The whole room keeps spinning as my vision shakes violently.
It's like... It's like I'm on a high-altitude flight.
My muscles tighten, the blood in my body rushes through all my blood vessels— circulating faster than before.
My mind is getting foggy.. what am I doing again?
I.. I don't know.
My heart aches, the scorching pain threatening to destroy it.
I'm lying on the ground— wincing and wriggling in pain.. my body twisting and convulsing.
Wait Edward! Don't pass out now!
I gnash my teeth, standing on my feet— enduring the mind-shattering pain.
"It'll be over soon."
I know.. I know it'll be over soon. The pain is reducing, albeit slowly.
It's revolving around my heart.
The flames of eternity!
It molded into a circle.. and it consumed the other elemental mana threads that weaved to form my circle.
It's tight and it's painful because it's still small, but I can feel it slowly growing larger and larger.
The heat around my heart is dissipating slowly.
I sit back on the ground. Crossing my legs, and closing my eyes. My hands rest on my legs.
And I start controlling my breath to calm my drumming heart.
***
Finally, my first circle is formed.
The circle... it's stronger than a normal one. This is because, it was forged from the flames of eternity.
My mana pathway moves like it has a mind of its own, and it connects with my newly formed circle.
An electric-like feeling surges through my body and nerves.
My body relaxes, and I feel at peace.
All the mana in all my body cells flow through my mana pathway, flowing straight to my first circle as I will it.
As the mana rushes into my circle, a calming, almost intoxicating feeling washes over me.
I lick my lips, savoring the sweet feeling of euphoria.
A wide grin stretches on my lips.
Every mana in my body cells have been exhausted. All packed in my first circle.
A loud exhale leaves my mouth.
Now, if my first circle fills up, and can't handle all the mana in my body anymore, It'll duplicate itself and form my second circle, but the second circle doesn't just form like that though.
I need enlightenment and proper training, so my body and heart will be able to withstand the weight of two circles.
That's why it's advised that one shouldn't allow their circle duplicate until they are sure that their body can handle it, and until their body can handle their next circle, they should stop gathering mana.
Klaus is really a good teacher.
My body feels fresh, like I just stepped out of shower.
And then—
My body illuminates with a joyous harmony of red, blue, green, and yellow lights.
My entire body levitates, my butt hovering few inches above the ground.
As I look down, I see a slick string of darkness rotating round the area where I sitting on the ground.
It's that darkness again.
The light illuminating from my body disappears, and the rotating string of darkness fades away. And I land softly on the cold tiles.
"..."
What the hell is that smell?
"Ugh, it reeks!"
I pinch my nose with my fingers, and I look down at my body.
"What the f—"
Black and gooey tar-like substances are slipping out of the sweat pores all over my body.
Why did Klaus never mention that stuff like this would come out of my body when I create my first circle!
My stomach churns with disgust. The smell, the way it's dripping down my body and wetting the floor. It's.. disgusting.
A gurgle slips out of my mouth, and then I retch, vomiting my stomach out at the disgusting sight.
"–Huff– –Huff–"
"I gotta go take a bath." I stand up, shooting one last glance at my body, and the floor where my puke and the gooey content that dropped from me lay. "And find a way to clean here."
I quickly head to the bathroom.
***
"Now this is what I'm talking about."
I clench my fists, the flame mana surge within me— pumping from my circle to my mana pathway, and from my mana pathway to the cells in my fist. And then I unclench my fist.
"I think my mana even increased slightly."
A satisfied smile stretches on my lips.
"Alright!" I slowly head toward the door, "time to learn some spells, and begin 'Operation: Leave the Flameworths'!"
The door slams behind me as I step out.
______________
(Alexander POV)
Recently, I've been really moody.
I could swear I left that cake there.
I don't want to admit it, but I've been acting really bad. What do the miscreants call it?
Ah yes. I've been acting like a bitch.
I feel bad for Faleso, my assistant. He has been through a lot, and being around me when I'm like this is nothing short of a curse — a wicked punishment you might say.
But I can't help it...
Kairo.. he's still in the Imperial Capital doing who knows what. It's been like that ever since he became a mercenary in Ludia. Going on stupid missions with that damn old filthy barbarian of a guild master— Gislow.
I haven't been able to have a drink with him.
A sigh leaves my lips.
I promised myself not to ever drink again. Seems I can keep that promise now.
My favorite cake shop changed locations, and I can't send any servant to the new location to buy it, else people would figure out that I'm an addict.
So I have to endure eating the bland cake the chefs bake.
Although I don't see how that'll make everyone think I'm a cake addict. I think everyone knows that by now. I'm surprised that the Hetchtors haven't even sent assassins to poison my cakes.
A soft chuckle leaves my lips.
"But Kairo.. I have to warn him. The Imperial Capital.. that man. That evil man is there."
The heap of documents on my table greets my eyes the moment I turn my head to it's direction.
I sigh, I'm resisting the heavy urge to just.. bang my head on the table, and pass out.
"This is depressing."
I adjust the golden rim glasses on my eyes— balancing it well on my nose. "I should get a monocle," and then I stretch my black hand gloves. Preparing to sign these documents.
As the Patriarch... I have to be regal. To show no weakness. Regal. Regal.
I sigh again. The sighs are getting too much.
It seems I've gone mad. But being mad, and distracting myself with stupid thoughts is better than remembering those.. those times...
I shake my head.
"But why haven't I heard any exciting news from Charles yet? I think that'll do something to improve my mood."
–Knock– –Knock–
Ugh, who's that? Is it Faleso? He should be avoiding me. I'm just gonna ignore him.
–Knock– –Knock–
The knocking still doesn't stop.
–Knock– –Knock–
"What do you want Faleso?! I'm signing the documents already!" I yell, my voice loud, wrapped around with dreaded annoyance.
"Your grace."
My eyebrows arch as I recognize that voice.
Oh?
"Charles?"
"Yes, your grace. It's me, Charles. Not the blue-haired assh– Faleso."
Laughter threatens to erupt, but I swallow it down.
He almost called him an asshole, but he isn't wrong. Faleso is an asshole.
And I nod my head in agreement.
Anytime he comes to see me, I get to hear reports of his achievements.
It's so exciting watching him grow. It's the only interesting thing in my life right now— his growth.
George was never like him. George is... I'm sure that boy will try to kill me soon, to become the Patriarch.
Pffft, Flameworths.
Ah, that's it. Charles doesn't act like one of them— like a Flameworth. He's truly a breath of fresh air.
"I've been standing outside for a while now. Aren't you gonna let me in?"
"Ah! You're right, come in."
Black-haired rat.
He opens the door, and strides in.
Huh?
What?
My eyes widen, and my lips slowly curls upward as my body jolts with pure excitement.
The air around him, it's changed. His presence carries a subtle but strong heat.
This is it.. this is what I've been waiting for..
"You formed your first circle! At the age of seven!!"
My heart keeps pounding against my ribs.
"Haha, surprise."
"Huh?" My forehead wrinkles as I furrow my brows, "sit, Charles. We have much to talk about."
Surprise? What a farse.
I point toward the chair in front of my desk.
"... Okay"
He sits down, his fiery red gaze locking with mine.
"Now... do you want to go to the academy?"
My voice lowers; on purpose. And I lean closer to the desk, showing how serious I am. My eyes are narrowed.
His eyes flutter, blinking twice like he didn't expect my question.
A smirk plays on my lips.
This kid... what he's chasing after, I don't know what it is... but it definitely isn't my position. This little anomaly..