1 The System''s Chosen Liege

    ''----''

    ''In a run-down building

    numerous people with unkempt appearances and stained clothing could be seen sleeping peacefully. Though the setting betrayed the atmosphere of the room

    their rest seemed to be uninterrupted by the poor conditions.''

    ''Unfortunately

    that couldn''t be said for one of the boys. A loud gasp was heard as the young boy jumped from his sleep. His frail body was drenched in a cold sweat while he clutched the worn

    patch-filled piece of cloth that could barely be called a sheet.''

    ''"It''s that dream again. It''s just...darkness

    " the boy muttered to himself as he looked around at the other sleeping serfs around him. The light of day had yet to approach

    so there was still time until the bane of his day came through those nearly broken doors.''

    ''He was careful not to interfere with their sleep. With silent steps

    he walked towards the weathered windowsill. As he peered outside

    he gazed at the silver gleam of the moonlight. The light of the moon seemed much more pleasant than the tyrannic heat that accompanied their overbearing sun.''

    ''"At least I get to see this beautiful sight before another hellish day. I just hope I don''t get a cruel family member today. That seems to be happening more often these days

    " the boy muttered.''

    ''While he was lost in thought

    a voice sounded behind him. It was gentle yet carried a warming feeling

    "Apollo

    you''re up early. Is it a nightmare again?"''

    ''The boy

    Apollo

    turned around. "Oh

    Miss Clarice. Yeah

    I couldn''t sleep. It''s the same dream over and over again. I don''t know what it means. But

    today something felt different. Inside the dream

    the darkness usually just surrounds me

    but today

    I felt like I was consumed. I don''t know how to explain it."''

    ''Clarice smiled and cupped his cheeks

    "Don''t worry. Just take a breather and release the angst from your mind. I know these days our duties have become tougher. I also know that they''ve been especially hard on you."''

    ''In response

    Apollo nodded. It was the truth

    the strain they put him through far surpassed any other serf. While the others would be granted breaks he wouldn''t. This was because of his prior identity. He belonged to the children of the family that owned these serfs.''

    ''He was a progeny from the Kaiser Family. Which

    sported an extensive line of reputed Sages and revered Archmages. Yet

    in his case

    he was unable to tap into the worldly blessing known as Mana. Forget tap into it

    he couldn''t even sense it.''

    ''A short while later

    the repeated tapping of heels and boots could be heard in the distance. Due to the sounds

    every last serf woke with punctual timing. After all

    they were aware of the punishment that followed their failure to present themselves on time.''

    ''As the sounds grew closer

    Clarice leaned toward Apollo with a smile

    "I pray that your day goes well and you make it through yet another day to see the light of tomorrow."''

    ''"That sounds good Miss Clarice. Your words always make me feel good. I appreciate you. It is because of you I find the strength to withstand my pain. My

    um

    family abandoned me

    but you''ve been here over the past few years

    " Apollo smiled in return

    thanking her.''

    ''Shortly after

    the door burst open. The ajar door reveals a lady dressed in crimson robes. Her lilac hair was hidden by a magus hat of matching color. She looked around with her gaze soon falling on Apollo.''

    ''"What a surprise

    everyone is awake today. To commemorate this special occurrence

    I think I''ll pick a lucky individual to receive extra work today. Ah

    it''ll be you!" the lady smiled. As they followed the path of her arm

    her outstretched arm holding her wand fell on Apollo''s figure.''

    ''"Uh… Headmaster Verina

    why don''t you pick me instead? Apollo''s sleep wasn''t the best. I don''t think he''d make a good choice for additional work today

    " Clarice stepped forward to sacrifice herself.''

    ''However

    Verina was adamant in her ways. She rejected almost immediately

    "That''s fine. What do you think our mages who specialize in healing are for? All you need to do is serve as a target for our training practices. Anyway

    come along

    we need to go."''

    ''After leaving her piece

    she performed an about-face and exited the dilapidated premises. From the serf quarters to the training grounds was a decent trek. And

    because none of the serfs were experienced in magic

    it was even longer.''

    ''In light of this

    Verina came early without fail to account for the physical travel. If it was her alone

    she would have performed a simple flight spell. Nevertheless

    she was unable to do so.''

    ''In exchange

    she mumbled to herself while also shaking her head. As the serfs behind listened

    they heard her complain about being in charge of this menial task. Additionally

    the everyday occurrence of kicking her feet could be seen as well. This signified the targeting of a specific individual.''

    ''Clarice turned towards Apollo and mouthed "I''m sorry." However

    Apollo didn''t blame her. She offered to stand in

    it was just Verina''s decision not to accept it. Truth be told

    he expected this much. With this

    he focused his attention on the gravel road while ignoring the stagnant view of the distance seen everyday.''

