“Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.”

― Steve Maraboli

“Banishment? W-what does that mean exactly?”

James had a feeling with his track record, banishment could mean something very bad. King Perceval said.

“Grand Master Noir and his fellow wisemen will use a spell to transport you to the Ruins of the Forgotten.”

“The Ruins of the Forgotten? That sounds to me like a dumping ground for unwanted individuals.”

James first thought was right. Banishment was very, very bad.

“The Ruins of the Forgotten is deep within the Darklands.”

Explained the king. James had only been in Elantra for three days, and this was the first time he heard of the Darklands. King Perceval continued.

“The Darklands were established by the Dark Emperor. Those who practice dark magic find refuge there. But the Ruins of the Forgotten is the old palace of the Dark Emperor. Rumors say the ruins have been overrun by monsters the Dark Emperor had created or experimented with before his fall.”

Letting that information sink in, James realized one undeniable truth. So, he voiced it.

“So, instead of killing me yourself. Someone brought from another world against his will. You’ll transport me to monster infested ruins instead of transporting me back home. Are you fucking kidding me!? Is this a fucking joke!? You havin’ a laugh!?”

James could not help it, he was angry. There was no reaction from the king, but James could see the gleam in his eyes. The bastard’s enjoying this. James wanted to say more but Mr. Abbot interrupted.

“Mr. Cross, please calm down.”

Then he said to the king.

“Your majesty, please, instead of banishment. Why not place Mr. Cross under house arrest.”

“That option was presented in the discussions, but it was decided such a choice would not be feasible in the long term.”

Grand Master Noir spoke up then.

“You see, those who possess the mana of dark magic will only get stronger over time. Whether they practice or not, it does not matter.”

“So, you’re just going to send me to another place to die. This is bullshit! Here’s an idea. I’ll just leave the castle, this country, and find an out of way place.”

The king shook his head sadly, but James could tell it was an act. Ever since he was young, he became good at reading people. Especially, people with authority over him.

“That will not do. Now that your mana has been awoken. Those who can sense your power will know you to be a dark magic user. You will be hunted by other nations and organizations. I’m afraid you must be banished for the sake of all.”

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King Perceval said the words as if in sorrow, but there was triumph in the king’s eyes. James thought, why is there a stigma on dark magic? Did the Dark Emperor truly become corrupted by dark magic? I need more information. James could not take it anymore; he just blew up.

“THE IS FUCKING UTTER BULLSHIT! You take me from my home and don’t like my mana affinity. So, you decide to kill me! FUCK YOU! I will not accept this bullshit situation! I won’t be railroaded by you or anyone else! I—”

“Shut the fuck up James?”

James was shocked when Arthur Prince of all people interrupted him. Before he could regain his voice, Arthur continued.

“It sucks, we know. You’re being given the raw end of the stick and it’s unfair. But these people have their reasons for distrusting dark magic users. This is hard on everyone.”

James looked at the rest of his classmates; he saw a few who did not like what was happening. But there were more who approved of getting rid of James. He returned his attention back to Arthur when the all-American boy next door said.

“Don’t make this hard on the rest of us. Accept your fate and go without complaint.”

James looked at Arthur, he really looked at Arthur in a new light and thought about their past interactions together. Arthur was always lecturing James, trying to teach him about right and wrong. Always assuming James to be the instigator of any argument with his fellow classmates. Arthur saw himself as a good guy, a knight in shining armor. But when it came to James, Arthur always assumed the worst of him.

“You stupid blue-eyed all-American idiot!”

Arthur was taken aback by James’s words. But James was not done.

“You stand there looking smock, as if none of this will ever happen to any of you.”

James was addressing his entire class now.

“What? You all think just because a king we don’t know calls you heroes that makes it okay. Look at me! I’m supposed to be one of the heroes. But they are banishing me to ruins filled with monsters.”

James released a cynical laugh before continuing.

“Oh, we are something alright. But it ain’t heroes. We are pawns because pawns can be easily cast aside. I’m being cast aside. What makes you believe the same won’t be done to you?”

James saw looks of surprise, comprehension, and understanding. But he was not done pushing his point.

“They say we were the first to be summoned to this world. But what if we were not the first? What if others were summoned from our world or perhaps different worlds. What if they were given the same song and dance as we were. Then, they were sent to fight chaos and died. Huh?”

James saw he was getting through some of his classmates, but BB had something to say himself.

“Ah, don’t listen to this loser. He’s just angry and desperate, grasping at straws.”

“Yeah, he’s just trying to put doubts in our heads. Everyone knows James is a criminal. How can a criminal be a hero?”

Cara could not resist giving her two cents. James saw the vindictiveness in her eyes. He could not believe that three of his classmates would rather see him dead because of rumors they made up about him. Mr. Abbot was the only one trying to stop James from dying. But no one else came to his defense.

“Enough. The decision has been made. Guards.”

Declared the king. Four of the guards moved forward drawing their swords and pointing them at James.

“I’m sorry young James Cross, but for the good of all. You must be banished. Grand Master Noir, you and your colleagues may proceed.”

“Yes, right away your majesty.”

Grand Master Noir, and three other robed men and women approached James surrounding him. When they were in place, they began chanting a spell. James wanted to move, but the swords from the guards kept him in place. If he tried to escape, the guards would not hesitate to cut him down.

“Fuck! This is not fucking right!”

Everyone ignored James’s protest. Even Mr. Abbot gave up, he could no longer stop what was happening. At least he tried! My so-called classmates never gave a shit. James thought bitterly as the wisemen finished chanting their spell.

A circle of light appeared beneath James’s feet. The circle looked similar to the ones which brought them here. But this circle was smaller and made of amber light. King Perceval said his last words to James.

“Good-bye James Cross, may your death be swift and painless.”

James glared at the king and all those watching his execution. No, it was not a banishment. They all expected him to die in the Ruins of the Forgotten. Right then and there James hated them all. He thrust his hands forward and gave them all two middle fingers. James yelled his defiance.

“Fuck all of you!”

Then, the teleportation spell activated, and James Cross was gone.