SPELLCRAFT: Reincarnation Of A Magic Scholar

"...."

The room was deathly silent, save for the soft rustling of the curtains stirred by the faint night breeze. Neron's breath remained uneven as his eyes stayed fixed on the corner of the room where he'd sensed the presence.

"You're awake," a calm voice said, breaking the stillness.

Neron whipped his head around to find a man standing by the window. The intruder's golden hair caught the moonlight, giving him an almost ethereal glow. His features bore a striking resemblance to the Emperor's—sharp and regal—but with a more youthful vigor.

He was dressed in elegant golden robes, though they lacked the imperial embellishments that marked the Emperor's attire.

"Who are you?" Neron asked, his voice steady despite the unease gnawing at him.

The man's lips curled into a faint smile.

"I am Kido, younger brother to the Emperor and uncle to Prince Kuzon."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Neron tensed, his gaze narrowing. "Why are you here?"

"To warn you." Kido stepped closer, his movements fluid and deliberate.

"Warn me?" Neron's suspicion deepened. "About what?"

"The people of the Midas Empire." Kido's tone was grave, his golden eyes locked onto Neron's. "Do not trust them."

Neron's mind raced, his confusion mounting. "Why would you say that? Aren't you one of them?"

Kido's expression darkened slightly, though his voice remained calm.

"Let's just say I've seen enough to know where their loyalty truly lies. Your friends who came here before made the mistake of trusting the Midas Empire. They paid for that mistake with their lives."

The mention of his "friends" sent a chill down Neron's spine.

His heart pounded as he thought back to Legris, Reed Sterling, and Frankfurt Lawcraft—the Cult members who had perished.

How much did this man know?

"What do you mean?" Neron pressed, his voice sharper now. "Who are you talking about? What happened to them?"

Kido regarded him silently for a moment, his gaze inscrutable.

Just as Neron was about to ask another question, Kido stepped back toward the window.

"I've said enough for now," Kido said softly. "Be careful, boy. This land is not as golden as it seems."

Before Neron could reply, Kido was gone.

No sound, no movement—just an empty room and the lingering sensation of his presence. It was as though he had never been there at all.

Neron sat back against the bedframe, his mind reeling. The cryptic warning, the sudden disappearance, and the nightmare from earlier all swirled together in a storm of doubt. He clenched his fists, his breath coming in uneven bursts.

'What is this place?'

Your next read is at empire

*************

The next day came too quickly for Neron's liking.

His night had been restless, and the memory of Kido's warning lingered in his thoughts like a shadow he couldn't shake.

A servant arrived early in the morning, carrying a set of ornate clothes—golden robes adorned with intricate embroidery that shimmered in the light. Neron reluctantly dressed, allowing himself to be fussed over as they adjusted his collar and polished his boots.

By mid-morning, a carriage pulled by majestic beasts with golden scales awaited him.

The journey to the Golden Palace was short but breathtaking, with the gilded streets and towering spires of the capital stretching as far as the eye could see.

When the carriage stopped, Neron was escorted into the palace, its grand halls gleaming with a brilliance that felt almost otherworldly. Servants and guards lined the pathway, their expressions neutral as they bowed in unison.

Finally, he entered the throne room.

The space was vast, the walls adorned with intricate murals depicting the Empire's glorious history. At the far end, atop an elevated platform, sat the Emperor and Empress. The Emperor's presence was commanding, his golden robes flowing around him like molten sunlight. The Empress, equally regal, had an air of grace and intelligence that complemented her husband's imposing aura.

To their right stood Prince Kuzon, his expression unreadable, and a young girl who bore a striking resemblance to him—likely his sister.

And in the corner, partially obscured by the throne's shadow, was Kido. He stood silently, his gaze fixed on Neron as though gauging his every move.

Neron forced himself to remain composed as he approached the dais. He bowed low, his movements deliberate and respectful.

"Welcome, young one," the Emperor's voice boomed, resonating through the hall. "We trust you have been treated well during your stay in our Empire."

Neron straightened, meeting the Emperor's gaze. "I am grateful for your hospitality, Your Majesty."

But his mind was far from calm. Kido's warning echoed in his thoughts, mingling with the haunting images from his nightmare. He glanced briefly at the Prince, whose expression betrayed no hint of malice, then at Kido, whose face remained impassive.

'Don't trust them!'

The weight of suspicion began to settle over him like a heavy cloak.

Something about this place, these people, didn't add up.

He knew he had to tread carefully.

The Emperor leaned forward on his golden throne, his piercing gaze locked onto Neron. The air in the vast chamber grew heavy, a subtle tension settling over the room.

"There is something I would ask of you, Neron." He said, his deep voice resonating with authority.

Neron's brow furrowed slightly, though he kept his expression neutral.

"A favor, Your Majesty?"

The Emperor nodded. "Indeed. My children, particularly Kuzon, have expressed great interest in you. As I told you before, utsiders are a rarity in our Empire. We haven't had one in centuries, and your presence has sparked their curiosity."

Kuzon's lips curled into a faint smile, his sharp eyes glinting with intrigue. His younger sister remained quiet, her gaze flitting between Neron and her father.

The Emperor continued, his tone measured.

"I wish for you to entertain them, to indulge their questions and perhaps show them a glimpse of the world beyond these golden walls."

Neron's mind raced.

The request seemed innocent on the surface, but he knew better than to take it at face value.

"And in return?" he asked cautiously.

A smile spread across the Emperor's face, one that sent a chill down Neron's spine.

"In return, we shall help you achieve a new level of enlightenment in Magic."

Neron's eyes widened slightly, the offer catching him off guard.

"Enlightenment?"

The Empress, who had remained silent until now, spoke in a voice as smooth as silk.

"Mana and Miasma, the energies you are familiar with, are but base and impure forms of true energy. They are incomplete, fractured. However…" She paused, her golden eyes gleaming. "The higher form of this energy is Aether—a pure, untainted force that surpasses all others."

"Aether…" Neron echoed, the word lingering on his tongue.

The Emperor nodded. "It is the essence of creation itself. With Aether, you will gain a perspective on Magic that far exceeds your current understanding. It is the key to true mastery."

Neron's mind buzzed with possibilities.

The thought of harnessing such a power was tantalizing, but he forced himself to remain composed.

'This could be a trap, or perhaps an opportunity. Either way, I have to tread carefully.'

The Emperor leaned back, his gaze unwavering. "Do we have an agreement?"

Neron hesitated for only a moment before a wide smile spread across his face.

"Of course, Your Majesty. It would be an honor."