Western Continent
The tears fell like rain. He cried so much that his voice became hoarse. He cried so much that the tears dried up. What was left was fear. Anger. Hatred. And a suicidal desire.
Hmm. Two. Hmm. Two.
Heavy footsteps cut through the dark night. Unbalanced. The right leg dragged towards the left, bloody, where the white bone, stained with dried blood, broke through the flesh like a dead root piercing the earth.
Blow.
The boy fell again. He groaned, struggling, as he always did every time he collapsed on that cursed night. Even so, he wrapped his arms around his sister's corpse and dragged himself back down. His blood marked the ground, staining the path with a trail of vivid pain.
She did not say a word. She continued to wander with her inert body in her arms, like a silent madman in the abyss of dawn. If one looked closely, one would see that there was a smile on the dead girl's face—soft, serene. Whoever saw it would believe that she had departed in peace.
The boy was only eight years old. His hair was short, reaching down to his ears. His dark eyes already reflected arrogance , pride, and confidence. Until two months ago, he had been a young imperial heir. A prince. But now... now he was just a mutilated survivor.
His entire family was wiped out. Only three people remained: him, his sister—now dead—and the cursed woman. A murder.
With his shaking hands, he dug a shallow grave and buried his sister's body. His fingers bled. The earth was cold and hard. His mind... distorted . He was no longer a normal person.
—Hahahaha ... Hahahahahaha ...
The laughter that escaped his throat did not belong to a child. His eyes were dull. Lifeless. Absolute emptiness . He laughed, and the world seemed quieter. The sister he had despised so many times had been sacrificed for him. Now it was too late.
His imperial clothes, once a symbol of dignity and nobility, were dirty, torn, covered in blood. The hot liquid still ran down his leg. But he didn't care. Not anymore. The desire to die consumed his mind. The world would take everything from him.
Your parents.Your brothers.Your honor.Your faith.
And now... your soul.
Friends dead. His fiancée dead. The only living person in his lineage was that cursed woman.
So... why live?
I had asked this question countless times before.
Revenge? What a bitter joke.
He knew that revenge was useless. He lives consumed by pain and hatred, with a hardened heart and a torn soul. Even if he achieves his desired goal, he will never be happy. Revenge only breeds more revenge — that's what his father told him before he died.
His family was powerful on that continent. But even so... they were all exterminated.
He survived only by luck.
Where in hell would he find the strength to take revenge?
The most impressive thing was that, despite being plunged into insanity, he still managed to have some lucid thoughts.
The boy entered a dark, damp cave . With reverent care, he laid his sister's body on what appeared to be an ancient stone altar. Then he took a dagger and placed it against his own heart. He was about to thrust the blade in when a memory flashed through his mind.
In the memory, his sister smiled, bloodied and dying in his arms.
"Brother... you must live," he said softly. "Don't worry, I am dying willingly. It is my fortune to be able to leave like this. As long as you live, I would die a thousand times to give you a chance . Live a good life. Forget the past. Make new friends..."
When the last breath left his body, the last words did not come out of his mouth, but echoed straight from his soul.
— Be strong, brother... protect the ones you love. I will always be with you.
If there were anyone powerful enough to see beyond the veil of death, they would see the soul of a six-year-old girl floating before the boy. She flickered like a flame about to die out.
Sub-Saharan Continent
John was having dinner with his family. Now, there was another member at the table: the newly arrived Felicia, his aunt. It had been a week since her arrival at the castle.
— Sister-in-law, pass the salt, please — Felícia asked naturally.
But there was no answer.
Ever since the afternoon John returned injured, Catarina had been treating Felícia as if she didn't exist. She didn't answer, she didn't speak, she didn't even look at her. She acted as if Felícia was... just air.
Normally, Fernando was the most childish one in the house. But this time, Catarina behaved like a bratty little girl.
Sub-Saharan Continent (continued)
Fernando and John looked at each other — and saw the fear reflected in each other. In fights between ladies, they were almost always the ones who ended up in the crossfire of the attacks. Felícia and Catarina had started to pull the boys to their respective sides, and since neither of them had chosen a side, the atmosphere was getting more and more tense... especially for Fernando.
