In Alofis, the capital of the Atheliya Empire, stood the Imperial Palace—a structure that was nothing short of a paradise on earth.
The grand structure was built on the north side of the capital, covering a vast landscape large enough to contain six mansions the size of Duke Maklice's. It was a magnificent, glamorous, and towering edifice, constructed from the most gorgeous, precious, and rare marbles, stones, tiles, and gemstones found only in Alofis. The palace represents the greatness and unique qualities of the Atheliya Empire.
A thousand years ago, the empire's founder chose Alofis as its site specifically because of the region's rare and endless mines, which yielded precious materials found nowhere else in the six kingdoms or the Cronos Empire. The architects of that era decided to build the palace on the northern side of the capital, where the land connected to the mountains. They carved into the mountain itself, cutting away its upper part to lay the foundation. The entire construction took twenty-five years.
When it was finally completed, its greatness and beauty mesmerized all who saw it; not even the imperial palace of the Cronos Empire could rival its magnificence. The architects and designers had used every bit of the land and the priceless materials of Alofis to perfect their design. Thus, the Imperial Palace became the enduring symbol of the empire itself.
Now, Bellatora Sanctivus was walking slowly down a hallway in that same palace, lost in thought. His expression was one of annoyance.
"For God's sake, I hate those so-called naturally born talented people," Bellatora thought, his face contorted in annoyance. "Those good-for-nothing kids... they have nothing on me. Just because those bitches are beautiful, they think the world revolves around them. That little wench Sara is still as prideful as ever. She became a Fifth Circle Mage only at the age of 21. I still remember her parents nagging about their daughter being one of the youngest Fifth Circle Mages in history. But then there's that commoner girl, Silvia—a girl who doesn't even know her parents, an orphan who came from the countryside, beating Sara in both practicals and written exams to take first place at Venessa Academy. As much as I like to deny it, it was satisfactory to hear that brat Sara got a taste of defeat. The girl who looked down on everyone around her, especially commoners, got defeated by a commoner."
He moved on to his true obsession. "And last, that boy, Kayle. When I read about him three years ago in the newspaper, I was shocked. A teenage boy changing the foundation of magic itself—a feat no one could achieve in their life. Up until now, we've been following the same methods taught by the founders for centuries; no one dared to challenge them. Yet he did, and he succeeded. Nobody could combine two compatible elements and create a new spell, but he did it. By inventing Focus Points in the magic pattern, he made a new spell that comprehends two elements. Even my grandfather was amazed by his achievements; he was so interested that he looked into Kayle's background. When he found out Kayle was a commoner without any backing, he insisted on taking him into our family. At first, I thought it was absurd, but meeting him personally made me realize it's possible..... I don't want to admit it, but he was freaking handsome. The stories about his appearance weren't an exaggeration. With a face like that, he could win over any girl's heart. He's a commoner without any family, and with his achievements alone, he's a very useful variable that can bring great fortune to our family. Is he really just a commoner?"
"And that look in his eyes... a confident look that you don't see in anyone else's eyes. While shaking hands with me, I saw it clearly. Despite knowing my identity, he wasn't hesitant like that girl, Silvia. Rather, he was wearing a mocking, confident smile on his face. How dare that bastard! I am Bellatora Sanctivus, grandson of the great Eighth Circle Mage Regalis Sanctivus, whose grandmother was a princess of the Patra Kingdom and whose second grandmother was the Empress of this Atheliya Empire! Just because I was not born with the innate talent like my grandfather, father, and sister, I have been mocked everywhere. But this humiliation will end very soon. I can feel it. I'm very close to achieving my goal. In just two or three months, I'll suck the whole Mana Pool from Ines's body and transfer it into my heart. With that, I'll be reborn as a new Bellatora—a Bellatora that no one will be able to look down upon!" Bellatora concluded, a sinister smile twisting his lips.
Just then, a voice broke his solitude. "Oh, it's you, Brother Bellatora."
Bellatora turned to see Ash Van Atheliya walking toward him.
"Oh, hi, Ash. How have you been?" Bellatora said, forcing a smile.
