Magic swirled around the room, chaotic and unwieldy. It was magic that was not meant to be utilized so easily, and only by those with experience. And yet, within the center of the circle, a young boy sat.
"I call forth the summoning ritual. Bound by blood, marked by soul. I need help from the other side, please grant me your strength".
In the middle of the spell circle, the boy made his plea. The magic was impossible to control however. And furthermore...
"I found you...." a voice said in the shadows. "You cannot escape your fate".
"I summon the power to obtain what I need, to protect what I want, and to cherish what I love!"
"What! What ritual is this!?"
The voice in the shadows seemed shocked, as the summoning ritual brought forward unusual energy. The shadow tried to interfere, but in this dark room, a force prevented it from doing so.
"No, I wont let you get away! The contract has been paid, your life is already forfeit!"
"I summon forth the hero we need!"
"Naaaaarrrrraaaagggg!!"
The shadow tried to step within, and attacked the circle itself. It was damaged, but without a doubt, the energy was still pouring through. It was already too late. However, even the boy seemed surprised. As the magic swirled around the broken circle, it ended up flowing right into his eye, and he felt a burning sensation. A magic circle became engraved within it, although it soon disappeared shortly afterwards. The sheer density caused the shadow to retreat, and the boy collapsed to the ground, as knowledge and memories flowed into his mind.
He remembered a previous life, as a woman. An adult woman. Someone who despite becoming a brilliant spy and spymaster, ended up being betrayed by those she had taught and those who she worked for, and met a horrible and tragic end at the hands of that betrayal. It was infuriating, those feelings. Even if she had controlled her emotions well, it was still there. And the boy was influenced, if only slightly, by the memories and emotions that flooded into his head. The magic circle in his right eye.
Although it had been somewhat interrupted, the summoning had worked in a sense. Although perhaps a person was not summoned, but the boy....no, the sixth prince of the Kingdom of Sarafel, had ended up with something that might help him all the same. And as he did, he collapsed, the magic circle once again fading away with his consciousness, and the shadow being nowhere to be found.
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The Kingdom of Sarafel. Although it was an old and great nation, it was currently suffering through a large rise in corruption. Even the Crown, those who should be the ultimate authority, are under threat from this great power, despite the fact they should be the ones ruling. They were far more kind hearted and fair, but there was a threat that was preventing them from taking too much action, a hidden blade that gave the king pause.
And as a result, the kingdom had entered such a state. Although still well united against outsiders, no doubt it was weakening, and the sixth prince, the youngest of the royal family, was even becoming aware of it. Furthermore, in order to ensure the king didn't start making a move, someone had sent something after him.
And so in his desperation, he activated an old magic, to try and summon help from another world. But between his own failure to properly understand it, and the damage to the circle the shadow had inflicted, he summoned fragments of a deceased soul, knowledge and memory, and it was sealed inside of him instead.
But of course, no one but him knew that.
When he awoke in his bed, someone near him gasped.
"The prince is awake! I repeat, the prince is awake!"
That's right, a prince...I am a boy now. Or rather, that woman's life she was a girl.
The boy, the prince, had the dominant personality, the ego, but the memories and knowledge of the woman was affecting him. It was like the two were merging, or had merged, becoming one instead of two. It was quite confusing.
The fact she was now in the body of a boy was quite interesting. He found the way he no longer had to suffer the aches and pains of a middle aged woman's body to be great, and also it was nice to have a lighter chest. Going by the woman's previous life, having the body of a boy, especially a young boy, was quite convenient. Only five years old, but quite the hard worker.
Indeed, he had to work hard though. At least, he did.
To think, in order to try and keep my father in line, someone sent a demon after me. I don't even know who did it or how, but I suppose as a result I was...reincarnated? Or rather, I was moreso summoned into the body. But at the same time, its basically reincarnation isn't it? But I am still me. The woman is just someone whose knowledge and memories I gained.
