Kadian Helkar's Point of View
Year 190 of the Immortal God
What does it mean to be a King? What does it mean to be a God? What should I do with the new power I will be given? Those were the questions that lingered in my head the morning after I found out I would be the new bearer of the Dragon God's Fragment.
Ever since I can remember, I dedicated myself to training, to becoming strong, and all of it… all of it because that was what was expected of me, as the second son of the King of Clifland.
But now, now that I've reached the rank of Demi-God, what is expected of me? I already became the warrior everyone wanted, but… despite achieving my goal, I feel empty…
Overwhelmed by the thoughts and feelings invading me, I slowly opened my eyes, and saw the same polished white marble ceiling as always. My room was dark, creating the perfect atmosphere to rest on the best bed in the Kingdom. Moving carefully, I got out of bed with an aching body, aching from my last training session.
While resting, I started walking across the smooth and clean floor until I reached one end of the room, where, raising my right arm, I undid the stone spell that held together the heavy curtains blocking the light from outside. As I moved them, the brightness quickly flooded my room, revealing my luxurious lifestyle.
"Ahh…" I sighed, touching the thick transparent glass in front of me with one hand. "Today is the day, the day when I'll take responsibility for all these people."
Enhancing my vision with mana, I began to see the surroundings of the enormous castle I was in, noticing how several nobles were coming out to walk from their mansions on this peaceful day. Injecting more mana into my eyes, I could see the center of Cherphy, the capital of the Kingdom. "I wonder if one day, when I have perfect control of my mana, I'll be able to see the end of this endless city."
In Cherphy, the capital of the Kingdom of Clifland, about three billion people lived, a figure that had increased after the war with Alister, in which the Kingdom of Clifland, having emerged victorious, became the largest Kingdom in the world after taking over most of its territory.
Feeling defeated by my daily challenge, I stepped away from the glass to stretch my body. Walking with a strong yawn, I headed to take a bath, and once I was completely clean, I dressed in the finest clothes I had, since my audience with my father, the King, would begin in a couple of hours.
Once I was finally ready, I opened the two doors that led me to the hallway, where Kurt Rainhard, my personal servant, was waiting for me on his knees.
"Hello, Kurt." I said, raising a hand to greet him before walking past him toward the center of the castle, starting to walk through one of the immense hallways located in the highest parts of my home.
"Good day, Lord Kadian." Kurt replied, silently following me all the way. After passing through a large arch that marked the end of the hallway I was walking through, we reached the main bridge that led to the throne room. The center of the castle was a beautiful place because it was separated from everything else, connected only by four long bridges that led to a beautiful and well-maintained garden. A garden that surrounded the grand throne room, harmoniously blending with the castle's almost white color.
Crossing the bridge, I saw one of my family's maids, who, upon realizing who we were, immediately invited me to wait in one of the structures in the garden. A structure that shielded people from the sun's rays, making it the perfect place to sit and wait.
It seems neither Kurt nor his sister Fay know exactly why I'm here… though well, I shouldn't know either.
The delivery of the Dragon God's Fragment was supposed to be a historic event in the Kingdom, because it was something that happened roughly every 200 years. But for some unknown reason, my mother told me in secret during training that I would be the new bearer of the fragment. At first I didn't believe her, thinking she was playing with me, because only the firstborn of the Royal family had the right to claim it, as had happened with my father, my grandfather, great-grandmother, and other ancestors.
I don't understand why. Why do they want it to be me? Why not Celina? If she is the heir.
Still confused by the news, I glanced to the side, meeting the distant gaze of Kurt, who was leaning on the thin stone parapet that separated the center of the castle from the abyss surrounding it, attentive to the things happening around me.
It seems emphasizing that I must be alone at times paid off. I thought as I closed my eyes, before once again imagining what would happen once I entered the throne room.
In a sea of conflicting emotions, fear, nervousness, and excitement stood out, until a familiar voice approaching lit up my understanding, giving me an idea of what might have happened for things to turn out this way.
It makes sense, it was her.
"Kadian, did you hear me?" Lifting my gaze, I met the characteristic cheerful and carefree look of my older sister, Celina Helkar. Seeing me worried, she raised one of her hands to the level of my head, and then gave me a light tap that snapped me out of my thoughts.
