TOK, TOK, TOK, TOK. "RETHRUS! RETHRUS!" A shout from the door.
"Ha, Rethrus wakes up. It's Lumine."
"Crap, I'm late,"
he thinks as he looks at the clock.
"Crap, crap, crap." He opened the door.
Lumine had a grumpy face, but she still seemed cute.
"We're late already," she shouted to Rethrus.
"Okay, okay, just let me clean my face," Rethrus answered.
As they went out to the academy, a chariot was waiting for them.
"Good day to you, Sir and Ms. Lumine. We're here on behalf of the Silentvisk Family," the Charioteer said.
"They're really giving us special treatment, huh?" Both Rethrus and Lumine thought.
As they boarded the chariot, Rethrus was still sleepy.
"You still having problems sleeping, huh?" Lumine thought.
"Yes," Rethrus replied.
"What were you doing last night?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of suspicion.
"Stroll at the city."
"What?! You know that's prohibited, right?" she asked, her voice raising a bit.
"Yeah, but they say I'm the exception," he replied.
"Hmmm, you're using the strongest card, huh," Lumine said, a small smirk playing on her lips.
Rethrus just chuckled.
"Come here," Lumine said, and Rethrus put his head on her lap.
She combed his hair the way he combed hers. The Charioteer saw it and smiled.
"You too can be a great couple together," he said.
Lumine blushed, embarrassed.
"No, we're not!!!"
"AHHAHAHA, I'm just joking," the Charioteer said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Lumine looked at Rethrus, her expression thoughtful.
"I'm sure the strongest wants the prettiest girl too," she murmured.
Rethrus fell asleep already.
"Rethrus, we're here."
She gave him a napkin to wipe his face.
"Wait, it's not the workshop of the Curse Master that the school recommended, though," Rethrus said to the Charioteer.
"Ah yes, since you're late, Master Alaric asked to escort you instead to Lord Draven's personal Curse Master in order for less hassle," the Charioteer answered.
"Huh, thank you, I guess. "
"And besides, there are like 20 other dark mages in that Curse Master's factory," Lumine added, her voice laced with a hint of unease.
"Oh, okay," Rethrus said. "Let's go," he added.
In the workshop, the place was eerie and dark.
"Hello!" Lumine shouted, her voice echoing in the dim, cavernous space.
As they were working their way forward, a shadow appeared.
"Hello, you're Rethrus and Ms. Lumine, right?"
A short old man with a bald head appeared, his eyes twinkling with an unsettling light.
"Ackkk!" Lumine was surprised.
"Come here, you two." in his voice raspy and low.
As they followed him, Lumine couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The workshop felt oppressive, filled with an unsettling energy that made her skin crawl.
They reached a room, and the Curse Master stood before them, a formidable figure with piercing eyes and a dark aura.
"I am Morgath Darkbane," he said, his voice deep and resonant.
"The personal Curse Master for the Silentvisk Family. Now before we start, any questions?"
"Uhm, yes, does it hurt?" Lumine asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Haha, no," Morgath answered, his lips curling into a sly grin.
"Kinda ticklish though," he added.
"How does it work?" Rethrus asked, his gaze fixed on Morgath.
"So here's how the seal works. The seal will limit your power level," Morgath explained, his voice taking on a more serious tone.
"Does that mean we can't level up anymore?" Lumine added.
"No and yes," Morgath answered.
"No, you still level, but you can't use it without permission by the higher-ups."
"Imagine a cage. That cage is my curse. And that cage will imprison your experience that you gained, and your devil too. So if I unlock the cage, both experience and your devil will come into you, which is good and bad at the same time. Because if you can't defeat the temptations, you might be in danger, and the people around you. So it might be a good thing to let you loose with supervision."
'Ah!"both answered, their expressions filled with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
"So you don't have to worry about your title being stripped from you, Mr. Strongest," Morgath said, looking at Rethrus with a smile.
"He?" Rethrus thought. "That never occurred to me, but sure."
"So let's start. Who's first?" Morgath asked.
"Me!!!" Lumine said, her hand shooting up in the air.
"Okay, step in this enchantment circle," Morgath said. He held her arms, and without casting a spell, darkness enveloped the area around her wrist.
"Seal!" he said.
A bracelet-like mark tattoo appeared on Lumine's wrist.
"Ahhh, so cool," she thought, admiring the markings.
"Yes, the markings are different for every Curse Master, and mine is different from the others," Morgath said with pride.
"Well, I wanna be a Curse Master too," Lumine said.
"Hehe, of course you can, but there are many classes to choose from. You should be open-minded, dear," Morgath replied.
"Yeah², but Curse magic is on my list," she answered.
"Anyway, next is you, Rethrus," Morgath said, turning his attention to Rethrus.
