Valerius blinked. “…What?”

  Fenry smirked. “Lorde bet you wouldn’t make it.”

  “What?!” Valerius’s jaw dropped. “Come on, man!”

  Lorde shrugged, translucent shoulders shimmering. “No offense, but there was no way you were surviving that. And just for the record, even if you had called me, I wouldn’t have come.”

  Valerius’s face twisted. “What? Why not?”

  “I’m too young to die, man.”

  “…How do you even know what’s happening outside your realm?!”

  Avostigo smirked. “We have our ways.” He jabbed a massive finger toward Valerius. “When I said this kid’s luck is unnatural, none of you believed me. Look at him. He survived again.”

  Lorde folded his arms. “Body reconstruction. That’s the only reason.”

  “Bullshit,” Avostigo barked. He punched the air, his fist booming like thunder. “That man could’ve killed him in one blow. Straight to the heart. I think he was faking it.”

  Fenry’s storm-face darkened. “He’s not faking it.”

  “Yes, he is.”

  “No, he’s not.”

  “Yes, he is!”

  Soon, the three were bickering like unruly children, voices echoing across the chamber.

  Eliana stood frozen, staring. These… these are intelligent spirits? The beings of legend? They’re arguing like spoiled brats…

  Valerius pinched the bridge of his nose. “Hey.”

  No reply.

  “Hey!”

  Still no reply.

  Finally, he shouted, voice cracking the air:

  “YOU FUCKERS! I CALLED YOU HERE FOR A REASON — LISTEN TO ME!”

  The three spirits stopped mid-argument. Slowly, they turned, their faces twisted in identical expressions of disgust.

  Lorde’s golden form shimmered angrily. “Who the hell do you think you are, talking to us like that huh?”

  Avostigo bared his lion teeth. “Yeah. Just ‘cause you’re stronger doesn’t mean you can boss us around.”

  Fenry’s fists crackled with stormlight. “Let’s pummel him.”

  Valerius’s eyes widened. “H-hey, wait! This house belongs to someone very… important. Someone who can mop the floor with you if you’re not careful.”

  Avostigo sneered. “Oh? And who the hell do you think you’re bluffing about—”

  His voice choked in his throat.

  Because above them, on the second floor, a shadow loomed.

  Pungence stepped out, arms resting casually on the railing, his gaze sharp as a blade. His aura spilled outward like an ocean of fire.

  “Keep it down,” he rumbled, his voice shaking the walls. “You’re irritating me.”

  FWOOOOOM.

  The entire estate trembled. Bravo radiated from him like a storm without end.

  All four spirits collapsed instantly, knees smashing into the floor. Their towering frames shook violently as they struggled to breathe.

  Avostigo’s lion eyes bulged wide, his voice breaking into a whisper.

  “…What… is this?”

  Fenry’s storm scattered in panic. How… how can a mortal… be this strong?!

  Lorde’s translucent form flickered, eyes darting wildly. He had no words.

  Sethedra’s tail thrashed, his amber eyes quivering in naked fear.

  Valerius swallowed hard, his throat dry. God… he wasn’t even trying before…

  There was only one thing in the eyes of the spirits.

  Fear.

  ---

  Pungence’s voice rolled like thunder from above, sharp and absolute.

  “I won’t warn you again.”

  He turned his back, walking into his room. The air settled, though the walls of the estate still seemed to hum with the residue of his presence.

  Valerius exhaled, flexing his fingers. His gaze swept the spirits who lingered.

  “So… am I still bluffing?”

  None of them answered. Their eyes avoided his.

  Valerius’s voice lowered. “She made a contract with a spirit. I was wondering if any of you knew her. The name’s Selestine.”

  Lorde scoffed, folding his golden arms. “Does he expect us to know every spirit just because we’re spirits?”

  Sithedra flicked his tufted tail with disdain. “You took the words right out of my mouth.”

  Avostigo growled, his lion’s mane bristling. “That mortal ruined my mood. If this is all you summoned us for, I’m leaving.”

  A portal cracked open behind him. Avostigo’s molten eyes glimmered as he stepped inside.

  “I don’t know this Selestine. But I’ll ask around. Don’t get your hopes up—our world is far larger than yours.”

  With that, he vanished. The portal sealed shut.

  Sithedra’s amber gaze lingered on Valerius. “Where did that mortal come from?”

  Valerius shrugged. “I don’t know. Met him today.”

  Lorde’s golden feet pressed heavy into the floor as he strode toward Eliana. His tall form circled her once, eyes glinting, before he bent down to meet her gaze directly.

  “You’re the first elf I’ve seen up close. Name’s Lorde.”

  Eliana stiffened, then nodded. “I… I’m Eliana. How many spirits are like you?”

  Lorde frowned. “Like what?”

  “I mean—spirits who can speak,” she clarified softly.

