Chapter 1
Blood and sweat. The cracking of my jaw. The dislocated shoulder. Blood loss causing my vision to be dampered. In front of me was a swordamns with a black glove. His long cap draped over his face. His armor covered in blood dripping down onto the courtyard. His face draped in shadow. My sword breaking through the distance and heading for his heaert. The slick blade like a snake eyeing its prey. Suddenly a flash and the slick "Shink" as the blades collided. I felt my body wanting to retreat, but I pushed harder, until I felt the sword dig into my arm swiftly. Blood gushed as I took a step back and the red eyes under the hat looked at me with contempt.
I felt nothing but white fury as I charged forward. My mind focused on making one move. One cut deep and everlasting. Suddenly a gust of wind and all I saw was the ground getting further away until I felt my whole body collide with soemtihgn solid. Blood spilling across the ground. Silence following the loud crash. I lay there in a pool of my own blood. All I could think of was that I was not even able to land one hit and ended up like this.
As I laid in my own blood. The man in the cap turned to his right. A shadow seemed to have appeared and an instant later, a man in a red cloak appeared. His regal persona alongside his majestic stature was looking over at the boy on the ground. His deep resounding throguht eh air,
"Disgraceful, a resounding loss. One that will spill on the masses and embarrass the royal family. The king himself has given me the ability to lay jusdhement down upon the prince. His fight was too much for this servant to bear and thus in accordance with the decree by the King himself. I,Reginold Swath, a holy officer and knight of the Kingdom of Lavia, do sever the connection of Prince Rayne from the royal family and sentence him to exile".
As the portly servant looked down at the prince. His face was contorted with a vile grin as he basked in his own agency. He sneered,
"However, if the prince would bow and fall to his knees. If he would showcase his amicable being and showcase to the world that he needs mercy. That he needs others and is willing to ask. I may be able to do something. A favor is all that will be owed. How could that be more terrible than being removed from the royal family? Isn't that a great offer, little lord".
The portly man's face was rippling with laughter as he finished his prattle. His eyes looking down at the still bleeding prince who had not responded yet. He had seen some members of the royal family throughout his life, and this was the most disappointing. He had gained favors from some and if they succeeded they pulled his portly body upwards. He relished this moment. When he was able to see the young lords at their weakest and he was given the resources to do something. His smirk was full of spite. His large body shaking with joy. Another royal brat on his belt. However, he was destined to be disappointed. A voice full of vigor responded,
"I will accept the result and ask that the royal messenger returns to the capital with this prince's forfeiture of all his resources and desire. I do not have what it takes to be a royal. I ask that my engagement is broken and that my place in the magister be withdrawn".
I wiped the blood from my face. My black sleeves drenched in red as the puddle was beginning to dry. The ground is full of my weakness. My eyes looking listlessly up into the sky. The dawn of the morning bathed my stature. I was hiding a smile as I began to walk away. There was no other reason to stay. The portly man had turned ashen. His goals had not been met and now he would need to return with bad news. He was momentarily frozen. He could never imagine the brats from the royal academy. The ones that held power since they were born. The ones that treated all the people of the Kingdom of Zane like their toys. How could any who inherited that arrogant bloodline willingly give up power. When the prince finally left his view, he caught himself. He took a breath and looked over at the knight Darren. His calm demeanor not interrupted by the prince's abrupt exit.
I began to walk through the hallways. The large ceilings with white paint and walls painted with sky blue coating. A place above the clouds and below. The manor of the Zane royal family. A place known as the cradle of the third heroine. The princess who would help the hero gain strength and political power to forge ahead against the darkness of the future. I sighed as I passed some maids who bowed deeply and didn't dare to look into my eyes. The demeanor of the weak against the strong. I was the minor antagonist that would lose his fiancée and his sister to the hero. A prince who would retire to the east and die as cannon fodder against demons allowing the hero to gain more support and become a pillar of the nation. Not good, not bad, not even a thought. An extra whose death was unimportant. Michael Zane, the fourth prince, a middle child. Weak and dominated. Now on his own, as he could not even defend his honor.