There was certainly a conflict of interest, but the boy's identity definitely took precedence. However, thanks to the experience afforded by the woman, he was able to keep himself collected better.
He remembered the last moments of the woman. It was within a building that had been blown up and was on fire. Various of those who worked for her, who she had trained, along with a few of those she worked for, had betrayed her. Thought she "knew too much", was "too skilled", and decided to have her silenced, and had her various agents betray her. Of course, there were some who stayed loyal, and it was a hard fought battle. In the end, she had wound up dead, along with most of the others. Of course, in her desire to get some level of retribution, before she did she leaked various files that would seriously harm those who had come after her. So that would be something at least.
Still, it was painful and horrible. The feeling of being betrayed stung badly, and left a wound that left an impression. Not to mention all the wounds that were endured.
Ezrafel, or just Ezra for short, was his name. His father, the king, was Derafel, and his mother, who had been the king's third queen, had been named Elriana. She had died due to complications during the birth however, so Ezra did not know her well. He had seven siblings, five older brothers, and two older sisters.
As for what this world was like, it was different from that woman's world. Magic existed here, and so did various creatures and beasts. It was similar to the past, however the way technology developed here was also different. Perhaps part of that was magic, or perhaps it was just because it was a different world. Furthermore, the access to technology often depended on one's wealth and social class, as well as where one lived.
While collecting himself, the maid had gone to get the doctor, flustered. This let Ezra collect his thoughts, and sort out the mental turmoil in his own head. As it turned out, things like reincarnation...or whatever bastardized version of summoning/reincarnation this was...was not as easy or simple as people had thought in novels of her original world. She was familiar with them due to the fact the woman had her own family, although a number of them were adoptions. She herself didn't have much of a normal childhood to recount as others did, as she had been plucked from an orphanage at a young age and trained to be a spy. It was something her organization did often, training children to be their agents. They were better at learning things, and proved to be easier to mold.
In truth, the woman had always wanted deep down the chance to be a child again, so this suited her....him...well, to be reborn as one. That said, there were many issues with the Kingdom, and given his position...it seemed like it might not be as easy to get what he wanted.
Ezra looked down at his body. He had been fully undressed, something often done by doctors in this world while examining patients, and believed to help those recovering. The woman was unused to being a boy, but she had sometimes disguised as one in her previous life. He had always been a boy though, so while the memories flooding his brain were confusing, he recognized his own body. Still, he couldn't help but get up and look at a mirror, his hands moving across his skin, his face, his cheeks, his butt, legs and arms, chest, hair, even that.
As someone who was used to being a middle aged/aging woman, this body felt so much better. No weird aches or pains, nothing like that. So soft, so without wrinkles, so cute looking. Indeed, he had looks that were far superior to most the woman had seen in her previous life, even if it was just cuteness as he was a five year old boy.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
That was when he felt presences coming this way, rushing. He quickly ran and jumped on the bed that was clearly big enough that it could fit four adult sized people comfortably. As he did, suddenly the doctor, the maid, a young boy following the doctor a little older then Ezra, and someone incredibly skilled entered the room.
Ezra was not sure who the man was at first, but the movements he made caught his eye. Although well disguised, intentionally being adjusted to not reveal his actual skill level, his movements reminded him of a pro from that woman's life. Someone who was used to espionage, or perhaps fighting, who was trained to make efficient movements.
In his current body, a five year old boy's, if the two were to fight, Ezra would certainly lose without some major preprations beforehand. That was how dangerous this person was.
"Who are you?"
"Ah, apologies. I suppose we have not met too much. I am a steward, Urva Thaleus. I came with the doctor and his apprentice to check on you, since you had been found collapsed by reasons unknown".
Better then being eaten by a demon. I wonder if the magic I had used chased it off or something.
He had to figure out what to do though, as the doctor and his young apprentice checked on him. They did a variety of tests and examinations, including using maggic for some of them, but it seemed to all show he was fairly healthy.
