Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Soft words hanging in the air carrying weight like never before, Namaah's head drooped low, her affectionate gaze fixated on her child.
Noah's eyes filled with concern as he scanned her from head to toe, searching for any signs of distress. "What is it, my dear?" "... Dear?" "... What's wrong? Hey-" "Your grace," Asselin interjected. "Why is her body getting cold, Asselin? Do something. What are you all standing around for? Do something! Anything!" Noah snapped at everyone, barking orders and curses, but everyone merely looked down, avoiding his gaze. "W-what? Do something! Hurry!!!" His voice cracked with desperation, his anguish palpable. "Your grace, please!" Asselin interjected. "No! Dear, please listen to me. I am here... right by your side. We will take care of our child together, okay? We made that promise, remember? We... we did." Noah's voice quivered. "Why aren't you responding? Dear, talk to me... dear... my love... hey... say something. I want to hear your voice... Yes, I remember! Y-You said you wanted to go to the border, right? We can go now! I am sorry we couldn't do it earlier, but you see, I prepared everything beforehand... I wanted to surprise you. I can make it up to you. I-I promised! ...we... promise..." He pleaded, sinking to his knees. Noah's tears flowed freely, his entire body trembling. The once-foolish grin and charismatic demeanor that defined him vanished, he couldn't look more fragile and visibly weak. "We promised... We had plans... so many, and yet... why? Why did you leave me behind? We swore... You swore..." Gripping her cold hands tightly, he sobbed. Noah couldn't reconcile himself with the reality of the situation. He buried his face in the bed sheets, his body racked with uncontrollable sobs. His head hung low, voice choked with tears, "What went wrong, my love?" Asseline hesitated, acutely aware of the weight of her words, before finally speaking again. "Your Grace... the child-" For better or worse there were words that were better left unsaid. A slip of the tongue, once spoken, can never be retrieved or silenced. Noah's heart plummeted, "Did... did it cost her life?" Asseline didn't offer any further words. Noah attempted to rise to his feet, but his legs betrayed him, causing him to wobble and ultimately fail in his attempt to stand. However, there was no laughter or ridicule directed at him. For a while, he simply sat there, motionless, not saying or doing anything. He appeared so shattered and vulnerable. After some time had passed, Noah mustered the strength to rise to his feet. With a heavy heart, he instructed Asselin to attend to the child. Mark felt at loss as Asselin gently lifted him from his mother's embrace. He had seen everything. Vitality draining from her pale face. Her eyes slowly losing their luster, turning glossy and unfocused. He witnessed it all. How even in her last moments, she dedicated herself to imparting her final warmth to him. 'Why?' He couldn't understand her last action. He saw no point to it, no more like he refused to acknowledge it. To summarize their relationship, they were total strangers. Yes she might have given birth to him but time didn't give them enough to form bond...or so he wanted to believe. As Asselin and the ladies-in-waiting carried Yon away, Noah's figure grew smaller and smaller in his view. Noah remained behind. Expecting nothing and then gaining everything, only to have it cruelly snatched away, was excruciatingly painful! The loss of a mother he barely knew but deep down always wished for was something hard to understand and come to terms with. The warmth and sense of safety that she brought into his life, even for that brief moment, had been mercilessly snatched away. 'What was that... what was all that?' Foreign people, foreign place and even his body... foreign. All of it foreign. This type of love was something he never quite understood... it was something he gave upon some time ago. He was numb, unable to fully grasp his situation as Asselin carried him to the next room. As they entered the room, Asselin instructed the ladies-in-waiting to attend to their duties. Bowing they left as instructed. Similar to the previous room, this one didn't lack in anything. The nursery was a fancy retreat, complete with a fancy cradle and a stylish crib. The silky drapes created a cozy hideaway, and the cute decorations flashy. They even had personalized stuff, like the family crest, showing off their roots. The room was set up with a neat dresser and a comfy nursing chair. And there was a little bookshelf with all those bedtime stories that may never get read. Such a shame. *** In the silent fief, whispers of sorrow began to weave through the nearby towns and villages. It wasn't the news of the Duchess's untimely passing. No it was something bigger than personal lose, something happened that shook the globe to its very core. Within the Mansion walls, the Duke's trusted advisors gathered, their brows furrowed with concern. Reports flooded in from every corner of the lands, and across distant seas - wherever messengers could break through blocked roads and burnt forests. Unprecedented devastation was unfolding worldwide, as if all natural order had ruptured at once. Heatwaves in the north scorched once-fertile plains to ash. Pumice storms smothered southern jungles under choking dust. Earthquake swarms reduced lofty mountains to rubble, unleashed tsunami after tsunami upon lowland Dominions. Volcanism threw the climate into chaos, toxins darkening the skies. Famine