"What's wrong, little brother? Why do you have that pitiful look on your face?" she asked calmly, sitting beside me as she relaxed.
"Hey! Don't ask like you didn't just hit me!" I protested, rubbing my head to ease the pain.
"Eh? Don't be such a baby, little brother. Quit complaining and tell me what's wrong," she said as she looked straight ahead, gazing at the void beyond the stone parapet.
Frowning, I jumped to my feet, standing in front of her to point at her and stare directly into her eyes.
Celina was the future queen of the Kingdom of Clifland and the eldest of four siblings. I came next, then our younger brother Boris, and the youngest of all, Leo.
"Don't play dumb. You know exactly what's going on with me," I said, confronting her directly, making her nervous enough to confess and confirm my theory.
"What…? Wh-what are you talking about? I don't know anything at all," she replied, looking away, her guilt in our parents' decision plain as day.
"It was you, wasn't it?" I said, without the slightest hint of surprise, prompting Celina to look at me and grab my shoulders, shaking me forcefully.
"It wasn't out of malice! I swear!"
"Aah!! So it really *is* your fault!"
…
After a few minutes, once we had both calmed down, Celina told me what had happened. Apparently, our parents were planning to give her the throne, something we all already knew, but there was a problem preventing them from making it official: she still hadn't reached the Semi-God rank.
The King or Queen had to have the Dragon God's Fragment embedded in their core, but this could only be done if the user's core had reached the Semi-God rank. This was because the person bearing the Dragon God's Fragment could no longer progress in power—or more precisely, their progress would become too slow—something a ruler couldn't afford.
There was another issue if someone below the Semi-God rank received the Fragment: that person must never use the mana of the Fragment under any circumstance.
The reason was simple, yet terrifying. The mana emitted by the Fragment was too pure, too dense and powerful for an ordinary core to withstand. If someone below the Semi-God rank tried to channel that mana, their core would begin to crack little by little without them even noticing. Though the effects wouldn't be apparent at first, the damage would accumulate over time until the core became unstable, fragile… and dead.
Because of all that, our parents couldn't give the Fragment to Celina. But they also couldn't delay choosing the next bearer any longer, as my father, the King, had begun suffering the consequences of carrying the Dragon God's Fragment for so long. He had used it countless times over the centuries, and though his mastery was admirable, the Fragment had started to gradually weaken and damage his core, causing him great pain. That's why, roughly every two hundred years, a new King was chosen. Not out of tradition, but out of necessity—something only the Royal Family knew.
"That's why I suggested you," my sister continued, sitting beside me while swinging her legs like a little girl. "Besides, Kadian, I remember clearly that ever since we were kids, this was your dream. You always said: Just wait, sister, I'll be the next Dragon God, the one who'll protect the whole Kingdom."
Hearing those words I had once said made me cringe, my shoulders shrinking as my face turned red.
"T-That was in the past! I was just a kid back then!" I snapped from my stiff posture, looking at the ground to avoid letting her see me like that.
"Hahaha, come on now, don't be like that. You can finally fulfill your childish dream," Celina said teasingly, laughing as she looked at me.
Before I could defend myself, I had to fall silent as I saw Fay, Kurt's sister, approaching the gazebo where we were seated.
"Lord Kadian, Lady Celina," she greeted with a bow, slightly lowering her head before informing me that the time for my audience with the King had come.
Swallowing hard, I stood up and checked to make sure my clothes were in order. As I began walking, I was stopped by Celina, who had placed one of her hands on my shoulder to get my attention.
"Relax, Kadian. I know that, in the whole kingdom, you're the most capable for something like this, so…" she said softly after leaning close to my ear, sending a jolt down my spine. "so calm down, little dreamer."
Turning quickly, I wanted to confront my sister about her last words, but I held back when I heard Fay clear her throat.
—AHEM— "Lord Kadian, I'll escort you to the door."
Still annoyed but no longer nervous, I walked toward the main door. She really gets on my nerves when she teases me like that! Also, she should stop acting that way already—it's not how a future Queen should behave.
Still irritated by Celina's relaxed attitude, I reached the main door, and after shaking my head, I looked back to find that Fay was no longer by my side.
Looking back, I saw the entrance guards along with Kurt and Fay, watching me with expectant eyes. Even if they don't know why I'm here or what for, they know deep down that it's something important. You can tell they're trusted people of the Kingdom.
