Kingdom's Bloodline, page 181
But instead of urging him, he awaited Asda's reply as he looked at him nervously.
This may be a great opportunity to unravel the mystery of his physique and his origins.
Thales looked at the Mystic and silently thought, 'I can't waste it anymore.'
Furthermore, he had long since doubted the identity and… race of his birth mother.
As Thales' mind wandered, Asda's voice gradually sounded.
"Why do you think so?"
The Mystic plainly said, " Why do you think that your mother is a Mystic?"
Thales was startled.
"It is only possible that I inherited the physique of a Mystic from her, is it not?" Thales touched his head and nervously said, "Additionally, I was thinking, if my Mystic physique is an inheritance, could it be that my mother is also…"
'Also…'
Worried, Thales thought about his strangely gruff, fast-recovering physique, his abnormal brain capacity, and the retrieving of memories from his past life via flashbacks.
'And it doesn't stop there.
'From King Kessel, Gilbert and Jines' ambiguity towards his mother to King Kessel and Ritual Master Liscia's suspicious conversation during the Bloodline Ceremony; from the Head Ritual Master's display of hatred towards his mother to Yodel's words of "to be tangled up with mystics" at Mindis Hall…'
'All of the above, don't they indicate that—'
"Impossible," the clear, male voice rang.
Thales looked at Asda in shock.
Asda looked into his eyes. Sternly and decisively, he shook his head.
"Firstly, a Mystic's physique cannot be inherited. It has nothing to do with your bloodline. A wizard once experimented on this. He divided five thousand men and women into five groups… Forget it, you wouldn't want to know about it. Long story short, Mystics are not an hereditary occurrence," Asda said with indifference in his eyes.
Thales frowned.
Asda closed his eyes and opened them again. "Secondly, Mystics are no longer ordinary beings—once we completely become a Mystic, a tremendous change will occur in our physique. It's not the same for everyone, but the common characteristic is, it is no longer possible for us to have interracial offspring."
Thales' mouth hung open in surprise.
"Thirdly, apart from you, the world's Mystics—including the sealed ones—come to a total of fourteen people. I've met every single one of them, none with that name," Asda's face was solemn, his tone definite.
Thales looked at him in a daze.
'Fourteen Mystics.
'So few?
'And among these fourteen, none of them…'
"In short...
"Your mother cannot be a Mystic." Asda definitely shook his head and his tone was as hard as iron.
Upon hearing that, Thales completely paused for a good ten seconds.
He then nodded in realization.
'That's how it is.'
"So, there is no Mystic called TherrenGirana." Thales exhaled as an unknown tightness eased itself in his heart.
"It is not possible for Mystics to have offspring."
With his prediction deviated, he leaned against his chair with a sense of emptiness. He pondered on the mystery of his origin.
A few seconds later, Thales exhaled as he revealed a self-deprecating smile.
'I suppose this is considered as letting go of a suspicion.
'A suspicion that has long gnawed at my heart.'
But at the same time, Asda shook his head.
Asda crossed his arms and said thoughtfully, "However, strictly speaking, there is a Mystic with the ability to create life—although I don't think that it is truly in the sense of the word 'giving birth'."
A chill struck Thales' heart.
The second prince's pupils contracted. He slowly raised his head. "Who?"
Asda uncrossed his arms and raised his head.
"A bad-tempered woman, who's also one of my partners." Asda revealed a bright smile.
Then, the Mystic mentioned a name...
A name that changed the color on Thales' face.
"Giza Streelman," Asda plainly said,
"The Blood Mystic."
Chapter 163: Monster and Monster |
"Your reaction isn't quite right." Leisurely massaging his long and slim fingers, Asda observed Thales' reaction. "The air pressure in your body is changing rapidly…"
"Giza Streelman," the Air Mystic repeated flatly. "Why, does this name trigger some memories?"
'Giza.
'The Blood Mystic.'
