3rd Pov
A few days have passed since the start of the academy year...every student has pretty much set their mark, the nobles staying with those of their rank.
Relation and friendship naturally formed...only a few decided to stay alone preferring the calmness of a silent circle.
Origin being one of them, focused on his personal development...besides, even if he wanted to get along with others, he couldn't...
Not many would even dare walking the same path as him...his status was just that higher, he also couldn't understand those around him.
Friendship wasn't a notion he was familiar with...
Origin : Swordsmanship lesson won't start before an entire month...it seems, the academy is trying to consider us...
Not everyone was like him, most students were normal 13 year old children who had minor experience with swords.
The academy surely wants to slowly introduce the art by theory and lesson before moving to practice...
Origin : It's pretty dumb though, well it's also easier for me.
In terms of sword skill, he will easily get the top grade but in terms of academics...he wasn't dumb having finished most of the books inside the duchy of Averion.
But, this academy was all about teaching the future ruler of the continent...surely, their lesson would uphold their reputation.
Origin : I just have to focus more on studying...
As he planned his future action, he walked through an isolated part of the academy, a series of buildings that led to a small garden.
It was pretty peaceful, surely an ideal place to hide from the lousy academy students.
???: Stop that !
And as if the world was sending a message, the moment he thought he had found a land of peace, a loud cry resonated through the space.
Sighing, Origin just continued to walk without caring about the previous cry...unfortunately, he accidentally walked in the trouble.
Just beside the wall he was hiding at, 3 boys and 2 girls...they seem to be arguing about something.
One of the girls was on the ground, her cheek swollen red suggesting she was slapped a moment ago.
Origin : It seems, some middle nobles are bullying the lower rank...
It wasn't really his problem, he could actually step in and stop this ordeal but those bullies will surely come back later.
And eventually, those girls would just cling to him in hope for protection.
Origin : I should leave now.
Having set his mind, his legs stopped abruptly when the lady on the ground looked up...her face clear in display.
Origin would never forget a face he had once seen...even if it was years ago.
Origin : Catherine Widson ? What is she doing here ?
No, what is important is why is she on the ground ? Did those guys have a death wish ? Because hitting one of the 3 ducal families is akin to wishing death.
Unfortunately for Origin, in a moment of inattention, his presence was found out by Catherine who widely grinned after noticing him.
Catherine : Your highness the future duke ! Please help me !
Her words had a dramatic effect as everyone present froze...Origin himself was startled by her sudden pleas.
It was like she was playing a rôle, but surely he understood...Catherine was a student of this academy but she wasn't known as the daughter of the Widson.
Instead, she took cover as a lower noble...probably a count or viscount heiress to find in the mass.
This was the only explanation possible...beside, the fact that Catherine didn't make much public appearance to the point where her face would be unknown surprisingly added peps to his theory.
Origin : How bothersome.
Sighing once again, he didn't run and instead came out of his hiding spot, his entrance added another layer of stress upon the bully or even the girl accompanying Catherine.
Origin : Lady Catherine...may i know why you are on the ground ?
???: Catherine ?
???: W-why is a future duke being so polite to a trash girl like her ?!
Ignoring the rude comment, it seems even Catherine's name was changed...since those bullies reacted to the name Catherine as if it was foreign.
However, the concerned girl grimaced as she rectified...
Catherine : I think you misunderstood me for someone else your highness...my name is Julia, i am from a praised merchant family...
Origin : I see...you still haven't answered my question.
Catherine : Ah ! Y-you see...those nobles were talking ill about the Widson dukedom ! I tried to defend them and slowly, they got angry and slapped me !
She was clearly acting, but the content of her words didn't seem fake...even those boys seemed reluctant in denying her words.
Because, lying to the next duke of Averion would lead to something worse than death.
Origin : I see...you, take your friend and get her treated.
Ordering the other girl, Origin recognized her as the daughter of a marquess, one of the rare family led by a woman in the empire.
It wasn't common for a merchant and a marquess rank to be together...but it seems, despite the fake identity, Catherine still kept some trustworthy ally to her side.
Lillie : Yes, your highness !
Lillie Weil, she didn't have much talent or attractive traits but could be an interesting support...she was part of one of those families Averion had neutral relations with.
