King

CHAPTER IV

The whole week spent being Alystair’s servant was pure hell. He kept on ordering me around. Even when he isn’t around he’d give Zynrick a list of his orders and Zynrick would have to relay it to me. I had to clean the garden and the whole chateau once. He even scolded me when the cleanliness didn’t meet his expectations. I mean, I’ve never cleaned in my whole life. I lived in a castle ever since I was a child and we had maids and servants who would do all of the cleanings but what made everything worse was that I can’t use magic. I couldn’t speed up whatever I was doing. I didn't know that a simple activity such as cleaning was so tiresome.

There was one time when I decided to disobey him I felt an electric wave sent through the bracelet. I asked Zynrick how Alystair found out and he told me about the CCTVs around the chateau so I didn’t have much of a choice than to obey his every order.

“Thank God I finally get to take this off,” I said when Alystair removed the bracelet. It felt nice knowing that I can finally use magic.

“Too bad I can’t order you around anymore,” Alystair said making me glare at him. “By the way, we need to check your condition before you start training with Zynrick.”

“Why do you need to do that? I feel fine.” I said. I haven’t been feeling anything uncommon. As for my magic, I feel like almost half of it has permanently returned. I think it’s enough for me to train Zynrick.

“You might feel fine right now but we need to make sure that you are. The bracelet I forced you to wear has been sending me the updates of your magical powers. According to the data I received from your bracelet the development of your magic is fairly slow.” He said while looking at his laptop.

"You might feel fine right now but the result might be the opposite after we run a test.” He explained while working on his laptop. I stared at him while he was working and I realized that he was right.

In the past, I used to be able to recover my magic quickly even if I was badly injured. So, I should’ve been able to recover my magic fully by now.

“Compared to when you were at the lab, your development was quite fast especially when you went berserk. But after arriving from the Anti-Magic Facility, your recovery seemed to have slowed down.” He said and showed me the graphs. I’m thankful that Zynrick taught me how to read charts. He’s taught me a lot for the past week so I need to make it up to him once we start training.

“Does this mean something happened back then?” I asked and tried to remember if I noticed anything unusual while we were there.

“Probably, so, it’s best if we go to the lab and do a scan,” He said and I nodded.

We went to the lab and I was asked to lie on a bed so they can scan me by making me pass through a gigantic tube. After that, I was sent in a room while they looked at the monitors in another room. I could see them through a glass wall that divided us and I could tell by the way Alystair’s forehead creased that something was wrong.

“We need you to drink this,” He said and gave me a purple vile. I stared at it for a few seconds before looking at his face.

“Why?” I asked and he looked at his chart before showing it to me. It was a print of my body and I saw a small red dot on my wrist. “What’s that?” I asked while pointing at the dot.

“It seems like they implanted a chip on you through the handcuffs. I guess it was activated the moment the cuffs were triggered by the tiniest release of magic.” He explained and shoved the vile towards me. “Now drink it. That will deactivate the chip. That chip releases an antibody that blocks your mana stream. So, you need to drink this to kill the antibodies.”

I placed the vile under my nose and sniffed it but it didn't smell like anything. I stared at it for a while and frowned before deciding to drink it.

“Fine,” I said and drank it straight. “It tastes horrible.”

It was so bitter and the liquid also felt slimy that it made it hard to swallow. It just reminded me why I hate to drink medicine. Thank goodness I have healing abilities. I can't imagine having to drink something this disgusting every time I get injured.

"Now, we need to remove the chip," He said and held my wrist. I saw another person enter my room and she was carrying a tray. I stared at it and on the tray were a scalpel, needle, at and thread. I looked at Al and he was looking at me as if he was asking for permission.

"It's fine. You can cut me as long as it gets rid of that nasty thing in my body," I said. This should be nothing.

I closed my eyes when Alystair started to cut open my wrist. Even though I'm used to getting injured, attentively seeing skin be cut open was something I've never experienced before. I winced at the pain when the scalpel started to cut through my skin. This was nothing compared to the pain I felt whenever I was sent to a battle but I guess my pain tolerance decreased while I was asleep.

"You can open your eyes," Alystair said. I did as I was told and he pulled out the chip. He placed it on the tray then took the needle and thread to stitch my wound.

"Could you bring me the gauze pad and surgical tape," He said and the lady went out. He continued stitching my wound and when he was done he covered my stitches with the gauze pad the woman gave him.

"You do know I could've used my magic to heal the wound," I said when he stood up.