Opening the two doors, I entered the vast throne room, where the first thing I saw was my father sitting on high, as imposing and stern as ever.
"I shall close the door, Lord Kadian. Please proceed to the center," said Cael, Kurt and Fay's father.
Nodding, I walked past him as the silence of the hall was broken by the sound of my footsteps. Walking calmly, I cast a discreet glance around the entire throne room. As always, the place was completely illuminated thanks to the large crystals that let in natural light, and the Luminorbs placed in strategic points. Thanks to all the light, I could confirm that there were only three people in the room besides me.
When I reached the perfect spot, I knelt down after seeing my father's face, Elion Helkar. My mother, Naela Helkar, and the King's servant who had already teleported to my parents' side, Cael Rainhard.
"Father, I am here as you requested." I announced with my eyes closed, showing the greatest respect I could to the person who ruled the largest country in the world.
"Raise your head, Kadian, there is no one here besides the four of us in this entire hall." he said calmly, lifting one of his hands to prove it. Setting aside his role as King, he began to speak to me in the tone of a simple father, something he had almost never done.
"Thank you for coming, for being as punctual and responsible as always. I'm glad to see what my first son is becoming."
Feeling confused by his sudden words, I raised my gaze to look directly at him. As I did, I found him standing, a gentle smile placed upon my gaze.
I don't understand. Why? Why do his words make me feel… strange, confused, as if he never said things like that? It's true, it's because he never does.
Elion Helkar, due to his many duties with the Kingdom, didn't spend much time with me, and the few times he did, he had never spoken to me in that way, so affectionate and personal.
Taking a step forward, my father moved away from the golden throne behind him, leaving behind the two people he trusted most in the entire world.
"In the 93 years you've lived, you have proven yourself worthy of this moment." he said calmly, descending the stairs that separated us. "Worthy to be the temporary bearer of the Fragment of the Dragon God, that which has remained in our family generation after generation throughout the millennia. Something that belonged to the first and last Dragon God, given to him by that God among Gods. By the creator of this entire planet and the rest of the universe."
Hearing his words and feeling his presence getting closer made me start to sweat and feel a knot forming in my throat, making my mind drift for a moment as I stared at the ground, until finally, as he stood before me, I returned to reality.
"Son, don't worry, I know what you spoke about with your mother and sister, and also, I know you feel nervous and confused, but listen to my words when I say you are ready for this." he said with a slight smile, extending his right hand toward me.
Looking at his face and noticing the expression he wore, I felt a strange warmth and trust.
Grasping his hand, my father tightened his grip until he brought me up to his level, letting me see him face to face for the first time.
Now I understand…. I thought as my heart began to crack.
"I never told you, but… I want you to know I'm proud of you, Kadian." he finally said, giving me a warm hug, something I had thought was impossible until that moment. "I'm proud of who you are and who you will become."
Now I understand that all these years I wasn't trying to be a warrior to avoid disappointing my family, to meet their expectations. No, I only did it so they wouldn't forget about me, to earn their affection and love, love I never had.
"Thank you, father." I said, letting myself be carried away by the feelings I had repressed for all these decades.
Smiling, Elion redirected his right hand to the level of my core, saying words I could barely hear through the tears flowing from my eyes and the emotions enveloping me.
"Divine Level Magic, Transfer."
…
Year 208 of the Immortal God
"Hurry up, Boris! If we want to catch Count Waite, we must do it before he leaves his house!" I shouted from the other side of my brother's door.
"Yes, yes, I know, I was just looking for something for that bastard." He said annoyed before rushing out of his room with his battle gear.
"Good, now let's go after him."
Almost two decades had passed since I received the Fragment of the Dragon God, and in all this time, many things had changed in my life. Harsh things like the passing of my mother due to the Green Death, a very rare disease that slowly consumed a person's body with green growths, resembling plants in a fertile field, spreading their roots everywhere until they took over the entire field, leaving it lifeless.
Besides that sad event in my life, happier things had also happened, such as the wedding of my servant Kurt with Aria, a girl of our race from the Kingdom of Mitian.
I remember that formalizing their bonding was difficult, because Aria, not being from the Kingdom and even less from the Royalty, forced me to intervene on their behalf, creating many problems at the time until they had their daughter.