As I exited the gilded doors and made my way down the golden steps. My mind was drifting to the adventure ahead. The joy of the future alongside the heartache that I avoided. As my foot stepped onto the paved driveway. I saw a carriage pull up. The silver hue of the Renten Duchy. Two noble horses dripping with pride leading the way with several knights in silver opulence surrounding the carriage. The door opened and a girl with long scarlett hair stepped out. On her arm was a boy with silver hair. My ex-fiancé Liyanna Rant and Duke Rentfield's son Horus. They are close friends to each other and would become best friends to the protagonist. Liyanna's voice softly rang out,
"Hello, my prince, I heard your test was today and have come to celebrate your victory. We have prepared a banquet and have arrived to bring you".
I looked into her beautiful face. One that paired with the morning light would make anyone's heartbeat quickly. Her bell-like voice paired with her gentle demeanor truly epitomized the second heroine. I stared at her quietly for a moment before responding,
"Lady Rant, I am sorry to have to inform you, but I have failed my test, and our engagement alongside my status was relinquished. I do apologize for having wasted your time coming here. I wish you nothing, but the best in your future".
I bowed then began to walk past the duo. I didn't look at either of their faces as their expressions and reactions were worthless now. The fight that I had to partake in was talked about a lot in the book. A royal duel against one of the executors. Those who execute royal agenda. The twelve in employ with the crown were akin to super soldiers given money and items to pump their bodies to superhuman levels. Able to accomplish magic and defeat armies. Usually, these fights were ceremonial unless the King felt that prince was worthless and wanted to treat him a lesson. The script was that I was to lose and beg for mercy.
I would be saved but forced to kowtow to older members fo the royal family. It was political maneuvering that treated certain members like slaves in their own homes. I was still holding back a smile as I thought about the King's reaction. Knowing that one of his sons disobeyed a direct order and left the family. It never happened in the book, so I wonder what the butterfly effect will be? As my mind was drifting away. A voice was heard from behind me.
"Are you really going to leave? Just like that. Isn't that unbecoming for a noble. I would never imagine that the Zane line would have such disgrace. Do you even understand the embarrassment you will be putting Liya through. You dare to speak so forward and leave in such a hurry. You should return and beg the royal family to bring you back. Liya is too important to be cast aside. You must understand that".
I turned back and looked at the one that is known as the best friend. The hero's pal. The guy who always smiles and supports. He watched his best friend join a harem and ended up being tortured and killed. A character that had main character vibes himself but decides to be a supporting character who dies unceremoniously. I could barely keep the pity from falling on to my face. I ignored him instead and looked back at Liyanna. I was expecting to see nothing, maybe even a smile. Instead, I saw grief. Sadness even. It took me by surprise. In the story, she had dumped the Prince quickly and didn't even cry when his death was heard. The hero became her focus and the war for the future had no room for such thoughts. However, this fifteen-year-old, a year before the start of the plot, she seems to have a heart. Suddenly she spoke,
"Horus, I think you speak too freely and most rudely. Michael has always been on the weaker side, when compared to his relatives. I didn't expect much to begin with. There is no reason to berate him so". Her words losing their bell like clarity and becoming icey.
"I think Lady Rant is quite perceptive. I am quite weak. I really should leave your sight". My response was quick and terse.
"I find it quite interesting that you are giving up so quickly. Why is that? Is there something that catches your eye that the royal family cannot give you. Her words becoming more barren.
"It is nothing…". I was cut off, "Oh, then the reason is not some witch that you seem in a hurry to reach". The temperature had dropped below zero and ice was forming on the pavement below. Her ice magic begins to manifests. A confusing moment for a book reader like me who had heard about her jealous outbursts in the book, but only when the main character was around.
I tried to open my mouth when I saw her fist getting closer and closer to my face. I could only imagine what a poor soul the main character is that he had to deal with this on a daily basis. The fist collided with my face and I felt the ground begin to drift further and further away until I crashed heavily into the carriage. I was out of breath and could barely move. I even felt my injuries begin to reopen. An icy gaze was pressing down upon me. In the distance was the wailing of Horus who was trying to get her to stop.
I saw her frozen face with an emotionless countenance staring down at me. She whispered, "I am confused why you would ever dream of voluntarily leaving me. I cannot understand the madness that has taken you. Do you think I would ever let this stand? I would ever have my honor besmirched in such a way. I have my pride".
In an instant I saw a hurt little girl. I could only sigh, "My lady, I promise this has nothing to do with you. I simply lost and have gained nothing but poverty. You should be happy that your not tied to me anymore. I wish you nothing but he best". I tried to smile despite the feeling of blood in my mouth.
Her voice like avalanche rang out, "I have already made my stance clear. You will not leave me in this way".