"You shouldn't use your magic yet. The serum we made you drink hasn't taken effect yet and we don't know what would happen if you used your magic when antibodies are hindering your manastream." He explained and I nodded.

"Let's wait for a few hours before you can try and start to use your magic," He said and left me in the room. I took the chance to just rest. I laid on the bed and slept since it's the only thing I can do.

I was quietly sleeping when I was awakened by Alystair. "Can I use magic now?" I asked and he shook his head.

"No, not yet, we decided that you need to rest for a day before you can start using magic again," He said and motioned for me to stand up.

"For now you need to rest. Since you don't have anything to do here. We'll transfer you to a different room." He said and guided me to my new room.

The new room had a few more furniture compared to the one I first occupied. That room only had a metallic table for patients and the machines they need to run the test. But this room had any living necessities such as a bed, a toilet and a shower room, and a small kitchen.

"I'll leave you here for now. I'll fetch you tomorrow." He said and I nodded before watching him leave.

The next day came and Alystair did come to see me. “Now, we’ll have you play with your magic in one of the magic protected rooms in the lab.” He said and went out so I followed him. I could see different types of machines and mechanisms as we walk through the halls and it just reminded me of how far human society had come.

“If this is a magic facility then why aren’t I seeing any other races? I haven’t seen any witches or fairies around nor are there any ordinary vampires or demons.” I said which made Alystair stop on his tracks. I looked at his face to see if there were any changes in his expression but he remained stoic. Something must've happened for him to halt.

“You shouldn't worry about such trivial things. Our priority right now is for you to regain all of your strength.” He said and continued to walk. I didn’t ask anything after that. As much as I want to ask more, he was right. I should keep my head straight and focus on the goal.

“Now, you can release all of your magic here. You can do whatever you want so you can recover quickly.” He said and walked towards the door. “I’ll leave you alone so you can focus.”

After his statement, he left the room and closed the doors. The silence was deafening but I just thought of what I should do. I focused all of my powers in my hand and released a magic ball. It released it towards the wall to see how much damage it can do but it did nothing.

“That was weak,” I told myself as I look at my hands. I focused once again and released another ball and it was the same.

I held my hand out and tried to create at least ten lances but I was only able to release two. I moved my hand to the right and the lance followed hitting the wall but it didn’t leave any visible damage. I walked towards the wall I just hit but there wasn’t even a scratch.

“Only two balls and two lances but I’m already tired,” I whispered and let my hand slid on the wall.

I held my hand out once again and tried to remember any spell or magic that I could but what I remembered wasn’t something that I should be able to wield.

“Well, let’s give it a shot,” I whispered as focused all of my magic on my hand. Once I felt that all of my powers were gathered around my hand. I shifted my focus to forming the white spear on my hand. As I was doing this, I felt myself being drained of all my power and energy.

I was starting to tremble while doing this but I wanted to continue. I wanted to finish it. I could already see half of the spear but it vanished when I ran out of energy. I fell on knees and I could feel the sweat dripping off of my forehead.

I turned to the side when I heard the door open. “It seems like you’re still far from recovering your powers,” Alystair said as he enters the room.

“Yeah, did you see everything?” I asked and he nodded. He gave me a bottle of water and I took it with my trembling hands. I drank everything in it but it didn’t make me feel any better.

This made me realize that I need a lot of things to work on. I never imagined myself being this weak.

“I think you should rest at the chateau for now. You can come back tomorrow to train again.” He said and I nodded. I stood up but I wobbled, luckily Alystair was fast enough to assist me.

“I’ll help you with the car.” He said and I didn’t argue. I felt so weak that whenever I took a step, my legs would tremble and I feel like it'll give in.

"I can't go with you since I have other things to do," He said while I was sitting in the car. "But I can assure you that nothing will happen to you,"

I nodded and thanked him before he closed the door and the car started to move. I arrived at the chateau and I was welcomed by Zynrick waiting at the door. He rushed towards us when he saw me approaching him. He rushed towards me and handed me his arm to help me walk. I didn't have the energy to be a b***h and refuse him so I wrapped my arm around his.

“Alystair told me what happened,” He said while walking beside me. I didn’t say anything since it felt like talking would make me feel even more exhausted.

He quietly guided me to my room and helped me lie down before turning his back on me to leave. But when he was already standing at the door frame he stopped. He turned around and he looked like he was contemplating telling me something.

