Mikhail's villa was quiet, the servants going about their duties with their usual efficiency.
In his private study, Mikhail sat with a book of advanced magical theory, his mind far away, and not at all focused on the passage on the theories of Dimensional Magic and their applications.
He absentmindedly took a quick look at his stats.
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[System Alert: Host status updated]
Name: Mikhail Robinette D'Arcy Ironforge
Title: Fourth Prince of the Tiberian Empire
Age: 15 (Mental Age: 137)
Status: Healthy
.
Health: 500/500
Stamina: 340/340
Mana Heart: 225/225 [Active]
Aura Core: 225/225 [Active]
Mana Pool: 2375/2375
.
Attributes:
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 28
Constitution: 30
Intelligence: 35
Wisdom: 40
Charisma: 25
Magic Circle: 3rd Circle Adept Mage
Aura Tier: 4th Tier Expert Swordsman
.
Unique Abilities:
Dual Core Cultivation (Hidden)
Temporal Consciousness
Personal Dimensional Space
Divine Martial Body
.
Skills:
Intermediate Magic Sense (Level 8)
Intermediate Aura Sense (Level 5)
Divine Physical Endurance (Level 7)
Advanced Acting (Level 5)
Battle Meditation (Level 8)
Intermediate Healing (Level 7)[Passive]
Advanced Mana Manipulation (Level 3)
Imperial Celestial Spiral Technique (Level 9)
Advanced Fire Manipulation (Level 2)
Expert Concealment (Level 3)
[Note: Additional skills hidden, but available for Host to view.]
.
Companions:
Sprite (Aurora) - A magical being capable of enhancing Host's magical abilities and providing emotional support. Can merge with Host to boost his power.
.
[Note: Additional details hidden, but available for Host to view.]
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He continued "half-reading" the book, the sections on runes always interested him, but today he found his mind wandering to the excitement that was about to unfold.
Although it wouldn't make much of a difference since his education with Anton was a charade, he'd given his tutor the "day off" and had asked Lydia to gather some information for him from her sources in the palace.
Mikhail hoped the timeline hadn't changed enough to affect what should be happening today, and fortunately, it hadn't. Things were still on course.
Lydia had discreetly informed him of the whispers she'd heard from her sources: Duke Draconus was coming to the capital, and with him Mikhail knew - the promise of a duel that would shake the very foundations of the Tiberian Empire. Today, his father would face a rare challenge to Imperial rule, and he would be there to witness it.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Your Highness," came Lydia's voice, "Crown Princess Lyanna has arrived."
"Oh? This is new." Mikhal thought. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, then checked that his concealment skill was still activated, and formed his features into a mask of innocent curiosity. "Send her in, Lydia."
Lyanna, the future Sword Saint of the Tiberian Empire, strode in with her crimson hair catching the afternoon light.
At twenty-four, she already carried herself with the authority of an empress. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail of her younger brother's living space.
"Little brother," she said, her tone a mixture of condescension and feigned affection, "I hope I'm not interrupting your... studies."
Mikhail suppressed a smirk. In his past life, he'd been blind to the layers of meaning in her words, the subtle barbs hidden beneath false concern. "Elder sister Lyanna? Not at all. This is an unexpected honour. What brings you here?"
Lyanna's eyes narrowed slightly, perhaps sensing something off in his response.
She took a moment to study him, as if truly seeing him for the first time. One of the annoying habits she had in this life as well as the last - whenever anything fell outside her expectations she'd immediately reassess the situation and act accordingly - she had a supreme battlefield intellect that carried over into her everyday life.
"Father has summoned us all to the throne room." she said, "There's an important matter to be discussed."
"Oh?" Mikhail injected just the right amount of curiosity into his voice. "What kind of matter?"
"Nothing you need concern yourself with, I've come to deliver the news personally as this is a private matter among high nobles," Lyanna said dismissively, but her gaze lingered on him a moment longer than necessary. "Just be presentable and don't embarrass us, understood?"
As she turned to leave, Mikhail activated his Divine Insight, curious to see what it might reveal about his sister's current state.
[System Alert: Divine Insight activated]
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Name: Lyanna Ironforge
Title: Crown Princess of the Tiberian Empire (The Crimson Blade)
Age: 24
Status: Healthy
.