"How can I leave you then? What is it that will let your heart feel cleansed of this anger". I will do whatever you want".
"Break your core. Smash it in front of me. Show me that you truly have given up. That you wont simply progress without me and bring me shame".
Her words harsh and unforgiving. The beginning of the cold empress that would awaken in a few years. One that laughed at slaughter and froze the battlefield. I was going to do it anyways. I got up and walked over to a knight. He pulled out his sword and handed it to me. In front of the knights. In front of two Dukes children. In front of the manor that I used to own. Right after losing my position in the royal family. I pushed a sword through my abdomen.
Blood streamed out as the blue light in my eye began to dim. The magic ability that fuled my body was snuffed out by my own hand. I pulled the sword out and out of my poclkte was a bandage infused with healing magic. I pushed it to my side and looked back at the stunned crowd. The knights had momentarily stopped what they were doing. Horus had turned white while Liyanna's impassive face had gained color.
I whispered, "I have done what you asked. You can tell your family that I am a cripple and unworthy". In front of the speechless crowd, I began to limp away. Blood in my mouth alongside a trickle leaving my side wound. A wonder if I could survive the night in my head. Behind me the life of a pampered prince. In front the life of freedom. I saw the gates. The moment when a smile could finally be let free.
The escape from the life of terrible extra. As I reached the gate and saw the sprawling forest of Zed to the east. The sprawling trees the gateway to the beginning of a journey of power and freedom. My foot an inch from the outside when I heard the sound of more horses. A golden carriage. The royal family. The one that I had left.
The carriage stopped in front of me. The door opened and the third heroine walked out. The second princess, Fiona Zane. Her blonde hair shimmering in the morning light. Her countenance one of majesty and strength. Her intelligent purple eyes diving into my soul. Her voice soft but strong, "Dear brother, I have heard the news and hoped to see you off".
I responded curtly, "There is no need, my lady Zane. I am not apart of any royal family or any semblance of power".
"Nonsense you are and always will be my family. Tell me, do you really intend to simply leave"?
"Yes, that is what I desire and I hope that you will allow me free reign, unless you need something".
"I was simply curious, I see you have cripplied yourself. That's good, a weakling like you needs to be broken".
"Do you want an arm"?
"No, I want you to kneel and promise you will leave the kingdom within a month, or you will return, and become my knight".
I bowed down, "I promise by the light of Zedia that I Michael Zane will leave the Kingdom of Zane in on month or I will suffer death as punishment".
Fiona smiled, "Good, you seem to understand your position well".
I nodded and began to walk away under the eyes of Fiona and Liyanna who had watched with bated breath as I made the vow. Next to her was Horus who was still wide eyed over the self-mutilation and hardship undertaken by a noble whose life far eclipsed his own. Liyanna stared deeply at Fiona, "Is the marriage agreement really broken".
Fiona replied, "Yes, my brother is no longer a part of the royal family. His broken core and his lack of will has lost him the right".
"Will there be a replacement"?
"The royal family has no one for you now. We will send reparations to your father and an apology gift".
"I would like to understand why this is allowed. Wasn't my family deserved a royal escort? Now we are without one".
The princess giggled into her hands, "Isnt it funny? The most beautiful girl in the kingdom. Known as the flower that grows in the garden of perfection. Dumped by the most worthless prince. The whole kingdom will enjoy that travesty".
Liyana smiled back, "Isn't this a mistake by the royal family, wont your honor be stained. Not a stain on mine or my families".
Both girls were glaring at on another when a third voice sounded, "Dear sister, dear sister-in-law, what has your hearts in turmoil"? Standing in the middle of the road was knight in grey armor. The third prince. Turnioil Rayne. A royal knight in the service of his majesty and stereotypical young master. His eyes glistening with lust as he looked at Liayana. His words dripping with foreboding, "Now that my brother has fallen on hard times, I guess I need to step in".
Fiona sighed, "Brother, it seems that Michael has been taken the worse option. I just saw him leave. Lady Rant is no longer part of the royal family and now we are talking about the reparations".
Turniol fell to his knees, "No, how could one of my plans fail. I thought for sure that I could get some benefits. What a waste of time traveling to this backwater".
Fiona glared at her emotional brother as a Horus's voice cut in, "Liyana, now that this is over, we should return. There are many different suitors to choose from. You know my brother Hanrus is still in love with you. We could become real family wouldn't that be great"? Liyana and Fiona stared back at him with questioning looks.
