Hurried footsteps could be heard in a long hallway, so fast and firm as if the person walking wanted to start running as soon as possible to be able to deliver something important but his status prevented him from doing so. You could see the fear on the face of the person who was walking so fast, an unprecedented fear, as if his life would end at any moment, this was Valthon, the third prince. Valthon was a direct descendant of the Darian royalty, the third and last son of the king, born with every possible luxury and a single goal, to inherit the throne. He grew up learning everything he could about running a kingdom: business, philosophy, history, economics, and so on, all to be a good candidate for the throne one day.
A few years ago his father finally named him his official successor, an act that normally would have filled him with joy and excitement but this time instead he only felt resentment and defeat. At that time, a man with a coat that resembled a merchant appeared in the kingdom. This is normal since new merchants arrive every day eager to achieve wealth and make a name for themselves, but when the merchant arrived something strange happened. From the moment he arrived in the city he headed to the king's castle without problem, no one stopped him to try to sell him something or invite him to a tavern, no one accidentally bumped into him in order to rob him and he was not even stopped by anyone. guard. This was not due to his imposing aura or the fear he generated, on the contrary, the merchant was someone simple, so simple that apparently everyone ignored him, as if he did not exist.
The only person who managed to see this strange behavior was a servant who was buying food. Upon seeing such a scene and observing that the strange merchant was heading to the castle, he left his purchases and ran as quickly as possible to the castle to meet the king. In all of Valthon's life he had never seen his father speak to a servant until that moment, it was a strange and impossible scene for him. To this day he wonders how his father knew what he told him, that there are entities so powerful that they show themselves only to whoever they want and can even manipulate the actions of others so that what they want comes true.
His father's explanation makes no sense to an ordinary person, they would even call him crazy or delusional, but having access to the knowledge of the kingdom's private library and having traveled to other places since he was young, Valthon knew that these entities existed. For some they are called gods, for others supreme entities, he has even heard a people call them divine ancestors, a name that made his complexion turn pale that time and he sweat profusely given that if the stories are true and knowing the personality of those beings without doubt when hearing that mere mortals of the lowest class dare to call them ancestors, they would erase them from existence along with all those who heard such an atrocity. No matter what name these beings are given, he knows that they have only one name: immortals.
The day the merchant arrived at the castle, King Darian attempted to organize a banquet before being abruptly stopped by the immortal informing him that he only wanted to take a look at the kingdom's private library to look for a specific book and in exchange he would sell them an item. staff he had. Darian refused to accept anything in return and even volunteered to help the immortal in his search but he refused, saying that it was against his beliefs and principles to take without offering something in return.
Unable to refuse, Darian agreed, personally escorting the immortal to the library along with his children and assigning a dozen guards at the door so as not to disturb him in his search. At the same time, this guaranteed having people who would inform him when the immortal left the library. Naturally the immortal did not seem to care, his sight never left the library door, as if for him no one else existed in the world.
–Eron.
– Yes father. – Said the first son of the king
– Go to the grass sect as quickly as possible, request an audience with their leader and tell him that we have received an immortal. He will understand and come with you, remember to be as respectful as possible, even more than with me.
– I… understand father.
After these words, Eron left the castle along with a dozen escorts heading west. The trip takes 3 days but I could shorten it if I didn't rest to one or two days. Only Eron knew the reason why his father had sent him to the grass sect, his father had suspicions that the immortal in his library was a fake.
As the king's successor, Eron knew that there are relics and treasures in the world that easily allow you to go unnoticed or even control the minds of others to a certain extent. Of course, these treasures have some drawbacks such as a time limit or exercising their power only on weak or susceptible people. Furthermore, if an immortal really came to his kingdom, he would only have to say what he wanted and Darian himself would bring it to him on a silver platter, there would be no need to negotiate with dirty mortals. Taking this into account, it was normal for his father to raise suspicions about the authenticity of the immortal, but he would not dare to talk about this or even mention it before him or around him in case he was a true immortal since if he were to offend To the immortal this could mean the fall of the royal family or even the destruction of his kingdom.
