Sinta

The next morning, Kali Immediately went to the castle gardens to practice Dark Arts. The garden was owned and designed by his mother herself, so he doesnt want to ruin anything in it as much as possible. But the last progress he left off was taken place in the garden, where most of the organic objects were, so he had to atleast try it once again.

Kali took a twig and placed it on the ground. Then he tried to infuse it with his mana to try controlling it in a different way.

Against his will, the twig reacted the same as before. It turned into wood chips, then into powder, and formed a smoke, shaped like his body size.

Kali recognized this as the mirror curse that is told in many stories. He thought of this spell as the basis of Dark arts because he cant seem to change its nature, like its an absolute force that will always happen whenever he use it.

From there, Kali made a theory that Dark arts is just something that is natural/normal. That it is just another type of magic.

Kali tried to do some experiments with it. He picked up as many twigs as he could and place it around him and one in a farther distance. This is to test the range, direction, and quantity of objects his magic could affect at the same time.

All of the sticks made a reaction, even the farthest stick. He was confused at first but he eventually assumed that this type of magic has great range and goes to all direction.

The only problem is that it did the same thing, a human-shaped smoke of wood dusts.

It might have extreme reach and intense force but its still a bit useless if it can only do one thing. In conclusion, the magic people mistaken as Dark arts is a type of magic with great force but is impossible to control at will, similar to defender class, but skilled defenders could atleast control the area affected by their magic. Kali thought of this, which led him to his next idea. He's about to try if he can atleast control the area affected by his magic.

This time, he's gonna try to specify the part of the stick he wants to manipulate.

He took a stick and held it, concentrating to put his mana just on the tip of the stick. He did this but he failed, though he didnt lose all hope. He then realized that the other end of the stick he was holding wasn't affected.

Kali came up into three theories;

First, his body and anything in contact with it isnt affected by his magic, it could explain why his own body, despite being organic, is not affected by his own Dark arts.

Second, he actually managed to specify the area of his spell. Its just really difficult to control, which explains why the target area is inaccurate to what he tried to do.

Third, there is simply another variable in the reaction. But its unlikely to happen so he plans to test the first two theories.

The garden is very spacious, thats why sounds that are heard here echoes to all sides and corners.

Before Kali could continue in his experiments, he heard stomps from horses of a carriage. The carriage stopped in front of the gate and an 11 years old girl, same age as Kali, gets off the carriage.

Kali watched them as the girl and his servant walked down the path towards the castle.

On a closer look, the girl looked exactly like Mica as if they are identical twins. The only difference is the expensive clothes and hairstyle.

The girl saw Kali peeking from the bushes and smiled at him. Kali stood up and waved.

The butler thought to himself: "He must be the prince. Is he trying to hide? Should I ignore him or greet him?" The butler is paranoid to every move he makes since the Emperor is known as extremely strict and harsh.

The butler decided to greet him: "Are you maybe Prince Makali? Good day, I am the servant of Princess Sintha, ordered by the Emperor to escort her to the castle.

The girl: "Good day. I am princess Sintha from the Battrea Kingdom of Agham Empire. I've heard that the Emperor seeks my presence."

Kali: "I am indeed Makali Albedo. Let me take you to the throne room."

The butler: "Thank you very much, young lord."

The three of the followed him in what seems to be an endless hallway.

Sintha: "May I ask what were you doing in the garden?"

Kali: "I was practicing my magic."

Sintha: "How was your practice? And what type of magic do you have?"

Kali: "I guess Im doing well, but I cant tell you my magic class."

Sintha: "Eh?! Are you going to tell me if I told you my magic?"

Kali: "Theres now way I can tell you."

Sintha: "You're making me more curious!"

Kali: "Lets see.. How about you do a backflip?"

Sintha: "Got it." She said as she prepares to do it.

Kali: "Hold it! I was joking!"

Sintha laugh: "Scared ya, didnt I?"

Kali sighed: "Troublesome lady. Whoever marries you will have a hard time with your liveliness."

Kali in his mind: "Wait that sounds wrong."

Kali: "I mean they will get tired of your energetic behavior."

Also Kali in his mind: "Wait- Ok I give up."

Sintha: "You didnt have to tell me twice."

Kali: "You probably didnt get it. Its fine, though. Keep your innocence."

Sintha: "Hm?"

The butler in his mind: "Just dont say anything."

When they finally reached and entered the room, the Emperor and the Empress are both there. The butler left when both of them entered.

Sakal: "Welcome, Princess Sintha. I hope you didnt have any problems on your way here."

Sintha: "Thank you for your concern, your highness. We arrived here with no worries."

Sakal: "I see. You may be wondering why I ask for you to be here. The Empress and I are both talking about this for a few months now, and we came up to a decision. From now on, Princess Sintha, you will live in the castle for the purpose of marrying the next Emperor of Agham, which is our only son Prince Makali."

"Makali, I expect you to not disappoint us again and embarrass me in front of the Princess."

Sintha: "B-but your highness.." She wanted to say that she doesnt want to be forced to marry someone she doesnt love, but was too afraid to continue. She already fell for a boy, a childhood bestfriend of hers, and its painful for her to realize that they can no longer be together.

Sakal: "Hmm?"

Sintha: "Nothing, your highness.."

Kali noticed Sintha's disappointment and died on the inside while maintaining a poker face.

Sakal: "Guards, bring her to her room."

Sintha's eyes tear up when she turned to the door to leave.

Sakal: "Makali, how was your progress in Dark arts? Tell me your report"

Kali: "My training is going well. Im starting to learn the basics. At this rate, the progress of my studies will be much quicker."

Sakal: "Good. Looks like I dont have to find you a teacher. Tell me if you need something to help you in your experiments, I'll provide them to you."

Kali: "It might be a bit expensive but.. I am actually in need of different types of fresh meat."

Sakal: "That is not a problem. I will bring you the best quality beef and pork in this Empire."

Kali: "I only need fresh meat for hygiene purposes.. Its not like Im going to cook it." He laughs nervously.

Sakal: "I understand. If your progress continues, it wouldn't be long until we use living slaves and prisoners for your experiments, son. Prepare your self."

Mari: "Im still not in favor of this. Be careful, sweetie!" She said in a worried tone.