Shattered core

The Elvish-Human-Demon Conflict, which erupted 2,520 years ago, stands as one of the most significant clashes in recorded history. Humans and elves had long fought for natural resources, but when Arindar Sylvania ascended as the 479th king of the Elven Empire, the elves emerged as the dominant race. Overthrowing the humans, they left them with only a single kingdom. However, when a demon king launched an assault, the humans and elves signed the "Golden Race" pact. Under this agreement, even the lesser races flourished. United, humans and elves defeated the demon king's army, though the elves were severely weakened, allowing humans to become the strongest race. The elves gifted them territories and artifacts, ushering in an era of peace.

In a lively tavern, two boys argued animatedly. One had long ears, golden hair, and pale white skin with a blue glimmer around his eyelids and golden eyeballs—clearly an elf. Though thinner than the average human child, he did not appear weak. The other boy, with brown skin and curly red hair, was well-built and human. The elven child smacked the table in excitement and screamed, "No way that happened! Where did you hear about this, Ryan?"

The human child replied with a smirk, "Of course that happened. You think I'm lying or what?"

The elven boy jumped on his seat. "Woahh, I didn't know you knew so many cool stories!"

Ryan gestured for him to sit. "That's why I always tell you to study. If someone saw us, they'd think I'm the older brother."

The elven boy was annoyed. "Yeah, no way. I'm the coolest older brother; everybody knows that."

The tavern keeper shouted from behind, "I don't pay you both for having a good time. Get back to work!"

Both boys got up with sad faces and began working.

"Today's work was pretty tiring, wasn't it, Ryan?" the elven boy said, putting his arm around Ryan.

"Yeah, Liam," Ryan answered absentmindedly.

"Hey, who are you calling Liam? I'm your older brother. Call me big bro; show me some respect," Liam said, punching him playfully in the arm.

"Ouch! You wanna fight?" Ryan teased.

"Oh, someone's getting cheeky. Time to show you the power of the big brother," Liam replied with a big smile. They started playfully throwing punches until Ryan grabbed Liam and threw him into the river.

"Looks like the older brother is all talk," Ryan said with pride.

"No, you cheated! You picked me up. That's against the rules," Liam protested.

"You're just weak. Now stop crying and come out before you catch a cold," Ryan said, offering his hand. Liam pulled himself out of the river, and they headed home.

"I'm gonna sleep like a log today," Liam said, crashing onto the bed.

"Okay, go ahead. I'll study a bit before bed," Ryan said, picking up one of five books: "The Advanced Guide to Magic," "History of the World," "The Advanced Survival Guide," "The Basic Principles of Combat," and "Detailed Guide on the Study of Races." He began reading.

"In this world, everything has mana, but to utilize it, an external core is required. Cores can be classified into two types—" Ryan was interrupted.

"Ryan, SHUT UP or read quietly. Let me sleep," Liam grumbled, burying his face under the pillow. Ryan looked at him with an expressionless face and continued reading quietly.

"Cores can be classified into two types: life core and shadow core. The darker the core, the better its quality, but the main factor is the user. Each core produces different results depending on the user. Cores are used to channel someone's mana and are crafted into accessories or weapons. Life cores, usually harvested from plants in Garfield Plains in one of the 17 elven kingdoms, Eldaria, enhance defensive capabilities. Shadow cores, extracted from high-level demons, enhance offensive capabilities. Another rare type, the blue core, is formed deep within labyrinths and always produces the same devastating results, regardless of the user. Only 52 blue cores have been discovered, with 49 destroyed in the war 2,520 years ago. The remaining three are owned by Seighart Sylvania, the current head of the Sylvania family, rulers of the elven empire." Ryan finished the first part and went to sleep beside Liam.

Sunshine hit the window of their old, worn-out room. Ryan was cleaning while Liam snored.

"Liam, wake up. Do you want to miss the event?" Ryan said, hitting Liam with a broom.