Origin : Now...since the ladies are gone, I should make it an example and show everyone what the price is for insulting the ducal families.
Once, Catherine was brought away...Origin's expression grew colder...he didn't care much but still, he was raised in an imperialist way.
A middle rank noble daring to insult one of the ducal family...no matter who it was, Origin couldn't let that slide.
Under the cry of agony and melancholy, 10 minutes later, an instructor came and immediately froze upon seeing the crime scene.
Standing above three semi lifeless corpses, the frozen prince slightly covered in blood had a sword in hand...
Instructor : T-this...
Origin : You took your time, it seems the protection of the students within the academy is quite low.
Turning toward the instructor, Origin slowly walked away as he swiped his blade clean through the air.
On the ground, the 3 bullies had each one had an arm severed and their face beaten up to the point of false recognition.
Instructor : Wait ! No matter who you are...this won't go-
Origin : If there is any objection...
Before the instructor knew, Origin was already beside him...his hand slowly gripped upon the adult's shoulder.
Origin : Tell them that, I will pay them a visit myself, I will take personal charge in hearing their complaint.
His eyes gleaming widely, the mere presence of a 13 years old kid managed to terrify the instructor of the most recognized academy in the empire.
After taking care of that, Origin made his way toward his room..he had to get his clothes clean from the filthy blood.
On the way, someone barged and blocked the path...looking up, Dawn already knew who it was, after only one man acted that way around him.
Origin : Why are you blocking the way ?
Velda : I was just wondering if being badass was second nature to you.
Origin : How stupid.
Ignoring him, Origin just walked past the hidden god and joined his room...from what he saw, Velda wasn't much active in class.
Many had grown hostile toward him for being a commoner yet he remained unfazed...he surely was someone different.
Anyway, after getting cleaned up...he had gone ahead and sent letters to the bullies family.
Origin : With that, this matter is definitely sealed.
It was a matter of time before the bullies were expelled and their family fell into ruin.
Now, the last thing he has to do is meet Catherine again...
Eventually, after a week once she was presentable agin...Origin invited her secretly in one of the vip rooms in the academy.
Origin : So lady Catherine, may I know the reason as to why you are hiding yourself ?
Catherine : E-eh...i didn't expect you to go that far...
They had met once, it wasn't a notable encounter at that yet...Origin made sure those bullies won't approach her ever again.
It was a pure display of influence and power, Origin Averion possessed...
Catherine : Ah...well, you see I got myself in a lot of trouble and I don't want my family's reputation to be tainted by me.
Origin : What do you mean by that ? You are of the same rank as me...
If some people find you ridiculous, then with your power you just have to make it seem normal...the weak follow the strong.
Origin who had grown up with this mentality couldn't understand Catherine who instead of imposing her authority, ran away...
Catherine : I am not as strong as you...in fact, what I love is something beyond the norm.
Flashing a sad smile, she pondered if she could reveal herself a bit more to the boy in front of her...he wasn't like the other after all.
Catherine : What I do is...magic.
Her smile never flattered, a small flame lit above her hand...Origin now understood...
Magic, this subject is very taboo as the very concept of magic is linked to sorcery and evil.
The mere fact of having someone who strives toward magic in a noble family might be the cause of demise.
Origin : Magic, huh...
Staring at the flame in her hand, Origin sighed and got up.
Origin : I see, you have your own circumstance...i won't-
Catherine : Wait ! I need you !
Origin : What ?
Catherine : You see...actually, my eyes have been sensitive to magic ever since I was young !
Born with the extra skill : Magic sense, thought she couldn't know because the very concept of skills was still unknown.
Origin : So ?
Catherine : There is always this weird flow of energy glooming everywhere...I realized no one beside me could see it...this energy that seemed to be related to magic !
Origin couldn't understand...but it was normal, he couldn't visualize or imagine what mana or magicule looked like.
Origin : So you are seeing something invisible that only you can see ? What does it have to do with me then ?
Catherine : Well...when I first saw you, I immediately realized how special you were...the energy around you seemed to be overflowing...as if magic was trying to get your favor.
Origin : Around me ?
He remembered how she looked at him back in the day, it seems she actually was surprised by this invisible energy that dwelled around him.
