2025-02-03 17:00:53“Let’s see…. Conquest of Frenen…. War for Kalern…Yes! Chronicles of the Age of Nobles” Luthen said after about an hour as he picked up a dusty scroll. “Can you read this, Sophia? The language is ancient.”
“Ok then. Let’s see what it says.”
“In ... the ... beginning, the ... world ... was ... ruled ... by–”
“Can you read any faster? We have a lot to cover!” He complained
“I am trying! This isn’t a piece of cake!” She defended herself
“In ... the ... beginning, the ... world ... was ... ruled ... by ... gods ... who ... controlled ... the ... seven ... types ... of ... magic. So basically the Shards and their Seven Aspects” She continued
“I thought there were six?” Luthen asked
“The world thinks there are six because nobody has had an Ability with the Null Aspect. Except its Shard.” She said.
Wait…How did I know that?
“Is that Kane’s Aspect? That would make the Null Aspect, not Soul, to be the rarest Aspect then.” Luthen said touching his chin
“No two Shards use the same Aspect.” She shook her head
“Oh....Good. Continue.”
“It ... was ... a ... time ... of ... peace ... and ... great ... prosperity ... till ... a ... great ... evil ... emerged. ... The ... gods ... fought ... amongst ... themselves ... and ... dragged ... humans ... into ... it. ... The ... war ... and ... destruction ... waged ... till ... the ... Benevolent ... Goddess ... and ... her ... allied ... gods ... defeated ... that ... evil. ... The ... victorious ... gods ... repentant ... for ... the ... destruction ... they ... caused ... voted ... to ... let ... humans ... rule ... themselves. ... The ... Goddess ... chose ... the ... First ... Seven ... Nobles ... and ... empowered ... them ... to ... lead ... humankind. ... So ... began ... the ... Age ... of ... the ... Nobles.”
“Is that all?”
“Yeah… Pretty much.” She put the scroll back to its original position.
“What next?” He asked
“We need to find out what privileges the Great Nobles can grant. Voyne wanted to present his request before the High Council. We need to know what he could ask for.” She said.
They spent about another 50 minutes inside the vault.
“No clue. The Great Nobles do have a lot of privileges to grant” He said. They were both exhausted.
“Our time would soon be over.” She looked at the timer. Almost 2 hours and nothing yet.
An earthquake shook the vault. That was unexpected. Earthquakes did not usually occur in Rhyne.
“You said those gods from earlier were Shards, right?”
“Gods? Yeah. Most likely.”
“Let’s see if we can find anything on them. If there is no relevant information to catching Voyne, then maybe we can find something that would make us stronger.”
That was their best lead for now. Their time would soon run out and it would be risky to break in again.
“Fine. Look for anything on the Benevolent Goddess. And quickly.”
Another 7 minutes later, She found a book Legend of the Goddess Benevolent. It wasn’t as dusty as the others. She picked it up.
“Sophia? Anything? Time’s running out!”
“Luthen, I have found something.”
“Great. Let’s go. We have less than a minute till the security protocols kick in.”
He teleported Sophia and himself out of the vault to just out of the tour group’s range. It was very convenient that with Spatial World, he did not need to touch anyone to teleport them. They may have been caught then.
Sophia quickly joined up with the group and tried to fit in.
Luthen first recognized her. He had only seen her on TV before. The Archduchess Klare. He quickly hid before she discovered him. He tried warning Sophia.
Archduchess Klare got to her first. He had to leave.
“Duchess Sophia, it is a pleasant surprise to see you. How are you?”
“Huh?... I’m fine. How do you do, Archduchess?” Sophia quickly overcame her surprise.
“Oh please. Drop the formality” Klare rolled her eyes. Despite their differences in position, Klare was not older than Sophia. They used to actually play together as children.
“I have seen better days. How’s Rhyne? I am truly sorry for that incident with the Shard.”
“Uhm. It is okay, Archduch–Klare.”
