《Phoenix Magician: Bastard Prince [Military, Academy, LITRPG, Regression]》 Chapter 1: The End of the Road. Chapter 1: The End of the Road. Ark Light exhaled, the air that left his lips thin and laced with minuscule droplets of blood that evaporated under the extreme heat of the active volcano. He stood at five-six with broad shoulders and tanned skin laden with scars, his blonde hair draping down the sides of his head, his piercing blue eyes shining with a deep light. A warrior summoned from a place called Earth was charged with the mission to slay the Fell Phoenix and end the monster¡¯s tyranny over mankind. At least, that was what he was told before being shackled, branded, and made into a slave to fight for the Golden Throne of the Winterfell Empire. Five years had passed since then. Five years since he was whisked away from his cushy college life of partying and dnd. Five years since he lost his parents, friends, and those he loved. Five years of grueling combat and torturing of his mind and body. Yet, the journey itself hadn''t been all bad, despite the hardships of being in a foreign world, he wasn''t alone. He had companions, representatives selected by the countries of this world to be their champions against the monstrous scourge that razed entire cities. Behind him, Liliana Estelle, a raven-haired maiden of the Church of the Pyre of Heart. A no-nonsense priestess and capable healer from the sandy tides of the Sarcea Federation. To his left, Jasper Maze, an arch-magus of the Magitech-Foundation. A brunette happy-go-lucky boy genius with an affinity for all elements of magic and the first to break into the seventh realm of magic at the ripe old age of twelve. On his right, Alexios Tarduun, a stalwart half-dwarf of the Gyseria Mountain dwarf clans clad in fire-resistant adamantine armor. Contrary to popular media from earth, dwarfs in this world were tall, lumbering creatures known for their height, muscles, and fondness for holes. And lastly, at the rear, leading dozens of battle-hardened knights who surrounded Ark, Prince Roland Von-Winterfell of the Holy Imperium. The same nation whose King had torn him from his world and decreed Ark a slave. But now, he was ally andfriend, a white-haired prince who sought to fight his own battles and be a noble who led by example. An example that carved a bloody swath through the Phoenix¡¯s monsters. ¡°It''s¡­ over, Soliloquy is finally dead,¡± Liliana huffed, as she stood, bloodied and battered beside Ark to stare at the lifeless corpse of butchered black feathers and scores of simmering red mounds of pulsating flesh. ¡°Not yet,¡± Ark said as Jasper stepped forward, the boy¡¯s voice splintered into various echoes whispering scores of incantations. The young magician covered in injuries suddenly began to age rapidly, his fine brown hair growing long, his body elongating as his tattered robes shrunk, the consequences of harnessing chrono magic. As colorful glyphs of the arcane hung in the air, the remains of the massive Fell Phoenix began to vibrate angrily, the fresh gore attempting to resist the young mage¡¯s magic. But alas, the will of the Phoenix couldn''t contend with voices of the hundreds of magicians that used Jasper as their focus, offering their life force to seal the monstrosity¡¯s command over time to prevent its resurrection. A costly sacrifice, but a necessary one to end the threat. A hundred sacrifices to end one life. Ark stared at the skull of his kill, basking under the glow of a well fought victory. Soon his mission on this world would be over. Soon he''d be a free man. Able to return home. To see his family and to have the accommodations of a modern world he could enjoy with Liliana. Then the Phoenix moved, its one un-gouged eye snapping open to reveal a crimson iris that locked onto its killers. Immediately Ark¡¯s callous hand found the hilt of his longsword, the black demonic blade igniting with runic magic as its user prepared for battle. Yet no battle came, instead the butchered black bird merely opened its cratered beak as an ominous presence filled the space. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. An attack? No, this was something different, something ancient, more akin to a ritual yet Ark felt no discernable touch of mana on his skin. ¡°Outworlder¡­ with my passing,¡± Soliloquy spoke, despite her head decapitated from the rest of her body, its feminine voice, even on her deathbed, sounded regal with the air of authority, ¡°So too shall yours come to be, the fibers of our fates are intertwined into a tapestry-¡± What remaining words the Fell Phoenix went to speak were cut short as Roland pierced the monster''s skull with his spear. Suddenly laughter filled the air, an echo so vile it sent shivers down Ark¡¯s spine. ¡°What do you think she meant by her words?¡± Liliana asked with grim concern. ¡°Phoenix¡¯s are prophetic. But why try and warn us?¡± ¡°I don''t know,¡± Ark replied as Liliana found his hand, the pair sharing a look of genuine care despite the differences of their stations. Her emerald eyes shifted from his face to the obsidian collar around his neck. An attachment that would soon be gone once Roland ascended the throne. At least that was the deal. ¡°It merely meant to sow doubt and confusion, even in its deathtroes. You needn''t listen to the perfidious rantings of an agent of ruin,¡± Roland said, pushing between the pair and handing Ark a red vial, ¡°Here, a potion. I need you to keep your strength up just in case, I don''t want any surprises.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Ark uncorked the bottle, downing the contents so fast he didn''t stop to take in the bitter taste or leafy aromatic scent. Immediately he could feel strength course through his body, a renewed vigor that gave Ark relief. ¡°How long until the ritual is done?¡± Roland asked, his eyes focused on the massive feathered corpse. ¡°It''s done, Soliloquy can no longer resurrect,¡± Jasper rasped, the young boy now wearing the visage of an old man who nearly crumbled if not for Liliana rushing to catch him. ¡°Your life force is drained!¡± Liliana cried, raising the magician to stand on his feet, ¡°Don''t exert yourself. Roland, Ark, we need to get him to a chapel, his life signs are weak.¡± ¡°Why can''t you heal him here?¡± Roland asked, drawing Ark''s eyes to the man''s hand resting on the hilt of his sword at his waist. Bloodlust? Ark frowned. ¡°I''m out of mana! Stop talking and help me!¡± Liliana spat. ¡°All conditions are fulfilled then,¡± Roland said as his sword came out, the silver weapon merely an inch away from Liliana¡¯s neck. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Ark hissed, his hand wrapped around the Imperial Prince¡¯s wrist and preventing the attack. ¡°What needs to be done,¡± Roland spat as Ark¡¯s eyes tracked the knights closing in. Suddenly Ark¡¯s strength began to wane, his eyes going wide as Roland held up a black rod. ¡°You swore!¡± Ark yelled as he suddenly fell to his knees, his collar compelling his actions to obey the one who held his control rod. ¡°I lied,¡± Roland said before brandishing his sword at Jasper and Liliana. ¡°Alexios! Do something!¡± Ark yelled, turning to the giant who lay upon the floor still with twin cloaked figures standing above him. Ark attempted to move, willed his power to heed his call yet instead of strength, blood flowed from his lips as his body began to shut down. Poison? Ark could feel an insidious sensation course through his veins, a foreign substance masked by the healing potion offered to him by a friend. ¡°Stop! Roland! Stop!¡± Ark roared as Liliana attempted to flee, only to be caught by her hair and yanked back with Jasper collapsing onto the ash-laden ground. Liliana spun, cutting her hair with a dagger and attempting to attack Roland who merely side-stepped her attack. ¡°Why?! After everything we''ve been through?!¡± Liliana cried, raising her hand to fire a bolt of mana yet falling short as Roland''s blade easily severed her arm and pierced her heart. ¡°LILIANA!¡± Ark screamed, the pair making eye contact before her body slipped from the blade and fell. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Ark suddenly found a surge of strength, his body pulsating with power as he rushed forward, blade in hand, screaming murder for the man who betrayed him. ¡°You''ll do no such thing,¡± Roland said as he took a step back and several spears found Ark''s body. ¡°W-why? You¡­ promised to free me!¡± Ark gasped, hanging suspended by the knights who kept him away from their Prince. ¡°Why betray us?! Liliana did nothing to you! We fought for you! Are you all okay with this?!¡± Ark turned his head to the knights, the warriors he had fought beside, bleed with, and commanded, remaining silent. Roland paused, admiring Ark¡¯s hardy constitution that enabled the skewered man to continue reaching out for him. ¡°With the Fell Phoenix dead, this world has no need of heroes, my retinue understands this,¡± Roland said, turning his back to Ark and moving towards Soliloquy¡¯s skull. ¡°Especially one who would inspire the rabble to rise up. Make no mistake Ark, I intend to end slavery, but to do so now would throw the Imperium''s economy into disarray. And your existence¡­ Well, suffice to say, a populace deprived of their champions is a populace more easily controlled.¡± ¡°Roland¡­¡± Ark hissed, his vision darkening as a cold vice seemed to greet his heart. Roland spun, blade in hand, ¡°For what it''s worth, you have my gratitude. Thank you¡­ my friend. For the glory of humanity.¡± The edge of Roland''s Fateslayer found Ark¡¯s heart, the blade poking through his back. ¡°B-bastard¡­ this life or the next!¡± Ark screamed, his movements propelled by rage as he broke several spears and reached out for Roland, ¡°I will kill-!¡± Then the world spun as Ark lost control of his body and his sight was one of that fixed upon the earth staring at the sky. ¡°Goodbye Ark, may you-¡± Whatever words Roland said next were lost to Ark as his world darkened and his spirit passed. Chapter 2: Deal with the Devil You know. Chapter 2: Deal with the Devil You know. In the darkness of an infinite abyss, a light twinkled. ¡°Awaken,¡± A voice commanded, one that held no warmth of familiarity yet was still familiar to Ark as he drifted in the endless expanse. ¡°Awaken yee who would grasp the coattails of a divine being¡¯s grace.¡± ¡°Awaken!¡± Ark¡¯s eyes snapped open at the command, coming face to face with a woman with black wings sitting upon a gold rock in a vast empty expanse. ¡°IRIELEX!¡± Ark roared, rushing toward his archfoe with his fist raised, only to phase right through the phoenix and land on the purple cloud beneath his feet that constituted a ground. ¡°Cease your outbursts,¡± ¡°You! I killed you!¡± Ark spat with fury, turning to face the Fell Phoenix who merely glanced at him with indifference before shifting her golden gaze to her onyx talons. ¡°And yet, I remain,¡± Soliloquy replied coldly. Ark picked himself off the ground, extending his hand as Soliloquy raised a neatly trimmed brow. ¡°COME! BELLROG!