3rd Pov
Staring at the raining sky, a world painted in gray...Origin carefully caressed Catherine's hair as the woman was asleep on his lap.
She had previously asked him to end her life...but he didn't, instead he just knocked her unconscious while contemplating the rain.
Origin : Death, huh...at the end, death is the final destination and answer to all despair...
Looking around the camp, many were questioning their reason for life...fighting over and over indefinitely.
Fearing death that could catch you at any time now...it was clear that the glorious army under Origin had reached its limit.
Origin : I see...
During those hard times, what people need is...hope, the hope that could revive even the driest man.
And...Origin had no other choice but become that hope before the decreasing flames of war totally disappear.
Origin : I'll come back soon...
Getting up, he left a few soft words to the sleeping Catherine before dashing out...his sword at his wrist.
He was the commander and leader of this army...it was his duty to manage his mens.
Origin : If they need time to recover, then I'll give them time.
His eyes shining wildly under the rain, he had set himself a new objective...and that was-
Waking up slowly, Catherine's eyes opened before closing back when she was hit by the reflection of the sunlight on her face.
Catherine : Ugh...my head hurt...
Holding her head, she let her eyes adjust to the mild luminosity of her tent...before noticing someone near the entrance.
Catherine : You...
Her eyes suddenly flew open as she recognized the man...
Catherine : Velda ? What are you doing here ?!
The man that had left years ago...without clear explanation was there with his unconditional perfectionist beauty.
Veldanava : Well, Origin finally managed to awaken his power so...i came here to watch.
Catherine : Awaken his power ? Wait ! Where is he right now ?!
Suddenly panicking, her ears then captured the noise outside...it seemed the entire camp was in chaos.
Veldanava : Origin...he is currently in the west side...
Catherine : What ?! Did a battle start there ? I have to go quickly !
Veldanava : It's no use...the battle had already ended hours ago.
Catherine grew confused by his words...but instead of answering, Veldanava stood aside as a soldier quickly made his way to the tent and called for Catherine.
Soldier : Vice-commander ! His highness's Origin has disappeared ! We can't find him anywhere !
Catherine : Wh-the west side ! We have to get there quickly !
Realizing...Veldanva actually knew where Origin was not because he had heard it from the soldiers, but because he just knew it.
While the chaos outside was due to the disappearance of the leader of the army.
Quickly preparing herself, with a unit of 500 mens...Catherine made her way through the land to join the Western battlefield...
This was a vast plain called Riveria...it's also the fastest path to reach the capital of Celeste...
Catherine : Why did he go there alone !
Surprisingly enough, no one questioned Veldanava's presence who just tagged along...
After a short journey, they had arrived on the bloody battlefield and Catherine's fear came true...the usually silent battlefield was turned upside down.
The bodies of hundreds of Celestian lay around everywhere...in the midst of this, a single was standing among the corpses.
Catherine : T-this...what happened here ?
Her pupil shaking violently, she could feel the anxiety of everyone behind her...
Veldanava : I'll answer that...when he saw the state of his mens, he had realized that he alone could resolve this...he was the leader, he had to lead everyone and he decided that he would embrace that rôle.
While everyone was trying to rest, faking the shortest amount of sleep possible just so their inner mind won't go crazy.
This misery was the key point to open Origin's mind...
Veldanava : His original plan was to end this war by himself even if he had to sacrifice his life...
Catherine : B-but...he should have at least consulted me and the other general first !
Veldanava : Can't you see ? You are all weaker than him...when Origin can slay dozens of Celestian, you people need several mens for one.
His words brought the accompanying solder to shame, their heads low...they had long ago realized that none of them could match their commander.
They were all side character for the hero that Origin was...yet, they dragged him down...
Veldanava : And most of you wanted to abandon your life...this all led to now.
Catherine had now realized too, her words and action from the last day...if only she had kept shut and continued to fight...
Veldanava : On his way toward the capital, he accidentally stumbled on an army of 200 celestians...they were out to make an ambush on the exhausted soldier resting in the east.
That means...that Origin had no time to go back and alert everyone before preparing the defense...it was going to be a one sided slaughter.
Veldanava : With that in mind, he engaged the fight by himself...his blade never stopping as he fought until dawn...
The star king's eyes growing colder, he slowly took a step forward as Catherine and the soldiers just stared at its back.
Veldanava : He fought with the idea of protecting you people...while you were resting comfortably, he was fighting with all he had.
His slow step soon led Veldanava to the sole standing man.
