chapter 1

In the boundless universe where different kinds of worlds exist, there was a world called {Ancient World}.

It was a world where people had a chance to be born with superpowers. Every human could be a mighty warrior if he has the powerful talent {The Elemental affinity}.

In the Ancient World, every newborn who has the Elemental Affinity talent could only have an affinity with a single element of the following five elements {fire element, water element, wind element, lightning element, iron element}.

Having the talent of the elemental affinity would grant the talent wielder the ability to use his element in combat, a fire warrior could turn his hand into a fire torch or his sword to a deadly weapon.

..

At the Glory City, the capital of the Azure Empire, one of the five empires of the Ancient World.

It was early in the morning where few people could be seen on the streets. Two patrolling guards were walking side by side chatting.

"Did you hear the latest news?"

the first guard who wore a blue armor said in a low voice.

"What!? did something happen while I was visiting my village?"

the second guard who also wore a blue armor said with a curious face.

"A big incident happened yesterday in the palace. His majesty, the emperor chose the second prince as the crown prince."

"What! how is that possible? isn't the first prince the one who is supposed to be the next crown prince?"

The second guard said with a face full of surprise and bewilderment.

"Your expression right now was my exact reaction when I heard the news from my brother who is working as a guard inside the palace. Anyway, no one knows the exact reasons as to why his majesty chose the second prince as the next crown prince."

"Sigh! I wanted the first prince to be the next crown prince."

The second guard said with a disappointed face.

"Shh! Do you want to kill us, what if one of the second prince's subordinates heard you?"

The first guard warned in a low voice.

"Ouch, sorry. I spoke emotionally without thinking."

The second guard replied in a whisper with an apologetic face.

"Whatever, we better stop talking about this incident right now. You clearly know the terrible consequence of offending the second prince."

"I know right."

The two patrolling guards stopped talking and soon vanished among the people walking on the streets of Glory City.

..

As the capital of the Azure Empire and the place where the emperor resided, the Glory city was undoubtedly the best city among the other cities of the Azure Empire.

In terms of military strength, the Glory City had the toughest defense with its thick walls and tall towers besides that, the main army of the empire was stationed inside the Glory City.

And in terms of life quality, the Glory City had the best craftsmen and the best farmers leading the city towards prosperity and riches.

At the central area of the Glory City, the massive imperial palace stood there looking extremely grand and magnificent. Within that palace lived the emperor and the imperial family.

Inside one of the many rooms of the imperial palace, a man in his mid-twenties was standing next to the mirror. The man looked at his reflection, calmness, and serenity could be seen inside his eyes. The man took out neatly prepared clothes from his wardrobe and began to wear it. The clothes were azure-colored dress which was known for being the official outfit of the imperial family members.

After dressing up, the man looked again at his reflection to check out his image. With white hair and a handsome face, the first prince was famous for his good looks. Yet, when he looked at his black eyes, an expression of helplessness appeared on his handsome face.

As a matter of fact, those who are born with Elemental Affinity talent could be easily identified through their eyes. A fire warrior would have yellow colored eyes. A water warrior would have blue colored eyes. A wind warrior would have gray colored eyes. A lightning warrior would have green colored eyes. And lastly, the iron warrior would have dark-black eyes.

Obviously, people with normal black eyes were those who did not have the Elemental Affinity talent.

being born with no Elemental Affinity talent, Kazuki, the first prince had always been a hard-working person. Not only because he wanted to be a powerful warrior, but also because he wanted to be the next emperor where he could serve his people and his nation.

After taking a deep breath, Kazuki walked out of his room in a slow and graceful manner. As a former candidate for the crown prince position and a member of the imperial family, Kazuki had undergone strict training from a young age to learn how to act as a true noble.

..

Under the sympathetic gazes from the maids and the guards, Kazuki continued walking towards the main hall gracefully.

The shocking news had already spread long ago among all the people inside the imperial palace. Some felt shocked and some felt pity, but most of them felt disappointment and depression. No one wanted the famous for being ruthless and cruel, the second prince to become the next emperor. What they wanted as the next emperor was the first prince as he was both kind and righteous, Making him the perfect choice to be the next emperor for most people.

..

Inside the main hall, emperor Akihito was seated on a white throne that was made from the precious white jade. The emperor looked in his late fortieth with white hair and yellow-colored eyes. Beside him was a middle-aged man who had black hair and blue colored eyes, he was the imperial adviser, master Raizou.

"The first prince is seeking an audience with you, your majesty."

the doorkeeper announced respectfully.

"let him in."

The emperor replied, giving permission.

"Greetings, your majesty."

Kazuki said with a bowing head.

"Mm."

The emperor nodded calmly.

"This son has come here to ask for a favor, your majesty."

Kazuki said in an extremely polite manner.

"You may ask."

The emperor said with a serene face.

"This son wishes to go and explore the world. Your majesty."

Kazuki said, feeling a little nervous.

"You have permission."

Emperor Akihito said.

"This son is extremely grateful to you, your majesty."

Kazuki thanked his father, the emperor.

"Be careful."

Emperor Akihito said gently.

"I will keep that in my mind, your majesty. Then, this son shall take his leave, your majesty."

Kazuki said calmly before retreating slowly to the outside with a bowing head.

..

Inside the main hall.

"You made the right decision, Your majesty."

Master Raizou, the imperial adviser and the long time friend of emperor Akihito said calmly after Kazuki had left.

"I know, but I believe that he is more suitable to be the next emperor than his brother. If only his grandfather is still alive"

Emperor Akihito said, feeling slightly dejected.

"Life is full of surprises, your majesty. No one had expected the sudden death of his grandfather, master Gen."

Master Raizou said, feeling pity.

"What about Kazuki's supporters?"

Emperor Akihito suddenly asked.

"Almost all of them have joined the second prince's side as you expected, your majesty."

Master Raizou answered, truthfully.

"Sigh!."

Emperor Akihito sighed deeply.

"Don't worry about Kazuki, your majesty. He clearly understands how things are working out. He will not blame you for your decision."

Master Raizou said with a comforting tone.

"I know."

Emperor Akihito said, before giving new instructions.

"Raizou, keep your watch on the second prince and his faction. I fear that they may do something foolish to Kazuki and his remaining supporters. My two sons are rivals, not enemies."

"Don't worry, your majesty. I will keep them under my eyes."

Master Raizou said, confidently.

..

Outside the main hall, Kazuki breathed in relief. He feared that his father would not allow him to explore the world.

Kazuki wanted to explore the Ancient World to seek for opportunities and get stronger.

"Uncle Lee."

Kazuki shouted quietly.

"Yes, your highness. do you need anything?."

An old man in his late fiftieth appeared beside Kazuki. He was Attendant Lee, a loyal subordinate of Kazuki and his butler since he was a little kid. The man had short gray hair and black colored eyes. A kind smile was displayed on his face.

"Prepare my carriage, I am going to the archery training field."

Kazuki said calmly.

To be continued.