Coincidences

Brak!

After being kidnapped, Ranath was brought somewhere else. Although he's blindfolded right now, he can still use some magic to see through the cloth.

Ranath is quiet along the way and let them drag him away even though he could just attack them back. His mouth were covered and his hands were tied together so he couldn't really do anything physical.

He watches since the very start of the entrance. He now knows the way to their hideout at the very least. The hideout is inside a cave of a remote mountain at outskirt, a long corridor with so many cells on both sides. And there's people inside each of the cells with collars on, which is quite expected.

He'd guessed it must be slave tradings since some of the people is from different tribe or each having unique factors on their appearances.

Upon turning into a corner and went inside a certain room, Ranath was thrown into one of the cells inside which is his situation now. Currently, he decided to observe a little further.

Different from the cells on the long corridor, this area seemed pretty special. It was planted with numerous barriers starting from weakening, silencing, protection, and many others. Some kind of important room for valuable assets.

He could barely see the people in different cells, but he can tell that different from the outside, in here, there's only one person each cell.

Ranath could also listen to the capturers chattings."heh heh. We're so lucky today. To think we actually captured one with decent appearance without trying.."

"yeah, leader really work our ass off it's so tiring to the extent i feel like i'm dying.."

"shh. What if he's listening to us right now? we're really dead!"

"oh right. Fck."

"duh! we better not lazing off.."

"let's just go, it's time for the meeting remember?"

chatter.chatter.

About why they don't react intensely, Ranath had changed his appearance the moment he got in their hands. He changed his hair to black and his eyes to purple tanzanite.

Come to think of it.. i hope Lucas rechant the illusion spell in my room.. it would be a mess if they were to find out i'm gone. he suddenly have a new concern.

"Sigh.. i hope nothing will go wrong while i'm not there."

***

"What did you just say?" after the investigation that led to the Prince garden, Claude himself went to inspect it himself. So far, it's known the mad disease going on in Capital of Jewels currently were mixed in curse. Fortunately, it's still cureable, only that the antidote need Priests holy blessings to be fully integrated.

It has been a whole five days for Claude digging in the source of the disease. Just when their path is finally brightened, another problem raised.

The Prince disappearance.

Claude gritted his teeth. His clenched fists made the paper on his hand folded up messily. The reaction is naturally the same for everyone else within the Office.

Felix and Jenas with their eyes dilated, both in anger, confusion, and concern. This had never happened before!

Moreover, the security, all the surveillance planted on the Prince is massive and undefeatable. It's basically impossible to get out once entering. So how? there's no way their soldiers will have such incompetence.

"I SAID, REPEAT YOURSELF!!" Claude, fully aware of this fact, get triggered. The whole room atmosphere is intense, everyone is barely breathing due to Claude leaking mana.

The Reporter from Sapphire Palace lowered his head deeply while shaking uncontrollably in fear. Although he's a trained soldier, one wouldn't want to face the wrath of the tyranny Emperor."T-the Prince suddenly disappeared! he was perfectly fine before, bathing, taking a meal, and we also watched him studying! but- but.. the Prince just vanished right on his place when we're watching him closely.." it was the truth.

Noticing Jenas intense gaze, the Reporter quickly added, "Lady Tear is not there at the time because of issues occurring around the Palace.." he knew this is what Jenas is questioning about. Tear is the one having leadership on Sapphire Palace because Jenas absence, so of course she's having responsibility over the Palace and the Prince. And to think the smart and careful individual at the time is not around the scene is even more confusing.

Even Jenas used his identifying magic to see if he lied or not, and the result is, he's really saying the truth.

Jenas frowned deeply, the wrinkles not suited for his handsome and soft features. "He's saying the truth, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing Jenas statement, Claude could only sighed in exasperation and leaned back on his chair. Jenas wouldn't lie, in addition, he's expert in magic. Even his Father is Claude mentor centuries ago.

He already consumed his energy all these days taking care of the current Capital problem and even more with the entire Empire, but for another to arisen.. and his son at that.

There's been countless assassination and kidnapping attempt, but even all of them remain unsuccesfull. This incident led a painful strike on him. Claude rubbed his temple, the atmosphere went heavier as Claude's breath is the only thing heard.

Before, "Gather all men and search throughout the Empire, investigate every living being in each Palace, and send official letters to Independent Kingdom around the Continent!! lastly, cast a large scale magic barrier for everything to be within my EYES!!" Claude didn't waste anytime and loudly ordered.

Felix, Jenas, the Reporter, and The Minister who happened to be here quickly reacted to his orders and moved according to it.

***

"Lily, what happened.. why is everyone hurrying like that??" Athy just moved to Emerald Palace yesterday thanks to Ranath persuasion or help and Claude light support.