"Here comes the last person I didn't want to meet today," Bellatora thought jealously. "Another prodigy and talent of the Empire, the next successor to the throne, my younger cousin, Ash Van Atheliya. Who would believe that this young, charming man is a high-level Gladiator?"
"I'm good, but how come you're in Alofis? I thought you'd be in the Patra Kingdom. You caught me by surprise," Ash said, genuinely curious.
"As you know, it's New Year's, so I made a reservation at Armino to celebrate it," Bellatora replied.
"Oh, so you made a reservation at Armino? It was great. So many people come with their families to celebrate the New Year there. How was your experience?" Ash asked.
"It was good, and I also met your students there," Bellatora said.
"My students? Who did you meet?" Ash asked.
"Sara, Silvia, Kayle, and also Scarlet and Jennica were there," Bellatora informed Ash.
"Scarlet and Jennica? You mean Duke Harrison's and Patriarch David's daughters were also there?" Ash asked, surprised.
"Yeah. Apparently, they all just ran into each other there by coincidence. Well, I must say your students were extraordinary. Especially Silvia and Kayle. One is the youngest Fifth Circle Mage, and the other is the founder of a new school of magic. You must be happy to have students like them," Bellatora said, patting Ash's shoulder.
"No, no, no," Ash laughed and corrected him. "They are both mages, and I'm a professor in the Knight Department, so you can say they aren't directly under my instrustion. But Silvia's elder brother, James, is my student. And he's quite an expert with the sword. Would you believe me if I told you he only started learning how to wield a sword just three years ago? And now he's at the level of a Sword Expert!"
Bellatora was shocked by Ash's words. "Seriously? He became a Sword Expert in just three years, and he didn't even know how to wield it before?"
"I'm serious, brother," Ash continued. "Even I was shocked when I heard it. People call me a prodigy, but he's something else. Think, if he had proper instruction from the beginning, he'd be at the level of a High-Level Gladiator now."
Bellatora clenched his fist. "Ash, do you believe they are commoners? Think about it: their looks outshine most commoners. I've seen many beautiful and good-looking commoners in my life, but Silvia and Kayle are something entirely different. They have the charisma you usually find in noble people. And they're far more talented for their age. The way you just described that boy, James, makes me think their background is not what it looks like."
Ash turned to Bellatora, his eyes clouding slightly. "I believe that, too, brother. That's why I tried to look into their background. But unfortunately, the village they used to live in was completely annihilated by Sir Jackson's knights, and the survivors moved to other places. So we couldn't find anything."
"Their village annihilated?" Bellatora asked, curiosity overriding his jealousy.
"Oh, yeah, there's a backstory about it," Ash said. He then explained the whole, convoluted story of Silvia and the others to him.
After Ash's lengthy explanation, Bellatora grew thoughtful. "So they were about to die but survived because of Sir Jackson's help, and then he recommended them to the academy, which means there is no way to find out about their parents."
"So, brother, will you stay?" Ash asked cheerfully.
"Yeah, probably," Bellatora replied.
"That's fantastic! Let's have dinner together tonight. It's been a while since we ate together. I'll tell Mother," Ash said.
"But where is Aunty? I couldn't meet her," Bellatora asked.
"You know, after the incident last month, she's been very busy with the affairs of the Empire," Ash said, his expression sobering.
"Yeah, that incident happened last month. How did you manage to get your hands on the evidence against the Spero Merchant Group?" Bellatora asked bluntly. "And the same thing happened in the Cronos Empire and Ovoris Kingdom too. Isn't it too much of a coincidence?"
"Well, you can say we all had the same informant," Ash said, a look of profound admiration in his eyes. "Someone who is capable of doing it."
Bellatora stared at Ash, his mind racing. "I'd like to meet that extraordinary person, then."
Ash looked outside the window and smiled. " So would i." he said.
– – –
After their conversation, Ash returned to his duties, and Bellatora went to his room. He stood before the window, lost in thought.