Veldanava : And even now...
But the moment, Veldanava took a step within range of Origin's body...the heir of Averion moved instinctively as his blade flew across the space.
Having predicted the action, Veldanava took a step back while observing what he came here for...the swing that Origin's blade traced continued.
Rushing past the knights, it generated a huge wind impact that blew most of them to the ground...followed by that several tree kilometers away from the plain were cut down.
Veldanava : (Unique skill : Balde heart...this was the skill he was born with, and the one he managed to fully awaken here.)
The power of Origin Averion had grown tenfold...it was clear that the Celestian here were massacred by a single man.
But this came at a great price...Catherine who struggled got up shook in anger as she came up running.
Catherine : So he won right ! So why is he in this state now !
Her anger was justified, as Origin who was now facing her...had totally empty eyes.
His body wasn't moving either...it just acted on reflex earlier...
Veldanava : He is dead...aout of the 7 hours that composed the battle, he only lived through 5...the remaining two, his body kept killing even after his death.
The body was dead but the soul remained...fighting over and over to annihilate the enemy before they could get to his people.
Perhaps the exemplary goodness from the dukedom of Lestia had influenced him...still, he at the end of this life remained standing no matter how many waves of Celestian came.
Catherine : I-if only i had stayed quiet...
Veldanava : In the end, it doesn't really matter since he failed in what he wanted to do...
Ending this meaningless war, if he had attacked the capital of Celeste...Veldanava was convinced that the loss would have been much greater.
After all, the unique skill : Blade heart was that dangerous...
Veldanava : (A unique skill that has the potential to unbalance the rule I had made...how funny, I really can't let him die yet.)
While Veldanava was reorganizing his thoughts, Catherine had made her way to her friend and grabbed his uniform...
His arms, his legs...everything was covered in scar and blood...even his face, those snow like white hair had turned red.
Under the sudden approach of Catherine, Origin's body moved by instinct again...but in the middle of his swing, he halted, allowing the girl to grab him.
Catherine : You idiot...I am just a shadow...while you are a bright star, if one had to sacrifice...it should have been me !
Her tears flowing like a waterfall, she buried her face against Origin's chest...she didn't care of the blood or wound.
She just cried her heart out...the soldiers behind who had listened to Velda's explanation felt pure guilt.
They have been companions for years now...fighting over and over, but at the end...they had let down their leader.
Bowing, all they could do now was honoring his death...
Veldanava : It's starting to become way too emotive...
Sighing, Veldanava wanted to let those soldiers learn about the truth but it seemed this wasn't good.
His eyes shining like a star, he had decided to go against his first judgment and made them all fall asleep before erasing this part of their memories.
Catherine : W-what are you doing ?
Turning around, Veldanava blankly stared at the broken Catherine, the girl gave him the coldest glare he had ever experienced.
Veldanava : Ahem...don't worry, I will revive Origin, a talent like hom cannot die here.
Catherine : R-revive ?
The previous cold was instantly washed away when she heard those words...it was a ray of hope in a vast sea of darkness.
Veldanava : Don't worry, i'll wipe out everyone's memories-
Catherine : No !
Veldanava : Huh ?
Catherine : I don't know who you are...for me we were comrades from the academy...so i want to trust you...
Veldanava grew quiet at Catherine's sudden outburst...
Catherine : So please...if you can really save Origin...do it and let me keep those memories...
Veldanava : Why ? You will suffer much more...
Catherine : This is a sin I have to bear...
Veldanava : You aren't exactly in the wrong.
Catherine : Please...
Her eyes displayed immense pain...Veldanava couldn't really say he could understand her, she was having a storm of emotion whirling inside her right now.
Veldanava : Well I can do you this favor since you entertain me a bit.
He did enjoy teaching the girl the base of magic at the academy...he also wanted to see how this relation and those feelings Catherine and Origin had would grow.
Veldanava : Then let's start.
Extending his hand to the sky, the entire universe shook as a miracle happened under Catherine's eyes...at that moment she realized.
Veldanava...he might have been a true god, not like the one who was worshiped by the church of the south...or the other god from myth and legend.
VOTW : (Announce : Individual Origin Averion was granted the Hero Egg by the star king dragon, Veldanava...failed, current body condition too unstable, restoration of body and soul, Successful, granting Hero Egg, Successful...)
As a silent voice of the world started announcing the doing of Veldanava, only Catherine and Origin should be able to hear this.