Thales' expression varied as recalled his unusual experience in the birch tree forest. It was a combination of anxiety, fright, terror, disgust, abnormality and mania.
There was also what that unreasonable woman said before disappearing into the darkness.
'"I definitely will not let you suffer."'
Pale-faced, the Prince of Constellation was jolted out from the past. Raising his head, he looked at Asda as he sighed and nodded.
"Not long ago, I had a relaxed and friendly conversation with your dearest Miss Giza, who is widely rumored to be one of Blood Bottle Gang's bosses," Thales said listlessly.
Asda narrowed his eyes a little. Thoughts made up of mystic energy surged slowly within his body.
'Giza?
'So, she's already safe from the threat of the Blazing Wind Cannon; no longer weak or in deep sleep. She's also regained consciousness once again.
'Perhaps, she has even recovered her ability to eat.'
Asda's thoughts fluctuated slightly.
'Ever since I recovered my physical body, I've travelled a long distance to search for this boy, following his peculiar breath.
'I never cared about affairs related to Blood Bottle Gang at all.
'Compared to this boy, Blood Bottle Gang is practically a worthless pawn.
'However, since Giza has returned...
'Perhaps, it is time to talk to her after such a long time.
'After all, because of this boy's appearance, Blood Bottle Gang's plan may have to be delayed…'
However, what Thales said after that recaptured the Mystic's attention.
"Seeing a fellow Mystic, Madam Giza expressed uncontrollable joy." Observing Asda's expression, Thales took a deep breath and exhaled with force.
"She then decided to kill me...
"To celebrate our first meeting."
Having said that, Thales noticed that Asda was furrowing his brows. It was a rare sight.
The Air Mystic, who had been nonchalant as well as unmoving rested his right hand on his left arm and pinched his chin. He contemplated for a moment.
Thales raised his hands and gestured two quotation marks with his fingers. He raised his brows and mocked, "Quoting her original words, 'This is for your own good'."
Asda's expression was solemn.
"You mean to say…
"Giza knew that you're a future Mystic, but still tried to kill you?" The Air Mystic cleverly got the point.
Gazing into Asda's eyes, the second prince nodded slightly.
"She obviously did not welcome my identity as a Mystic," Thales shrugged and spoke in a mocking manner, whether it was intentional or not. "I reckon that competition is tough in the field of Mystics to the point that she needed to beat down a newbie?"
Asda continued muttering to himself and Thales could feel that he was contemplating things carefully.
"I was fortunate that day." Thales shook his head. "I can practically imagine my next meeting with her…"
After some time, the Air Mystic raised his head solemnly.
"Hmm, this is a problem," Asda's tone became cold once again, his eyes were bright and piercing. "As her partner, I will have a talk with her, just as we did in the past."
Watching Asda's expression, Thales assumed that their conversation was about to end.
At the very least, the enmity between them was starting to dissipate.
'It's time to discuss my future plans with him.
'Although it sounds tempting, becoming a Mystic and obtaining great power… it's too risky. It would be better for me to observe for a bit…
"Very well."
At this moment, the Air Mystic got up from his non-existent 'chair', and interrupted Thales from his thoughts without any expression.
"Let's go."
Thales' face immediately changed.
"Go?" Thales' gaze flickered and his breathing became rapid. "Where are we going?"
"I'm taking you away from this place, of course." The Air Mystic raised his hand and blew open the bedroom window, revealing the darkness outside. Cold air seeped into the room non-stop.
Sleeping soundly beside the bed, Little Slick unconsciously curled up and licked her lips. She tightened the blanket around her body.
"Now?" Thales shuddered. Clenching his fists, he stared at Asda in disbelief. "Isn't this a bit sudden?"
"Right now, there are two complete and powerful legendary anti-mystic weapons in Dragon Clouds City," Asda said slowly. "They are in this palace."
Thales froze and looked outside the door.
