《The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening》


 The Beginning

    In the beginning, there was a book¡ªits pages blank, untouched, waiting. Then a hand, steady and purposeful, gripped a pen. With each stroke, the hand brought something into being. From the emptiness of the void emerged a universe, its wonders born of boundless imagination.


    The hand paused, sensing the vastness of its creation. Within this unfolding cosmos, it longed for the story to play out, for the written word to take life.


    The book, once empty, now brimmed with tales of endless cosmology. Worlds upon worlds unfurled, layered across timelines, realms, dimensions, and even multiverses. From there, they cascaded further into hyperverses and other unimaginable systems of order and chaos. Life teemed across these creations, each form unique, shaped by the hand that authored them.


    One such world, Planet Eqirene, flourished with elves¡ªbeings of profound wisdom and unfathomable knowledge. Their serene realms echoed with the whispers of ancient lore.


    Another, Planet Van Helsing, was shrouded in mystery, home to the cunning and enigmatic vampires, whose allure masked their predatory nature.


    Dragonite, a land of fury and fire, housed the ferocious dragons. These mighty creatures stood as forces of sheer destruction, a testament to the chaos within creation.


    And then there was Earth, the cradle of humanity. Its inhabitants were fragile yet remarkable, their ingenuity rivaling even the greatest of myths.


    Across these worlds, rare individuals were born wielding powers that defied mortal comprehension. These chosen few, called the ¡°Gifted,¡± became living legends, venerated by those without such abilities. Their feats inspired awe, envy, and reverence alike.


    But where power thrived, so too did hubris. Over time, the Gifted grew arrogant, drunk on their superiority. Their gifts, meant to elevate, became symbols of pride and division. And with that pride came the seeds of conflict¡ªa shadow creeping across the beauty of creation.


    The arrival of the Varmints marked an age of despair. These incarnations of destruction sought nothing less than the annihilation of all creation. Yet, even in the face of such darkness, a glimmer of hope remained¡ªindividuals known as the Gifted, blessed with extraordinary abilities.


    While some Gifted rose to defend their world, others succumbed to pride and evil, using their powers for selfish gain. The Varmints thrived in this division, wreaking havoc as the races of the world, consumed by mutual animosity, refused to unite. Wars raged between nations, each vying for supremacy, even as destruction loomed.


    Amidst the chaos, humanity turned its gaze inward, seeking to wield the Gifted as weapons of control and dominance. Governments, blinded by ambition, orchestrated a secret initiative: Project Superior.


    The program was as horrifying as it was ambitious. Infants were abducted from their parents and subjected to a volatile serum known as Superium. The serum promised to unlock unparalleled power¡ªbut at a terrible cost. For years, the project was marred by failure as child after child perished, their small bodies unable to withstand the serum''s deadly effects.


    Out of hundreds, fewer than eight survived. Among them was a boy named Xavier Laurent, taken from his family on a cold December night in Annecy, France, 1800.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The screams of a distraught mother echoed in the snow-laden streets as armed soldiers tore her newborn from her arms.


    "Xavier! Xavier! Give me back my son, you cowards!" she cried, her voice raw with anguish.


    Her husband fought desperately to reach their child, but the soldiers held him back. When her pleas fell on deaf ears, one of the soldiers raised his gun, aiming to silence her. The father lunged, shielding his wife with his body as the shot rang out.


    Blood stained the snow as both parents fell. The mother, clutching her husband''s lifeless body, whispered her final words through trembling lips: "Xavier, my son... I love you..."


    The baby¡¯s cries were drowned out as he was carried away into the night.


    Xavier Laurent¡¯s fate was sealed the moment he was taken to a secret facility¡ªa labyrinth of cold steel and shadowed hallways. Here, scientists pursued the grim task of testing the volatile Superium serum on infants. Few survived, and none were expected to.


    When Xavier arrived, his cries echoed in the sterile halls. Yet, amidst the routine of experiments, one startling revelation changed everything: Xavier was a Gifted child. His unique abilities were a rarity¡ªa one-in-a-billion discovery.


    The scientists were ecstatic, their cold calculations giving way to twisted triumph. They wasted no time injecting Xavier with the Superium serum. The odds were stacked against him, yet the boy survived, his small body enduring what had killed so many others.


    Among the researchers was Rebecca, a scientist whose conscience had long been buried beneath duty¡ªuntil now. Watching Xavier endure the experiments and learning of the brutal murder of his parents stirred something within her. She could no longer abide by the cruelty that surrounded her.


    Rebecca hatched a daring plan to save Xavier, a plan to free him from the clutches of arrogant, corrupt politicians¡ªand from him.


    She worked quickly, crafting a small, ventilated enclosure to keep the baby safe. That night, as crates of supplies were prepared for shipment, Rebecca waited for the right moment.


    Under the guise of routine work, she placed Xavier in a sturdy basket within a shipping crate bound for the Kingdom of America. The facility¡¯s guards and her fellow scientists remained unaware of her actions¡ªat first.


    With the ship set to sail, Rebecca whispered her parting words to the infant. Her hand lingered gently on his face as she murmured, ¡°Be safe, Xavier. I wish for you a life filled with love and joy.¡±


    As the vessel disappeared over the horizon, Rebecca¡¯s actions were discovered. Soldiers surrounded her, their weapons raised, and one of her colleagues stepped forward, seething with rage.


    ¡°Where is the child, Rebecca?¡± the scientist demanded.


    Rebecca¡¯s lips curved into a defiant smile. ¡°He¡¯s beyond your reach now.¡±


    Furious, the scientist grabbed a soldier¡¯s flintlock and fired. The shot hit Rebecca square in the chest, and she collapsed to the ground, blood staining her lab coat.


    As life ebbed away, Rebecca smiled faintly through the searing pain, her vision blurring as darkness crept in. Her thoughts clung to the tiny life she had fought to set free. It¡¯s worth it, she thought, her heart steady even as her body faltered. He¡¯ll have a chance¡­ a chance to live a wonderful life.


    With that final hope etched in her mind, Rebecca¡¯s eyes fluttered closed, her smile lingering¡ªa quiet triumph amidst the tragedy.


    The ship arrived in America a week later, its cargo unloaded at a bustling dock. Among the crates, the faint cries of an infant went unnoticed¡ªuntil they reached the ears of Violet Ashford, a bright-eyed three-year-old with silver hair.


    "Papa," she tugged at her father¡¯s sleeve, "I hear a baby crying."


    Her father, Jonathan Ashford¡ªa tall, broad-shouldered man with semi-long blond hair and crimson eyes¡ªpaused, confused. ¡°A baby? Here?¡±


    Beside them, his eldest son, Aleksander, nodded. At ten years old, Aleksander¡¯s sharp features and piercing wine-red eyes gave him a maturity beyond his years. ¡°She¡¯s right, Father. I can see him,¡± he said, pointing to a crate being unloaded from the ship.


    Jonathan trusted his children¡¯s instincts. They were Gifted, after all, and their abilities rarely failed them. Jonathan approached the crate and pried it open. Inside, he found a baby boy with soft brown-black hair and olive skin, his tiny face streaked with tears.


    Inside, nestled in a small basket, was a baby with soft brown-black hair and a warm olive complexion. His tear-streaked face trembled with hunger and fear.


    Jonathan gently lifted the infant into his arms, his heart aching for the child¡¯s plight. ¡°Aleksander,¡± he said, his voice steady, ¡°find the nearest phone booth. Call for help.¡±


    As Aleksander sprinted away, Jonathan cradled the baby close. ¡°You¡¯re safe now,¡± he whispered, his voice filled with quiet resolve.


    Unbeknownst to Jonathan, the baby in his arms was destined to change the fate of the world.

 The Adoption

    An ambulance arrived, and Mr. Jonathan Ashford and his two children followed in the vehicle as they hurried Xavier to the hospital.


    The medical staff at the hospital examined Xavier to determine whether he had sustained any internal or exterior injuries while traveling to America. And whether Xavier was suffering from any infections.


    To their astonishment, however, Xavier was discovered to be in perfect health and unharmed. But he was merely hungry after being on the cruise for a day.


    When the physicians questioned Jonathan about whether he was the child''s father, Jonathan said that he wasn''t.


    Jonathan continued by telling the physicians that he had discovered Xavier in one of the crates carried out by a ship that had recently arrived in the USA.


    The hospital Xavier was staying at called the authorities to report their findings after ensuring he was okay and feeding him.


    After Jonathan told the police how he had located Xavier, they informed him that Xavier would now be under the jurisdiction of the state''s Department of Family and Child Services.


    Then, they will offer up Xavier for adoption if they are unable to locate any of his relatives in the United States.


    "If you are interested in the infant, sir, we could inform you when he''s up for adoption," the cop replied.


    Jonathan smiled hesitantly and said, "Yeah, I don''t mind."


    The following day, Jonathan got a call from the state''s Department of Family and Child Services, informing him that they were unable to locate any of Xavier''s family. And we were planning to put him up for adoption.


    "We heard from one of the police officers that were at the hospital where the baby was that you were interested in adopting the child if his relatives weren''t found," stated the worker.


    After giving it some thought, Jonathan realized the empathy he felt for the child. He inhaled deeply before responding, "Yes, if it''s possible, I would like to adopt the child."


    Happy to hear that, the staff member said, "You can come by our department to fill out the adoption papers."If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Of course, I''ll be there before three o''clock," Jonathan replied.


    "That''s great to hear, sir. See you later," the staff member said.


    Jonathan then proceeded to sign Xavier''s adoption paperwork at the state''s Department of Family and Child Services. And he was now Xavier''s guardian and legal parent.


    Jonathan drove back to his house, Xavier sleeping in the back, and parked in his garage. Upon entering his home, he was greeted with excitement by his two children, Violet and Aleksander.


    "Wait, Father, isn''t that the child from before?" Aleksander asked curiously as he saw his father holding an unfamiliar baby in his arms.


    "He is," Jonathan answered.


    Jonathan went on, "I adopted him, so he''s now your little brother and Violet''s."


    Violet shouted, "I have a little brother." with delight at learning that she had a younger brother.


    Jonathan smiled and answered, "Yes, Violet, you do. He is now your younger brother."


    Violet was so excited that she kept jumping and running around the house while shouting, "I have a little brother. I have a little brother."


    "Surprisingly, I have a brother now," Aleksander stated in a composed voice.


    Jonathan laughed and replied, "Well, I haven''t given him a name yet," to Violet and Aleksander. "I will need to return to the Department of Family and Child Services of the state and provide them with the name I gave him." Jonathan continued.


    Violet said, "Let''s give him a name then!" with excitement.


    Jonathan smiled and replied, "That''s a great idea, my sweetheart.".


    While Aleksander was eating in the living room, Jonathan and Violet thought for a few minutes about what they would name Xavier.


    Violet said, "How about Levi?"


    Jonathan said, "Well, I''m not sure about that name."


    As he strolled up to them, munching an apple, Aleksander suggested giving him a name that would have significant meaning, like Alfred, for example.


    Jonathan paused for a moment, considering Aleksander''s suggestion.


    While doing so, he repeatedly heard the word "Xavier" spoken in one of his ears in a quiet and enigmatic manner.


    "I will name him Xavier," Jonathan murmured as he held Xavier in his arms.


    "That''s a beautiful name, Papa," commented Violet, who was taken aback by the name.


    Jonathan turned back to Xavier after thanking Violet for her kind words, his attention drawn to the baby cradled in his arms. As if sensing the moment, Xavier¡¯s eyes fluttered open, revealing an astonishing sight.


    His gaze held the universe itself¡ªmagnificent, star-filled eyes that shimmered with celestial beauty, as if the heavens had been painted within them.


    Jonathan, Violet, and Aleksander were transfixed, their breaths catching as they stared in awe. The baby, unfazed by their astonishment, looked back at them with innocent curiosity, his tiny face lighting up with a radiant smile.


    Then came a burst of giggles, bright and pure, echoing in the quiet of the dock. The sound melted their hearts, filling the air with warmth.


    Jonathan¡¯s lips curved into a soft smile as he gently rested his hand on Xavier¡¯s cheek. ¡°Welcome to your new family, Xavier Ashford,¡± he said, his voice steady with both tenderness and resolve.


    In that moment, the Ashfords knew that their lives had changed forever.

 The Outside World

    Jonathan woke up early, following his usual morning routine¡ªshowering, brushing his teeth, and heading downstairs to prepare breakfast. While busying himself in the kitchen, he called out to his children. "Violet! Aleksander! Brush your teeth and come down for breakfast!"


    Hearing their father¡¯s call, Violet dashed to the bathroom, with Aleksander trailing behind, toothbrush already in his mouth.


    As they got ready, Jonathan decided to check on Xavier. Entering the room, he stopped abruptly, eyes wide in shock. Everything in Xavier¡¯s room¡ªfurniture, toys, even the curtains¡ªwas floating, suspended in midair.


    ¡°What in the world is going on here?¡± Jonathan muttered in disbelief.


    Violet bolted down the stairs, curiosity leading her to Xavier¡¯s room, with Aleksander following, still brushing his teeth. They joined their father, observing the scene with fascination.


    Jonathan tried to make sense of the chaos. "Xavier, what are you doing?" he asked, his tone a mix of confusion and concern.


    Xavier looked at his father, his face lighting up with an innocent smile, followed by joyful giggles.


    Aleksander sighed, stepping forward. "Let me handle this." He snapped his fingers, and the strange antigravity effect ceased immediately. The room¡¯s contents floated back into their proper places with precision.


    Jonathan stared in astonishment. "He''s... gifted."


    "Of course, Father," Aleksander replied nonchalantly, toothbrush still in hand. "I thought you already knew."


    Jonathan blinked. "I didn¡¯t. Did you know he was gifted?"


    Aleksander nodded. "Violet and I are gifted too. Gifted people can sense it in others. There¡¯s something distinct about their soul and presence¡ªit¡¯s unmistakable."


    Jonathan, still processing this revelation, motioned for Violet to head to the dining table. "Go have your breakfast, Violet." Turning to Aleksander, he added, "And you, finish brushing your teeth."You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "Got it, Father," Aleksander mumbled as he shuffled away.


    With the room back in order, Jonathan approached Xavier. The baby greeted him with a bright, toothless smile. Jonathan scooped him up, cradling him in his arms.


    Once in the kitchen, Jonathan placed Xavier in his highchair and returned to finish breakfast preparations.


    After cleaning up, Aleksander joined them, taking his seat at the table. The family enjoyed their meal, with Jonathan cleaning the dishes afterward while Aleksander and Violet entertained Xavier.


    ¡°Check this out, little bro,¡± Aleksander said with a smirk, holding out a glowing orb of light. The construct shimmered, a swirling sphere of infinite colors and patterns that hinted at unfathomable dimensions.


    ¡°This,¡± Aleksander explained, handing it to Xavier, ¡°is physical demonstration of a limitless outer space¡ªbeyond physics, concepts, or even imagination itself.¡±


    "Though, it may be a fake", he continued, "It''s still a sight to see". Aleksander said, handing the glowing orb to Xavier, who grasped it with awe.


    ¡°Why do you talk to him like he understands that?¡± Violet asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Aleksander grinned. ¡°Because he does. He¡¯s a genius, Violet. He might not be able to talk yet, but trust me, he¡¯s processing everything we say.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s tiny hands clutched the glowing orb, his eyes wide with wonder. Violet laughed softly, her little brother¡¯s reaction too adorable to resist.


    Not satisfied with just one trick, Aleksander conjured multiple glowing spheres, juggling them in the air with ease. Xavier squealed in delight, clapping his hands.


    Jonathan, wiping his hands on a towel after cleaning up, walked over. ¡°Don¡¯t you two have school today?¡±


    ¡°Nope, it¡¯s Saturday,¡± Aleksander replied, grinning.


    Jonathan blinked. ¡°It is? Huh, time really flies.¡± After a brief pause, he added, ¡°Why don¡¯t you take Xavier outside? Show him around the farm a little.¡±


    Aleksander nodded, leading Violet and Xavier to the front door.


    ¡°Cover his eyes, Violet,¡± Aleksander instructed with a smirk.


    As they stepped outside onto the sprawling farm, Violet removed her hands from Xavier¡¯s eyes.


    Xavier gasped, his celestial eyes reflecting the beauty around him. Above, the sky was painted with stars, and the distant glow of New York City glittered on the horizon.


    ¡°Look up there, Xavier,¡± Aleksander said, pointing to a massive ring encircling the planet, clearly visible against the heavens. ¡°That¡¯s the Celestial Ring. It¡¯s been there since 1362, when a meteorite passed too close to Earth. The planet¡¯s gravity tore it apart, and now it orbits us forever.¡±


    Xavier reached out, his tiny hands grasping for the infinite sky. Aleksander chuckled, patting his brother¡¯s head. ¡°You really are something special, little guy.¡±


    Violet smiled, watching as Xavier marveled at the beauty of the world around him. It was a day none of them would ever forget¡ªa day filled with love, wonder, and the promise of extraordinary things to come.

 Childhood

    January 1st, 1804


    Several years had passed since Xavier joined the family. Though he wasn¡¯t connected by blood, Violet and Aleksander had embraced him as if he were their own sibling, showering him with love and care.


    Jonathan, their father, was a man of routine. Sundays were reserved for church, a tradition he held dear, followed by hours spent tending the fields of their farm. Occasionally, his children would join him, helping out with chores or simply enjoying time together in the open countryside.


    At three years old, Xavier was proving to be exceptional¡ªquick-witted, curious, and brimming with energy. Yet, despite his eagerness to follow Aleksander and Violet¡¯s footsteps, Jonathan hadn¡¯t yet enrolled him in school. It was a fact that didn¡¯t sit well with Aleksander, who decided one day to bring it up while helping his father check on the sheep.


    ¡°Father, can I ask you something?¡± Aleksander began, his tone measured but curious.


    Jonathan glanced over at his son, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, Alek?¡±


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you enrolled Xavier in school yet?¡± Aleksander asked bluntly. ¡°He¡¯s ready. More than ready. He¡¯s a genius, like me and Violet.¡±


    Jonathan sighed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of the question. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple, son.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Aleksander pressed.


    Jonathan set free the sheep he was tending to, turning to face his eldest son. ¡°Because I¡¯m worried about him, Alek. About how the world will treat him.¡±


    Aleksander furrowed his brow. ¡°What do you mean? He¡¯s just like us.¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Jonathan shook his head. ¡°You are right, Alek. But those celestial eyes of his¡ªthey¡¯re unlike anything people have seen. And with him being gifted... well, it¡¯s a lot for others to accept.¡±


    Jonathan¡¯s voice softened as he continued, ¡°I¡¯m scared the world will judge him, Alek. That they¡¯ll see his differences and not his brilliance. I don¡¯t want him to lose the joy he has now. I don¡¯t want him to feel the sting of hatred.¡±


    Aleksander¡¯s expression grew thoughtful. After a moment, he spoke, his voice steady and determined. ¡°Then let him come to the Pennsylvania Royal Academy. It¡¯s the best place for him, Father.¡±


    Jonathan frowned. ¡°That¡¯s a school for nobles, Alek. And sending you and Violet there already strained our finances.¡±


    ¡°I know, but it¡¯s also one of the first academies to accept gifted students and help them hone their abilities,¡± Aleksander countered. ¡°They reduced tuition for me and Violet because we¡¯re gifted. They¡¯ll do the same for Xavier.¡±


    Jonathan folded his arms. ¡°Even so, it¡¯s still expensive. And the world outside that academy isn¡¯t kind, even to gifted individuals.¡±


    Aleksander stepped closer, his voice tinged with both earnestness and confidence. ¡°If Xavier¡¯s at the same school as me, I¡¯ll protect him. You won¡¯t have to worry about his safety.¡±


    Jonathan studied his son, pride mingling with apprehension. ¡°You make a strong case, Alek, but it¡¯s not just about the money or the safety¡ªit¡¯s about what¡¯s best for Xavier.¡±


    ¡°Then think about this,¡± Aleksander said, leaning forward. ¡°If you don¡¯t send him, he¡¯ll miss out on the chance to learn, to grow, and to become who he¡¯s meant to be. Isn¡¯t that worth the risk?¡±


    Jonathan sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    Aleksander¡¯s face lit up with hope. ¡°Thank you, Father.¡±


    But before Aleksander could say more, Jonathan held up a hand. ¡°And don¡¯t even think about offering to help with the money. You¡¯re only thirteen, Alek. Your job is to focus on your studies and your future. Leave the rest to me.¡±


    Aleksander hesitated but nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. ¡°All right, Father.¡±


    Jonathan ruffled his son¡¯s hair affectionately before placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. ¡°Now, go on. Get back to your books. Let me worry about the rest.¡±


    As Aleksander walked back to the house, Jonathan turned his gaze toward the horizon, a mix of hope and worry swirling in his heart. The thought of Xavier stepping into the world both excited and terrified him, but deep down, he knew Aleksander was right. The time to let Xavier grow was drawing near.

 Long Time No See

    A few days later, many black luxury cars arrived at Jonathan''s residence, leaving Xavier in wonder at how cool the vehicles were.


    The main luxury vehicle''s door opened, revealing a tall, muscular man with dark green hair and eyes wearing an expensive black suit. Furthermore, the man''s stunning wife, who had gorgeous beige hair, appeared, wearing an exquisite long dress.


    The two spouses also had a kid, who had his mother''s hair and his father''s eyes and was the same age as Xavier.


    The wealthy man said with a broad smile, "Long time, no see, Jonathan!"


    Jonathan, who was waiting for them, grinned and enthusiastically asked, "How have you been, Thomas?"


    After a lengthy period of not seeing one another, Thomas and Jonathan gave each other a passionate, joyful hug.


    "We haven''t seen each other in three years," Thomas told Jonathan as they hugged each other.


    "It''s crazy to think that it''s been that long," Jonathan shot back with a smile.


    With a laugh, Thomas remarked, "Well, time flies by."


    Jonathan then congratulated Charlotte, the wife of his best buddy, saying, "Miss Charlotte, you''re as gorgeous as ever."


    Charlotte, Thomas''s wife, chuckled and said, "I''m flattered, Jonathan." "I''ve always wondered how you manage to talk to women so smoothly," Charlotte went on.


    "I don''t know myself; maybe experience?" was Jonathan''s wry reply.


    On the other hand, Thomas went up to Jonathan''s children after noticing them from a distance and asked, "How have you been doing?"


    "Greetings, Sir Williams Whitmore; we have been doing great, and you?" Aleksander and Violet said, bowing their heads.


    Thomas replied, "I''ve been doing fine, and you?" with a smile.


    "We''ve been doing great, Sir Williams," eagerly answered Violet.


    Thomas chuckled at Violet''s excitement, but then he noticed Xavier and asked, "Oh, might you be Jonathan''s new child?" with a smile on his face.


    With a timid expression, Xavier responded, "Greetings, Mister Williams Whitmore; my name is Xavier Ashford."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Then Thomas remarked, "Why are you guys still addressing me as sir? Why don''t you try calling me uncle? I''m your uncle.".


    With a smile, Xavier responded, "All right, Uncle." Which made Thomas laugh at how cute he appeared as a result.


    Thomas proceeded to brush Xavier''s hair and remarked, "Xavier, you''re just as gorgeous as your siblings."


    Thomas went on, "Why don''t you meet my son, Jason?"


    Thomas, sensing Jason''s absence, screamed out his name, and Jason came floating upside down in front of his father.


    "I''m here," said an ecstatic Jason.


    Jonathan asked, "Wait, so you''re Thomas''s newborn son?" in a startled tone.


    Then Jason took off for Jonathan, greeting him with excitement.


    With enthusiasm, Jason exclaimed, "Hello, Uncle Jonathan."


    Still startled, Jonathan smiled and said, "Hi there, Jason."


    Jonathan said, "You do look just like your father."


    "I know, right; he''s like a clone of me," Thomas remarked at that point.


    "Thomas, that''s what having a child means," Jonathan answered.


    Thomas chuckled and continued, "Anyway, Jason, come say hello to your cousins."


    Jason immediately took off for his father, bowing his head to meet Aleksander, Violet, and Xavier, his cousins.


    Jason said with an adorable voice, "It''s a pleasure to meet you, big sister and brother.".


    "I''m glad to have met you as well," Aleksander smirked in response.


    Abruptly, Violet patted Jason''s head and remarked, "Your hair is as smooth as Xavier''s," which caused Jason to blush at the compliment.


    Xavier said nothing during the conversation and was shy the entire time. With a smile, Jason immediately took Xavier''s hand and exclaimed, "I am very happy to know that there is someone my age here."


    Then, with a little nod of agreement, Xavier made everyone else gasp at how adorable they were.


    "Xavier, why don''t you and your sister go play with Jason?" Jonathan then asked. "And give him a tour of the home?" he continued.


    After that, Xavier nodded and said, "All right, Papa."


    Violet and Xavier gave Jason a tour of their house. And as they did, Jason saw a portrait of a woman, whose eyes were as blue as the sky and whose gorgeous silver hair resembled that of Violet and Aleksander. And it was beyond human imagination.


    To his shock, Jason exclaimed, "Wow, who''s that beautiful woman?"


    "That''s our mom," Violet answered.


    Jason then said, "That''s your mother? She is very beautiful."


    "Well, our mother, Fyodora, was a very beautiful woman," Violet remarked, laughing. "And our father would constantly comment on how much I resembled her," Violet continued.


    Then, curious, Jason said, "And where is your mother at the moment? I wish to meet her."


    Violet answered, smiling but sounding sorrowful, "Our mother passed away. After giving birth to me",".


    This discovery surprised and saddened Jason, who then said, "I''m sorry."


    Violet assured Jason, saying that he was unaware of their mother''s death and that he didn''t need to apologize about it.


    With tears in her eyes, Violet brushed them away and replied, "Let''s carry on with the tour," beaming broadly. "It''s time to explore our fantastic rooms now," she said with excitement.


    For a brief while, Xavier lingered behind to look at the portrait of his sibling''s mother before Violet and Jason started to head upstairs.


    To himself, Xavier thought, "I wish I could have met her. How much of a loving mother could she have been?".


    Xavier was immediately called out for by Violet, who said, "Xavier!, Are you planning to come?"


    "Yes, hold on a moment," Xavier answered.

 Long Time No See (Part II)

    After a short while, Jonathan and Thomas were conversing while sitting outside in Jonathan''s backyard.


    Then Xavier caught Thomas and Jonathan off guard as he pursued Violet and Jason, who were in the air, flying.


    "It''s unfair; I can''t fly," an irritated Xavier exclaimed.


    Then, in an unsuccessful attempt to catch up with Violet and Jason, Xavier tried to catch up to them while they were flying by teleporting around.


    Thomas then remarked, "I was wondering what your son''s powers were when I noticed that he was a gifted person," after witnessing Xavier teleport.


    Thomas questioned, "Is teleportation his gifted ability?"


    Jonathan answered, "Well, I don''t know myself."


    Aleksander then said, "Well, he has demonstrated the ability to affect the gravity of objects around him," in response to Thomas''s question. "So I wouldn''t claim that his abilities are limited to teleportation," Aleksander continued.


    "How strange," Thomas said.


    But then Aleksander said something that got Thomas''s interest: "One thing I found out about Xavier''s gifted abilities is that he can manipulate vectors around himself."


    "Which is a quantity with direction and magnitude?" Aleksander continued.


    "Vectors, huh?" questioned Thomas.


    Aleksander then added, "Yeah, try hitting him with something, for instance."


    Thomas then lifted his finger and gestured in Xavier''s direction. At the tip of his finger, a tiny ball of energy appeared. The beam of energy was then shot towards Xavier by Thomas.


    To the amazement of everybody, an unseen force abruptly reflected the energy beam. Which caused the beam to return toward Thomas, who skillfully sidestepped it.


    Thomas questioned in bewilderment, "What the hell was that?"


    Aleksander answered, "It''s an invisible vector barrier he has around him."


    "That''s incredible," Thomas shouted with delight.


    Aleksander answered, "It is, but he can''t control his powers yet."Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "What?" Thomas was perplexed, then he asked, "Then how was he able to use it just now?"


    "Well, that''s because it isn''t him who is doing it. But it''s his subconscious and those special celestial eyes of his that are doing the calculation for him," responded Aleksander.


    Aleksander then tossed a piece of paper toward Xavier, which somehow made contact with him.


    Thomas questioned, perplexed, "What are you doing?"


    Aleksander answered, "I''m only showing you that his unique eyes and subconscious check to see if the object approaching him is dangerous or not. Furthermore, the shield won''t activate if it isn''t.".


    Thomas remarked, "Ahh, I see what you mean," seeming surprised.


    "However, his shield ability has three major drawbacks. The first is that he is unable to deflect objects without a vector. The second is that his brain will overheat and instantly deactivate the shield if he overcalculates," Aleksander went on.


    "That seems like a strange weakness," Thomas retorted.


    In response, Aleksander said, "I know, right?"


    Thomas inquired, "And what''s the third weakness?" after that.


    "The biggest disadvantage is that the vector shield activates automatically and reflects everything," Aleksander said. "It can be used to your advantage if you reverse your attack at the precise moment of contact with the field''s area of effect. This will cause the field to draw the attack towards the user, allowing Xavier to be harmed," Aleksander continued.


    "Huh, I''m not surprised a monster like you can come up with a counter to someone''s gifted abilities," Thomas stated, stunned.


    Aleksander laughed and said, "Well, it is very difficult to do, and it requires a lot of accuracy and skill to work."


    Aleksander went on, "But I have another way of getting around his shield."


    "You freak of nature!" Thomas exclaimed anxiously.


    Thomas questioned, "I''m guessing his core is the same stage as you, huh?"


    "No, he''s still at the beginner''s core," Aleksander retorted.


    But then, out of nowhere, a huge explosion and a brilliant flash of light occurred at the location of the reflected energy beam Thomas had directed at Xavier.


    And a massive mushroom cloud formed from the explosion, towering over the surrounding mountains.


    Charlotte gasped, "Oh my," when a strong gust of wind blew her hair back.


    Jonathan exclaimed, "What on earth is going on?" in shock.


    "Oh, that must be the energy beam your son reflected earlier," Thomas responded.


    Jonathan then yelled, "Why would anyone on earth send something so hazardous at my son? Are you attempting to murder him?"


    Thomas answered, "I didn''t put that much power in it."


    During the powerful wind blow, Aleksander remained still and unfazed by the blow. He later told Thomas, "Oh, I forgot to mention, any attack thrown at Xavier gets reflected with greater velocity and potency than it had before.".


    Thomas was immediately taken aback and asked, "Why would you forget something so important?"


    In response, Aleksander simply shrugged his shoulders.


    As the powerful winds eventually subsided, Jonathan got back up, dusted the dust off his clothes, and added, "You gifted people sometimes drive me crazy with how careless you are regarding those around you."


    Aleksander then replied, "I''m sorry, Father," in a sad tone.


    "Yeah, we''re sorry; I didn''t mean to put you or anyone in harm," Thomas continued.


    Then Jonathan sighed and added, "There''s no need for you guys to apologize. Just be careful not to get wild when using your abilities."


    "As you wish, father," Aleksander replied, nodding his head.


    Thomas chuckled and put his arm over Jonathan, saying, "Cheer up, Jonathan." "What if I bought you your favorite meal?" he continued.


    Jonathan smiled and replied, "I will take you up on that offer."

 The Surprise Party

    A few weeks had passed since Sir Thomas Armstrong arrived to meet his childhood best friend and his children.


    With Thomas''s assistance, Jonathan had finally saved up enough money to enroll Xavier in the Pennsylvania Royal Academy.


    Jonathan instructed Aleksander and Violet to keep his enrollment in the Pennsylvania Royal Academy a secret from Xavier. He intended to surprise Xavier by telling him he could now attend school and make friends with new people.


    Jonathan brought his father-in-law, Gavriil, his children''s grandfather, to the surprise celebration he threw for Xavier''s enrollment.


    Jonathan instructed Aleksander and Violet to take Xavier to the current carnival in the town to divert his attention for the day.


    When Xavier returned home after attending the carnival with his older siblings, he was startled by a burst of confetti in his face.


    "What?" Xavier asked, perplexed by his situation.


    Abruptly, Xavier''s grandfather Gavriil gave him a warm embrace and exclaimed, "My son, congratulations on being accepted to the Pennsylvania Royal Academy."


    Xavier, who was both shocked and delighted to see his grandfather, asked, "What do you mean, grandpa?" with a confused expression.


    Jonathan responded to Xavier with a smile, telling him that he had enrolled him in the same school as his sister and older brother. And that he would no longer feel imprisoned and could finally interact more socially with the outside world.


    Xavier went up to embrace Jonathan, thrilled that he would finally be able to go to school and meet new people.


    Jonathan remarked, "I love you, my son," as he softly stroked Xavier''s hair with a surprised smile.


    As everyone at the party feasted, Jason excitedly approached Xavier. And he mentioned how happy he was to have Xavier attend the same school as him.


    Jason exclaimed excitedly, "I can''t wait to show off my cute cousin to my friends."


    "And I can''t wait to meet them," Xavier replied, nodding his head.


    Miss Charlotte, the mother of Jason, surprised Xavier with multiple gifts while they were chatting. She said, "I bought every sweet and dessert that was in the sweet store I bought it from because I didn''t know what sweet you would prefer more."


    When Xavier saw how many sweets and chocolates his aunt bought for him, he expressed his admiration to Miss Charlotte for her generosity.


    Then, Jonathan, who was observing from a distance, smirked and remarked, "I''m glad Xavier is looking forward to starting school."


    And Gavriil said, "I mean, that''s normal for a kid his age to be excited about the opportunity of making friends.".


    After that, Thomas said, "I hope he makes good friends."


    Thomas then sighed, and Gavriil questioned, "What''s wrong, Thomas?" observing how perspiration-filled Thomas was.


    Thomas replied, "Oh, it''s nothing," in response. "I simply can''t get over the idea that I am conversing casually and as if we were friends with a king," he continued.


    Upon hearing Thomas''s reply, Gavriil chuckled and questioned, "Is that the reason you were concerned? Thomas, don''t get too worked up; you''re my son-in-law''s best friend and my grandchildren''s uncle.".Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    "So don''t worry about those noble behaviors y''all like to do, because I won''t get mad if you talk to me casually," he said.


    Thomas raised his head and smiled, contemplating that he was standing next to Saint Gavriil Ivanovich, the Grand Prince of Moscow, the Tsar of all Russia, and the Grand King of the Kingdom of Russia.


    who is the father of Princess Fyodora Ivanovich, Jonathan''s wife, and the mother of Aleksander and Violet, as well as the grandfather of Aleksander and Violet.


    Now, when Gavriil saw Xavier''s happiness from Charlotte''s gift, he became envious. Then he gave Xavier a surprise gift of his own.


    "This is for you, Xavier," said Gavriil, holding out his hand to give him a tiny box wrapped in lavish materials.


    Startled, Xavier smiled cheerfully and accepted his grandfather''s present, and he started to open it.


    Xavier was taken aback to see a pair of glasses inside the gift as soon as he opened them.


    "What''s this, Grandpa?" Xavier inquired, perplexed.


    "Those are special glasses named The Visors of Time," said Gavriil with a smile.


    After hearing his response, everyone was stunned and in disbelief at the gift that Gavriil chose to offer Xavier.


    Charlotte questioned in disbelief, "Your Majesty, did you just give Xavier an ethereal instrument?"


    With a smile, Gavriil answered, "Yes, I did.".


    "But your Majesty, that is a Universal Relic.". Thomas said, "Only royal families from every race that exists have them," he continued.


    "I know that those glasses I gave Xavier are an international artifact," Gavriil replied. "But there was a reason I handed it to him," Gavriil went on.


    Jonathan remarked, sweating anxiously, "I am very surprised that you would give Xavier something like an ethereal instrument as a gift, Father."


    "Of course I would, Jonathan. He is my grandson after all," Gavriil replied.


    With a smile, Gavriil then leaned over Xavier and asked, "Why don''t you try on those glasses, Xavier?"


    Xavier smiled, shook his head happily, and wore the spectacles his grandfather had given him.


    As soon as Xavier wore the glasses, his stunning celestial eyes gradually disappeared and turned a deep red color, just like Jonathan''s.


    "Oh, I see now," Aleksander remarked, taken aback.


    To which Gavriil laughed and answered, "So you understand now? I gave Xavier those glasses because I had heard that he was always tired because of those eyes of his."


    Aleksander nodded. "You''re right. His eyes are incredibly unique, but they drain his energy and strain his mental state every single day. It wears him out faster than it does most people."


    "Yeah, so that''s why I thought The Visors of Time would be the best gift for him," responded Gavriil.


    With confusion, Xavier asked, "What''s the Visors of Time?"


    Gavriil answered, "Well, Xavier, the Visors of Time are a pair of glasses that were used by Merlin the Wise, the Consul of the Future, who was also the first princess of the Imperial Kingdom of Korea.".


    Xavier replied, "Oh, and what do these glasses do?"


    "These glasses possess a limited version of Merlin the wise power of manipulating the fabric of time itself," responded Gavriil.


    With excitement, Xavier shouted, "Wait, really?"


    "Well, you won''t be able to use the glasses'' limited time-alteration powers because you''re not the original owner of them," said Gavriil, instantly dampening Xavier''s joy.


    Feeling disappointed by the revelation, Xavier lowered his head, causing Gavriil to become nervous and say, "Now wait a minute, Xavier, let me finish."


    "Even though you won''t be able to use Merlin the Wise''s glass''s true abilities, you will still be able to receive its passive effects," Gavriil remarked with a nervous smile.


    "The Visors of Time have a passive ability that resets the user''s mind once a day. This helps alleviate the toll on them. Of course, it doesn¡¯t mean you won¡¯t need sleep or feel mentally tired¡ªyou''re still human. But it works wonders for you nonetheless."


    Violet said, "Wow, that''s cool!" along with Xavier. which gave Gavrill a great sense of self-pride.


    Charlotte then remarked to Xavier, "Xavier, you look quite manly in those glasses."


    "Yeah, you look very, very handsome, little brother," Violet added.


    Which made Xavier blush, and he thanked Violet and Charlotte for their compliments.


    Jason then placed his arm on Xavier''s shoulder and said with a grin, "You''re very lucky to be able to have an ethereal instrument as a gift."


    Examining Xavier, who was now donning The Visors of Time, Aleksander remarked, "Is his eyes turning red also one of the glasses''s passive effects?"


    "Oh, I don''t know why Xavier''s eyes turned red," Gavriil responded. "Perhaps it suppressed the abilities of his eyes?" he added.


    "But what I do know is that those glasses are indestructible since they are ethereal instruments," said Gavriil.


    Aleksander smirked and added, "Even if they broke, they''d probably just reset their own time and repair themselves."


    "Yes, quite literally," Gavriil answered.


    Overjoyed with his newfound gift, Xavier hugged Gavriil and said, "Thank you so much, Grandpa." Gavriil grinned and hugged Xavier in return.


    Thus, Xavier''s celebration party went on as he got ready to start his school journey the following day.

 The Beginning of School

    The following day, Jonathan got Xavier ready for his first day of school by waking him up.


    Xavier was so confused when he woke up that he didn''t want to go to school if it was how he had to wake up every day.


    Xavier rubs his eyes and asks, "Where''s big brother and big sister?"


    Jonathan responded, "Your brother and sister left for school before you because they start early.".


    Xavier then said, "Well, I want to go join them," in a cute puppy voice.


    This caused Jonathan to laugh at that and say, "All right, let''s go get you ready for school."


    Thus, as Xavier finished wearing his new school uniform and began eating his breakfast, Jonathan took the Visors of Time and appropriately put them on him. Xavier''s stunning celestial eyes turned a deep scarlet once more as he proceeded.


    "Are you ready?" Jonathan then asked Xavier.


    To which Xavier exclaimed, "Yes!" with excitement.


    Thus, Jonathan drove Xavier to school, where he was astounded by the Pennsylvania Royal Academy''s size upon their arrival. And how every student there appeared to come from a noble background.


    Jonathan and Xavier observed that everyone was gathered in one spot, perhaps staring at someone, as soon as they got out of Jonathan''s car.


    When Jonathan and Xavier walked up to the gathering to find out what was happening, they were met with armed horsemen and many vehicles.


    Suddenly, several knights appeared and covered the floor with a red carpet. Then one of them unlocked the main luxury car''s door.


    Upon opening the door, a stunning young woman who appeared to be around Xavier''s age and had crimson cherry blossom hair and red eyes emerged from the luxurious vehicle wearing an exquisite, royal-style gown.


    The girl''s beauty took Xavier aback, and Jonathan quickly placed his palm on Xavier''s head and lowered it, confusing him.


    However, he soon saw how everyone, even his father, had bowed down to this lovely little girl and lowered their heads.


    The young girl was escorted by multiple armed knights as she walked with authority and power with a serene expression on her face.


    Xavier turned to face Jonathan as the girl walked by and asked, "Papa, who''s that girl? "And why did everyone lower their heads when they saw her?"


    And Jonathan responded, "Well, Xavier, that girl you just saw was Princess Misaki Yamato from the Yamato Imperial Family, who is also the Princess of the Emperor of Japan".


    Xavier was taken aback by Jonathan''s reply since he had never in his life anticipated having the opportunity to meet a princess.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    The school bell at Pennsylvania Royal Academy started ringing abruptly, at which point Jonathan told Xavier, "It looks like you have to go now, Xavier."


    Xavier answered, "Oh, Okay, Papa."


    Jonathan, however, gave Xavier two very significant pieces of advice before he left: "Xavier, I want you to keep your royal statues a secret from everyone else, just like your siblings have been doing for almost their entire life."


    "Alright," Xavier answered.


    And Jonathan continued, "And one last thing, don''t forget to be kind to others, okay, Xavier?".


    Xavier responded with a smile "Don''t worry, Papa, I will".


    Then Jonathan said with a proud smile, "That''s my son," in response.


    Jonathan grinned as he watched Xavier from a distance as he excitedly entered the Pennsylvania Royal Academy.


    To assist them in finding their class, several new students, including Xavier, were handed special student cards that stated what grade they were in.


    Xavier learned that, as a freshman, he was in Class 1B.


    He then proceeded to his designated classroom and saw several students of his age there. which made him feel a little nervous in the company of so many people.


    As Xavier took his seat next to the window, he observed a black-haired child sitting in front of him, drawing.


    "Wow, what a very beautiful drawing you drew," said Xavier, gazing over to see what the child was drawing and realizing that he was sketching a stunning young woman.


    Startled, the child spun around with anxiousness and said, "Thank you."


    To which Xavier responded, "You''re welcome!" in response.


    "Who is that woman you are drawing, by the way?" Xavier inquired.


    "She is my mother," the child replied.


    "Really, wow? Xavier answered, "That''s awesome; I wish I could draw as well as you."


    The child chuckled and responded, "Thank you for the compliments."


    Then he said, "I apologize for my rudeness; my name is Jupiter Cavendish. It''s a pleasure to meet you.".


    Xavier smiled back, saying, "My name is Xavier Ashford. It was a pleasure to meet you as well.".


    While every student in the room was engaged in conversation, a tall, attractive woman with long, dark crimson hair and an athletic frame entered the room.


    All of the students in the room felt anxious and afraid just by her presence alone. which was riven by their astonishment at the woman''s beauty and her dazzling golden eyes, which only accentuated her already stunning appearance.


    "Everyone to your seats," the woman remarked in a composed and authoritative tone. which all of the students in the class did out of dread.


    "My name is Seo-Yeon Park, and I will be your home teacher up until you graduate from the Pennsylvania Royal Academy," the red-haired woman said as she gave her introduction.


    "But I will also be your history teacher for your time in this school as well," Miss Seo-Yeon Park went on. "And I hope that we can get along well with one another."


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park''s speech gave all of the students present goosebumps. This scared them so much that they dared not even consider seeking a terrible relationship with her.


    Then Miss Seo-Yeon Park spoke, saying, "I''m going to call on all of your names now. When you hear your name, I also want you to raise your hands.".


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park then called on each student by name, and they all raised their hands in response.


    "Xavier Ashford, are you present?" she asked after calling out Xavier''s name.


    Xavier enthusiastically raised his hand and responded, "Yes!"


    To Xavier''s surprise, however, he saw that the entire classroom mood had changed, and everyone was staring at him in horror and disbelief.


    One student whispered to the other, "Did Miss Seo-Yeon Park just say his last name was Ashford?"


    "Yes, I also heard her say the name Ashford," the student replied.


    With a hesitant smile, Miss Seo-Yeon Park questioned Xavier, "By any chance, are you related to Aleksander and Violet Ashford?" as she began to sweat anxiously.


    "Yes, they are my older brother and sister," Xavier answered.


    Xavier''s answer caused all of the students in the classroom to gasp in utter shock and disbelief.


    "I guess the academy will have to deal with another monster in our hands," Miss Seo-Yeon Park stated with a nervous smile.


    After regaining her composure, Miss Seo-Yeon Park said, "Let''s start our lessons."


    "And for today''s lesson, we will be learning about the history of the universe you all live in and its foundations."

 The History Class

    <div>


    <div>


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park then talked about the universe''s beginnings to start her history lesson.


    "Well, some of you might already know this, but I will talk about it for the sake of culture and knowledge," stated Miss Seo-Yeon.


    "For the beginning of all creation, there was nothing at first¡ªnot even light, conceptions, or foundations¡ªjust emptiness. However, among all that emptiness, there existed an eternal entity known as Origin. Then, this entity created everything with a single thought," Miss Seo-Yeon told her class.


    "And through the creation of the cosmos was the birth of an energy that held all of creation together on a grander scale than dark matter and energy."


    "And this energy was only a fraction of the true power of origin, which was known as ethereal force," Miss Seo-Yeon went on, or the essence, as the ancient people referred to it."


    "All living things, including animals, possess this odd yet infinite energy. And it was preserved by the boundless sphere Origin created and inserted into every living thing, called the Ethereal Core."


    "But even though every being possessed an ethereal core, only a few people were able to tap in and use the energy that was stored up within a boundless sphere of energy, the ethereal core."


    "And these individuals, known as Gifteds, were endowed with the ability to access the ethereal energy that resides within their ethereal core.


    "Funny enough, there are some gifted students in your class," Miss Seo-Yeon remarked with a smirk.


    As the class started to speculate about who the gifted children may be, Miss Seo-Yeon snapped them back to focus by slamming her book against her desk and saying in a menacing tone, "No talking during my lessons."


    which caused the children to freeze like statues and immediately close their mouths out of fear.


    "Anyways, now that we''re done with the introductions, I will now be talking about the different races that exist and their imperial families." Ms. Seo-Yeon went on.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "To start, there are in total 4 different races that Origin created."


    "The vampires on the planet Van Helsing, the elves on the planet Eqirene, the dragons on the planet Dragonite, and finally the humans on planet Earth.".


    "Within the elven race, the Royal Valandor Family is the imperial family with the power and authority of the elven race.".


    "For the vampires, The Great House of Dracula is the royal family over control of the entire vampire race.".


    On the other hand, the dragons are quite peculiar creatures, as they are beings who yawn for strength and power. And so they listen to no one except those who are outright superior to them."


    "So for them, the Great Regaliath Family is the only clan that all the dragons fear and obey because of their great and mighty power.".


    "Finally, we humans are not like any other race. Because the authority doesn''t reside in a single kingdom or royal family.".


    Thus, there are numerous kingdoms and royal families among us humans. However, the four head families of the human species are said to be the most powerful of them all.


    "These 4 mighty Imperial families are The Imperial House of Yamato from the Great Empire of Japan; The Royal Yi (Lee) Family from the Empire of Korea; The Great Ivanovish Family from the Imperial Kingdom of Russia; and lastly, The Imperial House of the Flashstride from the Grand Kingdom of Normay.".


    "The House of Yamato is known for having crimson cherry blossom hair, while the House of Yi (Lee) is known for their beautiful white hair, which is like snow.".


    "In contrast, the House of Ivanovish can be distinguished by its metallic-colored silver hair. However, the Flashstride Family is the only royal family that can be identified by the lightning emblem on their hands, which is their family crest."


    "What all of these 4 mighty families have in common is that they are the few imperial families to possess ethereal instruments.".


    "And that the heads of these families all have a Prime Indigo Ethereal Core and have the title of Grand Monarch.".


    "What exactly is an ethereal instrument?" said one of the students.


    "Yeah, and what is a Grand Monarch as well? Another person asked, "And why does having a colored ethereal core matter?"


    "Hold your houses; you will all learn about this in our next lesson," Miss Seo-Yeon Park remarked with a smile.


    Abruptly, the school bell rang, requiring students to proceed to their next lesson, which was the training session they had.


    Before the students left, however, Miss Seo-Yeon Park smirked and added, "If you guys are so eager to learn about it, how about you ask Mr. Joshua Akintola who will be your training instructor for the upcoming lesson?"


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park added with a sinister smile, "Give it a try; he will for sure happily tell you guys.".


    And with joy, the students said, "All right, we will."


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park then smirked and murmured to herself, "I can''t wait to see the annoyed look that lazy freak will have when they ask him about the Ethereal Core.".

 Clash of Nobles

    <div>


    <div>


    All of the students attended the training camp, where they received instruction on how to fight as knights and warriors in case of future wars or conflicts. These training lessons would continue until the student graduates from the school.


    The students were split into two groups for the training sessions: those who were gifted and those who weren''t. The school board created this division because they did not want any of the non-gifted students to be put in danger or killed by the gifted students.


    While walking to their training lessons, Xavier and Jupiter were observed joking and laughing together.


    Xavier asked, "How long have you been drawing?"


    Jupiter answered, "Well, for as long as I can remember."


    Xavier said with joy, "Wow, it''s so cool to be able to draw like that, Jupiter."


    Jupiter blushed in response and said, "Xavier, thank you for your compliments."


    "Because my drawings have only ever been complimented by my mother and grandmother," Jupiter added.


    Then Xavier replied, "Who wouldn''t enjoy your drawings? They are amazing!".


    Then Jupiter smiled and replied, "Thank you," in a gentle and appreciative tone.


    Xavier smiled broadly and said, "You''re welcome!" in response.


    Jupiter and Xavier kept walking when, all of a sudden, Jupiter ran into another student by mistake, dropping all of his sketches to the ground.


    With disbelief, Jupiter exclaimed nervously, "I''m... I''m sorry!"


    With a look of scorn and hatred on his face, the boy answered, "How dare you bump into a royal like me? Do you wish to die?"


    To which Jupiter said, "I''m sorry for not looking where I was going." Then one of the man''s pals remarked, "You ought to apologize, you peasant."


    Another said that Prince Magnus Flashstride, the second Prince of Norway, was present and that Jupiter and Xavier should lower their heads.


    As Jupiter and Xavier lowered their heads to show respect to Prince Magnus, Magnus noticed one of Jupiter''s sketches and said, "What is this filth?"


    "Did you draw this garbage?" Magnus asked Jupiter.


    "Yes, I draw it," Jupiter trembled in response.


    Magnus responded, "What a useless talent," by stepping on Jupiter''s drawing of his mother and spitting on it.


    And Jupiter became very upset and started to cry over this. Seeing his new friend cry, Xavier was infuriated, raised his head, and questioned, "Who do you think you are to call someone''s talents useless?"


    "Oi, watch your mouth, kid," a friend of Magnus''s said as he grabbed Xavier by the collar. "Do you want to die?"


    Magnus, however, grinned and remarked, "Leave the boy alone; I like his spirit."


    Complying with Prince Magnus'' orders, his friends released Xavier''s collar and added, "You''re one lucky punk".


    As Magnus and his colleagues started to leave, Xavier turned back and angrily exclaimed, "You cowards, where do you think you''re going? Come back here and apologize to my friend for damaging his artwork".


    Jupiter attempted to prevent Xavier from escalating the situation, but it was too late.


    When Prince Magnus heard those words, he stopped in place and suddenly appeared in front of Xavier, covering his face with his palm.


    Xavier was taken aback by Prince Magnus''s instantaneous movements and was unable to respond in time.


    With his palm firmly on Xavier''s face, Magnus stated menacingly, "I let you leave because I admired the way you supported your friend in a moment of crisis. But this time, boy, I won''t put up with your insults and arrogance toward me.


    Xavier grinned and said, "Bring it on," wearing a determined expression that made Magnus smile in respect.


    A voice then shouted out Prince Magnus'' name and asked, "Second Prince of Normay, Prince Magnus Flashstride, what do you think you''re doing?" before he and Xavier could engage in a fight.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    When Magnus looked up to see who was shouting his name, he saw that it was none other than Princess Jasmine Jin-ah Lee, the first Princess of the Grand Empire of Korea. Who appeared to be the same age as Violet.


    When Prince Magnus''s friends saw the first Princess of Korea, they immediately knelt and bowed their heads in her direction. Saying, "Greetings to you, Princess Jin-ah Lee".


    Princess Jasmine Jin-ah Lee wore her training uniform, which accentuated her gorgeous green eyes and snow-white hair. She was also accompanied by several armed guards for her protection.


    Magnus grinned as he saw Prince Jasmine and said, "Well, look who it is, Senior Jasmine".


    One of Princess Jasmine''s bodyguards angrily said, "It''s Princess Jin-ah Lee, and you will address her as such, Prince Magnus".


    Magnus arrogantly replied, "You will speak to me with respect, peasant". "And I''ll talk to her any way I please", he continued.


    When Princess Jasmine''s bodyguards heard that, they became furious, but she calmly intervened to stop them from attacking Prince Magnus.


    "Prince Magnus, you''re as arrogant as ever", Princess Jasmine remarked while giggling.


    "It''s only the first day of school, and you''re already bullying students like you usually do?" She went on.


    Magnus arrogantly responded with pride, saying, "I will do whatever I want in this school, Senior Jasmine, and you won''t be able to do anything about it."


    "What a spoiled brat you are for a 4-year-old child," Princess Jasmine remarked with a smile.


    "Child? Magnus replied, "Oh, please, Jasmine; you''re just 7 years old, no different from me."


    which infuriated Princess Jasmine''s knights, who now wanted to hold Prince Magnus accountable for his disrespect toward a member of a royal family.


    Princess Jasmine responded, "Come show me why I shouldn''t treat you like a child then?"


    With a smile on his face, Prince Magnus cheerfully said, "I would love to".


    Then, when Prince Magnus was getting ready to face Princess Jasmine, blue electricity appeared all around him.


    At that moment, Prince Magnus sprinted in the direction of Princess Jasmine at lightning speed. But then Princess Jasmine said with a confident smirk on her face:


    -Mighty Aionel: Tempus Stasis


    Then suddenly, everything froze, as though time had stopped dead in its tracks. The birds, the leaves, the animals, Prince Magnus, Xavier, Jupiter, Magnus''s friends, and even Princess Jasmine''s soldiers all came to a stop, frozen in time.


    Everything except for Princess Jasmine, whose eyes were now glowing bright green and had the appearance of a ticking clock.


    Princess Jasmine smiled and began laughing at how stupid Prince Magnus appeared to be at this moment, trapped in time.


    She then gently walked up to Prince Magnus, putting her palm in front of his face and uttering the following:


    -Mighty Aionel: Chrono Regress


    Prince Magnus then started to age abruptly, but in reverse, until he was an infant.


    Immediately after, time started to flow regularly once more. However, the fact that Prince Magnus had vanished shocked everybody.


    One of Prince Magnus''s companions asked, "Where did Prince Magnus go?"


    To which Princess Jasmine answered, "He''s right here," with a smile, displaying a small infant that was crying while lying on the ground.


    Then a knight serving Princess Jasmine questioned, "Your Highness, what have you done to him?"


    Princess Jasmine answered, "Calm down; I just turned back his age."


    "And I did not make it permanent; he will turn back to the age he was before after 10 minutes," she added.


    Then, Princess Jasmine took the now-infant Prince Magnus and grinned, remarking, "This age suits you well for the troublesome brat that you are."


    With a smile that terrified Magnus''s companions, Princess Jasmine then gave Prince Magnus to them, saying, "Make sure you take good care of him, okay?"


    When Magnus''s companions fled in terror, Princess Jasmine grabbed Jupiter''s drawing of his mother and restored it to its previous condition before Prince Magnus damaged it.


    After that, Princess Jasmine said, "Here you go, all nice and clean," as she gave Jupiter the drawing.


    Jupiter smiled brightly and joyfully answered, "Thank you very much, Miss."


    "Don''t call me Miss; you make me sound like I''m thirty years old," Princess Jasmine joked.


    She went on, "Why don''t you call me Senior Jasmine?"


    Xavier questioned, "You wouldn''t get mad if we called you Senior?"


    Princess Jasmine responded, saying, "No, I like you guys."


    "Therefore, I don''t mind if you guys treat me a little formal." She continued.


    Princess Jasmine and her knights then assisted Jupiter in picking up all of his drawings, and before she left, she asked, "By the way, what are your names?"


    Jupiter answered, "Oh, please pardon us for being so impolite."


    "My name is Jupiter Cavendish; nice to meet you, Senior Jasmine," Jupiter then said.


    Princess Jasmine answered, "Oh, it''s okay; you don''t have to worry about it, Jupiter."


    Then Princess Jasmine turned to face Xavier, saying, "How about you? What is your name, near friend?" with a smile.


    Upon noticing Princess Jasmine''s beauty, Xavier blushed and answered, "My name is Xavier Ashford."


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Senior Jasmine," he continued.


    Princess Jasmine was taken aback by Xavier''s last name, Ashford, and asked, "Wait, Ashford? Are you the younger brother of Violet?"


    "Yes," Xavier answered in response. "How did you know the name of my sister?" he asked.


    Princess Jasmine answered, "Well, that''s because we''re classmates."


    "She always boasts all the time about how her younger brother is the cutest kid ever. And I understand why," she went on.


    With an awkward giggle, Xavier remarked, "Well, that''s my sister for you.".


    Princess Jasmine giggled, then suddenly asked Xavier, "Oh, by the way, where did you get those glasses from?"


    "Oh, I got them as a present from my grandfather," Xavier cheerfully responded.


    "Your grandfather, huh?" muttered Princess Jasmine.


    "Oh, alright," Princess Jasmine replied.


    "Well, I have to leave now." Princess Jasmine went on, "I hope to see you again, Jupiter and Xavier."


    As Princess Jasmine left, Jupiter and Xavier waved goodbye, and she smiled and waved back.


    As Jupiter and Xavier left for their training classes, one of Princess Jasmine''s knights commented, "I didn''t expect to see that monster, Aleksander''s little brother."


    Princess Jasmine added, saying, "That is unexpected. However, the thing that shocks me the most is that he has the ethereal instrument of my ancestor, Merlin the Wise.".


    "The Mother of Time," she continued.


    "If he has that, he must originate from a royal family," one of Princess Jasmine''s knights remarked.


    Princess Jasmine answered, "That might be possible, but who knows?"

 The Training Grounds

    Upon arriving at the training area, all students were taken aback by its size and the abundance of weaponry and training equipment.


    Then, calmly, a handsome and well-built man with dark navy blue hair, a little beard, and eyes the color of the ocean said, "Oh great, it looks like you all finally arrived."


    The female students were taken aback to see that their training instructor was an extremely attractive man.


    "I know it''s you guys'' first day here, but try being early next time, okay?" Instructor Joshua Akintola went on.


    "Yes, instructor," the female students answered.


    After that, Instructor Joshua sighed before saying, "Welcome to the Pennsylvania Royal Academy."


    "My name is Joshua Akintola, and I will be your training instructor for the rest of your years at this school".


    "You may have observed that some of your classmates aren''t present or that there are new pupils among you that you aren''t familiar with".


    "This is the result of your separation from the non-gifted students, to protect them from harm''s way."


    Instructor Joshua then stated, "To be honest, you could be gifted or not; you''re going to suffer under my training either way," in a chilly and frightening tone. Which caused the students to become nervous.


    Joshua went on, "Before we start, do any of you have any questions to ask?"


    "Um, Instructor Joshua, what is a monarch?" said a student as they raised their hands.


    Instructor Joshua was taken aback by the question and responded, "What? Why do you ask me that question? Hasn''t your history instructor already informed you guys about it? "


    "No, she didn''t," the student replied.


    "Wait, ain''t your history teacher, Miss Seo-Yeon?" asked Instructor Joshua.


    Another student replied, "Yes, she is."


    Instructor Joshua went on, "Then why didn''t she tell you guys something so important already?"


    "Well, she said we should ask you, and that you would happily tell us about it," the student responded.


    Startled, holding his head in frustration, Instructor Joshua sighed and asked himself, "That woman, why can''t she go a day without making my life a living hell?"


    "All right, to answer your question, it would be best to start from the beginning to make it simple," Instructor Joshua remarked after taking a long breath.


    Instructor Joshua questioned anxiously, "But before I begin, did Miss Seo-Yeon at least teach you guys about ethereal force and the ethereal core?"


    "Yes, she did," the students answered.


    Instructor Joshua then said, "Okay, good; that makes my job way easier.".


    "To begin with, there are many levels when it comes to your ethereal core," explained Instructor Joshua.


    "This level is categorized by the level of power one possesses.".


    "For instance, each of you would have a blue-colored ethereal core since you all are rookies."


    "After a blue-colored core, there is a yellow-colored ethereal core, which is the intermediate stage.".


    "And after that is the green-colored ethereal core, which is the expert stage.".


    "But for the upcoming stages, it is very rare for somebody to achieve, so all the races decided to bestow upon titles to those who were able to reach these levels of the stage for their ethereal core.".


    "The red-colored ethereal core is the fourth stage, which bestows the title of administrator on those who succeed in achieving it."


    One of the students questioned, "Administrator?"


    Instructor Joshua answered, "Yes, Administrator."


    To which all of the students said, "That''s so awesome."


    Instructor Joshua grinned and said, "Well, I would say it is a very unique title."


    "Anyway, the Void black-colored ethereal core is the third stage. Only those who attain that level are bestowed with the title "Grand Patriarch."This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "And to answer your question about what a monarch was, it is the title gifted''s are given when they reach the Indigo-colored ethereal core.".


    One of the students said, "Oh, now I see why Miss Seo-Yeon said that the heads of the 4 grand imperial houses were special."


    Instructor Joshua answered, "Yes, having such a magnificent and special title is quite impressive."


    "Because of this, the term "grand" comes before it to emphasize its grandeur and magnificence."


    A student asked, "And what stage are you on, Instructor Joshua?"


    "I have a void black ethereal core, meaning I hold the title of Grand Patriarch of Frost," Instructor Joshua responded with a smirk.


    "Grand Patriarch of Frost? "What does that mean?" asked a student.


    "Well, the frost part is my unique title given to me because of my ability to wield the oceans and ice itself," Instructor Joshua responded.


    "Oh really? The female students said, "That''s so cool."


    Instructor Joshua then said, "Well, everyone has their own unique title because we all have our unique abilities."


    "For example, Miss Seo-Yeon, your history teacher, is the Grand Patriarch of Flamescion."


    "Due to her ability to manipulate the concepts of heat, fire, and magma." The instructor, Joshua, went on because their teachers were such strong individuals, and the students were astonished and inspired to reach their level.


    "Anyway, moving further, the ultimate phase is the pure white, ethereal core. "


    "This bestows the title of Grand Herrscher upon individuals who reach this level."


    And all the students replied, "Wow," in awe.


    "But, to be very honest, becoming an administrator is already incredibly difficult."


    "Thus, it would be nearly impossible for you to even reach the highest level," Instructor Joshua explained.


    "You would have to be a born monster, above even a genius, to achieve higher stages and titles.".


    "For instance, there are only 6 people who currently have the title of Grand Herrscher if we combine all of the 4 races.".


    "Therefore, don''t lose heart if you don''t reach the level you desire," Instructor Joshua went on.


    The pupils were dismayed to hear this, but Instructor Joshua responded, "Oh, cheer up; I will be here to help you grow and achieve the highest possible stages of your core."


    A student questioned, "And what will you be teaching us?"


    "Well, I will be using one of the two methods for one to refine and perfect their core to achieve a higher stage," Instructor Joshua responded.


    And that same student asked, "And what would that method be?"


    "Well, I will be training you all physically to be able to withstand and handle the growth of your powers and the ethereal force within your beginner''s core," Instructor Joshua said with a frightening sneer.


    After that, all of the students started to feel anxious and afraid because of what Instructor Joshua had said.


    Instructor Joshua went on, "Oh, relax, it''s not that bad," at that point.


    "Look at the bright side; if you train your physical body enough, you will all be able to release your aura," said Instructor Joshua.


    But before students could ask what an aura was, instructor Joshua activated his own. And because of how thick the air was, every single student collapsed to the ground, unable to even breathe or stand.


    Then, Instructor Joshua smirked and remarked, "This is Aura."


    "It is the ability to release a reasonable amount of ethereal energy within your core.".


    All of the students complained of being in pain and unable to move their bodies, to which Instructor Joshua responded, "Oh, stop complaining."


    "I had to restrict the amount of ethereal energy I released, or otherwise, you would have all died right away.


    Instructor Joshua was shocked to see that Xavier and Jupiter were the only students who could hardly move their bodies at all.


    "That black-haired boy must be Jupiter Cavendish," Instructor Joshua thought to himself, grinning in surprise.


    "And the one near him must be Xavier Ashford, the younger brother of those two geniuses, Aleksander and Violet.".


    After a moment of laughter, Instructor Joshua abruptly released his aura, allowing the students to breathe and move normally once more.


    "Okay, for our first lesson, give me 25 laps around the training field with no breaks in between," Instructor Joshua then said in a loud voice.


    Instructor Joshua''s words startled the students, but he quickly clapped his hands, causing a powerful gust of wind that blew the students away.


    He then spoke menacingly, "Don''t make me repeat myself."


    In response, all the students started running a lap around the training area.


    However, Instructor Joshua approached Xavier as he was about to start running and said, "You must be Xavier Ashford. Nice to meet you."


    Xavier smiled and shook Instructor Joshua''s hand, saying, "Nice to meet you too, instructor.".


    "I''m sorry if everyone here seems weak to you," Instructor Joshua continued.


    "Your view of the world must have been altered, being raised around 2 geniuses like your elder siblings.".


    "Why is it that everyone seems to compliment me for being Aleksander and Violet''s younger brother?" Xavier asked in response.


    "Well, that''s because your older sister Violet, at the age of only 7 years old, has an expert green ethereal core," Instructor Joshua said with a laugh.


    He continued, "And for your brother, he is a borderline monster, being the first living being in all of the histories of creation to be born with a pure white ethereal core.".


    Xavier expressed amazement and stated, "Wait what? I never knew that about my siblings."


    "Oh? That''s strange; I assumed you would already be aware of it," Instructor Joshua replied.


    "Your brother is someone whom many nations wish to acquire as their knight because of his status as a Grand Herrscher.".


    Instructor Joshua went on, "Well, that would make sense since Herrschers are beings near to being nigh-omnipotent.".


    Xavier was then asked by Instructor Joshua, "I wonder what stage your ethereal core is at."


    Xavier answered, "I''m not sure."


    "I don''t believe I''m as talented as my older brother and sister," Xavier continued.


    At that moment, Instructor Joshua''s eyes glowed as he examined the state of Xavier''s core.


    He was extremely shocked to see that Xavier lacked an ethereal core.


    Instructor Joshua was in shock and terror as he stood there, and Xavier questioned, "What''s wrong, Instructor Joshua?" observing that Instructor Joshua was sweating profusely.


    Instructor Joshua regained his demeanor quickly and replied, "It''s nothing, Xavier," with uneasiness.


    Instructor Joshua went on, "Why don''t you get going and go do the laps I asked?"


    With a smile on his face, Xavier said, "All right, instructor," and he started running around the training field with joy.


    Instructor Joshua wondered to himself in disbelief, "What kind of creature is he?" as Xavier walked away.


    "How is it that he lacks an ethereal core? Is he a living person at all?"


    Then, Instructor Joshua concluded, "I need to let Principle Cedric know about this right away."

 Cafeteria Break

    Now that their training sessions were over, they had a launch break where they could freely choose to go out to lunch with friends or leave the academy to explore the metropolis of New York.


    All of the students were allowed to do as they pleased, with the sole instruction being that they would be responsible for their acts.


    All of Class 1B''s students appeared to be exhausted following their severe physical training lessons, which Instructor Joshua had forced them to finish.


    As they made their way to the cafeteria, Jupiter, who appeared to be on the verge of passing out, turned to face Xavier and questioned, "Xavier, are you already?"


    He went on, "You look like you''re about to throw up."


    Sweating profusely, Xavier smiled and replied, "Yeah, I''m good."


    "I''m just a little tired from all that training that Instructor Joshua made us do," he stated.


    Jupiter smiled back hesitantly and remarked, "I thought I was going to die, haha."


    Xavier answered, "Yeah, same.".


    Jupiter continued, "On the sixth lap, my legs gave up on me."


    "But you seemed to do better than me, Xavier."


    Scratching his head, Xavier laughed and said, "Well, that''s because I''m somewhat used to physical training."


    "That''s because my brother and father always made sure I was physically fit.".


    "So they would train me to the bone and teach me how to fight and defend myself," Xavier went on.


    Jupiter replied, "What a military life you live," and laughed anxiously.


    "Yeah, pretty much," Xavier laughed in response.


    When Xavier and Jupiter entered the cafeteria and approached the serving line, they were astounded by the cuisine that was being served to them.


    Jupiter drooling, "Wow, look at how shiny they are."


    After noticing Jupiter and Xavier''s amazement, the lunch lady smirked and asked, "What would you young sirs like to eat for today?"


    "Anything goes," Xavier said in response.


    With a giggle, the lunch lady answered, "Sure thing, sir."


    The lunch lady smiled and said, "These are the best of the best food in the state, made by the school''s top chefs for the students of this academy." after adding a generous amount of the delectable food to Xavier and Jupiter''s plates.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "I noticed that you guys were sweating a lot, so I''m guessing that Instructor Joshua must be your training instructor, huh?" she asked, passing Xavier and Jupiter their lunch plates.


    "Yes, he is," Xavier replied.


    "In that case, I made sure to add a lot of protein for you guys."


    The lunch lady smiled broadly and added, "So you could be able to build up strong and capable muscles.".


    Xavier and Jupiter smiled broadly and happily said, "Thank you very much, Miss.". It pleased the lunch lady to see both of them happy.


    With cheerful smiles, Xavier and Jupiter picked up their lunch tray and waved goodbye to the lunch lady, heading out to find a table to eat their meal at.


    The cafeteria was luxurious and spacious, yet it was crowded with students of various academic levels. It made it challenging to locate a place at which to eat.


    All of a sudden, Xavier''s name was called out by someone: "Xavier! Over here!"


    Looking around, Xavier saw that it was his cousin, Jason Whitmore, who was calling out his name.


    Jason weaved at Xavier and Jupiter to come sit next to him and his friends so they could all have lunch together.


    Xavier cheerfully walked up to Jason, and as they approached,


    Jason smiled and asked, "Yo, what''s up, brother?" as Xavier set himself next to him.


    Xavier answered, "I''m good; how about you?"


    "Fantastic! "It''s great to see you, brother," Jason responded


    Jason then asked, "And who might you be?" after noticing Jupiter, who appeared hesitant to speak.


    "My name is Jupiter Cavendish. Nice to meet you," Jupiter replied with a hint of shyness.


    Xavier then stated, "He''s my newly found friend," to Jason.


    "Oh really? That''s fantastic, Xavier," Jason said with excitement.


    "Nice to meet you too, Jupiter," Jason added, grabbing Jupiter''s hands.


    "My name is Whitmore, Jason. And I''m thrilled that you chose to become friends with my cousin."


    Jupiter questioned, surprised, "Your cousin?"


    "Yeah, his father and mine were close as kids," Jason answered.


    Jupiter said, "Wow, that''s awesome," looking startled.


    Abruptly, Emily Starbrook, one of Jason''s female friends, touched Xavier''s hair gently and said in astonishment, "His hair is so soft."


    "I guess you weren''t lying when you said your cousin was cute," said Jack Ironvale, one of Jason''s friends.


    "I told you guys," Jason replied with a smug chuckle.


    "So you must be a first grader?" Emily then questioned Xavier.


    "Yes, we''re in class 1B," Xavier answered.


    "Class 1B?" Emily said. "Wait, isn''t that one of the classes that Instructor Joshua teaches?" she continued.


    Xavier responded, "Yeah, Instructor Joshua is our training instructor."


    "Ouch!" Jack said, "That''s got to be the worst luck I''ve ever seen," upon hearing it.


    "Yes, I have to agree." One of Jason''s friends, Sophie Ravenscroft, said, "Imagine having Instructor Joshua as your training instructor.".


    Jupiter, who was still sweating from the training section Instructor Joshua gave them, remarked, "I can understand what you guys are saying because I almost died doing the 25 laps he asked us to do."


    "Just 25 laps? "Is that Teacher Joshua?" Jack said in a startled tone.


    "Perhaps he became more soft throughout these years of teaching," Emily added.


    "Yeah! Since Instructor Joshua used to be my cousin''s training instructor when he attended this academy," Sophie said to everyone.


    "And he told me that Instructor Joshua would break them both physically and mentally and would laugh at their face when they asked for a break,", Sophie continued as everyone shivered in terror at her stories.


    "You guys are exaggerating," Jason said as he took a sip of his orange juice.


    "Exaggerating? You wouldn''t be saying that if you were in their shoes," Sophie replied, frustrated.


    Jason smudged and shrugged his shoulders, which only made Sophie even more enraged.


    Jason smiled and then asked Xavier, "Oh, By the way, Xavier, what classes do you guys have afterward?".


    Xavier answered, "We''re taking lessons on ancient runes in our next classes".


    Jason laughed in surprise and said, "Oh, you''re going to have a field day trying to understand anything during those classes".


    Xavier asked, perplexed, "Oh, why''s that?"


    "Well, let''s just say, it''s probably the second-worst class in this academy," Jason shot back with a sly smile.

 The Runes of Eldoria

    Breaktime had ended, and Class 1B had their last classes before school ended.


    Along with their classmates, Xavier and Jupiter went into their classroom and settled in to wait for their teacher, who would be teaching them about the Ancient Rune Language.


    Then the door to the classroom opened, shocking all the children to discover that their teacher was an elf.


    It was the first time the students had ever seen an elf, let alone one that was in the human world, so they gazed in wonder.


    Their elf instructor apologized sincerely for being late, saying, "I had a meeting with the school councils."


    Their elven teacher continued, pushing back her gorgeous long dark-purple hair and saying, "My name is Faelwen Brightmind."


    "And I will be your teacher, and I will be teaching you all about ancient Rune language and how to use it," she said.


    Miss Faelwen looked around the classroom, but when she saw Xavier sitting peacefully at his desk, she was instantly filled with fear and shock.


    "Who on earth is he?" she asked, sweating profusely as her purple eyes began to glow brightly.


    Miss Faelwen noticed that Xavier did not possess an ethereal core within him. But with her Eyes of Revelation, she glimpsed something much more terrifying than that within Xavier.


    In addition to providing her with insight into whatever she saw, the Eyes of Revelation made all hidden forces that are invisible to mortal eyes visible to her.


    Miss Faelwen looked uncomfortable and perspiring, and one of her students asked, "Is everything alright, Miss?"


    Regaining her composure, Miss Faelwen replied, "Yes, I''m alright, just a little tired," while wiping the lens of her glasses.


    Coughing awkwardly, Miss Faelwen began her lecture.


    "Since this is you guys'' first time learning about the ancient rune, I will first explain to you all what it is before we put it into practice," remarked Miss Faelwen.


    "Now, ancient rune language, also known as The Runes of Eldoria, is a conceptual language created by the Supreme Being, known as Dragon God Eldoria.".


    "Eldoria, the Dragon God, was one of Origin''s two all-powerful creations. Additionally, he had the title of imperial dragon king.


    "Dragon God Eldoria was the very first dragon to be created by Origin and was also the founder of the Great Dragon Regaliath Family."


    "He was a very powerful creature who possessed true omnipotence, and his understanding of ethereal force and core was beyond mortal comprehension.".


    "His possession of a colorless ethereal core was what truly set him apart. which is the zero-stage core, above the Grand Herrschers'' nigh-omnipotent power.


    "And so he was given the title of Supreme Being, a boundless entity that possessed powers beyond omnipotence itself."


    "Supreme Being?, There exists a stage that is above a pure-white core, Grand Herrscher?" a shocked student asked, raising their hands.


    Miss Faelwen said, "Yes," in response.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "But there are only two entities who currently have that title: Dragon God, Eldoria, the Supreme Being of Dragons, and Beast."


    "And Voidless, the Devourer of Dreams, the Supreme Being of Dreams and Imagination,"


    "So with all that knowledge and wisdom the Dragon God Eldoria possessed, he decided to create a language that would help the four great races to be able to perfect and harness their gifted abilities."


    "And be able to understand better the ethereal force and core they possessed and the universe we live in."


    "So with the possession of the Runes of Eldoria, the four great races were able to reach new highs, and that''s where the 7 stages of the ethereal core were formed.".


    After Miss Faelwen finished telling them the tale, all of the students said, "Wow..." in amazement.


    Miss Faelwen smiled, pleased at their admiration for her tale.


    "Anyways, The Runes of Eldoria is very important for one to learn and understand how to use," Miss Faelwen said, putting back her glasses.


    "Because it will help you better understand your abilities, and it is also one of the two key factors needed to achieve a high ethereal core stage.".


    Miss Faelwen then said, "I assume that Instructor Joshua has already told you about the first method of reaching higher stages, right?". To which the students nodded in response.


    "Great, because one has to be physically capable to withstand the growth of their ethereal core and the energy within it.".


    "And so for The Runes of Eldoria, it will help you tap into more of the boundless energy within your core and refine it.".


    "Which, in technical terms, implies that there is a more powerful, refined, and mastered stage for every seven core stages."


    "And it is between your current stage and the stage to come.".


    After explaining the Runes of Eldoria to all of the students, Miss Faelwen began her next class.


    It would test their existing understanding of what the Runes of Eldoria are.


    "Now, for the next lesson, we will try to put The Runes of Eldoria to practice.".


    "By using it to check what level of stage you are in," Miss Faelwen said.


    "It''s important to note that the Runes of Eldoria are more than just words or letters before we get started."


    "Additionally, they could be used by utilizing mathematical symbols and numerals".


    Next, Miss Faelwen took chalk to write the words "power," "formation," and "reveal" on the chalkboard.


    She then said, "To begin with, try saying this incantation I wrote on the board."


    After reciting those incantations, all of the students were completely left speechless as a little, bright blue light appeared at the palm of their palms.


    "You see, that little glowing light is the ethereal force that is within your core," Miss Faelwen stated.


    She went on, "And that blue color indicates that you are all in the beginner stage."


    One of the male students said in excitement, "Wow, this is so awesome!"


    "Yeah, I agree!" another student added. "It looks so cool."


    To which Miss Faelwen smirked proudly.


    Miss Faelwen started to move around the classroom while the kids stared in interest at the bright blue light on their hands, before coming to a halt directly next to Xavier''s desk. As she watched Xavier express his contentment, she learned that he was just beginning.


    Miss Faelwen used The Eyes of Revelation on Xavier once more, gazing coldly at him as she did so.


    Then Miss Faelwen thought to herself, "Dragons may be more skilled at using the Runes of Eldoria than elves are."


    "However, we are unmatched when it comes to using the ethereal force and core."


    "As we understand the ethereal core and energy better than any other race,"


    She then thought to herself, "But this boy... no, I can''t even call this creature a boy," as she began to sweat uncomfortably.


    "He doesn''t even possess an ethereal core.".


    "How is that even possible?".


    With her Eyes of Revelation, she saw that there was nothing where the ethereal core should have been.


    But in its place was an infinitely large pool of ethereal energy that flowed like the roaring oceans.


    "This child is a freak of nature, just like that born Herrscher of a monster, Aleksander."


    And as she walked away, she thought to herself, "I can''t believe those two monsters are related.".


    As Miss Faelwen approached Jupiter''s desk, she was shocked to see that the bright light on Jupiter''s hand was yellow rather than the usual blue of the beginner stage.


    Miss Faelwen asked herself, "Is he already at the intermediate stage at the age of 3 years old?" with astonishment.


    Miss Faelwen then said to Jupiter, "Oh, I didn''t realize someone in this class was already in the intermediate stage."


    The fact that Jupiter''s ethereal core was already at the intermediate level astounded the entire class.


    "What? "Jupiter, I had no idea you were a genius!" exclaimed Xavier, looking surprised and excited.


    Jupiter was flushed and said, "Well, I never really knew that I was at the intermediate stage, to begin with," in an embarrassed response.


    "You''re very awesome," Xavier answered. And that caused Jupiter to laugh awkwardly and flush with shame.


    Miss Faelwen smirked and said to herself, "It seems like this class is full of geniuses this year."

 The End of School

    Jupiter and Xavier laughed and joked as they left the school together after classes ended and everyone went home.


    However, just as they came to a stop, a young woman approached them, and Jupiter, delighted to see them, shouted, "Auntie Liza!"


    "I''m quite excited to know that you''re finished with school," Jupiter''s aunt replied while petting Jupiter''s hair.


    Jupiter excitedly said, "Yeah, me too."


    Xavier didn''t seem to know who the woman was. As soon as she saw Xavier, the woman apologized for not introducing herself and stated, "My name is Liza Cavendish. And I am Jupiter''s auntie.".


    "It is a pleasure to meet you, young sir," she added.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you too!" Xavier responded with a smile.


    Jupiter shyly said to his aunt, "His name is Xavier Ashford."


    He went on, "And he''s my newfound friend."


    Liza exclaimed, "You made a friend on the first day?" shocked that her nephew had been able to make friends on the first day of school.


    Jupiter joyfully replied, "Yes!" in response, causing Liza to jump with pleasure that her nephew had made his very first friend.


    As Liza was celebrating Jupiter''s gaining a new friend, Jonathan, Aleksander, and Violet approached them.


    "Where were you during the whole school day, Xavier?" Aleksander asked Xavier, "Violet and I have been looking for you everywhere."


    "I was spending time with my friend Jupiter and with Jason and his friends," Xavier answered.


    Liza set Jupiter down after noticing Jonathan, coughed awkwardly, and said, "Excuse me for my manner, sir.".


    Jonathan answered, "It''s okay; you don''t have to apologize for being happy."


    Liza said, "You''re very understanding, sir," with a flush and a giggle.


    "My name is Liza Cavendish," she said.


    "And I am the aunt of my nephew, Jupiter Cavendish.".


    "It''s nice to meet you, Liza Cavendish," Jonathan said with a smile.


    "My name is Jonathan Ashford." Jonathan continued. "And I am the father of my youngest son, Xavier."


    "And these two children of mine here are Violet and Aleksander.".


    Liza replied, "It''s a pleasure to meet Lady Violet and Sir Aleksander.".


    To which Violet and Aleksander replied, "It''s a pleasure to meet you, too, Madame Liza."


    With a lovely smile on her face, Liza turned to Jonathan and added, "And it''s a pleasure to meet the father of my nephew''s first-ever friend."


    Jonathan was taken aback and said, "Wait, you made a friend, Xavier?"


    With a broad smile, Xavier replied, "Yes, Father!" in response.


    Violet, surprised and happy to hear that her little brother had made a new friend, patted Xavier''s hair and said, "That''s good news, little brother.".


    Jonathan chuckled proudly and added, "Well, in that case, I am also pleased to learn that my son has made a new friend."


    Liza blushed and giggled in answer.


    Then, with excitement, Violet approached Jupiter and greeted him, saying, "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Jupiter.".


    "And I''m so glad that you and my younger brother are friends," Violet said with a beaming smile.


    Jupiter shyly replied, "Yeah... It''s a pleasure to meet you too, Violet," in response.


    Aleksander then patted Jupiter''s hair and added, "Your shyness makes me think of Xavier when he first met his cousin."


    Aleksander chuckled, to which Xavier, flustered, responded, "Stop it, big brother," and pulled away in embarrassment.


    Miss Liza then apologized to Jonathan, stating, "I''m sorry, but we have to get going," realizing how late it was getting. And they had people waiting for them.


    With a smile, Jonathan answered, "It''s okay. We also have to get going."Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Holding Jupiter''s hand, Miss Liza and Jupiter said their goodbyes to Jonathan, Xavier, and his siblings. And they began their departure.


    As Jupiter and Miss Liza left, Jonathan grabbed Xavier and carried him on his shoulders.


    "So then, how was your first day at school?" inquired Jonathan.


    Xavier said, "It was amazing, father," in response.


    Jonathan remarked, "Well, that''s great to hear," with a chuckle.


    Xavier then asked Aleksander, "Brother, how come you never told me that you and Big Sis were so talented?" while sitting on his father''s shoulders.


    Aleksander answered, "I''m guessing that everyone must have told you how much of a genius me and your sister are," after understanding what Xavier was getting at.


    "And how can we have such a high ethereal core at a young age, right?".


    And Xavier said, "Yes!" in response.


    "I learned that from my training instructor," he went on.


    Aleksander laughed and answered, "Well, we never told you about it because we thought you wouldn''t care about it, since you didn''t know what an ethereal core was to begin with.".


    Xavier responded angrily, "My, would I not care about it?"


    "It''s so awesome being the little brother of two prodigies.".


    Startled by Xavier''s compliment, Violet and Aleksander burst out laughing. "Thank you very much for the compliment, little brother," Aleksander and Violet said, wiping their tears of laughter.


    With a smile, Xavier said, "You''re welcome!"


    "Plus, I''m not really on the level of Grand Herrscher," Aleksander went on.


    Xavier asked in surprise, "What do you mean, big brother?" in response.


    And Aleksander replied, "Well, that''s because my contractor placed a seal on my powers so that it wouldn''t hurt me because of my body not being physically able to withstand my pure-white ethereal core.".


    "So that means I''m not nigh-omnipotent like the other Grand Herrschers are.".


    "And my power output is on the level of a red administrator core.".


    "Wait, your contractor?" Xavier inquired, perplexed.


    Aleksander answered, "Yes, my contractor," in response.


    "What is a contractor?" Xavier inquired after that.


    Violet replied to Xavier''s question, saying, "A contractor is someone who gives you their power.".


    "Consequently, you will serve as their vessel and come under their authority and guidance.".


    "They could be anyone, but they have to be someone stronger than you for the contract to work.".


    "Whoa, that''s awesome," Xavier answered.


    "I know, right? "Even I have a contractor," Violet stated with enthusiasm.


    Xavier then said, "Wait, you have a contractor as well?" with envy.


    "Yeah, I do," Violet replied.


    "Oh, why can''t I have a contractor too?" Xavier lamented, looking discouraged.


    "Don''t worry about it, Xavier; you may find one in the future," Aleksander responded.


    "Really? I hope so!" Xavier exclaimed.


    Then, out of nowhere, Jonathan said, "Speaking of cool, I got you a gift, son," and gave Xavier a wrapped gift.


    Xavier was perplexed as to what the present was and inquired, "What is it?"


    Jonathan retorted, "Open it and you''ll see."


    When Xavier started to open the present, he was shocked to realize that it was a scarlet scarf with gold trim around the edges.


    "A scarf? It looks so cool!" Xavier exclaimed at Jonathan, beaming with happiness.


    Jonathan confidently responded with a smug grin, "Yeah! And your sister and I made it by hand for you."


    "Really?" Xavier was questioned in shock.


    "Well, your grandfather purchased all the materials needed for sewing the scarf."


    "But yes," Jonathan answered.


    "That''s amazing, Father," Xavier said.


    "But what makes the scarf special is that the materials used are very rare," Jonathan stated.


    "The scarf is resistant to cold and fire because of those materials. And all it takes to change its size is to apply ethereal energy within it," he went on.


    "Resistance to fire? Father, that''s so awesome," Xavier exclaimed, smiling broadly.


    "Thank you very much, Father and big sister, for this gift," Xavier said, with his face beaming with happiness.


    Then, blushing, Violet and Jonathan said, "You''re welcome, Xavier.".


    As Xavier and his family left, Miss Faelwen, who was inspecting them from the academy''s gate, said to Instructor Joshua, who was standing beside her, "I am quite fascinated by that child, Xavier."


    In response, Instructor Joshua said, "Well, either way, I''ve already told Principal Cedric about Xavier not having an ethereal core."


    "And he told me that it would be best to leave that boy alone and inspect him from a distance and everything he does," he continued.


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park suddenly jumped enthusiastically upon Instructor Joshua''s back and exclaimed, "Oppa! I''ve been trying to find you. Where have you been?"


    Irritated, Joshua said, "Seo-Yeon, you shameless woman, why did you tell your students to ask me what a Grand Monarch was?"


    "Isn''t that the very job you were given to do?".


    With a giggle, Miss Seo-Yeon Park answered, "Oh, relax, Oppa¡ªit''s not that deep."


    "You don''t need to become upset over it," she continued.


    Instructor Joshua answered, "Yes, I do."


    He went on, "You annoy me every day!"


    "Well, that''s because I can''t live without tormenting you, Oppa," Miss Seo-Yeon Park answered with a smirk.


    "You two make a cute couple," Miss Faelwen remarked jokingly.


    Instructor Joshua became enraged and retorted, "We''re not a couple!"


    "Why does everyone keep saying we are?".


    "You don''t have to play dumb, Joshua; we all know that you guys are secretly a couple," Miss Faelwen responded.


    "There''s no need to conceal it. It''s acceptable to occasionally tell the truth".


    Instructor Joshua clenched his teeth in annoyance at that.


    "Oh, by the way, why are the both of you just standing here and looking at Xavier and his family?" inquired Miss Seo-Yeon Park.


    "Well, that''s because that kid, Xavier, is an abnormality," Miss Faelwen retorted. "Because he lacks an ethereal core.".


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park said, "Wait, really?" with amazement.


    "Why do you find this surprising?" The instructor, Joshua, said he was perplexed.


    "Didn''t you already know that?" The instructor, Joshua, went on.


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park answered, "No, not really."


    Instructor Joshua was speechless and questioned, "How?".


    "You''re as strong as me; how did you not notice?"


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park responded, "Well, that''s because I don''t go around using my powers on children to see if they''re geniuses or not.".


    "Because anyone, gifted or not, can be a genius," Miss Seo-Yeon Park went on.


    Upon hearing Miss Seo-Yeon Park''s remarks, Instructor Joshua was taken aback and chose to remain silent.


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park went on, saying to Miss Faelwen, "Plus, you''re the second strongest person in this academy, only behind Principle Cerdic, Unni.".


    "So I don''t see why a grand monarch like you would be worried about what a coreless child would do.".


    Miss Faelwen retorted, "You''re right, but either way, I will just keep my eyes on him," after giving Miss Seo-Yeon Park''s remarks some thought.


    As she looked at Xavier, Miss Faelwen then said, "And if needed, I won''t hesitate to teach him how to harness that endless pool of ethereal energy of his.".

 The Ancient War

    February 12, 1808.


    Four years had passed, and Xavier was now seven years old. Now in his fourth year of attending the Pennsylvania Royal Academy, he had formed numerous new friends.


    On a Monday morning, early in the morning, Jonathan yelled at Xavier to wake up and prepare for school.


    Xavier woke up abruptly and checked the time on his clock.


    It read 07:50 AM on the clock.


    With just ten minutes left to get to school, Xavier was going to be late, and his heart fell to his stomach when he saw the clock.


    Xavier thought to himself, "Miss Seo-Yeon is going to kill me," with fear.


    In less than five minutes, Xavier got out of bed, brushed his teeth, and took a shower. He rushed downstairs, where Jonathan was preparing breakfast for the two of them.


    Jonathan rinsed the dishes and remarked, "Oh, Xavier, hurry up and come eat, so you can get going to school already."


    "I''m sorry, but I don''t have time to eat dinner, Dad. When I get to school, I''ll eat there," Xavier answered.


    With that, Xavier ran out of the house and said, "Bye, Dad. See you later."


    Jonathan smiled back and said, "Bye, son, have a great day at school."


    Then, out of nowhere, Xavier returned, grabbing the egg sandwich Jonathan had made him, and said, "Oh, I forgot; let me grab this sandwich to eat on my way to school."


    Then again, Xavier departed the house, uttering "Cya Dad."


    Jonathan burst out laughing and replied, "Cya, Xavier.".


    With just three minutes to spare, Xavier dashed to school and took The Visors of Time off. Then his deep, crimson eyes started to turn back to their natural color¡ªcosmic eyes.


    Xavier then started teleporting short distances from himself using his vector powers so he could get to school quickly.


    Xavier heard the first school bell ring as soon as he reached the school gate. As a result, Xavier, using his gifted ability, changed the acceleration vector acting on his body and directed it forward, increasing both his movement and speed. A rush of force accelerated him in an instant, making him move much faster.


    Xavier reduced the resistance that was attempting to stop him by adjusting the inertia vector. As he hit amazing speeds, his surroundings started to blur, and he carefully adjusted the friction vector to almost eliminate all the air resistance to nearly zero.


    When students saw someone rush by quickly, they realized it was Xavier right away. As he went past, they all weaved at him, and Xavier smiled and waved back.


    "He consistently arrives late," remarked a senior to their friends.


    With a giggle, their friend said, "Well, that''s Xavier for you."


    Xavier moved the directional vectors with each step, making it easy for him to swerve through the school hallway.


    As the second bell rang, Xavier was already at the door of his class as his classmates entered.


    Jupiter exclaimed, "Oh, you''re finally here!" as soon as he saw Xavier.


