A dark and dusty room, not a single drop of sunlight can be seen. The only lights inside are torches on the walls. Inside there are a total of five cells and inside of it are the three remaining people who attacked the central plaza, the other two assailants were found dead the next morning. A loud whipped and shouts echoes around the quiet corners of the room.
"We found the anti-magic devices you planted. What are you plotting?"
Duke Aurea asks once again. The man did not answer his question, instead he spit on the floor. A clear message to the duke that he doesn't respect him and he will not open his mouth.
Pity. Here he thought he would be lenient for once if he would answer his questions. He raised his hand as a signal to the knights, their hands soon started to whip the backs of the prisoner.
"Still not budging?" Count Holton entered the room along with some knights. Duke Aurea threw him a glance and saw sacks behind, jiggling as they pulled it inside.
It's been 3 days since the explosion occurred in the capital. Until now everyone is busy getting evidence and fixing the damages that happened that day. Mages have been doing everything to slowly rebuild the region again, there is only one problem. There are no tracks left besides these assailants.
"We collected the destroyed devices. We found this near Derium."
Derium involved here? No, even though there is this long rivalry between our families they wouldn't do such a thing as this.
In East there is an influential family who is on par with the Aurea. The Derium, known for being the temple's faithful server. All the popes that led the temple came from their family, no one knows how long they serve the temple. Their rivalry started after the foundation of the empire and it intensified after centuries passed. Then everyone saw Carina, the youngest of Aurea, acquire her unique magic.
She can heal everyone and pass judgement for the sinners (Purification and Banishment). She was not supposed to be revered as a goddess, but then Carina at the time said that she heard the goddess. He still hasn't confirmed if it's true or not.
his head throb whenever he thought of that time because the current Pope is the one who titled his sister a goddess, then there is this unrequited love he has for Carina. Even if it's in the past he still shudders at the memory of it.
a loud sound of clang and jiggling disrupted his thoughts, the sack was laid in front of him and when he checked the content. It is the piece of the shattered device.
"what happened at your estate?"
Evelyn goes back to their estate before, he thinks that the explosion is linked with the emergency.
Count Holton looked back again after he finished his conversation with a messenger, a sigh of relief was showing in his face as he told the duke, "Evelyn found all the intruder. Unfortunately they wanted to frame our household after the explosion."
framing Count Holton will put the enemies in advantage since the Holton Family has been loyal to the Aurea for many years, the Aurea gained more military power because of the Count. Removing the Count out of the picture will decrease their military strength.
But, what about Carina? Why did they targeted her? Right, there's his husband, Duke Vacarella. But they wouldn't dare to touch her recklessly. No matter what he thinks it is not making any sense.
His eyes glint like a beast as he turned around, his hands found the assailants neck—grabbing it tightly as he pushed him down on the floor.
"you better spill the truth while I'm being nice," The man in front did not faze instead a smirk appeared on his lips as he stared directly at the Duke's eyes.
"We don't... have anything to tell ya!" The Duke tilts his head and slowly removes his hands from him. The knights that were inside all went out and Count Holton remained. The assailant snickered at the duke, for him he was simpleton and stupid by not killing him then.
"If you are thinking of using magic to escape. Forget it, You can't use it here."
The man tugged the ropes behind ignoring the duke's words. A faint rune appeared in his palms, but instantly vanished.
"Hah... wha... ahhh!!" bolts course through his body. He feels like a strong electricity is rippling inside, frying his organs. He coughed blood and pants heavily. It took two minutes before the pain stopped. Droplets of blood fell on the floor, he was shaking and his eyes were unsteady.
"W-What..." The two prisoners cower in fear after seeing their leader in that situation. They did not try to use magic since the Duke had touched them.
"It's my unique magic," He answered simply and looks at the weakened prisoner, "She told you we will make you speak. This isn't the last thing you will taste"
Unique Magic—just as the name implies, only one person has this different kind of magic. It can be developed in certain conditions.
First, a person should have a high amount of mana in their body. Second, there must be a strong desire that they want to use it or when faced in difficult situations. Only a few people can acquire this unique magic and most of them are rare that most of the people think that they are myths.