Health: 750/750
Stamina: 1200/1200
Aura Core: 6th Tier Grandmaster Swordsman
.
Attributes:
Strength: 68
Dexterity: 72
Constitution: 65
Intelligence: 55
Wisdom: 34
Charisma: 70
.
Notable Skills:
Imperial Sword Arts (Grandmaster)
Fire Manipulation (Advanced)
Military Strategy (Proficient)
Diplomacy (Basic)
[Note: Additional details hidden, but available for Host to view.]
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Mikhail absorbed this information, noting how it aligned with his memories of Lyanna from his past life.
As Lyanna's footsteps faded down the hallway, Mikhail closed his eyes and reached out with his mana sense.
He'd been practising this technique relentlessly, alongside his body strengthening, pushing the boundaries of what his body could achieve. To his satisfaction, he could now perceive the ebb and flow of mana and aura throughout much of the palace.
There, in the direction of the Imperial Palace, he sensed a gathering of powerful mana and aura. His father's presence dominated all others, a sun among lesser stars. But there was another presence, possessing mana he didn't recognise, the mana pulsed with barely contained power.
"Duke Draconus," Mikhail whispered to himself. "So it begins."
He stood, smoothing out his clothes and checking his reflection in a nearby mirror.
He couldn't help but reflect on the stark differences between this life and his last.
In his previous incarnation, he'd been excluded from such momentous occasions due to his shattered mana heart, left to piece together events from overheard conversations and court gossip.
Now, he had to be included according to protocol—even if his siblings saw him as little more than a nuisance to be managed.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
As Mikhail entered the throne room, he had to squint against the radiance that shone from the ceiling.
The domed ceiling was a perfect replica of the night sky, complete with twinkling stars and slow-moving planets.
The murals along the walls, depicting the great deeds of past emperors, seemed to follow Mikhail with their eyes as he moved to take his place among his siblings.
Emperor Tiberius sat upon the Eternal Throne - a masterpiece forged from Sky Iron - and to his right stood Empress Camilla, her face an inscrutable mask.
Arrayed before them were Mikhail's siblings: Lyanna, straight-backed and proud; Bartholomew, his eyes sharp and calculating; and Aether, doing his best to look indifferent but he couldn't quite hide his keen interest.
And there, standing before the Imperial family with the casual confidence of one who knew his own power, was Duke Draconus.
Mikhail had to stop himself from staring.
In his past life, he'd only ever seen the Duke from afar, a distant figure of legend and fear. Up close, the man was even more impressive. Tall and broad-shouldered, with a mane of silver-streaked black hair, Duke Draconus cut an imposing figure.
His eyes, a startling amber, seemed to glow. But it was his barely contained mana that truly set him apart. Even standing still, he gave the impression of a caged storm, ready to be unleashed at any moment.
Mikhail activated his Divine Insight once more, curious to see what it might reveal about this legendary figure.
[System Alert: Divine Insight activated]
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Name: Aurelius Draconus
Title: Duke of the Western Reach, The Dragon's Heir
Age: 137
Status: Healthy (Confident)
.
Magic Circle: ??
[Note: Further probing is not possible, due to Host's current skills, the subject is unfathomable.]
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The sheer scale of Duke Draconus's power made Mikhail's head spin. This was a man who, in any other realm, would be an uncontested king. Yet here he stood, paying homage to an even greater power - his father.
Emperor Tiberius's voice rang out, filling the chamber with its resonant power. "Duke Draconus, you honour us with your presence. To what do we owe this unexpected visit?"
The Duke bowed, a gesture of respect that somehow didn't diminish his own dignity. "Your Imperial Majesty, I come bearing both gifts and a request."
With a wave of his hand, Duke Draconus conjured a shimmering portal. From it emerged a procession of servants, each bearing chests and containers that radiated magical energy.
Mikhail's eyes widened as he recognised some of the items: high-quality mana crystals from the heart of active volcanoes, scales from elder wyverns, and tomes of forgotten lore bound in dragon hide.
"A tithe from the Western Reach," Duke Draconus announced, "and a personal offering from House Draconus. May it please Your Majesty."
Emperor Tiberius nodded, his expression unreadable. "Your generosity is noted and appreciated, Duke Draconus. And your request?"
