A Mission from the Elders
The heavy leather binding of the document felt pleasantly cool against his fingers, and on its surface gleamed the Seal of the Elder Council—the symbol of authority wielded by those who controlled the fate of House Deira from the shadows of its leaders.
Reinhard ran his finger over the embossing, pondering what exactly these ancient vultures had decided. Then, without hesitation, he tore through the wax seal and unfolded the document.
"Decree of the Elder Council"
To: Heir to the lands – Reinhard von Deira, second son of Demian Deira, current head of the house.
Subject: Competency assessment of Reinhard as heir.
Letter:
The Elder Council has unanimously decided that Reinhard has reached the age where he must formally prove his right to be called the heir. In accordance with the traditions of the house, the transfer of the heir's title is accompanied by trials designed to demonstrate strength, determination, and worthiness.
We, the Elder Council, assign him his first mission: to kill a Rank 10 demon spotted in the northern mountains, without any outside assistance.
This demon poses a threat to the surrounding lands and has already destroyed several caravans. Completing this task will not only prove Reinhard's strength but also benefit the entire duchy.
Mission Objective:
Kill the Rank 10 demon
Complete the mission alone, without assistance
Time Limit: 7 days. Additional Conditions:
The use of any artifacts or magical tools is not prohibited, but it must not violate the principle of the "heir's trial."
Failure to complete the mission will result in a reassessment of inheritance rights.
The Elder Council of House Deira
(signatures of the elders)
Reinhard slowly closed the document, realizing that this was not just a challenge. This was a death sentence mission.
Killing a Rank 10 demon? For most Rank 8 mages, that was suicide. Even experienced knights and demon hunters worked in groups against such creatures. This was a trap, blatant and cynical.
He lifted his gaze to his father. Demian Deira looked tense but was trying to hide it. However, from the barely noticeable movement of his fingers gripping the quill, Reinhard understood—his father was irritated.
— So, this is a mission from the elders? — he asked calmly.
The duke let out a heavy sigh.
— Yes... — his voice was restrained, but irritation flickered in it. — Unfortunately, I cannot influence their decision.
Lies. If he truly wanted to, he would have found a way. But apparently, even his father had decided to watch and see whether his son would survive this trial or fall like a pawn in the power game.
Reinhard nodded, showing no emotion.
— Very well, then I'll take my leave, head of the house.
His father looked at him with a hint of respect—he had expected outrage or protest, but his son simply accepted the mission as if it meant nothing.
Meanwhile, Reinhard's mind was already forming a plan.
"The Elder Council plans to get rid of me. That much is obvious."
"Giving such a mission to a young Rank 8 mage is outright suicide. They either expect me to die or hope that I will refuse, giving them a reason to declare me weak and unworthy of inheriting the title."
He clenched the document in his hand, his lips curling into a mocking smile.
"But if they think I will lose… they'll soon realize just how wrong they are."
With those thoughts, Reinhard left his father's office, holding in his hands either his death sentence… or his chance to prove that no one had the right to question his fate...
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The Elder Council
The governing body with the greatest influence in the duchy, whose opinions are respected even by the Head of the House. The Elder Council consists of all the most important figures of the family—nine members in total, including former heads, renowned knights of House Deira, and other distinguished individuals.
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