Ch. 1: I can see you

The exclusive Maid of Lady Stephany, Halsey.

Month 5, day 10, A.T 882. MIDNIGHT

At the Reign's main mansion.

Being a chambermaid has its terrors, especially if the family you are serving is somewhat unpleasant. However, the staff serving the Reign house, anything is bearable but being able to be ten feet near the third daughter of the Archduke. Yes, every one of us here would rather spoon-feed the pigs or fetch water using a spoon and fill a barrel to the brim.

Unfortunately, it was a task given to me rather forcefully by the major-domo. Opening my mouth to reason out my dislike, but he was hellbent. I held in my two shivering hands was the silver tray filled with a mouthwatering meal for the child. A wave of uncomfortable anger starts to burn on my chest. I have always loathed this child with all of my soul. So primitive fragile but so stubborn as to raise her head high, despite her being a freakshow. It always was a mystery of why the Archduke let her live rather than killing her or sell her as a slave and free this family from all its worries and troubles.

All around town, the Archduke was the only one who gave a reasonable wager for its servants, especially at this dark time. Another additional sum to my initial wager was more than enough to bring bread to my family's table, perhaps a new dress or a couple of weary earrings the town's gypsy. However, the late-night trips to give her sustenance are becoming my undoing as it is.

I hurry down through the corridors and exit to the back of the Estate. Pebbles crunch down at my feet as I make my way to the library. The library was a huge tower with a glass dome-like ceiling, somewhat can be also concluded as an observatory type. Behind the silver covers gave the sweet aroma of freshly baked chocolate cake as per usual request.

In any case, when I arrived in front of the library. I proceeded inside without delays, I immediately smell the old books and dust, it invades my nostrils without my consent. My eyes became sweaty and itchy because of the dust pouring down from the ceiling.

Is there anyone going to clean this place? I thought to myself as is scrunch up my nose preventing a sneeze from releasing. I think the maid intended to clean this portion of the house never step foot here since the third child found residence between these stack of papers.

Just being under her gaze, you could feel something sinister crawling up from your spine down to the sides of your neck. I sometimes brush this off-putting in mind that she is just a child, probably craving for attention as she is pretended to be non-existent is this household. Thinking about the glow in her eyes sends goosebumps all over my body.

The floor is coated in dust, some books were piling up beside the shelves and spider webs had spawned here and there.

I want to clean this library, but considering the hardships and trouble, no. There is no merit for me doing that, it would only help her and be under her scrutinizing gaze the whole time.

I walked into the center of the room, where a round table was placed while it was basking under the light of the moon. I gently lay down the tray on the table and a small wave of dust is made. I didn't bother it since there was a silver sphere covering around it.

She was nowhere to be found. I turned a searching eye for where she may be.

Hidden by a wall of books by a dark part of the library she sat at the floor, books sprawled all over her and have no disregard for the order the library she should have.

My what a troublemaker!

I was internally enraged by the clutter before me. It's hard to assume that she intentionally did it but my anger seemed to cloud my judgment. Having an exhausting day at the mansion today didn't help me with my wavering patience. With whole force, I pushed the pile of books in front of me creating a domino effect.

But as the books fell mere inches away from her face, it stopped like a pause in time.

I assessed the situation before me, my breath hitched as I find some kind of explanation for what happened, maybe it was just a little parlor trick. My eyes accidentally swept by hers and I tremble with fear as air fail to fill my lungs. I feel an unseen force prickling my skin. She glared at me from head to toe with those velvet eyes, and so gave me a sudden fight or flight feeling.

At the state of my fear and panic, I was able to process a thought. Those eyes, red pupils are said to be an offspring of demons, so as those black and silver-colored hair and pupils.

She is a demon, and that is a fact.

I prayed for all the saints for the strength of fleeing but somehow I couldn't move. Before I could even process any more thoughts, my knees went numb and fall to the cold ground.

I shuddered in fear.

I still couldn't move, no. I'm too scared to move. My mind screamed for help, but it didn't escape through my mouth and before I knew it, I was blown away a couple of feet, it was a weird feeling at first.

What happened? How? Was that Magic? That's impossible! She didn't chant right!? She doesn't even have an instructor to train her magic! Additionally, one cannot obtain knowledge about the magic if they haven't surpassed a certain age.

From this view, the books that almost had fallen, it slowly came back to their original position, and I was able to see my lifeless body fell to its demise as the blood gushed out violently from my neck.

Steph didn't change her emotions, she wasn't feeling guilty. What a monster.

