Eclipsed Hopes

As the sun rises, painting the sky with its beauty, flowers bloom, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

The morning breeze gently caresses, creating a pleasant and soothing atmosphere. Amidst this natural splendor, a young man experiences the gentle touch of the wind.

This young man had an angelic face, expressionless yet mesmerizing. His long, black hair resembled that of a girl's.

With his pale skin and black eyes, he exuded a stunning beauty that was truly breathtaking. His gaze, as calm as the stillness of the ocean on tranquil days, held a captivating allure.

Once, when he was 13 years old, he disguised himself as a common kid to observe the city's people for his philosophical ideas.

As he walked through a cluttered hallway.

In the dimly lit hallway, an unfamiliar grunt caught his attention. The air carried the ominous sounds of a boy's struggle, the sharp impact of kicks landing on flesh, and a frustrated voice resembling a storm.

The chaotic symphony reverberated through the cluttered space, amplifying the tension in the air.

"?!".

"A fight?" he mused quietly, a hint of surprise coloring his thoughts. "Should I sneak a glance?"

...

Unfortunately, he accidentally witnessed a scene that changed his perspective toward the world and created a new perception in his mind about the world's current state.

"Scum! Go back to where you belong!". The man kicked the kid's belly over and over again as the child, lay motionless on the ground.

"F...orgi...ve me s-sir...". The child cried as he hugged his belly to ease the pain.

"Get out of here!". The man angrily yelled at the child and forcefully tossed the stolen bread toward the child's face.

"..."

"Cis!" The man spat on the boy's face as he was about to leave.

"What a bad day!". The man kicked a plastic trash as he left the area. His face displayed a slight hint of dissatisfaction.

The man resorted to violence against the impoverished child because the child had taken the man's loaf of bread to survive another day and avoid succumbing to hunger.

Therefore, he aided a young commoner kid who was being harassed by a wealthy merchant.

However, due to the scene, he witnessed, that's when his very own nature was born.

Approaching the child, he extended a helping hand, offering enough bread for three days that he had just purchased moments ago.

"Greetings". He calmly extended his hand with a sly smile, offering the poor child a piece of bread.

"..."

On the following day, he once again disguised himself and went back to the same location as the previous day. The wealthy merchant's body was found unalive by the residents in the surrounding area.

"Look...he appears to have lost his hand...and his leg has been amputated". Two women shared a whispered conversation, their faces displaying expressions of disgust.

"Urgh! gross". Another lady vomited due to an untelorence scene she witnessed.

"If I'm not mistaken...this man was quite famous around here, his clothes look fancy... but, too bad it is now full of holes due to stabs"

A lady once again whispered to her friends.

As everyone crowded around the crime scene, he approached and witnessed the incident.

Moreover, when he reached the crime scene, he felt a surge of anticipation and a chill down his back. Hence, seeing the body of the man with dozens of random stabs causes a physiologic response.

"W-what is this sensation?". He was joyful, his eyes widening and a smile spreading across his face. His body trembled with pleasure, fully immersed in the experience.

"The kid impressed me... small drops of persuasion into the kid's desire...leads me into this scenery". He contemplated quietly with a smile, his eyes widening with anticipation.

As he walked away, he encountered the commoner child once more. However, as he glanced at the child, he noticed a change in demeanor. The child appeared content and fulfilled, unlike their initial meeting.

The child donned a worn, peasant-style shirt, his brown skin, eyes, and hair creating a harmonious earth-toned ensemble.

His shirt was a little dirty, maybe he was a slave, an unpaid slave.

"Thank you, my savior". The child spoke with contentment as he returned a loaf of bread to demonstrate his gratitude. The child had a determined expression as if they had discovered a new purpose, free from any obstacles that had previously hindered them.

Lucian smiled with excitement, feeling genuine gratitude for the first time.

As the kid, walk away from him.

He chuckled ominously.

"I don't know, the poor kid did what I asked...he took the man's soul in the name of vengeance, words sure are sharper than a sword, powerful than magic".

A smirk played across his lips, eyes narrowing with a hint of mischief as he directed his gaze towards the sky. His grip tightened, fingers clenching, while a shiver ran through him, a manifestation of deep satisfaction coursing through his being.

