Lei thought destiny gifted him greatness, with strength of dragons, intelligence of kings, swiftness of tornadoes, and bla, bla, bla -- or so, the family elders say.

Yet, here he laid. Arms stretched, held by chains connected to the wall, blood seeping out from old scars and new wounds, a sight hidden by darkness. His skin was caressed by the eternal still of the dungeon, as if comforting him of his failed escape.

Once again, the faint wails of singing whips cracked at his back, sucking up old blood, and presenting new pain, a custom happening daily. It was punishment for Lei, but meditation for the torturer.

“You are lucky,” a raspy voice said. Wuh-PSSH!

“That you hold value.” Wuh-PSSH!

“Heal him,” the torturer said. Wuh-PSSH!

So, did destiny really bestowed greatness upon him? Like broken mirrors, perhaps it signified a future of disaster. Who knows, really?

………………………………………………………..

1 month ago, Mist Drop Forest.

This forest shelters spirits and feys: Mythical creatures that bless the woodlands with paradise and sunshine. Dancing trees casted happy shadows as warm winds ruffled their hair-like leaves. Its various inhabitants hummed with chirps and bubbling brooks. It sounds great, but bad for travels. Why? The roads relapse to their winded, unpaved forms, undaunted by the weary travelers footsteps. Bright plants overgrow the path as holes popped by in undecipherable patterns. It was a journey that gave no room for comfort.

The luxury carriage squeaked from the horses’ uneven tempo, sunlight peeking through the curtains like waves, reflecting only the table of plattered, bright fruits. The various apples and oranges rolled, attempting to escape their platter.

Lei slouched on the coach seat, feet resting on an ancient oak table. His mother said that posture was bad, but he’s still young so back problems don’t persist until the late forties, or even longer as a Mage. His seven year old sister, Mimi, leaned on his shoulders, napping. She, like him, had dark golden hair. Unlike him, she drools asleep. The drool dripped onto his gold embroidered robe, a crime unforgiveable to anyone else, but his sister.

He faced the emotionless Jurok, his advisor. The tall, lanky man wore a tailored, dark suit. Pale as the finest paper, he looked like the blood suckers of legend. His neck hung a small, crimson diamond which swung like a pendulum. His thin veins throbbed, if one looked close enough, which was reassuring; At least he won’t turn him into an empty husk- physically, Lei thought.

“I hope you enjoyed your stay at the Houston Academy, Lei. The Lord Commander has paid a steep price for you to learn the Empire’s best magic,” Jurok spoke lightly in contrast to the rumbling carriage. Yet, his monotone voice sounded as if it was next to his ear. He took out a quill from his inner jacket and scribbled on a notepad. Whatever he was writing, it wasn’t positive.

Jurok had met Lei halfway to escort him to the Royal Capital. Mimi had insisted on tagging along so they brought along four guards and a captain.

“When we reach the Royal Capital, we’ll put you on a exercise regime. Fat is a sign of wealth, but youth need not wealth of the old,” Jurok said, adjusting his glasses, sighing. “You should also cherish your return. We paid an insurmountable price to appease the Royal Court after you unleashed a herd of rampaging thunder lizards upon the palace.”

The structural damages that came forth forced King Vizno and leading nobles to unanimously banish Lei from the Royal Capital, Ezmahel. Lei’s exile was further exacerbated when one of his arrogant henchmen instigated conflict with the unsuspecting and humble young brother of King Vizno. Thus, he was only permitted to return for a week a year.

“Direct as ever, Jurok. I like my fat, it makes me look bigger.” Lei pinched his belly, wrapped in a robe intertwined with gold and silk, then cupped the fat firmly with his gold bling covered hands, shiny rings adorned on each finger. “The real gem there are the Academy’s world class chefs; It’s the only reason I agreed to go,” Lei reminisced. Of course, the real reason he went was because the Royal Academy in Ezmahel expelled him for abusing his background.

“The academy was fine. They helped me form my first magic circle,” Lei rolled the sleeve on his right arm, revealing a palm sized, translucent circle. “This means I can revolve mana to form magic. With the war going on, the instructors are becoming very harsh.”

From his golden robe, he pulled out a foot-long crimson wand, a glittering ruby protruded from the tip, evident of a powerful treasure. “They only taught me a few beginner spells. It’s to feel the ‘flow of mana,’ they say. It was truly boring so I secretly bought magic off the Black Market.”

Pointing to the platter of fruits, Lei attempted to levitate a cherry into his mouth. Levitation spells were only taught in higher levels, but why not try? The fruits was unaffected as they continued to roll around like trapped animals. Lei gave up, opting to grab it instead.

Jurok’s raven-like eyes remained immobile. “If you put in the effort, you could surpass Felgus. Your younger brother is prospering in elemental composition and essence manipulation. He’s even earned the attention of a foreign Master Class Wizard.”

