Chapter 1 Ch. 1: Brotherhood [1]

Terra Continent, a Godless land.

The mountainous area with dense lush forests and pristine water made Terra famous for its natural beauty, and there stood a powerful nation called the Aeon Empire.

The Aeon Empire, a complete and perfect superstate located in the central region of the Terra continent.

Before the foundation of the Aeon Empire, many Kingdoms ruled over the regions. They waged war on each other to expand their territory.

Chrono Leillucis was a young man from a small Kingdom. He was born into a loving family and as the never-ending war took both of his parents, he loathed war.

Chrono ascended the throne at such a young age, 17 years old.

Regardless of his hatred toward the war, he knew the responsibility he bears as a 'King' and acknowledged the hope of his people.

War after war, year by year, Chrono eventually succeeded in conquering those kingdoms and later became known as 'The Hero'.

Soon, he founded the Aeon Empire in the region under his name at the age of 24.

The Aeon Year Calendar was adopted and the year Chrono began his rule as the Emperor was marked as AYC 0.

At AYC 107, Chrono stepped down from the throne and appointed his son, Theodore Leillucis to continue to rule over the land.

In the first year of Theo's reign, he established an institution called 'the Tower'.

The Tower was a place where the most talented Alchemist, Herbalist, Elementalist, and Engineers gathered in one place.

They invented many products and devices such as Magic Papers, medicines, communication devices, etc.

Many products created by them were known throughout the continent and this became one of the Empire's biggest incomes aside from lending loans to other Kingdoms.

In more than 400 years, the Tower had become the most influential institution in the Empire.

Also, thanks to them, the Empire was ahead in terms of weaponry, medicine, military, and technology.

That was one of many reasons Aeon had to solidify the Empire's title as well as be respected and feared by other Kingdoms.

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**AYC 552

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Two boys were seen running in the garden. Smiles planted on their lips and their laughter echoed.

A white-haired boy was chasing a black-haired boy in front of him; they were playing tag.

However, the white-haired boy suddenly stopped running and spoke whilst wiping his sweat.

"Nate, I'm tired."

Hearing his little brother's voice, the boy called Nathaniel stopped running and approached him.

"Ah, Ian, I'm sorry! It seemed like I ran too fast."

The white-haired boy, Adrian, shook his head and his smile stretched wide.

"No, I'm having fun, so, I'm all right."

Seeing his bright smile Nathaniel couldn't help but let out a smile too and ruffled Adrian's hair while laughing.

"Ah, stop it! You're messing up my hair!"

Despite his little brother's complaint, Nathaniel continued his action.

Nathaniel always doted on his younger brother and Adrian looked up to his older brother. He saw him as his role model and respected him.

After feeling satisfied, Nathaniel eventually stopped.

Adrian pouted and spoke sarcastically.

"Looks like you're having fun, huh?"

Nathaniel shamelessly answered.

"Of course! Hehe."

Adrian moved sideways and sat on the water fountain then began to tidy his hair.

Nathaniel followed suit and asked.

"Do you want cookies?"

Adrian's sour expression immediately lit up and Nathaniel chuckled.

It was just that he knew his brother too well; like the back of his hand.

"What flavor is it?"

"Choco Mint."

"Really?! Can I have it?"

"Sure."

Nathaniel took out a pouch from his Magical Sphere and gave it to Adrian.

"Thanks!"

Nathaniel patted his head as he saw how merrily Adrian ate the cookie.

Adrian was a cheerful boy with a warm personality. Everyone loved him because his presence gave off a positive atmosphere.

–Rattle –Rattle –Rattle

A knight approached them and bowed.

"Your Highness, it's the time."

Both of them were the Princes of the Aeon Empire.

They were two years apart, Nathaniel was the First Prince, 8 years old and Adrian was the Second Prince, 6 years old.

"Ian is resting right now, can you wait for more minutes?"

Nathaniel asked for the Knight's understanding. Yet, he just shook his head.

"I'm afraid, Your Highness couldn't. His Majesty is waiting."

"But–"

"Nate, I'm alright, let's go."

Adrian put the cookies into his Magical Sphere and stood.

Nathaniel clucked his tongue in annoyance.

"It can't be helped, then."

Out of the blue, Nathaniel knelt; he offered his back to Adrian. Of course, this action made his little brother bewildered.

"N–Nate what are you doing?! Please, get up!"

"Don't make such a drama and just get on."

"B–But–"

"Get. On."

Recognizing his angry tone, Adrian instantly got on his back and Nathaniel rose.

"I'm sorry, I'm heavy."

"What are you talking about? You're light as a feather."

"Is it?"

"Yep. You should eat more and hold on tight!"

"Why–waaaaaaa!!"

Without warning, Nathaniel ran and Adrian immediately wrapped his arms around his brother's neck.

Afterward, their laughter echoed.

"Your Highness! You should not run down the stairs!"

The knights shouted and hastily ran after them.

Different from his younger brother who was physically weak, Nathaniel was gifted with strong physical ability, especially in swordsmanship.

He even managed to defeat a knight in a duel. Regardless of it, there was nothing like jealousy between them.

Soon, they arrived and Adrian descended from Nathaniel's back.

"Thanks for the ride!"

"Sure!"

Nathaniel patted his brother's head happily while a knight behind them was panting heavily.

"Ian…"

A female voice pricked their ears, they glanced and a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes came into view.

Seeing the woman, Nathaniel and the knight bowed.

"I greet the Empress of the Aeon Empire."

"You may rise."

Nathaniel straightened his back and Adrian spoke to him.

"I'll see you later in the Palace."

"Alright, see you."

With that, Adrian approached the Empress, and they walked away whilst holding hands; the knight followed suit.

"Mom, Nate gave me a piggyback ride! It was fun!"

"Have you said your gratitude to your brother?"

"Yes, I have!"

Nathaniel watched them with a thin smile until a voice interrupted him and his smile dissipated.

"Your Highness, Her Highness the Consort is waiting inside the carriage."

Nathaniel turned and a knight was seen bowing to him.

"Lead the way."

"As you wish."

He led in the front, and the boy shadowed him.

Despite being born with a different mother and both factions being enemies, their bond was like that of siblings.

Although Nathaniel often got scolded by his mother, he didn't faze at all, he just deafened his ears, and continued playing with Adrian.

After a few minutes of walking, the knight opened the carriage door and Nathaniel stepped inside.

A woman with black-haired and golden eyes was seated. He sat across from her and once the door closed, she spat her mind.

"I clearly said that you should stop playing with him. Remember, you are rivals."

Nathaniel looked at his mother disgustingly, he was tired of this kind of conversation.

"Rivals of what?"

"The throne."

He leaned against the couch and stared at her coldly.

"I don't recall asking YOU to make me the Emperor of this country."

"I'm doing this for your own good."

Nathaniel scoffed at her nonsense and chuckled wryly.

"For my own good? Even a dog who accidentally passes by will laugh at your words."

She clutched her fist tightly, her lips quivered and her golden eyes turned feral as she gazed at his son before her.

Everyone who saw her knew that she was trying her best to tame the beast that ran amok within her heart.

"Is that how you talk to your mother?"

"'Mother', huh? Then why don't you treat me like a 'son' and not as a political tool?"

"Nathaniel!"

In the end, she exploded, and yet, her son fearlessly eyed her in the eyes as if this scene was something he used to witness.

"If you keep on testing my patience, then you leave me no choice."

Nathaniel's mood became murky and his face was devoid of any expression.

"What is your point?"

Nevertheless, she just smiled and shrugged.

"Who knows."

"If you try to harm Adrian, I won't stay still."

She sneered and said no more. With that, their conversation ended.