¡± Ark roared, ordering his demonic blade to him. Even in the face of such a being, he wouldn¡¯t back down, not when the enemy of all of humanity stood gazing down upon him with her golden eyes. That look, that damnable gaze that viewed him as nothing more than a bug. An insignificant being that was little more than a mote of dust. The look of superiority. One way or another, he¡¯d wipe it from her face. A moment passed, then another, with no sign of his screaming blade. In fact, as Ark stood there wondering what was going on he realized he couldn''t feel the weapon at all, or anything for that matter. ¡°What magecraft is this?!¡± Ark demanded, furrowing his brow as he glared at the Empress of all phoenixs. ¡°Funny. I was going to ask you the same,¡± The raven-haired woman raised a brow as she tapped her black lips with her onyx-colored talon, adopting a look of deep thought. ¡°Interesting¡­¡± Ark looked around, taking stock of his surroundings and looking for any signs of his companions, any sign of a way to¡­ ¡°Huhlk,¡± Ark let out, his vision pulsing as the events of his death flashed before his eyes. Everything that had happened, his decapitation of Soliloquy, his poisoning, and¡­ The glimmering metal of Roland¡¯s holy sword in Lilana¡¯s chest. ¡°Ro¡­¡± Ark growled, his body trembling, his fingers twitching as they curled, the very space around him shaking as if responding to his rage. ¡°Roland. ROLAND. ROLAND!!!!!!¡± Ark screamed, his voice laced with rage, filled with grief as the world around him quaked. He grabbed his head, pulling at his blonde hair as he fell to his knees. ¡°Liliana¡­ Liliana why? Why her? Whywhy! You bastards, YOUdamnbastards!¡± Ark whispered, grief taking hold of him as he recalled his body being skewered and his friends¡­ Friends... ¡°Why?¡± Ark asked to no one as he stared blankly at the floor as the sensation of being decapitated vividly came to the forefront of his mind, "Why?!" ¡°Because it is in your nature,¡± Soliloquy offered, drawing Ark¡¯s ire. ¡°You monkeys have always betrayed one another in pursuit of power. Frankly, humanity¡¯s only redeeming quality is your greed and rodent tenacity to strive for that which is outside your means.¡± ¡°Shut up¡­¡± Ark growled. ¡°Oh? Are you angry? ¡®I SAID SHUT UP BIRD!¡± Ark roared, causing the Empress to snicker. ¡®Cute.¡± ¡°Tell me phoenix, what is the meaning of this?¡± Ark demanded, gesturing out to the darkness that surrounded the pair. ¡°First you want me to be quiet, now you wish me to answer. Well¡­¡± Soliloquy flicked her gaze at the man who walked to stand before her before she shifted her gaze back to her talons. ¡°Which is it?¡± ¡°Speak you damn overgrown bird,¡± Ark growled. Soliloquy laughed at the warrior¡¯s demand, her golden eyes lighting up with amusement as she shifted a hand to cover her mouth. ¡°I am the Empress of all phoenix kind, the progenitor of Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. an entire species. I¡¯m a bit more than just a¡­ bird.¡± ¡°No. You are a bird. A fat, overgrown, disgusting creature that only feeds on the suffering of mankind. The Great Enslaver, The Destroyer, Mother of all phoenixs.¡± Ark said as he began walking up the steps, drawing close to the monument Soliloquy lounged upon. ¡°I watched you burn entire cities, turn innocents into ash and send down monsters that razed monuments that stood for thousands of years.¡± The phoenix rolled her eyes as Ark approached, standing in front of the indifferent woman in her raven dress. ¡°So answer me you foul terror of mankind before I gouge out your tongue and rip out your eyes,¡± Ark hissed, his rage barely contained. ¡°I killed you. So. What. Is. Going. On.¡± ¡®Are you done?¡± Soliloquy replied. Ark growled. ¡°Good boy,¡± Soliloquy said, speaking to Ark as if he were a pet. ¡°First off, you can¡¯t kill me outworlder.¡± Ark blinked, furrowing his brow. ¡°I¡¯m an immortal soul, a steward of this world. My vessel can be destroyed, but not my soul, I¡¯ll always come back, how do you think I reigned for so long? Did you really think a pathetic life form such as yourself could fell a guardian when so many others have failed?¡± Soliloquy smirked, causing Ark to go wide-eyed. ¡°You should feel honored that.¡­ hmm?¡± Soliloquy stopped mid-sentence, blinking as her eyes dulled in their color with her form suddenly shrinking. Something was wrong, the void beginning to flicker with images, pictures of scenes Ark both recognized and didn''t. His eyes averted, looking over to the strings of memories playing out all around him. Scenes of his adventures, scenes of his battles, his life, his first time with Liliana before the battle with Soliloquy, and then¡­ his death. These were his memories. ¡°Fascinating!¡± Soliloquy suddenly shouted, grinning madly. ¡°So that was your game! Ahahahahaha! Genius! GENIUS! Perhaps I gave your pathetic race too little credit!¡± Ark was confused, unsure what was going on as the phoenix stood up, splaying her arms to the side and laughing with a madness in her eyes as the void around the pair shifted, twisting from a dark purple to a golden light as Soliloquy unfurled her wings. Suddenly the video of his life shifted, revealing images unfamiliar to Ark. ¡°YOU!¡± Soliloquy pointed at Ark, her face twisted with joy and madness. ¡°You will be mine!¡± ¡°What?!¡± Ark furrowed his brow, taking a step back as the woman suddenly accosted him, grabbing his face with a deranged look in her eye. Ark attempted to pull away yet couldn¡¯t, his punches and kicks merely phasing through the Mother of All phoenixes as she leaned in, bringing his face close as she clutched his chin. "Do you wish for power?" "What?" Ark replied, still attempting to get free. "Do you wish for a second chance?" Ark blinked, eyes wide at the implications. "You mean resurrection?!" Adam exclaimed with eyes wide. "Something like that¡­ With my power sealed, and my corpse butchered, it seems my tether to this world has been unbalanced," The phoenix grinned, licking her lips with her forked black tongue. ¡°But you¡­ you will be my new tether, and in turn, I will grant you a second chance.¡± A second chance. If I had a second chance! I could save Liliana! Ark blinked, clenching his jaw as the phoenix stared down at him and waited for a response. "This is a trap." "I assure you mortal, it is not." Soliloquy replied, the void around them suddenly seeming to coalesce, creating walls that were beginning to crack. "What I offer is another chance. To right a wrong done to thee and this world." "What does that mean? What is going on?!" Ark exclaimed, the walls beginning to break with blinding light flooding in. "Your soul is fading," Soliloquy replied, her wings shedding black feathers. "And consequently, so is mine since we are now one and the same. You poor pawn, a mere piece in someone else¡¯s schemes. Use to strike a blow at your betters. I suppose even ants possess a poison." Ark''s eyes narrowed, his bloodlust rising as he saw the glee in Roland''s eyes clear as day in his mind. Soliloquy drew close, the woman nearly touching him with her breasts, ¡°All you have to do is tell me your deepest desire.¡± Ark¡¯s eyes shifted upwards, his gaze one of a furious glare brimming with hatred. ¡°I want justice.¡± At the response, the Fell Phoenix raised a brow, ¡°Justice? Not vengeance?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want vengeance,¡± Ark seethed, barely containing the anger bubbling within like hot magma ready to explode, ¡°I want justice! For all the years of suffering, for all the lies, for the pain of watching those I love die and the years STOLEN from me!¡± "Phoenix¡­" Ark said, accepting that he was making a deal with the devil. But nothing mattered if the love of his life was gone, if all his efforts were of no benefit to himself. "Give me your power." "Excellent choice," Soliloquy smiled, drawing Ark close, too close. Soliloquy''s mighty wings unfurled, moving until they encompassed all of Ark''s body, drawing him in with their faces nearly kissing and Ark recoiling. ¡°Relax. I promise you¡¯ll enjoy this,¡± Soliloquy hissed, locking lips with Ark as the entire world exploded in brilliant light. Chapter 3: The Nooseman Chapter 3: The Nooseman Ark gasped, waking from his nightmare unable to breathe as a vice clenched around his throat. Struggling, Ark¡¯s body spasmed, his eyes rapidly darting to and fro as he attempted to make sense of his new-found surroundings. Immediately he tried to rouse his ki, to strengthen his arms and break the rope around his neck, yet try as he might, his body didn''t respond. Shit! Am I seriously about to die again?! Ark hissed internally, his feet furiously attempting to reach out to the thin metal shelves lining each wall. Finally Ark''s foot found purchase, the tip of his black boots just barely grazing the edge of the shelf. C¡¯mon! C¡¯mon! Ark hissed internally, his eyes bulging, heart-rate pulsing as his vision darkened and his fingers sluggishly dug into the noose around his neck. *Clang!* Finally the shelf tipped over, giving Ark a foothold to catch his breath with an audible gasp. Quickly Ark reached up, removing the rope around his neck with thin trembling fingers that bleed from the blisters bursting from his rope burns. Ark winced, losing his balance and knocking down another shelf in the process and scattering random jars and brooms about. ¡°What¡­ what the hell?¡± Ark murmured, rubbing his head before realizing that his voice came out¡­ Different. In fact, his fingers weren''t the same that he knew. Gone were the calluses and rough tanned texture of his strong hands, instead, they were replaced by soft unblemished skin that bleed from simply pulling at ropes around his neck. Ark glanced around, taking in his cluttered enclosure with his eyes darting to the nearby window before he glanced down at his new¡­ form. He frowned, observing the pristine white uniform with gold buttons and cuffs that adorned his body. Ark brushed back the hair in his eyes, taking in the coarse feel of unwashed fiber that left black strands laced through his fingers. That''s when he noticed his wrists were scrawny, poking out from his expensive outfit to reveal parts of his emaciated form. Black not blonde? What the hell am I wearing? Ark narrowed his eyes, attempting to piece together his current predicament when suddenly the door of the closet burst open, casting a blinding ray of light on Ark who moved his hand to shield his eyes. A moment of silence passed before Ark''s eyes adjusted to the light, allowing him to meet the gaze of the white-haired girl wearing a similar uniform as him. With gold iridescent eyes, soft face, puffy hair adorned with jewels, and body laden with fine metals, the woman before him was a model image of a spoiled noble brat. She looked down at Ark, then her eyes drifted to the rope dangling from the ceiling and the mess of scattered shelves. ¡°Pathetic, you can''t even kill yourself right,¡± The girl spat, her narrow face contorting into one of disgust before she turned, walking away on white high heels through the crowd of students that had gathered. Now Ark sat at a loss for words, attempting to process the turn of events that now involved a dozen sets of eyeballs focused on him. **** Eventually, four students with white arm bands appeared and grabbed Ark, dragging him from what he came to realize was a janitor''s closet of an academy of sorts. Paraded through the crowd of students, Ark kept his head low, his eyes observing every detail of the red ornate halls he was dragged through until he was pushed past the double doors of a lavish office. ¡°Sit there,¡± One of his captors growled, shoving him forward and pointing to the maple-wood chair beside a desk made of solid gold. With no ki to call upon, Ark stumbled forward, each movement he made sluggish as his new body attempted to heed his commands. He paused, Ark''s eyes focused on a nearby gold bust of a stranger that reflected his appearance. At six feet, clad in white and gold, the visage Ark saw of a black-haired man with thin cheeks and snow-white skin was an image foreign to him. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Soliloquy? Is this a part of your schemes? Ark called out yet was greeted with silence. However, it was evidently clear that he was no longer in his body, and judging from the various emblems unrecognizable to Ark, he might not even be in his world. Had he been played? Sent to a different world again? No, Ark understood their language, it was Ambrosian. The basic tongue spoken by all countries of El Gia. A language that had been beaten into him to ¡®improve¡¯ his efficiency. So where the hell was he? Finally reaching the chair, Ark took a seat upon the soft red cushion as the group of white-bands stared at him with an uncomfortable eagle-like focus. In their gazes he saw contempt and disgust, dispassionate expressions that saw him as nothing more than a nuisance. Another question in Ark''s mind, whose body was this and why did everyone hate him? A few moments of uncomfortable silence passed before the double door slammed opened. ¡°Leave us,¡± A balding man in gold-lined archmage robes ordered, entering the room with a clergy woman following closely behind. ¡°Hospitaller,¡± Ark muttered, the woman¡¯s robes familiar to him as a member of the Church of the Pyre Heart. The same church Liliana was a priestess of. Or¡­ had been a priestess of. Flinching from her touch against his bruised neck, Ark relaxed as the gentle flow of healing magic channeled from the pink-haired priestess and into him. Enraptured by the memories of his time with Liliana, Ark found himself slow to answer the man snapping for his attention. ¡°Loyd! Do you realize the stain your selfish action has placed upon this academy?!¡± The bald man barked, slamming his wrinkled fist against his gold desk. So this body is named Loyd¡­ Unsure of what the exact circumstances of his situation were, Ark elected to remain silent while the man fumed and sent the cleric away. Ark frowned, This boy commits suicide and the only thing he can talk about is this academy''s tarnished prestige? ¡°I have sent for Baroness Fey, who will certainly have choice words for you once she arrives, do you have anything you wish to say for yourself?!¡± Once more, Ark remained silent, his eyes more focused on the five ring patterns on the archmage¡¯s cloak. Six rings, sixth tier. This man was a talented mage! A step below Merlin even. But if such a mage existed when he was alive then Ark would have been familiar with him. But he wasn''t, so now he had more questions than answers including wondering who this Baroness Fey was. ¡°Are you daft boy? Answer me! I should have you expelled!¡± Ark cast his eyes to the side, his focus on a bookshelf and pondering what knowledge he could gleam from its tomes. Illicating no reaction from Ark, the archmage sat back in his large leather chair, choosing to scowl at Ark instead of yelling. Finally the silence was broken by the sound of the doors opening to reveal a tall brunette woman with a gaunt face caked by makeup to hide whatever illness racked her body. Strolling across the office on black heels, the baroness set off a flurry of alarms that ignited inside Ark, almost as if his body was reacting to the sight of the woman. Is the host¡¯s spirit still here? ¡°Baronesses Fey,¡± The old mage said, not bothering to rise from his seat as he gestured to the adjacent chair beside Ark. ¡°Headmaster Bruno,¡± The woman bowed, her voice laced with the hints of the seductress she had once been as she calmly took a seat beside Ark. ¡°Given the nature of Loyd¡¯s special situation I will cut this short,¡± Bruno said, his face unable to mask his contempt, ¡°Your charge here attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself in a maintenance closet.¡± ¡°What?¡± The Baroness whispered in disbelief. Ark studied her reaction, besides the quiver in her voice, slight widening of her eyes and loss of color around her neck, one would almost believe she wasn''t disturbed by the news. ¡°Fortunately he was found by several students including Princess Winterfell.¡± PRINCESS?! Now it was Ark¡¯s turn to lose his composure with his mouth drooping. There was no Princess of Winterfell, not to his knowledge. Winterfell had only one heir, and that was Roland, the bastard that had betrayed him! But now there was a princess? Something was wrong. Something was very very wrong! ¡°My recommendation is expulsion.¡± At the word expulsion Ark¡¯s focus was drawn back in. ¡°Please, you can''t expel him!¡± The Baroness exclaimed, suddenly rising to her feet as Ark remained numb. ¡°Loyd doesn''t get along with his peers. He''s unkempt, failing at magic, and doesn''t even possess the capability of utilizing ki. Worse still, this latest fiasco has only driven his and House Fey¡¯s standing further into a downward spiral, not to mention this academy''s prestige. Perhaps time away from the academy would do well to ail him,¡± The Headmaster replied dispassionately. Can''t use ki? Ark inwardly frowned. ¡°Please reconsider Headmaster, Loyd needs this academy. The crown may have given up on Loyd but I assure you House Fey has not. This was¡­ a lapse in judgement. I beseech you to give Loyd another chance,¡± The woman said, her hands on the gold desk with her body leaning forward in a manner removed of all dignity of a noble. ¡°And what assurances can House Fey give to the Rokugin Academy that an incident such as this will not occur again? Please Baron Fey, you must realize the position you''ve placed me in. It is regrettable enough that he possesses the stigma of being disowned, but would you make this academy his tomb and tarnish this institution as well?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Silence took the room, neither of the adults speaking as Baron Fey¡¯s hands clenched into fists. ¡°Loyd,¡± The woman said, her jaw clenching and unclenching repeatedly, ¡°Sir Welkin is outside and will escort you home. We will talk later.¡± Without a word, Ark rose to his feet, allowing the pair to discuss the fate of his future as he exited the room, both unaware that the person they were talking about no longer existed. Chapter 4: Clarity of the Situation ¡°Young master, Loyd,¡± An elderly man wearing the garb of a knight errant bowed to Ark as the latter stepped through the dual doors of the Headmaster¡¯s office. ¡°Welkin,¡± Ark replied, more of a question than an acknowledgement of the knight. On first appearance, Welkin held the look of a man well past his prime. Late fifties at least, the man''s left side of his face was burned, his tanned skin flushing out the scars that coated his body. Ark frowned, Is everyone from House Fey sick and maimed? Following the limping knight, Ark was led through the velvet hallways of the academy that echoed with whispers of hundreds of students. Gossip traveled like wildfire, with every step he took and students he passed, Ark could feel what was on their mind as their condescending gazes focused on him. Fucking nobles¡­ Eventually Ark was led outside and brought to a black lamer-lined carriage drawn by a pair of eight-legged black-haired horses known as sleipnirs. ¡°Young master?¡± Welkin said, opening the door of the carriage for Ark who stood stunned as his eyes focused out on the horizon of the gold metropolis that filled the expanse of land in the distance. ¡°This¡­ impossible¡­ no! NO!¡± Ark yelled as the realization dawned on him that he¡¯d been tricked. This wasn''t his world! Not like he remembered it, El Gia had no cities this massive, no academies so prestigious, and there definitely wasn''t a princess of Winterfell so where was Ark?! Ark¡¯s breathing began to grow rapid, his vision blurry as his body struggled to process the rage building in his heart. A different timeline? The future? Another world? No! Liliana! That damned bird! You was supposed to grant me another chance! Suddenly Ark found himself forcefully yanked back by Welkin, the old knight leaning over Ark with a firm hand gripping into his shoulder. ¡°Young master,¡± Welkin said, his stern voice almost a growl, ¡°It is time to go.¡± Then Ark realized he was being watched. From a balcony of a nearby building, the same woman who had discovered him in the closet stood looking down at him with a retinue of students. ¡°So¡­ it is,¡± Ark said through clenched teeth, reeling in his boiling emotions and boarding the leather interior of the cramped carriage. Welkin drew the covers over the window of the carriage, blocking Ark''s view of the outside before the carriage lurched and began to move. Ark sat back and relaxed, his mind racing with thousands of questions as he contemplated his current situation and his frail body devoid of the vigor he had grown so accustomed to. He attempted to circulate mana, to awaken the ki pathways that seemed defunt and crippled. Ark had never been good at commanding external mana known as magic, but one thing he knew for certain was how to effectively handle his bodily energy. Or so he thought before realizing how poorly his body seemed to handle mana. Something was blocking his control, like his circuits weren''t active at all. ¡°Cheep!¡± Ark jolted, his eyes rapidly scanning the carriage. ¡°Cheep! Cheep!¡± ¡°What is that?¡± Ark frowned before his focus shifted downward to black baby chicken at his feet. ¡°Cheep!¡± Ark narrowed his eyes, a sudden feeling of annoyance creeping through his veins. ¡°Please tell me you aren''t what I think you are¡­¡± ¡°Are you disappointed Featherling?¡± Soliloquy cheeped, her voice high pitched and absent of the regal authority she once held. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Immediately Ark''s foot cast a shadow over the bird with the once mighty phoenix realizing too late what was about to happen. Soliloquy perform an about face, attempting to scurry away only for Ark to stomp on the bird. Pain shot through Ark, his body seizing for a moment as Soliloquy screamed. ¡°WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!¡± Soliloquy yelped, squirming as Ark continued to press his foot down on the chicken. Ignoring the irritation burning within, Ark attempted to flatten the bird completely, yet try as he might he couldn''t, his body seemingly unwilling to heed his command. ¡°Stop! Cease your incessant assault at once!¡± Soliloquy squawked, her voice muffled from Ark''s boot on her face. ¡°This isn''t what you promised! Where am I?!