Chapter 2: Affinity Check
Ian instantly touched his ring and pulled out a unique silver bracelet bearing the symbol of a winged serpent, as if from thin air.
Without hesitation, he clasped it around the infant's wrist and recited a short chant in a strange, arcane tongue. The bracelet glowed for a second before shrinking, neatly adjusting itself to the baby's hand.
Satisfied, Ian nodded and turned his gaze to a shadowed corner of the room. He uttered a single word.
"Gavin."
The darkness shifted. A figure emerged from within it, forming the silhouette of a man, startling Athena.
"G-Ghost!?" she gasped.
But the shadowed figure stepped calmly into view, revealing a hooded man with long golden hair and piercing silver eyes. Athena's expression shifted from fear to confusion as familiarity crept in.
"The Prime Minister?!" she muttered.
'What is he doing here? Did he just appear out of thin air? Is he a Wizard too?'
Her thoughts were interrupted by Shirley's polite voice. "Greetings, Lord Gavin."
Gavin gave a small nod and approached, pulling a large, glowing white orb from his robe and handing it to Ian.
Ian took the orb and gently placed the baby's tiny hand on it. A faint pulse of energy spread from the orb seeped into the child, then returned. A moment later, glowing letters appeared on the orb's surface.
[Light – Nil, Darkness – Nil, Shadow – Nil, Earth – Nil, Water – Nil, Fire – Nil, Wind – Nil, Ice – Nil, Lightning – Nil, Metal – Nil, Nature – Nil, Space – Nil, …]
Ian frowned. "Not even a faint trace of affinity? Has anyone ever tested as completely null?"
"I've never seen such a case," Gavin replied, perplexed. "Could it be broken?" He tested the orb on himself. Instantly, the words [Shadow – Prodigy Level] lit up.
"Still works." He turned back to Ian, now wearing a serious expression. "May I inspect the child's soul, Your Majesty?"
Athena suddenly felt uneasy, a cold weight settling in her chest. Before she could speak up, Ian gave his consent with a simple nod.
"Go ahead. But be careful not to damage Raven's soul realm."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Gavin stepped closer, placed a thumb on the baby's forehead, and began a low, ancient chant. One minute passed. Then ten. Finally, Gavin opened his eyes, his face grave.
"What did you find?" Ian asked immediately.
"His soul is… severely damaged," Gavin said in a hushed voice. "Though his consciousness has formed, it won't last. If left alone, the child may cease to exist entirely."
Athena's heart dropped.
"The most merciful path may be to… give him a peaceful end."
He paused, suddenly realizing Athena had heard every word. She fell to her knees, sobbing.
"No!" she cried, clutching at Ian's robes. "Please, don't take him away, Father!"
Ian looked down, conflicted. After a pause, he sighed.
"Athena… I've lived for centuries and have never seen a case like this. A damaged soul cannot be healed by ordinary means—if at all. Even if there is a cure, it would be impossibly rare or costly."
He turned to Gavin. "Check for any unique affinities with the special orb. There may still be something."
Shirley clenched her fists at his words. Already giving up on the child? she thought bitterly.
Gavin retrieved a second orb, this one glowing with soft blue light and covered in runes. Ian once again guided the baby's hand to the orb.
After a pause, a second row of text appeared.
[Unique Affinities: Sword – Nil, Spear – Nil, Archery – Nil, Dream – Nil, Wisdom – Nil, Blood – Nil, Mirror – Nil, Mind – Nil, Truth – Nil, Madness – Nil, Love – Nil, Fate – Nil, Trickery – Nil, etc.]
Gavin recoiled slightly, stunned.
"This is… beyond unfortunate. Even commoners are born with something. I doubt he'll survive to see ten years… and if he does, it will be a life full of suffering. Even the lowest will rise above him. This kind of child…" He looked at Ian. "If word of this got out, the royal family would be mocked across the entire Ivory Continent."
Ian didn't respond right away. Then, with a disappointed sigh, he handed the baby back to Shirley. The child, still clinging to Ian's leg, wouldn't let go.
"Let go, girl," he said coldly, shaking off Athena's grasp. "Forget about this child and focus on your sword training. I had high hopes… What a disappointment."
He turned and walked toward the exit. Gavin followed but paused at the door.
"Someone will arrive at midnight to… take care of the child," he said quietly. "Until then, don't do anything reckless."
His calm words felt like a blade. Shirley shivered as the two men left the room.
A tense silence fell.
"Why are they doing this?" Athena whispered. Her voice trembled. Her gaze slowly turned to her unconscious mother.
Shirley stepped forward, her voice gentle. "I'm more worried about your mother. If she learns the truth, it may destroy her."
She walked to Jeanne's bedside, tears welling in her eyes as she gently touched her sister's face.
"That father of yours… he's cold, Athena. These nobles, these royals—they care only for appearances and titles. Nothing else."
With a soft sigh, she lay the baby beside Jeanne.
"You should rest now," she said, brushing Athena's hair back. "There's nothing more we can do."
Athena nodded weakly and stepped out. Laughter echoed from nearby halls, but it felt distant, like a memory. Even though her brothers and sisters were near, she felt utterly alone.
"Why must we suffer like this?" she muttered, stepping into her own room. She lit a small magical lamp and collapsed on the bed, sobbing quietly.
Sleep came eventually, but unease lingered.
One phrase replayed endlessly in her mind:
"Someone will come to take care of this child at midnight. Until then, don't do anything funny."
"I won't let them take him," she whispered. "I won't let my mother grieve. I won't lose my brother."
Her vision faded.
And then… she was standing again, back in the room.
'What's happening? Am I dreaming? Did I sleepwalk?'
The door creaked open.
A woman entered—middle-aged, slightly plump, with gray hair. It was the Head Maid.
'Head Maid? What are you doing here?'
Athena stepped forward to confront her, but the woman didn't react—didn't even look at her.
And then she passed through her.
Athena gasped. Looking down, she realized… she was translucent, like a ghost.
Before she could process what was happening, the Head Maid reached the bed… and picked up Raven.