“What are you doing here though?
“Oh that. Uhmm.. I came for the tour.”
“A tour?” Klare laughed and asked surprisingly.
“Yes. I have never actually been here before”
“Okay. Next time you want to come here though, just write to me and I’ll show you some extra exhibits.” Klare winked at Sophia.
“Thank you Klare. I do need to go now.” Sophia said.
“Oh yes. Do take your leave. I’ll see you later” Klare said and turned to leave.
She paused after a few seconds
Wait! Klare thought. The tour isn’t over. She turned to face the tour group.
Sophie wasn’t there.
*******
Sophia left the building. In an instant, Luthen appeared by her side.
“That was close!”
“I knew why I insisted on registering and following the tour group, instead of just teleporting in with you. If anyone wants to check the records, there would be evidence that I came for the tour.”
Good reasoning. Thought Luthen
He on the other hand did not need a complicated alibi. He was already accused of being a mass murderer so if he was caught – seen actually because it was nigh impossible to catch a teleporting Shard – it would be like the least of his accused crimes.
“Did you get it?”
“Yes I did.”
Luthen breathed with relief “Let’s head back.”
*******
For the first time since this tournament, Kane just tasted his own blood. That last blow made his head spin. The force of it could have taken out 3 of these fighters, who were operating above normal human fitness level, cleanly. His ear buzzed.
Kane was not the only person surprised though. His opponent, looked at him with surprise.
“Y-You stood up?”
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Broken: Shard's Tales Chapter Thirteen: Kane v Almighty.
It would be humiliating if this guy did not turn out to be a Shard. Kane thought. To have to be put in this position by a regular Ability user."Y-You stood up?" His opponent said out of surprise. Kane stood taller than him, but not by much. This guy was over six feet also. He also preferred to fight bare chested, his rippling muscles contrasting with Kane's slimmer build. His battle scars were very evident."Hey! You are using an Ability right?" Kane asked through gritted teeth."Yes. I am." The other replied.Okay then. He needed to survive this and find out if this guy was a Shard. How many of us are there though?When he set out on this mission, he was told by his master that those like him had a sign manifest either at their backs or above their heads. A different sign for each Shard. Although, his master did not know which sign for which Shard.That made it a hell of a lot harder.Kane landed an attack with his blade an
Broken: Shard's Tales Chapter Fourteen: The Legend of the Benevolent Goddess.
Luthen and Sophia reached the safehouse. She held the book they had gotten from the Archive;Luthen called it the Legend for short.The book was did not look special. It just had its title and a seven pointed star on its cover. In fact, Sophia may had not noticed it if it did not look recently used. She wanted to find out what made the last person who was in the Archive use the book.Just then, Kane and Almighty opened the door. Sophia felt something and went to check the door. She saw them drenched in blood."Kane! After 4 days? What happened?" She frowned at their appearance."It is not my blood. At least, most of it isn't". He then turned to look at Almighty "This is–""The Matter Shard. Yes, I know. I knew when I saw him"She turned to Almighty."Hello. Nice to meet you" Almighty said extending his hand for a handshake. It dripped blood."Same here. I am not going to shake on it though." Sophia and kept
Broken: Shard's Tales Chapter Fifteen: Secret Archive Meeting.
The walk to the secret meeting floor of the Great Nobles in the Archive's building was taking forever.War is coming.Archduchess Klare knew that better than anyone else. She had tried to avoid it but it was no use. Voyne was playing the entire Circle like a game of chess.That man.He had knowledge that was both forbidden and supposed to be forgotten. Soul signs? Only select Nobles apart from the Great Nobles knew that it existed. For him to know that, it chilled her to think from where he could have gotten that information. He then had the audacity to demand a blanket pardon and permission to use their forces to eliminate the Shards.He was the reason she had visited the Archive the last time and now today. The last time was when he had mentioned the soul signs. She had rushed here to make sure that the Legend of the Goddess Benevolent had not been stolen. When she found it there, it was both relieving and disturbing. R
Broken: Shard's Tales Chapter Sixteen: The Information We Need.
