Immersed in his routine of study and meditation, Zeun remained oblivious to the fact that his humble paper business had stirred up the entire noble faction in the Voldamort kingdom. Unbeknownst to him, even the royals had taken notice.
Nestled away from the vibrant city, in a dimly lit room with massive black bricks and on a central study table sat a child. The appearance of this room might seem ordinary, but hidden secrets lurked within. To the untrained eye, the walls seemed dull and shabby, but a mage or high-ranking official from the Kingdom would be astonished.
These black bricks, typically reserved for the training rooms of high mages and royals, possessed remarkable properties—self-repair and an impenetrable shield against detection. The cost of each of these extraordinary black bricks? A whopping 5 Gold Coins.
Zeun was researching with Mana papers using different kinds of mana inks. In the past few monts , his mana veins has reached its limit. It took him longer than his mom's estimated time because he spent most of his secluded time on research. Still it took him less than 18 months.
In the mean time he came accross quite a lot interesting things. Few months ago he got his hands on a large batch of mana inks with his mom's help.
After some study he came up with the following conclusions -
-High quality Mana papers can be made by mixing the dust of Mana Crystals plus Normal paper with a perticular temperature -(Temp. is the key factor here)
1. If mana ink is used to write on a mana paper, it takes 10 seconds to dry up. But after drying up, the area of ink is completely sealed and cannot be separated by any means other than destroying the whole page. They form some kind of circuit connection among themselves which I named 'Mana Link'..
2. Mana links strength can vary depending upon the quantity and quality of mana ink used. Highly concentrated mana ink forms more stabe bonds (Mana Link) with the paper..
3. After writing with mana ink if we submerged the paper in mana crystal dust. It would form a layer like 'laminated paper' so. I simply named this process; Lamination.
3. After lamination, no natural ink or mana ink can be used to rewrite on that page. Hence no duplication is possible .( Haven't tested with Runic Ink)
These characteristics are enough to drive nobles, merchants, and royals into a frenzy. In the library, I've read multiple accounts of dark guilds and criminals copying and faking official documents, leading to numerous casualties and business losses...
Over the last 20 months, Zeun immersed himself in solitude, dedicating his attention solely to research and the formation of his mana veins. As the awakening ceremony loomed just four months away, he intensified his self-focus.
However, each attempt to create a mana circle ended in failure. Every effort to absorb mana proved futile, signaling that his body had reached its limits, with mana veins brimming to capacity. The impending ceremony added urgency and intrigue to Zeun's predicament.
*hufff... hufff.... hufff*
Zeun exhaled three times emptying his lung before taking another deep breath simultaneously opening his eyes.
Zeun's eyes changed. They seemed clearer, as if he had found wisdom. His focus became calmer, showing a peaceful understanding gained through meditation. The once restless look was replaced with a sense of inner balance.
He delved into his recent memories, searching for the key to his next move. The past unfolded before him, each moment a clue leading to the best plan or task to tackle next.
Ever since I started staying away from everyone, Mom sometimes filled me in on the ongoing paper auctions during meals.— Leaning on the table, my chin in my hand, I wondered out loud while flipping through the pages. Each bid and its importance played on my mind, creating a mix of excitement and curiosity.
"In the last 20 months we earned approximately 70 Platinum Coins. Each bundle weights approx. 2.5 kg.(10bun. × 4 × 20 = 800bun. = 2 tons)
From which I used 5 P.Cs to built this basement.. Around 2~2.5 P.Cs were used to renovate the auction and run it.... salary of workers...so around umm..61 platinum Coins are left.... "
Zeun's face fell as he realized he made a mistake he desperately wanted to avoid, but it happened unintentionally.
"Oh Damn it!" cursing out loud he sighed...
*sigh ..hhhhhh*
"I made a mistake ...
I..... unintentionally invited trouble... The Royal Family and Other Nobles' should have already made their move...."
An unknown shop appeared out of thin air in a border town selling the most expensive and high demanded item. How would they react?
Ofcourse the noble family and the Royals would likely be surprised and curious when an unexpected shop suddenly appeared in their border town, offering the most expensive and highly sought-after item. They would be intrigued, questioning, and a desire to understand the sudden appearance of high quality papers...