It's still midday but the servants around Emerald Palace were suddenly running out as an emergency notice was ringed. Lily is the only servant staying by Athy side right now, trusted to protect the Princess. Of course, more soldiers still stay guarding the Palace since they can't just leave the Princess alone.

Although Lily is trusted to be by the Princess side, the news also entered her ears. Hearing the Princess confused question, she pursed her lips and furrowed her eyebrows for a second. Fully aware of what's happening.

Lily exhaled and immediately changed her facial expression to her usual with a smile on her face. "An issue was announced by the Emperor. It seems to be a large scale operation since the entire Residence servant was called, sorry Princess but even i don't know the details.." she smile apologetically.

Liar.. Athy could immediately seen through Lily. She's still an adult inside after all, she roughly understand the panic situation going on right now.An emergency notice from the Emperor.. at this scale? Claude isn't the type on going all out like this.. however, there's only one exception that could. "Brother.." she silently mumbled, quiet enough for Lily not to hear.

***

The raven-hair boy isn't concerned about the situation on Royal Palace at all. Infact, it was Lucas who'd deliberately let the magic illusion dissipated. He created the chaos on purpose, since we're talking about Ranath after all.

I know he won't get countered, but he's not on his full state right now.. Lucas, consumed by anger, accidently bite his lips to bleed.

Currently, he was on his way to the alternative and secretive dimension where the River of Fate resides. A place where only him and Ranath have access to.

His only purpose is clear, to ask the River what exactly is it saying. Why would it let Ranath go? it must be something none other than a connected destiny. Something is gonna happen if Ranath go.

He knows. He knows but, Lucas wanted to be there. He could atleast ask the River directly so he could do what he can. It's a matter between Ranath and Fate.

The path to the place of the River is quite complicated as it is located between Reality and the Nonexistent.¹

It will take a little while, but it's not impossible.

***

16.55

It's finally afternoon huh.. guess let's start the exploration. Ranath on the other hand, fully unaware of the chaos happening outside was sleeping gracefully inside the cell for the whole noon. He had planned to go outside once it's the time he'd designated.

Anyhow, there's a reason he choose to search around this time.

"This spell is so uncomfortable.. i should just wore it off." Ranath is talking about the appearance changer spell currently in use. Upon deciding, he dispell it and his appearance is back to his originals.

After comforting himself up with whatever he need, Ranath created a key from mana. It is possible because he shaped a unique solid type of mana its user could hold.

The key fitted in perfectly in the cell door lock. He twisted the key, and the cell door slowly and silently opened as if a soul just entered.

Ranath leisurely walked out of his cell, totally not terrified with the horror he just watched hours ago. However. Who would've knew this cell contains that hideous barrier.. the metal used for the cage was planted with seeds that'll lower magic influences.

"Hmm.. now where should i start?" although he appeared confused, his body just seemed to reacted on its own and brought himself somewhere. Not outside the room, but towards a deeper path inside.

I wonder what happened outside. he briefly took a guess, but shrugged the thoughts quite immediately after thinking Lucas personality.

Ranath cautiously step even further deeper and observe the 'assets' inside each cell. As expected, people captured and was send to this more closed off room is all special.

High elves.. mixed breed.. werewolf cub.. wait a minute is that a dwarf? how did they even managed to catch one? Dwarves, they're small but their bloodline strength is undeniable overwhelming for humans. It is almost shocking they could capture one, especially an older one.

If would make a bit sense if it's only a kid, but no it's not. These people are pretty impressive. I heard they're talking about their 'Leader'? i wonder.. he tried to recall every person he knew that could match such strong mysterious figure.

Come to think of it. They're having a meeting, but that's hours ago.. are they letting their assets on its own? well indeed this room have numerous sickening spell, but that alone wouldn't be enough to restraint the beings here. he thought, his mind spiralled with every possible reasons.

Ranath stopped on his path and stare right ahead. Maybe.. just maybe.. no actually that's the only thing possible. What else could hold those scary guys? even our kidnapper depend solely on it and doesn't have the guts to stay in guard here. he hit the jackpot.

Putting aside that thorough thought, Ranath began focusing on what might be coming for him at the end of the path once he arrived.

The whole building is extremely dark it's quite suffocating as it is also inside a whole massive mountain.

A disgusting smell- blood fragrance, poisons, toxins.. everything here seems lifeless. Accidently falling into deep thought, Ranath furrowed his eyebrows. His ick expression, along with the tongue click. A trail of blood. It wasn't uncommon for him to see blood, sure, but this is much more shady.

Everything here is literally cursed.. i suppose the longer you're trapped inside the cell, the deeper the curse dug into you. the trail of blood he encountered emitted the same ugly and dark smell as curses. There's multiple type of curses, but the ones here is even more serious Ranath wouldn't dare to take this lightly.