The Air Mystic sighed. "Surely you didn't think that I took such a risk to find you here… just to sit down and have a chat with you?"
Thales furrowed his brows and his breathing became unstoppably rapid.
His worst fear had come true.
"Get ready to begin your new life." Asda nodded nonchalantly and said, "As a Mystic, your journey is just beginning, and there is still a long way to go."
Scratching his head, Thales desperately thought of excuses to buy time. "Wait, but I-I still have a lot of questions like what's the relationship between wizards and Mystics, what do I do to become a Mystic, and what Giza said about the faction of Mystics. Oh, yes, there's the legendary anti-mystic equipment as well…"
Seeing through his plan, Asda shook his head heartlessly. "Child, both of us know very well that stalling for time is pointless. Even if your subordinates notice something wrong and come to rescue you…
"It will just be their misfortune, even for that seemingly supreme class elf, whose breathing is balanced and steady," the Mystic replied flatly.
"We've proven it a thousand years ago, that even the gods can't do anything about us."
Thales froze.
He glanced at the open window and felt the chilly air against his skin.
'Sh*t.
'What do I do now?'
"Wait…" Thales raised his head. He looked worried and anxious.
'It's one thing to become a Mystic, but letting go of everything and leaving with Asda is another matter altogether.'
He had to find a way to stay.
"The circumstances of Mystics in this world are horrible, aren't they?" Thales stared at the Air Mystic and sighed. "From the destruction of the Ancient Empire to the Battle of Eradication and the separation of the peninsulas… Perhaps, it is not a good idea for me to leave with you? Perhaps, I should stay here. We can regularly…"
Unexpectedly, Asda stared at him from above with an indecipherable gaze.
Thales felt his heart clench from Asda's stare. He could not help but swallow his remaining words.
Asda spoke slowly with an undulating tone. However, his words somehow sent a chill down Thales' spine.
"The world chose to control our numbers by forgetting about magic and the past. Therefore, most people don't know who we are, like those idiots under me in the gang.
"Even the Battle of Eradication that everyone ought to be very familiar with became a legend where humans fought against unknown calamities."
The Mystic put his hands behind his back. "Nonetheless, those with status as well as power are still vigilant about us, and they see us as the biggest threat.
"Both magic and mystic energy are deeply loathed." Asda narrowed his eyes slightly. "However, this is exactly why you must come with me."
Thales stared at Asda, his blood froze.
Asda's gaze was grim. "The moment your identity comes to light, they won't care that you're a prince. You will be treated worse than those orcs who fell into human hands."
A little stunned, Thales stared at Asda.
Pursing his lips, he recalled the play about the Battle of Eradication, which was staged in Dark Night Temple; what Gilbert said about calamities; the disconcerting Black Prophet, Ramon who kept himself out of the public's sight; and Yodel's mask.
'But…'
More than ten seconds later.
"No, I can't just leave like this…" Gritting his teeth, Thales shook his head.
"I am-I am their prince. I have responsibilities, and I know a lot of people… Some things cannot be abandoned that easily. There is conflict between Eckstedt and Constellation. If I go missing, war… war will—"
However, he was cut off by the Mystic again.
Asda flashed a little smile, but his gaze was a mocking one. "Are you refusing to become a Mystic because you're worried about your safety…
"Or, are you reluctant to leave your esteemed life as the Prince of Constellation?"
Hearing that, Thales froze a little.
The Air Mystic snorted coldly and said, "Even though two months ago…
"You were only a lowly child beggar?"
At this point, Thales was truly shaken.
'Reluctant to leave…
'Prince of Constellation…
'Esteemed life…'
He recalled the night he first arrived in Mindis Hall, when that robust figure announced that he was the only remaining heir to Constellation's throne.
How Gilbert and Yodel kneeled on one knee before him...
Wya pledging his life with his hand on his chest...
Ralf clumsily signalling, "As you wish."
