章 8: Divine Key
A couple of days had passed. It was a rainy day, one of those where everything seemed peaceful. Greg had already settled into his room. A large, spacious room, with everything he needed to stay there as long as he wished. Although he rarely stayed there longer than necessary, he was always on the move, studying, searching for something to help him understand his situation. That day was no different.
Greg was in the library, surrounded by a mountain of books on the table: dark magic, elemental magic, and other tomes on various topics. However, he couldn't find what he was looking for: something that would explain the strange marks on his body...
Suddenly, a little girl entered the library. She was about five years old, with sea-blue hair. Greg recognized her immediately. She was Robert's daughter.
"Hello, I'm Emma. My father asked me to introduce myself to you."
"Ah, hello, I'm Gregory. The pleasure is mine, but please, call me Greg."
"Yes, Greg, my father told me you were the one who helped me heal. I'm very grateful."
"Oh, you don't need to thank me, young lady. I just did what I could," Greg said with a small laugh.
"I see you're studying a lot. I like studying too, although sometimes I don't understand everything..."
"Yes, I'm trying to find something, but I haven't had any luck. Do you know where I could find a book on marks or seals on the body?"
"Yes, of course, follow me."
Emma began walking down a hallway Greg had already passed through, but hadn't noticed before. It seemed strange, but what caught his attention the most was what Emma said next.
"Hallway, open for me."
Suddenly, the floor began to open, revealing stairs that led down into a dark basement. When they reached the bottom, Greg saw a secret library, much older and more deteriorated than the main one. The books were dusty, and some were written in languages Greg couldn't understand.
"Emma, are you sure we should be here?" Greg asked, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
"Yes, Greg, this library is hidden because it contains books from before the war. Only royal family members can access it, but my father told me you're almost part of our family, so you can be here without any problems."
"Thank you very much, Emma."
"This is the area you're looking for. You'll find what you need here. I'll stay here to study a bit more. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Greg began leafing through the books, but none of them seemed to have the information he was seeking. After a while of frustration, he decided to ask Emma for help.
"Emma, can you help me? I don't know where to start."
It was then that something strange caught his attention: a particular book that, on its cover, bore the same mark he had on his shoulder. This left him completely frozen.
"What is this book?" he asked, surprised.
"This is the book that speaks of the divine key. Haven't you heard the story?"
"No, I've never heard of it. What is it?"
"Long ago, before this world existed, there was a god named Brishka. He helped other gods create this world. One day, Brishka decided to curse someone, but that curse isn't what it seems. Whoever receives it will gain the power of a god."
Greg was stunned. Could this curse be the one on his shoulder?
"And is there any way to get rid of this... curse?" he asked, a mix of hope and fear in his voice.
"Yes, although... it's a bit complicated. It can be removed with divine magic, but the one who does it must be willing to die, because the bearer of the curse won't survive."
Emma's words fell on Greg like a weight, and fear gripped him. He knew his fate was sealed.
"So... there's no other way to avoid it?"
"Only that way. But don't worry, Greg. Sometimes, what seems like a curse is actually a blessing."
Greg couldn't understand how it could be a blessing to have to die to rid himself of that mark. But Emma continued.
"It's not just a curse. It's a key that can change the fate of the world. With it, you could stop anything."
Greg began to feel more confused, but also somewhat relieved. At least not everything was lost.
"Emma, could you let me borrow the book? Maybe I'll find something that can help me."
"Of course, Greg. Take it. Read carefully, but be cautious. Not everything in these books is safe. I suggest you speak with Abby. She knows a lot about these ancient languages."
"Thank you, Emma."
Returning to his room, Greg began reading the book, but the words were so cryptic he could barely understand them. That's when he remembered what Emma had said about Abby. Without thinking, he went to find her.
Abby was on the castle grounds, training with her sword. Greg shouted.
"Abby, it's Greg."
When she stopped and looked at him, Greg felt a little more at ease, although the anxiety still kept him tense.
"What's up, Greg? Come to train?"
"Uh, not right now. I wanted to ask you a favor..."
"Tell me what you need."
"Can you read this book?"
Greg handed the book to Abby, who began reading it, her face contorting as if she didn't know what was happening...
"Hey, Greg, why do you want to know about the divine key? I think that's not something children like to read about."
Greg had made a decision. He was finally going to do something he had never done before: show someone his mark. With his hand trembling, he began to show her where the mark was, letting Abby see it.
Abby began trembling with fear, her breathing increasing...
"WHAT THE HELL?"
"Sorry, Greg, for saying that, b-but... is that the mark of the divine key?"
"I think so. That's what I want to find out. B-but, Abby, I'm scared."
Seeing the shock his mark caused in Abby, Greg became even more worried, his own fear growing...
"Greg, it's not a curse. It's an opportunity. With that power, you can change things. But first, you need to control it. You need training."
"Training?"
"Yes. And I'll train you. But this has to be a secret. If anyone finds out you have the divine key, the consequences will be catastrophic."
Greg nodded, relieved by Abby's words. He knew that with her, he had a chance.
"Thank you, Abby. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Let's go, Greg. There's a lot to do. But first, what do you say we go look for that sword you wanted?"
"The mage's sword?"
"Yes, that one. Let's go. It'll help you control your magic and face whatever comes."
With renewed enthusiasm, Greg agreed. Together, they began their search, traveling through the castle, but finding nothing worthwhile until they reached a shop specializing in magical weapons.
The sword they found had a red blade like blood and an inscription that spoke of its ability to amplify a mage's power.
"This is perfect!" Greg exclaimed, looking at the sword in awe.
Abby smiled seeing him so excited.
"Yes, it looks impressive. But before you take it, make sure you understand what it means to possess such a weapon. It's not just a sword, it's a tool of power."
Greg nodded, and after asking the price, he realized it was more than he could afford.
"Abby, it's out of my budget..."
"But not mine. I'll take care of it."
Without hesitation, Abby paid for the sword, and Greg couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by her generosity.
"Why are you doing this? You don't know me that well..."
"Because I trust you, Greg. I know you have what it takes to handle that power. And you will, with or without my help."
With the sword in hand, Greg left the shop with a renewed sense of determination. Now he knew his fate depended on his ability to control what he carried on his shoulder.
"Let's go, Greg. Tomorrow the training starts. I'll teach you how to use the sword. And I'll find a mage to teach you magic."
"Thanks, Abby. I don't know how to thank you."
"I just want you to practice a lot until you control the power you have."
Greg nodded, determined to change his destiny...
"Greg, head towards the castle. I'll take care of some things."
Abby, it seemed, was also heading to the castle but took a different route. She was with Prince Robert. It wasn't for any ill intention; she just told him Greg's story, and he understood. So, Abby asked him to be Greg's teacher, and Robert agreed.
Greg, highly motivated, was heading to the castle, ready to prepare for the next day. He had finally found answers, and now he would train with Abby and Robert...
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