The artifacts were objects of unparalleled rarity and power, imbued with a mysterious energy, forged by ancient forces or by unknown magical hands. Their ability to influence the fate of those who possessed them was beyond question, and their rank varied depending on their rarity and power.
There were six main categories of artifacts, each marked by its own degree of rarity and power.
1. Common: Frequent artifacts, often created in bulk by artisans or lesser enchanters. Although useful in everyday life, their powers were often modest and not enough to make a difference in battle.
2. Rare: Objects harder to find, often sought by adventurers or collectors. Their abilities were notable, but still far below legendary artifacts.
3. Legendary: These artifacts were unique pieces, linked to heroes or significant historical events. Their power was often such that it could change the course of a battle or a kingdom.
4. Epic: Very powerful, these artifacts were usually hidden in remote and dangerous locations, protected by monstrous creatures or in forgotten ruins. Their very existence was sometimes doubted, as their rarity made them living legends.
5. Mythical: Artifacts from a bygone age, capable of altering entire kingdoms. Their power went far beyond known magic, defying natural and magical laws.
6. Divine: These artifacts were on an entirely different level. Forged by the gods themselves or derived from incomprehensible cosmic forces, their mere possession attracted envy, and even more, chaos.
Among all these categories, divine artifacts were the most coveted, considered extensions of the will of the gods themselves. Their power was such that it could alter the fate of the world. Epic artifacts and beyond were mythical objects, sometimes regarded as legends, though some claimed to have seen or even possessed them.
The sacred sword that Kael had stolen from Dorn was a Rare artifact. Though its power was far inferior to that of a legendary or divine artifact, it remained a highly valuable object. Its sacred energy, capable of changing the course of a battle, was exactly what attracted Kael. Such a weapon could be the perfect tool to manipulate those seeking to stop him while increasing his own power.
Dawn rose over a tense and chaotic scene. The Welfer family's army stood before the grand Draven manor, a sea of knights in shining armor and soldiers ready for battle. Dorn, rage burning in his eyes, stood at the front, his fist clenched around the sword still gleaming with sacred light.
He raised his voice, full of defiance, and shouted with all his might:
"Kael Draven! I challenge you to a duel to the death! If I win, your family must accept that Elyna marry me!"
The words resonated in the air, and soldiers on both sides froze for a moment, before murmurs began to spread. The ancient tradition was clear: a duel of such magnitude between two families was always accepted, no matter the circumstances. The Dravens, even though they considered themselves superior to most nobles, were not above tradition.
A heavy silence settled as everyone awaited a response. But one crucial question hung in the air: where was Kael?
Eyes scanned the surroundings, but the young heir of the Draven house seemed nowhere to be found. The guards shifted nervously, unsure, but could not answer the question Dorn was still shouting: "Where is Kael?!"
Meanwhile, inside the Draven manor, Kael was not preparing for a duel. No, he was comfortably seated in a quiet corner, a glass of wine in hand, charmingly conversing with a familiar figure: Diana Welfer, Dorn's sister.
Kael, ever relaxed, had no intention of rushing to a battlefield. After all, why risk his life when he could enjoy a pleasant moment manipulating those around him?
"Diana, you are of incomparable beauty," he murmured with a charming smile. "Those eyes, they shine like stars in the night sky. And your voice... it's so soft, every word you speak seems like a melody. It's an honor to know you."
Diana, a little confused but also intrigued by his words, blushed slightly. She wasn't used to such compliments, but Kael's aura, almost hypnotic, seemed to pull her in despite herself. Kael, seizing the opportunity, continued with even more sweetness:
"If only you knew how every moment in your presence transports me. If you knew that no embrace is more precious than yours..."
At that moment, Kael used his special skill: Romantic Manipulation. He didn't even need to force it. With a piercing gaze and a sincere smile, he sent waves of gentle energy, like a delicate fragrance, enveloping Diana in a pleasant warmth. His words, amplified by his power, were irresistible. Diana, though lucid, felt an inexplicable shiver run down her spine, and her thoughts became more blurry with each word he spoke.
Meanwhile, outside, Dorn grew more impatient. "Kael! Come answer me, stop this little game and face your fate!"
But Kael, still as relaxed as ever, continued exchanging smiles and sweet words with Diana, as though the war between the two families was the last thing on his mind.
"Really, Diana," he said with a voice full of mischief, "if I were to be honest, I think I'd rather see you in another role… not as the enemy of my family, but as a precious ally by my side. What would you say to that?"
Diana, still a little lost in this intoxicating atmosphere, lowered her eyes, feeling strange but also pleasantly disturbed.
"I... I'm not so sure..."
Kael leaned forward slightly, his gaze now deeper, his eyes locking onto hers. "I understand, dear Diana. But know this, sometimes love blooms where you least expect it."
At that moment, a distant shout from Dorn, growing louder and louder, broke the charm of the scene. "Kael! Are you running away?!"
Kael let out a calm laugh, betraying a silent amusement. He stood up, adjusted his jacket, and cast one last glance at Diana, who now seemed a little confused by her mixed feelings.
"Well, it seems my brother Dorn is in quite a hurry. You know what they say, Diana... all things come to those who wait."
With those words, Kael left the room, leaving Diana alone, her heart beating a little faster than usual, still troubled by their encounter.
When Kael finally stepped outside, he saw Dorn, furious, fists clenched, and ready to fight. Kael, taking his time, walked toward him with his usual mocking smile, as if he had no intention of responding to such a ridiculous challenge.
"Ah, Dorn, my dear adversary," Kael said, his tone half-amused, half-pitying. "I'm sorry, but I believe you've overlooked the best weapon of all... patience. And, of course, charm."
The soldiers around him seemed even more confused at that moment, not understanding at all why Kael wasn't reacting as Dorn had expected. But to Kael, it was just another game. After all, this duel was just a formality, a little challenge of no great importance.
"I think you'll have to wait a little longer, Dorn," Kael said with a mischievous smile. "But I promise, the duel will come... if you really want it."
Dorn, seeing Kael with his devilish smile, felt an even stronger rage boil within him. But one thing was clear: he had fallen into Kael's trap. And now, it was his turn to make up for lost time.
Dorn's rage reached its peak as he faced Kael. His sword, firmly gripped in his hand, gleamed under the morning sun. His eyes, filled with fury, locked onto the young heir of the Draven family, who, despite the situation, seemed as relaxed as a prince on vacation.
"You'll pay for all of this, Kael!" Dorn shouted, his arm raised, ready to strike.
But before he could make a single move, Kael, with the speed of lightning, slipped behind him. In an instant, the sacred sword he held in his hand cleaved the air. Dorn didn't even have time to react. He collapsed, his head separated from his body, his sword falling to the ground with a dull thud.
The battlefield, already tense, fell into a cold silence, all eyes turning toward Kael, who stood there, his sword gleaming and stained with Dorn's blood. His white hair fluttered gently in the wind, and his red eyes shone with an almost demonic gleam.
He stared at Dorn's headless body for a moment, then turned his gaze toward the assembly, a cruel smile forming on his lips.
"He said that if he won, I would have to marry my sister to him. Well, since he lost, his sister, Diana, will take the head of the Welfer family from today," Kael announced in a calm voice, devoid of any emotion, as if he had just settled a simple disagreement.
The soldiers of both families were frozen, shocked by the speed and brutality of the attack. None of them had time to intervene, and now they found themselves facing a triumphant Kael, as impassive as a god.
Diana, who had been standing a little off to the side, watched the scene with wide eyes, horrified by the sheer violence of the act.