“That’s different…” Espoir hummed in thought. He and Roxy were searching for potential work. While Eldritch were relatively easy to find, the group was focused on Roxy’s intel regarding various Grimoire sightings. To their surprise, there were rumors of a Grimoire outside of Albion for once. The reports came from north-west Easenna.

  Espoir’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the location. “Hey, Aria, what do you know about this place?” Aria walked over to examine the report. As she read through it, her eyes widened in shock and perhaps something else. The folder fell from her grasp, her hands trembling slightly.

  “T-that’s impossible,” she muttered. Roxy and Espoir exchanged a concerned glance. Aria, usually reserved and composed, now looked utterly shaken as she stared at the report.

  “Something wrong?” Espoir asked carefully, noticing her distress. Aria’s eyes remained transfixed on the file, her mind swirling as she processed the information. Her green eyes wide in shock.

  “The grimoire… It’s in my hometown.”

  Aria stared out the train window, idly watching the landscape blur past. Her mind was fixed on their destination. As the ambient noise of the train filled the air, she closed her eyes in thought. Espoir was nearby, scanning reports on her home region, leaving Aria alone with her thoughts. It had been a long time since she’d last lived with her family; two years since she’d set foot in her hometown.

  Two years since that day... Aria's mind drifted back to her life before she became a soldier, before everything fell apart...

  Before the Eldritch return, life was much simpler. I studied, played with Mary and my sister. I'd watch my brothers work hard with their own training. In my spare time, I practiced with a sword myself. I remember being six years old when I learnt I had my Spell Art. The look of pride on my family's face will forever be seared into my memory. Our family called the Ravens of Easenna were always compared to the black wings of a raven. Something dignified and held in a class of their own. As long as our family existed, Easenna was said to prosper. Just as a raven is said to be ill omen, I often wondered if the story of Easenna always doomed to be a tragedy

  Ten years ago…

  Adon, Easenna

  "Alright, Mary, watch this! I saw Leo do it earlier."

  Mary nervously glanced around, making sure no one was watching. "Lady Aria, I don’t think we should be using your brother’s sword," she whispered. If they got caught, they’d be in serious trouble. Aria, undeterred, grinned and focused her breathing. The greatsword in her hands began to glow faintly as she channeled her aura into it, glowing throughout the courtyard.

  "ARIA FIORE CORVO!"

  Startled, Aria lost her focus. The sword clattered to the ground just as Sonia Corvo stormed forward. Before Aria could react, her mother grabbed the back of her collar and yanked her up.

  "AH!" Aria yelped.

  "Explain yourself now, young lady." Sonia Corvo tapped her foot impatiently, arms crossed in disapproval.

  Aria shifted uneasily. "I wanted to practice like Leo and Sam," she mumbled, glancing at Mary for support, only to realize her friend had conveniently slipped inside to help her mom with the flower garden. Sonia raised an eyebrow as she took Aria’s wrist. Her eyes immediately caught the small cuts and calluses marking her daughter's hands.

  Her frown deepened. "You’ve been sneaking out for this? Aria, a greatsword like this is hardly meant for a young lady!"

  "Leo and Sam use them…" Aria muttered under her breath.

  "Leo and Samuel use them because they are trained swordsmen, fighting for the nation. They are also twice your size!" Sonia exhaled, rubbing her temple. Unsure how to make her daughter understand. Sonia wished Aria would focus on her studies or take up an instrument or dance; something more suitable for a young girl. If only she would take after her older sister, Carol, instead of constantly chasing after Leo’s reckless antics. Just as Sonia steeled herself to deliver another lecture, the sound of footsteps interrupted her. Aria’s father had stepped outside.

  “Something wrong?” Nicolas asked plainly, noting the commotion between his wife and daughter. Nicolas Corvo was dressed in a regal military uniform. Adjusting his white gloves, he wore a blue shoulder cape with decorative feathers cascading down. As he waved off a few of his officers, his keen blue eyes caught sight of Sonia and Aria in the courtyard. His blue hair was neatly styled. He had just finished important talks with some branch families of their region. Despite being one of the top military leaders, Nicolas was also considered the duke of their region.