"If God let humanity ruin such a wonderful world with their pitiful system and behavior...I'll become the reaper, under the name of the death, I will make sure those pathetic beings bow as low as their sins".

A mischievous and ominous laughter escaped him, resonating through the air like a maniac reveling in the accomplishment of his goal. Satisfaction and dopamine surged within him, creating a euphoric aura that echoed in the aftermath of his achievement.

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

People confess their character through their perception of the world. As for him, his character was born on that day.

Him-Lucian Cunnington, a young man from the renowned Cunnington Family in the magical kingdom of The Aetheria, holds a prominent position within the Royal Families Association due to his family's esteemed reputation and significant influence.

In the kingdom of Aetheria, the formidable city of Burge-Cunnington holds sway, standing as one of ten influential cities. Within this intricate political landscape, each city is home to four rival families vying for favor with The Highness.

In Burge, Cunnington oversees two families from the second class, Stonewhite, and Blueglow, along with one from the third class, Silverstone. The leader of Cunnington, known for his impressive reputation, has garnered commendation from The Highness.

"Hey... there's a rumor circulating. It suggests that the Cunnington Family achieved something noteworthy, earning not just respect but gratitude from The Highness." The man in a casual shirt shared the tidbit with his friend in hushed tones, their morning coffee accompanied by the rustle of a newspaper.

"Not surprising at all. The Cunnington Family has a firm hold over the other families in Burge, standing resilient without any apparent vulnerabilities," the friend responded casually, their conversation unfolding over the comforting ritual of sipping coffee.

This particular family consisted of two children, namely Julius and Lucian. Lucian, being the second child, possessed remarkable talents, truly distinguishing him as the youngest member of the Cunnington family.

Lucian possessed a remarkable memory from an early age, enabling him to recall information with striking clarity. This extraordinary ability, often referred to as a photographic memory, allowed him to retain details effortlessly. Recognizing the potential in his son, Lucian's father made arrangements for him to receive chess lessons from a well-regarded individual from a humble background- A commoner. Unfortunately, this person faced disappointment and repeated humiliations, as Lucian proved unbeatable in every match.

"Checkmate". Lucian smiled in a calm demeanor.

"For God's sake! I'm done. Excuse my words, Young Master... I seem unable to teach you anything. You've managed to improve instantly solely through theory," the commoner responded in frustration, expressing a mix of surprise and exasperation.

"So, the rumor about Young Master having a great prowess in memory was indeed true. Therefore, showing only once all the opening, middle game, and ending...Young Master was impressive for capturing those moves in a clear picture".

"I truly envy Young Master's gift from God...".

The commoner's face wore a mask of grief, his eyes reflecting a tinge of envy as he sighed.

His shoulders slouched, and he unconsciously clenched his fists, revealing the depth of his emotional turmoil. The words carried not only admiration for the Young Master's innate abilities but also a sense of personal lamentation.

...

As a fortunate young man, he possessed a superior Emotional Intelligence Quotient from birth. Notably, he accomplished a remarkable feat as an intelligent individual by authoring a highly acclaimed philosophical book. Consequently, his name has become renowned throughout the town of Burge. This literary masterpiece has bolstered his family's esteemed reputation, ensuring that his name resonates with every inhabitant of Burge.

...

The tavern, aged and weathered, bore witness to the passage of time. Dozens of spiderwebs adorned the corners of the ceiling, catching fragments of history in their delicate strands.

The dusty window, struggling to let in the daylight, revealed the neglect it had endured. The lamps, reminiscent of a bygone era, cast a warm but dim glow, emphasizing the worn charm of the place.

Each table hosted a candle, its holder a simple and aged piece of steel, adding a rustic touch to the subdued ambiance.

The atmosphere buzzed with energy, a lively symphony of conversations, clinking glasses, and laughter echoing through the tavern.

In the lively tavern, two individuals stood out in worn-out class shirts adorned with numerous slices, and holes, and their faces marked by the imprints of coils.

Their appearance hinted at a journey marked by challenges, telling a silent story of resilience and survival in the face of adversity.

...

Handing the book to his friend in the buzzing ambiance of the tavern, the man spoke with a tone of admiration, "Another remarkable book... from Young Master Lucian." The exchange held a touch of camaraderie, as they shared not just the physicality of the book but also the appreciation for the literary contributions of Young Master Lucian.