The girl could only look up at the sky bewildered...
Catherine : W-what is this ?
Veldanava : This is...my newest creation, the Hero Egg...I was waiting for someone worthy enough to appear or someone that could awaken it by himself, but I thought I would find it myself.
Smirking, Origin and Catherine...this was the first true time, The Voice of the World was actively giving something to humans.
VOTW : (Petition to evolve individual : Origin Averion into an enlighten human has started-interference***)
Veldanava : (Enlighten, huh...Twilight sure had fun making these.)
VOTW : (Successful.)
Ending the announcement on that, Origin's body slowly glowed in silver as every wound and injuries were healed.
His death was overruled...and back to his source, he opened his eyes feeling hazy.
Veldanava : I'll take my leave now, take care of you two (I would have liked to give you my blessing, but it's still too early, that Ivarage is also still very far away from this world, so we got time.)
Smirking, Veldanava quietly left as he watched Catherine tackle her friend down crying her soul out.
Veldanava : (I should prepare a proper gift next time...i think it's the proper way to meet a friend...)
After this day, it was later known as « The day where God descended »...
A lot of things followed this named day, firstly...the war between the empire and the continent of Celeste ended a few weeks later.
The reason was simple, after being reborn...Origin had felt a rush of power through his entire body...it was terrifying to the point where a simple Celstian or even renowned warrior couldn't be a match for him anymore.
Surrendering once they had lost too much force and ressource...it was the empire's victory and so after 3 long years, Origin's army finally returned to their homeland.
Though that victory didn't last long...as a few years later, the northern continent inhabited by the high humans decided to take advantage of the Celestian's weak state and annihilated them.
But that's a story for the future...in the present day, the young hero was staring at the horizon...the calm ocean as the large ship he was standing on shook at the rhythm of the waves.
Origin : I don't know what this is...
Looking down at his hand, his eyes could see things he couldn't before...an overflowing energy that was almost omnipresent everywhere.
Origin : I am certain...i died that day, yet how come i'm still alive ?
He had a lot of questions that remained unanswered...he had also asked Catherine about it but the girl just said that it was a miracle.
Origin : She was definitely hiding the truth...well, i guess i just have to close my eyes on this matter.
Clenching his fist, the last few weeks of battle were much less impactful...he had awoken and managed to use the skill : Blade heart...
Unconsciously, it was implemented whenever he fought...this was the result of countless hours of effort...holding his sword over and over.
The power that dwelled inside his soul...no matter what, he will be able to slash it down as long as he has the conviction to do so.
In other words, being time or space, law or concept...as long as he believed he could cut it down...he would.
Origin : Is this a divine blessing ? I can't really understand...my body also feels a lot lighter...
Sighing, he turned around before freezing an instant...his hand traveling to his chest, he checked his heart pulse as he pondered.
Origin : I also feel more...emotional...
It was really strange, a sensation he couldn't explain...but he could'n say it was uncomfortable.
A few days later, the small army finally reached their homeland...out of the initial number, only 7 thousand mens managed to get back...
It was a glorious day dreaming with sorrow and laughter...those who had lost their family cried while those who could finally see their beloved bursted into tears.
It was a righteous sight that Origin engraved into his mind...
But this same day was also the prelude to another disaster...
After the ceremony of reward at the imperial castle, it took another 2 weeks for Origin to get everything settled...he also bid his goodbye to Catherine before going down to the capital.
To start a short journey toward Averion, 3 long years of hardship...he was going home now.
Origin Pov
The dukedom of Averion, a beautiful territory filled with small mountains and bordering the ocean...the moment my eyes laid on the Averion of the present.
I felt a sense of happiness...I protected this place, my arrival was made in secret as I wanted to rest now...
A glorious parade was never of my taste, in any way I was happy to see the smile on the citizen's face.
Walking through the city, I could hear the citizens talking as their daily life was saved.
Capped from head to toe, it didn't take me long before I reached the castle and entered...
Walking through the main hall, I halted for a moment when I looked toward a painting of our family...my father the duke, at his side my mother...
Sitting in front of them were both my younger brother and sister, lastly me...standing close to the edge on the left.
It was taken when my siblings reached their 3rd birthday...
Origin : Rachel and Luke, I wonder how they are doing...they should be around 5 now.
None of my family seemed to be here, now that I think...the dukedom of Averion was heavily implicated in the war.
Yet, the duke has never left the dukedom to lead the army or fight...despite him being one of the greatest swords in the current empire.