Then the question arises, how can you verify if this person is a true immortal? Easy, consulting with another immortal. In public view, the herb sect was a conglomerate of people passionate about herbalism, medicine and healing arts, who despite having total autonomy were protected by the king. For everyone, this meant that the kingdom was investing many resources that could help the health of the residents, allowing the sect to be free with its research, but the reality was different. The reason why the kingdom protected the grass sect was because of its leader, a true immortal. In order to maintain good relations with the immortal, the previous king agreed to protect his sect and keep the identity of its leader a secret, providing a large amount of land and resources for him to carry out a secret investigation that has had him in confinement for decades.
These are the true immortals, beings who take whatever they can and respect no one but themselves. If the immortal within your library is someone authentic then you will be able to create a relationship with a new one and strengthen the relationship you have with the leader of the grass sect in addition to being able to make a deal with him and obtain some of his immortal items, but If the immortal is a fake one then the herb leader will deal with him for daring to tarnish the name of the immortals and in gratitude he will be given abundant resources such as rare herbs and alchemy books that the kingdom has been collecting. By doing this the immortal will leave the corpse of the false immortal along with his relics only for the kingdom. A plan that no matter where they saw it, they would win.
Five days later a messenger arrived with the king reporting the departure of the false immortal. At this point Darian already had great doubts, how would an omnipotent being take so long to look for a book. It is true that the library was immense and had books of different sizes and thicknesses, but for a true immortal this would be a quick read. Despite his doubts, Darian still treated the false immortal with respect and received him personally, heading to the main room where his three children were talking with a peculiar old man.
– I beg you to forgive me immortal. Although we tried, the news of his arrival could not be kept a secret, upon hearing that there was a fellow immortal nearby the sect leader wanted to meet him. – Darian said as he slowly walked away from the false immortal.
A silence reigned in the room for a few moments before the leader of the grass sect spoke.
– Young Cain appears before his elder! It is an honor for this person to be in front of a senior like you!
The entire royal family was dumbfounded, the grass sect leader's name was Cain? Something so simple? And more important than that, did he call himself young? The leader... Cain... Cain the immortal, was someone who appeared to be close to 70 years old, full of gray hair, a long white mustache, with a stooped walk and tired eyes. Such a person was calling someone clearly younger than the king older, one could even say that he possessed a similar age to princes.
With this, three things could be confirmed, the false immortal is a true immortal, among immortals there are apparent ranks and finally, this true immortal was actually a big shot, someone to whom even other immortals must pay respect.
– We regret not having paid enough respects, please forgive us. – Darian said hurriedly as he knelt down.
Seeing this, his children followed in their father's footsteps and knelt without daring to see the true immortal. A being beyond your understanding.
– There is no offense. Our agreement still stands. – Next act the true immortal took his merchant's bag and opened it showing 10 assorted items, leaving everyone confused except for Cain.
– You can choose an item from all of these, if you have any questions about its origin or use let me know. You too, young Cain, since you took the time to get to know me, you can wear one of these but you will have to pay the price.
Upon hearing this, Cain's face was filled with joy as he slowly and excitedly approached a small old cauldron.
– Major, I would like to know if I can have this cauldron.
– As long as the king doesn't want it and you can pay for it, there is no problem.
Hearing this, Darian's face distorted a little. How could he dare to choose that cauldron now that Cain wanted it? Even if he decided to accept that item from the immortal and then give it away, Cain would not take it for fear of offending the immortal thus damaging their relationship. Furthermore, it was just a small old cauldron, the most striking thing about it was the figure of a flower with 3 petals.
– We don't need the immortal major cauldron, the immortal Cain can have it.
– The price is 500 low range. – Said the true immortal as he extended his hand. – Don't hesitate because of its authenticity, it is a special price.
