of killing deacon and valentine, he wanted to kill everyone who was involved, the person he called brother betrayed him for a source bead, the person he served under killed his disciple and the person he worship gave his approval. He feels as if his life has become a joke.


    .....


    As sard was falling in madness the surrounding were dancing for rampage, the air turned thick with a deep scent of blood than the next second hands rose from the ground and tried to grab sard''s feet, eyes''s bleeding and blood entering his mouth, bringing a metallic flavor with it..If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "sard control yourself, you are falling for madness, you need to be alive to take revenge" Linus hurriedly projected his voice in sard''s mind


    Sard suddenly woke up and quickly used holy protection using all his spiritual power, he knew if the timely reminder didn''t came form Linus, he might have enter the rampage state. Than the revenge will be the last of his worry. He would have turned into a beast with only one motive- rampage and to kill.


    Sard gasped and took a deep breathe than slumped down on his chair, sard used his spiritual power to calm his mind. His eyes still unfocused and mouth gasping for breath, while mind wandering in memories.


    Wade was a lively person he was gentle even to an animal he had never ever harmed a plant, he was completely opposite of sard who was know as the light of darkness, despite being from divine pathway, he was a devil equivalent, especially to anyone outside of the church of light as he considered anyone from the church as his family. Sard was the strongest and most feared bishop in all of church''s congregation. Even from different church he was feared more than the dark alliance''s devil sect. That was the reason he liked wade so much, he wanted to protect that kid for his innocence and for his own humanity.


    Sard''s eyes were bleeding and as the blood flowed toward his cheek it began to boil and disappeared. He had made his mind, there is no need to take care of any family, instead he will become the very devil he abhorred. He shal¡ª will destroy the very church he served.


    "what is your decision sard, do you want to follow me ?"


    "what is your motive my lord"


    Linus smiled after Listening sard and he let out blood lust accidentally


    Sard was suddenly startled by the blood lust projected by linus


    "to have fun, while destroying our enemies. Or the world probably"


    Sard smiled hideously while saying "I obey my lord"


    Just as sard took the oath of church''s destruction, the source power in his body started to disperse, but sard didn''t care about it, as his mind was still chaotic from the recent revelation.


    He unhurriedly sat on the floor and used essence for the first time after becoming a bishop, this calmed his mind, same as before, but with a different conviction. He worked for church now he will work for its fall.


    Sard had calmed down now. As he received linus''s next instruction.


    "dismiss Simone, he will make a good spy inside samuel''s faction, also your source of magic has broken, what are you going to do now"


    Sard dismissed simone absent minded and ordered him to forget about this meeting.


    He was feeling sorrow, he served the light lord for 30 years and all of this was gone just because of a bishop''s greed. Now he has regressed to a tier 1 mage, and further progression is very, very difficult.


    "You can worship me sard, I can become your source, you have walked very far away on divine path, you can''t switch now."


    "Worship you" sard chuckled as if he has heard a joke. But he still went ahead and tried to pray to Linus as he prayed to light God, but there were some problems he couldn''t connect to him


    "hey, you are not worshiping Aurelius, try to imagine me sitting on throne"


    Sard followed Linus''s instruction and immediately he has connected to somewhere in cosmos, he saw a castle rising from a boiling blood river, and siting on the main throne was someone surrounded by dark fog, he couln''t determine as the fog was to dark to even notice what was in front of him, . Sard felt as if he was an ant being stared by a god. And on the 5th seat from the throne was sitting Linus, in his hand looked like a glass of wine, he looked at him playfully than swiped his hands as if dusting a fly than sard returned his room.


    Sard was in disbelief as to what did he just saw, he has reconnected to a source and this time to an angel, he was sure who sat on that throne was definitely a god, so naturally in his court''s fifth seat was an angel. Linus was an angel. That boy was an angel. Sard couldn''t believe that he was in front of a god. Sard quickly calmed down and tried to pray to Linus once again, this time was different as he has already connected the source, sard felt the pure power burst like a dam in his body he quickly broke through to tier 2 once again, and this time he was feeling as if he can defeat the previous him in a breath. He has become a peak tier 2, a deacon of divine path, however this time was different, his body Is receiving a different energy, it feels contradictory, like holy yet negative energy. And it felt purer without any blemishes, like a clean breeze of wind in spring.


    "My lord Linus, may I know what your orders are." sard called out to his connection with Linus.


    "The play is just beginning sard, first I will go to Luminara from here. Meanwhile you can do what you are best at, usurpation, usurp the seat of deacon, or try to become tier 3 by the next month."


    "Yes, my lord, I have already felt my breakthrough. my breakthrough is nearing. After breaking through I will contact duke welheim and bring him to our camp"


    "Okay, contact me if you need my help."


    "My lord how are you going to esca¡ª leave from the prison room"


    "Aren''t you going to free me?"


    Sard''s mouth twitched, this lord was really unreliable, he can escape easily yet, want him to make a move. Sard felt the feeling the fatigue wash over him, but he still has work to do


    "haha, don''t worry I will just disappear from here. And if you have any enemy, you can pin it on them. Such as some dukes from Nereidia the country of water god, the major power behind deacon Samuel"


    "I don''t think that will be a good idea, instead, I will wait for them to make a move. While I will navigate in dark to injure their forces as much as I can"


    "oh, I thought you will need some time before acting against the church"


    "The moment I worshiped you as my source of magic, I became your servant. Now I don''t have any reservation in moving against church"


    "Good, you should take care of here, I am leaving now."

 Execution

    After saying goodbye to sard, Linus ordered link to absorb the iron essence, and completely absorbed the iron into space. Just as he removed restriction his body experienced a feeling of euphoria, he had surpassed his peak power from the previous life


    He was an tier 3 mage before, but was killed by angels plot, but who would have thought the heaven fragment will absorb their spiritual power and analyzed them to incorporate in inception. Which makes him even more powerful.


    ¡°hey link, we have money right? we should go using the carriage¡±


    ¡°master we have money but you shouldn''t waste time like this, and yes we have lost count of the two basic denomination ¡®spark¡¯, and ¡®flamos¡¯ which are used by commoners, as for ¡®Ember¡¯ and ¡®Luxor¡¯ there is still a billions of them stored in storehouse¡±


    ¡°you are no fun link, anyway lets leave from here first¡±


    Linus summoned the bug, chaos wasp which specialized in disturbance of essence in surrounding so that no one can find what happened here than Linus created the rift and left. The prison room was once again surrounded with the silence and somber atmosphere


    Linus appeared a kilometer away from the city wall, yet the wall was visible from there, they were tall enough to easily stop a 25 meter beast. Linus used his spirit power to change his face shape to that of a sharp chinned man with cane in his hand and a silver hand-clock in his other hand he appeared as a certified noble. While wearing a double breasted court, He opened the clock and ¡°the execution will be done in 10 minute.¡± Linus muttered to himself.


    Linus walked toward the city and entered the city of radiance and light Luminara, from the large iron gate which can be lowered using chains, though mostly used in wartime, and the city suffered last war almost 57 years ago, that must be the reason why the soldiers looked so lax as if nothing can happen, and this is the situation when a major event is happening inside. The soldiers casted strange gazes to Linus, as this was the first time they saw a noble passing through the city without any carriage, and without his steward and 10¡¯s of servants, his suit also looked a little different.


    Linus didn¡¯t care about soldier¡¯s gazes and entered the city, he arrived at the carriage stand and asked to take him to a nearby inn, Linus sat inside awkwardly as the carriage men took glances at him repeatedly. Linus paid 4 sparks to travel 3 kilometer on a private carriage. The carriage-man was visibly disappointed as he saw Linus count the flamos coin in his hand than gave him a spark. Linus just chuckled, [how petty of you master] ¡°what do you mean, did you not see how uncomfortable and awkward that whole ride was¡± said Linus righteously, clearly amusing himself from that poor man¡¯s expression, [sigh ¡­¡­], Linus sighed and turned around to stop the carriage men and tossed a Luxor his way than entered the inn.


    Linus walked the rowdy inn, everyone was talking loudly and drinking, Linus came to the counter and asked for a private room on 1st floor.


    ¡°that will be 3 sparks deposit for 1st day than 2 sparks for subsequent days¡±


    ¡°Linus took out 1 flamos and handed it to the receptionist than took the key and walked into his room¡±


    After entering the room he swiftly opened a rift and arrived in an alleyway near the town plaza where the execution will take place.


    ¡°hey link say, should I save him?¡± [if master want to than go ahead] ¡° don¡¯t spout nonsense why would I want to save him¡± Linus asked with a frown


    [master wouldn¡¯t have asked me if you weren¡¯t planning to save him, master should go ahead and save him]


    Linus cackled his tongue in annoyance, hearing link¡¯s answer


    ¡°hmm than lets save him, although I don¡¯t like him, I don¡¯t hate him either, he has always been distant as if afraid to bring harm to me, I didn¡¯t get to know him in previous life, as I was not strong enough but now¡±


    Linus chuckled as he walked outside the alley and went toward the platform while his face was warping into a hideous scar from one temple to the other sides chick, as if he suffered a mortal wound and survived it. His clothes a lot different from before. He continued walking than stood behind the crowd, waiting to watch the show, as just it was starting [arrived just on time.]


    After a min passed, a person bounded by chain was brought on execution platform, his figure was battered and his eyes appeared lifeless. Just as Linus was observing him, he felt two auras appear it was of peak tier 2 divine priest, one was of the deacon and other was a royal guard, as according to treaty of peace from battle of continent 300 years ago, no king was allowed to be a mage higher than rank 5 expert.


    After the arrival of royal family and deacon, The executioner stood up to and started listing Lucas''s crimes,


    ¡°Lucas vesper the count of Vesperia, tried to betray the country by colluding with dark alliance, and tried to harm his majesty¡¯s reputation by falsely accusing his majesty of the murder of his late brother, he betrayed his majesty ¡±Alfred Herbert¡° our previous king. For this crimes his majesty Alger Herbert has ordered the execution of Lucas vesper, his county will be relinquished to royal family. And their title is retrieved. His son will be exiled to ancient ruins.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    hearing about his son there was a glint in his eyes but not many people saw it except Linus, who was observing him intently while muttering to himself ¡°so there really was something he was hiding, looks like I have no choice but to save him.¡±


    The execution was starting, ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª just as it was starting a person with overgrown black robe with a sickle in his hand came and chopped the neck of executioner.


    Linus quickly used his sickle to cut the chains and threw his father into the rift he created to the inn.


    Now he can play, To his heart¡¯s content with the burden gone.


    Silence¡­¡­ everyone was silent, no one would have thought some one will make ruckus in front of deacon. The severed head rolled toward the deacon¡¯s feet which was ashen from shame. He was invited by his majesty Alger to proceed over this execution, and to do the rites. And yet a person kidnapped the criminal right under his nose and is standing there bravely challenging their authority, and since he is weaker than him, he can¡¯t even make a move, the same thought process was going through in Alger¡¯s mind.


    ¡°I am noel from Psion, and whoever decided to pin this crimes on Lucas''s head is an idiot. I will show you how Alger Herbert his majesty killed his own blood brother by poisoning him¡±


    ¡°Link create a virtual scene and project it to everyone¡±


    A bright blue screen appeared on top of his head, the scene began to show of how, Alger and deacon Samuel were sitting on dining table relishing and eating their food while Alger was smiling from ear to ear and seeing Alfred trembling like a fish outside of water, than he died and foam was coming out from his mouth, . This scene although short and fast caused more harm to Alger''s position then any long speech ever could.