Origin : ...
Keeping my mouth, I continued to walk...occasionally greeting the servants that passed by, their expression blooming toward happiness when they recognized me.
After a short struggle, I regained my room on the 4th floor...getting rid of my light armor and settling down my stuff.
The first thing I did was take a good shower in the large bath...despite being healed, I still had a few scars on my body which reminded me of the recent battle.
Shaking those thoughts off, I returned to my room afterward...but before that, my eyes trailed on the dark corridor that followed the intersection right beside my room.
On the other side of the corridor, was a single door...which was the duke's office...
I don't know what took me in but after a moment of hesitation...i found myself in front of his desk...
The room in itself was clean...you could see some stack of paper piled around but nothing much.
However, the entire left wall was a large bookshelves with hundreds of books...
Origin : This...
My eyes widened slightly when I saw that same energy overflowing at one point, it was a book hidden amidst the numerous ones in the middle of the bookshelves.
My hand slowly reached for it...and as I pulled it out, I heard the sound of a mechanism getting triggered.
Looking around the room, I couldn't find anything that changed...so my eyes returned toward the book.
Origin : Is this an ancient language ?
As my words implied, I couldn't read the content due to the language barrier...still I flipped the cover and looked through the pages randomly.
I couldn't understand but still, there were some words that appeared transparent to my current tongue.
And so, I sat down on the ground and slowly read through the book...after a good 30 minutes, I started understanding the pattern of those words.
It wasn't an ancient language but a coded language...based on the third tongue of Raksha, a language used by a colonie of high humans that first set foot on this land hundred of years ago.
It took me another hour, but ultimately with the help of the other books present...I learned the tongue of Raksha and managed to translate the main book.
Which cover is engraved, Experiment diaries...from the former duke of Averion, 5 generations ago...
My pupil shook as I realized what the content was about...
Origin : This can't be true...
At the same time, the words of Duchess Lestia rang in my head...the basement of the castle...
I still don't know if that place truly exists...but if i match her words with the content of these diaries...
Origin : Shit...
Getting up, I turned coldly toward the bookshelves...my eyes glowing in search of that mysterious energy...
Finally, I found traces of it as I punched the shelves...destroying a large hole in the middle of it...
Finally, the mechanism from earlier became apparent...behind the shelves was a large staircase that went down under the castle.
Origin : No wonder it was well hidden, the pathway was built within one of the fondation pillars.
Those pillars that serve as foundation for the whole castle, they are often filled to the brim so they could resist the weight of the entire castle.
But this one was empty in the middle...this staircase is most likely going to the basement...
3rd Pov
Jumping down without taking the staircase, those stairs were piled in a spiral way...the time Origin had to wait to reach the underground was 28 seconds.
And once below, his eyes just kept increasing into coldness as he realized...what the darkness of the empire, Duchess Lestia mentioned was.
This whole underground was filled with corpses...and not human but high human, Celestian and much more.
Origin : Experiment...
He slowly realized the reason as to why the continent of Celeste and the empire entered war...
The empire needed more samples for their experiment...on top of that, surely Celeste must have known about this.
Humans aren't adept of magic but the other races are much more efficient...thus, the higher up of the empire tried to get this power too.
So why was magic so belittle ? Because...and Origin realized it, the higher up wanted this power to be exclusive to them.
They wanted to be superior...this whole situation, wars and death...all were derived from this stupid ambition they had.
Slowly, Origin's aura escaped his body...the rage he felt at the moment overlapped any sense of reason...
A crushing pressure was forced upon the entire underground...affecting the left over sample of those superior races.
Some were still alive, their groans waking up Origin as he walked up through the many rooms this underground had.
Most were just rooms filled with corpses...but others had some living bodies tied in the air, their flesh and organs bloodied and studied.
Books and research results filled the place...the more he saw, the angrier he was getting...
This is when he realized...those emotions he had recently gained, this thirst for life...it was all for this moment.
Veldanava had slided these feelings into him...so he would react that way upon seeing the crime of Averion...
If he didn't...would Origin be that much bothered by this inhuman experiment ? He couldn't be sure.
???: H-help...
While walking, one of the many cells filled with demoralized and broken living beings...a short woman called him out.
Upon looking closer, Origin realized that this woman was just a child...and a simple human at that.
Gray hair similar to his...and gem like green eyes...
Origin : Even simple humans...they really went too far.
Grabbing the cell's bar with his hand, it wasn't resistant enough to hold Origin's strength as he bent the bars.
