Liber Olethros

The grand gates of Stellar Palace loomed ominously before Athena and Adam. As they entered, the sight of the divine Stellar Throne filled the vast hall. Athena paused, her gaze lingering on the throne. After a moment, she led the way toward the library.

Adam, sensing something was off, whispered, "Athena, didn't you tell the council that the Stellar Throne is restless and doesn't allow anyone to step inside the palace?"

Athena smirked, her eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and calculation. "Oh, darling Adam, it was foolish of you to believe my words. After losing my son, I knew the council would investigate, and if they did, I wouldn't have been able to rule Stellaraether for fifty years. I told them the throne is restless, only I with my power can control its dread. I reported that my son wasn't prepared, which is why he didn't make it. But the truth is, the throne only allows the descendant of House Dragon to ascend it."

Adam raised an eyebrow. "Then what about Aron? How is he supposed to rule Stellaraether?"

Athena's voice softened with a hint of iron. "I ruled Stellaraether on my wooden chair for fifty years, Adam. Aron will do the same."

"But only the one who sits on the Stellar Throne can rule Stellaraether. How are you going to convince the council?" Adam pressed.

Athena's lips curled into a secretive smile. "That's the very reason we're here."

As they entered the library, a shadow darted across the room. Adam froze. "Did you feel that?"

Athena's eyes narrowed. "It's the restless spirit."

Adam's brows furrowed. "What the hell is a spirit doing here?"

Athena's voice was low and measured. "Protecting. It guards the treasure in this library. According to history, when House Dragon fell into the depths, many in the palace died. Only certain parts of the palace remained unharmed— the court where the throne is, the library, and the hidden corridor."

Adam looked around, his curiosity piqued. "Where's the hidden corridor?"

Athena shook her head, frustration flickering in her eyes. "I don't know either."

Suddenly, a sword materialized, aiming directly at Athena. Adam rushed forward to intervene, but the force was overwhelming, and his efforts faltered. "Do something, Athena!" he shouted.

Athena's eyes gleamed with impatience. "Didn't you devour all those scholars yet? So weak."

With a casual wave of her hand, she muttered a spell. "Se dióchno."

The sword dropped to the ground, its force dissipating like a fading storm.

Adam, panting, looked up. "Is it gone?"

"Yes," Athena replied coolly. "Let's find what we came here for."

Meanwhile, at the capital, Ivan stood near the cursed pond, its waters dark and still, an ominous aura surrounding it. Ser Arthur, ever cautious, warned him, "Be careful, Ivan. It's no ordinary pond. It's where we banish those who betray us, and their spirits are trapped within. They call it 'Doom of Mankind.'"

Without hesitation, Ivan stepped forward, his expression unreadable. He placed both hands over the pond and whispered an incantation. "Me ti dýnami pou krató, se lytróno. Lýo tin katára, xesfíngo ti thiliá sou."

Golden light erupted from the water, and spirits began to rise from the depths. Each spirit shattered as it emerged, until the last one appeared, and Ivan was suddenly pulled into the pond.

Ser Arthur, panic flashing in his eyes, leapt into the water to save him, but the magic of the pond resisted him, pulling him deeper. Desperation took over, and Ivan, now submerged, cast a stupifying spell. "Na zalisteí."

The water stilled, and Ivan collapsed, unconscious.

Ser Arthur struggled to drag him out of the water, his movements sluggish against the magic's weight. Finally, he emerged, carrying Ivan in his arms.

Aron and Ser Robert hurried towards them, drawn by the commotion.

Ser Robert, his voice tinged with concern, asked, "Arthur, what happened?"

Arthur looked at Ivan's lifeless form before turning to Ser Robert. "Summon the physician. He needs help."

Aron, with a sharp nod, ordered a soldier to fetch the physician. As they entered Ivan's chamber, Ser Arthur placed him gently on the bed. "Robert, today he did something... a miracle."

Ser Robert's eyes widened. "What happened?"

Arthur's voice was filled with awe. "He did it. He broke the curse of the Doom of Mankind."

Ser Robert stood speechless, his mind struggling to process the impossible.

Aron, looking between the two, asked, "What is this 'Doom of Mankind'?"

Ser Arthur sighed, his gaze distant as he explained. "It's the pond at the back of the palace. Years ago, it was cursed by a witch, a woman betrayed by the king. Your great-great-great-grandfather, King Charlotte of House Gorgon, fell in love with her. When they discovered she was a witch, they killed her, stabbing her heart and casting her body into the pond. Since then, the pond has been cursed. Anyone who lies near it is consumed by the restless spirit and trapped within it forever."

