"Why are we still waiting? What's the holdup? We should use this chance to kill as many of them as we can," a raspy voice grumbled.
"Remember what she told us. We're supposed to bait them here and wait until as many as possible settle in, then we make our move," another voice responded.
"But why? Why don't we just attack?" the raspy voice insisted.
"Why not go ask her yourself and see what she says?" the other voice replied playfully.
"Yeah right, like I'm going to question her plan to her face," the raspy voice retorted sarcastically.
(Somewhere in the sea, these two conversed among themselves, observing the beach where Theo was sitting. Two beautiful brown eyes watched him, wondering where he would fit into her plan.)
Have you ever woken up feeling like you had no rest, as if time just skipped over you? When you close your eyes, hoping to fall asleep, but instead lie there, trying to let your dreams carry you away, dreading the hour you have to wake up? But the dream never comes, and when you finally open your eyes, it's already day.
That was Theo right now, lying face up on his bed, staring at the ceiling with wide eyes, reluctant to get up. Today was the day of the Oath. As Theo pondered its significance, he realized Ferdinand would essentially become Prince Grayson's slave. The Oath is a spell that completely restricts the oath-taker, stripping away their free will and binding them to serve the oath-keeper until the time is fulfilled.
"Is there any way to break or nullify an Oath?" Theo asked.
"No, an Oath is a two-way magical contract that binds the oath-taker to the oath-keeper. Neither can revoke it. It only ends after the designated time of the Oath. Once taken, they are both bound to see it through to completion," Prim explained.
"I see. So we'll be watching Ferdinand become a slave, essentially, for however long the prince decides…" Theo said, staring blankly.
"The Divine Plan is one of Freedom. The inherent nature of man is always seeking to express itself in terms of freedom, because freedom is the birthright of every living soul. Do not worry. Freedom is the only thing he truly controls. He may have to serve the prince, but we all serve someone else out of our own choice. We can reclaim that freedom whenever we wish," Prim said.
Theo didn't fully grasp everything Prim had said, but it comforted him deeply. He was beginning to realize how a single choice could alter the course of his life and reshape him as a person. If he had just stayed home, would this have happened? Would Ferdinand be about to become enslaved? Would Fester have died? Would Amber, Nick, and Nolan be where they are now? Had this one decision managed to impact all these people?
(I recommend and if you want, listen to the songs: )
How to save a life, cover by TALK
Always on the run - ISAAK
Peter pan was right - Anson Seabra
The Oath-taking ceremony is a grand spectacle, steeped in tradition and ritual. In the past, it was the ultimate demonstration of loyalty, often turning into a significant public event attended by Highborns, nobles and commoners alike. The ceremony begins with the oath-taker stepping into a specially prepared sacred circle, adorned with ancient runes and symbols that glow faintly with magical energy.
The oath-taker, dressed in ceremonial robes, will walk in and then kneel before the oath-keeper, who stands tall and imposing, a symbol of authority and power. Incense wafts through the air, and the soft chanting of ancient incantations begins, performed by robed priests and priestesses who surround the circle.
The oath-taker then enters a trance-like state, induced by a combination of magical herbs and the rhythmic chanting. His eyes glaze over, and his body will begin to glow with a soft, ethereal light. This is the sign that he is ready to give all he has—his mana core, the very essence of his being, he will begin to hover in the air his chest rises and then begins to rise from within him. The mana core appears as a radiant, pulsating orb of energy, floating just above his chest.
As the mana core ascends, the oath-keeper extends his hands, palms open, to receive it. The mana core hovers between the two, a bridge of light and energy that symbolizes the transfer of loyalty and power. The oath-keeper then utters the binding words of the Oath, a powerful incantation that seals the pact.
In this moment, the oath-taker surrenders all his power, his will, and his essence to the oath-keeper. The oath-keeper, in turn, embraces this offering,then the oathtaker absorbs the mana core into himself once again. The light intensifies, enveloping both participants in a blinding glow that signifies the merging of their destinies.
The ceremony concludes as the light gradually fades, leaving the oath-taker visibly weakened but resolute, and the oath-keeper glowing with newfound strength and authority. The crowd would then erupt in applause and cheers, acknowledging the profound commitment and the unbreakable bond that has just been forged.
This ancient ritual, once a proud display of loyalty and power, now carries a more somber tone. In modern times, the grandeur of the event remains, but the underlying implications of servitude and loss of freedom cast a shadow over its splendor.
Once again, everyone gathered at the highborn camp, where Ferdinand had fought for his life and was now about to sign it away. As Theo and the others arrived, they saw that everything was set up differently from the past. Where Ferdinand had once fought, a small platform now stood with a white sand circle in the middle, marked by four runes. There were no priests, no grandeur.
When everyone had settled in, Prince Argayle and his entourage walked out front towards the platform. Behind them, in shackles, was Ferdinand. He stood tall, his back straight, eyes fixed on the platform, showing no fear or protest. Once a prominent noble, now a cast-out 16-year-old trainee about to sign his life away—not for honor or loyalty, but because it was demanded of him. It was either this or death.
As Theo and the others saw Ferdinand walk in shackles and a tainted robe, Amber inhaled sharply and grabbed Theo's hand. This surprised Theo, but he understood, as did everyone. Even criminals given the choice between death or becoming an oath-taker usually chose death.
