《Rebirth of the Forsaken Prince》 A Cruel Betrayal and a New Beginning Ethan Fang had everything a man could desire¡ªwealth, influence, and a life of comfort. He was a young entrepreneur who had built his empire from the ground up, a rare feat for someone in his early twenties. With jet-black hair, deep blue eyes, and an air of quiet confidence, he commanded respect wherever he went. Despite his fortune, he was a kind-hearted man, generous to those around him. His employees adored him, and his friends admired him. But not everyone celebrated his success. His relatives¡ªhis uncle Vincent and his cousins¡ªlooked upon him with eyes filled with jealousy and greed. They despised the fact that an orphan like him could rise so high while they remained in his shadow. And so, they devised a plan to take everything from him. One evening, Vincent invited Ethan to a private family gathering at a secluded mansion. "It''s rare for you all to invite me," Ethan said, smiling as he stepped inside. "What''s the occasion?" Derek, his eldest cousin, grinned. "We just wanted to celebrate your success, cousin. After all, you''ve done so well for yourself." Ethan nodded, unaware of the malice in their eyes. As they dined, the atmosphere felt off. A strange tension hung in the air. And then¡ª Pain. A sharp, searing pain in his stomach. Ethan looked down in shock to see a dagger buried deep into his flesh. Blood pooled beneath him as his vision blurred.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "W-Why¡­?" he gasped, barely able to comprehend what was happening. Vincent''s cold gaze met his. "Because you have everything, while we have nothing. Now, it all belongs to us." More blades followed. Each stab sent waves of agony through him. His vision darkened, his strength drained, and the laughter of his betrayers was the last thing he heard as the world turned black. A dull ache filled Ethan''s body as consciousness returned. His senses felt strange¡ªhis limbs lighter, his surroundings unfamiliar. Slowly, he opened his eyes. "Your Highness! You must not move so suddenly!" a woman''s voice called out urgently. Ethan blinked, his sight adjusting to a dimly lit chamber. The scent of herbs lingered in the air, and the soft glow of candles illuminated a large, ornate bed. He raised a hand, only to pause in shock. His hands were smaller, more delicate than before. A mirror beside the bed caught his attention. As he turned his gaze toward it, his breath hitched. The reflection staring back at him was not his own. Long silver hair cascaded past his shoulders. Piercing golden eyes stared at him with confusion. His face¡ªyoung, unfamiliar, yet undeniably regal. Memories flooded his mind. This body belonged to Alistair Drakos, the twelfth prince of the Holy Drakos Empire. A weak, overlooked royal in a world where magic and swordsmanship reigned supreme. "Prince Alistair," the woman beside him spoke again. She was elderly, dressed in a modest maid''s uniform, her expression filled with worry. "You collapsed after training too hard. Please, do not push yourself." Ethan¡ªor Alistair¡ªprocessed her words. Magic? Sword training? This was not the world he had known. His fingers curled into fists. I was betrayed. I was murdered. And now¡­ I have been given another life? His golden eyes burned with determination. If fate had granted him another chance, he would not waste it. He would rise, stronger than ever. This time, he would take everything. The Fractured Body and the Weight of Royalty Ethan sat motionless on the ornate bed, his golden eyes locked onto his reflection in the mirror. A pale, sickly boy stared back at him¡ªhollow cheeks, frail limbs, and an air of fragility that seemed to weigh down even the regal silk robes draped over his body. It wasn''t the shock of seeing a stranger''s face that unnerved him; it was the realization that this face belonged to Alistair Drakos, the twelfth prince of the Holy Drakos Empire. Memories¡ªfragmented, distant¡ªbegan to surface. A weak prince, overlooked and forgotten. The youngest son, locked away in the palace''s depths, a mere shadow among his towering siblings. He had been Ethan Fang, a man of power and control in his previous life, not a feeble, disregarded royal. And yet, here he was, trapped in a body that could barely support itself. A choked sob interrupted his thoughts. Ethan turned, startled, and found a woman kneeling at his bedside. Her hands trembled as they covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face. Mira. His memories provided the name¡ªhis personal maid, the one who had cared for Alistair through sickness and solitude. "Your Highness¡­" Mira''s voice wavered, thick with emotion. "You have awakened¡­ The gods have not forsaken you after all." Her sobs grew louder, her frail frame shaking as she pressed her forehead to the floor. Ethan¡ªAlistair¡ªfelt an unfamiliar warmth in his chest. This woman, unlike the rest of the royal household, truly cared.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. He swallowed, his throat dry. "Mira¡­ I¡­" The words felt foreign on his lips. His voice, weaker than he remembered, cracked slightly. Mira lifted her tear-streaked face, eyes filled with relief. "Your Highness, please do not strain yourself! You have been unwell for so long. The palace physicians feared¡­" She bit her lip, unwilling to finish the sentence. Ethan glanced down at his trembling hands. This was not just a new life¡ªit was a prison. A body that could not keep up with his ambitions. A life already deemed insignificant. No. He refused to accept that. Taking a slow, shaky breath, he steadied himself. "I¡­ will get stronger." Mira''s eyes widened. Alistair had never spoken such words before. The prince she had cared for had accepted his fate with silent resignation. But now, there was something different in his gaze¡ªa fire that had never been there before. Before she could respond, the chamber doors creaked open. A second maid entered, her posture rigid and expression unreadable. "Your Highness," she spoke carefully, her tone carrying an underlying weight. "The king¡­ has ordered an audience with you." The moment the words left her lips, the air in the room shifted. A suffocating force pressed against Ethan''s chest, an overwhelming aura that made it hard to breathe. His hands instinctively curled into fists as an unnatural silence filled the chamber. The mere mention of the king''s name sent a shiver through Mira, who lowered her gaze to the floor, her face draining of color. Ethan''s mind raced. The king¡ªhis father. A man he had no clear memories of, yet the weight of his presence was undeniable. The reaction of those around him spoke volumes. This was not a meeting he could afford to take lightly. His golden eyes darkened with resolve. So be it. This meeting would determine his place in this world, and he would not falter. Into the Lion鈥檚 Den His father, the king, had summoned him. A suffocating pressure filled the room at the mere mention of the king. Ethan knew this meeting would shape his future. Maid Sofia trembled, her hands clenched at her sides. "His Highness has only just awakened after two weeks in a coma. Can he not be given more time to recover?" The royal maid standing before them remained unfazed, her expression stern. "It is His Majesty''s decree. The twelfth prince must attend at once. His condition is irrelevant." Ethan suppressed a cough, his body still frail, but his mind was sharp. His golden eyes met the royal maid''s without wavering. "I will meet the king." He then turned to Sofia and ordered, "Help me up." With great care, Sofia supported him as he slowly rose to his feet. His legs wobbled, unaccustomed to movement after weeks of dormancy, but he forced himself to stand tall. He would not appear weak¡ªnot in front of the servants, and certainly not before his father. Locking eyes with the royal maid once more, he repeated, "I will meet the king." With that, the three of them left the chamber. As they walked through the vast palace corridors, Ethan''s eyes wandered. Soon, his gaze fell upon an open training ground where knights clashed with relentless intensity. Their swords struck with such force that sparks flew, their movements sharp and disciplined. Sweat dripped from their brows, yet their focus never wavered. He had seen combat before¡ªhad even wielded power in his past life¡ªbut witnessing this firsthand was different. The sheer intensity of their training left him momentarily stunned. This world¡­ it belongs to warriors. Then, further ahead, another sight caught his attention. Beyond the knights'' training grounds, robed figures stood in formation, chanting incantations. The air around them shimmered as torrents of fire, ice, and lightning erupted from their fingertips. The very ground trembled beneath their power.