153. A new territory

The world blurred into chaos the moment Amyra opened her eyes. Everything moved so fast it felt like she was trying to catch up with a story already halfway told. One moment, there was silence—her body heavy, her thoughts swimming through fog—and the next, the princess and her maid was standing over her, summoning Knight Killian and a group of maids with a voice sharp enough to give her another slight headache. Everything was too loud—and too messy for Amyra to relax, especially with the churning questions in her head. The maids ran in first, their hands and feet quick as they pulled her into her room and arranged it, pulling curtains open and letting sunlight flood in like an uninvited guest. Knight Killian strode in soon after, his armour clinking with every step. Before Amyra could speak—before she could even process what was happening—Killian’s strong hands gently but firmly guided her back into bed. “Stay,” he commanded. She wanted to protest, to ask questions, but the swirl of activity left no room for her words. A healer was called, his name tossed into the air before she could even see his face, and a tray of food appeared at her side like magic. She hadn’t realized it before, but hunger struck her like a bolt. It wasn’t a soft, polite kind of hunger—it was a gaping void, a black hole demanding to be filled. Before she knew it, her hands were moving, scooping up bread and fruit, her body acting on instinct. Relief flooded her entire body with every bite. And a small reprieve from the emptiness she hadn’t noticed until right now, began to fade. All the while, Knight Killian stood nearby, arms crossed. But his eyes never left hers. The princess stayed too, her expression curious but unreadable—mainly because she hadn’t seen her before, ever. Amyra didn’t know what the lady was thinking, or even assuming. Even the maids stayed back, their eyes flickering toward her now and then as if they couldn’t believe she was awake. She propped the final piece of bread inside her mouth and gulped down the tumbler of water. Soon, the healer arrived. He was no Mage, no wielder of glowing runes or chanting spells, but his knowledge of the human body was evident in his sure movements. His hands pressed lightly against her arms, her wrists, her temples. He asked her questions she answered automatically, his tone was proof that he’d done this at least a hundred times before. When he finally straightened, the verdict was delivered without hesitation. “You’re fine. No signs of lingering damage. But...” He frowned, his brows knitting together. “You need to be monitored in case you relapse. Falling into a coma again would be...” “I won’t,” Amyra cut in. The dead world lingered at the edges of her mind, a hollow, lifeless void she had no intention of revisiting. “I’m done with that.” The healer seemed unconvinced but didn’t argue. He just packed his tools, gave a few final instructions to Knight Killian and the princess, and then left the room with a swish of his cloak. Finally, the whirlwind settled. The maids stepped back, lingering at the room’s edges, while the princess took a seat nearby, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Knight Killian remained where he was. Amyra looked at him and noticed the usual scowl masking his face. She drew in a slow breath. “Well… What happened?” she asked at last. “What happened to Veralt? The beast wave? The Vermorga?” Killian’s expression softened—just barely. He glanced briefly at the princess and maids and then back to Amyra. His eyes met hers with a kind smile. “We won,” he said. “After you... passed out, things moved quickly. Lord Arzan killed the Vermorga. The rest of the beast wave was already thinning by then. The frays and the guards swept the streets, clearing out the scattered beasts. It’s over now.” Amyra’s chest tightened. Relief mingled with disbelief, but then she realised something. “Does that mean... a lot of time has passed?” Killian shook his head slowly, his armour catching the light with the movement. “Not too long. Nearly two months. You’ve been out for that long.” He exhaled deeply, as if a weight he had carried for weeks was finally lifting. Amyra watched him carefully, noting the slight droop in his shoulders, the way his gaze lingered on her. The words echoed in her mind. The world had kept moving while she lay trapped in stillness, and now that she was awake, she would have to find her place in it once again. But for two months, she’d lost a part of her life. “I’m sorry,” Killian’s voice came in a low whisper. He cleared his throat and sighed. “I wasn’t able to protect you then. You were the one who ended up saving me... saving all of us. As a knight, I failed.” Amyra blinked, caught off guard. His words tugged at a memory she wished she could bury—the moment in the beast wave when the mana fiends had swarmed her, when she’d felt death clawing at her heels. Knight Killian had been there, standing between her and the monsters. If it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t even have a conscience to come back—she’d have been dead. She shook her head firmly. “No. You did your best to protect me. It was me who was weak... the one who had to hide behind you. Don’t be sorry, Knight Killian. I’m very thankful to you. Truly… I’d feel awful if you kept burdening yourself with this.” Killian’s jaw tightened, and he gave a small nod, but his eyes didn’t meet hers. Amyra could see the storm of regret and questions flickering behind them. He wasn’t ready to ask—maybe he didn’t know how to—but the question that couldn’t be asked