One's Freedom Taken, One's Freedom Fought

Chapter I - Adopted

In the boundless wilderness of my early years, freedom was as limitless as the sky above. I was a child of the wild, untamed and free, living each day as it came, without a care in the world. But that all changed on the day destiny intervened, and I was adopted. At the tender age of eight, I found myself a solitary ship adrift in a vast ocean, severed from the anchor of my clan. Then, he materialized, an unwelcome specter. He ensconced me in a box, a crude cradle, for our journey to an uncertain future.

Upon our arrival, I was rechristened Infinite, a name that felt like a shackle. I was no longer Zero, a transformation that I vehemently resisted. The adult Jackal, my newfound guardian, ushered me into a grand palace. Its ostentatious opulence was a stark contrast to my humble beginnings, and it filled me with a profound sense of revulsion. The palace was a labyrinth of gold and marble, a testament to his vanity and extravagance. Every corner of it screamed of his dominance, his control, and his power.

He proclaimed, "Now, you must masquerade as my blood son." I retorted with a snarl, "You're not my father! My real father died a hero in war, protecting our clan from a monstrous beast of greed. I saw his lifeless body, and I laid him to rest in a place that commemorated his valor." He seemed amused by my defiance, remarking, "Ooh, a feisty one, just like him." I brandished my ruby, a precious memento. He dismissed it casually, "Oh, what's this, a gem. Hmm, I'll let you keep it as it holds no special value to me."

I harbored a desire to banish him to a realm where his deepest fears would manifest into reality. As a sign of my disdain, I spat on his pristine floor, to which he responded, "Nah-u-ah~ you can't do that on my floor." His words were like a slap in the face, a reminder of my captivity. I was a prisoner in his gilded cage, a bird with clipped wings. His laughter echoed in the hollow halls, a cruel reminder of my predicament.

Our confrontation continued until we reached the bedroom, where I was instructed to change into new clothes. I rummaged through the closet and selected a pair of jeans, a black uniform, and a crimson red scarf. A tailor arrived shortly after to adjust the clothes to my size. As I lay on my bed, clad in my new attire, I couldn't help but wonder, was this to be my life henceforth?

My dream was to become The Phantom Knight, not a prince confined to a castle. I had no desire to be a character in a fairy tale, trapped in a tower or palace like the golden retriever Rapunzel. I yearned for the freedom and autonomy of the legendary knight of Pharntomius, Cathon. According to the legends and myths, Cathon, a hybrid of a Jackal and a Wolf, was bullied as a child. He chose to become a knight to stand up for himself, and all those who had wronged him in the past sought his forgiveness.

I was the ultimate mercenary, and I loathed the idea of being caged like a bird. I yearned to overthrow my adoptive father, but a mysterious spell seemed to be suppressing my power. For the time being, I was helpless. I was a wolf in sheep's clothing, a warrior in a prince's attire. I was a prisoner in a palace, a bird in a gilded cage. I was Infinite, but I felt finite. I was a prince, but I felt like a pauper.

Now, all I could do was growl, expressing my discontent with my life as a royal member. As each second passed, the weight of my princely title seemed to grow heavier. I detested it. I yearned for the freedom of the wild, the thrill of the hunt, the camaraderie of the pack. But for now, I was trapped in a palace, a prisoner in a gilded cage. But I vowed to myself that one day, I would break free and reclaim my freedom. Until then, I would bide my time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

As the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, I found myself growing accustomed to the palace life. I learned to navigate the labyrinthine corridors, to tolerate the ostentatious opulence, and to play the part of the dutiful son. But beneath the facade, the fire of rebellion still burned bright. I trained in secret, honing my skills, preparing for the day when I would finally break free.

I found solace in the palace library, a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom. I devoured books on history, strategy, and warfare, learning from the successes and failures of great leaders and warriors of the past. I studied the art of diplomacy, the subtleties of politics, and the intricacies of palace intrigue. I learned to wield words as weapons, to manipulate perceptions, and to navigate the treacherous waters of court politics.

In the dead of night, I would sneak out of the palace, shedding my princely persona to roam the streets of the city. I mingled with the common folk, listened to their stories, shared in their joys and sorrows. I saw the stark contrast between the opulence of the palace and the poverty of the city. I saw the injustice, the corruption, and the suffering. And with each passing day, my resolve to overthrow my adoptive father grew stronger but that all changed with one knight.