“Always remember, Orion. You are the son of a god", his mother said softly, pressing a warm damp cloth to his swollen eye. "Well, that didn't mean anything when I was having myself served punches, did it, Mother?” Orion said painfully as he flinched. It still hurt badly, and the skin around his eye felt tight and hot, feeling as if every single touch made it a whole lot worse. “Hold still, boy. I'll be finished soon", she said, quieter now. “You don't understand, Ma. They ambushed me earlier, by the Lute River. Five of ‘em, Ma. Five!!!!" Orion yelled, in painful annoyance. He was getting fed up with this life. “And these are boys I've known my whole life. Angus and Erik led the gang as usual, accompanied by those bumpkins: Cassian, Pontus, and Vidar. It was humiliating. “I was on my way back from Nemeton, the forest just past the river, after I had finished gathering the paeonia, yarrow and burdocks you requested. I even found some walnuts and olives around and collected

“Congratulations, Aidan!! You really are a prodigy, you know”, Orion cheered, beaming as though he owned the achievement. "We've been friends for over six years and every single time, you never cease to amaze me. Receiving all three Eudoxos Gold Stars two years before the stipulated graduation time is such a crazy feat. I'm super proud of you, brother." The Eudoxos Gold Stars system was a merit method used at the Dumnonia Academy of Sorcery, used to reward special students with outstanding performances and pulling off spectacular feats. There were three criteria for achieving all three Eudoxos Gold Stars; You had to either defeat an S-rank monster, or an Academy instructor.You had to either create a new spell or conduct an A-rank or higher potion, with verified and approved alchemy methods.You had to complete and successfully pass every test and exam on every course in the Academy Curriculum. Most regular students always opted for the third option, but the extraordin

“Sire, the city has been cleared. Your orders to proceed to the Holy Church", the second-in-command of the Black Disciples said to the Leader. "Inform all troops. Surround the Church perimeter, block all entrances, and take out every single individual who manages to make it out. You and I will proceed into the Church with three members of the Elite Squad”, the Leader commander. "Roger that, Boss”, the 2IC saluted and moved out to relay the given orders. Minutes later, they stormed the church with an Elite Squad member blasting the heavy Church doors open with an explosion spell. The Leader and 2IC hovered right in just behind them. "Take down anyone in sight, but hold one hostage to lead the way”, the 2IC ordered the Elite Squad members. Cries of agony rang out through the Church as the Holy Knights were helplessly shot down on sight. Sounds of fired spells and explosions shook the walls and pillars of the building. It was only a matter of time till the whole building collap

“I remember asking a question, geezer. You can't just bump heads with me under such weird circumstances and not say a word", Orion fumed, eyeing the stranger with contempt. "Who are you calling a geezer, young lad? I'm just in my late thirties”, the stranger retorted, his temper slightly rising in his tone. “Why then is your hair all grey? And come to think of it, you don't look so wrinkly", Orion questioned, taking a closer look at the man. “It's a clan thing. My name is Kael. Kael Maximus, of the Maximus bloodline. I've got silver hair from birth." “Oh…my apologies for that, Sir. Heavy misconception and disrespect on my part. My name is Orion, and this is my home. Which is obviously destroyed, of course.” "I'm indeed sorry about all that. And it's a pleasure to meet you, Orion", Sir Kael said, with sincere sympathy in his eyes. “I was on my way to the Port of Armorica from my hometown, Tintagel, which is just over the hills of Cumae, separating Eastern Dumnonia and the