If I had to sum up the recent events, it would be in a few words.
My father visited, showed interest in my powers. My one sister smiled at me and patted my head. While the other left me a phoenix heart to consume.
And the acquisition of a guardian dragon with a sizeable ego, a penchant for incessant chatter, a peculiar fondness for reading erotic novels, and a knack for embroiling me in all manner of predicaments.
On the surface, it might seem like an idyllic existence.
However, delving deeper into the underlying realities paints a different picture.
My father is a Genesis Knight, and him harboring expectations means that I must fulfill to prove my worth, and failure could have dire consequences. Such as...death. Nothing else.
As for the second issue, Sister Mary has earned the absolutely "sensational" epithet of "The Crazy Bitch of the South."
Her moniker is rooted in her reputation as a fervent aficionado of combat, often described as a "battle junkie" in colloquial---slang terms. It becomes evident why Sister Mary entrusted me with the phoenix heart – to ensure my growth and prepare me for the inevitable clash with her.
One could perceive it as a form of "grooming", in a sense. But perhaps it's best not to dwell on the semantics. Never mind.
As for Sister Luntia's smile, it seems, was merely a gesture without any ulterior motives. Much like me, she seems to view many things as tiresome, which is a sentiment that can often be justified, given the circumstances.
Given the complex factors at play, it's safe to say that my life is far from ideal. However, I must acknowledge that there are certain privileges that come with being a member of this family, which helps to offset some of the challenges I face. So, I won't dwell on complaints.
Regarding my peculiar and eccentric Guardian Dragon, he's presently concealing his true form and masquerading in human guise.
Murakan had long, spiky black hair and piercing black eyes in his human form. In his dragon form, he dons a coat of jet-black scales, with horns that encircle his head.
*Flutter. Flutter.*
The sound of pages fluttering grew more pronounced as I diligently committed every detail within the book I held to memory - memorising it word for word.
When I first arrived in here after hiding away Murakan, I got my hands on archives of [Kungen Clan]
There were three volumes in total of the Kungen Clan's secret tomes.
I carefully retrieved the remaining two volumes and seated myself in a chair.
Originally, the Kungen Clan's secret tomes had exceeded ten in number. But during the clash between the Runcandel Clan and the Kungen Clan, which occurred two centuries ago, most of these valuable tomes were tragically lost.
The Runcandel Clan had deliberately orchestrated their destruction.
Fortunately, the three volumes in my possession remained unscathed.
These tomes contained a condensed compendium of the most profound techniques within the Kungen Swordsmanship, preserving the essence of their art.
i had already memorised one but theoretical and practical aspects are two very different things.
The initial tome, unsurprisingly, proved to be somewhat disappointing.
Despite bearing the title of a secret tome, the initial pages of the first volume primarily delved into the fundamental aspects and core foundations of the swordsmanship, as well as the conduct and demeanor expected of Kungen knights.
As I progressed further into the tome, I came across a section that was beyond my comprehension.
This wasn't due to any deficiency in my understanding; neither was it the result of the remarkably subpar encryption employed, which seemed even more haphazardly executed than the magic circle's design.
Unfortunately, my limited experience in utilizing the sword in a "conventional" manner rendered me unable to decipher the contents of the final few pages of the tome.
There were 3 years left until I left the Storm Castle for good and left for main house of Runcandel Family. I have to advance my rank as fast as I can. Because as soon as I step foot there, all eyes would be on me.
(***)
Two months elapsed, during which I diligently transcribed all three volumes from the Kungen Clan, along with two tomes that delved into the hand-to-hand combat techniques of the Meyer Clan.
Regrettably, the hand-to-hand combat techniques didn't prove to be of significant value, as they appeared to be a fusion of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from earth, yielding limited novelty.
Rumors began circulating about the "Youngest Master being possessed by a ghost" due to my frequent nocturnal wanderings around the castle.
Given the frequency of my nighttime escapades, such speculations were somewhat expected.
However, the truth behind these nightly adventures was not merely a pursuit of knowledge from those tomes but, rather, a means to relish a few years of unbridled freedom.
