27 "The Prince, the Princess and the Lamb"
Southern Continent
Colliding, colliding, colliding.
The swords clashed against each other. John struck with ferocity, pouring all his strength and precision into each blow. The movements of his blade were smooth and wild, like the waves of the sea during a storm. Felicia , however, parried them with an almost insulting calm, using only one hand—the other specifically , behind her back.
— First form.— Second form.— Third form.— Fourth form.
John masterfully executed the four forms of the Mare -Splitting Sword . Felicia blocked each attack as if she was dancing, effortlessly without even moving her feet.
The training had lasted all day . John was drenched in sweat, his breathing ragged. His numb hands barely held the hilt of the real sword—unlike his previous training with wooden blades. Now, the blade he held was cold, sharp... real .
—Very well. — Felicia nodded . John took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on her: —When will I be able to learn the fifth form of the Mare-Splitting Sword?
— Impeccable — declared Felicia.
John frowned: "What do you mean, impeccable ?"
Felicia spoke from the side, with that serene glow in her eyes: "Don't be impatient. It's already surprising enough that you mastered the first four forms so quickly. Your father, Fernando, took twice as long to get to where you are now."
She moved, the sword still sheathed on her back. "John... from the fifth form onwards, the use of the water element becomes indispensable. What you have learned so far are only techniques—refined movements, yes—but still far from the true Mare-Splitting art ."
John listened attentively, his gaze growing more intense. — Aunt... what is the difference between art and the technique I learned?
Felicia drew her sword silently.
A torrent of water surged, snaking around the blade. She lightly waved it, and with a twist of her wrist, the stream transformed into a rippling beam of water.
A crescent-shaped wave, about two feet high, surged forward and devastated the terrain ahead, knocking down trees and furrowing the earth.
— This... is an art.
—The first form, Rising Waves, that you use... is just a technique. What you saw just now is a difference between technique and art—declared Felicia.
John appears dazzled, still observing the traces of the wave that had devastated the land.
— You don't need to worry. You'll understand... when you go through your first evolution. The difference between a primitive being and an evolving being is greater than the difference between someone with perfect vision and someone who was born blind. — Felicia 's voice was calm, but firm.
She was silent for a moment, thoughtful, before continuing:
— The world you know... is but a mere ten percent of reality. You are confined to your limited perception —your five senses . But there are things in this world that cannot be heard, seen, touched, or measured.
She looked at John with an enigmatic smile.
— Aunt… what is it that I, as a primitive being, cannot see? — he asked .
Felicia came closer, gently stroking his hair.
— Don't worry about that now, John. Eventually ... you will discover for yourself how mystical the world is.
She then took a step back and concluded:
— Let's end the training for today. You've already reached your limit as a primitive being. Any more training now would just be repetition . Go get changed. Your father should be arriving soon.
John nodded silently . In his mind, three months of intense training seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye. But missing his father... that seemed to have lasted an eternity.
In the late afternoon , with the sun dyeing the sky gold and red, Catarina, Ceto, Felicia , Isa, Alex and John were gathered before the imposing Venhorst Castle , in the vast open plains.
In the same month that Fernando left for the capital, half a month later, he contacted Catarina through a long- distance communication matrix. He informed her that he would return within two and a half months — and that his entry into the Institute had been brought forward.
Knowing this, John threw himself into insane training over the next three months.
He struggled, sweated, and pushed himself to the limits. And as a result... he had perfectly mastered the first four forms of the Sea -Splitting Sword Technique. Now , he was confident that after his first evolution, he could achieve the true art .
Today was the day. Fernando would return. And John was as excited as ever.
During these three months of his father's absence, John not only trained like crazy. He had moments of relaxation with Alex and Isa, and took advantage of other days to explore the entire Venhorst territory .
He got to know regions that were previously just names in stories. He visited lands under the custody of other nobles. And, especially, he got to know the place where his mother, Catarina Venhorst , was born .
On this visit , he had the rare opportunity to meet part of his maternal family. To his dismay, he discovered that Felicia — his aunt — was an only child, and his maternal grandmother had died when Catarina was younger than he is now.
The world seemed to expand with each new step. And Fernando's shadow on the horizon announced that everything was about to change.
During this time, John had seen the farmland, the metal mines, the dense forest, and every corner of the Venhorst territory . Now, he could roam the entire land with his eyes closed.
From time to time , he received visits from young talents from the Water Clan and the Bo Barbarian Tribe . Frequent visitors were Beatrice and Bo Barbarian—two prodigies from their regions.
As the days passed, John came to better understand the style, temperament and abilities of the two young geniuses.
Meanwhile, Alex and Isa were not left behind. Although they could not learn the Sea-Splitting Sword Art, they found an alternative path: the Rising Sea Sword—a similar art, though less demanding of bloodline or innate talent.