    Xavier answered, "Yeah, I am here," while perspiring.


    Jupiter questioned, "Why are you always late, bro?"


    "No, I just overslept this time," Xavier replied.


    Jupiter then said, "Mate, you always have an explanation for everything."


    And Xavier answered with a smug expression, "Yeah."


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park said to Xavier as he and Jupiter entered her classroom, "Oh, it seems like you''re early this time, Xavier.".


    "Miss Seo-Yeon, I am never late." Xavier grinned in response.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Miss Seo-Yeon then said, "Well, that''s great!" in response.


    With a menacing smile, she stated, "If you had been late, I would have told Instructor Joshua to increase your training regime."


    Xavier answered nervously, "Yeah, lucky me."


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park then started her history lesson while students were taking their seats.


    "Okay, for today''s subject, we''ll be talking about the Great Race War.".


    "To begin, the Great Race War was a war that began millions of years ago.".


    "After the Four Great Races waged war against each other out of hatred and distrust for each other,".


    "This war was a great and fierce one, as millions of people, including people from other races, had died in this mighty conflict.".


    "But throughout this war, Gifteds were rarely on the battlefield, as during that period, Gifteds was a common enemy that the Four Races hated.".


    "Because of how they abused their powers to treat the ungifted like slaves, killing and committing numerous crimes and war crimes.".


    "But there was one gifted in particular that everyone knows, as their name had been carved into the history of creation.".


    Jupiter raised his hands in curiosity, asking, "Who was that particular gifted?"


    Miss Seo-Yeon Park responded with a more serious tone: "Their name was Julius von Audrius."


    "Or otherwise known as The King of Malevelance, The Incarnate of Evil.".


    Hearing his name made all of the students fearful and uncomfortable, as the air around them became darker.


    "Julius von Audrius was infamous for being a chaotic creature of doom.".


    "As everywhere he went, destruction and death would follow.".


    "And what made him feared by all the races and many gifteds was that Emperor Julius would go around defeating and killing numerous Grand Herrschers and many gifteds off all stages for fun to entertain himself.".


    Hearing the incredible things Julius von Audrius could do, students became engaged and interested in what Miss Seo-Yeon Park had to say about him.


    Miss Seo-Yeon went on to say, "What made him virtually unbeatable was his abundance of abilities."


    "He even possessed the ability to shoot a power beam of destruction from his eyes that would erase his opponents from existence.".


    "And combined with the fact that he would randomly disappear for many centuries and suddenly come back, it made him an unstoppable force to reckon with.".


    "How did he look?" a student questioned, raising their hands.


    Miss Seo-Yeon responded, "Well, to begin with, he was human, but he completely broke his limiters, rejecting his humanity and becoming something beyond mortal capacities."


    "With his new look, he had numerous markings all over his body, with the names of all his toughest opponents he had defeated on them. And he had yellow and dark crimson eyes, full of malice and evil."


    "He was easily over 12 feet tall and dwarfed his opponents in battle. And he had a tremendously powerful build, which added to his threatening appearance."


    "His skin was a dark silver color, with his hair being long and as white as cotton.".


    The students were captivated by how powerful and menacing Emperor Julius von Audrius was portrayed.


    Xavier inquired, "Miss Seo-Yeon, why do you call him Emperor Julius?"


    Miso-Yeon replied, "Well, that''s because he once, with his sheer power alone, took over the entirety of the Great Empire of Lithuania by himself.".


    "Wow!" the students exclaimed in awe.


    "And dawning his mighty Armor of Chaos and the multitude of ethereal instruments he had at his disposal, he quite easily becomes a renowned figure in history.".


    A student said curiously, "And what happened to Emperor Julius?"


    Miss Seo-Yeon answered: "Well, it came a time in history when numerous armies from different races allied against Emperor Julius, several millions of years after the Great War.".


    "And during that battle between the alliance and Emperor Julius, many Grand Herrschers, patriarchs, and monarchs fought against Emperor Julius.".


    "Before he was ultimately defeated by Saint Sebastian Akintola, after a hard and excruciating battle resulting in many soldiers'' deaths,"


    A student inquired, "Did you say, Akintola?"


    Miss Seo-Yeon responded, "Yes, Akintola.".


    "Saint Sebastian Akintola is the ancestor of your training instructor, Joshua Akintola," she added.


    The students were left dumbfounded because they had no idea their instructor was a descendant of a great historical hero.


    "Instructor Joshua is so cool, wouldn''t you say, right?" Miss Seo-Yeon joked, blushing.


    And the female students in the class nodded their heads in agreement.


    Miss Seo-Yeon coughed briefly, regaining her composure, and said, "Anyway, to continue the topic about the Great Race War."


    "It was abruptly stopped after the appearance of terrifying creatures known as the Varmint.".


    "This creature came out of racked rifts and caused more terror and destruction than Julius the Harbinger of Havoc ever did.".


    "These creatures would more frequently target Gifteds, causing many Gifteds to run and ask for aid from the ungifted.".


    "And what made the Varmint more dangerous than Emperor Julius was the fact that they would come in different shapes and forms.".


    "And their power would vary from one to another.".


    "This means that one Varmint may appear on the same level as a Grand Herrscher or an Administrator."


    "So their being able to randomly appear and be on the level of a Grand Herrscher or higher made them.".


    One student inquired, "Did the four races ever unite to eliminate the Varmint?"


    Miss Seo-Yeon responded, "Sadly, no."


    "The only time the Four Races came together was to defeat the Chaotic Being, Emperor Julius.".


    The pupils were startled to learn that, despite being capable of overcoming the unstoppable force, Emperor Julius the King of Malevelant. The four races declined to unite again to defeat a more powerful foe, the Varmint.


    As Miss Seo-Yeon had finished speaking, the school bell rang. So their history classes were over, and they had an hour break.

 Love and Teasing

    Violet, who was strolling and talking with her friends in the hallway, yelled out to Xavier in enthusiasm when she saw him exit his classroom.


    "Xavier!" Violet said, hugging him tightly and smiling brightly.


    Xavier, blushing as Violet held him, said, "What''s up, Sis?".


    Violet then held Xabier''s cheeks and replied, "I''m doing great after seeing you!".


    Xavier then greeted Violet''s colleagues, who treated him as if he were a pet due to his cute appearance.


    When Xavier noticed Princess Jin-ah Lee among Violet''s friends, he then said, blushing, "Hi there, Princess Jin-ah Lee.".


    Princess Jin-ah Lee smiled and replied, "Hi there, Xavier.".


    "How have you been?" she inquired.


    And Xavier said nervously, "I''m... fine."


    Princess Jin-ah Lee petted Xavier''s head and remarked, "That is wonderful to hear, Xavier."


    Violet noticed her little brother''s bizarre behavior with Princess Jin-ah Lee and suspected that something was wrong.


    But she looked at Xavier, noting how his eyes sparkled when he looked at Princess Jin-ah Lee. And she quickly understood what was going on.


    "Don''t tell me; my little brother is in love with Jasmine." Violet wondered.


    "If so, I''ll have to see how she feels about him," she added.


    Violet immediately grasped Jin-ah Lee''s hands and apologized to Xavier, "Oh, sorry, little brother.".


    "We are in a hurry because we have somewhere to be," she continued.


    Surprised, Xavier said, "Oh, okay."


    "Well, have a great day, big sister," he added.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Violet smiled as she dragged Princess Jin-ah Lee by the hand and answered, "Have a great day too, little brother.".


    Xavier said goodbye to his sister and her companions as they left. But Jupiter, who was just now exiting the classroom, noted how joyful Xavier appeared.


    Jupiter then noticed Violet and her companions, including Princess Jin-ah Lee, walking in the distance, laughing and chatting.


    Jupiter smirked and said to Xavier, "I see you were talking with your crush, Princess Jin-ah Lee.".


    "How is she doing?" he continued.


    Xavier was embarrassed, blushed, and answered, "Stop it!" "She is not my crush."


    "Yeah, sure," Jupiter said with a smug expression.


    But then, from afar, Jason called out to Xavier and Jupiter''s names, saying, "Yoo guys, I have a one-hour break.".


    "Do you want to go explore New York City?" he continued.


    Xavier and Jupiter, thrilled by the offer, said, "Heck yeah!"


    The scene then switched to Violet, who was happily chatting with her friends. Violet then stared Princess Jin-ah Lee in the eyes with a serious face.


    Princess Jin-ah Lee was caught off guard and asked worriedly, "What''s wrong, Violet? Is there something wrong?".


    Violet then asked, "Do you like my little brother?".


    "What?!" Princess Jin-ah Lee responded, stunned and flustered by the question.


    "Why would you ask something like that?" she replied, blushing.


    Violet responded, "I''m just asking to be sure."


    "To make sure, what???" Princess Jin-ah Lee inquired, embarrassed.


    "To ensure that you''re a good fit for my brother," Violet said.


    "And to be honest, I have no problems with you being my sister-in-law.".


    "You''re perfect for my little brother, Xavier," she added.


    Princess Jin-ah Lee blushed and questioned, "What makes you think your brother and I will be a couple?"


    Violet answered, "Because you''re a good mix together."


    Violet''s other friends then began to jokingly make fun of Princess Jin-ah Lee, saying, "Yeah, we see how the atmosphere brightens up when you two are around each other.".


    "What?" Princess Jin-ah Lee said, puzzled.


    They all continued to tease Princess Jin-ah Lee, adding, "And how you guys are always smiling uncontrollably when you see each other."


    "And how you''re always so up close with each other," they continued.


    Princess Jin-ah Lee said, "How does that make us a couple?".


    "Plus, I am older than him. And I don''t think I''d be a decent girlfriend," she added.


    Violet smiled and added, "Oh, come on, don''t be like that.".


    Violet then added, "You''re smart, funny, strong, kindhearted, and loving."


    "And you are even my equal in power."


    "I don''t see why you two wouldn''t make a great match, Jasmine," Violet said.


    Princess Jin-ah Lee then blushed and stated, "Stop trying to force your weird ideas on me, Violet.".


    Violet and all of her companions laughed in return, and Violet responded, "Okay, okay, sister-in-law.".


    "We''ll stop, so you can stop crying now," she added.


    This simply made Princess Jin-ah Lee feel more embarrassed and blush even more.


    "Stop it!" Princess Jin-ah Lee said, flustered.

 Harnessing The Power of Aura

    Now it was time for training, and as usual, Instructor Joshua was putting Class 1B through hell.


    "Faster," he said calmly, watching as his students struggled to maneuver around a massive boulder, its heavy metal chain wrapped tightly around their hands, legs, and hips.


    For three grueling hours, they dragged the colossal weight across the training field. Their muscles burned, sweat poured down their faces, but Joshua? He sat comfortably in the shade, casually enjoying his lunch as if their suffering were mere entertainment.


    Finally, he set his food aside and said, "Alright, that''s enough."


    The students collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air. "Finally!" they groaned in unison.


    "Take ten," Joshua added, leaning back against a nearby tree.


    Xavier, still catching his breath, wiped the sweat from his brow. "Instructor, why do we have to go through this torture while wearing a 20kg weighted suit?"


    Joshua smirked. "Because it accelerates your growth."


    Jupiter, lying flat on his back, let out a sarcastic laugh. "And dragging a giant rock around is supposed to help with that?"


    "Stop whining," Joshua shot back. "This training builds your bodies to withstand the expansion of your ethereal cores. You¡¯ll thank me later. Besides..."


    He crossed his arms and looked at the exhausted class. "You guys can conduct your Auras now."


    Xavier sat up straight. "Wait, seriously?"


    Joshua nodded. "Try focusing. Imagine twisting the cap off a bottle of water. Feel the pressure inside, the energy ready to be released. Now, open it. Let your Aura flow."


    The students followed his instructions. A few moments later, shimmering energy began to radiate from their bodies, flickering like flames, rippling like waves, each unique in its color and intensity.


    Gasps of amazement filled the air.


    "Look at that!" one student exclaimed, staring at their glowing hands.


    Joshua chuckled. "Told you. And take a good look¡ªno two Auras are exactly the same. Some flow smoothly, others surge like a raging storm. Some even have effects on their surroundings."


    A curious student raised a hand. "Our Aura can change our environment?"


    Joshua nodded. "That¡¯s right. It depends on your natural abilities."


    To demonstrate, he closed his eyes and let his own Aura flare to life. A deep blue energy pulsed from his core, and instantly, the ground beneath him frosted over. The air grew colder, a thin sheet of ice spreading outward.


    "My Aura freezes everything around me. It also makes it easier to predict my enemies¡¯ movements." He stomped lightly, and the ice cracked. "Most people don¡¯t move so well when the ground¡¯s slippery."


    The students marveled. "That¡¯s incredible!"


    Joshua grinned. "And that¡¯s not the only benefit. Aura isn¡¯t just for fighting or intimidation. When you release ethereal energy into the air, you can reabsorb it¡ªalong with the ambient energy around you¡ªto strengthen yourself."


    Xavier, now standing, furrowed his brows. "How does that even work?"


    Joshua leaned against the tree. "Simple. Everything contains ethereal energy¡ªwhether it¡¯s the ground, the trees, even the air. By training, you can pull that energy into your body, enhancing your abilities."


    Another student raised a hand hesitantly. "Wait, does that mean we can absorb energy from animals or even¡­ people?"


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Joshua shook his head. "Not by force. That¡¯s forbidden. Absorbing raw natural ethereal energy is one thing, but taking from another living being? That¡¯s crossing a line. Plus, that''s impossible to do."


    The class nodded, absorbing the lesson with a newfound respect for Aura¡¯s power.


    Then Joshua clapped his hands together. "Alright, enough chatting. Back to work. You¡¯ll need every ounce of strength for the upcoming event."


    Jupiter raised an eyebrow. "What event?"


    Joshua blinked. "You guys don¡¯t know about the Forest Crown Hunt?"


    The students exchanged confused looks before collectively responding, "No."


    Joshua sighed, rubbing his temple. "Unbelievable. Well, let me explain."


    He paced before them. "The Forest Crown Hunt is an annual event held by the school. Every student in your grade will participate. You¡¯ll be split into teams of six and dropped into a massive forest. There will be sixteen teams total, meaning ninety-six participants."


    Xavier¡¯s expression sharpened. "And what¡¯s the goal?"


    Joshua smirked. "Each team will have roles:


    <ul>


    <li>


    A King: The strategist and decision-maker.


    </li>


    <li>


    Two Warriors: The main combatants, responsible for protecting the King.


    </li>


    <li>


    A Scout: The navigator and eyes of the team.


    </li>


    <li>


    A Healer: Provides medical support.


    </li>


    <li>


    A Strategist: Assists in planning and battlefield awareness."


    </li>


    </ul>


    Jupiter leaned forward. "And what¡¯s the actual objective?"


    Joshua¡¯s grin widened. "Simple. Steal the crown from the opposing teams¡¯ Kings. The last team standing wins."


    The students murmured among themselves, excitement stirring in the air.


    Joshua then dropped the real bombshell. "And the winning team? Well¡­ they don¡¯t just get a school reward. The head principal personally selects a prize. And¡­" He paused for effect. "You¡¯ll also receive recognition from the High Council of the Noble Houses of the Kingdom of the United States."


    Silence.


    Then, the realization hit.


    The students erupted in excitement, their exhaustion all but forgotten.


    Joshua let them have their moment before his expression darkened. "But¡­ your break ended five minutes ago."


    The students froze.


    Joshua cracked his knuckles. "Get back to moving those boulders. Now."


    A collective groan echoed through the training grounds as they hurried to obey.


    Joshua smirked, watching them struggle once more. "This year¡¯s Forest Crown Hunt should be interesting," he mused. His gaze landed on Xavier and Jupiter. "Especially with those two involved."


    He let out a quiet chuckle, already anticipating the chaos to come.


    -----


    As school let out, Xavier walked alongside Aleksander and Violet, stretching his arms as he sighed in relief.


    "So, how was school today, Xavier?" Violet asked, her tone light and curious.


    Xavier groaned dramatically. "Oh, you know, just another day in paradise. A little more torturous than usual, though."


    Violet giggled. "Sounds like you had a blast."


    Xavier chuckled but then suddenly remembered something. "Oh, that¡¯s right! I almost forgot!"


    "What is it?" Violet asked, tilting her head slightly, concern flickering in her eyes.


    "We learned about the Great Race War today," Xavier said. "And about those weird monsters called Vermits."


    Violet¡¯s eyes lit up. "Oh, that¡¯s actually pretty cool!"


    Xavier nodded. "Yeah, and we also covered this insanely strong guy¡ªKing Julius von Audrius, the Grand Emperor of Lithuania."


    Aleksander, who had been quietly listening, raised a brow. "Julius the Dreadlord, huh?"


    "Yep!" Xavier confirmed. "The guy was an absolute monster. A Grand Herrscher with crazy power... but also a total villain."


    Then, with a wide grin, Xavier turned to Aleksander. "But I don¡¯t think he¡¯s stronger than you, Big Bro."


    Aleksander blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter. "That¡¯s a bold claim, Xavier."


    Xavier tilted his head. "So, you¡¯re saying you¡¯re stronger?"


    Aleksander shook his head. "Not exactly. In my current state, I wouldn¡¯t even leave a scratch on him."


    Xavier frowned. "Really?"


    "Standing in his presence alone would be enough to wipe me from existence," Aleksander admitted, a serious look crossing his face.


    Xavier crossed his arms, deep in thought. "But... what if you reached your full potential?"


    Aleksander¡¯s expression shifted. There was a spark of something¡ªdetermination, maybe even certainty. "If I could unleash my true power, removing the restrictions my contractor placed on me¡­"


    He paused before continuing, "And if Emperor Julius had full access to all his ethereal instruments and his Armor of Chaos..."


    Aleksander¡¯s voice grew firmer, filled with conviction. "Then it would be the toughest battle of my life."


    Xavier stared at him, captivated. "But... would you lose?"


    Aleksander¡¯s lips curled into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with absolute confidence. "Oh, I¡¯d win. Without question. It wouldn¡¯t be easy, but I¡¯d make sure of it. No matter what."


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened, completely in awe. "You''re so cool, Brother!"


    Aleksander chuckled, ruffling Xavier¡¯s hair. But before he could say anything, Violet pouted and crossed her arms. "Hey! What about me? I¡¯m cool too, right?" She gave Xavier her best puppy-dog eyes.


    Xavier laughed. "Of course, Big Sis! You¡¯re super cool!"


    Pleased, Violet wrapped Xavier in a tight hug, her face warm with happiness. "I love you, Xavier."


    Xavier hugged her back, grinning. "Love you too, Big Sis."


    Aleksander simply shook his head, smiling at the heartwarming sight before him as they continued their walk home.

 The Start Forest Crown Hunt Event

    Xavier floated in an endless void, weightless and still. The emptiness stretched on indefinitely¡ªuntil it didn¡¯t.


    Cracks splintered through the nothingness like fractured glass, and before he could react, Xavier found himself standing in an unfamiliar hospital room. His form was hazy, almost ghost-like, as he took in the scene before him.


    A young woman sat cradling a newborn in her arms, her voice soft and melodic as she hummed a lullaby. Xavier peered down at the baby, his heart tightening with familiarity.


    "Oh, it''s this dream again," he murmured, exhaling deeply.


    It had been seven years since he first started having this recurring vision. And yet, no matter how many times he experienced it, the outcome never changed.


    The mother continued singing, a warm smile gracing her tired but content face. Then, the door creaked open, and a man entered, his eyes alight with joy.


    "You seem to be in a good mood, Julia," he teased.


    Julia shot him a playful glare, her nose scrunching. "And what''s that supposed to mean, Andrew?"


    Andrew chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Nothing, nothing! Just an observation."


    "Mm-hmm, that''s what I thought." She huffed, but her expression softened as she gestured toward the infant. "Come meet your son."


    Andrew stepped closer, looking down at the tiny bundle. His gaze flickered to his wife. "Have you decided on a name yet?"


    "Not yet," she admitted. "But I want something unique... something special."


    Andrew nodded thoughtfully. "I was thinking the same."


    Julia¡¯s eyes suddenly brightened. "Oh! What about the name Xavi¡ª"


    Before she could finish, the dream wrenched Xavier away, pulling him backward as if reality itself had snapped. The next thing he knew, he was awake in his bed, drenched in sweat.


    "Why do I never get to hear the full name?" he muttered, rubbing his temples. But before he could dwell on it, Jonathan¡¯s voice rang out from downstairs.


    "Xavier! Get up, or you¡¯ll be late!"


    His eyes widened in realization. "The Forest Crown Hunt!"


    Adrenaline shot through him, and he leapt out of bed, rushing to get dressed. He grabbed the Visors of Time, slipping them on before dashing downstairs.


    Jonathan shook his head at him. "When will you stop running late?"


    Xavier grinned. "I¡¯m not late¡ªI¡¯m just ahead of time."


    Before Jonathan could argue, Aleksander strode in from outside, wiping dirt off his hands. He tossed something at Xavier. "Here, Grandfather had this sword specially made for you. Use it well in the Hunt."


    Xavier caught the weapon, but his arms nearly buckled under its weight. "Man, why is this thing so heavy?"


    Aleksander smirked. "It¡¯s made from a high-density alloy. Stronger, more durable¡ªso you don¡¯t keep breaking swords every time you use that ¡®special move¡¯ of yours."


    A grin spread across Xavier¡¯s face. "This is amazing! Thanks, big bro."


    "Don¡¯t thank me. Thank Grandfather," Aleksander said, ruffling his hair. "Now hurry up, or you¡¯ll actually be late."


    Xavier nodded and turned toward the door¡ªonly for Violet to burst down the stairs, nearly face-planting onto the floor. She scrambled up, ran to him, and wrapped her arms around his waist.


    "Promise me you''ll be careful," she said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "No reckless stunts."


    Xavier chuckled. "I promise."


    Satisfied, Violet kissed his forehead, and with that, Xavier sprinted outside, waving goodbye as he headed for school.


    ¡ª


    The academy¡¯s front lot was packed with vehicles, an unusual sight. Before Xavier could make sense of it, a firm hand grabbed his collar from behind.


    "Took you long enough," came Miss Seo-Yeon Park¡¯s voice.


    Before he could protest, she dragged him toward one of the school transport, horse-drawn vehicles, tossing him inside where his classmates waited. Soon, all the students were en route to a colossal forest¡ªso vast it could have been mistaken for a city.


    Upon arrival, an authoritative voice echoed throughout the crowd. "Alright, listen up!" The event announcer¡¯s voice silenced the murmuring students. "Welcome to this year¡¯s Forest Crown Hunt!"


    Xavier¡¯s pulse quickened.


    "To begin, you have been placed in teams of six," the announcer continued. "Each team must decide on a King, Warriors, a Healer, a Scout, and a Strategist. You will be working together to claim victory."


    Excitement buzzed through the crowd.


    "To make things more interesting, we have ensured that both gifted and ungifted students are evenly distributed. Your main goal: steal the opposing team''s crown by any means necessary. The more crowns you collect, the higher your ranking."


    Xavier smirked. This is going to be fun.


    "This event can last anywhere from days to an entire week, depending on your strategies and endurance."


    The announcer''s tone turned serious. "And remember: you are permitted to go all out. This is a battlefield simulation. A preview of what may come when you serve as knights for your country. So fight with everything you have."


    "But let me make it clear, you are not permitted to even so slightly attempt to harm your fellow colleagues to the point that might led to death. And breaking this rule will not be tolerated by the school head and the high councils of the nation.".


    "But If you break this rule, you will not only be expelled from the Pennsylvania Royal Academy, but you will also be under heavy punishment by the country''s judiciary," the announcer declared gravely. "Do I make myself clear?".


    The air grew cold, as silence swept the entire crow. But unlike the rest, Xavier tightened his grip on his sword, his mind racing with possibilities. This is more than just a game. It¡¯s training for the battles ahead.


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    He took a deep breath, steadying himself.


    As the announcer finished outlining the regulations and the main purpose of the event, the teachers randomly assigned each student to a group of six players.


    Xavier glanced at the number on his participation bracelet and walked toward his assigned team¡ªTeam 12. To his surprise, he noticed a familiar face.


    "Oh, Jack!" Xavier exclaimed, draping an arm over Jack¡¯s shoulder. "I can''t believe we''re on the same team!"


    Jack, Jason¡¯s best friend, glanced at his own bracelet and grinned. "Wait, we¡¯re on the same team?" he asked, feigning surprise before smirking. "Oh, we are definitely winning this event."


    Xavier chuckled at Jack¡¯s confidence. "I wouldn¡¯t be so sure about that," he replied playfully.


    Their lighthearted exchange was interrupted when they noticed another teammate approaching. The sight of her took them both by surprise¡ªPrincess Misaki Yamato, the daughter of the Emperor of Japan, had the same bracelet number as them.


    As the rest of Team 12 assembled, Princess Misaki took the initiative to introduce herself. She stepped forward, radiating an air of elegance and composure. "It is a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Misaki Yamato, the third princess of Japan." She offered a polite nod. "I look forward to working together."


    A girl with black-streaked hair stepped forward and bowed. "The honor is ours, Princess Misaki," she said respectfully. "My name is Aria Steelblade from the Steelblade family. I¡¯m honored to be on the same squad as you."


    "Elowen Mistglen of the Mistglen family," another girl added, bowing as well. "It is an honor to be in your presence, Your Highness."


    Jack, ever the showman, puffed out his chest and bowed dramatically. "Greetings, Your Highness. It is truly an honor to meet you." He flashed a confident grin. "Jack Ironvale, from the Ironvale family. It''s a privilege to be your teammate."


    Xavier followed suit, bowing his head slightly. "Xavier Ashford, from the Ashford family. It¡¯s an honor to meet you, Princess Misaki."


    The moment he mentioned his surname, the group fell silent. Elowen¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. "Did you just say Ashford?"


    Xavier blinked, puzzled by her reaction. "Uh, yeah?"


    Elowen let out an excited shriek and grabbed Xavier¡¯s hand. "Then that means you''re related to Violet Ashford?!"


    "Yeah, she¡¯s my older sister," he confirmed, slightly overwhelmed by Elowen¡¯s enthusiasm.


    Elowen practically vibrated with excitement. "I love your sister! Violet the future Saintess is incredible!"


    Aria smirked and nudged Xavier playfully. "Oh, I didn¡¯t expect to be on the same team as the younger brother of Aleksander, the Child of the Heavens."


    Xavier let out an awkward laugh. "Yeah, well, don¡¯t expect me to live up to their reputations."


    As the team got to know each other, Elowen suddenly asked, "Wait, aren¡¯t there supposed to be six of us?"


    Jack glanced around. "Yeah, you¡¯re right. Where¡¯s our last teammate?"


    Before anyone could respond, a hush fell over the crowd. The students instinctively parted as a figure strode toward Team 12 with an air of absolute confidence. It was none other than Prince Magnus of the Imperial House of Flashstride. The tension in the air was almost tangible.


    Princess Misaki remained composed. "Oh, I wasn¡¯t expecting to see you here, Prince Magnus." She met his gaze calmly. "I assume you¡¯re our sixth member?"


    Magnus scoffed, crossing his arms. "Tch. Didn¡¯t expect to be placed in a group full of weaklings."


    His gaze landed on Xavier, and for a moment, the air crackled with unspoken hostility.


    Xavier met his stare head-on. "What¡¯s wrong? Afraid of being carried by people you consider weak?"


    Magnus smirked. "You¡¯re a funny guy, Xavier." His eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "But if you get on my nerves, I will kill you. And this time, Senior Jasmine won¡¯t be here to save you. You got that, little princess?"


    Xavier¡¯s expression didn¡¯t falter. Instead, he smirked. "What¡¯s the matter? Gonna turn into a baby again if I keep talking?"


    A ripple of amusement passed through the group at the reminder of how Princess Jasmine had once humiliated Magnus, but the prince¡¯s reaction was anything but amused. His eyes flickered a blazing red as arcs of electricity sparked around him.


    In an instant, he closed the gap, tapping a finger precisely where Xavier¡¯s heart was. "I could stop your heart in a fraction of a second, vibrating it until it implodes."


    Xavier¡¯s fingers twitched toward the hilt of his sword. He exhaled slowly, keeping his gaze steady. "I¡¯d like to see you try¡ªwithout regretting it."


    Before things could escalate further, a familiar voice interrupted. "Wow, are you two seriously about to kill each other before the event even starts?"


    Jason approached, raising an eyebrow at the rising tension.


    Princess Misaki sighed and stepped between them. "They won¡¯t be doing anything reckless under my watch," she stated firmly.


    Jason smirked, arms crossed as he eyed Princess Misaki. "Under your watch? Are you the king of your team or something?"


    Before Misaki could respond, Prince Magnus stepped in, his voice laced with arrogance. "A true leader is the strongest among their team, a title that is earned, not given."


    He shot her a mocking glance and added, "And I don''t think you meet those criteria, Princess Misaki."


    Misaki chuckled, unbothered. "You''re funny, Prince Magnus," she replied with a teasing glint in her eyes. "But assuming you''re stronger than me? Now that''s delusional."


    She took a step forward. "Besides, a great leader isn''t just about raw strength. It''s about intelligence, balance, and strategy."


    Prince Magnus scoffed. "Only the weak make excuses like that."


    Jason, ever the instigator, casually shrugged. "Me personally? I wouldn¡¯t let anyone call me delusional. Just saying."


    Prince Magnus sneered. "If you want to be the leader so badly, then take it."


    His tone darkened as he added, "Just remember¡ªyou''ll never measure up to the head of your family, Misaki."


    Misaki exhaled slowly, turning away. "And you? You''ll always be the shadow left behind by your older brother¡¯s success. Keep that in mind when we win."


    Jason grinned, nudging things further. "Ooooh, if that were me, I''d be swinging right now."


    Magnus erupted into laughter, shaking his head. "We¡¯ll see about that, Misaki."


    By the end of the debate, the rest of Team 12 had reached a decision¡ªMisaki was their king, despite Magnus¡¯s objections. Xavier and Aria would serve as warriors, defending the squad and Misaki. Elowen, the most skilled healer, was their medic, while Jack took on the role of strategist. Begrudgingly, Magnus was assigned as their scout.


    Jason smirked, arms crossed as he eyed Princess Misaki. "Under your watch? Are you the king of your team or something?"


    Before Misaki could respond, Prince Magnus stepped in, his voice laced with arrogance. "A true leader is the strongest among their team, a title that is earned, not given."


    He shot her a mocking glance and added, "And I don''t think you meet those criteria, Princess Misaki."


    Misaki chuckled, unbothered. "You''re funny, Prince Magnus," she replied with a teasing glint in her eyes. "But assuming you''re stronger than me? Now that''s delusional."


    She took a step forward. "Besides, a great leader isn''t just about raw strength. It''s about intelligence, balance, and strategy."


    Prince Magnus scoffed. "Only the weak make excuses like that."


    Jason, ever the instigator, casually shrugged. "Me personally? I wouldn¡¯t let anyone call me delusional. Just saying."


    Prince Magnus sneered. "If you want to be the leader so badly, then take it."


    His tone darkened as he added, "Just remember¡ªyou''ll never measure up to the head of your family, Misaki."


    Misaki exhaled slowly, turning away. "And you? You''ll always be the shadow left behind by your older brother¡¯s success. Keep that in mind when we win."


    Jason grinned, nudging things further. "Ooooh, if that were me, I''d be swinging right now."


    Magnus erupted into laughter, shaking his head. "We¡¯ll see about that, Misaki."


    By the end of the debate, the rest of Team 12 had reached a decision¡ªMisaki was their king, despite Magnus¡¯s objections. Xavier and Aria would serve as warriors, defending the squad and Misaki. Elowen, the most skilled healer, was their medic, while Jack took on the role of strategist. Begrudgingly, Magnus was assigned as their scout.


    ----


    Just as the event was about to begin, Jupiter finally found Xavier. "There you are," he said, grinning. "I¡¯ve been looking for you."


    Xavier raised an eyebrow. "What¡¯s up? You seem excited."


    "Of course I am," Jupiter replied. "This is the first time I get to fight you for real."


    Xavier smirked. "Oh yeah, we¡¯re not on the same team this time."


    "Exactly!" Jupiter nodded enthusiastically. "Unfortunate, but at least I get to compete against you."


    Xavier chuckled. "Whose team are you on?"


    "Jason¡¯s¡ªTeam 7," Jupiter answered.


    Xavier¡¯s smirk faltered slightly. "You¡¯re with Jason?" He let out an exaggerated groan. "Man, that¡¯s a tough squad."


    Jupiter grinned. "Yeah, and he¡¯s our king. Albert Greywolf and I are the warriors, Sophie¡¯s the scout, Emily¡¯s our healer, and Darius Ironclad is the strategist."


    Xavier¡¯s smirk returned. "Well, I guess this isn¡¯t going to be an easy fight."


    Jupiter nodded. "Wouldn''t have made it easy for you anyway."


    Xavier cracked his knuckles. "We¡¯ll see who¡¯s left standing in the end."


    As their conversation wrapped up, the announcer¡¯s voice boomed across the arena. Each squad was handed backpacks filled with supplies meant to last a week. Every student designated as their team¡¯s king received a golden crown¡ªtheir most valuable possession.


    With that, the teams were transported to different sections of the dense forest.


    The announcer¡¯s voice echoed in their ears: "The Forest Crown Hunt has begun!"

 Collaborative efforts

    As the Forest Crown Hunt began, Team 12 explored their surroundings and discovered a cave nestled between towering trees.


    Elowen glanced around and suggested, "Should we set up camp here?"


    Princess Misaki folded her arms. "First, we need to see how deep it goes."


    "And if there aren''t any dangerous animals lurking inside," Aria added. "Then we can settle in."


    Princess Misaki turned to Prince Magnus. "Prince Magnus, could you check it out? See if anything dangerous is inside?"


    Magnus smirked. "Scared to go down there yourself, Princess?" He chuckled, his tone playful.


    Misaki narrowed her eyes. "Never mind. I''ll do it my¡ª"


    Before she could take a step, Magnus vanished in a blur, leaving the others blinking in surprise. A few seconds later, he reappeared at the cave''s entrance, arms crossed.


    "Oh, relax. There''s nothing in there."


    Misaki sighed, murmuring, "Thank you." Her voice held reluctant gratitude, which only made Magnus grin smugly.


    With the cave deemed safe, they decided to set up camp for the day. While some prepared the site, Misaki, Jack, Xavier, Elowen, and Aria gathered to discuss strategy.


    "Why don¡¯t we just let the other teams eliminate each other?" Xavier suggested. "Once the numbers dwindle, we take out the last remaining team and win the event."


    "That¡¯s a solid plan," Elowen agreed.


    Misaki nodded but added, "It¡¯s good in theory, but there¡¯s a risk of teams seeking us out or setting up an ambush."


    Aria smirked. "Then we do the same¡ªset up traps near and inside the cave. If they come to us, they''ll regret it."


    With a plan forming, Jack proposed a squad formation for combat. "In a confined battle, positioning is everything. Princess Misaki, you¡¯ll be at the center since you¡¯re our key player. Magnus and I will cover your flanks."


    He pointed to Elowen. "You¡¯ll be right behind her, ensuring support and preventing flanks."


    Then to Xavier and Aria. "You two will take the front. The first line of offense."


    Hours passed before Magnus, who had taken position outside the cave, noticed movement in the distance. A smirk tugged at his lips.


    "Looks like we have guests."


    The others immediately fell into position, ready for combat.


    Team 4 approached cautiously, their leader scanning the area. "Strange¡­ I could¡¯ve sworn I heard something."


    A teammate pointed to the cave. "Could be a hideout."


    "We check it," the leader ordered.


    Two members stepped inside while the rest stayed on alert. The cave stretched further than they expected.


    "It goes deeper," one of them noted.


    "Let¡¯s check it out, but not for long."


    As they took a few steps forward, the ground beneath them collapsed. They crashed into a concealed pit, landing hard as vines shot up from the earth, binding them instantly.


    "It¡¯s a trap!" one of them yelled, their voice echoing through the cave.


    Outside, before Team 4¡¯s members could react, Misaki¡¯s squad struck. Xavier and Aria descended from the trees, slamming into two opponents and pinning them down. Jack swept another¡¯s legs out from under them, locking their arms behind their back. Misaki moved with fluid grace, her katana pressed against the leader¡¯s throat before he could even unsheathe his weapon.


    "Hand over your crown," she said, voice cold as steel. "Or I take your head with it."


    The leader swallowed hard, trembling. "Take it! Just take it!"


    He tossed the crown at her feet. Xavier exhaled. "That was easier than expected."


    Aria grinned. "Yeah, and everything went exactly as planned."


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    Misaki chuckled, twirling the crown in her hands. "That¡¯s because we work perfectly together."


    She glanced up to find Magnus lounging against a tree branch, watching lazily. "Maybe next time you could actually help?"


    His reply was immediate and indifferent. "No."


    With Team 4 defeated, medical staff and professors arrived to retrieve the injured and unconscious. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Team 12 settled into their camp, taking turns standing watch at the cave entrance in shifts.


    By the flickering glow of their fire, they ate in silence, their minds already strategizing for the battles ahead.


    Elowen turned to Xavier with a playful grin. "So, how does it feel to be the sibling of two geniuses?"


    Xavier chuckled. "It''s amazing, but honestly? It can be overwhelming. People tend to keep their distance because of my family name and who I¡¯m related to¡ªAleksander and Violet."


    Aria frowned. "That must be a lot of pressure."


    "Yeah, it is," Xavier admitted.


    Princess Misaki offered a knowing smile. "I understand how you feel, Xavier. Being royalty makes it even harder for me to connect with people. Even my accomplishments are always tied to my status as a princess."


    "I get that," Xavier said. "No matter what you do, people assume it''s because of your lineage, not your own effort."


    Jack glanced around and suddenly asked, "Wait, where did Prince Magnus go?" He noticed the absence of the arrogant noble.


    Misaki sighed in frustration. "I sincerely apologize for his selfish and reckless behavior."


    Xavier shook his head. "Your Highness, you don¡¯t have to apologize for something beyond your control."


    Misaki sighed. "He''s always been like this, even when we were kids at noble banquets. He never thinks before he acts."


    Jack scoffed. "Has he always been this hostile? Especially toward you and Xavier?"


    Xavier¡¯s expression darkened slightly. "In my case, it¡¯s personal. The way he treated my best friend, Jupiter, in the past¡ªit''s not something I can forget easily."


    Misaki nodded. "For me, it¡¯s different. Our families¡ªthe Yamato House and the Flashstride family¡ªhave been at odds for millennia."


    Elowen¡¯s eyes widened. "So, a generational feud?"


    "Exactly," Misaki confirmed. "It goes all the way back to our ancestors."


    Jack shook his head. "That''s insane."


    "It is," Misaki agreed. "Prince Magnus¡¯s hostility toward me is just the result of that long-standing animosity."


    Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Why are your families even at odds? What started all this?"


    Misaki crossed her arms. "The Flashstride family is known for their ability to move at incomprehensible speeds¡ªfaster than light, even through time itself."


    Jack and Elowen gasped. "That¡¯s incredible."


    "It is, but it made them enemies of the Lee Family, who control time. They forbid time travel, believing it could unravel reality itself. After years of conflict, a pact was made¡ªonly the head of the Flashstride family could ever travel through time."


    She continued, "Meanwhile, my family¡ªthe Yamato House¡ªwas blessed with dominion over the skies. We can command storms, lightning, and hurricanes. Naturally, our powers clashed with the Flashstride family, who could generate electricity as well. Their ambition for power led to countless conflicts."


    Xavier smirked. "So basically, every royal family just fights over power?"


    Misaki laughed. "Honestly? Pretty much."


    -----


    The next morning, Team 12 crushed another team, securing two golden crowns worth 105 points. Even with Prince Magnus absent, they managed fine, now holding a total of three crowns¡ª210 points.


    Then, out of nowhere, Prince Magnus appeared, lounging casually against a tree, two golden crowns in hand. "Took you long enough to get three crowns," he mocked.


    Xavier crossed his arms. "We did just fine without having a deadweight dragging us down."


    Prince Magnus''s smirk faltered. "You sure have a big mouth for someone as weak as you. How about I shut it for you?"


    Before anyone could react, Magnus vanished¡ªthen reappeared inches from Xavier, aura flaring.


    Xavier didn''t flinch. Instead, he smirked. "I¡¯d like to see you try." His own aura ignited, clashing violently against Magnus¡¯s, the sheer force sending shockwaves through the air.


    The others were thrown back by the intensity of their power. The ground cracked beneath their feet, energy rippling like a storm. Heavy clouds gathered overhead, darkening the sky. Thunder rumbled, rolling across the heavens, as if the world itself braced for something ahead.


    In the blink of an eye, Princess Misaki summoned a bolt of lightning from the heavens. It struck the ground between Xavier and Prince Magnus, the resulting shockwave sending them both stumbling backward.


    "That''s enough already!" Misaki snapped, irritation lacing her voice. "I''m sick of you two trying to kill each other every chance you get."


    Prince Magnus dusted himself off, straightening his uniform with an air of arrogance. "I don¡¯t take orders from some wannabe queen."


    Misaki crossed her arms. "Then you don¡¯t have to be here."


    Magnus scoffed. "Like I care about being on a team with a bunch of pathetic insects."


    He turned to leave but paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Before I go, you should know¡ªJason''s team is on their way here right now."


    Aria¡¯s eyes widened. "What? How do they know where we are?"


    Jack grimaced. "No clue, but it doesn¡¯t matter. We¡¯re too far from base to retreat now. We¡¯ll have to fight."


    Misaki took a moment to consider their options before nodding. "Then we stand our ground and face them head-on. If we run, they¡¯ll chase us down and force us into a corner."


    She narrowed her eyes. "And Jason isn¡¯t someone we can trick with cheap ambushes. He¡¯ll see right through them."


    With their course decided, Team 12 steeled themselves for battle. Meanwhile, Magnus simply smirked and resumed walking away. "Good luck," he muttered, his tone laced with smoke and amusement.


    As he disappeared into the trees, Misaki and her team advanced deeper into the forest, heading straight toward their approaching foes.


    Overhead, a raven circled before swooping away, its black wings cutting through the air with purpose. It soon arrived at its true destination, landing gracefully on Jupiter¡¯s outstretched arm.


    "They¡¯re on the move," the raven reported, its voice carrying an eerie intelligence. "Misaki¡¯s team will reach your position in ten minutes. And they seem very determined to take you down."


    Jason smirked. "Good job, Sophie. You can shift back now."


    The raven shimmered before morphing back into her original form. Sophie stretched, then unsheathed her weapon, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    Jason turned to his squad, confidence radiating from him. "This is going to be our toughest fight yet. But we¡¯re not losing. Not today."


    With that, Jason and his team marched forward, their resolve as unshakable as the battle looming ahead.

 A Fierce Student Battle

    Team 12 advanced cautiously through the dense forest, assuming the battle formation they had planned in advance.


    Aria glanced at her teammates and asked, "Do you think we should ambush Jason and his team?"


    Jack scoffed. "Like Princess Misaki said, that¡¯d be a death sentence. That guy¡¯s a damn genius when it comes to strategy."


    Elowen furrowed her brows. "Is he really that smart? Smart enough that an ambush is impossible?"


    Princess Misaki nodded. "Not impossible, but close. Jason plays mind games. He¡¯ll have us second-guessing every move before we even make it."


    Xavier smirked. "I always knew my cousin was sharp, but I never thought of him as some kind of mastermind."


    "Wait, you two are cousins?" Aria and Elowen asked in unison, caught off guard.


    Xavier shrugged. "Yeah. Our fathers were childhood friends."


    Jack grinned. "Maybe we should take you hostage then. Might make things easier."


    Misaki raised an eyebrow. "And why would I let that happen?"


    Jack waved his hands defensively. "Relax, your Highness, just a joke!"


    Xavier chuckled. "Actually, not a bad plan. Maybe we should try it."


    But just then, his dark crimson eyes flickered¡ªhis senses warning him of incoming danger. His instincts kicked in. Without hesitation, he summoned his vector shield, expanding it to encompass the entire team.


    "Nice reflexes, Xavier," Misaki praised, unsheathing her katana.


    "What¡¯s happening?" Elowen asked, scanning the area.


    Before anyone could answer, an immense beam of energy erupted through the forest, obliterating everything in its path. The ground trembled under its sheer force. But thanks to Xavier¡¯s vector shield, Team 12 remained unscathed.


    Jack let out a shaky breath. "What the hell was that?!"


    Misaki narrowed her eyes. "Jason."


    "Which means they¡¯re already here," she added. "And they¡¯re not holding back."


    Xavier kept his shield up but turned to Misaki. "I can only maintain this for a few more seconds."


    "Why?" she asked.


    Xavier tapped the glasses resting on his face. "These suppress my abilities. Normally, I could¡¯ve redirected that attack right back at him. But with these on, I can only block, not counter."


    Misaki considered this before asking, "Can you take one more hit?"


    Xavier nodded. "Yeah, but that¡¯ll be it."


    A smirk crept onto Misaki¡¯s lips. "That¡¯s all we need. Hold the barrier. When it breaks, we strike immediately. No hesitation."


    "Yes, Captain!" everyone responded in unison.


    In the distance, Jason emerged from the shadows, flanked by his teammates. He grinned mockingly. "Oops. My bad. I saw a centipede and had to squash it. Nasty little things."


    Misaki smiled back, unfazed. "Funny. But if that was your best shot, you might as well surrender now. That attack was all flash¡ªno substance."


    Jason¡¯s grin twitched, but he remained composed. "Oh yeah? Let¡¯s see you handle another one."


    He raised two fingers toward Team 12. "Ergokinesis Cannon."


    A massive energy blast erupted from his fingertips, surging toward them at blinding speed. The ground quaked beneath its raw power. Xavier braced himself, pouring all his strength into his vector shield. The impact sent cracks rippling across it. Jason smirked and pushed more power into the attack, the energy intensifying.


    Xavier¡¯s crimson eyes burned brighter as he strained to hold the shield. But the moment Jason¡¯s attack faded, the barrier shattered.


    "Go, now!" Misaki shouted.


    Elowen sprang into action, her innate abilities summoning thick tree veins from the ground, snaking toward Jason¡¯s team and locking them in place. Misaki dashed forward, leaping into the air with her katana aimed for Jason¡¯s head.


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    But Jason smirked. With a sudden burst of energy, he unleashed a shockwave that sent Misaki and the rest of Team 12 hurtling backward.


    "Nice try," he taunted.


    Another surge of energy pulsed from him, this time stronger. The tree veins trapping his team shattered instantly.


    Jupiter seized the opening. He pulled a small paintbrush from his pocket and wrote a single word in the air: Train.


    A massive ink-made locomotive materialized out of thin air, barreling toward Xavier at full speed. Before he could react, it crashed into him with incredible force, sending him flying through the air, separating him from his team.


    Not wasting a second, Jupiter painted another word: Horse. A majestic ink steed appeared beside him. He swung onto its back, locking eyes on Xavier¡¯s distant form.


    "Now," Jupiter muttered, spurring the horse forward, "let¡¯s finish this."


    ----


    On the other side, Jason stretched his limbs, loosening up before charging straight at Princess Misaki.


    Still reeling from the energy blast he had unleashed earlier, Princess Misaki barely had a moment to recover before Jason was upon her. He swung a powerful right hook at her face, forcing her back a step.


    But she retaliated just as quickly, countering with a punch of her own.


    Jason dodged and struck again, but Misaki effortlessly sidestepped his blow and delivered a sharp kick to his shin. Pain flared up his leg, but Jason gritted his teeth and swung his fist regardless.


    This time, Misaki managed to react in time. She blocked his punch, yet the sheer force behind it sent shockwaves rippling through the air. The trees behind her cracked and splintered, their trunks reduced to rubble.


    Misaki''s eyes widened in disbelief. "You have monstrous strength... just like your father."


    Jason smirked. "I wouldn¡¯t say that myself." He rolled his shoulders. "But I am physically stronger than everyone here."


    He tilted his head, taunting. "Including you, Your Highness."


    Misaki''s smile was sharp and full of challenge. Without warning, she grabbed his arm and slammed him to the ground with staggering force.


    She immediately raised her foot, aiming for his head, but Jason rolled away just in time. As he scrambled to his feet, Misaki¡¯s fingers crackled with electricity. With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a wave of lightning straight at him.


    Jason didn¡¯t flinch. The lightning bolts surged toward him, but instead of harming him, the energy coiled around his body and was instantly absorbed.


    Misaki¡¯s eyebrows twitched.


    "Electricity is just another form of energy," Jason said, his voice laced with arrogance. "So there''s no point in even trying to use it against me."


    He spread his arms wide, smug. "I¡¯ll just absorb it."


    Misaki remained silent. Then, in a swift motion, she infused her katana with lightning and hurled it at him. Jason dodged effortlessly, but as he prepared to counter, she vanished.


    A crackling noise erupted behind him.


    Jason''s eyes widened. What¡ª?


    Before he could react, Misaki materialized right where her katana had landed, her body flickering like pure electricity. She delivered a brutal spinning kick to his neck, sending him crashing into a tree.


    Jason coughed, blood dripping from his mouth. He clutched his neck in pain. "You almost broke my damn neck."


    Misaki laughed. "Come on. Is that all you¡¯ve got?"


    Jason''s expression hardened. He dashed at her again, fists flying. They engaged in a fierce exchange of blows, his raw power clashing against her refined technique.


    But Jason quickly realized his mistake¡ªMisaki wasn¡¯t just fast. She was trained. In every martial art known in her kingdom, the Great Empire of Japan.


    And compared to her, Jason was an amateur.


    Every strike he threw was met with a counter. Every attempt to overpower her ended with him getting knocked back. She outclassed him in skill, experience, and precision. His frustration boiled over as he endured the one-sided beating.


    Growling, he threw up a barrier around himself and tapped into the energy around him. With a snarl, he unleashed a barrage of destructive blasts in every direction.


    Misaki took several direct hits, blood trickling from her wounds, but she refused to fall.


    Summoning a crackling chain of electricity, she retrieved her katana from the ground and forged a second blade¡ªthis one composed entirely of lightning.


    Misaki attacked with renewed ferocity, lightning arcing through the air. But Jason, still seething, absorbed every bolt without effort.


    Misaki narrowed her eyes. There must be a limit to how much he can take.


    A plan formed in her mind. Only one way to find out.


    She raised her hands to the heavens.


    The skies darkened. Thunder rumbled like a beast awakened. The air became heavy with static as countless lightning bolts rained down on Jason.


    He absorbed them all, his body radiating with energy. But then¡ªhis skin began to glow. His muscles tensed unnaturally.


    Misaki smirked. There it is.


    Jason let out an exhilarated laugh. "Bring it on, Your Highness! Let¡¯s see if you really are the genius they say you are!"


    Misaki¡¯s playful demeanor faded. Her gaze turned sharp and deadly. "You asked for it."


    She ascended into the sky, lightning swirling around her like a storm incarnate. The storm intensified, bolts striking the earth with relentless fury.


    Then, she raised her katana skyward. The clouds twisted violently above her, forming a vortex of power.


    "Heavenly Retribution: Hand of Judgment."


    The heavens answered her call.


    A massive titan¡¯s hand, formed entirely of lightning, emerged from the storm and descended toward Jason with godlike fury.


    Jason''s heart pounded. A mix of terror and excitement coursed through his veins. But he steeled himself, absorbing every scrap of energy around him. He condensed it, shaped it, molded it¡ªuntil a massive fist of pure energy formed in response to Misaki¡¯s attack.


    With a roar, he launched it upward.


    The two colossal forces collided.


    Meanwhile, across the battlefield, Elowen, Jack, and Aria fought desperately against Jason¡¯s team¡ªSophie, Emily, Darius, and Albert.


    Elowen''s eyes flicked toward Jason¡¯s battle. Her gut twisted. That fight... it¡¯s reaching a breaking point.


    Then she saw it.


    The moment when Jason and Misaki¡¯s attacks fused¡ªcreating a singularity of raw, uncontrollable power.


    Her instincts screamed danger. If the energy detonated, it could obliterate everything in its radius.


    Without hesitation, she spread her arms, summoning an intricate web of reinforced tree vines. She enveloped her allies¡ªJack, Aria, and even Jason¡¯s crew¡ªshielding them just as the explosion erupted.


    The world was engulfed in light.


    A massive detonation ripped through the battlefield, consuming one-tenth of the entire forest. A monstrous mushroom cloud surged into the sky, visible for miles.


    And when the dust settled... nothing was left but destruction.

 A Fierce Student Battle II

    As the dust settled, an injured Princess Misaki carried a critically wounded, unconscious Jason on her back. Elowen released the reinforced tree veins she had conjured to protect them, but the sheer force of the explosion had still left them with injuries.


    She spotted Princess Misaki approaching from a distance¡ªher body battered, her breaths labored. Without hesitation, Elowen rushed forward, concern etched across her face. "You''re hurt. Let me heal you."


    Misaki offered a weary smile and shook her head. "Save your strength. We don¡¯t know what else is coming."


    Elowen, refusing to accept her answer, gently placed her hands on Misaki¡¯s shoulders, summoning delicate healing flowers that bloomed around her, their petals radiating warmth as they mended her wounds.


    Nearby, Jason¡¯s teammates processed their leader¡¯s defeat with shock. "I never thought I''d see Jason get knocked out in a fight of raw power," Albert admitted, still stunned.


    Emily, frustrated, scoffed. "I told him we should¡¯ve fought her together. But no, he had to act like he could handle it alone."


    Darius folded his arms. "Even if we did, we still might¡¯ve lost. Misaki''s skill and experience far outclassed us."


    Misaki overheard their discussion and chuckled. "Relax. I never beat Jason in raw strength. He would¡¯ve overpowered me if it came down to that. I only won because of my experience¡ªand my family¡¯s Heavenly Retribution ability."


    Sophie, who was lying on her back from exhaustion, smirked. "Well, at least he had fun fighting someone like you, Your Highness."


    Misaki let out a soft laugh. "I¡¯m honored."


    Just as a temporary truce settled among them, Aria frowned, sensing something was off. Spiders¡ªmore than usual¡ªskittered around them, crawling onto their limbs and torsos. Everyone was too exhausted to notice.


    Aria¡¯s heart sank. "Wait¡ª"


    Before she could warn them, the spiders bit down, injecting venom into their veins. The paralysis was instant. Their bodies seized up, and they collapsed onto the ground, unable to move.


    A slow, amused chuckle echoed through the clearing. "You all look pathetic," came the taunting voice of Prince Magnus, standing above them with two other teams at his side.


    Elowen, gritting her teeth, managed to speak. "What are you doing, Magnus?"


    Magnus smirked. "I don¡¯t owe an explanation to a peasant like you."


    Jack''s eyes blazed with fury. "You were plotting behind our backs this whole time? How could you betray your own team?"


    In a blink, Magnus appeared in front of him, pressing a finger against Jack''s forehead. "Watch how you speak to a royal prince," he whispered, his tone sharp as a blade. "Or should I accelerate your brain until it turns to mush?"


    Misaki narrowed her eyes. "So those venomous spiders¡ªthat was your doing?"


    Magnus nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. But I didn''t command them to bite you. That was my associate¡¯s handiwork."


    With a satisfied grin, he continued, "I knew if I let you and Jason fight, you¡¯d both wear each other out. All I had to do was wait. Now, taking your crowns will be effortless."


    Jack clenched his fists. "You coward!"


    Misaki scoffed. "If you''re as strong as you claim, why go through all this trouble? Are you afraid of fighting us head-on?"


    Magnus chuckled, his amusement growing. "Afraid? No. It¡¯s simply more entertaining to watch ants tear each other apart than to crush them outright. Where¡¯s the fun in that?"


    Without warning, he stepped onto Jack¡¯s head, pressing down hard. Jack let out a muffled groan, his body unable to resist.


    Elowen, gritting her teeth, focused her energy. Slowly, painfully, she forced the venom out of her system. The moment she was free, she summoned countless thorned tree veins, surging from the ground to create a protective barrier around her fallen allies.


    Magnus raised a hand, halting his team from interfering. "Before I take your crowns, I think I¡¯ll enjoy myself a little first." His gaze darkened, settling on Elowen. "Starting with you."


    Misaki¡¯s stomach twisted in dread. "Elowen, run!" she shouted. But it was too late.


    In the blink of an eye, Magnus was in front of her. Faster than her body could react, his hand plunged into her chest. A sharp gasp escaped Elowen¡¯s lips as a searing pain radiated from within. Blood trickled from her mouth, her vision blurring.


    Misaki and Aria screamed in horror. "Elowen!"


    Elowen¡¯s body convulsed as Magnus¡¯s fingers dug deeper, his power sending her heart rate into a deadly spiral. Blood streamed from her nose, ears, and eyes as she struggled to breathe. She clawed weakly at his arm, but her strength was slipping fast.


    Magnus tilted his head, feigning disappointment. "Don¡¯t tell me this is all you¡¯ve got, Elowen? Surely, you can handle more than this?" His grin widened as he pressed in further, relishing her pain.


    Elowen''s vision darkened.


    She had to fight back.


    Somehow, someway¡ªbefore it was too late.


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    -----


    The scene shifted to Xavier, locked in a relentless battle against Jupiter. Every second was a test of endurance, with Jupiter unleashing a barrage of attacks designed to catch him off guard.


    A massive building made of ink yet felt like the real ones, conjured by Jupiter, hurtled toward Xavier. Without hesitation, Xavier swung the sword his grandfather had gifted him, slicing through the structure with a single, decisive motion. But Jupiter was relentless¡ªbefore Xavier could regain his footing, miniature explosives rained down on him, detonating on impact. Xavier barely managed to deploy his vector barrier in time, shielding himself from the worst of the blast.


    But Jupiter was already behind him.


    A blade thrust forward, aiming for Xavier¡¯s back. Reacting on instinct, Xavier caught the weapon with his bare hand, but Jupiter smirked and drew more explosives with his brush in an instant. The detonation sent Xavier careening through the air, his body slamming into the walls Jupiter had crafted earlier. Before he could recover, Jupiter seized him by the collar and slammed him repeatedly through the debris.


    Xavier struggled, trying to pry Jupiter¡¯s grip away, but his opponent was unyielding. With a final, bone-crushing impact, Jupiter drove him into the ground and attempted to impale him once more. Yet Xavier only grinned as the blade stopped inches away from his chest, repelled by an invisible force¡ªhis vector shield.


    With a surge of energy, Xavier unleashed the shield¡¯s power, blasting Jupiter high into the atmosphere. Seizing the moment, he manipulated the vectors of air molecules, creating countless air bullets that shot toward his airborne foe. The projectiles severely injured Jupiter¡¯s body, but he managed to deflect several and shield himself with an unbreakable construct.


    Still suspended in the sky, Jupiter conjured a platform beneath him, stabilizing his position.


    "Isn''t that defying gravity?" Xavier quipped, adjusting his stance.


    Jupiter chuckled. "Imagination and reality don¡¯t always see eye to eye."


    Xavier smirked, drawing his blade once more. He steadied himself, his aura flaring to life, radiating power. Seeing this, Jupiter¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement as he activated his own aura in response.


    In an instant, Xavier propelled himself upward, while Jupiter descended with equal ferocity. Their blades met in a thunderous clash, the force of their auras tearing through the battlefield. The sheer intensity of their battle left destruction in its wake.


    Then, Xavier saw his opening.


    With a precise kick, he sent Jupiter hurtling toward the ground before he could react. Jupiter landed hard, rolling to a stop before standing, blood trickling from his nose. He wiped it away with the back of his hand, grinning.


    "Still as sharp as ever," he acknowledged.


    Xavier landed gracefully, his stance firm. "What else did you expect? I¡¯ve always fought this way."


    Jupiter chuckled. "True, but our past fights were just sparring sessions in Instructor Joshua¡¯s class. This? This is different."


    Xavier nodded. "Yeah, this is our first real fight."


    Jupiter raised his sword again, excitement dancing in his eyes. "Then let¡¯s make it one to remember."


    The two warriors launched at each other once more, their swords clashing in a dazzling display of skill and power. But this time, Jupiter managed to outmaneuver Xavier, disarming him with a swift, calculated strike.


    Just as Jupiter prepared to press his advantage, Xavier¡¯s eyes flickered with a sudden blue glow. He stiffened, distracted by something distant. Before he could react, Jupiter delivered a solid punch to his face.


    Yet, the strike did nothing. Xavier didn¡¯t even flinch.


    Jupiter pulled back, confused. "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Xavier¡¯s expression darkened. "Can we call off the fight for now?"


    Jupiter frowned. "Why?"


    "I have a bad feeling¡ªsomething happened to our teammates."


    Jupiter sheathed his sword, considering Xavier¡¯s words. "Then let¡¯s check it out."


    Xavier exhaled, relieved. "Thanks. And don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll finish this fight once we make sure everything¡¯s fine."


    Jupiter smirked. "Say less."


    The scene shifted back to the tragic aftermath of Prince Magnus¡¯s attack.


    Elowen lay collapsed on the ground, unmoving. Prince Magnus loomed over her, taunting Princess Misaki. But before he could revel in his victory, he instinctively dodged an incoming attack. His face twisted in fury.


    "Who dares¡ª?"


    A voice cut through the tension like a blade. "You¡¯ve chosen death, cowardly prince."


    Prince Magnus turned sharply, his eyes narrowing as he locked onto the source. Standing before him were Xavier and Jupiter, their presence radiating sheer defiance.


    Prince Magnus smirked. "Ah, so the little princess has arrived."


    Xavier¡¯s gaze swept over the battlefield, taking in the sight of his injured friends. His fists clenched, his body pulsing with raw, seething rage.


    Jupiter placed a firm hand on Xavier¡¯s shoulder. "Stay calm. Don¡¯t let him play with your emotions."


    Xavier inhaled sharply, grounding himself. He turned to Jupiter. "Help the others. I¡¯ll handle Magnus."


    Jupiter chuckled, surprised by Xavier¡¯s confidence. "Alright. But make sure this bastard never tries to pull something like this again."


    Xavier flashed a grin, giving a thumbs-up. "You bet I will."


    Prince Magnus burst into laughter. "You must be joking! You, defeat me? That¡¯s the funniest thing I¡¯ve heard all day!"


    Xavier¡¯s smirk faded, his aura flaring to life. "Let¡¯s see who the real joke is."


    Jupiter rushed to Elowen¡¯s side, his hands moving with urgency as he turned to Emily, who was still struggling to move.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your pouch? The one with all your healing potions?¡± he asked.


    Emily, wincing from the lingering venom, nodded toward a small satchel near her waist. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ right there.¡±


    Without hesitation, Jupiter grabbed the pouch, rummaging through it until he found a small glass vial filled with a shimmering liquid. He carefully lifted Elowen¡¯s head and began pouring the potion down her throat, making sure she swallowed.


    Aria, whose poison effect was starting to wear off, struggled to move her body, as she knelt beside them, her voice filled with worry. ¡°Is she¡­ is she going to be okay?¡±


    Jupiter exhaled, checking her pulse. ¡°She¡¯s breathing. She¡¯ll make it.¡±


    Princess Misaki let out a sigh of relief, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. ¡°Thank the heavens¡­¡±


    Meanwhile, Sophie stirred, noticing that the venom¡¯s paralyzing effects were finally starting to wear off. Slowly but surely, the others regained control of their bodies, though moving still felt like pushing through wet cement.


    Princess Misaki, barely able to stand, narrowed her eyes at Prince Magnus, pure hatred burning in her gaze. ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere, Magnus,¡± she said through gritted teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you with my own hands.¡±


    Prince Magnus merely chuckled, a smug grin stretching across his face. With a snap of his fingers, he turned to his teammates. ¡°Slaughter them,¡± he ordered casually. ¡°All of them.¡±


    As his team surged forward to carry out his command, Magnus turned his focus solely on Xavier, a twisted smile playing at his lips. ¡°Now then¡­ let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got, little ¡®Princess.¡¯¡±


    Xavier¡¯s aura flared violently, thick with rage. His body pulsed with raw energy, the ground beneath his feet cracking under the pressure. ¡°I hope you¡¯re ready,¡± he growled, eyes burning with unrelenting fury.


    Prince Magnus activated his own aura, sparks of violent energy flickering around him as he smirked. ¡°Oh, I do hope you put on a good show for me,¡± he taunted.


    Xavier didn¡¯t waste another second. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure this moment is engraved into your mind forever.¡±


    In an instant, the two lunged at each other, their fists colliding midair with a force so intense it sent a shockwave tearing through the battlefield. The sheer impact shattered the ground beneath them, sending debris flying in all directions.


    Before Magnus could react, Xavier grabbed his arm in a vice-like grip, twisting his body with sheer momentum and hurling him into the distant forest. Trees snapped like twigs as Magnus¡¯s body crashed through them, leaving a path of destruction in his wake.


    Xavier wasn¡¯t done.


    Tapping into his vector control, he manipulated the acceleration around him, propelling himself forward at unimaginable speed, a blur of energy streaking toward the trees where Magnus had landed.

 A Fierce Student Battle III

    As Prince Magnus rose to his feet after being thrown aside by Xavier, the latter appeared before him in an instant, his fist hurtling toward Magnus''s face.


    But then¡ªeverything slowed. It was as if time itself had lost meaning.


    Moving effortlessly, Magnus sidestepped Xavier¡¯s punch, a smug grin forming on his lips. "Too slow," he chuckled, watching Xavier¡¯s attack miss by a mile in his eyes.


    In this altered flow of time, Magnus was the only one unfazed, moving at his normal speed while everything else lagged behind. He retaliated with a devastating punch to Xavier¡¯s face, launching him backward just as time snapped back to its regular rhythm.


    Xavier crashed into the ground, dazed. "What the hell just hit me?" he muttered, shaking off the impact.


    Magnus arrogantly dusted off his knuckles. "I just punched you," he said nonchalantly. "You were just too slow to see it."


    Xavier gritted his teeth, recalling what Princess Misaki had told him about the Imperial House of Flashstride¡ªhow their bloodline was blessed with godlike speed, allowing them to move faster than light itself.


    Before Xavier could fully rise, Magnus struck again¡ªthis time with a flurry of blows too fast for the eye to follow. The relentless barrage pummeled Xavier from all sides, leaving him struggling to react, let alone defend himself.


    "What¡¯s the matter, Xavier?" Magnus taunted between strikes. "Can¡¯t keep up?"


    Xavier grunted, enduring the brutal assault. Finally, he activated his vector shield, creating an invisible force that propelled Magnus backward, forcing a pause in the relentless attack.


    As he caught his breath, Magnus sneered. "You¡¯re pathetic compared to your brother and sister. A mere speck of dust in their shadow."


    Xavier¡¯s eyes narrowed, his fists clenching.


    Magnus, sensing an opening, smirked and pushed further. "Honestly, you don¡¯t even look like them. Not even like your father." He tilted his head, feigning curiosity. "Maybe you¡¯re adopted. Or worse¡ªan illegitimate child your mother abandoned."


    That was the final straw.


    With fury blazing in his eyes, Xavier lunged at Magnus, their fists colliding in an explosion of force that shook the earth beneath them. Trees were ripped from their roots, the very air trembling from their clash.


    Xavier pressed forward, throwing a rapid series of strikes, but Magnus weaved through them effortlessly. With a smirk, Magnus countered¡ªa brutal punch connecting with Xavier¡¯s face, sending him staggering.


    "Too slow," Magnus whispered before kicking Xavier¡¯s leg with pinpoint precision. A sickening crack echoed as pain shot through Xavier¡¯s limb.


    A follow-up kick to the head sent him flying once more.


    Xavier groaned, barely managing to push himself up. His leg throbbed, barely able to hold his weight. Magnus stood over him, shaking his head in disappointment. "I expected a challenge. But maybe I was asking too much."


    Then, without warning, Xavier scooped up a handful of dirt and flung it at Magnus¡¯s face.


    "ARGH!" Magnus recoiled, his eyes burning from the unexpected attack.


    Seizing the moment, Xavier reinforced his fist with his vector shield and delivered a bone-crushing punch to Magnus¡¯s jaw, dislocating it and sending him soaring backward.


    Magnus clutched his face, his fury palpable as he glared at Xavier.


    Xavier took a deep breath, smirking. "You look like an old man missing his dentures."


    Magnus¡¯s face twisted with rage as he forcefully snapped his jaw back into place at instant speed. "You¡¯ll regret that."


    Without hesitation, he charged again, his speed distorting time itself. But this time¡ªXavier reacted.


    Narrowly dodging Magnus¡¯s attacks, Xavier countered with a swift kick, sending Magnus stumbling to the side.


    Magnus froze, eyes wide in disbelief. "How¡ª?"


    Xavier grinned. "I stole some of your velocity."


    Magnus¡¯s face darkened. "What?!"


    "Remember when I punched you just now? My vector shield wasn¡¯t just for impact¡ªit let me manipulate your movement. When my fist got close, I disabled the shield just enough to make contact, absorbing a portion of your speed and transferring it to myself."


    Magnus clenched his fists. "Impossible!"


    Xavier smirked. "Everything in the universe has a vector, Magnus. And that includes your speed."


    For the first time, Magnus chuckled¡ªnot out of arrogance, but amusement. "That was clever, Xavier."


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    But then, his smirk returned. "Not that it matters. My speed is limitless. Whatever you take, I can generate more."


    Xavier shook his head. "No. You have a limit. And even if you didn¡¯t¡ªI¡¯ll just keep taking more."


    Magnus¡¯s eyes gleamed with sadistic excitement. "Then show me what you¡¯ve got, Xavier!"


    And in an instant, Prince Magnus materialized before Xavier, driving his foot into Xavier¡¯s ribs with a crushing kick. But Xavier reacted just as quickly, gripping Magnus¡¯ leg and yanking him in for a devastating right hook to the face.


    Magnus hit the ground hard, but before he could recover, Xavier attempted to crush him under the weight of his vector barrier. Yet, Magnus rolled out of the way at the last second, swiftly getting back on his feet and retaliating with a brutal punch to Xavier¡¯s face.


    The two clashed in a furious exchange of blows, Xavier slowly absorbing very small quantities of Magnus¡¯ speed with each strike that connected. However, Magnus countered by continuously increasing his speed, pushing himself to outmaneuver Xavier¡¯s ability. As their battle intensified, Magnus'' movements became so fast that time itself seemed to slow around him.


    Yet Xavier, undeterred, matched his opponent¡¯s pace, moving through the stretched-out seconds with precision. Magnus¡¯ mind raced. Who the hell is this guy? How is he keeping up like this?


    Then, in a blur, Magnus disappeared from Xavier¡¯s sight. A sudden impact slammed into Xavier¡¯s gut, followed by a vicious uppercut to his face, sending him skidding backward.


    Dazed, Xavier barely had time to react before Magnus reappeared nearby, a crackling bolt of electricity forming in his hands. In mere seconds, Magnus had run around the entire forest twelve times, generating an immense static charge. With a smirk, he hurled the bolt straight at Xavier¡¯s face.


    The explosion was catastrophic.


    A blinding flash of light engulfed the battlefield, obliterating the surrounding terrain. Trees were reduced to splinters, the ground shattered, and the air reeked of scorched earth. When the dust settled, Xavier lay in the rubble, bloodied and barely conscious.


    Magnus approached him leisurely, hands in his pockets, a smug grin on his face. "C''mon, Xavier, don''t tell me you''re done already?" he mocked, before driving his boot into Xavier¡¯s face and stomping down repeatedly.


    But then¡ª


    A shift in the air. A surge of energy.


    The Visors of Time slid from Xavier¡¯s face, and an immense power erupted from his body, sending a shockwave through the battlefield. Magnus¡¯ smugness vanished, his eyes widening in horror.


    Xavier¡¯s cosmic-like irises, filled with swirling stars, locked onto Magnus with a cold and terrifying glare. Before Magnus could react, a sickening crack echoed through the air¡ªhis right leg twisted grotesquely, nearly torn from his body. He collapsed, screaming in agony, clutching at the mangled limb.


    With his Visors no longer suppressing his abilities, Xavier¡¯s abilities'' full power had been unleashed. His cosmic eyes allowed him to wield vectors with absolute precision, the complex calculations required for manipulation now happening instinctively.


    Xavier exhaled, adjusting to the overwhelming clarity of his power. So much easier now. No more tedious calculations¡­ these eyes do everything for me.


    Magnus writhed on the ground, struggling against the searing pain. But Xavier wasn¡¯t done. He stepped onto Magnus¡¯ chest, aiming his fingers like a gun. With a mere thought, he fired a barrage of high-speed air bullets, each one severely injuring Magnus¡¯ flesh.


    Magnus screamed in anguish as Xavier slowly, methodically, continued his assault. "You don¡¯t get to beg for mercy," Xavier said coldly. "Not after what you did to my friends¡­ and what you said about my family."


    Another air bullet tore into Magnus¡¯ shoulder. Then another into his thigh.


    Xavier crouched slightly, watching Magnus¡¯ pained expression with a detached calm. "I¡¯ve been waiting for this day," he murmured. "Ever since you made my best friend Jupiter cry when we were kids."


    Twenty more shots. Each precise. Each deliberate.


    Then Xavier stopped, placing his palm flat against Magnus¡¯ chest. He could feel the erratic, panicked rhythm of Magnus¡¯ heart beneath his fingers.


    "You remember when you said you¡¯d stop my heart? Vibrate it until it imploded in a fraction of a second?" Xavier¡¯s voice was almost casual.


    Magnus¡¯ eyes widened in horror as realization dawned.


    Xavier smirked. "Let me return the favor. Consider it a first-class trip to cardiac arrest."


    Using the speed he had absorbed from Magnus earlier, Xavier vibrated his palm at an inhuman frequency, phasing it through Magnus¡¯ chest. The effect was immediate¡ªMagnus¡¯ heartbeat spiked to impossible speeds. Blood gushed from his nose, mouth, ears, and eyes as his body failed to handle the strain.


    His screams turned hoarse, his consciousness slipping.


    Xavier finally withdrew his hand, letting Magnus crumple. The once-proud prince was now a broken, blood-drenched mess, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness.


    Xavier planted his foot on Magnus¡¯ face, pressing down just enough to remind him who was in control. "If you ever come after me or my friends again¡­ I¡¯ll make sure you never walk again."


    Magnus barely registered the words before his body gave in, dragging him into the depths of unconsciousness. His pride, his power, his arrogance¡ªutterly shattered.


    Xavier wiped the blood from his hands, exhaling deeply. But before he could even take another breath¡ª


    A deep, apocalyptic bell rang from the heavens, its sound reverberating through the ruined battlefield.


    Xavier stiffened, scanning his surroundings. The world itself seemed to tremble at the ominous chime.


    What the hell was that?


    Then, the sky began to fracture. The first crack was thin¡ªbarely more than a jagged line¡ªbut as it splintered further, it spread like shattered glass across the heavens. A soundless rupture. A wound in reality itself.


    And from that gaping abyss, a monstrous hand emerged.


    It was grotesque¡ªcolossal, clawed, and dripping with something darker than mere shadow. A malign force oozed from its very flesh, distorting the air around it, warping the very concept of space.


    Then, it crawled out.


    The thing that followed was beyond mere nightmares. It was the kind of horror that made nightmares themselves whimper in submission. The sheer wrongness of its existence made Xavier''s breath hitch in his throat. His body locked up, every instinct screaming¡ªnot to run, but to submit. To kneel. To beg.


    Every contestant felt it. A sensation unlike anything they had ever known. Not fear. Something worse.


    Something primordial.


    Something ancient.


    The beast exhaled. The simple act sent an unnatural chill racing across the battlefield, as if every soul present had just been touched by something beyond death.


    And then¡ªit roared.


    A horrific, ear-shattering bellow that wasn''t just loud¡ªit was malevolent. It scraped against reality like rusted metal against bone, a raw, deafening shriek that clawed its way into the very marrow of their being.


    Xavier collapsed, as did the students. Their hands clutched at their ears, yet it did nothing. The sound wasn¡¯t just heard¡ªit was felt. It resonated inside their skulls, in their blood, their nerves, their very souls.


    In that instant, the world knew.


    The teachers, the staff, the spectators far beyond the battlefield¡ªthey all felt it. A foreboding wave of terror that whispered one undeniable truth:


    A Varmint had arrived.

 Portal of Despair

    As half of the varmint''s corpse passed through the portal, it scented blood and turned menacingly towards Xavier.


    Xavier''s heart pounded as the varmint twisted its grotesque grin toward him. Panic shot through him, but before he could react, the creature blurred behind him, clutching the unconscious Prince Magnus, its gaping maw ready to devour him.


    Without hesitation, Xavier fired his vector shield, blasting the varmint away from Magnus with a concussive force. The impact sent the beast skidding backward, its expression momentarily stunned¡ªbefore twisting into something almost delighted. It licked its lips, intrigued by Xavier''s abilities.


    In a blink, the varmint materialized in front of Xavier. A brutal fist connected with his face before he could react. The sheer force detonated through his skull, sending him hurtling through the air like a ragdoll. Darkness engulfed him as he crashed into the shattered terrain.


    The varmint let out a disappointed sigh, turning away from Xavier¡¯s unconscious form. It had expected more of a challenge. Dismissing him, it returned its attention to Prince Magnus, intent on its original feast.


    But Xavier¡¯s cosmic eyes flared to life, snapping him back to consciousness. The sudden awareness made his breath hitch. His vision swam, and pain throbbed in his head. He lifted a trembling hand to his eye, feeling the swelling from the varmint¡¯s strike.


    "When did it even hit me?" The thought sent a chill down his spine.


    He replayed the moment in his head, but there was nothing¡ªno sign of movement, no warning. Just raw speed and overwhelming power. The realization sent fear coiling in his gut.


    "He''s faster¡ªno, he''s beyond stronger and faster than Prince Magnus¡­"


    Despite knowing he was outmatched, Xavier forced himself to move. He couldn¡¯t let the varmint devour Magnus.


    Then he saw it¡ªthe portal was growing. The eerie glow expanded wider, and from its depths, more varmints emerged. A swarm, spilling out like a living nightmare.


    Xavier¡¯s breath hitched. "This... this is bad."


    The lead varmint noticed him stir. It dropped Magnus and launched forward, claws outstretched. Xavier braced as it struck¡ªonly for his vector shield to flare instinctively. The impact sent a shockwave through the air. The varmint recoiled, its wrist twisted and warped in confusion.


    A flicker of annoyance crossed its face before it lunged again, swinging its other hand. Xavier vanished in a burst of speed, reappearing behind it mid-air. He fired rapid bursts of compressed air, but the attacks barely scuffed the creature¡¯s armored hide.


    The varmint snarled, twisting, its claws slashing for him. Xavier barely evaded, teleporting once more. His sword¡ªhe needed his sword.


    Stretching his hand, he manipulated the air molecules, summoning his blade from where it had been flung. The moment it settled in his grip, he slammed his foot into the ground, triggering a seismic quake with the use of his vectors. The earth split beneath them, trapping one of the varmint¡¯s legs in the shifting rubble.


    Seizing the opening, Xavier flashed behind it, swinging for the exposed limb. But as his blade met flesh, it barely nicked the creature¡¯s skin. His stomach dropped.


    Unfazed, the varmint grinned mockingly. It drove its foot down with titanic force, shattering the terrain further. The entire battlefield trembled, sending Xavier airborne along with the debris.


    A shadow loomed above him. The varmint leaped into the sky, hands outstretched, ready to crush him in its massive grip.


    Xavier exhaled sharply, closing his eyes. He released his vector barrier, allowing energy to pool into his blade instead. Blue light ignited along its edge, crackling with devastating force.


    Then¡ªhe struck.


    His sword sliced clean through the varmint¡¯s wrist, severing the hand entirely. The cut was so precise it cut the air itself.


    The beast howled, confusion flashing across its grotesque face. Xavier smirked. "Not so tough now, huh?" With a swift kick, he sent the wounded creature plummeting back to the fractured earth.


    Not wasting a second, he dove after it, blade poised for the finishing blow. This was the first time his Regokinesis Blade technique had held together long enough to use it properly.


    But before he could drive his sword home, the varmint¡¯s wound pulsed. Flesh twisted, reknitting itself at an alarming speed. In mere seconds, the severed limb had regenerated entirely.


    Xavier¡¯s confidence cracked. "You¡¯ve got to be kidding me."


    The varmint seized the moment, swinging its newly formed fist. Xavier barely managed to reactivate his vector shield before the blow connected. The force sent him rocketing into the sky.


    His body ached. His mind raced.


    This was no ordinary fight. This was survival.


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    And he was running out of options.


    The Varmint lunged into the air again, aiming a devastating punch at Xavier. However, the moment its fist connected, it was violently repelled by Xavier''s vector barrier, causing its hand to shatter with a sickening crack. Yet, the sheer force of the impact sent Xavier flying backward, his body being hurled miles away, finally slamming into the ground on an isolated island, far from the Grand Kingdom of the United States.


    Groaning, Xavier pushed himself to his feet, shaking off the dizziness as he scanned his unfamiliar surroundings. But before he could fully grasp where he was, a whistling sound from above made his instincts scream. He looked up just in time to see the Varmint plummeting toward him at breakneck speed.


    "Multi-Directional Echo!" Xavier roared, reactivating his Regokinesis Blade technique.


    With lightning-fast precision, he unleashed a relentless barrage of slashes, cutting the Varmint¡¯s body into minuscule fragments. As the last slice tore through, Xavier stumbled back, panting heavily. Relief washed over him, but only for a moment. A searing headache struck like a bolt of lightning, his nose trickling with blood. His vector shield had reached its limit¡ªthree minutes was the absolute max before the strain became unbearable. On top of that, the overuse of his cosmic eyes had left him mentally drained, the sheer effort of complex calculations weighing heavily on him.


    Then, the island trembled beneath him. A guttural roar echoed across the desolate land. Xavier¡¯s blood ran cold as he turned to see the impossible¡ªthe Varmint, the very one he had reduced to nothingness, was regenerating.


    "No way... it can regenerate even after being sliced down to specks of dust?" Xavier whispered, disbelief settling in.


    The Varmint sneered, its freshly formed body lunging forward with terrifying speed. Its fists rained down in a relentless flurry, each strike carrying enough force to break bones. Xavier barely managed to deflect them, redirecting the blows back at the creature with his vector shield which was now much weaker, being pushed past its limited time¡ªthree minutes. But the Varmint didn¡¯t care. It healed instantly, pressing forward without hesitation, its attacks unrelenting.


    Frustration mounted in Xavier¡¯s chest as he expanded his vector shield, forcing the creature backward. Gritting his teeth, he thought, I need to end this. Now. Before my body isn''t able to handle any more ethereal energy.


    Lowering his stance, he exhaled slowly. He knew he had to create something stronger¡ªsomething beyond Regokinesis Blade technique. Something destructive.


    As he recalled Instructor Joshua¡¯s lessons, the power of aura flashed through his mind. Aura is not just intimidation¡ªit¡¯s a force, a means to enhance your physical capabilities, to absorb and manipulate energy.


    Xavier¡¯s body trembled as he gathered the ethereal energy from his surroundings, reabsorbing the ethereal energy he had expended. His vector shield flickered and faded, his focus shifting entirely to the buildup of raw power. His blade, once ordinary steel, now pulsed with an intense glow, radiating an overwhelming force.


    A violent whirlwind erupted around him, the sheer energy threatening to tear the land apart. The Varmint hesitated for the first time, recognizing the imminent danger. It turned to flee.


    "Too late!" Xavier roared, eyes burning with determination. "VECTOR NOVA!"


    With a single, decisive slash, an explosion of pure destruction erupted. The air itself seemed to distort as the attack consumed everything in its path, annihilating the island, the ocean surrounding it, and the Varmint along with it. Every molecule in the blast radius was torn apart, leaving nothing but an expanding void.


    But even as the dust settled, a lone fragment¡ªa small piece of the Varmint¡¯s eye¡ªfloated in the aftermath, stubbornly clinging to existence. The creature had survived, albeit barely.


    Now adrift in the depths of the ocean, Xavier¡¯s vision blurred. He had exhausted everything. His body refused to move, and his consciousness teetered on the edge of oblivion. But before he could succumb, a familiar, nightmarish grip coiled around his throat.


    The Varmint, barely reformed, grasped him with its one regenerated hand. Its face, half-reconstructed, twisted in sinister glee.


    A portal, the same kind that had brought it and its kin into the human realm, began to form beneath them. Without hesitation, the Varmint dragged Xavier through it, their bodies plunging into a chaotic limbo of shifting dimensions and fractured realities.


    Desperately, Xavier reached for his sword, but the once-reliable weapon was gone¡ªshattered to pieces from the force of Vector Nova. With no other choice, he grabbed a jagged fragment of the broken blade and drove it into the Varmint¡¯s neck, twisting it with every ounce of strength he had left.


    But the creature merely scoffed, tightening its grip around Xavier¡¯s throat. His strength faded. His vision darkened. Yet, at that moment, something within him awakened.


    His cosmic eyes flared back to life¡ªbut this time, the brilliance was beyond anything he had ever experienced. The glow surged, illuminating the void with bright intensity.


    Then, space itself trembled. A colossal, imperial gate¡ªlarger than a palace¡ªmanifested before them. The sheer presence of the divine structure sent shockwaves through the chaotic realm. The Varmint snarled, eyes widening in disbelief.


    The gate creaked open, unleashing a blinding radiance that swallowed them whole.


    And then, they fell.


    The next thing Xavier knew, he was crashing into solid ground. His body screamed in pain, barely able to move. He could only watch as the remnants of his shattered sword lay just beyond his reach¡ªa bitter symbol of his struggle.


    Even after surpassing his limits, after pushing himself beyond anything he thought possible, he had lost.


    The Varmint stood tall, victorious. It regenerated one of its legs and, without hesitation, reached down, gripping Xavier¡¯s skull with a slow, deliberate squeeze.


    Xavier gasped, struggling to stay conscious. But as he lay there, battered and broken, a shadow loomed behind the Varmint¡ªa presence both unknown and unfathomable.


    The figure loomed over everything¡ªthe Varmint, the mountains, and the very world itself. Its immense presence seemed to blot out the stars, radiating a power that was both majestic and terrifying.


    The Varmint, once a fearsome predator, froze in place as an overwhelming sense of dread consumed it. Slowly, it turned, trembling, to face the source of its fear. Behind it stood a colossal, shadowy beast¡ªits piercing eyes radiating the raw, predatory dominance of a true Alpha.


    Before Xavier¡¯s dimming eyes, the Varmint began to dissolve, its form fading away as though it had never truly existed. Its very essence seemed to unravel, erased by the incomprehensible might of the being now towering over it.


    Xavier mustered what little strength he had to lift his gaze. What he saw defied belief. A dragon¡ªa massive, otherworldly creature of apocalyptic power¡ªstood before him, its form shrouded in shadow yet exuding a palpable aura of destruction.


    Compelled by awe and curiosity, Xavier tried to move closer, but his battered body refused to obey. His vision swam, and darkness crept in as exhaustion claimed him. This time, not even the power of his cosmic eyes could save him, for he had pushed far beyond his mortal limits.


    And as unconsciousness overtook him, the last thing he saw was the dragon, silently watching him with eyes that seemed to peer into his very soul.

 The Blazing-Ice Dragon

    The scene opened with Princess Misaki and Jason struggling to fend off countless Varmints, monstrous creatures that surged toward them and their squads with insatiable hunger. Despite having just managed to defeat Prince Magnus'' squad, their victory felt hollow¡ªthey were too weak to hold their ground against this relentless tide.


    Princess Misaki, her body battered and bloodied, gritted her teeth as she parried another of the beasts'' attacks. Thoughts of despair swirled in her mind. I can''t even land a solid hit on these monsters, she thought bitterly, feeling the weight of her failures. Let alone leave a scratch on them. And my abilities... I can''t use them at full power. Not here. Not without risking everyone around me. Her chest heaved as she tried to push the rising tide of panic back down. What am I supposed to do?


    A sudden eruption of power shifted her focus. Elowen, their team''s nature mage, summoned a colossal tree. Its gnarled veins twisted and snaked outward, trapping and immobilizing several Varmints. The ground trembled beneath their combined weight, but the respite was fleeting.


    Nearby, Jason channeled his dwindling energy into twin glowing spheres, the light of which painted his face with an eerie glow. ¡°Fusion Ignition!¡± he roared, hurling the fused orb skyward. It spiraled upwards before expanding ominously, pulsing with growing energy.


    ¡°Everyone, run! Now!¡± Jason bellowed, sprinting in the opposite direction. His voice carried both urgency and desperation.


    Misaki pushed herself to her feet, her legs trembling. But exhaustion betrayed her¡ªshe stumbled and fell hard onto the blood-streaked ground. Her vision blurred, and she felt the cold fingers of despair clutching her heart.


    ¡°Princess!¡± Jupiter¡¯s voice cut through the chaos. He rushed to her side, forming an immense barrier with his powers. The translucent dome shimmered as Jason¡¯s energy orb, now a blinding sun, reached critical mass.


    With a deafening roar, the orb imploded, unleashing a devastating shockwave. The world turned white as the detonation obliterated everything in its radius. When the dust and debris finally settled, Jupiter¡¯s barrier crumbled, leaving him panting and severely burned. Misaki stared at him in shock, her lips trembling. He protected me...


    Yet their relief was short-lived. To their horror, the Varmints emerged unscathed from the destruction, their grotesque forms silhouetted against the fading light of the blast. One of the creatures stepped forward, its movements unsettlingly deliberate. Its glowing, predatory eyes locked onto Jupiter and Misaki.


    Jupiter gritted his teeth and raised his arms in defiance, ready to face the creature despite his injuries. The Varmint tilted its head, almost curiously, and then, to their shock, it uttered something faint, something almost intelligible: ¡°E...rus.¡±


    The Varmint extended a clawed limb toward Jupiter, as if attempting to touch his burns. Before it could, an icy screech tore through the air. An enormous ice phoenix hurtled toward the creature, striking it with unrelenting force. The beast was propelled skyward, vanishing into the atmosphere before erupting in an explosion that painted the heavens white.


    The remaining Varmints hesitated, confusion rippling through their ranks. Then, a deafening crash shook the earth as a figure descended from the sky, landing with earth-shattering force. Dust and debris billowed outward as the ground cracked beneath him.


    Instructor Joshua had arrived.


    He stood tall, his etheral instrument, the ''Leviathan Battleaxe'', gleaming in his hands. Without hesitation, he hurled the massive weapon toward the Varmints, the force of its swing slicing through eight of them in a single blow. The others roared in rage and charged at him en masse.


    Joshua clapped his hands together, his voice booming like thunder. ¡°Caelwyn Glacius: Ice Age... Sub-Zero!¡±


    In an instant, the entire forest was encased in frost. Trees, mountains, and lakes were frozen solid, their surfaces glittering like crystal. The Varmints¡ªonce ferocious and untouchable¡ªwere now motionless sculptures of ice.


    Summoning his axe back to his hand, Joshua swung it in a wide arc, shattering the frozen creatures into shards. He wasted no time rushing to Jupiter and Misaki¡¯s side.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked, his voice heavy with concern. His piercing gaze scanned their injuries. ¡°Can you move?¡±


    Jupiter tried to respond but collapsed from exhaustion. Joshua caught him effortlessly, his expression softening.


    Turning to Misaki, he spoke again. ¡°Your Highness, did you fight the Varmints directly?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Instructor Joshua,¡± she replied, her voice weak but steady.


    A shadow passed over Joshua¡¯s face. ¡°Did you notice any strange black-green veins appearing on your body?¡±


    Misaki blinked, confused. She glanced down, inspecting herself for any signs of what he described. ¡°No... I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    Joshua exhaled in relief. ¡°Thank the heavens,¡± he murmured.


    ¡°Why did you ask?¡± Misaki pressed, frowning. ¡°What would that mean?¡±


    Joshua hesitated, his usually steady demeanor faltering. ¡°It¡¯s... complicated. But simply put, contact with a Varmint is a death sentence.¡±


    Misaki¡¯s heart sank. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re made of a strange energy,¡± Joshua explained, his tone grave. ¡°Anyone who comes into contact with them risks infection by a deadly virus¡ªthe Black Death. It¡¯s incurable. Even immortals can¡¯t survive it.¡±


    Misaki¡¯s blood ran cold. ¡°How is that possible? How can such a thing exist?¡±


    Joshua shook his head. ¡°We don¡¯t fully understand it. But we do know how to protect ourselves.¡± He paused, meeting her gaze. ¡°You must shield yourself with your aura. It must be as thick and strong as your skin. Only then can you avoid infection.¡±


    Before Misaki could respond, distant explosions reverberated through the frozen forest. She turned toward the noise, her eyes wide with dread. ¡°What now?¡± she whispered.


    The air was thick with tension as Instructor Joshua calmly stated, "Oh, that¡¯s just your homeroom teacher, Miss Seo-Yeon."


    "Miss Seo-Yeon caused those explosions?" Misaki asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.


    "Yes, she did," Joshua replied without missing a beat.


    The atmosphere grew heavier, an almost suffocating pressure settling over the battlefield. Sensing something more dangerous approaching from the portal, Joshua snapped his fingers, summoning a new regiment of ice troops. Their frosty forms shimmered under the harsh light, ready for his command.


    "Take Princess Misaki and Jupiter to the evacuation sector immediately," he ordered, his voice firm. "All students participating in the Forest Crown Hunt are being transported there. Ensure their safety at all costs."


