Impostor (2)

“No need to cry about it, I'm dropping it...” I rolled my eyes.

“Really?”

“Imposter or not, it doesn't change much. As long as you stay here and work for us... Come on, let's go back,” I announced, leaning against the tree trunk.

The latter flinched as I approached. He dared not turn his head to look at me. I could tell he didn't want to stay next to me, but he was too petrified to leave.

“What about our training?”

“Are you stupid? I'm not continuing training under these conditions. And before I forget: no more magic explosions until further notice.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, but I have no control over this magic.”

“All the more reason,” I retorted.

We remained seated against the gnarled tree, gazing at the purple sky that was starting to cloud over. Edwoyn's gaze seemed as lost in emptiness as mine. Neither of us spoke. We were both deep in thought: the prince was reassessing his entire life while I searched for a logical explanation.

It was out of the question to let a stranger alter the final outcome of my equation. I still needed to figure out what was wrong with him. At best, I could harness his power to make it a deadly weapon, even though it was clear I was already doing just fine on my own.

Why do you reject your nature? You definitely have nothing human…

There existed an infinite number of creatures and phenomena still unknown or too dangerous to study. Most hid within the depths of the continent's largest forest: the Ancestral Forest. If Edwoyn wasn't a magical creature, then he must have had an affinity for magic. However, no one awakened their affinity at eighteen.

On the other hand, the prince did not seem to be lying when he said he knew nothing about magic. I thought back to his blue eyes filled with magic energy. No ordinary magic made irises shine like that. Whatever caused such brilliance, granting immense power regardless of experience... I refused to speak its name. It was undoubtedly the worst kind of magic, if one could even qualify that vile amalgamation of magic.

Long ago, in a place untouched by any form of morality, men driven by greed for control crafted weapons unlike any other. They contained a power so malevolent that it was said to have been stolen from demons, legendary creatures embodying destruction. With such weapons, there was no need for talent or affinity; the most powerful magic was within reach. Once, they circulated in the heart of illegal trafficking within the kingdom.

As far as I knew, they had all been destroyed following a nationwide massacre twelve years ago called the Great Revolt. That episode of violence had proven how dangerous magic could be without proper regulation. Consequently, the new government had prohibited a third of existing spells and artifacts. But as you can imagine, with black markets as thriving as Luleath's, this measure did little to deter everyone.

Was Edwoyn's magic more dangerous than that of the prohibited weapons? Having never encountered them, I couldn't say, but my instincts warned me not to let my guard down. I needed to dig and scratch until every secret surrounding the prince and his family was unearthed. That's why we needed to conduct research among our informants.

It was clear that the prohibited weapons had nothing to do with Edwoyn, as he had cast his spell bare-handed. Yet the magical gleam that had illuminated his eyes left lingering doubts in me. Refusing to overlook any lead, I concluded that a little inspection into the arms trafficking wouldn't hurt.

And if you find nothing? What if he truly isn't human? How will you bring Big Brother back?

I took a deep breath. The weak who gave in to hesitation never achieved anything. It was a well-known rule among mercenaries. There was no way I would falter again like I did at Hiven Palace. My mistake had already cost me too much to repeat. Whether Big Brother was reborn in the body of a magical creature or a human, what did it matter?

All that mattered was the end result. If he possessed great magical powers, even better: I just needed to harness his hidden potential to make him as invincible as I was. Then, I wouldn't have to worry about his safety because nothing would be able to separate us, not even fate.

Firstly, uncover Edwoyn's true nature.

Secondly, teach him to master his powers.

Thirdly, transfer Big Brother's personality onto his.

Despite this rational plan, the unknown still seemed threatening to me. Many fear the unknown, but since I am immune to fear, my concern manifested as discomfort. The unknown was a set of chaotic variables that added to the equation unexpectedly. As if things weren't already complicated enough, just one unforeseen event could spoil a plan. Moving forward without a plan was a surefire way to fail spectacularly. Big Brother had to come back at all costs, and his magic wasn't going to stand in my way.

However, we had no control over it, which posed a significant risk to our lives. Under different circumstances, that explosion could have killed both of us, and I couldn't shake off the bitterness.

Why it happens to the one thing I desire? Why now? Why a prince?

The mystery had never been thicker, and the answers, more obscure.