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Knights and mages¡­ Ethan finally understood. I have been reborn into a world of magic and swordsmanship. He continued walking, his mind brimming with newfound realizations. He needed to know more. "Sofia," he spoke, his voice steady but quiet, "tell me about this kingdom. What is my position within it?" Sofia hesitated for a moment before answering. "Your Highness, we reside in the Holy Drakos Empire, one of the strongest kingdoms in the world. Our kingdom is unmatched in military power, with both an elite order of knights and a formidable council of mages. We control vast lands and are bordered by the Dark Forest¡ªa cursed region where the twelve Legendary Monster Mountains stand. Powerful beast races, including the beastmen, elves, and dwarves, were once born in the Frosted Lands beyond. However, many have since settled within the kingdom''s borders, living under our rule." Ethan absorbed this information carefully. This world had a rigid hierarchy of power, one that extended beyond humans alone. He needed to understand where he stood in it. As they passed through another corridor, something unusual caught his eye. A young beastwoman with silver ears and a fluffy tail walked by, her expression vacant. Around her neck was a shimmering collar, a stark contrast to her otherwise noble appearance. "What is she wearing?" Ethan asked, frowning. Sofia glanced at the girl before answering without hesitation. "She is the slave of the eleventh prince, Your Highness." Ethan''s fingers curled into a fist. Even within this grand kingdom¡­ there is slavery? Even within the palace? Noticing his expression, Sofia quickly reassured him. "It is normal in this kingdom, Your Highness. Slaves here are not mistreated. They are not forced into hard labor or punished cruelly. Instead, they form magical contracts with their masters, ensuring absolute loyalty even in dire situations. Only those above the age of twelve may enter such contracts." Ethan turned to her, his thoughts still heavy. "How old am I now?" Sofia smiled slightly. "You will turn twelve in two weeks, Your Highness. You will receive your own slave before your birthday." Ethan remained silent, his heart conflicted. He had been a ruler before, had wielded influence and power, but never had he owned another being. His past life had been built on strength, not on control through servitude. Before he could think further, they arrived before a massive set of ornate doors. The royal maid stepped forward and knocked. A deep, authoritative voice echoed from within. "Enter." As the doors slowly creaked open, an overwhelming aura of dominance filled the chamber. Ethan took a steady breath and stepped inside. The Meeting Alistair stood before the massive golden doors of the royal throne room, his heart steady despite the weight of the moment. Two armored guards flanked the entrance, their gazes cold and unyielding. He could feel Sofia''s concerned stare behind him, but he did not turn back. With a deep breath, he straightened his frail posture. He would not appear weak¡ªnot today. One of the guards pounded the door with the butt of his spear. "Twelfth Prince, Alistair Drakos, enters!" his voice echoed through the grand hall as the doors groaned open. Alistair stepped forward, the crimson carpet beneath him stretching toward the elevated throne. The throne room was vast, adorned with towering stained glass windows depicting the Holy Drakos Empire''s victories. Golden chandeliers bathed the hall in warm light, but there was no warmth in the figures that occupied the space. Nobles lined the sides, dressed in regal finery, their eyes brimming with disdain and curiosity. High-ranking generals, archmages, and advisors stood in disciplined silence, their presence a testament to the empire''s might. And at the far end, sitting upon a throne carved from dragonbone and gold, was the man who ruled them all. King Aldric Drakos. His presence was overwhelming. A mountain of a man draped in imperial regalia, golden hair streaked with silver, his sharp eyes like molten gold. A massive greatsword rested against the throne, a symbol of his unmatched power and mastery of the blade. There was no warmth in his gaze¡ªonly judgment. Beside him stood Queen Eleanor Drakos, Alistair''s mother. She wore an elegant mage''s dress, embroidered with silver runes that shimmered under the golden light. A finely crafted wand, imbued with ancient enchantments, rested at her side, a testament to her status as an archmage. Her regal posture was unwavering, yet her deep blue eyes betrayed a sadness, a quiet concern as they rested upon her son. She did not speak, but the sorrow in her gaze was enough. Alistair knelt on one knee, bowing his head. "Your Majesty." The silence stretched, tension coiling in the air. Then, the king spoke. "You dare to stand before me after years of insignificance?" His voice was like rolling thunder, carrying the weight of an empire. Queen Eleanor''s fingers lightly clenched the edge of her dress. Her sad eyes darted between her husband and her son, as though silently pleading for leniency.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Alistair did not flinch. He raised his head, meeting his father''s piercing gaze. "I stand before you now, Your Majesty. That alone should be enough to prove that I am no longer insignificant." A murmur rippled through the court. The twelfth prince had always been meek and unnoticed, barely acknowledged by the royal family. Yet today, he spoke with an unfamiliar resolve. The king''s golden eyes narrowed. "Your survival is an anomaly. You have never contributed to this empire. Tell me, why should I not strip you of your title and cast you aside?" The queen took a shallow breath, her grip tightening slightly. Though she remained silent, the distress in her expression deepened. Alistair clenched his fists. He had anticipated this. The empire valued strength above all, and he had nothing to show¡ªyet. "Because I will prove my worth," Alistair declared. "I may not have the strength now, but I will acquire it. Dismiss me if you wish, but I will rise. And when I do, you will see that you did not birth a worthless son." The silence that followed was suffocating. Then, the king chuckled. It was a deep, guttural sound, as if he found Alistair''s words amusing. The chuckle died quickly, and the king leaned forward slightly. "Bold words, but words alone do not build empires. I will grant you one chance, Alistair. A single opportunity to prove that your existence has value." The queen exhaled softly, her sorrowful eyes flickering with a mixture of fear and fragile hope. Alistair''s muscles tensed. "What must I do?" The king smirked. "The annual Trials of the Drakos Bloodline begin in one month. If you wish to remain a prince of this empire, you will participate. And if you fail¡­ you will be stripped of your title and cast into exile." A heavy weight settled over the court. The Trials were brutal¡ªa test of strength, intelligence, and will. Many of his half-brothers and sisters had trained for years to compete, but Alistair had no such preparation. Sofia gasped softly behind him, but Alistair kept his face impassive. This was no different from what he had expected. A test. A chance. A path forward. Alistair lowered his head. "I accept." King Aldric leaned back, his expression unreadable. For the briefest moment, something flickered in his gaze¡ªan echo of his own youth, when he too had faced the weight of expectations. At his side, Queen Eleanor''s lips parted slightly, her sadness now touched with quiet resignation. The murmurs of the court grew louder behind him, but Alistair paid them no heed. His mind was already racing. One month. One month to prepare for the most dangerous trial of his life. He would not fail. As he turned to leave, the king and queen exchanged a glance. For the first time in years, a shared sadness lingered between them¡ªan unspoken pain of watching their son walk a path fraught with peril, one they could not protect him from. From the noble corner of the court, seven figures observed the exchange with keen interest. The seven dukes¡ªAlistair''s uncles¡ªstood with quiet authority, their regal robes a mark of their high status. Beside them, the four leading generals of the kingdom, hardened warriors of countless battles, watched with approving smirks. They remembered a time when the king himself had once displayed such raw determination. The Path of No Return King Aldric Drakos sat upon his golden throne, his piercing gaze sweeping over the gathered nobles and warriors. The grand chamber was eerily silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on all who stood within. His voice, deep and commanding, shattered the hush. "Alistair Drakos, Twelfth Prince of the Holy Drakos Empire, shall participate in the Trials of the Drakos Bloodline. His performance shall determine his place in this empire." A murmur rippled through the court like an approaching storm. The nobles whispered among themselves, some with amusement, others with thinly veiled disdain. "A sickly prince in the trials? He will perish within the first test." "Perhaps