A lot had happened that week, but perhaps the most important was the case of the Lobo family .
Little Isa's mother, Francisca, was receiving treatment at Venhorst Castle at John's personal request. And because of this, Fernando willingly donated some rare potions to help her recover. Now, the family of three — Francisca, Isa and Judith — were living in the area of the castle where the most loyal servants lived.
Initially, John and Catarina wanted to live as guests, but the Wolf family made another choice.
With the exception of Francisca, who was still recovering, Judith and Isa offered their domestic services to Venhorst Castle . Isa, in particular, attracted attention. Catherine noticed John's affection for her, even if it was only a sisterly affection. Taking this into account, she appointed Isa as John's personal maid —something close to a secretary, someone only he could order around.
Isa was delighted with the responsibility. In practice, she did little more than follow John everywhere, with a sparkle in her eyes. She also started attending the same classes as him, with the exception of the theoretical magic lessons that Catarina taught personally. Instead, Isa trained her body intensely with the physical group.
Now, John, Isa and Alex were inseparable. The three formed a pure alliance, a solid and unsurpassable friendship.
In the dining room, John could no longer stand the heavy atmosphere.
He finished his meal quickly, said goodbye politely and went straight to his room. Catarina, equally uncomfortable with Felícia's presence, dragged Fernando by the arm — as naturally as someone pulling a pillow — and disappeared down the hallway.
Venhorst couple's bedroom
The conversation was serious.
Catarina and Fernando were discussing John's future. She did not want to be separated from her son under any circumstances. Fernando, on the other hand, was convinced of the opposite.
— Honey... why does John have to go to the Institute?
Fernando had already answered this question countless times over the last few days. But Catarina insisted.
— What will he learn there that you or I can't teach him? I'm a peak average being. It won't be long until I reach the next advancement if I resume training. And you? You're a superior being! You'd be the most suitable teacher for our son. Not to mention Felicia...
Fernando sighed deeply.
— Honey, we both know what's at stake here. We can't just give our son everything he needs. If we do, he'll grow up arrogant... clueless about the real world.
"The Institute is no ordinary place ," Fernando said, his voice firm but measured. "There, John will have to rely only on his own strength, his talent, and his persistence. Even his food will depend on his own sweat."
He paused briefly, watching Catarina with a piercing gaze.
—The missions there are no joke. They will be dangerous. I'm worried too, don't think I'm not... But it's precisely this danger that forges real men.
— Our son needs to chart his own path. Make his own choices. Only then will he understand the weight of the world.
Fernando approached, placed a hand on his wife's shoulder and asked in a soft voice:
— You haven't forgotten our wedding promise... have you?
Catarina clenched her fists, and after a moment, she slowly unclenched them. A light appeared in her eyes, and she replied firmly:
— I would never forget.
Fernando nodded, satisfied with the answer. He took a deep breath and continued:
— Our son is no ordinary child. You know that. We both know that. His future is still a mystery—and that mystery cannot be forcibly shaped within four walls.
—Here, within our lands, he is the Lord's son. He only needs to extend his hand for anything to be given to him. He only needs to point his finger for any woman to willingly give herself to him. That is why you fear that he will go out into the world... Because here, everything is too easy.
—But he's about to turn eight. If he spends his entire adolescence surrounded by luxury and comfort, he'll never learn to fight for what he wants. He'll never understand the value of anything.
—He won't have any real friends here. Only flatterers and parasites.
— At the Institute, he will be surrounded by young people of his own level. Children of nobles, prodigies, natural talents... There, no one will flatter him. If he is careless, he will suffer. And so, he will learn.
Fernando allowed himself a small smile.
— The royal family is investing fifty percent of the annual revenue to support the three institutes. The best masters in the kingdom will be there: forgers, alchemists, astrologers, potion experts, magic formation, circles, matrices, everything. Whether as a wizard, warrior, or any other path... John will be well-trained.
— And more than that... he will find teammates. People who will share life and death with him. That is the most important thing. Real loyalty. True bonds.
Catarina finally lowered her eyes. Her shoulders relaxed. The rigidity of her face gave way to a silent expression of acceptance.
