"A dragon and a formless creature?" Frowned Duke Jonathan, the twins' father.
"Yes. Their origin isn't documented in the public files, but I'll keep looking into it." Reported Ken while kneeling.
"There's no need. Since soul-bonds resonate to their owner's elements, the only chance of having documents on them is if previous magicians with the exact same elements had the same soul-bonds. I highly doubt you'll find any." Explained the Duke after thinking it over.
''Keep monitoring the twins. Report to me if something happens. Did they break through during the awakening?"
"Yes, they're now level 4 Novice magicians. The quality of their magic completely changed as well." Replied Ken.
The Duke nodded, "that's good. You're dismissed."
Ken hesitated for a second, "there's something else I'd like to request, my lord. The assassins being sent for the young masters are increasing. They're also sending stronger ones now. If possible, I'd like to station team three in the mansion to guarantee the young masters' safety."
Ever since the magician Ronald leaked how powerful the Arken heirs were, other initimidated families kept sending assassins to kill them off. Though they haven't succeeded in catching a glimpse of the twins so far, it was still a looming danger.
Ken regretted not forcing Ronald into signing a blood oath from the start. Though he dispatched assassins who took care of the intermediate healer, making sure to send a message to everyone on what would happen to those who cross them, the damage was still done.
"They actually dare to still go after my kin? Do they think I'm dead? Dispatch team three to protect the twins, and have the fourth and fifth teams strike their warehouses. Don't leave any clues behind."
——
‘It’s really weird how modern the clothes are in this world, yet it lacks technology. You’d think technology would be more advanced here than our world.’ Said Valerie while adjusting her pin in front of the mirror.
She wore a black short sleeved dress with a white flower pin on her chest. Locks from her shoulder lengthened hair were braided away from her face and pinned to the back, held in place with small white flower ornaments.
Vincent stood next to her fixing his black tie. His outfit complemented hers in colors; both white and black. He wore a white vest over his black shirt and pants, and had his black short hair gelled to the back.
‘Not really. Considering how the existence of magic supplied everything this world needs, they have no need for our world’s technology. Lightening magic stones provided electricity, and water magic stones acted as an instantaneous water source. Magicians' spells are also much stronger than any firearm our world had, and even a novice magician could render war tanks useless. It’s interesting, though, how their cultural and architectural styles resembles our Victorian ones. Their hierarchy too. I bet we’re not the first people from our world to come in contact with this one.’
Their brief conversation was interrupted by an approaching figure. Duke Jonathan Arken looked as domineering as ever with his cold blue eyes and pitch black hair.
“Let’s go.”
The twins followed their father gracefully heading towards the celebration hall.
Although Valerie usually acted carefree and rarely followed proper etiquette, she could act like the perfect daughter when needed to.
“Don’t summon your soul-bonds regardless of any provocation you’d face. Got it?” The Duke instructed the twins right before they were introduced to the glamorous hall filled with people. He didn’t want their soul-bonds to be exposed so soon, at least not while they’re still immature and weak.
The twins followed their father as he was approached by others. Everyone was hoping to get acquainted with the duke. If not for his high social status, then for the fact that he’s the leader of an assassination guild. They hoped it’ll help keep their names off the guild’s hit list.
After a long while of socializing, the duke dismissed the two, asking them to get acquainted with the other children. Valerie could almost swear she saw a hint of pride when he looked at them.
‘Looks like our socializing and etiquette skills pleased father. He almost smirk there.’ Said Valerie smiling as she headed to the table with the other children.
‘He should be. We’re acting too well mannered and sophisticated for five year olds. I bet others are drowning him with compliments and admiration towards us.’ Replied Vincent.
‘Oh? You’re being smug. That’s new of you.’
‘I’m smug for thinking we’re better than five year olds? I hardly think so.’
“Ah the Arken twins! A pleasure to meet you. Edward.”
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A man blocked their way with his son in tow. He had dark brown curly hair and a big built. He ushered for his son to greet the twins after he spoke.