out loud hung heavy in the air. She knew what it was. She hadn’t lost her memories; she remembered everything from the battle, from the surge of power that had poured out of her in those final moments to the way it had turned the tide. It was only natural they’d want answers. But before Killian could find the words, Amyra decided to redirect. “Where is Lord Arzan?” she asked, her voice cutting through his hesitation. Killian’s head lifted slightly, and he answered almost immediately. “Lord Arzan is out of the city. He had some business to attend to and left a few days ago. He should return in about a week. Or maybe two. Otherwise, he’d already be here. When you were in a coma, he visited you every other day. Checked on you constantly.” Amyra couldn’t help the small smile that spread across her face. “I’m glad to hear that. And even more glad he didn’t get injured in the beast wave.” “Nothing serious. If anything, he seems stronger than ever. You know how he is.” Amyra chuckled softly, but Killian’s expression grew more serious. His sharp look rested on her again, and for a moment, he hesitated. Finally, he spoke. “Can I ask you something?” Her smile faded, and she straightened. He seemed ready to ask about it. But was she ready to tell? “About what happened back then, right?” she asked, cutting to the heart of it without hesitation. Killian’s brow furrowed as he nodded slowly. “Even Lord Arzan didn’t know what it was. He said he’d never seen or heard of anything like it before.” Amyra sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I’d be surprised if anyone did,” she admitted. Her hands twisted in her lap, fingers fidgeting with the blanket as she lowered her gaze. The memory of that moment—the searing light, the overwhelming energy—rose unbidden in her mind. It had felt like something beyond her, something she couldn’t quite explain. But how could she admit that when she knew what she had done. Vivid memories rushed through Amyra's mind. Her first steps into the life she hadn’t chosen. The reality of what she was meant to be. Her purpose. She clenched her fists, forcing the memories down, burying them where they couldn’t reach her—not now, not when Knight Killian’s eyes rested on her, waiting for answers. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words refused to come, caught in her throat like a jagged stone. A lump formed instead, and she had to swallow hard before trying again. Her voice, when it came, was quiet and strained. “I’m sorry, but... can I talk about it when Lord Arzan is back?” Killian didn’t interrupt, though his brow furrowed slightly, concern etched across his face. Amyra forced herself to continue. “Everyone here has been so kind to me. I don’t want to hide anything from you all—especially not when you’ve saved my life. But...” Her hands tightened into the blanket on her lap. “It’s painful for me. Too painful. If I can, I’d really like to talk about it just once. All at once. If that’s okay.” Killian’s expression softened, and he gave her a small nod. “I understand,” he said gently. “You don’t have to worry about it. Lord Arzan will be back soon, anyway. If I’m right, he should be around Blackwood Duchy by now.” “Blackwood Duchy?” “Yeah,” Knight Killian replied with a nod. “The land of the blackwood trees.” *** Blackwood trees lined both sides of the well-maintained road, their dark, gnarled trunks rising high into the sky. The distinctive black bark seemed to absorb the light, giving the forest an almost mystical air. Kai’s gaze swept over them, unable to look away. He’d heard of their reputation—a specialty of the region, their strength and durability made them a cornerstone of Blackwood’s trade. Although not imbued with the properties of lightwood, blackwood timber was prized for its resilience, used to construct everything from homes to fortifications throughout the duchy. The chaotic clatter of hooves on cobblestones punctuated the air as their carriage drew closer to Blackwood City. The sturdy walls came into view first, towering, built almost entirely from the same timber the region was known for. Beyond them, a steady stream of merchants, farmers, and craftsmen were rushing toward the city gates. Kai shifted slightly in his seat, his eyes scanning the crowd and the walls with interest. “Efficient,” he murmured, noting how smoothly the guards directed traffic. “They don’t waste a minute here,” Claire replied. She, too, stared at the bustling activity that was happening outside. Her fascination mirrored his. The duchy’s prosperity was evident even before they passed through its gates. The Blackwood crest on their carriage and the presence of Knight Darian at the helm were enough to part the sea of travellers. The guards straightened and waved them through without hesitation, their deference clear. Within moments, they were inside, their carriage rolling smoothly along the wide, cobblestone main road. Blackwood City was alive. Stalls lined the streets, offering everything from finely carved wooden furniture to barrels of dark, glossy honey that Claire guessed came from the famed blackwood bees. The sweet scent of roasting nuts and freshly baked bread mixed with the sharper smell of leather from nearby tanneries. Workers carried bundles of timber on their backs with ease, while children darted between them, running towards their own businesses. The people looked strong, industrious, and content—quite the contrast to the chaos Kai had seen in the capital. “This city is... something else,” Claire murmured, leaning out slightly to get a better view. Kai nodded. “It