Catherine : This is why ! Please, help me !
The despair in her eyes was evident, Origin wondered why she seemed so hasty about this...
Origin : And how should I help you ? I can't see or use this energy.
Catherine : Ah ! Well, I was actually trying to form a club here at the academy...
Origin : A club ?
Clubs...this is an important notion in this academy, because those clubs can play a major rôle for a student's grade.
Origin wasn't interested because in the end he would still ace everything...
Catherine : Yes...those bullies actually slapped me after they learned that they wanted to open a magic related club...
Origin : I see, this is quite the erethic subject you are trying to study...
If he remembered correctly, the only people who actively researched magic in the world currently were the followers of a certain religion.
Origin : Why not contact the Dragon cult then ? They seem to worship a being called the Star king and are more advanced when it comes to magic.
Catherine : I can't trust anyone...even Lillie, she follows me because I saved her once when we were younger...
Origin : So why are you telling me this ? Averion could easily take advantage of Widson with me denouncing you.
Catherine : Ah...w-well, i can't really say it but i want to believe in you...
She was truly a weird girl...but, Origin wondered if he should actually accept her offer.
Being a member of a club actually led to more advantage but he couldn't join ant due to his status.
People would naturally fear him and ruin his experience in this club...so being part of a new one led secretly by another ducal family wouldn't be bad.
The only problem is that this club would research magic.
Origin : Fine, I will join and go along whatever you are scheming but under one condition.
Catherine : Really ?! I mean, yes, anything you want !
Origin : I'll decide the name of the club and I'll take care of whatever is administrative related.
Catherine : If you are comfortable with just this...
It was clear for Catherine, Origin just wanted to make sure his family's reputation won't be tainted by her fantasy.
He was also going to cover whatever plan she had with his power...a ducal heir can easily bribe the academy to silence them.
Thus, after that Catherine left with a wide smile...she finally had someone powerful join her cause.
Outside, her only friend Lillie was waiting with an anxious expression.
Catherine : I'm back, Lillie.
Lillie : Ah ! Cath-i mean Julia, how did it go ?
Catherine : Pretty good...
Lillie : Are you sure ? I know you both have similar status but...his highness Origin is really scary...
Catherine : Everything good, Lillie...he agreed to help me and we are now 3 in our club.
Lillie : 3 ? But we...need at least 10 people...
To this, Catherine smirked...she tapped her forehead two times before chuckling.
Catherine : Don't forget...the one who just joined us is Origin Averion, he can easily count for 20 members.
In fact, Catherine could have opened her club with her presence alone if she had revealed her true identity.
Lillie : I-i see...well i doubt the academy dean or any instructor would dare oppose his highness...
Lillie should be more worried that she had to share a club room with such a scary individual.
Lillie : W-well..and you ? You should be happy since you really admire his highness.
Catherine : Please don't mention that in front of him...
Lillie : I can understand to some point because he is the heir of the strongest ducal family, he is titled a genius and is pretty handsome-
Catherine : I know all this ! I can't help it if I fell in love at first sight !
Blushing after making sure they were far enough, Catherine finally melted her expression as she had been hyperventilated since earlier.
Trying her best to hide her true feelings...now with her sole friend, she broke down in a blushing mess.
Lillie : Fufu, well you got a chance to get with him since you guys are a perfect fit.
Catherine : Shut, for now I'm just fine with observing him from afar...
The reason for her exaggerated feeling...was that for her, Origin was her ideal self.
She was born weak physically and given a gift for a despised subject that magic is...she looked up to the heir of Averion.
A genius who was recognized by all...Catherine was a shadow protected by her family while Origin was a light that would soon enlighten the continent.
Catherine : I want to assist this light when it's still low...
Smiling, she was just a weak girl who dreamed to create a magic that would help the other...someone that would act as the shadow of the brightest light.
Another couple of days had passed, Origin had successfully formed the Club of Sword theory which was secretly the magic research club.
On the way, another member joined in...him being Velda who had gone even more famous through the campus.
Because he joined the club of a ducal heir...this also brought more hatred toward him.
Anyway, with that done...the students resumed their daily school life...Origin was hooked into this magical mess.
