Author's Note: Starting with this chapter, each subsequent chapter will have a standard length of at least 1000 to 1500 words.
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"We had won."
The words echoed in the air, a victorious chant carried by the jubilant cheers of the mercenaries, the surviving Eisenhart troops, and what remained of Velrois' army. The battlefield, once a chaotic tempest of blood and steel, now lay silent, save for the cries of triumph from my comrades. I stood amidst the carnage, my heart pounding with a mix of exhilaration and relief. The battle had been more grueling than any I had ever faced. It wasn't just a clash of swords and spells; it was a test of willpower and endurance. The scars and bruises we bore were a testament to the ferocity of the fight.
How did we manage to pull through? I wondered, my mind replaying the critical moments. Combining the Aetherblade's Spectral Strike with the Accelerate spell had been a desperate gamble, a high-stakes play that could have cost me dearly. But as I felt the surge of power course through me, the synergy between the two abilities was undeniable. For three precious minutes, I was a whirlwind of destruction, my every movement a blur, fueled by the last remnants of my 30 percent aether capacity. The world slowed around me, each heartbeat a thunderous drum that marked the tempo of my heightened senses. In that moment, I felt nearly invincible.
If I could replicate this effect in an artifact with lower aether consumption, I thought, it would be an invaluable asset for the battles yet to come.
My gaze fell upon the fallen Fausto, his lifeless form now a mere shadow of the formidable opponent he once was. The Stormrider sword and the Amulet of the Berserker's Rage still adorned his body, their ominous presence a stark reminder of the immense strength he once wielded. These artifacts, brimming with untamed power, were too dangerous to be left unguarded.
With a determined breath, I activated the Celestial Vault, my spatial storage that kept such treasures safe from prying eyes and greedy hands. As the artifacts disappeared into the void, a profound sense of exhaustion washed over me, the toll of the battle and the heavy burden of victory pressing down on my weary shoulders.
I need to rest, I thought, feeling the weight of my own limitations. But not yet. Not until I know everyone is safe.
As I stood amidst the aftermath, the adrenaline of battle gradually ebbed away, leaving behind a profound fatigue that settled deep within my bones. The weight of victory pressed down on me, a heady mixture of triumph and exhaustion. The immense expenditure of aether had taken its toll, and I felt the heavy burden of my own limitations. I didn't know how many hours or days it would take me to recover fully, but for now, I allowed myself a moment of respite, savoring the hard-fought victory.
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When I finally woke up, it was late evening. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a single lantern casting long shadows across the floor. I found myself in a room prepared for me by Count Velrois. The first sight that greeted me was my three maids—Suzy, Wendy, and Mecca—all sleeping beside me. Thanks to the skilled healers employed by Count Velrois, I no longer bore any wounds and was completely healed.
I gently kissed Suzy on her forehead, feeling her stir beneath my touch. Her eyes fluttered open, and a look of relief washed over her face.
"Draven," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "You're awake."
"I'm fine, Suzy," I reassured her, my voice soft. "Just exhausted from the fight."
She nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I was so worried," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
I leaned in, pressing my lips to hers in a tender kiss. The moment was intimate, a rekindling of the bond we shared. Wendy and Mecca stirred, their playful fussing breaking the tender moment.
"Hey, what about us?" Mecca pouted, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I laughed, feeling a surge of gratitude for their presence.
"You're all amazing," I said, my voice filled with sincerity. "I don't know what I'd do without all of you."
I embraced them all, thanking them for their unwavering support. In that moment, I vowed to protect them no matter what. The weight of my sisters' captivity pressed heavily on my heart, but these three remarkable individuals were my anchors, their presence a beacon of hope and strength.
The next day, as evening approached, a knock at the door startled me. I wondered who could be visiting so late. Opening the door, I found Count Hugo Velrois standing there, his expression solemn.
"Count Velrois," I said, my brow furrowing with concern. "Why didn't you just summon me? I could have come to you."
He stepped inside, his movements measured. "Draven," he began, his voice grave. "There are things you need to know, things that cannot be discussed openly."
Before I could respond, he suddenly kneeled before me. I was taken aback, my eyes widening in surprise. "Why are you doing this?" I asked, my voice laced with confusion.
The Count's voice broke the silence. "Draven, my family has long served the Avaloria royalty, ensuring their safety and secrecy in a world that has persecuted them. For generations, we have been their loyal protectors, aiding them in secret and helping them stay hidden."