I was not able to comprehend what happened and fell into the world of endless darkness

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

The third daughter of the Reign family, Stephany Reign.

Month 5, day 10, A.T 882. MIDNIGHT

Inside the library of the Reign family

I stood up from my chair and clean up the mess. It's quite unfortunate that another maid died. Well, it doesn't matter though, I have lost count of how many maids I had killed. Who was she again? I think her name was Halsey.

It's entirely not my fault. They are the ones that disturb me every time, so I have no choice but to eliminate them before they could interrupt me of my peace.

In any case, I came closer to the body by standing in front of it and cast an attribute.

"Burn," I said in a monotone voice.

One word came out from my mouth, the maid's body burned into Ambers and to nothingness. Yes, not even a single ash can be seen. Also, the smell of a burnt body seems to vanish as well. I could use magic without their incantation, but won't it look cool if I said it? No, I should stop it and just to let you know. I am not one of those delusional children, rather I am a master of crafts. So don't look at it with those disgusted looks.

Hmm? What am I talking to? Isn't that supposed to be you? The one who is gazing at me this moment, I am bothered by it, so won't you give me a response? If you won't, this one-sided conversation will only make me feel lonely. Or I should be, but I don't care because I want something sweet flavor on my mouth

"I pray for the Goddess of Doll to release you from her string of control, and fell in the burning hell."

I gave my prayers to her and sat back to my chair and the tray levitated with a response to my magic. It levitated from the round table and to the piled up books which were beside me.

I took off the silver covering the food and saw a chocolate cake. I took the spoon that came with it and proceeded to eat off the icing off the sides. The sweet sugary flavor burst inside my mouth. Just like I wanted for this couple of minutes.

I used my delicate fingers to move onto the next page, oh? It seems that I have already finished the whole book. Unfortunately, I was enjoying this book a lot and didn't even notice it was already at the end.

I put the current book that I was reading to another pile of books beside me, and grab the pale key with its certificate patterns, the pale key was attached to a thin silver chain that hangs around my neck and was concealed under my robe. Additionally, the pale key almost looks like its a bone from an animal.

I chanted a certain incantation, which allows me to manifest another dimension.

"Sinite Nos ipsos hoc mundo intrant. Quia ego possessor."

The space in front of me became distorted, the pale violet and light blue color mixed as it revolves around the empty black space. The air was still and books didn't move an inch. For this is only a vortex to my never-ending library. An archive that stores books from other worlds.

If an individual creates a book. The Archive would duplicate the book and store it in the depths of the archive. For there are many worlds with different timelines, I would assume the books that were stored were more to my demise. That also means that the knowledge I could get is infinite!

Having a hunger for knowledge, I'm quite fond of doing research and logic. I removed my hands from the key and lift my hands while using levitation magic to direct the books back to the archive.

When that is finished, I stepped forward and made my hands enter the vortex. I thought of random numbers. All the books have their numbers in the archive, they are sorted randomly and you will never certain if you get the book you want or not.

Thinking a random number of 177013 and all of a sudden, my hand inside the vortex got heavy as something was placed atop my palm. I didn't panic about what it was, because I already know the drill. I returned my hand and see a book atop my palm, it is titled "The Colossus of Maroussi by Henry Miller."

Excellent.

Repeating the process 14 times, and return to my chair after taking them out, and continues to read. And finished my cake whilst I enjoyed my books again.

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Stephany: Since I feel like you have some questions regarding the archive. If I take out a book, the book is only but a copy. though I can still get the original if I want too, though I rather don't want to defile or taint the books

Part 2

The third daughter of the Reign Family, Stephany Reign.

Month 5, day 11, A. T 882. Just before noon

At the Reign's main mansion.

Hours and hours of reading, I was drowned by endless pages of the books and was unable to keep track of time. Before I knew it, it was already noon. I haven't yet eaten any breakfast or lunch. Though I can create food through witchcraft and alchemy craft, I decided not to. Well, I don't need to eat food to stay alive and healthy.

Even though I am not feeling tired or sleepy, since I also don't need to rest, but I still yawned as if it was natural. The heat had spread inside the entire building, it's summer after all.

I don't have any problems with that since I don't get sweaty. But for now, I want to eat something, it's not to satisfy my hunger, it's just what I desire. And because of the maid, who gives me food had died, I have to ring a bell.

I walk near the entrance of the library and found a bell sat atop an oak table beside the entrance of the door. Although the bell isn't attached to anything like on a thread, it still functions since it's a magical item, which if you ring it. It would send mana waves to the other device of the servant's chambers. Hence, they can know if their masters want something.