followed winter's early frosts as harvests rotted in parched fields. Pandemics worse than any in living memory proliferated in squalid displaced peoples camps. No territory was left unaffected by the catastrophic change. Mighty lands saw their core provinces reduced to wildernesses overnight. Isolated villages in the polar circles found themselves on the front lines of encroaching deserts. Scholars frantically copied records in the few spots the earthquakes and mudslides spared. Priests converted sepulchers into mass graves and wondered what sins could have incurred divine wrath on this universal scale. The wounds inflicted on lands, livelihoods and souls would take generations to mend. The Duke, his heart heavy with sorrow, couldn't even bring himself to sit at his desk, pen in hand. His emotions overwhelmed him, proving more powerful than his sense of duty. But despite his trembling hands and shaken spirit, he still did his part. Once the statement was finalized, the team turned their attention to sharing the news with the wider community. Public notices, bearing the official seal of the Duke's office, were prepared. These notices, filled with words that conveyed the Duke's grief, were strategically placed in prominent locations throughout the fief. Town centers, churches, and community gathering spots became the canvas for these announcements, ensuring that everyone would have the opportunity to learn of the shared and bitter fate they now faced. Simultaneously, messengers were dispatched to neighboring estates and influential figures in the Dominion. Through formal channels of communication, the weight of the announcement was carried, spreading the news throughout the wider community. In the face of this tragedy, friends and neighbors leaned on one another, offering condolences and solace during this trying time. A collective sense of mourning settled across the estate, but for two different reasons. The wider community came together, organizing memorial services, candlelight vigils, and gatherings to honor the memory of their shared loss. Tears mingled with heartfelt stories as people shared their cherished memories, painting a vivid portrait of the lives they had lost. Within the hearts of those Namaah had touched, her spirit of compassion and love lived on, kindling remembrance and reverence. Yet, in this time of mourning, the Duke found himself standing alone. Unable to find solace in the presence of others, he shut himself off from the outside world, choosing to attend the funeral in solitude. Such is the nature of life. When calamity strikes, individuals are left to navigate their own paths. Winter brought forth life. Yet, ironically, it is often in the spring that life's fleeting nature becomes apparent, as it carries away what once flourished. Alas, the cycle has been compromised.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Magus Echoes of the forgotten Dammed Nobles
A week after the funeral, Yon's once silent bedroom became filled with guests who had come to offer their condolences to the family. However, Yon couldn't help but feel a sense of strangeness and annoyance towards the nobles who looked at him with pity. Their pity seemed insincere, lacking any genuine empathy in their eyes. He didn't want to be subjected to such superficial pity. In fact, he didn't want to be pitied at all. The only reason Yon could endure the constant exposure to this kind of hollow, insincere pity from them was twofold - his own infant body's limitations, and the consoling presence of Asselin. Asselin's persistent support was the anchor that helped Yon cope with this unfamiliar and uncomfortable situation. She had been there for him since that fateful day, providing him with care and attention, regardless of the time of day or night. Her presence tried to fill in the void of his mother's absence, making him feel less alone. Asselin's attentiveness sometime
The Magus Echoes of the forgotten Black Sheep
Despite the disturbing encounter with his siblings, which left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth, his day-to-day life was there to compensate. It was nothing short of lavish and luxurious. Being a noble certainly had its perks, and while he despised the attitudes of some nobles, he couldn't deny the allure of their lifestyle. Everything he could ever want was right at his fingertips, and his routine consisted of simple pleasures—eating, sleeping, and the occasional babbling and finger grabbing. Blissful! Asselin, his devoted caretaker, catered to his every need, ensuring that he was always comfortable and content. She was like a well-oiled machine, effortlessly making Yon's life carefree and enjoyable, something that many adults would envy if they could experience it for just a day. 'Ah, this is the life. Something an office worker would never understand. Us blue-collar folks, we appreciate every little moment of rest,' he mused on nostalgia. 'But come to think of it, can I even
The Magus Echoes of the forgotten Word Games
His face was defined by a strong, chiseled jawline, with high cheekbones. Above them, his stormy gray eyes held a glint of both intelligence and hidden depth. Thick, neatly groomed eyebrows arched gracefully, framing his intense gaze. A straight, noble nose sat proudly at the center of his face, emphasizing his regal bearing. His lips, slightly full and set in a firm line. 'A tight-lipped fellow, huh?' His black hair was shaved on the sides but left longer on top, slicked back with precision. The man stood there, and yet there was something deeply unsettling about his presence. 'He's definitely someone you wouldn't want to be alone with in a room. Shady!' Asselin held me even tighter, but her smile lacked its usual warmth, failing to reach her eyes. "Lord Marduk! How have you been? I'm afraid you're a bit late for the funeral." Her words sounded off and her tone lacked its usual warmth. There was an underlying message in her words, but I couldn't grasp its meaning. Lord Mardu