As the ritual began, a hushed silence fell over the crowd, and the air grew thick with anticipation. Ferdinand was forced to kneel in the circle and given something to drink. No one spoke as Ferdinand's eyes began to glaze over, and he started to float slowly.
Prince Argayle, looking extremely pleased with himself, smirked as the ritual commenced. Everett stood at the front of the crowd, clearly disdainful. It was his idea, his plan, his execution—but no reward for his efforts, his idea stolen from him.
The crowd watched in awe as Ferdinand's mana core began to present itself. Theo marveled at its beauty; unlike the Spider Queen's, it was a stunning yellow and orange with a golden glow, sparkling and illuminating everything around them. Prince Argayle, bursting with anticipation, looked ready to snatch the core from Ferdinand's chest as it took its time to fully present itself.
For Theo and his companions, witnessing such a ceremony was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and the complex nature of loyalty and power.
Boom! An explosion suddenly shattered the awe, snapping everyone out of their trance. More explosions echoed through the air. Centaurs pulled the prince away from the podium, trying to escort him to safety. The explosions were coming from the main camp down at the beach, and black clouds of smoke began to rise.
"We're being attacked! Everyone back to camp, GO!" the prince shouted while still being shielded by the centaurs. Chaos erupted as everyone started running in different directions. The scene quickly descended into disorder, with people being pushed around, falling over, and getting trampled. Shouts of orders filled the air, but there was no clear plan.
Prince Argayle was being dragged from the platform by the centaurs, clearly not intending to be the first to protect the camp. Everett saw this as his chance. He ran to the platform, knowing that if he took Ferdinand's core and recited the spell, he could still get his way.
Pushing through the crowd proved difficult, but he finally reached the platform. Theo had not taken his eyes off Ferdinand the entire time. He saw Everett and understood his intentions. Amber looked at Theo. "Go! Save him!" she said, letting go of his hand. Theo didn't hesitate. He ran towards the platform, evading everyone in his path. His reaction was much quicker than he believed possible as the crowd moved chaotically around him.
Draymond and Ariel saw Theo's plan. Draymond instinctively moved to stop him, but Ariel held him back. "What are you doing? We can't let him get in the way!" Draymond shouted, frustrated. "If our lord deserves it, he will win with his own power. We should not interfere," Ariel replied, restraining him. "Say what you want, but if he fails to get the core, it'll be your fault, and I won't hold my tongue this time. You've been too much of an hindrance lately," Draymond spat back menacingly.
Everett was almost at the floating Ferdinand. Theo used his mana to speed himself up as much as possible, unsure if he could stop Everett in time. He activated time step to speed up even more. Within 10 seconds, he was just behind Everett.
Everett turned and saw the determined Theo. He knew Theo wanted to stop him. "Trainee, go to the main camp and defend it. Why are you here?" Everett commanded. "You can guess why. I know why you're here. Let his core return to his body and don't touch it, and we won't have a problem," Theo replied calmly and resolutely, without hesitation.
Theo's reply took Everett aback. How dare a commoner trainee under his command speak to him like that? Everett glanced back at Ferdinand. The core was still not completely out, but he could grab it now. Theo wouldn't dare do anything when Ferdinand's life was in his hands.
Everett turned and reached for the core. At that moment, Theo understood the selfishness and greed of the highborns and nobles. They saw themselves above everyone and would take and take as long as it benefited them. Everett's actions only strengthened Theo's resolve.
Theo drew his unused, brand-new dagger, Kasaga's Venom. With 5 seconds remaining on his time step and enough mana to spare, he moved towards Everett.
Everett, about to grasp Ferdinand's core with a wicked smile, suddenly felt a hot sensation in the back of his neck. He found himself immobilized, a hand pulling him back. Then he saw Theo in front of him, brandishing a beautiful green dagger at his chest, leaving no room between the tip and his skin.
"If you move closer, you will die. I will not feel bad or responsible. You have a choice: back away and understand what I'm prepared to do, or try to reach for him, piercing yourself and losing your life in the process," Theo spoke coldly. Once again, Everett heard a child speak to him with authority and menace.
Everett felt his eyes would pop out of his sockets in fury. How could he, a fourth-ranked peak elemental, have to listen to a mere commoner third-ranker?
Meanwhile, the prince had been dragged back, but seeing Theo and Everett at the platform, he understood the situation. He couldn't let Ferdinand be lost to Everett.
Prince Argayle suddenly burst into flames and shot out from his protectors' grasp. He flew to the platform, landing across from Theo and Everett. "Well, what is going on here? Disobeying your leader's orders, Everett?" the prince asked calmly, though anger simmered in his voice.
Everett had lost. Nothing had gone right for him since he met the one who had just threatened to kill him. He couldn't let this slide. The prince began walking slowly toward Ferdinand.
Sensing the danger, Theo spoke. "My lord, shouldn't we defend the camp? We can leave the ceremony for another day," he said, trying to buy time. "There is no need, trainee. Step back. His core is finally out. Let's finish it now," the prince instructed.
As the prince drew closer to Ferdinand feeling there was nothing to stand in his way now, Theo saw a tier-4 ring being cast beneath Everett. Theo took action.
He activated time step, freezing time. He turned and grabbed Ferdinand's core for himself. He understood that loyalty was paid with loyalty. He would be loyal to Ferdinand, even if bound to him. He would make sure it felt as if it was the other way around, protecting Ferdinand from those who saw him only as a tool.