    Joshua¡¯s eyes hardened as he addressed the ice soldiers again. "If my students are harmed... it won¡¯t be your survival on the line."


    The ice soldiers exchanged nervous glances before carefully gathering Jupiter and Misaki. They began their retreat, heading swiftly toward the evacuation zone, where medics and staff waited.


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    Joshua stretched his shoulders, rolling them with precision, before drawing the Leviathan Battleaxe from his back. Its icy blade gleamed as if hungry for the battle to come. A violent surge of energy burst forth from the portal from before, shaking the ground as something emerged.


    A varmint stepped through¡ªbut this one was different. It stood upright, its grotesque form twisted into something disturbingly humanoid.


    Joshua narrowed his eyes, his thoughts racing. A humanoid varmint? This is new. His grip tightened on his weapon. If it¡¯s humanoid, it¡¯s at least a red administrator core level¡­ possibly higher.


    The creature¡¯s lips curled into a smile, and then it spoke, its voice guttural and mocking. "What delicious food you are."


    Joshua¡¯s eyes widened. A talking varmint? He steadied himself, keeping his expression cold. "You lowly creatures dare harm my students?"


    The varmint¡¯s smile widened. "Your students smelled delicious."


    Joshua¡¯s lips curled into a dark smirk. "You think you¡¯ll be the one feasting today?" He cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders. "Now tell me¡­ how would you like to be cooked? Rare? Medium? Well-done?"


    The varmint snarled, its patience snapping as it lunged at Joshua. The attack was swift, but Joshua blocked it effortlessly, his axe gleaming as it intercepted the creature¡¯s claws.


    "Pathetic," he muttered, shoving the varmint back with a surge of strength. But the creature was relentless. It kicked the Leviathan Battleaxe from his grasp and landed a brutal punch to his face, sending blood streaming from his nose.


    Joshua staggered but grinned through the pain. "That all you got?" With lightning speed, he drove a powerful punch into the varmint¡¯s stomach, making it double over and retch violently. Seizing the moment, Joshua delivered a series of precise strikes, each blow leaving the creature more disoriented.


    The varmint roared in frustration, swinging wildly, but Joshua dodged each attack with practiced ease. In a swift motion, he retrieved his axe and swung it with deadly precision, freezing the creature¡¯s midsection and tossing it aside like a broken doll.


    "Weak," he taunted, his voice laced with disdain. "You¡¯ve got a red ethereal core, but you fight like an amateur."


    The varmint¡¯s eyes burned with fury. "I will kill you," it snarled, its body beginning to heal at an unnatural speed. Before Joshua could press his advantage, a swarm of varmints surged from the portal, merging with the humanoid creature. Its body expanded grotesquely, muscles bulging as its power grew exponentially.


    Joshua¡¯s expression turned serious. He cupped his hands, drawing them to his side as freezing energy condensed between them. The air around him dropped to a biting chill as he unleashed his technique. "Cryo-Blast!"


    The blast of concentrated ice energy surged forward, freezing everything in its path, including the massive varmint. For a moment, all was silent. Then a deafening roar shattered the stillness as the creature broke free of its icy prison, its strength even greater than before.


    It appeared behind Joshua in an instant, striking him with devastating force. Joshua was sent flying, crashing into the ground with a grunt of pain. The creature wasted no time, pummeling him with a flurry of brutal attacks.


    Before the creature could land another blow, Joshua¡¯s Leviathan Battleaxe flew to his side, slamming into the varmint and knocking it away. Blood dripped from Joshua¡¯s wounds as he forced himself to his feet.


    A voice cut through the chaos, light and teasing. "How are you losing this badly?"


    Joshua turned to see Miss Seo-Yeon standing behind him, a playful smirk on her face.


    "Took your sweet time, didn¡¯t you?" Joshua muttered, his annoyance clear.


    Seo-Yeon shrugged. "Oh, relax. I was just having a little fun. Besides, that thing¡¯s near our level. No need to get all worked up."


    Joshua sighed, shaking his head. "Just get ready to kill it, Seo-Yeon."


    "Alright, alright," she replied, raising her hand. From miles away, her ethereal weapon, the Crimson-Blade Rebellion, responded to her call. The volcano housing the greatsword erupted violently, sending the weapon hurtling toward its master. As it landed in her grasp, the air around her shifted, charged with her immense power.


    Seo-Yeon studied the varmint as it regenerated, her gaze sharp. "I¡¯ve heard varmints have ridiculous healing abilities, but this is absurd."


    Joshua nodded grimly. "We have to end it quickly, or it¡¯ll possibly evolve and surpass us."


    Seo-Yeon¡¯s grin returned. "And we have to kill it before the imperial army arrives. Can¡¯t have Miss Faelwen thinking I¡¯m weak."


    Joshua rolled his eyes but couldn¡¯t hide the hint of a smile. "Focus, Seo-Yeon."


    The varmint, now fully healed and more monstrous than ever, charged at them with blinding speed. Seo-Yeon met its attack head-on, her Crimson-Blade Rebellion colliding with its claws in an explosion of energy. Joshua stepped forward, his Leviathan Battleaxe raised, ready to end the fight once and for all.


    Instructor Joshua''s Leviathan Battleaxe swung in a wide arc, slicing clean through the varmint''s left leg. The icy edge froze the severed wound instantly, halting its notorious regenerative powers.


    Miss Seo-Yeon seized the opening, her blazing Rebellion Greatsword cutting a fiery streak across the varmint''s chest. The creature howled in pain as the flames seared its grotesque form, leaving charred, unhealing flesh in their wake.


    The varmint grasped at the glowing blade, its claws struggling to wrench it free. Miss Seo-Yeon didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, she released her grip on the hilt and stepped forward, delivering a flaming uppercut. "Rising Dragon Fist!" she cried as an ethereal dragon of fire burst from her fist, sending the varmint hurtling skyward.


    Joshua followed up with a barrage of jagged ice spikes, which erupted from the ground and speared the airborne varmint, pinning it like an insect in amber. Miss Seo-Yeon leaped nimbly from spike to spike, her boots leaving fiery prints on the frozen surfaces. She reached the writhing varmint, landing hard on its chest with a sharp crack.


    Driving her blade into its neck, she twisted it with precision. The varmint roared in agony, its claws flailing wildly. It grasped Miss Seo-Yeon by the head, slamming her to the icy ground with bone-crushing force. Yet she held fast to her blade, her grip unyielding as she worked to sever its head.


    Desperate, the varmint sprang high into the air, hoping to shake her off. Joshua anticipated its move. Appearing above them with an icy flash, he brought his Leviathan Battleaxe down on its nape. "Seo-Yeon, now!" he bellowed.


    Miss Seo-Yeon ignited a burst of flames beneath her feet, spinning mid-air like a fiery buzzsaw. With one final, precise cut, she severed the varmint''s head from its massive shoulders.


    But the fight wasn¡¯t over. Before their eyes, the decapitated head began to reattach itself, sinews and flesh knitting together at an unnatural speed.


    "Persistent little freak," Seo-Yeon muttered, kicking the body away as she soared upward. Grabbing Joshua¡¯s hand mid-air, she steadied them both as they landed a safe distance away.


    "We''re finishing this, Joshua," she declared, her voice resolute.


    Joshua nodded, their auras flaring to life and painting the sky in dazzling hues of icy blue and fiery red. Their combined energy warped the air around them, shaking the ground beneath their feet.


    With synchronized precision, they merged their elemental powers into a spiraling mass of raw destructive force. ¡°Gamma-Ray Burst!¡± they shouted in unison, unleashing an overwhelming torrent of energy that surged skyward before crashing down on the varmint.


    The blast annihilated the creature, tearing apart its remnants and leaving nothing but a smoldering crater. The sheer force of the attack reverberated across the planet, leaving no doubt about the power they had unleashed. Stars dimmed and shattered as waves of destructive energy rippled outward, tearing through countless celestial bodies. Galaxies were ripped apart, their luminous spirals collapsing into chaos, as the sheer magnitude of their unleashed power carved an indelible scar across the cosmos.


    As the dust settled, Miss Seo-Yeon gave Joshua a playful grin. "Thanks for saving me back there, my knight in shining armor."


    Joshua scoffed, his irritation plain. "I should''ve let it eat you instead."


    She laughed, ignoring his gruff demeanor. "Oh, come on, Oppa. Admit it¡ªthis is the most fun you''ve had in ages. When was the last time we fought something other than each other?"


    "You''re not wrong," he admitted begrudgingly. "I haven''t used this much power in a while. Feeling rusty."


    Before they could continue their banter, Miss Faelwen appeared, rushing toward them with urgency. Her face was pale, and her breaths came in short bursts.


    "Faelwen, what¡¯s wrong?" Joshua asked, stepping forward.


    She shook her head quickly. "I¡¯m fine, but two students are missing¡ªXavier Ashford and Prince Magnus Flashstride. They weren¡¯t at the evacuation sector."


    Seo-Yeon¡¯s playful expression turned serious. "I didn¡¯t see them during the rescue. What happened?"


    "Princess Misaki said they were fighting before the attack," Faelwen explained, glancing between them.


    Joshua sighed, rubbing his temples. "Damn it. We need to find them, now."


    The three split up to search the forest, and with Faelwen¡¯s Eyes of Revelation, they eventually found Prince Magnus unconscious, his body battered and barely breathing.


    Seo-Yeon knelt beside him, checking for signs of life. "He¡¯s alive, but barely. What happened here?"


    Joshua¡¯s sharp eyes scanned the area, noting the heavy presence of varmint blood. His gaze fell on a pair of shattered glasses¡ªXavier¡¯s distinctive Visors of Time. Picking them up, his jaw tightened.


    Seo-Yeon¡¯s composure cracked. "His glasses¡­ Did something happen to Xavier?"


    "Don¡¯t jump to conclusions," Faelwen urged, though her voice wavered.


    Joshua shook his head. "We searched the entire forest. If he¡¯s not here¡­"


    "He must¡¯ve led the varmint away," Faelwen suggested. "To protect the other students."


    Joshua exhaled sharply, forcing himself to stay calm. "He¡¯s not dead. Xavier¡¯s a genius¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t go down that easily, even against one of those things."


    "Then we search outside the forest," Faelwen decided, her tone firm. "Seo-Yeon, take Prince Magnus back to the evacuation sector. Joshua and I will find Xavier."


    Seo-Yeon hesitated but nodded. Gently lifting the prince, she took to the air, her fiery aura glowing against the darkening sky.


    Joshua and Faelwen exchanged a determined look before turning toward the forest¡¯s edge, their hearts heavy with the unknown but resolute in their mission.

 The Divine Encounter

    Within the vast expanse of his imagination, Xavier found himself trapped in the same dream that had haunted him for years. A mother cradled her newborn in a dimly lit hospital ward, her voice soft as she hummed a lullaby. The door creaked open, and a man entered¡ªher husband, Xavier assumed. But as always, just before he could hear the name they whispered for the child, the dream faded.


    Xavier jolted awake, drenched in sweat. His breaths came ragged as his mind adjusted to reality, only to be met with an unsettling truth¡ªhe wasn¡¯t where he was supposed to be.


    A massive underground cavern stretched before him, its walls lined with ancient carvings, its floor glimmering with mountains of gold and gemstones. The sight would have made any man lose himself in greed, but Xavier barely registered it. Pain flared through his body as he tried to sit up, his bandaged wounds splitting open. He gritted his teeth, swallowing a cry before grabbing a nearby stick to support himself.


    Each step was agony, but he forced himself forward, scanning his surroundings. Then, something familiar caught his eye¡ªa massive metallic gate, eerily similar to the one he had seen during his battle with the varmint. His pulse quickened.


    A sudden tremor shook the cavern. Dust and loose stones rained down as the air thickened with an ominous presence. A low growl rumbled from the depths, followed by the sound of heavy footfalls approaching.


    The dragon had returned.


    Xavier¡¯s heart pounded in his chest. He ducked behind a jagged rock formation, his breath shallow, his mind racing. The ground trembled with every step the beast took, its sheer weight causing the cavern walls to groan in protest. He pressed himself further into the shadows, barely daring to breathe.


    Then, silence.


    A chill ran down his spine. Slowly, cautiously, he turned his head¡ªonly to find himself face to face with two piercing, golden eyes.


    ¡°Found you.¡±


    The voice was deep, reverberating through his very bones, carrying a mix of amusement and menace.


    Xavier¡¯s body seized in terror. A strangled cry escaped his lips as he scrambled backward, his limbs betraying him. He hit the ground hard, curling into himself, his hands shielding his face as he trembled uncontrollably.


    Laughter. Deep, rich, and wholly unexpected.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, child,¡± the dragon rumbled, a trace of amusement lacing his words. ¡°I won¡¯t eat you.¡± A brief pause. Then, with a chuckle, he added, ¡°Humans aren¡¯t exactly my favorite snack. They taste funny.¡±


    Xavier hesitated, his fingers slowly lowering from his face. Warily, he forced himself to look at the creature before him.


    Majestic. That was the only word that could describe what he saw.


    The dragon was immense, yet somehow smaller than when he had last seen it in battle. Its body was covered in brilliant, snow-white scales, each one reflecting light like polished marble. Golden patterns swirled across its muscular form, intricate and divine. Six immense wings extended from its back, their sheer presence radiating an aura of supremacy. Its tail, as long as a towering sequoia, coiled behind it, while two sets of razor-sharp horns¡ªone grand and curved, the other smaller but equally menacing¡ªadorned its head like a crown.


    Yet, despite its overwhelming presence, Xavier couldn¡¯t ignore the deep scars marring its body. This creature, for all its glory, had suffered.


    ¡°Who¡­ who are you?¡± Xavier asked, his voice hoarse.


    ¡°And where am I?¡±


    The dragon¡¯s lips curled into a grin. ¡°I am the almighty Dragon King Alcmena,¡± he declared. ¡°The King of Dragons; the Grand Herrscher of the Cosmic Realms; the Patriarch of Kings; and the Prince of Stars.¡±


    Xavier stared, his mind struggling to process the sheer grandeur of the titles. How could something so awe-inspiring exist? Weren¡¯t dragons supposed to be terrifying creatures of destruction? This one, though powerful, radiated wisdom and regality unlike anything he had ever known.


    His thoughts were interrupted by Alcmena¡¯s gaze shifting toward his wounds. The dragon extended a clawed hand, surprisingly gentle as he cradled Xavier in his massive palm. A warm, soothing energy seeped into Xavier¡¯s body as his wounds began to mend.


    ¡°That battle against the varmint took quite a toll on you,¡± Alcmena mused with a smirk.


    Xavier let out a weary chuckle. ¡°Yeah¡­ thought I was a goner.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re lucky I was here to intervene,¡± Alcmena replied, his tone light but firm. ¡°You were beginning to show signs of the Black Death.¡±


    Xavier frowned. ¡°The Black Death?¡±


    ¡°A vile affliction contracted through contact with a varmint. Had I not acted in time, it would have spread through your body and corrupted your ethereal core.¡±


    A shiver ran through Xavier. ¡°So¡­ you saved me?¡±


    Alcmena merely nodded.


    Xavier exhaled, bowing his head. ¡°Thank you, Sir Dragon King.¡±


    Alcmena let out a gruff noise, looking mildly embarrassed. ¡°Just King Alcmena will do.¡±


    Xavier grinned. ¡°Got it, King Alcmena.¡±


    With that, the dragon rose to his full height, his wings spreading wide. Without warning, he leaped into the air, his wings carrying them toward the cavern¡¯s ceiling. Xavier barely had time to react before the dragon shot through a massive fracture in the rock, ascending high above the world.


    The wind roared around them as they soared higher and higher, piercing through the dense cloud cover. Then, as they reached the stratosphere, Alcmena slowed, allowing Xavier to take in the breathtaking view.


    Below them, the world stretched endlessly, bathed in hues of gold and sapphire under the vast sky. Xavier clutched onto Alcmena¡¯s scales, his eyes wide with awe.


    For the first time in a long while, he felt something other than fear or pain.


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    He felt free.


    "You asked me where you were, so I showed you exactly where you were," Dragon King Alcmena explained, still holding Xavier in his left hand.


    Xavier¡¯s hair flowed in the breeze as he took in the breathtaking beauty of the vibrant forest around them. The sun''s rays gleamed with an ethereal brilliance, and the sky¡ªspanning with celestial wonders¡ªseemed far grander than anything he had ever witnessed on Earth. The very air here carried a sense of tranquility that made his soul stir with awe.


    Sensing Xavier¡¯s admiration, Alcmena spoke with a calm authority. "This place is beyond the realm of humans. It is a reality I have forged, untouched by the laws of your world."


    Xavier was speechless. The sheer fact that Alcmena could create an entire dimension¡ªone teeming with life, color, and fantastical creatures¡ªfelt surreal. This was no illusion; it was a world in itself, shaped by the will of a being beyond mortal comprehension.


    After a while, Alcmena carried Xavier back to the cave, encouraging him to rest. "You should sleep. Your body still needs time to recover."


    "I''m fine," Xavier insisted, shaking his head. "I don¡¯t need to rest."


    Alcmena exhaled, clearly unamused by Xavier¡¯s stubbornness. He had seen that same defiance before¡ªfrom warriors who believed themselves invincible, only to fall from their own pride. But before he could argue further, Xavier¡¯s eyes landed on something within the cave walls.


    "What are these carvings?" he asked, stepping closer.


    Alcmena studied Xavier for a moment before answering. "They are stories," he said. "Memories I¡¯ve preserved so I never forget what I¡¯ve witnessed."


    Xavier ran his fingers over one of the engravings, marveling at its intricate details. It depicted a warrior wielding a divine-like longsword, surrounded by comrades. The craftsmanship reminded him of his best friend Jupiter¡¯s drawings, causing him to glance at Alcmena with newfound curiosity.


    The Dragon King noticed. With a slight smile, he asked, "Xavier, have you ever wondered why I choose to live in such isolation?"


    Xavier blinked. "No... not really," he admitted. "But now that you mention it, why?"


    Alcmena turned toward the deepest part of the cave, his expression darkening slightly. "Because this world holds the most powerful weapon ever created¡ªDivine Blade, Excalibur, the Legendary Blade of God."


    Xavier''s eyes widened. "Excalibur?" he echoed in amazement. "Like... the Excalibur?"


    Alcmena nodded. "The very same."


    Intrigued, Xavier urged him to continue. The Dragon King explained that Excalibur was forged by Ulfberht, the Father of Blades, a mythical blacksmith who created weapons beyond mortal craftsmanship¡ªethereal instruments. But this particular blade was unlike any other¡ªit was born from the last remnants of the Dragon God Eldora¡¯s bones, a gift from Origin, the One Above All.


    "Origin himself heard the cries of humanity and granted Ulfberht a fragment of His power," Alcmena recounted. "With it, he shaped a blade that could stand against the very creatures that threatened the mortal world¡ªthe varmints."


    Xavier listened, enraptured.


    "But there was a catch," Alcmena continued. "The power of Excalibur was too immense. No mortal could wield it for thousands¡ªperhaps millions¡ªof years. Until, at last, the blade chose its rightful master: Saint Sebastian Akintola."


    Xavier¡¯s heart pounded at the name. "Saint Sebastian... the Legendary Hero?" he whispered.


    Alcmena nodded. "With Excalibur in his grasp, he eradicated the varmints and struck down Emperor Julius, the Harbinger of Havoc."


    Xavier could hardly believe it. He had read tales of Saint Sebastian, but to hear it firsthand from someone who had lived through those times was something else entirely.


    "And after Saint Sebastian fell in battle to his injuries," Alcmena added, "Origin tasked me with guarding Excalibur. That is why I remain here. And that is why the varmints disappeared for so long¡ªuntil now. All because of the Great Hero, Saint Sebastian."


    A heavy silence settled between them as the weight of those words sank in. Xavier could feel it¡ªthe undercurrent of something vast and ominous stirring beneath Alcmena¡¯s stoic demeanor.


    "But why you?" Xavier finally asked. "Why were you chosen to guard it?"


    Alcmena smiled, though there was something bittersweet in his gaze. "Because I am the son of Eldora D. Regaliath¡ªthe Supreme Being of Dragons and Beasts."


    Xavier¡¯s jaw nearly hit the ground. "Wait... you¡¯re the son of the Dragon God Eldora?!"


    Alcmena chuckled at Xavier¡¯s stunned reaction. "Yes. Prince Alcmena D. Regaliath."


    Xavier could hardly process it. The very idea of standing before the son of a being so powerful made his head spin.


    Alcmena, amused by Xavier¡¯s astonishment, continued. "My father was Origin¡¯s left-hand¡ªthe protector of Excalibur before me. He believed that true strength lay not only in power, but in wisdom, compassion, and the courage to bear responsibility. That is why he was chosen. And that is why, in time, I was chosen as well."


    Xavier nodded slowly, the revelations stacking in his mind like puzzle pieces. "That must be amazing¡ªto guard a weapon like Excalibur."


    Alcmena smirked. "Not exactly."


    Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"


    "Because countless people have tried to kill me for it."


    Xavier frowned. "That¡¯s... depressing."


    "Oh, it gets worse," Alcmena said with a hint of dry amusement. "My own twin brother tried to kill me for it."


    Xavier¡¯s shock returned tenfold. "Wait¡ªyou have a brother?!"


    Alcmena nodded, though his expression darkened. "Yes. We were once very close. But now, not anymore."


    Xavier could feel the weight behind those words. "Why would your own brother try to kill you?"


    Alcmena exhaled. "Because he was power-hungry. Always seeking to prove himself worthy of ruling. He wanted to be the next Dragon King¡ªno, the next Dragon God. But our father knew better. He knew that leadership isn¡¯t about power alone. It¡¯s about wisdom, compassion, and the strength to bear the burdens of others."


    Xavier watched Alcmena carefully. Despite the lighthearted tone he tried to maintain, there was deep pain buried in his words. A wound that time had yet to heal.


    "In the end," Alcmena said softly, "it was his own ambition that led him astray. Just like my father warned."


    Silence hung between them once more, thick with unspoken emotions.


    Wanting to lighten the mood, Xavier joked, "Your father sounds like a very wise being."


    King Alcmena gave a small, reminiscent smile. "Yes, he was. And I am proud to call myself his son."


    Xavier¡¯s gaze fell upon the deep scars marring the Dragon King''s body. He placed a cautious hand on one of them. "These... were they caused by your brother trying to kill you?"


    King Alcmena exhaled slowly, his golden eyes darkening with old memories. "Yes, they were. We fought a battle that tore through the fabric of creation itself, many millennia ago."


    Xavier¡¯s brows furrowed. "Why? What could be worth such devastation?"


    "The Blade of Excalibur," Alcmena said, his voice laced with both reverence and sorrow. "My brother sought its power, and I had no choice but to stop him before he could lay his hands on it. But that battle... it cost me dearly. I am but a mere shell of what I once was."


    Xavier¡¯s mind raced. Whoever Alcmena¡¯s brother was, he had to be unfathomably powerful to have fought him as an equal¡ªlet alone inflicted such lasting wounds.


    Then, Alcmena''s expression hardened, his voice dropping into a grave tone. "My twin brother is Destoroyah D. Regaliath. The Dragon King of Doom. The Grand Herrscher of Destruction and Chaos."


    The name alone sent a wave of cold dread down Xavier¡¯s spine. His entire body tensed, instinct screaming at him that he had just heard something he wasn¡¯t meant to.


    Seeing Xavier''s reaction, Alcmena placed a reassuring clawed hand on his shoulder. "You need not fear him¡ªnot yet. After our battle, Destoroyah vanished, forced into hiding to recover from the wounds I inflicted."


    Xavier let out a slow breath, relief washing over him. The idea that such a being was out there, waiting to return, was terrifying.


    But then, Alcmena leaned in closer, his golden gaze burning with a silent warning. "Be mindful of where you travel, Xavier. Should you ever cross paths with him, you will not survive. Wherever Destoroyah treads, ruin, and inevitable death follows. Chaos is not just his nature¡ªit is his very essence."


    Xavier swallowed hard and gave a slow, understanding nod.


    Then, Alcmena¡¯s stern expression softened into a smile. "Now, rest, Xavier. You¡¯ll need your strength."


    Xavier nodded, ready to retreat, but then a sudden realization froze him in place. He had never told King Alcmena his name.


    His head snapped back toward the dragon. "How do you know my name?"


    A sly smirk curved Alcmena¡¯s lips. "I am a Herrscher, remember? We are nigh-omnipotent beings."


    Xavier opened his mouth, grasping for words, but before he could respond, Alcmena¡¯s massive claw gently pressed against his shoulder, guiding him downward. The gesture was firm yet careful, as if the Dragon King himself was pleading for him to rest.


    For now, Xavier relented. But his mind remained restless, haunted by the weight of what he had learned.

 The Chosen One

    In the dead of night, Xavier found himself lost in a dream, one where he and Princess Jasmine enjoyed a romantic date under the stars. But before he could fully savor the moment, a soft, feminine voice echoed through his mind, calling his name over and over.


    "Xavier... Get up... Go to the gate..."


    The words were insistent yet cryptic. "Gate? What gate?" he murmured in his sleep. But before he could make sense of it, his eyes snapped open, his body drenched in sweat. His breath came in sharp gasps as he looked around, realizing King Alcmena was sleeping nearby, his massive form undisturbed.


    Wiping his brow, Xavier grabbed his staff, using it to steady himself as he slowly stood up. Careful not to make a sound, he tiptoed away, each step measured as he ventured deeper into the cavernous hideout. He had seen a gate earlier¡ªmaybe that was the one the voice meant?


    As he approached the stone archway, the voice grew clearer, almost urgent. "Open it."


    Xavier hesitated for a moment before placing his palm against the cold surface. The moment he did, a pulse of energy surged through him. A low rumble echoed through the chamber as the massive doors slowly creaked open, revealing an ancient hall bathed in a soft, golden glow.


    His breath hitched as he stepped inside. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering Eldora runes, pulsating faintly with latent power. Seven colossal stone knights, each gripping a massive sword, stood watch over the chamber like eternal sentinels. But it wasn''t them that drew his gaze¡ªit was the sword.


    At the heart of the chamber stood a divine longsword, its brilliance filling the entire space. Royal blue, gold, and crimson adorned its hilt and cross-guard, a ribbon of red elegantly wrapped around the handle. Eldora runes shimmered across its blade, casting a warm, sacred light.


    Xavier barely noticed the voice whispering again. "Go to it. Take it."


    His feet moved of their own accord, drawn by an unseen force. As his fingers brushed against the hilt, a flood of visions crashed into his mind. A man and a woman¡ªfaces both familiar and unknown¡ªlaughing, dancing, holding a newborn child. Then, the hospital scene returned, the sorrow in the woman''s eyes more profound than ever.


    "Oh, how about we name our son Xavier?" she said with a loving smile.


    Xavier''s heart pounded. His name? Why? Who were they?


    Reality snapped back as his fingers tightened around the sword. With a steady pull, he lifted the divine blade from the ground, its radiant glow intensifying. A voice, not the one from before, but a deep and knowing one, filled the chamber.


    "I knew it!" King Alcmena''s voice rang out, full of triumph.


    Xavier turned, startled to see the Dragon King standing at the entrance, his eyes gleaming with pride. "I knew you were the one chosen by the Holy Sword, Excalibur!"


    Xavier barely had time to process his words before dizziness overwhelmed him. His vision blurred, the sword''s weight suddenly unbearable. The last thing he felt was the cold stone beneath him as he collapsed.


    When Xavier awoke, the morning sun filtering into the cavern, he was greeted by the aroma of something delicious. His head throbbed, but the pain was nothing compared to the sight before him¡ªKing Alcmena sitting beside a feast of mouthwatering dishes.


    "Good, you''re awake," the Dragon King said, stirring a pot. "Go wash up in the lake. Breakfast is ready."


    Xavier blinked, still groggy. "Wait... you cooked all this? I didn¡¯t know you could cook."


    Alcmena smirked. "Of course I can. I just never needed to eat after becoming a Herrscher."


    Xavier reached for a piece of bread, only for Alcmena to smack his hand away. "Not before you brush your teeth and bathe."


    Xavier grumbled. "With what? I don¡¯t have¡ª"


    Alcmena held up a toothbrush and a strange paste. "I made these. Now hurry up."


    Xavier sighed but took the items, heading toward the lake. As he stepped into the water, he noticed something strange¡ªhis wounds, once deep and painful, had completely healed without leaving a single scar.


    After cleaning himself up, he returned to the underground cavern, finally able to dig into the food. As he ate, a thought gnawed at him.


    "Hey, King Alcmena... how did you know I wasn¡¯t asleep?"


    King Alcmena chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. "Herrschers don¡¯t need sleep."


    "I just do it because, well, there''s not much else to do at night."


    Xavier, no longer surprised by the strange quirks of the king, took the opportunity to ask about the mysterious room he had found himself in the night before.


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    King Alcmena''s expression shifted slightly before he answered, "That place you sneaked into was the altar of the Holy Blade¡ªExcalibur."


    Xavier''s eyes widened. "Wait, Excalibur? As in the Excalibur, you told me about?"


    "Yes," Alcmena confirmed, his tone tinged with both amazement and something akin to annoyance. "And apparently, it has chosen you as its new master."


    Xavier blinked, processing the words. "Excalibur¡­ chose me?"


    "Indeed. That explains why you were able to enter this dimension." King Alcmena leaned back slightly. "The blade must have summoned you here."


    A wave of emotions hit Xavier¡ªshock, excitement, disbelief. The legendary Holy Sword had picked him?


    But then King Alcmena¡¯s gaze turned sharp. "Tell me, Xavier. Are you a descendant of Ulfberht, the Father of Blades?"


    Xavier frowned, shaking his head. "No, at least¡­ I don¡¯t think so. Why do you ask?"


    King Alcmena studied him for a moment before replying, "Unlike Saint Sebastian, you and Excalibur share a rare bond. A very close one at that."


    Xavier crossed his arms, puzzled. "A bond? What kind of bond?"


    Instead of answering directly, Alcmena pointed at Xavier¡¯s eyes. "Perhaps it has something to do with those."


    Xavier instinctively touched his face. "My cosmic eyes? I was born with them, but I don¡¯t really know much about them myself."


    "Then tell me¡ªwhat can they do?" Alcmena asked, his interest piqued.


    Xavier sighed, then began explaining. "They let me see very minuscule things very clearly. I can see from longer distances compared to others, track things invisible to the naked eye, and perform insane calculations almost instantly. It''s why I never struggle in math. The eyes handle the numbers for me, even ones that should be almost impossible to solve."


    He paused, his expression turning frustrated. "But honestly? They¡¯re a headache to use. They flood me with so much information that I have to figure out how to process it all on my own. They''re extremely texting on my brain and mental power. And I can''t always react to every piece of information it gives me in time."


    King Alcmena smirked. "That must have been a pain to deal with."


    Xavier let out a dry chuckle. "You have no idea."


    But then, King Alcmena''s demeanor shifted. He stood taller, his gaze growing serious. Xavier felt the shift immediately, his instincts sharpening in response.


    "Xavier," Alcmena said in a solemn tone. "Would you like to become my vessel?"


    Xavier blinked, caught off guard. "Huh? Wait, did you just say you want me to be your vessel?"


    "That¡¯s right," King Alcmena confirmed. "I want to form a contract with you."


    Xavier narrowed his eyes. "Why now? Why do you suddenly want to be my contractor?"


    King Alcmena''s expression darkened slightly. "Because you were chosen by Excalibur, you¡¯re now in grave danger. There will be powerful people coming after you, all of them wanting to claim that sword for themselves. And they¡¯ll stop at nothing to take it."


    Xavier felt a pit form in his stomach. His hands clenched involuntarily. "So, I¡¯m a target now¡­"


    "You don¡¯t have to worry about someone stealing Excalibur from you," Alcmena reassured him. "Once it has chosen a master, anyone attempting to take it will be struck down by the heavens. Instant punishment. But your real concern isn¡¯t the sword¡ªit¡¯s your loved ones. The people around you will be in danger."


    Xavier¡¯s throat went dry. His family. His friends. They could all be caught in the crossfire.


    "But if you become my vessel," Alcmena continued, "you will gain the strength to protect them."


    Xavier hesitated for only a moment before nodding firmly. "I¡¯ll do it."


    A rare grin spread across Alcmena¡¯s face. "Then congratulations¡ªyou¡¯re now the second person in history to ever form a covenant with a dragon."


    Xavier blinked. "Second? Who was the first?"


    "The Father of the Heavens, Lord Yamato."


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened. "Wait¡­ Misaki¡¯s ancestor? The founder of the Yamato Empire?"


    Alcmena nodded. "Yes. Your friend¡¯s ancestor was the first human to form a pact with a dragon."


    Xavier let out a low whistle. "Huh. I never knew that."


    King Alcmena chuckled before extending a hand toward him. "Come now. Let¡¯s make this official."


    Xavier took a deep breath, then stepped forward, as Alcmena told him to give him his hand. Xavier did as he was told, watching as King Alcmena made a precise cut on his palm, ensuring the wound was shallow to minimize the pain. The dragon king then did the same to himself before extending his hand over Xavier¡¯s, allowing his blood to drip onto the boy¡¯s wound.


    With a solemn voice, Alcmena declared, "I, Alcmena, King of Dragons, now forge a pact with my chosen vessel, Xavier."


    Xavier met his gaze and responded without hesitation. "I accept."


    The moment the words left his lips, a radiant light engulfed them, flooding the entire cave and spilling into the vast forest beyond. As the glow gradually dimmed, Xavier glanced down at his right hand, expecting to see the cut still there¡ªbut to his surprise, it had completely vanished.


    "So... did we form the covenant?" he asked, curiosity evident in his tone.


    Alcmena nodded. "Yes, but there¡¯s something you must understand. I have planted what is known as the Dragon Seed within you."


    Xavier frowned. "The Dragon Seed?"


    "Yes, but there¡¯s a complication," Alcmena admitted. "For a pact like this to work properly, the Dragon Seed must be planted within the ethereal core of the vessel. However, you lack an ethereal core. This means I had no choice but to place it where your core should have been¡ªlike trying to plant a seed in the middle of an untamed, chaotic ocean."


    Xavier processed this for a moment before tilting his head. "But that still means we have a pact, right?"


    "Yes," Alcmena confirmed.


    Xavier¡¯s eyes gleamed with anticipation. "So... does that mean I can use your powers or something?"


    Alcmena smirked. "Something along those lines. But first, you must master RealmHeart before you can even dream of wielding my strength."


    Xavier blinked. "RealmHeart? What''s that?"


    "You''ll find out soon enough," Alcmena said, his smirk deepening. "Once I begin your training."


    A nervous bead of sweat trickled down Xavier¡¯s temple. He knew that tone meant he was in for something intense. Clearing his throat, he quickly changed the subject. "Where¡¯s Excalibur?"


    Without a word, Alcmena handed him the legendary blade. It was wrapped carefully in the golden-red scarf that Xavier had received as a gift from Jonathan during his childhood. Xavier unwrapped it cautiously, his brow furrowing as he noticed something unusual¡ªa white cloth-like material covering the blade, something that hadn¡¯t been there before.


    Noticing his confusion, Alcmena explained, "That white sheath is made from Eldora¡ªmy father¡¯s bone. It protects the blade when it is not in use."


    Xavier lifted Excalibur, testing its weight. "It¡¯s... heavier than I expected."


    Alcmena chuckled. "You¡¯ll get used to it. And I will train you to the best of my abilities, so you may unlock the true power of the Holy Sword."


    Then, with a slightly unsettling grin, he added, "For now, my vessel, your training begins."


    Xavier swallowed hard, laughing nervously as an ominous feeling settled in his chest. He had a bad feeling about what Alcmena considered ¡®training.¡¯

 Master-Student

    Many months had passed, and Xavier had turned eight years old, having lived with Alcmena for a year, undergoing rigorous training under his guidance.


    During this time, Xavier and Alcmena developed a strong bond as master and student. Alcmena helped Xavier understand the Runes of Eldora while also pushing him to achieve mastery over his newly acquired green Expert Core.


    Now, deep in the woods, Alcmena was teaching Xavier how to use RealmHeart.


    However, Xavier struggled to maintain control. Golden markings and Eldora rune symbols flickered across his right hand, spreading to the right side of his face. His hair shimmered with a faint golden hue, yet his body trembled under the immense strain.


    "Concentrate, Xavier," Alcmena murmured.


    Xavier gritted his teeth, but the pain was unbearable. A sharp, burning sensation surged through his body as if his veins were being set ablaze. He clenched his fists, willing himself to endure it, but the energy was too wild, too overwhelming.


    A strangled yell escaped his lips before he collapsed, gasping for breath, sweat dripping from his brow.


    "I can''t," Xavier panted. "It''s too difficult. I can barely hold onto it for a few seconds."


    King Alcmena sighed, his golden eyes studying Xavier with patience. "You still don''t understand what RealmHeart truly is, do you?"


    Xavier groaned in frustration. "I didn''t even understand it the first time you explained it."


    Alcmena chuckled. "Then allow me to repeat myself. And this time, listen carefully."


    He knelt beside Xavier, his voice calm yet firm. "The Dragon Seed I implanted within you is more than just a connection to a dragon. It acts as a conduit, linking you to my essence. When you attempt to tap into it, the Dragon Seed reacts, unleashing a powerful surge of energy throughout your body."


    He gestured toward Xavier''s glowing hand. "That energy is what I call RealmHeart."


    Xavier''s eyes widened. "So... these golden runes and my hair changing color¡ªthat''s me tapping into it?"


    "Exactly," Alcmena confirmed. "RealmHeart has multiple stages. As you progress, your body will adopt more draconic traits, drawing you closer to wielding my full power." He locked eyes with Xavier. "But for now, you must master Stage One. Without it, my abilities are beyond your reach."


    Xavier exhaled sharply, nodding. "That''s incredible. I can''t wait to master it."


    Alcmena laughed, but his expression quickly hardened. "Good. Because we''re not done yet."


    Xavier blinked. "Wait... what?"


    Alcmena smirked. "Your next lesson is combat training."


    Xavier tilted his head. "Who am I fighting this time?"


    Alcmena''s grin turned almost predatory. "Me."


    Before Xavier could react, Alcmena snapped his fingers, and a swarm of armored, humanoid werewolves materialized out of thin air. Their snarls echoed through the forest, fangs glinting beneath the moonlight.


    Xavier smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Finally, a real challenge."


    He raised his hand. Instantly, Excalibur¡ªresting back in the altar room of Alcmena''s home¡ªshook violently. The sacred blade shattered its stone confines, slicing through the air like a comet, debris crumbling in its wake. It soared high, cutting through the atmosphere before landing firmly in Xavier''s grasp with a powerful shockwave.


    Alcmena chuckled. "Try not to die, Xavier."


    Xavier smirked. "I have no intention of dying. Or losing."


    The werewolves lunged all at once, their claws poised to tear him apart¡ªbut their strikes slammed against an invisible barrier. Xavier''s vector shield pulsed, repelling their attacks with double the force. The werewolves howled as their own blows rebounded, sending them crashing into trees and boulders, bones snapping on impact.


    Xavier didn¡¯t hesitate. He slashed downward with Excalibur, severing one werewolf in a single, clean strike. Another beast lunged at him, only to be met with a devastating kick that sent it flying.


    More charged him, but he teleported in an instant, appearing behind them before they could react. With a flick of his wrist, vector air bullets pierced through their skulls, ending them effortlessly.


    Gripping Excalibur with both hands, Xavier unleashed a sweeping strike. A blinding arc of energy erupted from the blade, cleaving through the entire pack of werewolves¡ªand, to his astonishment, a distant moon orbiting the planet split in half.


    Xavier stared at the destruction in disbelief. "That easily?"


    He glanced at Excalibur, awe-struck. "I didn¡¯t even use my Regokinesis Blade Technique. Yet it still cut through them... and the moon like butter. What kind of sword is this?"


    But his moment of wonder cost him.


    Alcmena struck without warning. His massive tail whipped through the air, slamming into Xavier¡¯s side with incredible force. Xavier¡¯s vector shield activated instantly, attempting to deflect the blow¡ªbut Alcmena had anticipated it. At the precise moment of impact, he reversed the attack¡¯s trajectory, bending the force back toward Xavier instead of away.


    The force hit Xavier like a meteor. His body was launched skyward, breaking through the atmosphere in seconds before he crashed into the surface of another moon, creating a massive crater upon impact.


    Groaning, Xavier struggled to his feet, pain searing through his bones. He coughed, gasping for air, only to realize his body was freezing. A sharp, burning chill spread through his limbs. The suffocating vacuum of space clamped around him like a vice.


    Panic flared in his mind. "How did he bypass my shield?"


    Then it clicked. "He did the same thing Big Brother Aleksander used to do during our training sessions... but I thought only Big Brother could pull that off!"


    His vision blurred as the lack of oxygen took hold. Desperately, Xavier tried to manipulate the vectors of individual oxygen molecules, directing them into his lungs while simultaneously pushing carbon dioxide away.


    But it was slow¡ªtoo slow.


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    His body was shutting down.


    Xavier chose a different approach. Instead of resisting Alcmena¡¯s overwhelming force head-on, he used his vector manipulation to suppress his physiological needs¡ªspecifically, his dependence on oxygen.


    With precise control, he enhanced his body''s efficiency in consuming oxygen, regulating the vectors involved in cellular respiration. Every molecule was recycled and utilized to its full potential, allowing him to endure the oxygen-deprived atmosphere for only ten seconds.


    As he prepared to descend back to the planet, King Alcmena unleashed his Dragon Fear¡ªa thunderous, soul-shaking roar that tore through the fabric of the realm itself. The sheer force of it sent shivers through Xavier¡¯s body, filling him with a primal, suffocating terror. His knees buckled, and he collapsed under the overwhelming pressure, struggling even to breathe.


    Just as abruptly, the pressure disappeared. Alcmena had deactivated Dragon Fear, yet its lingering effects still coursed through Xavier¡¯s trembling form. The Dragon King, unfazed, gathered a tremendous amount of energy within his celestial horns. Xavier, his vision still slightly hazy, suddenly sensed a growing threat through the use of his Cosmic Eyes.


    ¡®He¡¯s charging up something massive¡­ I can feel it


    Gritting his teeth, Xavier funneled an immense surge of vectors into Excalibur. He braced himself, preparing to unleash Vector Nova the moment Alcmena struck.


    And then¡ªit came.


    A brilliant beam of energy erupted from Alcmena¡¯s horns, slicing through the void like a divine decree of destruction. The Cosmic Cannon roared toward Xavier with the fury of a dying star.


    Xavier didn¡¯t hesitate. He released Vector Nova, his counterforce colliding head-on with the incoming devastation. The impact birthed an explosion so vast that it momentarily drowned out all sound, the sheer force of it warping the very space around them. The planet below trembled under the shockwave, the clash utterly dwarfing an entire country scale.


    As the dust and energy waves settled, Alcmena¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the sky, searching for any sign of his student.


    ¡®Surely that didn¡¯t kill him,¡¯ he mused. ¡®I held back just enough.¡¯


    A moment later, a charred figure plummeted from the heavens, crashing into the ground with a sickening thud. Xavier lay motionless, his entire body blackened, smoke rising from his scorched form.


    Alcmena landed beside him and peered down. "You still alive, kid?"


    Xavier groaned. "Yeah... just a little... burned."


    Alcmena let out a deep, rumbling laugh before lowering his head, pressing it gently against Xavier¡¯s. The Dragon Seed within Xavier stirred in response, activating his regenerative capabilities. His burned skin flaked away, revealing fresh, unscathed flesh beneath.


    As Xavier¡¯s body fully healed, Alcmena grinned, scooping him up onto his back. "That¡¯s enough training for today. Let¡¯s go eat."


    Xavier, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten, beamed. "Yes! Please tell me we¡¯re having your meat stew."


    Alcmena chuckled. "You really like that stuff, huh?"


    "Of course! It¡¯s amazing!"


    The Dragon King let out another deep laugh. It had been a long time since anyone had praised his cooking¡ªSylvia had been the only one before. And he hasn''t seen her for many years now¡­


    <hr>


    The next day, an air of bittersweet finality hung between them. Xavier stood before Alcmena, gripping Excalibur tightly, his golden-red scarf wrapped around its hilt.


    "Do I have to leave?" he asked, voice laced with hesitation. "Can¡¯t I stay just a little longer?"


    Alcmena sighed. "Xavier, you know you have to return. Your family and friends¡ªthey miss you."


    Xavier lowered his gaze, unwilling to accept it. "Then why won¡¯t you come with me?"


    The Dragon King shook his head. "You already know the answer. Dragons aren¡¯t welcome in the human realm. If I followed you, it¡¯d bring nothing but trouble for you and your people."


    Xavier clenched his fists. "But¡ª"


    "Besides," Alcmena interrupted, "this place¡­ it¡¯s my home now. I can¡¯t abandon everything I¡¯ve built here. The memories I¡¯ve made¡ªthey matter too."


    Xavier swallowed hard, trying to fight back the lump in his throat. But the emotions overwhelmed him, and before he could stop himself, tears spilled down his face.


    Alcmena sighed, watching his student struggle with the pain of parting. For a moment, he simply stood there, deep in thought. Then, as if coming to a decision, he finally spoke. "Xavier¡­ before you go, I have something for you."


    Xavier wiped his eyes. "A gift?"


    Without answering, Alcmena bit his finger, allowing a few drops of his blood to fall to the ground. The moment they touched the earth, a strange energy swirled, taking shape. From the crimson essence, a small creature began to form, its body molded from the very land itself. Alcmena then wove an eggshell around it and held it out to Xavier.


    "What¡­ is this?" Xavier asked, staring in wonder.


    Alcmena smirked. "A piece of myself. A baby replica of me, carrying my memories, my power¡­ not all of it, but enough."


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened. "You mean¡­?"


    "It¡¯ll grow alongside you, train with you, and help you understand your role as my vessel. But most importantly, it¡¯ll keep me by your side¡ªeven if I can¡¯t be there physically."


    Xavier hesitated for only a moment before accepting the egg, holding it close.


    King Alcmena then added, telling Xavier that he needed to keep his other version a secret since what he had just done was entirely forbidden and could land him in serious trouble with the Four Great Races.


    "Now, take good care of it. It¡¯s part of you now, as much as it is part of me", he said, with a grin that pierced through Xavier¡¯s sorrow.


    Xavier nodded firmly, meeting Alcmena¡¯s gaze. "I promise, Master. I''ll keep our covenant and the dragon a secret. And I''ll make sure to take care of your other half as well".


    King Alcmena let out a relieved sigh, but before he could say anything, Xavier suddenly threw his arms around him in a tight embrace. The unexpected gesture made the Dragon King freeze in place. In all his countless years of existence, through endless wars and ancient pacts, no one had ever embraced him like this.


    ¡°I love you, Master Alcmena,¡± Xavier said, his voice warm and genuine, his smile as bright as the stars.


    Alcmena stood motionless, his mind blank. Love? He had been revered, feared, and obeyed, but love was something foreign¡ªsomething he had never believed he could receive. Slowly, he raised his clawed hand and gently rested it on Xavier¡¯s head, stroking his hair with a tenderness that surprised even himself.


    Without another word, he conjured a glowing portal, a swirling gateway that would return Xavier to the human realm.


    Xavier, clutching Excalibur and the dragon egg tightly, took a deep breath as he stepped toward the portal. Alcmena watched, his golden eyes following every movement. He wanted to say it¡ªto return the words Xavier had gifted him. But something in his heart held him back. He didn¡¯t believe he was worthy of saying it.


    When Xavier reached the threshold of the portal, he turned one last time and waved. Alcmena raised a hand in return, his usual composed demeanor betraying the faintest trace of sadness.


    As Xavier disappeared into the shimmering vortex, Alcmena felt an unfamiliar ache in his chest, a hollow void where warmth had once been.


    He wasn¡¯t losing a student. He wasn¡¯t losing a vessel. He was losing a son.


    A son he had guided, protected, and watched grow. A son he had come to love more than anything in the vastness of the cosmos.


    With a rare, gentle smile, King Alcmena whispered into the emptiness, ¡°Farewell, my son.¡±


    ¡ª


    The journey through the portal was a blur of radiant light and shifting energies, blinding and disorienting. Xavier felt as if he were soaring across countless worlds, moving through the fabric of reality itself. Voices echoed around him, distant yet familiar.


    ¡°Xavier¡­ Xavier¡­ Wake up.¡±


    His eyelids felt like lead as he forced them open. The brightness faded, replaced by sterile white lights and the chirps of the birds who flew by. He blinked, his vision still hazy, and realized he was lying in a hospital bed.


    Xavier groggily turned his head and spotted a man sitting casually in the corner of the room, one leg crossed over the other. He was strikingly handsome, dressed in dark robes with an air of authority about him. But what caught Xavier¡¯s attention the most was how eerily familiar he looked.


    ¡°Papa¡­?¡± Xavier murmured, confusion lacing his voice. His mind struggled to grasp reality. The man looked almost identical to Jonathan, his father¡ªexcept for one glaring difference. His eyes. They were black as the void, unlike Jonathan¡¯s deep crimson ones.


    The man let out a low chuckle. "I''m not Jonathan, Xavier."


    Xavier¡¯s breath hitched as the man leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze locking onto him.


    "It''s me¡ªyour uncle, Percival."


    Xavier¡¯s body tensed. The name struck a chord within him, yet his memories refused to make sense of it. ¡°Percival¡­?¡± he echoed, his voice uncertain.


    Before he could process it any further, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway. The door to his hospital room swung open, and Jonathan stepped inside.


    His eyes landed on the figure sitting beside Xavier, and for a brief moment, all emotion drained from his face.


    ¡°¡­Brother?¡± Jonathan¡¯s voice was barely above a whisper, yet the weight behind it was undeniable.


    The room fell into silence.


    Xavier, still weak, could only watch as his father and the man claiming to be his uncle stared at each other¡ªone with shock, the other with an unsettling smile.


    And in that moment, he realized that his return to the human world was about to become far more complicated than he had ever imagined.

 Brotherly Reunion

    Percival''s smile widened as he stepped forward. "Oh, hey, Jona!" he greeted, his voice carrying an easy warmth. "Been a while, hasn''t it?"


    Jonathan chuckled, clapping his brother on the shoulder. "Yeah, brother, it''s been years."


    Percival let out a small laugh. "I''ve been pretty busy these past few years," he admitted. "Just couldn''t find the time to visit my brother."


    Jonathan waved off the comment with a grin. "Don''t worry about it. No matter how long you''re away, family is family. You''re always welcome back."


    Xavier, watching the exchange, felt a knot of confusion tighten in his stomach. His father had a brother? Not just any brother, but an identical twin? He glanced between them, trying to make sense of it.


    Jonathan caught his expression and turned to him. "Xavier, meet my twin brother, Percival Ashford."


    "It''s nice to meet you, Xavier", Percival greeted with a bright smile.


    Xavier blinked in surprise, struggling to process the revelation. Percival, noticing his reaction, stepped forward, offering a small box with a knowing smile. "I heard from Aleksander that you like vanilla chocolates."


    Xavier hesitated for a second before accepting the gift with a nod of thanks. Before he could say anything, the door burst open.


    Violet, Jason, Jupiter, Princess Misaki, and the rest of Xavier¡¯s friends stormed in, eager to see him. But the second their eyes landed on Percival, the room fell silent.


    Violet''s gaze flicked between her father and the stranger before realization dawned. "Uncle Percival?" she gasped. Her face lit up, and she rushed forward, throwing her arms around him with enough force to make him wheeze.


    "I''ve missed you so much, Uncle!"


    Percival chuckled, patting her back. "I missed you too, Violet."


    After a few more greetings, Percival exchanged a look with Jonathan. "How about we grab some lunch? Give Xavier some time with his friends?"


    Jonathan nodded, clapping Xavier on the back before heading out with his brother.


    The second the door shut, Violet turned to Xavier and hugged him tightly. "I''ve missed you, little brother!"


    Xavier smiled, returning the hug. "Yeah, it''s been a year since we last saw each other."


    Violet pulled back, frowning. "A year? What are you talking about? It¡¯s only been seven months since you disappeared."


    Xavier¡¯s expression shifted. "Wait. Seven months? Are you sure?"


    Princess Misaki nodded. "It¡¯s September 3rd, 1808."


    Xavier''s eyes widened. "No way¡­ it felt like a whole year."


    Violet''s eyes narrowed. "You were spotted by the imperial soldiers last week, when you arrived at the kingdom''s docks."


    Xavier shook his head. "I swear it was a year."


    Jason stepped forward, curiosity flickering in his gaze. "Why do you think it felt that long?"


    Xavier exhaled. "I was fighting a varmint. It grabbed me and dragged me into its portal¡ªthe one it used to enter our world."


    Silence gripped the room.


    "I managed to escape, but I got trapped in another dimension. I spent what felt like a whole year there¡­ alone."


    Gasps erupted. Elowen looked horrified. "You survived a varmint¡¯s portal of despair?"


    Xavier nodded like it was nothing. "Yeah."


    Elowen''s shock turned to awe. "That¡¯s¡­ incredible. No one has ever come back from one of those. Soldiers from all four races vanished into them during the Great Race War. None have returned."


    Jupiter smirked. "You must''ve gotten stronger, huh?"


    Xavier grinned. "Of course. I achieved my Expert Core¡ªand mastered it completely."


    The room fell silent again.


    Jupiter let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Already? You fully mastered it?"


    Xavier nodded. "Yep."


    Jupiter groaned. "I just reached the green expert level of my core a few days ago, and I¡¯m still struggling to control it."


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    Jason and Misaki exchanged looks, both seemingly thinking the same thing.


    Violet smiled proudly, ruffling Xavier¡¯s hair. "That¡¯s amazing, little brother. I¡¯m so proud of you."


    As the conversation continued, the door creaked open. Princess Jasmine stepped inside, carrying gifts. Xavier¡¯s breath hitched, and his face flushed as she approached.


    Violet noticed and barely hid a grin. "We should give Xavier and Jasmine some alone time," she whispered.


    The group chuckled, throwing knowing glances Xavier¡¯s way before making their exit.


    Jasmine smiled warmly. "I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re okay, Xavier."


    Xavier swallowed hard, fumbling for words. "Yeah, I¡ªI¡¯m glad to see you too."


    She handed him the gifts. "I brought these for you."


    Xavier took them, his fingers brushing against hers. His heart pounded as she stepped a little closer, her eyes filled with something he couldn¡¯t quite name.


    The warmth in the room seemed to intensify, and for the first time in a long while, Xavier felt at peace.


    With a sweet smile that made Xavier¡¯s heart skip a beat, Jasmine whispered, ¡°You were so brave, Xavier. Protecting everyone from that varmint¡­ you¡¯re a true hero.¡±


    Embarrassed, Xavier chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°It was nothing¡­ I just did what I had to do.¡±


    Jasmine leaned in closer, her breath warm against his skin. She placed a soft kiss on his forehead. ¡°A kiss for my heroic knight,¡± she said playfully, a teasing grin lighting up her face.


    Xavier froze.


    His face turned crimson, his thoughts a whirlwind, completely unable to move. Jasmine frowned, concern creeping into her expression. ¡°Xavier? Are you okay?¡±


    No response.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± she asked again, her voice more urgent now. ¡°Xavier!¡±


    ¡ª


    Hours later, Xavier walked beside his father, Jonathan, the cool evening air brushing against their faces. The weight of earlier events still lingered, but the quiet moment between father and son brought a strange sense of peace.


    Jonathan sighed, glancing down at him. ¡°You know, we were all worried sick after what happened at the Forest Crown Hunt. The whole family¡ªeven your grandfather¡ªsearched everywhere for you.¡±


    Guilt pricked Xavier¡¯s chest. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making everyone worry,¡± he muttered.


    Jonathan ruffled his hair with a chuckle. ¡°No need to apologize. We¡¯re just happy you¡¯re safe.¡±


    Xavier hesitated for a moment before grinning. ¡°I never thought you had a twin brother!¡±


    Jonathan laughed, the sound rich with nostalgia. ¡°Yeah, Percival and I haven¡¯t seen each other much over the years.¡±


    Xavier, curiosity piqued, asked, ¡°What was he like when you were kids?¡±


    Jonathan¡¯s expression softened. ¡°We were complete opposites. I was the troublemaker, always testing boundaries, and Percival¡­ well, he was the golden boy. Charming, brilliant, always knew the right thing to say.¡±


    They shared stories and laughter until Xavier¡¯s next words left Jonathan speechless.


    ¡°Father, who are my real parents?¡±


    Jonathan¡¯s face paled. The air between them grew thick, heavy with something unspoken. His voice, when it finally came, was quiet. ¡°What do you mean by that, Xavier?¡±


    Xavier took a deep breath. ¡°You don¡¯t have to lie to me anymore, Father. I know I¡¯m adopted.¡±


    Jonathan blinked, his usual composed demeanor faltering. Xavier pressed on, his voice softer now. ¡°I¡¯ve always known¡­ I don¡¯t look like you, or Aleksander, or Violet. Not even Grandpa.¡±


    Jonathan¡¯s heart twisted. He had always feared this moment¡ªnot because he wanted to hide the truth, but because he worried Xavier would feel like he didn¡¯t belong.


    Sensing his father¡¯s pain, Xavier immediately softened. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he murmured, guilt in his voice. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you. I just¡­ I need to know where I came from.¡±


    Jonathan exhaled slowly. ¡°Xavier, we found you as a baby. You were inside a shipping container on a vessel from the Imperial Kingdom of France. We searched, tried to find your family, but there were no answers. So we made you ours. You became part of this family, no different from Aleksander or Violet.¡±


    Xavier lowered his head. ¡°France, huh? I never would¡¯ve guessed.¡±


    Jonathan pulled him into a firm embrace. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter where you came from. Blood or no blood, you¡¯ll always be my son.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s chest tightened, emotions threatening to overwhelm him. ¡°Why do you love me so much, even though I¡¯m not really yours?¡±


    Jonathan smiled. ¡°Because love isn¡¯t about blood, Xavier. It¡¯s about choice.¡±


    Xavier wiped at his eyes and frowned. ¡°Why do you always talk about love like it¡¯s the most important thing?¡±


    Jonathan chuckled, glancing at the horizon. ¡°Because love is everything. It¡¯s patient, kind, selfless. It¡¯s not proud or envious. It forgives, sacrifices, and brings people together. Love is what makes someone a good person, a good man.¡±


    Xavier absorbed his father¡¯s words, realization dawning on him. Jonathan placed a hand on his shoulder, his gaze steady. ¡°I want you, Aleksander, and Violet to use your gifts to help others, to live with kindness. Too many people with power believe they¡¯re better than everyone else. I don¡¯t want that for you.¡±


    Xavier frowned, thoughtful. ¡°But why should I help others? No one¡¯s going to save me when I need it.¡±


    Jonathan¡¯s expression was knowing. ¡°You reap what you sow, my boy. Help others, show them goodness, and they¡¯ll return it when you least expect it. But the real question is: Who do you want to be?¡±


    Xavier¡¯s eyes burned with newfound determination. ¡°I want to be a knight.¡±


    Jonathan raised an eyebrow. ¡°A knight?¡±


    Xavier nodded, conviction in his voice. ¡°Not just any knight. A heroic one. I want to protect people and guide them, just like you said.¡±


    Jonathan¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Being a knight¡ªespecially a heroic one¡ªmeans suffering. Sacrifice. Are you ready for that?¡±


    Xavier grinned. ¡°I am!¡±


    Jonathan¡¯s heart swelled with pride. He lifted Xavier effortlessly. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be cheering you on, my son.¡±


    As they continued walking, a familiar voice called out.


    ¡°Xavier!¡±


    Aleksander stood nearby, clutching a bundle of flowers and gifts¡ªthings meant for Xavier¡¯s hospital room. His shocked expression was almost comical.


    Xavier grinned. ¡°I missed you, big brother.¡±


    Aleksander, momentarily frozen, dropped the flowers before rushing forward. He wrapped Xavier in a tight hug, his relief palpable. ¡°You¡¯re awake¡­ I can¡¯t believe it.¡±


    Xavier pulled back, studying Aleksander¡¯s face. ¡°Are you okay, Aleks?¡±


    Aleksander chuckled, ruffling Xavier¡¯s hair. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. Just relieved.¡±


    Xavier smirked. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry anymore¡ªI¡¯m stronger than ever!¡±


    Aleksander arched an eyebrow. ¡°Stronger, huh? How about we spar later, then?¡±


    Xavier¡¯s face paled. ¡°Uh, no thanks. I¡¯d like to live a little longer.¡±


    Aleksander smacked the back of his head lightly. ¡°Relax. Don¡¯t say stuff like that.¡±


    Xavier laughed. ¡°I know, I know.¡±


    The night stretched on, but in that moment, Xavier wasn¡¯t thinking about the past or the pain of not knowing his real family. He wasn¡¯t worrying about his future or the battles ahead.


    He was just Xavier¡ªbrother, son, and soon-to-be knight.


    And for now, that was enough.

 The Ceremony of Valor

    A few days passed, and a grande ceremony was held at the Pennsylvania Royal Academy, broadcast to civilians across the continent. Many students who had participated in the Forest Crown Hunt event, were given compensation for the recent varmint incident. However, Princess Misaki and her entire team, including Jason''s squad, were awarded not only compensation but also a noble commendation for their bravery in standing their ground and fighting against the varmints.


    As every student received their award, Xavier''s name was called by one of the High Councils of the Nobles of the Kingdom. He walked towards the beautiful and immense stage to be awarded, cheered on by his joyful family and friends.


    Upon reaching the stage, Xavier was greeted by a middle-aged man with grey hair and a beard, who still looked remarkably handsome for his age. This man was none other than Cedric Ravenshadow, the Head Principal of the Pennsylvania Royal Academy.


    Cedric shook Xavier''s hand and asked with a smirk, "How are you feeling, Xavier?"


    "I''m feeling great and have fully recovered," Xavier replied.


    "That''s great to hear," Cedric responded.


    Miss Faelwen then informed Xavier that he would need to give a speech to everyone watching, as they were eager to see the little hero who slew the mighty varmint.


    Xavier nodded nervously, contemplating what he would say. Cedric then took a beautiful medal with the school''s emblem¡ªa roaring lion surrounded by laurel leaves¡ªand awarded it to Xavier, recognizing him with the Heroic Student Medal of Valor for his unyielding bravery and protection of his fellow students.


    One of the High Councils of the Nobles of the Kingdom then awarded Xavier the kingdom''s Order of the Guardian''s Star, a star-shaped medallion encrusted with jewels, featuring the kingdom''s crest and an image of the varmint being vanquished. In honor of his unparalleled valor and guardianship.


    It was now time for Xavier to give his speech.


    "Hello everyone, I''m really happy and a bit nervous to be here today. I want to thank Head Principal Cedric and the High Councils of the Nobles for this amazing award."


    "It''s a big honor, and I still can''t believe it happened. When the monster attacked, I was really scared. But I knew I had to slay it to protect everyone".


    "I didn''t feel like a hero; I just did what I thought was right. And I''m grateful that everyone was safe from danger".


    "I want to thank my teachers and family for supporting me and helping me get stronger. I also want to thank my friends for having my back during the entire Forest Crown Hunt event."


    "This medal reminds me that we can all be brave, even when things seem really tough. We just need to look out for each other and do our best. Thank you again for this honor. I promise to keep doing my best and to always try to help others. Thank you."


    As the audience applauded Xavier, Aleksander turned to his father, Jonathan, and asked with a smile, "You must be proud of him, huh, Father?"


    Jonathan replied with a proud look on his face, "Yes, I am."


    Just a day after the ceremony, Xavier was brought to a secret meeting held by the King himself in a grande palace, along with many High Council Nobles and political figures, to discuss the matter of the varmints'' appearance.


    Walking through the immense and royal hallway, Xavier was accompanied by Miss Faelwen and Head Principal Cedric.


    Miss Faelwen informed Xavier that he would be interrogated about the incident with the varmints and that they would likely also ask about his prolonged disappearance and survival in the Gateway of Despair.


    She explained that the higher-ups were very on edge because the varmints had not been seen for over 10,000 years.


    Xavier began to sweat nervously, but Miss Faelwen reassured him that she and Head Principal Cedric would step in if anything got out of hand. Feeling reassured and less nervous, Xavier thanked Miss Faelwen for her support. Miss Faelwen giggled in response, telling Xavier that it was a teacher''s duty to guide and help their students when needed.


    Head Principal Cedric, watching this, smiled with joy and then told Xavier that his team members and Jason''s team had informed them that Prince Magnus had attempted to kill Elowen Mistglen, his teammate, during the Forest Crown Hunt event.


    Remembering that attempted murder of a student was strictly prohibited, Xavier questioned Head Principal Cedric on what the school was going to do about Prince Magnus breaking the most important rule.


    Head Principal Cedric replied in a disheartened tone, telling Xavier that since Prince Magnus was a royal member of a kingdom allied with the Great King of the United States, they couldn''t punish Prince Magnus because of his royal status. However, Cedric reassured Xavier that Prince Magnus would be punished by his family and the head of their royal family, King Thorfine Flashstride, Prince Magnus''s grandfather.


    Jokingly, Cedric said, "Knowing Thorfine, he would probably break both of his grandson''s legs as punishment."


    Xavier asked Cedric how he could be sure that Prince Magnus would be punished by his family. Cedric answered, "Well, that''s because Thorfine and I are old friends.


    "Thorfine, your grandfather Saint Graviil, and I were very close childhood friends."


    Speechless, Xavier stood in shock, realizing that Cedric knew he was the grandson of King Graviil. Seeing Xavier''s jaw drop, Cedric burst out laughing, saying, "What''s wrong, Prince Xavier? Did you really think I wouldn''t know you were the grandson of the Tsar of all Russia, King Graviil Ivanovich?"


    Xavier, completely baffled, thought he had kept his royal status a secret very well. He slowly turned his head to Miss Faelwen, who calmly told him that she also knew about his royal status since her Eyes of Revelation had already informed her about it.


    Still laughing, Cedric told Xavier that he always knew who he was, as he would never let someone enroll in his school without thoroughly researching their background.


    As Xavier stood in awe, Cedric reassured him that only he and Miss Faelwen knew about his royal status, so he didn''t need to worry or panic about it.


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    Regaining his composure, Cedric continued, explaining to Xavier that King Thorfine Flashstride was a very cold and serious man. When it came to punishing those who stained his family''s image, he was merciless, even toward his family members. So it was highly likely that King Thorfine would severely punish Prince Magnus for attempting to commit a severe crime and tarnishing their family name.


    As they reached the front door of the meeting room, which was heavily guarded by imperial knights, Cedric shook hands with the Grandmaster of the Order, Thalion Stormforge, the leader of the prestigious order of knights reporting directly to the king.


    "How have you been, Grandmaster Thalion?" Cedric asked with a joyful expression.


    "I have been doing great, old friend," Thalion replied with a smile. "And how about you? How have you been these past months, Head Principal Cedric?"


    "I''ve been doing fine," Cedric replied. "But I didn''t expect you to attend this meeting as well, Grandmaster Thalion."


    Grandmaster Thalion responded, "Well, I didn''t expect myself to attend either".


    "His Majesty asked me to attend the meeting since he wanted my opinion regarding the sudden appearance of varmints after thousands of years."


    "Well, that''s reasonable," Cedric replied.


    Grandmaster Thalion then shook Miss Faelwen''s hand and greeted Xavier. "You must be the little hero who risked his life to fight and kill a varmint?" Grandmaster Thalion asked Xavier.


    Embarrassed, Xavier replied, "Yes, I am..."


    "Wow, it''s an honor to meet a great and brave hero like you," Thalion said as he rubbed Xavier''s hair.


    Xavier replied excitedly, "It''s an honor to meet you too, Grandmaster Thalion".


    "I wish to be a knight just like you when I grow up, and a Grandmaster at that."


    Thalion smiled in surprise and responded, "Well then, little hero, I hope you achieve your goal of becoming a knight".


    "When you get older, I will take you under my wing as my student and successor in becoming the new Grandmaster of the kingdom".


    "I hope to see what you will become in the future, my future Knight, Xavier."


    Xavier nodded his head excitedly in response like a puppy, which made Thalion chuckle.


    As they finished talking, one of Thalion''s knights informed them that the meeting was about to begin and that they should enter the meeting room.


    The knights then opened the immense door as Xavier, Miss Faelwen, Grandmaster Thalion, and Cedric walked into a grand and lavish room covered with beautiful designs and paintings.


    Many nobles and political figures sat in their own royal and lavish seats. In the middle of the room was a large, strange orb that glowed strongly, with energy flowing out of it.


    Miss Faelwen immediately bowed Xavier''s head as she, Thalion, and Cedric all bowed in the presence of the Great King of the Empire of the United States, King Reginald Flameborn.


    The King sat on a very grand and majestic throne, which greatly established his status as the Great and mighty King of his Empire.


    King Reginald Flameborn then told Thalion, Cedric, and Miss Faelwen to take their seats, leaving Xavier to stand before many high political figures by himself.


    As the meeting was about to commence, King Reginald greeted Xavier, telling him that the reason he was invited to this meeting was to hear his side of the story regarding the varmint invasion.


    One of King Reginald''s knights then instructed Xavier to approach and place his hand on the Sentien of Truth, the big and glowing orb in the middle of the room.


    As Xavier placed his hand on the Sentien of Truth, King Reginald informed him that the sphere he was holding was the Sentien of Truth, an ethereal instrument that would examine everything told to it and determine whether it was true or not. Allowing it to discern lies or truth in the words of those who touch it.


    With the meeting beginning, Xavier was bombarded with questions from the nobles and political figures, asking about the varmint''s appearance, its power, and other details. Xavier tried his best to answer, feeling overwhelmed by the barrage of questions.


    King Reginald then asked Xavier about his experience in the gateway of despair. Xavier described it as a gloomy, chaotic place with a dark red sky. When asked if he knew where the varmint was taking him, Xavier explained that a mysterious large gate appeared behind them, and pulled them into an unknown forest where he had been trapped for over a year.


    The nobles paused, shocked by his account. They asked if he encountered any abnormal beasts in the forest, but Xavier tried to avoid revealing his encounter with the Dragon King, Alcmena. Instead, he mentioned encountering various creatures from books and tales.


    One political figure questioned how Xavier could have defeated the varmint at such a young age. Xavier honestly replied that he didn''t know, as he had fallen unconscious from his wounds and found only the varmint''s blood when he woke up.


    "It must have fled," one of the nobles remarked.


    "Surely not; it may have died from the boy''s attacks and been eaten by a wild beast," another aristocrat suggested.


    "That could be likely more plausible," a different nobleman said.


    "Than a beast of chaos, solely born to destroy and kill, running away for its life", he reasoned.


    The nobles debated various theories about what happened to the varmint, while Xavier grew increasingly nervous under their scrutiny. Sensing his distress, Miss Faelwen intervened, apologizing for interrupting but explaining that Xavier was just a child and that too many questions could be detrimental to him.


    King Reginald, understanding, apologized to Xavier and ordered his knights to escort him home, accompanied by Miss Faelwen. As they left, Miss Faelwen asked Xavier if he was feeling alright, and he replied more relaxed.


    Miss Faelwen then asked Xavier about a seed growing within his very being, which she saw, thanks to her Eyes of Revelation.


    Panicking as he realized that she was talking about the Dragon Seed King Alcmena had placed within him, Xavier lied, saying he didn''t know what it was. He quickly ran towards the exit, apologizing and explaining he had something important to do.


    Miss Faelwen, smiling, watched him go, thinking about his forgetful nature and how he reminded her of someone from her past.


    Back home, Xavier searched for Excalibur, panicking until he remembered where it was. Xavier slapped his palms together and said, "Come Forth, Blade of Sovereignier, Calibourne".


    In a second, a rift in space appeared, and Excalibur gradually descended out of it, with its godliness encompassing the entire room.


    "I totally forgot that I had put it into its portal dimension, during the time I was exiting Master Alcmena''s realm".


    Holding Excalibur, Xavier felt an abundance of energy pour through his entire being. He also retrieved the Dragon egg given to him by King Alcmena, from the rift, wondering when it would hatch.


    As Xavier examined the Dragon egg, Jonathan quietly stood behind him, arms crossed, and asked in a calm tone, "What are you doing, Xavier?"


    A startled Xavier responded, "Huh?"


    "Nothing," Xavier added, concealing Excalibur and the Dragon egg behind him.


    "What are you hiding behind you?" Jonathan inquired, raising one eyebrow.


    Xavier tried to come up with a reason, but he couldn''t bring himself to lie to his father. Jonathan, noticing how hard Xavier fought not to answer the question, smiled and chuckled, assuring Xavier that he didn''t need to worry because he didn''t really care about what he was doing.


    Xavier sighed with relief and asked Jonatahn why he was home alone.


    Jonathan said that he didn''t need to worry about it. Reminding Xavier that there was a festival going on today in the big cities.


    Remembering that today was the Day of the Heroes, a day on which every nation commemorates the defeat of the Dreadful King, Julius, by hands of the 7 Legendary Heroes, and the joint troops of the Four Great Races.


    Xavier swiftly reopened a miniature version of Excalibur''s dimensional rift from behind himself, placing Excalibur and the Dragon egg back inside before closing it again.


    Xavier then asked Jonathan whether he would be joining them in the Metropolis of New York to celebrate the Day of Heroes.


    Jonathan responded, telling Xavier that he wouldn''t be celebrating this year because his uncle Percival was coming over later that day.


    He then urged Xavier to join his siblings and friends in the celebration, and Xavier left happily, promising to see his father later.


    A few hours later, Percival arrived, and Jonathan greeted him warmly. As they sat down to talk, Jonathan then asked, "So, brother, what did you want to talk about?" Jonathan asked.


    Percival leaned back, a sly smile on his lips. "Oh, just here to reminisce on some old memories we''ve had as kids."


    Jonathan smiled in delight, saying, "Well, I wouldn''t mind talking about our past lives."


    Percival laughed, saying, "That''s the spirit."

 The Last Embrace

    Percival sat back, reminiscing about their childhood. He remembered how Jonathan always seemed to get into fights with other kids, which inevitably led to trouble.


    Jonathan chuckled, embarrassed. "I didn''t fight just for the sake of it. I only went after those who bullied others."


    Percival laughed. "Always the hero type, huh, Jona?"


    Jonathan smirked. "At least I wasn''t flirting with every girl I saw."


    Percival, a little sheepish, defended himself. "They came to me. I didn''t do anything to make them like me."


    Jonathan shook his head with a grin. "That only makes it worse, Percy."


    Percival joined in the laughter, then snapped his fingers. The world around them shifted and began to warp, revealing a tapestry of their childhood memories.


    Scenes unfolded: the two brothers playing together, their parents, the ups and downs of family life, the countless squabbles and reconciliations. Moments of joy and sorrow flooded the space around them, painting their shared history in vivid colors.


    Suddenly, one memory stood out: a much younger Jonathan playing in the rain near a set of stairs. Jonathan''s expression darkened¡ªhe remembered this day well. It was the day he slipped, injuring himself severely.


    As the memory replayed, something new caught Jonathan''s attention. His younger self crouched by the stairs, watching raindrops, when¡ªout of nowhere¡ªyoung Percival appeared and gently pushed him.


    Jonathan watched in disbelief as his younger self tumbled down, screaming in pain, his ankle sprained, bones fractured. The younger Percival stood at the top of the stairs, staring coldly at his fallen brother.


    The scene faded into other memories, but Jonathan sat frozen, processing the revelation. He turned slowly toward Percival, who was calmly munching on an apple, seemingly oblivious.


    "What... what was that, Percival?" Jonathan''s voice was tight with controlled fury.


    Percival didn''t respond immediately, absorbed in watching the memories unfold. When Jonathan asked again, louder this time, Percival cut him off, pointing excitedly at another memory.


    It was their parents'' funeral.


    The scene played out under pouring rain. Everyone wore black, mourning the tragic loss of their parents, Elizabeth and Benjamin, who were murdered in a brutal massacre involving gifted individuals. Jonathan watched his younger self weep uncontrollably, but young Percival stood stoic, showing no emotion.


    Percival''s voice broke the silence. "Remember this day? The day our weak, pathetic parents were taken from us? Everyone cried, but not me. Not a single tear. Because they weren''t worth it."


    Jonathan''s fists clenched, anger bubbling to the surface as Percival continued. "I learned that day how frail they were. How could gifted beings like us be raised by such... ants? I even hunted down their killer, thinking I''d feel something, but I didn''t. That''s when I realized¡ªungifted people shouldn''t exist at all."


    Jonathan erupted, standing in fury. "How can you say that about our parents? They gave everything for us!"


    Percival simply snapped his fingers, dissolving the illusion around them. He turned to face his brother, his calm demeanor eerily unshaken. "Do you think I''m joking? Have you ever wondered where I''ve been all these years?"


    Percival''s eyes darkened as his tone sharpened. "Did you really think I was out there, living a peaceful life, marrying some princess, raising kids on a farm? No!" He slammed his fist into the wall, his voice rising with irritation. "I''ve been working tirelessly toward my dream. Unlike you."


    He gestured around the room, his arrogance palpable. "Who do you think built everything you ungifted people use? The cars, the phones, the entire Industrial Revolution¡ªthose were my inventions."


    Jonathan''s heart sank. "Is that why you''re here? To ruin what''s left of our relationship?"


    Percival''s smile twisted. "No. I''m here for something else. That ''son'' you adopted... he''s my lab subject."


    Jonathan froze. "What are you talking about?"


    Percival chuckled darkly. "Your son, Xavier, isn''t just any child. He''s something far more... monstrous. And make no mistake¡ªhe belongs to me."


    Fury ignited in Jonathan. "Don''t you dare call my son a monster!"


    "Call him what you want," Percival replied coolly, "but Xavier was never meant to be yours. I never expected someone like you to end up with him, but I suppose it''s my fault for letting security slip at one of my secret bases."


    Jonathan was reeling. But before he could react, Percival moved swiftly, approaching a portrait of Jonathan''s wife, Fyodora. He opened a nearby case, revealing a stunning blue gemstone. "The Fable Stone of the Ivanovich family," Percival mused. "A source of limitless power, and now it''s mine."


    Jonathan''s voice wavered slightly as he demanded, "What are you planning, Percival?"


    Percival''s grin widened. "Remember when I said I''d eliminate the ungifted? This stone is key to that. I''ve built an empire, brother. And with this stone, I''ll burn the world before Xavier''s eyes, killing everyone he loves."


    Jonathan''s blood boiled. "I won''t let you walk out of here with that stone."


    Percival''s eyes gleamed with mockery. "Then stop me, brother."


    Jonathan charged at him, only to find his fist passing through an illusion. Dozens of Percival''s clones appeared, mocking him. But Jonathan saw through the trick, grabbing the real Percival by the collar and landing a punch to his face, knocking the stone from his hand.


    Before Jonathan could grab it, Percival twisted reality, distorting the room into a nauseating whirl of cubes. Jonathan staggered, and Percival took the opportunity to land a vicious blow to his ribs, making him cough up blood.


    The two brothers clashed in a brutal exchange of blows, their battle fierce and unrelenting. But Percival toyed with Jonathan, always three steps ahead, savoring the fight.


    As Jonathan struggled to his feet, battered from the one-sided fight with his superhuman brother, Percival smirked and casually tossed the Fable Stone into the air. "If you want it so badly," he taunted, "then take it."


    The gem spiraled slowly downward, gleaming in the light. Desperate, Jonathan leaped to grab it¡ªbut it was exactly what Percival had planned.


    With a sinister smile, Percival pointed his finger in a mock gun gesture, aiming directly at the gas tank behind Jonathan. In a chillingly calm voice, he whispered, "Bang."


    The explosion was immediate and violent, obliterating the house in a massive fireball. Debris rained down as the structure crumbled, engulfed in flames.


    From the wreckage, Percival emerged unscathed, not a single mark on him. He dusted off his shoulders with casual indifference, his eyes locking onto the figure of his nearly unconscious brother.


    Jonathan lay in the rubble, the left side of his body horrifically charred, two limbs missing, barely clinging to life. Groaning in agony, he coughed up blood as Percival approached.


    Laughing coldly, Percival looked down at him, his voice dripping with mockery. "Did you really think you could be the hero, Jonathan? Pathetic."


    Jonathan didn''t respond. He lay there, groaning in agony, blood spilling from his mouth with every labored breath. The pain was unbearable, his body was broken and burned beyond recognition. All he could do was struggle to stay conscious as Percival''s cold laughter echoed around him.


    Percival loomed over Jonathan''s broken body, a twisted smile on his face. With a swift, merciless motion, he plunged his hand into Jonathan''s chest and ripped out his heart. Jonathan gasped, his breath shallow, eyes wide with shock.


    Holding the still-beating organ in his palm, Percival examined it with cold indifference. "This?" he said, his voice calm and dripping with malice. "This is the heart they say is so pure, so full of love?" He chuckled darkly. "It looks ordinary to me, brother. Just like any other." He sighed, shaking his head. "I guess we''ll never know what made you so special."


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Jonathan''s voice, barely a whisper, broke the silence. "Why¡­ why do you do this, brother?"


    Percival turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he met Jonathan''s gaze. "Why? I have always hated you." His tone was calm, almost conversational. "Weak, powerless, and yet you were loved more than I ever was." His lips twisted into a sneer. "But¡­ I loved you," Jonathan croaked, tears mixing with the blood on his face.


    Percival scoffed. "Love? I don''t need your love. I don''t need anyone''s. What I want is power¡ªabsolute power. Power to crush the gods themselves, to rule over all creation." His eyes gleamed with madness. "And I will stop at nothing until I achieve it."


    Jonathan, wracked with pain, managed to speak through gritted teeth. "You''re¡­ insane. You''ll never succeed."


    Percival crouched beside him, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Oh, I''ve already succeeded more than you know. Remember Fyodora? Your beautiful wife?" Jonathan''s eyes widened in horror. "Yes¡­ she didn''t just ''contract'' the Black Death. I poisoned her, injected her with a toxin I created myself, right under your nose."


    Jonathan stared, speechless, the weight of Percival''s confession too much to bear.


    "I had hoped it would kill the child too. As I didn''t want another monster like Aleksander being born," Percival continued, his tone casual. "But Violet survived. Pity she was born with those¡­ disabilities. Still, watching Fyodora die was satisfying enough. The way she suffered, the life slowly draining from her eyes... now that was a sight worth savoring."


    Tears streamed down Jonathan''s face, the pain of betrayal sharper than any physical wound. Percival gripped Jonathan''s jaw, forcing him to look into his eyes."You always preached about love, calling it the world''s guiding light," Percival sneered, his voice laced with venom. "But now, brother, I''ll show you just how hollow that light is. I''ll show you the depths of true darkness."


    With a brutal motion, Percival slammed Jonathan''s head against the wall. "And you''ll watch, from wherever you end up, as I make your son suffer. As I make them all suffer."


    He turned and walked away, his cruel laughter echoing through the burning wreckage. Percival left Jonathan to bleed out, helpless, as the house¡ªonce filled with the warmth of family, love, and cherished memories¡ªwas consumed by flames, reduced to smoldering ruins.


    Outside the ruined house, Percival''s henchmen waited for him, their uniforms immaculate despite the carnage.


    "How did it go, my Lord?" Seraphina asked, her voice laced with anticipation.


    "It was¡­ delightful," Percival said, a twisted grin on his face.


    Glad to see her master enjoying himself after working tirelessly for so long, Seraphina smiled with satisfaction. She snapped her fingers, causing the bloodstains on Percival to disappear instantly.


    With another snap, she secured Jonathan''s heart and the Fable Stone in a safe container, while Yuto draped a lavish black coat over Percival''s shoulders and handed him a cigar. Percival nodded in approval. "Ah, thank you, Yuto," he said as Seraphina lit the cigar with another flick of her fingers.


    "You''re welcome, my Lord," Yuto replied, standing proudly.


    As he took a deep drag from the cigar, Percival''s eyes narrowed slightly. "By the way, where are Heinrich and Sage?"


    One of Percival''s henchmen, Raven, knelt and bowed her head in apology. "We sincerely apologize, my Lord. Sage and Heinrich said they would arrive with Grande Valhalla before you finished with your brother."


    She then muttered under her breath, frustration lacing her tone. "Yet they aren''t here... Those two know how to get on my nerves."


    Percival chuckled. "No need to worry, Raven. Let them have their fun. After all, it''s only the beginning."


    Just then, Violet, Aleksander, and Xavier arrived home. Their eyes widened in shock as they stared at their childhood home, engulfed in flames, slowly burning to the ground.


    "Father!" Violet and Xavier screamed in horror, realizing that Jonathan had stayed behind, refusing to celebrate the Day of Heroes with them this year.


    Percival greeted them with an unsettling warmth, his smile wide and welcoming. "Ah, welcome back home, my niece and nephews. How was the Day of Heroes? Was it as amazing as always?" His tone dripped with mockery.


    Aleksander, seething with fury, cut him off. "Why is our home in ruins? And where is our Father?" he demanded, his voice trembling with anger.


    Percival greeted them with an unsettling warmth, his smile wide and welcoming. "Ah, welcome back home, my niece and nephews. How was the Day of Heroes? Was it as amazing as always?" His tone dripped with mockery.


    Aleksander, seething with fury, cut him off. "Why is our home burning? Where is Father?" he demanded, his voice trembling with anger.


    Percival''s sinister grin widened. "Oh, your father, Jonathan?" He casually lifted a see-through container, revealing Jonathan''s heart inside. "He''s right here."


    At that moment, a storm of rage surged through Aleksander. His body unleashed a violent red burst of energy, the force of which swept across the entire landscape, tearing through the air and shaking the ground. The farms around them shook under the oppressive energy.


    Percival, unfazed, responded by activating his own dark aura. It clashed fiercely with Aleksander''s power, the pressure of their energies cracking the earth beneath them. Percival laughed maniacally, reveling in the chaos and mocking the siblings with every word.


    But Aleksander knew he was outmatched. With sheer determination, he redirected his aura to shield Violet and Xavier, enduring the brutal onslaught of Percival''s power, the force of it leaving him severely injured.


    "You know," Percival said with a smirk, "I would love to continue this game, but I have more important matters to attend to. Besides, you might want to check on your father before he breathes his last."


    As Percival''s black-and-gold aura overwhelmed Aleksander, he deactivated his power and looked up. The sky above began to crack open as if splitting apart. A bright beam of light illuminated the heavens.


    In an instant, a massive golden city, larger than anything they''d ever seen, descended from the heavens. The flying city, made entirely of gold, cast a massive shadow over the land.


    "Ah, there they are," Percival remarked with a pleased smile, turning his head toward the golden marvel in the sky.


    Raven, finally seeing Heinrich and Sage''s arrival, sighed in relief, her stress evaporating. She glanced up at the grand spectacle, thankful they had arrived before Percival''s patience ran thin.


    Through worm portals, legions of soldiers poured into the sky. Ships followed in waves, filling the air as Grande Valhalla, the golden city, extended a long and massive staircase made of pure gold. It descended majestically for Percival.


    He and his henchmen ascended the staircase, greeted at the top by Heinrich and Sage, who knelt and bowed deeply. "Welcome back, my Lord," they said in unison.


    Before stepping into the grandeur of the golden city, Percival turned his head one last time toward Xavier, his smile twisting into something more wicked. "See you soon, my dear Novus," he whispered with venom.


    Xavier could only stare, speechless, as the weight of everything crashed down on him, his mind struggling to process the nightmare unfolding before his eyes.


    As Percival and his army vanished in the blink of an eye, Aleksander and Violet sprinted towards the ruins of their now-razed home, Xavier trailing close behind.


    When they reached the charred remains, horror gripped them as they saw the condition of their father.


    Somehow still alive without his heart, Jonathan managed a bright smile as he saw his children, even through the agony wracking his body.


    Xavier and Violet rushed to embrace him. Despite the unbearable pain, Jonathan gently stroked their heads and asked, "How was the Day of Heroes this year? Was it as wonderful as always?"


    But his children could not respond. They only wept, their hearts torn with pain and sorrow.


    Seeing their anguish, Jonathan tried to comfort them. "Don''t cry, my beloved children," he whispered. "Daddy''s alright."


    Aleksander, choking back tears, knelt beside his father. "I''m sorry, Father," he said. "I wasn''t there to protect you. I should have been stronger."


    Jonathan placed a trembling hand on Aleksander''s cheek. "Never say that, my son. You''re not weak¡ªyou''re strong. I am proud of you, of Violet, of Xavier. You are my greatest joy, the reason I still have hope in this world."


    As the sky darkened and rain began to fall, Jonathan turned to Aleksander. "Take care of them," he urged. "Be the man your siblings need. Be strong, be good. Be the kind of people others can look up to¡ªpeople who will bring light to this dark world."


    With death looming closer, Jonathan smiled through tears. "Always remember, my beloved children," he said, his voice growing faint, "Daddy loves you... so much."


    With his final breath, Jonathan drifted into peace, greeted by a radiant light. He awoke in a lush, beautiful field, confused but tranquil. As he lay on the soft grass, Fyodora''s familiar face appeared, looking down at him with a smile like an angel.


    "Long time, no see, darling," Fyodora said, her voice soft and warm. "How have you been?"


    Jonathan, speechless and overwhelmed, pulled her into a sudden, tight embrace. Fyodora blushed, startled by the intensity of his hug.


    "I missed you so much," Jonathan whispered, holding her tighter.


    Fyodora smiled gently. "I missed you too, darling."


    Meanwhile, back in the ruins, Aleksander and Violet grieved over their father''s lifeless body. Violet refused to let go, her sobs tearing through the silence, while Xavier sat in stunned disbelief, the light in his eyes slowly dimming into despair.


    Rage and sorrow surged within Xavier, his cosmic eyes glowing fiercely. The Visor of Time struggled to contain the energy building inside him, but it was futile. The power erupted from Xavier in a blinding burst, splitting the heavens and tearing through the clouds.


    Aleksander and Violet were thrown back by the force, but they quickly scrambled to their brother''s side.


    Violet, despite the searing heat radiating from Xavier, wrapped her arms around him. "It''s okay, Xavier. Big sis is here."


    Aleksander joined the embrace, his voice trembling. "We''re with you, Xavier. Always."


    As Xavier regained control, he collapsed into sobs, unable to accept their father''s death. Aleksander and Violet held him close, offering silent comfort amidst the devastation.


    Far away, in the grandeur of the floating Valhalla, Percival sat upon his immense golden throne. Feeling the surge of power from Xavier, he smiled to himself. "Ah, it seems the Visor of Time couldn''t suppress the power of Xavier''s Eyes of New Genesis."


    "What an interesting boy that Astrion Vessel is."


    One of his loyal henchmen, Sage, approached and bowed deeply. "My Lord, forgive my impertinence, but why didn''t you kill Aleksander when you had the chance?"


    Percival raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"


    Sage hesitated before replying, "You once said Aleksander was the most dangerous being alive, with the potential to disrupt your plans. If he reaches his full power and removes the limiters, he could become an unstoppable force."


    Percival chuckled. "You''re not wrong, Sage. Aleksander''s potential is... vast. If he ever fully awakens it, he could easily surpass even the Seven Heroes, becoming the most powerful Herrscher in history¡ªsecond only to Grand Emperor Julius."


    "But I''m not concerned," he continued with a smirk. "I have my own way of dealing with that boy. Besides, wouldn''t it be far more satisfying to break him first¡ªdestroy him from the inside out before I end him?"


    He leaned back on his throne. "Killing him outright would be boring. Breaking him will be... much more fun."


    Pointing a finger at Sage, Percival teased, "You should learn to play with your food before devouring it."


    Sage smirked and bowed his head. "Understood, my Lord. I''ll set aside my concerns about Aleksander."


    "I trust completely in your judgment, Lord Percival."


    Percival chuckled, pleased. "That''s the spirit!"

 An Empire Reborn

    <div>


    <div>


    September 10, 1808.


    Vilnius, Lithuania


    In the vibrant city of Vilnius, where merchants thrived and travelers came with their carriages, horses, and various other modes of transport, the Grand Royal Museum stood as a beacon of history and art.


    Within its grand halls, awe-struck visitors witnessed an extraordinary scene: a swarm of heavily armed royal knights, each adorned with omega crests and wielding strange, mysterious weapons of unknown metal, marching into the museum. They were guarding a regal and imposing figure who exuded the aura of a mighty king.


    As they ventured deeper into the museum, they entered a vast room filled with ancient statues, paintings, and artifacts. The heavily guarded individual was revealed to be none other than Percival Ashford, dressed in luxurious and elegant attire.


    "Are we going to do the summoning here, my Lord?", one of Percival''s knights asked curiously.


    Percival replied with a smile, "Of course! Where better to summon him than here?"


    "You''re right, my Lord. It is a splendid summoning point," Another knight agreed.


    Percival then ordered one of his knights to place a briefcase containing Jonathan''s heart and the Fable Stone on the ground and unpack its contents. As the knight complied, Percival turned to a mysterious hooded man and asked with a grin, "Are you ready?"


    The hooded figure nodded and approached the Fable Stone, which lay near Jonathan''s heart. Percival then began casting a spell in the ancient Language of the Runes of Eldora, causing the Fable Stone and Jonathan''s heart to levitate and slowly fuse together.