I shudder at the thought of the worst-case scenario.
'Ugh! Damnit !'!Frustrated by my own foolishness, I channel my irritation into a powerful kick, sending the chair hurtling into the wall with a resounding crash shattering it into pieces.Fueled by mana saturation, my body boasts strength surpassing that of the average adult fighters or martial artists on Earth..
Right at that moment, Mom swung open the door, clutching a paper. "Son, we might have a problem. We've been invited to the Royal Capital of Voldamort Kingdom to meet the king...." Only then did she spot the broken chair and my contorted expression.
With a helpless sigh, Zeun looked at his mom, who had gone through so much for him. But now, as if in a sad song, he had dragged her down into another mess. He couldn't help but wear a pained expression.
"I... I'm sorry mom. " He choked as he uttered these words. Tears rolling down his cheeks. He knew very well that involving with the Royals would only leash him or endenger his family's life. They're just selfish, thriving on the hard work and sacrifices of peasants like heartless predators. 'Damn Royal bastards'
Zeun's prejudice is evident here, being a boy from the modern era living peacefully under the protection of governments and never experiencing the world's darkness. Even after 10 years, he still couldn't completely adjust to this current situation.
As a pessimistic character, a trait developed from losing his father in this life and past experiences, who can blame him? Hence, he is very cautious, not wanting to endanger his mom and sister, his only family, at any cost. He tried to think properly, but as a powerless 9-year-old child, what can he even do against two kingdoms?
Observing the distress in Zeun's eyes, his mom immediately moved closer, wrapping him in a warm embrace.
"Sweetheart," she whispered softly, "we're a team. No matter what challenges come our way, we face them together. Your strength and courage, even at such a young age, amaze me. We'll find a way, step by step. You're not alone, my love."
Her gentle words and the warmth of her hug were a comforting balm, easing Zeun's worries and infusing him with a sense of reassurance.
In his mom's embrace, Zeun struggled to calm himself, but the effort only intensified his fear. The thought of losing such a crucial person in this unfamiliar world haunted him, threatening to devastate him entirely.
Feeling the tension in Zeun's attempt to calm down, his mom's worry became even more apparent. She gently cupped his face in her hands, her eyes reflecting concern and love.
"It's okay, my dear. We'll navigate through this together. I'm here for you, always."
Her soothing words and tender touch aimed to alleviate his fears and provide the comfort he needed in that moment of uncertainty.
The next moment Zeun felt his lips touch something warm and soft. His eyes widened but he responded even more passionately to his mom, his only love in this world. He kissed her deeply forcing his tongue into his and drinking her saliva. They stayed for 2 minutes before separating..
"huff huff..."
Both gasped for breath as their face reddened with embarassment and satisfaction. Although Zeun's heart and body wanted more..
In his mind ' Now is not the time for this Zeun. First you need to move your mom and sister to safer place. Also you promised yourself that you will not touch you mom untill you find a cure for her?'...
Zeun : "....."
"A cure!! Yes! Yes! Yes. Thank God" He jumped with excitement and folded his arms thanking God for this amazing idea as tears of joy started welling up in his eyes.
Seeing his son's sudden joy she asked curious about what he was thinking,"Son..."
"Mom, you need to hurry. Listen to me attentively, you take sister to Everlost Forest. I have a feeling, that you two will be safe there and I...."
Helena stood up in shock interrupting him
, " No never! I shall never leave your side. I already lost your father I don't want to risk anything else...Zeun I am following you no matter the cost...."
she said with extremely firm tone, determination evident in her beautiful red eyes...
Seeing this, Zeun smiled warmly at his mom, causing Helena to flinch. She knew her son like the back of her hand, and the seemingly sweet smile he was giving her didn't appear sweet in her eyes. To her, it was the sly grin of a fox about to trap its prey, and, evidently, the prey this time was herself...
" Okay you can follow me to the capital, then what? What will you do next?"Zeun asked with same smile.
" I shall visit the king with you and stay by your side "
Helena said, pondering whether there was something wrong with her decision to follow her son to see the King.
Zeun sighed and asked, " Are you really gonna do that?"