Divine Empire of Iaionia was a vast empire that revolves around a central religion known as The Path of Divinity. The religion taught that the empire was divinely chosen by the gods to rule over the land and its people. The Divine Emperor was considered the living representative of the gods, and his decrees were considered sacred and unquestionable.

The empire’s culture was deeply rooted in its religious beliefs. Devotion to the god was paramount, and festivals, prayers, and sacrifices were common. The Divine Emperor was the absolute ruler, considered divine in their own right. The Emperor’s decision were guided by the Council of High Priest, influential religious figure responsible for interpreting divine will and advising on governance matters.

The High Priest was not an easy position to obtain. Every member of the High Priest were extremely talented and skilled magicians in the art of holy magic, said to be capable of creating miracles encompassing an entire town or landscape. In legends and epic tales, their presence were like the blessing from the gods, healing soldiers in the brink of death, strengthening their vigor, and removing their sense of pain.

They were even said able to bring the wrath of the gods through heavy storms and powerful earthquake that would consume the enemies.

“One of the requirements to become one of these High Priest is having A grade talents and natural affinity in Holy Magic or Light Magic. Malachi seemed to have great affinity in both!” Professor Thaddeus said with excitement. “I cannot believe I would find a treasure in the far end territory of the Empire! Truly, this land is blessed by the gods! It must be because of your strong devotion, Father Aldric.”

Aldric was still in shock. “Uhh… ah, yes.”

He still could not believe it. Malachi actually had A grade talent that was rarely seen for hundreds of years. Just having that level of talent would be enough for him to receive countless backings, status, and power. Even the High Priest would quickly come here personally to pick him up with an army to escort him back to the capital.

‘This cannot be. This kid already hate me. I have to kill him! I have to kill him quickly!’

Not just Aldric, Malachi was also shocked by this news. ‘Talent in Holy Magic and Light Magic?’

He didn’t know about that before, because he never tested himself. Besides, the path to Holy Magic and Light Magic were restricted and had limitations after he learned Necromancy.

‘If that was the case, then how could I learn Necromancy so easily?’

“I have to spread this news as fast as possible. The empire as a whole would be rejoiced that we find another treasure.”

“We can wait on that, professor Thaddeus. Although it is a very exciting news, we can keep this information as a secret from now. Besides, Malachi is still a child. He will be shocked, if so many people look for him immediately.”

“Ah, right. Forgive me for my excitement. Anyway, since now I know that you have A grade talent, I will immediately bring you to The Celestial Citadel, the capital city. There, the High Priest will surely take care of you.”

“I would like a few days to stay here, Professor Thaddeus,” Malachi replied.

Although being taken care by the High Priest sounds like a good option, it really wasn’t. The empire looked divine and peaceful from outside, but inside the hierarchy was filled with political unrest and oppositions.

Not only that, accepting this position meant he would sign some sort of oath that could even bound his soul to ensure loyalty to the empire. He did not want to be anyone’s slave.

“I almost forgot about that. Alright, I will respect your decision.”

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Aldric laughed. “Isn’t this a very good day, Professor Thaddeus. Now, why don’t we celebrate this day with a feast.”

“Is Malachi coming?”

“No, he will need time for himself.”

“Wait, professor Thaddeus. Can I have that orb for a moment?”

“What for?” Thaddeus asked, rather curios.

“I think I saw something in that orb. I wasn’t sure of it and would like to do some test.”

Thaddeus looked very hesitant, but after a few seconds, he summoned the Arcane Prism although with a struggling expression. “Please don’t lose it.”

“I will take great care of it,” Malachi replied, not believing that Thaddeus actually gave a treasured artifact so easily.

Thaddeus sighed with a concerning look. That orb was extremely important, and giving it to a child did not sound like a wise decision at all. But, Malachi was an A grade talent, he would surely become a big figure in the future. Professor Thaddeus did not want Malachi to consider him as a cheapskate.

‘In the future, he will surely know what that orb is and will appreciate me for trusting him with it. I will consider this as an emotional investment.’ With that in mind, Thaddeus left with Aldric.

As Aldric bring Thaddeus out of his room, the man glanced at him with sinister eyes. ‘I can’t have him leave this place. He has to die. It’s not just about the inheritance anymore. It’s about life and death. Either it’s him or me.’

Malachi felt his killer gaze. It was without a doubt now that Aldric would try to kill him. Malachi knew his situation well, but he wasn’t in a state of panic. After numerous occurrences of near-death-experience, he had long learned to stay rational and critical in times of hardship.

After Aldric and Thaddeus leave his room, Lily stood still in the room, looking at Malachi in disbelief.

She couldn’t process the fact that the person she looked down upon actually had a talent and could potentially become a High Priest later in the future.

‘No. This can be. I must be more talented than him. I am so much better than him. He’s just the son of a whore. If he can be a High Priest, then I must have the talent to become the Divine Empress!’

She left without saying a word.

A nearby maid bowed at Malachi and closed the door.

Malachi clicked his tongue. “Now I have two choices. Leave this place immediately, or wait until Seraphina return.” Malachi contemplated, his mind racing.

The situation had changed. The present wasn’t like the past he remembered. His change of behavior and action caused a change in reality which once again make it unpredictable.

“But I am not returning to zero. With my years of experience and vast knowledge, I have far more advantage than anyone in this world could ever ask for.”

There were two possible scenarios. Aldric might felt cornered and kill him immediately, or two, he might be patience and waited until Malachi leave the mansion before killing him.

“The second option is more plausible before, but now that I know Professor Thaddeus is a powerful magician, the possibility of the first scenario is almost absolute.”

Malachi thought for a few minutes before he looked at the distance forest. “If Seraphina didn’t return by midnight, I will have to escape.”

The sky was blue and clear as Aldric and Thaddeus walked by the garden of a luxurious restaurants.

“Truly, it is such a blessing that I come to this remote place,” Thaddeus remarked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “An A grade talent… one that has affinity towards the Holy Magic and Light at that! I am sure you know what this means, Father Aldric! I know you are a loyal follower of god. Perhaps the god himself lead you to this child.”

“Does A grade talent really that special?”

“Of course it is! If not for the limit of resources of this world, an A grade talent might be able to reach ranks above Adept.” Professor Thaddeus was quite surprised at Father’s Aldric lack of knowledge. He then thought nothing of it because Aldric came from a remote place.

“Adept magician? Aren’t magicians at those level hold significant positions within the empire?”

“They’re not simply filling government positions, Father Aldric. Each and one of them is a treasure for the Empire as a whole. Losing or adding one of them could cause substantial impact and capable of influencing neighboring kingdoms how they should behave towards us.”

Aldric frowned. He was a religious political figure, but as he wasn’t very talented, he had never met with the big players in the empire. The only reason why he could get to a high rank was because his region of influence was only on the periphery of the empire’s territory. In other words, he ruled a remote, insignificant place.

Outside this town, he had no power whatsoever.

“But one of the most terrifying thing about A grade talent is their rate of comprehension.”

“What do you mean?”

“It means they are able to comprehend high level magic and reach high rank at a much faster pace.”

They walked to a table and sat down as a beautiful waitress served them a glass of drink.

Aldric frowned. “How fast is this rate of comprehension?”

“It was said that they could reach the High Novice in less than a day.”

Aldric widened his eyes and abruptly stood up from his seat, making the glass fell and spilled red wine on the floor.