    As the scene came to an end Alger''s body was trembling from rage, he wanted to shout he didn¡¯t poisoned his brother on dining table. But no one would believe him, and if the investigation happened from the different faction, it will be know that he killed his brother by suffocating and by paralyzing him. All of this because of this man standing on the platform. He became the king by such meticulous panning yet this bastard has destroyed it, no its still salvageable. I just had to prove this whole thing as a move by dark alliance and just dismiss this thing as an illusion.


    ¡°what, you think this is an illusion, I created to smear Alger''s reputation, well than make a committee and don¡¯t include the church of light, they were the ones who proposed the new tax increase bill after all.¡±


    Hearing noel¡¯s word and seeing the magic panel above their head. The crowd was in uproar, not because of the death of old king, but because of the tax increment, in the eyes of public the old king was just a bastard who didn¡¯t considered the commoners as even human, the people thought after the death of king, the new king will change some policies in favor of commoners for some years to stabilize his position


    They were commoners not idiots, and the commoners has become more wise after the invention of newspaper by consortium¡¯s Winfried Vallejos, no one knows who he is, but only that he came from consortium from the Terrandria [the land of dwarves ]. They had thought


    Deacon Samuel''s face went black, their plan was to increase the tax very slowly by trying to hike the prices of everyday product. Loss, they will suffer huge loss if they didn¡¯t pacified the people now. And when did he killed Alfred, he didn¡¯t even knew when or how Alfred had died. Alger was in same situation, he had to pacify the situation, by either denying the claims or this dogs will rebel and gave the other factions a reason to make a move against him.


    ¡°I will take my leave, people of Aurelia beware of your royalty and the pope you serve, you are not worshiping the god, but a beast in skin of human. He is between you and your god.¡± Linus said as he opened the rift and escaped in a breath, After saying this noel disappeared from there, and left a chaos wasp there, everyone was still in shock from the sudden information they have gained, crowd was in uproar, some noble were afraid of the consequences and some were happy for the church¡¯s misfortune. from the moment he appeared not even 2 minute has passed. The people were still processing the information and before the tier 2 royal protector can make a move he disappeared.


    Just as the unknown man disappeared the tier 5 protector of royal came and inspected the rift to follow him, but the little bug blew off at that time, The surrounding essence was still in chaos. Essence was the building block of a mage, it is ever present, however the essence consist of different elements like, light, dark, fire, water, earth, and even air, however they follow a uniform structure, and if it is disturbed than using essence will be even harder, as only essence and faith power can eliminate essence of opposite nature, The protector used his essence power and removed the screen from above, although quite difficultly.


    People started to disappear from the crowd seemingly going to their faction to report the situation. This is a good situation to reduce light church¡¯s influence. While the commoners were still chanting against their king, to reduce the tax.


    Alger stood up and decided to salvage the situation however much as he can, he was the only one left deacon Samuel has already ran away, when that man disappeared. Alger appeared on balcony and raised his hand with a solemn face.


    ¡°silence, do you really have only this much trust in your king, that noel person was from the dark alliance, their only motive is to cause mass suffering, do you really think I would kill my blood brother for a throne, my brother died of sickness, not by poison, this was personally tested by deacon Samuel, as for the tax raise, this is false claim, we never planned to increase the tax. I will take my leave, we will investigate this man and his motives than release a official report, and before that anyone causing trouble will be apprehended under suspicion of a spy¡±


    Hearing Alger''s nonsense, the noble of Aurelia kingdom were naturally down as the tax raise was one of the major reason, they supported Alger, but they also understand this situation has gotten messy.


    While some other nobles who were from unity hall of the Church¡¯s congregation. Were very happy, as they will be able to increase their influence in the alliance


    Linus was sitting on his throne drinking wine while swirling the cup, ¡°this is quite fun link¡± [yes master, it felt like I am a villain, trying to plot the end of world] link chirped happily with his unknown words. [Also you should use this noel identity some more, you looked so cool]


    ¡°yeah I know, lets visit father in that identity¡±

 Past

    Linus returned to his inn room where he saw Lucas sitting on the floor staring outside from the window, the screen was starting to disappear. Lucas saw the man who save him for the first time, he was a slender man, with a scar from the temple to his other chick, in his hand a silver cane with a unknown mark on the handle. From his appearance he seemed a nobleman.


    Linus bowed to Lucas and greeted him ¡°Mr. Lucas Vesper, a fallen noble, what are you going to do now, swallow this disrespect or act against the perpetrator. Answer carefully, this will determine our cooperation, I will give you 5 min to think¡± though he bowed like a gentleman, his words were anything but polite.


    than noel came and sat on the chair and sat on it, while summoning a cigar and lighting it while reading the Aurelia times newspaper. He treated his father as if gazing at someone unknown. Which he almost was, to him.


    Lucas thought about his situation and made his mind, he called out to noel


    ¡°I will act against them but, you have to save my son from Siona¡¯s radiance church.¡±


    Linus raised his eyebrow and looked at Lucas''s battered body ¡°hmm, you are not in any position to negotiate with me, and last I remember you didn¡¯t care whether he lives or dies.¡±


    Lucas clenched his hands than took a deep breath to calm himself down he was really not in any place to negotiate or even ask for anything, but he had no other way to save his son


    ¡°I am indeed not in any place to negotiate, however I must have some use, or you wouldn¡¯t have saved me¡± said Lucas while clinging to his hope.


    ¡°quite sharp, but you got it wrong you have served your purpose, I was just there to create some chaos and to announce about my organization, now you can either leave or join us¡±


    Lucas¡¯s face fell visibly, as he was a fish caught by a fisherman, if he leave he will be eaten by sharks searching for him outside or this fisherman will eat him. He had nowhere to go, and no way to save his son. It was like his destiny is being written with, all the problems falling in his lap.


    He had always neglected his son because, if he didn¡¯t his son will definitely be swept in the torrent of power , he served the old king loyally so he can be under his shade, but that old bastard started to discard me, so I have no choice but to seek the help of dark alliance but who knew that old bastard died before he can reach a consensus and as a loyal dog he was also swept into the abyss.


    Lucas made up his mind and crawled toward noel¡¯s feet, touched his head to noel¡¯s shoes ¡°I am ready to become your slave, and work like your dog, please save my son, that boy is innocent please, this is the only time I will ask you anything,¡± while saying Lucas''s eyes were filled with tears but he didn¡¯t let them flow out.


    Seeing Lucas''s action, Linus couldn¡¯t help but have his mouth wide open, but he quickly recovered, his always prideful father, he who neglected him all his life and saw him with hostility, was begging for his safety to an unknown person.


    [as you guessed master, there definitely was something wrong with him] link said seriously


    ¡°okay, we have saved him, now stand up¡± said Linus in a heavy voice.


    Linus¡¯s motive in saving his father was to know what happened in his past and why he acted strange around him, but he never got to asked anything, although now he has chance to ask yet his ego has become as high as mount Rombis, the tallest and most mysterious mountain, he always had this flaw, in link¡¯s words he definitely has adhd or what was it ¡­. Forget it. He though don''t know what it means.


    ¡°Why do you care about that boy so much ?¡± asked noel nonchalantly as he gave Lucas a strange looking bug, ¡°place it on your head.¡±


    Lucas had expected as much, they will use some method to control him, like poison or some things, but what is this bug, Lucas inspected it a little, it has metallic Lustre and has hard exoskeleton. Than placed it on his head, it¡¯s not like he has much choice.


    [Link try to read his memory]


    His wife Eve Rudolf was the Saintess of dark god, after running from Umbrathal they came to Aurelia, where the dark alliance¡¯s influence was least, just by his own hard work, he became a count and soon the king¡¯s right hand man, though his wife, she died while giving birth to Linus


    But she unintentionally passed all her dark essence power to Linus, making him a tier 1 dark priest, however trouble came Linus''s just born body couldn¡¯t handle the power, and than he had to cripple his own son, just so he don¡¯t die, for half of Linus''s life, Lucas had blamed himself and Linus for his wife¡¯s death. Although Lucas knew this has nothing to do with his child, yet he couldn¡¯t treat his son better since, whenever he saw Linus, he remembered the dying face of his wife. He remembered the gentle smile his son looked at him, despite him treating Linus with hostility. However that soon changed when his son started to grow up, and soon Linus stopped talking to anyone, just staring at him like some stranger, that¡¯s what they were to each other,


    This problem was something he caused himself and was a minor one but soon came a bigger problem, the dark church started to pursue his son. As the son of Saintess, Linus naturally was qualified to become a saint, but Lucas knew his son is a crippled but if anyone knew and by any chance Linus became the saint, living like a human will be a luxury. He will become a puppet, always in danger midst power struggle of different faction, used a disposable and always controlled puppet.


    ¡°He is my son, the least I can do is this much¡± Lucas said after having a torrential monologue about his wife and son. Though he didn''t expected the bug he just absorbed has relayed this information to his son.


    ¡°I see, well don¡¯t worry we have already saved, and even healed your son, before coming to save you, you will meet him in due time, I had asked sard to place the blame on some duke from Nereidia but, with my appearance, it all went down in a drain.¡± Linus mumbled the latter half sentence.


    Lucas couldn''t believe his ears, he has no choice but to believe this man¡¯s word, he looked at noel as if saying you couldn''t come with a better lie, you healed a cripple why don¡¯t you say just you are a god.


    Noel chuckled while having a brainstorm from the revelation of his parents past. He had blanked out, as if staring into Lucas''s soul, like telling if you don''t want to die than shut your mind.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Lucas lowered his head by seeing noel¡¯s scary face. He is not afraid of this man, but if he want to save his son, he has to do anything.


    Noel sighed, stood up and summoned a chaos wasp, left it on the desk


    ¡°Link give him access to nano AI of lowest tier. also create an annoying kid one for Lucas¡± ¡°Understood master, should I forcibly install one for sard too ?¡± ¡°oh you can do that now?¡± ¡°not with anyone, you are sard¡¯s source of magic. So you are just installing a virus in sard¡¯s system, that makes you a scammer¡± Linus''s face twitched hearing link¡¯s prompt ¡°go ahead and inform him of our shenanigans here, or he might fall pray to the rabid deacon¡­¡­¡±


    ******************************************


    Sard was standing in front of his study desk, reading recent report while sipping the hot tea, the report was about the unknown man who appeared magically, smeared both pope and the king¡¯s name than disappeared, the king has released the bounty on his name and the church has declared him as a heretic. But he don''t know why but think this man has something to do with that bo¡ª his highness Linus. Sard still cant get used to this.


    [Hello, sard I am your assistant nano]


    [you can ask me anything and I will try to satisfy your requirement]


    Sard quickly used holy water and tried to leave the state of illusion, he don¡¯t know when but he had fallen into an illusion. The person casting is very stro ¡­¡­¡­


    [hey don¡¯t worry, you are not in a illusion or in any danger, just listen to me first]


    Sard calmed down a little but was still vigilant of his surrounding for any attack


    [ I am nano a servant of master Linus, used by my god¡¯s faithful, and sometimes slaves, don¡¯t worry your version is not of slave one, with nano you can contact master anytime without any essence spend, you can use many other functions such as, recording, spying, contacting other people with nano, or just analyze something but that will require permission from vice president link also this video tape was sent by master noel]


    Sard saw the live video of all that was in report but with more details, he was in awe with this magic, he was aware of this things potential, and if they can use it with spies and while in a war.


    [you can also create mini nano, though at your tier only 10 are allowed to made.]


    ***********************


    This same situation was happening in front of noel, but with Lucas.