Jerle?Where had she heard that word before?Jerletown.Her eyes widened. A city named after a Shard? Was it a coincidence Voyne was moving there?Just then, a knock was heard on the door "Sophia?""Come in please."Luthen entered."I just discovered something" He said "It is not that big of a discovery though.""Go on." She said."Look at this." He pointed to the symbol of the Soul Church "And this." He now pointed to the symbol on the cover of the Legend.In each case, a seven pointed star symbol was seen."I do not know if that is useful, but there's definitely a connection between the Church and that book."Sophia sat down."Thank you for sharing this, Luthen. It helped confirm my findings.""What did you find then?""You know the place Somen told us about?""Yeah. Jerletown on Sacred Island. What about it?""Jerle was the Benevolent G
Broken: Shard's Tales Chapter Seventeen: Preparations.
It was decided that Sophie should remain and that the boys should go.She was well connected and could inform them of any recent happenings in Rhyne. She could also protect herself, since, she was a Shard. Plus, most of their offensive power would have greater use putting a stop to Voyne. She argued this so much that Kane thought she sounded a little too eager to stay. Of course, Somen had no issue with the last point.First, he had to go see Edram. He was a little anxious as to how the boy would react. He entered the inn and was first scolded for leaving the boy unattended all this while. How would he explain that he never knew this kid before? He would look like a creep.They eventually directed him to Edram's room. The boy looked at Kane, burst into tears and ran to hug him. Kane wasn't good at emotional reassurances, so Edram cried a while. Thereafter, Kane said goodbye and left more coins for the innkeeper. He could not leave without the elder lady admonish
Broken: Shard's Tales Chapter Eighteen: Tied Hands.
At the Hause NoblesseThe death toll still kept climbing. The Nobles were forced to call Voyne to another Circle hearing.When Renée and Voyne entered the hearing hall, the Nobles, unlike before, were not engaged in mirthful conversation. There were whispers instead. Whispers that betrayed their fear and hatred.Voyne, on the other hand, did not seem to mind the negative disposition of the Nobles. He had eyes for only one of their number. Sophia Augusten. He looked at her. She, holding a wine glass, also looked at him.He picked a glass of wine from a passing waiter and approached Sophia.“My Lady.” He said.She looked at him with a blank face, her enmity and sense of duty fighting inside. She had not told the boys she was going to confront Voyne. It was selfish to do this. But she wanted answers.“Archbishop Voyne.” She finally said.“You look–” Voyne began.“Let&rs
Broken: Shard's Tales Chapter Nineteen: Island Landing.
Mother?Sophia had to skip the Circle session. She just wasn’t herself since the conversation.When Voyne called her Mother, something woke in her. It was almost like she was used to hearing him say it.It woke some memories that she did not knew she had. Some felt a lot like they were hers while most felt…off. Like she borrowed those memories from someone else.In one of her memories, she was a child, somewhere. On some wide street, playing, holding a paper fan. There were lots of sounds, like a festival or some occasion going on.Some cloaked people approached her. With the exact same cloaks that the Soul Church adherents wore.The one in front of them knelt in front of her. He took off his hood and she looked into his eyes. She knew that face, knew those eyes.Voyne, looking exactly the same as the present day, took her hand and kissed it with a greeting.“Hail, Mother.”*******<
Broken: Shard's Tales Chapter Twenty: Asking Too Much.