¡± Ark demanded. ¡°Whose body is this?!¡± ¡°How should I know?! I only picked the strongest tether I could locate after looking through time!¡± ¡°What does that mean?!¡± Ark yelled, his voice coming out coarse. ¡°Meaning I required a vessel strong enough to hold our souls with enough commonality we could inhabit it! Many years have passed Outworlder, the El Gia you knew is no longer the same!¡± Princess Winterfell¡­ Ark''s face twisted, connecting the dots. ¡°How long?¡± The Phoenix went silent. ¡°HOW LONG?!¡± ¡°By my estimate, it took one hundred and thirty five years to find a suitable host.¡± Ark fell silent, his eyes quivering as he took in the news. One hundred¡­ one hundred years¡­ mom¡­ dad¡­ Ark thoughts turned to his parents, his family back on earth that were now long gone. ¡°Send me back¡­¡± Ark muttered, his expression downcast. ¡°I cannot Outworlder,¡± The Phoenix chirped with a sincere finality. ¡°Send me back you overcooked nugget!¡± Ark yelled, raising his foot. ¡°Back? I can''t send you anywhere! I delivered your soul out of oblivion for a second chance! This was our agreement Outworlder!¡± Soliloquy spat, fleeing across the cabin on her tiny yellow feet. ¡°Not like this! How does this constitute a second chance?! Liliana is gone! The world I knew is gone! Even if I went back to earth everyone I know is dead! You promised me revenge! Does this look like revenge?! Does this look like a second chance?!¡± Ark spat, pointing down to his emaciated body. ¡°I concur this situation isn''t ideal, but you have been given a new lease at life. I have kept my word Featherling. Now you will do something for me.¡± ¡°You screw me over and now you want to make demands of me?¡± Ark spat as the carriage stopped. ¡°That is the nature of a deal is it not? The monkey you call Roland is still alive, worst still, he possesses the power of a guardian. My power. Which means he is aware of my presence on this plane.¡± ¡°Which means he''ll be coming for me, right?¡± Ark spat, wondering how could Roland still be alive, ¡°With this body I might as well have stayed dead!¡± ¡°He doesn''t know who you are, merely that I exist again. You have the comfort of anonymity and a new body. As well as a fraction of my power which will grow as you become accustomed to your new form.¡± Ark clenched his teeth, his eyes darting to the door beside him that began to open. ¡°Young Master Loyd, are you well?¡± Welkin asked, the old man furrowing his brow at the composed Ark before his gaze shifted to the tiny black chicken. ¡°A chicken?¡± ¡°This is my¡­¡± ¡°Familiar.¡± Ark blinked as Soliloquy''s voice echoed through his mind. ¡°Familiar,¡± Ark said with the old Knight''s eyes widening in surprise. ¡°This¡­ I wasn''t aware that you-¡± ¡°I''m fine Welkin, continue with the ride,¡± Ark ordered, dismissing the man. The old knight seemed to hesitate, his eyes shifting from the scrawny teen to the chicken nearby and then back to Ark. ¡°As¡­ you wish young master,¡± Welkin said as Ark sat back and the door closed allowing the carriage to take off once more. ¡°You can speak into my head?¡± Ark asked, looking down at the chicken. ¡°We''re bonded you and I, what harm befalls me shall harm thee too as you''ve been so eager to find out,¡± Soliloquy replied, her little voice one of clear irritation as she stared at Ark. So where does this leave you and I? The chicken blinked, ¡°I will aid your growth. Teach you magic. Command over flame and time.¡± And in return? ¡°You will destroy the one you call Roland and restore balance to this world. This is our covenant. A mortal man was never meant to have dominion over time.¡± Yet you give it to me? Soliloquy chirped, ¡°Out of necessity. Humanity left unchecked will ruin this world. Much as it has done to your own Outworlder.¡± What do you mean by that? Ark furrowed his brow. ¡°I have gleaned your memories. Seen what lies beyond the confines of this plane of existence. I know the world you hail from and what your kind have done to it...¡± Ark closed his eyes, taking a moment to process everything he''d been told and the circumstances of his situation. It seemed he¡¯d been lied to about Soliloquy''s purpose. ¡°Okay,¡± Ark said, swallowing the raging inferno trembling within as the carriage stopped once more. ¡°Young Master,¡± Welkin said, opening the cabin door. ¡°We''ve arrived home.¡± Ark quickly got up, exiting from the carriage to get a view at his home and surroundings when his eyes widened. ¡°Young master are you well?¡± Welkin asked, attempting to garner Ark''s attention away from the people working the fields beside a massive mansion of ivory and gold. ¡°Slaves¡­¡± Ark muttered, focused on the tanned-skin people that surrounded his manor as his hands balled into fists. ¡°You have slaves¡­¡± Chapter 5: System ¡°Is something the matter with our help, young master Loyd?¡± Welkin asked, taking Ark from his stupor of the sight of so many of them cultivating the crops that surrounded the manor. So much for ending slavery¡­ Ark¡¯s face twitched, barely able to hide the disdain of another lie told to him. A slave turned his head, making eye contact with Ark and immediately paling with the former not realizing he was staring at a singular person. ¡°No¡­ nothing is wrong. Show me to my room,¡± Ark replied, eager to be alone and plan his next set of actions. Of course, beneath the veneer of a troubled youth, Welkin couldn''t see that Ark, in fact, did have a problem with the slaves as his hand subconsciously touched his neck. The old man looked at Ark inquisitively but did as ordered, limping forward towards the towering oak-like doors of the gilded mansion as Soliloquy climbed onto Ark¡¯s back to stand on his shoulder. Bit much for a baron¡­ With this much gold you could buy out an entire town. Ark frowned, astonished at the exterior of the lavish building supported by pillars of solid gold. However, his impression of the building quickly faded as he entered the interior. Within the mansion wrapped by gold and silver, was a barren and empty house, completely devoid of furniture, paintings, or any of the amenities of a home. In fact, now that Ark was up close to the building, the gold columns were worn, almost chipped in some places that were unnoticeable from a distance. It seems they must not get many visitors. Ark noted, following the old knight through the halls of the cream-colored facade marred by occasional water stains and chipping of paint. Finally, the pair arrived at a door of the west wing of the building that had the words, KEEP OUT! written in with white paint. Is House Fey in debt? What kind of noble household is this¡­ ¡°Is there anything else you require of me milord?¡± Welkin asked, the old man¡¯s eyes seeming to study Ark. ¡°Nothing, I would like to be alone,¡± Ark replied before opening the door of ¡°his¡± room. Within, Ark scanned the decrepit quarters, his gaze darting around the room littered with clothes, papers, and books strewn about in an unorderly manner. There was also an¡­ odor. A scent akin to mildew or wet blankets that had been left to stew too long. Ark wrinkled his nose, his eye twitching as he took in the life of his body known as Loyd Fey. ¡°Disgusting, how could any creature allow their nest to be so polluted.¡± ¡°Well¡­ it''s clear he was depressed,¡± Ark muttered, leaning down to pick up a book titled Ki 101. A learning manual that Ark had no use for, ¡°Neither of us know his life, but if this is who we are we¡¯d better learn it.¡± Ark tossed the tome to the side and wadded through the garbage on the cluttered floor to sit upon the king-sized bed whose wooden frame appeared to be rotting in certain places. ¡°So¡­ chicken, what do you have to offer me in your current state?¡± Ark asked, moving the sheets of crumpled paper on his bed that held various complex equations and occult symbols. Soliloquy twitched at being called a chicken with her talons nipping into Ark¡¯s flesh. ¡°I dislike being called a chicken, monkey.¡± [IDIOT INTERFACE FOR HARNESSING MY POWER] [Level 0] [EXP: 0/100] -[HP: 25/25] [Phoenix Points: 0] [Stats] -[STR: 7] -[DEX: 5] -[VIT: 5] -[WILL: 18] -[SENS: 7] [SPELL USES] T1: 3/3 [Spell Book: [T1 Grasp Flame: Bind and move targeted flames(Fire)] [T1 Spark: Light a flashing spark of fire, the more ambient fire mana in the air, the bigger the spark(Fire)] [T1 Push: Harness wind to push targeted object(Wind)] If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. [T1 Slow LvL 1: Slow down targeted object(Time)] [T1 Restore LvL 1: Rewind the flow of time to restore an object to previous form(Time)] Ark flinched as the translucent words suddenly popped into existence. ¡°What is this?¡± Ark frowned, looking over the interface before him and spells. Time magic? ¡°A compilation of your abilities I have simplified in a way you may adequately perceive, I believe your world calls it a character sheet,¡± Soliloquy explained with Ark unsure about the Phoenix diving through his memories, ¡°After looking over your memories, it''s clear to me that you lack the intellect required to actually process magic. Nevermind the talent. So I will be your focus.¡± ¡°Are you calling me stupid?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The pair sat in silence for a moment, neither speaking as they stared at one another. A knock at the door finally interrupted their staring contest. ¡°Young master Loyd, Vermel is preparing dinner, what would you like?¡± Welkin asked. ¡°Chicken,¡± Ark replied, swatting Soliloquy off his shoulder. ¡°Very well sir,¡± Welkin said with Ark waiting for the sound of the man''s trailing footsteps to cease before focusing on the system. ¡°So how does this work? I kill things? Gain experience? Unlock new abilities? Seems very gamified.¡± ¡°In simpleton terms¡­ yes. I will handle casting magic and act as your focus. In return, you will hunt and steal the time from your foes to augment my reservoir. The more time you consume, the more of my magic and abilities you''ll gain,¡± Soliloquy explained before suddenly vanishing as Ark reviewed the list of spells available to him. ¡°Sounds easy enough¡­¡± Ark muttered and he closed his eyes, attempting to awaken his mana circuits to no avail. But there was a spark. A faint feeling of muffled vitality coursing through his veins. A telltale sign that he''d been- ¡°Poisoned¡­¡± Ark frowned, finally sensing the level of damage that plagued his host. Half of my mana circuits are necrotic and poorly developed¡­ months of damage? No¡­ years. Ark opened his eyes and gazed down at the score of books around him on how to utilize ki. ¡°Poor bastard never stood a chance¡­¡± Someone had sabotaged Loyd, robbed him of whatever potential he may have had and stunted the boy¡¯s growth. But why? The level of poison this advanced to destroy ki channels while leaving the host alive was too costly to use on a mere baron''s brat. Punishment? No, if it were the case why bother with so many books? Who studies so hard to try and awaken your ki if you knew you''d been punished and your circuits were destroyed? A picture was forming of Loyd''s life in Ark¡¯s mind with the culprit pointing towards that white-haired princess¡­ ¡°Even his seed is tainted¡­¡± Ark hissed before the door of his suddenly burst open. ¡°YOU!