Victor sits in his chair, shocked after hearing his dad say Soul Killer's.
"Wha.... what do you mean, Soul Killer's?"
"I was afraid you wouldn't understand if I told you. It is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of those who know the powers of Soul Killer's and have likely witnessed them first hand."
"Why was such a deadly race of people made? And why don't they teach us about them in the academy?"
"I am forbidden to speak about the origins of them, but when you are ready, it will be revealed to you. They don't teach it at the academy because they don't exist. They've been erased from the history books because their powers are still considered taboo. They are still alive but guard who enters and leaves their realm."
"If that's true, then how did you end up outside their realm, and what was mom's reaction to it?"
"Oh no, it wasn't me that left. It was my parents. They were exiled after trying to explore beyond the spiritual realm, which was forbidden by the High King. Because they were of a high status, the judgment passed on them was not death but exile. My mother never knew she was pregnant with me until much later."
"You seem to have quite the complicated family history, young Paladin."
"Shut up, Shadow! Who gave you permission to eavesdrop on this conversation?"
"Nobody. I just felt like it."
"Everything alright there, Victor?"
"Yes, dad, just having to deal with unwanted opinions."
"You don't need to worry about Shadow. He can listen to all he wants."
Victor shakes his head, and the conversation continues.
"So how did you come to know about the Soul Killer's if it's forbidden?"
"I never knew about it until I was ready to accept the responsibility that comes with awakening those powers. On that day I had all my questions answered, and you will take one day, but only when you're ready."
Victor exhales with disappointment but accepts what must not be spoken of.
"At least you know a bit about us now. Moving on to more pressing matters, what the hell happened at the academy today? Why were you in the middle of it?"
"I would've stayed out of it, but it was the one boy from ten years ago who made fun of me. He was specifically looking for me, calling my name and killing anyone who he thought knew about me. Not even the seasoned teachers were able to stop him. I just couldn't run away while he was killing people and enjoying it."
"I understand, son, just continue with what happened."
"When the teachers were getting everyone into the building, I was just standing there making fists and seething with rage. One of the teachers tried to get me to follow but went white when I looked at him and he left me. When everyone was inside, my anger boiled over, and I shouted out his name. I remember the fight starting and buildings were being destroyed. People were getting injured or killed as we fought. I wanted to finish him off with divine magic, but Shadow stopped me, saying there would be no coming back from it. He only told me one word, and I can clearly remember it. He said basics and nothing more."
"Interesting, for Shadow to have said that he must see something inside you. Sorry for the interruption. Please carry on."
"It took me a long time to understand what Shadow was talking about, then I remembered back to the times I'd go hunting and the basic but affective spells I'd use to catch the prey. After realizing it, I was able to defeat him by freezing him in ice, making a rock prison, and bringing lava to the surface. When the screaming stopped, I deactivated my spells and found every part of him had pieces of melted skin and muscle. He was still trying to kill me, and that's when I drew my sword and cut his head off."
"What spell did you use to chop his head off?"
"I believe it was, Mors Plaga or something."
Riventer drops his cup, shaking uncontrollably.
"Where and how did you learn that sword art? It should be impossible for you at this stage."
"I don't know, dad, I swear."
"That sword art is used by middle ranked Soul Killer's, and you're not even beginner rank, so how is that possible?"
Silence fills the room. No one speaks until Riventer grabs something off his table and heads outside.
"It would be in your best interest to follow me, son."
Victor follows his dad, and they stop an abandoned mine that has been abandoned for centuries.
"If my past catches up to me, I want you to come here immediately, gather the things, and leave. Then I want you to travel to the home of the Divine Mages, and they will teach you ways of using magic that are incredible and difficult for humans."
"Why are you telling me this now, dad?"
"Because the gods have already made their move. So please, promise me you'll do it."
With a nod, Victor locks the door.
"Oh yes, there's also an outfit in there. I think it will fit you perfectly. Please wear it, it'll mean a lot to us and help you on your journey. You are ready to receive my blessing. Please use it to better this world and not destroy it."
"Thanks, dad. I promise to do that to the best of my abilities.
They embrace, and Victor heads back to the academy. His mind racing with what he has just learned.