Surprisingly, Isa mastered the technique a week before Alex. Upon learning of this, John presented her with a rare item as a reward for her efforts.
During one of his visits, John informed Beatriz and Bo Bárbaro about the anticipated entry into the Institute. In response, they both decided to spend the remaining time in closed training , seeking to perfect their techniques for what was to come.
One day, the sky was cut by a flying ark.
The golden structure gleamed in the afternoon light. To John, it looked like a futuristic spaceship out of an ancient Earth tale. Two long-span wings supported the main body, which measured about thirty feet long and ten feet high.
Everyone recognized it immediately — it was Fernando Venhorst 's chest .
The magical vessel hovered a meter above the ground. A gentle wind swept across the field, causing the grass to ripple like an emerald sea and everyone's hair to flutter in the breeze.
The ark door opened upwards, like the hood of a modern car.
Fernando was the first to leave, floating gently to the ground with the lightness of a feather.
Right behind him, two figures descended.
A man and a woman.
The man was stunningly handsome, with noble features and impeccable elegance. His robes were edged in gold, and on his chest he bore the symbol of a golden raven. His eyes and hair, both a vivid red, shone like rubies in the setting sun. His triangular, well-defined face made his presence difficult to ignore.
The woman was even more striking. She wore a long red dress with gold details and the same symbolic raven printed on her chest. Her piercing red eyes resembled those of a phoenix, and her hair, also red, fell in soft waves to her waist. The dress had discreet side slits, revealing part of her long, shapely legs, covered by high stockings that accentuated her fatal elegance.
Fernando raised his hand and, with a fluid gesture, caused the flying ark to transform into a golden light, which was sucked into his spatial storage ring.
Soon after, he introduced the visitors to the family.
— This is Prince Leonel Albert — announced Fernando solemnly.
At the presentation, Catarina, John and the others bowed respectfully.
— Greetings, Prince Albert .
The prince nodded back, his expression serene but firm, worthy of someone accustomed to reverence.
After introducing the prince, Fernando turned to the young woman beside him.
— This is the young Princess Victoria Albert , daughter of Prince Leonel Albert .
With one voice, everyone present greeted respectfully:
— Greetings, young princess.
After the ceremonial greetings, Fernando began to introduce those present one by one.
Meanwhile, Leonel Albert maintained a serene expression, but inside... he was impressed.
"A level three higher being… and another level two…" He could clearly sense Felicia's hidden power, and Fernando's was no less noteworthy . "Truly remarkable. A territory with two higher beings? Coming all the way here was by no means a waste of time."
However, upon sensing John's presence, Leonel frowned slightly—a gesture so subtle that no one would notice . His spiritual sense detected nothing special about the boy. No hidden energy. No rare bloodline. Just a remnant of Iron Tail's bloodline, nothing out of the ordinary.
Yes, the boy was strong for his age. Stronger than a common mercenary who had not yet evolved... but that was all. "Did they make me waste my time with false expectations?" Leonel thought , holding back his judgment for later.
On the other side, Victoria Albert watched John with curious eyes . She did not understand how someone like him had made her father—the greatest researcher in the Ngola Kingdom —leave his precious laboratory to personally perform a primary ritual of evolution.
Not even members of the royal family were granted such a privilege.
She thought she had found an innate genius, a singular talent, perhaps even someone with a secret gift. But the more she observed him, the more confused she became.
John looked... normal. An ordinary boy, with no impressive aura, no hidden mystery, no celestial lineage.
"What kind of boy is this... to catch my father's attention?" she thought , narrowing her eyes.
— Prince. Young princess. Please, come with me — said Fernando with a welcoming gesture.
Ferdinand and Catherine personally led the father-daughter pair into the castle.
John walked beside his father, in silence. Behind Catarina followed Felícia and Ceto, while the others dispersed.
John noted with some amusement one of the great conveniences of this world: even on long journeys, no one carried suitcases. Everything was stored in the discreet—but precious— space storage rings .
Inside the castle, Catherine made a point of personally showing the two best rooms available — one for Prince Leonel Albert , the other for the young Princess Victoria.
Later, in the room reserved for the princess, the two talked alone.
Victoria sat up in bed and looked at her father with a puzzled expression.
— Father... why are we really here? — he asked .
Leonel looked through the window sill, as if searching for words in the golden clouds of dusk.
—I've explained it to you before. We've come to perform a primary evolution ritual for Lord Fernando's son—he replied calmly.
Victoria crossed her arms, still confused.
— Yes, Father has said that before. But what I want to know is why ? Why would the great Leonel Albert , the greatest researcher of the Ngola Kingdom , dedicate his time to a mere primary evolution ritual?
She fell back onto the soft bed, her eyes glued to the ornate ceiling.
— That doesn't make sense, father. Not even a prince of the court would have that privilege.
