Grim Reality II

Fenric's eyes widened as he suddenly recalled a particular chapter from the book—a scene where Balina, the Dark Mage, sighed in regret.

She had discovered too late that Elaine possessed an incredibly rare affinity for Spirit Magic—a power so unique that only one in a million across the continent was ever born with it.

At that time, Balina had lamented that if she had known earlier, she would have raised Elaine as one of the most powerful mages in history. Elaine's talent was unparalleled—not only did she have an affinity for Spirit Magic, but she also excelled in Human Magic, a dual combination that had never been seen before.

She was meant to be a genius among geniuses.

And yet, in the original story, her potential was wasted.

She never had a teacher to guide her. She never had the resources to hone her abilities. By the time she became strong, it was through sheer will and suffering—only to be killed before she could reach her true peak.

Balina had lamented that Elaine could have been the perfect bride for her son, strengthening the bloodline and ensuring that even stronger descendants would be born into her family.

"What else am I missing here?" Fenric muttered to himself, narrowing his eyes, trying to remember all the hidden treasures.

The hidden treasure—would eventually fall into either the hero's or the villain's hands.

"Hmph, like hell I'll let you guys have those."

He snorted, determination burning in his eyes. "I'm going to get them all first."

Not just Elaine—but every hidden piece of power in this world, every lost artifact, every forgotten treasure that was supposed to fall into the protagonist's hands or Villains hands he will get them first.

"The last and most important piece… the lost artifact of Ragnis too."

That was the true key—the treasure that made the protagonist even more overpowered than he already was. If Fenric could get it first, then everything would change.

Everything.

"But first, I need an insurance… something to make sure I live longer than just the few months I have left." Fenric muttered under his breath.

With that, he reached for the small silver bell on his bedside table and rang it.

Ring~~~

The soft chime echoed through the dimly lit room. Within seconds, two maids stepped inside, bowing respectfully.

"Your Highness, do you need something?" they asked in unison.

Fenric leaned back against his pillows, eyes cold. "I want to go to the Royal Library."

It was the normal behavior of the ill Prince, A cold hearted Prince, so he acted like it.

The maids hesitated. "But, Young Prince, your body is still weak, and—"

Their words were cut short as Fenric shot them a sharp glare.

"Do I need to repeat myself?" His voice was calm, but the underlying authority was undeniable.

The maids stiffened before lowering their heads. "We understand."

Without another word, they hurried to prepare a chair for him. It was no ordinary chair—it was one of the magical artifacts crafted by the Magic Tower, enchanted to transport sick around without exerting themselves. These artifacts were spread throughout the whole continent, used by people who are either cripple or too weak to wlak like him.

Fenric settled onto the chair as the maids activated the magic, their hands glowing faintly.

A soft hum filled the air as the chair lifted off the ground, hovering just a few inches above the floor.

Fenric tightened his grip on the armrests, feeling the slight sway beneath him. His expression remained calm and composed, but deep inside, he couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement.

'Damn… it's like a hoverboard,' he thought, resisting the urge to grin.

The chair glided smoothly forward, picking up speed as the magic propelled it through the halls. The sensation was oddly exhilarating—weightless yet stable.

But Fenric quickly pushed his excitement aside, forcing himself to focus.

This wasn't the time to be amazed by magic—he had a mission. And the Royal Library was waiting.

***

Soon, Fenric arrived at the Royal Library.

The grand hall was eerily empty, its towering bookshelves stretching endlessly into the distance. The scent of aged parchment and ink filled the air, illuminated by the soft glow of enchanted chandeliers.

Aside from the occasional flicker of floating candles, only one other presence occupied the vast space—

A tall figure sat at one of the reading tables, draped in elegant robes, her long golden hair cascading down her back like liquid sunlight.

The Librarian of the Royal Library.

Fenric immediately recognized her. One of the hidden powerhouses of the empire.

In the original story, she had remained a neutral force for years, guarding the valuable knowledge of the library. But eventually, she had been manipulated by the villains—becoming an enemy of the protagonist's strongest aide and ultimately dying at the hero's hands.

However before that, she killed the strongest Mage on Hero's side, as she is also an Spirt mage and also well versed in Human magic too.

"What is the Third Prince doing here?"

The librarian's voice was calm, but her golden eyes held a trace of curiosity as she put down the book she had been reading.

Fenric met her gaze with an unreadable expression. "I came here to spend my last days looking at the world's beauty through these books."

His tone was cold, detached—as if he had already accepted his fate.

Mavis, the Guardian of the Royal Library, studied him for a moment before nodding. "Do as you wish."

Her words were indifferent, yet there was a subtle glint in her eyes—a flicker of something akin to regret.

'To think… once the brightest star of the royal family has now given up so easily.'

She sighed softly, though she knew better than to voice such thoughts.

It wasn't his fault—that much was clear.

A helpless pup in a den of hyenas… that was the fate he had been given.

"By the way, if I recall correctly, you are a Spirit Mage, right?" Fenric asked casually.

Mavis lifted an eyebrow at him before shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I have already checked. You do not have even an ounce of talent for Spirit Magic. I cannot help you."