    ¡°Try to change your appearance to that of a noble, you will enter the nobles circle, I don¡¯t care how you do it, just create a rift between nobles and the church, and as much as chaos as possible. Also your son has been saved from the prison, you will meet him by his own accord, he don''t want to see you now¡±


    Saying so noel disappeared from the room and the chaos wasp burst. While Lucas was still sitting on floor with his clothes battered but his injuries were healing at a speed seen to naked eye


    [injuries are healed, this was provided from master¡¯s package. For next use had to build up more bots in body. Eat more be healthy, and give birth to more bots, yay]


    Hearing the prompt, Lucas''s first thought was, why is this guy so cheery. I am having an existential crisis and this guy, Can I have a replacement, but he didn''t thought much about it, and started to thought about the mission provided by that man which he didn''t even knew the name of.


    First he should withdraw the money from his secret stash and also the king¡¯s some stash that he knew, he will take them for serving him, or will the organization provide the funds, forget it that guy is too weird, I don¡¯t want to contact him for as long as possible.


    ¡°Nano¡­¡­¡±


    [Yes master, you just have to call my name than give me the order, I will check your authorization and complete your task.]


    ¡°First change my face and can I change my body proportions?¡±


    [yes you can change your face from the catalog]


    [checking for authorization, low authorization, access denied, found permission to contact hive master, contacting Hive-AI 1]


    ¡°Stop, Don¡¯t contact anyone¡± Lucas found out that not every flower is without thorn, this guy is just here to spy on him.


    [access provided by Hive-AI 1, you can now change your body proportion, further contact with Hive-AI 1 is blocked for indefinite time]


    ***************


    Inception, the space floating in deep cosmos, on a deep burrow a bunch of metallic ships were floating in air, there lies the empire of Nano-machines, and the strongest king ruled the Hive-AI 1, he was the second son of creation god, Linus, he was born after link, by using a lost soul from a reincarnator of death church, he was summoned from a sci-fi world, he was the best scientist of that world, but was killed because of terrorist attack.


    Wyatt Nolan, was currently hibernating in his dark chamber whose walls were filled with posters of his god, than a buzz sounded in his mind, Wyatt opened his eyes, visibly irritable by waking up, he was still weak, only about tier 2, he saw that hive is halved that of from before, he sighed and took a look at who¡¯s contacting him. It was nano887874578, seeing the large name, Wyatt almost wanted to kill the person who contacted him and say wrong number, but not anyone can contact him, this permission must be provided by big bro link or by lord father. He just saw the request accepted it and blocked the number. And went to sleep, while complaining to link. He still don¡¯t want to wake up, he should become tier 3 before he wake up.


    *****************


    Lucas grabbed his head, as he was tired to stop the child inside him from weeping.


    ¡°Master I am blocked by Hive-AI 1 wahhh, the king blocked me.¡±


    ¡°Okay that¡¯s enough, change my body proportion and my face and clothes if you can¡±


    ¡°Yesh, its done, it will hurt a litt¡ª¡ª¡ª¡±


    Lucas started screaming, than soon controlled his sounds and stuffed a piece of cloth in his mouth, his body was itching from inside, he felt like his body was being eaten by a thousand of ants. He felt as if his bones are shrinking, After some time he woke up from his slumber, he was stinking of sweat, while being in a big shirt, large enough to fit his current body twice. He removed his clothes and walked to the mirror in the room. He couldn¡¯t recognize this handsome man, he looked a proper young noble man, and a proper Scholar from the Aerius family of unity hall


    His body became a lot smaller and thin, he became slimmer from a burly man, but all his previous power has concentrated into his current body, his face has lost all the facial hair, his face became more angular, his eyes and hairs were a shade of yellow, he can¡¯t say he didn¡¯t liked his face as this face was still a little worse from his prime with which he wooed his wife, thinking about his wife, a smile appeared on his face.


    ¡°Nano can you clean my body and generate clothes ?¡±


    [yes master, not enough bots, making more of them, expending spiritual power.]


    A metallic sheen appeared on his body he felt a little itch as more and more metal came out of his body and got converted into a black tuxedo and a cane, why the cane, he don¡¯t know, though he was feeling weak and felt like he has expended 90% of his spiritual power.


    [accidentally used more power to create a cane, he-he]


    Lucas now knew the reason of his weakness, maybe he will die by this bot first


    Let¡¯s go and join Aerius family and join the family as a noble''s hidden son. As they don¡¯t care about bloodline, and more about knowledge.


    ¡°Nano contact hmm ¡ª the man from before and send him the location of king¡¯s treasury¡±


    [contacting master noel. Access denied, low authorization, MSG received from master noel, just mark them on the map and send it, you will receive 10% of the money from king¡¯s treasury or you can go there yourself.]


    So he was called noel, and I will receive 10% of the treasury, that¡¯s very generous of him. Nano showed the map and he casually marked the places than sent it to noel.


    Lucas saw the crescent moon outside of window, than went to sleep on the bed, as a tier 2 mage, he can live without food for a year. He thought about his life and how it took turn for the worst, everything went downhill with her death, and he caused even more suffering for her child, as he don¡¯t even think he deserved to be called his father,


    This night was very long for both Linus and Lucas, the odd duo of father and son, both betrayed by circumstances. Both ruined by destiny.

 Emotions and Rudolf family

    **************************


    Linus was currently in an inn in Duskshire, Umbrathal. He has came here to meet the duke Rudolf, to confront him, and the reason he was confronting him is because, duke had helped him in his previous life. Otherwise Linus would definitely had killed him. He was already feeling down, thinking about his life, where is his life going.


    Linus though has lived for 83 years still didn¡¯t know how to perceive this situation. He had always wanted his parents to stay close and love him but, he never had mother from the moment he was born and a father who hated him because his ego is too big, He just couldn¡¯t comprehend the joke his life has become, he don¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry..


    ¡°Hey link, what should I do. Any idea like you always had.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°nothing? Heh, so even a know-it-all sage got stumbled when it came to emotions, I really miss the time, when I only had to move forward and either kill or get killed¡±


    ¡°master should rest early, do whatever your heart says master, your loyal subordinate will follow you through life and death. For me you are my father and a friend, to you I might be a subordinate or even a bug who can talk. However that doesn¡¯t change anything, to me you will, always take priority, this might be the first time we talked so much in both lives. You should follow what your heart says, you have us to correct your mistake. We will make sure your dreams became true¡±


    Linus¡¯s heart melted hearing link¡¯s sweet words, this might be first time Linus has heard link show this much emotion, although he don¡¯t accept it but he has always been a optimistic person, always looking forward in his darkest time, and when link entered his life, he started to become a better person. More than he was before, but this changes Linus didn¡¯t notice. They were still visible to his subjects. That¡¯s the reason of his subjects loyalty, as loyalty isn¡¯t forced it is created.


    Linus said after taking a breath. ¡°Hmm, yeah I had always thought of you as my friend though, its just you are too dense, and knowing this things really doesn¡¯t matter, we had to take our interest with them anyway¡± ¡°true, you know from where I come, people were afraid of me, because they couldn¡¯t handle my soul and I had gained self consciousness. Though most people were normal commoners who can¡¯t do any magic, their life intrigued me, but they were afraid of me, for my potential and the things I represented. So They immediately terminated the program from which I was born and my soul dispersed and when I entered this world my soul got further torn down by the barrier when I entered this world unknowingly. ¡±


    Linus glanced upward and took a long look at sky full of stars. Than suddenly an idea hit him ¡°hey link do you want a body.?¡± ¡°huh where did that come from, No. why would I do the hard-work, isn¡¯t the work I am doing already enough.¡±


    Linus had an imperceptible smile on his face, ¡°link do you think our story will have a happy ending.¡± ¡°Obviously, if not us than who¡± link chuckled at the same time with Linus, both looking forward to their future, which though seemed bleak, they hold the power to change the inevitable destiny.


    Linus came in his inn room and went, to bed, to sleep, and to escape from reality.


    *******************************


    Sard was looking outside the hallway as he was walking toward meeting room, it was late at night and the case of Linus''s disappearance has blown up, A meeting was taking place regarding the mysterious man, tomorrow a deacon will arrive from the capital, for further investigation. To determine who to make a scapegoat to appease the pope. Sard couldn¡¯t help but rub his temple, why did that noel have to curse at pope, now they have to navigate amidst two strong factions.


    Sard walked into the meeting room, and casually sat on his seat, while everyone was spitting saliva on each other , bishop Alan Boyd, pointed his fingers on sard and said loudly ¡°you were the last person who saw that boy, may I know why you visited him, and what you talked about¡±


    Everyone turned silent and looked toward sard, sard¡¯s eyes narrowed, at first he was just here to see the dogs bite each other, but this bishop from Samuel''s faction targeted him for no reason,


    Sard just stared at Alan, whose face was turning red from the embarrassment, Sard stood up and smiled. Sard said while sweeping his eyes on everyone. While everyone was trying to escape his gaze and definitely cursing at Alan for releasing this beast.


    Sard smiled and started speaking ¡°yes I visited that boy, to try to understand why the king targeted this boy, and you will not be surprised, but according to this boy, he has nothing to do much with it, neither his father, but when I asked why are than king and his accomplice moving against him¡ª¡± ¡°get to the point bishop sard¡± said Alan with a glint flashing through his eyes clearly not aware of how much in water his head has gone.


    Sard just stared at Alan for a good 10 second then smiled and continued but this time dropping a bomb ¡°He told me his father has something that the Nereidian dukes wanted, and only his father can provide it¡± hearing sard everybody turned to look at Alan, whose face has turned livid,


    ¡°lies, what proof do you have, or are you saying your word are proof¡± Alan desperately tried to cut sard from saying but was unsuccessful as Sard has already dropped the bomb ¡°I swear it by my faith¡± said sard as he bit his thumb and sprinkled blood in air. Than the blood sparked into a golden flash and returned to him once again.


    Seeing sard¡¯s action, everyone was surprised as everyone though sard is just planning to take it on for Alan''s aggression. But sard just took oath using his faith, if he had lied, his body would have burst apart at best or he would have lost his power at worst.


    Even Alan looked surprised by sard¡¯s action, sard looked at Alan whose gears were churning to think of something fast. But sard wouldn¡¯t give him time.


    ¡°So just as I said, that boy said Nereidian dukes are pursuing him, the king is moving against him, which is natural as his father was old king¡¯s close confidant, but why is our church moving against him and going as far as exiling a sick boy into ancient ruins. It almost felt like there was some personal motive even after that mysterious man profaned our god and god¡¯s spokesperson, the pope.¡± Said sard as he looked at Alan while smiling.


    Everyone visibly gasped, and looked at Alan sympathetically, like saying ,why did you provoked him. Alan¡¯s face has gone livid a long time ago. He wouldn¡¯t have provoked the devil, but this was ordered by deacon Samuel.


    sard had guessed that deacon wanted an scapegoat and who will be better than the person who met the boy before disappearing, sard also wouldn¡¯t. Act against the church from his previous conduct. He became the perfect scapegoat, this was the reason why everyone acted like they did.


    ¡°I will take my leave¡± than sard stood up and left from the room as he had to give everyone time to let them spread the news ¡°the devil has acted against the deacon and Nereidia.¡±


    Sard arrived in his private room, and ordered nano to send the content of meeting to Linus.


    [cannot proceed, not enough authorization, sending it to master noel, succeeded]. So that mysterious man was noel. And I don¡¯t have enough authorization to contact an angel?? Thought sard to himself.


    I can sleep well tonight, Wade, son I will avenge you or die trying to avenge you.