And had to take part in Catherine's experiment...surprisingly enough, Velda had a lot of missing knowledge and everything was going smoothly.
This continued until...swordsmanship class started.
It wasn't an obligatory class for the ladies so most were left out, some came to watch the future swordsman.
Everything was set for Origin to shine until the most unexpected outcome happened...after getting warm up and having the basics done.
The instructor agreed for the most experienced swordsman to spar...naturally, no one dared pair with Origin who end up fighting randomly.
After a long series of victories, his last opponent was Velda...the sole commoner within the academy.
It was supposed to be an easy fight but at the end...Origin found himself on the ground, his sword which had never left his hand when fighting was broken.
His frozen expression melted totally as he looked up in shock...this wasn't a fight, Velda just disarmed him after countering his every move.
Instructor : V-victor...Velda !
The announcement started a storm of whispers, some started to wonder if Origin was just in reality weaker than he appeared.
Some were now interested in Velda and a lot more...but the main victim, Origin, was still on the ground.
After a moment, once he overcame the shock, he looked down letting his white hair overshadow his eyes.
Biting his lips, he could feel the judging eyes of everyone around...he had lost for the first time, his pride definitely took a hit.
Origin : (I lost in a sword fight...)
His fist tightening, he slowly got up and stepped away...Velda who had stayed silent until now just shrugged it off.
Veldanava : (One would expect a human noble to snap after losing like that...but it seems, he won't...i can see his potential.)
He wasn't much bothered because...he felt like Origin would stand back on his own very soon.
Later that day, Catherine quickly ran through the corridor of the academy worried...she had heard the rumor of the strongest student losing to a commoner.
On the way, a lot of people were already badmouthing Origin as a mass effect took place.
Catherine : (These damn brats...they won't ever dare say the same thing in front of the victim...all of them are really making me sick!)
As she sprinted past everyone without distinction...ultimately, she found herself in the last place she thought of.
The farthest training ground used by no one due to the high distance it is from the academy facility.
Upon arriving, she noticed Velda standing there...arm crossed while laying his back against the wall...behind him, the sound of a sword flying through the air could be heard.
Catherine : Velda ? What are you doing here ?
Catherine and Velda were actually good friends since the latter was proficient with magic...if he wasn't here, their magic research would be far slower.
Veldanava : Be quiet, you came here to see how he was doing, right.
Pointing his finger at the training ground behind, Catherine hesitated for a moment before approaching and took a light peek.
And contrary to her expectation, the boy she had admired wasn't on the ground...shocked by his first true defeat.
No instead, he was swinging his sword like no tomorrow...the ground all wet suggesting intensive training for a long period.
Veldanava : Right after our spar, he came here and relentlessly trained until now...
Catherine : Really ?
Her eyes widening slightly, her part of her always thought Origin Averion was a genius of the highest grade...someone who didn't need to put a lot of effort to achieve a miracle.
But now...as she observed his sweat covered face, the effort of a man that covered the entire ground surrounding him...she realized...
Catherine : (Talent without hard work is worthless...)
Her fist tightening, it seemed her worry was useless as Origin wasn't going to let this single defeat get to him.
No in fact, it opened his eyes...as the next day he formally asked Velda to teach him what he lacked...
This action not only surprised the star king dragon but also the other student as Origin didn't mind making his request in public.
Veldanava : (Truly fascinating...in reality, i had started to lose a bit of hope in the human race since all i saw was greed and war...but, i did well coming here, Origin Averion, i look forward to your future.)
Years then passed...Origin was now 17 and graduated from the academy...
In the meantime, a lot of things happened...firstly, his younger siblings were born, from a concubine...his father earnestly a pair of twins.
A boy and a girl, both of them slowly grew up into two spoiled brat who hid behind their father or their older brother.
Since, Origin was clearly the heir and future duke of Averion, their education was similar to the other noble's family.
As long as they didn't tarnish the family reputation, they could do whatever they wanted...
That aside, Origin had grown up perfectly...standing as a tall adult, he was already one of the best swordsmen in the empire.
A genius among the top, his previous defeat was silenced as he came out victorious in the imperial tournament, a period of one month where swordsmen from all around the world gather.
Veldanava however had left the academy only 2 years after he joined...his sudden decision was startling but ultimately no one could force him to stay.
