Two days passed since Rowan left. The castle was quiet in the morning.
In her study, Empress Alexia stood by the window, watching the sunrise. The door opened, but she didn't turn around.
"You're early," she said.
A figure in dark green robes entered, closing the door behind him. His face was hidden by a hood.
He bowed to show resoect to the Empress. "Do you still have the seals in place?" His voice sounded young.
"I do," the Empress replied, finally turning to face him. "They were put into place for Caius."
"Good." The robed man said."You should activate them and sound the alarm. He'll be here in an hour."
"Is that necessary?" The Empress frowned.
"It's precisely what we need," the man insisted. "The palace must be cleared. If my junior brother is to see the Master, he must know what it feels liks when he doesnt hold back."
The Empress looked at him for a moment before saying, "Very well. And the boy?"
"Leave him to us." The robed man smiled beneath his hood. "It's time to meet my junior brother."
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Grim woke from a deep sleep. He heard a loud noise that woke him up. The sound sent a giant vibration through the entire castle. DONG. DONG. DONG.
"What the fuck?" he said, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.
[Something's happening.] The voice said.
After the third dong, everything was silent.
He got dressed and went to the dining area. He found only an empty room with a his food om the table.
"Hello?" Grim called out. No response.
[Something's not right,] the voice warned. [Be on guard.]
"No shit," Grim said groggily. He grabbed a piece of bread and some meat from the tray. He ate it quickly. "Where is everyone?"
He finished his meal and headed toward the training grounds. He decided he should continue with his training routine unless someone tells him otherwise. As he walked through the castle, Grim couldnt see any servants or guards around. The castle seemed abandoned.
When Grim reached the training yard. He saw a man sat cross-legged in the center, meditating. He appeared to be around twenty years old. He was dressed in dark green robes. The morning air caused his robes to move with the wind. His hair was tied in a high ponytail that reached down to his knees. Grim could tell he had the kind of face that women would go crazy for.
The man opened his eyes as Grim got closer. revealing irises of a startling amber color.
"Who the fuck are you?" Grim demanded.
The man smiled, showing perfect white teeth. "Such language from one so young. She told me you ha e a colorful way with words." He stood up quickly, without using his hands for support his body. "I've been waiting for you, junior brother."
"Junior brother?" Grim said. "I'm not your brother."
"Not by blood, no," the man agreed, he started to circle Grim. "But soon, we will be when you become a disciple. Master will be here soon. I just came to say hi before he arrives. To see if your body is strong enough yet."
[Be careful,] the voice cautioned. [This man is dangerous. Five mana hearts, each one is at 80%. Wind and fire affinity.]
Before Grim could do anything, je began to move. One moment he was by fhe treeline. The next moment he was directly in front of Grim. His hands glowing with a soft green light.
"Let's see how you move, junior brother," he said, his voice still pleasant as his glowing palm shot toward Grim's chest.
Pure instinct saved Grim. He rolled to the side. He had managed to dodge in time before the man's palm struck the ground where he had been standing. The stone cracked, a small crater forming.
"Not bad," the robed man said, straightening up. "Your reflexes are decent."
Grim got up to his feet, heart pounding. "What the hell is wrong with you? You could have killed me!"
"If I wanted you dead, you would be. This is just a test. Master wouldn't approve of a weak vessel."
"Vessel?" Grim repeated, backing away slowly. "I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm not interested."
The man laughed, the sound eerily musical. "Your interest is irrelevant, junior brother. The choice was made long before you were born."
He moved again, faster than before. Grim barely managed to duck under a sweeping kick. It was aimed at hid head. He countered with a punch to the man's ribs. He put his weight behind it just as Rowan had taught him.
His fist connected with solid muscle that felt like he was hitting a wall. The man didn't flinch.
"You'll need to do better than that," he said, grabbed Grim's wrist before he could pull back.
Grim'sheart began to race. He instinctively channeled mana to his wrist. He was able to form water between his skin and the man's hand, allowing Grim to renive his arm.
"Oh?" The robed man's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Water affinity, and already some practical application. Not completely useless after all."
[Use your light affinity,] the voice urged. [He's not expecting it.]
Grim didn't question the advice. He tried to channel his light mana. He began concentrating but couldn't figure out how to direct it outward like he had with water.
The robed man's eyes widened. "Two affinities? Interesting."
"Yeah so what?" Grim said as he backed away. Trying to catch his breath.
The man's expression had changed from mild amusement to genuine interest. "Light and water. Rare combination. Master will be pleased."
"Who is this master you keep talking about?" Grim demanded, trying to catch his breath. "And what does he want with me?"
"All in good time, junior brother." The robed man made no further moves to attack. Instead, he studied Grim with new appreciation. "You've formed two mana hearts already. One is crude and underdeveloped, but present nonetheless. And one is fully awakened. Your body might be ready after all."
"Ready for what?" Grim asked, still keeping his distance.
The man smiled again. "Tell me, junior brother, are you ready to become who you were always meant to be?"
Grim felt a chill run down his spine. It was a unsettling feeling. He couldn't tell what was going to come next.
[Don't answer,] the voice warned, its tone sounded urgent. Grim had never heard the voice sound like this before. [Whatever you do, don't answer his question.]