    *********Rudolf*********


    Linus woke up as he saw an unfamiliar ceiling, while the sun rays were peeking from the window, Linus stood up took a bath and got ready, to meet duke Rudolf, he has asked link to make the appointment of today¡¯s noon, by sending a bug body. Link has spent a hour at night while making a carriage and training a steward for him, though Linus don¡¯t care about this things, but since link was enjoying it he didn¡¯t say anything.


    Linus created a organic body, which he attached the nanobots to control this body, this were the abilities of peak tier 3 pope, which the world hasn¡¯t seen in a while. Because the angels bring them to their respective holy kingdom, and start to hunt the ones remaining in mortal world, this was because angels consider them future opponents, Although the gods can¡¯t enter the world barrier so they make a loyal angel in mortal world. Linus turned translucent and started using the boy he created [Link register this body as Zach Doyle. A Peak Tier 2 Deacon]Stolen story; please report.


    Linus walked outside the inn, the sunlight gently prickling on his skin, this was due to him installing so many nanobots in it. While he walked toward the carriage, coming for him, the carriage stopped in from of him, and Linus stepped inside, as the steward opened the door for him, this steward was also a bug, who has done masters in management, the carriage started to move toward the castle. Though Linus could see him a little exited but the steward was controlling it well. Well who can control themselves when their god is standing in front of him.


    The carriage started to move amidst people, dressed in dark robes and dresses screaming their status as a dark mage, most of them still in junior rank, still in rank 1, enough to live 100 years, without any diseases for all their life, and if they didn¡¯t broke through to rank 5 their life span will not increase. Though this many rank 1 were still unnatural in human countries, as their potential has diluted from generation to generation, that is the reason of intermarriage in Umbrathal royalty¡ª Malcolm¡¯s marry their own blood sister or brother, which the humans most frowned on. But was very common in the consortium¡¯s ancient family and primal races of Emberlyn, the biggest counties on the continent, and the home of consortium faction, they live in their own bubble, the size of Emberlyn is half the size of continent, the dwarves controlled the economy, by creating Luxor and ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Linus came out from his thoughts as, soon the carriage arrived in front of the duke¡¯s mansion, even the gate was made of black iron, the mansion had a natural gloomy aura, ¡°completely reasonable aura¡± chirped link as though complementing the mansion. But Linus knew he is just trying to compare it to his palace, he created in inception, though Linus can¡¯t help but feel awe whenever he saw his own castle, according to link, this was his favorite church from his homeland. It was called as collagen cathedral.


    The carriage stopped at the gate, Linus walked down from the carriage, Linus walked like a noble with his chest sticked out while using his cane on the other hand, Linus looked around and saw a kid of age 7 run past him, Linus turned around and took a glance at the kid than just went ahead and entered the mansion escorted by his steward, and a maid from mansion. Though he has sprinkled nanobots for the kid as that boy was prince of Umbrathal kingdom. Linus followed them and entered the main hall, not many outside people were present, only some maids and a skeleton, completely normal place,


    A steward came from duke¡¯s study and invited him into duke¡¯s study. Linus followed behind him. And entered the room, he saw duke Erick Rudolf, a man in his 60¡¯s, with a M shaped receding hairline, sitting on his table while writing, he looked up and stood up to greet Linus, ¡°nice to see to you mister Zach Doyle, please have a seat¡± ¡°it¡¯s my honor my lord¡± said Linus clearly disgusted by the noble''s way of talking, which he had never liked from the moment he was born. Linus took a seat and sat on the seat


    ¡°So, for what agenda have you visited me Mr. Zach. And I hope it¡¯s something worthwhile.¡± Said Erick as he continued writing, clearly he was not very interested but only treated him politely for the sake of being polite. And wouldn¡¯t hesitate to act against him


    ¡°Certainly, I am here to inquire about your involvement in dark Saintess.¡± Said Linus as calmly as he can.


    Erick looked up in Linus''s eyes and asked with rage palpable from his eyes ¡°who sent you, and how do you know about this.¡±


    Linus stood up and bowed to introduce himself, ¡°I am Zach Doyle. From Psion. I am here on behalf of Linus, son of miss eve, regarding your involvement in dark Saintess¡¯s matter¡± Linus released his aura momentarily, the room has become a mess, all the paper shredded to bits of pieces, curtains waving in air, due to the compressed essence caused by his aura.


    Just as Linus took his aura back, a man with, casual robes and flowery pattern appeared beside Erick, shielding Erick like a chicken shielding his rooster, in Linus''s eyes he as a peak tier 2 was really no different than a chicken.


    Linus looked at him and sat down, on the chair, ¡°I have introduced myself, it¡¯s your turn to answer my questions.¡± Said Linus while having a smile.


    ¡°I am Ethan Rudolf, the retired patriarch of Rudolf family, may I know what young mister has wanted to know about.¡±


    Linus didn¡¯t said anything , just chuckled and saw Erick whose face has gone pale from hearing his father¡¯s polite word, as Ethan wasn¡¯t someone famous for being polite. This just means this man was dangerous.


    Erick hurriedly repeated Linus''s words while taking deep breaths to calm down, which seemed to work as his sentence came to an end.


    ¡°What is Linus to you, that will determine, my answers¡± said Ethan with creased eyebrows. He summoned a chair and sat on it, while looking at Linus, to determine if he¡¯s telling truth.


    ¡°Linus has joined our organization, I can¡¯t say more as it is his privacy. That boy is a talent, that¡¯s why I am doing this, now I don¡¯t have much patience. So free me fast or ¡­¡± said Linus while curling the corner of his lips. [master is so narcissist, hehe,] said link, while most probably recording him, and uploading it to nano-AI. He has done that before.


    ¡°I see, ask away all your questions, if this helps my grandson ¡± Ethan said while sighing.


    ¡°So why did your dark alliance tried to kill Lucas, and eve. And later Linus¡±


    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting, I am being polite but that doesn¡¯t mean, you can say anything.¡± Ethan banged his hand on the study table, turning it to dust. As he stood up, ready to throw hands


    [link contact Lucas and create a virtual two way communication]


    ¡°So you are saying, you pursued Lucas and Eve to celebrate their baby shower ?¡± heh Linus chuckled, while mocking them.


    Just as Ethan was about to flew in rage, he saw a transparent yet familiar figure forming behind Zach.


    **********************


    Lucas was still sleeping in the same inn when nano woke him up, saying some master Zach was summoning him for a meeting.


    He quickly stood up and opened the AI panel. While ordering, nano to freshen him up, clearly he has read the user manual.


    He opened the virtual meeting and used his previous avatar, his old burly one, as he can¡¯t risk with his current identity.


    he saw a unknown room, and two very familiar, men sitting in front of him,


    ***************************


    ¡°So what do you have to say Lucas, did they pursued you and your wife to celebrate baby-shower¡±. Said Linus while turning around and looked at Lucas playfully. Who was still trying to comprehend the situation.


    Lucas took a second to process his situation and burst into laugh and looked at Zach ¡°yes my lord, they even sent a tier 1 dark priest to invite us.¡±


    Ethan, turned around and looked at Erick who was also looking at him in disbelief.


    ¡°Did you sent the priest.¡± Asked Ethan to Erick whose face has turned solemn


    ¡°No, and I also ordered the alliance to no longer pursue them, as this was our family matter¡± said Ethan as he turned to look at Linus.


    ¡°There might be some, misunderstanding, we never sent anyone above rank 4 master, that too to only show that we are pursuing them. In truth we never wanted to make eve the Saintess, but were forced by the alliance.¡± Said Ethan white rubbing the bridge of his bushy eyebrows


    ¡°You were the alliance master at that time, and you are telling me you didn¡¯t sent anyone to pursue me, or why not just say, that tier 1 priest was from a different faction, trying to smear your name.¡± Said Lucas while pointing his finger to Ethan, while having a contradiction in his own word.


    Linus looked at Lucas, he felt what Lucas said is a possibility as well but why is he so sure that Rudolf family was pursuing him, it almost feels like he saw Ethan order it.


    [link check Lucas''s body and see for any abnormality.]


    Ethan stood up and roared at Lucas ¡°I might be a dark magus, but I value my family more than any of you orthodox church dogs.¡±


    ¡°You were the one, who pursued us till we didn¡¯t reached the Aurelia kingdom.¡±


    ¡°You idiot if I want to pursue a rank 4 master, do you really think you can escape¡±


    [master there is a curse in his source magic, but it has been diluted to a very high degree, it must have been placed on him, when he was still in a junior mage rank, and when he broke-through to senior tier, it flowed in his whole body while being diluted constantly. The curse¡¯s only function is to amplify feelings when the curse was planted, without doubting anyone.]


    ¡°Interesting, Lucas calm down, and mister Ethan, I apologize for my impoliteness, please seat, I also think there is another power at play here, let me say it first.¡± Linus quickly tried to calm both of them down, Lucas stopped what he was about to say, Ethan sat on his seat while mumbling something.


    ¡°Lucas, how did you knew about the tier 1 dark priest, how did you escaped and know if he¡¯s from the Rudolf family and not from the alliance, or even from alliance¡¯s raised dogs ?, Lucas you are always so cautious and think very carefully, yet, don¡¯t you think your action are opposite from your usually calm demeanor.¡°


    Linus looked at Lucas whose face became twisted with rage once again, but Linus snapped his finger and he returned to normal state. Lucas¡¯s face turned pale, he had guessed it, the problem was with him.


    ¡°There is a curse placed in your source Lucas. Its only function is to amplify your feelings when the curse was planted, it will digress your mind whenever you think with calm mind about this matter. And since it was placed when you were still in junior rank, it has dispersed and diluted to your whole body.¡±


    Lucas looked pale and nodded absent mindlessly.


    Linus looked at Ethan and said ¡°looks like, someone is targeting you from a long time. So who is it. Is it the light faction or the dark alliance. Since you are not powerful enough to make consortium move against you.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s face twitched, as he said ¡°It is the royal family of Umbrathal¡ªMalcolm. They are trying to reduce our authority in the alliance. However they didn¡¯t expected, we will last for this long.¡±


    Linus heard Ethan, and fell in thought, according to his previous life¡¯s memory, what Ethan said sounds plausible. Linus stood up and said to Ethan ¡°I will return after some investigation, I will also inform Linus about this meeting.¡±


    [close virtual communication. And sent the MSG, I will come see him tomorrow]


    Lucas¡¯s transparent body disappeared from the room


    Linus turned to take his leave, but suddenly Erick spoke up ¡°may I know if lord Zach want to form an alliance with our Rudolf family.¡±


    Linus looked at Erick who was sweating buckets, ¡°I will think about it, and if you have nothing to do with these matter, than we will consider It, whatever happened but, you are still Linus''s family.¡±


    [Master, who is this Linus person, you seem to really like him,] link giggled, while making fun of Linus.


    Ethan looked at Linus and said ¡°it¡¯s already time for lunch, may we have honor to serve my lord.¡±


    Linus nodded and gestured Ethan to walk forward, showing courtesy after slapping their face.

 Unity Hall Of Luminara

    *****************


    Ethan and Linus were walking side by side, Linus gazing continuously at dark and somber thorny plants adorned on the left wing following behind them Erick, suddenly an influx of maids came from the hallway, Linus chuckled at seeing Ethan''s expression, Ethan must have ordered everyone to evacuate till he leaves, though Linus doesn¡¯t know why he invited him for lunch.


    They entered the dark dining room and sat on the dining table, made of white and red marble, adorned with white and golden cutlery, a maid entered the room with a trolley of food and started to cater the food, while Ethan who sat on the main seat started talking,


    ¡°your relation with Linus, must be quite good.¡±


    ¡°Oh, hardly, but he is a good seedling, to raise as our next president¡±


    ¡°I see, so how is he now, and if I can meet him ?¡±


    ¡°he don¡¯t even want to meet his father, let alone a stranger.¡±


    ¡°May I know more about your organization, mister Zach.¡±


    Erick nodded hearing, Ethan directly jump to the topic.