    Meanwhile, the hooded man enveloped Percival with a thin, cold energy, shielding him from the dark haze that began to form, instantly killing all of Percival''s men as it touched them.


    As the Fable Stone and Jonathan''s heart merged into the artifact known as The Dreadful Fare, Percival uttered his final chant in the Runes of Eldora: "Oh dreadful Lord, I call upon your name to return to the land of the living. With this sacrifice, you are hereby freed from the shackles of death."


    At that moment, a monstrous gate appeared on the ground, opening and swallowing the Dreadful Fare as flames burst forth.


    The flames vanished as quickly as they appeared, leaving the room in dead silence. Suddenly, a whirl of ominous energy erupted from the gate, and a dark, watery substance began to flow out, filled with skeletal remains and ominous souls.


    A deep, terrifying voice echoed, instilling fear and madness in everyone in the city, "Fall!"


    Instantly, Percival and the hooded man, including everyone in the city, were forcefully pushed to the ground, compelled to obey the voice.


    From the dark pool, a man drenched in water emerged, an omega symbol forming on his chest, making him scream in agony.


    In a burst of anger, he swung his hand, instantly killing everyone in the museum and slicing them into pieces. Luckily, Percival and the hooded man survived by shielding themselves with their Auras, though they still sustained some injuries.


    Percival, panicking, tried to calm the man. "Wait! We are not your enemies nor are we here to fight you."


    The man, still irritated, asked, "Are you the one who brought me back from the dead?"


    Percival, with a proud look, replied, "Yes, I am! And I sincerely apologize for any discomfort."


    The man remained silent, examining his muscular yet lean body, short dark hair, cold black eyes, and slightly tanned white skin. Noticing the omega crest on his chest, he thought, "What is this degrading and disgusting appearance?"


    Percival and the hooded man bowed deeply, and Percival said, "I welcome thee back to the world of the living, Lord of Apocalypse, Harbinger of Havoc, the Grand Herrscher of The End, Emperor Julius von Audrius!"


    As Julius walked through the dark waters, more knights appeared, carrying clothes but terrified by his dreadful aura. Percival yelled at them to dress Julius quickly, as he might be cold.


    As they hurriedly dressed him, everyone saw how big the clothes were for Julius. But Julius calmly moved his fingers around, shrinking the size of the clothes, before examining the clothes and ripping off his shirt and shoes, stating, "Not my kind of taste."


    "That must be one of his numerous abilities the legends spoke about", Percival nervously said, sweating.


    Percival then apologized, "I wasn''t expecting you to be revived in a more human form. But I must ask, why''s that? You don''t appear as the legends describe."


    Julius replied, "It seems the resurrection brought me back to my original human form before I ascended to godhood."


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    "Oh, that explains everything," Percival said, understanding now.


    Julius, with an intimidating look, asked, "Why have you brought me back from my slumber?"


    Percival, slightly nervous, replied, "Your Majesty, I resurrected you because I have a proposal."


    Julius scoffed, "You resurrected me from the deep pits of hell to propose something? What kind of fool are you? What makes you think I would want anything from you or work with you? What''s stopping me from killing you right now?"


    Percival smirked, "Because you and I are very alike. You desire to fight beings of ultimate power like the Supreme Beings, and I seek absolute power above even The One Above All."


    Julius, speechless, said, "You wish for power above The Absolute One? Have you lost your mind?"


    Percival boldly replied, "My goals aren''t impossible. One can achieve any desire if they put their mind and being into it."


    Julius, now intrigued, asked, "Cut to the point. What do you want from me?"


    Percival happily answered, "I want you to join forces with me."


    "Join forces?" Julius asked, confused.


    "Yes," Percival replied. "I want you to help me achieve my dream of conquering all of creation itself."


    Julius, baffled, asked, "Conquering creation?"


    "That''s right," Percival answered. "I plan to kill every ungifted being across creations and destroy and conquer all four of the Four Great Races. This means you would get the chance to fight and kill many powerful beings."


    "It''s a win-win situation for both of us," he continued.


    Julius, after thinking for a moment, grinned and answered, "When you put it like that, I would love to."


    "Fantastic!" Percival replied, delighted.


    Julius then walked toward one of the museum''s large balconies, revealing a higher view of the beautiful city of Vilnius. Looking down at the crowded streets, Julius asked Percival, who placed a coat around his shoulders, "Where am I?"


    Percival replied, "We''re in Vilnius, in your home country, Lithuania. The museum we are in is one of your grand palaces from your reign. Though it has been over 10,000 years since your death, it''s quite normal that only a few of your belongings remain."


    Julius noticed several strange machines moving below and asked, "What are those metallic structures?"


    Percival replied, "Those are steam cars. I invented them, but they''re not fully available yet, so some still use horses and carriages."


    Julius questioned, "You invented these steam cars?"


    "Yes," Percival answered. "Technologies have advanced rapidly in the thousands of years you''ve been gone."


    Percival then showed Julius a firearm. To which Julius asked, "What is this?"


    Percival replied, "This is a flintlock, another of my inventions."


    "Does everyone possess that as well?" Julius asked.


    "No," Percival answered. "It''s a secret weapon I created for my army. Only my soldiers have them."


    Julius, after examining his very being, said, "It seems like I''m weaker in this form. My power output is currently at the level of an Administrator, nowhere near my original strength."


    Percival said, "That''s just a repercussion of being brought back to the living."


    Julius added, "That makes sense. I did become even more powerful while dead, so it''s normal that the Dreadful Fare couldn''t resurrect my full power."


    Julius then remembered that to revive the dead, one must sacrifice the heart of a loved one and fuse it with almost limitless energy to be able to begin the resurrection spell.


    He then said to Percival, "You sure are a monster in disguise. Killing a loved one just to achieve your deluded goal."


    Percival replied with a sinister smile, "A goal is a goal. I even had to force myself to feel something for my brother for the spell to work."


    Julius chuckled and asked, "How did you survive the spell''s aftermath? Isn''t one supposed to die after using it?"


    Percival replied, "True, but there''s a way around it."


    The hooded man then suddenly appeared before them, bowing down and lowering his head in respect. Percival then explained that the hooded man, one of his special henchmen, used his family''s unique abilities to shield him from the spell''s lethal effects.


    As his expression changed to that of surprise yet excitement, Julius delightfully shouted, "Never in my life would I imagine that one of the descendants of the Great Heroes would betray their fellow race and work with someone who planned to destroy what their ancestors gave their lives to protect.".


    The hooded man remained silent, not speaking a word, as Julius laughed in amazement.


    Julius then noticed the statue of the 7 Great Heroes from afar, slowly turning his head and gazing at it with a serious and cold expression.


    -Saint Sebastian Akintola, the Great Hero, Grand Herrscher of Frostbite, Father of Ice, and wielder of the Holy Blade Excalibur.


    -Merlin the Wise, the Grand Herrscher of Time, Princess of the Empire of Korea, and one of the Great Heroes.


    -Cecilia the Mana, the Grand Herrscher of Magic, Lord of Fate, and Queen of the Elves.


    -Kasla the Reaper, Grand Herrscher of Death, Rabbi of the Dead, Eldest Son of Count Dracula, and the Vampire of Death.


    -Aelion Swiftblade, Grand Herrscher of Swordsmanship, Master of Blades, Oh Great Swordsman General, and the Best Swordsman in All of History.


    -Leviathan the Sea Beast, Grand Herrscher of the Cosmic Sea, the Azure Dragon, and General of the Wyverns.


    -Thalindra Stoneheart, Grand Herrscher of the Unbreakable Spirit, Defender of the Weak, and Grand Shieldmaiden.


    All of them were the 7 Great Heroes, who led the mighty army formed by all of the Four Races to war against King Julius''s Empire and defeated him after a pyrrhic, arduous, and grueling battle that resulted in the deaths of almost all the heroes.


    Julius then calmly pointed one of his fingers at the statues, and at that moment, a small, faint spark appeared at the tip of his finger, which Percival saw.


    In an instant, Julius unleashed a tremendously powerful attack that wasn''t visible to the naked eye and that sliced through and utterly destroyed the statues of the Great Heroes, including many other houses and buildings that were in front of them.


    "That looks better," Julius calmly said after his invisible attack annihilated half of the entire city of Vilnius, taking many innocent lives.


    Suddenly, the sky cracked with divine light, and a choir appeared. A gigantic, levitating black and gold ship emerged from the heavens that looked like something out of this world.


    Percival then extended his hand to Julius, saying with a smile, "I''ve brought one of my Starlight Voyagers for you. Let us return to my Grand Empire so you can rest and recover your power, Oh Great King of Varmints."


    To which Julius thought to himself, "What sorcery has granted this man such knowledge of me?"


    Julius and the hooded man were then suddenly teleported into the ship by the Starlight Voyager. Afterward, the Starlight Voyager ripped open another portal, which it used to travel through space and time.

 Announcement

    Hello there, it''s Future_Courge, the author of Project Superior.


    I''m thrilled to announce that we''ve reached the end of Book One! After nearly three months of writing (I initially posted chapters on other websites before deciding to share them on this novel site), it''s been an incredible journey so far!


    I''m very excited to dive into Book Two of Xavier''s story. In this next installment, Xavier will gradually uncover his true identity while exploring the vast and beautiful world of Project Superior.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    I''ll be taking a few days to prepare for the next arc. Lately, I''ve felt less productive, with uploads slowing down and taking nearly a week to finish each chapter. This short break will help me prepare in advance and ensure a smoother writing process.


    I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you for reading Project Superior. Writing this story and watching it unfold has been a labor of love, and your support means the world to me.


    ?? Thank you very much for your time and support! ??


    See you in a few days! ??


    --------------


    Project Superior: A Hero¡¯s Awakening


    Book Two: Seeds of Revolution

 The Dawn of Royalty

    In the pouring stormy rain, with a dark and sad atmosphere.


    A funeral had been held for Jonathan Ashford, where many friends, families, and people who knew him attended. Violet and Xavier cried their eyes out, except Aleksander, who tried not to show any tears with all his might, as he wished to stay strong for his little siblings.


    Thomas gripped his fist in pure anger and sorrow, making his fist bleed as tears dropped down his eyes. "I can''t believe he''s gone", Thomas said sorrowfully.


    Miss Charlotte then comforted her beloved husband in his lowest moment, as he cried over the death of a man he didn''t just


    consider a best friend, but as his brother, whom he loved deeply.


    Grandfather Graviil slowly walked up beside Thomas, calmly reassuring him that Jonathan''s death wasn''t his fault, but his. If only he had insisted more on Jonathan, on providing trained armed soldiers or secret assassins for their protection, this tragic incident wouldn''t have happened, Graviil thought to him in a mix of sadness about their situation and hatred towards himself for not being able to do anything to change the outcomes.


    Grandfather Graviil slowly walked up to his grandchildren, gently placing his hand on Aleksander''s right shoulder and calmly saying, "It''s okay, son, let it go.".


    At that moment, Aleksander couldn''t hold back the tears anymore, and a series of tears poured down his eyes as he kept his emotionless expression.


    "Mother left; now Father is gone.".


    "Why did they leave us and Grandfather all alone?".


    "Is it because I am weak?" Aleksander thought as tears continued to flow down his eyes.


    Grandfather Graviil, seeing the state of his beloved grandchildren, whom he loved more than his own life, vowed to seek revenge and justice on Percival for taking away the life of someone who brought smiles to many.


    September 15th, 1808.


    A few days had passed since Jonathan had passed away, leaving his now-orphan children devastated.


    News spread about an incident that happened in the capital city of Lithuania, Vilnius, in which many reported seeing some kind of flying structure that was out of this world. Right after, the city was suddenly left devasted and in ruins, with many innocent lives being lost.


    But what caught the world''s attention was the sudden revelation by the Great Ivanovish Family that Saint Graviil secretly had grandchildren who came from his now-desisting beloved and only child, Princess Fyodora Ivanovich.


    The reveal of Aleksander and Violet being the grandchildren of the Great Saint Graviil was an absolute shocker to everyone who knew them, especially the fact that the heroic boy who risked his life to save his comrades from a varmint attack and slew the beast was also one of his grandchildren.


    Later on, Graviil moved his grandchild to their mother''s homeland, the Imperial Kingdom of Russia, where they would live with their grandfather in the grand castle of the Russian nation, Tsarigrad Citadel, also known as the House of Ivanovish¡ªthe primary palace of the royal Ivanovish family.


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    As they arrived at the Tsarigrad Citadel, heavily guarded, Xavier and his elder siblings were warmly welcomed by numerous well-presented servants, maids, chefs, butlers, and all the rest of the workers who worked there.


    Then, a butler suddenly bowed their heads in respect, saying, "Welcome home, young masters and mistresses; my name is Viktor Mirovich, and I am the main butler of the Ivanovich family and the butler of your beloved grandfather, Headmaster Graviil.".


    Aleksander calmly greeted Viktor Mirovich back, but Violet and Xavier did so in a more nervous tone.


    Grandfather Graviil chuckled at their reactions but then introduced them to their maid or butler, who would be serving them from here on out.


    Nikolai Petrov, a noble butler known for his loyalty and discipline who has served the Ivanovich family for years now, would now be in charge of guiding and aiding Aleksander in whatever he needs.


    Irina Kuznetsova, a diligent and efficient maid, always ensuring that everything is in perfect order, would now be in charge of aiding Violet in her needs.


    Lastly, Anastasia Orlova, a kind and nurturing maid who has been with the family since a young age, would now be responsible for taking care of and protecting Xavier.


    "Greetings to you, masters and mistresses. It is an honor to be at your service," the maids and butlers said, bowing down to their new masters they would now be serving.


    Before leaving with his butler, Viktor Mirovich, Grandfather calmly told Aleksander, Violet, and Xavier that should they need anything, please do not hesitate to call upon him. He has no problem using their family''s entire fortune to give them whatever they want.


    Hearing that, Graviil''s butler was left in utter shock, which made Graviil reply, "Oh, relax, Viktor.".


    "I was only partially joking.".


    To which butler Viktor replied, baffled, "Why would you make such a joke, my Lord?".


    "You know my fragile heart can''t take any more of your pranks.".


    And Grandfather Graviil, with a more annoyed tone, said, "I''m just as old as you, you know.".


    Grandfather Graviil and his butler, Viktor Mirovich, both bid Aleksander, Violet, and Xavier, as they had very important things to attend to.


    which their now-assigned butler and maids hurriedly took their heavy luggage and accompanied them to show them where their new rooms would now be.


    Reaching his new room, Xavier was left speechless as his maid, Anastasia Orlova, opened the door to his new room, revealing a grand and lavish room covered with expensive decorations, paintings, and gold. He even had a table that had every single one of Xavier''s favorite sweets, chocolate, and snacks.


    Placing Xavier''s luggage down, Anastasia, Xavier''s maid, asked Xavier if he needed anything else. But Xavier calmly yet coldly responded, telling her that he didn''t need anything and that he just needed to be left alone.


    Maid Anastasia was surprised by the response and began to nervously panic, as she thought she had done something gravely wrong to anger her new master.


    She then calmly yet nervously bowed her head, replying, "As you desire, Young Master.".


    As she left Xavier alone in his room, she calmly closed the door behind her and collapsed to the floor in despair.


    Thinking to herself, "Did I do something wrong for him to be so cold towards me?".


    "I know this is my very first time serving another master other than Lord Graviil.".


    "But I didn''t think I would mess up this badly.".


    Taking a deep sigh of sadness, she continued, "What have I done?".


    Back in Xavier''s room, Xavier slowly walked up to the large curtains on his windows and closed them, depriving his room of sunlight.


    Xavier slowly lay on his immense bed as tears slowly began to drip from his eyes. He lay there in tears and sadness about his beloved father''s death.


    As he cried himself to sleep in his now sun-deprived room, the scene swiftly shifted to the deepest void of the abyss, where Excalibur lay embedded in an immense yet shattered boulder, standing within its dimensional realm on a small yet vast floating island. Slowly, it began to sparkle and light up, sensing the pain its master was enduring.


    In turn, this caused the Dragon egg from Alcmena, which Xavier had placed in the dimension, to slowly begin to crack.


    Now, unknown to everyone, this would be the last time Xavier would step outside again, as he completely cut himself off from the real world and locked himself in his room, not even attending school, which left not only his friends and family deeply worried for him but his teachers as well.

 Echoes of Grief and Resilience

    January 1st, 1809


    A few months had passed as the Ivanovich and Whitemore families tried to move on after the death of their loved one, Jonathan Ashford. Though the pain and grief lingered, everyone managed to find their footing¡ªeveryone except for Xavier, who had kept himself locked in his room all this time.


    Early in the morning, Xavier''s maid, Anastasia, came to his room to deliver his breakfast. She knocked on the door and asked if she could enter, but there was no response.


    "Is he still sleeping?" Anastasia wondered to herself.


    She then closed her eyes, focusing a significant amount of ethereal force into them, enabling her to see through the door to check on Xavier. Seeing that he was still in bed and awake by the way he was breathing, Anastasia sighed in relief. She turned to one of the knights guarding Xavier''s room and asked, "Would it be possible for you to hold onto Young Master''s breakfast and give it to him if he asks for something to eat?"


    The knight replied, "Yes, I can do that."


    Anastasia smiled gratefully and added, "If he doesn¡¯t ask for it after a while, please feel free to bring it back. We don¡¯t want to serve him cold food."


    The knight nodded in response, and Anastasia thanked him once more before calmly returning to her other duties.


    As the hours passed and the sun began to set, Violet, who had just returned from a visit to the capital city of Moscow, knocked on her grandfather Graviil''s office door, asking if she could come in.


    Graviil and his butler, Viktor Mirovich, warmly welcomed her. Graviil asked his beloved granddaughter how her day had been.


    "It was wonderful, Grandpa!" Violet replied.


    "That¡¯s great to hear, dear," Graviil said with a content expression.


    Violet continued, telling him about her visit to the family¡¯s Emperiel Church and how everyone she met had been very kind to her.


    Graviil smiled, pleased to see how happy his granddaughter was, as she shared her experiences with him and Viktor.


    When she finished, Graviil asked if she had seen her older brother that day. Violet answered that she had visited Aleksander at the training ground, but he seemed too focused on his training to take a break and talk to her.


    "And he smelled awful, drenched in sweat," Violet said, wrinkling her nose in disgust.


    Graviil burst out laughing at her comment. "Why don¡¯t you join him in training?"


    "I don¡¯t really want to," Violet responded.


    "And why not?" Graviil asked, puzzled.


    "Well, after Father died, I lost my drive and desire for strength," Violet admitted.


    Viktor, the butler, asked, "Then what will you do?"


    "I want to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor," Violet replied.


    "A doctor?" Graviil and Viktor echoed, surprised.


    "Yes, a doctor," Violet repeated. "I want to use my powers to treat and heal those who are sick or can¡¯t afford medical treatment. And even help soldiers during battles and wars."


    Viktor pondered for a moment before saying, "Well, since your contractor''s powers align with your goal, it¡¯s certainly possible for you to become a doctor."


    Violet nodded enthusiastically. "I can¡¯t wait to start."


    Graviil then smirked and asked, "Oh, by the way, dear, how is Xavier doing?"


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    Hearing the question, Violet''s expression turned somber. "He''s doing... alright, I suppose."


    "I checked on him this morning, and he seemed to be sleeping."


    Viktor then commented, "I heard Young Master hasn¡¯t eaten all day."


    Graviil sighed, taking slow, deep breaths. "The boy''s traumatized. But even so, I can¡¯t just sit back and let my grandson, whom I love very much, starve himself."


    Violet protested, "But he¡¯s only a child, Grandpa! It¡¯s normal for him to act this way. Even though he¡¯s been locked away for months, we need to give him time to heal and support him as he overcomes his depression."


    Graviil calmly replied, "But, dear, you¡¯re a child as well. I know you¡¯re traumatized too. You don¡¯t need to hide it by pretending everything¡¯s fine, Violet. It¡¯s okay to cry; you¡¯re only eleven years old. Even I cried at your father¡¯s funeral."


    Knowing her grandfather was right, Violet fell silent, which made Graviil worry. "Is something wrong, dear?" he asked.


    Violet forced a smile, claiming she was just tired. She bid her grandfather and Viktor goodnight and left the office.


    As she left, Graviil sighed in frustration, unsure of what to do. His aura subconsciously activated, causing the atmosphere around them to thicken.


    Feeling the heat and struggling to breathe, Viktor calmed Graviil down, reassuring him that everything would be fine and there was no need to stress.


    "I hope so..." Graviil murmured as he regained control.


    Later that night, Violet walked the palace hallways, heading to the kitchen to clear her mind. When she entered, one of the maids noticed her and was surprised to see her there so late.


    The maid bowed and greeted Violet, asking if she was hungry and offering to cook something for her.


    Violet nervously assured the maid she didn¡¯t need anything, explaining that she had come to the kitchen just to free her mind.


    Understanding the situation, the maid bowed again, wished Violet a goodnight, and quickly left to give her some space.


    "Now, should I bake something? Or would it be better to cook?" Violet mused to herself. "Oh well, why not both?"


    Meanwhile, in his room, Xavier tried to sleep but couldn¡¯t, as hunger gnawed at him. He quietly left his room but was immediately startled by the knights guarding his door.


    "Is everything alright, Young Lord?" one of the knights asked, kneeling to check on Xavier.


    "Yes, I''m fine. Just a bit hungry," Xavier replied nervously.


    "Would you like us to ask one of the palace maids to cook something light for you?" another knight offered.


    Xavier quickly declined, insisting they didn¡¯t need to wake anyone up. He said he would find something to eat on his own.


    The knights offered to accompany him, but Xavier refused again, assuring them he could protect himself.


    Reluctantly, the knights agreed, and Xavier hurriedly left, promising to be back soon.


    As Xavier walked through the hallway and reached the kitchen, he suddenly heard a woman¡¯s voice, crying. He peeked through the door and was shocked to see Violet standing by the kitchen window, quietly sobbing.


    "I miss you, Papa," Violet whispered, tears streaming down her face. "I miss the times we would bake cakes late at night together. Why did this have to happen? First Mother, and now you. What did I do to deserve this much pain and suffering?" she cried out.


    Xavier stood there in disbelief. It was the first time he had seen his older sister, someone he looked up to as strong, appear so broken.


    Sensing someone behind her, Violet quickly wiped her tears and turned around, surprised to see Xavier.


    "Oh, what¡¯s up, little brother?" Violet said with a forced smile. "Why are you up at this hour?"


    Xavier remained silent, still in shock from what he had witnessed.


    Suddenly, his stomach growled, and Violet jokingly asked, "Are you hungry?"


    Xavier nodded shyly, embarrassed by the timing of his stomach¡¯s growl.


    Violet giggled. "What would you like me to make for you?"


    But to her surprise, Xavier suddenly rushed toward her and hugged her tightly.


    "What¡¯s wrong, Xavier?" Violet asked, taken aback.


    "I¡¯m sorry," Xavier said in a sorrowful tone.


    "What do you mean?" Violet asked, confused.


    "I¡¯m sorry for shutting myself off from everyone for so long," Xavier continued, tears welling up in his eyes. "I¡¯m sorry for being so selfish, thinking only about myself and not how everyone else felt. I thought I was the only one suffering the most, that no one would understand what I was going through. But I was wrong. Everyone else was suffering just as much, if not more."


    Tears now streaming down his face, Xavier added, "I¡¯m sorry, sister... I¡¯m sorry for making everyone worry even more because of me."


    Violet¡¯s heart ached at his words. She hugged Xavier back warmly and said in a gentle voice, "It¡¯s okay, Xavier. You don¡¯t need to worry anymore. Everyone makes mistakes; that¡¯s what makes us human. What¡¯s important is that you¡¯ve finally overcome your depression and taken a step forward. So don¡¯t cry anymore, because big sis will always be here for you."


    Gently wiping Xavier¡¯s tears, Violet asked again with a bright, genuine smile, "Now, tell me, Xavier, what would you like me to make for you?"


    "Pancakes," Xavier replied with a faint smile.


    "Chocolate caramel pancakes, your favorite?" Violet asked.


    "Yes, please," Xavier said, sounding more cheerful.


    Violet rolled up her sleeves with a grin. "Then leave it to big sis!"


    Aleksander, who had overheard the entire conversation between Violet and Xavier while sitting on the palace roof near the kitchen, took a deep breath and slowly stood up. His eyes glowed a burning crimson as he muttered to himself with a cold, serious expression, "Percival, your days are numbered.

 The First Step Forward

    Early in the morning, Xavier''s private maid, Anastasia, came knocking on the door, asking if she could enter his room.


    But this time, to Anastasia''s surprise, Xavier replied, telling her she could come in. Which greatly surprised Anastasia and left her speechless.


    As she entered Xavier''s room with his breakfast, Anastasia bowed her head to Xavier, giving him a good morning greeting. Xavier smiled and greeted Anastasia back.


    "Did you sleep well today, Young Master?", Anastasia asked with a smile.


    "I did, how about you?", Xavier replied smiling back.


    Surprised, as Head Master Graviil was the only one who ever asked about her day, Anastasia shyly answered, "I slept great, Young Master".


    "That''s great to hear", Xavier responded.


    Anastasia then placed Xavier''s breakfast on one of his tables that was far off his large bed. Xavier stood out of bed, and then said to Anastasia, "Miss Anastasia, would you please prepare my school uniform for me".


    "Because I will be attending school today".


    Hearing Xavier say that, Anastasia was utterly delighted, as it had been months now since Xavier had attended school.


    With a broad smile on her face, Anastasia excitedly said, "I''ll go prepare your suit uniform immediately!".


    But before Anastasia could exit the room, Xavier held one of her hands, stopping her in place.


    "What''s wrong, Young Master?", Anastasia asked confused.


    Xavier remained silent, with his head down before saying, "I''m sorry".


    "I''m sorry for being cold towards you, and mistreating you", he continued.


    Lost for words, Anastasia knelt, petting Xavier''s hair, and replied, "You don''t have to be sorry, Young Master".


    "I understand, what you were going through. And it is normal for one to become cold and distant towards someone after something bad has happened to them".


    "So you don''t need to be sorry, because it is my job as your maid, to be by your side till the end of my breath", Anastasia continued, gazing into Xavier''s beautiful vast celestial eyes.


    "Now then, let''s go get you ready for school, Young Master", Anastasia said with a warm and loving smile.


    Xavier, no longer feeling guilty, smiled broadly, saying, "Okay!".


    A couple of minutes had passed, and Xavier was standing outside of the palace, wearing the Visor of Time and dressed in his school uniform, which was different from before, as it was completely customized with lavish designs.


    "I think this is a bit overdue...", Xavier said to Anastasia who stood beside him.


    Anastasia replied, "It''s only normal for a royal member to dress up in more expensive clothes".


    "Every noble and royal member does", she added.


    Xavier sighed and said, "Fine, but just make it less flashy next time".


    To which Anastasia replied, "As you wise, Young Master".


    At that moment, Violet stepped out of the palace with her maid, Irina Kuznetsova, dressed in her school uniform which was more lavish and beautiful than beautiful.


    Violet warmly greeted Xavier, "What''s up, little brother, how did you sleep?".


    Her maid Irina, greeted Xavier and Anastasia as well, "Greetings Master Xavier, and Miss Anastasia"


    "Greetings to you too", Anastasia replied.


    Xavier giggled, replying "Good morning big sis and Miss Irina".


    Xavier smiled, complimenting Violet, "You look very beautiful in that dress, big sis".


    With her cheeks blushing as red as a tomato, Violet responded, "Thank... you Xavier...".


    Afterward, a grand and royal steam vehicle, guarded by royal knights, arrived before them. But before they could enter to head to school, Xavier realized that Aleksander was nowhere to be found and asked Violet, "Big sis, where''s big brother?".


    Violet answered, "Oh yeah, about that, Aleksander already graduated from the academy".


    And Xavier said in shock, "Wait, really?".


    "Yeah!", Violet replied.


    "He''s 18 now, so it would be weird for him to still be attending school".


    "Though he is probably at the training grounds as we speak...".


    Violet then grabbed Xavier by the arm, excitedly saying, "Let''s get going already before we''re late!".


    As Violet and Xavier got into the royal car, Irina and Anastasia weaved at them as they left, and they did so back with great joy.


    The royal car traveled to the center portal in Moscow, which was built to help people travel to other locations faster, using the portal gate, RealmHall.


    Arriving at the Pennsylvania Royal Academy after many travels using RealmHall, many students stood in awe, as Xavier and Violet were escorted out of the vehicle, dressed in lavish clothing, and into the the academy.


    Violet bid Xavier bye, as she left for her classes, and Xavier walked to his class, guarded by knights. Approaching his classroom, Xavier began to feel a bit nervous, as it had been a long time since he had been there.


    Xavier then ordered his knights to leave, as he could manage to go to his classroom alone, and the royal knights obeyed his orders.


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    Standing in front of his classroom door, Xavier took a deep breath, before slowly opening the door to the classroom.


    As the door slowly opened, everyone was left speechless to see that it was Xavier, as it had been months since he hadn''t attended school.


    Everyone immediately rushed to Xavier, asking him how he was doing and if he was alright since they had heard that his father had died in a tragic accident.


    Xavier nervously reassured his classmates that he was fine, thanking them for their empathy.


    "You''re finally back, you cheeky mise", Miss Seo-Yeon said grinning in joy at seeing Xavier in a while.


    Xavier chuckled a little embarrassed, and replied, "Yeah, and I did miss your scary threats".


    "You loudmouth brat", Miss Seo-Yeon said in annoyance.


    "You''re lucky that you are a royal member now, or I would have punished you by now for just thinking that", she added.


    All of Xavier''s classmates began showing their surprise and amazement at Xavier being a royal prince all this time, questioning him why he never told anyone about it. And Xavier laughed it off, stating that his father had told him to keep his royalty secret from everyone else.


    Miss Seo-Yeon stood there with a happy expression on her, happy to see Xavier back at school, with a smile on his face even though his father had died.


    "I never expected him to be the grandson of the renowned, Saint of Light. I guess there are some things you''ll never expect in life", Miss Seo-Yeon thought to herself.


    She then clapped her hands together, regaining all the students'' attention, telling them to get to their sits as class was about to begin.


    Taking the neat he has always set at, Jupiter was utterly joy to see his best friend back.


    With a big smile on his face, Xavier weaved at Jupiter, saying, "What''s up, Jupiter? It''s been a while".


    Jupiter excitedly replied, "Xavier! You''re finally back".


    "Yeah! And I''m sorry for not being in touch with you for so long", Xavier answered.


    "You don''t need to be sorry, I understand what you were going through. And I am deeply sorry for your father''s death", Jupiter said, sympathizing with Xavier''s loss.


    "Thank bro", Xavier replied with a sad tone.


    To light up the mood, Jupiter joked, "Oh my the way, I just found out that you are the son of the legendary Grand Monarch of illumination, Saint Grvaiil Ivanovish''".


    "So should I now start calling you Prince Xavier?".


    Xavier laughed joyfully, answering, "I feel very uncomfortable with you calling me a Prince".


    "Just stick with Xavier, because no matter who I become, you will always be my brother".


    Jupiter smiled, putting up his fist, saying, "You too, brother".


    Xavier grinned back, fist pumping with Jupiter.


    A few hours went by, and Xavier was sitting on a bench in the school''s royal park, fatigued from all the work that Miss Seo-Yeon gave him for missing several months of school.


    As Xavier rested from all the work on the bench by himself, Princess Jasmine secretly came behind him, startling him as she asked, "My a have the honor of sitting next to you, your Majesty?", which greatly startled Xavier.


    Who replied shyly in seeing her face, "Yes... of course".


    Taking a seat beside Xavier, Princess Jasmine showed her condolences to the news of Xavier''s father''s death, saying, "I heard about what happened to your father, and I am deeply sorry for your loss, Your Majesty".


    Xavier replied a bit more saddened, "It''s okay, and you don''t need to call me your majesty, Xavier would be fine. Because it makes me a bit uncomfortable to be called that".


    Princess Jasmine giggled and said, "I see you''re a modest one, huh?".


    "Well, in that case, you can cut the Princess part when addressing me as well".


    Xavier replied blushing, "Oh alright... Jasmine".


    "That''s the spirit, Xavier", Jasmine said cheerfully.


    As the winds blew, birds shipping in the trees, with her head facing towards the beautiful sky, Jasmine then asked Xavier, "Xavier, what do you plan on doing from here now on?".


    "Like for the future? Who do you wish to become?".


    Surprised by the question, Xavier answered, "Well, I don''t really know what I will do from here on".


    "Because I am still lost, and saddened by my father''s death. And I know that, as much as I want him back, there''s nothing I can do".


    "So I just have to live with that fact".


    "And for what I wish to become in the future, I wish to be a knight, but not just a knight, a hero".


    "I want to be a hero that people can rely on, a hero who is selfless and loving towards those in need".


    "I want to use my powers and be someone who will prevent other kids like me, from going through the same pain I''m going through right now".


    Utterly speechless at what Xavier had just said, Jasmine slowly turned her head towards Xavier, with her eyes sparkling with admiration.


    "This boy, at such a young age, can stand back up and push through even after watching his father die", Jasmine thought to herself in awe.


    "And the fact he is even thinking about helping others even in his lowest moment is just, ... unreal".


    "I... I admire you Xavier. Your willpower and selfless nature, are the first of a kind I have ever seen".


    Xavier noticing that Jasmine was gazing into his gaze in awe, looked away shyly, trying not to keep eye contact, and asked, "Why did you suddenly ask me that question out of the blue?".


    Jasmine calmly replied, " I just wanted to see what kind of person you are".


    "Now I know that you are not only the brave type but a selfless and heroic one at that".


    Xavier embarrassedly said blushing, "Tha... thank... you".


    Jasmine then thought to herself, "I can''t tell him the reason I asked him that question".


    "I can''t tell him that the reason I asked him that, was because of the vision of the future I saw in my dream yesterday".


    "I can''t afford to mess up the future by telling him about what I saw in that vision, nor can I just tell anyone about it. Since I am not sure if it was even a vision or just a dream". she continued, as she began to remember the vision she saw.


    Jasmine found herself drifting into the memory of the vision of the future she had, suspended before a city in ruins, engulfed in flames and destruction. The landscape was a testament to the aftermath of war. The skies were darkened, stained red by the smoke rising from the inferno below, and the ground was littered with bodies.


    Screams of terror and sorrow echoed in Jasmine''s ears as she stood before two figures locked in battle atop a devastated mountainside. The first figure was a man with a lean, muscular build and long golden hair tied back. His red and gold cloak was torn, draped over his shoulder and his armor was now battered and broken. And lastly, the man had a jagged scar that ran from his right chest up to his neck.


    He grasped the hilt of a sheathed sword, its blade embedded in the ground. The weapon was adorned with royal blue, gold, and red ornamental designs. The man took slow, measured breaths, focusing his mind as he prepared to continue the fierce battle.


    Jasmine then noticed the second figure, partially obscured by ash and smoke. What she could see was a man with short white hair, exuding a dreadful aura from the weapon he held.


    "What''s wrong, Reinhardt? Or should I say Xavier? Cat got your tongue?" the white-haired man mocked, laughing coldly.


    "That scar suits you. Consider it payback for the burn you gave me on my left hand," he added, his voice dripping with malice.


    Xavier sighed and replied, "You talk too much, you bastard."


    The man taunted further, "Oh, are you in a bad mood? Still upset that I killed your best friend? Don''t worry, you''ll be seeing him soon enough."


    Xavier''s expression hardened as he spoke, "The shadows of death could not defeat me, the hands of fate couldn''t hold me down. Many powerful foes have fallen before me, and you will not be an exception."


    The white-haired man sneered, "I''d like to see you try, ''Great Star of Hope,'' Reinhardt."


    Jasmine couldn''t make out their words clearly, drowned out by the wails of innocent lives lost. But what shocked her most was seeing how much Xavier had grown¡ªand how strikingly handsome he had become.


    Xavier slowly unsheathed his sword, Excalibur, as his hair began to glow. Golden markings and ancient runes appeared on his right hand, gradually extending up the right side of his face.


    In an instant, the two men rushed at each other, their speed beyond what Jasmine could perceive. When their blades clashed, the impact unleashed a massive shockwave that not only hurled Jasmine back but also obliterated the mountainside beneath them.


    Xavier noticing that Jasmine was completely dazed, snapped her back out of her daydreaming, asking, "Are you alright, Princess... I mean, Jasmine?".


    Jasmine replied regaining her composure, smiled, and answered, "Yeah I''m fine, just a bit hungry".


    At that moment the school bell rang, which signified that it was lunchtime. Xavier nervous and shy, got up and gave his hand to Jasmine and asked, "Would you like to go have lunch with me then?".


    Surprised, Jasmine blushed and replied, "Sure".

 Bonds of Comfort and Laughter

    It was the end of class and every student was walking out of the Pennsylvania Royal Academy, chatting and laughing with their friends, as they planned to return home.


    As Xavier and Jupiter walked alone, accompanied by his royal knights, Miss Faelwen, who waited for him at the front of the school gate, eagerly ran to Xavier, tightly hugging him, greatly surprising Xavier.


    "What''s wrong, Miss Faelwen?", Xavier asked flustered yet confused.


    Miss Faelwen responded in a sad and sympathetic voice, "I am deeply sorry for what you had to go through Xavier".


    Xavier paused for a minute, and replied with a smile, "You don''t have to be sorry Miss Faelwen".


    And Miss Faelwen then said, "I know, but, I just feel deeply hurt and guilty to know that one of my beloved students had to go through something like that at such young age".


    "It''s alright", Xavier replied.


    Miss Faelwen then took out a gift, handing it to Xavier, who questioned, "What is this?".


    And Miss Faelwen answered, "This is one of the many books I own, that helps you learn how to better control the flow of ethereal energy in your body".


    "And since you have always had a problem with extracting energy from the pool of ethereal energy you have since you didn''t possess an ethereal core, I thought this book would better aid you in fixing that issue".


    "I can''t take this", Xavier said as he pushed back the gift, feeling guilty.


    To which Miss Faelwen replied, gently pushing forward the book towards Xavier, "It''s okay Xavier, there''s nothing wrong in taking the book".


    "But...", Xavier replied feeling even more guilty.


    But Miss Faelwen merely sighed and said, "If you don''t take the gift I brought for you, you will really hurt your favorite teacher''s feelings...".


    Xavier reflected for a bit, before hesitantly taking the gift from Miss Faelwen, who smiled with joy as he did.


    Miss Faelwen then turned to Miss Seo-Yeon who calmly leaned on the wall of the gate from afar, trying to act cool, and said, "Come here and come give Xavier the gift you bought for him, and stop trying to act all cool and collected and stuff...".


    Taking a back by how Miss Faelwen saw right through her, Miss Seo-Yeon embarrassingly walked up to Xavier, handing him the gift she had brought for him.


    "Is this chocolate?", Xavier questioned as he examined the gift.


    Miss Seo-Yeon embarrassingly answered, "Yes!... And I heard from your elder sister, Violet, that your favorite kind of chocolate is camarel. So I bought you one, that was specially made from the best chiefs".


    Reflecting on the unwavering kindness and warmth his teachers had always shown him, Xavier''s eyes welled up with tears. With a voice trembling with deep gratitude, he whispered, "Thank you... Miss Faelwen, Miss Seo-Yeon."


    Deeply moved by Xavier''s tears and gratitude, Miss Seo-Yeon rubbed Xavier''s hair, putting up a big smile and saying out loud, "You''re welcome Xavier!".


    "And don''t ever forget that we, your teachers are here. So if you ever feel down and in need of someone to talk to, we will always be here for you, okay?".


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "Okay", Xavier replied as he slowly wiped his tears.


    Miss Seo-Yeon then to Miss Faelwen with a cheeky smirk, jokingly remarking, "Oh, and by the way Unni, I''m Xavier''s favorite teacher, not you".


    Miss Faelwen laughed and replied sarcastically, "Yeah right".


    Xavier then cut them out, saying that both of them were his favorite teachers and that he didn''t have one over the other.


    Hearing that, Miss Faelwen smirked and gently petted Xavier on the head.


    Xavier then questioned where Instructor Joshua was, as he wasn''t present today at school. Miss Seo-Yeon replied, saying that Instructor Joshua was attending a wedding of his distant cousin, so that''s why he was absent today.


    Miss Seo-Yeon then continued, saying that Instructor Joshua had asked her to apologize to Xavier for not being there to gift his condolence for his father''s death. And that he would bring him a souvenir when he comes back.


    Xavier replied, telling Miss Seo-Yeon to reassure Instructor Joshua that he wasn''t upset about him being absent. And that all of his beloved students are eagerly waiting for him to come back to school.


    Miss Seo-Yeon gave a thumbs up, to tell Xavier that she would make sure that his message would get to Instructor Joshua.


    Miss Faelwen, sensing it was time to wrap up their conversation, smiled warmly and said, "You should hurry and join your friends." She gestured toward Jason, Princess Misaki, Jupiter, and the rest of Xavier''s companions, all waiting for him with eager smiles in front of the school.


    With the gifts he had received from his teachers, in his arms, Xavier happily ran towards his friends with excitement, as he weaved back and Miss Faelwen and Miss Seo-Yeon, who weaved back at him.


    Xavier then gave the gifts he had received to his knights, telling them to keep them safe, as he would be going on a little stroll with his friends. His knight immediately complied, taking Xavier''s gifts with them, as Xavier headed towards his friends.


    Elowen, Misaki, and the others immediately expressed their condolences to Xavier for the loss of his father. Xavier managed a small smile, quietly thanking them as he tried to keep his emotions in check.


    Jason with a smirk on his face, placed his arm around Xavier, saying, "To make my cousin feel better, why don''t we all go and have some fun around the city of New York all together?".


    "That''s a great idea!" Emily and Sophie chimed in together.


    And Xavier then questioned, "Well in that case, where do you guys want to go explore?".


    To which Aria replied, "Why don''t we go to the small festival that''s happening today?".


    "I think that would do", Jason answered, "Though we will probably get crowded by people when they see two royal members just casually walking in the streets alongside them".


    "You don''t have to worry about that", Princess Misaki replied. "Because why knights will make sure that that doesn''t happen, even if they have to use force".


    "You sure are crafty Princess", Jack jokingly replied a bit nervous and surprised.


    To which Princess Misaki stated, "Why do you guys still call me Princess? I would prefer you guys to dress me more formally".


    "Formally huh?", Xavier pondered, "Oh, how about Sister? Since you are the more mature out of all of us".


    "Muture?", Jason questioned surprised. "I''m the more mature here".


    "Keep telling yourself that", Sophie retorted jokingly.


    Think for a moment, Misaki replied, "Mh, I do like the sound of that".


    "Yeah it suits you well", Elowen added with a smile.


    A bit irritated, Jason interrupted the group, reminding them they should get going before the sunset. As they made their way to the downtown festival, Xavier turned to Jupiter and asked, "Yo bro, are you sure Aunt Liza won''t freak out when she finds out you left without telling her?"


    Jupiter shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Don''t worry, it''ll be fine."


    Xavier eyed him skeptically. "You sure?"


    "Yeah, yeah," Jupiter replied quickly. Then, lowering his voice, he added nervously, "But I''ll probably get a beating when I get home."


    In a dark, silent alleyway, the shadowy figure of Prince Magnus emerged, speaking in hushed tones to a group of armed men. He was there with a sinister purpose¡ªhiring hitmen to assassinate Xavier Ivanovich.


    Prince Magnus laid out his instructions with cold precision: the bandits were to ensure Xavier¡¯s death appeared accidental, leaving no room for suspicion. In return, Magnus promised them a fortune large enough to set them up for life, along with a small piece of land to call their own.


    The leader of the bandits eagerly accepted the deal, warning Magnus to keep his end of the bargain. With a solemn nod, Prince Magnus swore on his family''s name that he would fulfill his promises.


    As the bandits celebrated their newfound fortune, Magnus¡¯s eyes burned with a vengeful fury. His thoughts seethed with rage.


    "Xavier, because of you, I was not only brutally punished by my father, but my grandfather also stripped away a portion of my speed¡ªforever."


    "I will never forgive you for that."


    "I¡¯ll make sure you suffer for it!"

 From Dawn to Dusk

    The next morning, Xavier was warmly woken up by his maid, Anastasia, early in the morning.


    "Good morning Young Master. How did you sleep today?", Anastasia inquired with a warm smile.


    Xavier smiled back and answered, "I slept great, how about you?".


    "Fine just as usual", Anastasia replied.


    Placing Xavier''s breakfast on one of his tables that was far off his large bed, Anastasia inquired of Xavier, about what plans he had for today since it wasn''t a school day.


    To which Xavier replied, "I don''t know what to do".


    "You could go take your letually classes with the royal teachers?", Anastasia proposed.


    And not wanting to be bored by those boring royal classes, Xavier responded, "Actually, I do have plans".


    "I will go on a little stroll around the city streets since I haven''t explored them yet".


    Anastasia thought for a moment, then added, "Well, in that case, I will inform the royal guards about this".


    But Xavier immediately cut her off, stating in a panic, "Don''t tell the royal guards about it!".


    Confused, Anastasia then proposed, "Then how about I go with you then?".


    And Xavier answered, "Thank you, but I actually want to go by myself".


    Deeply surprised, Anastasia hastily replied, "But your majesty! If you ain''t going to be guarded by the elite royal knights, I should at least come with you for your safety".


    Seeing how panicked Anastasia was, Xavier immediately calmed her down and clarified that the reason he wanted to go by himself, was that he didn''t want to go out there in the city streets as a Prince, but as a regular citizen just like everyone there.


    Anastasia sighed, and took a deep breath, finally deciding to obey her master''s wishes to go out to the city of Moscow all by himself.


    She then told Xavier to eat his meal, and that she and the other maids would prepare his clothes for him to wear so that he didn''t catch too much attention.


    An hour later, Xavier was fully dressed in some casual clothing that wouldn''t make him stand out too much. And Anastasia then handed Xavier a small gold wrist chain, that had the Ivanovich family crest on it.


    "What''s this for?", Xavier questioned, looking at the chain.


    "You can think of it as a multy scenario key, that will help you in whatever situations you get yourself in", Anastasia answered.


    "For example, if you ever ran into trouble, just show that chain to the knights, and they will immediately help you in whatever you need".


    "And if you''re feeling hungry, you can just show that to whomever you are buying from, and they will it what they''re selling to you for free".


    Xavier then claimed in surprise and excitement, "Really? That''s so awesome!".


    "Yes, it is only normal for everything to kneel to your wants as a Prince of a great and powerful kingdom such as this", Anastasia retorted with a smirk.


    Before leaving, Xavier inquired where his family was, as he didn''t see them in the palace today.


    Anastasia replied, explaining, "Well to begin, her Highness, went out with her friends for a small vacation".


    "Vacation?", Xavier questioned confused.


    "Yes", Anastasia answered.


    Xavier''s thoughts suddenly shifted, and he mused to himself, "Wait, if big sis went out with her friends, that must mean she''s with Jasmine." His cheeks flushed as he pictured Jasmine''s beautiful face, the image lingering in his mind.


    "And for his Majesty and Prince Aleksander, they went to a political meeting that was taking place in another nation", Anastasia continued.


    "Wait, grandpa went to a political meeting with my big brother of all people?", Xavier questioned baffled.


    "Well it''s very normal for your brother to go along", Anastasia replied.


    "What do you mean why that?", Xavier asked confused. "Plus, my brother doesn''t attribute himself to stuff like politics as he finds them meaningless and dumb".


    Anastasia then asked Xavier, "Wait, Young Master, you haven''t heard about the news?".


    "What news?", Xavier questioned puzzled.


    Anastasia smirked, and revealed shocking news to Xavier, stating, "You haven''t heard about the news that your Lord Graviil is planning on revealing Prince Aleksander as the next to succeed the throne as Tsar of Russia to the world?".


    With his jaw dropped to the floor, Xavier stood there completely lost for words like a statue, as Anastasia giggled a bit at his reactions to the news.


    "My brother is becoming the King of Grand Russia?", Xavier questioned absolutely baffled.


    And Anastasia answered with a smile, "Yes!".


    Stolen novel; please report.


    "That''s awesome!", Xavier retorted in pure excitement and surprise.


    Anastasia laughed a bit and reminded Xavier that he should get going now before the streets of Moscow got even more crowded.


    Now remembering, Xavier grabbed the Visor of Time from Anastasia and a small pouch and immediately headed for the capital, weaving goodbye to Anastasia with a big smile.


    Anastasia adjusted her hair and smiled, weaving back at the now departing Xavier.


    "I know Young Master said that he wished to go alone, but I can''t help but feel a bit worried", Anastasia thought to herself.


    "I''ve never been so stressed like this before, why now?".


    "Either way, I should probably get dressed in disguise and follow Young Master from a distant".


    The scene then changed to Xavier happily wandering around the lively and massive streets of Moscow, filled with excitement and awe as he discovered many things he hadn''t seen in his lifetime.


    Xavier then suddenly felt a bit hungry and decided to go buy something for himself to eat.


    Coming up to a vendor who sold strange yet deliciously smelling buns, Xavier asked the vendor what the buns were. And the old man explained to Xavier that what he was selling was his family''s special Pirozhki, a fried yeast-leavened boat-shaped buns with a variety of fillings, that were the best street food in the entirety of Moscow.


    With his mouth salivating, Xavier then ordered one of those Pirozhki, and the vendor replied, saying that it would be 12 silver.


    Xavier then rolled up his left to show the vendor the small wrist gold chain that had his family''s crest on it.


    To the vendor''s absolute surprise, the old man''s jaw dropped as he saw the crest of the Ivanovich family on Xavier''s gold chain.


    The vendor immediately changed their attitude and warmly welcomed Xavier, realizing that the child that stood before him, was none other than Prince Xavier Ivanovich, the second Grandson of the Grand Prince of Moscow, King Graviil Ivanovich.


    As Xavier received the delicious buns from the vendor for free, and before he could take a bit, a small group of children excitedly approached Xavier, asking him if he could give them some.


    The vendor tried to chase away the children, but Xavier stopped the man before he could, and immediately ordered over 100 Pirozhki for the children to eat, which greatly left them all speechless.


    As the children enjoyed their fresh Pirozhki, they all thanked Xavier for his generosity, and Xavier reassured them that it was not a big deal.


    The children all joyfully played with Xavier for over an hour, before Xavier decided that it was time for him to continue his journey around the city of Moscow.


    As all the children waved goodbye to the kind man who bought them over 100 Pirozhki, Xavier came across an elderly, who was struggling to bring in some basket of vegetables into her house.


    Xavier immediately added to go aid the elderly in getting all the basket of vegetables into her house with no problems at all.


    Afterward, the elderly thanked Xavier for his kindness, and Xavier played it cool like it was his habit to do so.


    The elderly then treated Xavier to one of her grandchildren''s favorite dishes, her apple pies.


    A few hours had passed, and Xavier found himself perched on one of the many rooftops of Moscow''s beautiful buildings, gazing out at the seemingly endless expanse of the city.


    Eating the leftovers of the apple pie the elderly had baked for him, Xavier thought to himself, "I regret not coming out of my room earlier".


    "Look how beautiful this city is!".


    Taking a deep breath, Xavier thought, "I wish Father were here to see this with me".


    But suddenly, Xavier heard a voice crying out for help, and he looked down, only to see that a few of the children he was playing with earlier, were being abducted by a group of shady men.


    Xavier without a second thought, swiftly got down from the rooftop and immediately began to chase the men down, to where they were taking those poor kids.


    He trailed them for a few moments, before finding himself in an abandoned massive building, where he saw the men forcefully tieing up the children in tight ropes.


    As Xavier was about to head in, one of the men swiftly sneaked behind Xavier, and immediately hit him with a metal bar behind his head, knocking him down.


    "Hahaha, I can''t believe you fell for the oldest trick in the book", A man said as he calmly walked towards now severely bleeding Xavier.


    "I thought you would be hard to trick, but I guess I was overestimating you", the man continued.


    Placing his feet on Xavier''s head, the man scoffed, "You made our assassination on you even more easier".


    Xavier immediately brushed away the man''s feet from his head and swung at the man, who easily and swiftly dodged Xavier''s strike. And immediately kneeing Xavier on the ribs, fracturing them.


    On all four, Xavier coughed out blood from his mouth, as all the man''s underlings mocked and laughed at the state he was in.


    "What on earth? Why are abilities not working?", Xavier thought to himself in confusion.


    "Is it because of the Visor of Time? No if that was the case, I would still be able to use a weaker variant of my vector barrier to block his attacks".


    "My brain would have also activated the shield before one of his men could strike me behind the head".


    Seeing the state of confusion Xavier was in, the head of the bandit retired mockingly, "What''s wrong Kid? Cat bit your tongue?".


    Without thinking, Xavier foolishly charged at the man with all his might but was immediately humbled and beaten to a pull by the man.


    But to the man''s surprise, Xavier still got back up, with the Visor of Time falling to the ground.


    "What beautiful eyes you''ve got kid", the man said.


    "I can''t wait to rip them out of your brain and sell them for a fortune", he continued with a menacing grin on his face.


    The man let Xavier get his guard up, and when he did, he immediately punched Xavier directly in the face, with great force, knocking out some of his teeth.


    The head of the bandits continued his vicious blows on Xavier, whilst mocking him at the same time. But seeing that Xavier got back up from every single beating he received, the man felt a bruise to his ego.


    He then unsheathed a small dagger from the side of his boots, preparing to strike Xavier with it. The man instantly charged at Xavier who only saw his movements as blurs.


    The man threw a side attack, which Xavier was able to luckily block, but was fatally impaled on the right shoulder. The head bandit forcefully ripped off the dagger from Xavier''s shoulder which caused Xavier to yell in pain.


    Xavier tried to dodge another one of the bandit''s attacks, but the strike was merely a fake-out, as the man immediately caught Xavier off guard and stabbed him in the throat, to the horror of the children who watched as the man who was kind to them was being brutally beaten before their very eyes.


    "Why can''t I use my powers", Xavier thought to himself as he was stabbed in the throat.


    The man then bashed Xavier''s head into the ground, creating a small cretor. He then slowly walked away, wiping off Xavier''s blood from his hands, as he assumed he was dead.


    "You should have never tried to play hero kid", the man said walking away/


    "Especially against a great and powerful Expert core level like myself".


    "Your Father must be really disappointed in a weakling like you".


    As his vision blurred and consciousness slipped away, Xavier glanced toward the children, who watched him in tearful despair, helpless as he bled out.


    At that moment, the Dragon egg within Excalibur''s pocket dimension suddenly cracked open, and the skies blazed with light. A powerful bolt of energy struck Xavier where he lay, its deafening roar sending waves of fear through all who heard it.


    The bandit leader, paralyzed by a monstrous presence behind him, slowly turned around. To his shock and terror, he saw Xavier¡ªthe boy he had just killed¡ªnow rising to his feet.


    Xavier''s left arm was now etched with glowing runes and markings, his hair gleaming like the sun. His entire body pulsed with an overwhelming flux of ethereal energy, and his soulless eyes pierced into the very depths of the bandit leader''s mortal soul.


    -"RealmHeart"

 The Unleashing of the Dragon

    The bandit leader stood there in utter disbelief, but Xavier didn''t say a word and merely appeared before the children the bandit leader and his men had kidnapped, instantly.


    "What the hell? When did he get there?", the bandit leader thought to himself in panic.


    Xavier calmly untied the children, asking with a smile, "Are you guys okay?".


    With tears in their eyes, the children nodded, saying, "Yes" to Xavier''s question.


    Xavier then instructed the children to run as far away as possible, and to alert the knights in a near Guardhouse.


    The children complained, and immediately ran out of the massive abandoned building, leaving Xavier there all by himself with the vicious bandits.


    With his golden hair billowing in the wind that swept through the abandoned building, Xavier stood there calmly. His gaze was icy as he coldly questioned the bandit leader, "Who sent you to assassinate me?


    The bandit leader scoffed, and answered, "And why exactly would I answer that question?".


    Xavier remained quiet with a cold expression, and the bandit leader, smirked sinisterly, stating, "There''s no need for me to tell you who sent me since you''re going to be dead soon anyway".


    With his physical attributes monstrously amplified by RealmHeart, Xavier took a single step forward, unleashing a powerful burst of air that swept through the room, scattering everything in its path. The sheer force of it sent a shiver of terror through the bandit leader, who, now visibly shaken by Xavier''s overwhelming power, desperately yelled at his men, ordering them to ambush Xavier and bring him his head.


    As they all immediately rushed at Xavier, one of them with their sword in hand, thrust his sword at Xavier. Who calmly and swiftly sidestepped to his right. Xavier then instantly slammed the man''s face into the ground with great force it created a crater.


    The bandit leader watched in pure disbelief and terror, as Xavier swiftly dodged every one of the attacks thrown at him, back-slapping one of the bandit leader''s men in the face without even looking at them, sending them flying into the walls.


    As Xavier fended off the bandits'' ambush, one of them caught him off guard, driving a blade into his back. But with a swift, powerful grip, Xavier snapped the blade in half, then delivered a crushing backhand to the bandit''s jaw, sending him reeling.


    Just as Xavier turned to continue the fight, his attention was drawn to the leader of the bandits, who held one of the escaped children at knifepoint. The leader''s eyes gleamed with menace as he threatened to slit the girl''s throat if Xavier didn''t stop his attack immediately.


    "Let the girl go, you crazy coward!", Xavier shouted at the bandit leader in anger.


    Suddenly, one of the bandits attempted to strike Xavier from behind with a metal pipe, but Xavier merely stopped the attack with his bare hands, saying coldly, "The same moves won''t work on me".


    But at that moment, as Xavier turned his head back to the bandit leader, he watched in disbelief and shock as the man, with a cruel smile, slowly yet swiftly sliced the little girl''s throat. Xavier''s heart sank as the horrific scene unfolded before his eyes, leaving him momentarily paralyzed by the sheer brutality.


    As the girl''s body fell to the ground, the bandit leader began to laugh maniacally, saying, "I told you to stop your resistance. And now that poor girl had to pay for your foolish mistake".


    Xavier stood frozen in disbelief as the girl''s lifeless body slumped to the ground. The bandit whose weapon Xavier had stopped attempted to wrench it free, but it was futile. Xavier''s grip was unyielding, his strength overwhelming, as he remained motionless like an immovable statue, his eyes locked on the tragic scene before him.


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    In a flash, Xavier seized the bandit by the jaw, unleashing a surge of vectors into the man¡¯s body. The vectors accelerated the blood flow to a terrifying speed, causing the blood vessels to implode violently, knocking the bandit out cold.


    Consumed by a rush of anger, Xavier¡¯s eyes burned with fury as he screamed at the bandit leader, "I¡¯m gonna kill you!" A monstrous draconic aura exploded from his body, engulfing the entire building. The sheer force of it filled the air with a suffocating pressure, striking terror into the hearts of the remaining bandits.


    "Come forth, Blade of Sovereignier, Calibourne," Xavier commanded, his voice steady and resolute. A shimmering portal materialized beside him, and from its depths, the legendary sword Excalibur emerged, its blade gleaming with an otherworldly light as it floated into Xavier''s grasp.


    This was no longer a fight, but a massacre, as Xavier began to slaughter all the bandits that attacked him with Excalibur, cutting through them like butter, making sure not to kill them.


    The bandit leader immediately formed a condensed ball of air on his palm and began to launch it at Xavier at lightning speed. Xavier was somewhat able to block some of them, with Excalibur, but was still severely injured by them, as they pierced through his skin with ease.


    The bandit leader pressed on with his relentless assault, but suddenly, Excalibur erupted in a blinding light, accompanied by a resounding, holy bell-like chime. Overwhelmed by the intensity, Xavier yelled at the top of his lungs, pushing through the excruciating pain. With a surge of determination, he charged at the bandit leader with unbridled speed and fury.


    The bandit leader desperately tried to maintain his distance from Xavier, but Xavier swiftly shattered the ground beneath them. He sent a torrent of vectors into the earth, creating a tumultuous surge that severely restricted the bandit leader''s movements and left him struggling to regain his footing.


    Teleporting before the bandit leader, Xavier swung Excalibur at him, but he quickly dodged it. But he wasn''t so lucky, as his right arm was instantly cut off by Excalibur.


    The bandit leader screamed in utter pain and agony, but Xavier merely thrust Excalibur into the man''s chest, pinning him onto the wall.


    Xavier summoned a surge of energy, channeling a flux wave of vectors to activate his long-awaited vector shield. As the shield materialized, Xavier wasted no time; he directed its immense power toward the bandit leader, crushing him with relentless force. Simultaneously, Xavier manipulated the wind outside, generating a counterforce against the wall to prevent it from shattering under the pressure of his vector shield.


    The bandit leader''s screams filled the air as his body was crushed under the infinite pressure. As Excalibur, already embedded in him, drove deeper, amplifying his agony.


    "Xavier stop!", a voice shouted in distress out of nowhere.


    Xavier ignored the voice, thinking he was hearing things, but the voice continued, yelling at him to stop.


    "You''ve already won, the man is now defeated. Now stop before you end up killing him", the voice continued.


    Xavier ignored the voice again, which made it panic, as it then said, "You don''t want to do this Xavier. You don''t want to do something you will deeply regret after".


    Replying to the voice in anger, Xavier yelled, "Just who are you to tell me what to do?".


    "You don''t even know me. Did you even see what this monster did to that innocent child!".


    The voice replied, "I do know you, Xavier".


    "And you''re not the type to be overcome by your emotions, and the type to kill someone".


    "So please, let the man go".


    Tears of anger and pain welled up in Xavier''s eyes as he reluctantly deactivated his vector shield, halting his assault.


    As the energy dissipated, Xavier''s form gradually returned to its normal state, the intense glow of golden hair and the markings on his right side, fading. The bandit leader, paralyzed by terror, watched in horror as a shadowy figure of an immense and terrifying dragon loomed behind Xavier, its presence filling the room with an overwhelming sense of dread.


    At that moment, Anastasia and a swarm of royal knights burst into the building, only to be struck speechless by the horrifying scene before them. Bodies lay strewn across the floor, and an immense, terrifying dragon stood menacingly beside Xavier.


    The royal knights instinctively drew their weapons, ready to confront the dragon, but Xavier swiftly stopped them with a weary gesture. Slowly, he turned his head toward Anastasia, his voice low and filled with sorrow. "Plea...se, save the... girl," he whispered, before collapsing. The mighty dragon caught him gently, cradling him as he fell.


    "Young Master!", Anastasia yelled, as she rushed to his aide.


    Checking Xavier''s pulse to see if he was still breathing, Anastasia immediately yelled at the knights, ordering that some of them go and call medics and healers to come to the scene.


    As the knights moved to follow Anastasia''s orders, a black-haired man stood on a distant rooftop, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with a smirk. "After years of searching," he murmured to himself, "I''ve finally found Xavier Laurent."

 Gratitude

    Early in the morning, Xavier lay asleep on his bed, covered in bandages for his wounds. But then, a voice repeatedly called for him, asking for him to wake up already, because he had been asleep for 3 days already.


    As Xavier slowly opened his eyes, he vaguely saw a cat with silver and gold fur, standing above his face. With his eyes fully awake, the cat said, "Oh finally! I have been screaming at you to walk up for 5 minutes now".


    To which Xavier jumped up terrified, saying, "An ugly talking cat?".


    "Who are you calling ugly you brat?", the talking cat replied irritated.


    "For your information, I have fairly beautiful fur, Xavier", it continued with a bold and confident demeanor.


    Xavier then asked worried, "How do you know my name, you ugly talking cat!", as he took out his hand, ready to call upon Excalibur.


    The cat answered with a menacing grin, "How would a handsome night-omniscient being like me not know who you are?".


    Menacingly laughing, the cat continued, "That''s right Xavier, I am all-knowing and I know everything about you. Even your deepest darkest secrets".


    Xavier murmured to himself, "All-knowing?".


    "Wait, Lord Alcmena?" Xavier said as he finally realized who the talking cat was.


    The cat snickered and replied, "The one and only..."


    But before he could say more, Xavier suddenly hugged Alcmena tightly, his voice filled with a sad longing, "I missed you, Master."


    Alcmena smiled, petting Xavier''s head with his paws, "I missed you too, Kid".


    "But you sure took your time in remembering who I was, huh?", Alcmena joked.


    Xavier laughed and replied, "Well I did immediately realize it was you. Since you''re the only person I know who always brags about being night-omniscient all the time".


    Alcmena chuckled, stating, "You sure know me well, huh?".


    "Of course I do, you are my teacher after all!", Xavier answered in a cheerful tone. This made Alcmena feel a sense of happiness, as he noticed how big Xavier had grown.


    At that moment, Anastasia walked into the room, carrying a tray of Xavie''s favorite dessert, chocolate caramel pancakes. And Xavier immediately tried to cover Alcmena with his pillow, so Anastasia couldn''t see him.


    But Anastasia calmly and swiftly stated, "You don''t have to worry, Young Master. Lord Alcmena has already told me who he was beforehand".


    "Wait really?", Xavier questioned surprised. "Did you really tell Miss Anastasia your real identity?".


    And Alcmena responded, "Of course, I did! She already saw me in my true form. How do you expect me to lie to her?".


    "How would I know?", Xavier retaliated. "Didn''t you say you were all-knowing?".


    Irritated, Alcmena blushed embarrassingly and replied, "Why you lousy brat".


    Placing the tray of dessert on the table, Anastasia calmed everyone down, and expressed her relief at Xavier, to him finally waking up and being full of energy.


    Xavier smiled brightly, scrunching his head, and said, "Well, I''m sorry for worrying every one of you".


    Gently petting Xavier''s head, Anastasia replied, "It''s okay Young Master. All that matters is that you are finally awake and safe".


    Swiftly and soundly getting away from Xavier and Anastasia, Alcmena jumped on the table where Xavier''s dessert was, taking a bit at the pancake.


    "This is incredible!" Alcmena shouted in amazement after taking a bite.


    Turning to Anastasia, he asked, "Did you make this?"


    "Yes," Anastasia calmly replied.


    Alcmena then proceeded to devour Xavier''s dessert, stating afterward, "This is the best thing I''ve eaten in over millions of years".


    "You are an incredible cook, beautiful lady!", he added.


    Anastasia blushed and shyly replied, "Thank you very much, Lord Alcmena".


    "It is my first time baking Young Master''s favorite dessert, so I am very thankful that you think it''s good".


    Alcmena, with chocolate bits still clinging to his whiskers, complimented Anastasia, saying, "I shouldn''t be surprised. It''s only natural that the hands of a beautiful young goddess like you would bake something so out of this world."


    Embarrassed, Anastasia held her now blushing cheeks and tried to downplay the praise. "Oh, stop it. I''m not that beautiful."


    "I''m 30 years old, practically ancient now. I can''t imagine being called young."


    Alcmena smoothly retorted, "Well, it seems the concept of aging is a thing of the past for you, to be so beautiful and youthful at such an age."


    "Thank you," Anastasia replied shyly.


    "You''re welcome, oh blessed goddess," Alcmena added with a cheeky smirk.


    Jumping off Xavier''s table, Alcmena then asked, "My goodness, are you by chance already in a relationship with someone? It would really be a national loss if so."


    Anastasia giggled, her cheeks still red, and answered, "No, I''m not married. I''ve never been in a relationship before."


    With a confident look, Alcmena continued, "Oh my, it seems the heavens have blessed me."


    "I wonder how content the dragon kingdom will be to hear that a new Dragon Queen will reign."


    Surprised, Anastasia questioned, "Wait, you wish for someone like me to be your wife?"


    "Of course!" Alcmena replied with a sneer. "I will offer you any power and desire of your heart once we are married."


    Anastasia giggled shyly, blushing as she said, "You sure are smooth with your words, Lord Alcmena."


    Tapping his head with pride, Alcmena confidently stated, "I possess millions of years of experience with women, all contained in this artifactual mind of mine."


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    Xavier sat on his bed, utterly speechless at what he was witnessing. His thoughts raced, "That pancake was meant for me. And he ate it all..."


    "You ugly, fat, talking cat..." he muttered under his breath.


    Alcmena whipped his head around, eyes narrowing as he telepathically snapped, "What did you just say, you brat?"


    Spooked at how Alcmena read his thoughts and was bel to communicate with him through his mind, Xavier questioned, "Wait, we can speak telepathically?".


    And Alcmena annoyed answered, "Of course we can".


    "That''s awesome!", Xavier excitedly said to Alcmena telepathically.


    Remembering that she had something important to tell Xavier, Anastasia smiled, clapping her hands together, and informed Xavier, "Oh, Young Master, I forgot to tell you, but there are a few visitors who came to meet you today".


    Surprised, Xavier asked, "Really? Who are they?".


    Anastasia giggled, stating, "It would be better to come to see for yourself, Young Master".


    Curious about the visitors at the Ivanovich Royal Palace, Xavier quickly dressed and headed downstairs. Just a few minutes later, he descended the grand staircase, with Alcmena perched on his shoulder and Anastasia following closely behind.


    Reaching one of the palace''s lounge rooms, Xavier was shocked to see that the children he had saved from the bandits that kidnapped them, stood before him with smiles of joy.


    Noticing Xavier, all of the children immediately ran up to him, jumping with joy and excitement to see him.


    The parents of the children, came up to Xavier, thanking him for saving their children, showing their deepest gratitude.


    Xavier laughed it off, saying that it was only natural for one to help others who are in a dare situation.


    Kneeling to the children, Xavier asked, "It''s been a while hasn''t it? How have you all been doing?".


    The children eagerly answered, "We''ve been doing great, Mister".


    With a little chuckle, Xavier continued, saying, "Oh by the way, we haven''t really properly exchanged names with each other".


    "My name is Xavier Ashford. What about you all?".


    Anastasia was a bit taken aback to hear Xavier call himself an Ashford and not an Ivanovich. But she remained silent, as she knew it was not her place to speak against, his Majesty.


    "The name''s James," one of the children said, a proud look on his face.


    "My name is Nyla," another chimed in.


    "I''m Nollan," added a boy, nodding towards the girl beside him. "And this is my little sister, Mireille."


    "Hi, mister!" Mireille waved cheerfully at Xavier.


    Finally, the girl Xavier had feared had died at the hands of the bandit leader, stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "My... my name is Kiana."


    Xavier''s smile brightened as he gently petted Kiana''s head. "Nice to meet you, Kiana."


    Noticing the absence of any scars on her neck, he added, "I''m glad to see you''ve recovered from your wound."


    "Yeah, me too" Kiana shyly responded, nodding her head.


    Nollan''s little sister Mirielle pulled Alcmena by his tail, making him jump in pain. "Wow, your cat is so beautiful Mister".


    Xavier smiled and replied, "Thank you. His name is Ark".


    "Ark? That''s so cool!", all the children shouted in awe.


    Anastasia quietly giggled to herself, which embarrassed Alcmena, and scratched Xavier''s face¡ªangrily shouting at him telepathically, "Reall Ark?".


    "How of all the names you could have given me, you chose that?".


    Xavier laughed and replied, "Relax, it''s not that big of a deal".


    "Plus, I think it''s a cute name", Xavier added tauntingly.


    Alcmena''s veins pooped out in anger, murmuring to Xavier, " You cheeky brat".


    "You sure know how to boil my blood, huh?".


    The children then eagerly gave Xavier a token of gratitude, which was a bracelet they had hand-made for him. That was made up of different vibrant colors and had tiny cute little drawings of Xavier and all of them eating Pirozhki together.


    Xavier was deeply moved by the gift, and the children quickly embraced him, exclaiming, "Thank you for saving us, Mister. You''ll always be our hero!"


    With a broad smile, Xavier hugged them back and replied warmly, "You''re welcome!"


    Alcmena and Anastasia, the children''s parents, stood by, their hearts filled with warmth and their faces lit up with smiles as they watched the touching moment unfold.


    Afterward, the parents gathered their children and prepared to head home, each of them bidding Xavier a fond goodbye. Just before leaving, Kiana quickly planted a kiss on Xavier''s cheek, catching him off guard and leaving him momentarily stunned. With a shy smile, she waved and said her farewell, leaving Xavier touched by the sweet gesture.


    Many hours after that, Xavier sat on the balcony handrail of his room, gazing at the bracelet the children had made for him.


    "You seem to like it a lot don''t you", Alcmena said, sneaking behind Xavier.


    "Yes I do", Xavier responded. "Never in my life did I ever think I would not only be awarded for fighting against a terrifying beast, let alone be called a hero my kids".


    "Maybe this is what my Father wanted to show me about using my powers for the good of others".


    "Your father sounds a lot like my old man", Alcmena jokingly said. "Always going on a rant about love; how to be a King; and using your powers for good and not for evil".


    Xavier laughed and said, "Well he isn''t wrong tough".


    Taking a deep breath as he gazed towards the setting sun from the horizon, Xavier then said, "I don''t know how to describe this feeling, but I feel at peace and accomplished".


    With a proud look on his face, Alcmena then knocked Xavier''s head with his tiny cute paws, and said, "Before you get all up with your emotions. We should first keep them and your powers in check".


    "Before you end up doing something even more foolish like you were about to do to that bandit".


    "Because it''s easy to become a villain yet hard to be a hero. So keep that in mind, brat".


    Xavier laughed and replied, "Alright, alright, whatever you say, Master".


    Far away, deep into one of the secret chambers of the Russian Imperial Kingdom. The bandit leader was being interrogated by the imperial knights, about the reasons behind Xavier''s assassination attempt, but he would not budge.


    Suddenly, Aleksander came walking into the cell, accompanied by royal guards, and his butler, Nikolai Petrov.


    The knights that were interrogating the bandit leader informed Aleksander that they had tried everything to get the man to talk, but he refused to.


    Aleksander calmly walked up to the bandit leader, who began to mock Aleksander, saying, "Who''s this your leader?".


    "I won''t talk, even if you sent this wanna-be king to interrogate me".


    The knights wanted to kill the man right there and then for bad-mouthing the future King of Russia, but Aleksander immediately stopped them from doing so.


    Aleksander sighed, then unleashed his monstrous and terrifying aura in an instant. The overwhelming force slammed the bandit to the ground, paralyzing him with fear and sending a wave of dread through everyone present.


    "What''s happening? Why can''t I move?" the bandit thought, panic rising as he struggled to comprehend the situation.


    With great effort, the bandit slowly lifted his head, only to be met by a cold, unyielding gaze from Aleksander. His heart nearly stopped as he caught sight of those eyes¡ªdark red, like the richest wine, now glowing with a vibrant intensity. Within them, golden symbols resembling keys shimmered ominously.


    "No... it can''t be!" The bandit''s mind raced, recognizing the legendary eyes from countless stories¡ªthe Eyes of Supreme Authority. These were the unmistakable marks of the Ivanovich family, a clan said to wield absolute control over all they surveyed.


    "The Eyes of Supreme Authority!" the bandit whispered in terror, the realization crashing over him. "This man... he''s from the Ivanovich family!"


    As Aleksander''s aura began to manifest as a mighty, fearsome lion, its presence dominating the space, Aleksander spoke with a calm yet commanding tone that brooked no defiance. "Speak. Who sent you to try and assassinate my brother?"


    To the bandit''s astonishment, words began to spill from his mouth uncontrollably, every detail of his mission laid bare under Aleksander''s command. The room fell into stunned silence as the bandit revealed the shocking truth: it was Prince Magnus of the Flashstride family who had ordered Xavier''s assassination.


    As Aleksander released his grip over the bandit''s will, his butler, Nikolai Petrov, stepped forward, his voice thick with concern. "I can''t believe someone from the Flashstride family would dare to target an Ivanovich. Do they not understand the consequences? This could spark an uproar, even lead to war between our families!"


    Aleksander remained calm, his voice steady as he replied, "If war is what they seek, then they will face the full weight of their actions."


    Turning his attention back to the bandit leader, who had begun to shout defiantly, Aleksander''s expression remained cold and unreadable. "Do you think revealing who sent me will stop me or my allies from going after that disgrace of a brother of yours?" the bandit leader sneered.


    In an instant, without a word, Aleksander''s eyes flashed, and the bandit leader''s limbs twisted and contorted unnaturally, snapping with a sickening sound. The man''s defiant screams quickly turned to cries of agony as he realized his body had been irreparably destroyed. Aleksander watched with cold indifference as the bandit leader writhed in pain.


    With a final, emotionless glance, Aleksander turned and strode out of the cell, his butler and guards following closely behind. As he wiped the bandit''s blood from his royal coat, he issued a chilling order to one of the knights. "Dispose of his remains once he bleeds out."


    Without another word, Aleksander left the cell, the echoes of the bandit leader''s screams fading behind him, a grim reminder of the fate awaiting those who dared to cross the Ivanovich family.

 My Own Story

    The next day at school during class sessions, the school bell rang, and Miss Seo-Yeon Park began to pack her things into her handbag, as all her students bid her farewell with big smiles on their faces.


    "I wonder what Joshua is doing right now", Miss Seo-Yeon pondered to herself.


    "He probably is in the training ground, soundly sleeping", she added giggling.


    Miss Seo-Yeon immediately left the classroom with a big smile on her face, as she mischievously plotted plans to annoy Instructor Joshua. Walking through the hallway, Miss Seo-Yeon was warmly greeted by other students and teachers. One of the teachers asked her jokingly, "Are you by any chance going to go provoke Joshua?".


    With a big grin on her face, Miss Seo-Yeon replied, "Of course I am!".


    "There will never be a day where I won''t be tormenting Oppa!", she continued.


    "That''s a terrifying way to put it", the fellow teacher replied.


    Miss Seo-Yeon laughed and added, "I''m sure he loves my torments". As she began to slowly walk to the training grounds.


    Bidding her fellow teacher goodbye, Miss Seo-Yeon finally reached the immense training grounds and immediately reached for Instructor Joshua, but unfortunately, he was nowhere to be seen.


    "That''s odd, Oppa''s not here", Miss Seo-Yeon thought to herself.


    Scratching her head on where Instructor Joshua could have gone, Miss Seo-Yeon murmured to herself in dismay, "That selfish man. This isn''t normal for him not to be at the training grounds at this hour".


    Sighing, she continued, "Why has he been acting like this? For over several months now, Oppa''s been very distant and more cold than ever".


    "Maybe I should buy his favorite drink to cheer him up!", Miss Seo-Yeon pondered, thinking of ideas to brighten up Instructor Joshua.


    Miss Seo-Yeon suddenly caught the faint, unmistakable sound of a blade slicing through the air, coming from a distance. Curiosity piqued, she cautiously made her way toward the source. As she drew closer, she was taken aback to find Princess Misaki, katana in hand, sparring with a training dummy, her movements swift and precise.


    Standing a bit further, Miss Seo-Yeon watched Princess Misaki sparring, analyzing all of her footwork and sword movements. Which seemed flawless to the normal human eyes, but not to her.


    Covering her katana with a cloak of lightning, Princess Misaki unleashed a powerful and devastating attack that precisely only targeted the dummy, and utterly annihilated it.


    As Princess Misaki finished her training, she wiped the sweat from her face, and thought to herself, "It''s still not good enough".


    But then, Miss Seo-Yeon clapped her hands, slowly walking towards Princess Misaki, who was spooked by the sounds of her hands clapping as she had made sure that no one was present in the training ground.


    "That was incredible", Miss Seo-Yeon complimented, applauding her.


    "Professor Seo-Yeon?", Princess Misaki pondered to herself in surprise. "When did she get here? I didn''t even sense her presence nearby".


    Seeing how nervous Princess Misaki looked, Miss Seo-Yeon apologized to her for spooking her, clarifying that she didn''t know she was in the training ground, and only stumbled across her by accident.


    With a deep breath of relief, Princess Misaki reassured Miss Seo-Yeon that she didn''t need to apologize and that everything was fine.


    Taking this opportunity, Miss Seo-Yeon pointed out to Princess Misaki about the way she fought, saying, "I saw how swift and well-trained your form and footwork were".


    "But one thing that I first noticed, was how your movements were a direct replica of that of the Grand Monarch of the Heavens, Lady Yamato Mei, your Grandmother".


    "Which made your movements look very sloppy and uncoordinated, even though one would assume that you were a genius swordmaster".


    Surprised at how Miss Seo-Yeon was able to notice that, Princess Misaki lowered her head in embarrassment and disappointment. Miss Seo-Yeon noticed and immediately apologized, stating that she didn''t mean to offend or discourage her.


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    She then proposed that they should take a seat. As they did, Princess Misaki immediately questioned Miss Seo-Yeon about how she knew her movements resembled those of her grandmother.


    Miss Seo-Yeon replied with a smile, "Well to answer that question, I had actually worked with Lady Yamato in the past".


    "Wait really?", Misaki said utterly surprised.


    "Yeah!", Miss Seo-Yeon replied excitedly. "To simplify it, before I became a teacher for the Pennsylvania Royal Academy, I used to be in the Grand Army of the Kingdom of Korea. And was later sent over to the military army of the Japanese for a few years".


    "So that''s how I met your Grandmother".


    "That''s amazing, teacher!", Princess Misaki exclaimed. "I never knew you were in the army, Miss Seo-Yeon".


    Miss Seo-Yeon smirked proudly and responded, "I know I know, I''m cool. But that''s now in the past, and I''m a professor of the Pennsylvania Royal Academy".


    "Anyways, about your movements, why do you mimic how Lady Yamato fights?", Miss Seo-Yeon asked curiously.


    Princess Misaki sighed, and answered, "Well... I copied my Grandmother''s way of fighting because I wanted to impress her".


    "You wanted to impress her?", Miss Seo-Yeon questioned.


    "Yes," Princess Misaki replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "It¡¯s because I¡¯m not as skilled or talented as my other siblings. So she¡¯s never spared me a second glance my entire life."


    With a deep breath, she continued, "I thought that if I could perfectly replicate her moves, maybe she¡¯d finally notice me¡ªfinally give me the attention and validation I''ve always craved. I look up to her so much; she¡¯s been my hero since childhood, the person I¡¯ve always aspired to become."


    Listening to how much Princess Misaki deeply idolized her Grandmother, Miss Seo-Yeon sighed, and stated, "You royals sure love being coldhearted and harsh to your own flesh and blood".


    Placing her hand on Princess Misaki''s shoulder, she then said looking Princess Misaki in the eyes, "I understand why you would Idolize the Head of your Imperial family, Lady Yamato, everyone does".


    "She''s strong, courageous, isn''t led or blinded by her emotions, and could have been the strongest member in the entire history of the Yamato clan, but isn''t only because of how the founder, Lord Yamato, was the vessel of the Sky Dragon, Lord Osiris".


    "So it''s very normal about how you feel and view her as your idol".


    "But the one thing about life is that we are all born differently with our own traits and desires".


    "You weren''t born just to imprison yourself in the ideologist of how others treat or think about you, but to live your own life how you want it to be".


    As Princess Misaki''s eyes brightened by the words of encouragement by Miss Seo-Yeon, Miss Seo-Yeon continued, saying one last thing, "And don''t forget Misaki, live the life you want and don''t copy or try to live it how others want it to be or to impress anyone".


    "Forge your own path, write your own story, make your own decisions, and don''t worry about what others think of you."


    "That includes what your family thinks...".


    Taking in the words of her teacher, Misaki took a deep sigh, and said, "I will try, teacher...".


    "That''s the spirit!", Miss Seo-Yeon replied with utter joy and excitement. "Now, let''s continue your training. And I will show you some footwork and treats, to help you form your own fighting steal".


    "So you don''t need to push yourself to match that of your Grandmother", Miss Seo-Yeon continued with a smirk.


    "Alright!", Misaki exclaimed a bit nervous.


    Misaki picked up her blade, her smile tinged with nervous anticipation. It was her first time training under Miss Seo-Yeon, her history teacher. Misaki knew this session wouldn¡¯t be easy; it promised to be a brutal experience, much like the hellish drills she endured under Instructor Joshua.


    Just a few hours later, Misaki got out of the women''s changing room with her towel on her head, physically and mentally fatigued from the excruciating training Miss Seo-Yeon gave her.


    Walking through the hallway like a walking zombie, Misaki noticed Jason, Elowen, Jupiter, Sophie, and everyone else all oddly gather around Xavier.


    Curious about the commotion, Misaki peeked around the corner. She quickly realized that everyone was gathered around Xavier because they were all fawning over a cat perched on his shoulder.


    "What''s going on here?", Misaki asked a bit confused about the situation.


    Emily excitedly exclaimed, "Big sis, Come check Xavier''s new pet! He''s so adorable!".


    As she took a look at Xavier''s Alcmena in his cat form, Alcmena suddenly jumped onto her arms, which greatly surprised everyone else.


    "It seems he''s fond of you", Aria commented.


    "I don''t think he is", Jack replied a bit jealous.


    Jupiter scoffed, saying to Jack, "You''re just salty bro".


    "No I''m not!", Jack replied bluntly lying.


    With a smirk on his face, Jason sarcastically said, "It''s okay bro, you don''t have to get angry".


    "I mean, I understand how you feel. Being unable to touch such a cute cat because you''re allergic to cats".


    "I''m not allergic to cats", Jack embarrassingly replied.


    Petting Jack at the back, Elowen comforted Jack, saying with a bright smile, "It''s okay Jack. We''ll get you a different animal to pet next time". Which made Jack feel a bit more reassured by the words.


    With Alcmena comfortable in her arms, Misaki turned to look at Xavier, and asked, "What''s his name, Xavier?".


    "His name is Ark", Xavier hesitantly answered, as Alcmena gave him a death stare.


    "Ark, huh? I like that name", Misaki replied with a smile on her face.


    Gently rubbing Alcmena''s fur, a spark of electricity appeared, which caught everyone off guard as they didn''t know what just happened.


    "That''s odd", Xavier commented a bit taken aback. "That''s never happened before".


    "Maybe it''s a sign of their bond", Sophie excitedly guessed.


    "I wouldn''t jump to conclusions", Misaki jokingly responded.


    Gazing into Alcmena''s beautiful golden eyes, Misaki recalled Miss Seo-Yeon''s words about following her own path and living the life she truly wanted.


    "My own story, huh?", Misaki thought. "I wonder what that would be".

 The Awakening of RealmHeart

    February 28th, 1809


    It was a bright yet breezy day, with leaves rustling in the wind as birds chirped from the tree branches, filling the air with their melodies.


    Xavier stood in the training grounds of his family¡¯s estate, beads of sweat dripping down his face as he struggled to maintain RealmHeart. Alcmena watched over him, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. They had been at this for weeks, but Xavier could barely keep the transformation stable for more than a few seconds.


    With an exhausted sigh, Xavier collapsed onto the ground. "This is impossible, Master!" he groaned, frustration lacing his voice.


    Alcmena scowled. "Stop whining and focus."


    Xavier gritted his teeth. "We''ve been at this forever! A whole year in your realm and weeks here, and I still can¡¯t hold RealmHeart for more than a moment."


    Alcmena sighed, his irritation giving way to understanding. "I get it, kid. It¡¯s frustrating. But not everything in life comes easy. If it did, it wouldn¡¯t be worth much. Now get up."


    Still lying on the ground, Xavier muttered, "Can¡¯t we try another method? Forcing draconic energy out of my Dragon Seed just isn¡¯t working."


    "There¡¯s a reason I¡¯m having you do it this way," Alcmena replied, his tone even. "You¡¯re terrible at extracting ethereal energy. And, well¡­ you don¡¯t even have an ethereal core, which makes things ten times harder."


    Xavier scowled. "It¡¯s not my fault I was born like this!"


    Alcmena pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled. "Look, every being is born with an ethereal core¡ªa boundless well of energy. But just because one''s ethereal core possesses an unlimited amount of energy doesn¡¯t mean one can tap into it fully and access it. There are limits"


    "And since you don''t have an ethereal core, but an endless formless pool of ethereal energy flooding around like a heavy stormy sea in your being. It''s incredibly hard for you to extract energy from it like how other people with a core do".


    Xavier frowned. "So that¡¯s why I can¡¯t use RealmHeart properly?"


    Alcmena nodded. "Exactly. I figured if I made you force energy from your Dragon Seed, you¡¯d eventually get the hang of drawing from your own energy the same way. But¡­" He sighed, scratching his head.


    Struggling to admit his mistake due to his dragon pride, Alcmena added with an annoyed expression, "But I must admit, it was a very bad idea on my part".


    "So don''t blame yourself for failing¡ªblame me," he continued.


    With a little giggle, Xavier smirked and jokingly said to Alcmena, "Wow! This is the very first time I''ve seen you put your pride away. Ark, is that really you?".


    "It''s the first time you¡¯ve actually explained things in a way that makes sense using that all-knowing mind of yours. Maybe I really did break your pride."


    Alcmena flushed. "Don¡¯t mess with me, brat! I just thought it was the best option at the time! Plus, I''m not even nigh-omniscient anymore!"


    A bit confused, Xavier asked, "What do you mean by that, Master?".


    Alcmena answered, "What I meant is that, though I possess the great wisdom since I''ve lived for so many years, I do not possess the nigh-omniscient level of intelligence I did before".


    Xavier questioned, "Oh! So did you become dumb?".


    "No, I didn''t, you annoying brat!", Alcmena retorted utterly flustered. "What I meant, was that though I possess all of the abilities of my original body. I am actually at the same level of power and ethereal core stage as you".


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    "Or to simply put it, I am as weak as you. Plus, only Grand Herrschers are given a nigh-omniscient source of intelligence and power".


    With a frown on his face, Xavier replied, "To bluntly call me weak in my face... it''s a bit mean".


    Gently petting Xavier''s head, Alcmena responded to him, "Don''t get all sad kid, I''m only stating the truth".


    "You big meanie," Xavier retorted, puffing his cheeks adorably.


    Alcmena chuckled, and continued his explanation, "Anyways, I won''t stay weak for long. For as long as you grow in power and advance your core stages, I will grow alongside you until I reach my original strength".


    "That''s a bit reassuring", Xavier replied. "Means I won''t have to worry about being killed by strong enemies in the future, with you by my side".


    Alcmena laughed, and said to him, "I''ll make sure to get you as strong as possible to fight without me being there".


    "I don''t want you getting all lazy just because I''m there with you".


    Xavier retorted, "You sure know how to bring down somebody''s happiness, huh?".


    "Don''t be like that, Xavier", Alcmena answered. "It''s for your own good".


    At that moment, Anastasia walked into the immense training ground, carrying a service trolley filled with food and snacks, for both Xavier and Alcmena to eat after Anastasiaeir training.


    "Greetings Young Master and Dragon Lord, Alcmena", Anastasia greeted, bowing her head.


    "What¡¯s up, Miss Anastasia!" Xavier called, instantly perking up.


    She giggled at his enthusiasm. "I take it training is still not going well?"


    Alcmena sighed. "The kid still can¡¯t activate RealmHeart properly. Turns out the root of the issue is his ability¡ªor rather, his inability¡ªto extract ethereal energy."


    Anastasia¡¯s brow furrowed. "That¡¯s strange. I¡¯ve never heard of anyone having trouble drawing ethereal energy before."


    "Neither have I," Alcmena admitted. "It¡¯s exhausting."


    Overhearing Anastasia and Alcmena''s conversation, Xavier¡¯s mind raced. If the problem was his inability to extract energy, then maybe... He suddenly remembered something¡ªFaelwen¡¯s book. The one that explained ethereal energy manipulation in depth.


    Without another word, he bolted from the training grounds, leaving Alcmena and Anastasia blinking in confusion. Moments later, he returned, book in hand.


    "This!" he announced triumphantly. "Miss Faelwen gave me this book. It has to have something that can help!"


    Alcmena raised a brow. "An elven manuscript? Hm. Not a bad idea."


    Xavier flipped through the pages, his cosmic eyes scanning the words with unnatural speed. One passage stood out: Energy flows differently for everyone, but the fundamental principle remains the same¡ªone must find a visualization that resonates with them. Personalized imagery will make the process easier and more intuitive.


    Xavier paused. Visualization... what image could he use?


    His eyes drifted toward Alcmena, who was casually sipping fruit juice through a straw, courtesy of Anastasia. Something clicked in his mind.


    A straw.


    Closing his eyes, Xavier meditated, envisioning the storm of ethereal energy inside him. Instead of trying to forcefully pull it out, he imagined drawing it through a thin, controlled stream¡ªjust like sipping juice through a straw. The chaotic energy funneled smoothly, guided by his will. And then¡ª


    A surge of power erupted from his core. His body ignited with a divine, dragon-like aura.


    Xavier¡¯s hair grew slightly longer and shimmered with an otherworldly glow, turning a radiant pure gold-like color. Runes and symbols carved themselves onto the right side of his body, glowing with raw energy. The overwhelming presence of RealmHeart enveloped him.


    "Wow!" Xavier exclaimed in astonishment, feeling the newfound energy coursing through him. "My body feels lighter... and stronger!" he added, slowly clenching his fists, marveling at the strength and vitality that now pulsed within him.


    Seeing Xavier in his RealmHeart state up close for the first time, Anastasia was stunned by the dramatic transformation in his appearance.


    Anastasia could hardly believe her eyes as she took in the sight, captivated by the powerful aura that now surrounded Xavier.


    "He did it!", Anastasia gasped.


    Alcmena smirked with a proud smile across his face, his expression resembling a proud father''s. "Yeah. He did."


    But just as quickly as it came, RealmHeart flickered out. Xavier dropped to his knees, his vision spinning.


