Born in Blood

It took Liam half an hour to tame the reptile, but there was also a factor of inexperience involved.

The snake no longer resembled one, but a formless ball of ethereal energy, radiating constant pressure. It wasn't anywhere near the level of a Psionic Rune, but maybe 1/50 of it.

Liam's face grew pensive as he stared at it. 'If it's like that, maybe I can use it to progress even faster… higher ranked beasts have much stronger wills and radiate even greater pressure.'

Through the King's Eye, Liam could see how unstable that energy was. He could even sense anger inside it, which was a remnant of the Albino Snake's will.

'This entire process is similar to how Blood Weaving works too,' Liam realized, opening his eye to reality.

"Try imbuing this blade with the will," Rogan stretched out a large dagger made from snake scale.

Liam clutched the blade and pulled out the beast energy – unstable and fragile – and instantly attempted to conjoin it with the weapon.

He succeeded… somewhat.

Half of the will wilted away before he could push it through the material, and the rest barely entered the dagger – he hadn't been able to firmly root the entire thing inside. It took a lot more effort than it seemed.

"It's barely passable as a forged weapon… but I did every other step so it doesn't count," Rogan spoke as he swung and inspected the dagger. "It's still lousy… you'll need a lot of practice, kid."

Liam nodded. He felt satisfied with how it worked.

"I'll be heading home, then. I've gotta catch the meeting."

Rogan exchanged a knowing nod. "Good luck, kid."

///

A luxurious carriage – draped with blue silk and flashy noble insignia – rocked up and down as it passed through the thick border separating the peasantry and wealthy side.

Liam peered out the window, donning his posh black robe – the fabric of which was smoother than silk.

The scenery outside the carriage changed from vast patches of lush land – tended foliage taken care of by the hundreds of servants – to small noble mansions gradually growing in size.

One would be able to tell what sized family those mansions belonged to.

Five to six story buildings were visible from a distance, built in physics-defying ways.

Wealth was abundant everywhere he looked, though he felt no bitterness or envy – civilian nobles of every age and size looked like the complete opposite of those Liam saw at the peasantry.

'They look so… weak,' he thought, unable to hide his scowl.

After a whole two hours, the carriage stopped – the car door opening, a stern-faced, heavily-armored guard gesturing for Liam to exit.

Ahead, a giant mansion stood tall, four stories tall, but it stretched for at least 4 kilometers. All around, similar armed guards looked like statues that patrolled the grounds.

'The ruler's quarters,' Liam thought, looking over his shoulder to see the distant buildings.

"Follow me… sir," the guard called out. Liam remarked the reluctant tone of respect in his voice.

'They know I'm a bastard,' Liam scoffed inwardly.

The interior of the mansion was covered with different designs and intricacies. Liam was led through countless hallways, each one leading to an even vaster space.

'This entire place is inscribed… even the paintings and under the carpets,' Liam thought, noticing the black and blue writings that ran across the walls.

Eventually, the guard stopped ahead of two doors, turning around and becoming a statue.

"Please enter."

Liam didn't waste a second and pushed open the doors, casting an iridescent light that shone on his pale skin.

The inside within looked to be a hallroom of some sort, giant pillars connecting the ceiling with the marble floor.

Ahead, a muscular, blue-robed man sat on a throne – his skin tanned, his muscles bulging. To his left and right, men and women bearing the same features sat on smaller-sized chairs.

Green eyes, blonde hair, and pale skin. Ages and demeanours varied, but they all looked at Liam with hidden disgust… especially one particular man.

'The feeling is mutual, pricks.'

Liam slowly approached, his gaze lowered to the floor.

He curled his right fist on his chest, and curled his left to his back – by Echorian tradition, this was the most respectful gesture one could make.

Lloyd made sure the boy knew every bit of noble tradition and mannerisms, lest he offend one of them by mistake.

"So you're the bastard child of my kin I've been hearing about," the patriarch's deep voice echoed through the chambers. Dense assessing mental waves enveloped Liam's body. "Liam, is it?"

Liam didn't raise his head, but did a respectful nod.

Getting off his seat, the patriarch approached Liam with slow, heavy steps – the man was nearly two meters tall, and his giant stature could have caused any man to cower in fear.

"Raise your head," he commanded.

Liam complied, his eye – devoid of fear – locking into the patriarch's own unwaveringly.

Liam's pushed down shock from appearing on his face as he saw the man's aura – it covered the entire hallroom and suppressed anyone else's.

Seeing his reaction, the man grinned, but it didn't seem like he knew the King Eye's ability.

"Show me your darkness," he ordered, unfurling his sleeve and stretching out his colossal arm. 𝒃𝒆𝒅𝙣𝒐𝒗𝙚𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝒎

Liam was taken aback for a split second, but didn't deny the Zenith's request.

Gripping the patriarch's bulging bicep, Liam used all the strength he could muster with his core and body, flaring his hand with flames of darkness.

…The patriarch didn't budge.

Liam's darkness hadn't even nicked the man's skin.

A moment later, the patriarch burst into laughter, under the wry and bitter looks of those behind him.

"Edwin Royce," the man introduced after, placing a heavy arm on Liam's shoulder. "We will use your talent. From this day forth, you will don the Royce name. Unfortunately, you are not of pure blood."

"The firm laws of Echoria do not permit me to make you of the main branch, so you'll have to work for spells and techniques."

Liam's eyebrow twitched, but he didn't let the mask of respect slip.

"Bring your mother here and live in the mansion. You're perhaps the first darkness cultivator to be born in centuries. Perhaps in a decade or so, you'll become a celebrity in the cultivation world."

"Thank you, master Edwin," Liam replied, pretending not to notice the glares and venomous looks shot his way. "I am most grateful."