¡± Baroness Fey shouted, red in the face and marching through the refuse upon the floor and suddenly smacking Ark. ¡°DON''T YOU EVER TRY TO KILL YOURSELF AGAIN! What were you thinking?! Why would you try to kill yourself? Do you have any idea how selfish you were?!¡± Ark sat stunned, holding his red cheek as the woman screamed at him with tears streaming down her face. The baroness went wide-eyed, realizing what she''d done and moving in to try and comfort Ark. Then she coughed, spewing blood, her hand catching the spittle before it could run down her thin chin. ¡°I¡­¡± Ark began, at a loss for words and dry swallowing before the baroness hugged him. ¡°I''m sorry mom.¡± The woman abruptly released him, backing away with her eyes quivering as she stared at Ark who couldn''t meet her gaze. ¡°I''ve wanted to hear you call me that for so long,¡± Lady Fey said, embracing Ark once more and sobbing between her coughs. ¡°But please, please tell me why? Speak to me.¡± Is¡­ she not Loyd''s mom? Ark said to himself, realizing he''d made a mistake. ¡°I¡­ I''m just going through a lot¡­¡± Ark said, giving a generic response which wasn''t quite a lie. ¡°Is it your sister?¡± Ark blinked, Sister? Unsure of how to respond, Ark looked away. ¡°I know¡­ that seeing Cecilia can be hard given your status. You have none of the protections or amenities of your siblings, and that you''re struggling with your ki. But Loyd, I promise you! That suicide isn''t the answer,¡± Baroness Fey said, dabbing her mouth with a cloth. ¡°Whatever you''re going through, whatever is hurting you, you are not alone. I''m here for you. Please, please promise me you won''t ever do anything rash like that again. You have an entire life to live. Please...¡± Ark finally made eye contact with the woman, ¡°I''m sorry¡­¡± ¡°Promise!¡± Fey snapped, her sunken eyes moving something in Ark who found himself overcome with guilt. ¡°I promise,¡± Ark said, taking the hand of the woman completely unaware that the boy she knew was gone. He rubber hand callous hands, skin that was rough and unbefitting of the nobles he knew. ¡°Okay¡­ I''m sorry for striking you,¡± Fey said, rubbing Ark''s face where she had hit him. ¡°It''s fine¡­ I''m okay,¡± Ark said, attempting to placate the woman. ¡°What do you need from me to make this better?¡± Fey asked, her eyes full of sincerity that caught his attention. ¡°Just¡­ time,¡± Ark said after careful consideration. The Baroness stepped back, examining Ark for a moment who had numerous questions plaguing his mind. ¡°Okay, I can do that. I talked with the Headmaster and we''ve agreed that you can spend your summer off campus. Away from the academy. If you want to continue you''re enrollment at a later date, you''ll be allowed to,¡± Fey explained. ¡°I think¡­ I''d like that,¡± Ark replied. With time to be in isolation, he could get a better grasp on the situation and maybe find a fix to unlock his ki. ¡°Okay, I''ll give you some space,¡± Fey said, hugging Ark tightly as her bodily aroma akin to tea leaves entered his nose and seemed to soothe his tension. ¡°Thank you,¡± Ark said, watching the baroness leave. As the door closed Ark wasted no time and turned back to the translucent screen that was unseen by his guardian. *** Elsewhere, a woman with curly black hair, and bushy eyebrows wearing cured leather armor observed the manor from the tree line of the shrubbery and forests that concealed her group of bandits. Her eyes were dark with no ounce of light as they in took in the plantation filled with slaves being watched by their overseers. ¡°I don''t know about this boss, mugg¡¯n¡¯s one thing, but kill¡¯n nobles?¡± A brigadier asked, the ruffian one of six that followed the black-haired barbarian woman. Karlja licked her lips stained with pink gloss, before rubbing her tongue piercing using the tip of her teeth. ¡°Contractor wants em dead so they gotta die. Just make sure to leave the girl alive otherwise it''s all us''s heads,¡± Karja said, the large woman signaling to her scouts. ¡°Circle the perimeter, I want the numbers of all the guards, overseers, and knights on the premises.¡± ¡°Aye boss,¡± The ruffian said, blending into the forest as Karja watched a carriage unload another group of slaves onto the Fey property. Chapter 6: Shedding Under the candlelight, Ark ate in silence, hungrily devouring the meat as his body gave in to the seemingly insatiable hunger. From opposite ends of the table, the baroness and her knight Welkin, both looking on in silence as they focused on Ark who paid them no mind despite coming out of his room to join them. Ark didn''t intend to be rude, rather he was preoccupied by the meal and the see-through screen in front of his face. Is it just me or are these stats very low? Ark lamented, focused on his stats. [EXP: 0.2/100] -[HP: 25/25] [Phoenix Points: 0] [Stats] -[STR: 7] -[DEX: 5] -[VIT: 5] -[WILL: 18] -[SENS: 7] ¡°This is a representation of your current form. Your host is weak ergo, so are you.¡± Ark''s eyes drifted to the experience. So even eating can gain me experience? Ark sent to Soliloquy as he quickly realized he was gaining experience for every chicken drum he finished. ¡°The tapestry of time is interwoven of all things. Consuming another is the most efficient method of taking their time, the fresher the prey, the more ¡®exp¡¯ you can obtain if you eat them instead of perversely playing with your food.¡± Ark paused, sensing a hint of disgust from the Phoenix. You think cooking is us playing with our food? Ark replied through their mind link. ¡°Is it not? Only humanoids take the time to pretty up and desecrate corpses with other corpses.¡± Ark frowned, a sudden image of himself gorging on a corpse. How does this work if your my familiar? Don''t you need to eat? ¡°Phoenix physiology is sustained by the chronology of other species. As your familiar, I subsume from the essence of time you collect, so I need not hunt myself.¡± So¡­ you''re a parasite¡­ ¡°Symbiote. You are the tether that binds my consciousness to this plane and I, your talons. You would do well to correct your tone with me monkey, I find it¡­ wearisome. Do not mistake my patience for weakness.¡± Ark sighed, setting down his utensils. He didn''t want to admit it, but he was being intentionally rude. After five years of hunting the beast, he was still wrapping his mind around everything that had transpired. You''re right. Still getting over the fact that we''re not trying to kill each other¡­ Ark sent back, his thoughts turning to the years of conflict shared between the two. ¡°The feeling is mutual. But for this relationship to prosper, we must be at the very least amicable to one another.¡± ¡°Master Loyd.¡± Ark looked up, turning his attention to the maid girl waiting patiently beside him. Vermel, a slave who was in charge of food preparation for House Fey. An oddity Ark found curious but didn''t comment on as to not elicit unwanted attention. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. At five six, Vermel was a young woman with thick black curly hair and a slim figure. Not very noticeable at a distance but she had a bookish charm about her which, mixed with her thick rim glasses made Ark look twice. ¡°Would you like more?¡± The woman asked in a refined and polite manner. If not for the brand she had around her neck, Ark would have thought she was a simple servant. ¡°Yes please,¡± Ark said, sending the girl away with his empty plate, his eyes tracking the woman who was both skilled in cooking and etiquette. How is it House Fey can afford high quality servants but live in squalor? Ark wondered. ¡°It''s good to see your appetite is back,¡± Lady Fey said, a soft smile on her pale face. ¡°Just very hungry is all¡­¡± Ark replied as Vermil returned with a plate of food. ¡°Is it fine if I eat in my room?¡± ¡°By all means,¡± The baroness said with Ark rising as Welkin moved to help the woman from her chair. ¡°Thank you for the meal,¡± Ark said to Vermil whose ears seemed to twitch in response. Leaving the trio behind, Ark quickly asconded to his room, leaving the plate on a nearby dresser as he surveyed his filthy dwelling with a chicken drum in his mouth. ¡°I dislike the odor in here.¡± ¡°Trust me, the feeling is mutual,¡± Ark said, kicking a moldy object of unknown origin away. ¡°Might as well get some exercise in.¡± Ark moved, picking up various clothes, pushing trash into a pillowcase, and stacking books until he came to a textbook labeled Ki 101. A feeling of scorn and forelonging bubbled up in Ark as his hand subconsciously tightened around the moldy cover of the book. ¡°Princess Winterfell huh¡­¡± Ark muttered before eyeing himself in a nearby mirror and the uniform he still wore. ¡°I can sense your scheming monkey.¡± ¡°Because I am¡­ I think I have my way to get at Roland,¡± Ark said, the expression on his face insidious in nature. ¡°Fortunately this host is a noble. If I ascend the ranks, I can get close and kill him.¡± ¡°You make it seem so simple,¡± Soliloquy chirped, materializing atop a desk where she began pecking and dragging pieces of paper into a pile. ¡°It won''t be,¡± Ark said as he stood in front of the mirror and examined his scrawny body. He made a fist, his shaking hand a far cry from a symbol of strength. ¡°Whoever Loyd Fey was, he''s gone. And he has to become Ark Light. Both in mind and in body. I''ll use House Fey as my stepping stone and infiltrate the noble circles, rebuild this fallen House and use it as a front for my operations.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± Soliloquy said, sitting upon a nest made of discarded paper. ¡°However a too grandiose show of things may attract unwanted attention.¡± ¡°That''s why I''ll work in secret, learn everything I need to know about Loyd and live his life. Fortunately a near death experience is just the excuse needed to justify such drastic changes,¡± Ark said as he took a break from cleaning and began undressing until he was naked. ¡°Huh¡­ not bad,¡± Ark said, looking at his naked form. Although he was scrawny, he had the bones to build something better. Turning away from his emaciated appearance, Ark closed his eyes, sitting in silence as he turned his attention inward and began circulating his ki through all forty-one of his body''s arteries. With his circuits fried and necrotic from poison and neglect, if Ark wanted to use ki he was left with little choice than to purge his body of the impurities and rewrite his internal circuitry. A feat that would take time and concentrated effort. Fortunately his body wasn''t completely ineffective at welding ki, but it was sluggish, and unwieldy. However, what energy that answered his call was just enough to scrub away at the stagnant magicil particles that lay dormant within him. Ark winced, feeling the pain of his nerves reacting to the flush of ki and dead cells reawakening. Fire spread through Ark¡¯s body, his heart beat rising as his toes clenched and his body locked up. ¡°Shit¡­ I forgot how much doing this hurts!