Aron's brow furrowed in thought. "But why did she curse the pond?"

Ser Robert answered grimly, "Because of the betrayal. When Queen Athena's great-grandfather killed her, her revenge was bound to the waters. That's why it's called the Doom of Mankind."

In the depths of Stellar Palace, Athena and Adam searched through the dust-covered shelves, their hands brushing against the fragile, ancient tomes. They had scoured the entire library, yet the object of their pursuit remained elusive.

Adam let out a frustrated sigh. "Where is it? Liber Olethros?"

Athena, her fingers tracing the spine of a book that crumbled under her touch, replied, "Adam, we're looking for the Book of Doom. It's not just a book—it's a weapon. Whoever was in charge of this library must have hidden it well."

Adam ran a hand through his hair. "Then what now? We've searched everywhere."

Athena turned, scanning the dimly lit room once more. "We search again. There must be a clue somewhere."

Hours passed as they scoured every corner of the palace, yet nothing revealed itself. The sun had long set, and the rising moon cast pale silver beams through the broken terrace. Just as Adam was about to speak, Athena's eyes caught something unusual—the ground beneath the moonlight was glowing faintly.

She followed the ethereal shimmer until it led her to a familiar sight—the very sword that had attacked them earlier. Under the moon's glow, something was inscribed on its blade, words hidden until now.

Athena picked up the sword, her eyes narrowing as she read aloud. "The path toward the Book of Doom is inside the hidden room."

Adam, standing beside her, exhaled sharply. "What the hell does that mean?"

Athena turned the sword in her hand, her mind racing. "It means the book is locked away somewhere… in a hidden room."

Adam's eyes widened. "The hidden corridor! Maybe that's where it is!"

"Perhaps," Athena murmured, deep in thought. "But for now, we must return. It's already night. We'll come back tomorrow."

Adam hesitated. "And what about the council? What are we going to tell them?"

Athena turned to him, her expression unreadable. Then, without warning, she plunged the sword into his stomach.

Adam gasped, staggering backward, pain flashing across his face. "What—what are you doing?! Are you out of your mind?!"

Athena chuckled, her voice smooth as silk. "Oh, King Adam was attacked by the restless spirits in Stellar Palace. The wounds were fatal. So, as the rightful ruler, I, Athena of House Gorgon, the Five Elementer, had no choice but to take drastic action. I sealed the Stellar Palace forever, forbidding even the wind from entering that cursed place."

Adam fell to his knees, clutching the wound, his breath ragged. "What the hell are you saying? What's the point of this?"

Athena crouched beside him, her fingers grazing the blood-stained hilt. "By sealing the palace, no one will question it anymore. The council won't demand reports about the throne, and we'll have all the time we need to search without interference." She stood, dusting her hands. "Now, let's get you back before you actually die."

She helped Adam to his feet, his weight pressing against her as they returned to the capital's palace. The moment they arrived, Athena summoned a physician. Soldiers rushed to assist, guiding Adam to the guest chambers, where the physician tended to his wound.

Not long after, a knock echoed through the corridors.

"Your Grace," came Ser Arthur's voice. "May I come in? I have something important to report."

Athena stepped out of Adam's chamber, closing the door behind her. "What is it, Ser Arthur, that you couldn't wait until I summoned you?"

Ser Arthur hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Your Grace… I witnessed something extraordinary today."

Athena's gaze sharpened. "Speak clearly."

Arthur took a breath. "At noon, Ivan asked me about curses. He said he was practicing spells to break them and asked for a cursed object to test on. So, I took him to the back of the palace… to the Doom of Mankind."

Athena's eyes darkened. "And?"

Arthur swallowed. "He muttered something—Me ti dýnami pou krató, se lytróno. Lýo tin katára, xesfíngo ti thiliá sou."

Silence hung between them before Athena finally asked, "Is the curse…"

"Yes, Your Grace. The curse is broken." Arthur's voice was almost disbelieving. "Not only that—after he was pulled inside the pond, he stupefied the magic itself. The pond's spell is no longer active."

Athena's expression remained unreadable. "Where is the boy now?"

"He has been unconscious since the incident. The physician says he is exhausted and needs rest."

Athena turned slightly, her gaze drifting into thought. "This boy… he is showing remarkable potential. We must control him."

