Aether walked toward the edge of the cliff. There, on the cliff, stood a gazebo.
Inside it sat a man with his legs crossed. He wore luxurious clothes, and his long black hair flowed gently in the breeze. His emerald-green eyes shone brightly.
He was Kyle Von Noctvain, the current Patriarch of the Noctvain family. One of the Empire's strongest warriors, having reached the Sword God Realm.
In the entire Empire, only seven people had ever reached this realm. One of those ten was the Noctvain Patriarch, known as one of the Seven Supreme.
"I greet my father, who is the absolute ruler." Aether politely Bowed
" Have a sit." Kyle von Noctvain, Aether's father extended his hand.
Aether entered the gazebo and sat infront of his father.
"I have heard about what had happened in my absence. You did well my son" at his father's high praise Aether smile softly.
"I'm sorry father. For me you need to face that many cultists."
To lure his father, the cultists kidnapped Aether, and they succeeded only because Aether had wandered off to explore the world.
"You don't have to feel guilty. I'm glad you're ok."
"Thank you for your kind words, father."
In the corner of the gazebo, wine and a glass floated through the air and landed in his father's hand. He poured himself a glass and took a slow sip.
"You're of age now. I was thinking of admitting you to the Imperial Academy."
In the Empire, every family sends their children to the academies when they turn fifteen. After mastering their family's secret techniques, they attend the academy to bring honor to their family name.
The academy is a place of fierce competition, where the younger generation proves their skills.
"Your big sister is the Student Council President. So make sure...."
Before his father could finish, Aether quickly spoke.
"Father, I want to enter as a commoner."
"What !" His father's expression hardened.
"Father, I want to enter as a commoner, not as Aether von Noctvain," Aether said firmly.
"Why?" his father asked, his tone sharp.
"I want to be free."
As the heir of one of the Seven Great Families, living up to expectations was a heavy burden. But the real reason Aether wanted to enter as a commoner was to move freely without drawing attention.
If he entered as Aether von Noctvain, every eye in the academy would be on him. But as a commoner, no one would care what he did.
And in the capital, there were many traitors Aether planned to kill, so he needed to leave the academy often.
"You want to be free? Hahaha…" The Patriarch burst into laughter. "Fools think being born into one of the Seven Families means freedom, that you can have infinite power. But in truth, it only means you're chained to your family."
"..." Aether stayed silent.
"Okay, I permit you. But answer me one question...why don't I see hate in your eyes?"
"Hate? What do you mean, Father?"
"You were tortured for twenty days, yet your eyes show no rage, no anger. Why? Instead, I see bloodlust… betrayal… sorrow.... but not directed at the cultists who tortured you. It's aimed at someone else."
"..."
"I won't ask who your anger is for. But tell me this..why don't you hate the cultists? Have you forgiven them?"
"Forgiveness?" Aether's voice was cold, his face void of emotion. "That's nothing but a shield for the weak. They call it virtue because they lack the strength to take revenge. I don't forgive. I collect debts… no matter how long it takes."
He would never hide behind the excuse of forgiveness. He would repay blood with blood.
Hearing this, a small, pleased smile appeared on the Patriarch's face. He looked delighted.
"The academy starting next month. Be ready for your commoner life." The patriarch said
"I have a favor to ask, Father."
"Hmm? A favor?"
"I want to enter the secret vault… and try to wield the Sunless Sword."
"!!!.." Hearing those words, his father's eyes widened.
The Sunless Sword was a cursed blade, once wielded by the Founding Patriarch over 1,200 years ago.
Since then, no one had ever been chosen by the sword. Every member of the Noctvain family, upon turning eighteen, attempted to touch it, hoping to be chosen.
In his past life, Aether was the true owner of the Sunless Sword. His elder brother, Julius von Legolant, had entrusted the blade to the Noctvain founding patriarch.
Over the centuries, it was passed down through the generations. But since Aether hadn't appeared for 1,200 years, the sword remained untouched.
The Sunless Sword is one of the Eleven Relics that Julius left for Aether. A prophecy was also passed down: whoever claims the sword will become the Patriarch of that era.
"Be patient, my child. Your turn will come," the Patriarch said with serious expression.
"Father, the sword is calling my name." Aether lied.
"What !!"
"From the day I was kidnapped, I've heard the sword calling to me, telling me to wield it."
Aether had once wielded the sword in his past life, so he was confident he could claim it again with ease. So he lied about the sword calling him.
Hearing Aether's words, the Patriarch fell into deep thought.
Just then
"Patriarch! A Soulborne has invaded our land and is heading toward the city!" a messenger shouted from outside.
"Hmm…" The Patriarch placed his hand on his chin, thinking deeply.
After a moment of silence, he finished his thoughts and spoke.
"Alright. Son, deal with it. If you manage to defeat the Soulborne, I will grant you permission to enter the secret vault."
But rather than being flustered, Aether smiled, as if he had been waiting for this.
" I'll bring you its head, Father," Aether said with a soft smile.
He already knew the Soulborne, Asylum, would attack at this time. This was part of his plan to make the Patriarch give him permission.
" Interesting. You've changed so much ."
"I don't deserve such praise." Aether replied.
"It's not a praise." The Patriarch said.
"Oh..ok.." Aether muttered, a little awkwardly.
Then Aether gave an awkward bow and slowly left through the door to face the Soulborne.
As Aether left, a figure stepped out from the shadows. It was the Left Guardian.
"What do you think my lord?"
"As you've said. His soul seeks vengeance." The Patriarch said narrowing his eye.
"Yes my lord. Even i was scared of his bloodlust."
"Hmm...To wear no mask before one's own heart... Those who stay true to their emotions are the most beautiful among humans"
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To be continued....