  “It’s nothing to worry about dear. I was just telling this bundle of chaos that a greatsword isn’t suitable for someone her age.” Sonia stated, her tone steady. “She snuck out with Leo’s sword.”

  Aria smiled innocently as she ran to her dad and hugged him. “So, my little girl wants to be a swordsman, eh?” He grinned widely, lifting her up with ease. Aria nodded enthusiastically. “I saw Sam and Leo working so hard... Plus, I like swinging my training sword, so I wanted to try one of theirs.” Sonia silently urged Nicolas to help her reprimand their daughter. Nicolas sighed as he cradled Aria in his arms.

  “Ya know, Ari, I was a lot worse with a sword when I was your age. I could barely use my aura to channel it.” Nicolas hummed, thinking of the right way to put it. “Your grandmother often told me I was the worst Corvo to ever carry our family tradition!” He chuckled.

  “How? You’re the strongest.” Aria said, looking at her dad with admiration. It was well known that Nicolas Corvo was the greatest swordsman in both Easenna and the world. Aria couldn’t imagine being better than him.

  “That’s because I had to grow and become strong!” Nicolas beamed. “We’re lucky, we live in a time of peace, mom is right; Sam and Leo use their swords to help keep us safe. But unlike them, you also have a gift that transcends theirs.” He looked at Sonia before wrapping his arm around her. “Unlike them, you actually enjoy using a sword!” He beamed proudly.

  “I’m not telling you to not embrace your heritage.” Sonia said softly. “But… I just want you to not have to struggle. Your life should be filled with joy, happiness, romance.”

  Aria nodded. “I love using a sword though. Studying, writing make no sense to me. Plus I hate tea! When I use my sword it feels… correct”

  Nicolas laughed softly. “Listen well, Ari. If you truly want to use a sword, make sure you have a purpose for it. A reason to dedicate yourself to it with all your heart.” He hugged his daughter tightly, affectionately rubbing her blue locks. “It’s a great responsibility, so you should only use a sword as a last resort. When you swing a sword, you're swinging with hundreds of years of Corvos behind it. Now back to your studies before mom gets mad.” He smiled playfully.

  Aria pouted before reluctantly walking back to the manor, Mary following closely behind as they entered. Once his daughter was out of sight, Nicolas sighed. “I pray she never has to seriously fight…”

  Sonia rolled her eyes. “You say that yet encourage her…” A small smile tugged at her lips, aware that her husband was terrible at resisting Aria’s demands. Her smile faded as she turned serious and faced him. “You're off to Selenia again?”

  Nicolas nodded solemnly. “Yeah. His Majesty is calling an emergency meeting with the other family heads regarding these latest attacks. Eldritch sightings are causing widespread pain throughout the nations. Lesser nations like Galain or Nadir barely have magic users as is, much less ones proficient enough to handle them.” Sonia’s expression turned worried.

  “Is Albion doing anything about it? Easenna is strong, but we can’t protect every nation… especially when Albion actively challenges our authority on matters like these.”

  Nicolas intertwined their hands. “They have a few strong magic users, but apart from myself, I’m not sure anyone else can take down an Eldritch on their own. Maybe Benjamin or some of the family heads. Any help would be welcome.” Nicolas let out a frustrated sigh before forcing a small smile. “They show up after thousands of years, and suddenly everyone’s saying it’s the end of the world. Next thing you know, people will be claiming the Silver Grimoire has returned!” He gave Sonia a quick peck on the cheek.

  “It’ll be fine. I’ll be home soon. Try not to miss me too much, alright?” Sonia rolled her eyes, a warm smile on her face as she watched her husband adjust his cloak. “Charmer… Be back safe, Nico.”

  Nicolas grinned. “You’re the boss.”

  That year, something shifted in the world. With the return of the Eldritch, Aria's family was brought to the forefront of the nation once again. Easenna had long been regarded as a strong military power for its size, though it rarely exercised that strength, given the decades of peace between the mainland nations. Aside from the occasional skirmish over land claims, the nations had remained stable ever since Nicolas Corvo made his presence known in Easenna following their brutal Civil War.

  Eight years ago...