I tried taking it but before I could, the double door entrance beside me opens forcefully and the fresh wind from the outside world burst in as if it was invading the building. The dust forms a stormy cloud filled with dirt.

Just who are you to open my door like that? Well, I already know who it is. That's why I didn't use my magic to vent my irritation.

"Steph? Are you there?"

Yes, it is him.

A familiar voice that shouted near the door, it calls my name, but I didn't reply. It was my father — Alusu, the Duke. His appearance immediately resurfaced in my mind, under his nose was a mustache that curves down to his chin and his handsome young adult face was simply astonishing. Despite aging 40 years old after birth, his pompadour hairstyle is well suited to his rich skinned-face.

"Oh" he let out a startled voice as if he saw me "There you are"

Even though I have the power to do anything that I like, I didn't do so. The power of creation and destruction, revealing it will certainly end my peace in this world. So I would like it if this peace would go on for eternity as I bask under the numerous knowledge provided from the world of archives.

I know that revealing a tiny bit of my power would alleviate my current situation, but it would still lead to my demise. Being the useless part of the family would only destroy my reputation, that I care less about it.

I rather soak in a pool of stinky mud and not bathe for many weeks, than to let go of my peace. Why am I so obsessed with peace, you ask? Simply because that's what I desire and no one will ever take it from me.

Without turning back to look at him nor give a proper greeting, I stayed at my spot. Nothing moving an inch, and the cold runs down to my skin. I can hear the constant footsteps which echoed across the whole building, it grew louder as it comes closer to me.

He placed his hands at my shivering shoulder without any warning, which startled me.

"What are you doing?" His gentle voice was pleasant to my ears, unlike years ago he always has that thunderous voice, and despite his sudden actions earlier. He had severely changed.

He continued, "Never mind that, please come with me."

I was frightened and intimidated by him to the point I could not lift my finger, or I was supposed to look like it. Though I know that this current treatment could have become much better if I reveal my magic and capabilities as the 3rd daughter of the Reign Family, but I don't want to ruin my peace and lazy life. I'm already satisfied with this treatment, and any more than this would likely cause unfortunate to my future.

Our parents merit our contributions to the power and influence that our family has collected throughout the years. Since that made so, If I reveal the power that. I would immediately inherit the family, and the invitations of marriage proposals will flood the mailbox. Furthermore, I will be troubled by political powers and roles. Additionally, My father holds the rights of the importation and exportation of the Demiurge empire.

That job would come to bother me and will likely end my reading time, which I hate the most. Cloning and creating homunculi of myself is another story. People would get suspicious about it and may not end well.

Though all speculations will not happen because I have a silky silver hair and blood-colored pupils that is said to be a cursed appearance and an offspring of the demons. This is also the reason for my downfall. I should be thankful for my siblings because they are the ones that carry the heavy responsibility from my parents, if not, I would be the one that will carry it, unless if I don't have this curse appearance of mine. Why you ask? I mean, I certainly have this vast knowledge that one would want to hold.

I gave a slight nod, he lifted me in a bridal carry style which made the lower part of the robe to be distorted and Became wide open, the frilly black skirt with grayish strips at the hem, it was flip upwards making an opening to my last defense.

I didn't panic and lost my composure, but remained calm like unmoving water. I naturally moved my hands to undo the terrible flip, both of my robe and skirt. Looking at my father's reaction, he seemed to not notice it.

Whilst looking at him, his eyes were filled with resolve and determination. I wonder who brought or how those feelings came to him, I unconsciously shivered. In the first place, what is he thinking? He obfuscates me with his neutral face.

He gazes down at me and made a gentle smile, he said.

"I apologize, my dear daughter, to what I had done to you for these past years" His apologetic tone scares me the most, his passive intimidation had gone nowhere.

This is way too uncomfortable to describe.

He continues, "Good job for not ending your life with these absurd treatments I gave you. I meant it. So, let me start again as your compassionate and ever supporting father."

The edges of his lips curve upwards and his eyes have no hint of acting nor lying. Over the years, I had known my father as strict, but I never get to meet this side of his.

Something about him had changed, he is rather nice and kind. I wonder what changed him.

"Mnh" My voice leaks out from my shut tight mouth as I give a slight nod.

I wanted to cry, but why would I waste my tears on that act? I think my current actions are enough to deceive them.

"Thank you," he said. I was not able to comprehend why he'd thank me for, rather I should be the one that has to be thankful. Nonetheless, this works out for me too

Soon after, my father carried me to the mansion, while proceedings so, I covered my eyes with my loose sleeves from the sunlight.