He exhaled in emphatic and passed through with a bit of uneasiness. People who died here isn't free yet, it's like their soul is still lingering around to seek vengeance.

Which is a bad sign. The more those crying souls piled up, it might led to a catastrophe. And to think the Church haven't realized of their existence yet.. dang it. I need to get back that 'thing' immediately.

Ranath unnoticedly hurried his movement. If i had known this sooner.. no! if only i went to search for my power at the very start.. sigh. No time for useless thoughts. I can fix this.

He raised his head and stopped his track in surprise. He had unknowingly arrived at the end of the corridor.

Ranath shook his head and lighten up his vision a little more to take a peek into the only presence inside. The person was shroudded by the darkness and is hugging his legs while hiding his face in. A very petite person, atleast Ranath's age.

Ranath's sense triggered. Noticing this unusual reaction about encountering another, he came up with many possibilities. Is it..?

He didn't waste any more time and quickly used the previous mana key he created to also unlock the cell door infront of him.

Afraid startling the boy, he deliberately walked a bit slower. Surprisingly, the boy didn't make any body movement even though the cell door opening should atleast make a sound even if Ranath is being careful.

Ranath easily arrived right infront of the boy, standing there and was staring at the person below intently.

Seeking if there's any abnormal act. But there's none. Sleeping perhaps? he subconciously guessed.

He took one more step and bend his body forward towards the boy. After observing a little more, Ranath didn't hesitate and reached out his left hand while tilting his face in curiousity."Hey. Let's get out of here." it wasn't what he originally wanted to say, but he thought that statement might be better considering the current situation.

Finally, the Prince could see a slight reaction from the boy body. The small boy who's supposedly his age slowly raised his head and loosened up his hug on his legs.

Ranath took every moment to capture the boy face. He hesitated for a moment, but finally!- huh?

Ranath dilated his pupils in shock and disbelief. Huh..? he looks like.. wait, his hair color is already different anyway. Then who is..

Amidst Ranath confusion, he suddenly recalled something. His very comrade, who he had mistaken this boy as him, said something once which he never repeated in another life.

“I have a twin brother.. he's the core of my life which the God had taken advantage of.”

‘sigh. Heh heh.. he have a different hair color than me though, Your Holiness.’

‘he have a beautiful red hair! oh right his personality is also the complete opposite of me- he's kinda a crybaby, but he's a sweet and honest person. Although he always depends on me, i know deep down he also have similar power to mine. He only lack confidence, that's all!!’

The puzzle have started connecting back together. Both corner of Ranath's lips raised and his expression changed drastically. Allene's twin brother!

—

LOLOL I'M SO SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT- dude i'm just wasting my time playing chess irl that i got no time to write for my own fanfic.. EVERYONE KEEP GOING AFTER ME ISTG

anyway i hope i'm in date? actually no i don't think so.. a few hours before 6 jan i'm sorry- fyi my school break ended at 6 January.. so yea

btw guys guys guys! i'll upload the next chapter tomorrow since it's still a part of the mass update. I just decided to do it tomorrow since it's still unfinished.. because the next chapter is quite a big lore drop and longer plot. Something interesting awaits you~

here's today fact! [ Funfact: Athy never gotten into an argument with Ranath before. ]

¹

i made a rather ugly and rough sketch for that one- but anyway it's more or less like this! i'll reveal what is Realm of Non-existent now since it's necessary and i don't know how to put it in the story. Btw pls ignore that messy writing..

alright so let's start the lesson!

as you might've already guessed, 'Reality' is realm where living beings lived. Realm of Non-existent is basically out of reach, EXCEPT for one. You see that bridge right there? yes, it's called 'Path of the Dead'.

as it sounds, it's where 'Living beings' who'd met their end crossed on after death. They will then go to the Realm of Non-existent.

to clarify, this did not contains any religious beliefs. It's just something i made up.

Realm of Non-existent is basically a Realm after death, and is separated from Reality as the only acces is the path of the dead. No one knows what's after life, right? who knows.. maybe it's just emptiness.

well the interesting part is here! River of Fate is located right in the middle. Right between Reality and Realm of Non-existent. As in 'river', it is actually a river.

it's shaped like a river, but it's actually something with countless amount of people fates gathering as one.

you can have acces to the river right from Reality nor was it the Non-existent, but Reality have to cross the bridge in order to enter the Non-existent. To enter the river is basically asking God for permission. Which literally the only key for Ranath and Lucas method to communicate with it.

you must've noticed the eyes. I mentioned it before aren't it? the River have consciousness. Its hobbies is to watch the souls crossing the bridge, and that's probably all it do.

that's probably all i can tell. For now, the plot will explain themselves..

Alright ty for the hardwork!Otsu!