"Aether fell to the ground as the scythe slipped from the tree trunk and landed with a ridiculously soft thud—no sound, no impact, as if it weighed nothing. Emily reached out to grab it, but Scar pulled her hand back just as the black blade glowed with a deep crimson aura."
"These weapons aren't ordinary. Ordinary beings of the Earth cannot wield them. They electrocute those who harbor hatred and envy."
"Harbor hatred and envy? Hey, that's not nice! Are you calling me hateful?!"
Emily retorted angrily. Aether laughed softly:
"Don't worry, it's normal. All humans have those feelings—they're not bad as long as you control them."
"But wait—are you saying you don't have those feelings? No envy? No hatred toward anyone?"
Emily raised an eyebrow skeptically. Scar nodded in agreement:
"I think she has a point. You're both human. Why are you accepted by the scythe, but she isn't?"
"Aether stood up straight, the scythe now steady in his hand. He began speaking calmly while testing the weapon's balance"
"Listen, Scar... I've known this girl beside you for over four years. From the first day we met, we were worlds apart—academically, socially, in appearance, in lifestyle. She was from a noble family; I was middle-class. She was the most beautiful girl in school; I was everyone's target for bullying. She was the center of attention; I faded into the background the moment someone else entered the scene. She was one of those who bullied me, by the way. She made my life hell. So what do you think my opinion of her is, Scar?"
"Well, from what you've said, I can only assume you hate her. Right?"
"Scar replied awkwardly, glancing at Emily, who looked visibly ashamed. Aether planted the scythe firmly into the ground."
"You're right—that would be logical. But it never happened. I never hated her, not even once. I always saw her as just a teenager trying to get more of the attention she already had from everyone else. And I managed to completely change her way of thinking simply through the arguments we had—until we became more like friends than enemies. What I'm trying to say is that what sets me apart is that I think differently from others. Anyone else in my position would have resented Emily—maybe even sought revenge. But I simply changed her instead of embracing bitterness and anger."
Emily spoke up, her voice tinged with embarrassment and irritation:
"Did I really have to be the example you used to explain this, boy?"
"Sorry, Emily. It was the closest example I had."
"Aether laughed lightly. Scar fell silent for a moment, deep in thought."
"So, in short, you're saying that most humans think in ways rooted in jealousy, anger, and hatred—but there are rare few who avoid those concepts entirely. And the Scythe of Destiny only accepts those kinds of people. That's why it chose you."
" Yep! That's it sooo ..., shall we begin training?"
Aether asked enthusiastically, looking at them.
"Awesome! Finally something new besides
sleeping and eating!"
Emily jumped up excitedly.
"But..."
Scar paused suddenly, "Since Aether has his scythe to train with, and I have my sword... what about you, Emily?"
"Hmm... that's a good question."
Emily stopped, scratching her head thoughtfully.
"What can I be?"
She thought for a moment before exclaiming with excitement:
"Scar! Is there healing magic? Can I heal people with magic?"
"Actually... yes!"
Scar replied with a smile. "There's a type of magic called 'Restoration.' It not only treats wounds but also enhances the body's ability to recover. It's rare and powerful... and perfect for you."
He pulled a small blue leather-bound book from his bag.
"This is the 'Healer's Guide'... it belonged to my mother. Legends say only those with pure hearts can master it."
He handed it to Emily.
"Try reading page three. There's a simple spell for healing scratches."
Emily took the book with trembling hands...
For the first time since arriving in Nivar, she felt she had found her place.
"After Emily agreed to learn healing magic, Scar remembered their arrangement with Claire at the Eastern Palace. An idea struck him."
"Wait, aren't we supposed to meet Claire at the Eastern Palace library? That's perfect! The finest books in the region are kept there. The knowledge in that library could turn a novice mage into an expert."
Emily was surprised by the news, her excitement growing:
"You mean there's a way to learn magic in the library?!"
"Yes, of course! The secrets of this land are preserved there. All we need to do is... um... find a way to get inside."
Just then, a cheerful voice rang out from behind them:
"Don't worry! I'll pave the way for you."
"The three turned to find Claire in new attire. They immediately noticed the bow she carried. Emily ran toward her and shook her hand warmly"
"Welcome back! How did you get here?"
"Don't underestimate me, girl! Being a princess doesn't mean I can't sneak around."
"Emily rolled her eyes in mock annoyance before laughing. Meanwhile, Aether glanced at Scar and smiled"
"She seems confident."
"Yes, indeed. I think carrying a weapon is the reason. Humans feel safer and more confident when they know they can protect themselves."
"Afterward, the team agreed to leave the entry plan to Claire, who knew the palace's secret passages. Aether quietly whispered "Blade," and the scythe vanished from his hand, dissolving into the air. Once everyone had packed what they needed, the four set off toward the Crimson River Crossing once again."
"After a period of walking, they passed through the crossing and emerged from the forest. Before them stretched a vast green meadow, where a cool, refreshing breeze blew against their faces, easing the tension that had hung in the air. Claire pointed to the towering palace looming on the horizon and said calmly"
"That is the Eastern Palace! Let's head there!"
"Just then, Aether's eyes turned black again, and Theer took control of his body. Though Emily and Scar knew him, caution made them step back. Scar tightened his grip on his sword, and Theer spoke"
"You, woman... are you not the daughter of the First Shadow?"
"Claire froze at the sound of that tone, while Scar grew even more tense at Theer's knowledge of the Eastern Kingdom's ranking among the Four Shadows. Claire replied nervously"
"Y...yes, I am. But... how did you know, Aeth—"
"This is not Aether, Claire. Who you see before you is Theer... a being born inside Aether."
Before Theer could respond, he began arguing with himself:
"What? Why are you saying that? I didn't say anything wrong?... But I... ugh, you're annoying! Fine, fine, just stop nagging. I'll do it."
Theer returned control to Aether, who spoke in his usual voice:
"What Theer meant by his question is that he's surprised to see someone from the royal family outside the palace."
"Claire's anxiety eased as she understood the meaning behind Theer's question. She replied calmly"
"Yes... ah... well, since I was born, I've never been one to strictly follow rules and orders... if that's an appropriate way to put it."
"Aether smirked mischievously as he glanced at Emily, who shot him a warning look. He joked to Claire"
"Oh, I understand what's going on! I know someone with exactly the same trait."
Just then, Aether ducked his head, dodging a rock Emily threw at him:
"That was a close one! Hehe."