The Magus Echoes of the forgotten First kiss
His hand came closer, covering my vision. I tugged at Asselin, feeling her hold me even tighter. "Anyways sweet dreams." No matter what I did, it was futile. There was nothing I could do. His hand covered my vision. I was enveloped by the void, with the last sensation being Nana's tight embrace and Marduk's chilling touch. Crap! What happened? Where am I? What did he do to me? Confusion washed over me, and the complete darkness only added to my disorientation. But soon, I began to feel a tingle spreading throughout my body. What's this?! Next, I sensed a peculiar energy resonating with me. Hmmm... I felt a sense of calm wash over me as I acknowledged its presence. Compelled to investigate further, I tried to pinpoint the source of this energy. And there it was... in my solar plexus! I couldn't fathom how, but even without any external senses, I could clearly perceive its existence. Even within the encompassing darkness, I could feel, or rather sense, a path, a connection. Focu
The Magus Echoes of the forgotten Rant
"Yes! Yes, yes, yes...?!" "No, no, no, nooooooooo!!!" l was so close! Damn it! So close! It was right there, just a bit more and... Ah, damn it. damn it all. All that effort and build-up, for what? Whoever woke me up, I better not catch you. When I open my eyes, there must be someone ready to explain, or else... I'll slice and dice you and then I'll gut you!! To my wild bewildered thoughts, the first thing that greeted my droopy eyes were Asselin's worried eyes. They scanned me from head to toe. Oh! The wave of shame. Her worried gaze settling on mine. She genuinely looked concerned. It didn't take long for the worry in her eyes to dissipate, replaced by a soothing calmness. 'Great! Now I feel like a jerk.' All my thoughts about losing my opportunity and everything else vanished like smoke. Even though the worry in her eyes began to subside, the guilt inside me did not. I could feel my stomach twist into knots, my insides squirming. 'This feels horrible...' 'That's
The Magus Echoes of the forgotten Witch
Utilizing my breathing technique, I could feel a sense of inner peace washing over me. Now, I know this might sound strange or even scammy, but believe me, it works. Of course, it doesn't magically erase the shame I feel, but the technique itself is quite intriguing. It possesses two distinct abilities. First, it allows me to draw energy from the atmosphere or whatever it may be into my glowing sphere. With each breath and cycle, the energy is refined and the sphere grows a shade brighter. However, the progress is imperceptibly slow, making it difficult to notice. The process involves purifying the motes of various colors in the atmosphere, directing them towards my glowing sphere. After each cycle of expansion and compression, the sphere becomes a shade brighter, and the quality of the energy within it changes as well. The second ability is even more fascinating. It works like a charm. By allowing the energy in the atmosphere to pass through my body and replenish the energy inside
The Magus Echoes of the forgotten Misunderstanding
A small chuckle escaped Asselin's mouth observing the shocked expression on the silver headed baby's face. "Oh my, did I startle you, little Ely?" Her words were like honey that could calm even the most eruptive volcano. But it seemed that her words fell on deaf ears, as the silver-haired baby shrank even further beneath his blanket. He trembled so intensely that one could mistake him for being lost in a white dessert. He was deeply shaken. It was his first time witnessing magic, but its pleasantness was ruined when he realized it was dark magic. In his former life as Mark, such notions were alien to him. The concept of witchcraft, often brushed off as stories concocted for privileged children, held little weight in his life. Such Luxuries were far removed from his everyday reality. His main preoccupation centered around the modest desire for a peaceful night's sleep. Now, seeing what he had always considered mere spooky tales come to life, and to top it off, witnessing his Nana
The Magus Echoes of the forgotten Peasant
With the misunderstanding now cleared... Truth be told some damages had been done. First things first, Asselin was indeed a witch... or rather, a mage, magician? I guess that sounds more proper and less spooky. And this world houses these beings—magicians, they are the cornerstone, pillars and the most exalted beings on this world. 'Of course, there is a hierarchy. Where there is power, there is a ladder. Someone has to be at the top, overseeing everyone and everything.' And don't even ask me why I have her as a caretaker. but my Nana happens to be one of them. But here's the craziest part, I, too, have the potential to become a mage. As she proclaimed, I was supposedly some sort of chosen one, someone rare. Thanks to her teachings—though I still can't figure out why she bothered explaining all this to me—I've come to learn that everyone in this world can use magic. Magic is a common thing here, but don't be mistaken—it's still considered a rare and wondrous kind of miracle.
