Eldrich Aldaman?
The name alone carried weight.
The main villain of Arthdal Chronicle who later became one of the few who could contend with the protagonist, Liam, on equal terms.
How did he rise to such heights? How did a villain, who walked a dark path, become such a formidable adversary in the vast world of Arthdal, among several other powerful characters?
The answer lay in his Art—Causality Gaze.
To understand the significance of this Art, we need to dive deeper into the concept of Art itself.
It's already known that mystics possess an energy called Ki, formed when essence and vitality merge.
But what's often overlooked is that this merging process doesn't just produce Ki.
Alongside it, something else is born—Art.
If Ki is the power that defines a mystic, Art is how that power is expressed.
And just like Ki, Art is essential to a mystic's existence.
There are three recognized forms of Art: Common Art, Special Art, and the last, Bloodline Art.
Common Art is, as its name suggests, the most widespread.
Anyone with enough practice or a natural affinity can learn it.
Sword Art, Bow Art, Summoning Art, and Elemental Derivative Arts—these are just a few of the forms under this category.
Some mystics awaken to their Common Art naturally, gaining an edge over those who have to learn it through training.
But overall, it's accessible to all.
Then there's Special Art.
Unlike Common Art, Special Arts are far more difficult to attain.
They often come with rigorous conditions and strict requirements to attain the art.
And despite the requirements attainment, only a select few ever manage to master them.
But those who do are granted power far beyond the norm.
Finally, there's Bloodline Art—an Art unique to certain families or clans.
Unlike Common or Special Art, it cannot be learned by outsiders.
It is passed down from generation to generation, and only members of the same bloodline can wield it.
Bloodline Art is a symbol of a family's heritage and strength.
And Causality Gaze was the Aldaman Clan's Bloodline Art, a visual art with varying abilities attached and a mastery level that makes it dangerous overtime.
The Aldaman Clan had a reputation that spanned centuries.
Known for their mastery in combat, they were revered for their ability to manipulate the mind and body in battle, and their Bloodline Art, Causality Gaze, was feared across the land.
Aldrich, the boy standing before Captain Duncan, possessed this very art.
Being a member of the eradicated clan.
Causality Gaze granted its user incredible abilities.
It enhanced their perception, allowing them to see far beyond the normal range, as though time would slow for them.
It also allowed them to manipulate illusions, wrapping their enemies in false realities.
Those who fell victim to the full force of this art were often left mentally shattered, their minds fragile and easily broken.
Aldrich knew all of this, and as he looked at Captain Duncan, he felt perhaps with his help, he could finally meet the qualifications to awaken to the Art.
"I will become your squire under two conditions," Aldrich said firmly, breaking the silence. His voice, though young, carried a confidence beyond his years.
Duncan's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "What conditions?"
"First, you must help me circulate my Ki properly, to unlock the blocked pathways and allow me to wield Ki externally."
Duncan tilted his head, considering the request. "That can be arranged. What's the second?"
A brief pause followed as Aldrich gathered his thoughts.
He knew the second request would be met with more resistance.
"I need the location of the most dangerous hunting grounds nearby."
The atmosphere grew tense.
A few of the knights exchanged glances, puzzled by the boy's bold demand.
Even Duncan's expression shifted, his curiosity deepening.
"The most dangerous hunting grounds?" Duncan's voice was calm, but there was an edge of suspicion. "Why would you need that?"
Aldrich met his gaze, unwavering. "If I say its personal, would you let it go?"
Duncan's expression showed otherwise.
"Fine." Aldrich says, giving in to the pressure.
"You see, I might not look it, but I come from a family of warriors."
"No, that much is obvious"
The other knights nodded to what Duncan said, affirming they knew that part about him. Or at least assumed that about him.
"You were found half dead with a spear stuck to your chest. No ordinary child would be in that condition and think perfectly okay when they wake up," Duncan explained.
"And besides, your pretty face might not look it, but those calluses in your palm along with your firm skin indicates you have had extensive training growing up."
'As expected of a knight captain, figuring out that much just from looking at me.' Aldrich mused.
"If you know that much, then this should be easy for you to understand.
Being bedridden for months, I feel like I am losing touch with the warrior side of me. I can't afford to let that be." he articulated, framing up an excuse.
"If I want to keep in tocuh with the warrior side of me, I need something that would test my limits."
"Hence your reason for asking for the most dangerous hunting grounds. Right."
"I am glad you understand, captain."
The knights whispered amongst themselves, some nodding in understanding, while others looked on skeptically. Aldrich was only eight years old, after all.
Training or not, he is a mystic who has yet to infuse Ki for battle.
Asking to challenge the most dangerous hunting grounds in the county is asking for an early death sentence.
Duncan folded his arms, deep in thought. Aldrich's first request made sense—many young mystics struggled with Ki circulation since it was something that involved internal control.
You can't see it and can only work on instincts to guide you through which in turn makes it difficult to assure there won't be a mistake in the process.
Asking to help in the circulation process meant Duncan would act as a guide for him.
He who has done the process and is used to infusing Ki for usage can easily spot the necessary area to pass Ki for the activation.
So? He can help with that no problem.
But for his second request?...
"There are plenty of places where you can train," Duncan finally said, his tone measured.
"Why the most dangerous? You're young, and while you have potential, I don't see the need to throw yourself into such peril."
Aldrich shook his head. "I've already faced enough danger to know that easy challenges won't help me. If I don't push myself now, I'll never grow."
Duncan stared at the boy, silently weighing his words.
"Alright," Duncan said after a long pause. "I'll help you with your Ki circulation, and I'll take you to the hunting grounds."
Aldrich blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected Duncan to agree so easily.
"But," Duncan continued, his voice firm, "you'll follow my lead. You'll train under my supervision, and you won't act recklessly. If you want to throw yourself into danger, you'll do it with a plan."
Aldrich smiled—a small, satisfied smile that barely reached his eyes. "Agreed."
Duncan extended his hand, and Aldrich grasped it. The deal was sealed.
The knights, who had been watching the exchange, murmured their approval.
Some of them still had doubts, but there was no denying that Aldrich had earned their respect.
As the conversation drew to a close, Aldrich couldn't help but think of his next steps.
With Duncan's help, he could unlock more of his Ki potential.
However, that was only the surface area of his goal.
His true motive lies in fulfilling the condition to awaken his bloodline Art!