"How much longer do we have with him?" he asked in a low voice, almost a whisper.
Fernando looked at her tenderly.
— Two years... at most.
Boom.
A violent explosion echoed through the castle like a roar of thunder. The walls shook and the ground vibrated beneath the feet of those present. Fernando, who was still talking to Catarina, immediately frowned. His body shone in a golden flash and, in the next instant, disappeared. Catarina did not hesitate and followed him in a burst of greenish light.
Venhorst Castle Prisons .
The air was heavy, stuffy, and filled with the metallic smell of blood. Fernando appeared inside a destroyed cell, and a second later, Felicia appeared. The next moment, Catarina also materialized beside them.
"What happened here?" Catarina asked , looking around with wide eyes.
The bars of the cell were shattered, twisted as if something had torn them from the inside out. Charred flesh and bits of bone were scattered across the floor. The stone wall at the back was stained with blood, as if something had been sprayed against it. The scene was one of pure horror.
Fernando closed his eyes for a moment and activated his perception . A faint buzzing sound ran through the air as he used his magical sonar. When he opened his eyes, his voice came out dry:
— Someone blew up the evolution core itself here. From the residual energy, the suicide bomber was just a primary being. But... there 's something strange.
He narrowed his eyes.
—The energy density doesn't match the level of someone so weak. He used a forbidden scroll to increase his ability... probably forced combustion.
A clatter of hurried footsteps echoed from the corridor. The prison warden appeared, panting, his face drenched in sweat. Seeing the three most powerful members of the Venhorst family gathered there, his soul nearly left his body.
— G-Gentlemen... I arrived as soon as...
Fernando interrupted him with a razor-sharp question.
— Who was in this cell?
The man stammered, visibly desperate.
— T-It was the prisoner that... that Lady Felicia brought, my lord.
Felicia narrowed her eyes, serious. Fernando clenched his fists and the atmosphere seemed to grow heavy in the air.
—I gave clear orders—Fernando said in a cold voice—that this man's core was to be sealed. How is it possible that he managed to blow himself up?
—M-my lord, I... I personally sealed your core! — The director seemed on the verge of collapse. — We don't know how this was possible... perhaps... perhaps someone from the inside helped.
Fernando let out a long sigh, then turned around.
— Forget it. It's too late. Clean up this mess... and double the surveillance on the other prisoners.
He paused for a moment and looked at the scattered remains.
— That wretch was lucky to die like this. Lucky... not to have to face my judgment.
With one last dark look, Fernando disappeared in a flash of gold. Felicia followed him silently. Catarina was the last to leave, giving the director a hard look before disappearing in a green light.
Men.
As it was already night, everyone returned to their respective rooms. The explosion had shaken the castle, waking up even John and the Lobo family. But as Fernando, the Lord, assured them that everything was under control , spirits calmed down. One by one, they returned to bed, albeit restless.
In the bedroom, Catarina and Fernando continued to talk for long hours. The subject dragged on until late at night. Finally, she broke the silence with a pointed question:
— How are you going to deal with Felicia?
Fernando ran his hand over his forehead, tired, and answered sincerely:
— I still have no idea...
Catarina smiled like a fox who had just spotted a poorly guarded chicken coop. Her eyes glinted with mischief.
— Your sister is very greedy... How about we use that to our advantage? Let's have her conduct John and Alex's evolution ritual as compensation.
She moved closer, resting her chin on his shoulder.
—But not just any ritual. A high-grade ritual. The most expensive one we can muster. It'll make her bleed, a lot.
Fernando let out a muffled laugh.
— This will cost her dearly, indeed...
— And besides — Catarina added with a wicked glint in her eyes — you can also hit her a little. Nothing too much... just enough to relieve the tension.
Astute as she was, Catarina knew very well that combining business with pleasure could yield results. And for Fernando, who was already starting to get a headache with the astronomical costs of evolution rituals, the idea sounded like music. Besides, he had been wanting to test his current strength for a long time — and using Felícia as a punching bag seemed like a very practical solution. After all, there weren't many superior beings out there willing to have a friendly duel.
