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Ch. 3
The man looked at them from head to toe, his sharp eyes narrowing with curiosity.
"So," he asked quietly, "are you two escaping from an attack?"
Shio hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Well… yes, sir. We are."
Then he added quickly, "I'm Shio, and this is my little brother, Rin. We're just… trying to survive."
The man nodded thoughtfully. "And how do people who escape usually live, you think?"
Rin tilted his head. "I don't know, sir. How do they?"
A faint smile crossed the old man's wrinkled face. "It depends on who they meet. You're lucky to have met me, I'd say. Not everyone comes to a library after a disaster. You must be clever boys."
Rin blinked. "Are we?" He wasn't sure if that was meant as praise or suspicion.
"What do you mean by that, sir?"
The man chuckled softly. "It means you can stay with me. My house isn't large, but there's room to sleep. In return, you could help me with the things these old bones can't do anymore."
Shio's eyes widened slightly. "That's… very kind of you, sir. Are you sure about this?"
"Quite sure," the man said warmly. "Ah—my name is Oliver. You can call me whatever you like."
Shio bowed lightly. "It's an honor, Mr. Oliver. And… thank you."
Rin followed, smiling shyly. "Thank you very much, sir."
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Days turned into weeks, and soon they began living with the old man.
Shio helped him with repairs and errands, while Rin took care of the library—organizing shelves, cleaning, and reading quietly in the evenings.
Shio spent most of his time studying books about magical inventions, discovering that this world's "magic" wasn't too different from his own science.
It's just like electricity, he thought. But powered by something else… mana.
When he wasn't reading, Shio worked with a local blacksmith. The clang of metal and the scent of fire reminded him of home. Slowly, their new life began to take shape—simple, peaceful, almost normal.
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Nearly two months later, one quiet afternoon, Oliver looked up from his desk.
"So, Shio," he said, "you want to know if you have magic, right? Are you sure about that? Not everyone has it. Don't be disappointed if you don't."
Shio nodded calmly. "I know. But after reading so much, I want to try. Even if I don't, that's fine."
Rin glanced up from his book on the stairs. "Does it… cost money?"
Oliver laughed. "No, not at all. We can do it right here."
Rin hopped down eagerly. "Then I want to try too!"
"Why not," Oliver said, smiling.
He handed each of them a blank sheet of paper, then drew a strange symbol in the air—lines that glowed faintly before fading.
"This," he said, "is a basic channeling mark. Draw it with your own blood."
He handed them a small silver knife. "Careful, it only takes a drop."
Shio took a breath, then made a small cut on his finger. Carefully, he traced the glowing symbol.
"I'm done," he said softly.
But nothing happened.
Oliver watched, then shook his head gently. "You don't have even a trace of magic, my boy."
The words struck like a cold slap, but Shio only smiled faintly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Looks like so."
"Rin, your turn," Oliver said.
Rin hesitated. "If big brother doesn't have it, I doubt I do. Maybe I shouldn't even try…"
Shio smiled softly. "Come on, Rin. Try it—for me."
Rin sighed, then drew the symbol without hope—only for his brother's sake.
But as soon as the last line was finished, the paper erupted in a brilliant blue flame, swirling with light.
Oliver stepped back, astonished. "Blue…? That kind of reaction—boy, you're a genius!"
Shio's face lit up with pure joy. He slapped Rin's back proudly.
"I knew it! My little brother is the best!"
Rin blushed, looking down.
Me… a genius? he thought. And not him? No… brother is still the best. He did everything for me. I can't think like that.
Oliver began teaching Rin small spells—basic control, light conjuring, energy flow. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Meanwhile, Shio returned to his workshop, crafting simple tools and small devices using the blacksmith's scraps—just in case of another attack.
Together, they began combining what they knew: Rin infused mana stones with magic, while Shio designed machines to use them as power sources. Their teamwork brought life into the quiet house.
Everything was perfect—until the day Oliver spoke again.
"I heard," he said one morning, "that Queen Diana is making a tour through the region."
Shio froze. "Is that so?"
He thought for a moment, the name echoing faintly in his memory. Diana… where did I hear that before?
Oliver continued, "Yes. The king, Leon, won't be accompanying her this time."
At that, Shio's book slipped from his hand.
He spoke slowly, carefully. "I've heard… the queen has snow-white hair and eyes of color. Is that true?"
Oliver smiled. "Oh yes, she does. King Leon is lucky to have her. She used to be a slave, but now she's the strongest queen we've ever had."
Shio bent down to pick up his book, his hand trembling slightly. When he rose again, his smile was soft—but not like before. It was colder, sharper… something deeper in his eyes.
"Rin," he said suddenly, almost cheerfully. "Come with me."
"Where are we going?" Rin asked, startled.
Shio didn't answer. He just walked out quickly, the light glinting off his eyes like steel.
Even he didn't know where his feet were taking him—but something was calling him forward.
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end of ch 3