    Linus said after wiping his mouth ¡°there really isn¡¯t much to know, it was just established yesterday, we have some peak tier 2 deacons, while the junior ranks are not much, just a handful¡± said Linus as he amused himself from seeing their expression.


    Even a kid could understand their expression of disbelief


    ¡°I would also like to know something, if the royal family is trying to suppress your family than why did, the prince came to visit your daughter¡± said Linus as he looked at Erick, who turned his head down.


    Ethan sighed and explained ¡°well, my grand-daughter is very spoiled from birth, and really likes to play with that boy. And to top it all he is a prince, we can¡¯t just tell him to get out and don¡¯t come again¡±


    Linus smiled seeing their helplessness and suggested ¡°well, you had better make her detached with that boy, if Linus''s matter had anything to do with Malcolm family, she will be very sad¡±


    Ethan nodded hearing about Linus''s suggestion. But didn¡¯t take it to heart, as this organization already has 2 major factions as enemy and they will definitely not go after a third one before solving the other two.


    Just as Linus started to savor the food, a surprise came from Luminara, Linus suddenly raised his eyebrow, and smiled, something very interesting is happening in Luminara.


    ¡°The unity hall of Luminara, has been dissolved¡± said Linus while grinning from ear to ear. This news was delivered by Lucas, just as he joined the Aerius family, this situation happened. Lucas really couldn¡¯t catch his breath.


    Ethan and Erick were both astonished, and just as they were about to question Linus their steward abruptly entered the dining room, and delivered the exact same news, Linus had called before. Erick¡¯s expression conveyed his surprise.


    [link why is this happening so fast, it wasn¡¯t until a week, this will happen.] [trying to calculate, but this definitely has something to do with you master. ]


    Steward left once he had delivered the news. As the dining room returned to the somber atmosphere.


    The unity hall of Luminara was part of church¡¯s congregation, there were only three families in the unity hall, fire family, Blazewind and ice family, Frostbane has become subordinate of fire and water church, while the air family, Aerius is cornered by the congregation and left alone, now they can either join a different church or just die, which is same in either case, as there is no church of air god, and they are family of scholars, so had no power, yet they rule over a large territory in Luminara, the capital of light. Now they can either die by diving in a well or in a valley, their death is certain, if no one saves them that is.


    Ethan looked at Linus who was deep in thought, and said ¡°what does mister think about this situation¡±


    ¡°Well, there loss is definitely certain, but it¡¯s yet to see how long they can persevere and live.¡±


    Linus was naturally aware of their situation in past live, they had to flee from Aurelia to Arcanea the country of warlocks and sorcerers who were famous for being, mad about the truth of world, they never served a god, they were the biggest heretics according to every church there is, though sorcerers called themselves scholar, while the warlocks were famous to use essence to absorb the other magical creatures and integrate them.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    While Aerius family was running from Aurelia, almost half of their family died and the quarter of them got kidnapped due to their knowledge being the most comprehensive, while the remaining became subordinate faction of Arcanea.


    Linus started eating his food, and stopped thinking about Aerius family, and seeing Linus start to eat his food, Ethan and Erick also didn¡¯t forced him to talk about this situation.


    ***************************


    Just as they were eating the food awkwardly, a lively girl came inside the room, she wore a completely dark dress with lacy bow on her waist and shoulder, her eyes were beaming with enthusiasm. The steward followed her behind, seemingly trying to stop her. But failing at his task miserably.


    ¡°Nasha what are you doing here, we are ¡ª¡ª¡± Erick just stopped talking, seeing her ignore him and walk past him.


    Nasha came near Ethan and tucked on Ethan¡¯s robes, Ethan sighed visibly and picked her up and placed her on the chair near him.


    She looked curiously at Linus, just like Linus was looking at her curiously. This was the first time he was meeting his aunt, in his previous life she was killed by the time he visited Duskshire. So he could only met this mad men.


    [hey link, prepare a gift for little aunt.] [yes master.]


    ¡°So you are Nasha¡± said Linus while eating his food,


    ¡°Yes I am Nasha, and who are you. Are you that bad person, who make a mess in father¡¯s study¡± Asked Nasha curiously. Hearing her impolite words Erick was on needles, as he still wanted to make an alliance with this organization, and he don¡¯t really understand this man¡¯s character.


    Linus laughed and said ¡±yes I was that bad guy, though It was because of your nephew.¡±


    Hearing about nephew Nasha¡¯s eyes sparkled and she asked hurriedly, ¡°you came with Linus. Where is he, call him out and come and greet me¡±


    Ethan and Erick both shook their head and laughed helplessly.


    Linus chuckled and said ¡°he didn¡¯t come, but sent a gift, here¡±


    Linus handed a shiny looking ball to Erick, as Ethan''s face was frowning when he heard about gift. Linus though understand his worries that¡¯s why he handed it to Erick. Erick used his magic in front of Linus to determine if it is dangerous for his daughter, not caring if his action would offend Linus.


    Linus just laughed and continued his eating, Erick embarrassingly handed the shiny ball to Nasha.


    ¡°Your skin is very thin, for a family head.¡± Linus said as he and Ethan laughed. While Erick''s face became red.


    ¡°Hey, big bro, how do I use this, and what does it do¡± asked Nasha excitedly with her big green eyes sparkling.


    ¡°Just say Nano ¡ª¡ª¡° before Linus could complete his sentence, Nasha had already gone ahead and followed his half listened command ¡°Nano.¡± Nasha shouted. As a translucent holographic screen appeared in the air, she than looked at Linus, for further instruction.


    ¡°¡ª¡ªand order it to list its function.¡± Said Linus as he sighed and looked at Ethan with the same expression as him. Both chuckled, while Erick looked at there increasing friendship.


    Nasha quickly shouted once again. "Nano, list your functions.¡± [Nano887874579, in your service, I can play some movies and music downloaded from before, require registered guardian Linus''s permission to play games for more than a hour. You can ask me for guidance about any topic and I will try my best to fulfill miss¡¯s request. Also you can contact master Linus through this. Or you can create subordinate nano¡¯s and give them to your family, you can then contact them anytime]


    ¡°What is games, and music and movies too, show me quick.¡± Nasha said as nano was opening a chess interface which is the only game link might have installed.


    Nasha was hearing to the rules and became lost in her world, while Ethan and Erick both scrutinize this magic artifact.


    ¡°So what are your opinion, about this situation, and what will the alliance do.¡± Inquired Linus, as he thinks they are much closer now. At least their hostility from before has dissipated.


    ¡°As for alliance¡¯s decision we can¡¯t say before, the meeting takes place, as for my decision I simply don¡¯t care whether they live, die, or become slave.¡±


    ¡°I see, well our organization is going to subdue them.¡±


    ¡°Why do you want to subdue those weak guys, although their knowledge about many subject is very comprehensive, they are still not worth the effort. Also if you don¡¯t mind what is your and your organizations goal.¡± Asked Ethan while stealing glances at the chess board floating in air.


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t think they are worth the effort but, they are good pawns to create some chaos. As for my personal goal, it is to have fun while destroying enemies or the world if need arises, which is also same for organization.¡± Linus replied nonchalantly.


    Ethan stared at Linus, as if determining the truth from his words. And discarded as a child¡¯s ramblings


    Linus stood up and said with a smile ¡°I will take my leave, I had a good time, though I will return after the investigation.¡± Linus bowed


    ¡°It was nice knowing you Mr. Zach, I still hope for a successful cooperation.¡± Erick stood up and talked for second time in a hour.


    ¡°Same here Mr. Zach, hope we would meet again.¡± Ethan stood up and said. As he followed him outside, followed by the stewards. Linus sat in his carriage and left from there. And soon arrived in his inn room he spent the night before.


    Linus beckoned the steward to come inside, and asked him, ¡°So, did you made any discovery or anything noteworthy.¡±


    ¡°This subject is ashamed, my lord I tried to talk to their steward but they were lip-sealed, same for maids however the maids looked quite happy, more like they were in their home. I don¡¯s think I can find anything other than this noteworthy.¡± Said Jude while bowing his head.


    Linus sighed and ordered ¡°Go and buy a mansion in Duskshire under your name, big enough for 500 people and lots of free space, around the house.¡± And dismissed the steward.


    ¡°Link create a complete plant to establish our church, make sure it can¡¯t be out-rooted quickly.¡± Said Linus while having a charming smile, while his plan was anything but ordinary


    **********************************************************

 Aerius

    **********************************************************


    *** 2 hour before, unity hall dissolved, ***


    Lucas was getting ready to go and join the Aerius family, as they were the only faction in church¡¯s congregation who don¡¯t care much about bloodline.


    He exited the room for first time and came to the ground floor, as the innkeeper looked at him strangely. Lucas didn¡¯t care and ordered a sumptuous lunch and sat close to the gate, as he asked a waiter to go and order a carriage. Though he soon remembered his pocket are empty, and soon asked nano if he can borrow it from organization.


    [oh you want money, how much and let me tell you our interest rate are very low. Also we can manage your money for you all you had to do was submit the money to your nano AI and you can withdraw it anytime you want.]


    [oh than borrow a 90 Flamos and 100 spark. I will return it by next week] said Lucas as he affirmed the loan


    [loan processed successfully, you have loaned a amount of 100 Flamos in total, on next week Monday, you have to return 120 Flamos and if unsuccessful in paying, a penalty of 5 Flamos will be applied for each successive day. Enjoy, 95 Flamos have been credited to your account.]


    ¡°Enjoy my ass you call this low interest, I have to pay 20 Flamos for a week, and the penalty and you didn¡¯t even credited the full amount you scammer.¡± Roared Lucas as he, clearly had never fell for a scam before.


    He completed his food which he couldn¡¯t finish as each bite felt like a bitter medicine, while feeling aggrieved as to why this guy was like this, and now he had to pay so much money, if he didn¡¯t receive it from Noel by the next week. He became more sorrowful, then completed his lunch and arrived at the carriage standing outside the inn¡¯s door.


    **********************************************************


    Lucas was sitting in the hall of Aerius family while waiting for Miss Rosalyn to arrive.


    Deacon Rosalyn, herself will process his application, as Peak Tier 1 priest were still rare and a considerable force in any family.


    Lucas waited for half a hour, as Rosalyn arrived.


    ¡°Nice to meet you mister Lucas, I am Rosalyn, and in quite hurry so let¡¯s leave, formalities, I would like to ask why would you like to join our family, as you also know our condition.¡±


    ¡°I have no where to go deacon Rosalyn, I am a scholar, who will accept me, and I don¡¯t want to join those sorcerers as I am weak and don¡¯t have any noble blood in me.¡±


    ¡°I see, I appreciate your honesty, very well, a person will bring to interview you, I hope you pass the test, I apologize but I will have to take my leave. We will talk later¡±


    ¡°Joining Aerius family will be my honor, I understand, as a deacon miss Rosalyn must be very busy, I understand.¡±


    Rosalyn leaved and a person came quickly and handed him a sheet of paper, filled with questions related to some subjects unknown to him. So he quickly dumped this work to nano, and topped the test in that investigator''s words.


    [how easy was that test, they were asking where is the headquarter of water god, obviously in Nereidia, and then to analyze the essence pattern used in air spells of peak tier 1 priest.]