    "Are you alright, Young Master?!" Anastasia rushed to his side, steadying him.


    Alcmena placed a hand on his chin, assessing the situation. "His body¡¯s just adjusting. It¡¯s reacting to a completely new way of drawing energy. Give it time, and he¡¯ll get used to it."


    Xavier groaned but managed a grin. "That¡­ felt amazing. I can finally use my vector powers properly again!"


    Alcmena¡¯s smirk faded slightly. A heavy thought crossed his mind. The reason he¡¯s been struggling with his powers isn¡¯t just a lack of training. Deep down, he¡¯s still holding himself back¡ªhaunted by the trauma of his father¡¯s death.


    His golden eyes softened as he silently resolved, I won¡¯t tell him. He doesn¡¯t need that weight on his shoulders right now.


    Patting Xavier¡¯s shoulder, Alcmena grinned. "Alright, kid. Now let¡¯s make sure you can actually maintain RealmHeart."


    Xavier beamed. "Bring it on!"

 Growth

    September 28th, 1809


    Seven months had passed since Xavier began training to master the art of RealmHeart. With each grueling day, his abilities grew sharper, yet the struggle had been anything but easy. Now, as the crisp autumn air whispered through the training grounds, the young prodigy stood, his aura gradually fading as he let the ethereal glow of RealmHeart dissipate.


    Turning to Alcmena, who sat nearby with a bowl of roasted nuts in his paws, Xavier declared, "I''ve finally mastered it. Staying in my RealmHeart state now takes much less energy and focus."


    He clenched his fists and exhaled, his expression a mix of relief and frustration. "But I still hate the fact it took me this long to finally master this transformation."


    Alcmena, nonchalantly popping another nut into his mouth, shrugged. "Well, it took that long because your body needed time to adjust to absorbing more ethereal energy than it''s been used to for years. Transformation isn''t just about skill; it''s about foundation."


    He smirked, adding with a playful tone, "Don''t get so worked up about how long it took. Just like a mighty blade needs to be folded countless times to achieve perfection, you needed time to forge the balance between resilience and strength."


    Xavier sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine. But now that I''ve mastered RealmHeart, will you finally teach me about the other stages you mentioned?"


    Alcmena tilted his head, pretending to think. "Oh yeah, that!"


    Xavier groaned. "What do you mean, ''Oh yeah, that''? You made it sound like the next stages were crucial!"


    Alcmena''s golden eyes gleamed mischievously. "Let''s leave those stages for later. First, it''s time you learn to wield my abilities."


    Xavier''s eyes lit up. "Finally! Did it really have to take this long for you to start teaching me?"


    Alcmena''s ears twitched as he replied, "Oh, shut it, kid. The only reason it took so long was because you needed to fully control RealmHeart before even thinking about channeling my powers."


    Xavier''s lips curled into a teasing grin. "So, what are we waiting for, Master? Are you also going to teach me how to wield the powers of Excalibur?"


    Alcmena raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with confusion. "What do you mean, teach you? You''ve already used Excalibur''s powers."


    Xavier froze, the teasing tone dropping from his voice. "Wait¡ªwhat? I''ve already used Excalibur''s powers? When?"


    "Do you remember your fight against that bandit leader?" Alcmena asked.


    "Yeah¡­?" Xavier replied, frowning slightly.


    "Well," Alcmena continued, "in those final moments, before you wiped out those bandits like they were nothing, you somehow managed to activate Excalibur''s core ability. That''s why the sword suddenly started glowing so intensely, and you heard that church bell ringing out of nowhere."


    Xavier''s eyes widened, excitement overtaking his confusion. "Wait, that was Excalibur? I thought I was hallucinating or something! That''s insane!"


    Alcmena gave a small nod, crossing his arms. "It was no hallucination. You tapped into Heroe''s Residual, Excalibur''s greatest gift."


    "Heroe''s Residual?" Xavier asked, leaning forward. "What does it do?"


    Alcmena''s gaze sharpened, his tone steady as he explained, "Heroe''s Residual is not merely a power¡ªit is the essence of hope itself. Hope doesn''t guarantee triumph; it ensures you''ll rise again, no matter how dire the circumstances. With every blow you endure, every step you take, Excalibur grows stronger, reflecting your will to keep fighting. In your hands, the sword chooses not just a warrior, but a beacon for all who would follow you."


    He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing. "To put it simply, Heroe''s Residual grants you the ability to overcome any obstacle. It can alter the course of time, warp fate, and even reshape reality itself¡ªall driven by your desire to conquer the challenges ahead."


    Xavier stared at him, his jaw practically on the floor. "That¡­ that''s incredible!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with wonder.


    Alcmena smirked faintly, though his tone remained measured. "It is. But don''t get too carried away. While Heroe''s Residual is unmatched in power, it comes with a significant drawback¡ªit relies entirely on your willpower and resolve. If your determination falters, the ability will fail, no matter how desperate the situation."


    Xavier''s enthusiasm dimmed slightly as he processed Alcmena''s words. "So, if I can''t keep my will strong enough, I won''t be able to use it at all? That''s a pretty harsh trade-off¡­"


    Alcmena stepped closer, his piercing gaze locking with Xavier''s, firm and unwavering. "Don''t let that discourage you. Your willpower, Xavier, is unmatched. It far surpasses that of others your age¡ªor even beyond." His voice softened, though the conviction in his words never wavered. "You have the potential not only to unlock the near-omnipotent power of Excalibur itself but also to awaken the Dragon Seed¡ªthe source of all my powers within you."


    Xavier grinned, shaking off the lingering doubt. In one swift motion, he hoisted Alcmena off the ground, his playful side returning. "You''ve got a lot of confidence in me, Master."


    Alcmena scowled, arms crossed even as he allowed himself to be lifted. "And you''ve got a lot of nerve. Now put me down before I teach you a lesson you won''t forget."


    Xavier laughed, his spirits lifted as he gently set Alcmena down. "Alright, alright. But seriously¡ªthank you." His voice carried a sincerity that cut through the lighthearted banter. "I won''t let you down. I''ll make sure I live up to the hope that Excalibur¡ªand you¡ªhave in me."


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    Alcmena''s grin returned. "I hope you do, because you''re my faithful student, after all. Now, enough talk. Rest up for an hour. You''ll need your strength for what''s next."


    Xavier smirked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Before I do, do you have anything else your forgetful mind wishes to tell me, gramps?"


    Alcmena''s expression twisted with indignation. He swiped his clawed paw at Xavier''s face, lightly grazing him. "Gramps?! I''m only 275 million years old! I''m not that old, you annoying brat!"


    Xavier burst out laughing. "Relax, Master! I''m just joking around."


    Alcmena, still ruffled, grumbled, "You''d better be, you punk."


    Regaining his composure, Alcmena continued, "Anyway, other than some sub-effects Excalibur has, the only main power you need to focus on is Heroe''s Residual."


    "Really?" Xavier questioned.


    "Yes," Alcmena confirmed. "And as your Master, I''ll guide you in wielding the full potential of Excalibur."


    Xavier smiled brightly. "I''m counting on you, Master!"


    After an hour''s rest, Alcmena abruptly woke Xavier.


    "Ugh, Master, my body aches. I don''t think I can keep going anymore," Xavier groaned, rubbing his eyes.


    "Stop whining, brat!" Alcmena snapped.


    "But why are you pushing me so hard? I haven''t even mastered my green core yet," Xavier complained.


    Taking a deep sigh, Alcmena explained, "Kid, I''m doing this for your own good."


    "My own good?"


    "Yes! What else would it be for?" Alcmena retorted. "You can barely use your vector powers, and you haven''t grasped even a fraction of Excalibur''s potential¡ªor your Dragon Seed."


    Xavier sighed, clearly hurt. "You don''t have to be so rude about it, Master. So what are you trying to teach me now?"


    Alcmena smirked. "One of the most powerful abilities in my arsenal."


    "What is it?" Xavier asked, his curiosity ignited.


    "Why do you look so excited, kid?" Alcmena teased. "Aren''t you the one who was whining just now?"


    Xavier''s excitement faltered. "Why are you always so mean to me..."


    "Shut it," Alcmena said coldly.


    "Meanie," Xavier retorted, puffing up his cheeks in mock frustration.


    "Back to the point," Alcmena said, ignoring Xavier''s antics. "Since you carry my Dragon Seed and can access my powers as my vessel, you''ve finally met the requirements to learn them. Especially now that you''ve mastered RealmHeart."


    "My powers are called Astral Sovereignty," Alcmena continued. "This ability gives me command over celestial and fundamental forces¡ªspace, gravity, cosmic constructs, quantum forces, and more."


    "Astral Sovereignty? That''s an awesome name, Master!" Xavier exclaimed.


    Alcmena smirked proudly. "There''s a reason they call me the Grand Herrscher of the Cosmic Realms."


    "Now," Alcmena continued, "the ability I want you to learn is called Blackhole, or as I prefer, Blackstar Authority."


    "You really love giving your powers cool names, huh, Master?" Xavier teased.


    Ignoring the jab, Alcmena explained, "By the name alone, you know what it does. It''s incredibly versatile and serves as the foundation for mastering my other abilities."


    Alcmena instructed Xavier to assume a meditative position and activate RealmHeart. "Feel the energy around you," Alcmena guided. "Visualize condensing it into a single point in space."


    Xavier tried repeatedly but failed each time. The space around him warped slightly, but only faint sparks appeared before the energy dissipated.


    "Why can''t I do it?" Xavier murmured, his discouragement growing.


    Sitting on Xavier''s head, Alcmena gently slapped his cheek with a paw. "Don''t overthink it, kid," Alcmena said softly. "It''s normal to struggle when learning something new. Take it slow."


    "Okay," Xavier replied, his voice subdued but determined.


    Suddenly, Violet entered the training grounds, her radiant smile lighting up the entire space like a morning sun piercing through shadows. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward Xavier, wrapping him in a bear hug so tight it threatened to crush his ribs.


    "What''s up... Sis?" Xavier managed to choke out, struggling to breathe. "Is everything alright?"


    "Everything''s great! I was looking for you and heard from Miss Anastasia that you were training here!" Violet exclaimed, squeezing him even tighter, her joy bubbling over like an overexcited puppy.


    "Ah, I see," Xavier wheezed, wiggling free from her unnaturally strong grip.


    Spotting Alcmena perched on a nearby rock, Violet''s eyes sparkled. She darted toward him and scooped him up in one swift motion, hugging him as if her life depended on it. "Ark, you''re so adorable!" she gushed.


    Alcmena froze, his normally sharp demeanor reduced to a facade of ordinary feline nerves. Letting out a hesitant meow, he played along, all while silently cursing Xavier for not warning him.


    "I''ve always wondered where you found him," Violet said, cradling Alcmena as though he were the most precious thing in the world.


    Xavier hesitated, then awkwardly lied, "Oh, I found him during my visit to Moscow."


    Violet''s perceptive eyes lingered on her younger brother for a moment, clearly seeing through his flimsy excuse. She chose not to press him, knowing that Xavier only lied when he had a good reason. Instead, she stroked Alcmena''s fur gently, her smile softening.


    "You sure like training a lot¡ªjust like Aleksander," she said, her voice carrying a hidden note of worry.


    "Of course!" Xavier declared with conviction. "How else will I become a paladin-knight as great as Saint Sebastien?"


    Violet sighed, but instead of dampening his enthusiasm, she patted his hair gently. "Then keep going, little brother. I believe in you."


    Xavier''s face flushed from the rare encouragement, his lips curving into a beaming smile. "Thanks, Sis. That means a lot."


    With a playful gleam in her eyes, Violet suddenly proposed, "Let''s have a sparring match. I want to see how much my little brother has grown."


    Xavier''s confidence wavered. "You do remember how absurdly strong you are, right?"


    Her only response was a mischievous grin.


    After a quick change into proper training attire, Violet emerged, wielding two awe-inspiring weapons: the Shield of Achilles and Mighty Lancelot, a lance that gleamed with an aura of ancient power.


    "What are those?" Xavier asked, captivated.


    "These?" Violet replied with a smile, holding the weapons out proudly. "They''re my ethereal instruments¡ªa gift from Grandpa. They once belonged to our grandmother, Svetlana Ivanovich."


    "That''s so cool," Xavier said, his awe written all over his face.


    Unsheathing Excalibur, Xavier released an immense, divine aura that washed over the training grounds like a tidal wave. Violet''s eyebrows arched in surprise as she felt the weapon''s overwhelming presence.


    "Quite the blade you''ve got there, little brother," Violet teased.


    "Yeah... I, uh, got it at an auction," Xavier lied awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.


    Violet smirked knowingly but chose not to call him out. "Well, let''s see how well you can use it."


    The air grew tense as they faced off, their eyes locked in a silent exchange. Xavier''s thoughts raced. I can''t risk using RealmHeart or Violet would never let me hear the end of it. I''ll just have to rely on raw skill and speed.


    Before he could finish his thought, Violet vanished from his sight. In a blink, she reappeared behind him, her lance striking with devastating precision. Xavier barely managed to block with Excalibur, the impact sending him skidding across the training ground. He crashed into the dirt, coughing and clutching his left arm.


    "Not bad, little brother," Violet said, her voice light but her eyes sharp.


    "Not bad? That almost broke my arm!" Xavier muttered, staggering to his feet.


    "Distractions can be deadly, even in practice," she chided.


    Raising Excalibur, Xavier grinned despite the pain. "Alright then, no more distractions."


    "That''s the spirit!" Violet cheered, lunging forward.


    Their weapons collided with explosive force, releasing a shockwave that rippled through the grounds. The clash of steel echoed like thunder as the siblings exchanged blows, each strike faster and more precise than the last.


    On the sidelines, Alcmena lounged in a lavish chair, wearing tiny shades and casually munching on grapes, his expression the epitome of relaxed amusement. "Kids these days," he muttered to himself, chuckling.

 The Relentless Duel

    In his fierce sparring against his elder sister, Violet, Xavier had an extremely hard time keeping up with Violet''s movements. As she was just too quick for his eyes to even see her move between places, because of how fast she moved.


    Xavier swung Excalibur at Violet, but she quickly leaped over it, now standing on top of Xavier''s blade like a light feather.


    "Your movements are too predictable, Xavier", Violet remarked with a sneer. "You won''t be able to land a hit on me if that continues".


    Knowing that everything she said was undoubtedly true, Xavier didn''t weaver and persisted with his attacks.


    Launching a furry of slices at Violet, who easily evaded all of them with a calm smile on her face, Xavier threw a sword thrust at Violet. Who yet again, swiftly dodged it, but it was exactly what Xavier wanted Violet to do.


    Xavier swiftly kicked Violet''s left leg, causing her to lose balance and begin to fall. However, she quickly caught herself, performing a handstand on one arm to regain stability.


    Not missing a beat, Xavier followed up with a knee strike aimed at her gut. But once again, Violet blocked the attack with her free arm, though she felt a sting of pain. With a sneer, she said, "Nice try, little brother. You''ll have to do better than that to land a blow on me."


    Violet then immediately tossed Xavier away with great force, and not sparing a second, got back on her feet, and launched Mighty Lancelot at Xavier at lightning speeds, creating a whirlwind around the lance as it spun towards Xavier''s direction.


    Xavier swiftly activated his vector barrier, though a weaker version which is unable to reflect any attacks but can only be used as a defensive mechanism, to block Lancelot from reaching him.


    "Why on earth is it this weapon?" Xavier groaned, struggling to maintain his barrier against the overwhelming force of Violet''s ethereal instrument, Lancelot.


    Below him, Violet prepared to leap into action, but Alcmena quickly warned Xavier of her intentions. Heeding Alcmena¡¯s warning, Xavier immediately deactivated his vector barrier and teleported beside Violet, ready to strike her down with a swift swing of Excalibur.


    Violet narrowly dodged the surprise attack, but the blade sliced off a lock of her hair in the process.


    "That was close", Violet said to herself in relief at dodging Xavier''s sudden attack.


    Violet immediately punched Xavier in the gut, followed by a quick kick to his face to create distance. Yet, Xavier remained unfazed, closing the gap between them with relentless determination.


    He swung a vertical strike at Violet, but she dodged effortlessly, vanishing from sight only to reappear in front of him. Grabbing his sword arm, she twisted it with such force that he was instantly disarmed.


    With a swift kick to the back of his right leg, she forced him down onto one knee and landed a punch squarely in his face. Xavier threw a sloppy counterattack, which Violet easily dodged, retaliating with a backhanded slap that sent him reeling.


    Xavier threw another counterattack which Violet questioned on why he would do so even though it didn''t work before, but Violet swiftly dodged it yet again.


    As Violet dodged the attack, she was suddenly struck by an invisible force that slammed into her face, sending her stumbling backward with great force.


    The force was Xavier¡¯s vector shield, which he had activated and expanded in less than a second. The powerful blow was caused by the shield''s rapid outward expansion, creating an explosive force as space struggled to keep up.


    "What was that?" Violet gasped, visibly surprised.


    "I finally landed a hit," Xavier remarked, pointing to the bruise forming on her cheek where the shield had struck. "Now that should prove that I''ve grown a lot stronger, wouldn''t you say?".


    Violet smirked and answered, "Just landing one hit doesn''t mean that the sparring is over, brother".


    "Oh I know", Xavier replied.


    As Xavier summoned Excalibur into his hands, a sudden nosebleed caught him off guard. Confused at first, he quickly realized that his body was being overwhelmed by the immense energy surging from the sword.


    His body trembled uncontrollably, unable to handle the excessive ethereal energy flooding through him. Without hesitation, Xavier sheathed Excalibur back into its elegant, white sheath, trying to regain control before the power consumed him entirely.


    "I forgot about how restraining using Excalibur can be", Xavier thought to himself. "It overflows my body with its divine energy constantly, and that''s a bit burdening".


    Noticing that Xavier had sheathed back his sword, Violet taunted, "What''s wrong Xavier? Don''t tell me you''re giving up now?".


    To which Xavier responded, "Not in a million years!".


    Knowing that Excalibur was still as deadly when it was even sheathed, Xavier readied himself before he could continue his sparring with his sister. Violet called upon her lance, Mightly Lancelot once more, and readied herself as well.


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    As the room fell silent once more, they both immediately charged at each other at full speed. But as their weapons clashed, Xavier immediately activated his Aura, and in that moment, instantly used his Vector Nova attack point blank, destroying their surroundings, as their clash began even more fierce.


    Xavier rotated Excalibur so rapidly that it appeared to move in slow motion, leaving behind afterimages in its wake. In a single, fluid motion, he launched a powerful thrust at Violet, amplifying the strike with his Vector Nova attack for maximum impact.


    Unfortunately for Xavier, before it could reach Violet, she immediately conjured her shield, Achilles, that successfully nullified the attack''s damage on Violet, except for their surroundings, as the floor beneath them cracked and crumbled.


    Xavier threw multiple more attacks but they didn''t work, so Alcmena immediately informed him that it would be futile to continue to strike at Violet''s shield. As he had observed that it can absorb the attacks of the opponents'' attacks, and nullify the attack completely.


    "What am I supposed to do then!", Xavier complained telepathically to Alcmena.


    Who answered, "Listen, kid, I''m going to tell you something and you''re going to keep it in that thick skull of yours".


    "Just because her shield can absorb the kinetic energy from your attacks, doesn''t mean it''s impossible to get past it".


    "What are you getting at?", Xavier questioned confused, still in his battle against Violet.


    "What I''m trying to say, is that it''s a shield at the end of the day". Alcmena replied. "And all shields have one flaw, they are unable to completely protect their wielder''s entire body, leaving room for surprise attacks".


    Realizing the point Alcmena was trying to make, Xavier smiled and thanked Alcmena for his help, with a fire burning in his eyes.


    Alcmena merely sighed at Xavier''s confidence in thinking he could win against his sister in a battle, even if it was a sparring match.


    Now, during his sparing against Violet, Xavier teleported away to give himself some distance, as he did, he used his Regokinesis Blade technique on Excalibur, and launched a furry of deadly slashes at Violet, as he yelled, "Multi-directional Echo".


    Violet was able to block the appending slashes with the help of her shield, Achilles, which absorbed them in contact. But a single was able to get past the shield''s defense and slash Violet on the shoulder.


    "Oh my!", Violet said in surprise.


    Xavier instantly teleported in front of Violet, catching her off guard as she momentarily lowered her defenses. He quickly enveloped his hand in a dense layer of his vector shield, forming a protective coating like a second skin. This allowed him to grab Lancelot, which was spinning at a rapid speed, distorting the space and air around it, without suffering serious injury. With a powerful motion, he prepared to toss the weapon aside.


    After disarming Violet, Xavier swiftly aimed a kick at her gut. However, Violet easily blocked the strike with the Shield of Achilles. Undeterred, Xavier pointed his finger at her, instantly blasting her backward by activating and rapidly expanding his vector shield.


    Xavier didn''t stop there and immediately dashed at Violet, preparing to win right here, right now. Slowly activating RealmHeart: Stage One, but not completely to where his physical appearance didn''t change that much.


    With a blue aura enveloping his entire body, Xavier combined his Regokinesis Blade technique with the Vector Nova technique, creating something entirely new¡ªStasis Oblivion, a power he had yet to master.


    Excalibur vibrates with intense energy, glowing with a dark chaotic blue as the Regokinesis and vector forces intertwine. A distortion field forms around the blade, warping the light and air around the blade.


    As Xavier yelled at the top of his lungs, ready to deliver the final blow, Violet stood there smiling proudly at how far Xavier had come, and how strong he had now gotten. Making her feel that she didn''t need to constantly worry about his safety, as he was becoming strong enough to protect himself from strong assassins of foes.


    Extending her hand, Violet calmly uttered, "Divine Banishment." In an instant, chains materialized around Xavier, locking him in place with a key that sealed itself with a final click. His Stasis Oblivion was dispelled in an instant, and the power drained from his body, stripping him out of his RealmHeart form.


    "That was an amazing sparring session, little brother," Violet said, effortlessly stopping Excalibur with one hand. "But there¡¯s something I noticed¡ªyou were using that sword like any other ordinary blade."


    She glanced at Excalibur. "To truly wield it, you¡¯ll need to develop a style that matches its unique power. Only then will you unlock its full potential."


    With a swift chop to the back of Xavier''s neck, Violet knocked him out cold. Leaning in with a proud smile, she whispered, "You did great, Xavier. I''m proud of you."


    At that moment, Anastasia walked into the training grounds carrying a tray of snacks and tea for Xavier and Alcmena but was utterly stunned to see the complete chaos of a mess Xavier and Violet had caused.


    "Oh, what''s up, Miss Anastasia!", Violet greeted cheerfully noticing Anastasia.


    Anastasia bowed her head and greeted Violet back, still awe-struck by the state of the training ground.


    Violet then closed her eyes and began to focus an abundance of holy energy onto Xavier''s body, to heal him from any injuries and pain. As she did, a bright silhouette of a woman that seemed to resemble an elve materialized right behind Violet as she healed Xavier.


    As Violet finished healing Xavier, she turned to the bright silhouette, who said to her with a smile, "You seem to have improved with your healing capabilities, Violet".


    To which Violet responded with a big grin, "Well, I still have some problems using your gifted powers, Master. But I do think that I did improve a lot from when we first met".


    The woman giggled and said, "Yet you still act exactly how you were as a kid".


    Violet puffed up her cheeks, which were now red like a tomato, and said grumpily "I''m not a kid!".


    The woman Violet spoke to was none other than the spirit of Queen Tessia Valandor, one of the legendary monarchs of the elven kingdom. Revered as the Spirit of Immortality, the Immortal Empress of Divine Grace, and the Herrscher of Divine Healing, she was now bound to Violet Ivanovich as her current contractor.


    From a distance, Queen Tessia noticed Alcmena watching. She smiled knowingly at him, recognizing his true nature. To her, he was not just a beautiful cat but a god disguised in feline form.


    Alcmena returned the smile, aware that she could see beyond his false appearance.


    Violet, meanwhile, realized that the wounds inflicted by Excalibur were taking much longer to heal, even with her master¡¯s abilities. Determined, she channeled more divine energy to accelerate the healing process.


    "What kind of sword is that?" Violet wondered aloud, her tone filled with awe as she fully healed herself. "To cause such damage, to where I have to use more energy than I''ve used before to fully heal... where did Xavier find such a weapon?"


    Violet shook off her lingering doubts, pushing aside the questions that had no answers. Without hesitation, she picked up Alcmena, hugging him tightly. She then ordered Anastasia to safely carry Xavier back to his room.

 The Divine Royal Family

    In his grand lavish room, Xavier woke up light-headed with a mild headache. Seeing that Xavier had finally woken up, Anastasia hurriedly ran to his assistance, helping Xavier get out of his bed properly.


    "Why do you seem so worried Miss Anastasia?", Xavier questioned a bit curious.


    To which Anastasia answered, "It''s nothing, I''m just happy to see that you are alright".


    Xavier was taken aback by Miss Anastasia''s overly caring demeanor, but the moment was cut short. Alcmena, sitting at a distance and watching the exchange, suddenly burst into laughter.


    "You seem to have lost a few brain cells, kiddo!" he teased, grinning widely.


    Flustered, Xavier shot back, "Shut it, you ugly cat!"


    "Who are you calling an ugly cat?!" Alcmena snapped, his tone shifting from playful to sharp.


    Sensing the rising tension, Anastasia quickly intervened, her voice calm and soothing. "Xavier, are you hungry? You should eat something."


    Still fuming, Xavier muttered, "No, I''m not hungry."


    Alcmena scoffed and smirked. "Get over it, kid. No need to spread your bad vibes around my woman."


    Xavier, under his breath, grumbled, "You''re the one spreading bad vibes with that stench of yours."


    "I heard that!" Alcmena growled, his sharp ears catching his murmur.


    Rolling his eyes back, Xavier then questioned Anastasia, asking, "Oh by the way Miss Anastasia! Is Grandpa here today?".


    "I haven''t seen him in a while now".


    Anastasia replied, "Lord Graviil? Oh he''s at his officer right now. If you would like, I could take you to him".


    But Xavier immediately cut Anastasia mid-sentence, telling her, "No need to do that. I''ll go see him myself". Xavier then ran out of his room, grabbing the Visor of Time, as Anastasia and Alcmena were left behind in disbelief.


    "That brat...", Alcmena murmured to himself in frustration.


    "You sure care about him a lot, don''t you?" Anastasia teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.


    Alcmena let out a long sigh before replying, "It''d be a lie to say I don''t."


    Anastasia giggled softly. "That explains it," she said. "You two act like a father and son."


    Alcmena paused, reflecting for a moment. Father and son, huh? he mused to himself. After a brief silence, he shrugged and said, "I guess you could say that."


    Xavier who ran through the palace''s hallways, greeting many servants and guards along the way, finally reached his grandfather''s officer room which was heavily guarded by knights.


    "Good evening, Young Lord", One of the knights greeted. "How have you doing today?".


    "I''ve been doing great!", Xavier replied.


    Another knight stepped forward, his tone respectful yet curious. "Young Lord, are you here to meet with Lord Graviil by any chance?"


    "Yes I am!", Xavier answered cheerfully.


    As the door to Graviil''s office opened, Xavier eagerly rushed inside, only to freeze in surprise at the sight of Violet already there.


    "Xavier!" Violet exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "How have you been? Are you feeling alright?"


    Xavier laughed nervously, caught off guard by her enthusiasm. "I''m doing great, big Sis. How about you?"


    "Fantastic!" Violet grinned, her eyes gleaming with joy.


    Graviil, watching his grandchildren with fondness, chuckled softly. "You seem to be doing well, Xavier," he said with a gentle smile.


    "What brings you here?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.


    Xavier shifted slightly before responding, "I just wanted to check on you, Grandpa. It''s been a while since we''ve had a chance to talk."


    Graviil''s smile grew warmer. "I appreciate that, Xavier. I''m sorry I haven''t been able to spend much time with you both lately."


    He sighed, glancing at the piles of paperwork on his desk. "Work''s been overwhelming lately¡ªit''s doubled from the usual load, and I''ve been buried in it."


    "You don''t need to apologize, Grandpa!" Xavier said, a bright smile spreading across his face.


    "Exactly," Violet chimed in, with a smile. "We know you''re really busy, so there''s no need to feel bad about it."


    Graviil then began to laugh hearing their response. He then stopped the paperwork he was doing, pushing it and the others aside, as he stated to his 2 beloved grandchildren, "Well, since you''ve come all this way to see me. Why don''t we make it worth wild?".


    Graviil rose from his chair and walked over to Xavier and Violet. Settling onto a nearby couch, he gently lifted Xavier and placed him on his lap, while Violet sat closely beside him on the plush, lavish cushions.


    Placing his hand on Xavier''s head, Graviil asked Xavier with a bright smile, "Xavier, have you ever wondered about the history behind the Ivanovich, and why we are born with unique colored hair?".


    "No not really", Xavier answered.


    To which Graviil stated, "Well to start, the Ivanovich family have been a royal family for many thousands to millions of years, just like the other 3 grand families".


    "But the thing that makes us different from the other royal families, is that we weren''t originally a family born with gifted powers".


    In utter shock, Xavier exclaimed, "Wait, really?! How''s that even possible?".


    Graviil chuckled and replied, "To answer your question, we only began to be born with powers, after a great being had blessed our bloodline".


    "A great being?", Xavier questioned perplexed.


    "Yes, a great being," Graviil replied, his voice calm but reverent. "One day, this being chose our family to be its vessel, bestowing upon us its divine, holy powers."


    Xavier, now intrigued, leaned forward. "Who is this great being?" he asked eagerly.


    Graviil''s expression grew serious as he answered, "This mysterious being is a god, known as The Purest One."


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    Pausing for a moment, he added, "Though, in our family, we often refer to it as The Highest Will."


    "The Highest Will?", Xavier murmured a bit confused. "That sounds so awesome!".


    "I know right!", Graviil exclaimed excitedly as well, which made Violet begin to laugh in amusement.


    A bit embarrassed, Graviil quickly regained his composure. "Anyway," he continued, "The Highest Will is one of the two first beings created by Origine, long before the four great races existed. Not much is known about it outside of our family."


    Xavier, intrigued, leaned in and asked, "Who''s the other being created by Origine?"


    Graviil responded casually, "Oh, that would be the Lord of the Outer Space, Voidless."


    Xavier, utterly astonished, exclaimed, "Then that means this being, known as the Highest Will, must be incredibly powerful, right?"


    Graviil replied, "We Ivanovich referred to the Highest Will as the third member of the Trinity of Supreme Beings. However, many historians and noble families don''t agree with this claim that our family holds."


    "But we continue to uphold this belief, as we are the only lower beings to have ever made contact with the Highest Will and witnessed its omnipotent, divine powers firsthand."


    Xavier sat there, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement at what his grandfather was about to say next. Graviil continued his tale, explaining to Xavier that, The Highest Will, was the Father of Divinity, God of Holiness, and The Spirit of Authority.


    The Highest Will had bestowed upon them a divine gift known as Divine LionHeart, an ability that granted access to all forms of divine and holy powers.


    The second blessing, The Eyes of Supreme Authority, allowed its bearer to command anything they desired, only limited by their imagination. When combined with Divine LionHeart, these blessings made the Ivanovich family one of the greatest and most powerful in all of human history.


    Xavier then asked Graviil, "Do you have both of those gifted abilities?"


    Graviil, looking a bit shy, replied, "I don''t have the Eyes of Supreme Authority, since I wasn''t born with it. But in return, I was born with a unique ability of my own¡ªthe power to manipulate light to a greater extent than Divine LionHeart. It''s called The Absolute Light."


    "When I combine my gifted ability, The Absolute Light, with the Divine LionHeart I inherited, it makes up for not having the Eyes of Supreme Authority."


    Violet, with a playful tone, chimed in, "I wouldn''t feel too bad about it. The last person born with the Eyes of Supreme Authority lived over 10,000 years ago!"


    "So it''s not very much something we can gain even if we wanted to".


    Xavier then asked Violet, "Do you possess The Eyes of Supreme Authority, Big Sis?".


    Violet jokingly replied, "If I did possess the Eyes of Supreme Authority, I would have shown it to you already, Xavier".


    "So no, I do not possess the Eyes of Supreme Authority", she continued.


    A bit surprised, Xavier apologized to Violet for being rude and inconsiderate. But Violet merely rubbed his hair, saying, "It''s okay, Xavier. You don''t need to be sorry".


    "Plus, it''s not like I don''t have my own unique gifted ability like Grandpa to compensate for my lack in not possessing the Eyes of Supreme Authority".


    "Wait?", Xavier exclaimed, taken a back. "You do?".


    "Yes I do!", Violet replied enthusiastically. "And it''s called, Divine Banishment".


    "It gives me the ability to temporarily block someone''s access to their gifted ability, and in some cases, even permanently disable it. However, meeting the conditions for a permanent block is quite challenging."


    Returning to her point, Violet added, "Since Divine LionHeart grants its user control over holy abilities, we essentially possess near-immortality, along with divine regeneration that heals any wounds we sustain."


    "And that''s one of the main reasons why I was chosen by the great Divine Saintest, Lady Tessia, one of the great ancient rulers of the Elvin kingdom, to be her vessel", Violet continued with a proud smile.


    "You''re so cool, big Sis", Xavier said in astonishment.


    Violet''s nose metaphorically sharpened like a pencil as she felt a surge of pride, thanks to her little brother Xavier''s praises.


    Graviil then began to chuckle at Violet and Xavier''s bond, as it made him very happy to see how much of a strong relationship they had.


    Continuing his story, Graviil then told Xavier, that what Violet had said about The Eyes of Supreme Authority being a very rare gifted ability for an Ivanovish to be born with. The only current person to possess it alongside the Divine LionHeart, is Aleksander.


    "Big brother Aleksander has them both?", Xavier questioned baffled by the revelation.


    "Yes he does", Graviil anwsered.


    Violet jokingly remarked, "Why are you so surprised, Xavier? It''s Aleksander we''re talking about here. For earth''s sake, h¨´te''s a born Herrscher, after all."


    "I see your point," Xavier replied, pausing for a moment in thought.


    Graviil then added, "Yes, Aleksander is indeed a special case. He''s the chosen one of our clan, beloved by the heavens, and blessed with tremendous potential."


    "But that same blessing is also his greatest limitation. No matter how powerful one becomes, they are still mortal at the core."


    "That''s why your older brother has a seal placed on him¡ªto prevent him from accessing his full power, as doing so could severely harm him."


    "And even if he reaches the level of a Herrscher again, I doubt that would be the full extent of his power. His potential goes far beyond what any mortal¡ªor even a Herrscher¡ªcan contain."


    "For Aleksander to truly reach his potential, he would need to ascend beyond the realm and level of a mortal being and Herrscher. And potentially step into the realm of the Supreme Gods".


    "On top of that, he still struggles with using the Eyes of Supreme Authority. It requires the user to be in a state of complete calmness, free from any emotions. If he tries to use it while feeling anything but calm, the ability could endanger those around him¡ªand even himself. In some cases, it might prevent him from using the ability at all."


    "That''s a heavy restriction", Violet remarked surprised.


    Xavier sat there wondering to himself, how his brother could be so strong. And felt very curious, wanting to know more about what this divine being, The Highest Will, could be.


    Noticing how deep in thought Xavier seemed, Graviil gently regained his attention. "Take a look at our family flag," he said, gesturing to the banner flapping in the wind just outside the office window.


    The family flag displayed two angelic beings with white wings and golden hair, dressed in flowing white garments adorned with blue ribbons that draped over their shoulders and cascaded down to their waists. The angels held a red and gold crown, which they gently placed upon the head of a majestic white and silver lion, standing proudly at the center of the flag.


    "That white-silver lion right there is what the Highest Will was described in our family records to look like when he appeared to them", Graviil said smiling, to a now very astonished and excited Xavier.


    "He looks so cool, Grandpa!", Xavier exclaimed in enthusiasm.


    Graviil smiled and explained, "Not just that, to answer the very first question I asked. The reason we are born with silver hair is because it''s a symbol of the covenant our family has made with the Highest Will".


    "Though we should have had, a more silver-white hair. But since we are not absolutely pure like the Highest Will, our hair was only able to become silver like this".


    Xavier''s mouth dropped, as he stood there utterly captivated by the majestic silver-white lion''s appearance, which he had never really batted an eye at. But now knowing the story behind it, he couldn''t get his eyes off it.


    At that moment Aleksander walked into the room, his hands filled with numerous pieces of paperwork, as he said, "Grandfather, I completed the documents you needed me to fill out".


    Seeing his elder brother after a while, Xavier ran to Aleksander excitedly, and shouted, "Big brother!".


    Ensuring that none of the papers would fall on Xavier and harm him, Aleksander activated the Eyes of Supreme Authority. With a silent command, he directed the paperwork to gently lift and float over to his grandfather''s desk, settling there in an orderly manner.


    Aleksander then picked up his little brother like the child he was, and said with a big smile, "What''s up, Xavier?".


    "How have you been doing?", he continued.


    "I''ve been doing amazing, big Brother!", Xavier responded enthusiastically.


    "That''s great to hear, Xavier", Aleksander replied cheerfully.


    Remembering that Xavier''s birthday was nearing, Graviil asked Xavier what he would want for his birthday. Xavier took some time to think, and answered, "I want a big cake of a white dragon!".


    Graviil laughed in response, promising that he would make sure that they would get the world''s largest dragon-shaped cake ever made into human history for his birthday, with the help of Russia''s utmost top chiefs.


    "Yeyy!", Xavier excitedly shouted. "I can''t wait".


    As Xavier bid Aleksander, Violet, and Graviil a bye, running out of the room eagerly excited for his dragon cake. Aleksander''s entire demeanor changed to a more cold and serious tone, as he asked his Graviil, "Grandpa, do you still plan on really letting the Flashstride get away scot-free after trying to assassinate one of your grandchildren?".


    Graviil took a deep sigh, and answered, "Listen, Aleksander, it wasn''t the Flashstride who ordered Xavier''s assassination, but one of their family member, Prince Magnus".


    "I know how you feel right now, but not letting this heat die out right now will only make things worse, especially for Xavier. As I wouldn''t want him thinking that he is responsible for starting a war between two powerful countries".


    "So let''s just accept their apology and let them deal with their reckless family member. I already have my hands full trying to track down everything Percival is up to," Graviil said, his tone edged with frustration.


    He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before murmuring to himself, "I never thought it would be this hard to take down that bastard."


    "His influence and political power are immense¡ªtoo great, even for a king like me, to defeat without risking the start of a worldwide war."

 Fireworks and Revelations: A Grand Birthday Night

    10th of December, 1809.


    The day had finally arrived¡ªXavier''s 9th birthday. Nine years as a cherished member of the Ashford and Ivanovich families, and one year since the passing of his beloved father, Jonathan.


    In preparation for his grandson''s special day, Grandpa Graviil ensured that the entire nation knew of the occasion, overseeing every detail so that the celebration was perfectly tailored to Xavier''s tastes.


    Across the Russian Empire, citizens cheered and rejoiced, treating the birthday of their youngest prince as a once-in-a-lifetime event.


    Inside the Tsarigrad Citadel, the grand Ivanovich Palace where the main celebration would take place, Xavier stood in his room. Anastasia, along with several maids, carefully dressed him in regal, elegant attire¡ªfit for a prince on his most important day.


    As all the other maids left, Anastasia complimented "You look great, Young Master!", clapping her hands in joy with a grin.


    "Thank you", Xavier replied, a bit embarrassed as his cheeks reddened.


    Alcmena laughed in the corner of the room, saying to Xavier, "You look like a Christmas tree, kid".


    Xavier''s cheeks reddened more, as he angrily replied, flustered, "Oh really!? Well you look like.... like...".


    When Xavier couldn''t come up with a comeback, Alcmena burst out laughing, making Xavier even more embarrassed by his outfit.


    Realizing that Xavier''s spirits were dwindling, Alcmena, who could sense the thoughts of Xavier, as his contractor, took a deep breath and offered an apology. "Don''t be so down, kid. I was only joking."


    "You actually look great in that outfit."


    "Wait, really!?" Xavier exclaimed, searching Alcmena''s face for sincerity.


    "Yes, really," Alcmena replied, nodding. "That outfit suits you perfectly¡ªit makes you look like a king. Someone truly worthy of wielding Excalibur and carrying the title of the vessel of the great and mighty King of Dragons, King Alcmena D. Regaliath ."


    "So wear it with confidence and resilience, and don''t let the opinions of others weigh you down."


    "Xavier nodded excitedly, and Alcmena smiled with pride, seeing how much his student¡ªwhom he regarded as a son¡ªhad grown.


    From a distance, Anastasia watched with a joyful smile, touched by the bond between Xavier and Alcmena, not just as master and student, but as father and son.


    Picking up the Visors of Time, Xavier''s mind was instantly refreshed by the pair of glasses, and all the anxiety and worries he had in him, were not all gone.


    "With a confident stride, Xavier approached his room''s door and, smiling calmly at Anastasia, said, ''Shall we, Miss Anastasia? The guests must be waiting for me."


    The grand hall, where the banquet for Xavier''s birthday was held, brimmed with nobles, politicians, and all of Xavier''s friends, classmates, and former students. Every face in the room belonged to someone who had known him during his years at the academy or in public life. Lavish gifts filled every corner, tributes from the many distinguished guests in attendance.


    Laughter and lively conversation echoed through the hall until, with a sudden shift, the room fell into a reverent hush. The royal guards had announced Xavier''s arrival.


    All eyes turned to the young prince, poised on the ornate balcony above. Draped in regal finery, he surveyed the gathering below, the anticipation palpable as his audience waited for him to speak.


    With a glass of wine on his left hand, Graviil thanked everyone for attending his beloved grandson''s 9th birthday.


    Graviil continued, his voice rich with pride, "To celebrate my grandson''s birthday, we shall first indulge in the finest feast this world has to offer. Then, we will be treated to a magnificent theater performance, brought to life by the most renowned actors. And finally, a grand display of fireworks will light up the skies across the entire nation, marking this special day in my beloved grandson''s honor."


    Looking back at Xavier, Graviil questioned, "Are you not going to say anything to your guests, Xavier?".


    Xavier taken a back replied, "I''ll try...".


    Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Xavier addressed the crowd, his voice clear and steady. "I, Xavier, grandson of King Graviil Ivanich, am honored and deeply grateful to have you here today to celebrate my birthday. It makes me happy to see so many familiar faces. I hope each of you enjoys this special day as much as I do."


    Graviil began to laugh cheerfully, slapping Xavier''s back, as he said, "That''s the spirit, kid!", with a big smirk on his face.


    Raising his wine glass beside Xavier, Graviil summoned a small, radiant spark that danced across Xavier''s glass, illuminating the room in a brilliant flash as they toasted alongside the cheering guests.


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    As Xavier''s birthday celebration unfolded, the grand hall became a feast for the senses, with lavish dishes crafted by the finest chefs from around the world. The centerpiece was an enormous cake in the shape of a dragon, modeled after Alcmena in his dragon form.


    Lying comfortably in Anastasia''s arms, Alcmena muttered in frustration as he stared at the cake. "I can''t believe this kid..." he grumbled under his breath.


    Anastasia giggled and said softly to Alcmena, "Don''t be so mad Lord Alcmena, your cake version looks very majestic and beautiful. Young Master must have put a lot of effort into getting those details done right".


    Surprised by Anastasia''s compliment, Alcmena blushed, his cheeks flushing as he shyly turned his gaze toward Xavier, who was joyfully engrossed in conversation with his closest friends.


    "A lot of effort, huh?", Alcmena pondered to himself. "This kid sure finds new ways to leave me speechless every time".


    Back with Xavier, Jupiter suggested they secure a front-row spot for the upcoming fireworks display. Elowen, Sophie, and the rest of the group lit up at the idea, their excitement growing as they eagerly anticipated the show.


    As the guests began moving toward the grand balcony, ready to watch the fireworks that would light up the skies over Moscow, Violet excitedly called out to Xavier from across the room. When Xavier turned to see who was calling him, he was surprised to see two unfamiliar faces standing beside Aleksander and Violet.


    "What''s wrong, Xavier?" Misaki asked, noticing his stunned expression. "Aren''t you coming?"


    Xavier quickly regained his composure and told her, "My sister''s calling for me. I''ll join you all in a bit."


    Jason gave Xavier a playful smack on the back. "Whatever you say, bro."


    "Yeah, just don''t be late, or you''ll miss the fireworks," Jupiter added with a grin.


    Xavier chuckled shyly. "Don''t worry, I won''t be long. I''ll be there soon."


    As Xavier headed towards his sister, Violet excitedly hugged him, asking, "How is the birthday boy feeling?".


    Xavier embarrasly replied, "Stop it Sis... you''re embarrassing me in front of everyone".


    Aleksander chuckled, ruffling Xavier''s hair. "You''re still too young to be embarrassed by the affection we show you in public," he teased.


    Suddenly, an unfamiliar woman leaned in toward Xavier, her face brimming with excitement. "You must be the little brother Darling always talks about!".


    "And who might you be?" Xavier asked, curious about the lively stranger.


    With a bold grin, she replied, "My name is Natalia Ravenshadow. I''ve heard so much about you from my beloved Aleksander."


    "I''m not your ''beloved,''" Aleksander said coldly.


    Natalia sighed in mock disappointment. "Why are you always so cold to me, Darling?"


    "Because you keep irritating me!" Aleksander snapped in frustration.


    "You big meanie," Natalia pouted, crossing her arms in playful defiance.


    Xavier pondered to him for a moment, as he came to a surprising realization. He then asked Natalia, "Wait, did you say your last name was Ravenshadow?".


    "Yes!", Natalia responded.


    "That''s the last name of my school''s headmaster, Principal Cedric Ravenshadow!", Xavier added in astonishment.


    With a proudful grin expression, Natalia answered, "That''s right, I am the beloved granddaughter, of Principal Cedric, Head of Pennsylvania Royal Academy!".


    "That''s so cool!", Xavier replied in utter awe. "You resemble him a lot!".


    The other unfamiliar figure, arms crossed and a playful smirk on his face, chuckled and remarked, "I have to say, Prince Xavier, you''re even cuter in person than in Aleksander''s stories."


    Extending his hand for a handshake, the man introduced himself with a confident smile. "I am Prince Ragnar Flashstride, a close friend of your brother. It''s an honor to be here for your special day, Xavier."


    The mention of the name "Flashstride" caught Xavier off guard. He realized he was standing before the eldest son of the Flashstride royal family¡ªand the older brother of the notorious Prince Magnus.


    Noticing Xavier''s unease, Ragnar offered a sincere apology. "I''m sorry if I''ve made you uncomfortable. I understand why you might feel that way, considering all the trouble my stubborn younger brother has caused."


    Ragnar then bowed his head slightly, continuing, "I apologize for what my brother has done to you and anyone close to you." Reaching into his pocket, he produced a small gift. "As a token of my apology, I offer you this."


    Opening the box, he revealed a necklace forged by master blacksmiths. "This necklace is enchanted. If it ever breaks, it will teleport you and anyone nearby several miles away from your current location."


    With a warm smile, Ragnar added, "I hope you''ll accept this gift as a symbol of my apology, and perhaps forgive my brother and my family for any harm we''ve caused."


    Seeing the sincerity in Ragnar''s eyes, Xavier smiled and graciously accepted the gift. "There''s no need to apologize for your brother''s actions, Prince Ragnar. I hold no grudges against you or your family, so don''t worry too much about it."


    Relieved, Ragnar sighed and smiled. "You are far too kind, Prince Xavier."


    Natalia giggled to herself and mockingly said, "Still the honorable son of your family, as always. You haven''t changed a bit."


    Prince Ragnar shot back, "How ironic. You''re still the same old crybaby Natalia I''ve known since childhood."


    "I am not a crybaby!" Natalia retorted, clearly irritated.


    Aleksander chuckled, drawing an annoyed glare from Natalia. "What are you laughing at, Aleksander?"


    "I just remembered how, as kids, you always acted so high and mighty but got scared by the smallest things," Aleksander teased.


    Hearing that, Prince Ragnar burst into laughter, joining Aleksander as they recalled those moments from the past. Natalia''s face flushed red with embarrassment, and she quickly covered her face with her hands.


    Watching the playful banter, Xavier thought to himself, "I never imagined my brother would have friends he laughs with so openly.


    Maybe it''s just because I''m used to seeing him so serious and a bit cold that it''s hard to picture him like this".


    Suddenly, Violet remembered the fireworks were about to begin and hurriedly urged them, "We need to get going, or we''ll miss the grand finale!"


    As they made their way toward the grand balcony where everyone had gathered, Xavier, who was walking behind the group, felt a light tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he was met with Princess Jasmine, who gently poked his nose and said with a playful smile, "Peek-a-boo!"


    Startled, Xavier stammered, "Princess Jasmine?"


    "Surprise!" she laughed. "Did I scare you?"


    Xavier chuckled awkwardly, his initial shock fading, and complimented her outfit after taking in how radiant she looked. "You look... amazing today."


    Blushing, Jasmine smiled shyly. "Th-thank you... You look great as well," she added, her cheeks flushed with color.


    "Thanks!" Xavier replied, a wide grin spreading across his face.


    Just then, a loud crack echoed through the air as the fireworks launched, painting the night sky with brilliant, majestic sparks. The entire crowd''s attention shifted to the breathtaking display, including Xavier''s and Jasmine''s.


    "So beautiful!" Jasmine whispered, her eyes filled with wonder as she watched the fireworks explode in vibrant colors.


    Xavier, captivated by the sight of her smiling in awe, quietly murmured, "Yeah... beautiful."

 Arrival at the Grand Festival: Shadows of the Past

    February 1st, 1810.


    In the heart of the grand forest, where wild animals freely roamed and birds soared in flocks, the soft melodies of mother birds chirping to their young echoed through the trees. The forest seemed endless, stretching beneath a clear blue sky.


    High above, a dragon with shimmering silver scales and striking golden eyes glided effortlessly. Its massive wings cut through the air with grace, dwarfing the smaller birds that flew alongside it.


    Anastasia sat astride the dragon, Alcmena, her hair whipping in the wind as they soared above the forest canopy. Her laughter rang out, full of exhilaration and joy, as she experienced the thrill of riding a dragon for the first time.


    Alcmena, pleased to see Anastasia''s delight, suddenly sensed a shift in the air. A surge of powerful energy was coming from the direction where Xavier was training.


    ¡°My apologies, milady,¡± Alcmena said, his tone calm but serious. ¡°It seems we won¡¯t be able to continue our lovely flight. Xavier appears to have completed his training.¡±


    Anastasia, a little disappointed but understanding, replied, ¡°Oh, alright! I was starting to get a little worried about how the young master was doing.¡±


    With a sudden burst of speed, Alcmena shot towards Xavier¡¯s location, effortlessly breaking the sound barrier as he flew.


    Arriving at said place, Xavier, who was in his RealmHeart state, sat peacefully meditating beneath a waterfall as he took slow, deep breaths with his eyes closed.


    As Xavier slowly extended his right hand, the aura around him pulsed with life. Ethereal energy, drawn from the very essence of nature, began to converge toward him, swirling gently around his hand like a soft breeze. With intense focus, Xavier visualized compressing that energy into a single point in space, and as he did, the very fabric of reality began to warp and distort around him.


    Then, without warning, a loud crack echoed as space itself folded inward. In his palm, a small yet visible black hole began to form, spinning with an otherworldly force.


    After countless attempts and near-defeats, when hope had nearly slipped away, Xavier had finally achieved the godlike technique of the Dragon King¡ªBlackstar Authority.


    Opening his eyes slowly, he shouted with exhilaration, overwhelmed by his success in manifesting the black hole Alcmena had taught him to create.


    "Master, look!" Xavier exclaimed in sheer delight. "I¡¯ve done it! I¡¯ve actually conjured a black hole!"


    Alcmena stood frozen, his expression one of astonishment, though his thoughts raced with something deeper.


    "I can hardly believe it," Alcmena thought to himself. "I knew the boy was gifted, but this... this is beyond extraordinary."


    "Calling him a genius would be an understatement. He''s something more¡ªsomething far greater. A super-genius."


    "To have mastered my Blackstar technique in just one month is incredible, but to form a quantum black hole? That''s something I couldn''t have foreseen."


    Alcmena¡¯s mind raced as he tried to comprehend it. "How did he manage to create a quantum black hole, a feat nearly impossible within the physical realm, and yet conjure something so minuscule and precise in his mind?"


    Anastasia, standing beside Alcmena, couldn''t hide her amazement. "To wield such a tremendous and powerful aura at such a young age is nothing short of astonishing! Young Master truly carries the bloodline of an Ivanovich!"


    Xavier, rubbing his nose with a hint of pride, grinned. "Thanks for the compliment, Miss Anastasia!"


    As Xavier reverted back to his original form, his hair no longer golden like the sun while in his RealmHeart state, Xavier slowly stood beside Alcmena as he teased. "What''s wrong, Master? Why do you look so pale in shock? Are you perhaps a bit salty that I was able to use your ''great'' and '' mighty'' ability in only a month?".


    Alcmena, clearly annoyed, flicked Xavier on the forehead with one of his massive fingers. "Don''t get too cocky, brat. You''ve got a long way to go before you can start boasting about your achievements."


    Xavier yelped, "Ouch!" rubbing his head. "You didn''t have to hit me, you big meanie! No, not big¡ªsmall!"


    Alcmena, feeling provoked, shouted, "Small? Who are you calling ''small,'' child? The only reason I''m this size is because I choose to be! If I wanted, I could grow as large as a grand castle!"


    "You''re still a small meanie!" Xavier shot back. "You stinky lizard!"


    "Oh, you little...!" Alcmena growled, his anger flaring. He then unleashed a flurry of finger flicks at Xavier, who raised his arms in defense and ran, yelling helplessly, "Stop it! It hurts!"


    From a distance, Anastasia watched the chaos unfold, trying her best to keep her composure as Alcmena and Xavier bickered, disturbing the peaceful surroundings and scaring off the birds. Finally, she snapped, her patience worn thin, and yelled, "That''s enough already!"


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    Both Alcmena and Xavier froze, turning to face the now-fuming Anastasia. She clenched her fists in frustration. "Can you two act normal for once and stop trying to destroy everything around you?"


    Instantly, they stood upright and answered in unison, "Yes, ma''am!" The menacing aura emanating from Anastasia left them both slightly shaken.


    Xavier leaned toward Alcmena and whispered, "Look what you did now, Master. You made Miss Anastasia angry."


    "I made her angry?" Alcmena scoffed, surprised. "It¡¯s your fault she''s like this! Don¡¯t go blaming me for your mess!"


    Then, with a sudden glint of affection in his eyes, Alcmena added, "Besides, I like her when she¡¯s angry. Just my type of woman."


    Xavier couldn¡¯t help but smirk and tease, "You sure do talk about women a lot, Master."


    Alcmena shot back, "And you seem to have zero experience talking to one."


    "That''s not true!" Xavier replied, clearly embarrassed.


    "Oh really?" Alcmena asked, mockingly. "Isn¡¯t it you who turns into a stammering fool whenever your crush, Princess Jasmine is around?"


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened in shock. "What? I don¡¯t¡ªwhat are you talking about? Who said I have a crush on Princess Jasmine?"


    Alcmena laughed, enjoying the sight of Xavier struggling to hide the truth. "Why are you so flustered? You can¡¯t lie to me, child. Did you forget we share a mind?"


    Xavier¡¯s face turned bright red as Alcmena continued, "Every time your heart races and your thoughts run wild when you see Princess Jasmine, I can hear and see all of it, no matter where I am."


    "Not to mention, you¡¯re my vessel, so I have access to your memories. I can relive every embarrassing encounter you¡¯ve had with your precious princess."


    Xavier, completely caught off guard, turned crimson, realizing Alcmena had witnessed all his awkward moments. Alcmena laughed even harder, reveling in Xavier¡¯s embarrassment.


    Anastasia, who finally calmed herself down, remembered that she had received a letter designated to Xavier.


    Taking out the letter from her pouch, Anastasia hurriedly ran to Xavier, handing him the letter sent to him. "Here, Young Master, this is a letter that was sent for you today.".


    "Oh, thanks!" Xavier replied as he took the letter.


    Opening it, Xavier, Alcmena, and Miss Anastasia were surprised to see that the letter contained a small poster and a phrase written on it that read, "Hope to see you there!".


    On the back of the small poster was the title, "The Gladiator Grand Festival". And Xavier didn''t know what that meant, so he asked Miss Anastasia what it was.


    Shocked that Xavier had never heard of the Gladiator Grand Festival, Anastasia quickly explained. "The Gladiator Grand Festival is a massive contest held every four years, where powerful warriors from all corners of the world gather to fight for incredible prizes. These can range from unimaginable sums of money to weapons crafted by legendary blacksmiths from different continents."


    "That''s amazing!" Xavier exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement. He was fascinated by this grand event he had never known existed.


    Still surprised, Anastasia asked, "How is it possible you''ve never heard of the Gladiator Grand Festival, Young Master? People of all ages know about this famous event!"


    Xavier chuckled, a little embarrassed. "Well, I grew up on a farm, so I didn¡¯t really hear much about things outside my homeland."


    "That explains it, farmer boy," Alcmena chimed in with a straight face, clearly trying to provoke Xavier. And it worked.


    Xavier chose to ignore Alcmena¡¯s jab and continued examining the small poster, which mentioned that this year¡¯s Gladiator Grand Festival would be held in the Russian Empire, in the city of Saint Petersburg.


    Anastasia then suggested that the letter Xavier had received might actually be an invitation to the festival.


    The possibility made Xavier''s heart race, and he clenched his fists in excitement. "Even though I can¡¯t properly use my vector abilities anymore, and I haven¡¯t yet broken through to my red-administrator core, I¡¯m thrilled at the thought of testing the new strength I¡¯ve worked so hard to build."


    With a big grin, he added, "Now I can finally see just how far I''ve come¡ªand how I can protect the people I care about." As he said this, his thoughts drifted to his late father, Jonathan, imagining the proud smile that would light up his father¡¯s face.


    Alcmena, watching from behind, couldn¡¯t help but smile himself, his pride in Xavier growing stronger. He was glad to see that, despite everything, Xavier¡¯s heart remained as pure as ever.


    February 10th, 1810


    Location: Saint Petersburg, the Grand Empire of Russia


    Several days had passed, and the long-awaited Gladiator Grand Festival had finally commenced. The streets of Saint Petersburg were alive with people from every corner of the globe, here to witness and partake in the legendary contest.


    Xavier, having just secured accommodations for himself, Miss Anastasia, and Alcmena at a local inn, was awestruck by the sheer size and grandeur of the Colosseum where the festival would take place.


    "Wow, look how massive it is!" Xavier exclaimed in awe.


    Alcmena chuckled softly. "You humans never cease to amaze me. Despite being the weakest of the four great races, you somehow manage to create such monumental and intricate structures¡ªthings even the other races wouldn''t dream of constructing."


    "An impressive species, indeed," he added thoughtfully.


    Just then, Xavier was distracted by the sound of excited screams. Turning around, he noticed a large group of women gathered around a news poster, all marveling over an image of his older brother, Prince Aleksander Ivanovich.


    "I can''t believe such a handsome man will soon be king of our country!" one woman exclaimed, clearly thrilled.


    "And don¡¯t forget about his beautiful siblings!" another chimed in.


    "Totally! Prince Xavier is absolutely adorable!" her friend gushed.


    Xavier, feeling the attention from the crowd, pulled the hood of his cloak lower, laughing softly at their comments about him.


    "Master Aleksander sure is popular with the ladies," Anastasia noted with a knowing smile.


    "That¡¯s my brother for you," Xavier replied, grinning.


    Alcmena, perched on Xavier''s shoulder, placed a paw on him in a teasing manner. "Don¡¯t feel too bad about being called adorable by women, Xavier," he said in a mockingly consoling tone. "Maybe, just maybe, when you grow up, you¡¯ll be as dashing and handsome as me."


    "And just as stinky," Xavier quipped, earning a speechless glance from Alcmena.


    As they entered the Colosseum, Xavier made his way to the registration center, signing up as a contestant under the alias Klay Worthmore, to avoid drawing attention to his true identity.


    After registering, Xavier, Anastasia, and Alcmena headed to the main seating area, where the crowd erupted in cheers, watching the ongoing battles in the arena below.


    Xavier was taken aback by the sheer number of spectators gathered to witness the Gladiator Grand Festival. Unfortunately, he had arrived just after the latest match had ended, with the winner now being announced to the crowd.


    Down in the arena stood the victorious champion, basking in the applause of the spectators. Unbeknownst to Xavier, this champion was the very man who had been observing him the day he first set foot on the continent¡ªthe same man who had watched him battle the bandits, whose leader had been hired to assassinate him.


    As the black-haired champion spotted Xavier among the crowd, his gaze locked onto him, and a chilling smile crept across his face. In a low, ominous voice, he murmured, "Glad to see you''ve finally arrived, Xavier Laurent."

 Gladiators Path

    Time passed swiftly, and Xavier found himself among the bustling crowd, with Anastasia by his side and Alcmena perched on his lap. Together, they watched a series of intense battles unfold as contestants vied for victory in dazzling displays of skill and power.


    As the latest match ended with cheers echoing for the victor, Xavier turned to Anastasia, his eyes alight with excitement. "This event is so fun to watch, Miss Anastasia!" he exclaimed, barely containing his enthusiasm.


    Anastasia chuckled softly. "It certainly is, Young Master. This year''s Gladiator Grand Festival has drawn in some of the most talented and formidable fighters. I wonder who will emerge as the new champion."


    Xavier''s smile broadened, brimming with confidence. "There''s no need to wonder. I''m going to win this year''s Gladiator Grand Festival!"


    Anastasia''s eyes widened in surprise at his bold declaration, while Alcmena let out a hearty laugh. "Look at you, kid. Getting a little full of yourself, aren''t you?"


    Xavier shot Alcmena a playful smirk. "Just following my Master''s lesson: always be confident."


    "Yeah, sure, kiddo¡­" Alcmena replied with a teasing sigh.


    Just then, the announcer''s voice boomed through the stadium, calling Xavier by his pseudonym, "Klay Worthmore," as the next fighter to face the mighty "Imperator of Arrogance." The crowd roared in anticipation.


    Anastasia glanced at Xavier with a hint of concern. "It looks like you''re up next, Young Master."


    Sensing her worry, Xavier smiled reassuringly. "Don''t worry, Miss Anastasia. Everything will be fine."


    Anastasia took a steadying breath. "Very well, but remember, you''re the third heir of the Ivanovich House. Take care of yourself out there."


    Alcmena smirked, leaning in. "And try not to get your butt handed to you down there".


    Xavier grinned, giving them both a confident nod. "I''ll be sure to come back with the title in no time!"


    As he strode away to prepare, Alcmena shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Arrogant brat."


    Anastasia laughed. "He takes after you more than you know. I didn''t realize you were the one teaching him to be so confident."


    Alcmena shrugged, folding his arms. "Of course. Confidence is essential, especially for facing foes stronger than yourself. It''s what keeps you alive. You know that, don''t you, Anastasia?"


    Anastasia nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, I suppose I do."


    Watching Xavier depart, Alcmena added, chuckling, "And he''s my chosen vessel, the King of Dragons. He''ll win this."


    Meanwhile, in the preparation room filled with weapons and armor, Xavier examined the choices around him, debating. He knew he couldn''t bring out Excalibur; that would draw too much attention. Picking up a sturdy steel sword, he murmured to himself, "This feels like the blades Father used to get for me, Big Sis, and Big Brother to use to train ourselves at home."


    Taking a deep breath, Xavier''s mind flashed with memories of his father, Jonathan. I just hope this sword is durable enough for my Vector Blade techniques, he thought, gripping the hilt with determination.


    A Battle Herald entered the room, her voice cutting through his thoughts. "It''s time. Your battle is about to begin."


    Xavier nodded, moving toward her with urgency. Before leaving, he spotted a shield hanging on the far wall. In a swift motion, he grabbed it. I might need this too. You never know.


    As they walked toward the entrance of the battleground, the Battle Herald turned to him, her tone grave. "Your opponent will be the Imperator of Arrogance, Miraxis Veilstrider. He''s infamous for his cruelty and pride. And his pleasure in the suffering of his opponents".


    The Herald then wished him luck, to which Xavier smiled warmly. "Thank you. I''ll need it."


    The hallway leading to the arena stretched before him, echoing with the chants of thousands of spectators. With each step, his nerves tightened. The roar of the crowd grew louder, their excitement palpable.


    He slapped his cheeks lightly, muttering to himself, "Don''t be nervous, Xavier. You''ve got this."


    As he stepped out into the open, the blinding sunlight hit him, making him squint. When his eyes adjusted, he was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowd. Thousands had gathered to witness the Gladiator Grand Festival, the energy of their anticipation hanging thick in the air.


    The announcer''s voice boomed across the arena, his tone dripping with theatrical flair. "Introducing, Klay Worthmore! A young warrior from a distant land, raised on a farm, who has traveled all the way to the Empire of Russia to fight for the title of Gladiator Champion, for his loved ones!"


    The crowd erupted, voices blending into a chaotic wave of sound. Among them, he spotted Anastasia cheering, though Alcmena watched calmly, his eyes unreadable.


    The announcer pointed toward the other entrance, his voice rising in excitement. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, the infamous Imperator of Arrogance¡ªMiraxis Veilstrider! A titan of a man, known for brutally tormenting his enemies before delivering the final blow!"


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    The ground trembled as Miraxis emerged from the shadows, a monstrous figure cloaked in lavish, battle-worn garments. His muscular body, covered in scars and adorned with expensive jewelry, gleamed under the sunlight. He was a living monument to violence, a titan in every sense of the word, towering over Xavier like a mountain over a pebble.


    As Miraxis approached the center of the arena, the announcer declared, "This battle will only end when one combatant is either unconscious or surrenders!"


    A shimmering barrier formed around the arena, sealing them in. The crowd roared in anticipation as the announcer shouted, "Let the Gladiator Grand Festival begin!"


    Xavier stood frozen for a moment, staring up at Miraxis in awe. The sheer size of his opponent, combined with the weight of the crowd''s energy, sent a wave of nervousness crashing over him.


    Miraxis sneered down at him, eyes gleaming with malice. "What''s the matter, boy? Are you sweating already?" His voice was like gravel grinding together. "Have your legs gone weak at the sight of a god?"


    Xavier swallowed hard but said nothing, his mind racing.


    "You should feel honored," Miraxis continued with a cruel grin. "To face someone like me¡ªit''s more than you deserve. Now, try not to disappoint me. Be a good little jester for the crowd."


    "Wha... what?" Xavier stammered, barely able to form words.


    But before he could react, Miraxis moved. In an instant, he was upon Xavier, closing the distance with terrifying speed. His fist shot forward, a blur of power, and Xavier barely dodged in time, the force of the punch grazing him and sending shockwaves through the air.


    Stumbling, Xavier regained his footing just as another punch came hurtling toward him. This time, he raised his shield, feeling the bone-shaking impact as it absorbed the brunt of the attack. But Miraxis was relentless, throwing punches that blurred in their ferocity, each one creating shockwaves that rattled Xavier to the core.


    I need to think fast, Xavier thought as he struggled to keep up. Blocking one of Miraxis''s attacks, Xavier used the momentum to propel himself into the air. With a swift motion, he unsheathed his blade from behind, ready to counter.


    The battle had truly begun.


    As Xavier struck Miraxis with his blade, a collective gasp rose from the crowd¡ªand even from Xavier himself¡ªas his sword stopped cold on contact. The impact sent a powerful shockwave down the blade and through his arm, forcing him to cough up blood.


    What is this body made of? Xavier thought, clutching his bleeding nose, his mind racing. It''s like hitting an immovable wall of iron!


    Noticing the tremor in Xavier''s stance, Miraxis smirked, diving in for another attack. Xavier managed to raise his shield just in time, but the force of Miraxis''s blow was so immense that it sent a fierce vibration through his arm, causing a crack to spread along the bones beneath. Xavier grunted in pain as he was thrown backward, crashing into the barrier enclosing the arena.


    The crowd roared with excitement, utterly captivated by the clash of strength and skill before them.


    In the stands, Anastasia''s eyes gleamed with a fierce, poisonous green, her body quaking with barely contained rage. Alcmena quickly placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "Take it easy, Lady Anastasia. Trust in Xavier. He''s not one to go down so easily."


    Anastasia exhaled deeply, nodding. "You''re right. I''ll control myself. I won''t lose my temper again."


    "That''s the spirit," Alcmena replied, visibly relieved.


    Back on the battlefield, Xavier struggled to his feet, clutching his fractured arm and picking up his sword. As he regained his stance, his vision swam with multiple mirages of Miraxis surrounding him from every angle.


    "What''s wrong, boy? Cat got your tongue?" Miraxis mocked, his laugh echoing ominously.


    This is insane, Xavier thought, eyes darting between the multiple forms towering over him.


    Arms crossed, Miraxis continued with a taunting grin. "Behold my glorious ''Spectral Mirage''! A once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of perfection, just for you."


    The arena commentators chimed in with enthusiasm. "And there it is, ladies and gentlemen! The Imperator of Arrogance, up to his usual display of power and derision!"


    Xavier, kneeling, watched in bewilderment. Does his ability let him create clones of himself?


    Reading Xavier''s expression, Miraxis answered with a smug grin, "Ah, you''re clever. Yes, my Spectral Mirage does create clones. But they''re not just illusions. Each one is a flawless duplicate, as powerful as the original!"


    Pointing a finger at Xavier, Miraxis sneered, "And now, boy, you have the honor of fighting against all of my perfect clones. Let''s see you handle that!"


    With a chilling synchronicity, all of Miraxis''s clones charged at once, overwhelming Xavier as the crowd''s cheers intensified. Forced to defend himself, Xavier swung his sword in desperation, barely fending off one clone before another caught him by the leg. In an instant, he was slammed into the ground repeatedly, the force rattling his bones and blurring his vision.


    Gritting his teeth, Xavier struggled to break free, slashing at the clone''s hand with his blade, but it left no mark. Another clone attacked the moment he broke loose, prompting Xavier to teleport away, reappearing behind his assailant and delivering a spinning slash. But to his horror, the clone stopped the blade with its teeth, grinning as it held his blade in place.


    Xavier''s heart pounded. How do I fight against this?


    The battle had only just begun, and the odds were already stacked against him.


    Xavier leveled his finger at the clone, preparing to unleash a barrage of vector bullets. But from across the battlefield, the original Miraxis, watching with arms crossed and a smug grin, called out, "Are you sure you want to stay that close to my mirage? If I were you, I''d think twice."


    At the snap of Miraxis''s fingers, the clone holding Xavier''s blade in a vicious bite suddenly began to glow with a fierce, searing light.


    No way... Xavier''s eyes widened in shock.


    Reacting instantly, Xavier thrust his injured arm forward, activating his vector shield just as the clone exploded, engulfing the stadium in a fiery inferno. The blast roared through the arena, drawing a collective gasp from the crowd as the shockwave rippled outwards.


    When the dust finally settled, Xavier blinked through the smoke, his eyes widening in disbelief. Towering before him now were not one or two, but twelve radiant mirages of Miraxis, each exuding the same aura of arrogance and menace.


    Breathing heavily, Xavier gave a defiant grin. "Did you call in some friends to help you beat a kid? Or are you just too scared to face me alone?"


    Miraxis''s eyes flashed with irritation, though he chuckled. "Big words from someone about to meet their end."


    "But I must admit, I''m impressed. I didn''t expect a child like you to endure this long against me, the Imperator of Arrogance¡ªespecially now that I''ve awakened my red-ethereal core."


    Xavier''s eyes narrowed, trying to process. "Wait... did you say red-ethereal core?"


    Miraxis''s grin widened, his eyes gleaming a fierce crimson. "That''s right. And lucky for you, you''ll be the first to witness its power."


    With that, all twelve mirages began to glow, their bodies crackling with energy. In an instant, they unleashed a dazzling display, filling the entire battleground with explosions that lit up the arena like fireworks against a night sky.


    Xavier braced himself, heart pounding as the onslaught of radiant blasts bore down on him.

 The Fallen Titan

    As the dust settled, the crowd held its breath, waiting to see if Xavier had withstood the onslaught of explosions from Miraxis. To their utter amazement, there he was¡ªcrouched on one knee, sword in hand, his head bowed but unwavering.


    ¡°Astonishing!¡± the commentator exclaimed, hardly believing his own words. ¡°Klay Worthmore has endured Miraxis¡¯s nuclear onslaught head-on and appears nearly unscathed!¡± The crowd erupted, cheering with unrestrained excitement.


    In the stands, Anastasia released a deep sigh of relief, her earlier dread that Xavier wouldn¡¯t survive now giving way to a slight smile. Alcmena chuckled at her reaction, amused by her worry.


    On the battlefield, Miraxis raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. ¡°Well, I¡¯m speechless, kid. Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d make it through that. Keep getting up, will you? Give the crowd a show.¡±


    Xavier didn¡¯t respond, his eyes hidden beneath the Visors of Time that slipped from his face. He caught them just before they hit the ground, carefully tucking them away in a small pouch. Slowly, his intense red eyes faded to their usual cosmic blue, a deep aura emanating from him and filling the stage. He smirked. ¡°Big talk for someone whose entire personality is built on biceps and good looks.¡±


    Miraxis clicked his tongue, his eyes flashing with malice as his crimson aura clashed with Xavier¡¯s. ¡°Let¡¯s see how long you keep that mouth running.¡±


    He extended a finger toward Xavier, summoning a legion of mirages that charged at him with blinding speed.


    Xavier raised his vector shield just in time, bracing against the fury of attacks from Miraxis¡¯s clones. Each blow landed with an explosive force that sent tremors through his weakened shield.


    I can barely manage this, Xavier thought, straining to maintain the shield¡¯s integrity. It¡¯s not what it used to be. I can conjure it, yes, but it¡¯s too unstable to deflect their attacks.


    A harsh crack splintered across the shield¡¯s surface, jolting Xavier¡¯s focus. This wasn¡¯t his true vector shield¡ªthis one could shatter if hit hard enough. And Miraxis¡¯s clones were determined to test its limits.


    As the barrier splintered, one clone surged forward, seizing Xavier¡¯s lower torso in a vice grip while another clone lunged, their deadly fist aimed straight for his heart. Xavier twisted his body just in time, the edge of the attack grazing his cheek and drawing a thin line of blood.


    Not now, he thought, tightening his grip on his blade, his heart pounding. This shield can¡¯t fail!


    Without a moment to spare, Xavier unleashed his Regokinesis Blade technique, slicing clean through one of the clone¡¯s arms in a sweeping, swift arc. The crowd erupted in awe as the commentator¡¯s voice echoed above the din. ¡°Unbelievable! Klay Worthmore has landed a crippling blow on Miraxis¡¯s supposedly invulnerable clone!¡±


    The arena thundered with excitement, and Xavier took the surge of energy, his aura intensifying, amplifying his movements as he attacked. Finally, he thought, his heart racing. I can actually hurt him.


    Seizing this newfound edge, Xavier unleashed his ¡°Multi-directional Echo¡± technique, a relentless flurry of slashes that shattered through the clones, sending fragments of energy spiraling across the field. He could feel the blade singing in his grip, pulsing with each successful strike.


    Miraxis narrowed his eyes, a smirk curling on his lips despite the strain. ¡°Well, well,¡± he growled, his pride bruised yet intrigued. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d land even one blow, let alone dismantle them like this.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s smirk matched his opponent¡¯s. ¡°Maybe turn up the difficulty a little,¡± he taunted, voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. ¡°It¡¯s getting way too easy to handle these half-baked clones.¡±


    With his eyes blazing with rage, Miraxis growled, ¡°I hope you don¡¯t come to regret those words.¡±


    In a snap of his fingers, a legion of clones swarmed toward Xavier, who barely had time to react, startled by the sheer number hurtling at him. He was forced into a fierce defense, his blade a blur as he desperately countered the relentless assault. Watching from a distance, Miraxis¡¯s scowl deepened, frustration flickering in his gaze.


    This boy¡­ he''s making it look like these clones are actually beatable, Miraxis thought. I won¡¯t be humiliated here¡ªnot in front of all these spectators. Especially not in front of him. His eyes darted to a shadowy figure observing from above, the black-haired man he couldn''t afford to disappoint.


    With a sharp stomp, Miraxis drove his hand into the ground, tearing a massive chunk of earth free. With a powerful heave, he launched it directly at Xavier, who was still battling the mirages with everything he had.


    In the midst of parrying one clone¡¯s strike, Xavier¡¯s senses screamed as he noticed the massive chunk of earth hurtling toward him. Instinct took over; his cosmic blue eyes glowed intensely as they assessed the incoming threat. In a split second, he calculated its trajectory, speed, and force.


    Xavier turned to face the projectile, pointing his blade at it. As the earth neared the tip of his sword, he thrust forward with precision. In that instant of contact, Xavier manipulated the vectors tied to the massive chunk, halting it in mid-air with a subtle shift of his power. It hung suspended for a moment, defying gravity.


    Xavier smirked, casting a confident glance at Miraxis. ¡°Nice try, you titan.¡± With a steady breath, he shifted the chunk¡¯s vector direction, redirecting it back toward Miraxis at a far greater speed than before, amplifying the force behind it.


    The enormous projectile shot toward Miraxis with deadly precision, slicing through the air like a missile. Miraxis barely had time to react, his eyes widening as he brought his fists up and smashed the earth into rubble before it could reach him. Fragments rained around him, but his expression betrayed his shock.


    Did he¡­ did he just stop that boulder in midair and redirect it? Miraxis thought, struggling to process what he¡¯d just seen.


    Xavier chuckled, his grin wide as he taunted, ¡°Just because I can¡¯t automatically reflect attacks with my vector shield anymore doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t still redirect them by hand.¡±


    Miraxis let out a cold laugh, shaking off his surprise. ¡°I may have underestimated you, child. But let¡¯s make one thing clear.¡± His voice deepened, his aura swelling around him like a crimson storm. ¡°A divine being like me¡­ can never be defeated by the likes of you.¡±


    Clenching his fist, Miraxis restored every injury his clones had sustained, commanding them to swarm Xavier and pin him down.


    The clones obeyed instantly, launching themselves at Xavier, their combined weight pressing him from all sides. He struggled, but the overwhelming mass of bodies left him immobilized, barely able to breathe as they formed a crushing dome around him.


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    The crowd gasped, stunned by the maneuver, while the commentator exclaimed, ¡°Wow! How is Klay Worthmore going to escape this?!¡± But Xavier remained still, making no visible attempt to free himself.


    Watching with concern, Alcmena telepathically reached out. ¡°What on earth are you doing, Xavier? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve given up! Was all that talk about winning just empty bravado?¡±


    Xavier sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you expect from me, facing someone wielding a red-stage ethereal core.¡±


    Alcmena clicked his tongue in annoyance. ¡°Listen, kid. I get it. Normally, fighting someone a core stage above is nearly impossible¡ªespecially with the power of a red stage or higher. But Miraxis admitted he only recently awakened his red-stage core. That means he hasn¡¯t yet adjusted to the new strength and energy coursing through him.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened, a glimmer of hope flickering within. ¡°So¡­ there¡¯s a slim chance?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Alcmena¡¯s voice softened, yet remained commanding. ¡°I didn¡¯t choose a quitter to be my vessel. Now get up and prove your worth. Besides, Lady Anastasia is worried sick about you.¡±


    A confident smile returned to Xavier¡¯s face. ¡°No need to worry, master. I don¡¯t give up that easily. I was just taking my time¡­ to figure out how to take down that force of nature.¡±


    ¡°Sure you were,¡± Alcmena replied, pride lacing his tone. ¡°Now, make your move.¡±


    But before Xavier could act, Miraxis¡¯s clones began to glow ominously, their forms brightening in unison. In an instant, they detonated around him, triggering an explosion that shook the entire arena. The blast wave was so intense it sent spectators reeling.


    The commentator¡¯s voice echoed in astonishment. ¡°The Imperator of Arrogance, Miraxis, has detonated every one of his clones at point-blank range! Could this be the end for Klay Worthmore?¡±


    As the smoke and flames cleared, Miraxis stood, arms crossed, watching the blazing remains. Slowly, a figure emerged from the inferno, golden light reflecting faintly off his hair. Xavier strode forward, his features shadowed by the flames, his hair slightly lengthened and his aura pulsing with renewed energy.


    If I hadn¡¯t activated my vector shield to absorb most of that blast¡­ and RealmHeart to temper the injuries¡­ I¡¯d be gone, Xavier thought, picking up his steel sword with a firm grip.


    Seeing him alive, Miraxis¡¯s smirk returned. ¡°You¡¯ve made it this far,¡± he sneered, ¡°but it¡¯s time to end this before things get worse for you.¡±


    Xavier met his gaze with a challenging smile. ¡°I¡¯d love to see you try, muscle head.¡±


    In an instant, Miraxis dashed forward, closing the distance between them with terrifying speed. He swung a massive fist, and Xavier barely raised his sword in time, the force of the punch sending a powerful burst of air ripping across the battlefield.


    Seizing the moment, Xavier channeled energy into his blade, activating the Regokinesis Blade technique as he delivered a devastating horizontal slash across Miraxis¡¯s chest. The impact left a deep, bleeding gash, and the entire stadium erupted with wild cheers.


    He¡¯s incredibly fast for his size, Xavier thought, heart pounding. Just like that beast, I faced at the Forest Crown Hunt¡­ though this one is beyond stronger and deadlier.


    Seeing the gash on his chest, Miraxis grinned, lunging forward with a bare-handed, vertical strike that Xavier barely managed to block. The sheer power behind the blow forced him to his knees, his body straining against the force.


    Miraxis wasted no time, driving his knee into Xavier¡¯s gut. Pain exploded through Xavier¡¯s torso as he was launched into the air, only for Miraxis to appear behind him in an instant, slamming him back down to the ground with a brutal punch.


    Xavier lay crumpled on the ground, coughing up blood as he struggled to reach his sword. Miraxis strolled over, planting a heavy foot on Xavier¡¯s hand to hold him down. ¡°Pathetic,¡± he taunted. ¡°Your lack of physical prowess is¡­ disappointing, to say the least.¡±


    Xavier looked up with a strained smile. ¡°Not everyone¡¯s born with brute strength. I¡¯ve always been physically weaker than most¡ªpart of a condition I share with my sister. But she taught me to use my powers and swordsmanship to overcome that.¡±


    Miraxis raised an eyebrow, amused. ¡°That explains it,¡± he sneered, as if Xavier¡¯s resilience were nothing more than a curiosity.


    Seizing the moment, Xavier swiftly wrenched his hand free, grabbing his sword and slashing vertically in a feint that Miraxis dodged. But this strike was a mere setup for his true attack. A dark, chaotic aura engulfed Xavier¡¯s blade, its energy crackling ominously as he prepared his signature move, Stasis Oblivion.


    Sensing the threat, Miraxis attempted to step back, but Xavier thrust out his free hand. ¡°Not so fast!¡± he shouted, activating Astral Sovereignty, Black Star Authority: Oblivion Grip. A massive, gravitational hand formed in midair, grabbing Miraxis and anchoring him in place.


    Xavier¡¯s aura intensified as he unleashed Stasis Oblivion straight at Miraxis, who, in a desperate move, summoned a legion of clones to shield himself from the oncoming devastation. The attack collided with the clones, igniting a blinding explosion that reduced the entire arena to rubble, shaking the Colosseum to its core.


    As the dust settled, the crowd held their breath, eager to see the aftermath. When Miraxis emerged, the right side of his face and his arm were scarred and bloodied from the blast, much to the spectators¡¯ astonishment.


    ¡°Oh, my days!¡± the commentator exclaimed. ¡°Klay Worthmore has managed to push Miraxis further than anyone thought possible!¡±


    Not giving Xavier a moment to celebrate, Miraxis lunged, delivering an uppercut that shattered Xavier¡¯s sword into shards. Xavier narrowly dodged another swing, twisting mid-air and using his broken blade to slash Miraxis¡¯s fist, leaving a deep cut down his left arm.


    Landing, Xavier stabbed his broken sword into Miraxis¡¯s lower back, shouting, ¡°Black Star Authority: Gravitational Downfall!¡± Instantly, a crushing gravitational force as dense as Jupiter¡¯s atmosphere filled the Colosseum, forcing everyone to the ground. Only Lady Anastasia, Alcmena, and the mysterious black-haired spectator remained unaffected by the sudden, intense gravity.


    Miraxis, struggling under the immense weight, dropped to his knees, gritting his teeth. He glared at Xavier, defiant. Summoning every ounce of his strength, his body blazed with a crimson aura, forcing him upright against the gravitational field.


    With a swift, brutal jab, Miraxis drove his colossal fist into Xavier, the impact powerful enough to knock him out cold. As the gravity field dissipated, Miraxis stood tall, brushing dust from his shoulders, and arrogantly declared himself the victor.


    But before the crowd could react, they froze in stunned silence. To everyone¡¯s shock¡ªincluding Miraxis¡ªXavier, bruised and bloodied, staggered to his feet, refusing to stay down. His pain was evident, but so was his determination, and he faced Miraxis with unwavering resolve.


    "How?" Miraxis muttered, utterly dumbfounded as Xavier staggered back to his feet.


    Xavier didn''t respond directly, only murmuring to himself, "I''m not done yet..."


    Miraxis strolled forward, backhanding Xavier with enough force to send him sprawling across the arena floor. ¡°Stay down, kid. You¡¯ve proved your worth,¡± he warned, his voice edged with frustration. ¡°This is the last mercy I can afford you. Don¡¯t make this worse.¡±


    But as Miraxis turned away, Xavier once again rose, battered but unyielding, repeating, ¡°I¡¯m not done yet¡­¡±


    Miraxis¡¯s patience snapped. He whirled back to face Xavier, seething. ¡°What a foolish choice, child!¡±


    Before he could finish, Xavier hurled his broken shield at him. Miraxis easily dodged, scoffing, ¡°Was that supposed to do something?¡±


    In the instant Miraxis''s gaze shifted Xavier seized his moment. Using the shield as a diversion, he teleported behind his opponent, his presence amplified as he activated RealmHeart. His appearance sharpened, his aura intensifying as he raised his right arm, his voice a murmur charged with purpose, ¡°Black Star Authority: Quantum Blackhole.¡±


    In a single, devastating moment, a small black hole materialized in Xavier¡¯s palm, collapsing on itself and igniting an implosion that obliterated the arena. The protective force field surrounding the battlefield shattered, and a shockwave surged through Saint Petersburg itself.


    As the dust settled, the arena fell silent. Xavier stood, weary but resolute, over a now-severely injured Miraxis, his broken shield still clutched in hand. The remnants of Miraxis¡¯s pride faltered as he gazed up at Xavier, sensing a monstrous aura emanating from him, a presence like that of a dragon¡ªa manifestation of Alcmena¡¯s fierce legacy.


    For the first time in ages, Miraxis felt fear.


    As his vision faded, the announcer¡¯s voice echoed across the stadium, declaring Xavier the victor. The crowd exploded in applause.


    "I''m so happy the Young Master won!" Anastasia breathed, her relief evident.


    Alcmena chuckled awkwardly, thinking to himself As if you weren¡¯t ready to annihilate Miraxis yourself for just grazing him¡­


    Breathing heavily, Xavier staggered toward Miraxis, his vision blurring as he mumbled, "Hey¡­ are you¡­ okay?" His strength finally gave out, and he collapsed beside his fallen opponent.


    As the crowd cheered Xavier¡¯s name, the mysterious black-haired man at the edge of the arena turned, a pleased smile on his face. Stronger than I expected, Xavier, he thought as he walked away.


    With a hardened expression, he continued his thoughts. With you now within my reach, I¡¯m closer to bringing that wicked-hearted bastard, Percival, down¡­ and reclaiming what is rightfully mine.

 An Omen in Victory

    It was a bright, vivid day; the sky stretched endlessly blue over the bustling city of Moscow. Not far from its busy streets, in an open field, Xavier was happily absorbed in a game with his closest friends¡ªno, his brothers¡ªJupiter and Jason. They laughed, challenged each other, and reveled in the thrill of competition, yet all of this was just a memory drifting through Xavier''s mind. He was remembering that simple joy, reliving a moment he¡¯d shared with his brothers not too long ago.


    The game they played wasn¡¯t one you¡¯d find in any rulebook; they¡¯d invented it to test each other¡¯s limits and settle disputes. Simple yet intense, it had a straightforward setup. One of them would hold a ball, another would take up a tool¡ªanything that could strike the ball¡ªand the third would act as the referee.


    The game¡¯s rhythm began with the ball tossed to the striker, who would channel every ounce of their strength to hit it as far as they could. The tosser would then have to sprint after the ball, hoping to catch it before it hit the ground. If they missed, the referee would mark the exact spot where it landed. They¡¯d switch roles for the second round, and the winner would be whoever sent the ball the farthest. In this way, the game wasn¡¯t just about brute strength but a blend of power, control, and precision.


    Today, Xavier was the striker. As he prepared to hit the ball, he took a steadying breath, feeling the familiar surge of energy that came with activating his vector powers. Invisible forces hummed around him, drawing in and amplifying the surrounding momentum. His hands tightened around the bat as he focused, willing the vectors to align with his body¡¯s movements.


    In that brief moment, before he swung, he visualized the path he wanted the ball to take¡ªhigh and fast, cutting through the air like a comet. He knew that using his powers wasn¡¯t just about raw strength; it was about control and precision. The vectors around him began to flow in perfect sync, transferring energy from his stance, his grip, and even the ground beneath his feet.


    When he finally swung, the vectors unleashed a torrent of speed and force, magnifying his strike. The bat connected with the ball with a resounding crack and a visible ripple of energy shot through the air. The ball rocketed forward, almost leaving a trail behind it as it soared upward and outward, far beyond the reach of an ordinary hit. It was as if the air itself parted, propelling the ball with unstoppable momentum.


    Xavier watched it disappear into the sky with a satisfied grin. He knew his powers had added a relentless push, turning his swing into something beyond natural limits.


    As the ball soared, Jupiter bolted after it, running with all his might. When he finally reached the spot where the ball landed, Jason, acting as the referee, stuck a branch into the ground to mark the distance.


    "Not bad," Jason grinned, dusting his hands off. ¡°That¡¯s a serious mark, Xavier.¡±


    Jupiter stared at the marker, a nervous smile creeping onto his face. ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m beating that,¡± he joked.


    Xavier laughed and clapped Jupiter on the back. ¡°Come on, man! Don¡¯t psych yourself out. Just because we¡¯re not all as crazy strong as Jason doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t try. Give it your best shot!¡±


    Jupiter hesitated, fidgeting with the bat. ¡°Yeah, but¡­ you know how hard it is for me to control my powers. It¡¯s tough enough without worrying about combat stuff. And let¡¯s face it, my powers aren¡¯t as flashy as yours.¡±


    Jason put a reassuring hand on Jupiter¡¯s shoulder. ¡°My mom always says, ¡®Comparison is the thief of joy.¡¯ She¡¯s right. Your powers are unique to you. Own it, use them your way¡ªthat¡¯s what makes them cool.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Xavier chimed in with a grin. ¡°Besides, if you lose control, Jason and I will be right here to back you up. You¡¯ve got us.¡±


    Jason added, ¡°And if you lose your way, brother, we¡¯ll be there to bring you back.¡±


    Jupiter took a deep breath, letting their words sink in. Trust filled his gaze as he looked at them, knowing that no matter what, his brothers would be there to save him if things went wrong. With renewed confidence, he gripped the bat, squared his stance, and nodded to Xavier to throw the ball.


    Xavier counted down from three, then tossed the ball with a powerful spin. In that instant, a dark aura pulsed around Jupiter, startling both Jason and Xavier. His powers surged uncontrollably as he swung, and the air seemed to crackle with raw energy. The moment his bat connected, the ground trembled, and the ball vanished into the atmosphere, disappearing from view as if swallowed by the sky itself.


    As Xavier and Jason steadied themselves, they stared at each other in awe, the sheer power of Jupiter''s strike still buzzing in the air. Jason¡¯s thoughts raced as he watched the aftermath. Such power! he marveled. I could never imagine reaching such strength in my lifetime!


    Xavier, too, was captivated. I can¡¯t believe he hit the ball with that much force! Has he always been this strong?


    Amidst their shock, Jupiter noticed the ball hadn¡¯t landed¡ªit had vanished into the sky, well beyond Xavier¡¯s mark. Realizing he¡¯d won, Jupiter dropped the bat and threw his fists into the air. ¡°I won!¡± he shouted in excitement, his voice breaking the stunned silence.


    Xavier and Jason exchanged bewildered glances, then looked back at Jupiter, dumbfounded by his newfound strength. But just as quickly as this victorious moment unfolded, Xavier¡¯s vision blurred, and he abruptly awoke from the dream.


    Blinking, Xavier found himself lying in a hospital bed, surrounded by rows of other beds filled with injured fighters who¡¯d participated in the Gladiator Grand Festival. As his eyes adjusted, a familiar black-haired man stood beside his bed, a warm expression on his face.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re finally awake, Your Highness,¡± the man said, his voice calm and filled with respect.


