Prologue (2)

'Erlen Ravensword, this man is definitely living on his whims. He was expected to become the greatest genius that the Ravensword dukedom has ever seen. His talent as a swordsman was so terrifying that they forbid others to watch him during training. Even his teachers gave up eventually, saying that the young Erlen doesn't need a teacher. One even went as far as saying that Erlen should teach them instead!

Unfortunately, this bright star quickly turned into a comet as Erlen started developing bad habits. His cheerful and humble personality soon turned into sarcastic and bold. Erlen quickly became an uncontrollable rule breaker and alcohol addict at the young age of 11!

Still, his knack for swordsmanship only became stronger and stronger, and contrary to his bad habits, his appearance turned more and more appealing as the young Erlen grew.

His family had no choice but to allow Erlen to continue his rampage, hoping that the young child will grow into the biggest force of the dukedom one day. Unfortunately, that day did not come. Erlen shattered the dreams and ambitions of his family at the age of 12 when the physician told them that Erlen has no magic power! Little did they know that the most disappointed was Erlen himself whose only wish was to explore the ways of swordsmanship.

To him, swordsmanship was not just a hobby. It was an addiction, an obsession, and his way of life. It was unexplainable and a miracle at the same time. The obsession-driven Erlen swung his sword day and night without resting.

What was supposed to be a hellish life for others became a source of joy for the young Erlen. Thus, he continued to swing his sword even when the physician told him that he has no magic power. Of course, the dukedom and his old rivals couldn't accept this. To them, Erlen swinging his sword was equivalent to a reminder that someone more talented than them is still here.

Thus, Erlen quickly became the target of bullying. The ones whom he defeated came back knowing that he can't summon a soul sword. The first one who targeted him not so surprisingly was his own brother.

Ryle Ravensword was the perfect example of a noble child. His righteous and humble personality paired with obedience towards his parents quickly attracted the attention of high society. The sheltered child who was eclipsed by Erlen quickly rose to fame as Erlen was deemed incapable of succeeding as the next duke.

Thus, Ryle's reputation became almost spotless. The only stain on the track record was his loss against his brother, Erlen. Then, around a year later, at the age of 12, the young Ryle successfully made a contract with a strong soul sword. At the same time, Erlen, the genius of a millennium, received disastrous news regarding his future as a blade mage.

The obstacles, which hindered Ryle's rise as the next successor of the dukedom miraculously disappeared one by one. The next step was obvious. Ryle, at the command of his father, challenged Erlen to a duel. In the eyes of their father, Vincente Ravensword, it was a necessary step for Ryle to challenge Erlen by himself and win against him now that the power balance between the brothers suddenly flipped upside down.

This was the only way to remove the overpowering shadow and the inevitable feeling of inferiority that Erlen cast over his brother, Ryle. Little did their father know that this planned duel would end in a disaster for the young Ryle. The little Ryle, who only took his first baby steps as a blade mage not long ago, firmly believed in his newfound strength.

There was never a case where a normal sword successfully pierced through a magic-coated body, and this time was no different either. Ryle attacked his brother without the looming fear of receiving a fatal injury. Unfortunately, having this advantage didn't mean that he can win against Erlen, who far surpassed the kids of his age.

Their father knew this fact but he still allowed the duel, hoping that the difference between the brothers is not that earth-shattering.

Ryle attacked and attacked but didn't land a single hit. On the other hand, Erlen, who already surpassed his generation, easily humiliated his naive brother. The difference in skill was so great that the duel slowly turned into a one-sided beating after 10 minutes. The last 2 minutes of the duel became an unforgettable nightmare and an inner demon for Ryle in the future. He never felt so devastated before and his illusion of being as talented as his brother quickly shattered.

In the end, Erlen knocked out the soul sword from his brother's hands and walked away with an indifferent expression on his face after their father stopped the duel.

Ever since that day, Ryle became obsessed with training and only rarely left his courtyard, and Erlen got exiled from the dukedom as he was labeled as someone who almost ruined the future of the Ravenswords. The one who exiled him was none other than his own mother, Mylene Ravensword.

It's been 5 years ever since that day. Erlen traveled the country and became famous as a young swordsmanship teacher. He met countless people and experienced many things, while Ryle became known as a promising blade mage.'

_______________________

The maid halted her steps as she remembered the unfair past of her young master. She couldn't help but be curious as to why the young master wants to suddenly visit his family.

"Excuse me? Asked the maid with a worried expression on her face.

"I said that I wish to see my family."

His voice was innocent, but his smile foretold an eternity of damnation. Thus, the maid couldn't help but stay worried.

"I can hear your thoughts just by looking at your worried face." Said Erlen as he quickly jumped inside the carriage. The maid followed him and hoped, that nothing bad will happen during the incoming family visit.