Once the twins saw his fake smile and scheming look, they knew this is going to be troublesome.
His son, Edward, appeared to be around 8 years old. He stepped forward as he gave a small nod.
“Nice to meet you both. I heard so much about Duke Jonathan’s supposed prodigious children, I wonder if you’d indulge me in a friendly match?” His words were laced with disdain.
“Of course, it’s no problem at all if you two don’t want to. After all, losing this match would surely reflect on the Arken’s household, and we really don’t mean to cause such trouble.”
“It’s nice to meet you both as well. However, this is neither the time nor place for a friendly match. I didn’t expected a Duke’s son to disregard social protocol and challenge the host on their awakening ceremony so brazenly, this was truly an eye opener. Now if you’ll excuse us.” Replied Vincent with a smile before tactfully holding Valerie’s hand and bypassing the dumbfounded pair. Challenging someone on their awakening ceremony was extremely rude in this world, and it represented looking down on someone.
‘That was Duke Thomas? The one Anthony warned us about?’ Asked Valerie frowning.
Anthony is their house’s butler, as well as their etiquette and general studies mentor. He came by once a week to The Shallows to give them lessons these past years.
‘That’s right.’
Duke Thomas Wayne, the head of foreign affairs in the kingdom. Unlike their father, Duke Thomas was always present in social events, and so, many nobles were won over to his side.
There’s a deep seeded animosity between him and their father, which is why Anthony warned them beforehand to be careful when encountering him.
The conversation between the twins merely lasted a second. They had only started walking away when the Duke came back to his senses and turned towards the twins, grabbing the first one in sight, which was Valerie.
“What’s the meaning of your words? If I didn’t know any better I’d say two mere children without a noble status of their own dared disrespect the foreign affairs minister, a Duke no less.” He said in rage, tightening his hold on Valerie’s arm.
Although Valerie saw him coming, she let him grab her arm. Surely bullying a five year old would get him some frowns, right?
Vincent turned around and glanced at the gripped arm. His killing intent surge as he looked up at the Duke with murderous cold eyes.
The Duke couldn’t help shudder, but he didn’t let go. He felt as if doing so would mean his defeat, by a five year old nonetheless.
The heavy mood only grew more in intensity as people started to take notice and whispers ensued. The Duke was about to demand an apology when burning hot air wrapped around his wrist causing him to let Valerie go.
“Not only does the Duke ask for a challenge at an awakening ceremony, but to think you’d dare lay your hand on my niece. Are you looking down on the Arken Family, Duke?”
A beautiful woman walked forward. Her wavy black hair and glowing blue eyes, features the Arken family is known for, gave away her identity. She silently waved her hand to remove the burning air that wrapped around the Duke’s wrist. Although the Duke was in so much pain, he suppressed himself from showing it. Even so, the scalding red wrist reflected how much harm he took.
Valerie glanced at the figure that approached in astonishment. The way the woman carried herself gave her a sense of danger. Valerie could see the hidden killing aura behind her casual smirk.
‘What a dangerous woman.. wait, did she just say niece?’ Asked Valerie in shock.
“Lady Scarlet, you jest. My son was merely asking them to play sometime. If you’ll excuse me, I have some matters to attend to.”
The Duke threw an excuse while forcing a smile before turning away and leaving with his son. The gathered people dispersed right after, not wanting to linger too long and risk displeasing an Arken Family elder.
“Tsk, he sure runs fast. You two must be the twins my brother has been keeping away from me. Those rumors truly underestimated you, though. You’re more outstanding than I thought.” Said Scarlet with a smile.
She was present from the start, and heard Edward’s provocation. She didn’t expect her nephew to be so coolheaded and eloquent, turning the tables on the Duke that way.
“Pleased to meet you aunt. You overpraise us.” Replied Vincent with a tactful smile.
“I should talk to your father about having you two come visit me sometime, we’re family after all. Go on now, enjoy your celebration.”
“It would be our pleasure to do so, if you’ll excuse us.”