"Phew, what a tiring day," Bellatora mused. "But thanks to that, I learned some useful information. Firstly, both Silvia and Kayle are orphans, and the village they lived in was destroyed. There's no way to find anything about their origins."
"Mmmm. If Grandfather seriously wants him to be a part of our family, there are only two ways: either someone adopts him, or he marries into our family," he mused. "The last, third option—that he willingly pledges his loyalty to House Sanctivus—is something he won't take, as he's well-known in the Empire and certainly popular enough that many have already fallen for him. People would likely try to marry their daughters to him. My grandfather also thinks this way; the only two girls in our house near his age. But the first option, adoption, is the easiest method. If he accepts, my father, the current family head, would take him as his adopted son."
"That girl, Silvia, she's also very talented. Being a commoner and achieving the height of a Fifth Circle Mage at such a young age—she's also so beautiful that people changed the title from the 'Five Flowers of the Empire' into the 'Six Flowers of the Empire.' I bet many noble boys have their eyes set on her. And I know my cousin Ash became a temporary professor at Venessa Academy to pick out talented students; he must have his eyes on both of them."
Then, his expression changed, twisting into a sinister, evil smile as a wicked thought entered his mind.
"Should I also curse Silvia?" he thought creepily. "She has a tempting affinity for the fire element. That would be great. First, I suck Ines's mana pool dry, then I'll move on to Silvia."
"I was the luckiest person to get my hands on that grimoire. With this, I can make anyone's talent mine. I'll surpass everyone in this world, and who knows, I might become a Ninth Circle Mage!" He laughed heavily, a low, rasping sound.
He laughed heavily at the prospect. He raised his right hand, attempting to light a simple fire.
AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!
An unimaginable pain shot through his right hand, an electric shock so violent it felt like his heart would burst from his chest. Hearing his loud scream, a maid came running into the room.
Bellatora was on the ground, clutching his right hand and trembling. Seeing him suffering, the maid rushed to his side. "My lord, what happened? Are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.
She reached for his arm to help him up, but Bellatora violently pushed her away.
"Ahh!" she cried out, stumbling back.
"Don't... touch me," Bellatora bit out, his voice trembling.
"But, my lord..."
"I said I don't need your help! I'm fine!" he shouted at her. "Get out of here, and don't say a word of this to anyone! You get it?"
The frightened maid quickly left the room. Bellatora remained on the floor, the pain still unimaginable, but he gritted his teeth, trying to endure it. A few minutes later, the agony finally began to subside.
"What was that?" he panted. "What just happened? I've never felt that kind of pain in my arm. What's going on? There was nothing like this mentioned in the grimoire."
– – –
Meanwhile, at Venessa Academy, Kayle and Ines had been in the library for five hours, searching the historical and ancient history sections. They sat next to each other, Kayle holding Ines's hand and flowing his inner mana into her body to comfort her against the curse's pain. Relieved by the warmth, Ines had finally fallen asleep on the table.
Kayle, flipping through the pages of a dense book, looked at the sleeping Ines. She looked peaceful, like a child, finally resting comfortably after a year of pain caused by the curse. "It's good that she's been sleeping for five hours straight. That damn curse on her body has put her through unimaginable pain for an entire year. If it weren't for her strong body and will, she'd have been dead by now."
"Ines comes from the martial arts clan, the Fiera Clan, one of the Five Great Clans of the Atheliya Empire," Aeon thought. "They are known for their strong physique and hand-to-hand martial arts. A thousand years ago, during the unification of the Empire, they fought on the front lines and smashed every enemy who came at them with just their fists, earning them the title of a Great Clan. Ines is the daughter of the current Patriarch, Zennid Fiera, known as the Fist Emperor—a man who can fight Grandmasters and Eighth Circle Mages with his fists alone. Ines is the daughter of that man, and because she was born with the Mana Pool, she chose to become a mage rather than a martial artist, which her father approved."