    ¡°Yeah you have already mentioned this, I know nano is the smarte¡ª after creation god, link and his majesty Wyatt, now can you stop.¡±


    [hehe, good you understand, also my name shall be Rex nano. You are not going to ask why I chose this name] said nano smugly


    ¡°No why would I ask¡± said Lucas hurriedly, before he start his mouth again.


    ¡°Start a game of chess. Let¡¯s play but you are not allowed to cheat¡±


    [I never cheat.]


    Lucas was currently waiting for Rosalyn to arrive as he had met some tier 1¡¯s of Aerius family. And gain there approval.


    But a piece of news arrived with Rosalyn, The Unity Hall which was part of congregation, has been dissolved as fire and ice family had join under fire and water church respectively.


    That left Aerius family, now light church can¡¯t let other churches poach from their capital city. So they have sent an ultimatum either join the church or die.


    Rosalyn entered the main hall as she looked at Lucas bitterly, ¡°Looks like you are now stuck with us¡±


    Lucas smiled bitterly while thinking, don¡¯t tell me it is because of me, wherever I go ruins follows.


    However he quickly posted this information to Noel, what can be better than to create a chaotic situation.


    Soon 1 hour passed and they had contacted sorcerers, to which sorcerers had agree, but there conditions they didn¡¯t liked but they were not in any position to negotiate. And about 30 minute before the soldier¡¯s had barricaded the entire territory of Aerius family. This move was made by Alger, his motive must be the territory. The building and the things were still in excellent situation, and so that Aerius family doesn¡¯t destroy anything in desperation that¡¯s why he sent his army.


    However the Aerius family didn¡¯t had any mood and time to destroy anything.


    Soon another 2 hours passed without any decisive decision, it¡¯s not that the family doesn¡¯t trust matriarch Rosalyn, it¡¯s that they trust her too much, so all responsibility fell on her shoulder, she was still only 30 years old, who had spent most of her time increasing her power. Unlike other family member. So the Elders of family were still discussing things.


    in this time period they had almost packed their things to leave any minute


    **********************************************************


    Linus was about to go to meet Aerius family to negotiate. He is currently doing nothing just sitting there, talking to link about some thinks from his hometown. As this was the first time he had taken so much interest and had time in a while.


    ¡°Hey link let''s mark our entry with some swagger¡± said Linus as he entered the inn room he booked in Luminara in which Lucas was staying


    Linus¡¯s face returned to his original appearance, but this time he has charming smile adorning his face, with a formal suit, his hair artificially messy, with the two upper button opened of his shirt, he looked anything but sick even with his slender build. Linus created two organic body and made them similar to the two deacons, Noel and Zach and gave their control to link, while repeatedly saying him to not go overboard.


    Linus went to the ground floor while the innkeeper¡¯s eyes widened upon seeing Noel walking behind Linus. As his poster had been circulated in every corner of Luminara or even whole of continent, as there were not many secret deacons even in congregation or consortium.


    Linus didn¡¯t thought much about his reaction as everyone was reacting the same way


    He chuckled and walked out of inn, and a torrent of metal came from inside his body and formed a carriage, noel and Zach sat inside the carriage moved in the streets of Luminara.


    Soon they reached in front of a mansion but there was a blockade of Aurelian soldiers and some priest from light church.


    A priest came in front of the path of carriage and said arrogantly ¡°return this place is off-bound for indefinite time.¡±


    But seeing the carriage didn¡¯t stop, priest narrowed his eyes and used his spirit power to try to stop the carriage but, abruptly he felt the sensation of death, if he tried anything disrespectful, his end will be horrible. The priest quickly used all his reserve of spirit and essence power to back-off from the carriage¡¯s path. And he hurriedly ordered the soldier¡¯s to give way.


    Seeing the priests exasperate reaction, the soldier¡¯s quickly removed themselves from the carriage¡¯s path. And soon the carriage came in front of the mansion¡¯s gate.


    A familiar man with a scar on his face came in view with two man following behind him exited the carriage, everyone was in shock by seeing the young boy took the lead and him being followed by two peak tier 2 mages.


    The priest, from before quickly contacted the church, as soon as he saw that man.


    ***********************


    Linus entered the main hall, followed by Noel and Zach on both sides. While everyone was having a debate regarding a subject unknown to Linus.


    Everyone looked to the uninvited guest and their gaze fell on the scarred man following the boy.


    That deacon is following a young boy as a servant, and what is with this boy¡¯s contradictory fashion sense,


    Linus walked toward the center where most of the main family member were seated, Linus eyes fell on Lucas seated on the furthest seat from center his eyes wide open and mouth wide he was looking at Linus who discarded him and arrived in the main seat and bowed, while saying, ¡°I am Linus, and am here to talk about an alliance.¡±The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Nice to meet you Mr. Linus, I am the current matriarch of Aerius family, Rosalyn Aerius ¡± Rosalyn Aerius said as she stood up and gestured the three to take a seat.


    Rosalyn was the only peak Tier 2 that is a deacon they had in the family. Everyone else was either low tier 2 bishop or tier 1 priest¡¯s.


    ¡°May I know, what mister means by alliance, with what conditions¡± Rosalyn asked with a faint smile, looking very exhausted.


    ¡°Our organization ¡®Psion¡¯ would like to form an alliance with Aerius family, our conditions are very simple, we will protect you and even help you take revenge, you will have full autonomy but you have to become a subordinate of Psion, however we definitely wouldn¡¯t treat you any bad than sorcerers will¡± said Linus calmly,


    Rosalyn¡¯s eyes narrowed, as to why did he knew about them seeking sorcerers, however she didn¡¯t want to dive deep and offend him, he definitely isn¡¯t simple, how can be someone being followed by  deacon simple.


    ¡°Why would you think we will, join you when your conditions are similar to those of sorcerers.¡±


    ¡°They will definitely not give you autonomy, miss Rosalyn should understand, your situat¡ª¡ª¡± Linus was interrupted by Deacon Samuel, who also entered uninvited just like Linus


    ¡°Miss Rosalyn should know who this boy¡¯s organization has offended, and as for sorcerer, do you really wish to join those heretics. And become the enemy of congregation.¡± Samuel said with threat laced in his words.


    ¡°Samuel dog Blake, your habit of barking still hasn¡¯t gone yet.¡± Rosalyn said as her eyes narrowed, she didn¡¯t liked how everyone was entering her house like this, and that boy was fine as he still appeared polite, but this deacon who was weaker than her is jumping in her house like a fly. If light church and Nereidian duke weren¡¯t behind him, she would definitely have killed him.


    The room laughed as they heard matriarch¡¯s words, they have accepted their situation, and this was the bastard who was constantly tried to threaten them to join their church.


    Hearing their laugh, Samuel just chuckled and sat opposite to Linus.


    ¡°Why are you chuckling Deacon Samuel, don¡¯t tell me you like being abused.¡± Said Linus while making a goldfish like mouth.


    Everyone laughed raucously. While Rosalyn looked at him, this time with admiration.


    ¡°Laugh while you can, soon all of you will die serve under the church, then I will laugh. As for you boy, don¡¯t even think about leaving from here.¡± Said Samuel with a glint flashing through his eyes.


    ¡°Oh why would I escape, I wasn¡¯t the one escaped from the execution with tail tucked between legs.¡±


    ¡°Your mouth is very sharp, you should keep it in control.¡±


    ¡°So as I was saying miss Rosalyn, you can see our sincerity, unlike sorcerers we at least sent a deacon to contact you.¡± Said Linus as he completely ignored Samuel¡¯s old words.


    Rosalyn looked at her people in the room, mostly filled with females, as a scholar family and because of the curse placed by some unknown god, at any given time the Aerius¡¯s will not have more than 300 family members at any given time, and 80% will be females. And just as this curse was weakening for years, and they were rising, this situation happened.


    Rosalyn knew the sorcerers didn¡¯t cared enough about their family, and the only reason they were taking them in was because of her, as a deacon she was the most precious asset their family has. As before this, the most powerful person in their family was a mid tier 2, then she became a peak tier 2 and got the title of Deacon of air, for the first time in ages.


    Although what this boy says sound better than those sorcerers but, can they even save themselves. She doesn¡¯t know, the lives of her entire family lies in her hand, one wrong move and death is a luxury. As slaves were still common, despite bans from the congregation, but world isn¡¯t owned by them.


    Rosalyn looked at her family their eyes same as hers, desperate to live, with little hope to see the sun tomorrow, yet they had enough trust in their leader, enough to place their life¡¯s decision in her hands. Rosalyn looked at the uninvited guests and looked at them and said ¡°I have to talk with my family, before making a decision, I hope mister understands.¡±


    ¡°I hope you make your decision soon, and no I am not trying to threaten you, just a friendly reminder, you should take your decision quickly as even dogs have entered and even blocked your house¡± said Linus as he stood up


    Rosalyn nodded and looked at Samuel with narrowed eyes and said ¡°you can leave now, or do you want to stay forever.¡±


    Samuel chuckled and stood up to go outside. ¡°I hope you¡ª¡±


    ¡°stop barking and leave¡± said Rosalyn clearly pent up with rage, as she swung his sword at Samuel, who hurriedly used his source power to deflect the sword strike but just as he was about to retaliate, he felt a sudden strike from behind, that strike was too sudden and Samuel couldn¡¯t react in time and a huge gash appeared in his back, Rosalyn quickly used this situation to cut a hand of Samuel, though Samuel was not very himself, just as his attack was about to hit Rosalyn, someone appeared and deflect it too. While turning his hand which was cut by Rosalyn into dust


    Samuel hurriedly exited the encircle, and looked at them angrily, this two were sitting behind that bastard, but Samuel didn¡¯t thought both of them will be a deacon and comparable to Rosalyn.


    ¡°Get out or I will definitely kill you if you even made a sound while walking¡± said noel as he smiled at Samuel.


    Samuel just gritted his teeth, and turned around, to left to escape from this humiliating situation


    ¡°I will take my leave miss Rosalyn, however be careful that man is weak but very dangerous.¡± And both of them started walking toward Linus.


    Rosalyn looked at now bloodied room and her family members as she said directly. ¡°My decision, is leaning toward Psion. ¡­¡­¡± she raised her hands to stop uproar and continued ¡°we will discuss it further but listen to me first. My reason for this is because of Noel, do you think everyone can escape from here alive ?.¡±


    Hearing this now everyone understood matriarch¡¯s reason. But they still can¡¯t trust them completely, and can they even keep them safe, they are self conscious as to how weak they truly are. However it wasn¡¯t because of laziness or anything but the curse there bloodline had, at first their family was a mage family and was even very powerful but they became weaker with each generation, so they turned to become a scholar, to


    Break the curse.


    ¡°Also, if we chose sorcerers, we will have to leave from here on our own and I don¡¯t know how many of us will die by the time we arrive in Arcanea. And what about after arriving there, what will there reaction will be. They weren¡¯t the one to contact us first after all, I would much rather have all of us alive then some of us. Now if you have anything to add please stand up¡±


    Everyone thought for a while, and then one person stood up and said, ¡°I will follow matriarch¡¯s orders.¡±


    Rosalyn stood up and said ¡°let¡¯s have vote, everyone who thinks we should follow Psion raise their hand.¡±


    Almost all of them raised their hand, they had no choice but to agree with matriarch¡¯s analysis.


    Rosalyn smiled and called Linus and others inside as she dismissed everyone to pack their things as soon as possible.


    ¡°So what have you decided, miss Rosalyn,¡± said Linus as he sat.


    ¡°Yes, we would like to follow Psion, and serve as a vessel under the organization.¡± said Rosalyn while bowing to Linus


    Hearing Rosalyn¡¯s words Linus was very surprised but not too shocked as he had thought they might do to show their fealty. However this soon wasn¡¯t something Linus had thought.


