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Chapter 1: "Ro Stones "
"Assan left with his friend Radith to the continent of Shikardia… even before the graduation ceremony was over."
"What?! What are you saying!?" Ren shouted, stunned, his voice echoing through the halls of House Lo Haver. "He's been gone for a whole week?!"
"I'm very sorry, young master," the maid said, bowing slightly. "He left instructions for me to take care of you. You should get to school early."
"I'm not a kid anymore! And how could he leave without telling us? That's not fair at all… I'm his little brother!"
The maid knelt beside him, gently tying his shoelace.
"You know how Assan is… He always acts on his own. This isn't the first time."
"I can do it myself," Ren snapped, his face tense. "Let go."
"As you wish."
The maid quietly stood and walked away.
"Hey—wait! Where are you going? Tch... damn it…"
He tried tying his laces, fumbling over and over.
"Damn it!!!" he yelled, frustrated.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the staircase. Marcus, his older brother, descended slowly, glancing at him with that usual smug expression.
"How pathetic," Marcus muttered coldly.
"What did you say?!"
Marcus walked past him without a second glance.
Ren clenched his fists. "Tch… Is everyone in this house insane or what?!"
He stood up abruptly—only to trip on his poorly tied shoes.
"DAMN IT!!!"
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Meanwhile, in a small restaurant in Shikardia...
Assan and Radith leaned back in their chairs, having just finished their meal.
"I'm serious this time, Assan. I'm not paying a single coin," Radith said, arms crossed. "You're the prince here—shouldn't you cover it?"
"But you're my dearest friend," Assan smiled. "How could I humiliate you by paying for you?"
"Save it. Your little tricks don't work on me."
"Hmm…"
"What now?"
"Just thinking… Ro Stones are incredibly hard to come by these days."
"No kidding, genius," Radith rolled his eyes. "If they were easy to get, everyone would be powerful mages by now without lifting a finger."
"They do boost your level massively, but yeah… effort still matters."
"You talking about effort? Please. You barely did anything and still reached First-Level Mage in just a week after graduation. Most talented students take a month—at least."
"Are you jealous?" Assan asked with a playful smirk.
"In your dreams. I'll surpass you soon."
"Ambition. I like that."
Radith narrowed his eyes. "So… what did you offer the governor to get your hands on one of those Ro Stones?"
Assan raised an eyebrow. "Are you accusing me of begging?"
"I'm just saying… you earned the governor's trust in two days. It wouldn't surprise me if he handed over a stone or two."
Assan scoffed. "I swear he didn't give me anything."
"Then how'd you get it? Ro Stones are only in the hands of top officials. When fighters extract them from special magical beasts, they're handed straight to the district governor."
Assan leaned forward, his expression darkening.
"So what? Did he have to give it to me himself?"
Radith stared at him. "Wait... don't tell me… You didn't…"
Assan's smile vanished.
"I killed him."
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