A few days later.Voyne had to travel to Osyna again. These repeated meetings was making him develop a fondness for the city which had once been a stronghold of those who wanted to oppose him.He played with it in his hand. The High Council’s invitation. He knew they would eventually bend. It was all a matter of time. He shredded it.He could not stop a small smile. The last time he was this pleased was when he first saw Sophie at the trial hall of the Circle. She would come too. Eventually.*******At the hall of the Circle, Voyne stood in the middle with the now unlabeled box as he had done before. Except this time only the seats of the Great Nobles were filled. Normally, there were multiple venues they could have used instead like the Archive. Why they chose here was up to them.Renée wasn’t here because she wasn’t important enough to be. Plus, both he and the Nobles would much prefer that the contents of this mee
Latest Chapter
Chapter Forty-Nine: Supreme Techniques.
“I might be bleeding, but don’t think I am done just yet.” He said confidently. “Stay back, Luthen.”“You both should have just left when you had the chance. Instead you decided to say something stupid.” She said, her sharp gaze full of fury. Her eyes turned golden. She started to ascend, her clothes flapping wildly. More of those dots orbited her.“If you can cancel my attacks, I’ll just ! Even you have limits!” She said.She pointed again and one of the dots move to her finer tip. She flicked it and it came to rest over the boys heads.Instead of blowing up this time, the dot formed a sort of circular portal.“Energy Manipulation: Heavenly Fury!” Golden energy rained through the portal upon him.However, a black sphere covered him. Null Armour!“Kane, I’ll back you up!” Luthen said, preparing to fight. Kane stopped him with a gesture.&l
Chapter Forty-Eight: Saying Something Stupid.
“Viral Plant: Entrap”“Desert Rose: Thorn Oasis”“Winter: Falling Icicles”“Mythical Fire: Devouring Dragon”“Flowing Mud: Golem Construct”The crew unleashed their Abilities to counter the Shards.“You two go meet her. I’ll join you when I am done.” Kane said.“Like hell you will! Go instead. I’ll meet you two later.” Somen said.When violence was involved there was no reason with Somen.“Hey! You do know we can hear you right?! Do you think we’re pushovers?! I was planning on leaving your corpses intact. Because of this, I will use your skin for my boots!” One of the crew complained.The two were already gone.“Hey, you! Sword-former! Where did he go?! I am not done yet. Come back here!” The crew member who had previously addressed Kane said. He tried to follow the windows.
Chapter Forty-Seven: Shipping Indeed.
“You don’t deserve to call me that!” She said.Voyne chuckled.“Don’t tell me you are still having second thoughts about today. You saved your friend.” He said.She turned to face him.“You just used me! What have you done to Sophie?!”“It’s late. Keep your voice down. The last thing your subject’s need is their Noble landing in an asylum.” He said and turned to leave.“Are you threatening me?! In my own house?!” She said.The night wind blew softly.“Just do as we tell you. Goodnight, Klare.”*******This Noble is a bit much.He was just about to retire to his room when he saw the Archduchess in the garden. He just wanted to prod her a bit and she went full steam on him.Not too mention the reason he was finally going to his room this late at night was because he had to get chewed on by Mot
Chapter Forty-Six: Plans in Motion.
“You’re our guests.” A guard said in scorn as she shoved Jonelle and Reese into a small room. “Diplomats.” She added laughing, still in scorn before she resumed her post just outside of the room. The guard still remembered what was told to her a few minutes ago by the General.Don’t let them escape.That command carried an inherent threat in it.Reese, as well as Jonelle remembered also because they were there, bound. The room they were kept was the only thing to be thankful for in this mess. It was small, of course, but it had far more pleasures than your average prison, including a proper toilet, a bed and some aesthetic.“These mainland Shards couldn’t even identify the traitor in their ranks.” Reese said. He wasn’t angry, he was amused instead at how everything played out.“You should have gone with them.” Jonelle said.Reese turned to face her, sighing as he did so. He looked into her scowling face and replied “And leave you here by yourself?”“I would be fine. There was no point
Chapter Forty-Five: To Find Allies.