– I wouldn't dare any more, thank you very much.
Without waiting, Cain grabbed one of the three small bags before he froze and saw the true immortal.
– Thank you for having compassion for this young man. I'm sorry I can't stay longer but I have to go back and take care of mine. King Darian, thank you for this opportunity, I will keep it in mind in the future.
At Cain's sudden departure, Darian seemed obviously stunned. It was the first time that Cain addressed him by his last name, it seemed that their relationship had become closer due to this event. Even so, he had some doubts about what had just happened but he pushed them to the back of his mind to think about them later, at this moment he would have to use all his strength to achieve the best possible and not offend the true immortal.
After a few moments looking and asking about each object, Darian became even more nervous. Each item was unique and amazing, incredible enough to be called kingdom treasures. From a painting of a strange beast that the true immortal claimed he could summon for protection, to an extremely beautiful sword whose edge could cut through any metal effortlessly. He even caught a glimpse of a bottle with three golden pills that could allow anyone who took it to live 10 more years and rejuvenate without problem.
Seeing these objects Darian finally understood the great difference between the true immortal and a king of mortals like him. These incredible and magical objects were items of sale, mundane things for the immortals, if for no other reason the true immortal would be selling them to them, dirty mortals. Possibly the best object of all was the one that Cain took and only recognized its value due to his status as an immortal. Thinking about this, Darian made a decision that would possibly change or end his life.
– Greater immortal, I am a humble king who cannot decide between the wonders that he has shown me. This fool asks if instead of choosing one of your treasures he can ask you to answer two questions.
– …
Seeing the lack of response, the king made a risky decision and continued.
– Greater Immortal How is an immortal born? We do not know if they are created or made, but if they are made, what do we need to become immortal?
All the children were stunned when they heard these words. Make an immortal? They had never asked them, for them immortals were beings similar to them but with infinite life and powers beyond their understanding. The fact that his father asked that meant that there was a small chance that immortals could be made and if immortals were made, that meant that they could become one of them too.
But if so, why doesn't anyone know? It means that it is a secret that the immortals themselves keep for themselves and it is forbidden to tell it. The reason is simple, power. Just as they keep the people's knowledge hidden within the royal library to avoid uprisings or future competition, the immortals should do the same, keep the secret to avoid competition and continue to control them all.
Seeing the true immortal expressionless, Darian began to sweat and spoke to amend his words while bowing as much as possible.
– Sorry if I went too far, I forgot my request, I don't want...
- Alright.
Darian's eyes widened, and he tried to take in all the true immortal's words.
– The answer is yes, but also no. There are families of immortals all over the world, when having offspring there is a small probability that their child will be born directly as one, the probability increases the stronger the parents are. Of course, if the world worked only this way it wouldn't be fair. Just like you who at birth may have an ostentatious family or be directly in misery because of your family, each being is born with a unique spiritual root that cannot be changed. This spiritual root can range from being none to being rare to one in a trillion, something almost impossible to find.
The true immortal paused briefly, took out a purple pill with red inscriptions in the shape of different animals, and took it. Ignoring the dismay of the king and his sons he continued.
– Your spiritual root dictates how easy it will be for you to become an immortal, it can take weeks, months, years, and even your entire life and not achieve it if your attitude is not enough.
Bringing his left hand closer to his bag, a staff as tall as him and of considerable thickness appeared in his right hand. With a strong blow he embedded it in the ground before taking a step back.
– For us the more the better. There are multiple ways to measure a person's spiritual root and this is one of them. If you want to know if you have a spiritual root or not just grab this stick with one hand and squeeze it with all your strength.
Darian's eyes couldn't open any wider, before him was the answer that had tormented him for so long. He, a king, had to always bow to someone else, something unacceptable, he always wondered if he should always live like this, if this was his destiny. And finally today he would get his answer. With a resolve he never rose and walked before the staff, an imposing staff that would finally define his true destiny. Without fear he grabbed the staff with his hand and squeezed it with all his strength, a strength such as if he was holding on for dear life and never wanted to let go.