Here, the Duke's demeanour changed subtly. His shoulders squared, and his mana flared ever so slightly. "The Rite of Imperial Ascendancy."
A hush fell over the chamber.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Duke Draconus continued, "it has been three centuries since a Duke of House Draconus has had the honour of testing their mettle against the Sword Sovereign of the Tiberian Empire. I humbly request the opportunity to do so now."
Mikhail could feel the tension radiating from his siblings.
Lyanna's hand had drifted to the hilt of her sword, while Bartholomew's eyes darted between the Duke and their father. Aether, dropped all pretence of disinterest and leaned forward with naked curiosity.
Emperor Tiberius was silent for a long moment, his gaze boring into Duke Draconus. When he spoke, his voice was calm, but laden with meaning. "You're aware, of course, of the stakes involved in such a request?"
The Duke nodded solemnly. "I am, Your Majesty. House Draconus stands ready to accept all consequences, whatever the outcome."
The Rite of Imperial Ascendancy was an ancient tradition dating back to the founding of the Tiberian Empire 5000 years ago. It served as a crucial check on imperial power, allowing high nobles to challenge the Emperor's right to rule through trial by combat. This tradition played a significant role in maintaining the balance of power within the empire and ensuring that only the strongest and most capable rulers sat on the Eternal Throne.
House Ironforge had maintained its rule for five millennia through its overwhelming strength. If a noble were to defeat the Emperor in this ritual combat, they could claim the right to leave the Tiberian Empire and rule their lands as a king.
In the 5000-year history of the Tiberian Empire, prior to Mikhail's past life, no Emperor had ever lost such a duel. This unbroken record of victories has been crucial in cementing House Ironforge's legitimacy and deterring potential enemies.
These duels have been relatively rare, with only a handful occurring throughout imperial history. Mikhail never participated in such a duel, he simply claimed defeat without trading a single blow, like the coward he was back when he was the Emperor.
House Draconus, known for its draconic bloodline and formidable strength, had been responsible for two-thirds of all Rites of Imperial Ascendancy. Their challenges have often been the most spectacular and closely watched, given their unique abilities and powerful bloodline.
Mikhail began to wonder if his father would refuse. Of course, he couldn't. Duke Draconus had just challenged his right to rule, which was the privilege of all high nobles, and his request for a duel to the death had to be accepted.
Over time, as generations pass, there is a tendency for high nobles to forget the true extent of the imperial family's power. This gradual erosion of respect and fear can lead to increased political manoeuvring and potential instability within the empire. As such, it sometimes becomes necessary for an Emperor or Empress to remind the high nobles why House Ironforge rules the empire.
The Emperor's lips curved into an imperceptible smile. "Very well, Duke Draconus. Your request is granted. In seven days, we shall meet in honourable combat, as tradition dictates."
The air in the chamber seemed to crackle with anticipation. Mikhail could practically see the wheels turning in everyone's minds, calculating the potential fallout from this momentous event.
Duke Draconus bowed deeply. "I am honoured, Your Imperial Majesty. House Draconus thanks you for this opportunity."
As the formal pleasantries continued, Mikhail was shocked that everyone seemed to be so calm.
This duel could reshape the political landscape of the empire, regardless of its outcome.
The gathering in the throne dispersed, with courtiers and servants bustling about to make preparations for the coming days. As Mikhail turned to leave, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Bartholomew, a sneer twisting his features.
"Try not to be a bother in the coming days, little brother," Bartholomew said, his voice dripping with disdain. "This is a time for real members of the Imperial family to shine. Bastard trash must remember its place."
Mikhail forced himself to look cowed, even as inwardly he seethed. "I'll do my best, elder brother," he said meekly.
Bartholomew snorted and walked away, leaving Mikhail alone with his thoughts.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Back in the safety of his room, Mikhail allowed himself a small, grim smile. "Let the games begin," he whispered to the empty air.
[System Alert: Quest "Duel of Destinies" has been initiated!]
[Objective: Observe the duel between Emperor Tiberius and Duke Draconus. Gather information and seek opportunities to influence events.]
[Reward: Increased insight into imperial politics, potential skill improvements, and a chance to alter future events.]
Mikhail's smile widened as he read the quest alert.