(Omniscient POV) Three days ago, after the war between Kael, the great-grandson of Adam, and the Direbrinbares, a terrifying race of magical monsters, a sinister event transpired. As Kael's presence diminished, a hand surged out of the remains of the Direbrinbares. It was a giant red hand with sharp claws. A cry was heard as the hand struggled to touch the ground. When it finally did, another hand surged out, also struggling to touch the earth.After the two hands were firmly placed upon the earth's crust, a head emerged, and the remains of the Direbrinbares took on a humanoid form. The being stood up, emitting a terrifying aura that shook the entire forest. Its body was covered in red scales, and it was slightly taller than the Trollocs. Black spots dotted its body, and its two black eyes were set deep within its wide mouth, filled with teeth as sharp as its claws.It was a curse—the first-born curse in the realm of Aetheria. Born from the essences of the Direbrinbares, it was the
Kael had healed completely and regained his light skin. His hair was now redder and longer than before."Sir, let me search him," said the second guard, who searched him but found nothing. He removed Kael's pouch and nearly unsheathed his sword, but the light it emitted nearly blinded him, forcing him to sheathe it back.Both guards were shocked as they stared at Kael, who caressed his chin. "Can I have my sword back?" he asked, and they handed it to him.This type of sword could only be wielded by nobles, but Kael didn’t look noble. His attire was that of a commoner in the Armed Nation of Dwargon, leaving the guards confused.They didn't delay him further and let him into the nation. He placed his sword back in its pouch and walked majestically until he was out of sight."You saw that weapon?" a man whispered to his comrade. They were also among those in the queue, waiting impatiently for their turn."I saw it, Monsol. It’s worth a fortune," the other man replied. He was short, fat,
Chapter 39 - The Mission The Armed Nation of Dwargon is governed by the High Council, which enacts laws, oversees trade and defense, and manages diplomatic relations with other nations.The High Council comprises representatives from the major noble houses, influential guilds, and scholars. The highest member of the High Council is the High Chancellor, a position elected from among the council members.The Armed Nation of Dwargon is divided into several Noble Houses, each controlling specific regions and resources. However, four houses are the most influential and capable of producing the High Chancellor: House Stoneforge, House Ironfist, House Balmoral, and the ruling house, House Dougor.Lord Dougor is the High Chancellor of the Armed Nation of Dwargon. He holds the highest power over the High Council members, nobles, merchants, artisans, and commoners. He succeeded his father and took the title of Lord Dougor. Despite having more enemies than allies, he is respected by every citiz
Chapter 40- Mission IIBlack smoke erupts in the garden beside the Stoneforge mansion, alerting the Elite Guards."What's happening over there?" one of them asks as they all watch the smoke coil into the air.Without replying, four of the guards go to check it out, leaving only six. Their attention is diverted, but they remain cautious of their surroundings.Kael is now closer to the mansion, watching closely for the stunts his Curse Servant is about to pull. He prays for the curse to fail the task assigned to him so that he can dismiss him for incompetence but also prays for the curse to succeed because of the mission's importance.He's a novice who doesn't know what a curse is capable of doing.A loud thud is heard, and four of the Elite Guards rush towards the garden, where they see the bodies of the first four guards piled up together. Before they can move, they are surrounded by black flames.A scorching flame from an unknown source, a flame not even a special soldier of the Arme
Chapter 41 - Mission IIIA common trait among the Dwargons was their brown eyes, while Elves mostly had azure blue eyes. It was rare to see a Dwarf with black eyes looking so manly and hot like Kael. His journey in the Armed Nation of Dwargon would be a stressful one.Zodoba turned and started navigating his way through the dark. He had been in this house for more than a year and was sure to find his way even in the dark. He climbed the steps of the staircase and stopped at the third step.The guards outside...His gaze fell on the door. Since he caused the power outage, the guards outside should have turned on their torches, and the rays should be hitting the door. But tonight was strange; none of them were doing that."Or is this the work of the intruder?" His thoughts lingered as he went to check it out himself.He opened the door to the mansion and stepped outside. The cold breeze greeted him, slapping against his face.He didn't feel any presence; there wasn't a single guard in f
Chapter 42 - The Intruders "Are you ready to talk now?" he asked, and the guard nodded, slipping to the floor."So, what's the fuss all about, Mr. Elite Guard?" he asked, smirking mockingly. His own blow had taken a toll on him; he wondered if it was the same for the others.'How dare he mock me?' The guard couldn't help but give him a stern look as he struggled to rise, his back aching."I don't have all the time in the world," Kael snapped, and the guard shivered with fear. Kael released a little of his magical essence, dominating the whole area and causing the guard to panic."An intruder is in the building," began the guard."Another intruder?" Kael exclaimed, his mind drifting back to the mission. 'I hope this intruder isn't here for my belongings.'"He's here to assassinate Mr. Stoneforge. My leader is on the verge of death, which is impossible. I thought it was your doing, so I came to confirm it," the guard rushed his words, but they still found their way into Kael's mind.It
Chapter 43 - The Intruders II"Alexa, is there a way for me to heal the Elite Guard without pouring essence on him?"[System Analyzing... Analysis will take two hours.]Kael heard the voice of his system and frowned. 'How can analysis take two hours?' By then, Zodoba would probably be dead. He didn't want to directly pour essence on him because it looked like performing magic, and from the books he read, he found out that magic is not generally acceptable in the Armed Nation of Dwargon. He could be executed for that."Alexa, you've got 30 seconds," he said sternly, folding his fists.[I can't complete the analysis in 30 seconds, but I have a suggestion.][The essence flows through every part of your body, most essentially your bloodstream. Employ total concentration and decentralize the essence into liquid.]"Wow...that's a nice idea. Let me try it," Kael replied, clasping his hands together. 'Total concentration,' he muttered, closing his eyes. He was by the stair corners, unwatched
Chapter 44 - The Intruders III"You've got spirit, I'll give you that," Kitbushi said, smirking as he steadied his breath. "But spirit alone won't save you."He lunged again, this time feinting to the left before striking from the right. Kael was caught off guard, his block a fraction too slow. The edge of Kitbushi's blade nicked his arm, drawing a thin line of blood. Kael winced but didn't falter.Kael retaliated with a quick series of slashes, his movements growing more desperate but no less determined. Kitbushi deflected each strike with practiced ease, his eyes never leaving Kael's. He could see the frustration and fatigue beginning to set in.Kitbushi pressed his advantage, launching a high attack aimed at Kael's shoulder. Kael parried, but the force of the blow sent vibrations through his arm. Kitbushi immediately followed with a low sweep at Kael's legs. Kael jumped to avoid the attack but landed awkwardly, losing his balance for a moment.In that split second, Kitbushi saw his