Jurok slit his eyes. “Nineteen years old and all you do is eat, eat, and eat while surrounding yourself with yes-men boot lickers. It is fortunate they didn’t stay with you in the academy, otherwise you’ll stray further from your path.”

“Watch your mouth,” Lei warned. Despite how powerful elemental mages are, magic tools are developed to the point where nonmagic ‘mortals’ can to contend with Third Circle mages. Magic abilities are -- for the wealthy -- status symbols to flaunt around. Still, this sort of behavior was unacceptable. Lei will have father discipline him later. Right now, something else was on his mind.

He poked his head out the carriage window, the sun blinding his vision, and looking at one of the four guards, “Oi, tell Captain Moore to head east towards Kargus Point.”

“Kargus Point? You got it, young master!” The closest guard nodded.

“Lei, we are not headed to Kargus Point. Head to the Royal Capital,” Jurok said, his voice bypassed the loud rumble and reached the guards ear.

Huh, something's off. Why’s he so keen on heading to the Royal Capital?

“Miss Mina is on her way to meet you,” He replied, as if sensing Lei’s confusion. Jurok began stroking the red pendent on his neck.

Weird, from Jurok’s six years of servitude, he never wore any necklace, not to mention one with diamonds. So why was he wearing that today?

“Mina… who? The stable girl?” Lei slowly tapped his right knee.

“No, the darling of the Mecuria Clan. Lord Commander has instigated this marriage to better the relations of our two clans,” Jurok continued to stroke his pendent. ”We can use this to spread our networks using their trade routes. Plus, rumor says she’s quite the beauty. Prince Aeric won’t stop sending her gifts.”

Lei chucked a bright crimson cherry into his mouth. The sweet tart left his lips puckering.

“Y’know what, scribble a reminder to send a chest of the best whatevers you can find for this Mina girl.” He pointed to that notepad. “And cancel the marriage. Now, let’s head to Kargus Point!”

“Denied. You have no power to nullify the Lord Commander’s authority on this matter,” Jurok said emotionlessly, evoking the authority of Lei’s father, lord of the Garuda Clan.

Mimi woke as they argued, groggily rubbed her eyes, saying, “Lei~! I want to go to Kargus Point too!” She tugged on his robe. “And I want to eat at Bears Paw. Father never lets me go when you’re gone.”

Her eyes glowed with delight when she saw the fruits on the table and began stuffing a mouthful of cherries, her cheeks puffing as she chewed like a chipmunk. She shook her head with face scrunched up to deal with the heavy tartness.

“You’re being very direct since the last time we’ve met, Jurok,” Lei said, his fingers tapped faster. “Very well, I’ll accept the punishment when we return to the Capital. Kargus Point has the best weapons shop there, and I need to bring some gifts for my brothers.”

“You are nineteen years old, the eldest male of the Garuda family, third wealthiest trading family in the Eaz Empire! You carry the responsibilities of leadership as you mature.” Juroked eyed Lei, “It’s time to stop being a playboy!”

Lei sighed, feeling conflicted. His eldest sister, Eve, was the truly shrewd and talented businesswoman in the family. Yet, she was married off to the heir of Taelos Estate for a mere alliance. Why can’t they let him enjoy life? He wished to eat delicacies, long for new experiences, and to flirt with th-!

They banged the table lurching forth as the carriage came to an abrupt halt. The horses neighed weakly.Sounds of muffled struggle came and left.

“Captain Moore, what happened?” Lei shouted, wanting to poke his head out, but his back tingled. It was a sense of danger.

Silence.

Jurok took out a dagger under the table’s compartment, his face remained emotionless.

“Mimi stay inside. Jurok, keep her safe.”

Lei took a deep breath, as if hesitant, then kicked the door askew, jumping out with wand blazing.

He knew there was a chance of dying.

But the attack happened so suddenly, he did not acknowledge the danger. Adrenaline coursed through his blood like a river, so he was no coward, but a cornered beast.

Dead. Slouched on the ground were four guards and a captain; Each pierced by sinister purple arrows. Separate streams of blood slowly seeped into a pothole nearby. Its stench assaulted the nose with metallic luster. The lingering dust showed the horse had bolted far.

Highway bandits? No, they wouldn’t dare attack armed guards with their abilities. Assassins? Similar rival clans sending killers to get rid of their competitors heirs. It’s possible.

Sweat stuck like glue to the handle of his glowing wand, the ruby tip flashing with energy.

It was Lei’s first time seeing the dead. No! Captain Moore was alive- held on by a thread. He heaved heavily but his mouth opened and shut silently. His glazed eyes pleaded Lei to run. Lei suppressed the urge to regurgitate.

His brain blared: Danger! Run! Flee!

No!

Mimi was still here and Jurok had no abilities to protect her.

“This chubster got guts facing us alone.” Three costumed men came out from the shadow of the forest. The assassins chuckled, their swords swung to the crunch of their boots. In their hands, crossbows were notched anew.