“You can tell me what’s on your mind,” I said while looking at him. He raised his head and rubbed his nape.

“I know you don’t like being told what to do but you should take things slow. I’m not rushing to be trained. Besides, Alystair gave me the same bracelet he gave you so my powers won’t go berserk and I have no intention of using my powers unless I can control it so you can take it easy.” He said without looking at me. I sat on my bed and released a heavy sigh.

“Look at me,” I commanded and he did. “I’m not doing this for you. I’m pushing myself to become better so I can help you control your powers because I want to find Athaeas. What I’m doing now isn’t for you, it’s for Athaeas so you don’t have to worry. Now, get out, I need to rest.” I said and he nodded.

“You’re right. I’m sorry for assuming things.” He said and left. The disappointment in his face was evident but I wasn't in the mood to cheer him up. What I told him was the truth anyway. It's up to him if he wants to sulk over it.

A week had passed and all I did was to train in the same room. I was slowly starting to be able to control my powers and it was pleasing. But I still feel frustrated about the fact that my recovery is slow.

“How’s my condition?” I asked while looking at Alystair who was staring at the monitor.

“I think if you continue for another week you’ll be able to have full access to your powers. It also seems like you can still remember all of your spells. So, you can train Zynrick after a month.” He said and I nodded.

I don't need to tell him that the spells I remember aren't even half of the spells I used before.

After what I told Zynrick he started to become distant. He would smile at me but he wouldn’t talk to me and it made me feel guilty especially after thinking of everything he’s done for me ever since we met. What made it worse is that his disappointed face would flash in my mind. Seeing it in my head is just making me feel guiltier.

“It looks like your condition's fine. You can start training Zynrick by tomorrow.” Alystair said after checking my condition on his computer. It’s been a month and I was able to recover all of my powers and strength. In that span time, Alystair and I have also come to understand each other which made my process of recovery easier.

“By the way, Zynrick has been quiet lately. Did something happen between the two of you?” He asked and shot me a glance. I avoided his gaze and didn’t answer.

“You’re going to start to train him so you better make up with him,” He said and walked out.

I was left standing alone in the examination room thinking of how to make up with Zynrick. Come to think of it, I haven’t communicated with the guy much after I started my training. How would I know what will make him feel better?

“Staying here isn’t helping at all,” I whispered to myself and walked out of the examination room. I went to the cafeteria and bought coffee before sitting in a corner.

I was quietly thinking when I saw Zynrick talking to one of the nurses. I was looking at them and he seemed happy while talking to her. I was guessing she was probably one of the nurses looking over him. As I watch them talk to each other I realized that I haven’t seen Zynrick laugh so hard before. Well, not when he was with us. Seeing him like this showed me a different side of him.

I didn't know he looks handsome when he smiles.

I stayed there watching them for a few minutes when Alystair came and talked to both of them. I saw how the smile on Zynrick’s face vanished when he stood up but he smiled at the nurse before leaving.

After Alystair and Zynrick had left, the nurse stayed. I didn’t want to approach her but the more I sat there thinking of how to make up with Zynrick, I couldn’t help but look at her. She seemed like she knew Zynrick while I, on the other hand, know nothing about him even though we were living under the same roof.

Well, it's not my fault I don't know anything. I've only been with them for a month. Besides, it's not like I always talk to them.

“You need to do this,” I whispered to myself after deciding that I need her help.

“Hey,” I greeted after sitting in front of her. She raised her head and looked at me. Her lips curved into a smile so I did the same thing.

 I can't believe I'm doing something out of character just to make up with that guy.   

“I’m Ellesmiere,” I introduced and her face lit up with recognition.

“It’s nice meeting you. You're the witch everyone's been talking about, right? I’m Erin, the artificial progenitor’s nurse,” She introduced and I nodded. “So, what brought you here?”

I must be popular for people to talk about me.

“I was just wondering if you could tell me something about Zynrick,” I said with hesitation. I knew that the people working here weren’t allowed to leak information regarding their subjects or their projects so I wasn’t sure if she’d say anything to me but I was surprised when I saw her eyes light up.

“I’d love to tell you anything you want to know,” She said and if I wasn’t wrong. I was sure I heard the excitement in her voice.

“Do you know what Zynrick likes?” I asked and showed her an awkward smile.

“Why? Did something happen?” She asked and her face shifted from happy to worry.

“I think I said some things that might have upset him and I wanted to cheer him up,” I answered and she smiled.