The friend, amused by the situation, responded with laughter, saying, "Unfortunately, I'm done reading it this morning...HAHAHAHA." Their camaraderie echoed in the shared amusement over the book.

"Damn you! You're quick! Perhaps you're one of his fans," the man exclaimed in surprise, his reaction prompting him to order a bottle of beer.

The banter between them continued, fueled by a mix of surprise and good-natured humor.

"Pardon! A new bottle of beer, please!" the man shouted, his request cutting through the lively atmosphere of the tavern as he sought a fresh round to accompany their animated conversation.

The man, contemplating the wisdom displayed by the young man, turned to his friend and mused, "Such a wise young man... I wonder if his brother Julius was as wise as him." The question hung in the air, inviting thoughts on the varied characteristics within the family.

"Never compare that trash with Young Master Luci-," the man's friend retorted, his response laced with anger and clear dissatisfaction towards Julius.

The abrupt interruption hinted at a stark contrast in their opinions about the two individuals.

"Lower your voice... unless you want to lose your properties," the man whispered, using his hand to hush his friend and subtly caution against speaking too openly in the tavern.

The undertone carried a sense of caution and a recognition of the potential consequences of their conversation.

"Haha... that's dangerous. You sure... I'm sure... Hick! you're one of Young Master Lucian's big fans?" The man chuckled, a slight hiccup escaping him as a consequence of his drinking.

The conversation continued with a blend of amusement and the effects of the drinks enjoyed in the tavern.

...

Lucian, a keen observer, enjoyed spending his free time observing people and studying human nature. Through his observations, he gained insights that shaped his philosophical ideas.

At 14 years old, with his 15th birthday approaching in 2 months, Lucian often felt a sense of emptiness and boredom.

He possessed a strong desire for challenges that would stimulate his active mind, which constantly craved new knowledge.

Unfortunately, he struggled to find anything that could truly satisfy his intellectual hunger, except for a magical power known as the Elemental Blessing.

This power presented a unique challenge to the logical workings of his brain.

Lucian's knowledge caused envy to swirl around him, affecting even his brother. Lucian was no exception, as the fragility of the human heart made him jealous of Julius's mastery of fire magic.

With nothing left to impress himself with, Lucian also found himself sinking into the depths of envy.

Lucian was skilled at concealing his true feelings, often wearing a mask of happiness and praise.

However, Julius could still pick up on the subtle signs of envy in his little brother's intelligence.

With his bored personality, Lucian wished that the coming two months wouldn't feel too long.

In two months, during Lucian's 15th birthday, he will prepare for a ritual to confront the Unknown Creature. This ritual will determine if he is worthy of receiving magical abilities.

Lucian relaxed on the bench beneath a towering tree, his hair gently dancing with the breeze.

"Look at him training his magic... It seems unproductive to engage with someone who is perceived as less intelligent... I hope 2 months aren't that long." Lucian smiled as he watched his brother, exhaling softly.

The observation carried a mix of contemplation and perhaps a touch of anticipation for the future.

Julius confidently strode towards Lucian, his palm aglow with fire magic. "Lucian, it looks like you're about to achieve your magic in 2 months... I hope you're doing well receiving fire magic, as you know... Our family is famous for the fire magic. Don't spoil the reputation of the family," Julius smirked, delivering a warning with a mix of confidence and familial expectation.

The tension between the two brothers simmered beneath the surface.

Lucian smiled, concealing his frustration beneath a mask of happiness.

"What kind of expression he would make if I ever pushed him to death? I wonder if he begged for his life or accepted his fate by recalling every memory he had." Lucian's lips curled in mischievously as he departed from the place.

"There's little benefit in prolonging someone's suffering. The outcome will remain unchanged even after I've received my blessings. He will probably continue to be insignificant and lack purpose...He likely uses my achievements to mask his shortcomings".

Lucian walked with both hands behind his back, a maniacal laughter escaping from him. The eccentricity of his laughter and the posture he assumed added a layer of unpredictability to the atmosphere, leaving an intriguing impression.

...

2 months later,

In a hall as large as it was loaded with all the nobles from Burge and dozens from commoner families that have a good reputation and recognition

The grand hall boasted towering ceilings adorned with intricate decorations, creating an aura of opulence.

