Jack sat in the coach, watching the world blur past through the small window. Urek, his ever-dutiful butler, sat across from him, face blank and hands folded as the coach rocked and jolted along the rugged plains.
'Well, that's it for swordsmanship training, then,' Jack thought, glancing down at the list of skills he'd managed to gather over the years. The long hours of sweat and strain had culminated in a modest but formidable set of abilities.
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Active Skills
Fla Spells:
- Fla Blast - Tier 2
- Scorching Hands - Tier 1
- Flas of Scourge - Tier 2
- Fla Barrage - Tier 2
- Dragon's Breath - Tier 1
Dark Spells:
- Dark Blast - Tier 5
- Dark Fla Blast - Tier 5
Sword Skills:
- Dash! - Level 1
- Phase - Level 1
- Thundering Gale - Level 1
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He scowled at the screen, frustrated by his lack of progress with the fla spells. No matter how hard he trained, he hadn't been able to break past Tier 2. 'But at least my dark spells keep improving each ti I use them,' he thought, allowing himself a faint smile. The powers that frightened most people were the ones that ca most naturally to him.
His thoughts were interrupted as Urek cleared his throat. "Young master Asriel, I have so important information Lord Aldermond instructed to share with you," he began, studying Jack's reaction carefully.
Jack snapped out of his reverie, his gaze cold as he t Urek's eyes. 'This whole charade is already exhausting,' he thought, but he nodded for Urek to continue.
"The purpose of the school you'll be attending," Urek started, his voice even and asured, "is to bring together the next generation of rulers and leaders. By fostering bonds between the young nobles, it is hoped we can prevent future wars and unite against our shared enemies."
Jack stared at him, suppressing a cynical laugh. 'Peace?' he thought, barely managing to keep his expression neutral. The notion sounded ridiculous to him.
"Is it really that important to maintain peace?" he asked coldly, watching Urek's reaction with a glint of challenge in his eyes.
Urek faltered for a mont, caught off guard. "Yes, young master. War causes untold suffering. Peace brings stability and allows people to live without fear."
"Suffering, you say," Jack murmured, his gaze turning distant as mories flickered in his mind. He rembered the isolation, the pain, the relentless training. "But if people don't suffer, what's the point of striving? If everything is handed to you, where's the aning in that?"
Urek's brows furrowed. "Young master, striving and suffering are not the sa thing. Suffering is an unnatural, unjust affliction. It is contrary to the will of Olion, our god. Peace allows people to pursue their goals without unnecessary hardship."
"Your god..." Jack's eyes narrowed. "Tell , Urek. Do you truly believe that suffering cos only from war and resource struggles? Or could it be that your god, this Olion, delights in watching us suffer, that he thrives on our misery?"
A flicker of sothing crossed Urek's face—perhaps shock, perhaps disbelief. He struggled to find the words to counter Jack's accusations. "Young master, even if suffering does exist beyond these causes, surely you don't think—"
"My desires?" Jack cut him off, his voice soft but laced with a chilling edge. He leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "I desire nothing less than the complete eradication of humanity from this earth. Every last trace gone."
Urek felt a chill run down his spine. The young boy sitting across from him no longer looked like a child. There was a nacing glint in Jack's eyes, a darkness far beyond his years. For a mont, Urek forgot he was dealing with a re teenager. He found himself gripping the edge of his seat, his heart pounding against his ribs. 'Who is this child? How can he speak with such conviction… such hatred?'
He cleared his throat, willing his voice to remain steady. "Young master… you can't an that. Such thoughts are… are unnatural."
Jack's lips curved into a mocking smile, the corner of his mouth twitching as if amused by Urek's discomfort. "Don't worry, Urek. I'm not going to do anything yet. First, I have to beco stronger, deal with certain obstacles in my way. But one day…" He let his voice trail off, his gaze drifting back to the window.
Urek swallowed, his hands trembling slightly. He tried to calm his mind, reassuring himself that Jack was rely a boy speaking out of frustration and bitterness. 'He'll change at the school,' he thought. 'With ti, he'll beco a better person.'
He took a deep breath, his voice regaining its composure. "As I was saying, young master, the school exists to unite the heirs of different kingdoms. The instructors have been handpicked from the best academies, and you'll be closely supervised. This cooperation could determine the future of our world, so I urge you to avoid unnecessary trouble."
Jack gave a noncommittal nod, though his attention had drifted elsewhere. 'Avoid trouble? The school's exactly where the real fun begins,' he thought with a smirk.
"And one final note," Urek continued, glancing down at a small, neatly folded paper. "Your identity as a mber of the Digmun family will remain hidden. You'll be attending under an alias. This is by direct order from your father."
Jack snorted, a bitter laugh escaping him. 'Hide my family na. Of course. Poor Asriel Digmun—he thought he had a family,' he thought, scoffing inwardly. His gaze grew colder. 'Guess I'll be "Asriel" only in na.'
Urek glanced at him cautiously before continuing. "Lastly, there will be a tournant held at the school. It's ant to be a demonstration of strength and skill—a chance to show what each nation's youth is capable of."
"A tournant," Jack repeated, his interest piqued. "Finally, sothing worth my ti."
Urek nodded. "Yes, but rember, young master: restraint. The tournant is ant to foster goodwill. Be cautious with your powers. There will be many eyes on you."
Jack gave a dismissive wave. "I know, I know. Don't worry, Urek. I won't go on a rampage. Not yet, anyway." He turned his gaze back to the window, his fingers tapping idly against the wooden fra. The landscape outside had changed, the flat plains giving way to distant mountains.
He knew that within the walls of the school, alliances would form, rivalries would ignite, and secrets would simr beneath the surface. And he couldn't wait to step into that world, to test his powers against the strongest youths from every kingdom.
'Let's see how things turn out then' Jack thought, a smile tugging the sides of his lips.
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