"Oh God, save me from the strange quarrels between my son and his son," grumbled Lord Xavian as he joined the breakfast table the next morning.Arlo purposely didn't look up, just scowling at his breakfast of bread, meat, fries, and a bit of melted cheese."That's why I believe our son shouldn't have children before marriage," murmured Lady Chandie across from Arlo, enjoying her breakfast while reading the newspaper."As I've said," Lord Xavian winked at Kieran and Arlo, "Adopting a child is a brave act. But dealing with their quirks post-adolescence requires not just bravery, but gentleness.""I'm tired of hearing your advice, Father," grumbled Kieran. "Clearly useless if the child won't even speak to you from the start.""Yep," chimed in Arlo. "Clearly useless."Xavian smiled knowingly and began eating his breakfast. "So," he muttered after the first bite. "Last night, did you go to Darklake's house or Silverwood's?"Kieran's utensils clattered onto his plate. He stared sharply at h
As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, Arlo savored his tea. He tried to blend in, sitting beneath the pavilion, engrossed in a basic magic book. His keen eyes kept watch on every servant and gardener heading home.Unbeknownst to him, Lady Chandie entered the pavilion. She placed a pair of extraordinarily lavish and beautiful swords on his table."As you requested," Lady Chandie said, a faint smile playing on her lips as she took a seat beside Arlo. "A pair of decorative swords made from ordinary iron, yet sturdy and sharp enough.""Thank you, Chandie," Arlo muttered, swiftly tucking the swords into his sword belt. "As promised, I will duel Kieran with these and reconcile with him.""Of course, Nyxshade always keeps their word," Lady Chandie replied. "Besides, it's a fitting promise. Ever since gaining the blacksmith's magical powers, I've never made toy swords. My son even started using real swords as soon as he learned to walk.""Yeah, but I'm not your son, I'm your grandson,"
Logan's youthful, alive skin contrasted sharply with the black shirt he wore today, causing him to stand for a long time in front of Sheila's house window, contemplating at lightning speed whether he should return home to change his clothes or simply muster the courage to knock on her door.But he could hear Sheila's singing inside the house, and her quick, hurried footsteps crossing room after room. Eventually, the girl exclaimed in frustration, "Gosh, Sheila! What were you thinking? Logan wouldn't care about anything you wear!"Upon hearing his name mentioned, Logan burst into laughter. Suddenly, the burden he felt on his shoulders disappeared. He promptly tapped on the tightly closed window. "Hey, Sheila! You're right, I don't care what you wear because you always look beautiful!""Logan?" The window leaf promptly opened, and Sheila gazed at him with her beautiful eyes. "Why are you late?"Logan smiled softly. "Sorry, I'm just like you," he muttered. "I stood here for five minutes
It has been ten years since Arlo last heard and saw them. But he will never forget that terror. The cold sensation crept over his skin. The pounding of his heart and the gasps for breath as he ran. His trembling hand gripping a weapon.The difference was, back then he only had a slingshot and a rusty bow. But now, he wielded a real sword forged from steel. And now, Arlo had come to know Lunabelle, the blind girl who had become his adopted sister.The dead souls fluttered around them like palace dancers. Their tattered cloaks billowed, their faces twisted with hatred and rage, thirsting for life.As one of them slashed their sharp claws towards General Griffin, running ahead with Lunabelle in his arms, Arlo struck without hesitation, causing the dead soul to vanish in a cold puff of smoke and a scream. But Arlo didn't have time to turn as another dead soul deeply clawed his shoulder.He crashed onto the marble courtyard framing the palace gardens, muffling his groan. His sword clattere
Arlo woke with a painful gasp. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by a domed glass ceiling displaying a night sky full of clear, starry brilliance. With each breath, the pain throughout his body faded."You're awake."The voice was deep, resonant, and unfamiliar, causing Arlo to jerk his head sideways. He faced a man standing in the corner of the room amidst flickering silver flames.His large wings folded gracefully behind his back, while two horns protruded from the sides of his head. His fiery red hair matched his sharp gaze fixed upon Arlo. Yet, his lips, as dark as night, formed a gentle smile.At first glance, Arlo knew he wasn't human. But he wasn't like the strange creatures crafted by the witches of Valorthorn either. He seemed... a fusion of angel and demon.As the entity approached, the silver flames flickering around the room quivered, almost as if they bowed to him. Or perhaps, Arlo thought, they were afraid of him.The angel's touch felt like ice as he stroked Arlo's face.
Arlo couldn't help but feel terrified. Azathan's power was unquestionable. Each flap of his wings shook the thick glass of the dome's ceiling. Every breath he took stirred the silver flames. His strength could even make hell tremble.Yet, Arlo desired only peace. He deserved it after the kindness and courage he had shown throughout his life. So he raised the sword, feeling its weight trembling in his hands.In the blink of an eye, Azathan crashed into him. He slammed Arlo against the wall, causing him to cry out. His bones cracked, pleading for mercy, but Azathan gave him no quarter.As Azathan grasped his body and hurled him onto the granite floor, a face emerged from his memories. The face of a little girl with pinkish-red hair that he could never forget. Her cries and screams as she was forced to leave Arlo alone in battle.Lunabelle.Arlo leaned his sword against the floor and forced himself to stand. As Azathan flew towards him again, Arlo's sword was already unsheathed, slicing
"Arlo!" Lunabelle's cry forced Arlo back to reality. Yet truthfully, her presence only intensified his fear. "Why are you just silent?"Kieran, standing near Arlo, followed his gaze. But the powerful revenant, who could even read minds, remained mute, perplexed."As strong as you wizards may be, only those blessed by the Gods can see and hear us, the spirits of the netherworld," Azathan explained unprompted. His low, resonant voice sent shivers down Arlo's spine. "No matter how powerful you wizards become, you cannot touch or oppose us."Azathan is here, Arlo reminded himself. Azathan is here to kill me."Kieran." Arlo turned to his foster father, disbelieving that even with the powerful revenant staring and reading his thoughts, he still couldn't detect the presence of the mighty demon nearby."You've neglected me and Lunabelle, putting us in danger," Arlo continued. Despite his trembling hands, his voice was firm and loud. "You don't deserve to be our father!""Arlo," Kieran started
If Arlo had a choice, he wouldn't want to fight against the demonic angel, especially one residing in the highest palace of hell. But his recent encounter with Azathan in hell had made him realize one thing: he still wanted to live.Arlo tightened his grip on the ornamental sword handle in his hand, watching how Azathan stood nervously before him. He knew exactly what made the demon hesitate. Yet, it did nothing to diminish its immense power.While the angel still stood hesitating, Arlo launched his attack. He drew his sword just as Azathan moved with the speed of light to a corner of the room. His broad wings collided with picture frames and paintings on the walls, causing them to crash, shatter, and scatter.But his hesitation ended there. As Arlo suspected, the cramped space filled with furniture did nothing to diminish his immense power. In the next moment, Azathan was already on the offensive.The demon advanced towards him, thrusting his large sword until it pierced the bedside