His hand slowly reaching for the little girl, she was showing aggravated signs of malnutrition and lack of hydration.
Origin : And the worst is that she isn't the sole one...
There were a dozen more laying bodies who showed signs of life...
???: W-water...p-please, i-i beg you...
Origin : Don't worry, i'll give everything you need.
Speaking as softly as he could, he didn't have any food or water on him at the moment so he will have to go search for it.
Carrying the little girl in his arm, his eyes then caught a small detail in the cells...there was a bowl in each corner meaning they fed the prisoner like dogs.
Origin : Tch.
Tightening his grip, he accidentally hurt the little girl as she flinched...once again, Origin had to forcefully calm himself while looking down.
Origin : Sorry...
???: I-it's fine...
There was clear fear in her eyes...perhaps she was seeing the duke of Averion in Origin...
Origin : What's your name ?
Shyria : S-Shyria...
Origin : (That's a rather noble name...if i remember, it means White blessing in the west...)
Carrying the girl, he soon heard some noise coming...from the intonation of the step, it was an armored guard as his metallic heels hit the ground.
This certainly wasn't a prisoner, so Origin quickly hid Shyria away and went for the confrontation.
Waiting at a corner, the closer the steps became...the more voices and noise Origin could hear...and among them, the voice of the duke was present.
Origin's eyes going cold, he waited patiently until one of the guards passed right in front of him...grabbing him by the color.
In an instant, Origin twisted his neck...grabbed the enemy's sword and killed him.
Since this one was on the front, his death immediately gave the alert to the other in the back...this confrontation was forced now
Duke : So it's you my son...I didn't expect you to find this place by yourself.
Being the strongest in the place, Duke Averion wasn't an easy opponent to have...more to that, he must have gotten benefit from those experiments as well.
Still, there was nowhere to hide so Origin just came out sword in hand.
Origin : You sure seem calm despite having one of your men murdered.
Duke : This is odd...how come you are pointing your sword at me ?
Origin : Averion...this name was my whole world. I did everything for the duchy but in the end, the vision I have and yours are different.
Duke : How so ?
Origin : I...power earned by ambitionless sacrifice means nothing, I was raised to protect Averion, and what I mean by that is its people.
Raising his sword, the duke could only sigh in disappointment...he had really viewed a future where Origin would take his place.
But now, he will have to kill himself for a project worth 20 years...
Duke : What a shame, you were the perfect heir...I wonder how you are capable of feeling worthless emotion like pity or compassion, this isn't how I raised you.
Signing his guards to rush in...simultaneously, 7 armored knights jumped toward Origin...they were all expert with swords.
And powerful warriors but...none of them was able to resist the power centered in Blade Heart.
The silver like aura enveloping Origin's sharp blade...the sight of such mysterious power stunned the duke.
Duke : T-this...how did you awaken this power !
His voice just sounded desperate...the power they had researched for generations now was this, also known as Unique skill...
Until now, they had never really succeeded...it felt like humans could never acquire such power.
In reality, some did have unique skills but without the knowledge, they were just dormant power...
Origin : Power...at the end, it's to those who possess power to lead.
Duke : You...ungrateful brat !
Sending a last roar, Duke Averion drew his blade and jumped forward...he wasn't like the previous guards.
The speed and power he displayed wasn't to laugh at...yet, Origin didn't feel pressure at all...his eyes remained strongly cold.
In a motion of his wrist, the sharp blade in his hand bolted through the space...severing the very concept...
Origin : The second sword, Antarctica.
Like a rigid banquet of ice, the entire underground was subject to change...Origin's blade broke under the pressure.
But in the end, he had achieved what he wanted...splitting the body of the duke in half, he had also left a gigantic impact on the wall behind.
Origin : This is just the start...for you who have sinned, you people who dared taint my Averion, I won't let you get away with that.
On this day, a purge happened in the duchy of Averion...over 128 nobles under the previous duke of Averion were killed.
The duchess and duke of Averion murdered by their first heir, it was the greatest shock and news following the end of the war.
Many didn't understand the intention of Origin Averion, critics and hatred didn't wait to befall him...
While those who believed in him watched from afar...
It took him 1 week to get rid of the apparent corruption in the dukedom...and another week to properly take the function of duke.
In the meantime, he had carefully rescued all the remaining survivors of the experiment...
He had taken care of compensating them and contacted the respective continent to give them back...
Surely, it will cause a scandal within the empire and all eyes will turn toward him...but Origin had made up his mind.
