Chapter 11:
Eric was in his room, his next plan was to secretly enter the secret room of the Everia family that not many people knew about, including Duke Alaric.
Eric was in his room, observing his surroundings intently. His mind was filled with one goal: to find the Everia family's secret chamber that had long been buried in history. A place known only to a few, not even Duke Alaric himself. The key to his rise as the Martial King lay there, but the path to it would not be easy.
He walked to the window, looking out with determination. It was late at night, and this was the perfect time. Nothing could stand in his way. Carefully, he reached for an ancient map hidden among the tomes. The map depicted the layout of the Everia family castle, but there was one unusual part—a hidden chamber beneath the main castle that was not recorded in any official documents.
The room, known only to the ancestors of the family, had long been lost from memory. However, Eric knew that it hid a secret of great value. Not only for himself but for the future of the Everia family. If he could find it, then the entire family would recognize him again as the rightful successor.
Before leaving, Eric turned to look at the large painting on the wall of the room that depicted his ancestor—the first Martial King. As if giving his blessing, the Martial King's eyes stared intently at him. Eric felt an energy flowing through him, giving him unmatched courage.
With careful steps, he stepped out of his room, making sure the door was locked tightly and no one noticed his departure. Each step felt full of purpose, heading towards a space that had never been reached by the current generation. Along the way to the secret room, Eric felt an unusual tension. No one knew what he would find there, but he had to move forward.
Arriving at a seemingly ordinary stone wall, Eric pulled out a small carving he had studied from the map. Carefully, he pressed a hidden part of the wall. A mechanical sound was heard, and the wall began to shift, revealing a path into a dark room.
Entering inside, Eric felt the coldness enveloping his surroundings. He took a deep breath, strengthening his heart. Inside this room, everything was hidden. A secret room known only to those with true Everia blood.
In the center of the room, an ancient altar sat with the Everia family crest carved into the stone. There, Eric knew, not only the awakening of his powers as the Martial King awaited but also a test he must pass. There was no turning back.
Eric stepped deeper into the secret chamber, his steps echoing through the dark stone hallway. The dim light from the glowing crystals on the walls illuminated his path, casting shadows that moved around him. The atmosphere of the room was filled with a magical aura long since forgotten by time.
Before him, a large altar stood proudly, adorned with the ancient crest of the Everia family that was different from the current crest. The crest radiated an energy that made the air feel heavy as if testing the intentions of anyone who approached. Eric stepped forward cautiously, reaching out to touch the crest.
The moment his hand touched the cold surface of the symbol, the room suddenly shook. A rumbling sound filled the room, and from the walls, ancient carvings began to glow. Around the altar, magic circles slowly appeared, forming intricate patterns that glowed golden blue. Eric remained calm, even as his breathing quickened. He knew what was coming next.
From the center of the magic circle, a majestic shadowy figure emerged—an old man with an aura that radiated incredible power. His sharp eyes stared at Eric as if judging everything about him in an instant.
"Eric Valentinus Everia," the man's voice echoed, deep and full of authority. "Are you here to challenge the test that was left behind by your ancestors? Or are you just a coward who came to steal what doesn't belong to you?"
Eric raised his head, staring at the figure without fear. "I am here to take back what is rightfully mine. The power inherited by the founder of this family, and the way to protect the Everia family name."
The man smiled faintly, then stepped closer. "You may know the way, but this power is not given for nothing. Prove that you are worthy of inheriting it."
Without warning, the man's figure disappeared, and the magic circle on the floor began to glow brighter. The room changed, the walls faded into a night sky filled with stars, and Eric now stood on an empty plain. In front of him, a large shadow in the shape of a black dragon with glowing red eyes appeared. The dragon opened its mouth, letting out a roar that shook the entire room.
This is the first test. A test that Eric was well acquainted with—a test he had taken in the past when he first took the title of Martial King.
Eric took a deep breath, feeling the energy around him. His body prepared, and the power that had been dormant within him began to awaken. The dragon charged at incredible speed, its massive claws swooping down on Eric.
Eric dodged nimbly, then leaped into the air, preparing a counterattack. But he knew that this wasn't just about fighting the dragon—this test was about controlling the power within him, finding a balance between courage and wisdom.
The battle continued, each strike bringing Eric closer to the core of his power. However, as he landed the final blow, the dragon suddenly stopped. Its eyes turned from a fiery red to a soft blue, and its body began to fade into light.
From within the light, an object emerged—an ancient ring with the Everia family crest embedded in its center. Eric knew what this meant. The ring was not just a tool for storing things, but a symbol of recognition of ancestral heritage.
Eric grabbed the ring, and instantly, he felt a great energy flowing through his body. This was the first step towards his awakening as the Martial King. However, when he returned to the altar, he was not alone.
From the shadows in the corner of the room, an old man appeared with a calm gaze. Eric immediately recognized the symbol on his robe—the ancient crest of the Everia family.
"Congratulations, Eric," the man said in a soft voice. "You have proven yourself. But this is only the beginning. You have a long way to go before you can surpass the shadow of our family's founder."
Eric looked at the man curiously. "Who are you?"
The man smiled faintly. "The Seventh Elder of the Everia family. And from now on, I will be on your side."
---
Eric studied the Seventh Elder who now stood before him. The man's aura was different—calm, yet oppressive. His sharp eyes stared at the symbol in Eric's hand, and instantly, a look of respect appeared on his face.
"So, you have finally returned, true inheritor," the Seventh Elder said in a flat tone, but there was deep respect in his voice.
Eric raised his eyebrows, not entirely convinced by the man's words. "Who are you anyway? Why do you know about this symbol?"
