Chapter 3: Chapter 2 – Sibling Rivalry

When it came to his brother Kevin, there was no expert more knowledgeable on his combat style than Asher. The two had spent their entire lives fighting… Though they fought, they had always maintained mutual respect towards one another…

 

All of that changed five years ago when Asher awakened his “cursed” dual aspects of conflicting magics.

 

Since then, any conflicts between them had become one-sided. When it came to the differences between their Light Magic, Asher couldn’t compete no matter how much he tried due to his magic being essentially half as strong as Kevin’s…

 

Asher possessed a stronger body, a sharper mind, and skilled techniques. Yet even with these numerous advantages, he simply couldn’t overcome the gap in raw power.

 

The only method Asher had found to compete with his brother was his Dark Magic. While Dark Magic effectively countered Kevin’s Light Magic, it was much slower. Not to mention that even Asher’s Dark Magic was half as strong as it should be due to his unique aptitude…

 

In the eyes of his brother Kevin, Asher truly was cursed… And he hated him for it.

 

“How long are you going to stand there cowering, brother? Did you lose your pride as a Vazrael?” Kevin taunted his older brother who gazed at him from across the courtyard with eyes like a hawk.

 

Asher silently ignored his brother’s attempts at provoking him and focused solely on his movements while tightening his grip on the blade of light he had conjured.

 

While Asher knew Dark Magic was his only hope of beating his brother in a fair fight, he also knew that Kevin would be expecting that. Kevin hated to lose almost as much as he did and had been preparing counter-tactics against Asher for years.

 

Luckily, Asher’s preparations were more thorough… In a battle between the weak and the strong, it is always the weak who had to use everything at their disposal to make up for their own lack of strength. After all, a hungry wolf has no need to set a trap for a bunny it can hunt down alone.

 

In eyes of Asher, the greater power that his brother wielded was nothing short of a double-edged sword. When you base your expectations solely on your own strength, you leave yourself susceptible to having the rug pulled out from under you when that very strength fails.

 

Seeing the small opening he was waiting for, Asher immediately ran towards Kevin, while preparing a slash with his sword made of Light…

 

As if predicting Asher’s actions, Kevin moved his own light blade to block the strike while conjuring an arrow of light in his left hand that was aimed toward Asher's heart. Multicasting like this was something Asher was incapable of due to his magic’s disadvantages.

 

Of course, Asher had already prepared for this… He had asked himself countless times what the best way to use his magic was. No matter how much he trained, the raw power of his magic was simply outclassed by his opponents…

 

So Asher realized… Instead of relying solely on the power of his two contrasting magic aspects, he would instead weaponize their versatility…

 

In response to Kevin who had nearly finished chanting the incantation of his [Light Arrow] spell, Asher quickly nullified his [Radiant Blade] spell and switched immediately to the Dark Magic in his right hand.

 

“[Dark Hole]” Asher spoke aloud as a black orb devoured Kevin’s newly conjured Light spell.

 

While Asher was now unarmed, this brief opening was enough for him to overwhelm Kevin… While wrapping his leg around the back of Kevin’s knee and pushing him to the ground, Asher simultaneously canceled his Dark Magic spell and re-cast [Radiant Blade] with his left hand.

 

In mere moments, a glowing blade tip hovered next to Kevin’s neck as Asher gazed down at his younger brother from above.

 

“Asher’s victory,” Walter called out from the sidelines.

 

Hearing his butler’s decoration, Asher withdrew his blade of light and canceled his spell one last time. Only then did he allow himself to release his tension and catch his breath…

 

The battle had ended in mere moments, but it felt like an eternity to Asher who meticulously agonized over every step as he performed it. If he dragged it out any longer or if Kevin made any unexpected moves, he was sure to fail.

 

Still, what matters isn’t the methods of victory; but rather who wins and who loses. This was a harsh lesson both Asher and Kevin had learned from their mother’s bloody lessons.

 

After calming himself, Asher helped his brother up from the ground since he appeared to still be in a daze…

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“That was a good match, Kevin. Your chanting speed has been reduced considerably since last time… If that dragged out any longer, you would have won again for sure.” Asher attempted to cheer up his disheartened brother who still seemed confused about his loss.

 

Hearing his words, Kevin’s confusion vanished and a growing shame could be seen enveloping his expression… Kevin bit his lips while voicing only a few final words before leaving…

 

“You of all people don’t have the right to pity me…” Kevin muttered as he stormed off.

 

Seeing that his training session had come to an early conclusion, Sir Royce bowed and followed behind his discouraged student. The only two that remained in the courtyard were Asher and Walter.

 

“Are you surprised I won?” Asher asked his loyal butler for an honest opinion.

 

Walter simply sighed and answered his young charge’s inquiry.

 

“Honestly, no. Regardless of the difference in potential between you two, young master Kevin is still immature and lacks any devotion to his training. Though I’m sure you’re aware that he would easily defeat you if be put forth even a tenth of your effort, right?” Walter answered.

 

“Are you attempting to dissuade me like father?” Asher glared at Walter with cold eyes that the patient boy rarely showed.

 

“No. I’m just trying to make you aware of your reality. Your approach to utilizing your versatility is good, but it’s still not enough to compete with a veteran. The gap between the two of you will only continue to widen as you both grow… Your tricks and wits won’t always save you.” Walter explained.

 

“I’m well aware of my own inadequacies. But what am I supposed to do? I have no intention of giving up on magic just because I’ve been dealt a poor hand by fate. I’m sure you know that best…” Asher replied to his butler with dissatisfaction.

 

“Speak with your father,” Walter spoke simple words that made Asher hesitate…

 

Seeing Asher’s attitude, Walter continued…

 

“It’s been years since you two last held a conversation… You both continue to make me play the messenger while refusing to reply when a subject arises that either of you don't like. If Lady Diana were still alive, she would be lecturing you both by now… If you truly do wish to get stronger, you must face your father and get his permission to go there. You’ve run away from this problem for far too long, Ash…” Walter scolded Asher with a lecture one would give to a fearful child.

 

“But I-” Asher began…

 

“Enough. All this time, you have made every effort except the one that matters most. Do you truly believe the mage Lady Diana wished you to be was one that cowered at the thought of talking to his father? I’m canceling your training for today… I will not allow you to cast a single spell until you talk to the Count.” Walter threatened Asher with obvious annoyance.

 

Asher shivered from the small leakage of Walter’s violent and intimidating aura… If he were any normal person, the pressure would have been enough to knock Asher down to his knees… 

 

Due to Walter’s kind demeanor, Asher had almost forgotten what sort of man this butler truly was in the past…

 

“I-... I understand…” Asher admitted his defeat and left the courtyard with shaky legs.

 

After a brief walk through the mansion, he arrived in front of a set of two large doors made of oak wood… While steeling his nerves and taking a gulp, Asher knocked twice on the doors.

 

A moment later, a silky voice answered…

 

“Come in.”

 

His first battle of the day had concluded, but an even fiercer battle lie ahead for Asher… One that he wasn’t prepared for at all…

 

Expecting the worst, Asher stepped into the office of his lord father… The Count, Arthur Vazrael.

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