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Chapter 3 - Twisted And Fragile Bond(1)

Elmar is a fascinating world, much like our own Earth, beautifully orbiting its sun within the game's captivating lore. While there's still so much to uncover, we only know that when the Divines crafted the mortal realm, they brought forth many unique worlds.

But there are many differences between the two worlds, such as culture, government, and people, and the most important one is none other than the magic that exists here. On Earth, there is no such thing as magic.

Elmar is mostly divided into five continents—first, the Human Continent, Althora.

Second, the Elven Continent, Elarion.

Third, the Dwarven Isles, Kragmorn.

Fourth, the Beastial Continent, Vorak.

Fifth, and the continent forgotten to time, Azkarath, a continent of which little is known.

Currently, I am on the continent of Althora, the Human Continent. Althora is the second-largest continent, right after Azkarath.

It has regions under the rule of the Empire and three other kingdoms—the Germainia Empire, the Kingdom of Eldoria, the Kingdom of Ashbourne, and the Kingdom of Ironvale.

The Blitzfeld is a Duchy in the Germainia Empire alongside the Edelstein, Emberhold, and Frostholm. That is all I know about the world from the game. The protagonist, after leaving the academy, ventures into the world to discover a way to put an end to the Calamity that is coming.

At the end of the game, he was on his way to the Forgotten Continent of Azkarath, which was supposed to be the main map for the second game.

So my knowledge is limited to the four continents.

Hey, Dante, do you know anything about Azkarath? I asked the somewhat weird system, whom I named Dante.

[No, not much. My knowledge is also limited in that aspect, but I know something.]

What do you know?

[That a war between the divines happened, that made the continent inhabitable,] Dante explained.

War between the gods? My brows furrowed.

[Yes,] he confirmed.

[Can I ask you something, Ethan?]

What?

[Why did you name me 'Dante'?] His tone was mechanical, but there was a hint of curiosity in it.

Dante is one of my favourite characters.

[I see.] He stopped asking further and went quiet.

"We are here, Young Master Noah," the maid pointed towards a door while gently bowing. The door was a pristine white, with golden leaf-like patterns carved onto it.

"Okay, I am ready," I said, fixing my black coat. "Open the door."

The maid grabbed the handle and pushed it. "Your Excellency, Young Master Noah has arrived."

Behind the door, the room revealed a grand sofa set placed around a polished mahogany table. Plush velvet cushions lined the seats, their golden embroidery catching the soft glow of the chandelier above.

A marble fireplace crackled warmly, its mantel adorned with an ornate clock and silver candlesticks. Heavy velvet curtains framed the tall windows, casting long shadows across the richly patterned rug.

On the sofas, I saw three figures sitting. The first was my—or Noah's very loving father, Friedrich Von Blitzfeld, also known as the Thundercrowned Mage. He had the same wheat-blond hair as Noah, flowing elegantly behind his shoulders.

His eyes were a sheen of amethyst, glowing like gemstones. And unlike Noah, he had sharp facial features, framed by a beard and a moustache the same colour as his hair. He wore a formal cream tunic made of fine silk over a muscular frame.

Finely tailored black trousers covered his legs, and brown boots completed his look. He exuded sheer authority—cold, unrelenting. The kind that made your spine stiffen.

I could feel why Noah was afraid of him. But I'm not Noah anymore.

The look of disdain almost crept onto my face, but I suppressed it. Though another emotion was bubbling inside me—fear.

Yes, Noah feared his father, but at the same time, he desperately craved his recognition. But due to not being able to awaken the Legacy of Thorvian—the Storm God who blessed the Blitzfeld bloodline—he was treated like a stain, mocked and sidelined.

He didn't even have a second affinity. In this world, most people had at least two elemental affinities. Noah? Just lightning. Weak lightning. Because the legacy hadn't awakened. That's why he was called the disgrace of Blitzfeld.

In a world where power mattered more than character, he was a dead weight. But not evil. Just… unloved. Broken.

I shifted my gaze from my father to the figure sitting across from him—Duke Edelstein and his daughter, Elisabeth, Noah's fiancée. As per the timeline, this happened seven months before the start of the academy and the main story.

At this point, Noah was still obsessed with Elisabeth. I don't blame him. She was a major heroine, beautiful as expected.

But I know how twisted she is. Elisabeth only agreed to the engagement because of political power. She wasn't interested in our chubby friend.

[Aren't you being harsh on him?] Dante cut in.

Nah. And you shouldn't talk. You roasted my stats harder than anyone.

[That was no—never mind.]

Yeah. That's what I thought.

"Noah, you're here," Friedrich's deep voice yanked me back to the moment.

"It is nice to meet you again, Duke Leopold and Lady Elisabeth." Ignoring my father, I greeted them first and took a seat beside him.

Duke Leopold Von Edelstein—one of the strongest people in the empire, alongside my father. A grandmaster mage with an Earth affinity. He wore an elegant brown coat over a black vest laced with silver lines. His auburn hair was tied neatly, his eyes a shimmering blue.

Beside him sat Elisabeth Von Edelstein. She wore a beautiful emerald dress that accentuated her figure. Her eyes and hair mirrored her father's, except her face was softer, more delicate.

"It is good to see you, son," Duke Leopold replied warmly.

"It is good to see you too, Sir Noah," Elisabeth added, her voice emotionless. A perfect mask.

I nodded, offering a polite smile. Inside, chaos. Noah's emotions wanted me to approach her. Mine wanted to incinerate her with lightning. Thankfully, I kept my thoughts civil and turned to Friedrich.

He glanced sideways at me. I didn't care. Just get on with it, old man.

[If he hears your thoughts, you might get cooked, you know~?] Dante's voice teased.

I know.

A maid entered, gracefully distributing black tea. The scent was warm, the taste a perfect balance between bitter and sweet. Far more engaging than the diplomatic drivel around me.

"So, why the sudden visit, Leopold?" Friedrich started, arms crossed, tone indifferent.

"Uhm," Duke Leopold cleared his throat. "I wanted to discuss the engagement between my daughter and your son."

"I believe they should spend more time together, build a bond so that both families can harmonise their—"

Boring. She's not even interested. I sipped my tea again. Ah, perfect.

[Maybe you can try making her fall in love with you?] Dante suggested.

Nope. Not interested.

First, I plan to break the engagement—politely. No harassment, no drama. That'll ease my path.

[What is your plan?] Dante asked.

A smirk tugged at my lips.

To cripple the Blitzfeld.

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