¡± Ark hissed as Soliloquy chirped, the tiny chicken nestled in her nest and shaking violently in reaction to Ark¡¯s pain. The last time Ark had done this was when he had been summoned to this world and taught to clear his pathways by Jasper. As a human from earth, his entire body had been clogged by impurities brought on by living in a modern world of micro plastics and pollution. In order to fulfill his duty as a hero, Ark had been taught to purge these impurities before he was collared and branded, shackled before he could become more of a threat. But this time¡­ this time he had no restrictions. Ark groaned, his body heating up with sweat rapidly coating his nude body. Mastery of external magicil known as mana labeled a person a magician while the utilization of internal magicil known as ki made one a knight. The combination of both, while rare, labeled the few gifted with such an ability as magic knights. In Ark¡¯s previous life, he was a knight, a powerful one at that but magic had always eluded him. But with Soliloquy''s help, If Ark was going to get justice, he would do so in this life as a magic knight. Suddenly the pain began to drastically fade, his muscles contracting as acidic black slime oozed from Ark¡¯s pours. The impurities slid down Ark''s skin like tar, running down and collecting in the bed sheet where it stained them black. Ark opened his eyes, his breathing clearer, body lighter, and vision feeling better as he eyed his system screen that he quickly learned he could close and open at will. [Stats] -[STR: 8] -[DEX: 6] -[VIT: 8] -[WILL: 18] -[SENS: 8] Ark eyed the increase in his stats, a tangible reward for shedding the poison clogging his body. ¡°Nice¡­¡± Ark muttered, sensing the faint hum of ki coursing through his body before his shoulders slumped and his eyes closed from the exertion. Chapter 7: Testing Magic At the sound of a knock, Ark shot up, blinking rapidly as he patted his body and reached over to cover his unmentionables. ¡°Master Loyd?¡± Vermel asked, her voice echoing through his bed chambers. ¡°One moment!¡± Ark spat, grabbing a random assortment of strewn-about clothes and getting dressed. ¡°Enter!¡± ¡°Master Loyd, Lady Fey I-¡± Vermal paused as she entered the bedchamber and her eyes settled on the black muck releasing a foul odor into the room. ¡°-ehem, Lady Fey wished for me to check up on you.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ark said, his eyes shifting to the sleeping Soliloquy in her nest. ¡°If you would like, young master, I can clean your soiled sheets.¡± ¡°My what?¡± Ark spun, looking at his stained bedsheets reeking of the impurity forced from his body. ¡°Y-you needn''t be ashamed sir! Accidents happen to the-¡± ¡°It''s not! It''s not what you think it is.¡± ¡°...¡± The woman remained silent, her nose wrinkling at the smell. Ark sighed, ¡°Yes, thank you. Please take care of them.¡± The maid bowed before wading through the trash of the room and taking off the sheets and blankets. ¡°If possible, can you bring me some burlap bags, a pail of water, a broom, and some cloth?¡± Ark asked, stopping the woman who carried his cloth. ¡°Are¡­ are you planning on cleaning? I can take care-¡± ¡°That won''t be necessary,¡± Ark said, cutting the woman off, ¡°I can handle that much.¡± ¡°Very well milord,¡± Vermel said, bowing and leaving Ark to his own devices. Before long, the requested items were delivered to his room, along with a plate of cooked eggs and small green fruits known as robberries. Ark flexed his hand, calling upon his Ki. ¡°Remarkable what even a little bit of ki and sleep can do,¡± Ark said, his body more invigorated than usual. He''d still have to purify himself a few more times but for now, it was a start. ¡°Well, it''s time to get to work.¡± Ark spent the entire morning cleaning his room and circulating his ki, using the time to try and familiarize himself with his new body by performing various tasks. Hours passed, with Ark finally seeming to synchronize his thoughts with his actions. Still, try as he might, there was still a millisecond delay in his movements which, while not noticeable to an outsider, was extremely noticeable to a warrior like Ark. ¡°Hm. This domicile appears to be somewhat more habitable since last I was conscious¡­¡± Soliloquy said, the tiny chicken stirring from her nest. ¡°If I didn''t know better, I would have almost thought that was a compliment,¡± Ark replied as the chick shifted her weight. ¡°By the way¡­ thanks.¡± ¡°For?¡± ¡°Taking the brunt of the pain. I could feel you dulling the sensations as I purged my impurities,¡± Ark said. ¡°Yes well¡­ If it helps us grow I do not see why I shouldn''t partake in the burden of pain,¡± Soliloquy said, shimmying her tiny body and turning her back to Ark. ¡°Are you blushing?¡± ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Soliloquy chirped as Ark grabbed a burlap bag filled with trash. ¡°Well, if you''re not busy, I want to test out this spell business,¡± Ark said, holding out his hand for the Phoenix that hopped aboard. ¡°It''s still odd.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Us not trying to kill each other,¡± Ark said, wondering what Liliana, Jasper, and Alexios would have thought of the situation. Would they hate him for siding with their enemy? Hate him for helping a creature that had murdered so many and burned down several cities? Or would they understand? Understand that he was using the Phoenix as she was using him. To what end? He didn''t know, all Ark knew was that for now, she was the only ally he had against a mutual foe. ¡°Hm.¡± Soliloquy let out, not replying to Ark. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Dragging a burlap bag, Ark needed both hands to bring his trash to the front of the house. ¡°Master Loyd,¡± Welkin said, the old night sweeping the steps of the porch. An odd action considering they had slaves. ¡°Knight Welkin,¡± Ark replied, acknowledging the man whose eyes kept staring at the chick Ark¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Do you require assistance milord?¡± ¡°No, I''ve got it,¡± Ark said, bringing the garbage to a burn pit. Ark scanned his surroundings, besides the occasional slaves shooting him a glance, he was practically alone. ¡°So, how does this work?¡± Ark asked, pulling up his system. [SPELL USES] T1: 3/3 [Spell Book: [T1 Grasp Flame: Bind and move targeted flames(Fire)] [T1 Spark: Light a flashing spark of fire, the more ambient fire mana in the air, the bigger the spark(Fire)] [T1 Push: Harness wind to push targeted object(Wind)] [T1 Slow LvL 1: Slow down targeted object(Time)] [T1 Restore LvL 1: Rewind the flow of time to restore an object to previous form(Time)] Typically, using magic required calculations, focuses, chants, appeasing spirits, and something Ark hated more than anything else¡­ Math. So it was no secret among his former peers that Ark lacked the capability to be a mage. ¡°Do I just point and say spark-¡± Suddenly a flame ignited where Ark pointed, the burlap bag now on fire. A moment passed in silence, Ark¡¯s eyes reflecting the bright red flame that burned his garbage. ¡°Oh¡­ oh I can cause some damage with this,¡± Ark smirked. Not only was the spell instantaneous, it was also chantless! ¡°It''s not chantless. Nor is it instantaneous, I am performing the calculations and spell for you,¡± Soliloquy said. ¡°A feat, which I can only perform a limited times per day until I shed this adolescent form.¡± ¡°Incredible¡­¡± Ark said, watching the garbage burn. ¡°If I had this kinda of magic-¡± ¡°You''d what? Be able to murder more of my kin?¡± ¡°In a manner of speaking¡­¡± Ark said before putting his palm out towards the fire. ¡°Grasp flame.¡± The flickering flames began to move, pulling towards Ark who waved his hand back and forth, observing the skill. He began to walk backwards, a sensation of warmth wrapping his hand as he pulled the flame away from the burlap. ¡°Some range¡­¡± Ark muttered before narrowing his eyes. ¡°Slow.¡± Upon his command the sensation of warmth around his hand faded as flames of the sideways pillar began to flicker less chaotically. ¡°So you can only cast one spell at a time?¡± Ark noted, standing to the side and watching the fire slowly retract to the source. ¡°For now. Just as your powers have regressed, so you have thy own.¡± ¡°Loyd!¡± Ark spun, eyes wide as he was suddenly accosted by the Lady of the House. ¡°Magic! You''re casting magic!¡± The Baroness exclaimed, tears in her eyes as she embraced Ark. ¡°When? How! You can be a mage! You can reclaim your title! Oh Loyd I''m so proud of you!¡± My title? Ark raised a brow, unsure of what the woman was talking about. She pulled away, eyeing the Soliloquy on Ark¡¯s shoulder, the little black chicken staring at her. ¡°Is¡­ Is this your familiar Welkin spoke of?¡± ¡°Uh, yeah¡­¡± The baroness leaned down, placing her hand atop the chicken''s head. ¡°Wow¡­ it''s adorable! What''s her-¡± Fey coughed, a little bit of blood leaking from her lips as she turned her head away. ¡°-adorable, what''s her name?¡± Ark frowned, every time he saw Fey cough a feeling of guilt and worry bubbled up within. Residue emotions from the body''s former owner? Maybe, but Ark didn''t know how to inquire about the woman''s illness without drawing suspension. ¡°Uh¡­ her name is-¡± DON''T YOU DARE! Soliloquy screamed through their telepathic link. ¡°-Nugget,¡± Ark said, a smirk on his face as the baroness picked up the tiny chick. ¡°It''s so pretty! And black! What kind of chicken is it?¡± The baroness asked, bringing Soliloquy to her cheek and rubbing the tiny Phoenix that let out a coo. Realizing what she''d done, the Phoenix chirped loudly and hopped out of the woman''s hand, vanishing into black smoke much to Fey¡¯s amazement. ¡°Incredible! Magic creatures are so rare! And to think the third prince is not only able to cast magic but also possesses a familiar!¡± ¡°Yeah I¡­¡± Ark''s thoughts came to a screeching halt, his mind blanking for a moment as his gaze stared at the woman. ¡°I''m a prince?¡± The world seemed to come to a screeching halt, the baroness talking with the words unheard by Ark. Prince¡­ I''m the son of that bastard?! Disbelief and shock course through Ark¡¯s body, his eyes bulging as he tried to reconcile with the fact that the flesh he inhabited was born from the seed of his mortal foe. ¡°When we send word to your father he''ll be so overjoyed he''d have to reinstate your title!¡± Lady Fey exclaimed excitedly before her expression quickly turned from excitement to concern. ¡°Loyd, what''s wrong?¡± Fey said, taking Ark¡¯s cheeks into her hands. ¡°I''m a prince of Winterfell?¡± ¡°You were¡­ honey what''s wrong? Are you feeling well?¡± Ark blinked, taking a moment to process and reevaluate the absurdity of his situation. Soliloquy, did you know? Ark asked. ¡°I did not. This may complicate things if he were to see me directly. We cannot allow a meeting.¡± Ark clenched his jaw, the only sign in the surface that he was fuming within. ¡°I uh¡­ I think. I don''t really-¡± Ark said before realizing he had a perfect excuse to get some answers he needed. ¡°-remember, after failing to¡­ ya know¡­ I think my memory is a little fuzzy.