~January 1st, night~

The evening sun turned the cloud and the snow into gold. And on the fluffy, yellow snow, two people walked to the entrance of the octagon shaped bungalow.

“Hey kid. You sure you wanted to stay all alone up here? We got room in the fortress. You could go there and spend the night.” Ida suggested. Her face clearly showed a look of concern.

Jet chuckled. “Don't worry sis, I'm good. See that.” Jet said. Pointing towards the fence lining around the house compound. “That is a ward spell to keep me safe from beasts attacks. I'll be fine.”

Ida was unconvinced. “That's animals. What about human attacks? I mean, you are the General's son. I would feel much better if you would come and bunk in the fortress.*

Jet smiled. Feeling touched about the concern shown by a stranger he just met moments ago.

All of those people have been good to him. They brought him to Helldoor. A military fortress at the foot of Ember Hill, one facing the cold sea.

Well…rather than a fortress, Helldoor is actually built into the already existing cave inside Ember Hill.

Initially, Jet was perplexed. Although he is only thirteen, he is still a Duke's son. So he had learned enough about the military.

Yet he had never heard about Helldoor until now. And, upon touring the fortress, the reason was obvious.

Helldoor consists of those born without Energy Veins in their body. Which means that they cannot use magic or aura. Just like him. Although, while he doesn't even have any energy cores, these people have them.

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Be it mana or arma, they did form a core inside their body. They are still producing energy. Yet there's no path to channel said energy to be utilized.

Which brings a problem. If they are left untreated, they shall explode with energy.

Thankfully, those magic researchers at Fugio came up with a solution. A bunch of magic booth that will sap those bloated energy and turn it into elemental crystals. Which elements? Whichever booth you entered.

It is kind of a good system. Any crystals you make, you can sell. So, at least the army did not abuse these soldiers.

But as of right now, they are soldiers in name only. Aside from the military equipment and martial arts, there's not much military in Helldoor. They are, similar to Jet, the outcasts of the military.

Even their two commanders, the legendary Crossfire Major Samuel and the terrifying Soulburn Captain Brenda, were outcasts. After a long war, they are injured. Who knew when they would heal their injuries. And before they regain their perfect health, they shall stay here. With the rest of the rejects.

Jet smiled bitterly. “It's the former son of the General. I don't think any crooks would waste their energy walking in the snow, climbing the hills, all for the child the General threw away. Right?”

Ida was stunned. She scratched her head awkwardly. She forgot about Jet's predicament.

“Well…shit. Sorry. I…”

Jet chuckled. “Hehehe, it's alright. I'm already here. Might as well fulfill my role as the deadbeat son. Hahaha.”

“Well, young kid. Since lazing around doing nothing is your objective, then let this older sister show you the way. For one, you should head inside, and enjoy the sunset through the solarium.”

“Huh?”

“Oh yeah. It's magical. There's two solariums. One one the east, one on the west. Watching the sunset as the snowstorm rages on. It was surreal, man.”

A mocking smile decorated Jet's face. “Aha. So you have used this octagon bungalow before, have you?”

“Hehehe, a few times. And hey, chill. There's nobody using it. So why not us.”

“Hehehe, I'm just kidding. So…you wanna join me and get inside? With permission this time?”

“Oh hell yeah!” Ida seemed to want to run to the bungalow's door, but she stopped. “Ahh, but I can't.”

“Oh? Why?”

“The king ordered some Water Crystals. If we surpassed the quota, he would reward us with double the gold coin. And I want to stuff myself with all the crispy Sparken fillets Vitalux can offer.”

Jet's mouth began to water. He remembered that dish. Sparken, or sparky chicken, has a bit of a peppery taste in their meat. Once filleted, deep fried in a coat of flour and bread crumbs, and served with Acid Lettuce and mushroom sauce, it was heaven on a plate.

“Hehehe, well, maybe next time then.”

“Hahaha. If you feel scared or something, don't be shy. Just run down the hill and tell the guard at the cave door. They'll let you in.”

Jet gave her the middle finger. Ida laughed as she waved goodbye.

Jet watched her for a bit. Then he turned around, and let out an exasperated exhale. He walked to the door, and cracked the door open.

“Time to begin my solitary life.”