feels alive. Even the capital didn’t have this much energy.” They continued down the main road, the castle looming closer with every turn. Built of polished blackwood timber reinforced with stone, the castle looked… magnificent. As the carriage pulled into the castle courtyard, Kai spotted a group of people waiting at the front steps. Servants in crisp uniforms stood at attention alongside a tall man. The moment the carriage came to a stop, one of the servants hurried forward to open the door. Kai stepped out, his boots crunching lightly on the gravel as he straightened to his full height. His gaze immediately landed on the man waiting for him—Leopold Blackwood. The blonde, young man with a friendly aura that he had befriended back in Hermil. “Baron Arzan,” Leopold said, a smile playing on his lips. “Or should I say Count Arzan now?” He shook his head, a hint of admiration in his voice. “I’ve never seen someone rise through the ranks so quickly, but for what you accomplished, it’s well deserved.” Kai smiled back, stepping forward to clasp Leopold’s hand. “Your forces helped make it possible,” he replied. “And you can call me whatever you like, Leopold. We’re friends, aren’t we?” Leopold chuckled. “That we are, Count Arzan. That we are.” Leopold's sharp eyes flicked to Knight Darian and the others as they dismounted from their horses and moved to join Kai. With a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, Leopold said, “I see you’ve brought them back alive.” Kai chuckled softly, glancing over his shoulder at the knight and his companions. “I did my best to keep them intact,” he replied. “They’ve earned some rest after all they’ve been through.” Leopold nodded. “Good to hear. You always seem to take care of your own—something not all nobles bother with. I respect that.” He gestured toward the castle’s grand entrance. “Come. I hear you’re not staying long, so let’s not waste time. My father is in his study, eagerly waiting to meet you. I can’t remember the last time he showed this much interest in another noble.” Kai raised an eyebrow as they began walking. “Is there a particular reason for that?” Leopold gave a knowing smile, his hands clasped behind his back as they moved to enter. “Let’s just say you’ve exceeded his expectations—and mine. House Blackwood doesn’t align itself with any faction. We pride ourselves on staying neutral, watching, and assessing. But when a noble rises as quickly as you have, we pay attention. My father has been keeping an eye on you for some time now.” Kai nodded silently, signalling his agreement, and followed Leopold deeper into the castle. Behind them, the servants began unloading the carriage while Knight Darian and the others peeled off to handle their respective tasks. The quiet bustle of activity faded as they moved through the corridors, Kai’s sharp eyes wandering to the details around him. The walls were filled with tapestries showing battles against the beasts they’d fought over the years. The details of them were immaculate, vivid and striking. Between them hung portraits of House Blackwood ancestors, their gaze felt eerie, calculating and judgemental. Kai also noted the torches that stood along the hallway. Soon, they reached the third floor where the Duke's study was situated. “Just right there,” Leopold said while walking towards a large door that had a craving of blackwood trees and wolves snarling at unseen prey. Leopold rapped his knuckles against the door twice. From within came a deep, gravelly voice: “Come in.” Kai hesitated as Leopold opened the door. The moment stretched as he reminded himself to breathe. He needed to make a good impression here—more than good, flawless. The Blackwoods were famously neutral, but gaining their respect could sway the balance of his future dealings. He straightened his robes, took a steadying breath, and stepped inside behind Leopold. The room was a testament to a lifetime of triumphs. Mounted heads of ferocious beasts lined the far wall—massive tusks, snarling jaws frozen in eternal defiance, and piercing eyes of taxidermied predators that seemed to track his movements. Below them, medals and parchments gleamed under the sunlight streaming through a tall window, chronicling the Duke’s achievements in extreme detail by how long they seemed to be. But Kai’s attention didn’t linger long on the trophies. It was immediately drawn to the man sitting at the heavy desk in the centre of the room. Duke William Blackwood was nothing like Kai had envisioned. His burly frame filled the chair, muscles rippling beneath his garments, which were—unexpectedly—bright crimson, it stood out due to the muted tones of the room. A thick black beard framed his weathered face, with streaks of silver threading through, and his long hair was tied loosely at the nape of his neck. The Duke’s piercing, silver eyes landed on Kai, narrowing slightly as wrinkles etched deeper into his forehead. His expression was unreadable—neither welcoming nor hostile but weighed with expectation. Finally, he leaned forward slightly. “So, you are here. Arzan Kellius. I’ve been meaning to talk to you." *** Sёarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A/N - You can read 30 chapters (15 Magus Reborn and 15 Dao of money) on my patreon. Annual subscription for both of them is on too. - hi guys, I'm tc. i'd appreciate a follow if you're enjoying magus reborn so far. if u want, u can read advanced chapters in our patreon and join the discord server to have a chat with us, I'll drop the links down below :) Patreon for 15 chaps: /extra26 Discord: invite/nc3hVSCP2n