And the Duke has it.
'It was a mistake to accept that offer' one prisoner said while he's clenching his teeth.
the three debating whether to tell the truth or die. Of course, if they tell the truth there is a slim chance to live depending on the information they give. If they don't tell, they die by the hands of their employer and the duke knows it.
after they left, Count Holton pressed his hand on his mouth to suppress his laughter as he leaned over the wall for support.
"Galan your pfft... hahaha... have you changed your unique magic... hic... name? "
"No, I don't have another name for it." besides its name comes from his first words when he developed his unique magic. It was a natural thing for him to name after it.
"Finish the remaining investigation. I will go to the Imperial Palace to report this matter to the emperor"
With those orders Count Holton stops laughing. He thinks that this is his punishment for laughing at him.
"Again with giving me more work."
"I'm short-staffed."
"Where's your Aide then?" The duke thinks deeply and shrugs, "I don't know. He hasn't been home since I ordered him to do something"
"You should take care of your subordinates."
the duke is really short-staffed with the reason that many people resigned or did not want to work under him. He is known for overworking his people. Despite this the people who work for him receive high wages.
"Oh, right. How's your niece?" Count Holton asked before the Duke left, "Still unconscious."
"She used magic without proper knowledge after all," Count Holton commented
"That's why I am thinking that I will train her," the count's face is full of concern. After all what kind of ideas is forming in his mind he looks excited with the thought of training Wren.
"I hope he doesn't neglect his paperwork."
---------------------------------------------------
"Mother!!!" I frantically shouted while Jemina pulled me towards the carriage.
This was never mentioned in the novel..ugh, my head throbs painfully, I felt my legs wobble. The shouts and screams fueled the pain in my head. I could no longer feel Jemina's Hand, tears streamed down as I saw my surroundings in fire and rabbles.
The dirt and dust combined in the air. Just then I felt the ground shakes, another explosion occurred not far away from here. I do not know where I am. The noise around me became quiet. I froze in the middle of the road and I'm afraid of what's happening.
My mother is out there somewhere, people who are after her. I stand up and run around. The smoke burns my eyes. Sir Antonio is with my mother. Clearly she will be safe with him.
That made me calm even though I feel someone's presence behind. I know I should not look back, but I unconsciously turned around. A dagger is at the top of me and ready to strike then I hear my mother across from me, shouting with wide eyes as she runs towards me.
Behind her there is someone with a sharp blade. My mind instantly thought of her body, lifeless, My heart throbs wildly as I feel intense heat all over my body.
''help... me"
flames appeared in its highest form, a barrier made from fire protected her. Although my mind is hazy and my sight is blurry because of the smoke, I can see the man being burned to crisp to the ground. Screams of agony as they writhe in pain. It wasn't enough. I cannot stop until everyone who was trying to kill them died.
I am not aware that a single tear fell down in my cheek.
"You. Sleep and we'll talk later," its voice is full of arrogance despite its bright wings flapping in the air.
"It will be done soon. Sleep"
I feel drowsy all of the sudden as the bird becomes small and rests on my shoulder. My surroundings became quiet and I dared to close my eyes as I felt someone hug me tight.
In my dreams, it is scary as I saw how my character is brutally killed by Zairon. Then, there is the time where I saw my past self being pitiful. Begging for those attention.
["mother look I almost got a perfect score on my te..."
"disappointing"]
I winced at the pain, when something light tapped my cheek and an annoyed voice made me open my heavy eyelids.
"Hey, How long are you going to sleep?"
It looks cozy as it lays on top of me. Its small black eyes stare at me and... IT FEELS WEIRD.
it talks, the freaking bird just spoke and staring back at me. I must be dreaming.
"I can't move now because both our mana is drained. How could you summon and order me without a contract?!"
I froze in my bed as confusion clouded me in my hazy state. The bird starts talking then its saying something that I do not remember.
"What are you talking about?" I asked and it suddenly flapped its wings at me angrily while still on top of me.
"You... You summoned me... protect you and that woman and kill everyone who was hostile to you."
so that was the reason I smelled burnt flesh before and I wasn't dreaming at all.