Leonel remained silent for a few moments. Then, with a low and introspective voice , he replied:
— Because there is more to this boy than meets the eye — and even the senses — can see. But... I admit I expected to feel more.
Victoria frowned.
— What does that mean?
Leonel looked away from the window and looked at his daughter.
— It means that, for now, the mystery remains. But tomorrow, at the time of the ritual... we will have answers.
— It's simple. You don't have to think much — said Leonel Albert naturally.
Victoria tossed and turned in bed, huffing indignantly.
— What do you mean, "it's simple"? — she asked, even more confused.
Leonel sighed, a slight tiredness in his voice.
— Fernando is an old acquaintance. A man to whom I owe a great favor. I am here only to repay him by performing the evolution ritual for his son. It's that simple.
— What favor is this, father? — asked Victoria, now sitting on the bed.
Leonel moved away from the window and sat down next to his daughter. His expression became more serious.
— Well... if your sister is still alive today, it is partly thanks to Lord Fernando.
Victoria's eyes widened in surprise.
— Lucira ? How would Lord Fernando have anything to do with this? Wasn't it your work that kept my little sister alive all this time?
"Yes, it was my work," he admitted with a nod. "But the higher-grade ice cores that keep the support array active… can you imagine where they came from? Not even the royal family could spare that many…"
— Don't say that... — Victoria stopped mid-sentence, her gaze fixed on her father.
— You're right. It was Lord Fernando himself who provided them.
Victoria's mouth fell open, trying to process the information.
—But how is that possible? Isn't he just a lord?! How could he get his hands on treasures of that level?
"I don't know either," Leonel replied somberly. "And that's not all. His sister, Reade, Dragon , is a level three superior being, just like me.
Victoria was even more shocked. Her gaze now wandered between the ceiling and the floor, lost in thought.
— This family... is full of secrets. If I remember correctly, Lord Fernando purchased a life matrix that was personally brought by my disciple Jeremiah—a direct envoy from the royal family. Unfortunately, he was unable to give me any further information. From the time that has passed... I deduce that all of this is connected to the birth of this young man, John.
Victoria looked at her father, eyes still shining with surprise.
— So that's why you came? To try to unravel some mystery about this family?
Leonel smiled, somewhat resignedly.
— I can't deny it. I feel like I'm at a dead end with your sister's case. I needed to get out for a while to get some fresh air... maybe I'll come up with an idea. Who knows?
"That being the case… I think I'll keep an eye out too," Victoria said, narrowing her eyes with a slight smile.
Leonel looked at her seriously again.
—Don't you dare snoop around here. Don't forget where we are. This castle houses two higher beings... and countless defensive arrays, many of them hidden.
— Okay... I wo n't snoop — Victoria said, pouting.
— Very well. Behave yourself — said Leonel, stroking his daughter's hair affectionately. — Perhaps it would be wiser to make friends with Lord Fernando's son. Who knows, you might discover something… through him.
Victoria smiled sideways, staring into space. This was getting more interesting than she expected.
— Father, he's just a child... How could I get anything important out of him? — Victoria asked , visibly displeased.
— He may be a child, but don't forget: it was because of him that we are here — replied Leonel Albert , firmly.
— Okay, I'll get closer to him... But I can't guarantee anything — Victoria murmured, crossing her arms.
— Very well. I'm going to take a shower — said Leonel, ending the conversation before leaving his daughter's room and heading to his own quarters.
Meanwhile, John and Fernando enjoyed a rare and comforting father-son moment.
Sitting in a private room in the castle, lit by magic lamps, they talked unhurriedly. John told them everything he had experienced in his father's absence — the events with the Bo Barbara tribe , the conflicts with the Water Clan, his travels to other regions and, finally, his visit to his maternal family.
Fernando listened attentively, sometimes smiling with pride, sometimes frowning when he heard certain details. Afterwards, he also shared with his son some of the experiences he had had in the capital.
— Dad... What about Grandpa? How is he? — John asked , his eyes shining with anticipation.
Fernando smiled.
— Your grandfather is fine. I really wish I could be here to witness your evolution ritual, but there are too many responsibilities at the palace. Still, he sent you good luck... and a gift.
— That's good... The last time I saw him, I was five years old. I wonder what he's like now. It's been a while... And with the Institute getting closer, I don't know when I'll have another chance to see him — John said, in a melancholy tone.
Fernando ran his hand through his son's hair in a loving gesture.
— Cheer up. Tomorrow will be a milestone in your life. You will be reborn like a butterfly breaking out of its cocoon.
—I wonder what it's like... —John murmured , curious.
Fernando smiled, almost mystically.
— It will be like being born again. Like leaving your mother's womb and opening your eyes for the first time. You will have heightened senses and new powers. It is indescribable!
John's eyes lit up with excitement.