    Xavier blinked, disoriented. ¡°Uh¡­ who are you? And where am I?¡±


    The man chuckled kindly. ¡°You¡¯re in the Colosseum¡¯s infirmary, being treated for your injuries after that fierce battle with the Imperator of Arrogance, Miraxis.¡±


    Xavier tried to recall the events but could only remember the moment he¡¯d unleashed Quantum Blackhole, the devastating attack that was part of his Black Star Authority powers. Everything after that was a blur.


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    The black-haired man cleared his throat and continued, ¡°Forgive me for the lack of introductions. My name is Adam Durandal. Like you, I¡¯m a fellow participant in the Gladiator Grand Festival. It¡¯s an honor to meet a warrior of your caliber, young Klay Worthmore.¡±


    Xavier blushed a little at the compliment and stammered, ¡°Thank you very much, Sir Durandal.¡±


    Adam smiled. ¡°Just ¡®Adam¡¯ is fine. We¡¯re both warriors here, Klay.¡±


    Reaching beside him, Adam held out a lovely basket overflowing with fresh, vibrant fruits. ¡°This is a small gift, a token to congratulate you on your victory over Miraxis. You fought valiantly.¡±


    Xavier accepted the basket, his face flushing with embarrassment as he thanked Adam sincerely. But as he held the basket, a sharp pain stabbed through his head. He winced, pressing a hand to his temple as the ache intensified.


    Noticing his discomfort, Adam gave him a sympathetic look. ¡°Rest is what you need most right now, Klay. Gather your strength. We can talk more when you¡¯re feeling better.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­okay,¡± Xavier managed, nodding slightly.


    As Adam turned to leave, he murmured quietly over his shoulder, ¡°See you later, Xavier.¡± The words stopped Xavier in his tracks, his mind whirling. How does he know my real name?


    But before he could question it, Anastasia and Alcmena entered the room, Anastasia with her ever-watchful eyes and Alcmena perched on her shoulder. The moment they laid eyes on Adam, an intense, otherworldly aura emanated from him, one they both instinctively recognized as dangerous.


    I must protect the Young Master, Anastasia thought, her instincts kicking in. In a flash, she drew a concealed dagger from her clothing, pointing it at Adam¡¯s throat. Alcmena, sensing the threat, shifted his stance, ready to transform into his dragon form at a moment¡¯s notice if Adam made any sudden moves.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Xavier called out, shocked at the sudden aggression. ¡°Anastasia, Alcmena¡ªhe¡¯s only here to congratulate me!¡±


    Adam raised his hands calmly, a bemused smile on his face. ¡°Now, now,¡± he joked. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t go around pointing your weapons at strangers. You might end up regretting who you show your blade to.¡±


    After a tense pause, Anastasia and Alcmena reluctantly stepped back, though they kept their eyes trained on Adam, who, to them, radiated an unsettling power.


    Anastasia slowly lowered her dagger, and Adam gave Xavier a nod of thanks. ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave for now,¡± he said, finally stepping away. As he disappeared down the hallway, Xavier remained frozen in place, the question still lingering in his mind: How did he know my real name?


    Once Adam was gone, Xavier turned back to Anastasia and Alcmena, confusion etched on his face. ¡°Why did you react like that? Adam didn¡¯t pose any threat.¡±


    Anastasia bowed her head in apology, her voice soft with regret. ¡°Forgive me, Young Master. I don¡¯t know what came over me. Something about him¡­just felt wrong. I am ashamed of my actions.¡±


    Xavier studied her face, feeling a mix of understanding and bewilderment. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Adam was more than he appeared. And as he looked back at the door where Adam had disappeared, he knew this wasn¡¯t the last he¡¯d see of him.


    Alcmena, a bit annoyed, turned to Xavier. "Listen, kid, that man isn¡¯t some defenseless stranger. Did you even feel the overwhelming power coming off him just now?"


    Confused, Xavier replied, ¡°What are you talking about? I didn¡¯t feel any power coming from him.¡±


    Alcmena scoffed. ¡°You must be too weak, then.¡±


    Xavier puffed his cheeks, feeling hurt. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so mean about it, you ugly cat.¡±


    ¡°What did you just call me, brat!?¡± Alcmena retorted, flustered.


    ¡°You heard me, Master.¡± Xavier shot back with a smirk. ¡°And just because someone¡¯s strong doesn¡¯t mean you can treat them harshly for no reason.¡±


    Anastasia, still visibly ashamed, bowed her head. ¡°You¡¯re right, Young Master. It was wrong of us to act so aggressively toward someone who hadn¡¯t shown any hostility.¡±


    Xavier laughed, easing the tension. ¡°It¡¯s okay! As long as we learn from our mistakes, there¡¯s no harm done.¡±


    A faint smile softened Alcmena¡¯s face. ¡°Congratulations on your debut, Xavier. Looks like you weren¡¯t just all talk.¡±


    Anastasia chimed in with a smile. ¡°Yes, congratulations, Young Master! I always believed you¡¯d win!¡±


    Xavier blushed, rubbing the back of his neck shyly. ¡°Thank you both. To be honest, I thought I was going to lose too¡ªMiraxis was way more powerful than I expected.¡±


    Suddenly, a voice from the next bed muttered, ¡°This is unbearable to listen to.¡±


    Startled, Xavier pulled back the curtain dividing the beds and was shocked to see none other than Miraxis himself, the Imperator of Arrogance, bandaged and lying in the next bed.


    ¡°Sir Miraxis?¡± Xavier blinked. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Miraxis rolled his eyes. ¡°What does it look like, moron? I¡¯m here recovering, just like you.¡± He pointed to his heavily bandaged body, the left side of his face being the only part left uncovered.


    Xavier chuckled, scratching his head. ¡°Oh, right¡­ my bad.¡±


    Grinning, he added, ¡°By the way, I wanted to say you¡¯re the most powerful opponent I¡¯ve ever faced¡ªwell, besides my older siblings.¡±


    Miraxis was taken aback by the genuine friendliness in Xavier¡¯s praise. His brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Why are you being so kind to me? Didn¡¯t I put you through enough pain?¡±


    Xavier shrugged, smiling. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be kind? You¡¯re my rival, not my enemy.¡±


    Miraxis sat there, dumbfounded, stunned by the sheer sincerity of Xavier¡¯s words.


    ¡°It was an honor to fight against you, Imperator of Arrogance,¡± Xavier continued, grinning. ¡°I hope to grow as strong as you someday.¡±


    Miraxis, his expression now more serious, leaned in. ¡°Since you¡¯ve shown me kindness, I¡¯ll return the favor. Here¡¯s my advice: stay away from the Grim Reaper of the Abyss.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s smile faded, his face etched with confusion. ¡°What do you mean? Who is the Grim Reaper of the Abyss?¡±


    ¡°That man you were talking to earlier,¡± Miraxis explained, his tone heavy with warning. ¡°He¡¯s the Grim Reaper of the Abyss.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Are you talking about Sir Adam Durandal?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Miraxis¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°Keep your distance from that monster, Adam.¡±


    He then turned to Anastasia, his eyes narrowing. ¡°You felt it too, didn¡¯t you? That monstrous aura?¡±


    Anastasia nodded slowly, her expression guarded. ¡°Yes, I sensed it the moment I entered. He felt like a threat that needed to be dealt with immediately.¡±


    Alcmena, speaking telepathically to Xavier and Anastasia, added, It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve sensed such a monstrous presence from a single human. I¡¯m genuinely surprised.


    Miraxis continued, nodding in agreement. ¡°Glad to know I¡¯m not the only one who sees him as a serious threat. That ¡®black-haired demon¡¯ has defeated countless powerful fighters on his own, earning him the title ¡®Grim Reaper of the Abyss¡¯ for the indescribable, ominous powers he wields.¡±


    Miraxis¡¯s voice dropped as he added, ¡°For your information, Xavier, your victory against me was only the second defeat I¡¯ve ever had. My first was against that very same man.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Wait, really?¡±


    Miraxis nodded, his tone somber. ¡°Yes. He defeated me in under a minute, toying with me the entire time. I¡¯d never felt so powerless.¡±


    Meeting Xavier¡¯s gaze, Miraxis¡¯s expression turned deadly serious. ¡°If you¡¯re ever matched against him, my advice is to forfeit immediately.¡±


    But Xavier¡¯s face radiated confidence. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sir Miraxis. I don¡¯t back down easily, no matter who I¡¯m facing.¡±


    Miraxis chuckled at Xavier¡¯s stubbornness and turned his gaze away. ¡°Suit yourself, kid. Just remember, I warned you.¡±


    Xavier smirked, replying, ¡°I won¡¯t regret it. I¡¯m the vessel and student of the most powerful Master in the world.¡±


    Alcmena''s expression softened, a rare warmth brightening his usual stern demeanor. Pride and happiness filled his gaze as he looked at Xavier, realizing how much the boy valued him. He never thought he¡¯d hear Xavier think so highly of him.


    This kid, Alcmena thought with a fond grin. He never ceases to amaze me.


    For a moment, Alcmena let down his guard, allowing himself to bask in the simple joy of being respected and admired by his student. It was moments like these that reminded him why he¡¯d taken on the role of Xavier¡¯s mentor, guiding the boy toward the greatness he saw budding within him.

 A Maid’s Resolve

    Just a day after his second victory in the arena, Xavier was already making waves¡ªnot just among the spectators but also the people of Saint Petersburg, where the Gladiator Grand Festival was underway.


    Inside The Dragon''s Den tavern, he sat across from Anastasia and Alcmena, sharing a hearty meal as they discussed a nagging issue that had only recently dawned on him.


    ¡°Maybe showing up here without a disguise wasn¡¯t the smartest move,¡± Xavier murmured, stuffing a spoonful of stew into his mouth. ¡°It won¡¯t take much for someone to recognize I¡¯m the 2nd Prince of the Ivanovich family.¡±


    Anastasia took a sip of her tea, the faintest of smiles playing on her lips. ¡°I understand your worry, Young Master. But you don¡¯t need to stress too much. People won''t immediately realize who you are just from looking.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Xavier¡¯s gaze flicked around the tavern, clearly uneasy.


    "Yes!" Anastasia replied confidently. "The only way anyone would recognize you is if they happened to look at a newspaper¡­ or maybe a poster¡­ Or¡ª" her eyes widened slightly, "a coin, or even the currency with your face on it¡­¡±


    Xavier let out a slow sigh as the realization sank in.


    Anastasia¡¯s face softened, and she added with a slight frown, "I suppose we¡¯ll need a disguise a bit more thorough than just using a different name, Young Master.¡±


    Then Alcmena burst out laughing at their flustered expressions. ¡°Why are you laughing, Master?¡± Xavier raised an eyebrow, half-smiling. ¡°Maybe you should take some notes. Cats don¡¯t normally go around chatting with strangers either.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you brat!¡± Alcmena muttered, eyes narrowing as he lunged, claws glinting. Xavier yelped, dodging as best he could while Alcmena mockingly taunted, ¡°How¡¯s that for a lesson in secrecy?¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia watched their scuffle, her gaze warm with amusement. Just as she reached for another sip of tea, a heavy hand clamped down on her shoulder. She turned to see a large, brawny man grinning down at her, clearly a bounty hunter with a bit too much to drink.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you join me and my friends over there, sweetheart?¡± he said, his voice slurring. ¡°We¡¯d show a pretty thing like you a real good time.¡±


    Anastasia maintained a polite smile as she shook her head. ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m already occupied with matters far more important.¡±


    He chuckled, clearly unfazed. ¡°Aw, don¡¯t be like that. My friends and I are real gentlemen¡ªwe¡¯ll even put up with that scrawny brat you¡¯re with.¡±


    At that, a flicker of irritation crossed Anastasia¡¯s face. She offered him one more chance, her voice icy. ¡°Please, let go of my shoulder, sir.¡±


    But the bounty hunter ignored her, chuckling as he held his ground. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to get it, woman. It wasn¡¯t a request.¡±


    The next moment, a sinister green glow flared around Anastasia as she activated her poison aura, filling the room with a chilling presence. The chatter in the tavern fell silent as the air thickened, and a few nearby patrons instinctively recoiled.


    The bounty hunter, not one to back down, scowled and hurled his drink at her. ¡°Who the hell do you think you are?!¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t even flinch. She moved in front of Xavier, blocking the mug¡¯s path with a calm, unshakable stance. The glass shattered against her shoulder, shards scattering around them. Silence fell over the tavern as every patron¡¯s gaze shifted to the sudden chaos.


    Xavier¡¯s face flushed with anger. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing, you madman!¡±


    But the bounty hunter wasn¡¯t listening to Xavier. His stunned eyes were fixed on Anastasia, baffled that the broken glass hadn¡¯t left so much as a scratch or bruise on her face. Her hair, now slightly disheveled from the impact, fell loosely around her shoulders, making her look even more intimidating.


    Composed, though her eyes now gleamed with an ominous glint, Anastasia¡¯s voice came out soft but firm. ¡°I suggest you refrain from throwing anything that could hurt my master.¡±


    The man sneered, his pride pricked. He lunged, swinging his fist¡ªbut before he even registered what had happened, Anastasia calmly flicked her finger, sending him sprawling against a nearby wall.


    Rising slowly, she turned to Xavier. ¡°Forgive me, Young Master, but I needed to take control of the situation before it escalated. I couldn¡¯t risk you being caught up in it.¡±


    Across the room, the bounty hunter¡¯s friends were on their feet, shouting as they rushed to their dazed leader. ¡°Boss!¡±


    He shook his head, attempting to regain his bearings. ¡°What... did that woman just do?¡±


    Xavier¡¯s gaze shifted to Alcmena, his voice laced with concern. ¡°Master, are we really going to let Miss Anastasia handle this all by herself?¡±


    Alcmena didn¡¯t respond at first, his gaze steely as he watched the bounty hunters rally around their leader. Xavier could feel a simmering rage pulsing from Alcmena through their bond as vessel and contractor.


    ¡°Master?¡± Xavier pressed, growing uneasy about what Alcmena might be planning.


    Alcmena finally spoke, his tone calm but unyielding. ¡°Just sit down, Xavier. Let Anastasia handle it.¡±


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    ¡°But¡ª¡± Xavier began, glancing worriedly at Anastasia.


    ¡°Quiet,¡± Alcmena cut in. ¡°Watch and learn, Xavier. Do you think Lady Anastasia is just some ordinary maid? There¡¯s a reason I chose her as my bride.¡± He smirked. ¡°Dragons never choose weak spouses. Now sit back and watch why she¡¯s worthy of that title.¡±


    Xavier hesitated, his hand instinctively moving toward Excalibur. But, trusting Alcmena¡¯s judgment, he let his hand fall back to his side and took his seat, murmuring, ¡°Alright, Master. I trust you.¡±


    Watching Anastasia as she faced down the group, Xavier thought, I knew from our first encounter, that Miss Anastasia has always been¡­ a ''gifted'' like me. But how strong is she, for Master to feel so assured?


    The bounty hunter, having regained his footing with the help of his comrades, clicked his tongue in frustration, his pride stinging from the embarrassment. I can¡¯t let her get the best of me again, he fumed.


    ¡°You¡¯re back on your feet,¡± Anastasia remarked coolly, her expression unchanged. ¡°Hopefully that gave you some sense.¡±


    Humiliated, the man barked to his underlings, ¡°Get her! Kill that witch!¡±


    A dozen bounty hunters surged forward, weapons gleaming as they charged Anastasia. She remained perfectly still, her face calm as she revealed slender, deadly daggers hidden within her clothes.


    One of the hunters swung his blade at her, but his weapon was halted mid-swing, stopped cold by her aura alone. He blinked in horror. Is this really happening?


    Determined, several of the others joined the attack, aiming to overwhelm her. But as their weapons met her aura, the steel cracked and shattered into fragments, scattering across the floor. The hunters stumbled back, disbelief painted across their faces.


    ¡°Too bad,¡± Anastasia taunted, her voice soft but cutting. In an instant, she grabbed one hunter by the face, slamming him to the ground with effortless force. Before the others could react, she struck them down one by one, her movements fluid and precise, leaving a few dazed spectators in awe.


    As more hunters came at her, slashing wildly, she dodged each blow with graceful efficiency, countering each one with swift cuts from her daggers. They staggered, clutching at shallow wounds, but before they could press the attack, a creeping numbness spread through their limbs.


    ¡°What¡­ what did you do to us?¡± one of the hunters gasped as his vision began to blur. His skin took on a faint green tint, and dark veins appeared, pulsing ominously.


    Anastasia smiled, her expression darkening. ¡°Poison,¡± she replied smoothly. ¡°To be more specific, you¡¯re under the effects of my ability, Yadovity Dar. The poison now flowing through you is potent enough to incapacitate you for a day. Don¡¯t worry¡ªyou¡¯ll wake up eventually.¡±


    One by one, the hunters fell to the ground, groaning and gasping before the poison took hold and left them unconscious. Anastasia¡¯s smile grew colder as she watched them fall, the faint green glow of her aura flickering around her like an ominous mist.


    Anastasia strolled over to the bounty hunters¡¯ boss, her footsteps measured and deliberate. She fixed him with a mocking smile. ¡°Are you just going to cower there while I handle your men so easily? Pathetic.¡±


    The man¡¯s face twisted with rage, and he lunged at her in a blind fury. Anastasia sidestepped effortlessly, her movements fluid as she brought one of her poisoned daggers across his arm in a swift slash. He stumbled back, clutching his arm as a dull, burning pain radiated from the wound.


    Groaning, he barely had time to process what was happening before Anastasia closed the distance between them. With one smooth motion, she drove her palm up into his chin, the force snapping his head back and knocking several teeth loose. He reeled, his vision going hazy, and collapsed onto the floor with a muffled groan.


    In a desperate attempt to redeem himself, the bounty hunter lunged his blade at Anastasia¡¯s head, aiming for a clean decapitation. But Anastasia merely raised her hand. The moment the blade struck her palm, it bent, metal crumpling as though it were paper, leaving the man utterly speechless.


    Without a hint of haste, Anastasia seized his wrist, twisting it with a bone-snapping crunch. His scream pierced the tavern, yet Anastasia remained unfazed. She pulled him close, delivering a powerful punch to his gut that sent blood spewing from his mouth. With fluid precision, she spun, following up with a roundhouse kick that whipped his head to the floor, his skull smacking the stone in a brutal echo.


    Not finished, Anastasia continued her assault, pounding him to a pulp with her bare hands. Each strike thudded with calculated precision as the poison from her earlier dagger strikes seeped deeper into his veins, sapping his strength, tormenting his body.


    As she finally stepped back, surveying the battered bounty hunter and his defeated comrades scattered across the tavern floor, she leaned down, her voice cold and unyielding. "Consider this a warning," she said, eyes gleaming with a terrifying resolve. "If I ever see you in this nation again¡ªor hear of you harassing anyone¡ªyou won¡¯t live to see your loved ones. And if you do, they''ll receive nothing but your head."


    The bounty hunter nodded, trembling in pain and fear, before his eyes rolled back, consciousness slipping away.


    Anastasia turned to the tavern¡¯s owner, who stood frozen, fear etched across his face. She approached him calmly, hands open in a gesture of peace, her demeanor a striking contrast to the chaos behind her.


    "I apologize for the damage," she said, producing a pouch heavy with gold coins. "This should cover any repairs and more."


    The owner¡¯s fear quickly morphed into greed, his eyes gleaming as he clutched the sack. "No need to apologize, Miss! Those thugs deserved it, and you handled them beautifully!"


    Anastasia offered a polite smile and a slight bow before turning to Xavier, who was staring at her in utter shock.


    ¡°We should be on our way, Young Master,¡± she said gently, despite the small splatter of blood on her cheek that clearly wasn¡¯t her own.


    Xavier¡¯s mouth hung open, his usual composure shattered. Finally, he managed a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his head. "Uh... yeah! Just, uh, got lost in thought. Haha!"


    Anastasia chuckled, nodding. "Shall we?"


    As they exited the tavern, Alcmena, perched on Xavier¡¯s shoulder, grinned. "I told you so."


    Xavier chuckled awkwardly. "You did."


    The bustling streets of Saint Petersburg greeted them as they stepped outside. Xavier, his curiosity finally overwhelming his shock, looked at Anastasia with excitement. "Miss Anastasia, how did you get so strong? I knew you were gifted, but this... this is something else!"


    Anastasia smiled, a hint of pride shining through. "I¡¯ve always been strong, Young Master. I¡¯m just not usually required to show it.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s face lit up. "I¡¯m glad to have someone as incredible as you by my side!"


    She laughed softly, clearly flattered. "Thank you, Young Master. I¡¯m still adjusting to my new life, as a fellow servant of the Ivanovich family".


    ¡°Wait¡­ were you always a maid?¡± Xavier asked, the thought striking him suddenly. ¡°Because if I remember correctly, Head Buttler Viktor Mirovich mentioned you¡¯ve been with the family since you were young.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s expression softened, a flicker of nostalgia in her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re right¡ªI have been with the Ivanovich family for quite some time. But no, I wasn¡¯t originally born into service, unlike many of my colleagues.¡± She hesitated, then added with a faint smile, ¡°But that¡¯s a long story¡ªprobably not interesting enough to bore you with."


    Xavier immediately protested. "Not interesting? Are you kidding? I need to know!"


    Alcmena chimed in, smiling. "Yes, Lady Anastasia, we¡¯re all ears."


    Anastasia hesitated, a faint blush coloring her cheeks before she relented. "Alright, alright. If you insist. It¡¯s a long story, so let¡¯s start from the beginning¡­"


    Xavier raised his fists triumphantly. "Yes!"


    Anastasia took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she prepared to unveil the past that had shaped her.

 Born of Venom

    August 4th, 1778


    Shirakawa-go, Japan


    I remember it all as if it happened just yesterday. I was born to parents I would never know, left alone until I was sold to a man named Kagehiro Sakai. He became my master.


    Kagehiro Sakai wasn¡¯t a parent or a guide. He was cold, ruthless, training me and other orphans around my age to be obedient¡ªperfect instruments for his will. In his eyes, we were nothing more than puppets, useful only for what he could shape us into. Training us meant breaking us down; he drove us to the brink of exhaustion, starved us when we disappointed him, and punished any disobedience without hesitation.


    We lived on Mount Koya, where the cold bit into our bones and the forests hid all manner of beasts. Each day was spent on brutal training, dragging us into those misty forests where we learned to endure the harsh conditions and survive with next to nothing. We trained not just in strength and agility but in shadow¡ªhow to ambush, assassinate, poison, and kill with quiet efficiency. The target¡¯s age, nationality, or innocence didn¡¯t matter. If someone paid for their death, we were to deliver it without question or mercy.


    My companions were just ordinary children shaped into something unnatural, but I was different. I was one of the rare "gifted," blessed with a unique ability that Kagehiro favored above all. He pushed me harder, expected more of me, yet I was numb to the mystery of my past. I didn¡¯t wonder about my real parents or why my life was filled with violence. All I knew was that I had been made into a weapon¡ªa Shinobi. My hands were stained with innocent blood, shed for the shadowed deals that profited men like Kagehiro.


    One rainy morning, as my fellow "siblings" and I sat shivering, the youngest of us, a girl we called Eighteen, looked up at me, clutching her growling stomach. "Big Sis, I¡¯m hungry," she murmured.


    I met her gaze, sadness filling my voice. "I¡¯m sorry, Eighteen. I don¡¯t have anything for you right now," I said, trying to keep my tone gentle.


    Her stomach growled again, louder this time, and she grumbled in frustration.


    "Would you shut up already?" grumbled Thirty-One, sitting a few feet ahead, scowling at her. "All your whining is distracting."


    Eighteen shot him an annoyed look. "Why are you trying to act all tough again? Trying to impress Big Sis?" Her words drew laughter from the others, making Thirty-One turn beet red.


    "W-What? I¡¯m not trying to look cool for Sixteen!" he stammered, his face a shade darker as he glared at her.


    She only stuck her tongue out in response, taunting him further. I watched their antics with a quiet laugh, but beneath the amusement, I noticed Eighteen shivering from the biting cold.


    Our master¡¯s voice echoed in my memory: ¡°Endurance must be your only comfort. Strength is found only in hardship. A tool has no value if it breaks when called upon.¡±


    None of us ever dared to talk back to him, so we endured. This brutal training was what let us survive on almost no food, no water, and no rest. It allowed us to withstand intense heat and biting cold, though not without cost. Those who fell to exhaustion or cold were simply left behind. Yet somehow, the intense conditioning kept us alive on missions.


    As I draped a strip of cloth over Eighteen¡¯s shoulders, the silence broke with the sound of a familiar bell¡ªa sharp, cold ring that meant it was time to train again.


    We all rose in unison, moving like the trained hounds we were. Eighteen slipped off my lap, standing with the rest of us as we shuffled outside from the bare, broken-down room into the biting chill of the morning. We sprinted toward the training grounds, each of us knowing today¡¯s session would be anything but routine.


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    When we arrived, one of the instructors faced us, his voice cold as the air. "Today, you¡¯ll be tested,¡± he announced. ¡°You¡¯ll fight each other to see who among you is the most skilled. The winner will stand above the rest.¡±


    A tournament was quickly organized, and the air buzzed with the energy of tense anticipation. Each match narrowed down the contenders, the winners advancing until only one would be declared the strongest among us.


    Then my turn came. My opponent: Number One. He was an arrogant, smug boy known for his strength and skill, a brute who enjoyed reminding the rest of us of his superiority. We had never fought before, but his scornful glances made it clear he¡¯d been waiting for this moment. He especially liked to pick on Eighteen¡ªhe once made her cry, and though I held back then, my resentment had been simmering ever since.


    Before the fight began, he smirked at me. "I''ve been waiting for this, you know. Finally, I get to see who¡¯s stronger¡ªme, or Master Sakai¡¯s prized little pet.¡±


    I ignored his taunt, keeping my expression cold and calm. I could feel Eighteen¡¯s gaze on me, and that was all I needed to focus. This wasn¡¯t just another fight.


    As soon as the match started, he lunged, moving quickly enough to slice my cheek, and then swung his leg in a follow-up kick. I barely blocked it, feeling the force reverberate through me. Regaining my footing, I heard Eighteen¡¯s small voice cheering me on. I glanced over and saw her hopeful expression, and it gave me strength.


    One scoffed, sneering. "What a foolish little girl, that friend of yours."


    I fixed him with a deadly glare. "Watch your words, One," I said, my tone low. "You¡¯ll regret what you did to her that day."


    He laughed, unfazed. "I''d like to see you make me, woman."


    We clashed, moving in tandem, our swords sending harsh echoes through the courtyard with each strike. The sound caught the attention of everyone, even our master, who watched from a balcony above, conversing with his right-hand man.


    "Ah, it seems we¡¯re witnessing a battle between your finest Shinobi,¡± the right-hand man commented with a sly grin. ¡°Let¡¯s see which hound proves to be your fiercest.¡±


    Master Sakai stood silently, his eyes fixed on us as our fight intensified.


    In the ring, our battle was ferocious, both of us fighting like predators with every strike aimed at vulnerable points. We were like rabid wolves, aiming to tear each other apart. My body ached as his dagger pierced my side, pain searing through me. I gritted my teeth, twisting his wrist sharply, driving a knee into his shin and shoving him back.


    He staggered, then grinned, taunting, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, ¡®gifted¡¯ one? Can¡¯t use your special powers? Or are you too weak to try?¡±


    "Shut it!" I snarled, anger flaring. My vision sharpened, and my eyes began to glow with a venomous, intense green. I felt something raw and powerful surge through me, unfamiliar yet natural. Without thinking, I stomped on the ground, and a tremor cracked the earth beneath us, sending a ripple through the training grounds.


    The crowd fell silent, stunned¡ªincluding myself. This was new, even for me. Whatever lay dormant within had begun to awaken.


    I sprang forward, my movements weaving and striking like a Western Green Mamba, infamous for its deadly precision. One and I clashed blades again, our strikes growing fiercer as we aimed to disarm¡ªand dismantle¡ªthe other.


    But One¡¯s advantage was slipping. He struggled to match my speed, each of my attacks quick and serpentine, slashing at him from angles he couldn¡¯t anticipate. My strikes came fast and lethal, each one calculated to keep him from finding any opening to counter.


    Frustrated by how the fight was turning, One attempted a desperate move¡ªan uppercut that caught me in the jaw, sending a sharp pain through my face. Before I could recover, he lunged with his dagger, aiming straight for my chest. I narrowly evaded, twisting just enough for the blade to miss, and then struck back.


    I felt something raw and powerful as I prepared my next strike¡ªa venomous energy seemed to flow from within, coating my fist with a faint, sickly-green aura. When my punch connected, One let out a scream, his face contorted in agony as the venomous acid burned where my fist had landed. Seeing my chance to end this, I unleashed a swift barrage of blows, each one aimed with ruthless precision at vital points.


    One finally crumpled to the ground, beaten and unconscious, as the spectators erupted into cheers. I stood there, catching my breath, my eyes still glowing faintly as I was declared the winner.


    "Well, look at that," my master¡¯s right-hand man commented from above. "That green-haired girl won. Not what I expected¡­but then, a ¡®gifted¡¯ child is bound to surprise you, no matter their age or¡­gender."


    Master Sakai¡¯s gaze lingered on me, a faint shadow of unease crossing his face as he observed. Strong? Yes, he thought. But perhaps, too strong. These dogs may someday bare their fangs at the one who raised them¡­


    He dismissed the thought quickly. No, it¡¯s impossible. Yet, a whisper of doubt remained. But if that day ever comes¡­I should be prepared to ensure it never happens.


    ¡°A dog must stay a dog,¡± he mused, his expression unreadable. ¡°And a master must always be ready to put down any dog that becomes a threat.¡±

 Shadows of Duty

    A few weeks later, Master Sakai received a lucrative assassination request. The client? A group of politicians desperate to eliminate a rival¡ªan influential, wealthy man whose power threatened their own. In exchange, our master was promised an unimaginable sum of gold and wealth.


    And so, as his loyal hounds, we were dispatched to execute the task.


    The mansion was a fortress, sprawling and heavily guarded. But our team was honed for this¡ªsilent shadows slipping through the cracks of the world. We infiltrated unnoticed, dispatching guards with precision. They didn¡¯t have time to scream, let alone comprehend what had struck them.


    As we approached the target''s chambers, I allowed ethereal energy to flow through my body, heightening my senses, quickening my movements, and silencing my every step. The lessons drilled into me on Mount Koya came alive as I became the perfect predator.


    Two of my comrades leaped ahead, eliminating the final guards stationed outside the politician¡¯s bedroom. We moved as one, a seamless force, until the moment the door cracked open¡ªnot by our hands, but by a sleepy child¡¯s.


    The boy blinked at us, his small face caught between confusion and fear. Before he could scream, Number Twenty-One clamped a hand over his mouth. But the damage was done. From within the room, the sounds of stirring grew louder. A woman¡¯s panicked voice pierced the silence:


    "My baby!"


    The politician¡¯s wife sat up, her scream waking her husband. He jumped from the bed, his voice sharp and demanding. "Who are you? What are you doing in my home?!"


    There was no time for negotiation. My body moved on instinct. My venomous green eyes flared as I dashed forward, cutting down the woman in a single stroke. Her blood sprayed across her husband¡¯s face as he fell back, frozen in horror.


    Number Twelve moved next, his near-invisible threads wrapping around the man¡¯s limbs. With a flick of his fingers, both arms fell away in a grotesque spray of blood.


    The man screamed, but Twelve¡¯s voice was cold and unrelenting. "Quiet, filth. You¡¯ll make this harder than it has to be."


    The threads tightened around the target¡¯s head as Twelve continued, his tone devoid of empathy. "Our orders were simple. Your head is the proof we need. I¡¯ll make it quick."


    Despite the man¡¯s desperate pleas for his life, Twelve silenced him with a swift decapitation. The body slumped, lifeless, as the head rolled to the floor.


    The child in Twenty-One¡¯s grasp let out a muffled, heart-wrenching scream. His tears stained his cheeks as he trembled in terror, witnessing the brutal slaughter of his family.


    For the first time in years, my hands trembled. A feeling unfamiliar and unwelcome rose within me¡ªdoubt. My colleague, Eighteen, noticed and whispered, "Big Sis, are you okay?"


    I forced a smile. "I¡¯m fine," I lied.


    But as I glanced at the boy, red-eyed and shaking, something in me snapped. My heart felt heavy, my breaths uneven.


    "We should leave the child," I blurted out before I could stop myself.


    The room froze.


    Number Thirty-One spun to me, his voice sharp with disbelief. "What did you say, Sixteen?! Do you have any idea what Master Sakai will do if he finds out we left a witness alive?"


    The others murmured in agreement, their eyes wide with incredulity. But I stood my ground, my voice steadier now.


    "We¡¯re burning the mansion to the ground to cover our tracks," I said. "The fire will take care of the evidence. There¡¯s no need to kill him."


    Number Forty-Two tilted his head, studying me with a cold, calculating gaze. "So, you¡¯d rather let the boy burn alive than give him a merciful end?"


    I had no response. My logic faltered under the weight of my own hypocrisy. But I couldn¡¯t bring myself to order his death.


    Forty-Two sighed and shrugged. "Fine. We¡¯ll do it your way."


    The others began to protest, but Forty-Two silenced them with a single glare. "But if this decision comes back to haunt us, Sixteen, the blame is yours. Remember that."


    I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I¡¯ll take full responsibility."


    We bound the boy and left him amidst the carnage of his parents. As flames engulfed the mansion, I told myself it was mercy. But deep down, I knew it wasn¡¯t.


    Later, back at the compound, Master Sakai was in high spirits. The assassination had secured the promised fortune, and he threw a lavish banquet in celebration. Plates of food we could only dream of filled the long tables, their decadent aromas filling the air.


    As my comrades indulged, laughing and cheering, my appetite waned. The boy¡¯s tear-streaked face lingered in my mind, a haunting reminder of what we had done.


    Eighteen leaned toward me, her innocent smile breaking through the haze of my thoughts. "How¡¯s the food, Big Sis?"


    I forced another smile, though the taste of guilt overpowered the meal.


    "It''s incredible," I replied with a faint smile.


    "Exactly!" Eighteen exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. "This is the best thing I''ve ever eaten!"


    I giggled at her reaction, savoring the moment of joy amidst our otherwise grim lives.


    Before I could respond, a soldier stationed near the head of the hall raised his voice. "Silence! Master has something to say."


    The chatter ceased instantly. All eyes turned to Master Sakai as he stood, raising a glass of expensive wine. His presence was commanding, as always.


    "I am here today to celebrate this divine opportunity granted to us by the heavens," he began, his tone warm and fatherly. "For the wealth we have acquired and the success of your hard work, I give my sincerest gratitude to each of you. Cheers, to your loyalty and dedication through the years."


    His words struck a chord. Many of us teared up, myself included. Master Sakai was the man who had taken us in when no one else would, raising us from nothing and shaping us into the people we were today. Despite the harsh training, we were grateful.


    The hall erupted into cheers. Plates of food were passed around, and the room buzzed with joy. It was a rare moment of camaraderie and celebration.


    I was halfway through my third plate when a strange unease crept over me. My stomach churned, but I dismissed it as exhaustion. Then the first scream broke the merriment.


    One by one, my siblings began to clutch their stomachs, coughing violently. Blood spilled from their mouths, staining the pristine white tablecloths.


    "Eighteen!" I shouted, my voice filled with panic as I turned to her. She was pale, her hands trembling as blood trickled from her nose and mouth.


    "Sixteen¡­" she whispered weakly before collapsing into my arms.


    "What¡¯s happening?!" I cried out, trying to steady her fragile frame.


    Laughter echoed through the room, sharp and cruel. I looked up to see Master Sakai standing at the head of the table, his wine glass raised, his eyes alight with malice.


    "Oh, Sixteen," he mocked, his voice dripping with amusement. "It seems your dear little sister isn¡¯t feeling well."


    My blood boiled as the truth hit me. "Poison," I spat, glaring at him. "You poisoned us, you bastard!"


    He tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Poison? How perceptive of you." Taking a slow sip of his wine, he continued, "Did you honestly believe I cared for any of you? You were tools¡ªuseful for a time, but all tools wear out eventually."


    I stared in disbelief, my body trembling with rage and helplessness.


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    "You thought I was some benevolent father figure," he sneered. "But I am and always will be your master. And now, your time has come to an end."


    He snapped his fingers, and armed men flooded the room, their weapons glinting in the flickering candlelight. "Kill them all," Sakai ordered, leaning back into his chair with a smug grin.


    Chaos consumed the room as blades clashed and screams filled the air. My siblings, already weakened by the poison coursing through their veins, stood no chance. One after another, they fell, their desperate cries of pain silenced by the swift brutality of Master Sakai''s men. Blood pooled across the floor, mingling with the remnants of our celebratory feast.


    I stood frozen, clutching Eighteen¡¯s frail body in my arms, my heart pounding with a mixture of helplessness and fury. Master Sakai¡¯s laughter echoed through the carnage, cold and detached, as though he were merely an observer in some grotesque theater of death.


    ¡°I suspected the poison wouldn¡¯t work on you, Sixteen,¡± he said, his tone as calm as if he were commenting on the weather. His piercing gaze locked onto me, and I felt his words like venom sinking into my soul. ¡°Your little poison powers make you immune, after all. But don¡¯t let that give you any ideas.¡±


    He stood from his seat, his presence commanding despite the blood-soaked chaos around him. ¡°You¡¯re still nothing more than a weak, pathetic dog. A failure of my design.¡±


    His words burned, cutting deeper than any wound. My hands trembled, clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palms. Tears blurred my vision as the weight of the slaughter around me pressed down, suffocating me.


    He leaned back slightly, smirking as though reveling in my despair. ¡°Look at you,¡± he sneered. ¡°So much potential, wasted on sentimentality. You¡¯re nothing without me, Sixteen. Just a broken tool waiting to be discarded.¡±


    My teeth gritted as his mocking words replayed in my mind. The fire of my rage simmered, threatening to consume me, but I couldn¡¯t act¡ªnot yet. Eighteen¡¯s shallow breaths grounded me, her life hanging by a thread. I glanced around, the lifeless bodies of my brothers and sisters surrounding me, their deaths a cruel punctuation to his cruelty.


    My heart screamed for vengeance, but my body refused to move. I couldn¡¯t let him win¡ªnot like this.


    I clung to Eighteen, shielding her frail body as soldiers closed in on us. A blade pierced my chest, sending searing pain through my body, but I didn¡¯t let go of her. Blood seeped from the wound, staining her already pale skin.


    "Stay with me, Eighteen," I whispered, my voice breaking.


    Her breathing was shallow, her eyes dull. I knew I had to get her out of there. Summoning every ounce of strength, I dashed toward the door, ignoring the searing pain in my chest.


    The forest surrounding Mount Koya was shrouded in darkness, the chill of the night biting at my skin. Behind me, I could hear the shouts of Sakai¡¯s men giving chase.


    I ran until my legs burned, Eighteen¡¯s body growing colder with every passing moment. My mind raced as I approached a cliff''s edge. Below, the waves crashed violently against jagged rocks.


    "Where can I go?" I thought, despair clawing at my chest.


    "Sixteen¡­" Eighteen¡¯s voice was barely audible. I looked down at her, my heart breaking at her fragile state.


    "Eighteen! Stay with me!" I begged, my voice cracking.


    She smiled faintly, her lips trembling. "I¡¯m¡­ okay, Sis¡­"


    Her words felt like a dagger to my heart. I hugged her tightly, feeling the life slipping from her small frame. Her skin was cold, her breaths shallow.


    "Don¡¯t leave me," I whispered, my tears falling freely.


    Desperate, I tried to channel my poison-manipulating powers, willing the toxins from her body. But it was no use. My abilities, my training, all of it was worthless now.


    I stared at the roaring sea below, clutching Eighteen to my chest. The shouts of the soldiers grew louder behind me. I was out of time.


    "I¡¯m sorry," I whispered to her, my voice breaking as despair consumed me.


    As Master Sakai¡¯s words echoed in my mind, his voice was drowned out by the sound of my own sobs. I clung to Eighteen, her small body growing colder with each passing second. Her breaths slowed, each one fainter than the last.


    ¡°Don¡¯t... cry, Big... Sis,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her pale lips trembled as she forced out her final words. ¡°I¡¯ll... always... be with you. Live... a life... full of joy... and happiness... for me.¡±


    Her fragile smile broke me. I held her closer, desperate to will her back to life, but her body went limp in my arms. Her heart had stopped.


    ¡°No... no, no, no,¡± I whispered, shaking her gently. ¡°Eighteen... please... stay with me!¡±


    Master Sakai¡¯s laughter pierced my grief like a blade. ¡°What a pathetic sight,¡± he sneered. ¡°Did you really think you could protect her? That you could escape me? Everything that¡¯s happened is your fault, Sixteen. The deaths of your siblings and your precious little sister¡ªall of it! Your actions brought this upon them!¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond. I couldn¡¯t. My tears fell freely, my vision clouded by despair. I cradled Eighteen closer, her lifeless form the only anchor in the storm of anguish consuming me.


    ¡°Eighteen,¡± I whispered through clenched teeth. ¡°Please... don¡¯t leave me. Please!¡±


    The world seemed to crumble around me. My sorrow twisted and churned, a storm brewing within my soul. My aura, uncontrollable and wild, burst forth like a floodgate breaking under pressure. The air thickened with venomous gases, so potent they melted the very ground beneath us.


    Sakai¡¯s men fell one by one, choking and clawing at their throats, their bodies succumbing to the toxic fumes. Master Sakai, however, stepped forward through the haze, his skin blistering and melting under the corrosive air. His twisted smile remained intact, a grotesque mask of triumph.


    ¡°Magnificent!¡± he declared, his voice giddy with delight. ¡°This is the power I always knew you had. My hunting dog, finally unleashed!¡±


    I didn¡¯t hear him. I didn¡¯t care. All I could feel was the suffocating weight of loss and rage. My aura expanded further, devouring everything in its path. The cliff beneath us crumbled, collapsing into the roaring sea below.


    As Sakai¡¯s body disintegrated under the onslaught of my venomous energy, his mocking laughter finally ceased. But the victory was hollow. My grip on Eighteen loosened as her lifeless form began to slip from my arms.


    ¡°No!¡± I screamed, reaching out for her as we both plummeted into the sea. ¡°Eighteen! Please! Come back to me!¡±


    The icy water engulfed me, pulling me into its depths. My body sank, the world fading into darkness. My mind, consumed by despair, clung to one thought: I¡¯ve lost everything.


    When I finally awoke, I found myself lying on the edge of a riverbank, far from the cliff where everything had ended. My body was battered, riddled with wounds, and my strength was nearly gone. I tried to stand, but my legs gave out beneath me.


    I crawled, grabbing a sturdy branch to support myself as I staggered forward. My mind screamed at me to keep moving, to run as far as I could from the nightmare I¡¯d escaped. For days, I stumbled through the wilderness, my body driven by fear and instinct alone.


    I didn¡¯t eat. I didn¡¯t sleep. I didn¡¯t care. Every step was agony, but stopping meant facing the possibility that Master Sakai¡¯s shadow would find me again.


    Finally, my body gave out. I collapsed onto the cold earth, unable to go any further. As I lay there, my thoughts drifted to Eighteen and my fallen siblings. Memories of their laughter, their dreams, and their love haunted me, a cruel reminder of all I¡¯d lost.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do this anymore,¡± I whispered to no one, my voice cracking under the weight of my despair. ¡°I just... I just want it all to stop...¡±


    A voice called out in the distance, faint and desperate. ¡°Help! Someone, please!¡±


    I ignored it. I had nothing left to give. Humanity, compassion, hope¡ªthose parts of me had been stripped away, leaving only a hollow shell.


    The voice called again, more urgent this time. But as I prepared to tune it out, an image of Eighteen surfaced in my mind.


    Her soft, cheerful voice echoed in my memories: ¡°Big Sis, have you ever wondered what it would be like to live a life where we help people instead of hurting them?¡±


    I could still see her bright eyes, filled with a rare spark of hope. ¡°I wish I could feel what they feel¡ªlove, joy, happiness. Maybe then I could stop being what I am. Maybe then, I could truly live.¡±


    The words stirred something deep within me, a fragment of the humanity I thought I¡¯d lost. Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself up. My body screamed in protest, but I forced myself to move.


    For her. For Eighteen.


    I turned toward the voice.


    The memory of her words echoed in my mind, fueling the tears that burned my eyes. It wasn''t just pain¡ªit was resolve. I pushed myself off the blood-soaked ground, swaying as exhaustion threatened to topple me again. My breath was ragged, my body heavy, but the faint, desperate cry for help pierced through the fog of pain.


    I stumbled forward, one step at a time, following the voice. It led me to the edge of a clearing, where the clash of steel rang out in violent discord. Pressing myself against the rough bark of a tree, I peered past it.


    From my hiding place, I saw them¡ªa group of knights surrounded by bandits.


    The knights were losing. Their formation had broken, and they were being overwhelmed by sheer numbers. One knight, his face bloodied beneath his shattered helm, shouted toward the wreckage of an overturned carriage nearby, ¡°Stay hidden, Your Highness! We¡¯ll hold them off!¡±


    My eyes darted to the carriage, its elegant frame now a splintered ruin. Inside, I caught a glimpse of movement¡ªa young woman in a torn gown, struggling against the debris that pinned her. The princess.


    Something twisted in my chest. The knights fought for her, their lives bleeding out into the dirt, and she was trapped¡ªhelpless, a prisoner of both circumstance and terror.


    I could have turned away. It wasn¡¯t my fight, and I owed nothing to these people. But the memory of another time, another failure, surged forward. The faces of those I couldn¡¯t save haunted me. If I walked away now, I would never forgive myself.


    My fingers closed around the hilt of my dagger, the worn leather familiar against my palm. I drew it, the blade trembling slightly in my grasp. Steeling myself, I stepped out from behind the tree and into the fray.


    I moved toward the bandits, my steps deliberate and silent. The first didn¡¯t see me until it was too late. My dagger slipped into his side, and I twisted, a spray of blood marking the air. His cry alerted the others.


    Another bandit charged at me, his axe raised high. I sidestepped, letting his momentum carry him past me, before driving my blade into his back. The knights noticed my intervention, their gazes flickering with confusion and gratitude, but I didn¡¯t have time to explain myself.


    I was a blur of motion, ducking, slashing, dodging. Pain flared as a sword grazed my arm, but I ignored it, pushing forward. For every knight who fell, I took down two bandits, my anger and determination fueling my strikes.


    And then, it was over.


    The clearing was a battlefield of broken bodies, blood pooling beneath the fallen. My legs buckled, and I collapsed to my knees, the dagger slipping from my grasp. Around me, the surviving knights panted, their faces etched with exhaustion and disbelief.


    The sky above was achingly blue, a stark contrast to the carnage below. My chest heaved as I stared upward, feeling the weight of it all¡ªthe lives I couldn¡¯t save, the cost of my choice.


    As my vision dimmed, a blinding light tore through the sky. It wasn¡¯t the sun. No, this light was purer, divine. From the heavens, a swarm of white-armored knights on beautiful horses descended, their presence overwhelming.


    At their center was a figure so radiant it hurt to look at him. His silver hair caught the light, and his royal attire shimmered with an unearthly glow. In his hand, he held a sword of pure light, its brilliance unlike anything I¡¯d ever seen.


    He knelt before me, his voice soft and commanding, ¡°Are you alright, child?¡±


    I opened my mouth to respond, but the exhaustion pulled me under. Darkness claimed me, the divine figure¡¯s concerned gaze the last thing I saw.

 Shadows and Sparks

    The grand office exuded an air of majesty, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and golden accents reflecting the glow of the setting sun. A white-haired man sat at a mahogany desk, his sharp yet gentle gaze focused on the documents before him. Standing nearby was his butler, Viktor Mirovich, a man whose every movement spoke of practiced elegance.


    A soft knock interrupted the tranquil atmosphere.


    ¡°Enter,¡± the man said, his voice steady yet inviting.


    The heavy oak door creaked open to reveal a maid, her steps precise and head bowed respectfully. ¡°Greetings, Your Majesty,¡± she said, her tone humble but steady. ¡°What may this lowly servant do for you today?¡±


    The man before her was none other than King Graviil Ivanovich, sovereign of the Great Russian Empire, Lord of Light, and head of the illustrious Ivanovich family.


    Graviil set his pen down, the faint scratch of ink against parchment ceasing as he turned his full attention to the maid. ¡°Raise your head, Irina. There¡¯s no need for such formality between us.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, Lord Graviil,¡± she replied, lifting her face to meet his gaze. His piercing eyes, radiant and kind, seemed to command both respect and trust.


    ¡°How is the child?¡± Graviil asked warmly. ¡°Is she adjusting well?¡±


    Irina hesitated, her composure faltering for a moment. She clasped her hands tightly, a flicker of worry crossing her face. Noticing this, Graviil leaned forward slightly, concern etched into his expression. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°My apologies, my lord,¡± Irina stammered. ¡°Things were fine at first, but¡­¡± She swallowed hard. ¡°The girl has locked herself in her room. She hasn¡¯t eaten in three days.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Graviil¡¯s voice, though not raised, carried a weight that made Irina flinch. ¡°And you¡¯re only telling me this now?¡±


    Irina took a step back, her cheeks pale. ¡°Forgive me, my lord! We tried to inform you, but you were away on a business trip. We thought it best to handle the situation ourselves¡­¡±


    Graviil sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair and pinching the bridge of his nose. ¡°First, my daughter gets attacked, and now this? I shouldn¡¯t have let my guard down¡ªnot after everything.¡±


    Viktor, ever observant, intervened with a calm yet firm tone. ¡°My lord, if I may¡ªdwelling on what-ifs will do no good. Your ability, the All-Seeing Eye, was sealed for a reason. Lady Svetlana herself implored you to deactivate it to honor the freedom and privacy of all under your care. You must trust her judgment.¡±


    Graviil closed his eyes, recalling the solemn promise he¡¯d made to his wife. His All-Seeing Eye, an ability part of his ''Absolute Light'' gifted power. Capable of illuminating and observing everything within the reach of light, was an unparalleled gift. Yet Svetlana had argued passionately against its use, believing it could erode trust and strip away their country''s people¡¯s intrinsic right to privacy.


    After a moment, Graviil nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right, Viktor. As always.¡±


    ¡°I live to serve, my lord,¡± Viktor said with a slight bow. ¡°Now, as for the child, Lady Svetlana has already taken it upon herself to tend to her. The royal family and the nation remain secure¡ªI¡¯ve ensured that personally. You have many who stand by you. Remember, even the strongest shoulders must share their burdens.¡±


    Graviil let out a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he was holding. The weight on his chest lightened slightly, thanks to Viktor¡¯s steady reassurance.


    ¡°Thank you, old friend,¡± Graviil said quietly. ¡°You¡¯re more a brother to me than a servant.¡±


    ¡°It is my honor,¡± Viktor replied, a rare softness in his tone.


    The scene shifted.


    The room was dark and cold, a sanctuary of silence broken only by the occasional creak of floorboards as I shifted. I sat alone, knees drawn up to my chest, consumed by a storm of thoughts. Why? I wondered, the question echoing endlessly in my mind.


    Why did I have to endure this? The trauma, the loss, the unrelenting sadness. Why couldn¡¯t I have a life like any other girl? A normal life. My heart twisted painfully as my thoughts drifted to Eighteen. She was so young, so full of light. Why couldn¡¯t she have lived the life she deserved¡ªblissful and bright?


    The weight of these thoughts dragged me deeper into the darkness, my body growing numb as though surrendering to the void. I was barely aware of the world around me when a sliver of light pierced the gloom.


    A voice followed, soft yet exasperated. ¡°Goodness, just look at this mess! I cleaned it not too long ago. And why is it so dark in here? Did you shut all the curtains?¡±


    The familiarity of that voice jolted me. It was hers¡ªthe beautiful woman they called ¡°Lady Svetlana.¡± My heart quickened as I tried to piece together why she was here.


    Before I could think further, the room was flooded with light. The curtains had been pulled back, and the windows opened wide. A fresh breeze carried the scent of morning air, brushing through her caramel-gold hair that gleamed like sunlight. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she turned toward me, smiling softly.


    ¡°How are you feeling, dear?¡± she asked, her tone gentle but probing. ¡°Did you sleep well? Have you eaten yet?¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond, my lips refusing to form words. But she didn¡¯t seem fazed. She moved gracefully around the room, tidying the chaos I¡¯d created.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Kneeling before me, she brushed a stray strand of hair away from my face. ¡°I know you don¡¯t want to talk,¡± she said softly, her voice a soothing balm. ¡°But promise me you¡¯ll take care of yourself, alright? You need to stay healthy, even if it¡¯s just for you.¡±


    Her words lingered, a warmth I didn¡¯t quite understand blooming in my chest.


    Before I could process it, another figure burst into the room¡ªa girl whose presence felt like the sun breaking through storm clouds. Her silvery hair caught the light as she dashed toward me, grabbing my hand with childlike enthusiasm.


    ¡°How have you been, my heroine-knight?¡± she chirped. Her eyes, blue as the sky, sparkled with excitement. ¡°Did you sleep well today?¡±


    This was Princess Fyodora Ivanovich, the daughter of Lady Svetlana. Her cheerful energy was impossible to ignore, a stark contrast to the darkness that had engulfed me. She didn¡¯t seem to care that I didn¡¯t answer, launching into a stream of thanks and praise.


    ¡°You were so brave that day,¡± she said, squeezing my hand tightly. ¡°You saved me, and I¡¯ll never forget it!¡±


    Her words hit me like a wave. I stared into her eyes, so full of life, and thought of Eighteen again. She reminds me of her¡­


    Then my stomach growled¡ªa sound so loud that everyone froze for a moment. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I tried to shy away, mortified by the betrayal of my own body.


    ¡°You must be hungry,¡± Lady Svetlana said with a laugh, her smile as warm as ever.


    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Fyodora exclaimed. ¡°Come on! Mama makes the best breakfast in the world¡ªyou¡¯ll love it!¡± She tugged at my hand, her excitement pulling me out of my shell just a little.


    I followed them, drawn to the light they seemed to carry. It was a feeling I couldn¡¯t describe, like a moth to a flame.


    They filled me with food I¡¯d only dreamed of, each bite a revelation. Afterward, they took me to their garden¡ªa sprawling paradise of flowers, trees, and creatures I¡¯d never seen before. Maids bustled about, tending to the vibrant life that thrived here.


    The beauty of it all mesmerized me. I walked through the garden, lost in its wonders, when I suddenly collided with something¡ªor someone.


    I stumbled back, clutching my nose as pain flared. When I looked up, my heart stopped. Towering over me was a man whose presence felt as unyielding as a mountain. His hair was white, tinged with silver, and his piercing blue eyes burned like fire.


    ¡°Who¡­ who are you?¡± I stammered, my voice trembling as fear gripped me.


    The man¡¯s gaze bore into me, cold and unrelenting. His voice was deep and commanding, shaking me to my core. ¡°Hmph. Is that how you thank the man who saved you and offered you shelter?¡±


    I was too stunned to respond, my legs threatening to give out beneath me. But before the tension could crush me entirely, Lady Svetlana and Fyodora rushed over.


    ¡°Graviil!¡± Svetlana snapped, marching up to the man. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? And why did you scare her like that?¡±


    Graviil, the man I now realized was King Graviil Ivanovich himself, raised his hands defensively. ¡°Easy, Svetlana. I didn¡¯t hit her. She bumped into me, and her nose started bleeding.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Svetlana narrowed her eyes suspiciously. ¡°Well, rude or not, you owe her an apology.¡±


    Graviil sighed, ruffling his silver hair before extending a hand to me. ¡°My apologies, young lady. I wasn¡¯t myself today. Please forgive me.¡±


    I hesitated, still shaken, but his hand radiated warmth¡ªa light I hadn¡¯t expected.


    ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± Svetlana said with a triumphant smile, patting his back. ¡°Now, since you¡¯re here, we were just about to have a tea party. Care to join us?¡±


    Graviil smiled back at her, his expression softening. Fyodora, meanwhile, leapt onto his back with a gleeful shout. ¡°Horse ride, Papa! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a flicker of something unfamiliar but welcome¡ªhope.


    Graviil smiled softly and said, though with some reluctance, ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll give you your horse ride, my little Princess.¡±


    Watching this exchange, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang in my chest. The sight of a loving family¡ªso warm, so natural¡ªwas like staring at a world I¡¯d always dreamed of but could never touch. I wished, not for the first time, that I could have had something like this for myself. For Eighteen. For the others.


    We soon gathered in a beautiful gazebo surrounded by the garden¡¯s vibrant colors and fragrances. Life thrived all around us, but I felt like the only thing in the scene that didn¡¯t belong.


    Lady Svetlana handed me a cup of tea, her movements graceful and calm. ¡°How is your nose? Does it feel better now?¡± she asked with genuine concern.


    I hesitated but felt compelled to respond. ¡°Yes... It feels better.¡±


    Hearing my voice seemed to surprise them all. Lady Svetlana and Princess Fyodora exchanged gleeful smiles, their joy almost infectious. Even Graviil, with his normally stoic demeanor, allowed a faint smile to cross his face.


    I took a cautious sip of the tea. It was unlike anything I¡¯d ever tasted¡ªsoothing and flavorful. Lady Svetlana noticed my reaction and smiled warmly.


    ¡°Forgive me for asking,¡± she began gently, ¡°but you¡¯ve never told us your name. It would help to know how to address you properly.¡±


    Her kindness made it difficult to ignore the question, though the answer caught in my throat. ¡°My name?¡± I said softly. ¡°I don¡¯t really have one. My master called me... Sixteen. I was his sixteenth hound.¡±


    ¡°Hound?¡± Fyodora asked, tilting her head in confusion. ¡°What do you mean by that? And who is your master, Miss Heroine Knight?¡±


    Lady Svetlana immediately raised a hand, stopping her daughter. ¡°Fyodora, dear, we shouldn¡¯t pry into our guest¡¯s personal matters if she doesn¡¯t wish to share.¡±


    Realizing her mistake, Fyodora apologized. But before she could finish, I spoke, my voice barely above a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±


    I stared into the steaming tea as if its surface held the answers to questions I hadn¡¯t yet dared to ask myself. ¡°I don¡¯t know who I am. I don¡¯t know my parents. The only thing I¡¯ve ever known is that I was a hunting hound, taken in by my master to kill his enemies.¡±


    Their silence felt heavy, but I continued, unable to stop. ¡°My whole life was nothing but servitude and blood. I was a tool, a pair of shears used to snip away at anything deemed unwanted.¡±


    I paused, my hands trembling slightly. ¡°But now... Now they¡¯re all gone. My brothers and sisters¡ªmy family¡ªare dead. And I¡¯m left alone to carry the weight of the lives I¡¯ve taken. The lives I could never save.¡±


    The air grew still. Lady Svetlana¡¯s eyes glistened with unspoken emotion, Fyodora¡¯s usual cheerfulness dimmed, and even Graviil, who so often seemed unshakable, looked troubled.


    Sensing the tension, Lady Svetlana clapped her hands lightly, her radiant smile breaking through the somber atmosphere. ¡°I think that¡¯s enough heavy talk for today. Why don¡¯t we take a trip to the city lake?¡±


    Fyodora immediately brightened. ¡°Yes! And there¡¯s a festival happening! We could all go together¡ªit¡¯ll be so much fun!¡±


    She turned to me, her hands gripping mine as she looked at me with sparkling eyes. ¡°What do you think? Will you come with us?¡±


    I hesitated but finally nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Yay!¡± Fyodora exclaimed, pulling me to my feet. ¡°You¡¯re going to love Moscow!¡±


    As she led me away to prepare, Lady Svetlana lingered at the gazebo. She turned to Graviil, noticing the shadow in his expression. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, honey?¡±


    Graviil shook his head, attempting a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. ¡°Nothing. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Lady Svetlana didn¡¯t press further. Instead, she smiled knowingly. ¡°Alright, if you say so.¡±


    As we walked off, Graviil watched me disappear into the distance with Fyodora. His thoughts were heavier than he let on.


    That child¡­ he thought. Her essence feels like a void¡ªa hollow darkness that has swallowed every bit of light. To think someone so young could endure such pain¡­ It¡¯s unbearable.


    He clenched his fists, his heart aching in ways he wasn¡¯t used to. But he resolved himself. Whatever had been done to me, whatever I had endured, he silently vowed to help me find a spark of light again.

 The Name I Carry

    Not long had passed since the tea party I shared with the Ivanovich family. Though I still felt hesitant and distant, I found myself speaking more¡ªespecially with Lady Svetlana and Princess Fyodora, who had a knack for drawing me out of my shell.


    It was on one such day, as Lady Svetlana was brushing and styling my hair. I had protested at first, but her persistence had worn me down, and I eventually gave in. Princess Fyodora watched the whole affair with childlike delight, firing off question after question, her excitement uncontainable.


    Suddenly, a knock interrupted us. The door creaked open, and there stood Lord Graviil.


    "Good morning, Father!" Fyodora beamed, her enthusiasm lighting up the room.


    "Good morning, my little princess," Lord Graviil replied, stepping in and tousling her hair with a warm chuckle. Fyodora squeaked as he did so, her cheeks flushing as red as a tomato.


    Lady Svetlana turned to him, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. "Good morning, darling. What brings you here today?"


    Graviil returned her gaze with a gentle smile. "I wanted to have a word with our guest," he said, his eyes shifting toward me.


    "With her?" Svetlana asked, her tone tinged with curiosity. Then, as if a realization struck her, a small, sly smile played across her lips. "That''s a wonderful idea. It would do you both good to have some time together."


    Fyodora, catching her mother''s intent, clapped her hands together. "Yes! You two should spend time alone!"


    Kneeling down so that he was at my level, Lord Graviil extended his hand toward me. His expression was warm¡ªradiating a sincerity that caught me off guard. "Would you care to join me for a walk, young lady?"


    I hesitated, glancing between him and the outstretched hand. His deep blue eyes held a kindness I couldn''t quite reconcile with his commanding presence. After a moment, I murmured, "...Yes," my voice barely above a whisper, my face turning away to hide the flush of emotion that crept up my cheeks.


    He helped me up with surprising gentleness, leading me toward the door. "Don''t worry," he said, glancing back at his daughter and wife, "I''ll return your friend safe and sound."


    "Okay, Papa!" Fyodora called after us, her joy infectious.


    Lady Svetlana''s gaze lingered as we left, her expression soft. I hope this brings them closer together. I want her to feel like family¡ªno matter her past.


    We walked in silence through the sprawling halls of Tsarigrad Citadel. The corridors stretched endlessly, their marble walls adorned with gilded tapestries and chandeliers that cast an ethereal glow. Despite the grandeur around us, my thoughts were fixed on the man beside me.


    Our journey brought us to a heavily guarded passage, its entrance watched over by knights clad in gleaming armor. Their sheer presence was daunting, a testament to their strength and vigilance. As we approached, they knelt in perfect unison.


    "Greetings to the Lord of Light, Tsar of All, King Graviil Ivanovich!" their voices boomed, resonating through the hall.


    Graviil acknowledged them with a nod and a kind smile. "Thank you. Please, open the Grand Vault of Treasures."


    The knights sprang into action, positioning themselves to break the intricate security enchantments on the massive, rune-inscribed gates. One by one, the protective spells unraveled, a process that seemed almost ceremonial. As the final barrier fell, the gates groaned open, revealing the vault beyond.


    I was struck silent by the sight before me. The vault stretched endlessly, filled with treasures that defied imagination. Weapons and armor, each piece radiating power, lined the walls in perfect rows. Potions shimmered in their containers, their colors shifting as if alive.


    But the heart of the vault lay deeper within, where the most extraordinary artifacts resided. These were no ordinary relics. They were ethereal instruments, legendary weapons said to rival the power of the heavens themselves.


    As we moved deeper, one artifact drew my gaze above all others. In the center of the chamber stood a massive sword, its blade forged from pure, radiant light. It pulsed with a serene yet overwhelming energy, as though it had a life of its own.


    "That sword¡­" I whispered, my voice barely audible.


    Graviil followed my gaze and nodded, his expression softening. "Yes, you''ve seen it before."


    Memories surged back¡ªmemories of the day he saved me from certain death. He had wielded this very blade, cutting through the heavens above to come to the rescue of his beloved daughter and knights.


    "You remember, don''t you?" he said gently, his voice carrying both pride and understanding.


    I nodded, unable to tear my eyes away from the sword. In that moment, standing amidst treasures of unimaginable worth, I felt a strange sense of connection¡ªnot just to the sword but to the man beside me.


    "What you see here," Lord Graviil began, his voice steady yet filled with pride, "are the sacred ethereal instruments of our family bloodline. They are housed in the renowned Grand Vault of Treasures, a vault that has stood for millennia, safeguarding Ivanovich history."


    His expression softened into a smile as he continued. "Each instrument here carries the very weight of creation itself. Every one of them was forged by Ulfberht, the legendary blacksmith and Father of Blades¡ªa master craftsman whose hands shaped the divine, godly tools we now revere as ''ethereal instruments.''"


    I listened, unsure why he was sharing this with me, but I couldn''t deny the fascination stirring within.


    "Since Ulfberht''s passing," he explained, "no new ethereal instruments have been created. To forge even one now takes years of painstaking effort, even for the most gifted blacksmiths. Their craftsmanship is a feat few can achieve."


    I said nothing, but my gaze lingered on the luminous sword before me, its brilliance mesmerizing.


    Lord Graviil chuckled, noticing my fixation. "Ah, I see your eyes are drawn to one of our family''s greatest treasures."


    "One of the greatest?" I echoed, unaware I''d spoken aloud.


    "That sword," he said, gesturing toward it with reverence, "is Zadkiel, the Divine Blade of Light. It was wielded by King Ivan, the founder of our family''s dynasty."


    My eyes followed as he pointed to another weapon¡ªa majestic spear with a length that seemed otherworldly.


    "And that," he continued, "is Seraphel, the Heavenly Lance of the Heavens. Together, these two form the core of our family''s legacy."


    "Wow," I murmured, the awe in my voice escaping despite myself.


    He smiled warmly at my reaction and then motioned to a golden chalice. It shimmered with an ethereal glow, its very presence exuding an almost tangible divinity.


    "Lastly, we have the Holy Grail, the Chalice of Immortality. Legend says it can bring life to its surroundings and bolster the strength and morale of those who fight for a righteous cause."


    Each of these treasures radiated power, but there was something more¡ªan almost palpable soulfulness.


    "These three," he said with a touch of pride, "are the trinity of our family''s most sacred possessions. Together, they are among the most powerful artifacts in existence¡ªsurpassed perhaps only by the mythical Excalibur." He chuckled at the thought. "But that''s just legend, of course. A legend that is still engraved into the history of creation itself"


    He paused, as if gauging my reaction, before adding, "As the head of the Ivanovich family, I am their guardian. But one day, they will pass to my descendants. It''s a legacy meant to be shared, not hoarded."


    As he spoke, I couldn''t help but wonder why he had brought me here, sharing these deeply personal details. What was his purpose?


    Sensing my unease, Lord Graviil''s tone shifted. "I imagine you''re wondering why I''ve brought you here." He exhaled deeply, his expression growing more solemn. "It''s because these weapons¡ªremarkable as they are¡ªare just tools. They possess a sort of consciousness, yes. They choose their wielders, refusing anyone unworthy. But they are, at their core, still just weapons. Material objects with no soul, no true will."


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    His gaze met mine, steady and piercing. "Unlike them, you are not a weapon. You may see yourself as one¡ªa tool for others'' ambitions. A hunter. A killer. But you are made of flesh and blood. You have a heart capable of feeling and a soul that grants you meaning beyond what you''ve done or what others expect of you."


    I stiffened, his words cutting through me. Before he could continue, I snapped, "I know what you''re trying to say, and the answer is no!"


    My voice cracked as I stepped back, my hands clenching into fists. "I can''t live some happy life¡ªnot after everything I''ve done. Do you know how many lives I''ve taken? How many innocent people I''ve killed without a second thought? Do you know the futures I''ve snuffed out? Futures that could''ve changed the world?"


    My anger boiled over, raw and unchecked. "And now you expect me to pretend I''m something I''m not? To just live and move on?"


    Graviil remained silent, letting my words pour out unchecked.


    "Every moment I spend here, in this house, with your family, I feel like a fraud," I shouted. "I''m nothing but a coward¡ªa failure who abandoned the only people who mattered to me. Do you know how much I hate myself for running away? For leaving them to die while I hide here, pretending to be something I''m not?"


    "Child¡­" Lord Graviil''s voice was soft, filled with a pain that mirrored my own.


    But I wasn''t done. Tears streamed down my face as I murmured, "Why couldn''t they have this? Why couldn''t Eighteen have this? Why me? Why was I the one left alive? I don''t deserve this... I wish I''d never been born."


    My voice cracked on the last word, and my knees buckled. My fists trembled at my sides, nails biting into my palms as blood seeped between my fingers.


    Graviil stepped forward cautiously, his face etched with sorrow. He didn''t speak right away, letting the silence envelop us.


    For a moment, it was as though time had stopped.


    Kneeling down, Lord Graviil spoke to me in a soft, gentle tone. "Don''t speak of yourself that way, child. You were born for a reason, with purpose woven into the very fabric of your being. That body, that mind, and that soul were chosen for you. Though you were not born into ideal circumstances, that does not diminish your worth."


    He gestured around us, his voice carrying the weight of a fatherly truth. "Look at this world, this story crafted by the Highest King. It brims with beauty, with life, and you¡ªyes, you¡ªare one of its most precious creations."


    "I''m... not," I murmured, my tears falling faster now, betraying the storm of emotions within.


    Wiping my tears with his hand, Lord Graviil continued with a warmth that seemed to reach into my very soul. "Would a coward be capable of admitting their faults? Would they stand here, burdened with regret, yet willing to question their own path?"


    His words struck me, leaving me momentarily speechless. Before I could respond, he pressed on. "You are standing here for a reason. Don''t let the sacrifices of others be in vain."


    "But¡­ I ran away," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I abandoned them¡ªall those who trusted me. How can I ever face that?"


    As I crumbled under the weight of my guilt, my tears falling freely, Lord Graviil took a deep breath. Slowly, he began to channel ethereal energy from the space around us. The radiant energy coalesced into his palm, forming a glowing orb of pure, divine light.


    "You told me you have no name," he began, his voice steady and resolute. "A name is more than a word; it''s a symbol of identity, a mark of one''s existence. Let me give you that¡ªa name, a purpose, and a new beginning."


    Though I didn''t answer, the longing in my heart betrayed my silence. A name. It was something I never knew I desired until this moment.


    Placing his hand gently on my chest, the orb of light slowly entered my being. As it merged with my essence, Lord Graviil leaned his forehead against mine and declared, "From this day forth, I bestow upon you the name Anastasia. Let it be the rebirth of your spirit and the start of a new chapter in your life."


    The moment his words echoed through the chamber, a radiant warmth spread throughout my being. The light of the orb illuminated the darkest recesses of my soul, breaking the chains of despair that had bound me for so long.


    For the first time in my life, I felt free. I could breathe not out of duty, but with a genuine desire to live. A surge of unfamiliar emotions¡ªjoy, gratitude, and hope¡ªwashed over me like a tidal wave.


    Without thinking, I threw myself into Lord Graviil''s arms, clinging to him as if he were my anchor. Tears streamed down my face, but they were no longer tears of sorrow. They were tears of rebirth.


    He held me close, his voice firm yet tender. "Cry no more, Anastasia. Your past does not define you. Who you choose to be today will shape who you become tomorrow. Let this be the first step on a path paved with kindness, love, and joy."


    "Thank you," I whispered through my sobs, my heart swelling with a gratitude I had no words for. "Thank you¡­ Father."


    From a distance, hidden in the shadows, Lady Svetlana watched the scene unfold with a proud smile. Hearing her husband''s heartfelt words brought tears to her eyes. "Anastasia," she murmured to herself. "Who would have thought he''d give her the name of his late mother, Lady Anastasia Ivanovich?"


    Her smile deepened. "Darling, you always find new ways to make me fall in love with you all over again."


    Several weeks passed, and I felt like a new person. With my new name, I shed the weight of my past and began to embrace life with an open heart. For the first time, I smiled¡ªnot out of obligation, but with genuine joy.


    Father Graviil and Mother Svetlana proposed adopting me as their heir, news that made Princess Fyodora squeal with delight at the prospect of having a younger sister. But one day, after they had returned from attending royal affairs, I knelt before their thrones and declined their generous offer.


    "Why?" Father Graviil asked, his voice tinged with confusion.


    I bowed my head and answered, "I am deeply grateful for everything you''ve done for me. But allowing you to adopt me would feel like taking advantage of your kindness. I cannot bring myself to accept such an honor."


    His expression softened, but I continued, my voice unwavering. "Instead, I wish to repay your kindness in the only way I know how¡ªby serving your family. I want to become a maid of the Ivanovich household. This way, I can feel I''m contributing, not just receiving."


    Though both he and Mother Svetlana looked displeased, they respected my decision.


    "A maid, huh?" Mother Svetlana murmured, puffing out her cheeks in mock frustration. "Well, if that''s what makes you happy, dear, then so be it. But remember this, Anastasia: even if you work as a maid, you are still part of this family. Everyone in this nation is, and that includes you. Got it?"


    I couldn''t help but laugh softly at her antics. "Got it, Mother."


    As I concluded my story, Xavier''s eyes lit up with wonder. "Wow! That''s an amazing story, Miss Anastasia! I never knew all that about you. And you got to meet my mother and grandmother too? I wish I could''ve met them."


    I smiled, ruffling his hair fondly. "Queen Svetlana and Lady Fyodora would have loved you, Young Master. So don''t worry¡ªthey''re smiling down on you."


    Young Master Xavier blushed, his expression a mix of surprise and excitement. "Why haven''t you told us about your past before? It''s so fantastic!"


    I giggled softly, feeling a little shy under his eager gaze. "I''m sorry I didn''t. It''s just¡­ it''s a bit of a sad story. I usually don''t bring it up because it might dampen the mood. It''s too depressing."


    "Not at all," Lord Alcmana declared, leaping gracefully from Xavier''s shoulder into my arms. "Stories like yours are what make each of us unique. You shouldn''t feel ashamed or embarrassed. In fact, sharing it might help someone going through something similar."


    Xavier raised an eyebrow, a sly grin creeping onto his face. "Wow, Master. You''re very insightful when it comes to human emotions."


    Alcmana''s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, his draconic pride clearly wounded. "Just because I''m a dragon doesn''t mean I don''t understand human emotions, you stupid brat!" he huffed indignantly. "We experience struggles too, you know!"


    Xavier chuckled, his grin widening. "You''re so easily riled up, Master."


    That was all the provocation Alcmana needed. With a growl, he lunged at Xavier, his tiny claws batting at him with a flurry of harmless strikes. "You insufferable child! Take that!"


    "Help!" Xavier cried, laughing uncontrollably as he tried¡ªand failed¡ªto dodge the tiny dragon''s onslaught.


    As their playful scuffle continued, the bustling streets around us began to quiet. The golden sun dipped lower, painting the horizon in hues of orange and red, its light casting long shadows over the cobblestones. We passed by a street vendor displaying an assortment of trinkets and accessories, and something immediately caught my eye¡ªa beautifully crafted mask.


    It was shaped like a white tiger, its intricate patterns striking yet elegant, with vibrant blue eyes that seemed almost alive. I stepped closer, carefully lifting it to examine its fine craftsmanship.


    "Is the lady interested in that mask?" the elderly vendor asked, his voice kind and weathered by years of trade.


    I smiled at him and placed a small pouch of gold coins on his table. "Yes, I''ll take it."


    The vendor''s eyes widened in shock at the sum, his jaw hanging open. I didn''t linger to see his reaction, though. Instead, I knelt beside Xavier, gently placing the mask over his face. It fit perfectly, the design complementing his youthful features while adding a mysterious air.


    "You look amazing, Young Master!" I said brightly, unable to hide my excitement.


    Xavier froze, his wide eyes staring at me from behind the mask. Even Alcmana seemed momentarily speechless, perched on Xavier''s shoulder as if stunned by my words.


    "Th-this is¡­ a great disguise!" Xavier stammered, breaking the silence. He straightened, trying to regain his composure. "Miss Anastasia, you''re a genius!"


    "Thank you, Young Master!" I replied, clapping my hands together with a grin.


    Noticing how late it was, I suggested we call it a day and return to the inn. As we walked, I let my thoughts drift to memories of the past. A warm smile tugged at my lips as I recalled the days when Queen Svetlana and Lady Fyodora were still alive. Those were brighter times, filled with laughter and joy. Back then, Master Graviil had been much stricter and more serious, a stark contrast to the softer, more emotional man he was today.


    I thought of Lady Fyodora''s firstborn, Prince Aleksander. I could still remember holding him in my arms, marveling at his tiny hands and bright eyes. And oh, the day Lady Fyodora returned home, beaming as she announced her love for Mr. Jonathan and their upcoming marriage! Father Graviil''s reaction had been priceless¡ªhe''d turned as pale as snow, looking like his soul had fled his body.


    A quiet giggle escaped my lips at the memory. How I wished Queen Svetlana could have been there for Lady Fyodora''s wedding, or to meet her grandson. But what''s done is done, and I''ve long since accepted that the past cannot be changed. Even if it could, would I have everything I do now? Likely not.


    No matter. I''m certain they''re in a better place now, watching over us with smiles.


    I glanced back at Xavier and Alcmana, still bickering like siblings. A deep warmth filled my heart. The light that Father Graviil once gave me¡­ I see it now in you, Young Master. You were born with that light, destined to share it with others, just as Father shared it with me when I needed it most.


    If that''s true, I will stay by your side, guarding that light and helping it grow. Until my very last breath...


    Xavier.

 The Doves Dilemma

    February 15th, 1810


    Several days had passed since the start of the Gladiator Grand Festival. Through grit and skill, Xavier¡ªknown to the masses as Klay Worthmore¡ªfought his way through countless opponents. Some were formidable warriors, others monstrous in strength and ferocity, their power unmatched. Yet, Xavier emerged victorious in each fight, earning the love of the roaring crowds.


    Whispers of his skill spread like wildfire. They called him Klay-more, the Young Gladiator, a name both affectionate and awe-stricken.


    Now, with the final trials looming, where the last two contenders would face each other for the grand prize, Xavier sat in solitude at the Dragon¡¯s Den tavern. The dimly lit space buzzed with chatter, but he kept to himself, cloaked in a black robe with the white tiger mask Miss Anastasia had bought for him concealing his face. The mask, slightly lifted above his lips, allowed him to sip his favorite fruit smoothie, the cold sweetness calming his thoughts.


    As people moved around him, their attention kept drifting toward the hooded boy at the corner table. His presence carried an air of mystery, his stillness oddly inviting yet guarded.


    ¡°That¡¯s Klay-more,¡± someone whispered nearby, barely containing their excitement.


    ¡°The Young Gladiator?¡± a friend replied, leaning closer.


    ¡°Yes, him! I can¡¯t believe someone so young has made it this far in the Festival.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s incredible,¡± the friend said, lowering their voice. ¡°But there¡¯s no way he¡¯s winning his next match.¡±


    ¡°And why¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Because,¡± the other whispered, leaning in conspiratorially, ¡°I heard he¡¯ll be facing the Grim Reaper of the Abyss.¡±


    The name hung in the air like a dark omen.


    ¡°The Grim Reaper?¡± the friend exclaimed, eyes wide. ¡°No way. Is that true?¡±


    Xavier, overhearing their conversation, remained unfazed, though their words sank into his mind. The Grim Reaper of the Abyss, he mused. He¡¯d heard the name in passing before, whispered like a curse among the gladiators. Now, it seemed his next trial would bring him face-to-face with the legend.


    He exhaled softly, pushing the thought aside. It doesn¡¯t matter, he told himself. I¡¯ve faced worse, and I¡¯ll face this too. But even as he reassured himself, his thoughts wandered to another concern. Adam. How does that man know who I really am? Did Grandpa Graviil send him to watch over me? Or¡­ is there something more?


    Just as Xavier raised his glass for another sip, a tap on his shoulder startled him. He turned to see the man who¡¯d been haunting his thoughts.


    Adam Durandal.


    ¡°Speak of the devil,¡± Xavier muttered under his breath, his unease masked by a polite smile.


    ¡°Yo!¡± Adam greeted warmly, his grin disarming. ¡°How¡¯s life treating you, Klay? Or should I say¡­ Young Gladiator?¡±


    Xavier stiffened, but he quickly forced a grin, his natural kindness shining through. ¡°Oh, hey, Sir Adam! I¡¯m doing well. What about you?¡±


    Adam pulled out a chair and sat across from him, his casual demeanor putting Xavier on edge. ¡°Great, great,¡± Adam replied, waving for the bartender. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again. I was hoping we could talk.¡±


    ¡°Talk?¡± Xavier asked, tilting his head. ¡°About what?¡±


    The bartender brought over a glass of the tavern¡¯s strongest brew. Adam swirled the liquid thoughtfully, the dim light catching in its amber depths. A heavy silence fell between them, broken only by the muffled voices of the tavern crowd.


    Finally, Adam spoke. ¡°Have you ever heard the tale of the white dove?¡±


    Xavier blinked, caught off guard. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±


    Adam smiled faintly. ¡°It¡¯s an old story. A tragedy, really.¡± He leaned back, his voice taking on a storytelling cadence. ¡°Once, there was a white dove, taken from its parents by hunters who coveted its feathers. The dove was treated as a trophy, paraded around for its beauty until one hunter, moved by pity, set it free. That act of mercy cost the hunter dearly.¡±


    Xavier leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued despite himself.


    ¡°The dove escaped, braving storms and dangers, until it was found near the ocean by a kind family. They nursed it back to health, gave it love, and made it one of their own. But despite its new life, the dove longed to return to its parents.¡± Adam¡¯s voice grew softer, more somber. ¡°One day, the hunters came back for what they believed was rightfully theirs. And they would stop at nothing to reclaim it.¡±


    When Adam finished, his words hung in the air like an echo. Xavier felt a strange pang in his chest, the story striking a chord he couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡± he asked, his voice low, cautious.


    Adam set his glass down, his smirk returning. ¡°Why do you think, Xavier?¡±


    The name hit Xavier like a slap. He froze, his heart pounding. Adam leaned closer, his tone playful yet cutting. ¡°Yes, I know who you are. Xavier Ivanovich. Or should I call you Ashford instead?¡±


    Panic flared in Xavier¡¯s chest. His hand slid under the table, ready to summon Excalibur if Adam made a move. ¡°How do you know my name?¡± he demanded, his voice trembling despite his efforts to stay calm.


    Adam chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. ¡°I¡¯ve known all along. You¡¯re not as hidden as you think, young prince.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s mind raced, his body coiled like a spring. Who is this man? And what does he want from me?


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    Noticing how on edge Xavier was, Adam softened his demeanor, his smirk shifting into a playful, almost childish grin. ¡°Wow now! No need to look so serious around me,¡± he said, throwing up his hands in mock surrender. ¡°I¡¯m just here to talk about something important, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Xavier tilted his head slightly, suspicion flickering in his crimson eyes. ¡°And what exactly would that be?¡± he asked, his voice steady despite the rising tension in his chest.


    Taking a slow sip from his drink, Adam leaned back, his tone casual. ¡°Do you remember the story of the white dove I told you not too long ago?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Xavier replied, his confusion evident.


    ¡°It¡¯s such a tragic tale,¡± Adam continued, his gaze wandering as if lost in thought. ¡°That poor dove spent its entire life not knowing who its real parents were. The desire to meet them burned so fiercely¡­ only to slowly wither away as time went on.¡±


    Xavier stayed silent, his focus sharp as Adam¡¯s words began to sink in. Then Adam turned to face him fully, his piercing eyes locking with Xavier¡¯s. ¡°But you,¡± Adam said softly, ¡°you haven¡¯t let that desire die, have you? You still yearn to know the truth. To meet your real parents.¡±


    Xavier stiffened. ¡°My real parents?¡± he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°What on earth are you talking about?¡±


    Adam¡¯s smirk returned, sly and knowing. ¡°No need to play dumb, Xavier. I know very well that you¡¯re not the biological son of Jonathan Ashford. You were adopted.¡±


    Xavier froze, his heart pounding as Adam leaned in slightly, his voice lowering.


    ¡°I know who you really are,¡± Adam said, his expression darkening. ¡°A child found in a basket near a ship bound for the Kingdom of America. A lost dove, just like in the story¡ªcraving not just to know who their parents were, but to meet them.¡±


    Xavier stared at Adam, his mind racing. He felt exposed, unmoored. How could this man know so much about him?


    Adam¡¯s finger pressed lightly against Xavier¡¯s chest, the gesture oddly intimate yet unnervingly deliberate. ¡°And I also know,¡± Adam said quietly, ¡°about the hatred you carry for that man¡ªyour uncle, Percival Ashford.¡±


    Just hearing that name sent a chill down Xavier¡¯s spine. His body trembled involuntarily, memories flooding back of the day his father died in his arms¡ªslain by the very man Adam now spoke of. Xavier clenched his fists under the table, but the trembling wouldn¡¯t stop.


    Adam took a step back, his expression softening. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for upsetting you,¡± he said, his voice calm and measured. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to dredge up painful memories. I only wanted to propose a deal.¡±


    ¡°A deal?¡± Xavier murmured, his voice faint.


    ¡°Yes, a deal,¡± Adam repeated, his tone sharpening slightly. ¡°I can help you. Help you get your revenge against the man who mercilessly killed your father¡­ Percival.¡± He paused, studying Xavier¡¯s reaction. ¡°You might deny it, but I know even a pure-hearted person like you can¡¯t suppress the hatred you feel for him. And trust me¡ªI hate him too.¡±


    Xavier remained silent, but deep down he knew Adam was right. That festering grudge, the one he thought he could suppress¡ªit still burned.


    ¡°And,¡± Adam continued, ¡°I can even help you uncover the truth about your parents. Like their names¡­ Oh, wait¡ªwhat were they again?¡± He tapped a finger against his chin in mock thought before smirking. ¡°Ah, yes. Andrew and Julia Laurent.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°Laurent?¡± he whispered, his voice trembling.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Adam said, his tone casual but laced with satisfaction. ¡°I¡¯ve known about you for a long time, Xavier. Long before you ever knew me. I¡¯ve been watching you.¡± He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. ¡°And I can tell you everything you¡¯ve ever wanted to know about your sweet little family. All you have to do¡­ is come with me. Back to my home country. There, you¡¯ll find the truth about your past¡ªthe truth that¡¯s been hidden from you.¡±


    Xavier didn¡¯t respond. His thoughts were a whirlwind, his emotions barely contained. Adam¡¯s words had pierced through him, leaving him utterly unmoored.


    Adam didn¡¯t wait for an answer. He drained the last of his drink, setting the glass down with deliberate care. Rising from his seat, he adjusted his coat and turned back to Xavier. ¡°I¡¯ll give you three days to decide,¡± he said evenly, his voice calm but commanding. ¡°Once the Gladiator Grand Festival concludes, you can tell me your answer. Will you abandon the family you¡¯ve known to uncover the truth about your own? Or will you let the truth slip away, like the white dove¡¯s forgotten dream?¡±


    He began to walk away but paused, glancing back over his shoulder with a sly smile. ¡°For now, I¡¯ll leave you to think about it. See you in two days on the battlefield¡­ my dear rival, Xavier Laurent.¡±


    With that, Adam disappeared into the tavern¡¯s shadows.


    Xavier sat motionless, his mind reeling. Minutes passed, but he didn¡¯t move an inch. Even behind his white tiger mask, the weight of his turmoil was palpable, enough to make the other patrons avoid him entirely, their eyes full of unease.


    As Xavier sat there, lost in thought, his mind drifted far from the bustling tavern around him. He was completely unaware of his surroundings until Miss Anastasia and Alcmena returned, their voices cutting through the haze. They entered the tavern with cheerful energy, clearly satisfied with their trip to the city. Anastasia, ever lively, approached him with an animated smile, launching into mesmerizing tales of everything she and Alcmena had seen.


    But Xavier didn¡¯t respond. He didn¡¯t even look up. He just sat there, motionless, his mind elsewhere.


    Sensing something amiss, Alcmena leapt gracefully onto Xavier¡¯s shoulders, his small claws resting lightly on him as he gently tapped Xavier¡¯s cheeks. His voice, usually brimming with confidence, carried a hint of worry. ¡°Is everything okay, Xavier?¡±


    The question seemed to pierce through the fog in Xavier¡¯s mind. With a sudden start, he blinked and forced a smile, though it didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine, Master,¡± he replied quickly, his tone overly casual.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t convinced. Her perceptive eyes narrowed as she studied him. ¡°Are you sure, Young Master?¡± she asked, her voice softer now but filled with concern. She could see through the facade as easily as a clear pane of glass. Something was troubling him¡ªdeeply.


    Alcmena, too, wasn¡¯t fooled. As Xavier¡¯s contractor, the two shared a connection deeper than words. Through their shared bond, Alcmena could see glimpses of Xavier¡¯s thoughts, his conflicted emotions, and the heavy weight pressing down on his soul.


    Sensing the tension, Anastasia decided to lighten the mood. With a bright smile, she changed the topic. ¡°Why don¡¯t we head to the Colosseum?¡± she suggested. ¡°There¡¯s a match happening now at the Gladiator Grand Festival. It might do us some good to relax for a while.¡±


    Xavier nodded absentmindedly, grateful for the distraction. Together, they left the tavern, the atmosphere around them easing slightly. Alcmena perched comfortably on Xavier¡¯s head, his tail swaying as he lay down in a relaxed pose. ¡°I hear you¡¯ll be fighting that suspicious man, Adam the Shadow Reaper, in your next match,¡± Alcmena remarked casually, though his tone hinted at the seriousness of the matter.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Anastasia gasped, her curiosity piqued. ¡°I heard about that too, Young Master! We¡¯ll need to prepare you thoroughly for that fight to give you the best chance of winning. Don¡¯t you agree, Lord Alcmena?¡±


    Alcmena smiled warmly, nodding. ¡°Absolutely, my lady. We must ensure our future hero doesn¡¯t suffer an embarrassing defeat in front of such a large audience,¡± he said with a light laugh.


    Despite their banter, Xavier remained unusually quiet. He walked alongside them, his eyes downcast, his thoughts consuming him. The weight of Adam¡¯s words hung heavy in his chest, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being exposed, vulnerable.


    Revenge against Percival? Hatred towards him? Xavier thought, his mind a turbulent storm of doubt and emotion. That¡¯s not what Father taught me. He taught me to forgive¡­ to rise above anger and hatred. But am I truly as pure-hearted as people believe? Can I really call myself a hero like the Great Hero, Saint Sebastian, if my heart is tainted by such feelings?


    He clenched his fists at his sides, his gaze distant as he wrestled with the dilemma. I don¡¯t know what to do. I don¡¯t know how to answer him.


    As the trio continued toward the Colosseum, the lively chatter of the festival surrounded them, but Xavier remained silent, lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts. The path ahead of him seemed shrouded in uncertainty, and for the first time in his life, he doubted the purity of his own heart.

 Preparation For The Battle Shadows

    Just a day had passed, and only one remained before Xavier would face his toughest opponent yet: the Grim Reaper of the Abyss, Adam Durandal.


    In a bustling training ground, filled with adventurers, warriors, and Gladiator Grand Festival participants, Xavier trained alone. Stripped to the waist, he swung a wooden sword in relentless repetition. Sweat poured down his well-defined muscles as the sun baked his skin, each motion precise yet forceful.


    His mind, however, was far from still. The looming fight against Adam Durandal consumed his thoughts. This opponent was unlike any other¡ªan unbeatable force of nature, or so it seemed. Xavier¡¯s heart raced with a strange, unfamiliar rhythm. His breaths came heavier, his body drenched in sweat¡ªbut not just from exertion. Was it fear? Anxiety? Or the dread of confronting a seemingly insurmountable foe without a clear plan?


    Xavier paused, lowering the wooden sword, and closed his eyes. He focused on his heartbeat, letting the sound of his breathing steady him. Whatever this sensation was, it would not control him.


    I will not run. I will not lose.


    Determination burned in his chest, igniting his spirit. You¡¯ll see, Sir Adam. I¡¯ll prove my worth. A faint, confident smile spread across his face as he gripped the sword tighter.


    Before he could resume his training, a firm tap on his shoulder pulled him from his thoughts. Turning, he was greeted by a group of burly men, their muscled bodies glistening under the sun and their bald heads reflecting its rays like polished mirrors.


    ¡°You must be the ¡®Young Gladiator,¡¯ Klay Worthmore,¡± said one of the men, his voice deep and booming. ¡°Name¡¯s Lorian Fennwick, and these are my comrades.¡±


    Xavier blinked, caught off guard, but quickly recovered. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Sir Lorian, and all of you! What brings you here?¡±


    Lorian scratched his beard, his grin widening. ¡°We saw you training alone and figured we¡¯d test if the rumors about you are true. A little sparring match could help you prepare for your upcoming fight against that grim bastard.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s expression brightened. ¡°A sparring match? With you? That sounds like a fantastic idea.¡±


    Lorian chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, lad! But don¡¯t think we¡¯ll go easy on you. Because we want you to be as strong as possible for your next fight".


