King

CHAPTER 1   "You'll be safe here, I promise," I heard Athaeas whispered as he pushes me into a dark cave. I looked around and saw nothing but the darkness. "I don't want to be here. I want to fight with you," I whispered as I look at his bloodied face. It broke my heart seeing him this way, but I was sure that I also looked like him. We were both covered in wounds from the battles. "You've already fought long enough for me," He said while caressing my bloody face. His lips were curved into a smile, and it made my heartache. "So, you're just going to leave me here?" I asked as my tears started to roll down my cheeks. He looked at me with a sad expression as his thumb wiped the tears from my eyes before he nodded. "I don't want you to die." He said and kissed my forehead before leaving me. I quickly sat up without opening my eyes and was catching my breath as I recover from the nightmare that I had. I clutched my chest and tried to calm myself. "It's alright. It's just a nightmare." I whispered to myself. I was about to lie back down after calming myself, but I was puzzled when I heard an unfamiliar beeping followed by inaudible voices. -*- I opened my eyes, and I was surprised by what I saw. 'This isn't my room.' I thought to myself as I tried to get on my feet, but I was puzzled when I couldn't even bring myself to move. "She's finally conscious, and all her vital signs are starting to become normal." I heard someone say before a woman appeared. She was looking down on me with an emotionless face. "Who are you?" I asked while glaring at her. I expected her to quiver in fear because that's how people reacted whenever I glared at them, but she was different. Her expression didn't change one bit, and I hated it. "I asked who you are, have I not?" I asked once again, but she didn't answer. I started to get irritated, so I tried to activate my magic, but I couldn't feel even the tiniest bit of magic flow through my veins. "Her magic level is increasing. We need to inject her with another shot of the magic canceling serum." I heard a male voice say. 'Magic canceling? What is that? A new type of magic?' I wondered, but I didn't want them to see how lost I was, so I tried my best to look impassive. "Magic won't work, honey. We blocked all of the magic flowing in you, so you can't use it." The woman looking down at me said with her lips curving into a small smile. “I would love to cut you open and see how witches like you work from the inside, but I can’t. So, consider yourself lucky,” She whispered and walked away. I was dumbfounded by what she said, but I didn't have the luxury to ponder about it, so I just ignored her. The moment she left, I decided to move around and tried my best to break free from whatever was gripping me down on the hard metallic surface I was lying on, but I failed miserably. I was too weak to break myself free from what was holding me down, so I decided to remain quiet as try to think of a way to escape, but the words entering my ears were distracting me. “How is her magic level doing?” I heard the woman who wanted to cut me up asked, but I couldn’t see anything else besides the white ceiling. “It’s close to zero, and it seems like her recovery is quite slow.” A male voice said. I'm definite they were talking about me, so I listened to what they were saying. “It must be because she was asleep for a thousand years.” I was confused by what she said. I was asleep for a thousand years? “It is most likely the reason why, though it’s reassuring that she hasn’t gathered all of the strength and magic she once had, it would be difficult to make sure that she would be able to recover them and be fit to become the new progenitor’s trainer.” My heart skipped a beat with what she said. I struggled to free myself once again upon hearing the word progenitor. It must be Athaeas. “Let me talk to her,” A male voice uttered as I hear footsteps coming towards me. “I won’t beat around the bush anymore.” He said while looking down at me. He had crimson hair and silver eyes. He had a pale complexion, and his lips were thin and pinkish. I didn’t know why, but looking at him made me feel all kinds of emotions before I felt an intense pain in my head. “What’s happening?” I heard everyone ask in a panic while I move around because of the pain I was feeling. “She’s becoming unstable,” It was the last sentence I heard before everything became muffled sounds. After a few minutes, the pain in my head went away, so I opened my eyes and saw that the place I was in was a whole mess. There were many foul-smelling liquids scattered on the floor, and shards of glass were scattered everywhere. “Look at what you’ve done,” The red-headed guy told me. He was calmly walking towards me while his comrades stayed hidden behind any study object they found. There was evident fear in their eyes, and I couldn't help but smirk. That's the kind of face they should be showing me. “You destroyed the laboratory,” He said and harshly grabbed my arm. I glared at him and asked, “Who are you? What am I doing here, and where’s Athaeas?” I pulled my arm back and waited for him to speak, but he didn’t answer me. “Answer me,” I said, and a glowing violet magic ring appeared under my feet. It's good that I still have some magic left. “If you want to see the progenitor, then follow me,” He said and walked away calmly. I wasn’t sure whether to follow him or not. I don't know anything about this place or where I am. What if he's trying to lure me into a trap or something. I checked my surroundings once again before making a decision. Based on what I saw, it seems like he's their leader. Being with these cowards won't benefit me at all, so I followed him before he could vanish from my sight.  “Where is he?” I asked while tailing him, but he didn’t answer me. He had his back against me as he continued to walk towards a dark tunnel. I was alarmed by the place we were heading, so I kept my guard up. As I trail behind him, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was somehow sent to a different time. Everything looked so advanced, but I shook my head when I realized that I was becoming distracted. My priority is finding Athaeas before escaping this place. So, to keep my focus, I decided to look ahead and quietly follow the man in front of me. “We’re here,” He said as we halted in front of a vast metallic door. I raised my eyebrow when I felt a presence similar to a progenitor, but it wasn’t who I was expecting. It wasn’t Athaeas’. The metallic door slowly opened, and I was bothered that a man emanating a progenitor’s power is chained and covered in blood. “He isn’t the progenitor I was expecting to see,” I said honestly when the man walked towards the chained black-haired man. “Well, you see, the progenitor in front of you now isn’t your master from a thousand years before. I can tell that you noticed that this is far into the future.” He said without looking at me. I didn’t speak, but I walked towards him. I can tell just by looking at his face that the vampire wasn’t sleeping well, but it wasn’t my business. Figuring out where I am and what happened to Athaeas is my priority. “I have no affiliations with this man, so why are did you bring me here?” I asked while examining the progenitor’s face. He didn’t seem familiar, so I decided to look at the crimson-haired man. “I brought you here to tame him.” He said while looking at the progenitor in front of me. My gaze turned towards the progenitor as well, but I immediately returned it to him. “Why?” I asked with my eyebrows furrowed. As far as I am concerned, I don’t know who these people are. I woke up strapped to a metallic table and was dragged to a room without being said anything. “He’s an artificial progenitor. He is a product of an experiment conducted by our laboratory to reclaim Cleindor or the place you once called Erethydnia.” I was confused by his statement. Then I remembered how the people earlier were talking about me being asleep for a thousand years. It made me wonder if what I'm hearing is real. I haven’t heard of a kingdom called Cleindor. But what didn’t make sense was that he’s asking me to reclaim the kingdom Erethydnia that is now called Cleindor. “What do you mean, reclaim? I am from the kingdom of Erethydnia, and I wouldn’t’ believe your lies. Just tell me where Athaeas is.” I said while looking sharply at him, but he didn’t budge. He just glared back at me and took a deep breath. “It seems like you’re still clueless about what’s happening.” He said monotonously. “Let me explain, you’ve been asleep for the past thousand years, and you’re now in a different era. If you didn’t notice, everything around you isn’t something you see in the era you came from.” “What are you talking about?” I asked. I knew something changed, and I have a feeling that what he’s telling me is real, but I couldn’t help but doubt him. I’ve been captured and lied to in previous battles, so I know the trick he’s pulling. “We awoke you for your assistance in reclaiming Cleindor. If all of the researches conducted during the past years are correct, then you must be Ellesmiere, the right hand of the late King Athaeas,” He said, and I answered with a nod. “You were sealed to experience an eternal slumber, but we were able to find a way to break the seal, and that’s by using artificial magic.” I couldn’t help but scoff at what he said, “You must be kidding me. You must be an advanced kingdom that was able to capture me successfully, and you’re making up this lame story so you could trick me.” I said, full of confidence, making him roll his eyes. “If I was lying, then try to recall your last memory,” He said and crossed his arms. I smirked and tried to remember, but the thing that came into my mind was the nightmare I had earlier. I tried to remember more, but I can’t. “So, what do you remember?” He asked, and I charged at him. I clutched his collar and pushed him against the wall. “What did you do to me?” I asked through gritted teeth, but instead of answering me, he just smirked. He didn't even try to remove my hand from his collar even though I was slowly pressing on his throat. “We woke you up,” He answered, making me press him harder against the wall. I looked into his eyes in hopes of seeing that he was lying, but he wasn’t, so I immediately let go of him. “Where’s Athaeas?” I asked and glared at him. He was fixing his clothes and was intentionally ignoring my glare. “That’s why you’re here to tame the artificial progenitor.” He answered while looking straight into my eyes. “What are you talking about?” I asked. I could feel my heart beating erratically. I was feeling anxious, and I didn’t know why. Something just doesn't feel right. “You probably don’t remember the war that happened a thousand years ago,” He said, and it made me think. I racked my head and tried my best to remember. I was able to place a few scenes, but everything else was a blur. “Yes, but not entirely,” I answered, and he nodded. “Athaeas was said to have been killed during the battle, but I highly doubt that,” He answered. He had his back on me, so I couldn't tell what kind of reaction he has right now. “If you’re telling me the truth, then why am I here? Why did you wake me up?” I asked and turned my back against him to face the door. "I wouldn't let Athaeas die alone," “We did a lot of research, and we found out that you were the late King Athaeas’ longest companion,” He said instead of answering my question. It annoyed me how he said, the late king. “You said you doubt that he’s killed, so stop referring to him as if he’s dead,” I said in annoyance, and he sighed.  “I’m not sure whether he’s dead or alive, but I know where his body is being kept,” He admitted making me squint my eyes at him. “Tell me,” I commanded. I know that this is a different time, and I may not know where to find Athaeas even if he tells me, but I couldn't be rest assured unless I see Athaeas. “Even if I tell you where he is, you wouldn’t know where that place would be. That means you need me, and I need you. So, listen to what I have to offer.” He said. I thought about it for a while and sighed before finally nodding. “Brief me, and I’ll think about it,” I said while looking straight at his eyes. I'm not sure if I can trust this guy, so better be safe than sorry. “The new progenitor is an artificial one, which means he can’t control his powers like a natural-born progenitor. I need you to train him. You’ve been beside the late progenitor for a millennium, so you must know the strengths and weaknesses of a progenitor.” He explained, and I nodded. He looked at the chained progenitor, and I just followed him with my gaze. “What if I refuse?” I asked. Though he’s right about us needing each other to fulfill our personal goals, I can’t train an artificial progenitor. I've never even heard of one. “I’m not asking you to be his first blood companion if that’s what you’re worried about.” My face immediately heats up at his words. His lips curved into a smirk when he saw me blush, so I pulled on his collar. “It’s not funny.” I said, and he just raised his hands as if he was surrendering before saying, “Okay, now let me go,” “So, are you agreeing to my terms? You do know that we are more knowledgeable in this time and era more than you.” He asked, and I nodded. No, matter how I think about it, I know that there’s no way I can succeed in finding Athaeas alone, not in this era. I let go of him, but I was surprised by what he did next. He slit his palm and forcefully shoved it on the progenitor’s mouth while making sure the blood went straight into his throat. The progenitor immediately opened his eyes and attempted to attack the man beside me, but the chains were able to restrict him, which made my eyebrows furrow. “You must be wondering how chains restrict him,” He asked, making me turn my head towards him. “Stop reading my mind,” I said and glared at him. Is he a mind reader? “Those chains were developed by a modern scientist to restrain progenitors.” He explained, but I didn’t understand what scientists were. Are they a new generation of witches, or are they highly intelligent demons? “Why did you wake me up, Alystair?” The progenitor asked, making me snap my head towards him while looking at the man beside me sharply. “I’m here to introduce you to your trainer,” Alystair said casually. The progenitor’s eyes quickly drifted towards me, and I could tell that he didn’t like me. “I don’t want to do this anymore,” He said in a pleading tone. It was my first time seeing a progenitor in such a terrible state. Since when did a progenitor bow down to someone lower than them? “I don’t want to kill anyone anymore,” He added, but Alystair just took a deep breath. I glanced at him, and he looks like he contains his anger. “She won’t die easily,” Alystair said while looking down at the progenitor. I could see the pity in his eyes, and that’s when I knew that they both didn’t like what they were doing. Just what is this scene in front of me? “Tell me your name, boy,” I said while looking down at the progenitor. He looked at me, and I could see pity in his eyes. He looked at me as if he was looking at a tiny insect that he could easily crush, and it annoyed me. “Don’t look at me like that,” I said and kicked his shoulder, pressing it against the wall. He still had his head hung low. He didn't even throw a fit, and it annoyed me even more. Does he think that low of me? “I don’t want to kill you so, please, just leave,” He said without looking at me. This infuriated me. I pressed his cheeks between my thumb and forefinger before smirking at him, saying, “Stop being cocky. I can kill you before you can even lay a hand on me,” “You don’t understand-“ He started, but I cut him off by kicking his stomach. “I’m challenging you to a duel. If I win, then you will tell me your name, and I will be your trainer. If I lose, then you can do whatever you want with me. I’ll give up being your trainer, or you can turn me into your slave or blood bank, do as you please.” I offered, but he shook his head, so I clenched my jaws. I was ready to force him into fighting me, but I was surprised when the chains vanished into thin air, and I saw Alystair stab the progenitor with a small gleaming blue knife before the progenitor lost control. Is that Heaven's sword? “Now, it’s time to show us that your cockiness has a reason,” Alystair said before he was thrown across the room. I could feel the progenitor’s unsteady