¡± Alarm spread on the baroness¡¯s face, her rough hands checking Ark. ¡°The hospitaller healed you at the academy did she not? Maybe we should see an apothecary? Have you further examined? I can bring you-¡± ¡°I''m fine, just some issues remembering some things,¡± Ark said, putting on his most convincing smile despite the turmoil churning within. ¡°I''m sure I''ll be okay.¡± ¡°Mental trauma is no joke, Loyd!¡± Fey exclaimed, panicking and taking off through the plantation fields calling out for her knight. ¡°Hells Bells¡­¡± Ark said as he sat on the field. ***** Chapter 8: Featherling While the baroness of the house was frantically looking for a healer for Ark, Ark was in the library of the Fey Mansion pouring over the contents of the various books and texts he could find about the world he was now apart of. That is, until he found one that stopped him cold in his tracks. Standing over a desk with a book about the royal family, Ark¡¯s jaw clenched, his eyes shaking with anger and disbelief as he glared at the image of Roland. Roland¡­ The man that had taken his life, stolen him from his world, and killed those he loved. Now he was a king, one with a wife, and three children, one of which was the very body Ark inhabited. Ark placed his hand over the picture of his host, a sense of frustration bubbling up within as he compared his current appearance to the photo that had to have been at least five years old judging from Loyd¡¯s size. ¡°Hells bells¡­¡± Ark seethed. His eyes drifted to the princess and the other sibling, the two white-haired nobles sporting the signature white hair of the Winterfell. Everyone had white hair save for the boy who stood with his eyes cast to the side. Even from the photo, Ark could tell the boy was estranged, left out and out of his depth as he stood beside the cluster of nobles. Was Loyd a bastard child? Ark frowned, turning a page that began describing something known as the Throne games. Questions poured into Ark¡¯s mind as he turned his head to his reflection on a nearby bust of some unknown figure. ¡°How the hell did this happen¡­¡± Ark muttered before sitting down in the nearby chair, releasing a sigh and a chuckle that contained a hint of madness. Soliloquy appeared, materializing to stand upon the open book. ¡°I assure you, this was not intentional.¡± ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Ark raised a brow, his voice one of skepticism. ¡°Then explain it to me what this is?¡± The little chick rolled her shoulders before she chirped, ¡°In order to bring our souls back to this realm, I required a compatible host. One that was ripe for our co-habilitation but also possessing of similar desires and motives, the deeper the emotion, and connection to your memories the better the synchronicity. From my estimate, this Loyd boy was wronged deeply and also possessed a desire for¡­ Justice.¡± Ark paused, his gaze shifting from the phoenix to his hands, ¡°Justice huh¡­ Tell me, I keep feeling various emotions when I look at things, is he still inside this body?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°How are you sure,¡± Ark said, turning to Soliloquy. ¡°Because I witnessed his soul past personally before choosing it.¡± Ark blinked, ¡°You mean you watched him die?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± Ark clenched his jaw, unsure of what to say. On one hand he was furious that the Phoenix could have probably done something to save the boy yet on the other hand¡­ He needed this body. Ark turned, his eyes looking out the window to where Welkin stood in the mansion¡¯s inner courtyard speaking with two guards and demonstrating sword techniques. The man, although wounded and lame, seemed to perform expert slashes with the broadsword in his hand. ¡°Fuck,¡± Ark said, rising to his feet, ¡°I need something to distract me.¡± Closing the book, Ark made his way from the library and towards the courtyard, entering the training yard where the old man raised a brow in surprise before bowing and ordering the others to do the same. ¡°¡±Milord!¡± The trio said in unison. ¡°Welkin, I would like to train with you,¡± Ark said, much to the old knight''s surprise. ¡°Train¡­ with me sir?¡± Welkin asked, observing Ark picking up a wooden training blade. ¡°I don''t see why not? You''re a capable man and I''m in need of exercise,¡± Ark said. ¡°I see¡­¡± Welkin said before turning to the pair nearby. ¡°May I perhaps offer one of our new hires to spar with you milord? I fear I do not hold up to the Lord''s expectations and the lads could use the training. It would be an honor for you to demonstrate your academy techniques.¡± Ark didn''t miss the tone in the knight''s voice, something had happened between him and Loyd. With a sigh, Ark eyed the two guards equipped in leather and simple iron chest plates. One was a green-haired man with matching green eyes while the other was a red-haired man with brown eyes. They were both young, but each wore the complexion of people who had spent ample time in the sun. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°Very well,¡± Ark said, stepping into the nearby sandpit surrounded by flowers. ¡°Sain, you''re up,¡± Welkin said, the green-haired man stepping forward with a wooden sword. ¡°Milord, thank you for your guidance,¡± Sain said, striking a balanced stance with the blade held center with the edge pointed at Ark. Imperial style? Ark narrowed his eyes, readying his blade as he circulated his ki and adopted a low stance, weapon cast out to the side with his chest exposed. Welkin observed Ark intently, recognizing the boy''s stance as an aggressive style that he was unfamiliar with. ¡°Begin!¡± Welkin said with Ark taking off, blade in hand, his body rocketing forward with explosive speed only to trip and land in the sand. ¡°Young Lord!¡± The trio of soldiers immediately came to Ark''s aid, helping the latter up whose body was shaking from the exertion. ¡°Shit¡­¡± Ark muttered, feeling tired, and hungry, his body ill-equipped to handle all the exertion he''d done throughout the day. ¡°I''m fine, fine! Leave me!¡± Frustration began to set in, but Ark quickly reeled back his emotions and dismissed the others away so he could stumble back into the manor. ¡°Milord,¡± Vermel asked, spotting him limping his way through the hallway. ¡°Do you require assistance?¡± ¡°No, just¡­ Can you get me something to eat?¡± Ark asked, the woman bowing as he continued off to his room. ¡°Well that was quite a show.¡± ¡°Yes, don''t remind me,¡± Ark sighed, stepping into his now neat and tidy room. Besides the furniture that needed to be replaced and the bed tossed out, the room was significantly more habitable. ¡°It was just me being arrogant, even with ki, it looks like I''ll have to do this the hard way. Exercise and conditioning¡­¡± Ark leaned back against the bed, sighing as he contemplated his next actions. He had four months to learn everything he could about Ark and change his body around before classes began, atop of which he had to conceal Soliloquy and avoid his father. Then there was Baroness Fey making missives to call for healers and from the excitement on her face, it wouldn''t be long before the royal family were informed of Ark¡¯s ¡°recovery¡¯. ¡°If you hunted, you could elevate this body to a higher psychique, even allow me to adopt a more suitable¡­ form,¡± Soliloquy chirped. ¡°Which is a swell idea except there''s no monsters out here to hunt,¡± Ark replied, preparing to do push ups. ¡°There are a number of humans on this property, many of whom are ow-¡± ¡°Absolutely not. I may want revenge but I''m not killing a bunch of innocents just to get what I want.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± Soliloquy asked, the black chick resting up on his back as his wobbly arms pushed his body off the floor. ¡°Is it not the right of the strong to devour the weak? To make use of lessers?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ for your kind!¡± Ark groaned, already feeling an ache reverberate through his joints. ¡°But it''s wrong¡­ to kill another man without due cause, let alone for a man to own a man.¡± ¡°Nonsense. From your memories it seems although many of your kind don''t wear shackles, you''re all slaves.¡± ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Ark hissed, barely hitting his fifth push up, ¡°How''s that?¡± ¡°Money. Power. Vice. Desire. The folly of your species is the drive that compels you to act. You''re all slaves to something, although most of your kind never realize it.¡± ¡°I''m not killing innocent people just to improve myself. If I did I''d be no better than Roland!¡± Ark hissed before falling to the side at his tenth push up. It was time for sit ups. ¡°Hm. Your desires and actions perplex me.¡± ¡°Yeah, well that''s because you aren''t human.¡± ¡°Neither are you.¡± Ark stopped cold, ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°The strands of our time are tightly bound as one. As you grow in strength, your shell will inevitably change to reflect the soul within.¡± ¡°Are you saying I''m a phoenix?!¡± ¡°Not yet, but given time.¡± Ark frowned, finishing another set of sit ups as a knock on his door sounded and Vermel announced herself. ¡°A phoenix with a human consciousness¡­¡± Ark scoffed, opening the door. ¡°Here you are master,¡± Vermal said, curtsying before she rolled into the room with a silver cart laden with dishes.r ¡°What''s all this?¡± Ark asked, surveying the assortment of soups, meats, fruits, and vegetables. ¡°Milord, you did not specify what you would like, so I brought what was available,¡± Vermel said calmly. ¡°This¡­ is too much,¡± Ark replied while grabbing a chunk of meat with his hand. ¡°If you are worried about the quantity, what you don''t eat will be given to the serfs and workers,¡± Vermel explained. ¡°I see¡­ very well,¡± Ark said, already reaching for another chunk of meat now that his hunger kicked in. ¡°Wait!¡± Ark called out, stopping Vermel. ¡°Yes milord?¡± ¡°Join me.¡± Vermel blinked, her eyes momentarily widening with fear before she composed herself, ¡°A-as you wish sir.¡± Ark took a step back, walking instead towards his window with his back turned as Vermel sat upon his bed. ¡°Tell me about yourself,¡± Ark said, opening the window curtains to stare at the slaves working the fields and the green-haired man known as Sain speaking to a fieldhand. ¡°Uhm¡­¡± Vermal let out, hesitating as she tried to piece together words ¡°I want to understand the situation with the slaves here. Does the baroness treat you right? What about Sir Welkin and the guards?¡± ¡°Sir?* ¡°You see, I was in a bit of an accident, so my memory isn''t what it once was¡­ so if you could feel in the blanks for me¡­¡± Ark asked, turning to face the woman with his most worried expression. ¡°Oh! Oh yes, the guards treat us swell and Lady Fey is all too kind to us!¡± Vermal exclaimed, seemingly eager to now talk about the Baroness. ¡°Really?¡± Ark said, sitting across from the woman, ¡°Tell me more.¡± *** ¡°There are ten guards and five ourseers,¡± A brigand explained over a crude drawing of the Fey estate''s perimeter made in the sand. ¡°That''s it? No personal men at arms?¡± Karja asked, tapping the pole of her axe on her shoulder. ¡°None besides the old man. The guards themselves seem to be recruited slaves.