    As cheers erupted from the onlookers gathering around, Xavier scratched the back of his head, a little overwhelmed but smiling nonetheless. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this!¡±


    From a balcony overlooking the training grounds, Anastasia and Alcmena observed the unfolding scene. Anastasia rested her chin on her hands, her emerald eyes sparkling with curiosity. ¡°I wonder how Young Master¡¯s training is going. Do you think he¡¯s feeling nervous about facing the Grim Reaper of the Abyss?¡±


    Alcmena, lounging lazily with his arms crossed, smirked. ¡°Nervous? That boy has the spirit of a dragon. He¡¯s probably thrilled at the challenge. If he falters, I¡¯ll make sure he¡¯s ready to crush that so-called Grim Reaper myself.¡±


    Anastasia chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s glad to have your faith, Lord Alcmena. But look down there. It seems he¡¯s found himself a match.¡±


    The two leaned forward, watching as Xavier squared off against Lorian. Onlookers whispered among themselves, the air buzzing with anticipation.


    ¡°Hey, bro, is it true?¡± one man asked his friend. ¡°Lorian Fennwick¡¯s challenging the Young Gladiator?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± the friend replied. ¡°This is gonna be epic.¡±


    Back on the ground, Xavier gripped his wooden sword tightly. Across from him, Lorian cracked his knuckles, his grin now a challenge. The tension between them was palpable.


    Sir Lorian offered a reassuring smile as he addressed Xavier. "You have nothing to worry about, young Gladiator. This is merely a friendly spar¡ªnothing too serious or personal."


    Xavier removed the Visors of Time from his face, the delicate artifact gleaming briefly in the sunlight. With his eyes still shut, he reached for the white-fang tiger mask resting at his side. As he secured it over his face, the intricate design of the mask caught the light, giving it an almost ethereal quality.


    A faint smile tugged at his lips. "If that''s true, then why does it feel like every pair of eyes in this place is glued to us?"


    Sir Lorian chuckled softly, as he said. "They''re curious, that''s all. Most of them have only heard the rumors about you. Few have actually seen you in action."


    Xavier¡¯s smile widened, though his tone remained playful. "Well, when you put it like that, I suppose I can''t blame them. Curiosity has a way of drawing a crowd."


    The air grew still as Xavier assumed his stance, gripping the wooden practice sword with both hands. His radiant blue eyes glowed faintly behind the mask''s slitted eyeholes, a vivid contrast against the stark white of the mask. He moved with a quiet precision, his posture firm but fluid, every inch of him radiating focus. Facing him, Sir Lorian exuded a calm confidence, his towering, muscular frame like that of a seasoned predator sizing up its prey.


    The arena fell silent, save for the distant rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of spectators. The energy in the air was palpable, a mix of anticipation and unspoken respect. Xavier¡¯s heart quickened slightly, not from fear but from the thrill of the moment. This was no ordinary spar. Even if it was framed as friendly, he knew the importance of what lay ahead. It was a chance to prove himself, not just to Sir Lorian, but to everyone watching. And perhaps, a reminder to himself of what he was truly capable of.


    The duel began with a clash of wood and muscle. Lorian¡¯s strikes were powerful and relentless, each one testing Xavier¡¯s reflexes and endurance. Xavier countered with agility and precision, using his smaller frame to his advantage, darting around Lorian¡¯s heavier blows.


    ¡°Not bad, lad!¡± Lorian bellowed, landing a strike that sent Xavier skidding backward. ¡°But can you keep up?¡±


    Gritting his teeth, Xavier lunged forward, his wooden sword a blur. He aimed for Lorian¡¯s exposed side, forcing the larger man to pivot and block. The crowd roared as the two combatants pushed each other to their limits.


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    ¡°Impressive,¡± Alcmena murmured, his eyes narrowing. ¡°His sword skills have improved from the last time we trained. But he¡¯ll need more than that to beat Adam.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s gaze never left Xavier. ¡°He¡¯ll find a way,¡± she said softly. ¡°He always does.¡±


    With one final clash, Xavier locked weapons with Lorian''s fists, their strength evenly matched. Sweat dripped from their brows as they stared each other down, neither willing to yield.


    Sir Lorian¡¯s mighty fist surged forward with the force of a battering ram, but Xavier responded swiftly, his wooden sword meeting the blow with a resounding crack. The impact unleashed a gust of wind that rippled through the air, and the ground beneath Xavier¡¯s feet splintered under the sheer force.


    ¡°You¡¯re faster than I imagined, young warrior,¡± Sir Lorian said with a grin, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and respect.


    Xavier smirked faintly, wiping sweat from his brow. ¡°Your punches sure pack a punch, huh?¡±


    Sir Lorian chuckled, flexing his massive hands. ¡°That¡¯s not all I have to offer.¡± Without warning, he launched another punch. Xavier deflected it, countering with a precise slice toward Sir Lorian¡¯s side. The wooden sword grazed his iron-like frame but left only a shallow cut.


    Sir Lorian retaliated with a high kick, forcing Xavier to spin out of harm¡¯s way. Xavier moved like a predator, his eyes sharp and focused as he unleashed a barrage of swift, calculated slashes. The strikes came so rapidly they blurred into afterimages, creating an illusion of omnipresent blades.


    ¡°Multi-directional Echo,¡± Xavier murmured, his voice low and steady.


    Sir Lorian¡¯s thick skin bore the brunt of the assault, each strike stinging like a sharp breeze. Yet he remained unfazed. As Xavier lunged forward for a decisive stab, Sir Lorian¡¯s hand shot out with lightning speed. His grip shattered the wooden sword into fragments, leaving Xavier stunned.


    Before Xavier could react, Sir Lorian¡¯s enormous hand enveloped his face and chest. With brutal force, he launched Xavier into a nearby wall, the collision sending cracks spiderwebbing through the stone.


    ¡°Those cuts of yours sting like paper cuts,¡± Sir Lorian quipped, his body now lightly marked with shallow wounds.


    From the settling dust, Xavier emerged, his movements shaky but determined. His mind raced.


    Great. My sword¡¯s gone. Now it¡¯s just me against this powerhouse. If only I could use RealmHeart without raising suspicion of being affiliated with a dragon¡­


    With how frail my body is compared to kids my age when it comes to physical prowess, Realmheart helps me overcome that problem. The way Realmheart works is nothing short of miraculous; it physically alters the user''s body to that of a dragon depending on the stage being used. Or rather, in my case, it aligns me with the strength of my master.


    He exhaled deeply, calming his thoughts. Whining won¡¯t solve anything. This might be just the kind of challenge I need¡ªto find a way around my weakness.


    Fixing his mask, Xavier¡¯s eyes began to glow faintly as he activated his Aura. Ethereal energy coursed through him, bolstering his frail frame. It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯ll have to do.


    Sir Lorian¡¯s grin widened as he activated his own Aura, the atmosphere around them growing electric. In a heartbeat, they clashed again, their blows creating shockwaves that reverberated through the arena. Each strike from Sir Lorian was like a thunderclap, while Xavier¡¯s counters were precise, aimed to exploit any vulnerability.


    ¡°You¡¯re not exactly built for this kind of fight, are you?¡± Sir Lorian observed, his tone lighthearted despite his relentless attacks.


    Xavier dodged another swing, a smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°I¡¯m not exactly a mountain of muscle like you.¡±


    Sir Lorian laughed, his voice booming. ¡°Feisty little thing, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°To your left,¡± Xavier taunted, drawing Sir Lorian¡¯s attention. The moment Sir Lorian glanced sideways, Xavier struck with a sharp jab to the leg, destabilizing him. Following up with a punch to the face, Xavier pushed him back by an inch¡ªa small but satisfying victory.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Sir Lorian admitted, wiping a trail of blood from his nose. With a grin, he delivered an uppercut that sent Xavier airborne. Catching Xavier¡¯s leg mid-flight, Sir Lorian slammed him into the ground with enough force to send cracks sprawling outward.


    Xavier groaned, rolling away just in time to avoid a crushing stomp. Ignoring the pain, he kicked out at Sir Lorian¡¯s supporting leg, causing the giant to stumble. Seizing the moment, Xavier delivered a sharp kick to Sir Lorian¡¯s jaw before flipping back to create distance.


    Relocating his jaw with a crack, Sir Lorian chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re something else, Klay Worthmore. But I¡¯m done holding back. Quit now, or I won¡¯t pull my punches.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s faint smirk returned. ¡°I¡¯m not done yet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit,¡± Sir Lorian said, his grin returning as they squared off once more.


    Xavier¡¯s mind worked furiously. I need a decisive blow, but how? His eyes flicked to the faint bloodstain on Sir Lorian¡¯s side, and a plan began to form. There¡¯s my chance.


    Sir Lorian stomped, sending debris flying as he unleashed his special ability, ¡®PowerFist.¡¯ A punch roared through the air with the force of a freight train. Xavier barely dodged, the shockwave alone sending him sprawling. Blood dripped from his mouth as he stood, his body trembling from the strain.


    What insane strength, he thought, wiping his face.


    Sir Lorian¡¯s barrage continued, each blow reshaping the battlefield. Xavier darted and weaved, refusing to engage directly. Confused, Sir Lorian growled, ¡°What are you up to, Klay Worthmore?¡±


    Focusing on his target, Xavier dashed forward, feinting to the left before spinning to the right. Sir Lorian swung but missed, leaving his side exposed. Xavier redirected all his momentum into his fist, striking the wounded abdomen with pinpoint accuracy.


    Sir Lorian staggered, his breath hitching as pain lanced through his body. Xavier followed up with a feint, stopping a punch mere inches from Sir Lorian¡¯s face.


    ¡°Shall we call it a draw?¡± Xavier asked, his grin tinged with exhaustion.


    Sir Lorian laughed heartily as he sank to his knees. ¡°You win this one, young warrior.¡±


    Cheers erupted from the onlookers, their disbelief evident as they witnessed the young warrior they had underestimated, triumph over the giant. Xavier offered Sir Lorian a hand, helping him to his feet.


    ¡°That was a great spar,¡± Xavier said earnestly. ¡°I hope we can do it again someday.¡±


    Sir Lorian grinned, clapping Xavier on the back. ¡°Someday indeed. And you¡¯d better bring that same spirit to your fight with that Grim Reaper of the Abyss. He¡¯s no ordinary man.¡±


    Xavier chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll figure something out.¡±


    As they left, Xavier stood there thinking with a faint smile. "Adam Durandal," he murmured to himself. "I just wonder how he knows so much about me. And how he knows of my parents."


    Staring into the sky, his thoughts drifted. "What did he say their names were... right, Andrew and Julia Laurent. I wonder what kind of people they were, and if they ever thought of me to this day."


    His reverie was interrupted as he sensed his master''s presence from afar. Turning around, he spotted them¡ªhis master and Anastasia¡ªapproaching from a distance.


    Xavier waved enthusiastically, shouting, "Did you guys see my fight?!"


    Anastasia waved back, her voice ringing with joy. "Yes, we did, Young Master! And you did great!"


    Alcmena, who rested calmly on her shoulder, smiled with pride but fell into deep thought.


    "You indeed did well, Xavier," Alcmena mused silently. "And I hope you keep growing this fast. Because the challenges and foes that await you... the fate that lies ahead is not something I desire for you to endure. By all means, I will ensure you overcome them, no matter the consequences of my actions."


    As Alcmena gazed into Xavier''s eyes, Alcmena''s eyes reflected an indescribable mix of emotions. Seeing Xavier happy and smiling brought him a fleeting sense of peace. But then, Alcmena¡¯s expression shifted as he noticed something. A shadowy silhouette appeared behind Xavier.


    With its back to Alcmena, the figure stood motionless. Alcmena couldn¡¯t discern who or what it was. Was it merely a hallucination?


    The man¡¯s long, golden hair waved in the air, and his body was clad in battle armor. Alcmena¡¯s mind raced. Who could this be? Yet something about the figure¡¯s smile¡ªa faint, knowing grin¡ªcaught Alcmena¡¯s attention. It felt eerily familiar even though he couldn''t fully see the figure''s face.


    "Xavier?" Alcmena thought, utterly speechless.


    Just as suddenly as the silhouette appeared, it vanished. Noon arrived, and the sun¡¯s rays bathed Xavier in light where he stood, still waving joyfully at Alcmena and Anastasia.

 The Battle of the Abyssal Shadow

    Time had passed, and the inevitable day had arrived. Xavier would face his toughest opponent yet: the Grim Reaper of the Abyss. The tension was palpable, every second weighted with the enormity of what was to come.


    Xavier adjusted his white-fang tiger mask in the preparation room, his breath steadying as he secured the last piece of his armor. He glanced at his weapons, their edges gleaming under the dim light, each a symbol of his resolve. Despite his efforts to calm himself, a flood of stress, anxiety, and worry coursed through his veins. His thoughts spiraled until a gentle knock on the door broke through his turmoil.


    Ms. Lila, the ever-composed Battle Herald, entered, her voice a soothing anchor. "Your aunt is here to see you, Sir Klay Worthmore."


    Xavier¡¯s brow furrowed briefly in confusion before recalling the charade. ¡°Ah! Yes, please, let them in.¡±


    Ms. Lila nodded and stepped aside, allowing Anastasia and Alcmena to enter. Anastasia¡¯s poised demeanor and Alcmena¡¯s calm presence brought an air of warmth to the otherwise cold room.


    ¡°Are you ready for your fight, Young Master?¡± Anastasia¡¯s voice, light and encouraging, brightened the atmosphere.


    Xavier hesitated, his nervousness evident. ¡°I¡­ I suppose I am.¡±


    Sensing his unease, Anastasia stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on his forehead. ¡°Are you unwell, Young Master?¡± Her concern was genuine, her eyes searching his for an answer.


    He shook his head, offering a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Ms. Anastasia. Just a bit nervous, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Nervous?¡± she echoed, her tone soft but probing.


    Xavier nodded, his gaze dropping. Before he could elaborate, Alcmena, perched calmly on Anastasia¡¯s shoulder, interjected with measured words. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be nervous, Xavier. You¡¯ve made it this far. Stressing now will only cloud your mind.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s voice faltered as he responded, ¡°I know, Master. But I can¡¯t shake this weight on my shoulders. Just being here, I question if I¡¯ll stand a chance or make a fool of myself in front of the crowd.¡±


    Anastasia knelt before him, her eyes meeting his crimson ones. Her voice was gentle, yet resolute. ¡°Young Master, the outcome of this fight is not what defines you. Whether you win or lose, what matters is how you rise from it, how you grow.¡±


    Alcmena, now on Xavier¡¯s shoulder, chimed in. ¡°Anastasia is right. The outcome won¡¯t diminish who you are. You are still the grandson of Saint Graviil, the 2nd Prince of Russia, and the son of Jonathan Ashford. More importantly, you are my cherished student, the vessel of the Dragon King of the Wyvern.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Their words lightened the crushing weight he had felt moments before. He smiled, gratitude filling his heart.


    Alcmena broke the tender moment with a playful knock on Xavier¡¯s head. ¡°Enough sentiment. Just know that I¡¯ll be joining you in this fight against Adam Durandal.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°You¡¯re fighting with me, Master?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alcmena confirmed, smirking.


    Xavier¡¯s excitement was palpable, but Alcmena quickly tempered it. ¡°Don¡¯t let this go to your head. Just because I¡¯ll be there doesn¡¯t mean you can act recklessly.¡±


    Chuckling, Xavier replied, ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll be careful.¡±


    Alcmena¡¯s tone turned serious. ¡°And remember, there¡¯s something else to be even more mindful of: Core Corruption.¡±


    Xavier tilted his head, puzzled. ¡°Core Corruption?¡±


    Anastasia, remembering what it was, excitedly took over the explanation. ¡°''Core Corruption'', Young Master, occurs when one exceeds their limit of ethereal energy usage. Everyone gifted with ethereal abilities has a threshold for how much energy their body can safely channel. Pushing beyond that limit starts to damage the body and, eventually, the core itself.¡±


    She continued, her tone both informative and cautionary. ¡°The early stages cause physical strain and pain. If ignored, it progresses to full Core Corruption, where the core slightly begins to fracture and destabilize. It¡¯s a dangerous state, one that can lead to weakened power or even worse.¡±


    In a baffled and surprised tone, Xavier exclaimed, "Ohhh! I remember now! Big Brother told me about this when he used to train me as a kid! But I''ve only experienced the early stages of Core Corruption twice in my life. The first time was during my training with Big Brother, and the second was at the very end of my fight against that varmint during the school event."


    Butting in, Alcmena cut Xavier off, his tone cold and matter-of-fact. "Everyone has their own limitations on how much ethereal energy they can take. Someone with a green intermediate core wouldn¡¯t have the same endurance for ethereal energy as someone with a red Administrator core."


    He paused before continuing, his voice sharpening. "But just because you¡¯ve only experienced the early stages of Core Corruption twice doesn¡¯t mean you won¡¯t experience it a third time today. Even we Grand Herrschers are not immune. When we exceed our limits, even we risk the perils of Core Corruption."


    Without warning, Xavier scooped Alcmena off his shoulder and into his arms, holding him like a child. Alcmena bristled immediately, clawing at the air as he barked, "Hey! What do you think you¡¯re doing, kid? I¡¯m not a child! Put me down this instant!"


    Ignoring Alcmena¡¯s protests, Xavier smiled warmly, looking into his master¡¯s golden eyes. ¡°I won¡¯t need to worry about experiencing Core Corruption. You¡¯re with me, and that¡¯s all the encouragement I need."


    For a moment, Alcmena froze, his flustered expression betraying a mix of annoyance and affection. Then, regaining his composure, he clawed Xavier¡¯s face in retaliation. "Don¡¯t get too sentimental, you fool!" Xavier yelped in pain, dropping Alcmena, who promptly leaped into Anastasia¡¯s arms, his face tinged with a faint blush as he tried to hide his smile.


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    The atmosphere shifted as a knock sounded at the door. Ms. Lila, the Battle Herald, entered after a brief pause, her posture respectful as she addressed Xavier. "Excuse me for interrupting, but it¡¯s time to go, Klay Worthmore. Your battle is about to commence."


    Xavier glanced at Anastasia and Alcmena, who both gave him encouraging smiles. Strengthened by their support, Xavier squared his shoulders. The fear that had gripped him loosened its hold. Though the challenge ahead loomed large, he stepped forward, prepared to face it head-on.


    Grabbing his weapons¡ªthree steel swords¡ªhe followed Ms. Lila out of the preparation room.


    As they walked toward the entrance hall leading to the battleground, Ms. Lila offered words of encouragement, her voice steady and reassuring. Xavier smiled brightly, his confidence bolstered. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Lila. I¡¯ll carry your words with me,¡± he replied, his tone resolute.


    Bidding her farewell, he began his slow walk through the entrance hall. With each step, his confidence grew. He paused briefly, removing his white-fang tiger mask to remove his glasses, the Visors of Time, before placing the mask back on.


    Then, out of nowhere, Alcmena appeared, startling Xavier. ¡°Why are you scared?¡± Alcmena asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing,¡± Xavier replied hastily.


    Alcmena¡¯s form began to shimmer, slowly dissipating into energy. "What¡¯s happening?¡± Xavier exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic. ¡°Where are you going, Master?!¡±


    From within his mind, Alcmena¡¯s voice rang out, calm yet irritable. ¡°I¡¯m right here, you idiot.¡±


    ¡°Where exactly is here?¡± Xavier demanded, thoroughly confused.


    ¡°In your head, you fool! Since you are my vessel, we share a mind. I can merge with you, though it means I won¡¯t be physically present. But given the circumstances, it¡¯s for the best. I wouldn¡¯t want to cause chaos by appearing as the massive and mighty dragon that I am.¡±


    ¡°You mean a large and ugly dragon?¡± Xavier quipped, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.


    ¡°Why, you little...¡± Alcmena growled, grinding his teeth. ¡°You¡¯re lucky I don¡¯t have a physical form right now.¡±


    ¡°Ahaha!¡± Xavier laughed, sticking out his tongue in a playful taunt. ¡°Even if you did, you couldn¡¯t catch me, mister ugly cat.¡±


    Alcmena¡¯s irritation was palpable. He took a deep breath, reading through Xavier''s deepest darkest memories and thoughts, before speaking in a mockingly sweet voice, ¡°Oh, Princess Jasmine. You¡¯re so beautiful. Every time I see you, my heart races. I¡¯ve felt this way since the day you saved me from Prince Magnus.¡±


    ¡°STOP!¡± Xavier shouted, his face blazing red. ¡°Why¡¯d you have to go there?!¡±


    Unbothered, Alcmena continued, ¡°Oh, Princess Jasmine...¡±


    ¡°I said stop it!¡± Xavier cried, covering his ears as if it could block out his master¡¯s teasing.


    Alcmena chuckled. ¡°Relax, kid. You¡¯re the one who started it. Consider this payback.¡±


    Still red-faced, Xavier mumbled, ¡°You¡¯re so petty, Master.¡±


    As their playful quarrel ended, Xavier stepped out onto the battleground, greeted by the deafening cheers of the crowd. The air buzzed with anticipation as he lifted his head high, his confidence renewed by the support of those around him and the bond he shared with Alcmena.


    From a distance, Xavier spotted Miss Anastasia cheering excitedly for him, her enthusiasm unmistakable. Beside her stood Sir Lorian Fennwick and his comrades, along with countless adventurers, warriors, and other spectators, all cheering his name. The roar of their support filled the air, a wave of encouragement that warmed Xavier''s heart.


    Xavier waved back, a sheepish smile playing on his lips. His gaze then fell upon Miraxis Veilstrider, seated not far from Anastasia and the others. Xavier raised a hand in greeting, but Miraxis coldly ignored him, wanting to maintain a composed mysterious demeanor. But still hiding a faint unnoticeable smile behind it. Xavier chuckled to himself, scratching the back of his head.


    ¡°Oh, well,¡± he muttered, the tension easing slightly.


    The announcer¡¯s voice erupted across the arena, rich with theatrical flair. ¡°Introducing, ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Klay-more, otherwise known as the Young Gladiator of this generation¡¯s Gladiator Grand Festival!¡±


    The crowd roared in unison, their chants of Xavier¡¯s name echoing like a tidal wave of excitement. He felt the energy surge through him, bolstering his resolve.


    The announcer gestured dramatically toward the opposing entrance. ¡°And on the other side, ladies and gentlemen, we have none other than the Bringer of Shadow, the Walking Void, the Grim Reaper of the Abyss!¡±


    The crowd¡¯s fervor reached a fever pitch at the name. Their screams were a mix of awe and exhilaration, reverberating throughout the arena. But then, as if the world itself held its breath, a dark aura blanketed the coliseum. Daylight vanished, replaced by a chilling, unnatural night that swept over the entire city. The sudden shift silenced the crowd, replacing excitement with an ominous dread.


    ¡°Get ready,¡± Alcmena¡¯s calm, serious voice rang in Xavier¡¯s mind. ¡°He¡¯s coming.¡±


    Xavier steadied his breathing and slowly unsheathed one of his swords. Its edge glinted faintly in the dim light as he assumed a ready stance.


    The arena fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of heavy, deliberate footsteps. Each step seemed to echo endlessly, carrying a weight that pressed down on the spectators. From the darkness emerged Adam Durandal, his expression unsettlingly calm yet exuding an air of overwhelming menace. His presence alone sent a ripple of fear through the crowd.


    ¡°Yo!¡± Adam greeted with a disarming grin. ¡°How¡¯ve you been, Xa¡ªoops, I mean Klay-more. Silly me!¡±


    ¡°Yeah... what¡¯s up...¡± Xavier replied hesitantly, his unease growing. That smile, he thought. There¡¯s something deeply wrong with it. It¡¯s like staring into the abyss.


    As the announcer left the stage, Adam turned his gaze to the audience. ¡°Seems they¡¯re all rooting for you, Klay-more,¡± he remarked. ¡°Hoping you¡¯ll pull off a miracle and defeat me. What a touching display.¡±


    Xavier remained silent, his focus sharp.


    Adam¡¯s gaze shifted back to him. ¡°Have you decided on your answer to my proposal yet?¡±


    Xavier tightened his grip on his sword, his expression hardening. ¡°No... not yet.¡±


    The bell rang, signaling the start of the match. Without hesitation, Xavier dashed toward Adam, launching a relentless barrage of strikes. The audience erupted in cheers, thrilled by his aggressive start. But amidst the clash of steel, Alcmena¡¯s urgent voice cut through the chaos.


    ¡°Block to your right, now!¡±


    Though confused¡ªAdam hadn¡¯t moved a muscle¡ªXavier obeyed. As he raised his sword to block, an invisible force struck with the power of a hurricane, sending him hurtling across the arena. He crashed into the far wall, the impact reverberating through the battleground. Gritting his teeth, Xavier pushed himself up, clutching his throbbing arm.


    ¡°What on earth was that?¡± he gasped.


    ¡°It was an attack from Adam,¡± Alcmena replied, unnervingly calm.


    ¡°With that kind of force?!¡± Xavier exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°Not even Miraxis Veilstrider or the varmint I fought before could hit like that!¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t a punch,¡± Alcmena revealed, his tone grave.


    Xavier froze. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What hit you just now was his aura.¡±


    The realization sent a chill down Xavier¡¯s spine. His eyes dropped to his sword, only to find it reduced to ash, crumbling away in the faint breeze.


    I didn¡¯t even see him activate it, Xavier thought. What kind of monster am I up against?


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you blocked that,¡± Adam said, his tone almost playful. ¡°You really are a genius, aren¡¯t you, Xavier?¡±


    Xavier didn¡¯t respond. The glow of his cosmic eyes intensified behind his mask, matching the fierce resolve building within him. He unsheathed the remaining two swords strapped to his back, their weight grounding him as he prepared for the next clash.


    ¡°You ready?¡± Alcmena asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Xavier replied, his aura igniting with an overwhelming energy that blanketed the arena. The crowd shuddered, their excitement now laced with trepidation.


    In the stands, Anastasia clasped her hands tightly, her voice a soft prayer. ¡°You will win this, Young Master. I believe in you.¡±

 The Shattered Wall

    Xavier and Adam locked eyes, the tension between them palpable. Without hesitation, Xavier charged forward, determined to press the attack before Adam could reveal any hidden tricks. His twin blades flashed in a relentless assault, yet Adam¡ªeerily calm¡ªmet the flurry with a single sword. The effortless deflection brought a faint smile to Adam¡¯s lips.


    ¡°You¡¯ve grown stronger, Xavier,¡± Adam remarked, his tone tinged with genuine admiration. His amusement, however, betrayed a quiet confidence¡ªas if he knew the outcome already.


    Xavier said nothing, his focus unyielding. But Alcmena¡¯s voice cut through his concentration. ¡°He¡¯s not as skilled with that sword as you might think. For someone of his caliber, this is... unusual.¡±


    Xavier, mid-strike, shot a quick glance toward his companion. ¡°Unusual? How?¡±


    ¡°I suspect he¡¯s accustomed to wielding a different weapon,¡± Alcmena replied. ¡°His movements lack the precision of a seasoned swordsman. But don¡¯t get overconfident. Even with this handicap, underestimating him could cost you dearly.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s expression hardened at the warning. In a swift motion, he used the hilt of one blade to disarm Adam, sending his sword clattering to the ground. Yet Adam reacted instantly, his palm striking Xavier¡¯s wrist with calculated precision, forcing one of Xavier¡¯s swords to propel itself upwards.


    Instinct took over. Xavier lunged with his remaining blade, aiming for Adam¡¯s chest. But in a blur, Adam caught the blade¡¯s tip between his fingers, snapping it clean off. The crowd gasped as Adam, with the detached fragment, hurled it toward Xavier¡¯s throat in a deadly counter.


    Time seemed to slow. Just as the shard closed in, it froze mid-air, halted inches from Xavier¡¯s neck. Adam¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and murmurs rippled through the audience. Xavier had activated his vector shield in the nick of time.


    Without missing a beat, Xavier redirected the shard back toward Adam, the fragment slicing through the air with lethal precision. Adam barely managed to tilt his head, the shard grazing his shoulder instead of his throat. Seizing the moment, Xavier followed up with a fierce and swift kick to Adam¡¯s face.


    ¡°Xavier!¡± Alcmena¡¯s urgent voice broke through. ¡°Behind you!¡±


    Instinctively, Xavier turned his gaze downward and caught sight of Adam¡¯s hand¡ªhis previously discarded sword now gripped tightly, arcing toward Xavier¡¯s exposed back. In a desperate move, Xavier snatched his blade that was still in mid-air and teleported away just as Adam¡¯s strike closed in. The missed attack whistled through empty space.


    Reappearing a safe distance away, Xavier panted slightly, his mind racing. ¡°When did he retrieve his sword? I disarmed him¡­ didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s faster than you think,¡± Alcmena said sharply. ¡°Stop overanalyzing. Focus. Watch his movements.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Xavier steadied his grip on his sword, his resolve strengthening.


    Adam, now standing tall, rolled his neck with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯ve seen enough of your tricks, Xavier. You¡¯re skilled, but you rely too heavily on finesse and your powers. Your physical strength is lacking, which creates¡­ openings.¡± He paused, his eyes narrowing. ¡°And then there¡¯s that creature of yours.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Creature? What are you talking about?¡±


    Alcmena¡¯s voice erupted in Xavier¡¯s mind, laced with indignation. ¡°Creature? Who does he think he is, calling me that?¡±


    ¡°Is he talking about you, Master?¡± Xavier murmured, his tone unsure.


    ¡°Of course he is!¡± Alcmena growled. ¡°The audacity!¡±


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened with a mix of fear and confusion as he tried to grasp how Adam could possibly know about Alcmena and the power he wielded.


    Even though he couldn¡¯t hear Xavier and Alcmena¡¯s conversation, Adam caught the subtle shift in Xavier¡¯s expression after the mention of the word, ''creature''.


    Adam¡¯s smirk grew wider, his grin carrying an unsettling edge.¡°Oh, did I touch a nerve, Xavier?¡±


    ¡°Surprised I know about your little pet?¡± he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. ¡°I first caught a glimpse of that beast during your scuffle with that bandit who nearly ended you.¡±


    He paced slowly, his gaze fixed on Xavier. ¡°But I¡¯ll admit, I¡¯m impressed. Befriending a dragon¡ªand harnessing its power as your own? That¡¯s a first, even for me.¡±


    Adam¡¯s tone shifted, his grin fading into a more serious expression. Pointing directly at Xavier, he continued, ¡°The abilities you displayed against Miraxis¡­ they don¡¯t belong to you. They¡¯re his. I know what you really are. You were born with the power to manipulate vectors¡ªnothing more, nothing less.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s grip on his sword tightened, his jaw clenching.


    ¡°But,¡± Adam said, stepping closer, ¡°even with that creature¡¯s help, you can¡¯t keep leaning on borrowed power to cover your weaknesses. One day, you¡¯ll face someone beyond your comprehension¡ªsomeone whose strength will crush you, regardless of your tricks. In the real world, out on the real battlefield, you¡¯ll find that raw power isn¡¯t enough.¡±


    Xavier swallowed hard, the weight of Adam¡¯s words pressing on him. Deep down, he knew Adam wasn¡¯t bluffing¡ªhe was the very monster Xavier needed to overcome. His grip on his sword tightened, as his eyes mirrored his fighting spirit behind his mask. Xavier knew his vector shield had limits¡ªthree minutes at best even in its current weakened state. After that, he wouldn¡¯t be able to activate it again for a full day. Every second counted.


    ¡°I have to end this before time runs out,¡± he thought, his mind racing. ¡°Alcmena can only heal me in his true form, and we can¡¯t risk revealing that here.¡±


    But before Xavier could move a muscle, the atmosphere shifted. The arena dimmed as shadows stretched and thickened, swallowing the light inch by inch. Xavier glanced around, trying to make sense of the eerie change, but Adam simply raised a hand toward him.


    The ground trembled, then crumbled. Massive tendrils of darkness erupted from beneath, twisting and writhing like living nightmares. Xavier¡¯s instincts kicked in, and he activated the Regokinesis Blade Technique, his sword slicing cleanly through the shadowy appendages as he darted between them, evading their grasp.


    But Adam wasn¡¯t done. A barrage of weapon-like projectiles, forged from darkness itself, shot toward Xavier at blinding speed. His vector shield flickered to life just in time, deflecting the onslaught. Seizing the opening, Xavier countered with a series of rapid, precise slashes, each one aimed directly at Adam.


    ¡°Multi-Directional Echo!¡± he shouted, unleashing a devastating flurry of attacks.


    Adam laughed, raising a shield of impenetrable darkness that blocked every strike with ease. As the final blow landed, Xavier leaped back, scanning for his opponent. To his shock, Adam was gone.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Xavier muttered, his eyes darting across the battlefield. His heart raced as he searched for any sign of movement.


    Alcmena¡¯s voice echoed urgently in his mind. ¡°Xavier, behind you! He¡¯s in your shadow!¡±


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    Xavier whirled around, narrowly dodging a blade aimed at his back. He retaliated with a swift vertical slash, but his sword passed through Adam as though he were made of mist.


    ¡°What¡­?¡± Xavier gasped, stunned.


    Adam smirked, his figure shimmering like a mirage before vanishing again. Moments later, he reappeared behind Xavier, emerging from his shadow like a phantom. Before Xavier could react, Adam landed a crushing backhand, sending him tumbling across the arena.


    Xavier stabbed his sword into the ground, grinding to a halt. He wiped the blood from his lip, his mind racing. ¡°How is he doing this?¡± he muttered, eyes fixed on Adam.


    Across the battleground, Adam strolled casually, his every step accompanied by a mocking grin. He moved with unnerving ease, teleporting from one shadow to another, as if the arena itself bent to his will. Each movement was deliberate, a display of dominance meant to unnerve and demoralize.


    Xavier gritted his teeth. Whatever it took, he had to find a way to turn the tide.


    But then, Alcmena¡¯s voice cut through the silence. ¡°Darkness.¡±


    Xavier blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s manipulating darkness itself,¡± Alcmena clarified.


    Xavier smirked faintly. ¡°So that¡¯s why they call him the ¡®Grim Reaper of the Abyss,¡¯ huh?¡±


    Alcmena¡¯s calm voice swiftly shut down the humor. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time for jokes.¡±


    Surveying the darkened battlefield, Xavier¡¯s smirk faded. ¡°So, all this¡ªthe night sky, the shadows crawling everywhere¡ªthat¡¯s his doing?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alcmena confirmed. ¡°I realized it when he launched those projectiles at you.¡±


    Alcmena¡¯s tone grew contemplative. ¡°I¡¯ve fought someone with similar abilities before.¡±


    ¡°Wait, really?¡± Xavier asked, wide-eyed. ¡°But I thought only one person could have a specific gift.¡±


    ¡°Partially true, but not entirely,¡± Alcmena said with a measured breath. ¡°Gifteds are those born with a unique ability and capacity to access the ethereal energy in their core, which the ''Ungifteds'' ain''t able do so. While their powers are often unique, elemental abilities are an exception. Many share similar elemental powers or variants¡ªsubcategories, if you will. And in rare cases, two might wield the exact same element.¡±


    ¡°So, someone could be born with the same powers as my vector abilities?¡± Xavier pressed.


    ¡°That''s impossible,¡± Alcmena explained. ¡°Your power is non-elemental, making it unique. Only a variant or sub-variant of your vector control could exist. But elemental powers, like darkness, are different. And there¡¯s more. Royals and nobles, all possess strong blood. Giving them the capability of sometimes passing their abilities to descendants, making their powers more prevalent.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°That¡­ actually makes sense. But why don¡¯t more people know this?¡±


    ¡°Because your generation puts Gifteds on a pedestal,¡± Alcmena replied, his voice carrying a faint edge. ¡°Gifteds are not as rare as you think. In these peaceful times, they¡¯re multiplying rapidly compared to the chaos of the past.¡±


    The weight of Alcmena¡¯s words settled in Xavier¡¯s mind, but his focus snapped back to the man standing before him¡ªAdam Durandel.


    ¡°You seem distracted,¡± Adam teased. ¡°A fatal mistake in a real fight.¡±


    Before Xavier could react, Adam was behind him, his voice a cold whisper. ¡°If I were Percival or one of his generals, you¡¯d already be dead.¡±


    Fear jolted Xavier into action as he spun and leaped back. Their swords clashed in a furious blur of strikes and parries, the sharp ring of steel echoing through the arena. Spectators watched in awe, murmuring, ¡°What monsters.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Xavier!¡± Adam taunted, his grin never wavering. ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡±


    Xavier gritted his teeth, pouring everything into his speed, amplifying his movements with vector control. Yet Adam blocked every strike with ease, his demeanor more amused than determined. He seemed almost¡­ distracted.


    ¡°Unbreakable will,¡± Adam thought as his gaze locked onto Xavier¡¯s defiant blue eyes. For a moment, his smirk faltered. ¡°He reminds me of him¡ªthe one Percival took from me. I¡¯ll make you pay, Percival. I will¡ª¡±


    Adam¡¯s aggression flared, knocking Xavier¡¯s blade aside. Closing the distance in a heartbeat, he drove his knee toward Xavier¡¯s torso.


    ¡°Shield up!¡± Alcmena barked.


    Xavier reacted just in time, activating his vector shield. The shield absorbed the blow, but the force sent him skidding backward, his feet digging furrows into the ground.


    Adam stood still, eyes closed, concentrating the darkness around him and Xavier, as he murmured, ¡°Pure Darkness.¡±


    With a flick of his fingers, a dagger of inky blackness formed in midair. It shot forward, faster than Xavier could react. The blade pierced his vector shield as if it wasn¡¯t there, driving into his abdomen.


    The crowd roared in excitement as blood splattered the dirt.


    Anastasia¡¯s face paled. ¡°Did that¡­ dagger just bypass the Young Master¡¯s shield?¡±


    Xavier dropped to his knees, gripping his sword as blood seeped through his fingers. Fear painted his face as he stared at the mark left behind¡ªa faint, black stain spreading across his skin.


    ¡°How¡­ how did he get through my shield?¡± Xavier whispered. ¡°That¡¯s never happened before.¡±


    ¡°Stay still!¡± Alcmena shouted. ¡°Focus all your ethereal energy inward¡ªnow!¡±


    Xavier¡¯s mind raced, unable to comprehend what had just happened. The connection he had with his shield felt destroyed, as if Adam¡¯s attack had slipped through an impenetrable wall.


    Adam¡¯s voice cut through the haze. ¡°You¡¯re wondering how I did it, aren¡¯t you?¡± He smirked, his tone dark and mocking. ¡°Welcome to the real battlefield, Xavier. Your powers are impressive, but they mean nothing against someone who understands the depths of their own.¡±


    Slowly advancing toward Xavier, Adam smiled, his tone sharp as he said, ¡°The thing that just pierced through your shield is ''Conceptual Darkness,'' or as I like to call it, ''Pure Darkness.'' It''s a stronger, more potent form of darkness that ignores vectors and physics entirely. It doesn¡¯t interact with the environment in a traditional sense; it exists on a plane beyond the physical realm.¡±


    With a playful yet menacing smirk, Adam locked eyes with Xavier and continued, ¡°That attack would have killed you instantly if I hadn¡¯t suppressed it. You should be grateful.¡±


    Xavier gritted his teeth, his body trembling as he tried to focus. Following Alcmena¡¯s earlier instructions, he circulated ethereal energy within himself to slow the bleeding. Attempting to re-activate his vector shield, his determination wavered as blood began to drip from his nose. His three-minute limit for maintaining the shield had been reached.


    ¡°I¡¯m stepping in,¡± Alcmena''s voice rang through Xavier¡¯s mind, calm but firm.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Xavier¡¯s response was sharp, confusion tinged with frustration.


    ¡°I need to heal your wounds,¡± Alcmena replied, his tone unyielding. ¡°If I don¡¯t, you¡¯ll bleed out.¡±


    Xavier, taken aback, protested, ¡°But I¡¯ve already followed your advice and circulated the energy. Plus, I¡¯ve been through worse than this. Why are you so worried now?¡±


    Alcmena fell silent for a moment. He knew Xavier was right¡ªthe young man had faced harsher trials before. Yet Alcmena despised seeing him hurt. He couldn¡¯t reveal that, deep down, he yearned to protect Xavier from all harm, even though he understood that pain was essential for growth. And Xavier needed that, as who knows what kind of monsters he would face in the future.


    Before the conversation could continue, Adam brought his hands together. The shadows surrounding them began to shift, creeping closer. Darkness condensed in the air, gathering around the battlefield.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Xavier asked, his voice steady but laced with unease.


    ¡°He¡¯s drawing in the darkness he released earlier,¡± Alcmena explained, his tone analytical. ¡°Including the darkness he cast over the city.¡±


    Alcmena¡¯s suspicion proved correct. Adam summoned the abyss around him, crafting a dome of pure shadow that enveloped the battlefield entirely. Within this space, light was slowly devoured, leaving them in an oppressive void.


    Above the arena, Miraxis, Sir Lorian, Anastasia, and the crowd stared in stunned silence. The impenetrable darkness had cut off their view of the battle.


    ¡°What on earth is going on down there?¡± Anastasia muttered, her eyes narrowing.


    Miraxis, arms crossed, remained stoic. His thoughts raced as his gaze sharpened. ¡°You bastard,¡± he thought. ¡°You¡¯d better not be planning to kill that boy. But from the looks of it, you have something else in mind.¡±


    Back inside the dome, Adam¡¯s smirk deepened. ¡°This should make our conversation more private.¡±


    Xavier didn¡¯t respond. He focused on fortifying his body with his aura, letting the ethereal energy flow to slow his bleeding. His grip tightened on his sword despite the pain from Adam¡¯s earlier attack.


    Adam approached slowly, his steps deliberate. With a swift kick, he knocked Xavier¡¯s sword away, raising his own blade for the final strike. ¡°Show me what you can truly do, Xavier.¡±


    As Adam swung, his blade stopped abruptly, meeting an immovable force. It was as if it had struck unyielding iron. Xavier¡¯s glowing eyes burned brighter behind his mask as he caught the blade¡¯s edge with his bare hand. His hair grew longer, its color shifting to a radiant gold. A golden, draconic aura enveloped him, exuding raw power.


    ¡°Whatever you say,¡± Xavier replied, his voice steady and confident. He delivered a devastating punch to Adam, the speed and force blasting him across the battlefield.


    "RealmHeart".


    Standing tall in his RealmHeart state, Xavier clenched his fist, feeling the surge of draconic strength coursing through him.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve used this in battle,¡± he remarked, glancing at the glowing rune marks etched on his right arm and hand.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Alcmena acknowledged. ¡°With this form, your wounds should no longer hinder you.¡±


    Xavier smirked behind his mask, adopting a stance with Adam''s sword he had caught. ¡°Thanks to this dome, I don¡¯t have to worry about revealing RealmHeart to the spectators.¡±


    Adam rose to his feet, brushing dust from his shoulders. His grin remained, his excitement undiminished. ¡°Ah, so you¡¯ve decided to take things seriously.¡±


    Xavier tossed Adam¡¯s sword back to him. ¡°Here. You¡¯ll need it.¡±


    With a sharp glow, Xavier summoned his own weapon. ¡°Come forth, Blade of Sovereignier, Calibourne!¡±

 &#x1F338;Small Announcement&#x1F338;

    ??Great News!?? In this new chapter, the journey of Xavier is expanding and progressing in the most interesting ways. I think that as the story has progressed, it has come to a point where the title does not fully capture the essence of the story and the feel that it should have.


    I am delighted to inform you all ''that Project Superior: A Hero''s Awakening'', has been renamed to: ''The Superior Rebirth: A Hero''s Awakening''.


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    This change is to show the changes that Xavier undergoes through and the exciting journey of the fantasy world that lies ahead for him.


    Thank you all for reading this story and for being with it from the beginning of its journey. I hope you are having as much fun reading the story and journey of Xavier as I am writing it.


    -Future_courge

 The Decisive Battle

    Just as a blinding light enveloped the stage, now shrouded in total darkness, a rift in space opened. From its depths, the Holy Blade, Excalibur, emerged, descending gently into Xavier''s grasp.


    As his fingers curled around the hilt, Xavier exhaled deeply. "It''s been a while since I''ve called upon you, Excalibur," he murmured, a tinge of reverence in his tone.


    Across from him, Adam stood frozen, his face a complex mix of awe and unease. His eyes fixated on the blade, its otherworldly holy energy radiating with an overwhelming presence that seemed to dominate the entire battlefield.


    "So that''s it," Adam thought, swallowing hard. "Excalibur¡ªthe legendary blade forged from the essence of a god, wielded by the Great Hero, Saint Sebastian Akintola." He could hardly believe he was witnessing the sword he''d only ever heard of in tales as a child.


    Shaking himself from his trance, Adam smirked and spoke in a teasing tone. "Tell me, Xavier¡ªare you by any chance the reincarnation of Saint Sebastian?"


    Xavier chuckled softly, the corners of his mouth lifting beneath his mask. "Saint Sebastian is someone I''ve always admired. But me, his reincarnation? That''s giving me far too much credit."


    Adam laughed, though his voice carried a hint of tension. "You''re right, it doesn''t add up. Saint Sebastian never had a dragon companion as a pet."


    Within Xavier''s mind, Alcmena groaned, his teeth clenched. "Pet? Really?"


    But before Alcmena could retaliate, Xavier cut in, his voice sharp. "My master is not a pet. He is my Contractor. Watch how you speak about him¡ªI do not tolerate disrespect toward those I care about."


    Adam raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Contractor, huh? That explains your ability to use his powers. Interesting."


    Xavier didn''t respond. Instead, he unsheathed Excalibur, its radiant energy flooding the space around them. His cosmic eyes glowed behind the mask as he shifted into a battle stance.


    Adam grinned, flicking his own blade into his hand. "Show me what you''re made of, Xavier. Prove to me that my faith in finding you wasn''t misplaced."


    With a firm grip on Excalibur, Xavier lunged forward, their swords clashing in an explosion of sound and energy. The sheer force of their auras colliding sent shockwaves rippling through the stage.


    Adam launched a series of quick, chaotic strikes. His unorthodox movements were hard to predict, but Xavier remained composed, parrying each one with precision. "Black Star Authority: Gravitational Downfall," he muttered, pointing a finger toward the ground.


    Suddenly, the gravity around them intensified to crushing levels, forcing Adam to his knees. Taking advantage of the moment, Xavier channeled his Regokinesis Blade Technique into Excalibur, delivering a powerful upward slash that cut across Adam''s chest. The blow sent sparks flying.


    Gritting his teeth, Adam fought against the overwhelming pressure. His eyes glowed fiercely as he tightened his grip on his blade. Breaking free of the gravitational pull, he deflected the incoming flurry of slashes from Xavier. Blood seeped from deep cuts along his arms, but Adam didn''t falter.


    Seizing what he thought was an opening, Xavier raised his hand, summoning a point-blank "Vector Nova" to obliterate Adam. But the attack missed, shredding the ground instead. Adam had vanished, slipping into the shadows just before impact.


    Appearing behind Xavier, Adam smirked and drove a kick into his back, sending him skidding across the stage. "Tricky, aren''t you?" Adam taunted, his voice laced with amusement. With a wave of his hand, he conjured a barrage of dark weapons, launching them at Xavier.


    Xavier deflected most but couldn''t avoid them all, wincing as some tore into his skin. Shadowy arms erupted from the ground, pinning him in place. Adam formed dark bullets in the air and fired them with deadly precision, piercing Xavier''s body.


    "Hold on!" Alcmena shouted, panic creeping into his voice as Xavier coughed up blood.


    Despite the pain, Xavier summoned his strength, ripping apart the shadowy arms with the power of his RealmHeart state. He retaliated with a wild uppercut, which Adam dodged, countering with a kick. But this time, Xavier blocked it, his movements now keeping pace with Adam''s.


    What followed was a ferocious brawl, their fists and blades colliding in a blur of motion. Xavier ducked under a punch and retaliated with a spinning kick to Adam''s face, creating some much-needed space. Without hesitation, he concentrated his strength into his right hand, veins bulging as he threw his most fastest attack yet, a devastating punch. The air around him warped violently before exploding outward in a concussive blast.


    "Power Fist," Xavier murmured as the attack hit its mark.


    The instant the attack struck Adam, it felt as though his entire body was slammed by an overwhelming force¡ªlike a freight train moving with the relentless speed of light itself, each atom carrying the weight of annihilation. Its sheer force sent Adam hurtling backward, smashing through shadowy constructs before he managed to stop his momentum with several dark hands.


    "What the hell was that?" Adam muttered, shaking off the impact. His arms were bruised, and his breath came in sharp gasps. "I''ve never seen him use anything like that before. He''s full of surprises."


    Adam grinned despite himself. "Impressive, Xavier. But don''t think I''ll let you pull that off again."


    Xavier didn''t respond. Instead, he unleashed a relentless series of Power Fists, each strike faster and more devastating than the last. Adam barely managed to erect a shadowy shield, which shattered under the onslaught. Forced to retreat into the shadows, Adam reappeared behind Xavier for a surprise attack.


    But Xavier was ready. Pivoting with incredible speed, he summoned Excalibur into his grasp and, with one swift motion, sliced through Adam''s blade, shattering it in half.


    Adam''s face shifted between shock and exhilaration as he observed Xavier''s skill. For someone of Xavier''s presumed caliber, this level of prowess was unexpected.


    In a calm, cold voice, Xavier flicked his finger and commanded, "Power Fist." Instantly, a concentrated shockwave hit Adam with the force of a speeding train, hurling him across the arena.


    Before Adam could recover, a barrage of the same attack followed at blinding speed. "Power Fist." Each strike warped the air, distorting reality with its sheer force.


    Stunned but determined, Adam summoned a blade of pure darkness. With a wide, calculated slash, he deflected the oncoming shockwaves, generating a violent explosion that coated the arena in shadows.


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    From within the inky void, Adam''s calculating voice resonated:


    "So this ''Power Fist''... it''s not a special move. It''s the result of the air around you being bent and crushed under the sheer strength of your punches."


    His lips curled into a smirk. "What monstrous strength you have, Xavier."


    Xavier stood still, scanning the shadowed battlefield. His eyes darted for any trace of Adam''s presence.


    "I can''t sense him, Master," Xavier admitted, gripping Excalibur tightly.


    Alcmena''s voice echoed in his mind. "Stay focused. Keep your guard up¡ªhe''s planning to strike from the darkness."


    As Xavier closed his eyes to concentrate, a flurry of slashes made of darkness surged toward him. His movements were swift and deliberate, each attack narrowly missing as he dodged with preternatural precision.


    "Enough!" Xavier roared, twisting Excalibur. The blade erupted with radiant light, banishing the oppressive shadows and exposing Adam''s position.


    Adam''s eyes widened in alarm. He tried to retreat into the shadows again, but Xavier anticipated this. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a salvo of vector bullets, pinning Adam in place. Xavier followed up, enveloping himself in a glowing aura, his speed amplified by vector manipulation.


    In the blink of an eye, Xavier dashed forward, locking onto his target. "Vector Nova!" he yelled as Excalibur became a blur of energy-infused steel.


    Adam countered with a calculated parry, deflecting the blade. The resulting collision obliterated a section of the arena. But Xavier was relentless, striking again with the same attack, his persistence unyielding.


    Adam grinned amidst the chaos. "Impressive. Your power, your skill... truly outstanding!" With a swift uppercut, he shattered Xavier''s guard and summoned a swarm of dark spikes from the ground.


    Xavier barely had time to react, blocking what he could while evading others. But Adam was relentless, aiming a decisive strike at Xavier''s head.


    Before the blow could land, a massive dragon''s head burst forth from Xavier''s body. Gleaming silver scales, razor-sharp teeth, and glowing horns marked its terrifying form. Alcmena roared, "Starfire Breath!"


    A torrent of flames, radiant with the power of distant stars, erupted from Alcmena''s maw. The searing heat warped reality itself, incinerating everything in its path, including the absence of light. Adam groaned as the flames engulfed him, narrowly escaping by absorbing their energy with his darkness.


    Xavier looked on, stunned. "Master? Is it safe for you to emerge?"


    Alcmena''s commanding voice cut through his hesitation. "Stop worrying about me! Focus on Adam¡ªdon''t give him time to recover!"


    Xavier nodded, refocusing his attention. Across the arena, Adam prepared a harpoon-like projectile forged from the surrounding darkness. Xavier responded instantly, pointing a finger. "Quantum Blackhole."


    A miniature singularity appeared, devouring Adam''s attack effortlessly. Xavier summoned three more black holes¡ªthe maximum he could sustain¡ªand dashed at Adam, the gravitational orbs trailing behind him.


    Adam''s composure faltered as Xavier launched one of the black holes in a calculated arc. Simultaneously, he used "Power Fist" again, letting the black hole''s gravitational pull curve the punch into an unpredictable zigzag. The attack connected, hurling Adam off balance.


    Not letting up, Xavier hurled another black hole. Adam attempted to slice it apart, but the void consumed his darkness blade and collapsed.


    Frustrated, Adam conjured a vortex of shadows, dragging Xavier toward him. But Xavier countered with his final black hole, neutralizing the pull. Their blades clashed once more, the sheer force of their combat shattering the arena floor and sending both combatants flying.


    High in the air, Xavier regained his footing. Gripping Excalibur, he unleashed an omnidirectional storm of slashes. "Multi-Directional Echo!" he roared as glowing arcs rained down on Adam.


    The relentless assault left Adam visibly wounded, deep cuts streaking across his body. His glowing eyes reflected both irritation and respect as he reached for the shadows around him, pulling the darkness like a cloak. With one mighty gesture, he dragged Xavier¡ªand everything in the arena¡ªviolently down to the ground.


    Adam slowly approached Xavier, who was struggling to rise. Xavier''s body trembled, the pain from his severe wounds amplified by the onset of early-stage core corruption. His breaths came in ragged gasps, and his vision blurred as fatigue threatened to overwhelm him. Adam tilted his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Don''t tell me that''s all you''ve got. Come on, Xavier, I know you can do better than this."


    Xavier barely managed to prop himself up, but then Alcmena''s voice calmly yet urgently echoed in his mind. "Xavier, I can still sense one of your black holes."


    "Wait, really?" Xavier croaked, disbelief evident in his tone.


    "Yes," Alcmena confirmed. "But it won''t last more than a few seconds. If you''re going to use it, the time is now."


    Clenching his fists, Xavier understood the gravity of Alcmena''s words. His body was at its absolute limit, teetering on the edge of collapse. Closing his eyes, he drew a deep, steadying breath and drove Excalibur into the ground, using it to steady himself.


    "Let''s end this," Xavier said, his voice steady despite the pain. His eyes locked onto Adam. "With our hands."


    Adam''s smirk widened, his abyssal eyes gleaming. "Our hands? Interesting. I like the sound of that."


    Both warriors squared off, their stances a study in contrast: Adam exuding power and precision, Xavier brimming with determination despite his battered state. In an instant, they clashed, fists meeting with bone-rattling force, sending shockwaves rippling through the arena. Every strike was deliberate, every movement a calculated risk as they exchanged devastating blows.


    Yet, Adam couldn''t ignore the change in Xavier. His movements were slower, less fluid, and his attacks had grown predictable. It became clear Xavier''s focus wasn''t entirely on the fight.


    "Fatigued already?" Adam teased, dodging a sluggish punch. "We can take a break if you''d like."


    Xavier didn''t respond, his attacks continuing with unwavering determination. Adam''s amusement faded into irritation as the fight dragged on. Suddenly, Xavier released a burst of ethereal energy, his Aura flaring wildly.


    Adam''s eyes narrowed. "Are you mad? Your body''s already falling apart, and now you''re pushing it even further?"


    Before Adam could react, an immense force tugged at him. He turned, and his expression froze. Behind him, a massive black hole had formed, its gravitational pull dominating the battlefield as it absorbed stray darkness and Xavier''s ethereal energy that he released.


    "So that''s what you''ve been plotting," Adam muttered, realization dawning.


    Xavier''s lips curled into a faint smile. From the start, his focus had been on sustaining the quantum black hole, ensuring it absorbed the darkness instead of dispersing it. With a final burst of energy, the black hole had reached its critical point.


    Gripping Excalibur tightly, Xavier declared, "It''s over, Adam. This is my victory."


    Summoning every ounce of strength, Xavier activated his Aura once more, channeling ethereal energy into his blade. Excalibur glowed with an intensity that rivaled the sun. Adam''s expression shifted, a mix of excitement and respect. "Brilliant," he murmured. "You truly are a genius, Xavier. Let''s see if your plan holds to the end."


    Alcmena''s voice cut through the tension. "Xavier, he''s preparing something. You need to strike now."


    Xavier nodded and unleashed one of his powerful techniques: "Stasis Oblivion." The devastating attack streaked toward Adam, who instinctively prepared to counter it. But to his surprise, the attack missed, sailing past him.


    "Did you just miss?" Adam asked, puzzled. Then his eyes widened in horror as realization struck. "No..."


    The black hole absorbed "Stasis Oblivion," and in that instant, everything changed. Xavier had designed the attack specifically for this moment, forcing the black hole''s rotation to reverse. The shift destabilized it, triggering a massive stellar thermonuclear explosion.


    "Blackstar Authority: Cosmic Blackhole Impact".


    The arena was engulfed in blinding white light, the ground quaking violently as the deafening roar of the blast echoed through Saint Petersburg.


    When the light faded, Adam''s ethereal dome had shattered. He stood, bleeding but alive, his wounds healing slower than usual¡ªa side effect of Excalibur''s divine energy. Nearby, Xavier lay motionless, his mask cracked, and his hair reverting to its normal color as his RealmHeart form dissipated.


    The crowd was stunned into silence, struggling to comprehend what had just unfolded. The announcer, recovering from his shock, declared, "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the Gladiator Grand Festival is none other than the Grim Reaper of the Abyss!"


    The arena erupted into cheers, but Anastasia''s eyes were fixed on Xavier, her worry outweighing the celebration. Her thoughts raced, wondering if Adam had harmed him beyond repair. Miraxis, standing nearby, spoke with a mix of coldness and admiration. "The kid lost," he said, chuckling softly. "But to go head-to-head with that monster... it''s a feat in itself."


    Sir Lorian added, "Win or lose, what matters is that he gave it his all."


    Back in the arena, Adam chuckled as his wounds slowly healed. "You impressed me, Xavier," he said. "I suppressed my power and black ethereal core to your level of power to give you a fighting chance, but I never expected you to push me this far."


    Adam''s expression turned serious. "I''ll say it again: join me, Xavier. Together, we can take down that bastard Percival. I need you for what''s coming."

 The Return Back Home

    Xavier lay on a hospital bed near the window, his body wrapped in bandages from the wounds he had sustained in his battle against Adam Durandal¡ªotherwise known as the Grim Reaper of the Abyss.


    Slowly, he pried open his left eye, the other buried beneath layers of bandages. As he shifted slightly, a sharp pain shot through his abdomen, making him wince.


    Holding his side, he groaned internally, "Oh right... I got stabbed. Even my vector shield couldn''t stop Sir Adam."


    Glancing around, he quickly recognized his surroundings¡ªthe medic room used for injured fighters in the Colosseum, where the Gladiator Grand Festival was taking place.


    "Did I lose?" he wondered, struggling to piece together the aftermath of his fight. "The last thing I remember... I caught Sir Adam off guard and purposely destabilized my black hole attack to cause an explosion. That was my last resort."


    His brows furrowed. "After that... nothing. I don¡¯t remember what happened after that at all."


    Xavier attempted to move again, but his body resisted. It felt as if his muscles had been drained of blood and moisture, leaving them stiff and unresponsive¡ªlike stone.


    Just then, Alcmena, in his cat form, leaped gracefully through the window and landed on Xavier¡¯s bed. "I''d advise against moving too much," he said, his tone calm yet firm. "Your body is experiencing the early stages of core corruption. Any more strain, and you might just tear yourself apart."


    Startled, Xavier instinctively jerked backward¡ªonly to regret it immediately. An indescribable pain erupted throughout his entire body, making him scream out as tears welled in his eyes.


    Alcmena, on the other hand, burst into laughter, nearly rolling off the bed. "You cry like a girl!" he taunted between gasps of laughter, wiping away his own tears of amusement.


    Flushing with embarrassment, Xavier weakly smacked Alcmena on the head. "Not funny, you big meanie," he grumbled, his cheeks puffing up like an annoyed puppy.


    Before Alcmena could retort, Xavier sensed approaching footsteps. Instinctively, he reached for his white-fang mask, securing it over his face just as the door swung open.


    Anastasia, Sir Lorian, and the rest of his friends flooded into the room. The moment Anastasia saw Xavier awake, she rushed to his side, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace.


    "Young Master! Are you okay?!" she bombarded him with questions, her concern evident. "Can you move? Are you breathing properly? Does your throat hurt? Can you even talk?!"


    Despite himself, Xavier chuckled, touched by her worry. "I''m fine, Miss Anastasia," he reassured her gently.


    "Oh, thank goodness!" she sighed in relief. "I was so worried when you didn''t wake up this morning. The doctors thought¡ª"


    "Well, I''m awake now," Xavier interrupted with a small smile. "So you can relax. Take it easy, Miss Anastasia."


    Still overwhelmed with relief, Anastasia hugged him tightly once more.


    A sudden glare pierced through Xavier, sending a shiver down his spine. Turning his head slightly, he met Alcmena¡¯s eyes¡ªsharp, menacing, and filled with unmistakable jealousy.


    "Watch how you act around my woman, brat," Alcmena muttered, clicking his tongue in irritation.


    Xavier, unfazed, responded with a teasing grin. "You''re so childish, Master."


    "Look who''s talking," Alcmena shot back.


    As Anastasia finally pulled away, Sir Lorian stepped forward and patted Xavier¡¯s back. A wide grin spread across his face. "Well, Klay, did you have fun out there?"


    Xavier''s eyes lit up. "Yeah! And I even managed to pull off your ''Power Fist'' technique!"


    "Oh really?" Sir Lorian raised an eyebrow, intrigued.


    "Yes!" Xavier nodded enthusiastically. "I mean, I could only replicate a fraction of its true power using my own strength, but still!"


    Sir Lorian laughed heartily. "That¡¯s only natural. My ''Power Fist'' works because of my gifted ability¡ªsuperhuman strength."


    Xavier scratched his head sheepishly. "Yeah, I guess you''re right. But still, I can¡¯t shake off the disappointment of losing to the Grim Reaper of the Abyss."


    A calm voice cut through his thoughts.


    Miraxis, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, spoke evenly. "Your fight was a spectacle, Xavier. Everyone who witnessed it was captivated... well, until you got dragged into that dark space."


    Xavier turned to him, listening intently.


    "My point is," Miraxis continued, "you went toe to toe with an opponent leagues beyond your strength. That alone is a victory in itself."


    The room fell silent. Everyone was stunned¡ªMiraxis was the last person they expected to offer words of encouragement, especially to the one who had bested him in battle.


    A warm, genuine smile spread across Xavier¡¯s face. He bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Sir Miraxis. I''ll remember your words."


    Miraxis smirked. "You¡¯d better, Klay."


    For the first time since waking up, Xavier felt the weight of his defeat lift just a little. And in its place, a renewed determination took root.


    Time passed, and everyone enjoyed their time together with Xavier. He spent several days hospitalized, with Alcmena continuously healing his wounds. Though he still felt lingering pain, he could now walk and move his muscles without extreme discomfort. A day later, needing some fresh air, Xavier stepped outside alone.


    Seated on a wooden bench, he struggled to channel ethereal energy into his weakened body. The side effects of the early stages of core corruption made it difficult, his body resisting even the simplest attempts.


    Activating the dragon seed within his essence, he borrowed Alcmena¡¯s ability, Oblivion Grip, using it to gently lift an apple from his lap to his mouth. He bit into it slowly, savoring the crispness as he waited for Alcmena and Anastasia to return from purchasing supplies for their journey back home.


    A familiar voice rang out from a distance, one that was engraved in his mind¡ªAdam Durandel.


    "Yo!" Adam greeted casually. "How''ve you been feeling, Xavier? Are your wounds healing?"


    Xavier stiffened slightly, uneasy around Adam. He averted his gaze and muttered, "Yeah. I''m fine."


    "That''s great to hear!" Adam responded, his voice genuinely pleased. "I almost thought you¡¯d destroyed your body beyond repair after pushing yourself past your limits."


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    Xavier exhaled. "You''re not wrong. Moving still feels like hell, even something as simple as shifting my eyes."


    Adam chuckled. "Well, I guess that''s the price you pay for going beyond your limits."


    He sat down next to Xavier, his presence calm yet imposing. "So," Adam continued, "have you given any thought to my offer? The Gladiator Grand Festival is over, and as this year¡¯s victor, the deadline I set for you has finally arrived."


    Xavier inhaled deeply, his thoughts still tangled. "Not quite."


    Adam raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"


    Xavier glanced at him, trying to clarify. "I mean that I still can''t give you a definite answer. I''m asking for a little more time¡ªjust a few days¡ªto decide."


    Adam sighed and turned his gaze toward the horizon. The setting sun bathed the sky in an orange-red blaze. "Fine," he relented. "I¡¯ll give you the time you need. But after that, whatever decision you make is yours alone. Choose wisely."


    He stood, about to leave, but suddenly stopped. Without turning, he spoke over his shoulder, "Oh, by the way, Xavier, I strongly suggest you stop using that vector teleportation skill of yours."


    Xavier blinked, confused. "What? Why?"


    Adam glanced back. "Because it¡¯s not as handy as you think."


    Xavier frowned. "What do you mean?"


    Adam¡¯s tone was firm. "That skill may seem useful, but it could very well be what kills you. When you used it against me in our fight, I could see and predict exactly where you¡¯d appear."


    Xavier''s stomach sank. "That¡¯s impossible."


    Adam shook his head. "No, it isn¡¯t. It only looks like instant teleportation because of how fast it is to the human eye. But there¡¯s a delay before your body actually moves. Every time you used it, I could sense your ethereal energy shifting. Your presence never vanished¡ªI could always feel exactly where you were."


    Xavier¡¯s mind raced. "Then... during our fight, you¡ª"


    Adam nodded. "I had multiple chances to kill you. Every time you teleported, I let it slide. You only caught people like Miraxis and Lorian Fennwick off guard. But that¡¯s just it¡ªyou caught them by surprise. Against someone prepared? You¡¯d be dead."


    "So stick to just amplifying your speed with those vectors of yours," he continued.


    Xavier clenched his fists, pain shooting through his arms. "So my skill is useless now, huh...?" He thought bitterly. "And he even knows about my ability to accelerate my speed with vectors... though, I did use it often in our fight. Someone like him would figure it out."


    Adam smirked. "You¡¯re smart, Xavier¡ªfiguring out how to control vector movement at your level is impressive. But in real combat, your enemies won¡¯t just stand there and let an opportunity slip by. If you rely on that skill, you will die. Stick to that yellow-haired draconic transformation of yours, use acceleration vectors, but do not teleport."


    He turned away, walking toward the horizon, but his voice lingered in the air. "Rest up, Xavier. Get back to full strength. In a few days, I¡¯ll send a message telling you where to meet me. That will be the moment you decide¡ªstay here with the people you call ¡®family,¡¯ or come with me to find your real ones."


    The sky remained ablaze in a stunning orange hue. The massive ring around the Earth loomed above, casting an otherworldly glow. Xavier stared at it, his celestial-blue eyes reflecting the vastness of the sky.


    Just then, Anastasia and Alcmena returned from their shopping trip.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting, Young Master," Anastasia said apologetically.


    Xavier smiled faintly. "It¡¯s fine, Miss Anastasia. Honestly, sitting out here helped clear my head."


    "Oh! That¡¯s good to hear!" she responded, happy her absence hadn¡¯t been an inconvenience.


    Anastasia¡¯s gaze shifted, spotting Adam walking away. Her eyes narrowed. "Isn¡¯t that the infamous Grim Reaper of the Abyss?"


    "Yeah," Xavier confirmed.


    "Oh?" She gasped. "What¡¯s he doing here?"


    Xavier shrugged. "Not sure."


    Alcmena''s expression darkened. His gaze moved between Adam¡¯s retreating figure and Xavier. "I advise you to stay away from that man. We don¡¯t know his true nature, nor what misfortune he might bring."


    Xavier forced a small smile. "Yeah... don¡¯t worry, Master."


    But Alcmena could feel it¡ªthe storm of emotions swirling inside Xavier¡¯s mind. Confusion. Fear. Uncertainty. A quiet sadness. And yet, all he could do was stand by his side, ready to support him when the time came.


    February 26th, 1810


    A few days had passed, and Xavier, Anastasia, and Alcmena prepared to head back home.


    Before their departure, a small crowd had gathered outside the inn to see them off. Miraxis, Sir Loran, and his companions all came to bid Xavier farewell. To his surprise, even Ms. Lila, the ever-composed Battle Herald who had guided him since his very first fight against Miraxis, stood there, waiting just before their carriage.


    "It''s sad that I have to leave so soon, Ms. Lila," Xavier said with a playful tone, though there was a hint of sorrow behind his words.


    "No need to worry, Klay," Ms. Lila replied with a gentle smile. "Parting ways is a natural part of life."


    Trying to hide the melancholy behind his bright grin, Xavier sighed. "Well, in that case, thank you. Thank you for everything, for guiding me all this time, Ms. Lila."


    Patting his head, Ms. Lila chuckled warmly. "You''re welcome, Klay. It was an honor to serve a genius like you. Our time together may have been short, but I have no doubt you have a bright future ahead."


    With a nod, Xavier turned and ran toward the carriage. Just before stepping inside, he turned back, waving enthusiastically. "Bye, Ms. Lila! Bye, Mister Miraxis! Bye, Sir Loran and everyone! I hope we meet again someday!"


    Ms. Lila waved back, a soft expression in her eyes. "What a remarkable child... I¡¯ve never met someone so full of life and love. This world could use more like him."


    With that, the carriage set off toward Moscow.


    The journey home took three days, but Xavier''s mind was restless the entire way. The decision Adam Durandal had given him loomed over his thoughts¡ªstay with those he loved or leave in search of the truth about his past. The weight of it gnawed at him, but he reassured himself. There was still time left to decide.


    As they neared Moscow, the towering silhouette of the Tsarigrad Citadel came into view. At the castle gates, a royal-red carpet had been unfurled beneath Xavier¡¯s feet, leading him forward. Every maid, butler, and servant of the citadel stood in line, bowing deeply in unison.


    "Welcome back, Young Master," they all greeted.


    Xavier scratched the back of his head, laughing awkwardly. "Haha... Thank you very much, everyone. It''s good to be home."


    From the distance, a familiar voice rang out. "Xavier!"


    Aleksander approached alongside their grandfather, Graviil, both beaming at his return.


    "You''re finally back, little brother! I''ve missed you," Aleksander said, his excitement evident.


    Graviil chuckled. "I was starting to worry about you, Xavier, but I''m glad to see you¡¯re safe and sound. Did you enjoy your trip?"


    Xavier nodded eagerly. "I did! It was incredible, Grandpa!"


    Graviil laughed heartily, patting Xavier¡¯s head. "That¡¯s good to hear, my beloved boy."


    Xavier glanced around, suddenly realizing someone was missing. "Where¡¯s Big Sis?"


    At that, both Graviil and Aleksander hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances.


    "Well, Xavier..." Aleksander began, but before he could continue¡ª


    A loud bang echoed from inside the palace, followed by a series of crashing sounds. Silence fell over the entrance. Then, the doors burst open, revealing Violet, nose bleeding and covered in bruises, stumbling forward with wild energy.


    "XAVIER!" she shouted with pure joy.


    Xavier barely had time to react before she sprinted toward him at full speed. Behind her, her maid, Irina Kuznetsova, frantically followed, carrying rolls of bandages.


    "Young Lady, wait! You''re bleeding! Please slow down and let me treat your wounds!" Irina pleaded.


    But Violet didn¡¯t care. The only thing on her mind was her little brother, whom she hadn''t seen in ages. Reaching him, she leaped and tackled Xavier in an iron grip of a hug, squeezing him so tightly that he gasped for air.


    "I... c-can''t... breathe!" Xavier choked out.


    Violet ignored his struggles, holding him close. "You''re finally back! Oh, how I missed you, little brother!"


    She cupped his face, her eyes brimming with emotion. "I''m so happy to see you¡¯re okay, Xavier. We were all so worried."


    Xavier, unable to resist her infectious joy, smiled and brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "It¡¯s okay, Big Sis. I''m home now, so stop crying."


    Wiping her tears, Violet grinned. "Since you''re back from vacation, I declare today Sibling Play Day! We¡¯re spending the whole day together!"


    Aleksander chuckled. "I guess that¡¯s what you call sibling love."


    Violet''s head snapped toward him, her eyes glinting dangerously. "And you''re joining too, Big Brother."


    Aleksander¡¯s smile immediately vanished. "Wait! Let''s talk about this¡ª"


    "Nope. No ¡®ums¡¯ or ¡®buts,¡¯" Violet declared firmly. "You''re in."


    Xavier burst into laughter at his older brother¡¯s panic. Meanwhile, Alcmena, who had perched on his shoulder unnoticed, whispered telepathically, "You humans sure love bickering over the smallest things."


    Xavier smirked. "Oh, come on, Master. Don¡¯t act all composed. I bet you¡¯ve had moments like this with your own siblings."


    At that, Alcmena¡¯s expression shifted, his golden eyes flickering with a distant emotion. He murmured to himself, "I did... a long time ago. My brother, Azraelon and I... we quarreled all the time. But we were close once. And now... we¡¯re nothing more than strangers. You don''t even use your birth name anymore... calling yourself, ''Destroroyah''".


    A heavy sigh escaped him as a shadow of regret crossed his face. "Why did it all fall apart so quickly? Why are we so distant now... as if we were never brothers at all?"


    A few feet away, Graviil stood beside Anastasia, watching the lively reunion.


    "How was the trip, Anastasia?" he asked with a curious smile. "Did you enjoy it?"


    Anastasia responded with a polite nod. "It was great, Lord Graviil."


    Graviil chuckled. "Why so formal? I am still your father, after all. And you are my beloved daughter."


    Anastasia smirked, crossing her arms with a confident stance. "I am the loyal servant of the great and powerful Ivanovich royal family. Just because I am your daughter does not mean I can abandon that duty."


    Graviil let out a playful sigh. "Ooooh, how cold..."

 A Breakthrough Theory

    February 27th, 1810


    A day had passed since Xavier returned home to the Tsarigrad Citadel, yet his mind remained restless. Adam¡¯s proposal lingered in his thoughts, an unshakable weight pressing down on him. No matter how much he tried to dismiss it, the uncertainty gnawed at him.


    Seeking clarity through action, Xavier made his way to the training grounds, hoping to silence his thoughts with rigorous exercise. If nothing else, he could use this time to test the true potential of his vector teleportation¡ªan ability Adam had dismissed as useless, even dangerous.


    Focusing intently, Xavier manipulated the vector forces acting upon his body, redirecting them with precision. In an instant, he vanished from his spot and reappeared several meters away. The process was seamless to an outside observer, but Xavier felt it¡ªan ever-so-slight delay.


    Staring at his hands, he exhaled sharply. Adam was right.


    "There¡¯s a lag," he muttered to himself, frowning. "How did I not notice this before?"


    He clenched his fists, frustration simmering beneath the surface. His mind was faster than most¡ªhis Cosmic Eyes processed information at an astonishing rate. And yet, he had overlooked a flaw that could have cost him his life.


    Was I too confident? He swallowed hard. Too arrogant to see the limits of my own power? His battle against Adam replayed in his mind¡ªthe ease with which Adam had pierced through his vector shield, the so-called impenetrable defense he had believed to be flawless. Only two people had ever known its weakness: his brother, Aleksander, and his master, Alcmena. And now, Adam had exposed it too.


    He let out a deep sigh. "Even if my teleportation has drawbacks, it¡¯s saved me more times than I can count. So I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s useless." His voice faltered slightly before he added, "But if it really is... then I need to rely on the skills that will keep me alive."


    Bracing himself, he shifted his stance and channeled his vector abilities once more. This time, he focused on acceleration. Power surged through him as his velocity skyrocketed, launching him across the training grounds in a blur. He stopped abruptly, testing his control.


    "It¡¯s still slower than teleportation," he noted, "but at least it doesn¡¯t drain my ethereal energy as fast."


    Teleportation required precise calculations and extreme focus, even with his Cosmic Eyes doing most of the work. And the combined strain of teleportation and acceleration only worsened the fatigue his eyes placed on his brain.


    Stretching his arms, Xavier murmured, "Vector acceleration is more versatile anyway. I can boost my strikes, amplify force, and even apply it to weapons like Excalibur. Plus¡­ I can steal velocity."


    He recalled his fight against Prince Magnus¡ªthe moment he had stolen a small amount of Magnus''s velocity, to somewhat keep up with his ridiculous speed. The ability to siphon kinetic energy and transfer it elsewhere was an invaluable asset, but it, too, had limits.


    "I can¡¯t just take infinite velocity, that''s impossible!" he admitted, "And absorbing too much at once puts a strain on my body. Unless I offload it immediately, I risk tearing myself apart."


    With a sharp exhale, he steadied himself. Adam was right. If teleportation was unreliable, then he would lean on what worked. His acceleration, his shield¡ªhis raw speed. He would push them beyond their limits, refining them until they were second nature.


    Closing his eyes, he gathered the vectors around his body once more. Then, with a single step, he vanished, reappearing at impossible speeds across the training grounds. Over and over, he repeated the motion, each burst of movement faster than the last.


    If I can¡¯t teleport, I need to be fast enough that I don¡¯t have to.


    For hours, he pushed himself, refusing to rest, unwilling to be weak. He dashed around the whole training ground at incredible speed with his vector acceleration skill, aiming to increase its speed amplification continuously. As to not be lacking in the one department he specializes the most in¡ªSpeed and agility. Every second counted¡ªevery improvement mattered. If another fight awaited him, he would be ready.


    As he finally slowed, catching his breath, a familiar voice rang out.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Xavier!¡± Violet greeted, her voice brimming with energy as she stepped onto the training ground. ¡°How¡¯s your day going?¡±


    Xavier turned to her with a smile. ¡°Good afternoon, Sis. I¡¯m doing great. What about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Violet replied, though her sharp eyes quickly noticed the dust clinging to his clothes, the sweat dripping from his brow, and the bruises marking his skin. ¡°I got curious about what you were up to and decided to check in.¡±


    Xavier chuckled, a bit surprised. ¡°Just training¡­ trying to improve myself, of course.¡±


    Violet folded her arms, tilting her head. ¡°And what exactly are you trying to improve? Because your incredibly talented and intelligent big sister is always here to help!¡±


    Xavier¡¯s mood lightened at her enthusiasm. Glancing at his bruised hands, he sighed. ¡°During my vacation with Miss Anastasia, I realized that one of my most valuable skills, ¡®Vector Teleportation,¡¯ isn¡¯t as reliable as I thought. It has its flaws.¡±


    Violet raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? And what makes you say that?¡±


    ¡°I just¡­ ran into a situation where it wasn¡¯t enough,¡± Xavier admitted. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to work around its limitations, but I keep hitting a wall. It¡¯s frustrating.¡±


    Kneeling down, Violet examined Xavier¡¯s body before suddenly lifting his shirt.


    ¡°B-Big Sis, what are you doing?!¡± Xavier shouted, flustered.


    Violet didn¡¯t answer. Her gaze locked onto a bandage wrapped around Xavier''s abdomen¡ªthe lingering wound from Adam¡¯s ¡®Pure Darkness¡¯ dagger attack he had gotten stabbed with in their fight against each other. Despite Alcmena¡¯s healing, the injury hadn¡¯t completely faded, as there was still a small amount left that needed time to recover.


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    ¡°Did you get into a fight, Xavier?¡± Her tone shifted, now calm but firm, her expression serious.


    Nervous, Xavier tried to lie, claiming it was just an accident. But the weight of her stare crushed his attempt before he could even finish the sentence.


    ¡°¡­Yes,¡± he finally admitted, turning his gaze away in shame.


    Violet sighed, closing her eyes. Golden light enveloped her hands as she activated the healing abilities of both her Divine LionHeart and her Contractor, Queen Tessia Valandor, the Spirit of Immortality. The warm energy spread over Xavier¡¯s body, permanently mending his wound and soothing his bruises.


    ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Xavier murmured, flexing his fingers. ¡°My body feels so light now.¡±


    Violet smiled, watching the spark return to his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of fight you got into, but as long as Miss Anastasia is with you, I won¡¯t worry too much. I trust in her¡ªand her formidable prowess¡ªto keep you safe.¡±


    Xavier still felt guilty for attempting to deceive her. He avoided her gaze, but Violet ruffled his hair roughly, grinning. ¡°I¡¯m not mad at you, Xavier. I know you¡¯re growing up, and there will be things you don¡¯t want to tell me¡ªor anyone, for that matter. That¡¯s fine. As long as you¡¯re safe, both physically and mentally, that¡¯s all I care about.¡±


    She leaned in slightly, her voice softer. ¡°So don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t tell Grandpa or Big Brother, okay?¡±


    Xavier¡¯s eyes lit up with determination. ¡°Okay!¡±


    Violet giggled before stepping back. ¡°How about we spar for a bit? It might help with that teleportation issue you¡¯re working on.¡±


    Xavier nodded eagerly. ¡°Alright!¡±


    Grabbing wooden swords, the siblings took their stances, facing each other.


    ¡°Ready, Xavier?¡± Violet asked with a teasing grin.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Xavier tightened his grip on his sword¡¯s hilt.


    ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t forget to use your ¡®Vector Acceleration¡¯ skill, alright?¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    With a burst of energy, Xavier amplified his entire body with vectors and dashed forward, delivering a swift diagonal slash. Violet barely flinched, blocking it effortlessly with one hand.


    Undeterred, Xavier immediately unleashed ¡®Multi-Directional Echo,¡¯ sending a flurry of rapid slashes at her.


    Still smirking, Violet parried each and every strike with calculated precision, not even shifting her stance. Xavier pressed harder, continuously increasing his speed and the force behind his attacks. The air crackled with energy as his movements blurred.


    Yet, Violet remained unmoved.


    In one smooth motion, she shattered the momentum Xavier had built, throwing him off balance.


    Xavier barely had time to react before she countered with a swift thrust. His instincts screamed at him¡ªhe had no time to dodge conventionally. Pushing his vectors to the limit, he attempted to accelerate out of the way, but he knew he was too slow. Out of habit, he gripped his sword tightly and teleported away in an instant.


    Reappearing behind Violet, he swung for a surprise attack¡ª


    ¡ªbut she was already facing him, blade raised to meet his strike.


    ¡°What?!¡± Xavier¡¯s eyes widened.


    Their swords clashed, sparks flying. Before he could recover, Violet suddenly threw a punch. Xavier barely managed to teleport out of range, reappearing a few feet away, panting.


    He tried another approach¡ªteleporting rapidly around her, striking from different angles in quick succession. Each attack blurred together, creating an optical illusion meant to overwhelm her defenses.


    But Violet wasn¡¯t fooled.


    Effortlessly dodging and blocking every strike, she saw right through his feint. The moment he prepared for another teleport, she adjusted her stance, gripping her wooden sword with both hands.


    Then, in a seemingly random direction, she lunged forward¡ª


    ¡ªand struck Xavier at the exact spot he was about to teleport to.


    ¡°Wha¡ª?!¡± Xavier stumbled back, stunned. ¡°How did you¡ª?!¡±


    Before he could process what happened, Violet knocked his wooden sword from his grip and pointed her blade at his throat.


    ¡°I win, little brother,¡± she declared with a victorious smirk.


    Defeated, Xavier sighed as he collapsed onto the ground. "I didn''t even land a hit on you this time..."


    Violet giggled, resting her wooden sword against her shoulder. "Haha... Don''t be like that, Xavier. You did great. Your attacks and the way you used your abilities were way more precise and well-calculated than the first time we sparred here."


    Still catching his breath, Xavier frowned. "By the way, just how did you know where I was going to teleport? You''ve never done that before¡ªnot in all these years."


    Violet tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well, now that you mention it, I never really noticed the flaw in your teleportation until today. But when you brought it up, something clicked. Your teleportation has a slight delay, Xavier."


    Xavier''s eyes widened slightly. "A delay, huh?"


    She nodded. "Yeah. And not only that¡ªI can still sense your presence and ethereal energy during that brief moment before you fully disappear and even after. That made it ridiculously easy to predict where you were and where you''d end up."


    She sighed, crossing her arms. "I guess I never noticed it before because you always caught me by surprise when you used it. But now that I was actually concentrating... well, it stood out."


    Xavier groaned in frustration, ruffling his hair. "AHHHH! Just what am I supposed to do now?!"


    Seeing his frustration, Violet planted her sword into the ground and leaned on it. "Don''t rush yourself, little brother. It''s not the end of the world."


    Xavier let out another sigh but still looked tense. "I know, but... I really need this. I can''t fight properly without my teleportation. It''s my edge. I''m built for speed and precision, not brute strength or endurance. You and Big Brother know that better than anyone."


    Violet studied him for a moment before an idea struck her. "Then why don¡¯t you just combine both your Vector Teleportation and Vector Acceleration? Wouldn''t that cancel out the delay?"


    Xavier blinked. "Wait... what?"


    She smiled. "I said, why don¡¯t you merge both your teleportation and acceleration skills? That way, you''d refine your technique and remove the weak points."


    The realization hit Xavier like a lightning bolt. His eyes widened. "That... that could actually work!"


    Without hesitation, he lunged forward and hugged Violet tightly. "You''re a genius, Big Sis! I love you so much!"


    Violet chuckled at his enthusiasm, patting his back. "I love you too, Xavier."


    She met his gaze, her violet eyes filled with warmth. "I know you''ll overcome this. You''re too stubborn not to."


    Renewed determination filled Xavier¡¯s chest as he nodded, his eyes shining with excitement. Then, without another word, he turned and bolted for the exit of the training ground.


    "Where are you going?" Violet called after him, amused.


    Xavier spun around as he ran. "To the forest! Gotta test your theory! I¡¯ll be back for dinner!"


    Violet shook her head with a soft smile. "Well, take care of yourself, then."


    "I will! Cya later, Big Sis!"


    ¡ª


    Deep within the dense forest on the outskirts of Moscow, Xavier stood motionless, thinking.


    Big Sis is right. If I merge Vector Acceleration and Vector Teleportation, I could create something better.


    But doubt crept into his mind.


    There¡¯s just one problem¡­ my body might not survive the process. If I mess up, I could end up either burned at an atomic level or torn apart completely. And not even RealmHeart would save me from that.


    Taking a deep breath, he clenched his fists. Well, better to try than regret never trying at all.


    Summoning a rush of ethereal and draconic energy from the Dragon seed within him, he activated RealmHeart to reinforce his body. Vectors surged through his muscles as he prepared himself for the experiment.


    I can do this!


    Breaking the process down in his mind, Xavier initiated his teleportation skill. Just before his body fully shifted, he channeled a tremendous amount of vectors into himself, amplifying his speed at the exact moment of teleportation.


    A shockwave exploded outward.


    Xavier rocketed forward, tearing through the air like a comet. The force shattered the sound barrier, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.


    He landed, panting, his eyes wide with exhilaration. "Whoa...! It actually worked! And I traveled even faster than I imagined!"


    He clenched his fists, ignoring the slight trickle of blood seeping from his skin¡ªhis body already feeling the strain. "With this... I can make up for my flawed teleportation technique."


    Unable to contain his excitement, he repeated the process over and over again, pushing himself further with each attempt.


    High above the treetops, Alcmena watched, a soft smile tugging at his lips. His eyes shone with pride.


    That¡¯s right, Xavier... Keep growing stronger. Faster. Because this is the only path we have left...

 The World Where I Don’t Belong

    The very next day, Xavier found himself back in the training grounds, this time under the watchful eyes of Alcmena and Anastasia. The morning air buzzed with tension as he and Anastasia sparred fiercely, their wooden swords clashing in a relentless exchange of blows.


    Alcmena observed from the sidelines, his sharp gaze analyzing every movement Xavier made, searching for weaknesses, improvements¡ªanything to refine his technique. Combat, whether real or simulated, was the fastest way to grow, and Xavier knew it.


    As their spar continued, Xavier deflected each of Anastasia¡¯s swift strikes with precision before countering with a sudden slash. She barely managed to duck, narrowly avoiding the attack before sweeping her leg low in retaliation.


    Xavier¡¯s balance wavered as Anastasia¡¯s kick struck his shin, but he reacted instantly, flipping onto his hands and launching a backflip kick. She raised her wooden sword just in time, blocking the strike, though the force of impact sent her sliding back.


    Seizing the moment, Xavier took a deep breath, centering himself. He tapped into the latent energy of his Dragon Seed, feeling the shift within. The air around him thickened as golden aura flared to life, his shimmering blue eyes radiating an intense glow.


    RealmHeart¡ªactivated.


    A calculated plan formed in his mind as he gathered vectors, preparing to test a theory he''d been developing. He focused his energy, channeling it through his entire body, then executed Vector Teleportation. Just before his body fully shifted, he amplified his momentum using Vector Acceleration, pushing himself to the absolute limit.


    A crushing force weighed on him as his body rocketed forward at blinding speed, nearly disorienting even himself.


    Anastasia barely had time to react. Her instincts screamed at her, and she twisted her body just enough to avoid a direct hit, but Xavier¡¯s attack still clipped her right shoulder. The impact stung, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to let it slow her down.


    Without hesitation, she released her grip on her sword, pivoting sharply to drive her elbow into Xavier¡¯s wrist, forcing him to lose hold of his own weapon.


    Before he could recover, she struck vital points with calculated speed, knocking the wind out of him. She grabbed his collar, swept his leg out from under him, and with a practiced motion, swung him through the air before slamming him down with a forceful kick.


    A small crater formed beneath him as dust kicked up around them.


    ¡°Y-you w-win¡­¡± Xavier gasped, struggling to catch his breath.


    Anastasia brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear and straightened up, before extending a hand to help him. ¡°You did well today, Young Master. I can¡¯t believe how much your speed has improved in such a short time.¡±


    Xavier chuckled, scratching the back of his head, his cheeks slightly flushed at the praise. ¡°I still haven¡¯t fully developed this new skill I¡¯m working on. Progress is slow¡­ but I¡¯m seeing results!¡±


    Alcmena finally spoke, his voice calm yet firm. ¡°Keep refining it, Xavier. It would be a waste to abandon such a promising technique.¡±


    Xavier nodded, determination in his eyes. ¡°Yeah¡­ but there are still issues. There¡¯s a slight lag, though it¡¯s less noticeable now. It¡¯s not instant, but it¡¯s still faster than my usual Vector Acceleration or Teleportation. To others, it might even look like teleportation.¡±


    Anastasia tilted her head. ¡°Is that the only drawback?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Xavier admitted. ¡°I can¡¯t use it unless I¡¯m in my RealmHeart form. Without it, the strain is unbearable. Plus, it burns through twice the ethereal energy and takes more calculations. No matter what, I can¡¯t optimize the speed¡ªit stays constant.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just increase the output with your Aura?¡± she asked.


    Xavier shook his head. ¡°I tried stacking it with RealmHeart for more power, but the speed stayed the same. No improvement at all.¡±


    Alcmena hopped onto Xavier¡¯s shoulder, his small form carrying an undeniable presence. ¡°We¡¯ll find ways to refine it later. But for now, don¡¯t use this skill in real combat. You need absolute concentration for it, and that leaves you vulnerable.¡±


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    He patted Xavier¡¯s head. ¡°So, rest up, alright?¡±


    Xavier grinned. ¡°Alright, Master!¡±


    Alcmena and Anastasia exchanged amused glances at his enthusiasm.


    ¡ª


    Time passed, and night fell over the palace. The full moon bathed the grand estate of the Ivanovich family in silver light, casting elegant shadows over the lavish dining hall.


    Xavier sat among his family at the long banquet table, which was filled with an array of exquisite dishes. Even the maids and chefs standing at the edges of the room shared in the warm atmosphere.


    Alcmena, resting lazily on Xavier¡¯s lap, stretched out a tiny paw toward the table, attempting to snag a piece of food. Before he could, Violet scooped him up with a delighted gasp.


    ¡°Oh Ark!¡± she squealed, pressing her cheek into his soft fur. ¡°You¡¯re so adorable!¡±


    Xavier and Anastasia, who stood just behind his chair, burst into laughter at the sight. Seeing Alcmena¡ªa dragon, a king no less¡ªbeing treated like a house pet never got old.


    Alcmena, unfazed, simply stuck out his tongue, still trying to reach the food on the table.


    Aleksander, seated close by, turned toward Xavier, his expression thoughtful. ¡°You¡¯ve been getting stronger these past years.¡±


    Violet beamed. ¡°Yeah! It¡¯s hard to believe our sweet little brother is growing up so fast¡ªnot just in strength, but in everything.¡±


    Xavier smiled at them, a warmth filling his chest. He had come a long way¡­ but he still had a long road ahead.


    Graviil chuckled at their words, then turned to Xavier with a warm smile. "Well, I''m happy that you''re able to do what you want and focus on the things you find important, Xavier. Just always remember, we¡ªyour family¡ªlove you, and we''re here for you, no matter what. Okay?"


    Xavier nodded, his eyes lighting up with admiration and joy. Just then, Aleksander thrust out his spoon, piled with food, toward Xavier. "Try this! I''m sure you''ll love it."


