Sinbad was bowing to an old white-haired man with a beard sitting on a golden throne. Next to him was a younger portly man in immaculate clothing.

“My liege. I didn’t expect you to summon me so promptly.”

“At ease Sinbad. Some troublesome rumors have hit my ears.”

“What rumors?”

“That my youngest son was injured by some commoner rabble for no reason and had to be sent into intensive care. Along with various rumors that said son went on a killing spree in the slums slaying civilians on top of unawakened members of the Marino family indiscriminately.”

“What?”

“Speak only when the King gives you permission!” The portly man yelled.

“At ease Heinrich. You are dismissed. I know you favor Midas but your current actions are out of order. Therefore, you are dismissed from this meeting.”

The portly man shot Sinbad a dirty look as he left the room.

“So. Before My interruption I was asking a question. Are these rumors true?”

“The only deaths involved he reported were the members of the Marino family I spared. No need to kill them. The family was going down anyway.”

“And of the commoner that injured him?”

“Who reported that?”

“Does it matter!” The king pounded his chair with a fist shaking the room.

Sinbad shivered. “I guess not my liege. He was injured, but I don’t know if it was by a commoner. It was also not unprovoked. It seems Max and Minah made a friend in their time at Drisil. This friend didn’t like the way Midas tried to belittle them and acted in his own sense of justice.”

“And you didn’t try to stop him?”

“My ability triggered. If I attacked Midas died. If I tried to retrieve him he’d die/ Snapped neck. Even at my top speed I’d have been too slow.”

“Plus you believed he deserved what he got.”

Sinbad opened his eyes and looked up at the king. “I don’t.”

“Don’t lie. I know who you are. I’ve always known. That doesn’t change facts. Your aunt and Uncle were seen as black sheep. Had they had swapped powers then Max could have easily had the place as my heir. But he didn’t, and he didn’t show any innate talent despite his training.”

“So you know that truth. Why did you let me live that way then? Why wasn’t I accepted into the household” Sinbad clenched his fist.

“Because your father said that you’d end up dead a week after announcing your birth.”

“My father? You know who that bastard is?!” Sinbad looked as though he was about to break.

“He was a seer. Those like him tend to avoid their loved ones especially if they have similar powers.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s a curse that keeps seer’s from multiplying quickly. When two meet directly one will die. Usually the weaker one will suffer an unfair fate.”

“Assassins?”

“What?”

“They would have come for me since I’m not accepted as a royal. I’m not protected by the accords that prevent our assassination.”

“Yes. You’d have been murdered before by those belonging to the faction that wants Midas to inherit.”

“And you just accepted this?” Sinbad grit his teeth.

“I’m too old for this intrigue and court bullshit. Sure I could have wiped out their entire lines but a king does not rule long by slaughtering their supporters. I could end up causing a civil war otherwise.”

“About the commoner then. What do you want to know?”

“Sinbad do you desire your birthright?”

“What do you mean?”

“If I made you next in line to become king. Would you take it.”

“NO!” Sinbad almost yelled, shock written on his face.

“Ha! Continue then. Tell me about this commoner.” The old king had a twinkle in his eye. It was nice to speak with someone, not plotting to stab him in the back.

“He had red hair the color of blood, and a green eye that shined like an emerald. His other eye….”

“Pardon me but, did that eyepatch have a skull on it?”

“Yeah?”

The king walked to a portrait depicting a ship headed by a black-haired man with a skull eyepatch and carrying a red-haired baby in one arm and a cutlass in the other.

“Did it look like this?” The king pointed to the man in the painting.

“Yeah. Exactly like it. They have a similar build but the red haired boy seemed a little shorter.”

“Not surprised you couldn’t save that damned fool Midas.”

“What do you mean?” The king removed a glove revealing a glowing 5 tattooed on his hand.

“I don’t get it.”

“When an incursion ends the experts that survived participate in a combat tournament. I have participated in that tournament countless times in my lifetime. Normally I’d rank 2 or 3. Given my age and power the only person stronger was my ancestor an eyeless named, Maldain who had lived far longer than I had.”

“Then out of nowhere two individuals appear and upset the balance, knocking me down two spots. Then during the next incursion someone else knocked me down a peg taking the fourth spot from me.”

“Who?”

“We aren’t there yet. Anyhow the number one is that baby in the picture. Alexander the red bear.”

“What… You knew the Red Bear?”

“He grew up crawling on these very floors back when his father was a bit overprotective. The sea is no place for a babe without a mother after all. Boy was that brat a handful. I offered him and his father a place in the nobility a few times. Do you know what they said?”

“What?”

“Why tie myself down to somewhere I know when there is a whole world out there to conquer. I won’t accept something I haven’t earned.”

“So you already know of Kyrion.”

“I know his parentage and have been notified of his abilities as a healer. He’s been to the capital a few times with his teacher. The skirmishes are getting worse and having a healer with that much mana has been beneficial to our kingdom.”

“So you won’t have him executed.”