Valerie stood silent the whole time observing their aunt while Vincent did the talking. Once he bid her goodbye, he headed to where the other kids stayed with Valerie.
‘So? What did you see.’ He asked his sister.
‘3 magical rings, and at least 2 knifes hidden under her dress. I’m not sure if there’s more. Her earrings gave me a dangerous vibe as well, but I couldn’t detect any spiritual energy from it.’
Assessing potential enemies, especially strong ones like their aunt, was the first thing they did. Although she helped them out and seemed genuine about it, they still needed to keep their guards up.
‘She seems kind though, well, to her family at least. I wonder why father never told us about her.’ Replied Vincent.
'He'll have to talk to us first to tell us anything.' Scoffed Valerie.
The rest of the night was uneventful. They continued to exchange pleasantries whenever needed, leaving a deep impression on the guests. For five year olds, they were simply outstanding in all regards.
Once the celebration was over, the twins changed into their simple black training clothes. Their official training would only start the next day, but the two couldn’t wait till they tried out their spells after awakening.
Although Kate tried to talk Valerie into postponing training to rest, it was no use. Valerie could be very convincing if needed. Once she got Kate off their back, she headed to the training room in their mansion.
It was a large empty room lined with defensive and noise isolating runes. The core rune acted as the control. It was set to only react to Arken blood as a security measure.
Using the control, the twins could eject training dummies and target practice dummies. Though the dummies had limited strength, it was strong enough to fight off a peak Novice magician.
“Let’s start with immobile target dummies.” Said Valerie as she manipulated the central rune. The runes glowed as few level 3 dummies manifested from earth magic.
“Let’s each hit it with our strongest attack. The one who causes more damage wins.” Valerie smirked looking at her twin in challenge.
“That’s not fair. I haven't learned any attack spells for two of my elements. Besides, you have the darkness element, a peak destruction element. Let’s only use wind and fire, then I'm in.” He replied as he summoned a small ball of wind that spun around itself.
“You’re on!”
Vincent closed his eyes as he focused on the ball of wind hovering on his palm. It grew larger as it spun faster, sucking the air near it into its core.
Valerie summoned a meter long arrow of flames, and once she filled it with enough powers, she opened her eyes as she yelled, “go!”
They both released their attacks on their own dummies at the same time. Valerie had her eyes closed when she was channeling the spell, so what she saw when she opened them left her shocked.
The red flames she was used to were nowhere to be found. In its place were dark black flames.
The two attacks landed with a bang. debris scattered around as the dust began to clear.
Valerie’s dummy had an arm and a leg missing, with the rest of the body cracked. Vincent’s dummy, on the other hand, had most of its stomach missing, yet only on the surface. His attacked didn’t pass through the dummy’s body. However, the rest of the dummy showed cracks as well.
“Why are my flames black?” Valerie asked shocked.
Vincent frowned giving it a thought, “I think I read about it in one of the books. Sometimes after awakening, the person’s elements influence each other, causing a change in color or effect.”
“Are you sure we read books from the same library? Why do you know more than I do?”
Vincent shrugged, “unlike you, I don’t skip the titles I don't like.”
Valerie gave him a glare, “fine! I’ll stop skipping stuff. Elements influencing each other though... do you think that’s why our aunt’s wind attack was scorching hot?”
Valerie didn’t miss how their aunt’s attack to the duke’s wrist looked like hot air. She’ve been puzzled about this since.
“Maybe. It could also be that she used a spell with both fire and wind elements at the same time, though such a spell would surely need more channeling time and her attack was quick, so it’s probably the former.”
Realizing something, Valerie smirked as she looked at her brother, “so, how does being a loser feel like?”
Vincent headed to the central core and started adjusting the settings as he spoke sounding righteous, “that doesn’t count. Your attack had darkness properties as well. I won’t give you a penalty for cheating though, out of the kindness of my heart.”
“Hey! It’s not my fault my elements influenced each other!”
The twins continued bickering as they continued testing out spells.