The man took a deep breath before speaking. "I am the Seventh Elder of the Everia family, one of the few who knows our family's deepest secrets. My duty is simple: to protect this family's legacy from the shadows. And you, Eric, are this family's last hope for a return to its former glory."
Eric was silent, taking in every word the man had said. There was something in his voice that made Eric believe, even though he remained wary.
The Seventh Elder continued, "The emblem you hold is the ancient emblem of the first founder of the Everia family, the first Patriarch Martial King. Only those with true blood and a strong soul can awaken the power behind the emblem. You are the true heir, Eric. And I am here to make sure you do not waste it."
Eric stared at the emblem in his hand, realizing the weight that came with it. "If you know much, then you know this isn't just about title or power. There's something bigger, more dangerous, going on."
The Seventh Elder nodded slowly. "That's right. And that's why I'm here. However, this is not the time to discuss that. You must first complete the test in this room. Because only with true strength can you face the approaching threat."
The man gestured with his hand, and a large door appeared from the shadows. The door was decorated with ancient dragon carvings that looked alive as if watching over anyone who dared approach it.
"Behind that door is the heart of the Everia family's legacy," said the Seventh Elder. "Come in, and prove that you are worthy to inherit it."
Eric stepped forward but stopped for a moment at the door. He turned to the Seventh Elder. "Aren't you coming?"
The Seventh Elder smiled faintly. "This is your journey, Eric. I am only a guard. But remember, I am always watching you from the shadows."
Without another word, Eric pushed open the large door, and a bright light greeted him. The room beyond the door was filled with ancient symbols that shone with magical light, and in the center, there was an artifact in the shape of a coiled dragon, clutching a ring with its large claws.
Eric approached, feeling the extraordinary aura surrounding the artifact. However, before he could touch it, a loud sound echoed throughout the room.
"True heir, prove yourself!"
Instantly, shadows appeared around him, forming figures that resembled opponents he had faced in the past.
Eric took a fighting stance, his eyes shining with determination. "Very well. If this is what it takes, I will not back down!"
The exam has just begun.
---
Eric stood in the middle of a dark room hidden beneath the grounds of the Everia family's main castle. All around him, the cold, hard stone walls pressed down on him, while the only dim light came from an oil lamp hanging in the corner of the room. There was only one path he could choose, and at the end of it, he could feel the power waiting to be awakened.
However, before going any further, Eric paused for a moment. His heart and mind were filled with worry and doubt. This quest was a major step in his life's journey, and he knew that the power he would gain was not something to be taken lightly. This was a long-buried family legacy, and while it was a great opportunity to rise as a Martial King, Eric could not ignore the burden that came with it.
Am I ready to accept all this? Eric thought, his eyes fixed on the path that would lead him to the center of this secret room. This power is not just for me. If I choose to use it, what will happen to my family, to Everia?
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Memories of the past came flooding back to him—his fight with Leon, the betrayal that nearly destroyed his family, and the loss he had experienced. But he knew there was no other way but to move forward. If he wanted to change his fate, he had to be prepared to face the consequences.
Stepping with increasing determination, Eric made his way to the center of the room. There, an ancient altar sat, surrounded by symbols that had faded over time. On the altar, an ancient ring lay, gleaming in the dim light.
The ring, though seemingly simple, is the key to awakening a long-forgotten power. Eric knows that this is the artifact he has sought for years—a ring that will not only grant him great power but will also help him control the objects he has collected on his travels.
However, before he could touch the ring, footsteps were heard from behind him. Eric turned around and found a familiar figure—the Seventh Elder, who had been watching him with a questioning gaze.
"It seems you've reached this point, Eric," the Seventh Elder's voice flowed calmly, but there was a serious tone to it.
Eric just nodded. "I have no choice. This power is the only way to protect everyone."
The Seventh Elder approached his eyes on the ring with interest. "But remember, Eric. With great power comes great responsibility. The Everia family has many secrets, and sometimes, it is better to leave some of them buried."
Eric looked at the Seventh Elder, and although the words were challenging, he knew that the elder did not mean to hinder him. "I know. But this is the path I must take."
Cautiously, Eric reached for the ring. As soon as his fingers touched it, an incredible sensation coursed through his body. It was as if the entire world had shaken, and in the blink of an eye, he could feel an overwhelming power flowing through him. Like a gust of wind, the energy coursed through his blood, filling every cell of his body, giving him power greater than anything he had ever imagined.
But even with all that power, Eric felt a heavy burden in his heart. This power was not just his. It carried with it a responsibility—a responsibility to protect, to maintain the balance of the Everia family and the long-forgotten kingdom.
As Eric closed his eyes, he felt a familiar presence. It was the energy of my ancestors... the power that the first Martial King once possessed.
The Seventh Elder stood beside him, observing the changes taking place. "You have chosen your path, Eric. This is a test you should have passed long ago. Now, you are the second Martial King, the true successor of the Everia family."
The Seventh Elder paused for a moment and then continued in a deeper voice. "But remember—this power is not just for you. The Everia family will judge what you will do with this power. Sometimes, the most powerful must make the most difficult choices."
Eric nodded slowly. "I know. It's not just about power. It's about protecting those I care about."
The Seventh Elder extended his hand, giving Eric a small smile. "Then, your path begins now. Do not forget who you are, Eric. You are the descendant who brings hope to this family."
Eric looked at the ring once more, feeling a new power flowing through him. His long journey had only just begun, and though the challenges ahead would be far greater, he knew that he would not give up.
With steady steps, Eric left the secret room, ready to face a future full of choices and sacrifices. But he was ready. Because he knew, this was his true destiny.
End Chapter