  Lorde’s brow furrowed, his glow sharpening. “Are you saying we’re not supposed to? Do you think we’re primitive?” His fist tightened. “Say that again and I’ll strike you.”

  “Dude,” Valerius cut in sharply.

  “Stay out of this, Lerius,” Lorde snapped. His golden glare returned to Eliana. “Is that what you think of us?”

  “I—I didn’t mean it that way!” Eliana stammered, bowing her head. “I wasn’t trying to insult you.”

  Lorde’s jaw eased slightly, though his eyes still burned. “Oh really? Because you mortals summon our beasts, you think we’re the same as them huh?”

  Eliana shook her head. “That’s not what I said.”

  “Stop putting words in her mouth,” Valerius snapped again.

  Eliana’s body jolted suddenly. A voice filled her mind—smooth, feminine, cold.

  Tell Valerius to mind his own business.

  Eliana’s eyes widened. Selestine? You know him?

  The spirit’s reply came sharp. There isn’t a spirit alive who doesn’t know him.

  Eliana hesitated, then glanced at Valerius. “She said… you should mind your own business.”

  Valerius’s eyes narrowed. “Who?”

  “Selestine,” Eliana whispered.

  “You can talk to her?”

  Lorde rolled his eyes. “Of course she can. They’re in a contract, idiot. I told you that already.”

  Eliana’s voice softened. “…She also said… all spirits know you.”

  Valerius’s jaw clenched, but he only muttered, “Yeah.”

  Lorde’s golden form paced back toward him, arms folded. “So what happens now? You failed your mission.”

  “I know,” Valerius admitted, gaze falling.

  Fenry’s stormy frame rumbled. “When are you going back?”

  “I can’t.” Valerius’s hand tightened into a fist. “I lost my compass. It was in my bag.”

  Another portal ripped open. Lorde smirked, stepping halfway through. His voice cut with mockery.

  “Wow, you’re screwed. How will you complete Project Might now?”

  Valerius’s head snapped up. His teeth grit.

  But before he could respond, the spirits stepped through one by one. Fenry followed, storm crackling. Sithedra flicked his tail and vanished. The portal closed with a resounding BOOM.

  Silence filled the room.

  Then—

  Heavy footsteps.

  Pungence emerged from his quarters, massive frame casting a shadow across the chamber. He rested both hands on the railing above, his gaze piercing.

  “…What did he mean by Project Might?”

  Valerius stiffened. “…It’s nothing.”

  Pungence’s voice thundered.

  “TELL ME THE TRUTH. EVERYTHING.”

  Valerius’s lips moved before his mind could stop them. Words poured out of him in a flood. Every secret. Every detail. He could not stop himself.

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  When at last he finished, silence fell.

  Pungence’s eyes narrowed. “…I see.”

  Valerius’s chest heaved. His eyes widened in horror as realization hit him.

  No way… Did he just—?

  Absolute Authority. He made me spill everything. But… that’s impossible. My will is strong enough to resist. Unless…

  His breath caught.

  Is he stronger than Esky?

  Pungence turned away, his voice cool, dismissive.

  “We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

  And he walked back into his room.

  Valerius’s fists trembled at his sides. His throat tightened.

  Then—

  “Lerius?”

  He turned sharply. Eliana stood at the bottom of the stairs, her eyes soft with sympathy.

  “I’m sorry… you had to go through all that.”

  Valerius froze. Shit. She heard everything.

  He forced a weak smile. “…Hey, uh. Could you… keep all that a secret?”

  Eliana’s lips curved faintly.

  “My lips are sealed.”

  He started walking toward the stairs. “Thanks, Eli.”

  Eliana stiffened. “Don’t call me that. Call me Eliana.”

  Valerius raised a hand lazily without looking back.

  “Sure, Eli. Duly noted.”

  As he climbed the steps, his voice drifted down, calm but sharp with mockery.

  “Good night, Eli.”

  Eliana rolled her eyes, cheeks warm with annoyance.

  ---

  Morning sunlight spilled through the curtains, warm and golden across Valerius’s face. He stirred, sitting up on the edge of the bed before dragging himself toward the bathroom.

  Valerius twisted the shower handle—

  CRACK. It snapped clean off in his hand.

  A hiss of scalding water burst to life, steam flooding the chamber. He stared at the broken piece in his palm, sighing under his breath.

  “…Oh, shit.”

  Still, he stepped beneath the torrent, letting the hot stream crash over his shoulders. Closing his eyes, he exhaled as the heat wrapped him in mist, the sound of rushing water drowning out his thoughts.

  “Uuuh… feels so good to shower with hot water again,” he muttered, letting the heat soak into his skin.

  As he washed, his gaze drifted down—and froze.

  On the outer side of his right thigh, his green birthmark glowed faintly. It wasn’t like a normal mark; it had intricate lines and carvings, almost like it had been etched there with purpose, like an artifact built into his flesh.