"Your magical energy is a bit in flux, and your mind seems to be in chaos, but it looks like both are settling. I think if you just wait, and it should be fine. In the mean time, you should be fine to get dressed and move around".
Hearing that, Ezra started to get up and get dressed himself, but his maid interfered and proceeded to help him, despite him insisting he could do it on his own. Eventually he got dressed, although the doctor still did ask for him to take it easy. As a result, he decided to hole up in the library on his own, to begin doing some research. Before he could make it out the door though, he was greeted by someone he had not expected to see so soon. He had heard someone coming at a brisk pace, but this was an encounter he did not expect.
"Ez! I am glad to see you are okay".
His father, Derafel, said that as he knelt down and embraced his son.
"Father..."
"I was worried something bad might have happened, but I was told so far it might just be exaustion. You should be more careful though".
"Sorry for worrying you father".
"I am just glad you are okay. Maybe you should rest more?"
"I plan to do some research in the library by myself. If you could send someone tto let me know when it is time for a meal, I would appreciate it, but I would like to spend a nice day relaxing with some books".
"You have become quite adept at talking. I guess you have been going there more then I realized. Very well, it sounds like a good relaxing way to spend a day. Enjoy yourself".
He had been worried his father might try to stay with him, but it seems for now he was safe. With this, he was able to acquire some time alone. That was only of course, after he had a bit of food first, as he had not eaten yet that day.
He went to the dining room and had a late meal, but it was quite good. The servant ended up tripping a bit on the rug as it unevened, but thankfully other then silverware going everywhere, nothing bad happened. The meal in itself was incredibly delicious, it was probably one of the best meals he had eaten in either of the lines he now possessed. Still, even as he was eating, if one looked closely enough, the wheels within his brain were turning. Working out solutions and problems.
By the time he was done, he left on his own and entered the library. There were many, but this was his favorite, and it was already empty so he could enjoy some time alone in it. It was massive still, despite being only one of many, with many floors and even more shelves.
This was where he decided to start doing research. He laid out books all around him, on various topics, but mainly magic and the power held by the Royal Family. As part of their authority, every member of the Royal Family was able to grant others miracles. it was why they were the leaders, and they gave them as rewards to those who did well, or for those who needed them when the situation absolutely demanded it.
However, each one only had a limited capacity. It wasn't so much of a use limit, as a capacity that never replenished back over time. Larger and bigger asks took more energy, so often they tried to be as efficient as possible. As such, they were very cautious with how they used them, to make sure it was not wasted, so it was rare to receive such a miracle. There were other limitations too, such as having to go in person to the person or place recieving it. But also, they could not use the power on themselves, or other royal family members. Furthermore, the ability diminished with every child after the first to pass it on, and its said it was tied to their very land somehow, so those who were married away could not have children that could perform them either.
Supposedly, there were other reasons, other restrictions as well, for this power, but suffice it to say, only the king and his direct children could use it. As such, it was a status symbol for that royal family.
But as he did, the lights suddenly went out. One by one, including the windows. They each were blacked out one by one as well. A swirling dread filled the air, as it became cold and crisp and the shadows seemed to grow.
"How foolish, becoming alone again. So easy to become my prey".
"Oh, are you so sure?" the boy said, as he lit a candle. The moment he did, a barrier formed around the room, a magical aura that then faded and disappeared.
Even the demon paused from this.
"...you were waiting for me?"
"Yes, and you took the bait so easily. I did some quit reading on you demons you see. Most confuse your kind with devils, but you are quite different. All spectre and shadow, rarely with a solid form, and tend to work through contracts and deals to gain power. I suppose you probably got quite a bit to go after a prince, but perhaps also because you were desparate? After all, there were many ways to chase you off. In the first place, its incredibly dangerous for even a demon to sneak into the castle. I bet even just staying on these grounds uninvited hurts you".
"Who said anything about being uninvited?"
"I suppose you only said that because you expect me to be dead by the end of this, but it wont go the way you want. You demons, you can develop to be quite advanced beings, even eventually gaining hearts, emotions, it was quite the interesting read. But you always honor a deal".