Last but not least, the surging crowd below the Hall of Stars along with their deafening cheers.
Thales subconsciously curled his hands into balls of fists.
"If I had appeared in front of you when you were still a child beggar… would you still react like this?" Even though Asda was not speaking rapidly or loudly, Thales felt strangely pressured.
Thales took a deep breath.
He recalled the child beggars, who were shivering in the sixth house...
How he struggled amid the cold and hunger every year...
Morris' fierce wolfhound...
Quide's hideous expression, and Rick's mysterious smile.
"Losing yourself in your life as a prince, or struggling and living a miserable life as a child beggar…" Asda stared coldly at him. "As you tread between the pain and joy of both kinds of existences… have you ever thought of what you really are?
"When you're stripped of all the definitions given to you by others and you leave all the circumstances that have become your purpose of existence, what do you have left of yourself?
"A prince who is respected because of his bloodline? A lowly and unfortunate child beggar? A child genius who matured early? A pitiful person who's struggling and trying his best to change his fate?" Asda lowered his head to look at Thales' expression.
Thales' breathing became increasingly rapid.
'A respected prince.
'A lowly child beggar.
'The magnificent palace where I've lived comfortably without having to worry about food and clothing, with subordinates at my beck and call.
'The dilapidated Abandoned House, the cold and hungry days, as well as the swearing thugs who beat us regularly.
'The difference is like heaven and earth.'
"I…" Without realizing, he opened his mouth to retort.
However, he realized that he was unable to say anything.
Thales stared at the floor in a daze.
'Is this really what I'm thinking?
'Unable to leave, because I'm reluctant to leave the honored life of a prince?'
"Child, you have to understand that to become a Mystic… you will have to wave goodbye to your past, no matter how magnificent or unforgettable it is, and no matter how reluctant you are.
"Don't let your past tie you down. Only by decisively letting it go will you be able to ascend.
"The moment you become a Mystic, you will understand everything I'm saying right now…"
Thales subconsciously put his hand on his chest.
The burn wound inflicted by the Mindis Silver Coin seemed to be aching dully again.
The inscription on the silver coin appeared in his mind again: A king does not gain respect by virtue of his bloodline.
"Being a Mystic is not an occupation, or a title," Asda said resolutely. "Its significance exceeds your wildest imagination. It is a turning point where you can find, understand and remold yourself.
"Right now, you have the opportunity to make your own choice." The Mystic went up to Thales and extended his hand towards Thales' face. "You can choose between going back to your original life, which seems real and earnest, but is in reality without choice, freedom, aim and direction…"
Asda's hand stopped right in front of Thales' nose. He turned his palm over, and a ray of blue light flashed out of it, swirling continuously around the Mystic's palm. In the end, a dark blue ball of light was formed.
Just like that night in Red Street Market.
"Or you can choose to listen to your inner voice," the Mystic continue saying. "And choose to see, see how far you can go, and what you can achieve.
"Discover who you really are."
Staring at the ball of light in Asda's palm, Thales furrowed his brows tightly.
'How far I can go…
'What I can achieve…
'Discover who I really am…'
Asda clenched his fist softly. With that, the ball of light in his palm was extinguished.
A surge of air then blew past Thales' cheeks.
The Mystic's gaze changed. "This was what my guide told me a thousand years ago as he led me down the path of being a Mystic. I was lost at that time."
Thales listened to Asda's words with an unpleasant expression. He dug his fingernails deeper and deeper into his palms.
"And a thousand years later, as your guide, I will lead you into becoming the most miraculous creature in this world." Asda nodded slightly. "Believe me, eternal life and infinite power are not the only things you will gain as a Mystic. Those are just additional perks.
Slowly raising his arms, the Air Mystic's tone was distant and mysterious. "The world we see, the view we have, and the things we feel are far greater than what the other creatures can imagine. In the face of that, the glory of the gods, the pride of the priests, and the honor of the kings pale in comparison."