Arthur hesitated first and then spoke. "Your Grace, His Highness Aron wishes to meet with you. He was present when it all happened."

Athena nodded. "Where is he?"

"In his chamber."

"Keep watch over the boy. The moment he wakes, summon him to me."

With that, Athena strode toward Aron's room. The moment she stepped inside, her eyes swept over the chaos. Furniture lay shattered, books and objects scattered across the floor. Aron sat at the edge of his bed, his hands clenched into fists.

Athena stepped forward, her voice calm. "Aron, what is this mess?"

Aron's head lifted slowly. His eyes, filled with fury, locked onto hers. "Who is Ivan, Grandmother?" His voice was cold, controlled. "What is his true identity? How is he able to cast every spell with such ease?"

Athena's face remained composed. "He's just an orphan I found in the forest. The Ents taught him magic, that's all. He's been learning spells for over a year."

Aron's lips pressed into a thin line. "Are you telling me the truth?"

"Of course, Aron," Athena reassured him smoothly. "He will not interfere with your destiny as the Great Five Elementer."

Aron studied her face, searching for a lie.

Athena placed a hand on his shoulder. "Rest now."

Without another word, she turned and left the room, her expression betraying nothing.

As Athena made her way back to her chamber, she noticed a horse-drawn carriage arriving at the palace gates. Prince Alastair stepped out, his expression tense.

"Prince Alastair, what are you doing here?" Athena asked.

"Where is my father? I heard he was injured," Alastair demanded.

Athena remained composed. "King Adam is resting. You must not disturb him. Let me show you to your chamber; you may meet him tomorrow morning."

Alastair's gaze hardened. "Where is Ivan?"

Athena raised a brow. "Why do you ask?"

"Because he is my friend," Alastair replied.

Athena sighed. "He's unconscious."

Alastair frowned. "What happened to him?"

"He attempted to cast a counter-curse spell, and it drained him," Athena explained. She studied Alastair. "Do you know why he suddenly became interested in breaking curses?"

Alastair masked his concern and lied. "I don't know. The last time we spoke, we only discussed defensive spells."

Athena held his gaze before nodding. "Very well, Prince Alastair. Please return to your chamber and rest. If you need anything, ask the guards."

With that, Alastair turned and left.

The Next Morning

In the private chamber of Athena, Ivan stood before her, his posture tense.

Athena's voice was cold. "Ivan, would you like to explain why you suddenly decided to learn curse-breaking spells?"

Ivan hesitated before answering, "I-I just wanted to learn new powerful spells. That's all."

Athena motioned to Ser Arthur, who stepped forward and struck Ivan hard across the face. Ivan fell to the ground, gasping in pain.

"Tell me the truth!" Athena demanded.

Ivan coughed, his voice shaking. "I-I'm telling the truth, Your Grace."

Athena's eyes narrowed. "You practiced spells without my permission. For the next three days, you will receive only one meal a day. You are confined to your chambers. You may not leave."

The guards escorted Ivan back to his room, locking the door from the outside.

Unbeknownst to Athena, Prince Alastair had been eavesdropping. As the door was about to open, he quickly turned and hurried away.

A Visit to King Adam

Alastair entered his father's chamber, where Adam lay resting.

Adam's eyes widened. "What are you doing here, you brat?"

Alastair smirked. "I came to see my wounded, widowed, old father."

Adam scoffed, pulling him into an embrace. "You insolent boy, mocking your father like this."

They shared a quiet moment before Alastair pulled away. "I have to go, but I'll be back."

With that, Alastair bid his father farewell and left for the North.

At the Northern Kingdom

By midday, Alastair arrived in the North and found Nick practicing swordsmanship with King Theoden.

Nick, surprised by his visit, approached. "Alastair? What are you doing here?"

Alastair pulled him aside and explained everything—how Ivan had broken the curse, how Athena had punished him, and how he was now locked away. However, he deliberately omitted Nick's name.

Nick's hands clenched into fists. "He did that… for me?"

Alastair nodded. "Yes. He knew something was off, and he took the risk anyway."

Nick exhaled sharply. "Damn it… I never wanted him to suffer because of me."

Alastair placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know, but Ivan made his choice. He wanted to help you."

Nick shook his head. "That doesn't mean he should be punished for it. I owe him, Alastair."

Author's Note:

Se díochno means I banish you in Greek.

Liber Olethros means The Book of Doom in Greek.

Na zalisteí means Stupefy in Greek.