In the Royal Capital of Lancia, the Ruling Kingdom of the Human Empire, existed a man who known as the Time Imperial; the only person capable of harnessing the power of time to its full potential.

A man Lady Clockwork herself cared for...

No one, not even those who saw themselves as infallible, dared to oppose this stern man's rule.

He was the reason why the four other kingdoms could only reluctantly accept Lancia as the central national power that represented humanity. It was his existence that made 4 kingdoms into 1 empire.

The Human Empire could only be propped up by someone who could ensure the Royal Families of the other kingdoms wouldn't revolt. Having the leadership skills to rule five kingdoms was basic.

Only then would the nation be at peace by using the authority of their 'Ruler', an instated 'Imperial'.

To put is simply: Lancia was ruled by Human Gods.

Succession was usually an emergency measure for Time Imperials, but sometimes it was by choice.

The current generation was making preparations.

A succession was highly likely to happen...

"Royal Father, how is your health?" Drake asked in concern. Just like every other day, the Ruler of Lancia Kingdom sat down with his family to have dinner in the morning. It made his still face smile.

Although his daughter and youngest son weren't brave enough to interrupt their dad while he was having a meal, his eldest son wasn't the type to keep his feelings bottled up. He kept things casual.

"I'm fine, son." The man of great stature, who sat on the master seat of the large dining table they had their dinner on, replied in a heavy tone. It was too bad his rather imposing way of talking always pressured others whether he wanted it to or not...

The Time Imperial, Darren Lancelot, couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He understood that his way of interacting with his children was too cold and distant. They likely saw him to be a scary parent.

This was despite his efforts to bring them closer.

But what could he do? Imperial families weren't good at acting like normal people of lesser Roles.

Or at least that what he'd argue...

After their mother died, the only person capable of mediating and lightening up the atmosphere vanished. The only person who even tried to break the tension in the atmosphere was eldest son, but his sincere efforts were far from enough.

Drake was too secretive to succeed in bringing them together... This made him miss is close friend, Brandon Volts, who always had a knack for taking care of kids. He wished that guy was here.

Compared to a stone faced father like him, his friend used to always act as a good contrast.

But time estranges even the closest people. This was especially true when they 'lived in different worlds'. One of them focused on keeping the world's balance, and the other humanity's leader.

He watched on his own how that clean freak grew distant from him. Visiting them less and less.

Darren was truly envious... Even though he already knew that it was his fault. If he was more talkative like his wife was back then, maybe they wouldn't be having a hard time interacting right now.

It was unfortunate that being stoic and unreadable was ingrained into him over the years of handling the politics of Lancia. His face and attitude was the result of 'acting mysterious' in front of his subjects.

It wasn't something easy to change, nor did he want to let go of it. Having this face was useful!

He was way too stubborn about this...

'With great power came greater responsibility.' This was the law of Gaia he ingrained into his heart.

Even the 'Ranking System' used to measure the level of strength of inhabitants of the world best exemplified this ideology, and Royalty was on no exception! They had to be wise and powerful.

(╥﹏╥)

Sorry, it was way too sad to watch...

Kings and Aristocrats ruling over Commoners had been proven on Earth to be a dysfunctional system.

It placed too much burden on Royalty and their actions. Their power was also too immense...

One wrong move would always be recorded in history, and that had already happened in the past.

But I guess only a fantasy could make it work...

Gaia was the utopia based on this principle.

Nobility may have the freedom to live however they liked, but those a step higher like those who have attained the Lord Rank couldn't. The stronger you got, the more burden would be placed on you.

This was especially true if you were 'Knighted'...

Getting back to 'Lord Ranks'.... They were who became what could be considered 'Deities'.

Nearly all of them were destined to rule over at least a portion of the Human Empire on their own.

It wasn't a choice, but a restriction that came with greater power... and Mana to cast their unique Spell Slots limitlessly. Those who became 'Deities' of the Lord Rank were protectors of humanity.

And above the Lord Rank, the almost mythical Noble Ranking that only few could even hope to obtain; the highest level of power existences of Gaia were capable of reaching, was known as the great 'Imperial Rank'. It was Darren's current level.

This was why 'Imperials' were so powerful...

He could only be 'Imperial Ruler' if he had that Rank. This was the absolute peak of the Rankings.

No one had ever reached higher than that...

It was a status that signified the one who had the greatest responsibility of all. The one who stood at the highest pinnacle of their 'Mystic Race'. A status befitting that of the 'Imperial' Ruler of humanity.

Not many would know, but Darren was well aware that even among those who had reached the Imperial Rank, he was the one with the most restrictions, and also the greatest responsibility of all. Even the Grand Hero had to give him respect.

Things have changed since ancient times...

Enough for even Gaia Humans like them to notice.

His current 'Role' had become the responsibility to seal the greatest Tyrant that Gaia had ever seen.

She was the one who was visible to everyone as a giant statue that reached towards the sky.

You could even see her now by looking eastward.

This was ever since the tragedy back then. That incident that caused the death of many people.

The 'Imperial Tyrant' of Beasts HAD to be sealed, unless they desired an apocalypse to happen...