Klare sat in her room, her physical wounds already healing. She had been given treatment by her doctors and was already discharged. while her emotional wounds burned fiercely with pain.She didn’t know whether she had done the right thing or not. She just picked one of the two evils offered to her. It felt good looking at the Grand Duke hug his daughter and lead her away by the hand but the guilt on her soul was just as massive. The consequences of her choice would approach her soon.In fact, they were just around the corner.*******Too late.That was the only thought Renée had in mind. She had finally escaped from the hands of her oppressors and tracked down the Shards after months only to arrive just when two of them were being arrested by the army.She silently kicked herself for not being quick enough.Where do I go from here? She questioned herself.Just to track the elusive Shards had occupied her since she fled her master months ago. Running from the Soul Church was surprising
Chapter Forty-Four: Caught.
Luthen teleported Kane and Somen out of there.At the same time, Klare had opened her eyes.As the number of Shards surrounded reduced, there was a visible commotion. The soliders looked around, thinking the Shards who were missing had gone to their rear. However, the missing Shards were nowhere to be found.Mother turned to see the two Shards from the Sacred Island remaining. She smirked.“Guess they’ve gone ahead then.”Klare still regarded her with fear. “Are you really Sophie?”“No.” The answer struck Klare.“Then, how do you-”“I am in her body and can control her however I want.”“Leave her alone.” Klare said firmly.“I can’t do that now. But I’ll do it if you’ll cooperate with us.” Mother knew her son’s plan was to force this conversation all along, to subject the Archduchess to their will.“You killed all those soliders!” Klare clenched her fists.“They are dead. But your friend isn’t. Do you want her to die too?”“I-” Klare hesitated. Even if she did not want to do it for her
Chapter Forty-Three: Surround.
It was too late.The soldiers had fired their bullets at the Shards. Klare’s warning did nothing to slow their onslaught. The soldiers felt pride at being chosen to defend their Archduchess, their loyalty unwavering.Mother smirked. The bullets paused in midair. “I don’t think you all were invited to the conversation.” The bullets went in the opposite direction they had come and with twice the force with which they had been sent, putting holes in the bodies of the soldiers and sending them to their afterlives.Klare could only stare in terror as the blood of the soldiers stained her military uniform. Why had she even survived.A massive aura enveloped the air making Klare, who was finding it had to breathe from her choking sobs, collapse from suffocation.“Force Technique: Gravity Seal.” Mother found she could not move after Jonelle spoke in anger.The rest prepared for war, their hesitancy in attack
Chapter Forty-Two: A Different Duchess
A presence exploded from Sophie. It felt like her, but with a bit of difference. It was rougher and edgy unlike Sophie’s calmer nature.Just what happened to Sophie while we were gone?! Luthen thought.“Sophie!” He said.The twins were quite confused. One minute, everyone is eating at the table (mostly them) and the next they felt a barrier enclosing them and saw Kane draw his sword.The next minute, their hostess suddenly transformed to another person.“Who said I had to explain anything?” She smiled eerily reminiscent of her adopted son. Luthen didn’t not fail to notice this.This smile is just like–!!He thought.The mental image of Voyne was conjured in his head.“What have you done to Sophie?!!” He raged.“You’re about to find out.” She still sat, confidently and carelessly. The rest of the Shards had formed a semicircle i
Chapter Forty-One: Reveal.
“I don’t think so. I think he meant they were similar due to them both being living Relics.”“What are living Relics though?” Somen asked.Luthen was about to answer when Sophie answered instead.“They are beings of abnormal power. The result of trying to contain a Shard’s power in the body of an unworthy vessel.”The rest looked at her.“A Shard’s constitution is especially suited to contain the massive amounts of soul energy they produce. If any Shard, intentionally or otherwise, tries to forcibly transfer a substantial amount of the soul energy they produce to anyone else who is not a Shard, a living Relic will result.”“So a living Relic is like a Relic except the vessel is human?” Reese asked.“Yes. These individuals are characterized by unstable mental conditions or other mental issues and a short lifespan.” She turned to Luthen. “You
