Chapter 3: Prophecy

Annette, Mitchell, Bianca, and Merlin met at the same academy. A high-end academy dedicated to talents from all over the world.

The academy was protected from all outside influences and was affiliated with neither kingdoms nor organizations. It was a top organization on its own.

It took in students regardless of status and wealth, entry being based only on talent and gifts. All ages could enter as long as their talent bloomed and could be nurtured.

It was the world-renowned Evanescent Order Academy.

Thus the four students could be considered top tier in their fields of study. With their talents of different strengths, they tended to stick together to cover all weaknesses. 

Fate had it that after graduation they each got betrothed to the respective other. It was based on aligning goals and prospects.

Merlin, an ice elemental mage betrothed Bianca, a water element mage.

Anette was betrothed to Mitchell as they both followed the sword path.

There was no conflict since they were familiar with each other. Neither Bianca's unknown background nor Mitchell's commoner status was an issue. Status or wealth didn't matter when one had overwhelming talent.

They were the perfect example of this. Children of influential families were bound to marry other talented partners to create better talents. The family lineage was preserved and continued through such selective marriages. Such a twisted mindset was common and such practice was to be expected within noble families. 

In that way, Merlin of the Alaric family married Bianca, and Annette of the Howell family married Mitchell. Their marriage, however, didn't change their friendship from before.

In their many adventures, their names spread as legends were made of them. Within a few years, they were considered prodigals of their generations that could almost rival the upper powers of the kingdom.

After a time of glory, it was time to fulfill their family duty. It was mainly to settle down and start the inheritance lessons to take over the family. This was a duty expected of any noble children.

Their expectancy was brought to light not long after. 

...

There was news from the church higher-ups. 

An oracle made a revelation, a prophecy.

"The dawn of the crimson sky is near. Two stars fall in the watch of the crimson eye from above. Its rays shine brightest over the infants yet to be born of the overwhelming talents. Beware, they shall bring forth dusk of despair upon the world. The falling stars will guide thee to salvation"

It was only a matter of time before rumors of the upcoming apocalypse being the result of the children born from Anette Howell and Bianca Alaric spread. They were the only rising stars who were presently known to be pregnant.

It was such an accurate coincidence. 

The pressure soon fell on the two families from all sides; the royal faction, the aristocrat and noble families, the common house, the mage towers etcetera.

The greatest pressure came from the church that worshipped the Sol Goddess. The church had almost similar influence as the royal family. It stood among the greatest powers of the Kredorah kingdom. With the church leading this upheaval, it was only a matter of time before all sides came charging in. 

The two families, The Howell Family and Alaric Family were left in a predicament.

There was soon a public announcement from the involved families. 

"I Elias Alaric, Seventh Circle Great Wizard of Frost and Patriarch of the Alaric Family, on behalf of the Alarics and Howells, shall answer your concerns. By joint agreement of involved families, a verdict has been made. Their fate no longer lies with either family. They shall be cast out to the world for fate to judge their outcome with prudence. The families hold no ties or responsibility if the prophecy becomes true."

It was a cold-hearted but straightforward answer to all the opposing powers.

With a bit of pressure lessened, they were making other plans. 

The series of actions that led up to that announcement stemmed from one request.

"Father, I can neither sacrifice my flesh and blood nor sadden my dear wife, its mother. The Alaric family name has become too heavy to bear, let me leave the family, Patriarch."

Merlin Alaric knelt on a knee to the patriarch. His voice was heavy but it carried the conviction of his choice. 

"Go then! Such a disgrace is deplorable. You are thus banished from the Alaric Family. Take the others with you. From now on, you have nothing to do with this family and if they follow along, they have nothing to do with the Howells, understood?" confirmed the patriarch in a rather cold tone.

He was a middle-aged version of Merlin. He had unique silver hair and silver-gray eyes that held a deep dangerous glint. His eyes had no stirring of emotion; tranquil but distant.

Merlin understood his father's hidden intentions since he also had the same manner of speech. 

"By your will, Patriarch."

He bowed and left the hall.

It was a given since they were known for their cold-bloodedness. Relatives were no exception. Unbeknownst to the public, this was a play. To deceive everyone but themselves. 

In the underground hall of the Alaric mansion, a series of secret activities were taking place. Gathering together were the four main stars of the rumors Anette, Bianca, Merlin, and Mitchell. T

hey had their closest relatives accompanying them and were in the process of bidding their goodbyes. Merlin stood by Bianca who was beside Anette.

Anette hugged her parents and bid her short goodbyes. There weren't many persons present in the hall either. Just Anette's parents and the Alaric Patriarch who was also Merlin's father.

"Everything of value must be stored carefully. Get them all to the teleportation circle. Confirm that nothing is forgotten. There must be enough supplies to last a lifetime. This is the bottom line of our family!"

The hoarse voice that rang in the hall while giving orders belonged to none other than Elias. Elias Alaric was multitasking between getting everything on the huge, complex, glowing circle and into the storage rings and pouches while overseeing the activation of the magic circle.

Despite the Mage's uncanny similarity to Merlin, he was at first glance, much more refined than Merlin. Be it temperament or presence, he held more compared to Merlin. With no signs of aging, it was difficult to assume him as Merlin's father. He was also the Alaric family patriarch, Elias Alaric.

A tyrant who had taken over his position by getting rid of all his opponents and finally the former patriarch as well. He was well known for his ruthlessness and cold impartiality.

His just leadership gained the support of many, thus he was respected as much as he was feared.

Elias Alaric deeply cared for his children but was often misunderstood. It wasn't until Merlin who had the same disposition as him was born, that he truly bonded with a family member.

Merlin Alaric was even more talented than his other children. Elias Alaric saw hope in this child and had a fairly good relationship with him. 

The reason he took such a risk.

(❁´◡`❁)