Inhabitants of the five kingdoms of Gaia Humanity didn't really need any compasses when outdoors.

In fact, the towering figure of a snake-haired woman with a serpentine lower body was visible in the skies of the East no matter where they were to travel. Her head was always hidden by clouds.

It was an ominous figure that was different from the large tree known as Yggdrasil. At least, seeing it didn't inspire pride in people. It only brought forth the pain of remembering their history...

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Yggdrasil was an enormous could similarly be seen in the skies of the west, but it wasn't a big topic.

Mostly because that woman affected them more...

There was a sense of foreboding humans would instinctively feel upon glimpsing at 'her' figure.

There were even rumours stating that the war between 'Their most respected Imperials' would start the very moment the gigantic snake was to awaken. She cast her shadow onto the world...

...and it was in more ways than one.

But enough about that... What was more important was that Darren really didn't know how to put down his stoic persona no matter how hard he tried. This was leading to him becoming more depressed...

He only wished that his children would be able to tell how much he loved them equally...

...regardless of how cold his exterior seemed.

After all, he always made time to see them everyday despite his deteriorating health.

"Father!" Just as he thought another day would pass with his only interactions being his eldest son... His youngest son, Vhalen, spoke out while rising from his seat. The second youngest sibling.

Darren was both surprised and joyful that his youngest son took initiative to talk to him!

His eyes focused on the short youth, which caused the shorty to feel pressured, but still... he spoke:

"Is it alright if I have this Seal taken off? Why is it only Drake is allowed to have his Imperial Attribute... while the rest of us are only able to partially tap into our power over time?

Surely you know how limits our potential growth in the future, right?" Unexpectedly, Vhalen didn't seem intimated by his presence today. His words touched on a forbidden subject within the family.

As she spoke about a sensitive topic, that usually wouldn't be brought up, Darren felt a headache.

Did he even need to explain this personally...?

The tension rose once again. It caused all of Drake's efforts to lighten the mood to be in vain.

Vhalen noticed his strict older brother glaring at him from across the table, but chose to ignore him.

After all, he had finally gathered up his courage to ask about their situation at this exact moment.

This was the best time. There was nothing anyone could do to stop him from asking this question!

Darren looked at the 'X' shaped Seal on his son's hand that was displayed before him and sighed.

He wasn't disappointed by his youngest son's lack of comprehension towards his actions, but more grateful that one of them actually decided to ask about their circumstances after so many years.

"Since you are brave enough to ask... I will answer truthfully. The reason you and your little sisters have had your Imperial Attribute sealed is to erase any potential conflicts for the throne.

As you all already know, I will inevitably pass on regardless of what you feel... Once that actually happens, it will be difficult to control the other 'Royal Families'. Those chosen by our founding ancestor when the five kingdoms were erected.

To put too much power in the hands of those who will not ascend to rulership will only invite disaster later on." The Imperial Ruler shook his head. This was knowledge that was hard for them to take.

Only Crown Princes and 'Kings' in the Royal Family free from the Seal that restricted their Attribute.

That way, Lancia had the advantage. They even had the strongest 'Force Formula' of them all.

"Still... It's OUR inherent Attribute... Why must we Seal ourselves this way?" His young prince seemed moved by his explanation, but still spoke out his true thoughts. Likely since asking had no risks.

Darren was impressed at Vhalen's frankness. He realised that it must've been a hard thing for his younger children to accept their power being sealed away. This was THEIR power, after all.

The Attribute that was their sole privilege... Even when he thought about it a little deeper, he quickly realised that it was probably a lot harder for his younger children to create their own Spell Slots.

This was due to the inherent strengths and weaknesses of having an Imperial Attribute.

Their power came with flaws...

For normal Humans of Gaia, it was natural that they would be able to form Spell Slots of different Attributes. They could comprehend them through life experiences, achievements, or harsh training.

However, all Royalty who had an Imperial Attribute needed was enough waiting time before their magical strength would naturally reach the power of a Duke Rank. They could even reach far beyond.

This was their greatest advantage...

It was an enviable strength. No one could ignore just how privileged the Royal Family actually was.

There are even some foolish people who became Classless Beasts solely because they felt the unfairness between how Gaia treated Royalty and regular Gaia Humans. How could they not feel it?

Royalty could naturally gain Time Spells to improve their Rank with time, while Commoners had to give up something to grow stronger. This was the difference between Royalty and regular people.

They might not be able to form Spell Slots of other Attributes, but they knew any Imperial Attribute of this world was strong enough leave others powerless. That was why their power was special.

The strength of an Imperial Attribute as well as their growth rate was the greatest strength of Royalty that weren't 'Sealed'. This was exactly why Vhalen's question was so serious to his father.

But they still had other strengths...

Even the Lightning Attribute could only barely fight the power of 'Time' that blended into their Mana.

As for the weakness of an Imperial Bloodline...

"One day, I will pass on... At that time you three will have to learn how to act independently without my presence ensuring the nation's peace. You might think that your potential has been limited by my Seal. However, is that really the truth?

How much of an advantage do you all have compared to Commoners who are usually destined to be born with Common Classes such as Warrior, Mage, Bard, or many other mundane professions?

