Chapter 4 - Chapter 3. Hope

Hope.

What is hope? Is it a wish for something to become reality?

Throughout my life, I have learned through experience not to expect anything, yet I find myself clinging to hope until it inevitably fades with the longing. When was the last time I truly remembered hoping for something?

Ah, it's not important... But now, I realize once again that I made a mistake by having expectations of smooth sailing when knowing all the storylines within this game world.

Even though this is a game world to me, Kain, Rina, and even Prince Lysander exist in this realm – their lives intertwined with mine, as I control their consciousness. I am left wondering where the real Prince Lysander has vanished or if I am a part of him that merged with my other self.

Enough of that.

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In summary, Kain began by showcasing his magical abilities. Being exceptionally talented, he possessed the power to manipulate four elemental magic attributes: fire, earth, water, and wind. Creating a fireball through an incantation, he hurled it towards a suddenly appearing dummy doll (which might have been there all along, unnoticed by me).

Next, utilizing the earth element, a wall the size of a regular door emerged beneath the dummy. Additionally, the water and wind elements manifested simultaneously as water darted towards the dummy.

"That's the extent of my magical abilities. In this world, there's three types of magic: elemental magic, as demonstrated just now with four attributes, light magic, and dark magic." Kain remained expressionless as he elaborated, "Elemental magic is the most common type of magic possessed by all individuals. Light magic is the rarest, with only one or two people being born with the talent for it. Dark magic, on the other hand, is wielded exclusively by monsters, demon queens, and kings in the Demon Kingdom of the Death Valley. Perhaps because dark magic is seen as malevolent and brings suffering."

Death Valley? Ah, I'm aware of that place. I'll have to research it further at the library later...

Kain sighed, "Nevertheless, everyone has innate magical abilities, regardless of their social status. If we look at the royal lineage of the Clover family, His Royal Highness, Prince Lucius, possesses the power to manipulate fire and earth magic." After the thorough explanation, Kain invited Prince Lysander to regulate his breathing and attune to his surroundings.

"Take a slow breath and try to recite each basic magic spells from every element," Kain instructed as he stood beside Prince Lysander. "This is the most effective way to discern your innate elemental talent."

As Prince Lysander took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, there were no signs of any peculiar magic within him, suggesting he might not possess the same power as his brother, Lucius... but I didn't need to fret about possessing any unusual magic.

Visualizing fire, I shut my eyes and attempted to summon it from my palm, but... it didn't appear.

"It's alright, there are still three elements to try."

Kain's words strangely comforted me a bit. Alright, maybe water...

...but it didn't work.

Earth...

...I do not possess a talent for earth magic.

Alright, let's try together here, Prince Lysander... that implies we have an affinity for wind magic...

...

...

"That's strange, you've followed everything correctly and in order. There might be an error, let's try once more. This time, attempt to follow my instructions…" Kain furrowed his brow, revealing his latest expression of utter perplexity.

Prince Lysander expressed gratitude to Kain for his patience and diligently followed each of Kain's instructions.

...

Nothing.

No magic manifested.

Kain contemplated, 'What is happening?! Is this boy truly unable to wield magic? Could he be one of the Lost Ones? However, judging from his aura, he undoubtedly possesses magic... there remains only one final method to awaken his abilities...'

Meanwhile, Prince Lysander, standing not too far from Kain, was already succumbing to despair. His countenance was downcast, reflecting a desolate expression.

What is happening now?

It seems that being inside Prince Lysander's body has caused a change. However, so far, no hologram box kinda thing has appeared, indicating that I have some kind of system to help me cheat in life.

Ah, it seems this is Prince Lysander's destiny. Perhaps his magic cannot be awakened until the moment he falls victim to his brother's uncontrollable magic, which is why he didn't protect himself. This implies there is little hope of becoming stronger to defend oneself.

Hm?

Ahhh, what if I were to ask the king and queen to confine me to a hidden chamber far within the palace? Surely, being a member of the royal family with no magical abilities will make me a scapegoat... OHHH, maybe by staying hidden and avoiding confrontation with my brother, I can steer clear of the death flag.

Although I could perish at any moment, I must strive to steer clear of the game's main event storyline, even if I am unsure of its occurrence.

Heheh, that's a clever idea. Now, all I have to do is claim to Kain that I possess no talent and he will instruct me in something else.

As Prince Lysander snapped back to reality and prepared to inform Kain of his apparent lack of magical abilities, Kain had already devised another plan...

"Forgive me, Prince Lysander, this is the final method to awaken your magic!" Kain declared as he recited a spell, summoning a towering Golem that proceeded to advance towards Prince Lysander.

"Ehhh?! Wait! Master Kain! I have no magic, please cease your magic!" Prince Lysander shouted, stepping back in alarm as he watched the earth Golem draw near.

"Do not give up, Prince! This is a powerful method to awaken magic because it emerges when the user is in a threatened state!"

"I-I can't be...possible..." Prince Lysander stammered, trembling as he stumbled back, his gaze fixed on the colossal Golem towering above him, ready to strike with its raised hand.

Is this my end?

Is this how I will die?

So soon?!

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To Be Continue ?