He knows what he has to do now...this will be a long battle for him...a war against the empire...
The imperial family is clearly involved with this experiment...Averion's attachment to the imperial family was the first proof...
Origin intends to end this, and the first step is the war declaration...and the birth of the Great Duke of Averion, Origin Averion.
A month later...when the silence of the new duchy of Averion became unbearable for the empire...
Multiple special guests had arrived in the duchy's port...those aren't anyone as two specific royal families accepted the new duke's invitation.
Who were they ?
The princess heir of the Celestian race and the second prince from the high human race of the northern continent...the royal family of the other continents were there too.
This was the very first step to Origin's revolution...while the royal families arrived at the port with several ships.
Origin departed from the castle...the march to the port would take 20 minutes on foot, traveling across the city.
Along him, the dozen experiments that he had rescued...as promised he was going to return them to their people.
Only a few humans were left in the castle...
However, this action was very risky...because everyone could see the horrifying sight of those pitiful experiments.
Some had their limbs severed, body parts transmuted...others just didn't look like themself anymore...
Yet, Origin led the march with his head high...he believed in himself...
And so, the second step of his plan was going to start...having arrived at the port, his appearance attracted the attention of the guests.
Approaching them, Origin bowed slightly showing his respect to the foreign royalty.
Origin : I greet the rulers of the faraway lands.
The guests' eyes were cold, Origin wasn't expecting any kind of warmth from them anyway...the fact that he had arrived with their people in such a state was surely infuriating for them.
Celestian princess : We agreed to come here because of your strange invitation, care to explain ?
Grabbing the letter Origin had sent everyone a month ago...it certainly wasn't phrased in an ordinary way.
Origin : Before that, allow me to express my sincerity and return those we have hurted.
Eyeing around, Origin noticed that pretty much the entire duchy of Averion was watching the scene...along that reporter and some butler and servant from the other nobles.
His very action was being observed...this is perfect.
Celestian princess : Mmh, very well but I expect a good explanation. (Calm down...this man is the nightmare of my people, the one who overthrew the entire course of the war by himself.)
Out of everyone present, the princess was surely the one who was the most wary of Origin's action...
This is why she agreed quickly to his proposition...she believed that if he wanted, no one would be capable of stopping him from killing everyone.
This just shows how much of an impact Origin forced on the continent of Celeste...the mere mention of his name could cause fear and terror now.
As she was taken by her own thoughts, the princess came back to her senses as her eyes studied the knights of Averion slowly spreading around.
They had a long list with the details of the experimented people...slowly returning them to their own people.
Their respective race then handled them into several ships...all went on smoothly...
This was when the princess noticed...Origin didn't have his sword...
Celestian princess : (A warrior leaving his sword to meet others outside his castle...is he seriously returning those unfortunate ones?)
She was seriously confused, she expected him to ask for something to get them back...but this whole situation...
Clestian princess : (It's like he is trying to show everyone the wrong doing of the duchy of Averion...but that's literally crippling himself.)
Her eyes narrowed as the last few experimented mens were returned, now the silence was reigning over the port.
All eyes were on Origin waiting for his next action...surely, he had to act now.
Giving a glance at all his knights, they all looked down shamefully while straightening their backs.
Origin : The action of Averion is inexcusable...i am well aware of that, the relation with the other continent we were so proud of will crumble now.
His voice was loud enough for the citizen to hear, after a short silence he then slowly went down on a knee.
His head lowering to reach his chest, it was a common knightley bow.
Origin : I gathered you all, rulers of the land overseas to make a pledge.
The action caused pure shock from every party...this shock soon turned into confusion as Origin continued.
Origin : But first, I want to express my sincerest apology...the sad sight everyone witnessed today was brought out by the greed of my ancestor...still, none of them are here to repent for their crime, so please, accept my apology in their stead.
The truth was finally going to be revealed to the world, Origin's eyes gleamed wildly as he looked up...
His body rose from the ground as he spread his arm...
Origin : I would like to set a few points straight first...most must have heard about the rumor that I had slain the duke of Averion...my father to get the title...
In a moment of confusion, you can create the greatest bomb that will spread through the informal world.
Origin : That is indeed true...however, as you all witnessed...the former duke and my ancestor took part in an inhuman experiment...using war and blood as excuses to tempt with the life of others.
It was an undeniable truth now...that something like that happened in the duchy...under the eyes of everyone.
