A flurry of carriages appeared by the gates.
Each was magnificently awe-inspiring and… glowing?! It was so visually striking that it reminded Jack of Christmas lights….the magical version!
One was engulfed in flames, another drifted on water wheels, one slightly floated above the ground, and one even looked like a mobile fortress!
Their occupants all had airs of authority, the masses already going wild…
"Look, the Dawn Lords!" "Oh god, all of them here at once?!" "D-don't tell me they're here to see that Beggar?!" "What? No way! It's time for the Magic Academy Showdown!"
Jack heaved a sigh of relief: it had nothing to do with him!
Relaxing, he observed all the crazy mounts.
There were so many!
"Fiendish Fiery Foxes, Slithering Sea Snakes, Massive Mountain Mammoths, Frizzy Flying Ferrets…" Edgar whispered their names to the eager Jack. This was just like Pokem—!
But just as he was enjoying himself, it happened.
A ruby-flaming carriage suddenly stopped right next to them.
It was the one dragged by flaming foxes that seemed to look down on the world. Instantly…. "RUUNNNN!!!" the Thunder Young lady ran away, utterly terrified.
As the door opened, Jack lost his breath.
She was a foxy lady, her long fiery hair reaching her waist.
But what stood out the most was her gorgeous red qipao. How had it not burst yet? The poor thing was struggling to contain assets bigger than Jack's dreams!
"Ara? What do we have here? How interesting?"
Her golden irises had locked on Edgar as she unleashed the most playfully seductive smile she could muster. She had time for a little fun before they left for the Academy, right?
"Quick, look away!" The people in the procession shivered as they averted their gaze. They all knew how deadly her charm could be! Many fools had lost their estate to that smile!
She really was an odd one. What was even the point of charming a beggar?! Perhaps she simply wanted to see him squirm, suffering from one-sided love?
"How about I invite you to work for me?" She sultrily proposed.
The spectators shook their heads. "Another Fallen." "I just hope he won't forget about his baby." "She wouldn't go that far…right?!" "Meh, who cares…."
Fallen? Jack chuckled as he heard them. He knew his father…
"No need. Thanks for the offer!"
Edgar was a polite man. He looked her straight in the eyes as he thanked her. With his background, he'd much rather make a deal with the army after all.
It was as if the sun had risen from the west.
"….."
Silence filled the City's entrance.
Jack could almost picture the tumbleweeds whooshing around. But then it erupted:
"H-he refused her?!" "W-what?! H-how?!" "I-is he blind or something?!" "Bullshit! Even the blind can't resist her!" "He has to swing the other way!" "B-but… he's a father!!"
Everyone looked at the "Beggar" as if a monster. Was he even human?! How could he remain that calm?! He had to be some Hidden Master; that was the only explanation!
Just as all the Dawn Lords were hurriedly stopping their carriage, a certain guard Captain came rushing back with a ginormous smile.
"Mister, Mister! Good news! My Boss will see you now for an interview! You'll be able to join, along with your son! You'll be hired as—" he froze. What was up with all the stares?!
But the confused man was quickly forgotten. The Lords' eyes filled with desire, all staring at Jack in wonder. If the father was that skilled….then what about the son?!
This was a buy 1 get 2 kinda deal: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! As long as they played their cards right….the baby would grow up to become a menace!
The Lords seemed possessed as they all rushed forward, shouting out offers!
"Working for the City Guard? Nonsense! My Indomitable Roc Family will welcome you! Worry not. We'll treat you the best!"
"Scoff, the best? Your best isn't enough! Everyone knows my Rising Wind Guild is the most prosperous! You'll get the best resources Gold can buy!"
"Hehe, as if Gold mattered. Our Serene Water Clan is as wealthy but owns a mystical training land on top of it! Join us instead!"
The "aloof" Lords had been reduced to bickering fools.
The only one that didn't seem to be participating was the Foxy Lady from earlier. At first, it seemed like her soul had left her body…but then her fighting spirit was rekindled.
So what if this man was seemingly immune to her charm?! She'd just have to try again! Her eyes glowed with determination as she gathered her Mana.
This time she'd charm the man for sure!
She focused all her energy…
But just as she was ready to unleash it all….
The other Lords froze, looking at the sky in panic.
"Oh, God. D-don't tell me?! He's coming…but why now?!"
The sky turned black, humongous thunder clouds forming. There was only one guy in Dawn City that could generate something so flashy….the Thunder Lord!
He was perhaps the strongest of them all and also the most Eccentric. He was often called the Hidden Lord. He who spent most of his time in seclusion training…was coming out?!
Then the sky fell down…or that's what it felt like!
— CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! —
A man of lightning fell from Heaven.
As he crashed on the ground, the entire City rocked.
He had controlled his power as much as he could, but the shockwave was enough to make the spectators fall like dominoes. It was that mighty!
Usually, this wouldn't have been an issue….
This time it was...
Just as the Fire Lord was done powering up her Charm Magic, she lost her footing. Without anyone else noticing, her line of sight moved slightly, landing on the baby.
Oh god…no! What had she done?!
She tried to stop her magic….
She really did…
But it was far too late! This baby was doomed.
A newborn couldn't possibly survive such a powerful Charm! It wouldn't just make him fall for her. It'd erase his soul completely!
What kind of bad luck was this?! Regret overwhelmed her. If only she had paid a little more attention, if only— but there was no cure for regret.
Jack had just been minding his own business when it happened.
[A Certain Flame Temptress is Targeting You!]
[Give in and Offer Her Your Soul?]
[Resistance Is Imposs—]
Jack lost himself in the golden irises.
This golden glow was perfect. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever gazed upon. It was the most soothing color he'd ever seen. It was— everything he had ever wanted!
As long as he gave in, he'd reach Nirvana. He'd finally feel at peace. He'd finally be—
No. He came back to his senses! This wasn't it….He had to live and live well!
'Don't worry, mom. I won't waste this new life! I'm Jack MF Bright!'
Instead of losing his soul, Jack began laughing. What was a little fox to a man who had rejected literal Gods?
As the two's gazes met, one began coughing blood... and it wasn't Jack!
But before he could rejoice, he felt a lightning aura surround him...
.
.
.
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Jack Bright (Classless)
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BODY 0 (STR 0 / AGI 0 / RES 0)
SOUL 38 ( MAGIC 4 / SENSE 16 / WILL 18)
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(NEW!)
- Treasure Baby 🆕
- Indomitable Will (E) 🆕
- Chad! (+Charm Resistance!) 🆕
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