It had been two long weeks since the skirmish with William's vengeful thugs, yet Viktor couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. Every shadow seemed to hold a hidden threat, every unfamiliar face a potential enemy. The thought of a deeper plot gnawed at him, keeping him on edge and constantly on guard.
It made little sense for them to target him specifically, considering they were initially unaware of his role in Jules's demise. Could there be a bounty on his head? It was the only plausible explanation for someone going through the arduous process of infiltrating the Royal Family's ranks as a driver—a feat that could take months of careful planning and execution.
But Viktor pushed these thoughts aside, knowing he couldn't afford to dwell on such speculations. In just one week, his inaugural mission would commence. In preparation, he dedicated himself to rigorous physical training, following in the footsteps of his older brother Charles and his strict regimen. Charles had always stressed the importance of physical fitness in their line of work, reminding Viktor that his perceived agility often relied too heavily on telekinetic propulsion—a fact that Viktor reluctantly acknowledged but knew he needed to improve upon if he wanted to succeed in his upcoming mission.
Viktor was acutely aware that his father would eventually test his mettle against adversaries possessing greater strength, speed, and perhaps even intellect. Thus, he diligently focused on closing that gap, both physically and mentally.
In addition to honing his physical prowess, Viktor recognized the paramount importance of sharpening his intellect. Already possessed of formidable intelligence, he harbored a relentless drive to expand his knowledge. Whether preparing for one of his father's missions or simply anticipating encounters with formidable opponents, Viktor understood the necessity of being prepared for any challenge.
Seated on his bed, curtains fluttering gently in the breeze, Viktor took a moment to rest his weary muscles. His rigorous workouts had left him sore, but he knew the importance of recovery in his training regimen.
Emeline, ever attentive to his well-being, would occasionally check in on Viktor. However, he would always politely dismiss her after a brief visit, unwilling to allow any distractions to impede his progress. Though initially hurt by being referred to as a distraction, Emeline respected Viktor's dedication and ceased her frequent visits, her presence a poignant reminder of the sacrifices he made in pursuit of his goals.
But Viktor was oblivious to the world around him, he focused solely on bettering himself.
A knock came from his door and he quickly pushed himself up off of the bed to fetch the visitor.
As he opened the large wooden door he quickly shut his eyes as to him the light in the grand hallway was near blinding to the recluse who had only come outside to retrieve more books.
His eldest brother stood in front of him with a grave expression. He leaned in close to Viktor's ear and began to speak softly.
Viktor's eyes widened as he heard the words, and he felt his body go rigid.
The young boy couldn't even look up as Charles spoke; the weight of his words was too heavy to bear.
"Karl... Karl is no longer with us, and you are being sent out today," Charles whispered to him.
With a swift movement, Viktor wrapped his arms tightly around Charles before turning on his heel and exiting the room. The wind outside had picked up, whipping through the trees with such force that they seemed to bend like fragile sheets of paper. Viktor's heart raced in his chest as sweat dripped down his face and his breaths came out ragged.
But something was off - instead of the howling wind, there was a chilling laughter echoing through the air. As Viktor stepped outside, he realized that it was not the wind at all, but rather the boy using his telekinetic powers to create the spectacle.
Viktor wasn't happy about Karl's death, but more so relieved that he wouldn't have to wait another second to go back into battle. He craved the thrill of combat and saw it as a chance to prove himself to his father and earn trust for future missions.
And avenging Karl's death would also bring him closer to his other siblings, especially since Karl was a favorite among their family. Staying cooped up inside made Viktor feel like his abilities were weakening, even though in reality, they were only growing stronger. But soon enough, he would realize just how powerful he had become.
***
"Oh fuck! Someone... anyone... help us!"
The villagers' screams echoed through the night, their pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears. The once lively village was now a desolate wasteland, consumed by flames and the stench of death.
Viktor stood stoically at the edge of the destruction, his eyes burning with determination as he surveyed the devastation. Emotions boiled inside him, threatening to break through his calm exterior. This was his purpose, his destiny, and he would see it through to the bitter end... even if it meant sacrificing innocent lives.
His father's harsh, commanding voice echoed in his mind, propelling him forward with a relentless determination. There was no room for hesitation or remorse, only the ruthless pursuit of victory. And as he stepped into the chaos, his presence only added to the fear and despair that gripped the villagers.
For Viktor was known as the White Devil, his reputation preceding him like a dark cloud. His name alone was enough to send shivers down the spines of those who dared to oppose him.