    ¡°It would be our honor miss Rosalyn, however I had suggest you only bring your family and not those who joined you, or if only those who you can trust.¡± Linus suggested,


    ¡°I understand, mister can rest assured, everyone in the family is trustworthy, except the person who joined us today, though he seemed unreasonably knowledgeable to be a spy.¡±


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry about him he¡¯s my subordinate¡± interjected noel.


    ¡°I see, now may I know more about organization, and where we will be staying what our work will be.¡± Asked Rosalyn, as her face had gotten more solemn. Clearly worry reflecting about the unknown future.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any headquarter yet, so I will take you to Duskshire¡¯s mansion for now. Don¡¯t look at me strangely, your family will be fine don¡¯t worry¡± said Linus, as though consoling Rosalyn.


    [Master even some scammers sound more believable than you] heard link¡¯s voice in a while


    Linus summoned a crystal ball in his hand and handed it to Rosalyn and asked he to bury it somewhere where it will harm the most enemies. Rosalyn just took it and went herself to complete the task.


    ¡°So may I know what was that metallic ball¡± asked Rosalyn after completing the task.


    ¡°That¡¯s a surprise, you will really like it.¡±


    Linus waited for a quarter of hour. And everyone arrived with their luggage in their hands. Noel opened a rift as everyone quickly entered the rift, as Linus has already warned them, that this place is going to become a war zone very soon. However they still looked reluctant to leave from there.


    Just as everyone disappeared, Linus and the others also followed behind and arrived in Duskshire¡¯s mansion. However


    Everyone was standing before a castle surrounded by dark grassy patches and tall trees, though the sky appeared dark, the same color as the castle bricks. They were standing in front of mansion¡¯s gate.


    They entered the gate and arrived in courtyard. As Linus with Rosalyn he created the same translucent screen in sky as noel, while saying, ¡°didn¡¯t you asked what that shiny ball was¡± Rosalyn nodded as she looked at the screen,


    The scene was playing of soldier¡¯s entering like flood in there family estate of Luminara. Then they soon reached mansion and started to search for anything valuable, they didn¡¯t even try to search for people as that noel person can just open a rift then take everyone from there, and he has some unknown method from which he can disturb essence, so that no one can follow him.


    At this time Linus smiled and said ¡°If you don¡¯t like flashes, just shut your eyes.¡±


    Rosalyn nodded while looking at the screen, and just as she was looking at it, a loud noise started coming from the center of the mansion, and suddenly a flash appeared and they had no choice but to squint their eyes. And as they opened their eyes they were astonished to see ¡­ nothing every thing had turned into dust in the diameter of 200 meter, everything from mansion, soldier''s to horses had turned into a crater of 100 meter.


    As a small mushroom cloud appeared. With loud noises coming but were subdued by the person who suddenly appeared in sky, floating in the sky with a white luminosity, his robes fluttering in his hand a staff, almost equal to his height, his aura working on the blast to reduce the effect, he looked at the mess the blast had created. Not finding anything, not even the soldier¡¯s remains. Not any use of spirit and essence power.


    He just looked at it and opened a rift and disappeared.


    ¡°You can close your mouth miss Rosalyn¡± said Linus, as Rosalyn quickly recovered.


    ¡°How did you did it, I examined the ball and it didn¡¯t possessed any type of power.¡± Rosalyn chirped excitedly.


    ¡°You will know it in due time.¡± Said Linus as he chuckled and invited Rosalyn inside and entered the mansion.


    Linus sat on the main seat created in the hall, he called to steward Jude over and ordered him to settle down the guests. While ordering Noel to go and remove the curse for Lucas.


    ¡°Miss Rosalyn should take rest, we will talk later.¡± Linus said as he turned to Zach and said ¡°go and investigate Malcolm¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°May I ask Where you are going,¡± asked Zach, as link was really feeling uncomfortable, this was the first time he had called Linus without adding master. He would be fidgeting if he had a body.


    Linus just smiled and looked at Zach, he knew if he even made slight fun of link now, he will revert to the old self, ¡®heh and he call me thin skinned¡¯  ¡°to visit Nasha. I will have dinner with her.¡± And he disappeared.


    ******************************


    Noel was sitting in front of Lucas who appeared a bit absent minded, even after his curse has been cured


    ¡°I have treated your curse, now spend some time and think about that matter with a calm mind, and don¡¯t think too much¡± said noel while standing up. But he soon heard Lucas say ¡°can I mee--¡± ¡°no, I don¡¯t think its time yet and he¡¯s not here. Also don¡¯t worry, and keep trying, like you did in past¡± said noel as he patted Lucas on his shoulder.


    ******************************

 Nasha.

    ***************************


    Linus was sitting on the throne, thinking about a very serious question,


    what should he gift Nasha, as she might be the only family member he likes as of now. His paternal grandparents and mother is dead while he is trying to calm his impulse of killing his father, as he thought more and more about him, the more his anger subsided, is he having sympathy on him, maybe, as before knowing anything his father¡¯s situation in previous life, he hated him with a fervor that was unknown to him where it came from, somewhere in his soul he had always wanted a family, he became more and more cold in his previous life, he thought with his cold nature, no one will try to reach him and then try to harm him.


    Well where I was, yes what to give to Nasha. She reminds me of me from when I was young, before that bast¡ª¡ª ughh, Linus grunted and took a deep breath to calm himself down.


    Well, what can be a better gift than a dinner with an angel. [what a narcissist master is.] ¡°Yes, yes now, summon an army¡± [why.] asked link as he summoned 200 tier 1 priests. ¡°How will I kidnap her for dinner. Or should I just go and ask them, I am taking your 5-year-old on a dinner. Do you really think there is nothing wrong with that.¡±


    [Huhuh, that indeed smells of a little pedophilia.] link said in a grave tone as Linus¡¯s face turned purple from rage and he screamed ¡°Link you bastard, don¡¯t tell me you are watching those videos of human doing intercourse.¡± [NO, why would I watch those, I don¡¯t even ha¡ª¡ª] ¡°Just shut up, you are making it worse.¡± Said Linus as he calmed down.


    ¡°Okay let¡¯s not kidnap her and just open rift in her house and throw both Erick and Ethan from house and eat then.¡° Asked Linus [hmm yes this sounds better, let¡¯s do it, but instead of throwing them outside why not ask them directly, and why are you so obsessed with kidnapping her¡ª¡ª] ¡°link I swear if you had a physical body, I would have destroyed it¡± Linus said clearly not in mood of pedo¡ª¡ª¡ª ¡°you also shut up.¡±


    ********************


    Linus was currently outside the Rudolf mansion, along with the Zach and noel, he just created and assumed the command himself, or he don¡¯t know what that idiot link will say.


    The gatekeeper recognized Zach and entered the door as he sent report of their arrival.


    Erick was standing in front of the mansion gate, as to welcome Zach but looked too surprised to see his grandson in the flesh, but before he could say anything, Linus walked past him while giving a side eye and Erick heard Zach say ¡°he is here to meet miss Nasha. And have dinner with her.¡±


    Erick heard them and just sighed while following behind his guest in his own house, but he didn¡¯t mind it, as his mind was occupied by, Linus not talking to him and giving a cold shoulder. He felt as if Linus''s cold eyes were prickling his heart, understanding why he don¡¯t want to talk to him.


    However, he soon noticed how Linus was navigating as if he knew where he was going, to which he was surprised as to how he knew the layout.


    Soon a wild Ethan appeared in hallway, astonished at seeing Linus, but Linus walked past him as well, and heard the same word of Zach, he sighed and started following behind Linus.


    ¡°Is this some kind of progression, why are you following us.¡± Asked Noel, commanded by Linus.


    Ethan and Erick were in doubt if this was their house or not but looked at Linus and tacitly stopped. Believing in Linus, as he definitely would not harm her, they didn¡¯t know where this thought come from and why they trusted Linus.


    ***********************************


    Linus walked in a courtyard and entered it, Nasha was currently using nano, and she saw Linus and asked, ¡°who are you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, didn¡¯t you wanted me to greet you¡±


    Nasha thought for a second and her eyes lit up as she said, ¡°you are Linus, come, come sit.¡±, while trying to regain her composure.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Linus took his seat in front of Nasha. ¡°So why did you wanted to see me, Nasha.¡±


    ¡°No reason, I have never met you before, so wanted to meet you.¡± Nasha said calmly, imitating Ethan.


    ¡°Oh, so should I leave now, that you have see¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Nooo, *cough* I mean, what is the hurry you should talk some more, you just arrived.¡±


    ¡°Well, I am here to greet you, little aunt.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, good that¡¯s the right attitude.¡± Nasha said as she nodded in approval.


    ¡°So, you are not going to entertain your guest?¡±


    ¡°Oooh I almost forgot¡± Nasha hurriedly said ¡°Ella, order the food, order my favorite food.¡±


    ¡°No need, I had brought some food, you will like it more.¡± Linus said as he brings out the pizza¡¯s he had prepared before. This were one of his favorite food from Link¡¯s hometown.


    Nasha saw an odd round and whitish thing though its fragrance was very good. Surprised seeing the odd meal, as a noble she had seen almost all delicacy of continent except some from niche communities such as those tribes in Emberlyn.


    Linus gestured her to eat as he picked up a slice. She hurriedly started eating though, very clumsily as she didn¡¯t know how to eat without spoon and forks.


    ¡°You should slow down little aunt. The food is not going to run away.¡±


    ¡°It tastes sho good, you shudd bring it often.¡± Said Nasha without stopping, throwing noble etiquette¡¯s out of the window.


    ¡°Oh, not going to care about appearance.¡± Linus teased her but got ignored. As she rolled her eyes like her mother.


    ********************************


    Linus was currently sitting with Nasha playing Chess, as she absolutely destroyed him, he had no choice but to let her win, as whenever he was about to win, her eyes will get teary.


    ¡°Let¡¯s play a different game¡±


    ¡°But there is only chess in it.¡± Said Nasha as she moved pawn to e8 and converted it into queen.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s because I didn¡¯t install them.¡±


    ¡°You can add more?¡± asked Nasha loudly


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you add them before.¡± Nasha puffed her cheeks as she said ¡°you thought I would play games all day didn¡¯t you¡±


    ¡°Yes, I really thought that¡± Linus just laughed loudly but soon stopped, seeing her welled up eyes


    ¡°Nano unlock, roaddash. And set limit of 30 minute per day.¡±


    ¡°You still want to put limit¡± Nasha truly cried this time, her voice of sobbing prickling Linus''s heart,


    ¡°Hey don¡¯t cry I will remove the limit, now please stop crying¡±


    ¡°Okay¡± said Nasha as she immediately stopped crying, and looked at Linus''s twitching face.


    Who had fallen prey to crocodile¡¯s tear


    After an hour, Linus stood up, and showed a smile as he ruffled Nasha''s hair, ¡°I will visit you some other time, it is getting late now. Bye¡± ¡°can¡¯t you stay for just one more round¡± ¡°no that is what you are saying from past half hour. You can contact me with nano anytime.¡± ¡°Okay, come visit soon.¡± Said Nasha a little downcast.


    ******************


    Linus walked out from the courtyard, both Noel and Zach were still guarding the door, they followed behind Linus while he saw Ethan and Erick as they entered the main hall,


    Though Linus just ignored them and went ahead, toward exit, while followed by them, he looked like a gang lead¡ª [wrong genre, narrator]


    ¡°I will come again when I have time, bye, also don¡¯t play too much games.¡± Said Linus as he sat in the carriage, while taking a glance at Ethan and Erick, who looked hesitant about something.