Despite the Storm Castle's perpetual stormy environment, there were occasional tranquil nights when I ventured outside to spend the entire night gazing at the starry sky. The gentle caress of the wind through my hair had a soothing effect, momentarily easing the burdens I carried.
However, no one dared to ask me why I was doing it. Even if I stood in the rain, no one told me to go inside.
There was no need to convince them. This was the Storm Castle, not the clan's main residence. The guardian knights living here already served me as a 'true Runcandel' instead of treating me like a child, and the servants had no right to disprove my decisions from the start.
It almost feels like I am in a novel. Or rather in a fictional world.
(***)
3RD PERSON PERSPECTIVE
Approximately six months had passed since his encounter with Murakan, and Jin had recently celebrated my eighth birthday. During this time, he diligently studied and memorised a total of 50 secret tomes. Today was the day the Tona twins left the Storm Castle.
'I finally have 2 years of undisturbed time. And that creepy nanny won't bother me anymore as well....... Yay?'
Even his monologue was montone.
Should he feel joy?
He definitely should.
Was he feeling it?
Never mind. Moving on.......
"Young Master, you must go bid farewell to your brothers now."
"Hm."
The two of them descended to the Storm Castle's courtyard, where the knights who had come to escort the Tona twins to the main house were standing in silence.
There was one 7-star guardian knight and five 6-star guardian knights, all from the Runcandel's main house.
The twins stood at the center, wearing relieved smiles as they would finally be distanced from their devilish brother.
"Elder brothers."
"Ah, yeah, Jin."
"H-Hey."
Jin tried to smile at them. "I will miss you, brothers." He took a step forward and caught both his brothers in a hug. Squeezing their necks and bringing their ear close to his mouth, he whispered, "I haven't forgotten about the Phoenix Heart soup that you both consumed. It would be better if you don't forget about it as well."
The twins shuddered visibly. They weren't getting out of it.
Without saying a word and with their gazes cast down, they nodded in approval.
Removing them from the hug, Jin looked back at Gilly who was extremely delighted to see him get along with his siblings.
"I guess I won't be seeing you for another two years. That's too bad, isn't it?" Jin tried to act hurt, but the monotone voice just made it sound extremely insincere.
Despite not agreeing with him, the Tona twins furiously nodded their heads. After patting them on the shoulders, Jin then turned to Emma.
"Stay safe too, Nanny Emma."
"Thank you very much, Young Master."
"Also...." Julian pointed his finger at her to come closer, "....I have tolerated you here long enough. If you interfere again, it won't be ending well for the twins." He whispered.
As soon as her brain processed the meaning behind his words, Emma's face paled into a deathly white hue.
When she realized that this 8-year-old child had fully noticed her actions and hidden intentions, a jolting chill ran down her spine. Her throat squeezed up, and she couldn't respond to him.
Nevertheless, Emma somehow forced her body to move and bowed to Jin, while trying to conceal her trembling.
After that, the knights raised their swords to salute Jin before departing. They then got on the carriage waiting at the bottom of Mt. Murakan and headed to the Runcandel main house, the 'Garden of Swords'.
Jin would also head there in another 2 years.
(***)
"Blasted kid! Are you planning on starving me to death? I need something good, or I am going to eat one of your knights!" Murakan grumbled as Jin came after one week with a tray full of food.
"Hm? Well, you are not doing anything. All you do is lay down. Plus, you said you lost your strength. I don't see why someone as inoperable as you would demand such a thing." Jin shrugged and placed the tray down, folding his legs.
"Ahh, Solderet! I take it back. You bastard. What kind of creature have you chosen as your contractor?!" Murakan complained while hungrily stuffing his mouth with the different varieties of food.
"Aren't you a bit too disrespectful towards your God?" Jin asked.
"We are friends, doesn't matter. On that note, I am your guardian dragon. Treat me with a bit more respect, damn it."
"Nothing is free." Jin said as the shadowy wisps appeared all around him. There were 6 wisps forming a small circle behind his head---Shadow Energy. "Everything is earned. Earn that respect. I will definitely give it to you."
Murakan sighed. He already knew that he was going to have an even harder time with Jin while compared to Temar Runcandel.
"What do you want?" Murakan asked, scratching his head.