As he walks the gravel pathway leading towards the back entrance of the mansion, or I assumed it to be, the waves of mellow breeze touch my skin, it made me feel sick.

Additionally, I'm in a position visible to the racking motions that made me sick. In this black pitch, I can still see the world is rotating. Or am I just high?

When I felt everything seemed to calm down, the motions and sounds had lessened. This was the moment I knew we had entered the mansion, and I uncovered my eyes.

The interior of the mansion was massive, elaborate high walls made from polished quartz, it shined limitless. In every corner of the corridors formed an arch between the walls, which had a similar motif as the walls, and magic lamps were cascading under the ceiling.

Father proceeded down the corridors. Walking and walking, the complicated ways of the corridors were similar to those labyrinths. On the way, a portrait of a beautiful maiden was hanging against the wall, her figure was alluring to one's eyes. No wonder why Father married such a woman but died after giving birth to me.

Her name is Jeanne De Hildergarde, she had a vibrant golden hair that cascade under her bountiful breasts. Her eyes gleam a natural faint yellow color, which was fitting to her healthy skin. Just looking at her healthy body, it was completely impossible to say that she died giving birth to me.

Besides my Mother's portrait was another, but this time it's a man. A man with a bulky body, his muscles are drawing contours at his royal uniform, and he has a smile stretched out as much as it can. If I am right, that man's name is Yadros Radrar Reign, my Father's older brother.

Father continued without taking a glance at his beloved wife's picture nor his brother, he continued until we arrive in front of a room. He took a brief moment to breathe and entered.

The room was pitch black. However, a dim light provided by the smooth crystal ball was placed atop a purple pillow with frilly yellow stripes.

And because of the light, the room showed no signs of its contour. The stillness of the room was euphoric to me, my heart was thrilled by this complete silence and peace.

The dim ball glows as it tries to fight against the darkness that the room had, and thus made a mystical vibe. Each time it glows to its peak, waves of mana interrupts the natural ones. It was like sitting on a nearby bay, the ocean's breeze touches my skin as the natural air was pushed back behind the shores.

Analyzing this sudden event taking place, I realize that I'm already 13 years old, which according to the information I have read from the books, in this world, they have a weird costume where all the people that had aged at 13 will be their magic identified and their mana pool by this ball.

If you had received an [fireball] as your magic, it will become your magic for eternity. To make your magic more powerful, you will have to train again and again until you finally master it.

For those people who haven't aged at 13, they are unable to identify their magic is and their mana pool. Thus, it would lead to the conclusion of not able to use magic. However, that's not the case for me, because my magics are from the crafts. Bloodcraft, witchcraft, magecraft, alchemy craft, etc. All crafts have their unique magic, uses, purposes, and knowledge, which I had already known.

The people that obtained two magics will instantly be considered a genius and are sought-after by the Demiurge empire. I give my condolences to the fallen people since they will no longer feel the peace, and among those people are my siblings. Every family member of the Reigns has two magics.

My father is an exception. He has magic called [Divine heal] which heals every pain and injury, even disease that can't be healed with any normal medicine. He can cast it on anyone he likes. Furthermore, he has a skill called [Weapon Manipulator], which can master every item that can be considered as a weapon. It is said that he can use weapons without even touching it.

With that reason only, he was then the powerful

Well, that reason gave me a warning not to be powerful, since everyone would hunt me for my power. Although I can kill those who bother me, like that maid earlier. However, if every living being are in a hunt for my power, I have no choice but to terminate everyone

After a brief second of that thought process, I returned to reality and apply my speculations to actions. A woman clad in a maroon-colored robe sat before the glowing crystal ball, she gave a glance to me and quickly returned to the ball.

Somehow, this woman has a motherly aura around her. But not showing it as if holding back within her neutral face. My father slowly walks his way towards the chair, which was at the opposite of the woman and gently puts me down on that chair. He stands beside me and introduces the woman before me.

"This is Grey," He said as he looks at the woman which she gave a response by waving her hands and smiled brightly "A first-rate wandering Casters. Follow her instructions without disobeying"

I replied with a weak nod and gaze at Grey, I smell something fishy even though I used my eyes. Now that I think about it, I still haven't told you that my mother died after giving birth to me?

Thus, that would only mean that my father cheated? Men are men after all. However, In this world - Leiterra, it's rather usual. Also, I take all my agony and grief back! Nonetheless, I carefully listened to what Grey says.

