The Assassin's Seven Principles of Manipulation-Chapter 21 - 20 — Runeborn

Ferravyr’s presence alone released such overwhelming pressure that the air itself felt suffocating.

No matter how much Zephyrion struggled, he couldn’t move even a single inch.

"Hmm..."

Ferravyr regarded them as one might observe insects beneath his feet. Yet the moment his gaze fell upon Zephyrion, he paused, studying him with quiet interest.

"Purple eyes... you carry Demo’s blood."

’Demo?’

The situation was already dire enough that any thread of advantage was worth grasping. Ferravyr had once been rumored to have ties with House Calderalth, so Zephyrion searched through the clan’s history at once.

He quickly found a match.

’The Third Head of House.’

"Child... what is your name?"

Ferravyr’s massive form slithered closer, his slit-like eyes fixed on Zephyrion.

"Zephyrion... Zephyrion Calderalth..."

He made sure to place enough emphasis on his house name.

"Hmm... Calderalth. As I thought."

Ferravyr fell silent, staring intently at him.

Zephyrion frowned as a faint hum rippled through the air.

’The WorldPulse?’

The WorldPulse was the natural flow of elemental energy that circulated throughout the world. With runes as its language, every Ascendant had to connect to this flow before they could command an element.

From a young age, Zephyrion had always been able to sense even the faintest resonance within it. But this one was different. It was so faint that even he struggled to lock onto it.

Nevertheless, he focused carefully. A moment later, an ancient voice echoed within his mind.

’Why have you disturbed my slumber, child?’

Zephyrion remained outwardly calm and subtly shifted his gaze toward the other Herald.

’...because of him.’

The serpent’s eyes narrowed.

’You can hear me?’

’...Yes.’

"Hmm..."

Ferravyr’s gaze gleamed as he slowly circled him.

’Your resonance with the WorldPulse is strong. Just like Demo.’

’Demorian Calderalth... he was the Third Head of our House.’

’Hm.’

The serpent’s voice carried faint disdain.

’One man of worth among many who bore that name.’

Silence followed before the serpent spoke again.

’Were you also born with the full Metal Rune?’

’...!’

A flicker of surprise passed through Zephyrion’s mind, though his expression remained unchanged.

Judging from the serpent’s gaze, the answer was already clear to him.

’A Runeborn...’

’...A Runeborn?’

The title was unfamiliar.

Zephyrion frowned slightly as the serpent stopped directly before him, its gaze burning with a strange light.

’To think it took this long for another to appear.’

The serpent leaned closer.

’Show me the rune.’

’No.’

Zephyrion’s eyes sharpened. Whatever the serpent intended, allowing a Calamity into his mind was not an option.

He clenched his fists and resisted. But the serpent’s will was like an immovable mountain.

It crushed through his defenses with overwhelming force, pressing toward his mindscape. But a sudden chill washed across his mind.

"Hisssss!"

Ferravyr recoiled violently, his eyes widening as though he had seen something impossible.

"You... bear the mark of Frost."

"Hah..."

Zephyrion drew a sharp breath as Ferravyr stared at him with a twisted expression, as though looking upon something unnatural.

For a moment, the great serpent said nothing.

Then it slowly exhaled.

"For the sake of Demo... I will overlook this."

Its eyes locked onto Zephyrion once more.

"That Herald will die. But you must leave. Now."

Before Zephyrion could react, an overwhelming force suddenly hurled him and the others away.

The last thing he saw was Ferravyr swallowing the Herald whole before vanishing into the horizon.

...

"You can relax."

"...I am relaxed, young lord."

Zephyrion stared at Selis.

The Herald sat perfectly straight on the log, constantly scanning the forest around them with alertness.

It had been several hours since Ferravyr hurled them into the forest. No danger had appeared since then, yet Selis had remained on edge the entire time.

Rustle...

Hundreds of metal spikes erupted behind her. Before the rustling leaves could move again, Selis’ cold gaze had already locked onto them.

"...."

A squirrel darted out of the bushes and fled into the trees.

A moment later, Selis cleared her throat.

The spikes dissolved into dust as she straightened her back again, resuming her vigilant scan of the forest as if nothing had happened.

"..."

Zephyrion watched her quietly.

She was definitely not relaxed.

Members of the Whitesteel Guard were known for their discipline and unwavering loyalty. Selis’ duty had been to escort him safely back to the House.

Instead, he had nearly died twice.

Even from here, Zephyrion could feel the weight of that failure pressing down on her.

’Hm?’

A small weight leaned against his side and he turned.

Lumi had shifted closer on the log, her head slowly drooping as she slept. The petite girl had refused to leave his side since the moment they reunited.

As he recalled the scene of her latching onto him at the mountain, he exhaled.

Zephyrion had wanted to leave the Order alone, but Lumi had refused. Even after he explained the risks, she simply shook her head and followed him anyway.

From the moment he found her buried beneath a pile of corpses during one of his missions, she had refused to leave his side.

Zephyrion narrowed his eyes as her body tipped forward. Just before she could fall, he shifted slightly, letting her lean against his shoulder.

Lumi released a tiny, content breath.

’Annoying.’

He felt Selis’ gaze on him and turned to her.

"What?"

"...Nothing, young lord."

Selis quickly looked away and resumed scanning the forest.

"...."

Though she said nothing, Zephyrion didn’t miss the curious glint in her eyes. It wasn’t every day one saw the heir of House Calderalth acting as a pillow for a small mute girl.

Zephyrion already knew this would become a problem the moment they returned to the House.

He decided to deal with that later.

Instead, he exhaled lightly.

’Mind map.’