Chapter 53 - 53: Promise

Eu is looking at Ravikanth in disbelief. She can't believe the childishness he is currently displaying.

"Why are you hard on him? He is a nice person." Eu said in his defense.

There is a tinge of disappointment in her tone as she conveys her thoughts. She is doing her best to create powerful allies, and he doesn't seem to appreciate it.

On the other hand, Ravikanth was concerned about different matters. He can't deny the witch is gifted, but he can't overlook and not be jealous of him too.

'Why are you so close to him? Do you like that crybaby? You are so unbelievable! How can you like him?'

'How can you not tell I am jealous? Isn't it obvious enough?'

He continues to drown in his train of thoughts.

He was informed Gwyddien has been staying in Limes Temple and spending plenty of time with Eu. While he is having a hard time finding one, this person is stealing her attention even when he is around.

He is simply finding it unacceptable!

"Do you plan to glare at me all night? I am not a mind reader, you know." Eu asked.

She heaves a heavy sigh as she started to walk away. She is already getting tired and felt like heading to her quarters and rest.

"How can you not invite me for a meal, when I am so hangry!? It's already late, and we haven't eaten anything. How could you?!" he is gritting his teeth as he forces himself to speak. His face is twitching involuntarily as he continued, "So hANGRY!"

Eu doesn't like to comment on how ridiculous and strange he currently looks. There is a part of her wanting to burst into a fit of laughter.

It was such a lame excuse.

Is he really that hungry to act so peculiar? She wants to comment that he should see his face in the mirror.

Eu restrains herself because she doesn't want to offend or provoke him further. She just sighs in resignation as she took his arm and smiles.

"Fine, fine. Come now, and I'll cook for you. What do you want to eat?" she asked adoringly.

Ravikanth can't control himself from smiling as all his insecurities are washed away. Nobody can steal this girl away from him.

Someday, he will be the one protecting her.

Meanwhile, the Master of the Shadows wanders around the Municipal Hall of Themis. He is relaxing while he waits for his plans' developments.

He doesn't like his brother's pacifist ways, but he can't force his methods on him. All he could do is endure the situation.

The moon is full, and the sky is clear. The stars are shining exceptionally bright that night.

There is a forlorn expression on his face as he recalls the girl he is searching for across the realms.

'I know you are here. Why do you keep on avoiding me? Are you afraid of me? You can't run away from me forever..." his voice is cold and indifferent.

Snow starts to fall that night while the new year is about to begin.

Memories start flashing before him as he recalls that it was also a time like this when he first met her — Emilia.

**********

Ages ago, Lady Emilia facilitates the event for the Goddess of Astra. Dressed in white robes for the sacred ceremonies, she conducted the solemn rituals with grace and passion.

Everyone loves and adores her. Her talents are also extraordinary as she was hailed the most gifted among them all.

Emilia, the blessed one. The Grand Elder of the Oracle Clan.

Her mere presence cannot be denied, as her cascading golden long hair flows and glimmers like the rays of the sun. Her clear complexion was paired with pinkish blush and lips.

Her eyes are always l.u.s.trous like amethyst gems basking in the light. She is simply the most beautiful maiden across Astra…

Her four loyal Elemental Knights were always around her. They guard and never let her leave their sight.

They are from the prestigious, Elemental Kingdoms of Aquaria, Aerelia, Terra Incognita, and Feirnisia. Under them is an elite group of soldiers to protect her well being— the Knights of Astral.

Not long, the selections came.

Gifted beings were chosen to take part in the selection and be part of her Knights. Everyone is thrilled to be given a chance to be one.

"Son, prepare yourself. You and your brother's application to enter the selections for the Knights of Astral has been approved. You can leave anytime you wish."

"Really? This is my dream. My dream is finally coming true. Thank you, father. We will leave at once."

"Child, remember to care for your brother. Even if you fail to enter and become one of the Lady's protectors, you can both return to our kingdom. You can support her cause by other means. Don't be disheartened."

"Father, we still haven't left, and you are already discouraging me. How could you have little faith with my abilities?"