The stick began to glow with a faint whitish color, similar to that of a candle lit at noon.
– That's enough. You have a common root. If you train diligently for 15 years you may be able to enter the path of immortality.
The first words that rang in Darian's ears made him feel defeated, exhausted, and unwilling to move forward. Only until hearing the last part did his eyes regain their shine. He had a hope, and no matter how small it was, he clung to it with all his being.
– Thank you very much immortal elder. Thank you for this opportunity. I will remember her forever in my heart.
Without paying attention to his words, the true immortal turned his gaze to the king's children and said to them.
– You should try it too. One by one, you first – He said while pointing at Eron.
- Fast! Thank the greatest immortal. – Said the king still bowed.
– Thank you senior immortal!
With evident emotion Eron went before the staff and grabbed it with all his strength, praying that he had a root superior to his father. Fortunately their pleas were heard.
– A root a little better than common, you need at least 10 years to enter immortality. Following.
With this Darian's second son stepped forward and did the same as his father and brother by placing his hand on the staff, only to obtain a light whose intensity was the same as his father. Before Eron smiled with pride and contempt, the staff turned a reddish glow at its tip before disappearing.
– Interesting, you have an affinity with fire. Despite your poor spiritual root, your affinity can make up for it. You can train any technique and start your path in 15 years or train directly with a fire attribute technique and your path to immortality will begin in 5 to 10 years.
Upon hearing this, everyone's surprise was evident. Spiritual roots could possess affinities and these could be of great help in the future.
- What's your name?
– Fion at your immortal senior service.
Fion had never felt such pride and happiness as he did now. He was not as intelligent as his younger brother Valthon and Eron always took it upon himself to pressure him so that he could not compete for the succession to the throne. With this his position would be assured, or even better, he could leave this place and become an immortal long before his brothers, obtaining the fame and wealth that always belonged to him, the only problem was Valthon. Following current logic, Valthon would have a spiritual root higher than his own and might even have an affinity like him. Considering this plus Valthon's intelligence, it was more than obvious that he could conquer everything.
– It's your turn.
– Thank you senior immortal.
Valthon proudly reached before the staff and grabbed it tightly while letting his imagination run wild. He saw himself on top of the world, with his brothers kneeling in front of him worshiping him as the supreme leader. As he smiled and made his plans a voice brought him out of his reverie.
– That's enough, you have no spiritual roots. In itself it is very strange to find three people with roots in a place like this, most of the current population does not have spiritual roots.
– No… I…
– Valthon! Forgive the words of my immortal eldest son, I am sure that he did not mean to offend you by contradicting you.
– There is no offense. Now what will you do? Since they have spiritual roots I suppose they will begin their journey to immortality. I recommend that you cross the sea and head south, passing the Iliana desert you will encounter a sect that can accept you if you pay a sufficient price.
Without waiting for her answers, the true immortal picked up his staff and lightly touched his bag with his hand before the staff disappeared. He waited a moment before looking at Valthon who still possessed a lost look in his eyes.
– Your family will leave and you will stay after this.
– …
– I came here with a purpose and I agreed to leave you something, I can't give you my items since I have shared too much with you but I can give you this.
The true immortal gently touched one of his bags and a few strange rocks and a red stone appeared on the ground.
– These are mana stones, for us immortals they are like a currency and a source of energy. You can absorb them and become a little stronger, speeding up your path to immortality. They all come from rocks similar to these, some are empty and others are not, but that does not take away their value and mystery. Keep them as a reminder of your value and mystery.
[What the hell are you talking about?! Are you calling me hollow rock? You are a hollow rock! Your head is hollow!]
If everyone could hear Valthon's thoughts he would definitely faint for fear of the repercussions of his words.