“I also heard that Midas conveniently forgot who injured him. It would be a shame to lose a healer so capable because of a misunderstanding. Let’s say he took a hard hit while fighting Beno and call it a day.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Why are you being so lenient?”

“Because I’m not stupid enough to piss off the number 4 by killing a worthy asset that favors my two of my children enough to defend their honor. It’s simple math, Sinbad.”

“So what now.”

“I won’t make you a king candidate but Midas has proved that he can’t handle leading a team. Therefore you will be the captain of your school’s team.”

“Can you really make that happen?”

“It’s already in motion. The rumors have hurt the credibility of that son. I’d like him to learn some humility.”

Sinbad bowed. “Anything else? My…”

“Grandfather when we’re alone. Can’t wait to see how much you’ve grown. Now get going can’t let Drisil catch you off guard.”

“Right grandfather.” Sinbad ran out of the room.

“I’m not going to attack your grandson. Don’t you have a fight to get to?” The king said to a figure standing behind him the entire time, silent and completely still. The figure vanished just as quickly, no sign of their presence left behind.

“A fool doesn’t live this long by picking unwinnable fights.” The king slumped his many centuries of life showing on his face as he had a moment to himself.

----------------------------------------

“Thus ends the Aria of never-ending blades.” A young man with mostly dark blue hair save for a strand that had begun to grow a light green. He was holding two twin shortswords, poised to land a killing blow had it been a fight to the death.

“Damian. You’re too strong. No one outside of teachers can compete with you unless you go down to one blade.”

“It still isn’t enough. I can feel that I lack something, I’m standing near an edge with no bottom trying to get to the other side. This isn’t my best. I’ve seen the power of a true swordsman and have been found wanting.”

“Damian they say it takes a century to master the sword. What do you expect?”

“Nothing. I just wish to reach beyond the peak. I won’t let myself feel so helpless again. Until I can beat that man I’ll never be able to move forward.”

“You must be stupid. You’re already moving forward. A loss to someone who can beat an expert isn’t something to be ashamed of. The fact that you’re still alive proves that you were lucky.”

“Thats what they say. I need to get some air.” Damian returned the training swords he had been using to the rack and left the building.

The early winter chill washed over his body. As he looked at the trees that had lost their leaves, a rather endowed woman with straight black hair ran towards him.

“The headmistress. Wishes…” The woman bent down to catch her breath.

“You’re a practitioner. No way you’re that exhausted right now. Please speak clearly.” Damian had no time for these games. He had vital training to get back to.

The woman rolled her eyes and sighed. “The Headmistress wants you to meet her near the Iomir Gazebo.”

Damian groaned. “I’ll head there. Was there anything else?”

“I need to get the others.”

“Others?” Damian scowled.

“Yeah. Bye now.” The woman ran off in a rather odd fashion skipping with both hands in the air. She hadn’t always run like that. They had joined the school at around the same time. Nina had been a bit shy like him at the time.

“Oh how time changes people.” Damian shook his head as he made his way to the desired location.

The headmistress was an elderly woman with piercing gray eyes and matching hair.

“Ah yes, young one. It seems the time has come for tournament preparations.”

“Tournament?”

“Yes. You’ll get to fight your old friends on top of a bunch of different people.”

“Oh…” Damian began tapping his foot uncontrollably.

“I want you to be captain of our team. As your hands down the most experienced in leading and a decent combatant it wasn’t even a choice.”

“I see. So who’s on my team?” Damian asked.

“That’s the complicated part.” The headmistress handed Damian a file.

----------------------------------------

“This man is Gamodren and he will be training you all for the upcoming tournament.” Said a masked figure.

Next to him, Gamodren stood visibly weaker. His expression was gaunt as manacles and a collar were strapped to him.

A young man with olive skin and black hair approached the sullen man with a calm expression. “Welcome to the party Gamodren. We are happy to have you. First things first however. You’re going to need to teach us how to utterly destroy that Drisil team.”

Gamodren raised his golden eyes and spoke against his own will. The weaknesses of everyone he had helped train or observed spilled out rather rapidly.

After a long period. “Good. So my target has claws. No matter. Edwin should be enough for him.” Milo pointed to a young man covered in runic tattoos. Over his right arm was a black gauntlet. Only this man was standing at the practitioner rank’s peak, which meant he was one step away from the expert tier. Nevertheless, he was low enough to participate in the tournament, and it won’t be surprising if he reached the next level during a fight. Still, it was clear that the training left very obvious holes in their foundation.

“He won’t beat Kyrion. Not in the current state he’s in. A rushed expert is just a dangerous practitioner. His strength can only get him so far.”

“He’s expendable. We have our one agenda.” Milo turned and walked away.

Gamodren shut his mouth. Milo was arrogant. However, he didn’t know if this arrogance had anything to do with being strong or planning something behind his back.

“I see.” Gamodrren bowed his head. Not to Milo but in shame, If things turned out poorly, he’d have to take his student out before the others got to him.

