Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Chapter 23: Forest of Serein

Wynnstan held a light expression as he held his head high. Sending a glance towards me, he sneered, "For a Snow, your cultivation is rather low, but no matter. I am willing to allow you to accompany me."

I was dumbfounded at the words of this fool. It was quite well known in Pendragon that I was the youngest ever to enter Qi Condensation. Was he so foolish as to believe that I kept my cultivation at the first stage of Qi Condensation for no reason? No wonder the Aytone house is no more than a Baron household.

"Wynnstan, you words flatter me, but I shall be joining lady Yura. We have much to discuss amongst each other," I stated, eying the young woman that held a cold grimace.

Wynnstan clenched his fist type as his hatred fueled his expression, "YOU? what could a mere talentless bastard from the snow family want with our academy's goddess. A mere first stage qi condensation trash has no right to even be in the same room as us."

My smile faded as I sent an indifferent glance towards Wynnstan, "Bastard? Wynnstan, I hope that these words are from you and do not represent your family's stance. While I may yet to possess a title, you have just insulted not just my mother, but my father, a Duke of the Kingdom of Asterion."

Rising from my chair, my golden eyes locked upon Wynnstan as he grew pale, "Arsène, he meant no disrespect toward the duke." Victoria quickly interceded.

Snorting, I glanced at Victoria and back to the pale Wynnstan, "and would you a soldier of Asterion forgive him if it was your king he insulted." I stated, watching her grow pale as a sheet.

Stepping towards Wynnstan, a cold and sinister aura enveloped me whole, "I truly hope you are aware of what you have done, little baron. I will be personally meeting with baron Aytone."

"you-you-you, are not a noble..."

"I will and shall do as I please because unlike you little baron. I have the full backing of two Dukes behind me." I coldly declared before walking back to my seat.

This had not been the first time something like this accrued. The title 'Ashen Prince' I carried was already stained with the blood of hundreds of nobles. For one of the lowest members of the nobility to disrespect my father and mother, the only thing awaiting them was death.

A bitter light flashed across Victoria's eyes as she bit her tender lips, "We will be leaving in two days. Please gather the necessary items you believe will assist."

The seconds slowly began to pass as the heavy atmosphere of my words never left the classroom, but unlike before when I was a child. We did not have one instructor but rather five, not including Victoria.

Grey had decided to have me learn about Heavenly Formation and Ancient Enchanting during my time here. It was two occupations I had discussed with my parents long ago but delayed due to my low cultivation.

I had always wanted to study such occupations but was far too busy to find the time. Formations was a complicated concept that very few within Asterion could master. In comparison, Ancient Enchanting was a sub-branch of formations that had proved to be just as complicated, if not more.

Smiling bitterly at my new workload, two days began to pass as Victoria led us towards a massive Steel Train that held the Acadamy of War's emblem.

Finding my seat, I closed my eyes, awaiting our arrival only to open my eyes as two Amethyst gems stared questioningly at me.

"What did you want to speak to me about." She asked with a cold disposition.

Raising my brow, I smiled before staring at the hundreds of students surrounding us, "It's about sou..."

A blade quickly arrived at my throat, causing me to burst into laughter. Remembering the last time, I smiled in nostalgia. "Shall we wait till we enter the Forest of Serein?" I asked, pushing her longsword away from my neck with a grin

Yura quickly nodded before I saw her blade vanish into thin air, "Are you still mad at what happened."

Yura's amethyst eyes glimmered as I could see dark clouds begin to rise within them. Gulping, I could sense a deep, powerful swirling like raging winds inside of her.

"Umm, never mind." With that, I remained silent, not daring to annoy the young woman that was far stronger than Wynnstan.

She glanced at me for a few seconds before we began staring out at the countryside as the train shot through the wind. It had taken an entire day for us to reach the Forest of Serein; stretching my sore body, I stepped off the train with excitement.

The Forest of Serein was a rather eerie missy zone that was filled with the howls of the various beasts. A subtle stream of qi could be seen in the air, causing a heavy pressure to arise as the fierce winds blew through my ashen hair.

"Welcome, students of War," Grimlor shouted as he descended from the air covered in a golden light. To his side stood a face I had not seen in nine years. An anesthetic mask covered half his face, but his demeanor gave everything away. It was the man that stood above everyone.

The King of Asterion, Oswin Asterion, Destroyer of the Fallen Kingdom of Gramor. As if sensing my stare, he gave a light smile before nodding. Bowing respectfully, I turned to Grey, who was following behind Grimlor with a smirk as he stared in amusement at me.

A thick vein appeared on my head as I grit my teeth. Why the hell was one of the most important men in Asterion here? Did he not have anything better to do...Damn it, why didn't he at least give me a damn ride?

"Children of War, today we gather here today to see what you are made of." Waving his hand over twenty men and women appeared radiating terrify amount of power. "This is not merely a competition but rather a trial. Standing here are some of the most powerful nobles our great kingdom possesses."

Pausing, Grimlor smiled like a father gazing lovingly at his children, "We will watch, we will judge, and only one will rise. Children of War spread your wings and descend into the Forest of Serein. Slaughter, Steal, Scheme, let the blood of your enemies spread through the Forest of Serein."

With a powerful cheer, I saw a deep light surround me; my eyes, however, suddenly grew cold as an arm gripped my shoulder. Seeing Yura, I nodded as our bodies began to fade. The world began to bend and shift as we suddenly appeared surrounded by large, thick ancient trees piercing up like spears striving towards the heavens coving us with shade.

The scent of moss, grass, water and various odors filled my nose as I felt a deep rush of discomfort in my stomach. Covering my mouth, I bent over, vomiting my stomach's contents.

Wiping the thick creamy acidic vomit from my mouth, I stared at the cold goddess standing perfectly fine. As if untouched by worldly matter, she stared at me with cold killing intent.