this is the King''s way of disposing of him." Among the powerful figures in the chamber, the Seven Dukes and the Four Generals exchanged knowing smiles. Their expressions ranged from intrigue to satisfaction, as if they had anticipated this decision. Their silence spoke louder than the murmurs of the lesser nobles. Alistair''s golden eyes remained steady. He did not flinch, did not falter. With a deep breath, he turned on his heel, leaving the chamber. Sofia, his ever-loyal maid, followed closely behind, her hands clenched tightly in her dress. As the two walked down the grand hallway, the weight of the decision bore down upon him. Each step felt heavier, his vision blurred, and before he could react¡ª His body gave out. Collapsing onto the marble floor, the cold seeped into his skin. Distant voices echoed, but darkness swallowed his senses before he could grasp their meaning. A sharp pain pulsed through his skull as Alistair''s eyes fluttered open. The familiar scent of herbs and the warmth of a damp cloth against his forehead greeted him. Sofia''s worried face hovered above him, relief washing over her features as their eyes met. "Y-Your Highness! You''re awake!" she gasped, gripping his hand tightly. "How long... have I been out?" he rasped, his throat dry. "Two days, my lord." Her voice trembled. "You collapsed after leaving the throne room. I was so worried." Two days. The realization struck him like a blade. That meant¡ª Sofia hesitated before speaking again. "Your Highness... there are only five days left until your birthday. If you do not sense mana before then, you will never be able to use it." Her voice grew softer, as if the truth itself pained her.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. A weight settled in Alistair''s chest. The blood of Drakos flowed in his veins, and yet, if he could not awaken his mana, he would remain a cripple among his kind. "I see." His voice was calm, but a storm raged within him. He forced himself up, ignoring the sharp protest from his aching limbs. Clenching his fists, he steadied his breath. "Then I have no choice. I must sense mana. Now." "But, Your Highness¡ª!" Ignoring Sofia''s plea, he sat cross-legged on the bed and shut his eyes, focusing inward. He reached out, seeking the elusive energy that every warrior and mage could wield. Then¡ª A searing pain tore through his body. It felt as if his very blood was rejecting him, his veins burning as if liquid fire coursed through them. His muscles screamed in agony, his bones groaning under an invisible weight. Then¡ª Darkness. A nightmare consumed him. The betrayal. The hands of his own blood relatives, the poison coursing through his veins, the sneering faces that watched him die. The cruel laughter. The sheer helplessness as his vision faded. And then¡ª ERROR. A distorted voice rang in his mind, unlike anything he had heard before. Revelation Failed. Reassessment in Progress. A sudden force yanked him out of the abyss. Alistair''s eyes shot open, his breath ragged. His body ached, but he was alive. The first thing he saw was Sofia, sitting beside him, gently dabbing his forehead with a cloth. Her eyes were red-rimmed, exhaustion evident in her posture. "You... stayed by my side," he murmured. Sofia jolted in surprise, then quickly composed herself. "Of course, my lord. I would not leave you." A warmth spread through his chest. He had been alone in his past life, but in this one... perhaps not. The next morning, as sunlight streamed through the windows, Alistair turned to Sofia. "Tell me," he began, his tone firm, "What exactly is mana? And what separates knights, aura knights, and mages?" Sofia blinked before nodding. "Of course, Your Highness. Mana is the essence of life, the power that fuels magic and strengthens warriors. Those without it are limited, but those who awaken it gain great strength." Alistair leaned forward, absorbing her words. "Knights are warriors who have trained their bodies to the peak, relying purely on skill and strength," she continued. "Aura Knights, however, channel mana into their bodies, enhancing their speed, power, and resilience beyond human limits." "And mages?" "Mages wield mana externally, shaping it into spells and bending the elements to their will. Higher-ranked mages, such as Archmages, can command magic on a grand scale, rewriting the very laws of nature." A spark of understanding ignited within Alistair. "Then... my body? What happened when I tried to sense mana?" Sofia''s face darkened. "Two weeks ago, when you collapsed... your body resisted mana itself. That is not normal, Your Highness. It was as if something within you rejected it." Her voice turned hesitant. "And now... your condition is even stranger." Alistair frowned. "Stranger how?" Before Sofia could answer, a faint glow flickered before his eyes. A transparent window appeared in front of him, lines of text forming in elegant script: STATUS WINDOW [Name]: Alistair Drakos [Title]: Twelfth Prince of the Holy Drakos Empire [Blessings]: God of Creation''s Blessing, God of Dragons'' Blessing[Attributes]: Weak [Condition]: Poisoned (Critical) His breath hitched. A blessing from the God of Creation? And the God of Dragons? What did this mean? But his eyes locked onto one detail. The last line, glowing ominously in red: Poisoned. To Be Continued... The Forgotten Prince鈥檚 Truth Status Window: Name: Alistair Drakos Age: 11 and will turn 12 in five days Title: Forsaken Prince Blessings: God of Creation, God of Dragons Mana Sensitivity: Incomplete Attributes: Weak Condition: Critically Poisoned Alistair''s golden eyes burned with fury as he read the status window. His lips tightened, his jaw clenched, and his fingers dug into his palm. Poisoned? So it wasn''t just his frail body¡ªhe had been deliberately weakened. The realization sent waves of anger through him, but he forced his expression to calm. He was being watched. He could feel the gazes of the spies lurking in the shadows, likely men working under the king''s other wives. He exhaled slowly, masking his emotions beneath a cold, unreadable face. With an even tone, he turned to Sofia. "Arrange a private meeting for me. Immediately." Sofia''s deep green eyes flickered with concern, but she did not question him. With a simple nod, she turned and left the room, heading towards the king''s chambers. As the door shut behind her, Alistair leaned back, staring at the ceiling. He had to think¡ªhad to remember. The memories of this body weren''t completely his, but now, they surged forward, unrelenting. Memories of the Forgotten Prince The warmth of candlelight flickered against the stone walls as King Aldric Drakos gently cupped Queen Eleanor''s face, his stern features softening. She was a princess from the neighboring kingdom of Solmaria, a nation devoted to the God of Creation. Their love was genuine, a rare union in a world ruled by power and alliances. Despite the kingdom''s expectations, they remained childless for fifteen years. Under pressure, King Aldric was forced to take seven wives and three concubines to secure his bloodline. He fulfilled his duty, but his heart never strayed. The court whispered, the noble families schemed, and for years, the royal palace remained tense. Then, like a miracle, Queen Eleanor bore a son¡ªAlistair.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The other wives saw him as a threat. The firstborn child of the queen, a prince with the most legitimate claim to the throne. From birth, Alistair was strong¡ªhis cries were powerful, his mana abundant. He was meant to be great. But envy is a silent killer. The Betrayal A young Alistair sat at a long banquet table, laughing openly. His bright golden eyes reflected the chandelier''s glow as he happily chatted with his half-siblings. "When I become strong, I''ll protect all of you!" he declared, his voice full of innocence. His elder brother, Cedric, scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "You think strength is all it takes to rule?" His smirk was sharp, his emerald eyes glinting with arrogance. "Father won''t favor a naive child." Alistair pouted. "I''ll prove myself! Just wait and see." His stepmother, Lady Seraphina¡ªthe second wife¡ªwatched from the corner of the room, sipping her wine. Her expression was unreadable, but the tightness in her jaw betrayed her irritation. That night, a servant delivered warm milk to Alistair''s chambers. "Lady Seraphina sent this, Your Highness," the maid murmured, bowing her head. Alistair, unaware of the malice lurking beneath the kind gesture, drank without hesitation. Days passed. Then weeks. His strength faded. His once powerful mana dwindled. Training became unbearable. He would wake up gasping for air, his limbs weak and trembling. The palace healers found nothing. His mother pleaded with the king, but whispers of ''a cursed child'' spread. The boy who was once celebrated became a forgotten shadow of the kingdom. Back to the Present Alistair clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palm. His