“Surrender and you shall live,” a large nose man said. Presumably, he’s the leader.

Think! This was an exact scenario shown in Magic Tactics class: What should we do in the case there are five enemies and one loaded fireball?

His pounding heart rushed blood through his body like a raging river. His senses were exceptionally clear, taking in all details, and from the way the assaulters stood, they seem casual, as if killing were a normal part of their routine.

What would my professors do? Lei thought.

Rule one in group combat: Take out the leader and they’ll be like a headless snake.

Lei pointed the wand at them, the green tip glowed in the way a snake would hiss. His other hand reached into his robe. Seeing his action, the two assassins in the back raised their crossbows, ready to fire. It was a suicidal move, resulting in destroying both parties.

Back in the Housten Magic Academy, two truths float evident over Lei’s head.

The first truth was his superb ability in using one time magic consumables.

From his robe, he threw a scroll. It was thrown in a swift and precise manner, without mishaps or delays, a move he had practiced hundreds of times over. In that split second, it unfurled in the direction of the men, runes glowing, and activated.

A plume of fire blazed from the scroll, billowing like a comet towards the three men.

The scroll’s magic was quality, as the earth trembled beneath the explosion, burying the leaves in a manic flame, and devouring the three men’s figure.

“Was this it?” Lei wondered, his hands trembling. This was his first time in a life or death battle, and he expected the fight to be longer, and bloodier. He took a deep breath, taking in the heated air. So this was how it feels to kill?

A blur shot out from the flames, plunging into his shoulder. Flames departed as the large nose man came out, unscathed, a circular forcefield held him snug. “You kill my men and waste my precious shielding treasure. What am I going to do with you?” he said, frowning, as he aimed the newly notched crossbow and shot.

The arrow greedily plunged into Lei’s thigh. The force pushed him back a few steps, as surging pain bashed his mind.

"My father... will..."

Lei pointed his wand at the man, but nothing happened; no explosion, no fire, and no power; It was because he was unable to manipulate mana.

That was the second truth to Lei: he was terrible at actual magic, a fact he hid from his parents.

The man closed in, and with a slap, Lei lost conscience.

“I accept this wand as reparation for the damages,” the man said.

………………………….

Pain, oh, pain. There’s nothing better than waking up and stretching the muscles from their slumber.

Oof. A great stank assaulted his nose, like the fart of a six year old.

“Mimi… stop it….” He mumbled, brushing my shirt.

“Ow!” A pair of sharp diggers pierced his forearm. Lei opened my eyes and felt some creature licking his wound. He hastily picked it up and threw it.

“Damn rats,” Lei croaked.

Where is this place?

Oh right, the dungeon.

As dark and cold, the rat was a foodsource. He needed to eat.

Lei croaked into the void. “Hey, you there?”

His throat was dry like desert sand. His captors denied him water for days until his next meal of gruel and grass.

His hands slowly groped the wet ground, searching for his cellmate. He was here far longer than Lei was. He had lost track of time being kept in the darkness for so long. Lei kept the prisoner sane, and he gave Lei information. He was a medic from the other empire but caught as a prisoner of war, thrown in by refusing servitude.

Lei grabbed something emaciated, stiff and cold like ice. He dropped it immediately, lunging back to his old position.

Lei hugged his knees and rocked about. Something wet glided down his cheek. He wiped it with his backhand and licked. But such miniscule amount of water could cure no thirst.

His chattering teeth was the only sound in the chilling dungeon, almost echoing off the walls.

His body shivered its best to keep warm.

And his breathing slowed like a dying man.

He was cold.

He hummed the tunes Mimi always sings. He missed that rascal.

A crack of light blasted through the darkness. It was bright but lacked warmth. The dungeon door screeched open like nails scratching chalkboard. In his days in darkness, the immediate brightness blinded him.

Slick, clack, slick, slick.

A dark figure walked down the dungeon stairs, leisurely. The viscous floor licked his boots every step.

“H-hey, uh, the old man died. Not that it matt-matters to you but it’s quite un-unsanitary.” Lei told it.

The dark figure lit a torch.

“I hope you’re enjoying your stay here, Lei. Oh my, it’s quite chilly in here.” That voice was extremely familiar. Quiet but clear.

“Jur-Jurok? You’re... a-alive. Where is M-Mimi?”

“She’s safe.” His voice bounced off the walls.

“That r-red pendant was a communication crystal, the kind you infuse mana into and tr-transmit a long ranged message, wasn’t it?” Lei stuttered.

”You couldn’t force me to the R-Royal Capital s-so you had them amb-ambush me earlier… but why?”

Jurok silently stared. The iota of pity in his eyes was overwashed with pleasure as he smiled.

“That matter not anymore. I’m here to pass a message onto you by your family.”

“Wh-what?”

“By the edict of the Garuda clan’s new Lord, His Lordship Felgus has issued your execution.”