  Aria was twelve when she truly began to notice the world changing before her eyes. That day, she had just finished practicing her sword drills. Her grandmother, Mellori Corvo, would strike her with a wooden stick if her form was off by even a centimeter. As she performed another overhead swing, Aria saw the gates to the estate open. Rushing over, she saw both her father and her brothers riding behind him. Their clothes were stained with red and black blood. Samuel, the oldest, had long light blue bangs with dark blue streaks along the sides that curved slightly into small spikes. His hair reached down to his back, neatly braided into a ponytail. Like his father, he had light grey eyes, and he wore their family cloak. Samuel had a serious expression permanently etched on his face, with specks of blood dotting his cheek as they entered the grounds.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Behind him was Leonardo Corvo, the younger of the two sons. He had short black hair and light grey eyes. His hair was tousled, with black spikes on top and combed to one side. While Samuel had talent for magic, able to use aura construction like their father, Leo was far better with his blade. He mostly used aura to enhance his speed and ability.

  “Dear God…” a servant mumbled. The air was heavy as Easennian troops suffered heavy casualties from the last Eldritch attack. If it had been classified like a mage, the Eldritch would've easily been labeled S Rank. Sonia rushed over with some nurses to help the troops, before hugging Nicolas and her sons. As the medics checked over the wounded men, Leo hopped off his horse.

  “Yo, Ari!” He smiled cheerfully, ignoring the slight wound on his arm as Aria came to check on him. He picked up his little sister in a hug. “Miss me?”

  “Yeah.” Aria laughed. “It’s been boring without you guys. I’ve been playing with Mary and Carol when she’s not doing her boring work, but nobody spars with me.” Aria shuddered, recalling that the only person she could train with was her grandmother, and that often proved stressful… Leo rubbed her head, a large smile spreading across his face.

  “Come on, I’ll tell you all about the hunt.”

  Leo leaned against the wall as Aria showed off her sword drills to him. From overhead strikes to quick slashes, she moved with a fluid grace. Leo couldn’t help but smile, watching her progress. He had seen her grow from barely being able to hold a sword or complete drills to now wielding a real blade with confidence. As she practiced, he recounted to her the fierce battle they had fought while subjugating the behemoth.

  “Not bad, not bad.” He clapped, his smile widening. Aria’s face was sweaty, but there was a prideful smile on her face. She had been working hard on her swordsmanship while they were away.

  Leo flourished his blade, a sleek black greatsword with a winged silver guard. Aria watched as he expertly swung it. The blade moved through the air not just as a sword, but almost like an extension of his arm. “I may not have a proper Spell Art like Sam, but I can hold my own just fine!” Leo beamed, infusing his blade with his aura. A light blue glow filled the blade as he moved fluidly and with grace. With a slash, Leo feinted it, then changed it into a rising slash at the last moment. He effortlessly cut through the training dummy and left a deep slash in the wall behind it, doing so with clean precision.

  “That was amazing!” Aria watched in awe as Leo sheathed his blade, a grin spreading across his face.

  “It’s a shame you don’t use your techniques more in battle,” Samuel said dryly, walking over with a measured stride. “If I recall, you barely put a dent in that Eldritch.”

  “Shut it,” Leo muttered, gripping the hilt of his sword.

  Samuel gave a small smirk as he tapped his blade against the ground. A teal humanoid figure clad in armor emerged from the arcane circle, its form entirely composed of Samuel’s aura. “You can’t seriously believe you’ll be able to kill an Eldritch with just a sword,” Samuel said. His aura construct knelt before him. Samuel smirked as it shattered the garden wall with an almost instantaneous slash. Shards of brick and stone shot out, sending a small shockwave through the air. Aria’s eyes widened in awe at Samuel’s display of power.

  Leo, however, remained unimpressed, rolling his eyes. “Please, I can defeat you even without your magic tricks. I’ve won twenty point duels against you.”