The next morning.
John was in yet another theoretical magic class, led by Catarina. The boy's eyes shone with enthusiasm. Now, he had mastered the enchantments of several spells of the Water and Earth elements . In theory, John already had enough control to cast a spell per second.
The "Slobbery Tongue," as the arcane language used in spells was called, was a complex, almost living language. It was impossible to use for normal conversation—it was meant to summon and shape the power of magic in its purest form. John, however, was fluent. His talent was undeniable.
Later, in the ancient forest.
A sharp wind blew through the trees. In the sky, two figures were speeding across the sky—Fernando and Felicia. Both were shrouded in auras that revealed their position among the most powerful on the continent.
They dove into the heart of the forest, completely ignoring the presence of the beasts that roamed there. The beasts, upon feeling the weight of the presence of those two, fled instinctively. No creature would dare block their path.
In that forest, the strongest creatures were no more than the level of a Peak-ranked Medium Being . For Catarina, this would be a deadly battlefield. But for Fernando and Felicia… these beasts were like ants before giants. A single strike was enough to decimate them.
Finally, the two of them landed in an open field. The surrounding vegetation retreated under the pressure released by their bodies. It was as if nature itself understood what was about to happen.
Face to face, Fernando and Felícia stare at each other. Absolute silence.
Fernando, who had reached the level of Superior Being at the age of eight, had never had a real fight against another of his own. Since then, his strength had remained like a sleeping dragon—colossal, but still untouched. This would be his first opportunity to discover what he was truly capable of.
Felicia smiled. Fernando clenched his fists.
The entire forest held its breath.
Fernando had become a High Being in the legendary Tomb of the Primal Sin —a place forbidden even among the great clans. The method he had used there was unknown in the Central Kingdom. It was something hidden, almost forbidden. Therefore, Fernando was not sure: either he was now much stronger… or much weaker.
With the trip to the capital approaching, knowing the true extent of his strength was not a luxury. It was a necessity .
Over the past eight years, Fernando had advanced ferociously. He had broken through two small realms and was now at the second level of the Upper Realm, the absolute peak . For ordinary cultivators , it would take at least ten years to reach the peak of level one—and another two to five years just to break through to level two. Fernando had done all of this in just eight years.
An anomaly, no doubt.
But Felicia… she was something else. A monster in the form of a woman . A freak adored by fortune and hated by her peers.
She had already reached the intermediate third level of the Upper Realm.
This level was known to the world as "The Graveyard ." It was an abyss that could not be overcome with talent, resources, or persistence. Only luck and transcendental understanding allowed one to break through this bottleneck. Even the most fortunate took a century or more.
Felicia, however, progressed without stumbling. She had never faced a single bottleneck… until now.
She believed she would reach level four before she was 80.
If Fernando hadn't invaded the Tomb of Primal Sin, he might still be trapped in the Nether Realm.
But now, face to face, with both of their auras distorting the air around them, he would have his answer.
— Get ready. I'm going to attack. — Felicia said , her voice calm but with a cutting tone.
Fernando pulled his sword from his space ring. The steel shone like moving water.
— Come on. I'm ready.
Felicia raised her hands. Two swords appeared in the blink of an eye—a golden one on the left, and a sparkling blue one on the right. The ground shook slightly. The earthly elements vibrated beneath their feet. Nature understood: giants were about to collide .
Both of them released the tails they had tied to their waists. Their true forms began to insinuate themselves through their skin, like ancient shadows that inhabited their bodies.
Fernando took a step forward and hit the ground hard.
BA-DUM!
A piece of rock rose up, tearing through the ground, launched like a projectile straight towards Felicia.
At the same time, Fernando conjured a second attack—a sword beam made of pure compressed water , as sharp as celestial glass.
The first impact came.
BOOM!
Felicia reacted in the nick of time. She swung her arms, launching dozens of golden beams with her swords. The rock exploded into hundreds of pieces, sending shrapnel flying everywhere.
But the real attack was yet to come.
Through the shards of stone, the blue sword beam shot through like an invisible arrow, tearing through the air at an impossible speed.