At its center stood a stage, embellished with rich curtains that added a touch of grandeur to the space.

Rows of seats surrounded the stage, forming a semi-circle, ready to host an audience eager for whatever spectacle was to unfold.

A ceremonial ritual,

During a ceremonial ritual, Lucian undergoes an elemental blessing which will determine the element he is bestowed with.

Lucian has a confrontation with an Unknown Creature, and this encounter is decisive for the element he will ultimately receive.

Lucian, towering over the stage, raises his palm with outstretched fingers.

He gracefully lowers himself to a humble kneeling position - his body showing his human vulnerability in the presence of the enigmatic creature known as the God.

All attention is fixed on Lucian, and the clock finally strikes midnight.

As Lucian shuts his eyes, a gentle gust of wind tickles his ear, accompanied by a sudden beep.

"Beep..."

Lucian opened his eyes slightly and found himself surrounded by a still scene.

The people around him were frozen in place, even the water from a spilled tray had ceased its motion mid-air, there was no more air surrounding him, his vision was blurry as he was trapped in a domain of silence and even the cold temperature he felt a moment ago gone.

"Hmmm..I felt warmer...I can't see clearly...".

"Sniffing...hmmm...there is no smell, even the air was stopped...How I can still breathe?

"What is this? hahaha!."

Instead of shocking, he laughed.

"This is beyond the knowledge I've possessed, no! This is the proof of logic thinking about time...time was stopped! Hahaha!." Lucian laughed joyfully, reminiscent of a child rediscovering its happiness.

A vague and subdued voice emanated unexpectedly.

"YOU LAUGH? THIS IS INTRIGUED ME".

"So, this is the voice of the Unknown Creature or so-called God," Lucian remarked with a subtle smirk, his tone exuding arrogance.

The contrast between his demeanor and the weight of the revelation created an intriguing tension in the grand hall.

"Although the time was stopped, I don't recommend wasting my time here.". 

Lucian appears a bit impatient, his face showing a hint of eagerness, resembling a wealthy old man eagerly awaiting the collection of tax money.

The ominous words echoed in the grand hall, a foreboding atmosphere settling as the speaker declared, "I saw your future. You're arrogant, really arrogant. Your heart is darker than most adults. You're an unintentional existence that craves power and greatness, and you're full of yourself. It's dangerous. If you keep going, it might negatively impact the world I made. You're not worthy of my power!".

The weight of the pronouncement hung in the air, leaving a sense of impending consequence.

Lucian's eyes widened more than anticipated.

"What?! you are kidding me aren't you?!."

Lucian, taken aback by the unexpected decision, watched as the child chuckled more intensely, a tickling sensation amusing.

"I never expected God to have a childish personality. Surprisingly, you manage to conceal it," Lucian observed, his tone a mix of astonishment and a hint of admiration for the unexpected facet of the divine being before him.

The kid spoke once again.

"I don't view you as a true God. You're just a person with an unknown power. There are others, more powerful beings who we refer to as the true God, possessing boundless power," Lucian declared, challenging the perceived divinity with a conviction that hinted at a deeper understanding of the cosmic hierarchy.

The exchange carried a sense of defiance and a belief in forces beyond the immediate presence.

" ... "

Lucian's face contorted into a petty expression, disdain evident in his gaze as he observed the Unknown Creature.

Disappointment laced his demeanor, casting a shadow over his countenance as he looked down upon its existence with a mixture of contempt and disillusionment.

"PROVE YOUR WORDS MERE HUMAN!".

"I've seen inside of you, HAHAHA... you are just a child that hides with an unknown power as a shelter. After all, dogs remain in the shelter, once it's come out... the dogs become stray, boundless. Freedom? For you, it was a shame." Lucian's laughter ceased, his gaze turning cold, expression blank.

The shift in tone carried a sharp critique, challenging the entity's understanding of power and freedom.

"So, what is the dog's decision?". Lucian's face remained devoid of any emotion or expression.

The weighty pronouncement echoed in the grand hall, sealing Lucian's fate with a decree of unyielding consequence.

"My decision is final; your fate is sealed. You will continue to live a life without any magical abilities, standing apart from the other magicians. I will not offer any blessings or support".

"From this point onwards, you will be regarded as untalented, with no value attached to your knowledge or intellectual capabilities".

