The Blades of Arcane

Chapter 2: The Weight of Expectations

King entered the manor with a practiced smile, his face masking the turmoil within. The house bustled with its usual rhythm, unaffected by the fact that they had sent their youngest son to stain his sword in battle yet again. Only one person in this house was free from the weight of its cold decisions—his little sister. For her sake, King kept up his charade, pretending everything was as it should be.

He made his way toward the back office where his father, brother, and two older sisters were already gathered. His mother and youngest sister, Elena, were in the living room, studying, preparing Elena for her upcoming time at the Academy. Silently, King took a seat at the far end of the room, his long black hair tied back. His siblings all shared the same dark complexion and hair, though each wore it differently. His sisters' hair was long like his, while his older brother, Markus, kept his short. Their father, however, had a mane streaked with grey, a sign of age that only made his presence more commanding. He didn't bother looking at King as he began the debrief.

"Report," his father demanded, his deep voice void of warmth.

King explained the mission with precision. "There were ten of them. No survivors."

"Any signs of them working for one of the Great Families?"

King hesitated for a split second, before forcing a small grin. "From what I could tell, they were independent—no flags or markers."

His father gave a nod, then turned to Markus. "Take a few guards to the warehouse. Look for any clues about their suppliers."

Markus stood and left without a word, always obedient and focused on his role as the family's future. Their father then shifted his attention to Selene and Liora.

"Selene, check in with the Council of Arcane." The council, a monocratic oligarchy, was dominated by the most powerful magic-wielding families, including the Ignis, House of Thunder, House of Steel, the Obsidian Academy, and House of Frost. Selene, with her unique mastery over both Ignis fire magic and lunar energy, was one of the family's rarest assets—a double threat who could navigate both political and magical spheres. She was a powerful mage, yet unlike Markus, Selene showed little desire for the family's power games.

"Liora," he continued, addressing the Flame Whisperer, "Take a detachment of our guards and make our presence known to the underworld. We need to send a message."

Without protest, both sisters stood and left to fulfill their assignments. King lingered for a moment, feeling the weight of the silence that settled between him and his father—The Inferno Warlord, as he was known, one of the few great family leaders who did not need a Mana Heart. His raw control over fire magic and mana was unmatched, and even King, born without magic, could feel his father's strength. Every member of the Ignis family, even those in the distant branches, was naturally resistant to fire. Even King had that gift, though he lacked the spark to wield it.

Unable to bear the awkward tension, King cracked a small joke—something about needing to "try harder next time" to uncover some great conspiracy—and excused himself from the room. His father barely glanced at him.

Before heading upstairs, King stopped by the living room where his mother and Elena were still studying. His mother, as always, couldn't look him in the eye, something that had haunted him ever since it was discovered that he couldn't use magic. He didn't know if it was shame or sorrow, but whatever it was, it left a chasm between them. Even so, King tried to make her smile, telling a few light-hearted jokes. None landed.

He knelt by Elena, speaking softly so their mother wouldn't hear. "You'll love the Academy. Just... keep your head down, don't show off too much, and you'll do fine."