Origin : After discovering the truth, I took the former duke's life myself.
At that moment, one of the knight brought forward a giant spike...on top of it was the former duke's head impaled on it.
His eyes blank and lifeless...it seems this move was correct as the royal guest scoffed satisfied.
High human prince : Is this how you are trying to get away ? By offering the head of your own father ?
Origin : Not really your highness...
Interrupted by the arguably, the strongest guest...Origin signaled to his subordinates to bring the other heads.
Over the next few minutes, many more spikes raised to the sky...the dozen, no hundred victims of Origin's blade appeared.
Origin : For the past month, I have been hunting everyone related to these experiments in the duchy...hopefully, your wrath will decrease after this.
This was the perfect response...shutting down any kind of protest the guests could have...they were now realizing how big the situation was escalating.
Origin was using their presence to send a message to the world...and for that, he was merciless.
High human prince : (Shit...i have to get out of here, this new duke is crazy!)
Deciding to conclude, their purpose here was already fulfilled so Origin had no intention of stopping them if they wanted to leave.
Only a few remained after the stunt he pulled...mainly the Celestian princess and another royalty from the farthest continent from there, the queen of a race filled with females, a race called the Ashen.
Origin : It seems our guests decided to leave early...
Sighing, he returned his attention toward the crowd as he still needed to conclude the ordeal.
Origin : Citizen of Averion...noble of the empire...as you all saw, Averion's shine was all but an illusion...i myself am still shaking of anger...
Trying to perceive himself from the perspective of the citizen, this is the best way to earn compassion from others.
Origin : But...this is why, I want to change everything ! I will restart from zero, the beautiful and glorious Averion who was just an illusion...i will make it a reality !
His words held a mysterious force that drives the heart of the people listening to him...
Origin : I will swear right here and now, on my name...that I will rise Averion to the very top of the world.
* Crack *
Sequentially, Origin felt a crack inside his soul...his hand unconsciously reached for his chest as he didn't understand why his body reacted that way.
He couldn't know but already...his determination had managed to set the first crack on his newly acquired hero egg.
Origin : For that...i hereby announce here that the duchy of Averion will disassociate from the imperial family.
It was a decision that appeared out of the blue, but for Origin...it was a plan all along.
In the shadow, out of everyone's eyes...Averion, Lestia and Wisdon...
The three ducal families of the empire had joined hands...both deciding to rely their fate by betting on Origin.
Origin : For 3 years...no, for decades if not centuries now ! The imperial family held absolute power, and for the same period they never ceased war with each other, hungry for power.
Some bright mind surely would have realized that, The imperial family had worked with Averion on those experiments...
This wa sonly natural as Averion was always the one who benefited from the numerous war...but also the favoritism the imperial family held toward them.
Origin : The first generation of the imperial family was one of respect...and for that, we the duke of each generation followed them...but i realized, this was absurd.
His words were crude and harsh...already considered treason toward the empire...
Origin : I cannot consider the current imperial family as the same Averion pledged loyalty...can we really follow someone because of his ancestor's deed ?
Slowly, his speech captivated the crowd...their previous doubt and fear of facing the imperial family washed away.
Origin : This is why, Averion won't follow them anymore...citizen, follow me once again and help me build up a new Averion...
The knights under Origin all bowed simultaneously...they were already briefed before, Origin had allowed them to leave if they wanted.
He was even going as far as compensating them financially but...surprisingly all remained, many were war comrades with Origin.
Others just followed his charisma and some were just charmed by his ideology.
Origin : We aren't weak...and we will build our own path, our own destiny !
The crowd slowly raised their heads, something had clicked in them...subconsciously, the engine to the revolution had started.
They all trusted the new duke...because Origin was also shown to be the perfect heir to the duchy, and now this same boy was standing in front of everyone.
Everyone's heart raced as they wanted to be part of this new Averion.
Citizen : You have my full support ! The imperial family and his majesty didn't do anything besides start a war !
Citizen : The young lord had grown into a true leader ! How can we not follow him !
Citizen : There is no way you back down after all this speech, your highness !
Citizen : We were able to leave well solely because his highness fought for us !
Shout, praise and roar came bursting from everywhere...Origin had succeeded in unifying the duchy under his new rule.
Not only that, the imperial family will now be forced to take action in fear of the new risen force...once the information spreads.
Averion will grow even more...the party against the imperial will come and join Origin's banner.
Ashen queen : Marvously done, your highness the duke.