"Everything. Everything you know." Jin's eyes started glowing as the shadow energy leaked out of him, like water spilling out.
"Your body is not ready. You might have a blessed physique, but that factor is nulled by the fact that Shadow Energy is many times stronger than Aura and Mana."
"I am not asking about extravagant techniques. My body has an innate talent for Aura, and I can feel Mana on my own as well." The reason why he could feel mana was because he was making spells by using his knowledge of science. Not based on screaming the name of the spell but visualising the scientific procedure behind them. "I want you to tell me how to control this Shadow Energy. I don't like the fact that I can't control it."
"Ambitious already, aren't we?! Well then, let's start with the basics." Murakan said with a smirk as he stood up.
"In that case, what's today's training about?"
"Releasing your spiritual energy. You can always learn the basics of martial arts later on. So, from today onwards, till the day you leave the Storm Castle, you will only train your spiritual powers."
The dragon in front of him was remarkably childlike, exceedingly whimsical, and an absolute slob. He'd perpetually be sprawled out, casually scratching his nether regions as he grumbled about some trivial matter or another. However, he was someone hailed as the "King of Skies."
Jin was going to benefit a lot from him.
Jin's ability to pick up anything in a short moment of time and his adaptability, coupled with the fact that among the Gods, Solderet's nickname is 'The Infinite'. Which meant the room for growth for him was Limitless.
As long as he did not let his lazy nature get over, there was no roof for him. He would never hit a ceiling.
(***)
Individuals with Shadow Energy in this world were the rarest to find as they possessed unique set of abilities. There were two main categories of spiritual power wielders: those born from Solderet, like Murakan, and those who make a contract with a god, like Jin.
In his prime, Murakan had the capability to use Spiritual Power or Shadow Energy to fend off five 9-star magicians simultaneously without having to retreat. Jin could draw a rough estimate of the full extent of the dragon's power.
With Solderet now refusing to show himself, Murakan was the perfect mentor for Jin. Murakan explained, "For people like you and me who can use spiritual power, we have the ability to release spiritual energy. It's the first and last technique we need to know."
"First and last? So, it is the base model on which everything taught later on would be based on?" Jin asked, reaching to a conclusion.
"Exactly. You catch up quick."
Jin shrugged. "It's nothing special."
"Well at least you are humble." Murakan smiled before returning back to the initial topic. "It's a basic technique yet also a lethal move. The principle is easy. It's similar to how a magician uses mana."
When magicians reached the 3-star stage, they could release mana. In other words, if someone could release mana, they had reached the 3-star stage.
Jin was nearing 2-Star in his Mana currently since he was practicing and thinking of ways to progress it, every night before bed. "But as far as I know, magicians don't use mana release as a lethal move... do they?"
"Just because they both use the word 'release' and are similar in style doesn't mean mana release is on the same level as releasing spiritual energy."
"Hm."
"In any case, before you learn how to release spiritual energy, you must learn how to release mana first."
"Fair enough."
Jin knew the meaning behind it. It was like warm-up. Just like how before lifting a very heavy weight, one would often do a warm-up set with a lower weight, Jin had to learn to release his mana in order to get a "feel" for the "release."
As Murakan sat upright, he suddenly erupted into laughter, his deep and rumbling chortles echoing through the room. His amusement was palpable.
"Haha, this is quite amusing. I never would have anticipated teaching magic to a Runcandel child. If your father ever discovers what we're doing here, well, both of our lives will be in grave danger. Scratch danger, we are as good as dead."
For the Runcandel Clan, learning magic was seen as nothing short of ultimate treason.
While many martial clans held a disdain for magic, the Runcandels went a step further. Since the demise of their first patriarch, magic and its practice had been strictly forbidden within the clan. It was a deeply ingrained taboo that had endured for generations.
The prevailing belief among clan members was that pursuing magic would hinder one's journey to master swordsmanship. Although history bore witness to the existence of several magic swordsmen, their achievements were far from remarkable.
They gradually faded into obscurity, their legacy vanishing into the annals of history.
This philosophy was not exclusive to martial clans.
Magic clans, in their own way, held a disdain for the use of aura.
They believed that aura could contaminate and tarnish the purity of mana, leading to a divide between the two magical traditions.
