One month had flown by, and Alex remained an outsider. Unable to access magic, he wasn't invited to the lessons Leonardo and the others diligently attended. The tension between him and Maria's group was palpable, interactions limited to curt greetings. Despite this isolation, the seven had honed their skills, learning new techniques beyond Alex's grasp.
Today, he found himself alone in the tranquil forest surrounding the Temple of Gods. He reclined against a sturdy oak, gazing up at the vast canvas above. Wispy clouds danced across the azure sky, punctuated by the ethereal glow of a pale moon. He sighed, his gaze shifting downwards to the endless sea of verdant trees. The forest hushed, save for the gentle chirping of unseen birds.
Another sigh escaped his lips. It wasn't that he hadn't tried. Days had been spent in futile attempts to coax magic from within, each effort echoing in resounding silence. This wasn't entirely unexpected, but a flicker of hope had stubbornly persisted. Faced with this reality, he turned to other weapons, seeking alternatives to his unusable Gift.
Sword, spear, axe, dagger - each experiment ended the same way. A searing headache lanced through his skull, forcing him to relinquish the weapon. The pain wouldn't abate until he did. This left him with a stark conclusion: he was effectively limited to his two guns. Something within him, perhaps the very essence of his unique weapons, created this invisible barrier, rejecting any other instrument.
Perhaps, in this fantastical world of magic and steel, weapons could indeed harbor spirits. The thought lingered, adding another layer to his confusion.
Frustrated, Alex sought guidance from Priscilla, hoping her wisdom could shed light on his predicament. Unfortunately, her vast knowledge offered no solace. His case was unprecedented, leaving her without a solution. Undeterred, Alex delved into the Temple's extensive library, devouring countless volumes on Otherworlders and natives with similar experiences. Yet, his search yielded nothing.
It seemed his situation was utterly unique, leaving him feeling lost and powerless.
But one resolve burned bright within him: a fierce determination to become the strongest. With renewed fire, he started back towards the Temple. Soon, the majestic white structure came into view. But something unexpected halted his steps.
A grand spectacle unfolded before him. Elaborate carriages, each guarded by vigilant soldiers, lined the Temple grounds. One particular carriage, adorned with a majestic crest depicting a two-headed golden eagle crowned with gold, stood out prominently. This unfamiliar symbol intrigued Alex, hinting at an imperial delegation. Could this be their recruitment drive for Otherworlders?
Alex, however, felt excluded. With his limitations, he doubted anyone would be interested in him. He planned to slip back into the Temple unnoticed, seeking solace in his room.
But fate, it seemed, had other plans. A sharp voice jolted him out of his thoughts – Kevin had spotted him. Soon, the entire group was upon him, dragging him into the grand hall.
There, seated around a large table, were Maria, the familiar faces of her companions, and a captivating newcomer – a young woman with ethereal light blue hair and eyes, flanked by two stern guards. Under the mocking gaze of Leonardo and his crew, Alex found himself awkwardly squeezed next to Maria. A hesitant greeting escaped his lips, hanging heavy in the charged atmosphere.
Silence descended upon the hall as Priscilla finally addressed the group. "Allow me to introduce," she began, gesturing towards the captivating newcomer. "This is Princess Katherina Von Havens, second daughter of the Drexia Empire."
A murmur rippled through the room. Alex, having already discerned their familial connection through their striking blue eyes and hair, felt a tremor of curiosity.
Priscilla continued, explaining Katherina's presence. "The Princess has extended an invitation for all of you – the seven chosen – to attend the prestigious Imperial Magic School in the capital city."
Before she could elaborate, Katherina's haughty voice cut through the air. "Spare me the theatrics, sister. I'm here for the other six, not... him." Her disdainful gaze landed on Alex. "I have no use for such trash. Let's not waste precious time."
A wave of tension washed over the room. Priscilla shot her sister a withering look. "Kath, silence! Do not speak that way."
Katherina's defiance remained undimmed. "Why shouldn't I? My words are true. So, leave this to me. I respect you, but that doesn't mean I'll bow to your every whim. You no longer hold authority over me."
Priscilla sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation. He'd wished for his adorable younger sister, not this unruly one.
The rest of the group reacted in muted ways. Leonardo and his companions fell silent, observing the unfolding drama. Maria and her friends exchanged worried glances, eager to interject but unsure how.
Amidst the charged atmosphere, an unexpected sound erupted – Alex's boisterous laughter.
"Hahahaha! Forgive me, Princess," he managed between chuckles, "but your words are rather amusing."
Katherina's eyes narrowed, contempt blazing within them. "Trash, what do you find so funny? Have you lost your mind in your uselessness?
"It's funny how fate can twist the knife, isn't it?
"Back home, people like you wouldn't dare breathe in my presence. Ask anyone," he gestured dismissively towards a blonde woman in the crowd. "Wealth and influence beyond your wildest dreams. Now, thanks to some cruel twist of fate, I'm stuck listening to your self-important ramblings, all because you hold a temporary position of power you never earned. That's what I found amusing.
In a just world, you wouldn't be standing here spouting nonsense."
'Everybody was astonished by what Alex said,'
Alex added before departing.
''I don't care about you and your goal; even if the strongest Man was here and insulted me, I will still say the same thing. I'm not afraid of death; I'm just afraid of cowardly death. I'm not a coward; even though my Gift is useless in your eyes, it doesn't mean I take the beating without saying anything; I'll insult anybody that dares to look down on me. Do note that even an ant deserves respect.
Do not look down on anyone because you don't know what the future holds.''
''One last thing, you called me trash. Well, I also have a few words for you. Unpolished gem can shine brighter.''