golden eyes darkened, cold and sharp. So this is how I¡ªno, how he was broken. Poisoned. Silenced. Betrayed. His stepmothers and siblings had feared his existence, and they had made sure he would never rise. The realization sent a shiver through him. His past life¡ªhis betrayal, his death¡ªwasn''t so different from Alistair''s. The gods must have found it fitting to give him another chance in this forsaken body. A bitter smile played on his lips. "Fate is a cruel thing, isn''t it?" he muttered under his breath. But he wouldn''t let it control him. Not again. Just then, the door creaked open. Sofia stepped in, her face composed but her eyes searching his. "The king has approved your request." Alistair rose from his bed. His expression was unreadable, but his golden eyes burned with an intense determination. "We leave immediately." To be continued... Chapter 7: Truth Behind the Poison and Moving Forward As Alistair made his way to the king¡¯s private chamber, his vision blurred momentarily. The strange mist-like screen that had hovered in front of him before now reappeared. Gritting his teeth, he focused, forcing the words to come into clarity. --- Status Window --- Name: Alistair Drakos Age: 11 (Turning 12 in 5 Days) Race: Human (Draconic Bloodline) Title: Twelfth Prince of the Holy Drakos Empire Class: None Mana Core: None Blessings: - Blessing of the God of Creation (??? - Sealed) - Blessing of the God of Dragons (??? - Sealed) Attributes: - Strength: 3 - Agility: 4 - Endurance: 2 - Mana Sensitivity: 0 - Vitality: 1 Status Effects: - Severe Poisoning (??? - Unknown Origin) - Weakened Constitution - Mana Blocked (Must Awaken Before Age 12) Abilities: - Appraisal (Basic - Limited Information Available) - Survivor¡¯s Will (Passive) ¨C Unyielding determination to live against all odds. Slight resistance to mental debuffs. - See Mana (Blessing of God of Creation) - Rank E - Status Window (Unique) (Blessing of God of Creation) - Rank E - Language (Blessing of God of Creation) - Rank E - Dragon Language (Unique) (Blessing of Dragon God) - Rank E - Instant Recovery (Unique) (Blessing of Dragon God) - Rank E --- His fists clenched as his eyes locked onto the words. The numbers screamed weakness. Strength, speed, defense¡ªall abysmally low. The poison was still preventing him from even sensing mana. If not for his intelligence and the blessings he had received, he might have been no better than a cripple. A wave of fury burned through him. *Poison. I was deliberately weakened. And they all knew.* He forced himself to take a steady breath. Rage would not help him now. Testing his newfound ability, he activated Appraisal , hoping for more information. The moment he did, a sharp pain lanced through his skull. His vision blurred, and he staggered. ¡°Your Highness!¡± Sofia¡¯s voice was filled with concern as she caught his arm. The pain subsided slightly, and a new screen formed before his eyes¡ª --- Name : Sofia Elin Race : Half-Elf Age : 10 State : Sad, Cares for the 12th Prince Blessing : Nature (Unique) Potential for Growth : Very High --- Skills - Spirit Magic (Unique to Elves) Rank D - Housekeeping Rank A - Short Swordsmanship Rank D - Spearmanship Rank D --- Alistair¡¯s eyes widened. *Sofia has a unique blessing? And her potential for growth is ¡®very high¡¯?* Even at her young age, she had talent in swordsmanship and magic. If trained properly, she could become someone formidable in the future. Yet, here she was¡ªhis personal maid. Was it by choice, or had she been forced into this position? His throat tightened at the thought. ¡°Sofia,¡± he said, his voice steady but quiet. ¡°Are you truly okay with serving me? If you leave now, you could become someone great.¡± She stiffened, her hands balling into fists. For a long moment, she didn¡¯t speak. But then¡ª Her expression changed. A heavy sadness filled her eyes, and his Status Window updated instantly. State : Extremely Sad He cursed inwardly. He hadn¡¯t meant to upset her, but he also wasn¡¯t blind. She was shackled to him¡ªwhether by duty, loyalty, or something else. Seeing her expression, he didn¡¯t press further. Instead, he gave a small nod. ¡°Forget I said anything.¡± She lowered her gaze. ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± At last, they arrived before the grand doors of the king¡¯s private chamber. Alistair took a steady breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle upon his shoulders. The towering doors loomed before him, gilded with intricate carvings of dragons and battlefields¡ªa testament to the power of the Drakos bloodline. This was not merely a room. It was a lion¡¯s den, and he was walking in alone.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. He turned to Sofia, whose hands were clenched at her sides. ¡°Wait here.¡± She flinched but nodded, suppressing the emotions in her eyes. ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± He stepped forward. The guards pulled the massive doors open, and a wave of heavy, suffocating presence washed over him as he entered. Inside, seated upon an ornate throne, was King Aldric Drakos . His golden eyes, identical to Alistair¡¯s, burned with unwavering authority. Beside him sat Queen Eleanor , her expression unreadable, but Alistair could see the tension in her posture. Surrounding them were the Seven Dukes, two Knight Generals, two Mage Masters, and his uncles from Aurelius¡ªpowerful figures, each carrying an overwhelming aura. Alistair took another step, and suddenly¡ª [ ERROR: Level Not High Enough ] A sharp pain lanced through his skull. His vision flickered. He had attempted to read their status windows, but aside from their names, ages, races, and positions, everything else was blocked. He clenched his teeth, refusing to falter, and continued forward. --- The Seven Dukes (King Aldric¡¯s Brothers): - Duke Veyron Drakos ¨C Age 48 | Race: Human - Duke Zephyr Drakos ¨C Age 46 | Race: High Elf - Duke Hadrian Drakos ¨C Age 44 | Race: Human - Duke Fenrir Drakos ¨C Age 43 | Race: Beastman (Wolfkin) - Duke Sylas Drakos ¨C Age 40 | Race: Human - Duke Kaelith Drakos ¨C Age 38 | Race: High Elf - Duke Magnus Drakos ¨C Age 35 | Race: Human The Two Knight Generals: - General Darius Valeheart ¨C Age 50 | Race: Human - General Roland Stormcrest ¨C Age 47 | Race: Human The Two Mage Masters: - Archmage Eldrin Faelora ¨C Age 180 | Race: High Elf - Grand Sorceress Selene Nightshade ¨C Age 39 | Race: Human The Two Dukes from Aurelius (Queen Eleanor¡¯s Homeland): - Duke Lucian Aurelius ¨C Age 45 | Race: Human - Duke Cedric Aurelius ¨C Age 42 | Race: Human --- The sheer pressure from these individuals was suffocating. Alistair clenched his fists. He had no choice but to grow stronger. Alistair faced the king, his golden eyes intense. "You don''t want a son that creates a political war," he said darkly. The queen''s voice cut through the tension. "Watch your mouth when you speak to your father!" Alistair turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Mom, you too didn¡¯t care about me. Instead, you chose the kingdom." The room fell silent. The king¡¯s gaze remained unwavering. "Enough with political matters. Are you here to say that you can''t participate in The Trials of the Drakos Bloodline because you can¡¯t use mana and blame the poison?" Alistair straightened. He met the king¡¯s gaze¡ªnot with defiance, but with calm determination. The frailty in his limbs, the remnants of poison in his blood¡ªthey were mere obstacles. The fire in his soul remained. "And yet, I stand before you, Your Majesty." His tone was even, respectful, yet firm. "Weak or not, forgotten or not, I am still a Drakos. That alone should be enough." A flicker of something¡ªperhaps amusement, perhaps irritation¡ªpassed through the king¡¯s expression... Alistair faced the king, his golden eyes intense. "You don''t want a son that creates a political war," he said darkly. The queen''s voice cut through the tension. "Watch your mouth when you speak to your father!" Alistair turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Mom, you too didn¡¯t care about me. Instead, you chose the kingdom." The room fell silent. The king¡¯s gaze remained unwavering. "Enough with political matters. Are you here to say that you can''t participate in The Trials of the Drakos Bloodline because you can¡¯t use mana and blame the poison?" Alistair straightened. He met the king¡¯s gaze¡ªnot with defiance, but with calm determination. The frailty in his limbs, the remnants of poison in his blood¡ªthey were mere obstacles. The fire in his soul remained. "And yet, I stand before you, Your Majesty." His tone was even, respectful, yet firm. "Weak or not, forgotten or not, I am still a Drakos. That alone should be enough." A flicker of something¡ªperhaps amusement, perhaps irritation¡ªpassed through the king¡¯s expression. He leaned forward slightly, fingers tapping against the wood of his chair. "Enough?" He let the word linger. "You dare claim that name so easily, after years of disgrace?" The room grew colder. The weight of the king¡¯s presence pressed down like an iron grip. Even the knights outside the door tensed at the sheer force of his aura. Most would have bowed their heads. Trembled. But Alistair stood his ground. His golden eyes, once filled with uncertainty, now burned with silent defiance. "If my name is a disgrace, I will cleanse it. If I am unworthy, I will prove otherwise." He took a step forward. "You may command me to kneel, but I will not crawl." The air crackled with unspoken tension. The candlelight flickered, casting deep shadows on the king¡¯s face as he studied his son with unreadable eyes. Then¡ª A chuckle. Low. Almost imperceptible. King Aldric smirked, though it did not reach his eyes. "Hmph. You sound like your mother." The queen¡¯s eyes widened slightly, a mix of emotions flickering through her expression¡ªpride, sadness, and something unspoken. But she remained silent. The king¡¯s voice softened for only a fraction of a second before hardening again. "But words are meaningless without strength. And strength, Alistair, is something you lack." The king stood, his imposing figure towering over the boy. "The Trials of the Drakos Bloodline will determine whether you are worthy of my name. You have five days. Survive, or die forgotten." A final, piercing look. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he dismissed him. Alistair bowed once more. But as he turned to leave, he caught something¡ª A shadow of something unspoken in the king¡¯s gaze. Regret? Expectation? Or merely calculation? Alistair did not know. Before leaving, he requested his uncles from his mother¡¯s side to invite the royal family of the queen¡¯s kingdom to attend The Trials of the Drakos Bloodline. His uncles accepted his request, ensuring that the royal family would be present. After excusing himself from the king¡¯s presence, Alistair left the chamber. As the doors closed behind him, the king¡¯s face darkened with sadness. "He didn''t call me Father or Dad. Instead, he called me King." The queen, sensing his emotions, spoke in a soothing tone. "He still respects you." The king shook his head. "But he called you Mom, not Queen." She smiled softly. "Exactly. Because you have your crown. He respects that crown, so he calls you King. I don¡¯t wear mine, so he calls me Mom." A small, bittersweet smile formed on the king¡¯s lips. Proud, yet burdened with sorrow. Everyone in the chamber felt it. Pride in Alistair¡¯s resolve. But also the weight of what was to come. As Alistair stepped outside the chamber, he whispered to himself with unwavering determination. Five days. Five days to awaken his mana. Failure was not an option. To be continued... Chapter 8: Awakening the Sight As Alistair stepped out of the king¡¯s private chamber, his expression remained unreadable. His mind was filled with thoughts of the upcoming trial, his dwindling time, and his desperate need to awaken mana. He took a deep breath and turned to Sofia, who silently followed him. "Let''s go, Sofia," he said. She didn¡¯t respond immediately, simply nodding and keeping her gaze lowered. The air between them was heavy with unspoken emotions. On the way to his quarters, Alistair finally broke the silence. "Do not disturb me. I am going to meditate." Sofia paused for a brief moment before answering softly, "Yes, Your Highness." Upon entering his room, Alistair wasted no time. He settled onto the floor, crossing his legs as he closed his eyes, focusing inward. As he attempted to channel his thoughts, an overwhelming flood of past-life memories crashed into his mind. He saw betrayal. The faces of those he once trusted flashed before him, their voices filled with mockery and deceit. ¡°Weak. Powerless. Forgotten.¡± The echoes of his past sneered at him, trying to drag him down. His chest tightened, his breath growing ragged. But Alistair clenched his fists, forcing himself to push forward. He refused to be shackled by the ghosts of his past any longer. Then, as abruptly as it started, he stopped. His mind was unsettled. Meditation alone wouldn¡¯t be enough¡ªnot yet. He stood up and headed to the door. Sofia, who had been waiting just outside, turned toward him immediately, concern flickering in her emerald eyes. "Your Highness?" Alistair was moved by her silent resolve, her unwavering determination to support him. Still, he shook his head. "I''m just going for a short walk. No need to follow me. Clean the room instead." Sofia hesitated but ultimately bowed. "As you wish, Your Highness." As he wandered through the palace grounds, his feet instinctively led him to the training grounds. At first, he noticed nothing unusual. But then, upon closer observation, something strange caught his eye. A faint, flowing blue light surrounded the soldiers as they trained. It swirled and pulsed around them, most of it concentrated in their abdomens. His gaze sharpened.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Is that... mana? Just then, a deep, authoritative voice called out. "Your Highness." Alistair turned to see a towering man clad in battle-worn armor. General Darius Valeheart, one of the kingdom¡¯s most formidable warriors and a man deeply loyal to the king. The general greeted him with a slight bow. "What brings you here, Your Highness?" Alistair, sensing the general¡¯s sincerity, responded with respect. "Just getting some fresh air." Darius smirked. "The training grounds are hardly the best place for that." Alistair chuckled, appreciating the man¡¯s blunt but friendly demeanor. "General, may I ask you something?" Darius hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Of course, Your Highness." Alistair gestured toward the soldiers. "That blue light around them¡ªwhat is it? And why is it stored in their abdomens?" The general stiffened. His usual confident expression was replaced with sheer astonishment. "You can see... mana flow? And even the storage points?" Alistair tilted his head. "Mana? So that¡¯s what it is?" The general took a deep breath. "Yes, Your Highness. That is mana¡ªthe very energy that empowers knights and warriors alike." A notification flashed through Alistair¡¯s mind. New Skill Acquired: ''See Mana.'' Darius, still in shock, thought to himself, If the prince hadn¡¯t been poisoned¡­ if he had started training earlier¡­ he could have been a monster. What a pity. But he¡¯s still alive, and that is what matters. Alistair then asked hesitantly, "How do soldiers use mana? Is it different from mages? You mentioned that this is how soldiers use it." The general¡¯s eyes widened further. He even caught that detail? If I had known the prince sooner, perhaps this tragedy wouldn¡¯t have happened... Darius composed himself before answering. "Soldiers use mana to strengthen their bodies and weapons. Those who can store mana and use it effectively are called aura users." He gestured toward the training soldiers. "You see, all of them are aura users. Aura users are ranked from 1-star to 12-star. Your father, our king, is a 9th-star Aura Master. Soon, he will break into the 10th star. General Roland Stormcrest and I are also at the 9th star." Before Alistair could ask more, a soldier rushed over. "General, His Majesty has summoned you." Darius turned back to Alistair and, with a rare smile, said, "Your Highness, you are welcome to visit the White Dragon Squad¡¯s training grounds at any time." With that, the general left, his thoughts still racing about the young prince¡¯s potential. Alistair, now deep in thought, decided to head to the mages'' training grounds next. What he saw there shocked him even more. Unlike the soldiers, the mages didn¡¯t store mana in their bodies. Instead, they absorbed it from their surroundings, refining it into circular patterns within their abdomens before releasing it in bursts of power. Floating above them, overseeing their training, was a tall figure with flowing silver hair, long pointed ears, and piercing violet eyes. Archmage Eldrin Faelora¡ªthe high elf who commanded the mage corps. In an instant, she turned to face Alistair, her lips curling into a creepy smile. "Oh my, what an interesting guest we have here..." she mused, her voice dripping with amusement. To be continued... Chapter 9: The Archmage鈥檚 Guidance Eldrin Faelora¡¯s violet eyes glimmered with amusement as she studied the boy before her. "My, my, who do we have here? The Forsaken Prince of the Holy Kingdom of Drakos. Up close, you truly resemble your father in his youth¡ªboth in appearance and in courage, not to mention that unyielding determination." Alistair narrowed his golden eyes. "You knew the king when he was young?" Eldrin chuckled as she gracefully sipped her tea. "Know him? I practically raised him. There were times when I was more of a mother to him than his own." Alistair''s mind processed this new information. She¡¯s trustworthy¡­ but she¡¯s also annoying. Shifting the conversation, Alistair asked, "Why do you rotate your mana in multiple directions while other mages rotate it in just one?" The archmage''s expression froze, her entire body stiffening as if she''d been struck by lightning. Her eerie smile faltered, and for a brief moment, it seemed as if she might collapse from shock. "Your father is a genius among geniuses," Eldrin murmured, eyes wide with disbelief, "but even he cannot see mana. Yet, you can? This isn¡¯t the right place to discuss such matters¡ªtoo many eyes are watching." Before Alistair could respond, a blinding light engulfed them both. In the blink of an eye, they had teleported. Alistair found himself in an elegantly furnished room, the scent of old books and herbal tea filling the air. His sharp gaze instinctively followed the residual mana in the air, tracing the exact path Eldrin had used for the teleportation spell. "Did you just use magic?