Bab 5 - Omen And Farewell
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-Lucian’s Point of View-
Darkness swallowed me whole. For a moment, I felt myself falling endlessly, my body adrift in nothingness. And then—amidst the void—a green light flared. Bright, warm… yet unfamiliar.
My eyes snapped open. 【SHIING】
What is that? I muttered inwardly. The green light pulsed as if calling out to me. But before I could make sense of it, I jolted awake from my faint. My breath was heavy, my head throbbed, but my gaze instantly landed on a face I knew all too well.
“Good job, little brat,” said the man, flashing a wide grin.
Despite my weakness, a smile crept onto my face. “Of course… Father.”
The man before me—my father. The very same man who had left three years ago to scout monsters near the Dwarven kingdom with his party. And now, he stood before me, as if time had never separated us.
But before I could sink into that happiness, another voice broke in.
“Are you alright, little brat?” a man asked kindly.
I blinked. Black hair, crimson eyes, a long scar etched across the right side of his face. Recognition struck me.
“Oh!” My lips curved into a mischievous grin. “You’re that guy who got smacked in the head by the woman in your party, aren’t you?”
『Hahaha!』 I almost burst out laughing at the memory.
Kairal Renoras—that was his name—exploded in outrage. “Why the hell is that the only thing you remember, huh?! You damn brat!”
【BAM!】
Right on cue, just like in the past, a fist crashed down onto his head. A blonde woman stood beside him, her face tightening in barely restrained anger.
“And what exactly do you mean by old hag witch, Kairal?” Her voice was cold, piercing.
I quickly stifled my laughter with my hand. Hah… they’re still the same as ever.
And so, one by one, the members of my father’s party resurfaced in my memory.
Kairal Renoras
A 7-Star mage of fire. Black-haired, crimson-eyed, scar scarred, and perpetually the butt of everyone’s jokes.
Silvana Moonveil
Golden hair, emerald eyes, a body with curves that reminded me of a Spanish guitar from Earth. A 7-Star mage of wind—and the very hand that repeatedly found its way to Kairal’s skull.
Kirana Frostvale
Blue hair, blue eyes, a petite body barely 155 cm tall. A 7-Star mage of water, her aura as sharp and cold as ice.
Seraphyne Ravenclaw
Snow-white hair, golden eyes that held mystery, and an aura that drove others away. A 6-Star mage of fire, shrouded in silence and secrets.
Lucaris Veynor
Black hair, black eyes, and a presence colder than even Seraphyne’s. A swordsman of lightning, licensed at 6-Star, his gaze sharp as thunder itself.
After our reintroductions, Father’s face hardened, his smile fading into grim caution.
“Monster activity near Baldurak’s border has grown strange,” he said. “And according to reports, the monsters near Wolkaris are acting abnormally as well. Lucian, Althea… prepare your belongings. Tomorrow, we leave for the royal capital.”
His words stabbed at me. My thoughts flew back to the goblin raid earlier today.
Monsters at both borders? Strange. Very strange. Could someone be controlling them?
Leaving the village where I was born weighed heavily on me, but deep down, I knew Father was right. Moving to the capital was the safest choice. Besides, next year Althea would turn twelve—the age to enter the magic academy.
That night, silence blanketed the village. Everyone slept early, resting for tomorrow’s journey. Everyone except me. The green light from my dream still haunted me.
What is it? Why did I see it? A sign? …Or a curse?
My head pounded. “Argh… better sleep now.” I forced my eyes shut, though unease clung stubbornly to my chest.
-Althea’s Point of View-
Morning arrived.
『LUCIANNNN! WHY ARE YOU STILL ASLEEP?!』
My sister’s thunderous voice shook the house. It was already six—an important day, the day we left our village.
I groaned, rolling lazily on my bed. “Five more minutes, Sis…” I muttered with half-closed eyes.
But Althea wasn’t one to give up. 【CREAK】 My door slammed open.
“Oh-ho? Still sleeping, are we?” Her tone dripped with threat.
『WAKE UP, YOU LAZY BRAT!』
【DUARRR】
Her small body leapt and landed squarely on my stomach. “UGHH!” I choked, flailing under her weight.
-Lucian’s Point of View-
I woke with a pounding head. The image of that green light still danced in my mind. In my dream, it had seemed like some great power—but it malfunctioned horribly. My hair grew absurdly long, covering my face. My clothes turned into blinding neon green, like living moss. Even the village cats fled from me.
Gods… if that’s my future power, I’ll die of embarrassment before battle even starts.
But my musings were shattered by the reality of Althea’s furious face glaring down at me. I swallowed hard. “O-Okay, okay, I’m up! Please don’t kill me, Sis!”
I bolted straight to the bathroom.
Soon, everything was ready. Our belongings packed neatly. Mother took one last look at our modest home before locking the door.
“Thea, Cian… are you sure there’s nothing else you want to bring?” she asked.
My sister and I shared a glance, then answered in unison, “Nothing else, Mom.”
Though our faces wore smiles, a bittersweet ache lingered in our chests. This house… this village… held every memory of our lives until now.
【CLACK】 The final turn of the key sealed it shut.
“Let’s go!!” Father bellowed with energy.
【DUG DUG DUG】 The carriage rumbled forward, wheels creaking as it rolled down the village road. Villagers gathered at the gate, waving us farewell.
Riven, the adventurer who had often guided us, stepped forward. “When you’ve grown into great mages, don’t forget this village, alright?”
Althea and I grinned brightly. “Of course! We promise, Riven!”
Tears, laughter, and waving hands colored our departure. 【SWOOSH】 The morning wind carried away the warmth of our goodbyes.
The journey to the capital would take three days. Inside the carriage, chatter filled the air. Then suddenly, a cold voice cut through.
“Why did you choose the magic academy, not the swordsman academy?” Seraphyne Ravenclaw’s piercing eyes fixed on me.
I froze. Of all people, I hadn’t expected the most mysterious one in the party to speak to me.
Drawing a steady breath, I replied, “Because my dream is to become the strongest mage on this continent.”
『…』
Silence. Seraphyne’s golden eyes widened ever so slightly before her expression returned to that unreadable mask.
I knew most people—even Father—believed my true talent lay in the sword. But since the age of three, I had already felt mana coursing through me. Ki no longer flowed in my body.
So even if my talent lies with the sword… my fate is bound to magic. And I will master it.
The day passed.
I grew restless, slumped in the carriage. All around, barren mountains stretched endlessly, nothing but lifeless rock to greet my eyes.
“How much longer until we reach…” I muttered.
【GRUK! GRUK!】
Suddenly, the carriage jolted violently. 【IMPACT】
【GBRAAAAKK!!!】
I nearly flew from my seat. Horses screamed, the carriage rattled, dust rising thick in the air.
What’s happening?!
The peaceful journey shattered in an instant.
—To be continued.
- Writer