  “It’s eleven to nine in your favor,” Samuel replied, rolling his eyes. He was well aware that Leo had bested him in pure sword combat. “If Father allowed us to use magic when we were sparred, I’d easily win…”

  “You boys are impossible…” A young woman with short black hair and striking green eyes walked over, her steps confident. She wore black lace gloves and a frilly black dress befitting a noble. Carol sighed as she approached, witnessing the annual sibling argument. “Honestly, you could at least wash the blood off before you start fighting in front of Ari…” Placing her palm on the ground, Carol used Aura Construction to craft a new garden wall, a bright blue brick wall of aura replaced the one Samuel had shattered.

  “Yeah, yeah, I know,” Leo shrugged lazily, unfazed. “All of you were born with the family ability, but I’ll surpass him without any special tricks. Then he’ll be the one watching me at the top!”

  “Please.” Samuel rolled his eyes. “You’ll always be destined to be my wings when I eventually take on Father’s role. Besides, it’s more fitting for a knight, eh?” Samuel gave a confident smirk as Leo clenched his blade. “How about another duel? No rules!”

  “You’ll lose, stupid. Why do you think we do point duels?” Sam retorted.

  Carol smiled playfully as she sat next to her little sister. “These two will fight until the end of time.” Aria smiled, watching Leo incorrectly recount their record to Samuels annoyance. The two sisters snickered in understanding. Samuel and Leo were arguing about the hunt, trying to debate who helped their dad the most. Despite the constant bickering, there was an understanding between the Corvo siblings; one that transcended words or actions. It was a bond that Aria, even at a young age, knew she’d never forget.

  “Everything alright, dear?” Nicholas had been locked in his office for almost a day now. He looked tired, his eyes weathered, when Sonia came to check on him. Nicholas forced a smile as his wife sat beside him behind his desk. He ran his hands through his hair in frustration.

  “Albion. Things are moving fast. Between them threatening our borders and Enzo refusing a diplomatic approach… I fear we might have a war on our hands soon.” Nicholas’s words weighed heavily.

  “S-surely you can do something? What about our allies in Albion? There’s enough mage families to argue for us?! Do they expect our family to go to war and kill people we grew up with? How many people have families between the two nations?” Sonia asked, worry creeping into her voice. She couldn’t believe either nation would threaten war, much less countries so interconnected. Their family, in particular, often had nobles from all over the continent come to see them. They’d tutored and visited countless nobles over the years.

  “Rumors are circulating that Albion believes Easenna, more specifically the royal family, are responsible for the growing number of Eldritch throughout the continent. Even other nations that border us are talking with Albion from what I hear...” Nicolas clasped his hands together as Sonia audibly gasped.

  “T-that’s absurd. How could we be responsible for something like that?!” she exclaimed.

  “I don’t know…” Nicolas said quietly. “Being honest with you, my love, I know Enzo is widely unpopular amongst the nation's leaders. Between that and Easenna’s growing role on the political stage, it’s possible Albion wants to remain the dominant power, as they’ve been for centuries now… I’m going to head to Arkham. I’ll do what I can to try and clear things up with them. If I can get their council to see reason, I may be able to stop this from escalating further.”

  He wasn’t sure even his words would be enough. However, he had to do something; for his nation’s sake and for his family. Sonia stiffened. Despite Nicolas being the strongest fighter in the world, she was still nervous about him going to Albion, especially with them threatening war. “Please be careful, Nico,” she urged.

  Nicolas sighed as he looked at his usually serious wife, her face soft and full of worry. He reassuringly kissed her forehead. “I’ll be back in no time. They may listen to me, given how often I’ve worked with Albion’s council. Honestly, with all these Eldritch around, I think they talk to me more than they talk to Enzo half the time! Plus, I have allies high up in their military who’ll support me.”

  Nicolas gave a semi-forced smile. “I want our kids to have a future. One we didn’t have… A life free of war and hardship. If I can stop this from escalating, then it’ll be worth the risk.”

  Aria had heard bits and pieces of their conversation that night. Later, she went to the yard to watch the stars. Aria couldn’t sleep as her heart pounded with a brutal mix of fear and anxiety. She didn’t want to bother Mary with all her problems. It wouldn’t be fair to force her best friend to listen to her family issues.

  “Something on your mind?” Aria jumped as Leo walked over. His arm was bandaged from the latest battle. Sitting on the grass beside her, he laid back carelessly.