Yet, these convictions were fundamentally flawed.
The true reason behind the Runcandels' ban on magic was rooted in an ancient and inglorious agreement forged with the Zipfel Clan a millennium ago.
In those days, during Temar's lifetime, the Runcandels were known as 'magic swordsmen.'
At that time, the Runcandel Clan had not yet achieved the fame it would later attain, and the historical records were not as obscured by deception and manipulation.
The only individuals' privy to this hidden truth were Jin, the contract holder of Solderet, and Murakan, along with a select few within the Runcandel and Zipfel Clans who held key roles in maintaining this clandestine knowledge.
"Well, he has a lot of other reasons to kill me as well. Although, he isn't what everyone perceives him to be." Jin replied, stretching his body.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing much. I will tell you when the time comes."
"Again, with this edgy main character attitude. Ugh, never mind." Murakan facepalmed, calming himself.
"Oh, Murakan? I read something about Magic Swordsmen in a book."
"What was it?"
"That despite having access to Mana and Aura, the two forces could never work in tandem and that was why no magic swordman left any significant achievements."
"That's all bullshit! It's a lie made up by those Zipfel morons who are far eviler than the Runcandels. While you need a precondition to achieve it, magic swordsmen are the ultimate powerhouses. Your clan was once a venerable and respected clan of magic swordsmen." Murakan seemed furious.
"Precondition?" Jin tilted his head.
"So, you need to have a great affinity with mana, sensitivity to aura, and an excellent physical body. Oh, and a contract with a god."
Jin deadpaned at him. "Are you talking about me?"
"Not you. But general requirements. Which you've met. And so did your ancestor, Temar."
"I see." Jin nodded.
"Good, good. Then from now on, your objective in life is to stand at the summit—stronger than anyone else—in order to let me live comfortably and in luxury. Let's begin training now. First, let's try to stimulate and awaken your mana. Hm, in order to do that, you need to..."
"Not you. You have work to do. I will be living in peace and luxury."
"Haaah!? You tryna pick a fight, lil boy?"
"Hm? Uh, no. I don't pick on the elderly and the disabled."
"AHHHHHH! SOLDERET YOU MOTHERFUCK---"
(***)
"So, today we have to focus on concentrating mana." Murakan explained.
Before he could finish his explanation, Jin created a mana sphere the size of a foorball on top of his palm, and Murakan could only stare in disbelief.
"This crazy twat... What in the world? How could you do that in a second? You didn't even let me finish explaining!"
Murakan's jaw hung agape, his disbelief evident.
Before him stood an 8-year-old who had already achieved the rank of a 2-Star Magician.
He watched in astonishment as the child summoned pure mana, igniting it into flames that swirled inward, transforming into a gust of wind. This elemental form, like a liquid losing its shape, flowed down, shaping itself into a stream of water. Then, as though defying nature, it coalesced into a rectangular box before suddenly solidifying into stone.
"I know that part. Let's move forward."
"I see, Solderet! I finally understand why you chose him as your contractor after a thousand years! Kuhaha, he's really something. He's truly unbelievable! Kid, you make my heartbeat so fast in excitement! You're an arrogant bastard with a foul mouth but I like you. Hmm, hmm, I like it!"
"I can't reciprocate those feelings. Sorry." Jin bowed down.
"Don't twist my words, you damned brat!" Murakan howled.
"Although is this something that impressive?"
"Is that even a question? I've only ever seen three people succeed in creating a mana sphere so early in their childhood! The first time was with the Zipfel Clan's first patriarch, the second was with the fourth patriarch. And finally, you!"
'I held back on that. Hmm. Even though he's a guardian dragon, I---forget it.'
"Kid. Honestly, I thought it would take you at least a few years in order to learn how to release spiritual energy. But at this rate, you might be able to succeed before you leave the Storm Castle. Let's move onto the next phase immediately!"
His excitement was through the roof.
The next lesson was on mana transfer. It was a basic technique which required one to extinguish the mana on one hand and move it to the other with pinpoint accuracy. After three tries, Jin successfully performed a perfect mana transfer. It wasn't just plain single transfer. He transferred it from one palm to another and then back to the original source.