The once lively festival buzzed with laughter and joy, the air thick with the sweet scents of food and the sounds of music and merriment. Families gathered, children played, and couples danced beneath the twinkling lights.
But then, in an instant, everything changed. A blinding flash of brilliant blue and white light illuminated the night sky, followed by a deafening roar that shattered the peace. The vibrant colors of the festival were swallowed by an all-consuming darkness as the village was engulfed in flames.
In mere moments, hundreds of lives were snuffed out, their laughter and joy silenced forever. The once bustling streets were now filled with nothing but ash and rubble, the echoes of screams and cries haunting the empty air.
Amidst this hellish scene stood a solitary figure - a young boy with eyes that burned with an otherworldly light. He seemed almost ethereal, like a specter summoned from the depths of nightmares as he surveyed the destruction he had caused. Illuminated by flickering flames below, he cast eerie shadows across the desolate landscape as if he himself was a creature born from the darkness.
As he hovered in the air, the boy surveyed the scene with a sense of detachment, relishing in the destruction he had wrought. The once peaceful landscape lay in ruins, buildings reduced to rubble and trees uprooted from the ground. He had unleashed a power beyond comprehension, a force of nature that swept away everything in its path without mercy or remorse.
But beneath his calm exterior, a tempest of emotions raged within him. Guilt and regret churned in the depths of his soul, mixing with the raw power coursing through his veins. He had become a weapon of destruction, a harbinger of death, and he knew there would be no redemption for him. As he looked upon the devastation, tears welled in his eyes for what he had done, but he knew it was too late to turn back now.
- 4 Hours Ago
Charles pleaded with his father, his voice filled with desperation and understanding. "Father, I know how serious the situation is, but to slaughter an entire town? And to place such a weight on a mere child?"
His father's response was harsh. "Silence, Charles! Do you expect me to let Viktor remain idle? You have seen for yourself how capable he is – the boy is a powerful weapon. Do you think I would risk the safety of our Empire by letting him waste away? Tell me, Charles, do you understand why I chose Elden to bear my child? Was it out of love for her? Or a desire to raise her from her humble origins? No, it was because she possessed a gift that our nation desperately needed: Alyssa, the sole mage of acceptable lineage. And you, my esteemed knight and right hand, serving at my side."
Charles hung his head in resignation, knowing that his father's logic was sound. This was not a personal matter; it was a sacrifice for the greater good of their Empire.
It was also in honor of their fallen brother, Karl. Charles vowed that Viktor would not meet the same fate as Karl, not if he had any say in the matter.
"Raise your head, my boy. You have made me proud. From your school days to mentoring young Viktor, you have proven to be a valuable asset to the Empire. I have no doubt that he will follow in your footsteps and become a great leader. When you have children of your own, you will understand the sacrifices that must be made for the greater good." He finished with a deep sigh before standing and gazing out at the sea beyond his window. "Now go and spread the word."
Charles bowed respectfully as he left his father's office and headed straight to Viktor's room. He swung open the door and saw the boy sleeping peacefully on his bed with a book in hand.
"Viktor!" Charles called out, causing the boy to wake up with a confused look on his face. A strand of drool fell from his mouth as he sat up, still tied to his bed (or at least it felt like it).
It seemed that Charles and Emeline had fallen asleep while keeping watch over Viktor, who was now fast asleep with her arms wrapped around him.
"Huh... Eh? Charles?" Viktor mumbled, rubbing his eyes and stretching.
Charles reached into his pocket and pulled out a rolled-up paper. He approached Viktor quietly so as not to disturb Emeline's slumber.
He unrolled the paper and handed it to Viktor. "It's a picture of the man who killed Karl. Apparently, Karl was spotted at a brothel and someone had put a target on his head. This man claimed that target."
Krish Maio, a 38-year-old residing in a small farming town on the outskirts of the bustling Capital city, was the target for the night. As Charles explained, he was a mere C-Rank adventurer and a Tier 3 mage, not posing much of a threat. But Charles' voice carried the weight of years spent in the business, hinting at potential dangers that lay ahead.
"There's a festival tonight in a few hours... He is your only target, so Viktor, don't force yourself to confront anyone you don't have to," Charles cautioned, his hand absentmindedly scratching his nose as he furrowed his brow in concern.
Viktor's previously dazed expression vanished as if wiped clean from his face, replaced by an eerie emptiness. As Charles gazed into the boy's piercing blue eyes, he felt himself being pulled into a void of darkness. A faint tremble ran through Viktor's lip and unbidden, a subtle but unmistakable smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Yes... Brother," Viktor replied in a hushed whisper, his voice carrying the weight of both duty and something more sinister lurking beneath the surface. The air around them seemed to thicken with tension as they prepared for their mission under the cover of the approaching festival.
