Fire Mage-Chapter 689: Ember Kingdom
Chapter 689: Ember Kingdom
"I don’t know much about the Truelords—just rumors. But I can tell you about the other four Houses."
"Curran Household is the strongest. They’re ’Grand Dukes’ and carry enormous influence."
"Next is House Ashford—another Duke-rank family. They dominate the city’s economy—merchants, magical goods, potion ingredients, artifacts, you name it. They’re the wealthiest by far."
"Then there’s House Undergrove—the shadows of this city. They handle auctions, espionage, underworld dealings. They were elevated to Duke rank 300 years ago, and ever since, they’ve become notoriously corrupt and brutal."
"And finally, House Dustfinger—like the Nightwinds, they’re a Margrave-rank house. They keep a low profile and rarely engage in trade or politics. But they’re assassins, all of them. Silent, deadly, and feared across the kingdom."
"And the Royal House?" Charles asked.
"The Royals are called Amos—extremely secretive. No one knows their true strength, but I’d wager they have at least two or three Legend Rank Mystics."
Charles furrowed his brows. "So, if I attack the Nightwind Family without warning, will the other families step in to stop me?"
"Only the other Guardian Houses might," Runeth replied, folding his arms. "That’s why we’ll take a different route."
He continued, "Infighting is common within noble families. As long as you prove you’re a Nightwind, no one will interfere. You could kill them all or spare them—it’ll be your call."
His tone was reassuring, but Charles sensed something wasn’t quite right.
"I doubt there’s anyone in the family strong enough to face us," Charles said as they approached the city gate. A long line had already formed ahead.
"So, how many elders are there? How does the Patriarch control the rest?" he asked.
"The Nightwinds consist of a Main Family and over ten Branch Families. Technically, all members carry the ’Nightwind’ name—but the Branch Families are more like subordinates than equals. Officials and soldiers who serve the Patriarch’s will."
"But they still consider themselves nobles, right?" Charles asked.
"Of course. Outside the family, the name ’Nightwind’ commands respect. But within, it’s a different story. They only get a chance to contest for leadership when the Patriarch dies. Elder positions open every ten years—but that’s a political mess of its own."
Charles muttered under his breath, "Sounds like a family rotten from the inside."
He took out an Iron Gold coin and offered it to the gatekeeper. Though the man initially refused, a few persuasive words got them through.
Without another word, they entered the city and started walking toward the Royal District.
Royal Hope City was divided into five districts:
Aurora LandCelestial MarketBack DistrictDistrict of WisdomRoyal District 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮
They had just stepped into Aurora Land—a district teeming with life. Narrow streets bustled with merchants, the laughter of children echoed through alleyways, and the smell of grilled meats, spices, and sweets lingered in the air. Charles took it all in as they passed through the crowd.
Runeth resumed, "Now, listen. The Nightwind Family’s internal politics are a maze. The Main Family, led by the Patriarch, sits at the top—but the real power lies with the Elders. There are five prominent Elders, forming the Elder Council. They influence every major decision—and they’re as skilled in manipulation as they are in magic."
Charles digested the information silently. Dealing with the Nightwinds would take more than strength. It would require strategy.
As they ventured deeper into the city, the buildings grew more refined, and the streets widened. They entered Celestial Market—a district lined with high-end shops, luxurious inns, and exclusive establishments that catered to the elite.
"Once we reach the Royal District," Runeth said in a low voice, "things will get even more complicated. The Nightwind estate is heavily guarded. Getting in won’t be easy. We’ll need a plan."
"It seems you still think of yourself as a slave of the Nightwind Family, old man," Charles said as they neared the Royal District. "From what I see, you’re powerful enough to face that Time God’s avatar."
"You don’t know how terrifying that bastard is, lad," Runeth replied with a cold chuckle.
"I’ve encountered him," Charles said, gripping Grace’s hilt. "He’s stronger than any Demi-god I’ve met. Might even be the most powerful being out there. But if I plan carefully, I won’t die without putting up a fight."
Runeth’s lips curled into an amused smile.
"I’ll let you in on a secret only a few know. If he ever regains his former strength, there would only be a handful in the entire universe who could stand against him. Even his avatars can kill true gods like they’re nothing. So, listen well: if you ever meet him again—no matter how far in the future—don’t fight. Not unless you reach the realm of a Paragon. Until then, know your limits and tread carefully."
Tsk. I wanted to act boldly, let the world know who Charles Nightwind is... but Runeth’s right. Charles gave a reluctant nod, unwilling to admit agreement, just as they arrived at the edge of the Royal District.
As they walked, Charles suddenly touched his face and relaxed his muscles, allowing a subtle shift to ripple through his body. His aura dimmed.
"Hmm... planning to enter the Nightwind estate as a Rank-4 Mystic, huh?" Runeth asked, eyeing him curiously. "What are you scheming now, lad?"
"At first, I wanted to storm the estate and kill every Elder and even the Patriarch with my bare hands," Charles said calmly. "But after learning more about the family’s politics—and after your warning about Udnir—I decided to be more cautious. Besides, there are too many mysteries in this city I want to uncover:
Why is the Wisdom Cathedral here and not in Miracle City? What’s really going on with this kingdom’s Royal Family? If the Doomsday Avatars have replaced the rulers of Arc Kingdom and other kingdoms, then Ember Kingdom should be no different. I want to learn more about the Truelords Family and why they killed Harry.
Why does my ’Wisdom Eye’ terrify them so much? And what happened to Oswald? Why is Lady Rachel still staying in this city?"
Runeth gave a thoughtful nod. "So you’re playing the role of a low-key mage and planning to infiltrate from the inside. Not a bad move. But will they really believe you’re Charles Nightwind?"
He paused for a moment, then smirked. "Still, your methods work for me too. It’ll make it easier for me to enter the Nightwind Ancestral Domain. That’s where the thing I seek is sealed—by Eddie Nightwind himself."
As Runeth spoke, he adjusted his aura, lowering it to that of a Rank-5 Mystic.
"Now, I’m just a Rank-5 [Mystery Man] class Mystic," he said quietly. Then, he pulled out a golden badge, etched with a strange blackish symbol, and handed it to Charles. "This is Eddie’s Elder Seal. Anyone holding it can enter the Nightwind Family estate as a guest. It holds Elder-level authority and can be used for various purposes."
Charles caught the amber-colored badge and examined it. A strange dream-like power pulsed from within.
"It has the imprint of Patriarch Diego’s soul," Runeth explained. "The seal itself is made from ’Night Amber’—a rare metal that’s nearly impossible to replicate without a master craftsman."
As they approached the entrance, the air grew heavier with tension. The Royal District was guarded more heavily than any other. Knights in gleaming armor manned checkpoints with a watchful presence.
As Charles and Runeth neared the checkpoint, a tall blonde-haired woman in silver armor stepped forward, blocking their path. Her gaze swept over them, lingering a moment longer on Charles.
"Halt! State your business in the Royal District," she ordered, her tone sharp and commanding.
Charles kept his composure. "We’re here to visit the Nightwind Family estate. I have matters to discuss with the Patriarch."
The knight’s eyes narrowed as her grip tightened on her spear. "Do you have any proof or invitation?"
Charles glanced at Runeth, then retrieved the Elder Seal and handed it over. "This is the Elder Seal of House Nightwind."
She inspected the badge, her expression shifting as she sensed the familiar energy from within.
The imprint of a Rank-5 powerhouse...
After a brief pause, she returned the badge and nodded. "You may proceed. But be warned—any disturbance or deviation will be met with swift consequences."
Charles nodded in acknowledgment, and they passed through the checkpoint.
The Royal District felt different—grander buildings, broader streets, and a heavy presence of patrolling guards. As they drew closer to the Nightwind estate, the mansion loomed ahead—imposing, encircled by high walls and vigilant sentries. The crest of the Nightwind Family adorned the main gate.
"Keep your wits sharp, lad," Runeth whispered. "The Nightwind Family’s internal politics are a snake pit. Approach the Patriarch cautiously and play your role well."
Charles nodded and stepped forward toward the entrance, where two guards stood watch.
"I am Charles," he announced. "I’ve come to meet Patriarch Diego regarding a pressing matter."
He handed the Elder Seal to one of the guards. The two exchanged glances, and one stepped forward to examine it.
Unlike the Royal Guard, this man had seen the seal before. His eyes narrowed.
"Where did you get this?" he demanded, unsheathing his sword and pointing the tip at Charles.
"Don’t let them move, Ivan," the other said sharply, already turning to deliver a report.