"Good. Excellent work. If you manage to complete this procedure within 5 seconds, you should be able to release mana. In other words, you'll have become a 3-star magician. You're transferring it with in 10 seconds as of now."
"Just like that?"
"Yeah."
Jin stayed silent.
"Won't you ask how long it would take you?" Murakan asked.
"No. I already know. I will do it within this month. Before I turn 9." Murakan was about to scold him for being a cocky little kid, but the overwhelming confidence that even overshadowed Murakan's, made him just smile at him and pat his head.
"I'll bring something sweet tonight." Jin spoke up, swatting his hand away from his head.
"Let's goooo. Make sure to fill a basket to the brim with strawberry pies."
"You exhausted our strawberry reserves, the last time you craved it."
"Ugh, what else..."
"I'll have Gilly make a pie made from Bitter Gourd." Jin nodded to himself deviously.
"Your wretche---" Before Murakan could pummel his fist into Jin's face, he dashed away, leaving a glittering trail of Shadow Energy before vanishing from sight. "ANYTHING BUT THAT. I AM BEGGING YOU!"
A few days later Jin came back with some apple pies. Of course, the little demon added a pie made of Bitter Gourd inside the mix. Unfortunately, Murakan ate that pie in the end, sullying the taste of all other delicious pies he had eaten until this point.
(***)
A month passed, and the date of significance arrived – September 9th, 1789, Jin's ninth birthday.
Celebrating their birthdays at the Storm Castle, where it was perpetually stormy and wet, was not conducive to the mental and emotional growth of the children.
Although Jin was a different case. He had seen worse.
As a dozen servants, Gilly, and five knights worked together to place candles on the cake, the fierce gale outside relentlessly pounded against the castle's windows.
"Happy birthday, Young Master Jin."
"Happy birthday!"
Jin nodded silently. Even though it was his ninth birthday, celebrating it in this way was something he found...boring.
'How tiresome.'
It was nothing more than a chore. Like a responsibility to act refined and meet expectation until the end, even though it was his birthday. A day where he should've been left alone in a room with a mountain of cake.
As the 9-year-old blew out the candle flames, everyone gathered around him and clapped. The knights, adorned in their metal gauntlets, clapped with such force that the resounding 'claps' overpowered all other sounds.
The birthday celebration bore a somber air, as if they were simple commoners, unable to partake in an extravagant banquet. The gusty winds outside only accentuated the gloomy ambiance within the Storm Castle's halls.
As Gilly sliced the cake and gave everyone a piece, Jin opened his mouth to eat the cake. 'Finally.' He was already drooling at the sight of the scrumptious cake for an hour and now it was finally time to eat it.
As his mouth opened, the lone knight who was guarding the Storm Castle's main entrance suddenly barged in the room.
"Young Master Jin!"
'I wish if I could kill him.'
Ignoring his words, Jin hungrily bit into the cake. The Guardian Knight stayed silent, out of respect, and continued watching the little boy eat his cake entirely. Once he was done, he leaned back into the couch and looked at him. "What is it, Khan?"
There weren't many situations in which Khan would dare to run within the castle hallways. Jin was curious, but not curious enough to abandon the cake. Jin's intuition told him that someone from the clan's main house had come to visit.
"The eldest lady has come to visit!"
"Elder sister Luna...?"
"And...."
"Hm?"
"Third Flag Bearer also came. But left this and went back without waiting." He finished his report, handing a small box wrapped in bubbly red paper.
'Luntia? Why did she go out of her way to do this?'
Suspicions took birth in his chest, but he waved them off. There was another problem he had to take care of.
Eldest Sister Luna. First Flag bearer. The firstborn of Cyron Runcandel's 13 children. It was a well-established fact that she was the strongest out of all the siblings. At her current age of 28, she became a 9-star knight, which proved the previous assumption.
However, despite her strength and fame, she never participated in the Runcandel's 'War of Succession'—a hideous and unsightly competition for the throne.
'What does she want from me?'
Jin walked peacefully to the window and looked outside. Luna was taking large strides as she walked up the stairs leading to the Storm Castle. On her back was her emblematic sword.
The enormous Chopsword, 'Crantel'.