Unlike ordinary magical houses, great house leadership rarely passes directly to the leader's children. The inheritance probability for exceptional magical power only slightly exceeds that of physical traits like height or appearance. With dozens of relatives sharing the same generational position and common ancestry, at least one typically surpasses the head's direct offspring in capability.
"Under such circumstances, when a child with paramount talent emerges among the head's children, they receive extensive support from earliest development."
Meisa, House Arabion's princess, was the youngest daughter born between the house head and a noblewoman from House Berk's branch family. Among the head's three children, the first was given away after manifesting maternal bloodline traits, the second proved disappointingly average, but the third—born to a concubine—displayed successor-worthy potential.
Beyond innate magical strength, Meisa possessed extraordinary aptitude for magical techniques, reportedly mastering various combat applications—including House Arabion's bloodline magic—within just ten years of awakening her abilities.
With comprehensive support, despite being merely twenty-one, her magical capacity nearly matched the house's core members. Many anticipated she would become House Arabion's historically strongest leader, potentially capable of destroying House Zahar during her eventual leadership.
"With such formidable capacity at that age, did they perhaps direct all house 'funerals' toward her?"
"Precisely. She received even our great-grandfather's power, though we shared portions."
The phenomenon where magical energy persists after death, potentially forming death spirits, applies to all magical entities, not exclusively beasts. Deceased magic-users' power remains absorbable—both Novan and Asiz had absorbed energy from House Berk's guardians during their burial.
This practice, commonly termed a "funeral," allowed House Arabion to concentrate the power from nobles who died naturally or accidentally into select talented young magic-users. This method permitted internal power accumulation without requiring pilgrimages.
Naturally, house members unable to inherit such concentrated power needed to work diligently hunting beasts.
'Understandable why great houses maintain dominance...'
As envy began creeping into his thoughts, Novan recalled the extraordinary talent he already possessed and snapped his fingers. The spark generated from friction heat transformed progressively from fireball to arrow, spear, and finally sword.
Asiz laughed in amazement. "Flame shape transformation? You've added three more variations?"
"Indeed."
"Remarkable—I've forgotten that technique entirely."
While conversing during their journey, they practiced various magical applications. Inspired by Novan's daily practice regimen, Asiz resolved to resume combat magic training he had previously neglected, determined never again to watch helplessly as his people perished.
Asiz shared information about magic he had theoretically mastered—though much overlapped with Keorn's teachings—while Novan reciprocated with self-taught techniques developed on his hill and elementary natural principles learned from the library.
Carefully, he avoided revealing detection and concealment abilities that might suggest Zahar bloodline connection.
Through this exchange, Novan gauged average talented magic-user learning rates.
'Several days required for mastering single techniques, which remain combat-ineffective and quickly forgotten without consistent practice...'
After brief calculation, Novan disciplined himself against arrogance while observing Asiz's struggles. How could he justify pride after learning about a contemporary with similar talent but substantially greater power?
"Have you determined your preferred magical device, Novan?"
"Partially."
Novan initially considered requesting healing-oriented enchantment. While his extraordinary talent permitted practicing and implementing most magical applications, healing abilities remained almost impossible without appropriate bloodline.
After learning basic wound healing principles at the library, he could address minor injuries, but such capabilities proved combat-irrelevant.
The complication stemmed from his "locked" second bloodline. If his undiscovered heritage derived from healers, such a device would become redundant.
Consequently, he contemplated selecting universally beneficial non-bloodline enhancements but remained undecided.
Noticing Novan's contemplation, Asiz smiled. "No hurry deciding. You'll remain at our residence recovering after arrival anyway."
"My stay will be brief. Pilgrimage continues."
"Don't rush unnecessarily. We possess abundant time."
Indeed, hundreds of years of life remained for Novan—sufficient for ordinary humans passing on the opposite roadside, avoiding their gaze, perhaps even their grandchildren, to grow old and perish...
Disturbed by this thought, Novan shook his head. Why did so many worldly aspects promote arrogance?
Since departing Windcrest Hill, Novan had frequently marveled at increasingly lush environments further inland—dense forests, crystal streams, verdant plains where anything thrived. For a shepherd raised among sparse vegetation and barren rockscapes, these regions represented paradise.
Now, however, Novan recognized that previous "prosperity" paled to insignificance.
Golden wheat fields extended beyond even enhanced magical vision. After walking half a day, they still couldn't discern their boundary.
The yield here could seemingly feed every inhabitant of every encountered city and village with substantial surplus.
"That assessment might prove accurate. People frequently become disoriented within these fields—quite telling."
Asiz shrugged while confirming Novan's observation.
This vast territory constituted the Dakein Plains—House Arabion's core domain, reached after fifteen days' direct travel from Maderi (though ordinary travelers would require one or two months).
At the plains' center stood Morgen City, House Arabion's stronghold, encircled by satellite cities governed by vassal houses including House Berk. The domain's population reportedly approached millions—virtually incomprehensible scale.