—That makes me even more anxious for tomorrow... But, Dad, I'm still only eight years old. Isn't the minimum age to evolve ten? Won't that be a problem?
Fernando laughed softly, shaking his head.
— Yes, normally you can only evolve at ten. But that's why I brought Leonel Albert . He's already made even a six-year-old child evolve safely. And you're already eight... it'll be a piece of cake.
— Well... If Dad says there won't be any problems, then I believe him — John replied with renewed confidence.
Fernando sat down on the bed next to him and smiled proudly.
— Exactly. My son must be as confident as his father!
After a while of talking and laughing, Fernando's expression changed. His face became serious, and his voice dropped a few tones, becoming serious and thoughtful.
— Junior... — he called , looking at his son with concern. — Your mother told me that you intend to follow the path of a mage warrior. Are you sure about that, son?
John nodded firmly, without hesitation.
Fernando sighed deeply. His eyes carried an ancient weight, as if they saw beyond the present.
— Junior, my son... I'm sure your mother has already taught you a lot about this path. But let me reiterate. A warrior mage is indeed an extraordinary person — he combines the brute strength of a warrior with the elemental manipulation of a mage. It is a power to be reckoned with... and feared. I understand why you chose this path.
He was silent for a moment, reflecting. Then he continued:
Ngola Kingdom , unfortunately, we only have the structure for the first stage of evolution of the mage warrior. I imagine you already know about the kingdoms of evolution, right?
John nodded.
— There are four kingdoms of evolution, and each one represents a gigantic leap in power. The difference between them is so immense that no one in a lower kingdom can face someone from a higher kingdom — Fernando explained in a solemn tone.
— The kingdoms are: Primary, Base, Middle and Superior. Each one has internal levels. The Primary Kingdom has seven levels. The Base, three. The Middle, also three. And the Superior Kingdom, the highest of all, has four levels.
Fernando paused to breathe and then continued more firmly:
— Tomorrow, you will undergo your first evolution ritual. If successful, you will become a Level 1 Primary Being. From there, with training, combat, and wisdom, you will advance in level until you reach the seventh. When this happens, a new ritual will be necessary to ascend to the Base Realm. The same is repeated to reach the Middle Realm and, finally, the Superior Realm.
He paused longer now. What came next was not easy to say.
— Unfortunately, here in Ngola , we do not have access to the higher evolution rituals for the path of the warrior mage. If you chose the path of a mage, like your mother, or a warrior, like me, you would not face this obstacle. These rituals are available in our kingdom. You could evolve continuously until you reach the apex, until you become a Superior Being...
Fernando sighed deeply, almost defeated by his own argument.
— Son, the path of evolution is chosen only once. There is no profit margin. No turning back. — He looked him in the eyes, hoping that John would understand the gravity of the choice.
But the boy did not hesitate.
— Father, you don't need to worry. Even if the rituals are outside Ngola , I will find them. I will not rest until I become a Higher Being on the path of the warrior mage — John stated, his eyes firm and his heart determined.
Fernando stared at him in silence for a few moments, as if he saw not only the son before him, but the man he would one day become.
John knew that in this world, the concept of "evolution path" was similar to classes in a role-playing game. The word path was, in essence, the same as class . And not only did the words coincide: the concept was also the same. A defining choice. A destiny to be shaped.
In this world, just like in RPG games, each person can choose a class — or as it is called here, a path .
Just like in games, the choice of path is unique and definitive. Once chosen, there is no turning back. Destiny crystallizes.
The paths of evolution in this world are, in essence, the same classes as in RPG games: Druid, Mage, Warrior, Paladin, Barbarian, Ranger, Amazon, Priest, Necromancer, Shaman, Summoner, Simone, Dark Mage, Sorcerer — and many others.
And just like in the games, certain classes are limited by race. Here, they're called bloodline paths or racial paths .
Let's take Isa, for example. She belongs to the race of the Wolfmen. Because of this, her path of evolution was defined from birth. A destiny sealed by blood.
In John's case, his lineage offers something rare: freedom. His race allows him to choose between a vast array of paths. The choice is in his hands. But with freedom comes weight and responsibility.
Continued in the next chapter...
The ritual is approaching. The calm that surrounds John is only the surface… and you know, attentive reader, that every surface hides abysses. Why did Leonel Albert , the greatest researcher in the entire Kingdom of Ngola , decide to come in person? Why can't the young Princess Victoria, cold and perceptive, see the obvious?
Too many questions. Answers, maybe… tomorrow.
Tell us what you think will happen in the ritual. Is John just an ordinary boy? Or does the fate of this continent begin with this "cocoon" about to break?
I am grateful for the magic stones (votes) and for those who donated to the Weary Author's Cult. Your opinions shape this world — every word you say can kill or save a character. Choose wisely.
To be continued…