The Upcoming Fight

Eldoria's political system may have the veneer of egalitarianism, but in reality, it is a nation marked by a strong class system. This contrast between appearance and reality is a defining feature of its governance.

At the pinnacle of Edsilla's political hierarchy are the 'Counsel members,' who occupy ninety-nine coveted seats. Their election isn't a reflection of true democracy but rather a product of political manoeuvring, transactions, and the struggles among noble families.

These Counsel members, seen as representatives of the nobility, wield immense power and are regarded as pillars of the nation.

Yet, they too bow to the ultimate authority—the 'Director,' who oversees and governs the entire nation from on high.

Perched upon the highest point of the continent, the throne symbolizes dominion over both land and sea, signifying the ruler's supremacy.

The ancient Aulira family, with a lineage spanning a thousand years, now seeks to reclaim that preeminent position.

However, despite their storied history, the Aulira family faces the harsh reality of declining revenues. Their leader, shrouded in gloved hands, peruses a document with calculated detachment.

In contrast, a figure stands before him, the head of the family, beset with anxiety. Bowed repeatedly at the waist, he anticipates judgment.

His voice remains cold and composed, as he relays, "It's not your fault. It's not easy to find a useful tool in the trash."

For centuries, the Aulira family has operated 'orphanages' under their name, gathering orphaned and illegitimate children showing signs of possessing the coveted 'Blessing.' These youths are sheltered, fed, and meticulously trained by the Aulira family to become instruments of power.

It's a welfare project that consumes considerable resources, and only a select few emerge from this rigorous process as talents of note.

Yet, Leo, the eldest son, pays no heed to the names of these orphans. To him, they are expendable, their lives hardly warranting a glance. He has a lineage to uphold, and mediocrity cannot be tolerated.

"We can't keep raising useless individuals indefinitely. It's better to pull a camel in the desert or find a pearl in the sea."

With a nonchalant gesture, Leo adjusts his dark, symbolic lineage hair and sifts through the rosters.

[ Kevin Voss…]

He doesn't spare a moment for the orphans' names. They are mere pawns in a power play.

"Expel them all soon."

The complex succession structure within the Aulira family pits the eldest son, Derek, against his second son and eldest daughter. Although Derek may have time and tradition on his side, his siblings are bolstered by formidable alliances.

Leo, having rendered his decree, reclines with an air of disinterest. He won't entertain objections.

"…Yes. I understand. I will convey that."

Hery, the butler, bows obediently, embodying the subservience demanded by his family's rigid hierarchy.

In Eldoria, where appearances can be deceiving, the struggle for power and the preservation of lineage shape the fate of its people, leaving no room for weakness or sentimentality.

***

I sit at the window of my room, From there I can see the bustling city in front of me. I can see the same old road ahead of me that least to the main road. 

" I did come back in past after all," I muttered as I gazed at the sun in the sky.

Austria, it's all because of them, I am going to take revenge on them no matter what.

How I am going to do that? I don't know, is there a plan for all of this, not at the moment, but it doesn't matter anymore. 

This chance I received and I'm not going to waste it.

"Kevin look who came to meet you." a voice interrupted my thoughts. 

I looked at the source of the voice, There I found my caretaker, who took care of me until I was kicked out of there. 

And stood beside him, knight.

It's finally coming.

I met him before my regression, but just one time before I was kicked out of here.

"Coming," I said as I walked downstairs. 

In a few minutes reached we're Knight but the caretaker already left as he completed his job.

Now, we are alone. 

He opened his mouth after he gazed at me and down. 

"Kevin"

He said my name but I did not answer him.

"Kevin", still I just gaze at him trying to feel if it's real or not.

Even at this moment, the reality of it all felt somewhat surreal.

"Kevin Voss. Answer!"

"Why?" at third try answer him.

The knight's brow furrowed as he seemed taken aback by my question. He then proceeded to read aloud the documents detailing my tumultuous history.

"Alright let's begin. Entered the orphanage at seven, brain tumour at nine? Cured it, again had a brain tumour at thirteen, enrolled in Elit Magic High School at fourteen..."

His initial booming voice gradually waned as he recounted my life's extraordinary events.

Well, I couldn't deny that my life had been far from ordinary.