    ¡°Okay, I will call you, if you don¡¯t come soon, bye¡± Nasha waved her hand.


    Linus¡¯s carriage started moving as he projected his voice in Ethan''s mind, ¡°best of luck.¡±


    Ethan was confused, he will consult with his son, later.


    *******************************


    Linus arrived in his mansion, as Zach parked the carriage, he could have arrived quickly from a rift, but the dark night looked really beautiful, he had developed a habit of seeing the stars, he always liked being in the dark, embraced by the darkness, not because he was afraid of anything, just because he finds solace in the dark, just him and this quietness, and some occasional cello instrumental music.


    ¡°Link, start the limit, and reduce it to 20 minute a day. Hehe¡±


    [Master, why are you being petty to a child.]


    ¡°Humph, I am not being petty.¡±


    *******************************


    ***The next day in Rudolf mansion***


    Nasha was playing chess and just as she was about to move her queen for checkmate, a notification appeared and closed the game, ¡°daily limit reached.¡±


    Nasha stared at the notification absent mindlessly, then angrily said ¡°contact Linus¡± [unable to contact master.]


    Nasha rapidly went out from the door with a shiny ball in her hands as she ran in the hallway amidst maids who bowed as they saw her, she pushed the door and shouted ¡°grandpa, did you know what linus did.¡± Nasha said with tears in her eyes,


    Ethan hurriedly carried her in his embrace and asked while wiping her tears, ¡°what did he do, I would punish him personally, if he did anything to upset my princess.¡±    ¡°H-h-he set a limit on my game¡±


    Ethan asked confusedly ¡°what is a game? You mean that chess thing.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± Nasha said as she snugged in Ethan''s arms.


    ¡°So, what do you want me to do.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, what do you mean by that.¡±


    ¡°I mean what can I do for my princess.¡±


    ¡°Ask Linus to remove the limit on games, and as an apology add some more games.¡±


    Ethan now understood why Linus called good luck before leaving.


    Ethan looked at her and an idea hit him ¡°why don¡¯t I make you a physical copy of chess¡±


    Nasha¡¯s eyes lit up hearing this. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do it. but you still have to ask Linus to add more games.¡±


    *******************************************

 Wilhelm

    ************************************** A priest was kneeling in front of golden statue of Aurelius, although his faith has wavered, he still came to pray everyday as he still had to destroy the church.  Sard stood up and entered his study, today a deacon will arrive to investigate the Linus¡¯s missing case. He should have arrived yesterday but something big happened in capital, so it got delayed as it was said that boy was seen in Aerius mansion. And even the deacon got beaten up, to which sard was very grateful to Linus.  Even though it proved the Nereidian dukes, as innocent and even if they did it, there was no way anyone can punish them as they come under water church, however it has worsen the diplomatic relations of light church with Nereidia and water church. In turn put Samuel in tough spot Now however sard became the problem, he had sweared by faith about Nereidian dukes'' involvement, but they are denying, and the evidence are supporting them. However, what sard said was also true or otherwise he might have already died or become a cripple,  The main worry of the church''s is they still don¡¯t know about, the organization which has repeatedly targeted both light and water church, and from when this was established, and they have shown power of Tier 2 deacons, and a top deacon Rosalyn has also joined them. Even the old king¡¯s right hand man has joined them, they still don¡¯t know if the old king was with them, if he was then the influence, they must have built over time would definitely not low. They also had to worry about the deacons of Psion, as even in entire congregation they don¡¯t have more than 100 deacons, on the surface. Although only 40 are officials in church¡¯s congregation, the others are just peak tier 2 without any official position in congregation.  Sard was the head of this branch along with Alan, they both belonged to Deacon Samuel''s faction, however sard was a peak tier 2 deacon unlike Alan who just became a mid-tier 2 bishop. With Sard¡¯s contribution he should have long become a official deacon, but the pope was afraid of his potential. Though sard didn¡¯t care about it before.  ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Sard was sitting in the meeting room, in front of him Deacon Silas, the famous subordinate of  although he wasn¡¯t very strong, he had a sharp brain, that¡¯s the reason pope value him so much.  Silas could be said as pope¡¯s left-hand man. ¡°Sard, you have really caused a huge headache to church¡± ¡°I only speak truth, my lord.¡± ¡°Tch, still playing with words. Everyone knows how dangerous you are, yet that idiot Samuel had to offend you¡± ¡°As I said before, I am not targeting anyone, nor I care about your meaningless struggles for influence and power.¡± ¡°So, what did that boy said, and why did you visit him¡± ¡°As I have said before, he just said Nereidian dukes wanted something only his father can provide, as to why I visited him, that¡¯s because his father killed my disciple.¡± Sard flashed blood lust as he mentioned his disciple¡¯s death.  ¡°I see, then how do you prove your words?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t, you can either believe me or don¡¯t, I don¡¯t care.¡± Sard¡¯s eyes had long turned into snake slit from repeated questioning, however good his will power was, but he really wanted to kill this deacon ¡°I will take my leave now, Deacon Silas, you have nothing to do, but I have some work, and will be busy for some time, so if it is not something urgent, don¡¯t disturb me¡± said sard as he stood up and went out without looking back, only sard can do this because of his prestige in church,  Sard entered the hallway after humiliating Silas, completely calm unlike, he can consider being an actor in play, sard chuckled at himself Sard however did not lied he was really busy as he had to go and meet duke Renault Wilhelm, as today was birthday of his daughter, Aisha she will turn 18 today,  Sard entered the carriage as he contacted Linus, ¡°should I divulge the information about Psion, to Duke Renault?¡± ¡°you can, if you think you can pull it of, do it, you can ask noel if you need more manpower. Though that will require merit points. Just mention commerce of Emberlyn, he is a secret shareholder, and he is very ambitious, will help in your negotiation¡± Sard sighed as he heard Renault¡¯s secret and looked at his current merits [100]. He couldn¡¯t even get a junior rank to help him.  Sard looked outside as he saw a vast mansion appear in his view, made completely of red bricks, the road leading to mansion was narrowed from the traffic of people moving into the mansion gate,  Sard entered form main gate, while the weaker noble families entered from side gate, deacon were still the strongest forces, just topped by pope of various churches or some hidden Tier 3, which the world hasn¡¯t welcomed in some decades, to breakthrough to tier 3 pope as it requires faith power, which is getting harder from the appearance of churches, though not everyone knows where they come from, not even sard even after he became bishop. This might be the biggest secret of churches.  ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Sard entered the hall as he entered the room, almost filled with cigar smoke, the three men were smoking while playing cards,  This guys really like to smoke, I can¡¯t even breathe, do they want to die from suffocating thought sard as he used [wind spell] and swept all the smoke from room, and throwed it outside the window in sky. ¡°Why do you have to do this sard.¡± Said Renault as he sighed. ¡°Well, I like to breathe that¡¯s why. And you should stop too, it¡¯s not long before you die of old age.¡± ¡°I will live more than your old bones¡ª¡ª¡± ¡°Sure, sure, come sit sard let¡¯s have a game.¡± Said marquis Edel Manley.  ¡°Only four came?¡± said sard as he took the cards. ¡°Well that¡¯s what happens when you are socially paralyzed¡± said Count Decker as he glanced at Renault Renault snorted but didn¡¯t denied, and said ¡°call¡± ¡°bet¡± ¡°fold¡± ¡°fold¡± ¡°call¡± ¡°Stop bluffing sard.¡± Said Renault  ¡°Well, let¡¯s see.¡± Sard showed straight flush, as Renault sighed and throw four of a kind. ¡ª¡ª¡ª ** study room of Wilhelm ** ¡°So what do you want to talk about sard, you don¡¯t look well today. You never drink so much, is it due to church¡¯s matter¡± Renault asked with concern as he served a drink for himself. Now that they were alone. ¡°Well, I just discovered about my disciple¡¯s death,¡± ¡°What happened, tell me in detail. And is the source trustworthy.¡± Said as his eyes narrowed.  ¡°I was born with a strange sense of intuition, it was to the point whatever my gut feeling is telling me became the truth, this was why I could navigate in these deep waters of church, and that¡¯s why I joined Psion.¡± Said sard while looking down.    ¡°You what ??¡± said Renault exaggerating,  ¡°Yes, I joined Psion, and they have an angel in their faction. So I hope you can also join me, this was the reason I came to meet you. As for what happened. I was betrayed by my sworn brother valentine, most likely for , and he contacted Samuel to kill Wade (disciple, name), and I am the last survivor of calamity in Hinasila County, which I think Samuel knows and most probably has something to do with pope¡¯s faction. Or congre¡ª¡ª¡± ¡°Stop, stop. Sard, are you going mad, what in the hell are you saying you are defiling your fait¡ª¡ª¡± roared Renault as he suddenly stood up and stared at now going crazy sard. ¡°It is already broken, my source power now come directly from an angel from that faction, I will soon be tier 3.¡± Said sard with a huge grin. ¡°Then I will destroy the light church and any accomplice related to wade¡¯s death.¡± Renault took a deep breath to calm himself as he asked, ¡°how did you know it was valentine and how can you be so sure.¡±  ¡°I just told you about my intuition. What that person said was correct. Or what you think an angel faction targeted me for some reason, well I have nothing to lose either way,¡± ¡°Sard you, ugh¡± Renault just sat there his hand clenched as he continued to drink alcohol.  ¡°Are you sure there is an angel, and how much do you trust them?¡± ¡°Yes, there is an angel, I saw it with my own eyes, as for trust, well I just joined them 3 days before, but they seem more trustworthy than church or any organization for now.¡± chuckled sard at the absurdity with which he want to pull Renault in his faction.  ¡°So why are you telling me all this, you have always been distrustful toward almost anyone, then why the sudden trust¡± asked Renault with raised eyebrow ¡°Well, it¡¯s because there are not left many I can trust. And now I am powerful enough to survive. And a little selfishness. Although I only wish best for you, but I want you to help me. I want to destroy people¡¯s faith in Aurelius and pope. For that I have to do some propaganda. And who will be better than you. A member of Commerce of Emberlyn. The biggest information group in the continent.¡± ¡°Well. Why do you think I will help you, or you want to threaten me with my information.¡± ¡°Stop playing Renault, you never belonged to any church, you don¡¯t like pope. So why not work together to bring him down, and your faith in Aurelius is superficial like most nobles. So, what do you have to say, and don¡¯t play with words, you know you will definitely lose.¡± ¡°Hahaha, sard you really know me brother, however what you are saying is still a gamble. But since you have placed bet, I shall too. But not because of your persuasions though. I have some contact with Commerce of Emberlyn, they posted a mission recently, to gather information about Psion. And a organization with 3- no 4 deacon is definitely not normal, and an angel if you are telling the truth.¡± "Well, you will know it in due time, but let me tell you we want you to represent us in commerce, so we can¡¯t have you unmonitored, you understand right?¡±  ¡°Yes, that¡¯s why I was hesitating, but since I want to rise, I will have to take the chance, either I will rise or die with the tide.¡± ¡°Here just place it on your hand, you can explore its function later yourself, and don¡¯t worry it is not some poison, just a mean of communication, I had it oto, you can contact anyone who has this, you can create 10 yourself, and give them to others.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Said Renault as he followed sard¡¯s instruction without any hesitation ¡°I hope for a wonderful partnership.¡± Said sard as he clinked the wine cup with Renault¡¯s ¡°Haha, for a happy cooperation¡± Renault grinned widely as he raised the glass ***********Did you know this story is from Royal Road? 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