“So, how did I end up here, in this situation? That would be the question,” the man began, pacing across the room.

  “There is no short version of my story. I was born privileged—and by that, I mean wealthy—and strong. I am a magician, after all,” he continued, scratching his head. “But as I grew up, I noticed something... Hey there, I’m still talking,” he snapped, leaning close to one of his captives.

  “As I was saying, I noticed something. See,” he said, resuming his walk, “for all I had, it could all be swept away by these ability users—the so-called ‘spirit users.’ As one of my teachers said—what a great man he was, right until he was killed by an ability user.”

  The room was dark, save for thin slivers of light cutting through the gloom, though the ventilation kept the air moving.

  “My parents kneeled to an ability prodigy. Then I remembered: most kings are just commoners influenced by ability users, yet some commoners can control ability users just like the nobles do.”

  “So, what happened next? It’s hard to follow the story if you keep going off track,” another man replied, his voice carrying a heavy bass.

  “Oh, so you are listening,” the white man said. “Huh. I remember... he was using fire. My parents were scared, and I—well, I was too, but—”

  “But you were scared? I thought it would be something like, ‘Oh no, not me!’” the other guy said, laughing his heart out.

  “No, I’m not stupid—or rather, brave. I mean, he could have killed us, unless someone killed him first,” the white man said, finally taking a seat. “And I did. Oh, I killed that boy. See, I learned something from that teacher I mentioned: magic is limitless. So I choked him out. Or so I thought, but...”

  “It was your bastard brother. The ability user,” the other man said, floating just above him.

  “Yes, my little brother, whom I cared most about. My one and only friend and my last family,” the elder brother said, running his hand sideways through his hair.

  “And our parents?” the younger one asked.

  “Mom is safe and alive—both of our moms. While the dads... well, they are safe in their graves,” the older one said.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  “So what about these?”

  “Don’t worry, Cp. They are here to help us take over. This spell will help us, after all; they are nobles.”

  “Hey, no saying names or initials. Get it, Gt?” Cp said, his feet landing softly on the ground.

  “I hate kings, and ability users, and the way we magicians are treated like we’re ‘all books and no harm,’” Gt said, looking down at the spell drawn from his mind, encircling the group of nobles. “Finally, it’s time to wake.”

  .........

  “Okay then, I’m getting your part. And most importantly, you said you would protect my girl,” Joe said, reaching for a cup of wine.

  “That is true. I’ll even keep your secret. I mean, if anyone finds out, you might get the next bounty,” Terry replied, seated on the other side of the table.

  “I never asked, but considering you are here, I’ve got some questions.”

  “Mmm, questions. About what?”

  “Those of the Realms. Especially since you said someone recently fought you. What are ‘Those of the Realms’?”

  “I shouldn’t have said that, but I guess he’s one of the exceptions,” Terry said.

  “The man... what about those of the Realms? There are lots of stories here; it’s hard to tell which ones are false.”

  .........

  “See, that’s where the problem is. Finding one answer is hard, but what I’ll tell you is that Sky is someone to take into consideration,” the Guild Master said, taking a pose , " that's what joe said, that's all I can tell you." He added.

  “Yes, her. And did she speak about someone? A boy? It’s been a long time, but that is where my interest lies.”

  “The boy... I remember, but that’s guild business. And Sky is part of my guild,” the Guild Master said, looking at Rheis.

  “It’s not my business to be here, trust me. I tried to avoid all this involvement, but I was visited, and I’ve seen too much to leave this unattended,” Rheis replied.

  “Girl, the show was fine, but I’m out. Because of you, I have to answer to the others.”

  “Have you ever seen a spirit?” Rheis asked.

  “A spirit?”

  “Yes. For all my normal-looking eyes and body, I’ve seen them since childhood. And right now, we are surrounded by many,” Rheis said, staring at the Guild Master. “Here, if you don’t believe me... though some are... less attractive.” She stifled a laugh. “What? I said less attractive, not ugly.”

  The Guild Master looked around, unnerved by Rheis’s comment. With a surge of courage, he touched her hand. His pupils narrowed before widening in shock.

  “No!” the Guild Master gasped, yanking his hand back with enough force that he almost fell.

  His eyes fell on Rheis, who was hiding her right eye. Blood was trickling just below it. “What’s that?”

  “It happens when I invite someone to see what I can. Don’t worry, it’s just the price.”

  “Just the price?”

  “A painful one. One I might not do again. But do you understand now? A spirit can see a spirit, but humans can’t. That was what I was told,” Rheis said.

  “Let’s go to my guild together. I’ll explain what I can there. Right now, I need to go back to the meeting. It was postponed because of you.”

  ..........

  “Here we are: Miraen,” Veryn said.

  “I see nothing. A barrier?”

  “Yes, Ryke...”

  “Quiet. Forgive us for the intrusion, but I need to come in,” Leon began. “I’m Leon Heart, and we’ve heard that what we are looking for might have passed through here.”

  “I know you are there. I don’t want to use force,” Leon said, his voice steady.

  “So? Will you do it, or should we just go back?” Azeya asked.

  “Huh,” Leon muttered, sliding a pinky ring off his finger.

  'Damn... that’s just a ring,' Veryn thought, a bead of sweat starting to roll down his face.

  “You’re a weak one,” Ryke whispered back to Veryn, despite Veryn being the older of the two.

  “Give me the sword, Veryn. A fireball might end up killing someone by mistake,” Leon said. He held out his hand, which now carried four rings.

  Veryn passed him the sword. The moment Leon’s fingers gripped the hilt, the blade ignited, glowing with fire. Without wasting a second, he sliced through the air.

  “Yeah, it couldn’t have survived long,” Leon said, looking at the opening he had made.