  Valerius’s brow furrowed. “…The hell? Why is it glowing?”

  Then, catching sight of himself in the mirror, his eyes widened further.

  Across his right cheek, cutting down at a sharp angle like a rune carved by divine hands, stretched a green marking. Elegant, jagged

  He leaned closer, fingertips brushing his skin.

  “When did this get here?”

  The mark didn’t budge. It burned faintly, pulsing with life.

  For a moment, silence hung—then a small smile tugged at his lips.

  “…Guess I’ve become more like Mom.”

  He remembered Lyriana, her own markings hidden beneath careful strokes of makeup. She never explained them. Never wanted them seen. But he remembered. He bent the shower pipe to stop the water.

  Valerius dried off and sat on the bed, still running his thumb along the mark as if to prove it was real. His sharp ears caught voices below.

  He stilled, listening.

  ---

  In the living room, Pungence sat across from Andrea. The two were alone, their voices low yet laced with weight.

  “There were eight Kottors there?” Andrea asked, her tone sharp.

  “One didn’t show himself,” Pungence replied, leaning back, his voice a controlled rumble. “But he was there.”

  Andrea let out a frustrated scream, running her hands through her hair. “Aaaah! If I ever see Bumble again, I swear—I’ll kill him. How could he do that?”

  “This is the second time he’s gone after them,” Pungence said grimly.

  “I saw Valerius get dismembered,” Andrea shot back, eyes narrowing. “And yesterday he was completely whole again. How is that even possible?”

  “They have a regenerative ability.”

  Andrea blinked, stunned. “…Your race can regenerate entire limbs? I didn’t know that. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “We can’t.” Pungence shook his head. “They’re just… different. Special.”

  Andrea’s voice dropped lower, almost a whisper. “Special is an understatement. The things I saw them do on that island… I never knew they were this powerful. They never showed me.”

  “Why would they unleash that kind of destruction here in Heful?”

  “You don’t get it!” Andrea snapped. “I saw those so-called ‘weak’ spells they used in the yard. And on the island… those same spells were eradicating mountains. Magic isn’t supposed to be like that. The larger the scale the more difficult it becomes. It's hard—harder than most people will ever understand. And yet they do it at that scale, after only three years of practice? That’s not normal. I don’t think they’re just rare breeds, Pungence. I think they might actually be—”

  “No,” Pungence cut her off, his voice like iron. “It’s not possible.”

  Andrea leaned forward, her eyes blazing. “You can’t just write it off! The possibility is there.”

  “It’s not,” he snapped back.

  “They’re from Earth, for goodness’ sake,” she hissed.

  The room fell silent. Andrea sighed, crossing her legs. “I think you should take them to the Old Woman.”

  Pungence’s eyes narrowed. “…You think her stories are true?”

  “They’re worth considering.”

  Pungence exhaled heavily, leaning back in his chair. “It’s been so long since I’ve been there…”

  Andrea’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. “The whole world loves Pungence. Except his own people. What an irony, huh? The hero is a villain in his people’s eyes.”

  ---

  Upstairs, the door to Valerius’s room creaked open without a knock.

  “Hey!” Ziraiah burst in, arms full of folded clothes. “Check out what I made for you. Fresh threads—with our crest stitched in!”

  Valerius blinked at her. “Don’t you know how to knock?”

  Ziraiah ignored him, spreading the clothes proudly across the bed.

  Valerius raised a brow. “Since when did you know how to sew?”

  “Since two years ago,” she replied, puffing her chest.

  Valerius lifted one of the shirts, running his fingers across the fabric. “These clothes… they look like they’re from Earth. Where’d you even get the materials?”

  “Magic, Val. Magic.” She gave him a sly grin. “You might be strong, but you’re missing out. Magic makes life a lot easier.”

  Her eyes caught on his face—and widened. “Whoa. When did that mark show up?”

  Valerius touched his cheek casually. “Woke up with it this morning.”

  “It kinda looks like Mom’s. How’d you get it? I want one too.”

  Valerius shrugged. “No idea.”

  “Come on, Val, please?”

  “I’m telling you the truth. I don’t know how it appeared.”

  Ziraiah pouted, crossing her arms. “Fine. Whatever. Just get ready. I’m gonna introduce you to my friends today.”

  Valerius smirked faintly. “Great. Can’t wait.”

  Ziraiah twirled in front of him, her new outfit flowing as she struck a playful pose.

  “Well? How do I look?”

  Valerius leaned back on the bed, eyes flicking over her from head to toe. A faint smirk tugged his lips.

  “Like something I’d toss in the trash.”

  Ziraiah’s smile dropped into a scowl. She spun on her heel with a huff, stomping toward the door.

  “…Asshole.”

  ---

  To Be Continued...