While he was acclaimed, the queen who remained approached Origin...with a wide grin, she was impressed that such a young man could pull this off.
Origin : I don't deserve your praise.
Ashen queen : Still accept them, seriously at first I came just to watch an overconfident brat who just ascended to her father's title, but in reality you are more of a dragon than a human.
Giggling, the ashen queen brought a fan and hid her face slightly.
Ashen queen : Tell me young duke, are you currently single ?
Origin : Huh ?
Bringing her face closer, the queen whispered for no one to hear but Origin.
Ashen queen : In my kind, we constantly search for strong male to gain powerful seed. I wouldn't mind offering my body or one of my daughters to get yours, a prodigy like that doesn't appear often.
Origin threw her a disgusted glance, he scoffed and slowly backed out of her reach.
Ashen queen : Fufu, in any way if you are interested contact me again, I will take my leave now.
She had a haughty attitude but her words were full of honesty, Origin could easily gasp what kind of person she was.
Just a blunt and straightforward person.
Origin : Sorry, but I will have oto refuse...
Ashen queen : What a shame, anyway, good luck new duke of Averion...with you in control, the world might expect some change.
Origin decided to stay quiet, all he wanted was to develop Averion...he had no intention of expanding the empire or becoming a legend.
His name could end up unknown for all he cares...
And with those words, the Ashen queen left with her ships...
Origin : What a particular lady...now that i think, i'm surrounded with beautiful yet weird ladies.
Celestian princess : May I have a bit of your time as well ?
Origin : No need for the polite tone, your highness.
They might be in the duchy of Averion, the princess still held a position higher than a duke...and Origin was a man who had slaughtered hundreds of Celestian...
He could understand if this princess held a grudge toward him.
Celestian princess : Then i'll go straight to the point, are you truly going to wage a war against your own empire ?
Origin : I think I made it clear...this empire who was once called the rising star of the continent has lost its shine.
Celestian : I see...honestly, I have no hatred toward you.
Her sudden remark took Origin by surprise as he turned toward her with bland eyes.
Celestian princess : You might be hated on our side because of the war, but at the end you were doing your duty...you were just fighting for your people.
She had realized after witnessing Origin's action today...he was like her, just trying to protect his people.
He might appear cold and insensitive murdered, but inside he was already a great ruler.
Celestian princess : And after hearing your declaration, I realized...the empire as a whole wasn't a subject to hatred, only those whose greed crossed the limit are to be blamed.
Origin : What are you trying to say ?
Celestian princess : That you earned my respect Origin Averion, and I promise to you that Celeste won't go in your way.
Bowing slightly, she showed respect...the smile she was wearing at that moment startled Origin...
He had mixed feelings about this, but ultimately he returned her respect...from what he knew, the princess hero of Celeste didn't hold much military power.
Perhaps, if she was the one instead of their king...the war might have been avoided...
Celestian princess : On this, I will also take my leave...hopefully, we meet again, Oh and congratulations for becoming the duke of Averion.
Origin : I see...certainly, once I unify the empire again...I would like to restart the relation we previously had with Celeste...hopefully, we will meet again at the negotiation table, your highness the crown princess, Ecatheline Celeste.
Nodding satisfied...calling the full name of another royalty is considered an insult but in this case, both just bid their farewell.
And at the same time, making a vow to hopefully meet again...they were just two rulers who could understand the other.
After the sparky announcement made by Origin, a lot of different reactions were brought forward within the empire or the neighboring nation.
Among them, the crown prince of the empire was sitting in his study room...the past week was really chaotic because of Averion.
This added a tad load of work on the prince and the imperial family.
While it bothered the emperor who was dead set in eliminating Origin, the prince had something else in mind...
Prince : This is perfect...his highness the duke of Averion is right...the current empire is nothing but the shadow of its past glory.
Despite being officially called crown prince, it was known that he wouldn't be the one getting the throne after the empire.
The imperial princess being slightly older was destined for that...but her personality and ideals followed their father, the emperor.
Prince : Origin...you just started a war of politics, territory and mind...if i want to play my move is now or never.
However, the crown prince was fully agreeing with Origin's ideology...he also knew that for various reasons.
Origin Averion was the perfect blade against the empire.
Prince : The empire who has become a fallen star...and you Origin who is called the brightest star, it's as if fate is calling for you.
What the prince visualized was to replace the rotten star of the empire by a much brighter...a full revolution.
Yeah...this was the start of an external and internal battle within the empire...a war that lasted 8 years...