Emma

A couple of days had passed. It was a rainy day, one of those where everything seemed calm. Greg had already settled into his room. A large, spacious room with everything he needed to stay as long as he wanted.

Although he rarely stayed there longer than necessary, he was always on the move, studying, searching for something that would help him understand his situation. That day was no exception.

Greg was in the library, surrounded by a mountain of books on the table: dark magic, elemental magic, and other tomes on various topics. However, he couldn't find what he was looking for: something that spoke about the strange marks on his body.

Suddenly, a little girl entered the library. She was about five years old, with hair as blue as the sea. Greg recognized her immediately. She was Robert's daughter.

"Hello, I'm Emma. My father asked me to introduce myself to you."

"Ah, hello, I'm Gregory. The pleasure is mine, but please, call me Greg."

"Yes, Greg. My father told me that you were the one who helped heal me. I'm very grateful to you."

"Ah, there's no need to thank me, miss. I just did what I could," Greg said with a small laugh.

"I see you're studying a lot. I like to study too, though I don't always understand everything..."

"Yes, I'm trying to find something, but I've had no luck. Do you know where I might find a book about marks or seals on the body?"

"Yes, of course. Follow me."

Emma began walking down a corridor Greg had already traversed but hadn't noticed before. It seemed strange, but what caught his attention the most was what Emma said next.

"Corridor, open for me."

Suddenly, the floor began to open, revealing stairs descending into a dark basement. As they descended, Greg saw a secret library, much older and more worn than the main one. The books were dusty, and some were written in languages Greg couldn't understand.

"Emma, are you sure we can be here?" Greg asked, feeling a slight unease.

"Yes, Greg. This library is hidden because it contains books that date back to before the war. Only members of the royal family can access it, but my father told me you're almost part of our family, so you can be here without any problems."

"Thank you very much, Emma."

"This is the area you're looking for. You'll find what you need here. I'll stay here to study a bit more. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Greg began flipping through the books, but none of them seemed to have the information he sought. After a while of frustration, he decided to ask Emma for help.

"Emma, can you help me? I don't know where to start."

It was then that something strange caught his attention: a particular book. On its cover was the same mark he had on his shoulder. It left him completely paralyzed.

"What is this book?" he asked, surprised.

"This is the book that talks about the Divine Key. Haven't you heard the story?"

"No, I've never heard of it. What is it?"

"A long time ago, before this world existed, there was a god named Brishka. He helped other gods create this world. One day, Brishka decided to curse a person, but that curse is not what it seems. Whoever receives it will have the power of a god."

Greg froze. Could that curse be the one he bore on his shoulder?

"And is there a way to get rid of this... curse?" he asked, with a mix of hope and fear.

"Yes, though... it's a bit complicated. It can be removed with divine magic, but whoever performs the spell must be willing to die, because the bearer of the curse will not survive."

Emma's words fell on Greg like a weight, and fear overtook him. He knew his fate was sealed.

"Then... is there no other way to avoid it?"

"Only that one. But don't worry, Greg. Sometimes what seems like a curse is actually a blessing."

Greg couldn't understand how it could be a blessing to have to die to get rid of that mark. But Emma continued.

"It's not just a curse. It's a key that can change the world's destiny. With it, you could stop whatever comes."

Greg began to feel more confused but also somewhat relieved. At least not everything was lost.

"Emma, could I borrow the book? Maybe I'll find something that can help me."

"Of course, Greg. Take it. Read it calmly, but be careful. Not everything in those books is safe. I suggest you talk to Abby. She knows a lot about these ancient languages."

"Thank you, Emma."

Upon returning to his room, Greg began reading the book, but the words were so cryptic that he could barely understand them. It was then that he remembered what Emma had told him about Abby. Without thinking, he went out to look for her.

Abby was in the castle grounds, training with her sword. Greg shouted to her:

"Abby! It's Greg!"

When she stopped and looked at him, Greg felt a bit more at ease, though anxiety still kept him tense.

"What's up, Greg? You come to train?"

"Uh, not now. I wanted to ask you a favor..."

"Tell me what you need."

Greg showed her the book and asked for help understanding it. Abby skimmed through it with interest, but soon her face turned serious.

"Greg, why do you want to know about the Divine Key? That's not something you should take lightly."

With a sigh, Greg rolled up the sleeve of his shirt, revealing the mark on his shoulder.

Abby took a step back, shocked.

"That... that's the mark of the Divine Key!"

Abby, wiping off the sweat and dirt from her training, looked at the book again.

"Can you read this book?" Greg asked, handing it to her.

Abby started to read, but her expression became strange, as if she didn't fully understand what she was seeing.

"Hey, Greg, why do you want to know about the Divine Key? I think those kinds of things aren't usually of interest to children."

With trembling hands, Greg made the decision to show her his mark. Slowly, he lifted his shirt, revealing the strange symbol on his shoulder.

Abby started trembling with fear, and her breathing quickened.

"WHAT THE HELL...?"

"Sorry, Greg, for saying that, but... is that the mark of the Divine Key?"

"I think so. That's what I want to find out, but... Abby, I'm scared."

Seeing the impact his mark had on her, Greg felt the fear overwhelm him even more.

"Greg, this is not a curse. It's an opportunity. With that power, you can change things. But first, you need to control it. You need training."

"Training?"

"Yes. And I'll do it with you. But this has to be a secret. If anyone finds out that you have the Divine Key, the consequences would be catastrophic."

Greg nodded, relieved by Abby's words. He knew that with her, he had a chance.

"Thank you, Abby. I don't know what I would do without you."

"Let's go, Greg. There's much to do. But first, how about we go find that sword you wanted so much?"

"The mage's sword?"

"Yes, that one. Come on, it will help you control your magic and face whatever comes."

With renewed enthusiasm, Greg agreed. Together, they began their search, walking through the castle, but they didn't find anything worth considering until they arrived at a shop specializing in magical weapons.

The sword they found had a blade as red as blood, with an inscription about its ability to amplify the power of a mage.

"This is perfect!" Greg exclaimed, gazing at the sword in awe.

Abby smiled as she saw him so excited.

"Yes, it looks impressive. But before you take it, make sure you understand what it means to possess a weapon like that. It's not just a sword; it's a tool of power."

Greg nodded, and after asking the price, he realized it was more than he could afford.

"Abby, it's out of my budget..."

"But not mine. I'll take care of it."

Abby paid for the sword without hesitation, and Greg couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by her generosity.

"Why are you doing this? You don't know me that well..."

"Because I trust you, Greg. I know you have what it takes to handle that power. And you will, with or without my help."

With the sword in hand, Greg left the shop with a renewed sense of determination. Now he knew that his destiny depended on his ability to control what was on his shoulder.

"Let's go, Greg. Training starts tomorrow. I'll teach you to use the sword. And I'll find a mage to teach you magic."

"Thank you, Abby. I don't know how to thank you."

"I just want you to practice a lot until you control the power you have."

Greg nodded, determined to change his destiny.

"Greg, go to the castle. I'll take care of some matters."

Abby also headed for the castle, but took a different path. When she arrived, she spoke with Prince Robert and told him about Greg's situation. Though she did so with good intentions, she couldn't help but feel some concern.

"Your Highness, I need you to be Greg's teacher. He needs someone with experience and knowledge."

Robert listened carefully, and after a few moments of reflection, he agreed.

Meanwhile, Greg returned to the castle, filled with motivation. Now he had answers and knew that soon he would begin his training with Abby and Prince Robert.