It has been three days since I got the power orb lodged in my back, and it's pretty much confirmed—I can't run away from this.
All examinations of the orbs led to the same conclusion: any attempt to remove them results in death. As mana cultivators, we Mirians possess an arcane core, the focal point of our mana. Alongside storing and refining mana for our spells, the arcane core is a vital part of ourselves, and any damage to it is likely fatal.
Now guess who got a celestial orb attached to his arcane core? You guessed right, me. In a quest to find out more about the orbs and decipher the mysterious message of the new tenant in my arcane core, I'm about to leave for Ethera to find the only other person reported to be in my situation so far, Anastasia Coryll.
I look at my outfit in the mirror and heave a heavy sigh. My reflection stares back, a blend of anxiety and resolve etched on my face. Turning away, I leave my chambers. Three steps out the door, I crash into my sister, Xandria.
Xandria Xerxes, named after our father, is the perfect golden child—an extremely intelligent scholar and strategist. Do I resent her for it? Heck no. Rather, I strongly advocate for her to replace me as heir of Xeroy. She is much more fit for the task, and it would free me to live my life on my terms.
"Hello, brother," she greets, falling into step beside me. "I hear you leave for Ethera today."
"Yes, we're hoping interaction with Anastasia will bring answers to some of my questions."
She nods in understanding. "I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help. The history books were completely blank but for trivial information about the orbs themselves."
Xandria led the scholars who canvassed the royal archives for clues about the celestial orbs and my predicament.
"It's fine, Xandria. I know you gave it your best."
Our interactions seem distant and formal, but we truly have each other's best interests at heart. Soon, we arrive at the royal court, where the assigned knights await us. We are to travel to Ethera alongside Queen Teagan, who will assume administrative duties there while her husband, King Caden, stays in Xeroy to figure out the problem with the orbs.
Mother rises from her throne, each step as graceful as a ballroom dancer. Stopping in front of me, she glances over my outfit before revealing a little smile. "Just like his father, this one," she says, her voice a soft melody.
A smile spreads across my face. Mother caresses my cheek and sighs. "I don't know where fate takes you from here. Take good care of yourself, okay?"
My eyes glisten with tears. Mother and I don't see eye to eye on quite a few things, like being the heir, for instance. However, I truly appreciate her efforts to train Xandria and me since Father's death.
I take a knee. "I promise."
She nods. "You may rise, Prince Lexx." Then she turns to address the knights accompanying me.
"Today, I address you not as royal knights but as adventurers. Your quest is to see the mystery of the celestial orbs to a definite end. That's my order as your queen regent. As a mother, however, I implore you to watch after my son. He can be quite forward, but his heart is noble."
The Captain immediately steps forward and kneels. "Your wish is our command, Your Highness. We promise that Prince Lexx will not come to any harm under our supervision."
"Thank you, Captain Leon."
Mother walks toward Queen Teagan, grasping her hands. "Please take care of my boy, Teagan."
"It would be an honor, Aira."
"Alright then, you may all leave with the blessings of the royal households of Mirac. May providence bring you all back safely."
I offer my sister a quick hug before stepping toward the group. We march toward the royal teleportation array. After the coordinates are entered, a pillar of iridescent light shoots skyward, signifying the opening of a space portal to Ethera.
One by one, everyone walks into the light, quickly vanishing from view until I am the only one left. I look back at my mother's approving gaze, my sister's glistening eyes, and the only home I've ever known. I nod at them, turn around, and step into the murky unknown.