"Up until now in my travels, I've seen many cursed people—many who couldn't tolerate the curse and ended their own lives, and many who fought against it and survived," Aeon reflected grimly. "Ines is destined to die from the curse. Her father would lose control after losing his only beloved daughter, becoming an enraged and furious man who goes to the borders and fights crazily against monsters and other kingdoms, dying miserably by Lorath's schemes. However, it won't happen this time. I'll save you, Ines, and your clan."
He turned to the shelf and, with a flick of his finger, a book came flying into his palm via telekinesis. He quickly began turning the pages.
"It's taking longer than expected," he sighed inwardly. "We've been here for five hours, and I couldn't find the book that contains the knowledge about the ancient curse history. I've searched more than half the books in the historical section. According to the novel, when Ines died from the curse, Elizabeth did everything in her power to find the details about the cause. Her restless efforts eventually led her to a history book, which is how she tracked back Bellatora. Afterwards, she fought a bloody battle against the Sanctivus house until she killed Bellatora, but that cost her dearly: Regalis and every knight of the Patra Kingdom fought her. She fled to Atheliya but was pursued by everyone, until those who wanted to bring Shakan back caught her and used her for their purpose."
Then, something caught his eye. Aeon flipped the page and began reading the chapter heading:
[The time of devouring people and rise of the curse god.]
He focused on the paragraph:
[During The Age of the Bloodroot Pact, an era where forbidden rituals bound life essence to mana roots, the god of curses, Zerathul. was at the peak of his power. Zerathul was an ancient god who granted his followers—the greedy, the merciless, the power-hungry, and the vengeful—the knowledge of curses. At that time, one curse, the most hideous of all, allowed a person to take what they wanted from others: the Root Devouring Tree Curse. ]
[The curse was able to steal someone's talent, power, and inborn abilities. The victim of the curse would have their powers slowly taken away by the caster, leaving them to die a most painful and suffering death. The followers of Zerathul used it to steal the talents of many.]
[The Root Devouring Tree curse manifests as tattoos, like the roots of a tree, starting from the victim's backbone and growing across their whole body. The caster's tattoos start from their belly button and grow backward. The curse completes three stages, marked by the victim's tattoos changing color: from White to Blue, Blue to Violet, and finally Violet to Black. The caster's tattoos change in reverse: Black to Violet, Violet to Blue, and Blue to White.]
[The curse often disguises itself as a disease, leading people to treat it with healing or divine power. However, the curse devours that power and accumulates it in the person's heart. If anyone tries to forcefully break the curse, the caster is alerted, and the victim feels unimaginable pain that instantly takes their life. In the era of the Bloodroot Pact, this curse was a calamity that hunted many.]
Aeon finished the paragraph.
"Finally found it," Aeon thought, a smile of relief spreading across his face. "Now I have the proof, and I just need to show this to Elizabeth."
He flicked his finger, and the mountains of books that were on the desk flew back to their respective places on the shelves.
"Ines, wake up. It's time to go," Kayle said.
But Ines was sound asleep. He shook her gently a few times. "Huh, she's sleeping like there's no tomorrow," he muttered.
Then, he noticed a subtle change in her breathing. He realized she was awake and faking it.
"Ines, I know you're awake. Get up. We need to meet Headmaster Elizabeth," Kayle said.
She didn't move.
Kayle sighed in frustration. He leaned close to her ear. "Well, I was thinking we'd have a nice dinner after the meeting. But I suppose I'll just be eating with the Headmaster..."
At those words, Ines slowly turned her face toward him, her eyes barely open. "Really...?" she mumbled.
"No," Kayle replied, smiling.
Ines immediately shot up from her chair. "Senior, you're so bad! How can you prank me like that?" she pouted.
"Stop acting like a kid and look at this," Kayle said, his tone serious now as he showed her the book.
Ines read the passage, and her eyes widened in dawning horror.
"Senior... is this... is this really true?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Then... will I die? My tattoos... they're already turning black. Will I not survive?" she asked desperately.
Kayle took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "I won't let that happen," he said, his voice absolute. "It's my promise. And you know I don't back down from my words. So just believe me."
Ines looked at him for a long moment, then put her head on his chest, clinging to his words as if they were the only thing holding her up.