Chapter 1: The Boy with the Devil's Eye
Zora," Volick's voice dripped with icy disdain. "An insect like you dares challenge me?" He didn't wait for a response. With a flick of his wrist, he pulled out his wand. The air crackled, a visible distortion as a powerful burst of raw magic surged forth, slamming into my chest. I gasped, my feet leaving the ground as if seized by an invisible hand. I flew backward through the ornate hall, past towering statues of ancient warriors, crashing through a stained-glass window. Jagged shards of colored glass rained down, painting the cobblestones below with vibrant hues as I landed hard. Volick's cruel laughter echoed from the broken window. "Back where you belong, insect."
I lay there, the wind knocked out of me, my body aching. I pushed myself up, wincing as shards of glass dug into my skin. Why? Why did I have to be born into a world saturated with magic, yet be born without a single spark of it myself? And this forsaken eye… I keep it hidden, terrified of the consequences. If it were discovered, I risked execution. Sure, there were others like me, those without magic. They understood. They had it far worse than I did, though. They didn't even try to fight back, resigned to their fate. But me… I refuse to surrender. I might as well go back home.
I walked down a busy street, the sounds of the city a dull hum in my ears. I overheard snippets of conversations, people saying they might not see each other ever again, worried about being split up into different squads. In this world, some people, especially those without families or powerful connections, were considered commoners. I'm one of them. I stopped beneath a cherry blossom tree, its delicate pink petals fluttering in the gentle breeze. I pulled my sword out of its scabbard. The cold steel felt familiar in my hand. My muscles ached in protest, a testament to my relentless training, but I couldn't let up. I must get stronger. I have to defeat Volick. I have to prove to everyone that even a commoner like me can triumph over a self-righteous noble.
I began my practice, the rhythmic clang of steel against wood echoing in the small clearing. I practiced the basic forms, each swing precise and controlled, channeling my frustration and anger into the movements. I imagined Volick's sneering face, the cruel glint in his eyes, and I pushed myself harder, faster. Sweat dripped down my forehead, stinging my eyes, but I didn't stop. I couldn't stop. I had to become stronger.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the city, I finally sheathed my sword. My body was exhausted, but my spirit was renewed. I knew the path ahead was long and arduous, but I was determined to walk it, no matter the cost. I turned and headed towards my small, sparsely furnished apartment.
My apartment is located in the less affluent district of the city, a far cry from the opulent mansions of the nobles. It consists of a single room that serves as both living and sleeping quarters. The walls were bare, save for a few training swords and a tattered map of the city. I lit a single candle, its flickering flame casting dancing shadows on the walls. I sat down on a worn-out mat, pulled out a small, leather-bound book, and began to read. It was a book on ancient sword fighting techniques, a gift from an old, retired swordsman who had seen potential in me.
As I read, my mind wandered back to the events of the day. I thought about Volick, his power, his arrogance. I thought about the other commoners, their resigned faces, their acceptance of their fate. And I thought about my own cursed eye, the secret I keep hidden from the world. I know that if anyone discovered the truth about my eye, I would be branded a heretic, an outcast, and likely executed. But I can't let fear control me. I have to rise above it. I have to become strong enough to protect myself, to protect others like me.
I closed the book and blew out the candle, plunging the room into darkness. I lay down on the mat, my mind still racing. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen, something that would change my life forever. I closed my eyes, but sleep eluded me. I tossed and turned, my thoughts consumed by Volick, my eye, and my burning desire to become stronger.
Suddenly, a loud crash from outside startled me. I sat up, my heart pounding in my chest. I grabbed my sword and cautiously approached the window. I peeked outside, my eyes scanning the dark street. I saw nothing. I was about to dismiss it as my imagination when I heard another sound, a soft whisper carried on the wind.
"Zora…"
My blood ran cold. I knew that voice. It was Volick. I gripped my sword tighter, my knuckles white. I knew that Volick had come for me. I didn't know why, but I knew that I had to face him. I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves. I was ready.
I opened the door and stepped out into the darkness. Volick stood there, bathed in the pale moonlight, his wand held loosely in his hand. He was smiling, a cruel, predatory smile.
"I've been waiting for you, Zora," Volick said, his voice soft and menacing. "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist coming out to face me."
I didn't say anything. I simply raised my sword, my eyes fixed on Volick.
"You think you can defeat me, a commoner like you?" Volick laughed. "You're nothing but an insect."
"We'll see about that," I replied, my voice steady despite the tremor in my heart.
Volick raised his wand. "Let's finish this," he said.
We faced each other, the silence broken only by the gentle rustling of the leaves in the cherry blossom tree…. To be continued