The sound of the school bell echoed through the halls. I quickly picked up my books and packed my bag.
"Wanna go to the coffee shop today?" asked Finn.
"Nah, I'm fine. I just want to go home," I replied.
I got home, changed into my usual clothes, and noticed an unusual note on the table. It read:
"I've been summoned by the kingdom. I'll be back soon."
Something about it felt suspicious, but I chose not to dwell on it. I sat quietly on the couch, not a sound in the house—just silence. The place felt... empty.
Suddenly, a surge of mana erupted in the room. A massive screen materialized before me—it was a live broadcast from the kingdom.
The scene was chaotic. A huge crowd had gathered despite the rain, murmuring anxiously. The king stood atop the palace steps, cloaked in deep crimson. His eyes were calm, yet his expression showed—satisfaction.
"People of Virdia," the king declared, "I bring grave yet glorious news. Last night, a fierce battle was fought. Our soldiers showed immense bravery, laying down their lives for the kingdom. May their souls rest in peace."
He paused. The silence was heavy.
"But that is not the only matter I must address. Last night, amidst the chaos, we uncovered a traitor—someone who sold our secrets to the enemy. The punishment has been carried out. Bring him forth."
A line of soldiers marched forward. One held a long spear—upon it was a severed head, blood dripping down the spear.
"Rudies Heart," the king continued, "one of the kingdom's finest mages, chose betrayal over loyalty. He has paid for his sins."
My eyes widened. My breath hitched. My legs trembled.
That name… my father
Panic surged. I bolted out of the house, heart racing, vision blurred with tears. Mana exploded within me, wild and uncontrollable. I charged through the city, up the palace stairs.
"YOU LIAR! MY FATHER ISN'T A TRAITOR! YOU'RE LYING!" I screamed, my voice cracking with rage and disbelief.
"He-he can't possibly have done that, THERE IS NO WAY"
"YOU are lying, why–would he betray us"
how??why-why only me?I whispered, if only I had power-if only…i mumbled holding my hand to my head as i was in disbelief.
I swore I would protect–yet the only thing I can do is watch as my father dies and my mother….
The king looked down at me with an expressionless gaze.
"What a pitiful child," he said coldly. "So… this must be his son."
"You did this! You… you did something to him!" I shouted.
"We've also imprisoned the traitor's wife," the king added,
Sharp Pain shot through my chest. Rage took over. I focused every ounce of mana into my hand and released a wind blade—sharp and deadly. Five guards fell in an instant. The castle wall cracked open.
The crowd screamed in terror. All eyes were on me.
"You realize what you've done, boy?" the king said calmly. "You've attacked the crown. For this, you are exiled."
Without warning, a tranquilizing arrow struck my neck. My vision darkened. The last thing I saw was the king turning his back.
They dragged my unconscious body to the kingdom's gate and tossed me out like trash.
I awoke hours later on the dirt road outside the walls.
Where am I?
My body ached. My mind spun.
I remember now… I attacked the king. Father…
My hand clenched.
Could dad really have betrayed us? Or was it all a setup?
I couldn't say goodbye. I couldn't see him one last time…..
I sat there for hours. I kept thinking again and again yet still I couldn't find an answer,there was no proof, no solution.
The sun dipped below the horizon.
I kept walking and walking aimlessly, I had no direction,I didn't know where I was going. All that I had in my head was that spear which had my dad's head on it….
I finally came across something,something huge, a border,my legs gave out, my eyes turned black, I collapsed.