The shadows lunged at the boy, but the moment it reached the circle of books, it was repelled by another barrier.
"Dont think I am some sort of fool".
"So the summoning worked after all...but not in a normal way. You gained something yourself, summoned something into yourself, rather then a person, rather then a hero. How interesting".
"Oh, its more then just that. Because I am now two people, your payment and previous contract is null and void I believe?"
"We will just have to see about that!"
It lunged at him with a shadowed claw, breaking through the barrier. However, Ezra jumped back, using magic to enhance himself, as well as the training of the woman. He landed perfectly on the ground, and adopted a position to be both aware of what was around him, as well as the ability to dodge and evade better.
The shadow proceeded to strike again, and Ezra dodged again, only for it to attack at where he dodged too before he landed. Ezra however created his own magical barrier on his hands, grabbing the shadows as they came down and pulling himself out of the way, using the attack itself to dodge. Not only that, but he threw some glowdust into the shadow, weakening it.
It launched three attacks this time, but Ezra ducked under one while jumping over another, and then twisted his body around to avoid the third one. The shadow seemed to get more and more aggravated, as Ezra continued to dodge its feracious strikes again and again.
Another attack lunged out at it to attack, but Ezra took out a knife and blocked it. Back when the servant tripped, he had actually made that bump in the rug, and used the chance to grab up a knife. As a result, he had now armed himself, even if it was just a knife for cutting meat on a plate.
"You brat, I dont know what you are planning, but I swear..."
"Oh, what I am planning is quite simple. I am planning on using you to get a reliable ally and servant, so I can do some good in this world".
"You think I would let myself be bound to such a contract?!"
"You seemed to not realize, there was another reason why I knew you were desperate. Its because normally, you would never risk yourself getting close to a royal family member, even one as young as me that you thought might not be able to pull it off".
As Ezra said that, he landed right next to the main shadow. The moment he did, it was shocked and tried to recede, but many candles all lit themselves at once, a trap triggered the moment it tried to do so. The candles should just be normal candles, and truthfully, it was a weak barrier. However, for a demon that was desperate to gain power, a demon that was not that strong yet, it was quite the obstacle.
However, that was when he touched the shadow, the magic circle in his eye fully visible now as his hand glowed a bright light.
"Miracles cannot be used as weapons!"
"Depends on the miracle...and the subject. Demon, I name you Kuro, and I grant you the miracle of having a heart, as well as binding you in service to me".
Hearing this, it was shocked and tried to escape, but it was no use. It felt itself gaining a wide range of emotions, personality, things it did not truly have before. It had some, but this was different. But also, the shadow found itself pulled in, drawn into the Prince's Shadow, being sealed within it. It struggled and fought, but it was incapable of doing anything of the sort.
In the end, the darkness went away, the air warmed, and he was alone in a somewhat messy room. Or at least, that was how it appeared.
"To think, you would use a miracle in such a way..."
"Yes. I doubt that would have worked against someone with a physical body though, but you were only a shadow, so it seemed like it would. I read about royalty subjugating demons in the past, and I found the word choice interesting. Not defeating, not slaying, subjugating. It was quite specific, so I thought there was something to it. As it turned out, I was right".
"...so this whole thing was a set up, just to get me? Why is that?"
"Simple. This is a place of massive political intrigue, but also there is an assassin whose allegiance I do not know among the stweards at least, and who knows what else. I doubt they will keep their hands clean, so I must not only gain allies, but protection. Certainly, no one will expect a sixth prince to have used such an advanced technique to get a demon".
"...so what now?"
Ezra smiled, with a smile that was not something innocent, but rather devious.
"Now we get to work. I still want to be able to enjoy myself in the future, after all".
This would be the begginning of the tale that would become to know only in the far future, as The Shadow Prince, as countless books and novels would be written upon what transpired. And no one was expecting what the truth would actually be.