Chapter 10 - Moving out (1)

The Capital of the Thunderhart Family

The capital city of the Thunderhart family buzzed with restless energy, murmurs rippling through the streets. Crowds gathered in awe and unease beneath the glowing tapestry of purple and golden clouds that churned ominously above. Though this phenomenon was not new—having occurred three times before—the last instance was five years ago, and its appearance always heralded the awakening of a formidable blessing. But when the blessing reached a level near the fabled God King, the vision manifested not just locally but across the entire world.

"I thought I'd seen everything in my years, but this..." an elderly man muttered, his voice tinged with wonder and fear as his gaze remained fixed on the heavens. "This is beyond anything. Truly, a golden generation. Nothing like this has happened in thousands of years."

"It's the fourth time, isn't it?" a woman asked, conjuring a thin magical barrier to shield herself from the sudden heavy rain.

Her voice was calm, but her glowing eyes betrayed her intent as she scanned the skies, trying to decipher the vision's magnitude. "Twice eight years ago, and then the Borson family five years ago. Each time, the power was undeniable. But this one... this one feels different. Stronger."

In the shadows, a cloaked figure observed the scene, his voice a low whisper meant only for himself. "This vision... it hasn't appeared in the Thunderhart family since the founder's time. If someone has awakened that blessing again, it can only mean one thing—our family's situation will change for good. Perhaps even surpassing the heights we once reached." His words carried the weight of ambition and vengeance.

"The Borsons will finally remember why we were called the strongest family." With that, he vanished into the darkness.

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Thunderhart Estate

Royal castle

A tense silence filled the grand halls of the Thunderhart estate as two figures stood by a towering window overlooking the glowing storm. One was an elder, his face lined with years of wisdom, his expression contemplative. The other was a young man, striking in his otherworldly appearance, whose presence carried the authority of the current family head.

"It's just as the founder described it," the elder murmured, reverence lacing his words.

"When the Borsons caused this five years ago, I thought our time was over," the younger man said, his tone calm but edged with steel. "Who would've thought our moment would come so soon?"

"Not just the Borsons," the elder added with a flicker of pride. "Even the royal family will understand why the Thunderharts remain among the Big Three, even after years of decline."

The younger man's gaze sharpened. "We need to find the one who carries the founder's blessing. It isn't my daughter—she already wields her blessing."

The elder nodded gravely. "Exactly. We must locate them quickly. It would be meaningless if they're killed before they reach their full potential."

"They might be from the branch family," the younger man speculated, his tone thoughtful. "The main family would never conceal such a talent. We'll begin our search immediately." His eyes drifted back to the tempest, lightning flashing in his gaze like a mirror to the storm outside.

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Aiden's pov

On a balcony overlooking the estate, Aiden stood alone, his gaze fixed on the turbulent sky. The weight of the vision and his recent conversation with Indra pressed heavily on his mind. His composure remained intact, but beneath the surface, his thoughts churned as violently as the storm above.

The sound of hurried footsteps broke his reverie. Two guards rushed in, their expressions strained but disciplined.

"My lord, are you alright?" one of them asked, his voice tight with concern.

Aiden nodded slowly, his demeanor calm and detached. The guards exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to interpret his silence.

"How much time has passed?" Aiden asked, his voice steady yet commanding as his gaze turned toward them.

The sky outside was beginning to calm, the thunder fading into a distant rumble. Yet the guards felt a tension that hadn't been there before. It wasn't just the storm that unsettled them—it was Aiden himself. His presence felt heavier, his aura charged with an intensity they couldn't ignore.

Despite their elite A+ ranks, a chill ran down their spines. When Aiden's eyes met theirs, they instinctively recoiled, feeling a primal sense of danger.

The silence stretched until one of the guards hastily spoke. "Young Master, we know we disobeyed your order for privacy, but we were concerned for your safety."

Aiden's voice remained calm, though a hint of irritation slipped through. "I asked how much time has passed."

"Less than a minute, my lord," the other guard replied, straightening his posture.

'So my conversation could not have lasted more than 20 or 30 seconds with him.' I thought and dismissed them with a wave of my hand, my thoughts turning inward. So, the distortion in time must be a result of the blessing.

The guards bowed and melted into the shadows, leaving me to my thoughts. I'll have to deal with them eventually, I mused. After all i can't let them tell the main family. That I have awaken a powerful blessing but they're too powerful and too loyal to the main family to be removed outright.

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In the family's grand hall, Aiden stood before his grandparents. The elder pair exuded authority, their piercing gazes scrutinizing him as he made his request.

"You want to leave for Skyreach Town?" his grandfather repeated, his voice carrying a weight that could crush normal humans easily.

"Yes," Aiden replied firmly, though he avoided meeting his grandmother's eyes. Her expression was neutral, but he knew her anger simmered beneath the surface.

"You're choosing to leave?" she finally asked, her tone sharp.

Aiden nodded. To tell the truth, he didn't want to leave. Skyreach, with its dizzying peaks and obscurity, wasn't even mentioned in the game. But he had no choice. The awakening of his blessing meant he needed to remain hidden for as long as possible.

The less they know, the better, Aiden thought. That organization is too dangerous for me. And their goal is simple: to eliminate anyone with blessings of overwhelming power.

The problem wasn't just their strength—it was their reach. They had infiltrated the seven major families and the three ancient which includes Thunderhart as well, operating in shadows no one could touch. In the game, they were merely a plot device to fuel the protagonist's growth. But in reality, they were a death sentence for anyone not destined to be the main character.

And I wasn't the protagonist.

I glanced at my grandparents again, steeling myself. "I'll leave soon because i don't feel welcomed here."