The Invincible Young Master

The slow, rhythmic clapping faded, leaving the hall in a calm stillness.

The old man scanned the room, finally focusing on the young woman who had demanded to hear the tale.

Silica was slumped forward, her head resting on the wooden table. Her steady, even breathing signaled she had drifted off to sleep.

The old man blinked in mild surprise. He hadn't noticed when she succumbed to exhaustion, but relief flickered across his features.

Her sharp tongue and piercing gaze had made recounting the story feel like walking a tightrope. He was sure she would criticize his story, but now, with her sound asleep, he felt relieved.

"Better this way," he muttered under his breath, letting out a quiet sigh as his shoulders relaxed.

He turned toward the exit and motioned subtly to Zarak, watching nearby.

The purple-haired youth rose without a word, curiosity gleaming in his eyes as he followed the old man out of the dimly lit hall.

The old man moved around the building with familiarity. After a few moments, they stopped before a simple wooden door.

"This way," the old man said, pushing the door open.

Inside was a modest room, bare and unassuming. A small bed sat tucked in one corner, its blanket neatly folded.

Across from it stood a plain desk and chair. A faint scent of dried herbs lingered in the air, mingling with the faint mustiness of old wood.

The walls were bare save for a few faded clothes and trinkets hanging on hooks.

Zarak stepped inside, his eyes surveying the room. "This is where you live?"

The old man chuckled softly, lowering himself onto the edge of the bed. "Not mine, lad. It's provided by the establishment. A place to rest and nothing more."

"You just finished telling a grand tale about immortals, vengeance, and power, and yet you live like this? Seems... ironic."

The old man shrugged, his smile barely reaching his lips. "Stories don't line your pockets with gold, lad. And simple suits me just fine."

Zarak tilted his head, studying the man before straightening. "That woman, Silica. Who is she?"

"Why do you ask?"

Zarak shrugged, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "You seem so cautious of her, Is she a princess or something?"

A dry laugh escaped the old man. "Not every sharp-tongued woman is a royal, you know."

Scratching the back of his head, Zarak frowned. "She carries herself like one."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Zarak only knew that, in the human empire, aside from the emperor himself, the emperor's sons and daughters held significant power in the empire.

Seeing her display such dominance, he instinctively assumed she was one of the emperor's daughters.

"She might as well," the old man muttered. "She's not a princess, but her reach rivals one. Silica's... not someone to underestimate. She's troublesome, lad. Complicated. Best to keep your distance."

Zarak's brow furrowed, his curiosity sharpening. "Complicated how?"

The old man leaned back against the creaking bedframe, rubbing his temples. His expression carried the weariness of someone burdened by too many stories.

"You may not realize it, lad, but she is no ordinary lady. She's the only personal student of the academy head.

That title alone is worth more than gold. Within the academy, her word is as good as law. Outside it, few would dare cross her."

"As a personal student yourself, you should understand what this title means."

Zarak's eyes widened slightly, the revelation catching him off guard.

A personal disciple of the academy head? That put her on equal footing with him. Sole discipleship was a rare and prestigious title, given only to the most exceptional.

It also explained something that had puzzled him earlier. He had not been able to gauge her strength, a sign she, like him, had likely mastered the art of concealing her aura.

"No wonder she felt so…" He hesitated, searching for the right word. "...unfathomable."

The old man chuckled, the sound dry and tinged with amusement. "Unfathomable is putting it kindly. That girl has left more bruised egos in her anger than I can count. Once, over a minor misunderstanding, she beat a prince black and blue without batting an eye."

"What happened after that?"

The old man shrugged, his tone casual. "What could happen? They smoothed it over by calling it a friendly sparring match. The emperor couldn't care less about disputes between juniors, especially when no one's life is on the line."

"And the prince just accepted that?" Zarak asked, skeptical.

"With a bruised face and bruised pride," the old man replied, smirking. "Incidents like that aren't rare with her. She's made nobles and royals alike eat their words over the pettiest disagreements. It's a wonder more haven't sought revenge, but her status keeps even the boldest in check."

"If she likes you, she'll tolerate you. But if she doesn't? She'll make sure you know it. There's no middle ground with her, so watch out for her, lad."

Zarak frowned but nodded slowly. "And the academy head? Does he ever intervene when she stirs up trouble?"

"Not a chance," the old man said, waving a dismissive hand. "The principal has better things to do than meddle in squabbles. But her siblings…"

"Her siblings?" Zarak's interest piqued further. "What about them? Are they strong?"

The old man sighed. "Not just strong, troublesome. I am sure you'll run into them eventually."

He let out a loud yawn, the sound signaling the end of the conversation. "It's late. Time for some sleep."

He pointed to a threadbare couch in the corner of the room. "That's your bed for the night. Make yourself comfortable."

"What about her siblings? Aren't you going to tell me more?"

The old man shook his head, already pulling a blanket over himself. "No need. You'll learn soon enough. For now, rest. Tomorrow, we need to find you a job." Explore new worlds at empire

"A job?" Zarak repeated, confused.

The old man nodded without opening his eyes. "Of course. How else do you plan to survive with those meager savings your master left you?"

"I can go without food or drink for months."

"This isn't the wilderness, lad. In the city, you need riches to live. That includes rent."

"Rent?" Zarak repeated. "Can't I just stay here?"

The old man smirked, his expression half-amused, half-exasperated. "You can, and that's why I'm telling you, you need to pay rent."

Before Zarak could say further, the old man rolled over, pulling the blanket tighter around him. Moments later, soft snores filled the small room.

...

A/N: Happy new year, everyone. Hope you all have a wonderful year ahead.