As for Catherine, she was progressing fastly in her magic research...having created a few basic spells like fireball or ice lance, she was slowly popularizing the art through the empire.
Everything was going smoothly...until, this same year, a gruesome news befell the empire...the strongest dukedom of Averion and the second seat named Lestia entered a territorial war.
All 3 dukedoms belong to the empire...but the three families weren't allies...
Averion was the face of the imperial power, Widson was the neutral party and Lestia was the face of the people.
Lestia and Averion were direct opponents from two separate factions...and it didn't age well, the tension between the two families isn't new.
And finally it broke down, a territorial war is a law in the empire...if two territories of similar status are in conflict, they can enact a territorial war to settle their difference.
However, no territorial war between dukedoms ever happened so now the entire empire was on edge..
Naturally, Origin was given a unit and was bound to participate and go on the field directly.
Several days before the first battle, Origin was in an isolated place to affine his sword skills before his first true battle.
While he was focusing he was interrupted by the sound of the bush moving...turning his head toward the noise, he instantly recognized the intruder.
Origin : Didn't expect you to come all the way here, Catherine.
Catherine : Hehe, and I thought I was being sneaky.
It has been 2 years since they graduated, they had kept communication though Catherine being part of the neutral family wasn't allowed to see him.
After the tension broke off...because the duke of Widson absolutely wanted to keep him neutral standing.
Origin : So you sneaked out of your house ?
Now sat on a fallen trunk, both discussed while the sun crossed the sky...it was just a normal friendly meeting.
Catherine : Yeah...i wanted to see you at least once before the battle...
Origin : You don't have to worry, I don't intend to lose and die there.
Catherine : I know...but still be careful, the 3 sons of duke Lestia are famous for their skills...sword, hax and a bow...
Origin : It doesn't matter, at the end Averion will win.
Catherine : I see...
Slowly, Catherine's eyes wrinkled...her head slowly fell on Origin's shoulder.
Catherine : You should be even more careful about your own family thought ...
Muttering under a breath, Origin didn't manage to catch her words..
Origin : Did you say something ?
Catherine : Nevermind, I actually came here to give you something too.
Origin : Mmh ?
Smiling, she backed away and got up...her hands swiftly traveled through her bag as she took out a book.
Catherine : When the territorial war was announced 5 months ago...I increased my pace and started the creation of a new spell that would help you.
Taking out a book from her purse, Origin took it without much hesitation and flipped it's page.
Origin : This...
Catherine : I'm not really fond of offensive spells but...if it's for you, I'm ready to take the consequence.
The death that her spell will create...the thought of being the one behind hundred of death was infuriating but...
Catherine had made up her mind when she started the creation of this new spell.
Catherine : It's still a prototype but I already made the test, it works just fine.
Origin : This...
Catherine : I plan to improve it later, so let's call it « Beta Disintegration ».
Smiling, there was only one thing Catherine couldn't have guessed...that the weight and guilt she would feel after creating this spell would haunt her the rest of her life.
Days later, the territorial war started...and ended the same day..
Origin had successfully led his army of 2000 mens through the entire battlefield.
With revolutionary magic, he had bursted through every defense...the three brothers of Lestia were easily taken out by Origin's sword.
That day...the empire knew the rise of a new champion...however, this win was accompanied by a big loss.
When Origin reached the castle of Lestia...he saw the enemy knight making a path for him...
Since Lestia was known for its righteous virtue, Origin abided by their rule and ordered his mens to stay outside while he made his way in alone.
Once he had reached the last room, he could see the duke and his wife seated on a lower throne.
Duke Lestia : It seems you have finally arrived, young master of Averion.
His voice was cold and you could feel his old age from his tone...the duchess was also pretty old, surely it was a matter of years before their son succeeded them.
Origin : Duke Lestia...can I consider this as a sign of surrender ?
Duke Lestia : Naturally...there is no way this old me can defeat the brightest star of the empire...
Origin : I see...then-
Duke Lestia : But...I also know for a fact that you killed my three beloved sons...did you atleast bring their corpse ?
Silence befalling the hall, the few knights located on the side shook uncomfortably...it seemed the inhabitant of Lestia really loved their ducal family.