  “I… just wanted to see the sky.” Aria lied. She wasn’t sure she should tell Leo about their parents' conversation. Leo saw Aria wasn’t telling the truth and simply sighed.

  “Hiding it won’t make it go away. I’m a big boy. I can handle it,” he grinned.

  “I’m just worried,” she admitted. Leo saw his little sister look down, her concern evident on her face. Leo sighed as it dawned on him just how much his family's new responsibilities weighed on the poor girl. Leo thought for a moment before hearing footsteps rustling on the grass.

  “Hey, Father… Umm, Ari was just talking with me,” Leo said quickly, trying to avoid his sister getting in trouble for sneaking out again.

  Nicolas smiled warmly, nodding. “I see. Well, you should be resting. I’ll take it from here.” Leo nodded and headed back inside.

  “Hey, kiddo, something on your mind?” Nicolas sat beside Aria as he noticed she was acting strange. Usually so energetic and carefree, Aria looked verklempt and upset about something.

  “I-I heard what you and Mom said,” Aria whispered, sitting beside her dad. Nicolas' expression softened.

  “Ah, that’s just grown-up stuff, nothing to worry yourself with.” He smiled kindly, although Aria could tell he might have been forcing it for her sake. “Never enter politics, Aria. It’ll give you gray hairs.”

  “I don’t want you or anyone getting hurt,” Aria said softly. Aria often worried for her family when they went out to hunt Eldritch. She saw her mom, usually demanding and rigid, and her carefree sister, often nervous and waiting for them to come back. They had always been so strong and commanding, yet even Aria could see how their family had shifted over the past two years.

  Nicolas sighed and hugged Aria from the side. “So that’s what’s worrying you, huh?” He gave a soft smile.

  Aria nodded, leaning her head against his shoulder. “How come the king makes you guys fight? If our homeland is so strong, then it isn’t fair to have you, Sam, and Leo always away… What if you guys don’t come home? Why does our family have to be used every time something goes wrong? Why are we treated as nothing more than a sword?”

  Aria didn’t understand why their family was always on the front lines for their nation. Ever since Eldritch began popping up, it fell onto the Corvos to handle everything. “Easenna is supposed to be fair, but how is iit fair to rely solely on us to fight…”

  Nicolas hummed in thought, aware that these thoughts were complex. He knew Aria was worried for their sake and had never considered how it must have been affecting her too. Nicolas let out a soft laugh; his daughter was being forced to grow up fast, just as he had done.

  “It’s because I have to do it. Easenna is lucky; we have a lot of good families who help fight monsters, and because of that, we can help not just our lands but everyone else. Fair or not, if we don’t fight, then who will?” Nicolas smiled reassuringly as he stared at the starry sky above them, thinking of the right way to phrase his thoughts for her. “It’s natural to be worried for me, Leo, and Sam, but that’s our responsibility as swordsmen. To use our family’s tradition to help not just ourselves but everyone we can.”

  Aria nodded weakly. She was scared. Scared she'd lose her family every time they left, scared she’d be left alone. It terrified her more than anything else; the thought that her dad and family might one day be gone because of their role. “What if you guys don't come back...”

  Nicolas hugged his daughter closely as he searched for the right words. “I'll always come back, Ari. You, Carol, Sam, and Leo are why I go out and fight. Of course, Mom and Grandma too. The reason I can fight is because I know you all are praying for me and believing in me to be strong. If you're lonely without me, you'll always have Mom, Carol, your brothers, and Mary until I come back home. No matter what your a Corvo so there’s no way you’ll be alone… I promise to always come home okay?”

  I learnt later on that this era was called the Golden Age of Easenna by most. A time where our country was at peace and had good relations with the other nations. Our strength was unrivaled throughout the lands. The one who was credited for this brief period of prosperity was none other then my father. As a child, I saw my father as something untouchable, a pinnacle that nobody else could ever reach. As long as dad was around, everything would be alright, and nothing bad could ever happen to us or Easenna. That winter, I turned eleven. It was one of the most memorable years of my life since my little sister was born that spring.

  It was also the last time I had my family whole.

  Next Time:

  Chapter 21 - Aria's Past part 1