"You will be seen as insignificant in the eyes of others, devoid of power and presence in this altered reality."

The decree carried a sense of irrevocability, casting a shadow over Lucian's potential in the realm of magic.

"As you pleased," Lucian responded with a cold and intense gaze, reminiscent of a freezing blizzard.

He proceeded to bow slightly, a curved smile on his lips conveying a mocking demeanor that held an undertone of defiance.

The tension in the grand hall intensified as the silent exchange unfolded.

Lucian's consciousness regained its grasp on time, returning it to its normal pace. The room was filled with a multitude of emotions as all eyes focused on him—praise, hope, envy, and love intertwined. Approaching Lucian were his mother, Liese Cunnington, his father, Liam Cunnington, and his brother, Julius Cunnington, their expressions a mixture of complex feelings.

"Show us the magic you've received, dear,". His mother said with affection.

"Show us!" Julius demanded, clearly irritated.

His father, along with the other nobles at Burge, eagerly awaited the outcome. Stonewhite, Blueglow, and Silverstone were filled with anticipation, hoping for an exciting surprise.

Lucian observes his surroundings, his eyes narrowing as he forms a devilish smile on his face. With deliberation, he begins to respond to the collective hope of those around him. However, his actions inadvertently align him with a path that the Unknown Creature never intended to create.

"I've received nothing from God, my worthiness is nothing in front of its authority".

Lucian remained calm amidst the shocked reactions of those around him. His composure mirrored the tranquility of an evening ocean.

Unfortunately, this seemed to upset his peers, who responded with looks of disgust, envy, disappointment, laughter, and empathy from his father, brother, and mother, respectively.

Consequently, Lucian became the target of mocking and curses as others saw him as a helpless, weak beast with green eyes as if he had nearly perished.

A person's unexpected outburst deeply affected the father's emotional well-being.

"A failure is supposed to be thrown to the underworld!." 

Everyone agreed and shouted.

"YES! YES! YES!." 

The father's decisions have become definitive and unambiguous.

"Lucian Cunnington, your stay here is no longer permitted. Your presence is comparable to worms tarnishing the beauty of flowers, or dirt clouding a river. As of this morning! you... no longer exist as Lucian Cunnington. Your future lies in the underworld! where you will live namelessly as a failure. This is the end!". His father's decision was disappointing, as it seemed irrational considering his relationship with his son.

"Guard! Take this dust and throw him into the prison and prepared to send him into the underworld".His father departs from the crowd, feeling sad, disappointed, and frustrated.

With a heavy heart, he delicately touched his temple with his thumb and forefinger, shaking his head in profound disappointment. The weight of the moment hung in the air, etching sorrow across his face.

Despite his strong and charismatic demeanor, his heart is heavy.

Lucian chuckled softly. "Decisions fueled by emotions are more like mere instincts than true choices. It's a pity that your instincts seem to be guided by selfishness and cowardice."

As Lucian was taken into the prison, his brother quietly taunted him.

"Lucian? No... That name belongs to the death".

Julius smirked, his expression unpleasant. Unfortunately for Lucian, he seemed insignificant and lacked any significance, making Lucian's response unwarranted.

"It seems that I have solidified my position as the leader of the Burge empire".

"There are no longer any competitors or adversaries to contend with. It's worth mentioning that this is the first time I've experienced genuine happiness in my life, and I no longer feel envious or resentful towards you, my sibling."

The brother's departure was accompanied by a subtle chuckle, revealing a microexpression of amusement and positive body language, suggesting a lighthearted or enjoyable moment.

Upon overhearing his brother's hopeful musings about the future, he felt compelled to start making preparations and evaluating various strategies to defeat the enigmatic creature and escape a life of anonymity. Consequently, he found himself forcibly placed in prison, but even in the face of adversity, he maintained a cunning smile that repulsed the guards.

"Ceh! Failure". The guard felt a sense of displeasure as he gazed down at Lucian.

The guard's decision to abandon him exposed him to vulnerability. This circumstance serves as a testament to the insignificance of his existence in a world where prosperity is deemed paramount. He reclined, directing his gaze towards the ceiling, his eyes shimmering and his smile radiating with brilliance.

"I had a reason to exist, although my existence will slowly unknown".

He gently closed his eyes, succumbing to a deep slumber.