***
"Shiro, come here quickly!" A woman's voice pierced the chaos like a knife.
The power of impure magic was astounding. Despite being suspended high above the ground and surrounded by the roaring fires of the village, I could hear conversations as if they were whispered in my ear. The clanging of metal and shuffling of feet suggested some sort of conflict nearby, possibly a skirmish on my flank.
Had someone escaped and alerted the Royal Guard? If so, who would be held accountable for their demise? Would my father reprimand me for eliminating them? Or would he hold resentment towards them for taking my life?
But such thoughts did not sway me; they would all meet their fate. My father had commanded it, so why hesitate? Who would fall first, the man who had taken my "brother's" life or the guards rushing to quell the chaos?
With a slight tilt of my head, I located the approaching group silhouetted against the flames. Thirteen in total, unmistakably not members of the Royal Guard. They appeared to be a haphazard mix, perhaps former military or even brave farmers called upon to defend their village.
My lip curled in disdain as I scanned the throng of people, my eyes momentarily flashing a bright yellow as I searched for any noteworthy figures. Finally, I spotted him - a behemoth of a man, towering at an imposing 6'11" and wielding a sword that rivaled my own height. But what made him stand out above the rest was his unmistakable aura - a Tier-5 magical prowess that radiated from him like a beacon.
With a flicker of concentration, I dispelled my telekinesis and descended until I hovered just above the ground. Then, with a surge of power, I reinstated the spell, ready to unleash my attack.
I landed gracefully just a hundred feet from the group of men, mentally preparing for the spell I was about to cast. Weaving the threads of magic within my mind, I summoned a ball of pure white lightning no larger than a grapefruit.
The sphere shot through the air with incredible speed, striking a nearby building with devastating force before detonating into a blinding explosion. The village was once again consumed by flames and chaos, and any remnants of Krish and his kin were erased from existence.
A deafening roar filled the air as a blinding sphere of white light erupted from the village, engulfing everything in its searing embrace. The group of fighters froze in their tracks, all except for one man who stood at the rear, his resolve unbroken despite the destruction unfolding around him.
As his companions laughed and jeered, the brute stood tall and proud, a cruel grin stretching across his face as he admired the luminous display before him. His muscles rippled beneath his tanned skin, testifying to his strength and power.
Closing the distance between us swiftly, I approached until we were merely 30 feet apart. The closer I got, the more I could see the roughness of his features: a crooked nose, a jagged scar running from his left eye to his jaw, and a permanent scowl etched into his face.
"Hi, my name is Viktor. What about you, sir? What is your name?" I inquired, trying to appear confident despite the fear that was bubbling inside me. I gestured towards the imposing figure before me.
He snorted derisively, stepping closer and drawing his blade with a menacing flourish. The sunlight glinted off the sharp metal edge, sending shivers down my spine.
"My name don't matter to you, kid. You won't be alive to spread it to anyone," he growled, his face contorted with contempt as he spat on the ground. His piercing gaze locked onto mine, daring me to back down.
His complexion was a deep tan, contrasting sharply with his dark brown hair that nearly blended with his skin. But any attractiveness he may have once had was overshadowed by the network of deep scars that crisscrossed his features. It seemed as though every inch of his face held some sort of mark or blemish.
The stench of alcohol wafted from him in waves, assaulting my senses and making it hard to breathe. It was clear that this man was not someone to be trifled with.
Undeterred, I flashed him an innocent grin, my lips curving upwards as a coy glimmer sparked in my eyes. "Well, if that's the case," I purred, "please try and have as much fun as I'm going to."
"Huh?" He sputtered, his face contorting with disbelief and anger. "What the hell do you mean, brat?!" His words dripped with venom, each syllable laced with malice as wads of saliva sprayed across my face. The putrid scent assaulted my senses, causing me to recoil instinctively.
Reacting quickly, I leaped backwards, utilizing my mastery of magic to propel myself even further away. My training had been focused on perfecting impure magic - lightning, fire, and wind - under the guidance of General Tailon. However, I had recently discovered that my mother was skilled in water magic, hinting at a genetic inheritance of magical abilities.
A mischievous glint danced in my eyes as I prepared to unleash a new facet of my power. "I think it's time for a little experimentation... Wouldn't you agree?" My voice dripped with confidence and playfulness as I taunted him, eager to test out this untapped potential within me.