Origin : I have the head of the third and first son, the second however was totally burned down and disposed of during the fight.
Duke Lestia : I see...may I ask a favor ?
Origin : What ?
Duke Lestia : Please...give them a good place to rest after this meaningless war.
The duke said while getting up...his hand reached for his golden sword...
Origin : Why not burying them yourself ? Even if you lose now, your title of duke won't be stripped away.
Duke Lestia : You don't understand...before being the duke of Lestia, i am the father of 3 good kids, it is my duty to avenge them.
A wave of murderous intent leaving the old duke, he jumped forward toward Origin who without emotion, parried his attack.
Origin : The first sword, Europa.
Using his very own swordsmanship...a large vertical slash was followed by a bath of blood...
This last fight had lasted 21 minutes and 12 seconds...with the duke of Lestia dying at the hand of Origin Averion.
On the side, the knights and even the duchess held their tears...but none moved, their body was shaking emotionally.
Origin : I don't understand...I just killed your master yet no one is fighting back...why ?
Under him, the bloodied body of the duke could be seen, his body cut in half mercilessly as the handsome young appeared like the devil.
And to his question, the duchess got up...unable to hold her tears, she answered with a shaky voice.
Duchess : B-because...he was the duke of Lestia, we can't taint his honor after he died in honor.
Her words rang through the hall, the knights who previously stood tall fell on their knees...their weapon scattering on the ground.
It was the official victory of Averion...Origin had succeeded but he could help but feel a bitter aftertaste.
Before going back to Averion, he had a discussion with the Duchess.
Duchess : Young lord of Averion, I sincerely pray...that you won't become like the other of your family.
Origin : Why are you saying that ?
Standing on top of a balcony with a perfect view over the city governed by Lestia...Origin could see the peaceful land that will soon be shaken by the death of their ruler.
Duchess : You are talented...so I sincerely hope you will break the curse that the duchy of Averion is.
Origin : What do you mean by that ?
His hand tightly gripped the hilt of his sword, despite the menacing aura the young man released...the duchesse didn't show a hint of nervousness.
Duchess : In the past, none of those who wore the name Averion listened to my words, you are the very first one...so please, take this advice to heart.
Her eyes shining in determination, Origin could just release the pressure and listen to the elder.
Duchess : The duchy of Averion isn't as clean as it's shown, the darkness that dwells inside is worse than anywhere else in the empire...
Origin : Darkness ?
Duchess : Lestia has for a long time tried to end this cycle...but every duke and heir of Averion were cold blooded monsters, well, it seems an exception is finally born.
Origin : Can you just get to the point already ?
Duchess : How impatient...anyway, go to the basement of your home you will find the answer and hopefully, you will uncover a new veil for this empire.
Origin : Basement ? (But there is no basement...in the castle of Averion...)
Her words really disturbed Origin but he had to shrug it off...later, he left to get back home, the duchess's face flashing in his mind for some moment.
Origin : Tch...why do I feel so annoyed by her words ?
He wondered, something like should have never managed to affect him yet he felt a sense of distress...
No, in reality deep down he knew why...because, even if Averion wasn't the best household, it was still his family...his identity.
He didn't want the duchess's words to be true...he didn't want to see the name Averion attached to darkness.
Even more when people had started to call him the brightest star of the empire...
Sealing his unease the best he could...a few weeks passed as the entire empire stood in front of its emperor.
The territorial war ending brutally in a single day managed to shake the balance of force within the empire, this magic Origin had used was controversial and its usage questioned.
This was why, on a sunny day...a large trial was held in front of the empire directly in the imperial palace.
During the same time, they had held the victory ceremony for Averion, now the ruler of Lestia, the duchess had to pay compensation.
On this day, Lestia had lost most of its wealth, influence and part of their territory to Averion...
All the way, the Duchesse quietly agreed to every terms...it was clear that Lestia was done for...the duke and the 3 potential heirs.
All gone by the hand of a single man...
After this was settled, the trial for the magic used started...ultimately it ended with Origin giving away Catherine's research...
This will later lead to the army acquiring a new power...however, fortunately what he had given wasn't the research over Beta Disintegration...
But the research over the basic elemental magic...the one everyone could use.
The trial just ended afterward...and like that another year passed by.
