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Chapter 13
The number "1" flickered faintly on the morgue door in the cold, dim light. The king's footsteps echoed along the stone floor, deepening the silence in the room. As the mightiest man in the entire empire, he had stood amidst wars, intrigues, and betrayals for years. But now, an indescribable fear crept across his face.
It was a fear unlike any he had encountered on battlefields or behind the closed walls of the palace. His trembling face seemed trapped in a momentary frozen fog.
Taking a deep breath, the king broke the silence. He turned to his right hand with a voice barely above a whisper:
— Did Pride fail?
His right hand, shadowed beneath his dark cloak, nodded slightly. The cold expression in his eyes wasn't from hearing the news itself but from bearing the weight of its consequences.
— Your Majesty, we believe those traitors have killed Pride. His body has not been found. Yet some soldiers still hold onto the hope that he's alive.
The king's eyes hardened. With deep resolve and anger, he replied:
— Soon, we will learn the truth.
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An hour later, the grand dining hall of the castle was bathed in the glow of heavy chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The king, queen, and crown prince sat side by side at the table. Around them, the king's guards silently watched, alert for any sudden threats. The light reflected off the silver plates, creating a lavish yet tense atmosphere.
The queen looked at her son with a face that showed both a mother's tenderness and the weight of her royal duties. In a soft but firm voice, she spoke:
— You must have heard from your father about your upcoming marriage to the middle daughter of the Valenhard family.
The crown prince bowed his head slightly, trying to conceal his emotions, having already known this.
— Yes, I know. I heard it from my father.
The queen softened her gaze and gently touched his shoulder.
— This marriage is not only a political alliance but also a bond for our kingdom's future. You must know that you will have a queen by your side.
The prince hesitated for a moment, trying to hide his inner conflict, then replied:
— I must uphold our family's honor. But I also have to carve my own path.
As the conversation continued, the tension in the room suddenly thickened. The king's face shifted; the peace in his eyes was replaced with concern. He received news via magic and silently rose from the table.
The queen watched him with growing suspicion and worry.
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The king's right hand was immediately at his side. They realized the gravity of the news: Pride had crossed the walls and unleashed his magic. Only elite mages and the kingdom's most experienced soldiers could sense this magic. The king and his army went on high alert.
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In the king's chamber, he summoned a mysterious and unexplained power. With a single snap of his fingers, Pride was transported instantly from thousands of miles away to stand before him.
Pride appeared weary, wounded, and bloodied. His torn cloak clung to him as a mixture of pain and hope flickered in his eyes.
The king spoke with a harsh and bitter voice:
— What is this pathetic sight? Was he really that strong, or were you the fool?
With fury, he shouted one final time:
— PRIDEEEEE!
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The scene shifted swiftly to Lunin's school.
Lunin entered the classroom trying to suppress the storm raging inside him. His identity, changed by a face transplant, and the questions and fears in his mind had yet to settle.
Teacher Renar Wilscate entered the class. Smirking under his mustache, he said:
— It's time to empty your minds.
The class jolted at his words. Behind them lay a hidden threat and the start of an important lesson phase.
Renar explained to his students the importance of focus and meditation:
— Magic may be hereditary, but its control depends entirely on focus.
Kai Juno confidently raised his hand:
— Teacher, we're already magicians. Do we really need this?
Renar nodded:
— Good question. A well-focused earth mage defeats a poorly focused fire mage. Without concentration, your magic will kill you.
The class fell silent in fear, listening more attentively than ever.
Suddenly, Renar sat down on the floor. No one could sense his magic.
Lunin and Donald couldn't hide their astonishment.
Renar opened his eyes, stood up, and laughed:
— So, children, how about we try?
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End of chapter.
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