Fiona responded coldly, "I forgot you were here Horus, why are you always following behind Liyana? She is quite powerful and doesn't need a protector. You might be creating problems with your unhealthy closeness".
Liyanna huffed, "Who would ever think that I am doing anything untoward with Horus. He is just a little brother to me. You must know how boring it is when you're travelling. Having someone to talk to in the same class is quite great".
Horus remained silent but a small smile appeared on his face. Fiona ignoring Horus continued, "I mean it's probably why my stupid brother chose to run away rather than marry you. He probably found a better choice outside". Her voice dripping with malice and enjoyment as she watched Liyana darkening face.
Turniol who had recovered and was standing up said, "Lady Rant, I have a finance, but if you wouldn't mind being a concubine. I could take you in. I mean I am a royal, just as much as my stupid brother". He smiled as he greedily scanned her body.
Liyanna sighed, "I apologize Lord Line, but I must decline. Anything less than primary wife would be unacceptable. She bowed to the prince who just nodded as he was beginning to plan his next move.
As the repercussions of the fifth prince's actions were slowly flowing outward. I was making my way to the forest to the east. The forest was the largest in the Southmore continent. It was the dividing line between both the Line Kingdom and the elfin sanctuary. Any humans who made their way there would be killed. It was a few days of walking through the many villages that sprawled through the kingdom. The desolate nature of the barrier was the end of human settlements. Large military encampments at the diving line kept their eyes on the other species that wanted human power. The Line Kingdom being the Eastern most human empire in the conglomerate. A series of human Kingdoms that defended humanity. Surrounded on sides by a myriad of species of beasts that desired human lives.
Going anywhere but east would lead to my imprisonment in the Kingdom. The capital of the country to the west, the Dukes cities in the North and South were trouble for me. I would be imprisoned and conditioned. Going east meant death. I looked over at my shoulder at the mansion I had been imprisoned in. A gilded cage that had been my life for the last few years. All because I was weak. It was the only reason I was able to leave. The trees soon began to block my visage of the white walls and the settlements in the branches came into view. Adventures and rural villagers made up these encampments. I avoided them as in the book, the areas to the east were quite dreary. The villagers could be impacted by dark magic and turned into slaves. They could be cannibals or under the control of bandits. The book said that the reason for this evil to exist was a second line of defense for when the enemy broke the walls.
I could only sigh as I moved smoothly through the branches. The purple leaves shining in the afternoon light. A stain on the sky was the double orbs of the suns of the dueling duo. Its mild blue outline peeking out from the purple overgrowth. The soil was full of moisture and cluttered with leaves as the red outline cut a swath through the eastern forest of Zalta. The last one hundred miles of human territory. I hid behind a bush as some knights returning from the eastern blight passed. The red knights of the Zane kingdom. I felt a sense of danger from these knights as there shuffling boots pushed up dirt as they passed. The leaders on large midnight horses. I remembered from the books that these were the cannon fodders that helped supply the river of blood for the major war scenes. Yes, this world was one where any who was not main characters would die in agony.
I continued through the brush as they passed. The journey of a hundred miles began there. Into the fantasy would of the novel, "Broken and damaged into the Wide World of Cultivation". I took a breath and stared at the beautiful scenery. The moment of trepidation and death flags around my character seemingly disappearing as I traveled further and further into the wildrness. The chains of the story far behind me and I allowed a manic grin to cover my face. I was free to travel and if I'm lucky. I could steal major items. Items that would allow me to survive in this rough world. As that thought entered my head, I felt something sharp enter my chest. I could feel the arrow piercing through my muscles and intense pain alongside a river of blood stained my clothes. I looked up and saw a figure in a black cloak. Their shadowy appearance clashing with the afternoon light drifting through the tree line.
I stood up and pulled out the sword on my hip and charged. My vision became blurry as I swung the sword in my hand. I felt another arrow piece my side as my sword pushed through the darkness. In that moment, the pain left, and I started running. The blood and phantom pain dissipating as the shadows were driven away by my sword. The holy cleaver dissipating the darkness or the breakdown of the demon energy that circulated through the forest. I could hear the roar of monsters in the distance. Shadow demons that broke you down mentally and ate your bones. I weirdly did not panic and instead I felt lighter. The dust being pushed up behind me as I sprinted into the depths of the forest.