    Without hesitation, Xavier took the bite. The moment it touched his tongue, his eyes widened in delight. "This is delicious!" he exclaimed, his mouth still full as he chewed.


    The chefs standing nearby burst into laughter, clearly appreciating his genuine praise.


    Violet, cheeks puffed like an adorable chipmunk, pouted at Aleksander. "Hey! I wanna be hand-fed too!"


    Aleksander chuckled, obliging his sister¡¯s demand as he scooped up another bite for her. Meanwhile, Graviil sat quietly, his smile never fading as he watched his grandchildren revel in each other''s company. A warmth filled his heart, knowing that, despite everything, their happiness remained untarnished.


    Then, suddenly, all three of them turned their eyes on him.


    "Grandpa, do you want some?" Xavier asked, tilting his head slightly.


    Graviil startled, waving his hands dismissively. "Oh! No, no, I''m alright, Xavier. Don''t trouble yourselves over me."


    Violet, however, was relentless. "Come on, Grandpa! Just try it!"


    "I told you, I''m fine," Graviil insisted, but his voice wavered slightly.


    Violet narrowed her eyes, smirking mischievously. "You''re not escaping this time!"


    She lunged at him with a spoonful of food, and Graviil instantly leaped back, dodging her assault. "Stop resisting, Grandpa!" she cried as she chased him around the table.


    Laughter erupted in the room, filling it with warmth. But even as Xavier smiled along with them, a creeping thought lingered at the edges of his mind.


    Love.


    He recalled Graviil¡¯s words just moments ago, yet something gnawed at him. In the midst of this warmth and joy, he felt like a stranger. Like an outsider peering into something that wasn¡¯t his. For the first time in his life, it struck him¡ªthis wasn¡¯t where he belonged. He was the shadow before the sun¡¯s light, an anomaly in their world.


    Alcmena, sensing his shift in emotions through their linked minds, spoke to him telepathically. "Xavier... Are you okay?"


    Xavier forced a smile. "Yeah... I''m fine, Master. Don''t worry about it."


    Alcmena hesitated before responding, his voice quieter now. "Oh... okay."


    Later that night, Xavier walked toward his room, passing by the two knights stationed at his door.


    "Going to bed early, Young Master?" one of them asked.


    "Yeah, I''m feeling a bit tired," Xavier replied. "Thought I¡¯d turn in sooner than usual."


    The knight nodded. "Alright, then. Sleep well."


    "You too," Xavier said with a small smile before stepping into his room.


    The moment he entered, his body tensed. Something was off.


    His eyes scanned the dimly lit space, and then he saw it¡ªhis window was wide open.


    Moving cautiously, he approached it, his heart pounding in his chest. The night air was cold, carrying the scent of the city mixed with something else¡ªsomething faint, almost unnoticeable.


    Then, out of nowhere, a black crow swooped in, landing soundlessly on his windowsill.


    Xavier stiffened, watching as the bird extended its leg, revealing a small, rolled-up letter tied to it.


    Carefully, he untied the parchment and unfolded it. The words inside sent a shiver down his spine:


    -----


    To Xavier,


    The time has come for you to make your decision. Will you follow me and seek the truth of your origins, or will you remain in this illusion, clinging to a life that was never meant to be yours?


    Tomorrow at midnight, I shall send my messenger once more. Then, you will choose¡ªfollow it to where I await, or refuse and stay within your fragile little bubble.


    Your guide,


    ¡ªAdam.


    -----


    Xavier stared at the letter for a long time, his eyes tracing the words, yet his mind drifted far beyond them. His grip on the parchment tightened, uncertainty creeping into his thoughts.


    The crow lingered only for a moment longer before flapping its wings and disappearing into the night.


    Far away, beneath the glow of the moon, the bird glided through the air before landing on the wrist of a hooded man perched atop a tree branch. The man sat lazily, an apple in hand, his fingers twirling the fruit absentmindedly.


    As the moonlight bathed him, Adam smirked. "So, you''ve received my message, Xavier."


    He took another slow bite of the apple, chewing thoughtfully before murmuring to himself, "Well then, comrade... I¡¯ll be waiting."


    The wind whispered through the trees as his words vanished into the night.

 The Decision

    March 1st, 1810


    Night had come and gone in an instant, giving way to the bright afternoon at Pennsylvania Royal Academy. Xavier sat among his friends, their laughter filling the air like music, carrying a warmth he couldn''t quite put into words.


    "Hey," Aria said, tilting her head at him. "You''ve been absent a lot lately, Xavier."


    "Yeah!" Elowen chimed in, her voice bursting with energy as usual. "We barely see you in school anymore!"


    Xavier chuckled, but before he could respond, Emily spoke up with sudden realization. "Wait... are you engaged, Xavier?!"


    "WHAT?!" Xavier nearly choked, his eyes wide with shock.


    "It would explain a lot," Emily mused. "You''ve been distracted, and your mind is always somewhere else. Maybe you''ve secretly found yourself a fianc¨¦e?"


    Misaki folded her arms, nodding. "She''s got a point. You''ve been acting different lately¡ªsuper focused on something. If you had a secret romance going on, it''d totally make sense."


    Xavier''s face turned beet red. "That''s NOT what''s happening!"


    Out of nowhere, Jupiter draped an arm around Xavier''s shoulder, grinning. "Relax, bro. It''s fine if you want to keep your love life private. We won''t judge."


    "You guys have it all wrong!" Xavier insisted, still blushing. "I''ve just been busy with personal affairs and family matters!"


    "Personal affairs?" Misaki raised a brow.


    "Yeah," Xavier confirmed, rubbing the back of his neck.


    Misaki gave him a small smile. "You know, if something''s bothering you, we''re all here for you."


    "Yeah!" Elowen added, pumping a fist in the air. "We''re best friends, after all!"


    Xavier lowered his gaze, his heart tugged by their words. They meant well. They truly cared. But could they even begin to understand what he was dealing with?


    Sophie suddenly gasped, covering her mouth. "Wait a minute... could it be that your secret lover is¡­ Princess Jasmine?!"


    "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Xavier''s head practically exploded from frustration.


    "I mean, it''s possible," Aria said, tapping her chin. "We all know Xavier has a crush on Miss Jasmine. It wouldn''t be too far-fetched."


    "Yeah!" Emily agreed. "Besides, it''s normal for royals to arrange marriages between noble families."


    "But..." Elowen whimpered, tears welling in her eyes as she dabbed them with a handkerchief. "Our dear Xavier is too young for engagement! He''s only nine!"


    Misaki, suddenly joining in, also wiped imaginary tears. "You''re right! Our poor Xavier''s innocence has been stolen by that woman!"


    "You guys..." Xavier muttered, utterly exasperated.


    Jason and Jupiter, fully embracing the joke, decided to take it a step further.


    Jupiter dramatically fell to the ground like a helpless princess, placing a hand over his forehead. "Oh, my heavens! I, Princess of the Kingdom of Korea, have fallen and twisted my ankle! What shall I do?!"


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    Jason, playing the role of a dashing hero, knelt beside him. "Fear not, my beloved Princess Jasmine! I, your devoted fianc¨¦, Xavier, have come to rescue you!"


    Jupiter, still in character, batted his lashes. "Oh, dear Xavier! What would I ever do without you?"


    Locking eyes, Jason and Jupiter dramatically leaned toward each other as if about to share a kiss.


    "STOP IT!" Xavier yelled, his face now as red as a sunset. "I TOLD YOU I''M NOT ENGAGED! WHY DO YOU KEEP TEASING ME?!"


    The entire group erupted into laughter, doubling over as tears of amusement streamed down their faces.


    Xavier turned to Jack, who had been silently cracking up the entire time. Gritting his teeth, Xavier asked, "And what are you laughing at, Jack?"


    Jack, struggling to breathe between laughs, rolled on the floor. "O-Oh man, Xavier, you get flustered so easily! It''s too funny!"


    Xavier crossed his arms. "You guys aren''t funny."


    Their laughter continued for a while, but soon, the school bell rang. It was time for class.


    As Xavier walked through the halls with Jupiter toward their literature class, his gaze flicked to the clock above them.


    3:05 p.m.


    His mind stirred with thoughts. Just nine more hours until midnight... and by then, I''ll have to decide on Adam''s proposition.


    Jupiter, still rambling about something, eventually noticed Xavier''s distracted expression. "Hey, you okay? You seem out of it."


    Xavier forced a smile. "I''m fine. Nothing to worry about."


    Jupiter grinned. "Alright! Let''s hurry, or we''re gonna be late!"


    Xavier nodded, but his thoughts were elsewhere. Nine hours left.


    And so, time flew by¡ªthose long hours Xavier spent in school with his friends and teachers drifted away like a leaf carried by the wind.


    By the time he returned home, evening had already set in, creeping ever closer to the midnight hour he had been anticipating. Sitting in his room, his gaze fixated on the clock above, he waited in silence. The moment the hand struck twelve, the deep chime echoed through the still air, marking the arrival of the ebon night¡ªmidnight.


    A faint knocking sound at the window broke the silence. Xavier turned towards it, already knowing what to expect. As he approached and unlatched the window, the black crow¡ªAdam''s messenger¡ªperched on the ledge, its beady eyes peering into his soul.


    His gaze dropped to the small envelope fastened to the crow''s leg. With careful hands, he detached it, unraveling its contents.


    -----


    Dear Xavier,


    If you have finally decided on my proposal, I will be waiting for you at the grand fountain¡ªthe one you so often visited with your beloved siblings and Grandfather.


    However, if you have chosen to abandon the pursuit of your past and your lost parents, then our paths diverge here. This is your final opportunity¡ªone that will never come again.


    I will be waiting for your arrival. :)


    Don''t disappoint.


    Sincerely,


    Adam, your guide.


    -----


    As Xavier finished reading, his hands trembled ever so slightly, a sigh of pain and regret escaping his lips. The weight of his choice pressed upon him like an iron shackle.


    He removed the Visor of Time, placing it on top of an envelope in which there was a letter addressed to Aleksander, Violet, and the others. With his preparations complete, he took up the bag he had packed in advance.


    Throwing on a long black cloak, hood drawn low over his face, he reached for the white-fanged mask Anastasia had gifted him. Steeling himself, he stepped toward the window, scanning the surroundings for the palace knights who patrolled the grounds tirelessly.


    The moment he confirmed the coast was clear, he leaped from his window, landing as softly as possible to avoid detection. Without hesitation, he dashed forward, his speed amplified by vectors, streaking like a shadow through the night.


    The black crow led him onward, guiding him through the vast, moonlit forest. Branches whipped past him, the cool air sharp against his skin. But just as he began to feel the weight of solitude, a chilling presence cast itself over him.


    A massive shadow passed overhead.


    Xavier barely had time to react before the creature plummeted from the sky, crashing onto the earth before him with a thunderous impact. The ground beneath him quaked, dust swirling as the figure loomed over him.


    A voice, deep and wrathful, cut through the silence. "And where do you think you''re going, child?"


    Xavier''s breath hitched. His eyes locked onto the imposing form of Alcmena, his dragon eyes glinting with something far worse than anger¡ªdisappointment.


    Perched atop Alcmena''s broad back was Miss Anastasia, her cloaked form blending into the night. Though her expression was veiled in shadow, her voice betrayed the weight of her emotions.


    "Young Master," she murmured, a sadness laced in her tone. "Where are you heading at this hour?"


    Xavier stood frozen in place, unable to utter a word. He had prepared for this journey¡ªsteeled himself for what was to come¡ªbut he had not anticipated this.


    And now, caught in the piercing gazes of his mentor and guardian, he found himself at a crossroads, where silence and truth waged war within him.

 The Departure

    Xavier stood frozen, like a statue caught in time. Alcmena¡¯s voice cut through the night air again, sharper this time, laced with disappointment and frustration.


    ¡°Answer me, Xavier! Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    He kept his head down, his gaze locked on the ground, refusing to meet Alcmena¡¯s piercing eyes¡ªor Anastasia¡¯s concerned ones. Silence clung to him like chains, his left hand trembling as he clenched it into a fist.


    Anastasia, sensing the growing tension, attempted to diffuse the situation, stepping between them. ¡°Lord Alcmena, perhaps we should¡ª¡±


    But before she could finish, Xavier murmured under his breath, his voice laced with something dark, something painful.


    ¡°And why would you care¡­?¡±


    Alcmena¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°What?¡± His confusion was quickly replaced by stern authority. ¡°Xavier, what kind of tone is that? You know I¡¯m doing this for your safety. You think I don¡¯t know? That I wasn¡¯t aware of your plan to meet Adam and run away from your home? You can¡¯t hide anything from me. We share the same mind.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s head snapped toward Xavier, her voice laced with disbelief and worry. ¡°WHAT?! Young Master, you were planning on running away?!¡±


    Still, Xavier said nothing. The weight of his choice pressed on his chest like an iron shackle.


    Alcmena sighed, his voice softening. ¡°Xavier, please don¡¯t do this. I care about you deeply, more than you know. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°IF YOU TRULY CARED ABOUT ME, YOU WOULDN¡¯T BE IN MY WAY OF FINDING WHAT I LOST!¡±


    His words echoed through the silent night, raw and unfiltered.


    Alcmena blinked, momentarily stunned. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Anastasia dismounted from Alcmena¡¯s back, cautiously stepping toward Xavier. Her voice was gentle, but edged with concern. ¡°What do you mean, Young Master? What have you lost?¡±


    Xavier¡¯s breath hitched as he wiped at the tears threatening to fall. His voice cracked as he whispered, ¡°Everything... I lost everything.¡±


    A thick silence fell over them.


    ¡°My father¡ªhe was my world. And he died... because of me.¡±


    Alcmena and Anastasia stiffened, their expressions shifting from stern to stricken. The night wind howled between them, carrying the weight of Xavier¡¯s words.


    He dropped to his knees, his body trembling. ¡°I always knew I wasn¡¯t truly one of them. That I wasn¡¯t related by blood. That I was just... a stranger playing guest in a world that wasn¡¯t mine. But I wanted to be with them! I wanted to belong!¡±


    Alcmena¡¯s voice was thick with sorrow. ¡°Xavier, your father¡¯s death wasn¡¯t your fault. You can¡¯t carry that burden alone.¡±


    Anastasia attempted a smile, trying to cut through the suffocating grief. ¡°Lord Alcmena¡¯s right! You shouldn¡¯t blame yourself for everything bad that happens.¡±


    Her voice softened. ¡°And Young Master¡­ don¡¯t say that you don¡¯t belong here. Because you do.¡±


    Xavier squeezed his eyes shut. ¡°But... I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always had this unshakable feeling that deep down, I was the reason he died. That if I weren¡¯t born, none of this would have happened. That Big Brother, Big Sis, Grandpa, Uncle Thomas, Aunt Charlotte... none of them would¡¯ve had to suffer losing the person they loved.¡±


    Gazing at his hands, his words became quieter, yet filled with something desperate. ¡°I thought¡­ I thought if I could find out about my past, about where I came from, maybe the nightmares would stop. Maybe I could finally find a place where I belong. Maybe... I could finally escape from Percival.¡±


    His shoulders shook as tears dropped down to his hands.


    A deep pain lanced through Alcmena and Anastasia. Seeing him like this¡ªso broken¡ªwas unbearable.


    Anastasia stepped forward, slowly removing her cloak. She kneeled beside him, then pulled him into her arms, holding him tightly.


    ¡°Young Master,¡± she murmured, her voice trembling. ¡°I¡¯ve always told you, haven¡¯t I? That I hate seeing you in pain.¡±


    Xavier didn¡¯t respond, lost in his sorrow.


    She sighed softly, then gently released him from her embrace. Instead, she lowered herself further, bowing her head.


    ¡°If meeting Adam is what will ease your pain¡­¡± Her voice was steady, unwavering. ¡°Then let me come with you.¡±


    Alcmena¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Lady Anastasia, what are you doing?!¡±


    She ignored him, keeping her head lowered as she continued, ¡°I am your maid, Young Master. Wherever you go, I will follow. Even if the world rejects you. Even if you stray from your path. Even if death itself comes for you, I will face it by your side. For that is why I became your maid.¡±


    She lifted her head, reaching out a hand toward him, her smile tender. ¡°So let me come with you. Let us leave this world together, just as you wish.¡±


    ¡°Let me be by your side.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s breath caught in his throat. A spark of something¡ªrelief, gratitude¡ªlit in his eyes. And suddenly, without thinking, he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace.


    Anastasia let out a soft chuckle, gently stroking his head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Young Master,¡± she whispered. ¡°I will always be with you. No matter what.¡±


    Her arms tightened around him as she held him close, her voice filled with quiet resolve.


    ¡°So please¡­ don¡¯t ever think that you don¡¯t belong here. Because you do. You are a part of our world¡ªan irreplaceable part.¡±


    She buried her face into his shoulder, her own voice breaking. ¡°So please, Xavier¡­ don¡¯t carry this pain alone.¡±


    Alcmena''s voice grew sharp with concern, his words carrying the weight of urgency. "But Anastasia! If you go through with this, you''ll be guilty of betraying the state, jeopardizing the nation''s stability, deserting your duty, and betraying a royal household!"


    His voice only grew more frantic. "And if Adam is as dangerous as my guts say¡ªand if he has connections to the place we¡¯re headed¡ªyou might even be charged with espionage! That¡¯s high treason!"


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    "Do you understand what that means?" he continued, his panic clear. "You could be branded a criminal, stripped of your royal protections as King Graviil¡¯s daughter. Or worse... sentenced to death or life imprisonment!" His golden eyes burned with frustration. "Are you really willing to throw everything away just like this?"


    Anastasia remained unshaken, her voice calm yet resolute as she gently held Xavier. "Yes."


    Alcmena pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. "Oh, who am I kidding..."


    Taking another deep breath, he let out a sigh of resignation before shifting into his cat form. His once-calm voice now carried a menacing edge. "Fine. I¡¯ll do as you wish."


    "But... and I mean this, if I find out Adam is trying to manipulate Xavier in any way, or if the royal army catches up with us, I won¡¯t hesitate to kill him. I¡¯ll burn this world to the ground before I let them lay a hand on you."


    Anastasia chuckled softly. "You¡¯re too tense, Lord Alcmena. This is my decision. No need for such terrifying threats."


    Alcmena¡¯s eyes shifted, his golden irises now burning with a draconic red glow. "Not a threat. A promise."


    Anastasia smiled, then turned her attention back to Xavier. "I¡¯ll face the consequences of my choices later. But right now, the only thing that matters is Young Master¡ªhim finding himself."


    She looked at Xavier with something close to understanding. "I was like him once. Lost. Conflicted. He¡¯s only nine. He deserves to figure out who he is."


    Alcmena turned away, his massive dragon form shimmering back into existence. "Alright. Let¡¯s go."


    Xavier wiped at his red-stained eyes, voice small but firm. "Okay."


    As they climbed onto Alcmena¡¯s back, a fiery golden aura erupted around him before he soared into the sky at supersonic speed, heading toward their meeting point.


    In the dim glow of the moon, a cloaked figure leaned against the shadowed side of an alley, absently biting into an apple. Adam¡¯s expression remained unreadable as he sensed the familiar presence of Xavier, Alcmena, and Anastasia approaching.


    The moment they stepped into view¡ªhooded, with Alcmena perched on Xavier¡¯s shoulder¡ªAdam¡¯s entire demeanor shifted. A slow, pleased grin spread across his face.


    "Xavier!" he called out, his voice brimming with satisfaction. "I was starting to think you¡¯d made up your mind and wouldn¡¯t come. But I¡¯m glad to see you here."


    Xavier, eyes still puffy from crying, turned his gaze slightly away. "Yeah..."


    Anastasia stepped forward, her expression sharp, her presence unwavering. "I don¡¯t know how you found out my master''s real name or what you know about his past, but I¡¯ll make this clear. I¡¯m coming with him. And you¡¯d better keep your word."


    Her voice turned venomous, her green aura coiling around her like a snake, taking the form of a massive cobra. "If I find out you¡¯re using him, tricking him, or putting him in harm¡¯s way, I¡¯ll make sure your head is served on a plate for all to see. Including your family."


    Adam¡¯s smirk vanished. His entire demeanor turned cold, his gaze dark as a crow¡¯s shadow. "You have my word, woman."


    Their auras clashed in a silent storm, the air between them tense with unspoken hostility. Then, Alcmena cut through the tension, his voice edged with the same bitterness he had carried since the beginning. "Alright, enough. How do you plan on getting us out of the country before daybreak? If the Ivanovich family realizes their beloved grandson has vanished overnight, they¡¯ll track us down easily."


    Adam blinked, startled. "AHH! A TALKING UGLY CAT?!"


    Alcmena¡¯s fur bristled. "WHO ARE YOU CALLING AN UGLY CAT, YOU DAMNED BASTARD?!"


    Adam recovered with a smirk. "If you¡¯re asking how we¡¯re leaving, we¡¯ll be using RealmHall."


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened. "RealmHall? But that¡¯s only accessible to nobles and royals. Rarely to anyone else."


    "Exactly." Adam¡¯s smirk deepened. "That¡¯s why Xavier¡¯s here. The prince will use his status to get us through."


    Both Anastasia and Alcmena stiffened, their unease apparent. But Xavier¡­ he barely reacted.


    As Adam began walking toward the portal¡¯s location, he glanced back at Xavier. "Oh, by the way, Xavier. Where we¡¯re going, your little naive outlook won¡¯t help you."


    His voice took on a sharper edge. "You¡¯ll face adversaries who won¡¯t hesitate to kill you. And when that time comes, you might have to take a life yourself."


    Xavier stopped in his tracks, his expression darkening. His voice, though quiet, carried an unshakable resolve. "I don¡¯t care how strong or terrifying they are. I won¡¯t take a life. I never have, and I never will."


    Adam scoffed, turning away. "Just as expected. Let¡¯s see how far that stupid heroic, pure-hearted idealism takes you."


    Then, with a mocking smirk, he added, "Mark my words¡ªit ''will'' be the death of you one day."


    Xavier¡¯s eyes narrowed. His voice was steady, unwavering. "Then I''ll die with that belief."


    For the first time, Adam¡¯s smirk faltered. He glanced at Xavier from the corner of his eye, then let out a quiet chuckle.


    "We¡¯ll see," he murmured, leading the way to the portal.


    Just a few minutes of walking, and they found it¡ªa massive, well-crafted gate, towering over them like a monolith, easily as tall as a three-story house. Heavily armored knights stood in rigid formation, their gleaming steel reflecting the dim torchlight.


    As they approached, their faces concealed beneath their hoods, a knight suddenly stepped forward, blocking their path.


    "Halt!" the knight barked, gripping the hilt of his sword. "State your purpose!"


    Xavier took a breath, forcing an easygoing smile as he pulled back his hood. "Ah, my apologies for the surprise," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "I simply wish to use the RealmHall gate to reach another destination."


    The moment the knights recognized his face, they all dropped to one knee in unison.


    "Greetings, Second Prince of Moscow!" they proclaimed.


    Xavier chuckled awkwardly, shifting slightly under their reverence. One of the knights, lifting his head, spoke again. "Your Majesty, what brings you here at this hour? The gate is rarely used at such a time."


    Before Xavier could respond, Anastasia stepped in with a practiced smile. "We¡¯re leaving early for a planned vacation. We thought it¡¯d be best to get a head start and rent an inn when we arrive. You know how travel can be." She let out a lighthearted laugh, as if the explanation was completely ordinary.


    The knight nodded. "I see. If Lady Anastasia is accompanying you, then there¡¯s no reason for concern."


    Turning to his fellow knights, he commanded, "Prepare the gate for His Majesty immediately!"


    The soldiers sprang into action, pushing against the large mechanisms of the gate. With a heavy groan, the colossal doors creaked open, revealing the shimmering, fractured space beyond¡ªa swirling rift of crackling energy, a portal leading directly to another location where a corresponding rift would allow them to exit.


    Xavier inclined his head slightly in gratitude before stepping forward, followed closely by Anastasia and Adam. As they through the path leading to the rift, Adam leaned in, whispering, "Well, that was easier than expected. Thought we¡¯d have to carve our way through if they refused."


    Xavier didn¡¯t reply, his gaze fixed on the warping energy ahead. Without hesitation, they entered the rift.


    In an instant, they emerged in a completely different landscape¡ªEstonia, the outer border of the Kingdom of Russia. The salty sea breeze hit them immediately, the faint sound of waves crashing against the docks filling the air. The scent of damp wood and brine clung to the bustling port town before them.


    Without delay, they made their way toward the docks, where numerous ships bobbed in the water, their sails billowing slightly in the cold night wind. Adam had already arranged for passage, and they approached one of the larger ships, a rugged, pirate-like vessel, prepared to brave the rough waters ahead.


    As Anastasia and Adam boarded, Xavier remained behind, his feet rooted to the wooden planks of the dock. Noticing his absence, Alcmena, who now set on Anastasia''s shoulders, turned back, tilting his head in mild concern.


    "Are you coming, Xavier?" he asked.


    Anastasia, picking up on his hesitation, softened her tone. "Is everything alright, Young Master?"


    Xavier lifted his gaze, forcing a smile. "Yeah¡­ I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll be there in a moment."


    Reaching into his coat, Xavier pulled out the white-fanged mask he had set aside earlier. He stared at it, his fingers brushing over its smooth, cold surface, feeling the weight of what was about to happen. The mask wasn¡¯t just an object¡ªit was a symbol of what he was leaving behind.


    His thoughts swirled.


    "I¡¯m really leaving home."


    The realization struck harder than he expected, settling in his chest like a heavy stone. He thought of his brother and sister, of his grandfather, the people who had always been there. The warmth of his childhood, the safety of the palace walls¡ªit was all slipping through his fingers. And yet, he wasn¡¯t turning back.


    "I don¡¯t know how to feel about this¡­"


    Regret? Fear? Determination? It was all tangled together, a mess of emotions he couldn¡¯t quite name.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Big Brotha. I¡¯m sorry, Sis. Grandpa¡­ I¡¯m sorry."


    His grip tightened around the mask. Fear. That was what this was really about. That lingering, suffocating fear¡ªthe kind that crept into his bones, that whispered in his ears whenever he hesitated. He wasn¡¯t running away from home.


    He was running away from himself.


    "I can¡¯t let this fear control me anymore. If there¡¯s even a chance I can be freed from it¡­ I have to take it."


    His breath came out slow and shaky. Then, without another word, he raised the mask and secured it over his face. The straps tightened against his skin, a firm, grounding sensation. His eyes darkened with quiet resolve as he took the first step forward.


    Toward uncertainty. Toward danger.


    Toward whatever waited for him beyond the horizon.


    As he approached, Alcmena and Anastasia watched him from the ship¡¯s deck, their gazes questioning. But Xavier didn¡¯t slow down. His path was set.


    And there was no turning back now.

 Unspoken Goodbyes

    March 2nd, 1810


    Daybreak arrived, but instead of the usual tranquility, the Ivanovich household was in chaos.


    "Where is Xavier?!"


    The panic started early that morning when the maids, tasked with waking Xavier and cleaning his room alongside his personal maid, Anastasia, sensed something was wrong. Anastasia was nowhere to be found.


    "Perhaps she went ahead to wake him earlier today?" they reasoned, trying to dismiss the unease creeping up their spines. But they were far from the truth.


    They hurried to Xavier''s room, pushing past the guards. The moment they entered¡ª


    Nothing. No one was there.


    At first, they assumed Xavier had simply gone out early, but the realization struck hard. It was only seven in the morning. His lessons began in an hour and a half. Where could he have gone?


    One of the maids, feeling a sense of dread settle over her, turned to the knights stationed outside Xavier¡¯s door. "Did the young master leave? Did you see him go anywhere?"


    The knight, caught off guard, furrowed his brows. "Leave? Young Master didn¡¯t go anywhere. We¡¯ve been standing guard all night. No one entered or exited this room."


    The maids¡¯ blood ran cold. Their faces turned pale, hands trembling as they put the pieces together. Xavier had vanished. Anastasia was gone as well.


    The knights couldn''t be mistaken. They were trained from birth for this kind of vigilance. If they said no one had come or gone, then it meant Xavier and Anastasia had disappeared without a trace.


    The panic spread like wildfire. The maids alerted the other staff, and within minutes, the entire estate was in an uproar, searching frantically for any sign of the missing prince.


    The commotion stirred Violet from her sleep. Her drowsy voice carried through her chambers as she rubbed at her tired eyes. "What¡¯s going on? Why is it so loud this early...?"


    Her personal maid, Irina Kuznetsova, hesitated before answering. "Young Lord Xavier is missing, My Lady."


    Violet blinked, her exhaustion vanishing in an instant. "Xavier is what?!"


    "Missing," Irina confirmed, panic evident in her voice. "The young lord has disappeared from the estate without a trace."


    Violet¡¯s face lost all color. The air in the room suddenly felt thin, and a pit formed in her stomach. "No... he wouldn¡¯t... He wouldn¡¯t just leave like that." Her voice wavered as if saying it out loud made the fear settle deeper.


    Meanwhile, in his study, Graviil Ivanovich was filling out state papers, with Viktor Mirovich, the head butler, standing beside him. A knock at the door disrupted the quiet moment.


    "Come in," Graviil instructed, barely glancing up.


    The doors burst open, revealing Aleksander, followed by several heavily armed royal knights and his butler, Nikolai Petrov. Their faces were drained of color, expressions grim.


    Graviil¡¯s brows furrowed. "What¡¯s wrong, Aleksander?" There was an edge of concern in his voice, though he tried to remain composed.


    Aleksander stepped forward, but the words stuck in his throat. He swallowed hard before finally speaking, voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. "Grandfather¡ªXavier is missing!"


    Graviil and Viktor froze.


    "What...?" Graviil¡¯s voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried the force of a storm.


    Viktor, usually calm and composed, immediately followed up. "What do you mean by that, Prince Aleksander?!"


    Aleksander clenched his fists. His entire body trembled, and his crimson-red eyes, usually filled with pride, now flickered with something never seen¡ªfear.


    Real, unshaken fear.


    Then, something else happened.


    His eyes began to glow. The Eyes of Supreme Authority¡ªa power deeply connected to the will of its wielder¡ªreacted to his emotions, flaring to life with an ominous brilliance.


    Graviil knew he had to act fast. "Aleksander, calm yourself. Those eyes have awakened in response to your emotions! If you lose control¡ª"


    But Aleksander wasn¡¯t listening. He was barely holding himself together.


    "Please, Grandpa... we have to find Xavier!"


    ----


    Hours passed, but there was no sign of Xavier or Anastasia anywhere in Moscow.


    Anxiety twisted in everyone¡¯s chest like a vice. Where could he have gone? Had he been taken? But that was impossible. The royal guards were the best of the best. If anyone had even attempted to infiltrate, there would have been a fight, a trail¡ªsomething.


    Then, just as they were beginning to lose hope, a group of knights who had been stationed at the RealmHall the night before stepped forward. Their report sent a fresh wave of shock through the royal family.


    "Last night, at midnight, Prince Xavier and Lady Anastasia approached us. They requested permission to enter the RealmHall portal alongside an unfamiliar companion."


    The room fell silent.


    Graviil¡¯s mind raced. He had been hesitant to use their family¡¯s sacred ability¡ªThe All-Seeing Eye¡ªto locate Xavier. But now, he wasn¡¯t so sure.


    Just then, before anyone could react, a maid came sprinting in, her face pale, breath ragged. "My Lord! My Lord!"


    Graviil turned sharply toward her. "What is it?!"


    "I... I found a letter... in Young Master Xavier¡¯s room!"


    The tension in the air became suffocating.


    With trembling hands, the maid extended the letter. Graviil took it and slowly, carefully, unfolded the parchment as all eyes locked onto him.


    Violet and Aleksander moved closer, standing side by side, their hearts pounding in their chests.


    The room stood still as Graviil began to read aloud the words left behind by the missing prince.


    ----


    Dear Everyone,


    By the time you read this letter, I will already be long gone. First, I want to sincerely apologize for any pain, stress, or worry I have caused you all. But please, don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯m fine. I don¡¯t intend to put myself in harm¡¯s way¡­ at least, not deliberately. Haha¡­


    I¡¯m sorry. I know you¡¯re all searching for me, desperate to know where I am, but all I can say is¡­ I¡¯m sorry.


    I¡¯m sorry for leaving. I¡¯m sorry for abandoning you all. I¡¯m sorry for the suffering I have caused.


    But I can¡¯t do this anymore.


    I¡¯ve tried for so long to move past Father¡¯s death, to push away this unbearable weight inside me. But no matter how much time passes, no matter how much I try to forget, I can¡¯t shake the feeling that it was my fault. That I am the reason he¡¯s gone. And maybe¡­ maybe I am.


    I know I was never truly one of you. Not really. Not by blood. But you still welcomed me as if I were. You accepted me despite my failures, my flaws, my weaknesses. You embraced me with open arms, and for that, I am grateful beyond words.


    Stolen story; please report.


    But I can¡¯t lie to myself anymore. I¡¯ve spent years pretending I belonged, carrying a name that was never mine¡ªIvanovich, Ashford. I don¡¯t deserve it. I never did.


    Big Sis¡­ I know you¡¯re reading this. And I¡¯m sorry¡ªfor being the worst little brother you could have ever asked for.


    Big Brother¡­ I¡¯m sorry for being weak, for always crying, for never being strong enough to stand beside you.


    And Grandpa¡­ I¡¯m sorry for abandoning the love and kindness you have given me. I can¡¯t thank you enough for everything you¡¯ve done for me.


    But I can¡¯t stay in your world any longer. I feel like a stranger, like a mistake that was never meant to exist here. Every night, I am haunted by the same nightmare¡ªFather¡¯s death. And every day, I see the face that fills me with fear¡­ Percival.


    I thought if I trained hard enough, if I became strong enough, I could silence these thoughts. That if I became stronger, maybe I wouldn¡¯t feel this way anymore. Maybe I wouldn¡¯t be so weak and helpless, unable to protect the ones I love. Maybe¡­ I would finally feel like I belonged.


    But it was all futile. And this¡­ this is the end of that road.


    So before I go, I want to say thank you. Thank you for showing me love despite everything. Thank you for treating me as one of your own, even when I wasn¡¯t. Thank you for everything.


    I love you all. And I¡¯m sorry for what I have to do.


    I have to find my truth¡ªmy world. I have to find out where I come from, who I really am. Who my parents were.


    Please, don¡¯t come looking for me.


    Maybe I am a coward, running from my fears, my regrets, my insecurities. But when the time comes, I hope¡­ I will finally understand who I truly am.


    ¡ªXavier


    ----


    Dear Everyone,


    By the time you read this letter, I will already be long gone. First, I want to sincerely apologize for any pain, stress, or worry I have caused you all. But please, don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯m fine. I don¡¯t intend to put myself in harm¡¯s way¡­ at least, not deliberately. Haha¡­


    I¡¯m sorry. I know you¡¯re all searching for me, desperate to know where I am, but all I can say is¡­ I¡¯m sorry.


    I¡¯m sorry for leaving. I¡¯m sorry for abandoning you all. I¡¯m sorry for the suffering I have caused.


    But I can¡¯t do this anymore.


    I¡¯ve tried for so long to move past Father¡¯s death, to push away this unbearable weight inside me. But no matter how much time passes, no matter how much I try to forget, I can¡¯t shake the feeling that it was my fault. That I am the reason he¡¯s gone. And maybe¡­ maybe I am.


    I know I was never truly one of you. Not really. Not by blood. But you still welcomed me as if I were. You accepted me despite my failures, my flaws, my weaknesses. You embraced me with open arms, and for that, I am grateful beyond words.


    But I can¡¯t lie to myself anymore. I¡¯ve spent years pretending I belonged, carrying a name that was never mine¡ªIvanovich, Ashford. I don¡¯t deserve it. I never did.


    Big Sis¡­ I know you¡¯re reading this. And I¡¯m sorry¡ªfor being the worst little brother you could have ever asked for.


    Big Brother¡­ I¡¯m sorry for being weak, for always crying, for never being strong enough to stand beside you.


    And Grandpa¡­ I¡¯m sorry for abandoning the love and kindness you have given me. I can¡¯t thank you enough for everything you¡¯ve done for me.


    But I can¡¯t stay in your world any longer. I feel like a stranger, like a mistake that was never meant to exist here. Every night, I am haunted by the same nightmare¡ªFather¡¯s death. And every day, I see the face that fills me with fear¡­ Percival.


    I thought if I trained hard enough, if I became strong enough, I could silence these thoughts. That if I became stronger, maybe I wouldn¡¯t feel this way anymore. Maybe I wouldn¡¯t be so weak and helpless, unable to protect the ones I love. Maybe¡­ I would finally feel like I belonged.


    But it was all futile. And this¡­ this is the end of that road.


    So before I go, I want to say thank you. Thank you for showing me love despite everything. Thank you for treating me as one of your own, even when I wasn¡¯t. Thank you for everything.


    I love you all. And I¡¯m sorry for what I have to do.


    I have to find my truth¡ªmy world. I have to find out where I come from, who I really am. Who my parents were.


    Please, don¡¯t come looking for me.


    Maybe I am a coward, running from my fears, my regrets, my insecurities. But when the time comes, I hope¡­ I will finally understand who I truly am.


    ¡ªXavier


    As Graviil¡¯s voice faded, the room was left in stunned silence, the weight of Xavier¡¯s words pressing down on them like an unbearable storm.


    Violet was the first to break. Her body trembled as she clutched her chest, tears spilling freely down her cheeks. ¡°Xavier¡­¡± she whispered, her voice breaking apart. Her little brother¡ªher precious little brother¡ªwas gone. And she had never even realized how much pain he had been hiding behind that smile.


    Aleksander, normally so composed, stood frozen. His hands clenched into tight fists as Xavier¡¯s words echoed in his mind. Train away my thoughts and emotions¡­ He had done the same, drowning himself in battle and duty after their father¡¯s death, never allowing himself to feel. And yet¡­ he had never once stopped to think that Xavier was doing the exact same thing.


    Meanwhile, Graviil stood still, his face unreadable. But then, in an instant, a brilliant white light erupted from him, flooding the entire room with its sheer force. The air became suffocating, heavy with raw power, as an overwhelming presence pushed everyone back.


    The All-Seeing Eye.


    The sacred power of the Ivanovich bloodline, awakened once more after years of dormancy.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Svetlana,¡± Graviil murmured, his voice barely audible over the pulsating energy surrounding him. His eyes glowed an intense white, sorrow evident even in their radiance. Then, he cast his gaze outward¡ªnot just at the palace, not just at the city, but at every inch of Russia itself.


    He searched every street, every district, every building, every hidden corner. He scoured the land with his omniscient sight, desperate to find even the faintest trace of Xavier.


    And then, it was gone.


    Graviil collapsed onto his knees, gasping for breath. Sweat dripped from his brow as his body trembled from the strain.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Viktor and the knights rushed forward in alarm.


    But Graviil weakly raised a hand, stopping them in their tracks. ¡°He¡¯s not here,¡± he whispered.


    Aleksander¡¯s head snapped toward him. ¡°What?¡±


    Graviil exhaled sharply, forcing himself to sit upright. ¡°Xavier isn¡¯t in Russia. I searched everywhere¡­ and I couldn¡¯t find him. Not even a trace of his presence.¡±


    The room fell deathly silent as the truth settled in. The All-Seeing Eye allowed its wielder to only perceive all that occurred within the borders of Russia. If Xavier wasn¡¯t detected¡­


    It could only mean one thing.


    Xavier had left the kingdom entirely.


    And now¡­ no one knew where he had gone.


    -----


    Just a day after Xavier''s disappearance, news spread like wildfire. Even within the Pennsylvania Royal Academy, students and teachers whispered about it in hushed tones.


    As Princess Jasmine walked through the hallways alone, her thoughts were consumed by the mystery surrounding Xavier''s disappearance. Then, as she reached a two-way corridor, she overheard a group of female students discussing the topic.


    "Did you hear? Xavier went missing yesterday," one girl whispered.


    "Yeah," another replied. "Someone said he ran off in the middle of the night with his maid."


    "They must be in some kind of secret romance!" a third girl added, giggling.


    "Oh, come on!" her friend scoffed. "You and your weird romance fantasies."


    Jasmine froze. Her heart pounded violently against her chest as her face flushed a deep red.


    Xavier¡­ in a forbidden romance? She shook her head, her thoughts a mess. No. That can''t be the reason. There''s no way he would just disappear for something like that!


    She clenched her fists, trying to push down the strange, uneasy feeling tightening in her chest. No, wait¡ªwhat am I even thinking? This isn¡¯t the time for something so ridiculous! She quickly slapped her cheeks, trying to shake off her spiraling emotions.


    As she continued toward her class, Jasmine suddenly caught sight of Xavier''s friends gathered nearby. Curiosity getting the best of her, she quietly stepped behind a nearby wall, eavesdropping on their conversation.


    "Did you guys hear about Xavier¡¯s disappearance?" Emily asked, concern evident in her voice.


    "Yeah," Jason responded, his expression unusually serious. "Apparently, he ran away from his family."


    "Why would he do that?" Sophie questioned, crossing her arms.


    "I don¡¯t know," Jason admitted, troubled. "It¡¯s completely unlike him. Even my parents are shocked. They look¡­ stressed. Really stressed."


    "This is so sad..." Elowen muttered. Her usual enthusiasm was gone, replaced by an uncharacteristic gloom.


    A heavy silence fell over the group until Jupiter broke it. "We should look for Xavier."


    His voice was firm, unwavering. Determined.


    "That¡¯s a great idea!" Aria chimed in. "If we all work together, we might be able to track him down!"


    "Yeah, I like that plan!" Elowen, Misaki, Emily, Jason, and Sophie all voiced their agreement.


    Jack, however, remained unconvinced. "What?! And why are we suddenly doing this?" His tone was sharp, his expression uncharacteristically grim.


    Jupiter met his gaze without hesitation. "Because Xavier is our friend."


    Then, with conviction burning in his eyes, he continued, "No¡­ he¡¯s more than that. He¡¯s my brother. And I can¡¯t stand by while my brother is out there, alone, possibly in danger. I refuse to do nothing."


    Jack exhaled, rubbing his temples. "I never said I was against it. But charging in without a plan, without knowing what we¡¯re up against¡ªthat¡¯s just reckless."


    Misaki, wrapping an arm around Jack¡¯s shoulder, grinned. "I get where you¡¯re coming from, but we don¡¯t exactly have time to sit around making plans. If Xavier¡¯s in danger, every second counts."


    Jack frowned but remained silent, thinking over her words.


    Then he turned to her. "Misaki, you''re the strongest one here. The only one who could match you was Xavier, and he''s not here. Do you really think we have what it takes to handle whatever situation he''s in?"


    Misaki chuckled, exuding confidence. "We¡¯ll be fine. We¡¯re all strong in our own ways. Plus, Jason, Jupiter, and Elowen are all near my strength. We¡¯re not going in blind. Almost..."


    Jack sighed heavily. "Fine. But how the hell are we supposed to find him?"


    Misaki lifted her hands, staring at them as if in deep thought. "That part¡¯s easy. For some reason, I can vaguely sense where they are."


    "WHAT?!" Everyone shouted in unison.


    "Since when?" Sophie demanded, her jaw practically hitting the floor.


    Misaki smirked. "Remember when Xavier introduced us to his pet cat, Ark? And when I touched him, there was that weird spark? Ever since then, I¡¯ve been able to vaguely sense Ark¡¯s presence."


    Jaws dropped. No one had expected that.


    From her hidden spot, Jasmine¡¯s thoughts raced. They¡¯re planning to search for Xavier in secret¡­


    Her fingers tightened around the folds of her uniform as a memory resurfaced¡ªher vision from the previous night. A vision of Xavier, bloodied and battle-worn, golden hair gleaming under a fractured night sky. He wielded a shining blade¡ªExcalibur, though she did not yet know its name. A dragon fought by his side, facing a creature, no¡­ a nightmare, radiating pure malice and chaos.


    Then the sky itself split open. A blinding light. Three enormous ships descended from the heavens¡ªotherworldly, terrifying.


    Jasmine inhaled sharply. A deep unease settled in her chest, different from her usual worries. A dread that felt personal.


    Xavier¡­ Her mind wandered, her cheeks warming once again. But this time, the feeling that gripped her wasn''t just concern or fear¡ªit was something else. Something unfamiliar. Something she didn¡¯t yet have the words to describe.


    Her hand pressed against her chest, where an unfamiliar ache lingered at the thought of him in danger.


    She had to go. She had to find him. No matter what.

 To Save a Friend

    March 4th, 1810


    The day passed quickly, giving way to the next. Midnight had arrived, marking the hour when everyone was to regroup at the old playground near their school¡ªthe place they had spent countless lunch breaks and afternoons together. It was here that they would set their plan into motion: finding Xavier and saving him from whatever danger he was in.


    Jack, Elowen, Aria, Sophie, and Emily had each said their goodbyes to their families, explaining their mission. Though their loved ones were anxious about their safety, they understood that nothing would sway their resolve. All they could do was hope for the best.


    Meanwhile, across the Kingdom of America, Jupiter was finishing his preparations. He lived with his aunt and uncle, and his Aunt Liza Cavendish was helping him pack. As he stepped toward the front door, bag slung over his shoulder, Liza stopped him, concern evident in her expression.


    "Are you sure you''re okay going alone, Jupiter?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. "I can come with you, you know."


    Jupiter gave her a reassuring smile. "Auntie Liza, you don¡¯t have to worry so much. I¡¯ll be just fine out there."


    "But¡ª"


    Jupiter gently raised a hand, cutting her off. "Worrying too much will only make you sick, Auntie. I promise I¡¯ll come back with all my limbs attached, okay?" He flashed a playful grin.


    Liza¡¯s face puffed up in frustration. "That¡¯s not funny!"


    "I know, I know." He chuckled. "No need to get mad about it."


    Just as he reached for the door handle, he felt a small tug on his leg. Looking down, he saw his little cousins, Maple and Charlie, both half-asleep, clinging to his pants.


    "Are you leaving already, Big Brotha?" Maple mumbled, rubbing her eyes.


    "Yeah," Jupiter answered softly.


    "Why can''t we come with you?" Charlie asked, his voice drowsy but determined. "We wanna save Big Brother Xavier too."


    Jupiter sighed and knelt down to meet their sleepy gazes. "I know you do, but I have to go with my friends. Where we¡¯re going¡­ it might be scary." He hesitated before adding, "I don¡¯t want you guys getting hurt."


    Charlie pouted but nodded. "Oh¡­ okay. Just be safe, Big Brother."


    "Yeah!" Maple chimed in. "And bring back Big Brotha Xavier! We miss him!"


    Jupiter ruffled their hair with a smile. "I promise. I¡¯ll bring him back safe and sound."


    As he finally opened the door, he turned to his family one last time. "Bye, Auntie Liza, Maple, Charlie! Take care of yourselves while I¡¯m gone!"


    The three of them waved back, smiling. But Liza¡­ her smile was bittersweet.


    She had raised Jupiter ever since his mother¡ªher sister¡ªpassed away. To her, he wasn¡¯t just a nephew. He was her son. Watching him leave now, venturing into unknown dangers, filled her with an overwhelming sense of dread. She wanted to stop him, to tell him to stay, but she knew better.


    Jupiter had made up his mind.


    All she could do was pray that he would return safely. Because no matter where he went, no matter what path he chose, she would always support him¡ªeven beyond the grave.


    ---------


    Now, it was Jason''s turn¡ªthe noble son of the Whitmore household¡ªpreparing to depart. Unlike Jupiter, he had everything packed for him by his maids. Still, before leaving, there was one last thing he needed to do.


    Jason made his way to his father¡¯s office, knocking on the door before stepping inside. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light spilling in from the open window, where the full moon cast its glow upon the darkened interior.


    Seated at his desk, Thomas Whitmore leaned back in his chair, a glass of liquor in hand. His gaze was distant, fixed upon the moonlit sky, as if lost in memories long past.


    ¡°Father¡­¡± Jason spoke softly, his voice carrying a hint of hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving soon.¡±


    Thomas stirred at his words, setting his glass down before standing. He approached Jason and knelt before him, resting a firm hand atop his son''s head.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    ¡°Well then,¡± he said, his voice warm despite its usual sternness. ¡°Make sure to take care of yourself, alright?¡±


    Jason¡¯s eyes flickered with resolve at his father¡¯s words. ¡°I will, Father. So don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ll protect myself and my friends too.¡±


    Thomas studied his son for a moment before breaking into a proud smirk. ¡°That¡¯s my boy.¡± With a firm clap on Jason¡¯s back, his approval was sealed.


    Just then, the door creaked open, and Charlotte entered, carrying Jason¡¯s travel bag. The moment their eyes met, she rushed forward, embracing him tightly. A small, shaky sigh escaped her lips.


    ¡°Mom,¡± Jason murmured. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry so much. I¡¯ll be fine¡ªjust trust me, okay?¡±


    Charlotte exhaled deeply, her embrace lingering. ¡°Okay,¡± she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°But remember, no matter what happens, your father and I are always here for you. If you ever need anything, promise me you¡¯ll reach out.¡±


    Jason offered her a reassuring smile. ¡°I promise, Mom. So stop worrying and take a breath, will you?¡±


    Charlotte shut her eyes, holding him a little tighter. Then, in a voice filled with quiet hope, she whispered, ¡°Bring Xavier back to us¡­ We all miss him.¡±


    Jason pulled away just enough to meet her gaze. A smirk tugged at his lips. ¡°I will.¡±


    Taking his bag, he turned toward the exit. As he stepped outside, a company of knights stood waiting, ready to accompany him on his journey. His parents remained at the doorway, watching him go with pride in their eyes.


    Thomas, arms crossed, arched a brow. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to stop him?¡±


    Charlotte, her expression calm yet firm, shook her head. ¡°As much as I¡¯d love to keep him safe here¡­ I can¡¯t hold onto him forever. He¡¯s growing up, Thomas.¡± She sighed. ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t scared. But as his mother, my job isn¡¯t just to shelter him from the world¡ªit¡¯s to prepare him for it.¡±


    She smiled softly, watching their son disappear into the night. ¡°All I can do now is support him¡­ and trust that he¡¯ll show the world why I¡¯m so proud to be his mother.¡±


    Thomas listened in silence, his gaze shifting toward the moon¡¯s glow once more. His eyes caught sight of an old photograph sitting at the edge of his desk. He reached for it, his fingers brushing against the frame as memories stirred within him.


    The picture, now illuminated by the moonlight, depicted a younger version of himself and Jonathan¡ªsurrounded by their fellow soldiers, grinning as they posed for the camera.


    Thomas let out a breath he didn¡¯t realize he¡¯d been holding.


    Ah¡­ I remember this day, he thought, nostalgia washing over him. Back when we were still in the army together¡­ when we first met.


    I was arrogant back then¡ªjust another noble¡¯s son who also happens to be a gifted. But you¡­ you never treated me any differently. Even though you were ungifted and came from no noble background, you charged into battle without hesitation, putting your life on the line for your squad. That¡¯s why I admired you¡­ That¡¯s why you were a true knight¡ªa true man.


    Instinctively, Thomas reached for his glass again, but the moment his fingers brushed against it, a wave of guilt struck him. He paused, then exhaled sharply before pushing the glass aside.


    ¡°What am I doing?¡± he muttered. ¡°This is pathetic.¡±


    His grip tightened around the photo. ¡°If you were here¡­ you¡¯d be scolding me right now, wouldn¡¯t you? After all that time you spent trying to pull me away from this damn bottle.¡±


    A chuckle rumbled from his throat¡ªlow, bitter, yet tinged with warmth. Memories of his squad, their battles, and most of all, the man he had come to call his brother, flooded his mind.


    Thomas tilted his head back, letting his gaze rest upon the endless night sky.


    ¡°I miss you, brother¡­¡± he murmured, his voice barely carried by the night breeze as the moon shone down upon him.


    ---------


    Lastly, there was only one more person left for this mission¡ªnone other than the Third Princess, Misaki Yamato, daughter of the Emperor of Japan.


    At her home, the Sh¨­ry¨±den Palace¡ªthe main house of the Yamato clan¡ªMisaki sat in her lavish room, focused on packing. Her quarters were grand, far more extravagant than Xavier¡¯s, but right now, none of that mattered. She had to move quickly.


    Once she finished packing, she didn¡¯t bother using her room¡¯s grand doors. Instead, she slid open her window, stepping onto the palace¡¯s massive rooftop.


    From her vantage point, the beauty of Tokyo stretched before her¡ªthe heart of the Empire of Japan. Though steam-powered vehicles were a new invention, many still preferred horses and carriages, giving the city an elegant blend of old and new. The skyline shimmered with lantern light, casting a golden glow over the streets below.


    Misaki adjusted her bag over her shoulder and carefully made her way to the edge, preparing to jump.


    I can¡¯t let anyone in my family know what I¡¯m planning, she thought, her pulse quickening. If they find out, they¡¯ll try to stop me.


    But just as she steadied herself, a chilling presence flickered behind her.


    Before she could react, her bag vanished from her grip.


    ¡°Well, well, well,¡± a voice murmured from behind her. ¡°What do we have here? Where do you think you¡¯re going, little sister?¡±


    Misaki¡¯s breath hitched. That voice.


    Slowly, she turned, dread settling in her chest. And the moment her gaze met the figure before her, fear and despair coiled around her like an iron grip.


    Her crimson rose eyes widened. Her body trembled.


    ¡°Big Sis¡­¡± Misaki whispered, barely able to find her voice. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Standing before her, illuminated by the moonlight, was none other than Erika Yamato¡ªthe Emperor¡¯s eldest daughter. The Prodigy of the Yamato Clan. The Saintess of Storms. The Thunderous Valkyrie.


    The future Empress of Japan.


    The tension between them was suffocating. The wind howled across the rooftop, whipping Misaki¡¯s hair around her face as Erika studied her with an unreadable expression.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going at this hour, young lady?¡± Erika¡¯s tone was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.


    Misaki clenched her fists.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡± Erika continued, tilting her head. ¡°You¡¯re planning to help him¡ªthat Ivanovich boy, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Misaki¡¯s silence was all the confirmation Erika needed.


    Her older sister¡¯s expression darkened, and for the first time in a long while, Misaki felt small.


    Damn it¡­ she cursed internally. Why did it have to be her?


    With her head bowed, Misaki slowly raised a trembling hand toward her sister and pleaded in a shaky whisper.


    ¡°Please¡­ please give me back my bag, Elder Sister.¡±

 For His Sake

    Erika merely tilted her head as she continued, ignoring Misaki¡¯s plea. ¡°What happened to you, Misaki? Ever since you met that boy¡ªwhat was his name again? Oh yeah, Xavier. Ever since you met Xavier, you''ve completely changed.¡±


    ¡°What happened to your Yamato pride, Misaki? Why have you degraded yourself to this level? You''re not the little sister I once knew.¡±


    Hearing those words from her sister, Misaki gritted her teeth, anger flaring in her eyes. ¡°¡®No longer the little sister you knew¡¯? You never truly knew me to begin with. This family never cared about love or kinship¡ªyou all only ever prioritized power and the image of our clan. Nothing else ever mattered to you.¡±


    ¡°You never knew me, Elder sister. So stop trying to play the role of something you¡¯re not.¡±


    Though Erika¡¯s face remained stone-cold, the sting of Misaki¡¯s words was undeniable. With a calm tone, she replied, ¡°Misaki, if I didn¡¯t care about you, I wouldn¡¯t be here right now.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t just let you go out at this hour. What if you disappear like that boy, Xavier? How do you think that would affect me¡ªor Sayuri?¡±


    Misaki froze, her breath catching in her throat. Hearing such concern from Erika¡ªthe sister she secretly admired alongside their grandmother, Lady Mai¡ªleft her momentarily speechless.


    Erika continued, her voice tinged with an unfamiliar sadness. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ve expressed my care for you in the worst way possible compared to Sayuri, but that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t care about you or your safety, Misaki.¡±


    ¡°But if you still insist on going, you¡¯ll have to prove to me why I should let you.¡±


    Holding up Misaki¡¯s bag, Erika¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Take this from my grip within the next fifteen seconds, and maybe I¡¯ll consider it.¡±


    A bead of sweat rolled down Misaki¡¯s chin as she clenched her fists, thinking anxiously. How am I supposed to do that? She knows damn well I don¡¯t stand a chance.


    Then, realization struck. She¡¯s testing me. She wants to see if I¡¯ll back down before even trying¡ªbecause she knows that I know the sheer gap between our worlds.


    In that case, I¡¯ll show her. I¡¯m not the little girl she used to know. I¡¯ve changed.


    Their eyes locked, an unspoken tension thickening the air. As the moonlight bathed them once more, Misaki shot forward, lunging for the bag in Erika¡¯s grip.


    But in a blink, Erika vanished from sight.


    Misaki¡¯s eyes widened¡ªbefore she felt a swift, precise kick to her leg. Her balance shattered, she tumbled, her body skidding across the rooftop before slipping toward the edge. Her heart pounded as she barely caught the ledge in time, legs dangling over the vast drop below.


    That was close... Misaki exhaled sharply, her fingers trembling as she hauled herself back up. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she wasted no time. She had to keep going.


    The clash continued, each second feeling like an eternity. But only nine seconds had passed. Every move Misaki made, every strike, every tactic¡ªit was useless. Erika danced around her effortlessly, evading each attempt, tripping her whenever she failed. It wasn¡¯t just a fight¡ªit was humiliation. And it was infuriating.


    As Misaki lunged again, Erika sidestepped with ease, countering with a sharp kick that sent her crashing backward.


    ¡°Five seconds left,¡± Erika taunted, her cold gaze betraying a flicker of amusement.


    Misaki growled in frustration, slamming her fist against the rooftop. I can¡¯t keep this up. I have to end this now. Everyone is waiting for me back there.


    I have to win this.


    For Xavier.


    Memories of her closest friend flashed through her mind, reigniting her resolve. Clutching her chest, she made her decision.


    I have no choice but to use it here. Even if I haven¡¯t reached this level of power yet¡ªeven if it wrecks my body¡ªI have to.


    Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply. Erika watched, brow furrowed. What is she doing?


    ¡°Giving up already?¡± Erika mocked. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, Misaki. You still have three seconds left.¡±


    Before she could utter another word, Misaki vanished.


    A blur of crimson, pink, and violet lightning erupted where she once stood. Erika¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    ¡°What the¡ª?!¡±


    Reacting instantly, Erika leapt back to create distance. ¡°You¡¯ll have to be faster than that to catch me off guard,¡± she taunted.


    But then¡ªshe felt it. Something was off.


    Her eyes flicked to her right hand¡ªthe hand that had been holding Misaki¡¯s bag.


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    It was empty.


    Stunned, Erika whirled around.


    Behind her stood Misaki, breathing heavily, bag in hand. She met her sister¡¯s gaze with unwavering determination.


    ¡°I win.¡±


    Erika was momentarily stunned, but then, to Misaki''s surprise, she burst into a sudden laugh¡ªone filled with joy, amusement, and even a trace of relief. Tears welled in her eyes as she exhaled softly.


    "Fine," she said, shaking her head with a smirk. "You win."


    She crossed her arms, her gaze steady. "Go find that friend of yours," she continued. "I won¡¯t stop you. And no one else from our family will either¡ªI¡¯ll make sure of it."


    She leaned in slightly, her expression turning almost playful. "How about that, little sister? Does that suit your liking?"


    Misaki blinked, momentarily taken aback. She had never seen Erika like this before¡ªso openly expressive, so... human. It was jarring.


    "Uh¡­ sure," Misaki answered awkwardly, unsure how else to respond. "That¡¯s fine with me."


    Adjusting her bag over her shoulders, she prepared to leave, but before she could take a step, Erika stopped her. With a swift motion, she tossed something in Misaki¡¯s direction. Instinctively, Misaki caught it, her fingers tightening around the familiar shape of a katana¡¯s hilt.


    "Use that if you run into any kind of trouble," Erika instructed, her voice steady.


    Misaki glanced down at the weapon, her eyes tracing its craftsmanship. This wasn¡¯t just any sword¡ªit was forged from rare, powerful materials, far beyond the standard blades of any other clan. Before she could question it, Erika continued.


    "See that tiny bracelet on the hilt?" she pointed. "If you ever find yourself in a dire situation, channel your ethereal energy into it. It''ll immediately alert me to your location."


    Misaki stared at the blade, momentarily speechless. This isn¡¯t just a weapon¡­ she realized. She had this prepared for me in advance. Did she know what I was planning before I even did?


    She clenched her fingers around the hilt. It didn¡¯t matter. The only thing that mattered was finding Xavier¡ªeverything else was secondary.


    Taking a step back, Misaki bowed her head slightly. "Thank you¡­ for this."


    Erika simply smiled. "You should get going before someone finds us here."


    Misaki gave a firm nod before turning on her heel. With a swift leap, she vaulted off the rooftop, disappearing into the dense treetops below. Erika remained standing where she was, her crimson-pink hair swaying in the night breeze as she watched her sister go.


    Huh, she mused. Did she really just use ''Ragnarok¡¯s Pulse'' against me back there? At this age already?


    ''Ragnarok¡¯s Pulse''¡ªone of the defining techniques of ''Stormheart,'' the second stage of the Yamato Clan¡¯s royal ability, Tenrai no Chigiri, also known as the Covenant of Celestial Thunder. A technique that wreathed the user¡¯s body in powerful lightning, exponentially enhancing their speed and physical prowess.


    Erika''s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. It had only been for a brief moment, but Misaki had tapped into power far beyond her current capabilities. A power that had taken her and other members of their family fifteen years to master¡ªyet her little sister had already begun to grasp it at such a young age. Just like Lady Yamato Mai.


    "You really are special, Misaki," Erika murmured to herself, pride evident in her voice. The wind carried her words away as she gazed up at the sky, the proud smile lingering on her face. "Just like I always knew."


    --------


    Time passed, and Misaki finally arrived in the Kingdom of America via RealmHall. As she reached the meeting place, she was surprised to see that everyone was already there, waiting for her.


    "You''re late," Jack remarked, visibly irritated.


    "Oh, sorry," Misaki replied with a playful grin. "Something came up, so I had to handle it before coming. Forgive me for taking so long."


    Jack clicked his tongue. "You better be. I was freezing out here, you know."


    Misaki smirked. "You could''ve worn something heavier, Mister Grumpy Pants."


    "WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?" Jack snapped, veins popping on his forehead.


    "Mister Grumpy Pants," Misaki repeated, giggling at his reaction. "And you sure do act like one!"


    "Take that back!" Jack demanded, flustered.


    Before the teasing could escalate, Jason, maintaining his usual calm demeanor, interjected, "We should get moving. It''ll be a long trip."


    Jupiter stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Misaki''s shoulder. "Don''t worry about being late. Just know that we need you for this mission. You''re the only one who knows where Xavier is."


    The moment his hand touched her shoulder, Misaki felt a jolt run through her. Her breath hitched, and for some reason, her heart started racing. She locked eyes with Jupiter, but instead of pulling away, she found herself momentarily lost in them.


    "Y-Yeah... you''re right," she stammered, suddenly hyper-aware of how close he was.


    Jupiter lingered for a second before pulling his hand away, his eyes briefly scanning her face as if noticing something. Misaki let out a small sigh of relief, but at the same time, there was a strange, lingering warmth where his hand had been.


    Why does this always happen when I see him? she wondered, her cheeks growing warm again. Ever since he saved me during the Forest Crown Hunt, I... She shook her head, trying to push the thought away.


    Noticing Misaki''s flustered expression, Elowen asked, "Are you alright, Misaki?"


    "Yeah, your face is bright red all of a sudden," Sophie added.


    "Did you catch a cold?" Emily asked, concerned.


    Snapping herself out of her thoughts, Misaki clapped her cheeks with both hands. "I''m fine, I''m fine! No need to worry so much. I''m not sick."


    Jupiter, still watching her, raised an eyebrow but said nothing.


    "You sure?" Arie questioned, also skeptical.


    "Yes, I''m sure," Misaki affirmed with a determined nod.


    Just as they were about to leave, a faint voice called out, "Wait...!"


    They all turned to see a familiar figure approaching. To their astonishment, it was none other than Princess Jasmine Jin-ah Lee of the Great Empire of Korea.


    "Wait!" she called out again, breathless from running. "I''m coming with you!"


    "What?" Jason asked, baffled. "What do you mean you''re coming with us?"


    Catching her breath, Jasmine stood tall and clarified, "I mean that I want to join you in finding Xavier."


    "Your Highness," Emily spoke cautiously, "why would you suddenly want to do this?"


    Jasmine''s expression was unwavering. "Because I need to know where Xavier is. I can''t just stand idly by while someone I consider a friend might be in danger."


    Her words carried weight, and everyone exchanged uncertain glances. Misaki, after a brief silence, asked once more, "Are you sure about this, Lady Jasmine?"


    Jasmine''s hazel-green eyes burned with determination. "Yes. I want to come with you, and I¡¯ll regret it if I don¡¯t."


    With a small sigh, Jason nodded. "In that case, you''re welcome to join us. We have no objections. The more, the better."


    "Now, let''s get moving," he said to the group.


    As they set off, Jasmine looked down at her palm, her fingers tightening into a fist. Just hang in there, Xavier, she thought. I''m coming to save you. I won''t let anything harm you.


    I promise...


    Meanwhile, Misaki stole a glance at Jupiter, her fingers unconsciously brushing against her shoulder where his hand had been. Why does he make me feel this way? she wondered. It doesn¡¯t make sense... does it?

 The Start of Revelation

    March 3rd, 1810


    As everything unfolded behind the scenes, Xavier''s journey had only just begun, and this voyage was a testament to that. After two long days at sea, they had finally reached their destination. Just as the golden light of dawn pierced through the lingering shroud of night, Xavier and the others on board were momentarily blinded by its brilliance. But as their eyes adjusted, what lay before them was even more breathtaking.


    From afar, Xavier''s cosmic blue eyes locked onto the sight of a grand and marvelous city, standing like a testament to human ambition. His breath hitched, and words failed him. He had seen beauty before, but nothing quite like this.


    Great Britain.


    As their ship docked among a vast assembly of vessels¡ªeach unique in size, design, and purpose¡ªXavier wasted no time. With a swift leap, he landed gracefully onto the wooden planks of the pier, his boots clicking against the aged timber.


    "Wow," he murmured, utterly taken aback by the sheer scale of the city before him.


    The cold morning breeze tousled his brown-black hair, carrying with it the scent of salt and industry. Towering above the cityscape, a massive clock loomed in the distance, its hands ticking with a rhythm that seemed to dictate the heartbeat of the city.


    Anastasia, following closely behind with Alcmena perched on her shoulder, let out an awed sigh. Her emerald-green eyes shimmered in the morning light. "This city is gorgeous!"


    Alcmena, usually more reserved, nodded in agreement. "It''s been a long time since I''ve seen a sight like this."


    Adam was the last to disembark, a smirk playing on his lips as he observed their reactions. His expression was one of amusement, as if their astonishment had been entirely predictable.


    "We''ve finally arrived, everyone," he declared, stepping forward with arms outstretched. "Welcome to my homeland¡ªthe Kingdom of Great Britain. Welcome to London!"


    As if to mark their arrival, a flock of birds soared above them, their wings slicing through the crisp air. The city itself seemed to breathe, alive with movement and purpose.


    Extending a hand toward Xavier, Adam''s expression turned serious. "Come, Your Highness. Many things await you."


    Xavier hesitated for a brief moment. A whirlwind of thoughts stirred within him. What had he truly gotten himself into? What lay ahead in this foreign land? But there was no turning back. He had come too far, and the only path left was forward.


    ¡ª


    The streets of London stretched before them like veins in a living organism, pulsing with energy and life. Every corner revealed a new marvel. The people¡ªrich and poor alike¡ªmoved with a certain dignity. Even the simplest of peasants dressed in attire far superior to those in other countries, their clothes neatly pressed, their postures upright.


    The roads were paved with bricks, their surfaces polished smooth by years of foot traffic, while some areas were intentionally rugged, adding to the city''s unique aesthetic. Buildings stood tall and proud, their architecture distinct, blending the old world with the burgeoning age of industry. Children laughed and played in the alleys, their joyful voices mingling with the chatter of merchants and scholars alike. Coffee houses buzzed with intellectual discourse¡ªmen in finely tailored coats debating politics over steaming cups of imported beans. Some spoke of war, others of philosophy, while a select few whispered in hushed voices about the future of Britain''s empire.


    The streets pulsed with the sound of hooves against stone, but what truly caught Xavier''s eye were the machines. Sleek, steam-powered carriages rolled along the roads, their intricate mechanisms exhaling plumes of vapor. This was a city caught between eras¡ªrooted in tradition yet eagerly embracing the tides of progress.


    Xavier took it all in, fascinated by the symphony of it all. The people. The machines. The very essence of London itself.


    Yet, amidst the grandeur, Adam suddenly veered off course, guiding them swiftly into a narrow alleyway. The lively hum of the streets dulled behind them, swallowed by the oppressive silence of the shadows.


    "Shh," Adam whispered, his voice barely audible. "No sudden movements. We can''t afford to draw attention here."


    Xavier, Anastasia, and Alcmena exchanged puzzled glances but complied, their steps falling in line behind Adam as he led them deeper into the dim passageway. The further they went, the more unsettling the atmosphere became. Cracked bricks. Faded signs. The lingering stench of damp stone. This was a different side of London¡ªone not meant for the eyes of nobility.


    At the end of the alley, a towering brick wall loomed before them, seemingly impassable. But Adam remained unfazed.


    Without a word, he stepped forward and placed a hand against the weathered stones. His fingers traced an invisible pattern, shifting bricks with precise movements. To Xavier, it seemed nonsensical, yet the moment Adam completed the sequence, the ground beneath them trembled ever so slightly.


    With a deep, mechanical groan, a narrow gap split open in the wall. Darkness spilled forth, swallowing the remaining slivers of daylight.


    Adam turned back to face them, his expression unreadable. "Hurry. Before someone sees us."


    Xavier hesitated only for a moment before stepping forward. One by one, they followed Adam into the unknown, swallowed whole by the abyss that awaited them.


    Time became meaningless in the void they traversed. There was no light to guide them, no sound but their own footsteps echoing in the abyss. It felt endless, as if they were walking through a passage where time itself had unraveled.


    But Xavier did not stop. He had come too far. And whatever lay ahead, he would face it head-on.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    As they continued through the dark tunnel, a small glimmer of light flickered in the distance. Step by step, the glow grew larger, its brilliance intensifying until it nearly consumed the shadows around them. When they finally emerged from the tunnel, the sudden brightness momentarily blinded them.


    Xavier blinked through his white-fang mask, his vision slowly adjusting to the breathtaking sight before him. The underground base sprawled out like a hidden metropolis, bustling with life. People who looked like ordinary civilians moved about, carrying stacks of documents, their arms burdened with papers. Others sipped coffee, engaged in lighthearted chatter, their expressions at ease despite the secrecy of their surroundings.


    "What is this place?" Xavier asked, still trying to make sense of it all.


    Adam smirked, gesturing dramatically. "This," he declared, "is the great ''Lantern Society''¡ªa world hidden beneath the one above, built to expose the darkness lurking in the shadows."


    Xavier and Anastasia exchanged baffled glances, while Alcmena remained composed, though his guard remained up, his instincts warning him of the unknown.


    Just as Adam unveiled this clandestine society, a sharp voice echoed through the air.


    "Adam!"


    Their heads turned toward the sound. A tall, striking woman with ginger hair, glasses, and a long white coat strode toward them, her pace swift and deliberate.


    Adam''s grin widened. "Oh, hi, Victoria. How have you been?"


    Victoria didn''t return his pleasantries. Instead, she stopped a few feet away, her hands clenched into fists. "Where the hell have you been all this time, Adam?! Do you have any idea how worried we all were?!"


    Sensing the impending storm, Adam took a cautious step back. "Now, now, Victoria," he said, laughing nervously. "I''m sorry I left without telling you all, but I had something important to take care of."


    "And what would that be?" Victoria''s sharp gaze drilled into him, her fury unyielding.


    Adam pointed at Xavier without hesitation. "This," he said simply. "I was looking for this kid."


    Victoria leaned in, her sharp eyes studying Xavier. He tensed under her scrutiny, a nervous sweat forming on his brow.


    "Hmm," she murmured. "This kid, huh?"


    Trying to break the tension, Xavier offered a small nod. "Uh, my name''s Xavier. Nice to meet you."


    The moment his name left his lips, Victoria''s expression changed. Her mind whirled, the name stirring a memory buried deep within her thoughts. "Xavier?"


    Without warning, she reached out, grasping the edge of his white-fang mask. Before he could react, she pulled it off, revealing his face. Her eyes widened in shock.


    "I knew it!" she gasped. "You''re the second prince of the Great Kingdom of Russia¡ªXavier Ivanovich!"


    Her words sent a ripple through the underground base. The hum of conversation halted, silence falling like a heavy shroud as every gaze turned toward them.


    "I knew I recognized that name!" Victoria exclaimed.


    Her sharp glare snapped back to Adam, her frustration bubbling over. "Why, in heaven''s name, would you bring this boy here, Adam?! Have you completely lost your damned mind?!"


    Adam chuckled, raising his hands in defense. "Relax, Victoria. He came here of his own free will. I didn''t kidnap him, if that''s what you''re worried about."


    "So this is why you''ve been gone? You disappeared, ventured off to God knows where, and now you return with him?" she asked, exasperation seeping into her tone.


    "Yes," Adam answered firmly, his playful demeanor fading. His gaze was steady, unwavering.


    Victoria exhaled sharply, her frustration giving way to deep concern. "Do you have any idea the danger you''ve put us in? Involving a royal prince¡ªand not just any, but the prince of one of the most powerful nations in the world? Do you understand what this could mean for us?"


    Adam nodded. "Yes, I do."


    His voice held no regret, no hesitation. "But what I want far outweighs the consequences of my actions. If anything comes of this¡ªif danger finds its way to us¡ªI will take full responsibility. Even if it costs me my life."


    A heavy silence settled between them. The weight of Adam''s words lingered, hanging thick in the air. Victoria studied him for a long moment before sighing, her anger cooling into reluctant acceptance. She knew Adam well enough to understand¡ªonce he set his mind on something, there was no turning back.


    But even so¡­ the storm was only just beginning.


    Turning her gaze to Xavier, who calmly watched their dispute in silence, Victoria leaned down and gently returned his mask. Her voice softened as she apologized, "Please forgive my rudeness, Your Highness. I was only concerned about what foolishness Adam had brought to me this time."


    Xavier smiled slightly and responded, "You don''t need to apologize. I understand¡ªthis is your home, and in a way, I''m trespassing on what belongs to you."


    "So I harbor no hard feelings toward you."


    Victoria''s expression softened, and with a faint smile, she bowed her head. "Thank you for your kindness and understanding, Prince Xavier."


    Her attention shifted to Anastasia and Alcmena, who stood quietly behind Xavier. Lowering her head once more, Victoria greeted them with formal grace. "My name is Victoria Bennett. I am the head scientist and chief engineer of The Lantern Society. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance."


    Anastasia, ever poised, responded in kind. "Anastasia Orlova. The pleasure is mine, Miss Victoria. And if I may say¡­ you are quite beautiful yourself."


    Victoria''s cheeks flushed a deep red, and she flusteredly waved her hands. "Oh, please, you flatter me too much. I wouldn''t dare arrogantly place myself at such high standards."


    "I disagree. You are quite beautiful, indeed," Anastasia affirmed with a warm smile, which only deepened Victoria''s newfound admiration for her.


    Pointing toward Alcmena, Anastasia hesitated before introducing him, "And this¡­ is my master''s p-p-pet, Ark."


    The words nearly caught in her throat. Calling Alcmena, the mighty king of dragons, a "pet" felt utterly degrading. But since his true identity was a secret, there was little else she could call him.


    Alcmena''s ears twitched in mild irritation. Without sparing Victoria a glance, he calmly began to lick his silver fur, making his feelings known.


    Victoria chuckled. "Feisty one, isn''t he?" A slight pout formed on her lips as she gazed at him longingly. It was clear she had a fondness for cats and wanted nothing more than to run her fingers through his soft fur.


    With introductions out of the way, Victoria turned sharply to Adam, adjusting her glasses with a critical stare. "Now, tell me¡ªwhy exactly did you bring Prince Xavier here? You still haven''t explained your motives."


    Adam''s demeanor shifted instantly. The warmth in his expression vanished, replaced by a chilling, unreadable gaze. "I have other reasons for bringing Xavier here," he admitted, "but my main purpose is for you to run a test on him."


    Victoria frowned. "A test?"


    "Yes," Adam confirmed. "I want you to run the test for the Superium Serum on Xavier."


    The moment those words left his lips, Victoria''s face paled. Her entire body went rigid, and for a moment, she looked as though she had seen a ghost.


    "Say that again?" she asked, her glasses slipping slightly down the bridge of her nose as she stared at him in disbelief.


    "The Superium Serum," Adam repeated, his tone unwavering. "I want you to test his body for it."


    Victoria''s legs trembled as if they had lost all strength, and before she knew it, she collapsed to the ground.


    "Miss Victoria!" Anastasia rushed forward, concern evident in her voice. "Are you alright? What''s wrong?"


    But Victoria didn''t respond. Her eyes remained locked onto Adam''s cold, resolute gaze, and a bitter laugh echoed in her mind.


    This bastard is trying to kill me¡­ Ha. I knew he''d eventually drag me into something insane, but I never expected this.


    Adam, she thought grimly. What the hell are you plotting?


    From a short distance away, Xavier observed everything in silence. He didn''t flinch at Victoria''s reaction, nor did he question Adam''s intentions. He merely stood there, still and composed.


    Yet, behind those indifferent eyes, something stirred. Unbidden, flashes of familiar faces played through his mind¡ªa man and a woman¡ªpeople he had never gotten the chance to truly know¡ªhis birth parents.

 The Start of Revelation II

    Several hours had gone by, and Victoria had finally run a test on Xavier, just as Adam had requested.


    Holding up the test results, Victoria walked into the medic room where Xavier and the others were gathered. "The results came in," she said, gripping the papers in one hand and holding up a small sample of Xavier''s blood in the other. "And it turns out that Adam¡¯s theory was correct. You tested positive for the Superium Serum."


    Adam''s expression remained calm, yet beneath his composed exterior, excitement burned like wildfire. I knew it, he thought, his heart pounding in exhilaration. My research, my years of digging into the past¡ªit wasn''t for nothing. The moment I saw you, Xavier, I knew you were different.


    On the other hand, the rest of the room was filled with puzzled faces, uncertain of the weight behind Victoria¡¯s words.


    "I''m sorry, but what even is ¡®the Superium Serum¡¯?" Anastasia asked, visibly perplexed. "And what does my master have to do with it? Why is this so important?"


    Adjusting her glasses, Victoria stepped closer to Xavier as she began explaining. "To put it simply, a long time ago, multiple governments across the world collaborated on a project to create a serum known as the ¡®Superium Serum.¡¯ The goal was to turn ordinary humans into living weapons, capable of combating ¡®gifted¡¯ individuals. This initiative was later named Project Superior."


    She paused for a moment before continuing, her voice lowering as the weight of her words sank in. "The way the Superium Serum works is terrifying. When injected, the molecules of the serum begin mutating the host¡¯s body, gathering at a single focal point¡ªthe ethereal core. The serum forcefully attempts to break into it, tearing through barriers that were never meant to be breached."


    "We all know that every living being possesses an ethereal core¡ªthe container of the source of life, ethereal energy. ¡®Gifteds¡¯ are those who are naturally able to tap into this energy, while most humans and other races cannot. But the Superium Serum tries to mimic this process artificially, cracking open the core and allowing the individual to access their ethereal energy." She exhaled sharply, adjusting her glasses. "It grants immense physical power¡ªenhancing strength, speed, and durability to a superhuman level.Though you still wouldn¡¯t be granted any form of supernatural power. But¡­ it all comes at a terrible cost."


    Her voice grew somber. "Death."


    The room fell into a suffocating silence.


    "From our research, we discovered that the serum was only injected into infants. The fatality rate was absolute for anyone older. Newborns were stolen from their families¡ªincluding you, Xavier. And of those who were subjected to the serum¡­ nearly all perished."


    Xavier¡¯s breath hitched. Anastasia covered her mouth in shock, horror etched across her face. "T-They experimented on babies? Who¡ªwhat kind of monsters would do this?!"


    Alcmena scoffed in disgust, his golden eyes dark with contempt. Humans¡­ Even after centuries, you never fail to disgust me. To subject your own kind to such horrors¡ªyou''re no different from the ancient calamities that wiped out entire civilizations.


    Victoria¡¯s gaze softened as she looked at Xavier, who sat frozen in disbelief. "Only a handful¡ªless than eight¡ªsurvived the serum. You are one of them."


    Xavier¡¯s stomach twisted, his hands trembling. He had always felt like something was missing in him, but this? This was far worse than anything he could have imagined.


    "But¡­ you weren¡¯t as lucky as the others," Victoria added, her tone tinged with regret.


    Xavier¡¯s head snapped up. "What do you mean?"


    Victoria hesitated before answering. "While you survived the serum¡¯s mutation, your ethereal core did not. It was shattered in the process. You¡­ should not even be alive. It¡¯s like having your heart ripped from your chest and somehow still breathing."


    Xavier¡¯s pulse roared in his ears. So that¡¯s why¡­ His mind raced. That¡¯s why I was born without an ethereal core, and why I''m so physically weak. Because of this stupid serum.


    Victoria handed him another document¡ªthicker than the test results, filled with files and records. "Adam told me about your agreement. That you wanted to learn about your past." She placed the folder in his hands. "Inside, you¡¯ll find everything we could uncover about your background¡ªyour origins, your parents¡­ and more. Adam had already been investigating you long before you even met. With that head start, we managed to dig up even more."


    Xavier stared down at the folder in his lap, his heart pounding against his ribs. His fingers trembled as he hesitated, feeling an unfamiliar weight settle in his chest. Hope? Fear? A mix of both?


    "T-Thank you," he whispered, voice strained.


    Victoria smiled warmly. "You deserve to know the truth."


    From the side, Anastasia and Alcmena watched in silence. Anastasia¡¯s hands were clenched at her sides, her eyes filled with worry. Xavier had been through so much¡ªtoo much¡ªand yet, there was still more he had to uncover.


    Swallowing hard, Xavier finally flipped open the file. His eyes darted across the words, absorbing the revelations written in ink. His past. His stolen infancy. His parents.


    His vision blurred, his breath uneven. His world, once filled with unanswered questions, was now flooding with truths he wasn¡¯t sure he was ready to face.


    ¡ª


    Section: Parents - Mother


    <ul>


    <li>


    Name: Julia


    </li>


    <li>


    Last Name: Beaumont


    </li>


    <li>


    Nationality: French


    </li>


    <li>


    Birthplace: Paris


    </li>


    <li>


    Occupation: Florist


    </li>


    <li>


    Relation: Daughter of the commoner family, Beaumont. Wife of Andrew Laurent. Birth Mother of Xavier Laurent.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Section: Parents - Father


    <ul>


    <li>


    Name: Andrew


    </li>


    <li>


    Last Name: Laurent


    </li>


    <li>


    Nationality: French


    </li>


    <li>


    Birthplace: Annecy


    </li>


    <li>


    Occupation: Coal Miner


    </li>


    <li>


    Relation: Son of the commoner family, Laurent. Husband of Julia Beaumont. Birth Father of Xavier Laurent.


    </li>


    </ul>


    <hr>


    Reading through the documents, Xavier felt the weight of the words pressing against his chest. This was what he had been searching for¡ªanswers, the truth about his past, about his parents. And yet, now that he had it, his emotions twisted into an unreadable storm. A lump formed in his throat, and before he could stop them, silent tears slipped down his cheeks, dotting the pages like ink stains.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Young Master..." Anastasia murmured, her usual cool demeanor shaken as she watched him struggle with his emotions.


    Xavier sat there for several minutes, eyes tracing every letter, every word, as if engraving them into his soul. When he finally closed the file, he let out a deep, uneven sigh. Relief? No, it was something heavier. It was like a shackle had loosened, but the weight of it still lingered.


    "Are you alright, Young Master?" Anastasia asked, her voice laced with concern.


    Xavier wiped at his face hastily, as if ashamed of his tears. "Yeah... I''m fine. You don¡¯t need to worry."


    Anastasia didn¡¯t look convinced, and neither did Alcmena, who spoke telepathically. "Are you sure?"


    "Yes," Xavier reassured, firmer this time. "And I mean it."


    Silence settled for a moment before Xavier turned his gaze to Victoria. "Miss Victoria, may I ask who was behind the creation of this so-called ¡®Superium Serum¡¯? I¡¯d like to know."


    Victoria and Adam exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them before she sighed and met Xavier¡¯s gaze with hesitance. "Xavier... The man behind it all¡ªthe one who orchestrated everything¡ªis the person currently regarded as the ¡®Smartest Man to Ever Live.¡¯ He spearheaded the Industrial Revolution, introduced steam cars, steam ships, and phones. Politically and economically, he is one of the most influential figures in the world, standing alongside the Grand Monarchs of the Four Head Families of humanity. The man who holds this era in his palm¡ªPercival Ashford."


    She hesitated for a beat before finishing, "Otherwise known as Percival, the Grand Monarch of Sentience, Duke of Pride, Veil of Deception... or as you might know him¡ªyour uncle."


    The room fell into suffocating silence. Xavier¡¯s breath hitched, his hands trembling. His pupils shrank, his body locked in place as though he had been struck by lightning. The color drained from his face, and for the first time in a long while, Xavier Laurent¡ªthe boy who had faced death countless times¡ªfelt true terror.


    "No... No, no, no..." he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His chest heaved, heart hammering so violently it felt like it would burst. "That man... That man took everything from me. And now... you¡¯re telling me he had control over my life even before I met him?!"


    His voice cracked, raw and filled with unrestrained despair. "I refuse! I won¡¯t accept this! I CAN¡¯T!"


    Anastasia reached out, trying to grab his arm. "Xavier, please¡ª"


    "DON¡¯T!" he snapped, shoving her back, his breathing erratic. "Don¡¯t tell me to calm down! Don¡¯t tell me to accept this! How am I supposed to accept that the monster who ruined my life had his claws in me from the very start?!"


    Victoria took a cautious step forward. "Your Highness, I¡ª"


    But Xavier was already moving. Without another word, he stormed out, his footsteps echoing in the corridor. The moment he vanished from sight, Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened in panic. "WAIT, XAVIER!"


    She started after him, but Adam blocked her path. "Let him go. He needs time."


    Anastasia slapped his hand away, fury flashing in her eyes. "Are you seriously telling me to abandon my Master when he needs me the most? Who the hell do you think you are? Know your place, Adam. If you ever stand in my way again, I won¡¯t be so forgiving."


    Their eyes locked, tension crackling between them like a storm ready to break. Adam¡¯s gaze was unreadable, his aura coiling like a shadowed beast, while Anastasia¡¯s venomous presence flared in defiance.


    Adam exhaled sharply, his expression unreadable. "Do what you want. I don¡¯t care."


    "Good." Anastasia turned on her heel and ran after Xavier.


    Perched on her shoulder, Alcmena¡¯s thoughts swirled with worry. Xavier... is this truly what you wished for? He closed his eyes, regret weighing heavily in his mind. Why didn¡¯t you listen? Why did we have to come here? I knew something like this would happen... I should have stopped you. I should have protected you.


    His tiny claws dug into Anastasia¡¯s shoulder as they raced down the halls, his heart echoing a single, painful thought.


    This is my fault...


    ¡ª


    Time passed, and Xavier found himself curled up on a worn wooden bench near a park fountain. The fading light of the evening star bathed his back in a soft glow, while the distant laughter of children filled the air¡ªcarefree, blissful, untouched by pain. Yet, Xavier remained still, his body trembling, his mind spiraling under the weight of revelation. Tears carved silent paths down his cheeks.


    Why me? he thought bitterly. Why must I be the one to suffer this pain?


    His fingers dug into his arms as his breathing grew ragged. I can''t do this anymore.


    I just... want to give up. I want to¡ª


    A sudden pressure against his lower back snapped him from his downward spiral. Something small. Something solid.


    "Mister," a soft, delicate voice called out. "Do you want a candy?"


    Xavier turned, sluggish and exhausted, and his teary eyes met something unexpected¡ªno, something surreal. Kneeling before him was a girl around his age, stunningly beautiful in a way that seemed almost unnatural. She wore glasses that framed her ruby-red eyes, twin pools of fire and warmth. Her hair shimmered between shades of black and gold-blond, shifting under the twilight like woven sunlight. But what truly caught him off guard was the way her eyes reflected his pain¡ªas if she understood it.


    "Do you want one of my candies, mister?" she repeated, holding out a small treat.


    Xavier hesitated. He didn¡¯t want this. He didn¡¯t want kindness. He wanted to wallow in his misery, undisturbed. So he ignored her, turning away as if she weren¡¯t there. But she was persistent.


    "It''s really good!" she chirped. "I promise it''ll make you feel better."


    Again, silence. Again, she waited. Then again, she asked.


    Something inside Xavier snapped.


    "I said I don''t want your stupid candy!" he lashed out, his voice raw, venomous.


    The girl recoiled, her eyes widening. Her lips trembled, and then¡ªher face crumpled. Tears welled up like a child who had just been told the most heartbreaking truth in the world.


    "Oh... okay..." she sniffled, lowering her head. "I''m sorry for bothering you, mister... I''ll go now."


    Guilt slammed into Xavier like a freight train. His stomach twisted painfully as he watched her retreating form. Damn it...


    He shot up from the bench, reaching for her before she could leave. "Wait! I''m sorry."


    She paused.


    "I didn''t mean to snap at you like that. It wasn''t fair of me," he said, sincerity thick in his voice. "Please, forgive me."


    She wiped her tears and turned back, offering a small, hesitant smile. "I understand. I saw you crying, and it hurt to see someone like that while everyone else was happy. So... I thought giving you a candy might help. It always helps me."


    Xavier exhaled softly. She¡¯s just... a kind person.


    "In that case," he said, forcing the smallest of smiles, "I¡¯d be honored to have one."


    The transformation in her expression was immediate. Her eyes lit up like the stars, radiating pure joy. She eagerly handed him a candy before settling beside him on the bench, her presence light and comforting.


    "My name is Teslaine Nikola!" she introduced herself, grinning. "Nice to meet you!"


    Xavier chuckled softly, her energy somewhat infectious. "Xavier Ivanovich. A pleasure."


    Teslaine blinked. "Ivanovich? You mean the Ivanovich? As in Saint Gavriil Ivanovich?"


    "Yes," Xavier confirmed, amused by her sudden enthusiasm.


    Her jaw dropped. "No way! A real-life prince?! This is amazing!"


    Xavier let out a quiet laugh. Her excitement... it¡¯s strangely comforting.


    "So tell me, Prince Xavier," Teslaine continued playfully. "What¡¯s someone like you doing all alone in London? And¡ªmore importantly¡ªwhy were you crying?"


    His smile wavered. That one stings.


    But instead of avoiding it, he answered, "I came here to find out who I am. What I am."


    Teslaine tilted her head. "Who you are?"


    He nodded. "It¡¯s... complicated."


    She hummed in thought. "Well, if you ask me, I wouldn¡¯t mind helping you figure it out!" Her voice softened. "I¡¯m looking for my own worth in this world, too."


    Xavier turned to her, intrigued. "Why¡¯s that?"


    Teslaine sighed. "I want to prove myself to someone I admire. He¡¯s smart, kind, helps people, and dreams big."


    "Sounds like an incredible person. Who is he?"


    She beamed. "My father!"


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened. "Your father?"


    "Yes! I look up to him so much, and I want to be just like him one day. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been working so hard¡ªto prove myself, to him and to myself."


    Xavier exhaled softly, lowering his gaze. Your father, huh...? He thought of Jonathan. The man who had raised him. The man who had loved him like a son, despite their lack of blood ties. I know that feeling all too well.


    He turned back to Teslaine. "Well, if you ask me, you already match part of your father¡¯s description. You¡¯re kind, and you help people in need. All that¡¯s left is the rest."


    Teslaine¡¯s eyes widened slightly before a deep pink hue dusted her cheeks. For a moment, she simply stared at him, her ruby eyes locked onto his cosmic blue ones, as if seeing something mesmerizing.


    Xavier noticed the shift. "Teslaine?"


    She flinched, quickly fixing her posture and pushing back a loose strand of hair. "Nothing! I¡¯m fine! Nothing to worry about!" she said quickly, a bright, flustered grin plastered on her face.


    Xavier watched her for a moment, a strange sense of familiarity washing over him. It wasn¡¯t just her smile¡ªit was her entire presence. As if they had met before, in another time, another place. He couldn¡¯t explain it, but something about her felt right.


    Tilting her head with a playful blush, Teslaine suddenly asked, "Xavier, do you want to be friends?"


    He blinked. "Friends?"


    She nodded eagerly. "I think we¡¯d make great friends!"


    A small chuckle escaped him. He popped the candy into his mouth, savoring the sweetness before saying, "I¡¯d be honored to be your friend, Teslaine."


    Teslaine¡¯s grin stretched wider, her beauty radiant as she clasped her hands together. "I¡¯m happy to hear that!"