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. He had just experienced real magic for the first time¡ªsomething that had never existed in his previous life. Eldrin, now preparing tea, glanced at him. "It¡¯s called Teleportation Magic. One can travel between places they have already visited, but it requires immense concentration and mana." Alistair nodded. "You used mana at the fourth circle, didn¡¯t you?" Eldrin froze mid-pour, spilling a drop of tea onto the tray. She slowly turned to him, stepping closer, her violet eyes filled with intrigue and disbelief. "You can even tell which circle I used?" Alistair shrugged. "I don¡¯t know how exactly. I just saw you absorb three times more mana than other mages, refine it in some strange pattern, and then we were here." In her mind, Eldrin was reeling. I have lived for 150 years as a High Elf, but I have never seen someone who could perceive mana so clearly. The only ones capable of this were gods. If he weren¡¯t poisoned, he would become a mage beyond compare. But that doesn¡¯t matter¡ªwhat matters is that he is still alive.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Regaining her composure, she motioned for him to sit. "Come, have some tea." Alistair took a seat, his mind filled with questions. "Why do knights and mages use mana differently? And why do they both store mana in the Dantian? Can it be stored elsewhere?" Eldrin¡¯s eyes widened again. Not only can he see the mana paths of mages, but he can also perceive those of knights. This child is truly gifted¡­ but he must survive first. She took a deep breath before answering. "Yes, there is a significant difference between the way knights and mages use mana. Knights absorb mana directly into their bodies, refining it through rigorous physical training to strengthen themselves. They use their bodies as conduits, allowing them to unleash explosive power in battle. Mages, on the other hand, refine mana externally before drawing it into their Dantian, shaping it into spells. Their magic relies on precise control rather than brute strength. While knights can use aura techniques to enhance their weapons and bodies, mages rely on incantations and magical circles to manipulate mana into powerful spells." She then leaned forward, her tone becoming serious. "And no, mana cannot be stored outside the Dantian. If someone tries to store mana in another part of their body, it will cause immense strain. The unstable energy will tear their body apart instantly." Her voice carried a sharp edge, as if warning him of an imminent catastrophe. Alistair pondered this carefully. So storing mana recklessly could kill me? Then I have to be precise when refining it. As the evening approached, Alistair stood up. "I must go. It¡¯s getting late, and Sofia will be worried." Eldrin pouted, her expression playful yet unsettling. "Oh, must you leave so soon? Can¡¯t you stay a little longer?" She flashed a creepy smile. Alistair smirked. "I¡¯d love to chat more, Granny, but it¡¯s late." Eldrin¡¯s smile vanished instantly. "What? Granny?!" "You said you were my father¡¯s nanny, practically a mother to him. That makes you my granny." "That¡¯s enough, brat! Get out of here!" she barked, waving her hand in mock annoyance. With a chuckle, Alistair felt the familiar pull of teleportation magic once again, and the next moment, he was back where he had left. He strode straight to his room, only to find Sofia waiting outside with a worried expression. Seeing him return, she hesitated before asking, "Young Master, I¡ª" "Don¡¯t disturb me. I¡¯m going to meditate." His curt response cut her off. Sofia lowered her gaze but nodded with a trusting, albeit slightly saddened, expression. Alistair smirked slightly before entering his room, shutting the door behind him. He immediately took a meditative position, his mind focused. Having witnessed both knights and mages using mana, he now had an idea of how to handle it. Slowly, he reached out to the surrounding mana, attempting to gather it into his Dantian. The process was excruciating¡ªpain beyond anything he had ever experienced. His body felt like it was being torn apart, but he gritted his teeth and pushed forward, determined to succeed. Just as he finally began to store mana within his Dantian, a sharp pain erupted through his body. He coughed violently, and to his horror, blood splattered onto the floor. What¡¯s happening?! A crimson Status Window flickered before his eyes, displaying an urgent alert: WARNING! The poison in your body has been reactivated! Alistair¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Before he could react, another wave of pain wracked his body, and more blood spilled from his lips. His vision blurred, and the world around him darkened. To be continued¡­ Chapter 10 - Mana Awakening Alistair sat cross-legged in his dimly lit chamber, sweat trickling down his pale face. His body trembled as he focused, attempting to store mana within his Dantian. The moment he tried, searing pain erupted through his core. A choked gasp escaped his lips as he coughed violently, splattering blood across the cold stone floor. His vision blurred, and a sudden bright flash appeared before him. Status Window Alert! [Warning! Severe internal damage detected!] [Warning! Poison interference at critical levels!] [Continuous mana absorption will lead to death!] Alistair clenched his fists. He had anticipated pain, but this was beyond anything he had ever experienced. The Status Window flickered again, and this time, detailed information appeared. Status Window Name: Alistair Drakos Age: 11 Race: Human (Drakos Bloodline) Title: None Blessings: God of Creation (Sealed), God of Dragons (Sealed) Mana Affinity: ??? Physique: Weak Condition: Poisoned (Stored in Dantian), Critical Mana Interference Alistair¡¯s eyes widened. The poison is stored in my Dantian? A realization struck him¡ªif the poison was embedded in his Dantian, then every attempt to store mana there would only accelerate his death. His mind raced. Is there another way? His thoughts drifted back to what Archmage Eldrin Faelora had explained earlier: "Mages refine mana outside their bodies before drawing it in, channeling it through their meridians into their Dantian. Knights, on the other hand, circulate aura through their bodies, refining it in their bloodstream and muscles. Your Dantian is simply the storage vessel¡ªbut who decided mana could only be stored there?" A sharp pain shot through his chest, pulling him back to the present. His breath was ragged, his body growing weaker. He had no answers, no guidance. He gritted his teeth in frustration. What should I do? Just then, another Status Window flashed before him¡ªexcept this time, it was glowing a strange green color. Beginner Quest 1: Objective: Store mana in the heart. Rewards: Beginner Quest 2: Objective: Create a mana circle around the heart. Rewards: Alistair stared in disbelief. Mana can be stored in the heart?! His mind reeled at the implications. This went against everything he had learned about mana cultivation. Before he could fully process it, another coughing fit wracked his body. Blood splattered onto his robes. He had no time to hesitate. He had to act now. He forced himself back into meditation, directing his remaining willpower toward his heart. He envisioned the mana flowing into it, attempting to store it there instead of his Dantian. The moment he tried¡ª A devastating backlash struck him. A searing pain unlike before engulfed his entire being. It felt as if his heart was being crushed. He gasped, his vision blackening for a moment. His hands clutched at his chest, but he did not stop. He gritted his teeth and tried again. Focus. Store it in the heart. Another backlash. More blood spilled from his lips. His body trembled violently. Failure. Again. And again. And again. Panting, he forced himself to think. Why isn¡¯t it working? Then it hit him¡ªsomething crucial. "Knights and mages alike circulate mana through their bodies. If mana can travel through the heart, then it must become a part of the body¡ªlike blood itself." His eyes widened. I¡¯ve been trying to store it like a Dantian. But the heart isn¡¯t just a storage vessel¡ªit¡¯s the center of circulation! A surge of determination ignited within him. This time, he wouldn¡¯t try to store mana in the heart directly. Instead, he would let mana flow through the heart, just like blood. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply and focused. Instead of forcing mana into one place, he guided it to flow through the heart and into his bloodstream, spreading it throughout his entire body. The difference was immediate. A strange warmth spread through him. Unlike the excruciating pain before, this felt natural¡ªlike a river coursing through its path. Mana surged through his veins, carried by his blood, flowing to every limb. His entire body began to glow faintly. The agonizing pain in his Dantian vanished. Alistair opened his eyes, his breath steady. His hands trembled as he looked at them. His body no longer ached¡ªrather, he felt light, energized, and stronger. A joyous smile stretched across his face. He had done it. Just like the knights and mages he had seen training, his body now pulsed with flowing mana. He clenched his fists. His journey had only just begun. His golden eyes gleamed with newfound excitement. ¡°Now, it¡¯s time for the quest.¡± Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Lady Seraphina, Alistair¡¯s first stepmother, received a confidential report. Her fingers tightened around the parchment as she read the contents¡ªdetailing Alistair¡¯s private meeting with King Aldric, Knight General Darius Valeheart, and Archmage Eldrin Faelora. Her lips curled into a smirk. ¡°Interesting¡­ That worthless prince still lives.¡± She turned to her attendant. ¡°Send word to our informants. I want every detail of his progress.¡± A shadowy figure bowed and vanished into the darkness. In the royal council chamber, King Aldric Drakos sat at the head of a long obsidian table, his gaze sharp. To his right sat Queen Eleanor, her serene expression unreadable. Across from them stood the two Knight Generals, the two Magic Tower Masters, seven Dukes, and two additional Dukes from Aurelius. The atmosphere was heavy. A report lay before them, detailing disturbing news. ¡°The surge of monsters along our borders has worsened.¡± One of the Magic Tower Masters, an elderly elf, spoke gravely. ¡°It is no longer a simple beast tide. These creatures show signs of external influence.¡± Knight General Darius exhaled sharply. ¡°And the Drak Forest, near the Twelve Legendary Beast Mountain Range, is stirring. If those ancient beings awaken, our empire will face an unprecedented disaster.¡± The room fell silent. All eyes turned to King Aldric. He closed his eyes briefly before speaking. ¡°We cannot act rashly before the Blood Renewal of Drakos next month. Keep searching for clues.¡± To Be Continued... Chapter 11: Awakening and Conspiracies Alistair sat in silence, his golden eyes reflecting the soft glow of the green status window hovering before him. A smirk formed on his lips. Ha, it''s like a game quest¡ªbut real life. I like it. He reached out, mentally navigating through the window. The familiar categories of his Status Window displayed before him: His eyes widened. The poison... is being neutralized? The severity had changed from severely poisoned to neutralized at 0.01%. His heart pounded. If using mana helps neutralize the poison, then why can''t I use mana freely? Is it because the poison still lingers in my Dantian? Or... is my body simply incapable of handling mana? No, that doesn''t seem right. Then what exactly is the problem? Before he could analyze further, the soft creak of the door broke his concentration. Sofia entered, carrying a tray with a teapot and a cup of his usual herbal tea. However, the moment her emerald eyes fell upon the blood splattered across the floor, her face paled in terror. "Your Highness! What happened?!" she gasped, rushing toward him. Alistair quickly dismissed his status window and shook his head. "It''s nothing to worry about." But Sofia was unconvinced. She bit her lip, sadness flickering in her gaze as she knelt and began preparing the tea. She poured the steaming liquid into his cup, placed it gently before him, and then bowed slightly. "Please, Your Highness, drink. It will ease your fatigue." Alistair hesitated, his thoughts still lingering on his condition. Nevertheless, he picked up the cup and took a sip. The warm liquid spread through his body, soothing yet oddly numbing. ALERT: YOU ARE POISONED. His grip tightened on the cup. His breath hitched. His pupils shrank. What?! The bright red notification blinked furiously before his eyes. Poisoned? The realization sent a cold shiver down his spine. Meanwhile, in the Royal Council Chamber, tension hung thick in the air. Duke Lucian Aurelius, one of the two Dukes from the Holy Kingdom of Aurelius, stood with a grim expression. "We must prepare our troops for battle. The increasing monster surges near the Drak Forest threaten our borders. If we wait too long, we risk catastrophe."This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Duke Veyron Drakos shook his head. "Preparation alone is not enough. We need a complete solution to this problem." Duke Cedric Aurelius tapped his fingers against the armrest. "What if we grant the land to a noble house? Let them govern it as their territory. That way, the responsibility shifts to them." Archmage Eldrin Faelora, seated beside Grand Sorceress Selene Nightshade, scoffed. "Duke, have you forgotten the nature of that land? The Dark Forest is not just any land¡ªit is the Land of Monsters. Even for my kind, the High Elves, who originate from that very forest, it remains a forbidden zone. No one has set foot in the heart of the forest for centuries. And beyond that, the Twelve Legendary Beast King Mountains encircle it, making it an impenetrable fortress." Grand Sorceress Selene added, "Not to mention the Dark Sea on the other side. It serves as a second entrance, but even during the Ancestor Era, no human has dared set sail across that cursed sea." General Roland Stormcrest frowned. "So we¡¯re talking about a place that even the strongest warriors have never dared to enter? Ridiculous." Duke Fenrir Drakos nodded in agreement. "Even I have never climbed those mountains, nor do I intend to." The chamber fell silent as all eyes turned toward King Aldric Drakos. He sat upon his throne, his fingers steepled, his gaze cold and unreadable. Then, with a commanding voice, he spoke: "That is why we will assign a Lord of the Land through the Blood Renewal of Drakos Ceremony." A collective gasp filled the room. Queen Eleanor¡¯s expression darkened. "That... that would put our children¡¯s lives in danger." The King¡¯s gaze never wavered. "That is how they will prove they are Drakos." Duke Zephyr Drakos narrowed his eyes. "Prove? Are you referring to the **Twelfth Forsaken Prince, Alistair?" A stunned silence followed. Many nobles exchanged hesitant glances. Duke Kaelith Drakos scoffed, crossing his arms. "The Twelfth Prince? Don¡¯t be absurd. He hasn¡¯t even awakened his mana. There¡¯s no way he could survive, let alone win the competition. Don¡¯t say something so ridiculous." General Darius Valeheart, who had remained silent until now, chuckled, a knowing smirk on his face. "You won¡¯t know until you see it with your own eyes." Archmage Eldrin Faelora¡¯s lips curled into an eerie smile. "I agree with him." The chamber fell into stunned silence once more. Back in Alistair¡¯s chamber, his mind raced as he activated Appraisal on the tea. The status window displayed: Mana-Nullifying Poison Alistair¡¯s fingers curled into a fist. He turned to Sofia, his voice calm but firm. "Sofia, how long have I been drinking this tea?" Sofia hesitated, sensing something was wrong. "Your Highness... you''ve been drinking it for six years." His heart clenched. "Who chose this tea? Where does it come from?" "It was sent from the Holy Kingdom of Aurelius... chosen by the Queen¡ªyour mother, Your Highness." A storm brewed in Alistair¡¯s mind. The strings are coming together. He had been poisoned by his stepmother and half-siblings as part of the succession struggle. But his parents... his mother and father must have realized it. They countered the poison with another poison¡ªone that prevented him from using mana but kept him alive. They never abandoned him. A smirk slowly spread across his lips as he placed the teacup on the table. There¡¯s no need to take this poison anymore. He turned his gaze to the Quest Window still floating before him. [NEW QUEST: Reclaim What Was Lost] Golden eyes glowed with fierce determination. "It¡¯s time to take back what I lost." To be continued... Chapter 12: Reclaim What Was Lost A lingering bitterness coated Alistair¡¯s tongue as he set the teacup down with deliberate care. His golden eyes narrowed, the weight of revelation settling heavily upon his shoulders. His heart clenched. ¡°Who chose this tea? Where does it come from?¡± Sofia hesitated for a brief moment before bowing her head. ¡°It was sent from the Holy Kingdom of Aurelius¡­ chosen by the Queen¡ªyour mother, Your Highness.