As they started, the same process began with Rethrus. Darkness enveloped his hand.
"He?" Rethrus thought. "Why is it taking so long?"
Suddenly, a surge of power coursed through Rethrus's arm, his magic struggling against Morgath's curse. Rethrus felt a rush of energy, a tingling sensation that spread through his entire body. His vision blurred slightly, and he clenched his fist, his muscles tightening in resistance.
"Seal!!!" Morgath announced, his voice echoing through the room.
A dark mark appeared on Rethrus's wrist, similar to Lumine's but with a subtle, pulsating energy.
"You sure take your time with my hand, huh?" Rethrus said, his voice laced with a hint of irritation.
"HAHHAHA, you're pretty strong, and your magic is fighting against mine, so it really takes time," Morgath chuckled.
Rethrus noticed that his markings were a bit different from Lumine's, but he shrugged it off.
"Nah," he thought.
"So should we go already?" Rethrus asked Lumine, a hint of impatience in his voice.
"Oh," Lumine replied, her eyes widening as she glanced at the sealed mark on her wrist.
As they were going out, another Chariot was waiting for them.
"Good afternoon, Sir and Ma'am," the Charioteer said, bowing slightly.
"Good afternoon too," Rethrus and Lumine replied, bowing in return.
"General Chan wants to see you."
"General Chan!!!!!!" Lumine exclaimed, her face flushing with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"Ohm," the Charioteer said, a sly smile playing on his lips.
"Please, please, can I go with you?" Lumine asked, clinging to Rethrus's arm.
"Can she come?" Rethrus asked the Charioteer.
"Whatever you want, Sir," the Charioteer replied.
"Yey!!!!" Lumine jumped with joy.
"Thank you for your kindness, and sorry to make you wait, Sir," Rethrus said to the Charioteer from the Silentvisk Family.
"It's fine, and it's an honor to serve our future heroes," the Charioteer bowed and then went.
"Let's go if you're ready, Sir and Ma'am," the Charioteer said.
By the way, where are we going?" Rethrus asked.
"From what I know, General Chan owns a city outside Starhaven," the Rethrus added.
"Ah yes, we're to Twinned Snake," the Charioteer answered, his eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement.
"He? General Chan owns that?" Rethrus said, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Hehehe yes, General Chan owns the famous Medicinal Guild," the Charioteer confirmed.
Twinned Snake Guild is a medicinal Guild located on Starhaven who mostly focuses on discovering new types of Medicine to be used in battlefields and in sickness. It's one of the most famous guilds in all of Starglade. Other medicinal guilds from the country were inspired by them too.
As they're on the road, the kids are playing, too many buildings, but the area is clean. Flying witches, sorcerers, and even wizards in the streets.
"Ha, what an amazing world I'm in,"
Rethrus thought, a sense of awe washing over him.
As they crossed a bridge, he saw some slime.
"What a cute slime!" he thought, a smile tugging at his lips.
He had never seen a slime before( I mean there's no slime in his first world), and its vibrant, iridescent colors filled him with a sense of wonder.
"Rethrus, I'm hungry," Lumine said, her voice muffled by the sleepiness that was slowly overcoming her.
"Oh, right," Rethrus said, turning to the Charioteer. "Uhm, Sir, can we stop at a food market at least?"
"Uhm, sorry for this, Sir, but General Chan also prepared food for you there. It might be good if you wait a little much," the Charioteer apologized.
"Can you wait for a bit, Lumine?"
Rethrus asked nicely, his tone gentle and caring.
"Ohm," Lumine mumbled, her head nodding against Rethrus's lap.
In the evening.
"We arrived!"
The two woke up.
As they were going down from the chariot, they saw a big house. So big and full of gardens around them.
As they went inside, it was still full of plants, and every scholar stopped what they were doing and looked at the two of them.
"Is that the guy who broke the record at the academy?" they murmured.
"I guess so. I've heard he doesn't have his devil yet," they added.
Rethrus knew they were talking about him, but he didn't care anymore. He had already accepted that he was famous.
"Good evening, Mr. Rethrus and Ms. Lumine!"
"Good evening too," Rethrus responded, his voice polite but firm.
"I thought he was going to be a disrespectful kid," The assistant thought her eyes widening in surprise.
"The General is waiting for you upstairs," she added.
"Thank you." Rethrus said, bowing his head slightly.
Lumine, on the other hand, had a more curious expression on her face. She was intrigued by the scholars' whispers, and she couldn't help but wonder what General Chan would have to say to them.
As they walked through the guild, Rethrus couldn't help but notice the incredible variety of plants. There were towering trees with vibrant, iridescent leaves, delicate flowers that shimmered with magical energy, and even strange, otherworldly fungi that pulsed with a faint, ethereal glow.