    ''Not too long after

    they made it to the training ground. Upon arrival

    there was a large collection of kids. As Verina prepped the shoddy defensive equipment for the serfs

    she also dealt with the other kids.''

    ''"As per usual

    those who are studying to become Mages

    you will be with me. Those of you taking the Knight''s Path

    you''ll be with Elder Ingrid. We will begin our daily training shortly."''

    ''In a trained manner

    the other kids followed her directions. After a few short moments

    the only youths left were dressed in cloth apprentice mage robes. Additionally

    they held rudimentary wooden wands.''

    ''Each of them picked a serf partner to practice on. Yet

    when Apollo saw his pair

    he frowned. A girl similar in height carrying a feigned air of innocence stood before him.''

    ''"Hehe

    Apollo. Well

    well

    well. Tell me

    how are you?" the girl giggled.''

    ''Anyone who knew this girl knew the attitude she presented was fake. To describe her in a simple phrase

    she was a sadistic cretin.''

    ''"Melina

    " Apollo grumbled.''

    ''While Melina continued to smile

    Verina chanted a spell to root all the serfs to the ground. In their now immobile state

    they became living training dummies for the youth to practice their spells on.''

    ''"I''m going to have so much fun with you. I learned two new spells sequences just for today. If Mom and Dad were here

    they''d witness a pleasant sight."''

    ''"Begin!" Verina announced.''

    ''Immediately after

    Melina lifted his wand while chanting. At the tip of her wand

    a fist-size ball of flames grew to a size reminiscent of a head. Once it was primed

    she released it.''

    ''When the hit landed on Apollo''s chest

    he winced. Small embers continued to burn his tattered robes which caused his visible ribs to show.''

    ''Although it was painful

    Apollo tried to bear with it. He even tried to tolerate the repeated bombardment of that same spell. However

    when she conjured a chain lightning skill

    Apollo nearly lost it.''

    ''"Shouldn''t those who practice with lightning spells train under an older member? Why are you here

    " Apollo questioned. Given Melina''s personality

    his anxiety ran deep.''

    ''"Well

    I just learned it yesterday. So

    I can''t count as an apprentice lightning mage just yet

    " Melina smirked mischievously.''

    ''Without delay

    she released the chain of lightning. Naturally

    with all those volts running through his

    Apollo roared in pain.''

    ''His screams drew the attention of Verina who raised her eyebrow in shock. ''Fire and Lightning. A super offensive combination. Some might even say Lightning is a variant of Fire.''''

    ''As this scenario repeated itself

    Apollo struggled to retain his sanity until finally

    it broke. He looked at Melina with hateful eyes as an obscure aura of darkness exuded from his body. Subsequently

    the aura broke the lock Verina placed on everyone.''

    ''He rushed towards Melina with intent to kill. On the other hand

    Melina froze. The weakness of an apprentice mage was close combat

    and now that Apollo was rushing at her

    she didn''t know what to do.''

    ''By the time he reached her

    she already started hyperventilating. Although she knew he didn''t possess a body fueled by Mana

    those eyes

    and that aura; they scared her. Fortunately for her

    at the last moment

    Verina intervened.''

    ''She cast another immobilization spell on Apollo. However

    to her surprise

    it didn''t stick to his body. The weird aura around his body deflected the spell. Therefore

    she took on more straightforward means.''

    ''"Yield now

    or I will attack!" Verina exclaimed.''

    ''Yet

    her words appeared to enter some void because Apollo didn''t reply in the slightest. He seemed hellbent on attacking\xa0Melina. Left with no other choice in her eyes

    Verina conjured a spell.''

    ''''This boy is out of hand

    we might as well get rid of him. If immobilizing spells don''t work on him… there''s no other way to control him

    '' Verina inwardly thought. At that moment

    she stopped restaining herself.''

    ''A large earth spire pierced through Apollo''s torso as he regained focus. Eerily

    there was a smile on his face.''

    ''"This...is the darkness that consumed me. Maybe I can finally rest no more nightmares

    " Apollo muttered.''

    ''Clamor could be heard as everyone watched this scene. But

    that wasn''t what Apollo paid attention to. There was a voice in his head talking to him! It possessed a regal aura that also felt quite familiar to him.''

    ''[Ah

    finally. It has happened. You have been awakened. Now

    I have chosen a warden for you. I need you to go and grow strong. It has been vacant for too long and they have yet to fulfill the qualities. You must remember you are one of them. The world a… De… Mo... Tem… awaits you.]''

    ''Towards the end

    Apollo didn''t catch the end of the message. His waning consciousness gave out.''