Vhalen, you are a Healer, a Rare Class that ensures you will always be valued no matter where you go.

Mary, you are a Sorceress, a Legendary Class that imparted you the Class Skill of 'Nature Blending'.

Even your youngest sibling, Tina, would be able to gather those citizens of our Empire around her with her Rare Class of Musician. I hope you two are able to understand my intentions." Darren spoke while also glancing at his eldest daughter discreetly.

He noticed it was her who was eyeing him the whole time. She was likely why Vhalen asked...

Her expression seemed to say that she was dissatisfied with his answer, but agreed with him.

It looked like Vhalen was speaking for the both of them when he complained about their Seals.

"I understand..." Vhalen sighed before sitting back in his seat. Not feeling that bad about the answer.

Compared to his older brother, who was stuck on the other side opposite to his father on the dining table, his and Mary's seats were closer to their 'Royal Father' at the centre. This made me realise...

...the table was uselessly long, wasn't it?

Why do rich people even buy these tables?

Ahem... Actually, this situation that also made it easier for them to communicate through their facial expressions alone. Darren wouldn't have guessed that the only reason his son stood up for himself was due to being pushed by his older sister.

At least, that's what his youngest son thought.

'You see...? I tried my best.' Vhalen lifted his brow at and gestured secretly to the girl in front of him.

Vhalen's expression was like this: ╮ (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.) ╭

His body language seemed to suggest that it was inevitable that their father would answer this way.

'It's alright. Thanks for helping me. Dad is really scary most the time. I didn't know how to bring it up.' Mary replied by nodding her head. This one action alone was more than a hundred words to him. He was familiar with this sister of his the most.

'You should try talking to Dad as well. Who knows if his heart will be melted if you tried to act cute~'

'DO NOT start teasing me! You know Dad wouldn't be moved by such a foolishly simple method.'

'You really think so?' Vhalen rolled his eyes towards his father, who he knew only had some kind of communication disorder. In fact, you could even say that he understood his father the most.

Especially out of his emotionally and socially inept siblings. He chose not to be too outspoken in front of his Royal Father on purpose. It so his brother had more chances to try and connect with him.

'Still... Didn't you and Tina already exploit a loophole with the help of your teachers~?' He then continued by secretly pointing his fork towards the bandaged Seal on Mary's hand. This small gesture was enough for his older sister to shiver a little.

'You better not tattle on me, you jerk!'

'Oh I would never~!' Vhalen shrugged his shoulders with a smile, to the confusion of his sharp-eyed and quick-witted older brother. Drake really wanted to know if his younger siblings had some form of telepathy he didn't know about...

Even Tina, the youngest of them, who was studying abroad, seemed to be able to talk with his little brother using only glances rather than words. It ironically made him feel left out by his brother.

Their family has such messy relationships...

"Oh, and brother, I heard that someone interesting entered the kingdom. Let's see... Someone with the Unique Class of Arcanist, was it? I really curious about him and definitely want to meet him." This time the youngest prince actually spoke out loud.

He looked towards his older brother who was stealing glances at him like he was some sort of freak. Especially when it comes to being social with the people around him. What was wrong with him?!

Though Vhalen himself knew it was just his older brother being weak at socialising with others.

The Crown Prince of Lancia was just like their father. His strength wasn't in communication...

"Who told you that?!" Drake asked in disbelief. He had thought his intelligence network was airtight!

"A certain Royal Tutor."

"You mean Dr Frank, right?"

"Bingo~!" The Second Prince gave a thumbs up.

Although Vhalen was unable to see the deeper meaning of the man's actions, his older brother was well-aware of the conflict that could occur if his little brother was too involved in this.

Especially if he offhandedly tried to introduce that mad scientist to Alex. That would be tragic...!

He was sure Dr Frank would take advantage of the opportunity to try and research the 'Anomaly' as much as he could. That man wouldn't hesitate for a second to undermine their authority as Royalty...!

This was overreaching his authority...!

"You can meet him... only if you keep Dr Frank away from this. I don't want you antagonising him."

"Sure, but I don't know if I could actually NOT anger him. You already know my personality, right?" Vhalen snickered. He wanted to poke fun at his brother. The Royal who seemed to care a lot about this random Arcanist more than he thought.

Although Unique Classes were on par in terms of rarity to the Legendary Class his brother and sister was born with, he knew that the strength of Unique Classes varied from individual to individual.

Having a Unique Class didn't immediately make one powerful like having a Legendary Class,

It only meant that the Class had never been seen before on Gaia. Which didn't exactly mean 'Power'.

That's why he decided he wasn't going to be too disrespectful or too formal to person in question.

He'll just act like himself without putting on any airs as a member of Royalty. Being casual about it.

Vhalen was just joking when he spoke about angering Alex. He wasn't such an annoying guy.

However, it seemed his older brother took his words literally and started to argue relentlessly.

Mary wasn't interested in their conversation since she didn't see any benefits in getting to know this unknown person while Darren, who was fondly watching from the side behind his stoic look, felt his heart warming as he saw his two sons interact.

His his 'Father Vision', he saw this juvenile argument as a sign of them happily getting along.

He wished this scene would last forever...!