The air was thick with the scent of herbs and spices, and the sounds of nature filled the room. It was an extraordinary place, full of life and mystery.
As they reach the upstairs, they realize that it is full of flowers and butterflies. It is so beautiful and fresh, Rethrus thought.
Ackkkk, Lumine was surprised as she saw General Chan in front of them.
A tall, buff man, with small eyes, a perfectly long nose, and with black hair.
"Did he dye his hair again?"Rethrus thought, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Welcome Rethrus!"
General Chan said, his voice booming and commanding. And with you too, milady, he said, kissing Lumine's hand.
Lumine almost lost her composure for a moment. She blushed, her cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson.
Thank you, Sir, Rethrus replied, his voice calm and polite.
"Anyway, I guess you are hungry already. " Chan chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement as Lumine's stomach made a loud rumbling sound.
Lumine's cheeks flushed even deeper, and she quickly covered her mouth with her hand.
" Haha" Chan laughed, his eyes fixed on Lumine.
Even Rethrus smiled at Lumine, his heart melting at her bashfulness.
"Ackkk, why now?" Lumine thought, cursing her own stomach.
"Lets go in the back, the table has already been filled with food!"
His tone welcoming.
"Haaaa!" Lumine exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation as she could not wait to eat.
"Woah, so much food!" Lumine looked at the table, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Lets eat!" Chan said.
There were only three of them at the table. Lumine ate so fast that Rethrus was there to give her water if needed.
As Chan ate, he looked at them.
"Are you lovers or something?" Chan asked, his voice curious.
The two looked at Chan with big eyes, and Rethrus gave Lumine water while tapping her back.
Rethrus was shocked.
He looked at Lumine, a mixture of confusion and concern on his face.
"No,Sir! She is my close friend." he answered, his tone firm but polite.
Lumines eyes, however, held a hint of sadness. She could not let Rethrus see it.
"Hmmm, why? Ms. Lumine here is prettier than any other girl."
His voice laced with a subtle hint of arrogance.
"He likes the prettiest" Lumine thought, recalling the whispers of the scholars, and she could not help but think of Elizabeth and the princess as potential lovers for Rethrus.
"I think it would be shallow of me to choose a lover based on appearance, Sir."
Rethrus replied, his voice laced with a sense of conviction.
Lumines eyes sparkled, looking at him with a newfound admiration.
"Oh" Chan was surprised.
"Not just a genius, but a wise one."
"For your age, you are a bit of a wise man, you know." His tone genuine and respectful.
"Tell me, what is your plan in the future?" Chan asked, his eyes fixed on Rethrus.
"The heck with these questions!"
Rethrus thought, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over him.
"For now, I think I am going to lead this kingdom to war." he answered, his voice filled with a newfound confidence.
"Yes, you are our future."
"And?" he added, his tone expectant.
"I do not know whats next." Rethrus answered honestly.
"He is still a kid, after all." Chan thought.
"Do you believe that our kingdom is rich?" he asked again, his voice now more serious.
"Yes, Sir." Rethrus answered, his brow furrowed in thought.
Lumine continued eating as if she did not care, her thoughts consumed by the conversation.
"Why?" Chan continued asking, his gaze fixed on Rethrus.
"War is expensive" Rethrus answered, his voice filled with knowledge.
"Yeah, I learned that from school."he thought.
"Weapons, artifacts, and foods. All of it causes fortune. And I think I can compare it to a farmer who cultivated his land so well that he wants his neighbors land (Just a farm game I played back then)!"Rethrus answered.
"Very good!"Chan said, a gleam of admiration in his eyes.
Lumine could not comprehend what they were talking about.
"This kid, he might really be the kid in the prophecy of some religion." Chan thought, his mind racing with possibilities.
"I am from Avaloria."
Chan said, walking around the table. "As you can see, my eyes are different from yours. My parents were slaves here, and I was thankful enough that the couple who adopted are good people who do not discriminate."
"And they dreamt that war would stop. And that dream is still with me."
"Ah! Now that I realize about it, they have the same eyes as Aiko, Rethrus thought."
"As I grow up, discrimination catches up to me." Maybe there is a law that says Equality between citizens, but that is just on paper, and people still hate on me for a reason that I am Avalorian."
"I am glad I was strong and beautiful-looking." he said arrogantly.
"This guy!" Rethrus thought annoyingly.
And suddenly, he clapped his hands, and two scholars came in. It turns out Lumine fell asleep.
Rethrus panicked.
"Do not worry. I just made her sleep because it is very important." Chan said.
"She is going to be alright, right?"
Rethrus asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Yes, she will." Chan said. "Take her to a room."
"Come with me" he commanded.
As they went higher, Chan was still talking about his life.
