After talking with Asher for a while, I finally returned to my room.Tomorrow carried too much weight—meeting Uncle, explaining the cure, and setting everything into motion.I needed a clear mind.So, despite the lingering excitement, I forced myself to sleep early.
Dawn arrived faster than expected.
I woke up the moment light brushed against my window, washed my face, dressed neatly, and stepped out of my room.It was around 7:00 AM.We planned to leave at 7:30, using the teleportation port since Crestban territory was quite far.
I still had thirty minutes, so I made my way to the dining hall.
As expected, Asher was already there—swinging his legs under the chair while eating breakfast with dramatic enthusiasm.Maya stood beside him, arms crossed, looking like a strict guardian ready to scold him at any wrong move.
I took my seat, and a maid immediately served me a fresh, warm plate.
Asher talked nonstop.Most of it centered around how he would "properly complain" to Aunt about me never resting enough, complete with exaggerated hand gestures.
I let him go on for a bit before sighing lightly.
Then, in a firm yet gentle tone, I reminded him:
"Asher… Mother is still there. You should visit her before anything else."
The change was instant.
His bright smile dimmed, replaced with a shadow of sadness he tried hard to hide.
Asher had always been close to Mother.Seeing her lying unconscious, trapped in corruption she couldn't fight against… it shattered him.There were nights he couldn't sleep, afraid she would be gone when he woke up.
He wasn't naive.He knew there was no known cure.
That truth hurt him the most.
Looking down, he whispered softly:
"Of course I will…"
Uncle had taken Mother to the Crestban mansion, where the strongest healers were stationed.But even they could do nothing against Abyss Corruption.
After finishing breakfast, the three of us left the mansion and headed toward the teleportation port.
The port wasn't something the general population could use.But as the ruling family of Vormir, it was practically our personal gateway.
We stepped into the glowing teleportation circle.
SHWAAASH—
A flash of mana enveloped us, and within seconds—
We arrived in Crestban City.
The difference was immediate.
Crestban was enormous—vast, richly built, alive with powerful mana signatures.Every building towered with pride, carved with runes and layered with protective enchantments.It was truly the domain of a Duke.
A sleek black mana-carriage—more advanced than anything in Vormir—waited for us.The driver stepped forward immediately, bowing deeply.
"Please get in, my lords."
We entered, and the carriage glided smoothly through the city.
The journey to the mansion took around thirty minutes.
And when we finally arrived… even after seeing it in memories, I couldn't help but pause.
The Crestban mansion was massive—at least five times larger than ours.The architecture was majestic, blending stone infused with mana, enchanted towers, and sprawling gardens filled with rare flora.
It radiated wealth, power, and history.
Servants recognized us instantly.Warm greetings followed us as we moved through the hallways—after all, Mother had brought me and Asher many times in the past.
We entered the main hall.
Two familiar figures stood waiting.
The first was a breathtaking woman—her beauty elegant and serene.Caramel hair, gentle blue eyes, and a posture that carried both kindness and authority.
Anaya Val Crestban.The Duchess.Mother of the protagonist.Our aunt.
Beside her stood a boy whose presence demanded attention without him even trying.
A handsome face sharp enough to cut steel.Black hair darker than midnight.Golden eyes radiating confidence—and a dangerous aura that hinted at overwhelming potential.
He was around my age, yet he already carried an air that said:
If you mess with me, you're dead.
Yes.
Aldric Crestban.
The protagonist of the novel.The boy with the system.Future slayer of gods.Master of the primordial flame.
He would gain countless titles in the future…but right now, he was just a young man standing in a hall, smiling at his family.
Upon seeing us, both Aunt Anaya and Aldric's faces lit up warmly.
Asher didn't waste even a second.
He sprinted forward and hugged Aldric tightly.
Aldric laughed softly—the sound warm and genuine—and patted Asher's head.
They were clearly close.Exactly as the book described.
I watched them with a small smile tugging at my lips…
The story had finally begun.