Chapitre 1: To Anthur
Birds and wild beasts scattered through the forest, their cries echoing as an earth-shaking tremor claimed those too slow to escape. A vast portion of the forest lay flattened, a thick, dusty fog rolling through the distant, crimson-leaved trees.
A figure emerged from the fog as it gradually dissipated.
"Finally, I can control it," Mel exclaimed, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.
The sixteen-year-old boy turned, his eyes calm but resolute. "It's time to go back." Behind him, the towering mountain stood split in two, a silent testament to his power.
"I wonder how things have changed after eleven years," he murmured, pausing as a chill ran down his spine. He sensed something ominous approaching from the distance. His expression hardened.
"We don't have much time to prepare. I need to hurry."
After a few hours, Mel reached the forest's edge, stepping onto a paved road. "This path has surely seen better days," he muttered, kicking aside a crumbling stone that once belonged to the road.
The high, thick stone walls of Anthur were already visible from the forest's end. "Welcome back to Anthur, Mel," he whispered to himself as he spotted the large gates, where a crowd waited in line to enter the city.
Tens of caravans queued up at the gates. Three guards maintained order, checking passes before allowing entry.
"This is going to take longer than I thought... Hopefully, I'll make it in time for lunch," Mel mumbled, eyeing the long line.
The sun was high, its heat becoming unbearable for most of those waiting. Those lucky enough to have carriages waited inside, while the guards and the rest endured the scorching heat.
Finally, Mel's turn came. The guards eyed him from head to toe, sighing in disappointment.
"Another wandering beggar hoping for fortune in the capital," one of them muttered, shaking his head. "Kid, there's no place for you here. We're already overrun with refugees from Onya's destruction. We can't take in more." He waved his hand dismissively. "Move along before I have to kick you out. People are waiting."
Mel raised an eyebrow, glancing down at his tattered clothing. His white shirt was dirty and torn, much like his frayed gray shorts.
'Fair enough, I'm not exactly in my best shape... but isn't this a bit much?' he thought, his gaze sharpening as he locked eyes with the guard.
"Have the guards become so complacent that they insult those under the King's protection?" Mel said, stepping forward until he was just an inch from the guard. He looked up, his eyes piercing.
His messy black hair fell over his face, partially hiding his expression, but his intense gaze shone through.
The guard recoiled at Mel's sudden movement, but quickly regained his composure and grabbed Mel's shirt.
"Y-You dare insult the guards who protect Anthur and its citizens?! What does a beggar like you know about the King's will?!" he shouted, drawing the crowd's attention.
"What's happening up there?"
"Yeah, why did the line stop? We're already late as it is!"
"Apparently, a beggar is picking a fight with the guards!"
"What? Is he mad? Why don't they throw him out already?! The Reynold Family is waiting for our carriage!"
The other two guards drew their swords, leveling them at Mel's throat.
"You're not walking away from this, beggar."
"Hold him still. I'll take his right hand. Let's see if he insults us or the King again," one of the guards sneered.
"Are you sure you want to play this game with me?" Mel asked, grabbing the first guard's wrist with his left hand. "This is your last chance to apologize. If not, consider your hand gone."
A shiver ran down the guard's spine as he stared into Mel's eyes, sensing something dangerous. Despite the boy's appearance, his gaze felt threatening.
The other guards, unable to see Mel's expression, simply laughed. They raised their swords.
"You won't walk away from this, kid!" they shouted as their blades slashed across Mel's back.
A moment passed, and confusion filled their eyes. Their swords had torn through Mel's shirt, yet his skin remained unscathed.
"W-What happened? Why didn't our slashes work?"
"I don't know! I don't sense any mana from him. He couldn't have blocked both attacks! Let's try again with full strength!"
Before they could strike again, the sound of clashing armor drew their attention. The first guard's legs were trembling, his face pale.
"P-Please... forgive us—" he stammered, staring at Mel's grim expression.
"I warned you. You've lost your hand," Mel replied coldly.
"No, please, don't—" The guard's plea was cut off as Mel's grip tightened, crushing his wrist with a sickening crack. The armor crumbled like glass beneath his strength.
The guard's screams pierced the air as he struggled in vain to free his arm.
Mel turned his gaze to the two guards behind him.
"I told you not to play this game with me."
"WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?!" a voice boomed from beyond the gate.
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
Meliosaka
Meliosaka 2 years have passed since the last time I published something. I thought of a new novel in the meantime. Hope you will embark in Mel's journey with me!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone