The air in William's subconscious realm was thick with an otherworldly stillness, a void where time seemed to stretch and warp.
The darkness was absolute, save for the faint, ethereal glow of three holographic figures standing before him. Their translucent bodies shimmered with a pale blue light, their forms holding swords that gleamed with an unnatural sharpness.
The holograms were motionless at first, their featureless faces staring blankly into the abyss. But as soon as William's presence registered, they sprang to life, their movements swift and deliberate, charging toward him with deadly intent.
William's sapphire eyes narrowed, his mind sharp and focused. He glanced down and spotted a dagger lying on the ground beside him, its blade catching the faint light from the holograms. Without hesitation, he whispered, "First skill: Levitation."
The dagger trembled slightly before lifting into the air, hovering as if suspended by an invisible thread.
William snapped his fingers, and in the blink of an eye, the dagger shot forward like a bolt of lightning. It pierced through the first hologram with surgical precision, then arced gracefully to strike the second and third in rapid succession. The holograms flickered and dissolved into nothingness, their faint light scattering like embers in the wind.
But William's senses were already on high alert. He felt a shift in the air, a subtle disturbance that sent a shiver down his spine.
He turned his head sharply to the right just in time to see an arrow hurtling toward him, its tip glinting ominously. With reflexes honed through years of training, William flipped backward, his body moving with fluid grace. He caught the arrow mid-air, his fingers closing around it with unerring accuracy. In one seamless motion, he spun and hurled the arrow back toward its source, using his levitation skill to guide its trajectory.
The arrow struck true, piercing the chest of a holographic archer that had materialized in the shadows. The archer vanished, leaving behind only a faint echo of its existence.
Before William could catch his breath, two more holograms emerged from the darkness, their swords raised high. William's lips curled into a determined smile.
He activated his levitation skill on himself, lifting his body effortlessly into the air. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the dagger back to his hand.
In a flash, he descended upon the holograms, his movements a blur of precision and power. The dagger danced through the air, striking with lethal efficiency. The holograms disintegrated, their forms dissolving into the void.
William landed softly on the ground, his chest heaving with exertion. Sweat dripped from his brow as he took a moment to steady his breathing.
The training had pushed him to his limits, but he could feel the progress he was making. His mastery over levitation was growing, and with it, his confidence.
Suddenly, a glowing window materialized before him, its golden text shimmering in the darkness:
**[CONGRATULATIONS!
YOUR MASTERY HAS INCREASED.]**
**[SKILL: LEVITATION
MASTERY: 40%]**
A familiar, jovial voice echoed in his mind.
["Ha ha ha! IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, YOUR PROGRESS HAS BEEN AMAZING]"
It was Wiz, his ever-enthusiastic companion. William couldn't help but smile at the praise, a gentle, satisfied smile that spoke of his pride and determination.
With a deep breath, William willed himself out of the subconscious realm. His eyes fluttered open, revealing the familiar surroundings of his bedroom.
He was seated on his bed in a meditative pose, his body relaxed but his mind still buzzing with the energy of his training. He rose to his feet and stood before a full-length mirror, taking in his reflection.
The boy who stared back at him was no longer the two-year-old child he had once been. His body had grown taller and more defined, his silver bangs framing his sapphire eyes like a curtain of moonlight.
It had been five years since his breakthrough, five years of relentless training and growth. His relationship with Jack, his brother, had flourished, and his understanding of his own abilities had deepened. Yet, the path ahead was still fraught with challenges.
William's thoughts drifted to his current level—eight. He had yet to choose his second skill, a decision he had delayed for strategic reasons.
No one knew the truth about his early opportunity, the fact that he had unlocked levitation long before anyone expected. To the outside world, it was a skill he had stumbled upon in the library, a stroke of luck.
But William knew better. Levitation was a purple-category skill, a rarity that set him apart. It was a secret he guarded closely, a trump card that would serve him well in the future.
As he straightened his collar, William's mind turned to the carriages he had seen outside. Their presence was unusual, a sign that something significant was afoot.
He stepped out of his room and into the grand hallway of the Medici mansion. The maids bowed gracefully as he passed, their movements a testament to the elegance and discipline of the household.
William paused by a large window, his gaze drawn to the carriages below. The morning sun bathed the scene in a soft, golden light, illuminating the intricate designs on the carriages' exteriors. His silver hair and sapphire eyes seemed to glow in the sunlight, a striking contrast to the opulence of the mansion.
["WHAT ARE THE CARRIAGES DOING HERE ?"] Wiz's voice echoed in his mind, tinged with confusion.
William's lips curved into a faint smile. *"Have you forgotten, Wiz? Edgar will be leaving for the Dwarves' Continent next week."*
"[OH, RIGHT ! HOW COULD I FORGET ?]" Wiz exclaimed.
"The project there has taken longer than expected due to political issues. Edgar's going to inspect it personally."
William's expression grew thoughtful. "It's my only chance to get that thing,"* he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"By the number of carriages, it looks like a grand visit," Wiz observed.
"And I will be going there," William interjected, his tone calm and resolute.
"[WOW, YOUR WORDS DON'T EVEN SURPRISE ME ANYMORE ,]
" Wiz replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.*"But may I know the reason why you're going?"*
William leaned against the window, his eyes distant. "Do you remember the 'Scarlet Earring'? The 'Earring of Hypnosis'?"
"Of course! It was Lily's trump card. With that artifact, she became one of William's most trusted allies in the novel."
William nodded. "Lily, the daughter of the Count Anjou , possessed an artifact that allowed her to control people. It was a powerful tool, but it had its limitations. She could only control two people at a time, and she couldn't control anyone stronger than herself or the same person twice."
"WHAT ARE YOU THINKING , WILLIAM ?" Wiz asked, his tone curious.
"Do you remember where she found it in the novel?" William countered.
"HMM … IN THE NOVEL , IT WAS SAID THAT SHE BOUGHT IT AT AN AUCTION IN THE DWARVES ' CONTINENT WHEN SHE WAS NINE YEARS OLD ," Wiz recalled.
"So, two years from now," William mused. "We have to find it before she does."
"BUT HOW ? IT COULD BE ANYWHERE ON THE CONTINENT !" Wiz protested.
"True," William admitted. "But there's a good chance it's in the capital. And that's where I'll start looking."
"[AND YOU'RE BASING THIS ENTIRE PLAN ON THAT ASSUMPTION]?" Wiz asked, incredulous.
William's smile widened. *"Yes. But first, I need to convince Edgar to take me with him."*
*"DO YOU HAVE A PLAN FOR THAT ?"* Wiz inquired.
William's lips curled into a mischievous grin. *"Nope."*
Wiz was silent for a moment, clearly dumbfounded. *"YOU NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME ,"* he finally said.
William chuckled softly. *"I don't think it'll be that hard."*
With that, William made his way to Edgar's office. He knocked gently on the door, his expression calm and composed.
*"Who is it?"* Edgar's authoritative voice called from within.
*"It's me, Father,"* William replied, his tone sweet and respectful.
*"Come in, William,"* Edgar said, his voice softening.
William entered the room, his sapphire eyes meeting Edgar's. His face lit up with a warm smile at the sight of his son. *"What brings you here, my child?"* he asked.
William took a seat across from Edgar, his expression earnest. *"When will you be leaving, Father?"* he inquired.
*"Next week,"* Edgar replied, his brow furrowing slightly. *"Why do you ask?"*
William's smile widened. *"I want to go with you."*
Edgar's expression grew stern. *"You're not going,"* he said firmly. *"It's too dangerous. You've only just unlocked your first opportunity. You're not ready for the outside world."*
*"But Father—"* William began, but Edgar cut him off.
*"I said no,"* Edgar stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.
William's smile didn't waver. Instead, it took on a sly edge. *"Are you afraid that if I form connections with other races, it will create a power struggle between me and James?"*
Edgar's aura flared, the room filling with an oppressive energy. *"Think carefully before you speak, boy,"* he warned, his voice low and dangerous.
William chuckled lightly, diffusing the tension. *"I'm joking, Father,"* he said, his tone playful. *"But consider this: Jack will be the next Lord Medici after you. As the heir, he won't have time to visit other races. There needs to be someone who can act as a mediator between him and the other races. I can be that person."*
Edgar's expression softened, but he still looked hesitant. *"You make a good point, but that's not enough reason to take you with me. I won't risk your safety."*
*"Father,"* William said, his voice steady and persuasive, *"you're the strongest person in the mansion. I'll be safer by your side than here. And if anything happens, David will be there too."*
Edgar's emerald eyes bore into his son, his voice firm yet laced with concern. "William, we won't always be by your side. This is a political visit—we'll be attending meetings, leaving you alone at times. Tell me, how do you plan to ensure your safety then?"
A knowing smile played on William's lips as he looked up at his father, his sapphire-blue eyes gleaming with quiet confidence. The morning sun cast a soft glow over his silver hair, making him appear almost ethereal.
He tilted his head slightly and, with a voice as calm as the still waters of a hidden lake, he replied, "But they will be there, Father."
Edgar leaned back in his chair, his emerald eyes sharp. His fingers tapped against the desk in a steady rhythm as he studied his son. Then, after a long pause, he exhaled and spoke.
"If I take you, you'll be representing the Medici name." His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "Prove to me that you're ready."
For a moment, William just stood there, quiet. Then—he smiled.
It wasn't cocky or overconfident. It was the kind of smile that said he had already made up his mind.
Without a word, he raised his hand.
The air in the room shifted.
A pen on Edgar's desk trembled, then slowly lifted into the air. The paper beside it followed, floating gently as if held by invisible strings.
Edgar's eyes flicked to the pen as it dipped itself in ink and moved across the paper, the strokes smooth and precise. Within seconds, a sentence appeared:
"Is this enough, Father?"
William lowered his hand, and the pen and paper settled back onto the desk as softly as a whisper.
Silence.
Edgar stared at the words. He didn't react right away, his expression unreadable. Then—finally—he let out a small, amused breath.
"You always did like showing off," he muttered.
William's grin widened slightly. "I learned from the best."
Edgar shook his head, but there was the faintest trace of a smirk on his lips.
"This skill is useful," he admitted, "but strength alone isn't enough to carry the Medici name."
William met his father's gaze without hesitation. "Then tell me what is."
Edgar held his stare for a long moment, searching for doubt, hesitation—anything that might make him reconsider. He found none.
Finally, he sighed.
"Fine. You can come."
William's smile grew, but before he could say anything, Edgar leaned forward, his voice dropping into something more serious.
"But listen carefully—if you make me regret this, I won't let you step foot outside this house again. Understood?"
William nodded, his voice calm. "Understood, Father."
Edgar exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Go on then. Before I change my mind."
William turned and walked toward the door, his silver hair catching the morning light.
Behind him, Edgar watched in silence. Maybe there was pride in his gaze, maybe just curiosity.
Either way, the decision had been made.
And William wasn't going to waste it.