Now 18, Origin earned the official title of heir of Averion's duchy...his reputation had increased tenfold and his family name had become the greatest force in the empire.
Some even said that they could overthrow the imperial family...though the main concerns weren't worried.
Averion had swore loyalty to the emperor for a long time...the empire's subject followed its sun, even if Averion managed to get to the top.
They were bound to know failure after the household following the imperial family rebel...leaving an opening for the other nation to attack.
With the nearly acquired knowledge over magic, the empire grew tremendously in terms of military...
In a way, Catherine had achieved her dream...of popularizing magic...
Well this still had come at a big cost because...what she feared happened, led by greed with their new found power.
The empire started a campaign to unify the continent...thought they could only do that much because of the enemy force.
The previously peaceful empire had turned some previously neutral relations into hostile...
Averion wasn't spared as the continent neighboring close to the northern land ruled by the High human...they had developed a semi aggressive standing toward the empire.
The continent known as Celeste, which was inhabited by a rare and majestic race called the Celestial...against them, Averion was the first and last wall of defense.
Being the strongest force of the empire, if they fell then no one would be capable of stopping them.
This is why, in this time of conflict between Averion and Celeste...the empire took precaution and sent reinforcement to the duchy.
This is how a small army of 25 thousand men was created to serve the young lord of Averion...his strength recognized throughout the continent.
Origin had Catherine as one of his executives...this single army had managed to push back the Celestian for years...
And this was how Origin lived his 19, 20 and 21 birthday...3 years of constant conflict where he had to fight monsters who are baseline much stronger than humans.
But that wasn't the true problem...what really bothered him lay much deeper into his companion...when he could fight for days without tiring...
The other struggled to keep up his pace, their physical and mental capability slowly degraded...until the day where it all broke down appeared.
Under a rainy sky, Origin and his army were on the continent of Celeste...having set a camp in their recently conquered territory.
It was a daily event of losing and gaining territory on this continent...
Origin : It's already been 281 days here, huh...still no news of any ceasefire...
His blade at his wrist...his eyes showed tiredness...over the last 3 years, he had lost many men and even his cold heart was starting to shake.
This was a true war...something completely different from the territorial war he had in the past.
Origin : Ah...I should go check the food stock.
Getting up, he slowly made his way out...on the way, he noticed that Catehrine's tent was particularly quiet ?
His eyes narrowing, he slowly grabbed the hilt of his sword and approached the tent...when he was close enough, some light sob reached his ears.
Relaxing, he peeked through the opening to see the woman who had followed him into this hell...she was sitting on the ground, her face buried in her knee as she crawled into a ball.
Origin : Catherine ?
Hearing her name, the woman flinched...she sure had developed into a fine lady...if she was one of those noble women of the capital.
It was without doubt that she would be among the prettiest, unfortunately her quality was ruined by the war.
Catherine : Origin...s-sorry, i didn't want you to see me in this state...
Origin : What happened ?
Catherine : N-nothing...i-it's just, i tried to remain strong but...i guess I finally reached my limit...
Origin nodded, he had realized that bringing Catherine here with him wasn't a good idea...before being sent on Celeste.
Their army had marched on some other nation back in their home continent...there Catherine had seen the result of her research.
She had saw, children being burnt to death...innocent people being cutted down by magic and more horrible sight.
She wanted to create magic to help the other but it ended into a genocide...each step she took afterward were filled with blood.
She felt responsible and guilty...what more is that, after her magic being recognized 3 years ago...
Catherine felt proud, she thought she had finally opened a gate for this art...she even did more research but slowly, those utopic research were forced into the creation of deadly spells capable of taking life.
Catherine : Please...Origin, help me...
Her hand shakingly making their way to grab Origin's shirt, the despair in Catherine's eyes could be felt...
However, Origin didn't move...his tired eyes just stared into Catherine's despair...
Catherine : Please...just kill me...at least, be the one who does it...
This was the sad reality, this woman who would later be known as the Mother of modern magic, or the Sinful Witch was in reality...
Just a woman who just wanted to help the one she loved, to help the world into reaching an even more peaceful era...
But this same woman ends up creating the weapon that will tae uncountable amount of lives...this was Catherine Widson.