"Greetings Milady Stephany, I am Grey, the wandering caster" She repeatedly introduces herself "Please place your palm on the Ball of magic Appraiser"

Casters… To what I have read in the books, the word mage is nonexistent to them, and they call their magic users as casters. The books said nothing about the casters other than they can cast powerful magic, and I can't trace the origin word for their casters since the word caster seems to naturally fade into existence.

I did what she instructed, after placing my palm on the ball and pour a faint of my mana while carefully converting mana into an attribute that is [Frozen]. It's basic among basic from the combination of elements [wind][water] and [cold].

The ball shines corresponded a faint blue color like translucent ice above shallow water, I retreated my hand to its place and waited for Grey's report to my father

Grey's face was vaguely visible from here, and her complexion grew as she stared at me with a worried expression. The powers of magic do not base on how it uses, but more so on how the longevity of it, the mana pool is a must, since they are the ones that glow. if the color of the glow is profound, the stronger the magic is. However, this is simply wrong.

"The result is of an average Archdukes' power, Sir Alusu." She said, casting her gaze downwards. "Her power is [Frozen]"

That was average? Even though I have sent just a faint? Also, I don't know the comparison of an average Archdukes power and a commoner's power, maybe just another make-up belief.

When a brief second collapses, I thought about the future. If I have average power, that means I can choose two paths. Either go the same path or socialize myself with nobles, which I dislike. Yup, it is certainly decided! I rather go on the same path!

Yes, I think my father hasn't let my existence to be known yet, in order for me to not go to school, I have to show father that I certainly have mature thoughts and excessive knowledge for a 13-year-old child.

I look at my father's reaction. By looking at it, I really can't tell. It is somewhat relieved and somewhat disappointed. Was this the reaction I'm waiting for? Perfectly balanced as all things should be?

Father notices me and gives me a stern look, he let out a heavy sigh. He is clearly disappointed at me. I mean, my siblings are very talented individuals and possess a natural genius, furthermore, the soon-to-be the heir of the family - Linux is currently managing a fief properly while going to school! If I am right, his fief is currently a single town and that is the Cardin town, which is located north of our town.

I should be thankful for them because they are the ones that carry the heavy responsibility from my parents, if not, I would be the one that will carry it, unless if I don't have this curse appearance of mine. Why, you ask? I mean, I certainly have this vast knowledge that one would want to hold.

"Sir Alusu!" Grey shouted furiously, yet her voice trembles. "Please… Don't dispose your daughter because it did not meet your expectations!"

Wait, what!? I was shocked by her statement, I'm going to be disposed of if I didn't meet his expectations!? I repeated it… My father was taken aback, he shrugged and looked at me.

"I won't" His hands crawled up to my head and shakes it, "Rather, I would like it if Grey becomes Stephany's tutor"

Huh? I was shocked again by his proposal and my brain wasn't responding to my own accord, and couldn't help but stare at my Father's face for a few seconds. I have to be thankful that I have this solid neutral face, if not I don't know how to give expression to his proposal.

There was still a tiny bit of hope and immediately look at Grey's reaction. However, the hope was immediately terminated when Grey suddenly stood up and gave a salute to my father, she said with an enthusiastic tone.

"With pleasure!"

WAIT! I wanted to retort, but I swallowed it in my mouth because I have no confidence to do so. If that happens, where would my reading time and peacefulness go? I can't have this individual to let way, if not I'm sure she has a similar personality to my older sister! Freya!

I glanced at my father's face, only to find a satisfied smile.

"I will leave everything into you," He said and nonchalantly left the room.

Are you serious!?

<>

>Lieterra/Appearance/GREY

The rosy cheeks twisted as the edges of her lip curves upward, her pointy ears were hidden under her deep purplish-blue colored hair, which cascades below her shoulders. Her eyes were peeking through her hair, it dyed a blue color.

Her beckoning face is healthy like those young youthful kids, no facial problems existed. Although her slender body is perfect, she covered it by a maroon-colored robe that sways down to her knees, and beneath it was a white and black combination of clothes, her jet-black skirt was supported by a suspender, and the white long-sleeve swells at her chest. She reflected a fine image of a youthful maiden.

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Surrounding us is air, so as the natural mana. It does not contribute to elements and attributes when converting the mana, although it disturbs the surroundings like waves in the calm lake.

When a mage converts an attribute, that mage will take mana from its mana pool and will cause the natural mana to move like waves. The natural mana does not only move from the mana of sources, but also from physical motions.

When waves impact another, the waves only overlap each other while not decreasing its movements nor strength. The natural mana does not have the strength to move physical nor spiritual objects.

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-If you look at the Abyss, the Abyss gazes back at you