"And then I realized that, at the end of the day, magic is the key. They stopped discriminating against me because whoever bullied me, I would fight them head-on. "
"And they praise me for being their protector too. I do not blame the people. It would be so shallow of me to blame them since their reaction and perspective are just products of this war." he added.
"Tell me, if you had the power to end wars, would you do it?"
he asked Rethrus as they arrived at their destination.
"Uhm, yes, of course!" Rethrus answered with a bit of confusion.
"Really? Would you swear it?"Chan asked.
Rethrus was still confused and answered, "Of course I will, (I mean, who would not want to? Fighting is tiresome and a waste of life".)
"I guess you are serious about it." Chan said.
As General Chan put an enchantment circle around Rethrus, he put his hand on Rethrus scar on his face. Rethrus did not know what to do, so he just let it happen.
Without casting some enchantment, Rethrus face started to glow green.
"HEAL!" Chan chanted. It took a minute before it was done.
" Ha" Chan was exhausted for a bit.
"What just happened?" Rethrus thought.
"Touch your face."Chan said.
As Rethrus was surprised, the scar was gone! He touched his cheek, feeling the smooth, unbroken skin.
"Ha, AHHHH!"
Rethrus did not know how to react.
"How and why?"
*Wound heals, scars do not, right?" Rethrus asked.
"Yeah, but rock also beats scissors."
Chan replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Have you heard about the saying, A mere technique is nothing in the face of the absolute power?" Chan asked.
"I do not, but I get it." Rethrus said, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Of course you do."
His confidence radiating from him.
"Maybe rock beats scissors, but a sharp scissors can cut a rock" Chan
Explained.
"Same with your scar, maybe it is not curable, but I myself have an absolute power." A smirk playing on his face.
"He may be arrogant, but he is a general for a reason." Rethrus thought.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Rethrus said, falling to his knees, his gratitude overwhelming him.
"Stand up, I can not let the face of our army in the future be so sorry for my words, but yeah, ugly, " Chan said laughingly.
"This guy!" Rethrus thought annoyingly, but he helped me.
"Thank you, Sir, Rethrus bowed. Can I ask what you want in return?" Rethrus asked, his voice firm.
"Sharp kid." Chan thought.
"Just like I said earlier, Magic is everything. And you will be the epitome of magic users in the future."
" So I just hope you will fulfill your promise if you have the power to do so, okay?" Chan said.
"Yes, yes, General!" Rethrus happily agreed.
"Okay, I guess we are done here.."Chan said.
"Yes, Sir, and thank you very much!" Rethrus bowed again, his gratitude sincere.
"Should we wake her up?" Chan asked.
"No, I will just carry her."Rethrus said, a gentle smile spreading across his face.
From Rethrus shadow emerged a formless entity that carefully carried Lumine.
"I could not even cast a spell without a book when I was his age."
Chan said, his voice filled with amazement as they all stood in awe of Rethrus power.
"You really care about her, huh?" Chan said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I do."
"She's one of my closest friend."
"Goodbye, General Chan, and thank you for your kindness!"Rethrus said sincerely.
Chan smirked, his eyes gleaming with an unexplainable purpose.
As the chariot moved down the road, the wind kissed Rethrus face. He realized that above him was a barrier.
(Every night, there is a barrier for every city and village to protect them from the monsters outside the area, which are rampant at night).
He was smiling until he remembered something. He had just promised something to General Chan.
"I hate myself. I hate that I am so hypocritical."he thought.
" I told myself that I do not care about my looks, yet I could kissed General Chan because of the happiness I felt."
"I tell them looks do not matter, yet I was first attracted by Eska beauty.
"I hate how I act so special when, in reality, I was given a head start. I hate how average my nature is. I know I am not the worst, but I want to fight these feelings."
" How can we fight something if it is in our nature? "
Rethrus thought to himself, his heart heavy with despair.
"Rethrus."Lumine said, her voice muffled by sleep.
"Your scar is gone." she added before falling asleep again.
"He smiled and held Lumine's hand."
Back at the guild, in General Chan's room, a message arrived on the parchment:
"Announcement: Princess Elaina of Starglade is now open for marriage."
Chan smiled.
"Ezekiel might be the next king, but his death on the battlefield by accident is very possible. This would make Elaina and her husband the rulers of the kingdom."
"Of course, the king, who is fond of Rethrus, would definitely want Rethrus to be his son-in-law for power purposes. He would not give him to another family, as it might cause a rebellion."
After the party yesterday, the king said, "You heard it, right? The kid is the chosen one. He's the Golden Goose, so we should take care of our trump card. He will be the most valuable piece in the future."
"Just play your part, Rethrus, and I'll play mine, even if it means sacrificing my life!"