Latest Chapter
- The Magus Echoes of the forgotten
Six failed attempts
"W-what now, damn it?!"A curse slipped past my bloody lips, the taste of desperation mingling with the metallic tang of blood as darkness swallowed the wisp's feeble glow. Scrambling quickly, I pulled myself further into the rubble.Whatever it was, it was giving me the creeps. All of my senses were on high alert, screaming at me that I was in imminent danger.My hands trembled as they fumbled and scraped against the jagged edges of debris as I desperately sought a more defensible position. ...But even then I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched, every single movement monitored. It was dreadful and suffocating. Unease gripped me tightly, its icy fingers constricting my chest, as I struggled to steady my ragged breaths. The tumultuous events had placed an immense strain on my body. Surprisingly, my mana core was holding up well, but even so, I had to rely on it to sustain my weary and battered form. As a result, I could feel my strength gradually diminishing, bit by
- The Magus Echoes of the forgotten
Lord of the Ashes
The approaching vermins seemed countless as they swarmed down the rubble towards Yon. But he still had strength even in his wounded form, and an immense amount of mana to fuel his spell. Rising, flames licked the ground, conjured by both hands in an all-consuming inferno.Points of ignition flared up around him in a circle. Creating the foundation, he connected these points, channeling his mana through them. The flames rose, forming a continuous ring of fire. He extended his arms, palms open, and began to twist his wrists, shaping the flames into a spiraling vortex.The air around him heated up rapidly as the vortex gained momentum, the flames licking higher into the sky.The searing vortex encircled his body, growing ever more intense. The front-runners of the vermin tide met the vortex head-on their tiny bodies igniting like kindling. Screams rent the air as they were immolated where they climbed, the flames tearing through their ranks.Yon concentrated harder, weaving the vortex
- The Magus Echoes of the forgotten
Vermins
I tumbled through the darkness, panic rising in my throat as rubble rained down. Each passing moment felt like an eternity, as if time itself had slowed down in sync with my racing thoughts.The air was thick with dust, invading my nostrils and choking my breath. My vision was obscured, reduced to mere glimpses of fragmented shapes. The sensation of weightlessness and lack of solid ground messed with my senses, disorienting chaos all around me, utterly helpless and vulnerable.A sickening eternity passed before my fall abruptly halted with a bone-jarring crunch. Pain shot through my limbs. I laid there, stunned, the impact searing into my consciousness.Darkness unlike anything I had ever experienced engulfed me. It was a darkness that went beyond the absence of light, it was a consuming void that seemed to swallow everything, even the concept of darkness itself. It was disorienting and disconcerting, as if the very essence of my surroundings had been erased.In that blackness, my s
- The Magus Echoes of the forgotten
Smoke
Darkness cloaked the tunnel as I ran blindly, breath sawing in my lungs. Behind, snarls echoed my panic, drawing ever nearer in the murky depths. Conjuring a small wisp of light, no bigger than a firefly, I concentrated on willing it to glow brighter. I drew deep on reservoir far vaster than my small form implied, pouring more mana into the wisp until it swelled into a puffball hovering above my hand.Though they outnumbered me, I had no shortage of mana to confront the swarm, it was just that they seemed to be everywhere. "Take this!"Light blazed like the midday sun behind, momentarily blinding the swarm snarling at my heels. In that flash I wove bindings of simple darkness spell, ensnaring a few of them long enough to resume my flight.Once again, I drew deeply from my reserves, conjuring more glowing puffballs that exploded in blinding flashes.The tunnel blazed briefly, momentarily blinding pursuers enough for me to sprint ahead, dodging jagged rock formations.'Ugh, this terra
- The Magus Echoes of the forgotten
Pack