– Thank you… senior immortal. I will treasure them and display them in the best place in the palace.
– I like the idea, just remember that if someone asks I was never here. I also wish you to convey my thoughts to comrade Cain. No need to fire me, I'll leave right now.
Just like that, the true immortal left while a giant wave was building inside the castle. Dalion's plan was simple, go with his children to the sect mentioned by the true immortal, become immortals and return to create a dynasty of immortals, one that is not afraid of anything or anyone, one that they can be proud of. .
Their plan was not without problems, due to their position their departure could generate rebellions or even invasions from other kingdoms and they could not threaten them with the fact that attacking them would mean offending future immortals since this was a secret and revealing it would lead to more problems. what solutions. For this, it was agreed to leave at night along with his best soldiers without alerting anyone while Valthon would stay in the castle managing everything and upon returning they would look for a way to help him with his spiritual roots. Of course, this was all Dalion's plan, whether Eron and Fion agreed was another story.
As time passed, Valthon took charge of the kingdom, publicly taking charge of the finances since his presence was required and managing all diplomacy and the rest of the kingdom in secret. Although it was complicated at first, due to Valthon's innate talent and multiple knowledge, he managed to keep everything in order and even start a small investigation about the immortal roots and to his surprise he still had hope.
Due to the visit of the true immortal, his relationship with the immortal Cain had improved. He frequently visited him to ask him questions about immortality and when he came to the subject of manna stones, Cain said something that would occupy his mind for several years. "With enough of those, even a mouse will become an immortal."
Upon hearing this Valthon set out on a new mission, to find mana stones. How many? Dozens? Hundreds? Thousands? Valthon didn't know how many but on every trip and transaction he made sure to leave clues to everyone about what a mana stone was. Of course he wouldn't let people know his real name to avoid suspicion in case an immortal were to hear that a mere mortal was looking for mana stones. For this he called them stones of the gods and gave no further description than the price he was willing to pay for them. He even managed to get information from Cain on how to absorb them after gifting him multiple exotic plants and nearly clearing the royal vault.
With this, Valthon's plan was put into motion, although there was no guarantee that it would work, he had nothing to lose by trying. Plus he knew that his brothers wouldn't be back for at least 15 years so he still had a little time.
His plan was impeccable, he even managed to schedule a few minerals over time. Although some were empty, the peculiar sensation caused by the mineral always existed and saved him from buying fakes on numerous occasions. For Valthon, his plan was working perfectly, until a few moments ago.
In the early hours of the day, his trusted servant hurriedly came before him. Valthon was overjoyed as this meant that they had found another rock that possibly contained a mana stone.
– Ustaf! My good friend, tell me how many they found now. Will there be two? From your haste I guess we'll have three today!
– Your Majesty is nothing like that! We're in trouble!
- Issues? What are you talking about?
– They have asked to see it, there are three people, they look like executioners, I couldn't see their faces. They wear impeccable armor and two of them have swords. Over their heads there is a hood that for some reason prevents us from seeing their faces, it is as if it were magic. Your Majesty, I believe they are immortal.
Hearing this Valthon understood the fear on his servant's face. If they were actually executioners or worse, immortal executioners. It means that their plan reached their ears and now they were here for his head. He quickly headed to the main hall where they were waiting. The fear on their face was evident, if they were really immortal this not only meant their death, but the destruction of the entire kingdom. He didn't want to go down in history as the ruler who was stupid enough to want to take over the belongings of an immortal.
His steps were fast but in his mind he only wished that the hallway would get longer so that he would never arrive, while he racked his brain in order to find some excuse that would free him from arriving at the door of the main hall. He had never seen that door so tall and imposing, not even when he saw it for the first time as a child. Fixing his composure and wiping the sweat from his forehead with one of the three handkerchiefs he always had in his coat pocket he pushed the heavy door open only to find himself with a thought in his head.
The three people in front of him were immortals.