His words hung heavy in the air, revealing a hidden legacy and a deeper connection than I had ever known. The Avaloria Royalty—a name that stirred memories of the information that my father had left behind. I had already learned about this from my father, the truth, but never had I imagined the depth of their plight or the role my family played in it.
This changes everything, I thought, my mind racing. The stakes are higher than I ever imagined.
"The Holy Empire has been hunting your lineage for centuries," the Count continued, his voice steady. "They fear the power that the Avaloria bloodline holds, the ability to harness aether in its purest form. Your sisters, your highness, are direct descendants of that royal line. They are the key to unlocking a power that could change the course of history."
His revelation sent a shockwave through me. My sisters are also direct descendants of a royal bloodline hunted by the Holy Empire. The weight of this knowledge settled on my shoulders like a heavy mantle. I understood now why the Holy Empire had gone to such lengths to capture them, why they had orchestrated this entire war.
I need to find them, I thought, my resolve hardening. I need to bring them back and restore what was taken from us.
"But there is more, your highness," the Count said, his voice dropping to a solemn whisper. "As the sole heir of the Eisenhart household, you hold a legitimate claim to the throne. The blood of the Avaloria Royalty flows through your veins, making you the rightful ruler of a kingdom long thought lost."
The room seemed to spin as the weight of his legacy became clear. I was not just a noble fighting to protect his family; I was the heir to a throne, the last remnant of a royal bloodline that had been hunted and persecuted for centuries. The responsibility was immense, but so was the power that came with it.
I need to be stronger, I thought, my determination unwavering. I need to be ready for what's to come.
"I need to find them," I said, my voice resolute. "I need to bring them back and restore what was taken from us."
The Count nodded, his expression grave.
"The Holy Empire will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. They have eyes and ears everywhere. You must be cautious, Your Highness. The fate of the Avaloria Royalty rests on your shoulders."
I took a deep breath, my mind racing with the implications of his words. The Holy Empire was a formidable enemy, a hydra of tyranny and darkness, but I had faced impossible odds before and emerged victorious. I would do so again, for my sisters, for the Avaloria Royalty, and for the future of this world that I envisioned.
"I understand," I declared, my voice steady and resolute. "I will do whatever it takes to protect them and reclaim our birthright. No matter the cost."
The Count rose to his feet, his eyes meeting mine with a look of unwavering respect and determination. He stood taller, his voice echoing with newfound conviction.
"I have faith in you, Your Highness. You have proven your strength and valor in this war. I pledge my loyalty to you, my sword, my resources, and my very life. I will do everything in my power to help you achieve your goals and see the Avaloria Royalty restored to its rightful place."
A surge of gratitude and determination coursed through me. "Thank you, Count Velrois. Your loyalty and support mean more to me than words can express."
He bowed deeply, his voice full of sincerity and reverence. "It is my honor, Your Highness. There is much I wish to discuss with you, but the night is late, and you need your rest. If it pleases you, may we converse again in secret tomorrow?"
"Of course, I'll see you again tomorrow."
As he turned to leave, I called out, "Count Velrois." He paused, looking back at me. "Thank you."
A smile played on his lips. "You're most welcome, Your Highness."
As the door closed behind him, I stood alone in the dimly lit room, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and strategies. The road ahead was shrouded in darkness and fraught with danger. With my current strength, it was clear that it wouldn't be enough to win this war. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders, a crushing burden that threatened to bring me to my knees. But I knew I couldn't afford to falter. Not now. Not ever.
I turned to the window, looking out at the darkening sky. The stars above seemed to burn brighter, their light cutting through the veil of night, a silent promise of the battles to come. I clenched my fist, my resolve unwavering. I would gather my strength, rally my allies, and prepare for the war that lay ahead.
'First, I need to get stronger,' I thought, my gaze fixed on the distant horizon. 'Much stronger. I will not let anyone stand in my way. I will not let them down.'
A cold wind swept through the room, extinguishing some of the candles. The flickering shadows danced on the walls, eerie specters of the battles yet to come. I welcomed the darkness, embraced it. For in the darkness, I found my resolve. In the darkness, I would forge my path to victory.
'Let the Holy Empire tremble,' I thought, my heart pounding like a war drum. 'For I am coming. And I will not be stopped.'