“Well, that boy is quite sensitive,” She said in a sad tone. I didn’t like where this was going but it felt like I needed to hear it. A month is just a short period to know something but it bothered me that I knew absolutely nothing about Zynrick and Alystair.

“Continue,” I said when she didn’t say anything. I guessed she was waiting for a signal because when I told her to continue she showed me a sad smile.

“That boy was young when he was chosen to become an artificial progenitor. He was around twelve years old when his parents were killed by demons. After that, he was sent to an orphanage but since his mother was working in this research institute, Dr. Alystair’s family took him in.” She said and looked at me. It was as if she was waiting to see my reaction.

“I shouldn’t be saying any of this,” She said and shook her head but I held her hand that was on the table making her look at me.

“You already started so might as well finish the story. Besides, if everyone's talking about me then you should know that I’m going to help him in controlling his abilities so I need any information I could get about him.” I said but she looked hesitant. This is what I hate about gathering information. People would just start and stop halfway. I mean, if you started telling me something might as well tell me everything you know.

If it was during my time I would’ve threatened her but this era is more civil and threatening her wouldn’t be such a good idea. I’m in their territory so with a heavy heart I said, “Please,”

She released a sigh and continued her story, “After three years of living with Dr. Alystair’s father convinced Zynrick to become an artificial progenitor. He told Zyn that it would help him and his mother with their research. Since the boy loved his mother so much he took the responsibility without any thoughts. Ever since then he lived in the room you’re training in because he couldn’t control his powers. You see that boy lived his young life without love after his parents died. Even though he was taken in by Dr. Alystair’s family they didn’t give him love and affection because they were too busy with work and Dr. Alystair didn’t like him so he was alone in their huge mansion most of the time and what’s worse was when he was used to becoming the progenitor he was locked up. So please be more careful with what you tell him. He’s a sensitive child.”

She looked at me with a sad expression while she was telling me his story and I could tell how much she cared for him by the way she looked while telling me everything. It is a sad story and I couldn’t deny that but everyone has their own tragic story.

“How do you know all of this?” I asked out of curiosity. This isn't exactly the information that I needed to know but it made me understand why Zynrick and Alystair aren't close to each other.

“I’m his nurse ever since he became a progenitor,” She answered and I nodded. I wanted to ask her more since it seems like she knows a lot but her phone started ringing.“I need to go. Duty calls,” She said and stood up to leave.

“Okay,” I said because I didn’t know what else to say.

“I didn’t ask for a sad story and yet she gave me one,” I said and stood up to leave the cafeteria.

I guess I'll just have to ask Al. He probably knows something even if he's not close to Zynrick. It's impossible for him not to know anything when they lived in the same house. I went to his office and saw him working on something on his computer.

“Hey, Al,” I called out as I lean on the doorframe.

“What?” He asked without looking at me.

“How do parents usually bond with their kids in this day and age?” I asked making him stop to look at me. His eyebrows were furrowed and I could see the confusion in his face.

I don't think it will be a good idea if I tell him Zyn and I had a misunderstanding and I'm asking for help to make up with him.

“Why? Do you have a child?” He asked and I shook my head. “I was just wondering.”

“I know you’re still learning about our era but isn’t that an odd question?” He asked and I shrugged. “I was just curious.”

“They usually go to the amusement park and get on rides,” He answered casually before returning his attention to the monitor.

“What’s an amusement park?” I asked and he sighed. He knew I wouldn’t shut up if he didn’t answer all of my questions so he motioned for me to stand next to him.

“I should tell Zynrick to teach you how to use gadgets.” I heard him whisper but I just ignored him.

He showed me a video of an amusement park and I was amazed at what it was. It suddenly made me want to go for myself and not because of Zynrick.

“How do I go there?” I asked and he told me to just tell the driver.

“Is that all of your questions?” He asked and I nodded before leaving the lab.

I immediately went to the chateau and waited for Zynrick to arrive from the lab. He was surprised when he saw me sitting on the couch.

“You’re early,” He commented and I nodded.

“That’s because we’re going somewhere,” I said and pulled Zynrick out. He seemed lost but it doesn't matter to me. As long as I can make it up to him, I'm fine with forcefully dragging him around.

“You don’t just drag people and take them to places. That’s k********g!” He protested but I was still able to successfully pull him outside and push him in the car.

“Take us to the amusement park,” I ordered and driver and sat back.

“Why?” He asked but I just closed my eyes.

“Just shut up,” I said and ignored his rants.