Upon entering Dakein Plains, Asiz confidently navigated toward Zabilin, House Berk's territory, without consulting passersby for directions.
As sunset approached, they reached Zabilin's firmly sealed gates, prompting a guard's shout from above: "Curfew has commenced! Return tomorrow!"
"It's me, Bin!"
"Young Master Asiz?"
The guardian announcing curfew immediately leaped from the five-meter wall upon recognizing Asiz's voice.
"Young master, you've truly returned! Has your pilgrimage concluded? And your companions...?"
"They've ascended to the celestial palace. We'll discuss that later—might we enter and rest first? Please inform my parents of my return."
Asiz's typically cheerful demeanor darkened at the inquiry about his retainers.
His exaggerated brightness clearly masked profound grief. Genuinely overcoming such emotions would require substantial time—perhaps proving impossible within his lifetime.
Soon afterward, they proceeded along Zabilin's main boulevard toward House Berk's palace. With advance notification, the entire family awaited Asiz's arrival, led by an elegantly dressed middle-aged woman who rushed forward.
Her dark blonde hair and distinctive features mirrored Asiz's, unmistakably identifying them as mother and son.
"Asiz, my precious! What transpired!"
"Mama!"
Novan internally recoiled at witnessing a forty-three-year-old man enthusiastically embrace his mother with childlike exclamation. Despite his youthful appearance, the scene projected remarkable immaturity.
This woman evidently was Midela Berk, House Berk's leader and Asiz's mother. Behind her stood a man apparently her husband and a young man slightly older than Asiz—likely his father and successor brother, based on previous descriptions.
"Asiz, consider your dignity. At minimum, say 'Mother.'"
"F-forgive me."
Flinching at his father's reprimand, Asiz bowed before quickly indicating Novan.
"This is Novan, a southern acquaintance. When mortal danger threatened me, he risked himself for my salvation. Without him, I wouldn't stand here today."
"This pilgrimage route shouldn't present such hazards... elaborate on these events."
"Dark elf necromancers ambushed us."
Asiz recounted his ordeal in detail, like a child reporting injuries—from the unexpected attack and death spirit army slaughtering his subordinates to losing consciousness during crisis and awakening to discover Novan had resolved the situation.
Head Midela erupted with rage. "Dark elves! Those vile creatures targeted my child? Unless I personally lead forces there and eradicate them—"
"Compose yourself, Head. Observers present."
Though her husband's intervention partially calmed her, Midela's eyes remained inflamed.
Asiz's father, exhibiting greater composure, addressed Novan. "Might we inquire which house our benefactor represents?"
"That proves complicated."
"Complicated?"
"Indeed. Truthfully, my knowledge remains limited."
Novan avoided fabricating stories about hostile houses hindering disclosure. While houses with historical animosity existed, few maintained active hostilities. Even Lord Lug hadn't immediately suggested Arabion and Zahar when hearing similar explanations.
Consequently, Novan prepared a response both honest and ambiguous.
"A commoner mother bore me; my father remains unknown."
Asiz, still embracing his mother, expressed surprise at this previously unshared information.
"You never mentioned this!"
"It hardly constitutes something for widespread declaration."
In reality, Novan's background might provoke discomfort in houses emphasizing bloodline hierarchy. Despite power's paramount importance in magical society, nobles regarded guardians as mere protectors and commoners as less significant.
Nevertheless, upon hearing this revelation, the head couple exchanged somewhat awkward glances without displaying contempt. Growing under such parents explained Asiz's comfortable interaction with subordinates.
Head Midela cleared her throat repeatedly before responding.
"Understanding these circumstances—Novan of uncertain heritage—as House Berk's leader, I shall properly compensate your preservation of our house's treasure. However, accommodation within our residence proves impossible. We'll arrange Zabilin's premier inn instead—"
"Mother! How can we refuse proper hosting to my savior?"
Witnessing Asiz interrupt the head's pronouncement, his father massaged his forehead as though weary of discipline.
Midela suppressed her impulsive son with stern countenance and continued.
"Normally this wouldn't present difficulties, but an important guest currently resides with us. Even for a benefactor, welcoming someone of unverified background proves challenging. Please understand."
"Regarding myself, don't concern yourself, Aunt. Surely Asiz's savior harbors no assassin's intent toward me."
A woman of indeterminate age suddenly interjected.
Novan immediately thought of skeletal remains upon seeing her. Hollow eyes and cheeks suggested skin stretched directly over bone without intervening flesh. Her entire frame—neck, limbs, torso—appeared so emaciated they might fracture under their own weight.
What extreme starvation could produce such gauntness?
"Meisa? Why have you appeared unexpectedly?"
From Asiz's response, Novan realized she represented the previously discussed House Arabion princess.
However...
'She resembles a corpse more than royalty.'
Truthfully, had she been recumbent with closed eyes, he might have questioned her vitality.
While Novan pondered these discourteous observations, Meisa Arabion answered with casualness suggesting routine observation.
"I recently survived assassination attempt by those Zahar dogs. I've sought refuge here."