Liam woke up quickly. "Don't tell me we missed it! What date is it now?"

"It's the 24th of 2521 AS," Ryan answered. (In this world, the calendar resets after every major war. Thus, 24 2521 marks the 24th day of the 2521st year after the war. A year consists of 365 days, a holy number because Arindar Sylvania started walking 365 days after his birth.)

"Why didn't you wake me up earlier? Get ready! Today, Princess Sophia Amari, the heir to the human throne, is visiting our village. She's so beautiful and elegant, like a white flower," Liam continued, while Ryan imitated him with a talking gesture. "She loves cats like me; we're so similar yet so apart, like a goddess…" Liam went on for 30 minutes while Ryan got both of them ready.

"I can't believe she's 13, just like me. She's so mature. I can't wait for her to be crowned…" Liam continued. Ryan picked him up and took him outside.

"Did I mention she's really smart too? She already mastered all four swordsman styles. She can perform magic, but I don't really know how magic works. She's awesome…"

A beautiful carriage soon arrived. The townsfolk clapped. The carriage, made of white labyrinth stones from boss rooms, was decorated with gold and covered in red jewels with the Amari family crest.

"Liam, look It's your beautiful princess's carriage. See that crest? It's the Amari family," Ryan said, rolling his eyes.

Liam looked excitedly but then turned to Ryan. "Wait, how do you know so much about her? Don't tell me you have a crush on her too! Listen, Ryan, we're brothers, and I can give you everything, but she is MINE."

Ryan looked disgusted. "No, eww. I don't like rich, spoiled girls. I just know because I've been studying, unlike you."

The carriage passed, and Princess Sophia's eyes met Liam's. She smiled.

"Ryan! She smiled at me! I knew it, she loves me. No girl can resist my manly charm," Liam said, crying.

"You're so weird sometimes. I'm going back home to study," Ryan replied.

"I know a secret way into the chief's house. We can hear her up close. Wanna come?" Liam looked happy, and Ryan, wanting to ensure his safety, agreed. They ran to the chief's house and entered through a small hole.

"I've been digging this tunnel for 24 days since I heard she was visiting," Liam said proudly.

"That's a crime. Committing a crime because of a girl you don't even know is stupid," Ryan replied.

"Shut up! She's special. Let's hear her voice," Liam insisted. They were right below the chief and the princess.

"I don't know why I agreed to this. It's so boring," Ryan said, looking bored.

"Shhh, let me listen," Liam focused elves have heightened senses and if they focus their senses increase even more. Two voices could be heard.

Princess Sophia shouted, "Did you do what I told you to?" Her voice was cold and scary, even making Liam nervous. "Yes, princess. The preparations are done."

Ryan, seeing Liam scared, waited patiently. He felt Liam's body tense up and hugged him, trying to comfort him. Liam, focused on the conversation, didn't notice.

"I'll be crowned in six days, then I can finally start my plan. I've always hated those disgusting elves. This village has the highest number of them in our kingdom," Princess Sophia spat on the floor. "You're right, ma'am. I can't bear seeing them in our empire, let alone my village. But won't this dissolve the Golden Pact?"

Liam was horrified. Raised by the villagers after being orphaned, he considered all of them his family, regardless of race. Hearing such words from the chief was a shock. His heart felt like it was exploding, and he wanted to scream but couldn't. Ryan tried to comfort him, but the shock was too great, and Liam passed out.

When he woke up, an entire day had passed. In five days, when the princess will be crowned, soldiers would come to eradicate the elves.

"Are you alright? I was so scared. What happened?" Ryan asked, holding Liam's hand.

"It's nothing. I'm alright," Liam lied, covering his face. His mind raced. *What can I do? Should I run? Ryan is human; they won't kill him. He's strong and will be alright. He's not my real brother.*

His eyes were tired, his soul screamed for help, but his mind was determined. *I have to run. I have to survive this. I have to!*

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