Luckily, in all those moments I had the help of my beloved wife, Irisha Helkar. Being of another race, our relationship was complicated at first, but once my parents accepted her, over the years they learned to care for her, considering her part of the family.
Now that my mother was gone, I was forced to support my father and sister in several matters of the Kingdom. Matters like the arrest of Count Waite, who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people due to his negligence and corruption in the construction of a dam in the city of Whitford, located northwest of the capital.
I hope we get there in time to catch him and judge him as our father instructed. I thought as we ran at full speed through the roofs and corridors of the castle.
Once we reached the outskirts of the castle, we didn't have to run much further, because Waite, being a Count, lived quite close to the Royal family.
Hiding our presence a couple of kilometers before, Boris and the three men I had brought with me followed my lead until we slipped into Count Waite's mansion.
Good, we made it in time. I thought anxiously, sensing his presence as we moved along his rooftop.
With a signal, we all instantly separated to cover all possible exits, leaving Count Waite speechless when we broke his windows and doors to catch him by surprise next to his wife and only son.
"Count, under direct orders from the King, you are under arrest for being directly responsible for the deaths of 461 people in the Whitford incident." I said quickly, as Boris and my men approached them to surround him.
Still wearing a surprised expression, Count Waite looked around before kneeling and raising both hands after a long sigh and showing a smile. With the cry of his young son being comforted by his mother, we restrained Count Waite, making the situation calmer.
"Listen, I want you to go inform my father of the arrest, telling him the Count was planning to escape, and also… that he was right about the infiltrator in the castle." I said quietly into the ear of Ray Rainhard, one of Kurt's cousins who was under my command.
Pensive, I glanced sideways at how Boris was inspecting Count Waite's packed bags, until the Count snapped at my brother, claiming nothing would happen to him, because after all, those who died were merely humans and stupid beastmen.
Ignoring his arrogant words, I stepped aside to check on his wife and son, who were still in the room being guarded by one of my men.
"YOU MUST UNDERSTAND, LORD BORIS! THEY WERE JUST INFERIOR BEINGS! ANIM—" He shouted loudly, until he was silenced by the sound of a sword. Turning quickly, I and everyone else in the room watched as half of Count Waite's head separated from his body, leaving only his mouth and part of his nose still attached, before he finally collapsed to the side.
In deep silence, the blood didn't take long to spill from the lifeless body, followed by the loud cries of the Count's wife and son.
What the HELL…
Furious, I turned my gaze to Boris, who, stained with blood, crouched to look directly at Waite's body.
"Arrogant fool, you will never understand the damage you caused those families." He said before standing and walking in our direction, still gripping his sword tightly.
Passing by my side and ignoring me completely, he approached the woman and child who had started crying over everything that had happened.
"With this, this Kingdom will become a better place." He said again, swiftly raising his sword with the intent to kill the rest of Count Waite's family.
Before he could do it, I grabbed my spear and moved in front of him to block his attack, creating a shockwave from the clash of our weapons.
Completely furious, I looked at him directly, making him stop in his attempt to kill them.
"EVERYONE! OUT OF THE ROOM!" I shouted, grabbing my brother's sword to keep him from moving.
"B-But sir, we can't—" "NOW!!"
At my command, the guards took the Count's wife and son out, leaving Boris and me completely alone.
"WHAT the hell are you doing!?" I asked as I let go of his sword and stored my spear in my magic rune.
"THEY deserve to die! Because of them, many people died! Isn't that justice!?" He protested, stepping away from me—something that was pointless because when I heard his stupid words, I didn't hesitate to punch him, knocking him to the ground.
"Of course not! You can't be the judge of that! That is NOT your responsibility!" I shouted, letting the mana I usually kept sealed escape.
With a much heavier atmosphere, Boris got up with difficulty before looking directly at me, with an expression I never expected to see on his face—an expression that wished for my death.
In silence, he picked up the sword that had flown away, leaving me alone as he murmured several things before exiting through the window.
DAMN IT! What are you turning into, Boris!? What happened to the kind and devoted brother I knew…? I thought, gripping my head tightly as countless thoughts ran through it. What… What happened to you?
.
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Joshua_Goose: Please, if you like the novel, don't forget to add it to your library, it encourages me to keep writing :)