Looking back, I saw a creature with a thin, elongated body. Its proportions seemed somewhat off, with an elongated form that appeared disproportionate. A lengthy, thick tail snaked behind it, coiling and uncoiling sinuously. It was slightly smaller than a coyote, but its body was unusually thin and elongated. I felt a twinge of unease, but compared to those dreaded creatures, what harm could this little one do?"Shoo! Get outta here! Shoo!" I shouted, attempting to scare it away.The small creature tilted its head from side to side, wearing a curious expression as if assessing me.I picked up a small rock from the ground, preparing to shoo it once more, but then it lowered its head. I found its appearance and actions oddly endearing."Ah... By any chance, are you lost or something? I don't have any food on me, but... um... you can stay here. We can share this place," I stumbled over my words, feeling a bit flustered initially. However, as I calmed down, I slowly pushed myself up fro
- The Magus Echoes of the forgotten
Dark Spot
The beast was no simple animal - its biology and resilience were far beyond the normal limits.Yon's heart raced, fear and worry turning to a desperate need to survive. The exhaustion of his reckless gamble was setting in. There was only one way out of this - he had to kill.The realization hit him hard, his breath catching in his throat."Guh!"He'd taken many lives before, but not like this. "Huff... huff... huff..."Faced with the unstoppable forces of nature bearing down on him, his survival instinct took over. Kill or be killed. His fears, worry and exhaustion were turning into desperation. The desperate will to kill.His breaths came in short, frantic gasps."Hah... hah... hah..."The only way he'd escape this alive was to kill. There was no other choice.Slowly, agonizingly, Yon felt the bear's frenzied struggles beginning to weaken as his mana disrupted its raging vital functions bit by bit. But the relentless avalanche was taking its toll - even his enhanced lungs burned an
- The Magus Echoes of the forgotten
Frozen Spears
Running with every screaming fiber of his, he manuevered between the towering trees, taunting the bear towards the spot where it had smashed its massive paws into the snowy earth. The ground was now pockmarked with deep furrows, and from these churned-up gouges, massive icicles still jutted upwards – jagged, frozen spears."Come here you nasty ball of furs! You are nothing but a dirtbag!"The giant bear appeared to register Yon's shout, as it barreled forward, disregarding the injured tiger it had deemed too difficult to catch.The little critter, on the other hand, wasn't fast, but it didn't look too appetizing either. It just wanted to shut up that annoying buzzing and go for the real meal.As the bear reared up, slamming its massive paws down onto the icy ground, the impact shattered the icicles, sending razor-sharp shards flying every which way.The tiger, already on the giant bear's tail, sensed its chance and swiped at the beast, letting out a fierce growl to distract it. 'Did
- The Magus Echoes of the forgotten
Ice Formations
Yon gripped the sturdy tree trunk with white-knuckled intensity as the imposing bear reared up on its hind legs, smashing its massive paws down with earth-shaking force. "Argh!" He cried out, his heart pounding in his chest.This was the ruler of the snowy mountains, a creature possessing brute strength beyond all reason. Its sheer presence was utterly dreadful, and it was now fixated on a prey that would likely only smear one of its razor-sharp claws with blood.As the bear drew back, preparing to charge, Yon locked eyes once more with the tiger that had led him to this perilous confrontation. The big cat's gaze was unwavering, as if daring him to make a move.Then, without any warning, the tiger suddenly bolted, drawing the bear's wrathful charge. But at the last possible moment, the feline veered aside with its terrifying reflexes.Snarling in frustrated rage, the Great bear, unable to halt its momentum, careened headlong towards the very tree that Yon clung to for dear life."No
- The Magus Echoes of the forgotten
Foe, Fire and Flesh
With no respite for its prey, the mountain's ruler slashed at them with its fearsome claws.Yon rolled to the side, narrowly evading the powerful swipe, his smaller size proving advantageous for survival.The young tiger, however, did not fare as well. It was grazed by the bear's formidable claws, drawing fresh blood. Though the wound was shallow, in such dire circumstances, even small injuries could mean the difference between life and death. A trickle of blood began to flow from the tiger's side. The scent of fresh blood reached the hungry nostrils of the mountain ruler, igniting its instinct to demand more. Drool and foam dripped from its muzzle as its massive body begged to be satiated. The sight of its prey bleeding only fueled the beast's insatiable hunger, craving for more... more blood, more meat.The young tiger let out a pained snarl as its injury slowed its movements. It knew one wrong step now could mean becoming the ruthless bear's next meal. Yon, a lean but wiry hum
