Soft cheering could be heard within a humble and rich courtyard as a young man of only nineteen years danced alongside the flowing winds, accompanied by his extravagant singing and props made of magic.
"OHO, the railroad curves around the corner!"
"OHO, I look around and see what's yonder!"
"OH MY, The land of Hanrah full of wonders!"
"AT LAST, I leave behind the land of thunder!"
With a gleam in her eyes, the only young lady within the courtyard inches closer, attentively listening for what is about to be told.
-
Ichtaka Van Rune, the young performer is an aspiring jester, for he yearns to roam around the world, to witness the boundless expanses and verify the uncountable stories of his planet. To experience the tales and recite legends of new and old to his lovely, young sister; Ariol Van Rune.
Both Ichtaka and Ariol belong to the Rune family of Maya, with them currently residing in their headquarters within the Mariak Empire.
According to the emperor, they guard the accumulated knowledge of their ancestors, constantly researching and improving what they know and are teachers to the imperial family.
That however, is but the tip of the iceberg, for the Runes have many branch families with pseudonyms under all powers of Maya, be it in the Demon Lord's Kingdom Estrova to the Theocratic Empire's Gaiala.
The Runes are undoubtedly the most knowledgeable and powerful family in the world, with only a select few knowing of their reach and existence.
Thankfully, they do not seek to rule for that is but a waste of time; to lead the weak and incompetent instead of focusing on research.
Coming back towards the two youngster:
Ariol Van Rune is the current heiress. Destined to lead the family and spend her life secluded from the outside world. Ichtaka Van Rune on the other hand, though older, is seen as incompetent for he is unable to master magic higher than the second tier even with his boundless magical reserves. Were it not for him being the son of the the current family head, he would have long been experimented on.
Yet unbeknownst to others, Ichtaka has long reached the highest realm of magic, hence his boundless reserves. But due to his wish to explore the outside world, he pretended to be incapable of higher tiered magic and hid his realm, allowing his sister to inherit the family.
Though others may feel guilty leaving a burden for their loved ones to carry, Ichtaka did not. His only wish is to go adventuring, even at the cost of being deceitful.
-
"Ahem, it is almost time for dinner, after you Ar-"
"WHATT?? No! Brother how could you end it like this! How was Hanrah? I read of their lands being full of color, with honey dripping down the crevices of trees and warm milk pouring from the skies!"
Ariol interrupted, demanding pitifully for a continuation.
*sigh*
"It is not that I do not wish to continue, my dearest sister. HOWEVER, the guards got hold of me before I crossed the border. Hence why I arrived earlier than intended...
Furthermore, honey dripping from crevices and milk pouring from the skies, I'll beat whoever gave you that misleading information."
Ichtaka let out, slightly fuming with annoyance.
"Misleading? Brother, youngest sister told me of this from her books. True, they may be exaggerated but not all stories are groundless. Hmph, try beating her up and I will have to come to your rescue again."
Harrumphing, Ariol turned around and heading towards the dinning hall.
"Hmm... maybe it is I that has fallen beyond the path of no return..."
*sigh*
Letting out a steamy breath, Ichtaka hurried behind his sister.
-
*clank*
*clank*
*clank*
*knock, knock*
"Enter."
Towering, majestic double doors are opened on the command of the deep, resounding voice.
Coming in, a giant adorned in golden armor and thumping red crystals kneels before the owner of the voice; a wrinkly old creature with five eyes. One in place of where a human's nose would be, with the other four decorating his face in the shape of a butterfly, his head with nothing else other than sagging skin and shiny, purple hair locks.
"Have they arrived?"
The old creature asks whilst stretching on its throne.
"Yes my lord, their excellencies are awaiting upon your Almighty's presence."
The giant answers, bowing its head even lower.
"Very well."
And with that the old monstrosity disappeared within an instant together with the giant.