"Ordering me without a contract, our mana depleted fast," it hissed once more.
"Then I'm not going to summon you again," I said. I thought it would be happy but its small eyes glared at me and shouted, "idiot!"
why am I being called an idiot by a bird? I really thought she would be happy if I assured her that I won't call her.
"When are you going back to where you came from?"
"Oh, goddess... she really doesn't have an idea"
It even acts like... like a person who has experienced misfortune for a long time. "What are you anyway?" the bird spreads its wings and flies around my room.
My eyes lit up in realization. "AH! You are that bird!!"
Right, ever since I keep coming to East I always see it. It was faint but I never realized it was this bird.
"Ha? You keep following me girl. Besides I am a spirit—a fire spirit. I'm also known as Phoenix don't just say I'm a bird. I'm a rare existence therefore show some respect"
Eh? A fire...spirit? Phoenix or what not it is still a bird. It let out an exasperated sigh. It lands on my bed and looks straight in my eyes.
"I sensed that you have spiritual magic. It must be your unique magic, that's what humans call it. Once in a thousand years there will be a human born with spiritual magic"
I cocked my head. Unique... magic?
"Unique magic is where only you, have that kind of magic" and so it explained to me.
wow, so... I developed my unique magic because of my desire to help my mother?
"you developed it under your mana berserk"
wait, is this the reason why the 1st prince advised me to learn magic? Mana berserk happens when the user experiences uncontrollable emotions without proper training of using mana.
"Now, form a contract with me."
I looked at it. "Why?" I asked. It froze. Like solid ice.
"Because you will need me duh!" I shake my head, quickly saying, "Nope"
It let another cry and sigh. "I lived for almost a thousand years and I have not seen a human like you who turned down a spirit."
"Then Im the first," The phoenix said more angry words.
"Be proud. The one who turned you down is me, Wren Vacarella" Heh, look at that bird. It looks extremely bewildered.
She must have thought I couldn't sass her. Wrong, if she's a spirit and I'm a summoner then I am the master between us. Shouldn't she be good to me then?
"T-This kid..."
"Oh!" I looked at the kid in front of me. She was holding food.
Just then I felt the phoenix disappear and left me a message in soft whisper. "We will talk later"
Heh. "You... woke up" She said and looked at the food at her hands before giving me one. She must be the youngest daughter of Uncle.
"Are you Ceisia?" she nodded and climbed on my bed before staring at me. "You're alive then"
Am I dead in her eyes? She picks up the bell on the table and a maid comes inside.
"She... well, tell Mom she's awake," based on this kid I'm asleep for four days. Mother is currently at the central plaza but my Aunt sent a messenger telling her I woke up.
"She's fine Duchess. Just more rest and she will be fine," the doctor said and left with Duchess Aurea. Meanwhile...
"Why are you still here Ceisia?" I asked and she shrugged. "No reason"
"Are you bored?" She did not answer me. Do all people around me like to ignore someone?
Hours passed and she finally left my room. She bid me goodbye, I put away the book and laid on the bed, ready to fall asleep when warm feathers slightly tap my cheeks repeatedly.
"Oh no, you don't!" I looked to my left and saw the phoenix glaring at me.
"What?"
"Why didn't you kick out that kid?!" oh. Ceisia.
"Should I?"
If I could see a meter for anger. The phoenix will break the record. I sigh and wave my hand, "Contract right?"
it will not stop until we form a contract which will hassle me. Though I don't have any idea why she is insistent on forming a contract with me.
"based on your face you do not know how to form a contract."
I nod as an answer, "first chant the ancient language and give me a name"
I blinked when it recited unfamiliar words then looked at me
"I'm a woman in case you don't know."
unexpectedly, I recited it perfectly; a faint, red light and rune surround us. A name for her...
"Boaife. From here on out Im your master." a blinding light envelops the room followed by smokes. Loud screeches followed by a haughty chuckle as there was a sound of metals clashing with each other.
A human silhouette emerges from the thick smoke. I can feel a smirk even though I do not see its face.
"Fufufu, Boaife at your service"