The old man smiles proudly at his son. He is the best magic caster and swordsman in the Lunaria Kingdom.

He never doubts his sons' abilities, but Astra has lots of gifted, talented people. This is the first time his sons will venture out of their kingdom, and he only wishes for them to succeed…

The brothers arrived in Prism Temple to enter the selections. He is no doubt very talented, and no one is on par with his capabilities.

He dominated and bested all candidates.

Emilia visits the Temple Grounds to check on the candidates. She is dressed as one of the Lady's handmaiden to hide her true identity.

Skills are not the only thing important during the selections, after all.

This helps her to decide and meet them. She quickly gets along with everyone except for one person.

"Why are you here? Being a part of the group means socializing and interacting with them. You shouldn't isolate yourself from your comrades."

"They are all inferior to me. Why should I bother to waste my time on inferior beings? They are all not worth my time and effort to socialize."

"Brother, don't say that. They are our comrades… At the time of need, we will fight alongside with everyone."

He looks at his soft brother in disbelief. He rolls his eyes away from them.

"If you want to associate yourself with weaker beings like them, then suit yourself. I'm going back to my room. I am only here to protect Lady Emilia and nothing more. I really shouldn't be bothered by them. They shouldn't be here in the first place." he sneered.

He left his younger brother, and Emi remained silent. She sadly looks at his departing back as she regrets knowing his heart.

Despite the fact of his capabilities, he has one major flaw why he cannot be allowed to join their ranks.

He is too proud and thinks too highly of himself.

"I apologize for my brother's actions, Ms. Emi. Please give him a chance. My brother is a competent person…"

The girl gently smiles as she looks up in the sky.

"You don't have to apologize for your brother's actions. Don't take responsibility for his wrongdoings. One should face the consequences on his own." Ms. Emi reminded him.

They are all given a choice they have to take. Each option has consequences they have to live with as well.

She stood up after conveying her thoughts, and she says farewell to the younger boy.

The young boy's prowess is undeniable. He is talented and well versed in his craft. There is no doubt his skills will be valuable and helpful.

Still, how can she let him enter the prestigious knights? The boy's ego and attitude are unacceptable.

Whatever path she chooses will lead to a catastrophe. Her heart is genuinely disheartened of the choices she has to make.

The day of the selection came.

Everyone expected the older brother to join the ranks of prestigious knights. Much to their disappointment, he unbelievably failed.

How can he fail?

"I am the most talented here. How can you select mediocre candidates over me?! This is unacceptable! Even my little brother can't even defeat me, yet you chose him over me! This is humiliating! How dare you all humiliate me like this?!" his complaints echo across the hall.

He cannot accept the results and failure. He eyes everyone in disdain.

He looks at the young boy behind Lady Emilia and sneers. He can't believe she chose a useless boy to be her protege.

He is truly disappointed.

Meanwhile, the young boy clings tighter to Lady Emilia's skirt. The teenage boy simply terrifies him. His beautiful ocean blue, round eyes are on the verge of breaking into tears.

Lady Emilia remained silent as he watches him with sad, lonely eyes. This is the very reason why she rejected him, why she didn't choose him.

He is filled with so much animosity. How can he protect anything when he is like this?

She can't afford to bestow him any more power than he currently has. It will only bring chaos.

The Elemental Knights came and began to drag him out of the Prism Temple. They don't like to use violence against this young boy, but he gave them no choice.

He starts brandishing his sword and challenging anyone. He even pointed out the tip of his sword to the small boy behind Lady Emilia.

"You will regret this decision you made today, Lady Emilia. You will regret this day you rejected my intention to protect you! I swear to destroy everything you hold dear!"

He pointed his sword around as he looks at them in contempt.

"All these inferior beings you protect have no right to live in the world I am going to create! Wait and see. I will destroy this world you love, while I build mine from everyone's broken bones and ashes."

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

He recalls those days like yesterday. There is a sinister smile on his lips as he recalls this memory.

The day has finally come to fulfill his promise…

"I will start with your beloved Clan and your protege..."