Felicia realized it too late. She jumped, dodging it by half a centimeter . The beam grazed her skin, cutting a hair in midair.
Before he had time to blink, a sword descended from above , aiming for his neck.
BOOM!
Felicia crossed her swords, forming an X in the air. The impact reverberated like thunder. The pressure of Fernando's sword threw her back a few meters, opening a furrow in the ground where her feet touched.
She fell to her feet, gasping—her eyes wide. She was smiling.
— Not bad, little brother…
Fernando straightened his posture. His sword still shone.
— I'm just starting to warm up.
Felicia's body shot across the ground like a bullet, digging a deep crater and knocking down entire trees in its path.
Fernando barely had time to breathe.
The first and second attacks? Just distractions.
As he launched the blue sword beam, he leapt into the air, positioning himself just above Felicia. She, in turn, jumped to dodge—but found a gleaming sword, Fernando's, waiting to stab.
In the last tenth of a second, Felicia turned her sword to block the blow — but the force was so great that she was thrown violently to the ground, while the sword she was using for defense flew from her hand, cutting through the air like a feather in the wind.
— Sister, this is serious. I won't hold back even a bit of my strength. — Fernando warned, his voice firm, without a trace of joking.
Without waiting for Felicia to get up, he launched a shower of sword fragments towards her.
Instinctively, using the earth element, Felicia formed two enormous rocky arms in front of her, blocking the flying sword beams with deadly precision.
Collide!Collide!Collide !
All attacks were stopped. Not a single beam came near her.
— First form: Rising Waves! — Fernando announced.
The water fused with the blade of Fernando's sword, which now emanated pure, cutting energy. With a shout, he made a vertical cut.
The beam turned into a giant wave, a 6 to 7 meter liquid wall that covered the sky.
— First form: Rising Waves! — Felicia repeated , her voice as strong as Fernando's.
On the other side, an equally colossal wave appeared, advancing towards Fernando's.
Boom!
The waves crashed with titanic force. The entire forest seemed to be swallowed by a raging sea. Trees were uprooted, the ground turned to mud and water, and violent winds tore through the air.
Both of them stood firm, using their spiritual energy to keep their feet firmly in the murky water, neither of them sinking.
When the water finally receded, what was left was a devastated river, the trees lying like defeated sentinels—nowhere to stand.
Felicia grabbed the sword she had lost, her eyes shining with fury.
Both of them were now bathed in a watery enchantment, a glow that enveloped them and connected them to the power of water and earth.
With a synchronized war cry, Fernando and Felicia shot towards each other, running like two thunders about to collide.
Boom. The swords clashed so many times, the attacks so fast that it was impossible to tell who was attacking and who was defending. Amid the flashes and slashes of energy, Fernando and Felicia exchanged blows every second. The ground around them was ruined—ravaged by craters and fissures—and the earth beneath their feet shattered like cracked glass, drawing deep webs with each impact.
Fernando discovered a few steps. His eyes were sharp, his breathing steady. "Graviton ," he murmured, and his presence seemed doubled in weight.
At the checkpoint that gave access to the borders of the Venhorst territory , a middle-aged woman with an ordinary appearance and a tired expression was released without difficulty. She had just undergone a recent surgery—or so the records said—and no one suspected anything.
She got into a carriage and left the city, disappearing down the road.
Hours later, in a secluded area surrounded by decaying trees and abandoned trails, the carriage stopped. She got out and dismissed the driver with a casual gesture. Then she walked to a house forgotten by time, worn and with broken windows.
Inside, two men waited in silence. As she walked through the door, the woman said nothing. She simply began to tear off her face—or rather, the false skin that covered it. With a grotesque, wet crack , the mask fell away, revealing distinct features.
Then, she despises herself in front of the two, without shame, as if the body she was showing off did not belong to her.
The men showed no surprise. They knelt slightly and spoke in unison, with reverence: "Commander , welcome back."
The woman was now a man. And if the Venhorst family or the Wolf family saw him at that instant, their hearts would freeze in terror.
It was him. The commander everyone believed dead. The same one who had left John on the brink of death in the dungeon of Venhorst Castle .
Continued...
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