Chapter 1
POV
Have you ever imagined living in a novel—a story drenched in evil, where death lingers around every corner?
Now imagine being thrust into such a world, where the odds of survival feel impossibly slim.
I was born into a clan reduced to only a handful of members.
As if that wasn't enough, I endured a war at the fragile age of ten—a brutal conflict fought with desperation, where survival meant doing the unthinkable.
Five years have passed since that war ended.
To be honest, I'd give anything to return to my original world.
It may not have been perfect, but at least it offered the illusion of safety—something this world can't even fathom.
Still, complaining won't change anything.
My clan, once known as the Xineos Clan, is etched in history as the bearers of the legendary "Mana Eyes."
However, as our bloodline spread beyond the family, the potency of our eyes diminished.
Over time, we lost the ability to wield the Mana Eyes altogether, though we retained unparalleled mana control.
Stripped of our prestigious status by the emperor, our clan seethed with rage.
Fueled by vengeance, we plotted a coup to seize the Sky Capital and overthrow the empire.
But we were no match for the emperor's forces or the might of the other clans.
To address this, our clan leader devised a desperate plan to awaken the Mana Eyes in his only child.
The process was grotesque: nearly all clan members were forced to sacrifice their eyes for the ritual.
Together, they channeled their mana and life force to create the Giant Mana Eye a colossal, glowing structure radiating a brilliant blue essence.
This act was reckless; its discovery by the emperor would spell our annihilation.
Despite the risks, they pressed on, linking the Giant Mana Eye to the child. But the overwhelming power killed him.
The price of their gamble didn't stop there.
The ritual drained the life force of the entire clan, condemning them to a slow, inevitable death.
In the end, only my family survived.
My mother intervened to protect me, but my father succumbed to the madness and perished.
My mother remains alive, though trapped in a coma.
And now, here I stand.
I stood before a large tube filled with a glowing, blue solution.
Inside was a woman with long silver hair, my mother.
Countless wires and devices surrounded her, working tirelessly to sustain her life.
"Hey, Mom," I said softly, my voice carrying a tinge of sadness. "The war was tough, but I made it through. If all goes well, I'll find a way to save you."
My name is Lucas.
With a deep sigh, I left the hidden lab concealed beneath the forest floor. As I emerged into the open, my thoughts swirled. If Master can help me, maybe I can finally awaken those eyes.
Reaching the edge of the forest, I found myself standing before a sprawling plain. In the distance, my family's manor loomed, an enduring relic of a broken legacy.
POV Ends
Lucas walked toward the manor, but something made him freeze in his tracks—blood. Dark red stains trailed across the ground. His body tensed as he swiftly unsheathed the sword from his back, his eyes scanning his surroundings.
His heart thundered as he neared the manor.
"I can only smell fear coming from you, my disciple," a voice called out.
Lucas's gaze snapped upward.
A man stood on the roof, his cheek marred by a fresh cut.
His crimson hair gleamed in the sunlight, and his devilishly handsome face bore a knowing smirk.
"Master, you really shouldn't scare me like that," Lucas muttered, exhaling deeply.
The man was Elijah Sown—one of the empire's Saint-class warriors and one of its three legendary heroes.
By some twist of fate, Lucas had become his disciple.
Elijah's fascination with Lucas stemmed from his desire to understand the mysteries surrounding the Xineos Clan, particularly their unrivaled mana control.
Over time, Lucas had earned Elijah's trust, becoming an integral part of his master's life.
Elijah leapt gracefully from the rooftop, landing before Lucas.
"I left you a little present in my lab. Consider it yours now," he said, his piercing gaze fixed on his pupil.
"What do you plan to do with the Blood of the Patriarch of the Lotus Clan?"
Lucas sighed, already anticipating this line of questioning. "It's said our clans were more connected than we realized. I want to understand why and uncover the reasons behind his actions, especially why he engaged me to one of his clan's members."
Elijah scrutinized him but found no trace of deceit. He nodded slowly. "I'll be leaving the empire," he announced.
"As for your last request—it's done. And, Lucas... thank you for all your help."
Lucas froze at the weight of his master's words. When Elijah used his name, it was a clear sign—he was severing their bond as master and disciple.
"Thank you, Master," Lucas replied, bowing his head.
Elijah handed Lucas a scroll, his expression unreadable. "Keep an eye out for me."
"Yes, Master," Lucas said, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions.
And then, in a flash, Elijah vanished, leaving Lucas alone in the shadow of the manor.
Lucas stared at the spot where his master had stood moments ago, his jaw tightening.
'You've basically left me here to take the fall. The empire will assume we were working together, and they'll come after me. You're telling me to be your spy—if I can survive.'
Taking a deep breath, he muttered under his breath, "Damn it."