¡± A storm brewed in Alistair¡¯s mind. The strings were coming together. The poison in his body wasn¡¯t merely a cruel act of his stepmother or his scheming half-siblings. His parents¡ªhis mother and father¡ªhad known. They had countered one poison with another. The Mana-Nullifying Poison. A toxin designed to suppress mana. A toxin that kept him from growing, from standing as an equal among his siblings. But also¡­ a toxin that had kept him alive. They never abandoned me. A smirk slowly spread across his lips. He lifted the teacup once more before placing it gently on the table. ¡°There¡¯s no need to take this poison anymore,¡± he murmured to himself. His gaze flickered to the glowing Quest Window still floating before him. [NEW QUEST: Reclaim What Was Lost] Objective: Train and grow stronger before the Trials. Reward: ??? Failure: Remain the Forsaken Prince. His golden eyes gleamed with fierce determination. It¡¯s time to take back what I lost. He turned his head towards Sofia, his expression unreadable. Though he said nothing, the silent command in his gaze was unmistakable. ¡°Prepare the tea as usual in my room,¡± he instructed coolly, ¡°and pour it into the flower pot.¡± Sofia hesitated for only a second before lowering her gaze. If I do as he says, will he hate me even more? But she pushed the thought aside. ¡°As you command, Your Highness,¡± she answered in a quiet voice before retreating silently. As soon as she left, Alistair turned back to the Quest Window. Beginner Quest 1: Objective: Store mana in the heart. Rewards: Title: First Person to Store Mana in the Heart (+10 Mana, +5 Physique) 5 Beginner Mana Stones Beginner Short Sword Beginner Quest 2: Objective: Create a mana circle around the heart. Rewards: Title: First Person to Create a Mana Circle Around the Heart (+20 Mana, +5 Intelligence) 5 Beginner Mana Stones Beginner Short Staff Alistair clenched his fists. I have to complete this beginner quest tonight. If he could succeed, he could focus on strengthening his body starting tomorrow. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. Store mana in the heart¡­ but how? If it was similar to the Dantian, then he would have to create a mana path first to guide the energy. However, if he did that, he wouldn¡¯t be able to complete the second quest¡ªforming a mana circle around the heart. What do I do? His mind raced as he paced his room. His sharp eyes wandered until they landed on the Dragon River outside his window. The great river that nourished the entire empire. Water drawn from the river was used throughout the capital, flowing through an intricate drainage system. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Wait¡­ that¡¯s it. A new idea took root in his mind. Instead of storing mana first, why not create a mana circle as the pathway itself? If the circle was the foundation, then mana could be stored naturally within it. Yes¡­ that¡¯s the method. In the dimly lit chamber, Alistair sat cross-legged on the cold floor, his golden eyes shut in deep concentration. The air around him was still, thick with an eerie silence, save for the faint flicker of candlelight dancing along the stone walls. He had been meditating for hours, pushing his mind and body beyond their limits to complete the first step of his beginner quest¡ªstoring mana in his heart. At first, it had felt almost impossible. The human body was not designed to channel mana this way; the heart was a fragile, rhythmic organ, not a vessel for raw energy. Yet, Alistair refused to accept failure. He gritted his teeth, forcing the mana he had gathered to flow toward his chest. Pain, sharp and searing, erupted through his ribcage, as though thousands of needles pierced his very soul. His breath hitched, sweat trickling down his temples. Then, without warning, an unbearable pressure clamped around his chest like an iron vice. His heartbeat thundered in his ears, erratic and strained. The pain intensified¡ªso sudden, so fierce¡ªthat his concentration snapped. The Royal Chamber King Aldric Drakos sat upon his throne, his fingers steepled, his expression unreadable. His cold, commanding voice filled the chamber. ¡°That is why we will assign a Lord of the Land through the Blood Renewal of Drakos Ceremony.¡± A collective gasp echoed across the grand hall. Queen Eleanor¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°That¡­ that would put our children¡¯s lives in danger.¡± The King¡¯s gaze remained firm. ¡°That is how they will prove they are Drakos.¡± Duke Zephyr Drakos narrowed his eyes. ¡°Prove? Are you referring to the Twelfth Forsaken Prince, Alistair?¡± A stunned silence followed. Nobles exchanged uncertain glances. Duke Kaelith Drakos scoffed, crossing his arms. ¡°The Twelfth Prince? Don¡¯t be absurd. He hasn¡¯t even awakened his mana. There¡¯s no way he could survive, let alone win the competition. Don¡¯t say something so ridiculous.¡± General Darius Valeheart chuckled, his smirk brimming with knowing amusement. ¡°You won¡¯t know until you see it with your own eyes.¡± Archmage Eldrin Faelora¡¯s lips curled into an eerie smile. ¡°I agree.¡± Duke Kaelith shot them both a glare. ¡°What are you two scheming?¡± His voice was laced with suspicion. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you believe that just because Alistair Drakos visited you, he suddenly has the ability to use mana? You two may stand at the pinnacle of magic and swordsmanship, but you¡¯re not gods who can grant miracles.¡± King Aldric¡¯s aura flared, suppressing the room with sheer dominance. ¡°Mind your manners, Kaelith.¡± Kaelith¡¯s expression twisted with frustration but he said nothing. Archmage Eldrin¡¯s voice was amused. ¡°Don¡¯t worry so much, Duke Kaelith. You¡¯re just frustrated that your nephew might no longer be the laughingstock of the empire.¡± Queen Eleanor finally spoke, her voice tinged with worry. ¡°What are you two implying?¡± General Darius gave a calm, knowing smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Your Majesty. Whether Prince Alistair is capable of using mana or not¡­ he won¡¯t back down so easily.¡± Duke Cedric Aurelius smirked. ¡°After all, he is a Drakos.¡± Silence stretched across the chamber as the weight of his words settled in. Then, one by one, smirks tugged at the lips of the Dukes and the King himself. Duke Fenrir Drakos frowned. ¡°But we can¡¯t just allow only the Twelfth and Eleventh Prince to participate. That would be unfair.¡± King Aldric nodded. ¡°That is why the Blood Renewal of Drakos Ceremony will include all side-family children as well as the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Princes.¡± A collective wave of shock swept through the chamber. Alistair¡¯s Room "Agh!" A strangled gasp escaped his lips as he clutched his chest, his body lurching forward. His vision swam, a wave of dizziness crashing over him. He struggled to steady his breath, but the agony refused to subside. He knew what this meant. Something was wrong. Gasping, he forced himself to sit upright, his hands trembling slightly. "It won''t do¡­" he muttered under his breath, frustration clawing at his mind. "I''m missing something¡­ but what?" He rose to his feet, his legs unsteady. Pacing back and forth across the room, he struggled to piece together the missing link. He had already failed multiple times. He understood the process in theory¡ªmana needed a structured flow, a path to follow. Yet, no matter how much he tried to shape it, the circle refused to form. The circle¡­ His steps slowed, his brows furrowing. That was it. He needed the circle to store the mana, but it wasn¡¯t forming. That meant he was approaching it the wrong way. His mind raced, analyzing everything he had learned about mana manipulation. Then, his gaze fell upon something unexpected¡ªthe flower on his desk. A single delicate bloom sat in an ornate vase, its petals arranged in a perfect spiral. Alistair¡¯s breath hitched. A sudden realization struck him like lightning. The flower¡¯s shape¡­ it looked like an upside-down teacup. His thoughts spun, weaving together a new understanding. Why was he struggling to form the circle before storing the mana? Wasn¡¯t that the same as trying to create a teacup before pouring the tea? His eyes widened. "I¡¯ve been doing it backward¡­" The answer was suddenly clear. He had to store the mana first, allowing it to settle naturally, before shaping the circle around it. Like water filling a vessel, mana needed a base to stabilize before being molded into form. His lips curled into a smirk, golden eyes burning with newfound determination. He clenched his fists. "This is it¡­ this is what the quest is all about." With renewed vigor, he sat down once more, shutting his eyes. He would complete the quest. He would grow stronger. And he would claim whatever mysterious reward awaited him. [NEW QUEST: Reclaim What Was Lost] Objective: Train and grow stronger before the Trials. Reward: ??? Failure: Remain the Forsaken Prince. To be continued¡­