"Hmm..."

The knight fell into momentary silence, likely organizing his thoughts before speaking.

"Aulria saved you. You didn't have to bear all these medical expenses, did you?"

It was a common misconception, one I'd believed in fervently fifteen years ago, unwavering in my loyalty to this family.

"I paid for the treatment with my father's salary, retirement pay, and death compensation."

"Your father?"

"Yes. He was a knight."

The knight's face took on a complex expression, and I felt the need to clarify further.

"A junior knight."

"He didn't graduate from college?"

"Yes."

He nodded as if he understood something significant. It appeared he was relieved, perhaps because my father had not attained the illustrious status of a college graduate.

"Anyway. You're 18 this year, right? You're finally cured, aren't you?"

"Of those diseases."

In truth, though, I still harboured a brain tumour.

"Alright then. Has your Blessing bloomed yet?"

Finally, the subject of the 'Blessing' came up, and it started to feel real.

It was the year 2012, not the far-off 2027, or even 2013. I had travelled back twelve years, to this vexing point in time.

"Answer."

The knight urged me on, his gloved hand brushing his moustache.

"No."

I shook my head, responding the same way I had fifteen years ago, before the regression.

But the truth was, it had already bloomed.

Not in 2012, but in 2009.

"Still?"

I just couldn't bring myself to admit it. It felt too embarrassing to reveal my Blessing: a Journal that could record anything and everything, a power I still possessed, albeit selectively.

"You're useless."

"That's right."

I sighed, and the knight's stern expression returned.

"The main family is greatly disappointed in you. This orphanage wasn't built for you to play and eat. Tuition, food expenses, book costs, education fees, children's pocket money, teachers' salaries, and so on, all add up to 40-60 million Dollars per year. You haven't paid a penny, have you?"

I didn't remember the names of the other children this morning, but I did remember what he said next.

It had a profound impact on my young heart.

"The orphanage is going to close."

The old me would have widened my eyes in shock, nearly on the brink of tears, clutching at the hem of his moustache.

The moustached knight likely anticipated such a reaction.

"Well, are you okay?"

"Yes."

But now, it didn't matter.

"Ah… Yes. Don't despair too much. There's still a chance. Lord Leo is a very generous man."

Lord. That choice of word was quite amusing. The true head of the family likely didn't even consider him.

The moustached knight stroked his moustache as he continued.

"I heard that there are about ten with potential in the orphanage, including you?"

"Me?"

"You're attending Elit, aren't you? I couldn't even get in there. Anyway, we're going to have a 'match'."

"Ah..."

I nodded in understanding. This story was familiar to me. It was a future I had already experienced.

"If you prove your talent, this orphanage might survive."

But that was a lie.

The orphanage wouldn't survive.

It couldn't.

"It's a kind of skill test. If you've worked hard enough until now, we'll arrange for you to compete against someone you can beat. Is that okay?"

"Yes. That sounds fair."

I responded promptly and rose from my seat. There was no use in prolonging this conversation. Staying any longer would be a waste of time.

As I turned to leave, the moustached knight's voice called after me, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"Hey, where are you going? I'm not done."

I paused, turning back to face him, my expression calm and composed.

"Is there something else, sir?"

He hesitated for a moment as if considering his words carefully, before continuing.

"You seem different from the other kids here. More... mature, perhaps. Do you have any idea why your Blessing hasn't manifested yet?"

It was a question I'd asked myself countless times in the years leading up to my

regression.

Why had my Blessing, my Journal, remained dormant while other children around me had discovered their unique talents? But now, with knowledge of my future, I have a better understanding.

I offered a faint smile, tinged with a touch of bitterness.

"It's a mystery to me, too. Perhaps I'm just a late bloomer."

The knight nodded as if my response confirmed something he had suspected.

"Late bloomer, huh? Well, we'll see. Lord Leo believes in giving everyone a fair chance. You might surprise us all."

I nodded in acknowledgement, appreciating his attempt to offer encouragement.

But my past experiences have taught me not to place too much faith in the words of those in power.

"Thank you for your concern, sir. I'll do my best in the 'match.'"

With that, I turned and continued on my way, leaving the moustached knight behind with his thoughts.