CHAPTER 5: The Light That Defies the Dark
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One figure stepped forward from the shadows.
A black cloak parted as he moved, revealing a young boy, no more than thirteen.
Red hair framed his pale face, and his black eyes carried a quiet intensity far beyond his age.
"This experiment," the leading merchant began, his voice steady,
"was a success. It was conducted to test the application of mana imprinting, what we commonly refer to as runes, within objects."
The boy bowed deeply, lowering his head in reverence.
"Raise your head," the king said.
His tone was calm now, the oppressive glow in his eyes fading.
Slowly, the boy obeyed. From beneath his robe, he revealed a glass bulb, perfectly smooth, glowing faintly white even before activation.
"My lord," the merchant continued,
"I present to you a magical tool. A light bulb an object that illuminates itself when touched by anything that possesses mana."
He turned slightly.
"Felix, please explain it properly. You are its creator."
The boy stiffened.
"M-my lord…"
His voice trembled as he spoke.
"I-I am a mage trained under the Mage Craft Academy… Light Course only."
He swallowed.
"It's m-my only attribute."
"You don't need to be nervous around me," the king said gently.
Felix hesitated, then nodded.
"S-sorry, my lord."
The merchant quickly interjected, offering a respectful bow of his own.
"Please forgive him, Your Majesty. He rarely speaks before others. Most of his time is spent alone, researching, creating, studying."
"I see," the king replied. "Continue."
Felix took a breath.
"M-my brother… he is no longer with us."
"He w-was an inventor. He made many things… but only one became widely used."
"The light lamp," Felix whispered.
The king's posture shifted.
"Wait. Your brother created that?"
"Y-yes, my lord. His name was Matthew."
"I attempted to invite him here," the king said quietly.
"But I could never find him. Months later, I learned of his death."
The king looked at the boy again.
"You said your name was Felix, correct?"
"Y-yes, my lord."
"I am sorry for your loss."
Felix shook his head, surprising everyone present.
"N-no… please don't be."
"Because of my brother's work… I was able to improve upon his idea."
He raised the bulb slightly.
With a gentle touch and a faint flow of mana the bulb ignited.
Pure white light flooded the throne room.
Gasps echoed among the merchants.
"J-just a small amount of mana," Felix explained, gaining confidence.
"E-even a child could supply it… if they have the will."
"The mana remains inside," he continued,
"Stored by the light-attribute rune engraved within."
The bulb dimmed and went dark as he withdrew the mana.
"Absorbing the mana back… or opening the casing… turns it off."
The king leaned forward.
"You made this yourself?"
"Y-yes, my lord."
He paused, then added quickly:
"With further research… I plan to make it autonomous."
"One that lights itself at dusk… and reacts to darkness."
A faint smile crossed the king's face.
"Impressive."
Felix blinked.
"Y-yes—!"
His nervousness vanished instantly, replaced by excitement.
"It already has a mana-magnetic reactor beneath it," he said rapidly.
"It can attach to walls, ceilings—indoors or outdoors—"
"Felix," Jordan interrupted gently.
"Careful."
The boy froze.
"I-I'm deeply sorry, my lord."
"It's fine," the king said, amused.
"Raise your head."
He studied Felix carefully.
"It's good to see someone so devoted to their craft."
"T-thank you, my lord," Felix said softly.
"My lord, if you would consider—" Jordan began.
Before he could finish
BOOM.
The massive throne room doors swung open.
Heavy footsteps echoed across the marble floor.
General Moratta entered.
Seven years had changed him.
Taller. Broader. Older.
His sword still pristine at his side.
The room fell silent.
The king rose slightly from his throne.
"You may take your leave," he said to the merchants.
"I will consider your proposal and inform you of my decision."
The merchants bowed deeply.
"Thank you, my lord. May you be in good health."
"We pray for a favorable response."
As they exited, the glowing bulb remained briefly illuminates
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To Be Continued...
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