magic levels. I could see the anger and hunger in his eyes. I covered my eyes as his magical powers filled the room as if it were strong winds that blew from different directions. I scanned the room to look for where he was, but I couldn’t see him. I kept on turning around to look for him, but the dust that flew, combined with the strong winds, making it hard to see. I won't stand a chance if I don't use my magic. I didn't have enough mana, but I didn't have a choice but to activate it. A blue array appeared below me as I chant a spell that could cancel the progenitor’s magical powers. But before I could even finish the chant, I felt a concentrated power from behind me. I quickly took a step to my left when I felt the full magic behind me move in my direction. I could dodge on time, but I felt something drop from my cheek, so I quickly touched it and saw blood. I turned and saw a pair of gleaming red eyes. I quickly formed a lance on my right hand using my magic and prepared to lung at him, but before I could even attack him, I felt two concentrated magical powers on my left and right. I waited for it to move towards me before I jumped in the air. The collision of the magic balls caused a massive explosion that sent me flying into the wall. I fell on the ground and coughed out blood. My body's too weak that I took in such damage after hitting the wall. I quickly got up and scanned the area for the progenitor. Being asleep for a thousand years had affected my sensitivity to magic and my agility. I couldn’t even fully use my magic because of what they put in my bloodstream. I clenched my jaw from the thought that what they put in my bloodstream is putting me at a disadvantage. But my pride wouldn’t let me lose, so I concentrated and chanted a spell that could heal my wound. My blood was attracting him, and it was giving away my location at the same time. If I don't heal quickly, then I'll be at more disadvantage. “Where are you?” I asked no one in particular as I look for him. I saw him sucking Alystair’s blood, and my eyes grew wide. I couldn’t have him kill Alystair. I still need him. I ran towards the progenitor and struck him with my lance, but he could jump backward, so I could only cut his arm. He was taken aback by the wound, so I immediately struck with my palm and placed a curse on him to prevent his injuries from healing. I put both of my palms on his chest and released a white ball that had concentrated magical powers in it. He was thrown onto the wall, and all of his magic faded when he was temporarily knocked down. I fell on my knees after continuously releasing magic. It’s been years since I last used magic. My body couldn’t take it. I was trembling and sweating as I kneel on the floor. I was even starting to have difficulty breathing. I was beginning to feel dizzy, but if I faint now, that means I lost. Even though I was wobbling, I still stood up and walked towards him. I pulled his hair to make him look at me. He was still unconscious, so I slapped him, and when it didn’t work, I cut my wrist open with my lance because blood entices any vampire. “I won,” I immediately said when I saw him slowly open his eyes. I had a cocky look on my face as he slowly adjusted to looking at me. “How?” He asked before wincing because of his wound. “I’m a great progenitor’s right hand, so don’t underestimate me,” I answer with a smirk on my face. “You can’t kill me that easily. Now, tell me your name,” “Zynrick,” He answered and forced himself to stand up, but he ended up leaning on the wall for support in standing up. “Alright, Zynrick, I am now your trainer, so be obedient if you don’t want me to end your life,” I said. He looked like he still doubted me. I slapped his chest, and he yelled before saying, "Okay, okay," “I’m glad you didn’t die,” He said with a genuine smile on his face after agreeing. I got annoyed by seeing his smile, so I slapped the back of his head. “Don’t be stupid. I’m the most powerful dark witch you could ever find. Even a progenitor such as yourself can't kill me.” I said and turned my back on him. My body was still aching, but I can't show him that. I walked towards Alystair and kneeled. I felt for his pulse, and it was slow. He was slowly slipping away from this world, so I placed my hand over his chest and concentrated on healing him. Minutes passed, and I was already sweating so much. I could feel my magic being drained, but I couldn’t let him die. I still need him to teach me the ways of the new world. “Come on, wake up, you motherfucker!” I yelled and poured all of the magic left in me to wake him up. After a few seconds, he finally woke up, and he was coughing. I punched his chest as I felt relief in seeing him wake up. “Saving your ass took all of my magic, so you are in debt to me,” I said. I then stood up and stretched my arms. Now, all I need to do is use my remaining mana to heal myself. “Thanks,” Alystair said before standing up. He still looks like he's in pain, but there's nothing more I can do for him, not in my current state. “What happened to him?” He asked when he saw Zynrick breathing, heaving on the other side. “I cursed him,” I answered before we both stood up and walked towards him. He was wincing in pain and covered in sweat as he tries to catch his breath. “You should lift the curse. He wouldn’t be able to take anymore.” Alystair said, and I obeyed. “What about it?” Alystair asked Zynrick. Zynrick looked at me before answering Alystair, “I’ll cooperate with her,”