Wintry Cruelty

Leave the auction and convention to me, Ill get you a host and spread the news, Agamemnon said with a nod.

Richard smiled, Thats a relief. Right, why are you still level 17? Becoming a saint shouldnt be a problem for you.

It had been a while since they had last met, and Agamemnon was currently taller, darker, and slightly thinner. His body still looked to be made of steel, not extravagant in the slightest but extremely sturdy for what it was. Even so, he was still at level 17.

Umm Its a family secret Ugh, I was going to tell you anyway. Youve heard of Philip the First, right? The third generation head of my family? He was one of the most powerful beings in all of Norland during his time, touching upon the laws of the plane. He discovered that the stronger someone was before they took the last step to becoming a saint, the more powerful the saint ability they unlocked was. Ever since then, our family has an additional rule that one should spend a year in a battlefield of despair before becoming a saint if they wish to fight for the inheritance of the family.

So Ill be going over in a few days, and itll take me a while to return.

Oh Yeah, my professors were telling me to do something similar

Fees, rune knight. Agamemnon immediately returned to his taciturn self. He had only given background to his explanation so as to make it as clear as possible.

Why not ten? Richard asked seriously. He knew that this information wasnt as casual as Agamemnon had made it out to be. It was likely one of the most important secrets of the Orleans Family. Philip Orleans the First was a mythical figure who wasnt just any other legendary being; this was someone who had gone down in history for their sheer power alone. This information was also more concrete than what he had learnt in the Deepblue. While Sharon had done something similar, the legendary mages existence was almost a law unto itself. She was completely different from those who had to actually comprehend the laws of the world.

Agamemnon laughed, bumping his fist into Richards chest, Sure, but not now. Ill get them if I return.

When you return, Richard chuckled, But dont forget to make a prayer to the God of Luck before leaving.

My family has its own beliefs, Agamemnon mentioned mysteriously.

That works. Im thinking of going over there sometime soon myself, but I dont know whether I should.

You have to!

Why? Richards brows furrowed. He knew Agamemnon couldnt afford to tell him every family secret, but he really was confused over his future path.

Its only places like the battlefields of despair that one can unlock all their potential, Agamemnon stared at him seriously, People like you and me look pretty powerful on the surface, but at our core we are no different from ordinary people. The true powerhouses of our generation have already stepped out of the boundaries of Norland to explore the myriad planes themselves, we have to squeeze out every last bit of our potential to catch up to their footsteps.

Richard kept silent for a moment before laughing, You have so many things to say today. Who are you and what have you done with Ag?

Sigh. I might not be able to speak anymore in the future, so Im just finishing everything I have to say.

Your familys heirs arent ordinary, right? Are the chances of death that high? If youre anything like Beye, it shouldnt be a worry.

Dont compare me to that freak. Beye is a freak. As for the death rate of the possible heirs Agamemnon paused for a moment, its about 50%.

You You guys are really crazy.

Says the Archeron, Agamemnon chuckled.

At least let me create a set for you before you go! Richard offered.

However, Agamemnon rejected him, I need to strengthen my bloodline in the Battlefield of Despair. I cant do that if Im using runes and powerful equipment.

These words reminded him of how Beye had forced him to only use steel daggers during their first journey to the Land of Dusk. Indeed, anyone able to survive such a bitter environment was destined to become a formidable expert one day. He didnt press on any further.

Okay then, be careful!

I wont die.

The two youths shared a strong hug before parting ways. Richard watched on as Agamemnons figure faded into the distant horizon before leaving himself.

Faust grew even more chaotic over the next three days. The news of a new rune convention had shocked the city once again, this time more because of its presenter than its contents. Most people had known of the pearl of the Mensa Family for a long time, and many youths had been smitten by this perfect princess of Faust. Everyone had found Richards bet with the Mensas to be shameful for her, but nobody had guessed that only a few months later she would return to the limelight as a runemaster!

Hidden deep underground in the Mensa island was a secret dungeon. Inhuman screams were ringing out from within, so pained they would send shivers down ones spine. A middle-aged man had been hung up on a rack in the torture room, completely naked while multiple torturers in black clothing worked on him. The man had long since cried himself hoarse, bleeding everywhere on his body, but magic kept him both alive and awake. There was no respite from the unending pain.

More than ten people were observing the torture from one corner of the room, five of whom were seated. Duke Mensa was right in the middle, his face as gloomy as Floe Bay in winter. The wine swirling in his glass was so dense it seemed like fresh blood, and he didnt so much as blink at the inhumane treatment of the prisoner. Most others watched on keenly, and those with sympathy written all over their faces didnt dare to turn away either.

Mensa gulped down all of the wine within his glass in one go before signalling for the torturers to stop. The cleric waiting nearby immediately let loose a flurry of spells that healed the man to a state where he would be able to answer questions.

Do you recall now? the Duke asked him, When did Rosie start showing talent and interest in runecrafting?

I really dont know! the middle-aged man replied in a hoarse voice, She went and read those things herself They were all magic books No runecrafting!

So you were her teacher in magic for seven years and you didnt realise she had the gift to become a runemaster? Mensa ridiculed him coldly, This will be your last chance.

I I The mages body started to tremble with horror. He knew anything he said at this point was meaningless; this cruel maniac would never let him go. All the Duke wanted was a target for his rage.

Mensas fingers gradually loosened their grip on the wineglass, causing it to fall to the ground and shatter. Everyone felt like the broken glass was cutting into their hearts as he barked out an order, Keep him crying like this. Dont let him die before the seven days are up!

Even the torturers and cleric showed a troubled expression. It was one thing to keep the man alive for seven days, but keeping his vocal cords intact was an entirely different story. However, they didnt dare to add on to the Dukes anger right now so they firmly nodded their heads.

You lot! Mensa turned to the others, Follow me to the convention tomorrow! I want to see what that little slut can make, and who would dare to buy her runes!

Everyone silently followed him out of the torture room.