----------------------------------------

A shirtless brown-skinned boy with black cornrows. Over his heart was a tattoo of a horned horse. He kneeled in front of an orc with two large tusks, green skin, and a black mohawk. At the orc’s side was a halberd.

“Beast Slayer Volain, you have shown much capability. You are selected to join human tribes for honor and blood.”

“Yes chief. Where do I go?” Volain asked.

The chief scowled as a wealthy-looking man in robes approached the speakers. “Trusdale’s school of culture. We are always on the lookout for those with talent in the tribes.”

“I’m not even an orc.”

“I can tell. We have recruited a few already. What we need is someone who can lead them. Keep them in check and protect our investments.”

The wealthy man pulled out a sack and laid it out. “I don’t expect you to come for free but someone needs to remind people why this continent is called Goskin.”

The brown-skinned boy scratched his head. “What does the tribe get out of it.?”

“Treasure, weapons, armor and supplies. Their lifestyle will be easier with these things.”

“No need for artificial strength. What we really need is power. Volain, go and grow strong before returning. You are the hope of our tribe. You are a warrior at heart.”

“Yes chief.” Volain bowed as he followed the strange man. The sack was retrieved with no intention of use.

----------------------------------------

Lin liked to think she was a simple girl with simple priorities. She had spent the morning combing her snow-white hair. Her glistening silver eyes shined with a radiance that had frozen the hearts of many. Both figuratively and literally. Her nails had been painted a light shade of blue, and around her lithe frame was a simple white robe with the symbol of a snowflake.

She had been released from secluded training and wanted to look healthy when meeting the elders.

Maybe this time, she could leave this cold prison of hers.

Lin put the comb down and looked at the small white fox sleeping on a small plush pillow made from the skin of a polar bear she had slain.

“Ira, what are you doing still asleep? We need to go.” Lin said simply.

“Do I have to?” The fox yawned as it curled up more.

“Yes. You do. Who knows what will happen and I can’t exactly leave my spirit behind now can I?”

“Right, you are just a useless human without my assistance, after all.” The fox said, somewhat condescending.

Lin picked up the small fox and opened her door to the outside. The snow around her parted as she passed. Her stroll eventually ended when she arrived at the main temple.

“Ok Lin. Today marks the first day of the rest of your life. Don’t blow it.”

Lin entered the temple.

Sitting around a rectangular table was a series of elderly women wearing silver robes while the Matriarch wore black with white trim.

The only oddity in the room was a brown-skinned man with a shaved head and long beard. As far as she’d known, men weren’t allowed here. Coming here illegally was grounds for death.

“Lin, you are currently the strongest of your generation in terms of raw power. You know it, I know it, and most others know it. The only issue is the fact that you lack outside interaction. I can sense that you’re near breaking through to expert which is why I’m letting this man escort you to Clomois in three months. You will be there to observe the upcoming tournament and hopefully gain all you need to reach the next tier.” The Matriarch said plainly.

“What am I looking to gain?” Lin asked.

“You need to be in the good graces of the winner and hopefully they will let you partake in the prize.”

“How would I befriend them?”

“Thats up to you. I don’t even care if you seduce them so long as you know not to bring back any incidental baggage.”

“Oh course not!”

“Good.”

“Still why is a mere practitioner my escort?”

The bald man didn’t say anything as he knew that doing so without permission would do more harm than good.

“This man here is a dragonslayer. Don’t judge his power on spirit mastery. He is quite dangerous on his own.”

“What class of dragon slayer?”

“Sigfried.”

Lin whistled. That was the second near the top tier when it came to dragonslayers. It requires one to have killed and consumed the potential of at least ten in their lifetime. The descendants of those are monsters in their own right, especially the oldest.

“You don’t want me to….”

“He can no longer sire children. He’s hit his limit.”

Another trait of dragonslayers was passing on some of their power to their offspring. Doing so limits the number of children that safely come into the world. Each one is weaker than the last until the final one is born with little to no sign of the gift and a frail body. Few live long enough to

gain access to mana, and those who do tend to die before amounting to much.

“Oh. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Most of my children survived into adulthood. One vanished while at her school and the other is around your age. I’d rather we not talk about this.” Bill shot the Matriarch a raised eyebrow as he didn’t expect the child to be so knowledgeable.

“She is the first born of a dragon slayer.”

Bill raised an eyebrow.

“Ah. This isn’t a marriage meeting is it?” Lin took a step back.

“No. But this could be just as important.”

“If it’s any consolation you probably aren’t his type.”

Lin felt insulted.

“Siegfried, you know our deal.” The Matriarch said.

Bill nodded. The refugees were under their care. He might as well do his best and keep the young mistress safe.

“Yes. My village is in your debt.” Bill bowed his head.

“So whats your power dragon slayer?”

“Oh nothing special.” Bill summoned his farming tool and twirled it about.

“That’s just a hoe.”

“I know. Don’t judge a power by how it manifests, anything can be a weapon.” The tool disappeared. And Bill eyed the fox spirit on Lin’s shoulder with suspicion.

The fox casually turned away from Bill.