¡± ¡°Hrn¡­¡± Karja pursed her lips, mulling over a plan in her mind. Nine to fifteen plus the old man, then there were the overseers and the baroness herself. ¡°We can take em, boss.¡± ¡°You think so? That''s good because if you lot couldn''t take a bunch of slave hands n ah cripple what use are you lot,¡± Karja said to an applause of chuckles. ¡°Ain''t lads, get ready, I know what we gonna do.¡± Phoenix Magician CH9: Night Raid Reading a book by candlelight in the quant and nearly barren office of the baroness, Ark furrowed his brow as he went over the details of the ledger before him. After talking with Vermal for two hours straight, Ark reached a better understanding about the Fey household and his current predicament. For starters, Baroness Fey wasn''t a noble, not originally at least. She had worked in Roland¡¯s palace as a servant, an attendant to the Queen and babysitter for Loyd before tasting a soup meant for the young prince that left her with a life-long disease. As compensation for her actions and saving the youngest prince, she was awarded a barony and the company of an old knight to be her steward. And what did she do with that reward? She created a home for slaves and prostitutes, buying young girls like Vermel and various slaves to put to work on her fields where they wouldn''t be beaten and mistreated. A noble deed, but one not without consequences. Ark looked over the various documents and ledgers of slaves who had been bought and freed as well as the costs of smuggling and sending slaves out of the country. In short, there was a reason the house was falling apart. ¡°Incredible¡­¡± Ark said, a newfound respect for the baroness despite breaking into her office. From what Vermal had disclosed, nothing the baroness did was illegal, after all the people she bought were considered her property, but it did eat up an astronomical amount of money. In fact they were hermorging money in pursuit of this goal. Ark sat back in Lady Fey¡¯s chair, a small smile on his face. ¡°Guess there''s still some good in this world,¡± Ark mused to himself before turning his attention back to the books and reading the names of the various merchants. ¡°Mr. Yellow, Mr. Green, Mr. Red¡­¡± Ark muttered, turning the page. ¡°Aliases no doubt¡­¡± Maybe he could use them. Suddenly an orange glow began to peak into the room, catching Ark¡¯s eye who turned and looked out the window. ¡°The hell?¡± Ark frowned, eyeing the fires raging at the edge of the plantation. Suddenly a bell began to ring a long with shouts and screams of distress as those outside woke up to the flames. ¡°Shit,¡± Ark closed the ledger and raced out of the office, moving towards the foyer where Welkin stood in his bunny imprint pajamas speaking to the guard named Sain. ¡°What''s going on?¡± Ark demanded, quickly descending the stairs. ¡°Milord, nothing to worry about, seems a serf left a fire unattended, we''re currently handling the situation right now,¡± Welkin said as the double doors of the manor burst open. ¡°Sir Welkin!¡± The red-haired guard from the training yard yelled, fear on his face and out of breath as he entered the domicile. ¡°The fire is spreading rapidly! We don''t have enough buckets!¡± ¡°Kent, take a sleipnir and ride out to Chelsea manor and request Lord Chelsea for aid,¡± Welkin ordered before turning to Sain, ¡°Wake all available serfs, have them organize into fire lines from the wells to rush water to contain the flames.¡± ¡°Welkin?¡± Lady Fey asked, shuffling down from a corridor with Vermel¡¯s help. ¡°What''s going on?¡± ¡°Nothing you need worry about milady,¡± Welkin said as the two guards took off. Using the Baroness¡¯s distraction, Ark stepped outside to observe the growing blaze in the distance. ¡°At that rate the flames will consume the domicile,¡± Soliloquy stated as Ark pursed his lips and opened his spell list that had almost recovered. Got any idea how to help? Ark asked, at a loss of how to combat such a fire without the aid of a mage. ¡°The flame isn''t magical in nature, if you grasp the flame, you should be able to delay the spread at its current size.¡± Ark blinked, looking down at his palm. Alright, let''s do this. Ark took off, alarming Fey who sent Welkin after the teen racing through the fields. ¡°Get more pails! Anyone that can hold a pail bring them here now!¡± A serf yelled, throwing water at the blaze that seemed to have little effect on the fires consuming the crops. Upon approaching the blaze Ark stopped and gawked, admiring the wall of fire that stood before him and the crowd hard at work fighting the fire. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. How the hell am I going to stop that? ¡°We must position ourselves on the opposite end.¡± You want me to run through it?! ¡°Mortal flames shan''t harm your vessel featherling.¡± Are you saying I''m fireproof?! ¡°Fire resistant,¡± Soliloquy said, the chicken on his shoulder seeming to be mulling over something. Well am I resistant enough to run through scorching flames?! Ark sent, doubting the phoenix as the flames inches closer. ¡°Trust thee or don''t. If thou wish to save your nest then you must brave the flames as all featherlings do.¡± Ark grit his teeth, the fire reflecting in his eyes as Welkin finally caught up. ¡°Young Lord! It isn''t safe! You must away from here!¡± Welkin barked, approaching Ark who turned and flashed a smirk. ¡°Fuck it. We ball,¡± Ark muttered. The old knight went wide-eyed, jaw agape, his heart skipping a beat as the disowned prince suddenly leapt forward into the flames. ¡°MASTER LOYD!¡± Welkin reached out yet, froze his hands snapping away from the flames. Ignoring the numerous panic screams and shouts of disbelief, Ark raced forward, the flames biting his skin and setting his linen clothes alight. ¡°Resistant huh?!¡± Ark yelled through gritted teeth before his body suddenly became filled with energy. [Status: Ignited] His breathing became easier, body lighter, his muscles stronger as he sailed through the flames. Out of the flames Ark soared, landing on the opposite end of the raging inferno with his body flooded with vigor and vitality. ¡°What is this¡­¡± Ark muttered, his body oozing out impurities as his ki became energized. ¡°Now or never featherling,¡± Soliloquy said, snapping Ark from his stupor with the latter throwing out his palm towards the heat. ¡°Grasp flame!¡± Ark yelled, the blazing inferno twisting and heeding Ark¡¯s beckoning as Soliloquy opened her beak. The fire began to move exponentially, the flames spiraling towards Soliloquy''s mouth whose tiny body began to emit black flames. ¡°Pull harder!¡± Ark dug his heels in and pulled at the air, the heat that wrapped around his hand intense as the fire succumbed to his will. Before long, the flames began to wane, the heat in the air dying down with Welkin stepping forward along with a number of guards to eye Ark who stood with a flaming chicken in his hands. ¡°A phoenix¡­¡± Welkin muttered, fear and disbelief clear in his old eyes. Ark frowned, ¡°I can exp-¡± ¡°This fire is not natural.¡± What? Ark blinked looking down at the Soliloquy. ¡°There is accelerant. Naturally occuring flames spread rapidly but not as fast as this.¡± How can you be sure? Ark sent, ignoring Welkin attempting to speak to him and looking around. ¡°I am the mother of all phoeni, featherling, I know flames.¡± Ark pursed his lips, the edges of his eyes crinkling as he tried to piece together why someone would lay out accelerant and start a fire unless- ¡°A diversion¡­¡± Ark muttered, eyes wide. ¡°What?¡± Welkin asked. ¡°A diversion! The fire was a diversion! Get to the house!¡± Ark yelled, taking off towards the manor with new found energy coursing through his small frame. Arriving at the manor¡¯s foyer, Ark felt a pang of pain shoot through his body as his eyes settled on the fresh blood staining the floor. ¡°Lady Fey!¡± Welkin barked, drawing his sword and rushing after Ark who followed the trail of blood leading down the corridor towards the Baroness''s room. However, contrary to their fears, the path of blood led not to the Baroness, but to a dead stranger garbed in leather with his throat cut. ¡°Assassins!¡± Welkin hissed before a scream sounded and a loud thud echoed through the home. Ark and Welkin were off, racing through the hallway where they were met by a band of intruders. At the forefront, a woman with purple hair wielded a bronze axe with a handguard on it. ¡°Shit,¡± The woman scowled as Ark¡¯s eyes went round, his gaze focused on the bloodied Vermel who lay unmoving with a dagger beside her body. Beside her, the baroness doing her best to stem the bleeding from the injured slave as two red-haired women brandished makeshift weapons of a table leg and a curtain rod to protect the noble. ¡°Fiend!¡± Welkin spat, rocketing forward so fast Ark''s eyes could barely register the man''s movement until his weapon clashed against the purple-haired assassin''s axe. ¡°Kill the bitch! I''ll keep the old man company!¡± The woman spat before she was sent flying out the window but not before grabbing ahold of Welkin and taking him with her. The bandits moved on the noble, completely ignoring Ark who they disregarded. But this was a mistake, Soliloquy jumped up, illuminating the room, her tiny frame ballooning for a moment before spewing hot flames that disorientated the ruffians long enough for Ark to grab a hold of Fey. ¡°LET''S GO! GRAB VERMEL!¡± Ark roared, ordering the two slave girls as Soliloquy set the entire room alight. ¡°Go! I will cover our rear milord!¡± Sain yelled, the young guard brandishing his blade as Ark and the others ran with the injured woman. Racing out of the manor Sain shut the double doors, locking the intruders inside while the Baroness called for her guards. ¡°Get in! Go!¡± Ark ordered, bringing the baroness to the sleipnir carriage that had been set up to retrieve House Chelsea mage. ¡°Loyd! What are you doing? Get in here!¡± Fey demanded as Ark waited until Vermel was inside before shutting the door. ¡°Take the baroness away from here! Now!¡± Ark ordered, the young guard named Kent hesitating for a moment before nodding and taking off despite the baroness screaming. ¡°Go! Go!¡± Ark clenched his jaw, his brow furrowed with anxiety as he watched the carriage depart and Sain scream out as the sound of shattering glass sounded. Then, a moment later, Ark spun, turning to face the group of bandits forcing their way out of the manor as Sain and the other House Fey guards readied themselves for a fight. Ark inhaled, holding the scent of ash in his lungs for a moment before exhaling. A smile descended on Ark¡¯s face, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous glint as he wet his lips. ¡°I don''t need to eat them to steal their time right?¡± Ark asked, seemingly to no one as the Fey guards rallied to defend him and face off against the intruders. ¡°You need only claim a life to steal it''s time. However it would be more efficient to eat them.¡± ¡°How about I let you feast their corpses?¡± Ark asked, holding out the iron dagger that he''d picked up from Vermal. ¡°... That would suffice.¡± ¡°Perfect,¡± Ark said before giving the order to attack.