Presence

Albedo's POV

I was born a genius, or that is what others around me always used to say.

There are three Great Empire in this world.

The Great Kolvasta Empire where mostly humans reside,

The Great Beyralt Empire where mostly the beastfolk live and finally the Great Elven Empire where mostly elves reside.

There are a lot of Kingdoms in each Empire. And one Kingdom also known as the capital Kingdom is in charge of all other Kingdoms in that Empire. It is also the most powerful Kingdom in that Empire.

Elvia is the Capital Kingdom of the Elven Empire.

There is an opportunity given to those who get the highest grades in all subjects in Elven Empire. They are granted an audience with the King of Elven Empire, who grants one wish to the student. Though rare, some people manage to get this privilege in their life.

I was better than everyone around me I was even born in the house of a marquess. It won't be a stretch to say everyone around me were envious of me. I got the privilege of meeting the King. When he asked what is it I wish for, I instantly replied for a position of royal researcher. Why? Because I liked researching magic but I didn't want to become a mage. And the position of royal researcher allowed me to research freely without any restrictions.

There's also only one royal researcher in the entire Empire. Since my wish was a bit too much, the king pondered about it for some time then said 'If you pass the test for the job with full marks you will be granted the position of royal researcher.' Which I easily did.

People around me were already jealous. Now they started calling me greedy. But it didn't matter to me all I cared for was my research.

I later developed a lot of magical equipment which made this Empire strongest in terms of technology.

There is also my little secret, I accidentally found a strange device that had a lot of ancient records, which helped me in my research a lot. With its help, I invented a magic detector that was able to scan the mana concentration of the entire Empire. Which helped in predicting the attacks of demon beasts. I was rewarded with a lot of riches, I suppose I'll use them to further my research.

But right now what I am seeing is unprecedented. What exactly is that amount of mana. *gulp* This amount of mana can only belong to an existence that has existed from ancient times, something big is happening in the Empire. We might have to prepare for a disaster. I am also curious about that existence... If only I can examine it.

...

["Sir, the Mana source suddenly vanished."]

One of the workers said in a hurry.

["A huge source like that, vanished?"]

Albedo said with his eyes focused on the device.

["C..check the device again. There must be some sort of error in the device because of sudden Mana exposure."]

All the workers starts checking the device.

["Sir, the device is working perfectly."]

A worker replied.

[How can someone release and stop emitting that amount of mana in an instant?]

Albedo said as he wipes his sweat.

["Wha...what did we all witness just now!?"]

...

*crackle*

The Knights fell to the ground in fear.

["Wh..who are you? Such insolence....don't you know I am a commander of the elvian knights!?"]

Gustaf said as he was shaking in fear.

Winter looks at Gustaf and others around them.

[Ha! I almost went overboard.]

*exhale*

Suddenly the Mana vanished in thin air.

["First seal...OPEN!"]

Everything in the atmosphere went silent.

There was now not a shred of Mana coming from Winter. But every creature in the surrounding area went silent, as they felt a sense of immense oppression, which made them unable to even try to squeak.

The people were no exception.

[I must....I must, run what exactly is that thing!?]

Gustaf tries to crawl backwards.

["...stop..."]

Winter said slowly.

By hearing his one-word everyone around them was rendered motionless.

["Flame"]

Winter snaps his finger.

Every single Knight except Gustaf burns to ashes by a huge pillar of flame.

["I won't ask twice...where is Irene?"]

winter asks as he looked directly into Gustaf's eyes.

[I....I must tell him...my life]

Gustaf tries to open his mouth.

[".....s...he...."]

Gustaf tries his best but was unable to utter a word properly.

["Fool"]

Winter extends his hand.

["Come"]

Gustaf gets pulled by an unknown force towards Winter's hand.

Winter holds Gustaf by his head.

["Memory Eater"]

Winter closes his eyes.

["I see"]

["BURN"]

Gustaf gets burned to ashes.

["I shall fulfil my promise first then....I am coming, Irene."]

Winter turns back and sees Robin and Peter fainted.

["Hah! Pride carry them."]

...

Near the abyss...

["Did you feel that?"]

Asks a dark silhouette.

Suddenly a shadow appears behind him and bows.

["What? My lord?"]

The shadow replied.

["Something big is going to happen soon...prepare the forces we must haste."]

The dark silhouette said as it gazes upon the sky of the abyss.

[Others must've felt that too...I wonder...]

...

Somewhere in the demon land...

["He's back! Our fight shall finally be finished"]

A vampire said as she suddenly opens her eyes.

["You mean him, My lady?"]

A butler wearing a formal suit asks as he slightly bows.

["Who else? I can't wait...I am heading alone do not follow me, Vald."]

The vampire said as it vanished.

["Well if it really is that human then who can stop My lady? I guess it will be a while before she returns."]

The butler said as he looked in the direction his master left for.

...

*achoo*

["How can I even get a cold"]

Winter said as he rubbed his nose.

["Someone must be cursing you, master."]

Pride said as he looked in the opposite direction.

["Say that after looking me in the eye"]

Winter said nonchalantly.

["I am sorry from my deepest part of heart"]

Pride said as he lowered his head.

["That was sarcasm, right? You little! Your pride isn't coming down. Well....check if they have some money on them?"]

Winter's voice lowered towards the end.

["Master....did you even pay the tavern owner?"]

Pride asked as he looks at his master suspiciously.

["What's that look for...I just forgot to pay them. It's not like I ran out...I'll give it to them later...and the money we are taking from them is fees for carrying and finding an inn for them."]

Winter answered as he looked away.

["It is as you say, Master"]

Pride said as they were searching for an inn.

They argued with each other the whole night.

-----To be continued-----